Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


A mother kangaroo stood absolutely still in the moonlit forest, watching her youngster play in the President Bush in front of her. The mother would gently pull out the roo back every time he got too far away. She was watching him carefully when a loud pop startled her. The joey hopped back over to his mother and jumped into her sack. They hopped away quickly, not noticing the man who had just appeared a few m away.

The man swore under his breath as his facial expression contorted. His daily round look was elongating and his black haircloth lightened to a brownish spook. He stumbled around and kicked off his place as his feet grew too orotund for them. It was not only his animal foot that were growing, but his entire consistence. The man was now six column inch taller than he had been when he first Apparated into the woodland. Finally, it stopped. The man now looked completely different and kind of strange in Muggle clothing that was far too small for him.

He opened his bag and pulled out a set of pitch-black ace robe, changing into them quickly. He tossed the Muggle clothing into the bag and set off at a brisk up pace.

`` Bloody Muggle airplanes, '' he muttered to himself, `` Ministry ought to just allow international Flooing. ``

It was a very quiet Night, with only the periodic owl hooting in the aloofness. The moon was not full enough to provide enough light to illume the path, but the man did not want to delineate attention to himself by lighting his scepter. He merely stumbled along, swearing every time he tripped over a rock or a tree root.

The tall man was not entirely sure how far he would have got to walk to find the office he was looking for. In fact, the man he was going to visit did not even know he was coming. Nevertheless, he kept walking through the woodland, until he finally came to the edge.

A short aloofness away stood a rather large house. It was not big enough to be considered a planetary house, but substantially bombastic than most houses. The man glanced at his scout before continuing towards the house.

`` Damn, '' he muttered as he noticed that his spotter was still set for British people time. He pulled out his wand and pointed it at his wrist. The hands on the watch swirled until coming to a stopover. It was nearly midnight.

There was one lone Christ Within on in the family. other than that, the office seemed either deserted or its occupants asleep. The man did not give care if everyone was asleep ; he would merely wake them up. He picked up his footstep as he crossed the yard and ascended the steps up to the social movement door.

The man knocked three clip and stood waiting for person to let him in. A shortly patch later, the door opened a crack. However, it did not come out that anyone had actually answered it.

`` Is you needing something, sir ? '' a squeaky part asked.

The man looked down and saw a theatre elf peeking his head around the door. `` Why yes, '' the man replied, `` Is Lubar in ? ``

`` Master Lubar ? '' the elf asked, `` He is. ``

`` I need to speak to him, '' the man said.

`` seed in, '' the elf replied, `` Is you wanting a beverage ? ``

`` No, '' the man muttered as he entered the family, `` Just shew me to Lubar. ``

`` Yes, sir. This way. ``

The man followed the elf through the overweening business firm. He always wondered how Lubar managed to yield everything. It 's not like he made much money at his job. There were statues, works of art, gold encrusted mesa, oriental carpeting, and the fanciest furniture in all of the way he passed.

The elf led him to a room with the doorway halfway open. Light was streaming out of it, but the man could n't try any vocalization. Lubar must be alone, he thought. That would be best anyway.

The man pushed past the elf and into the room without knocking. He did n't see the motivation. Lubar was family. sure enough, the man had n't seen him in years, but he was phratry nonetheless. Lubar was the man 's wife 's cousin, to be specific.

Lubar was sitting at his desk, perusing a book. His untidy brown hair's-breadth was dangling over his facial expression. He looked up when the man stepped into the room. He looked momentarily shocked, but regained his composure and stood up. Lubar was quite a bit little than the man in the doorway and was wearing similar black robes.

`` Jarrett, '' Lubar gestured for him to come up in, `` What an, unusual, surprise. ``

The man, Jarrett, walked in and took a tail in the red leather chair in battlefront of the desk. Lubar resumed his emplacement behind the desk.

`` To what do I owe the pleasance ? '' Lubar asked, folding his deal in front of him. `` It 's been a long meter, Jarrett. ``

`` I know, Ralph, it has indeed, '' Jarrett mused.

`` I have half a judgment to throw you out of this house after what your brother-in-law did to my crony, '' Lubar growled.

`` And I assure you that I understand, '' Jarrett replied, `` I do not approve of what my brother-in-law did. I have not spoken to the man since. ``

Lubar raised his brow. `` Interesting. And has your wife been in striking with him ? ``

`` She has, '' Jarrett sighed, `` But that is just one of the many thing we have different opinions on. I am well aware that you have no plans to forgive her comrade, which is why I am here unbeknown to her. I would like to put that issue behind us and rekindle our friendship, Lubar. ``

`` I will have to call up about that, '' Lubar said.

`` I understand, '' Jarrett said, `` That 's all I can ask you to do. ``

`` I am quite curious as to how you managed to get here. Is n't your entire ministry after you ? I pay attention to sorcerous tidings all around the world, you know. I have been following your story for the past times class, '' Lubar changed the subject.

Jarrett smiled. It had been surprisingly slow to get to Australia with Muggle transportation. It took a while and was rather devil, but easy.

`` Yes, the Ministry is after me. However, I took the liberty of using Muggle transportation to go far here. I simply took some Polyjuice Potion, bought an airplane ticket, and now I 'm here. ``

`` Impressive, '' Lubar replied, `` You used the new 24 hour Polyjuice ? ``

`` Obviously, '' Jarrett smirked, `` Otherwise I would have turned back into myself in the midriff of an drome. ``

`` True. Now, what can I do for you ? What could you possibly need that would cause you to subscribe to Muggle transportation to get here ? Somehow, I do n't think you would go through such uttermost metre to rekindle a friendship that died a decade ago. ``

`` Do you know why the Ministry wants me ? ``

`` Something about dueling Harry Potter ? '' Lubar smirked, `` That might be the stupefied thing you have ever done. ``

`` That 's the center of it, '' Jarrett muttered, `` But we had reasons for doing it. ``

`` We ? ``

`` Yes. Myself, my son, and one of my champion. ``

`` Ah, '' Lubar leaned back in his chair, `` Do you give care to enlighten me about your ground ? ``

`` We want to unite the Deathly Hallows in order to facilitate our mission to uphold the plans of master Voldemort, '' Jarrett explained, `` Harry thrower knows the location of all three of the Deathly Hallows and currently possesses two of them. Have you heard of the Hallows ? ``

`` Of track I have, '' Lubar snapped, `` Mind you, I thought it was just a children 's history. ``

`` I assure you, it 's not, '' Jarrett said, `` I myself saw the Invisibility Cloak. They exist and had something to do with Voldemort 's downfall. ``

`` Lord Voldemort, '' Lubar mused, `` I understand. I myself agree with his ideas about the wizarding world. Especially when it comes to half-breeds. ``

`` I was hoping you 'd say that. Now, we have been on the run for over a yr. After our inaugural unsuccessful attack at obtaining the Hallows, we chose to lay low for a while. ``

`` You know where all of the Hallows are ? You said Potter 's got them ? ``

`` Two of them, '' Jarrett corrected him, `` We thought we knew where all three were, but we were wrong about the elder sceptre. Well, Potter could be lying to us. That 's entirely possible. But even if he does not currently have it in his possession, I am sure he knows where it is. The Invisibility Cloak is currently in possession of Harry potter 's middle child, Albus. The Resurrection Stone is residing in the woodland future to Hogwarts, although I am not sure where. ``

`` Interesting, '' Lubar mused, `` But what do you necessitate me to do ? ``

`` I 'm getting to that. Recently, my son and I came up with a plan to obtain the invisibleness Cloak. My son was to lure Albus Potter out of school by capturing his cousin. To make a long narration dead, it ended in a duel between my son and Harry Potter. ceramicist captured him and he now resides in Azkaban, '' Jarrett seethed.

`` That sounds like an absolutely abysmal plan. Did you actually believe Potter 's kid would n't recite him his cousin was captured ? ``

`` We sort of hoped so- ''

`` Shut up. The point is, that was a ugly plan, and now your son is in prison. ``

`` Yes, '' Jarrett sighed, `` And I was kind of hoping you could help get him out. ``

Lubar stared at him and then smirked. `` Me ? Help get your son out of prison ? How in the name of pigeon hawk do you suppose I 'll be able to do that ? ``

`` Well, you 're a high ranking Ministry official, you must have a lot of influence in these kind of things, '' Jarrett stammered.

`` I am a heights ranking Ministry official in Australia, not Britain, '' Lubar laughed, `` Why do you opine I have any influence over there ? ``

`` But do n't you keep open in contact with United Kingdom 's Department for the ordinance and Control of Magical Creatures ? '' Jarrett asked.

Lubar laughed. `` I do not contact Britain 's Department for the rule and Control of Magical Creatures. My legal opinion are vastly different from those in Britain. I would not need to associate myself with the chap there. Plus, my name is mud with the British section for the Regulation and ascendancy of Magical tool. ``

Jarrett looked curiously at Lubar. `` That is intemperate to consider. What did you possibly do to make them dislike you ? ``

`` That, is a very long chronicle, '' Lubar replied, `` The old point of my department was a very large-minded man. He sympathized with wolfman and disliked any variety of strict legislation dealing with them. His reason for this was because his own son is a werewolf. ``

`` Really ? ``

`` Yes. Anyway, he was fired after he broke one of the werewolf laws. Then I became header of the section and passed more constabulary. He hated me. He moved his family to Britain, where he got a job in werewolf Support Services. Turns out, he was planning on moving anyway, even before he got fired. He wanted his werewolf kid to attend school. The headmaster of the Australian School of black art obviously did not let him assist. The Hogwarts headmaster did. As far as I know, he 's there now. Once there, he made sure everyone in his section knew my gens and what I believed. They do not speak kindly of me. ``

Jarrett rubbed his chin. `` Interesting. So there 's a werewolf at Hogwarts ? Quinton never told me anything about that. ``

`` He probably does n't screw, '' Lubar smirked, `` I tend to doubt that the lycanthrope would foretell it to the totally school. ``

`` Do you know the werewolf 's name ? '' Jarrett asked.

`` Do n't call up his first epithet. Last name 's Eckerton. ``

Jarrett thought for a moment and then his centre popped out of his nous. `` Eckerton ? ! Quinton 's mentioned that kid. He 's one of the unity we dueled with last year ! He 's admirer with ceramicist 's kid. ``

`` Really ? '' Lubar smirked, `` How interest. ``

`` Yes, extremely occupy, '' Jarrett rolled his eyes, `` ceramist 's kid befriended a werewolf. Thrilling, really. Now, can you avail get Quinton out of Azkaban or not. ``

`` Talk like that and I wo n't help you, '' Lubar muttered.

Jarrett 's eyes lit up. `` So you can help ? ``

`` Possibly, '' Lubar said, `` But I could most certainly help you get the Hallows. ``

`` And how would you do that ? ``

`` starting time, I give you advice, '' Lubar began, `` You 're going about this all faulty. Your first anteriority should cause been the Resurrection of Christ stone, not that Invisibility Cloak. Yes, the Stone will be difficult to find, but cypher currently owns it. It 's sitting in the bush. You 've got to explore that Dubya and get that Stone. Then, you use the Stone. ``

`` Use it ? ``

`` Yes, use it ! '' Lubar shouted, `` Honestly, I do n't cognize what my first cousin sees in you. But anyway, use it to lecture to Voldemort ! ``

`` Oh, right. ``

`` Then, you ask Voldemort what happened to the elderberry bush verge ! '' Lubar continued, `` That thing is the respectable Hallow. The Cloak is the least useful. Anyone can make themselves invisible with a disillusionment good luck charm. You 've got to get that wand and endocarp first. ``

`` Oh, I 'll get looking for the I. F. Stone, '' Jarrett muttered.

`` Good, '' Lubar replied, `` And I 'll go to Britain and help you. ``

`` Seriously ? ``

`` Yes. I 'll make sure you do it properly. And I can agree up on that wolfman kid, '' Lubar sneered.

`` What about the Ministry ? I thought they hated you. ``

`` They do, '' Lubar said, `` But I can descend up with a good reason to be at Hogwarts this year. ``

`` What might that be ? ``

`` I can not explain in detail. There is an event happening at Hogwarts this year. scholarly person from Australia are participating. I have reasons to be there. ``

`` Shall I wait for you to explore for the I. F. Stone ? ``

`` Yes, '' Lubar said, `` I 'll make certain you do n't screw it up. And perhaps, while I 'm there, we can bring out some way to expose your imbecile son out of Azkaban. ``

`` Thanks, '' Jarrett muttered.

`` Just commend, you owe me for this. ''


A/N : I love it when editing takes less time than I thought ! Big thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, who also named this story.

This story is more intertwined with In Moonlight 's phantom than my other Albus story have been. people who have already read IMS will know this now that they 've read the prologue. I suggest anyone who has n't read IMS read it, although you 'll still be able-bodied to translate this story if you don't.

I may be switching my update days to Wednesdays because I 'm quite interfering on Thursday. It 'll depend on how the semester goes.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus Severus potter awoke to a high pitched shriek. He sat up quickly in bed and listened. It was coming from downstairs and sounded exactly like his short sister, Lily. He groaned and got out of bed. It would be pointless for him to try and go back to slumber.

Lily had been insufferable to consider with ever since Albus returned household from Hogwarts. She was incredibly excited about the fact that she was going to go to Hogwarts in the fall. Therefore, Lily had been constantly asking Albus about Hogwarts and the question were usually ones Albus did not know the solution to or did not need to resolve.

Albus quickly changed his clothes and ran downstairs. It was a whodunit as to what Lily was shrieking about now. His mum probably told her some new small-arm of data about Hogwarts.

`` Al ! '' Lily shoved a part of parchment in Albus 's face, `` It came ! It came ! My Hogwarts alphabetic character came ! ``

So that was what the screaming was about, Albus thought. Lily had been waiting for that varsity letter all summer. Every morning she 'd watch the windowpane waiting for the office owl to arrive.

`` felicitation, Lily, '' Albus grinned at her and continued his walk down to the kitchen. Lily ran ahead of him and was literally dancing around the way by the time Albus arrived.

`` Lily ! '' James shouted, `` One does not shriek and trip the light fantastic toe like a hothead when one receives their Hogwarts missive. ``

`` Oh, really, James ? '' Ginny smirked at him, `` Were n't you the one to stand on top of the table and do some sort of dance ? ``

James blushed. `` Er, no. ``

`` Oh, do n't be ashamed, James, '' Albus grinned as he sat down future to his comrade, `` At least you did n't shriek like a girl. ``

`` Yeah, that was you, '' James laughed.

`` I did not ! '' Albus shouted, `` I acted perfectly normal ! ``

`` normal for a lady friend, '' James replied.

`` Stop it, St. James the Apostle, '' Ginny scolded as she set a bowl of oatmeal and a few gasbag in straw man of Albus, `` You got some post as well, Al. ``

Albus picked up the pile of varsity letter and opened the top one. It was the usual Book list as well as his Hogsmeade permission slip. `` Here, Mum, '' he handed her the slip, `` You 'll have to sign that. ``

Ginny took the parchment. `` I ca n't believe you 're a 3rd year, Al. You 're growing up so fast. ``

`` Mum ! '' Albus groaned.

`` I ca n't believe it either, '' James sighed, `` Ickle Al is getting so big ! ``

`` James ! '' Albus smacked him.

`` Mum, Al hit me ! '' James shouted.

`` Behave yourselves, male child, '' Ginny said without looking at them.

Albus opened the early envelope. It was from Matt.

dearest Albus,

My parents said you could arrive visit
on the 16th for a few day. They 're
going to take us to Diagon Alley too.
Let me know if you can come !

Your friend,
matte

`` Mum ! '' Albus shouted, `` Can I go to Matt 's household on the 16th ? ``

Ginny read the letter of the alphabet over Albus 's shoulder. `` Sure. We 'll meet you in Diagon alley and get James and Lily 's clobber then. ``

Albus grinned. He was very excited about going to Matt 's business firm. He had never been there. He hoped that King John and Kaden would be able-bodied to go as well. They had n't seen each other in about a month, when Albus and Rose had had their birthday party.

`` Thanks, Mum. ``

`` Mum ! '' Lily whined, `` I wanted to go to Diagon Alley today ! ``

`` Sorry, Lily, '' Ginny replied, `` I 'd rather get everyone 's supplies at once. ``

`` I do n't require to wait ! ``

`` Lily, you have to wait, '' Ginny sighed.

Albus turned to James and they smirked at each other. Lily still had n't grown out of her whiny phase. It got rather annoying. Albus hoped that she would n't be like that at Hogwarts.

******

The following few days passed very slowly. Albus was anxious to get away from Lily. She asked him no less than fifty times how the sorting was done and Albus replied with fifty'I ca n't tell yous'.

Eventually the sixteenth part arrived and Albus sat in the drawing room waiting for Matt and his parents to prove up. Kaden was with him. He had arrived a few hours earlier and they had spent their time trying to rest away from Lily.

`` You know, Kaden, you were as irritating as Lily a class ago, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Was not, '' Kaden replied, `` And I 've matured. ``

`` Yeah, certain, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

The two boys looked up when they heard a loudly crack. flatness 's entire household had Apparated into the drawing elbow room. Ginny walked into the room and greeted Matt 's parents.

`` Matt ! '' Albus grinned, `` I am so glad to see you. I ca n't expect to get away from Lily. ``

`` Oh, Al, be nice, '' Ginny sighed.

`` What ? She 's irritating, '' Albus shrugged, `` Bye, Mum. ``

`` Goodbye, Al, I 'll see you in a few twenty-four hours, '' she gave Albus a hug.

`` All right hand, '' Mr. Eckerton said, `` Albus, you can Apparate with Amy. Kaden, you can Apparate with my wife. ``

Albus nodded and stepped over to Amy. She wrapped him in a hug and the two of them disappeared with a crack.

They reappeared in the middle of a large domain. There was a log mansion in the distance.

`` This does n't look like a house, '' Kaden announced as he stepped away from lusterlessness 's mum.

`` It 's not, '' Matt said as he pointed to the log house, `` That 's my family. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden replied as they started towards the theatre, `` Why did n't we just Apparate into it ? ``

`` My parents put anti-Apparition wards on the home, '' matt explained.

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do n't want to get into it, '' Matt muttered.

Kaden groaned. `` I thought you were done keeping secrets from me. ``

`` There are some things I do n't tell anyone, Kaden, '' lusterlessness sighed.

Albus smirked and shook his headspring. Some things never change. Kaden still did n't know how to save his mouth shut.

Matt 's house was the solely one in the field. Albus could n't see any other building besides a shed behind the house. There were fields surrounding the home and a low fencing surrounding the property. Beyond the fence was farmland.

flatness 's dad unlocked the threshold and Albus followed him inside. He stopped in the entryway and looked around. The topographic point was about as different as a house could be from Grimmauld Place. It was give and visionary and decorated in a forward-looking yet rustic way. From the threshold, Albus could see the kitchen straight ahead, the dining room next to it, and the living room next to the door. On the other English of the door was a set of steps leading upstairs. Albus continued walking into the living room and saw a corridor next to the kitchen that lead to a few more rooms. Albus liked it instantly. It had a homey feel to it like the Burrow did. Except it was much sporty. matt had said his mum was kind of a clean freak, but Albus was n't expecting it to be this neat.

`` Great family, flatness, '' Albus grinned.

`` Yeah, '' Kaden agreed, `` But it 's too smashing. We 're going to have to change that. ``

`` My mum likes it neat, '' Matt said, `` She 'll make you clean up whatever you mess up. ``

`` I 'll go get John now, '' Mr. Eckerton announced, `` You can come, mat. I 'll be able-bodied to Apparate both of you. ``

`` Ok. I 'll be right back, Albus, '' matt said and left the house with his dad.

`` You can just hold back in the living room, '' Mrs. Eckerton gestured for Albus and Kaden to become to their left.

Albus nodded and sat down on one of the lounge. It was quite well-off. Kaden sat down succeeding to him and put his feet up on the coffee tabular array, earning a stern gaze from Mrs. Eckerton. Kaden sheepishly removed his feet from the table.

Amy sat down on a electric chair and pulled a Scripture off the table. She opened it and began reading. It was some sort of potions book.

Kaden tilted his head and learn the championship. `` Do you like potions ? '' he asked.

`` Yeah, '' Amy replied, `` I 'm studying to be a Healer. ``

`` That 's great ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` I like potions too. Albus thinks I 'm insane. Well, so do matt and John. ``

`` There are n't many multitude who appreciate brewing, '' Amy replied, `` But I 'm glad you like it. ``

`` Me, too, '' Kaden said.

Amy set her playscript down. `` So, Albus, how has your summer been ? ``

`` Good, '' Albus said, `` Well, Lily is driving me mad because she got her Hogwarts letter the other day. ``

`` I still remember when I got my letter to the Australian School of Sorcery- ''

`` The what ? '' Kaden asked.

`` The Aboriginal Australian School of Sorcery, '' Amy repeated, `` The school day of magic in Australia. I went there for three geezerhood. Then we moved here. ``

`` You lived in Australia ? '' Kaden gaped.

`` Er, yeah, '' Amy looked at him strangely, `` You did n't know that ? ``

`` Nope. matte never told me, '' Kaden turned to Albus, `` Did he enjoin you ? ``

`` Yeah, my initiatory yr, '' Albus replied, `` I never really noticed that he did n't secernate you. ``

`` Well, he did n't, '' Kaden muttered, `` But it would explain the queer accent he 's got. ``

Albus stifled his laugh. `` Er, yeah. ``

The three of them sat quietly for another few minutes. Kaden began to jape and it became louder and louder until Albus turned to look at him.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` The Australian school of Sorcery, '' Kaden laughed, `` A, S, S. Ass ! ``

Albus groaned. provide it to Kaden to see that out.

Amy laughed. `` You know, that 's what shimmy said when he first heard about it. ``

The forepart room access opened and Matt and lavatory ran inside followed by Mr. Eckerton. John paused in the entryway and looked around.

`` Whoa, '' he grinned, `` This household is bloody brilliant ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Matt said and the two of them entered the living room. `` What are you three laughing at ? ``

`` My old school, '' Amy smirked, `` Kaden figured out its acronym. ``

`` Oh, ASS, '' Matt laughed, `` Yeah, I laughed about that for Day when I figured it out. ``

`` Well, I 've got to get to exploit, '' Amy stood up, `` I 'll try and contain by for dinner sometime this week. ``

`` Bye, Amy, '' Mr. Eckerton gave her a hug.

`` Bye, Dad. ``

`` So, I 'll record you the upstairs, '' Matt said after Amy left.

Albus grabbed his bag and followed flatness upstairs. John and Kaden thundered behind them. Once they reached the top, flatness led them to the door on the left along the binding wall.

`` This is my room, '' Matt announced as they entered.

Albus stepped inside and looked around. The carpet was dreary and the wall were white. It was messier than the sleep of the star sign, but nowhere near as messy as James 's elbow room. There was a Chudley shank counterpane on the bed and multiple post horse on the wall.

`` Nice bed, '' John smirked, `` Nice to see the Cannons can still betray merchandise. If only they devoted that drive to their playing .... ''

`` Shut it, John Lackland, '' matte replied, `` The cannon have been playing better this season. ``

`` Oh, yeah, they did get three goals in their plot against Puddlemere, '' John said, `` Too bad Puddlemere had a hundred multiplication that many goals. ``

mat groaned. `` Come on, I 'll show you the other rooms. ``

Albus followed Matt out of the room and down the corridor. The next door was a bathroom and the one after that was Amy 's room. The last door was alongside a dissimilar wall and Matt gestured for them to step inside.

`` This is the depository library, '' flatness announced, `` We 'll be sleeping here. ``

`` Sounds like Rose 's ambition ejaculate true, '' John laughed.

The library was twice the size of lusterlessness 's room. Bookshelves covered all the bulwark and there were a few desks sitting in the middle of the way. A squashy looking couch was sitting below one of the window and there were a few armchairs in various places. There were also four cots in the middle, but Albus doubted they were normally there.

Albus tossed his bag down on a cot as Gospel According to John and Kaden did the Same. Kaden started wandering around the room and looking at the diverse books.

`` I do n't believe I 've ever been in a sign of the zodiac with this many books, '' Kaden said.

`` There 's even more in Dad 's study. ``

`` You should see Rose 's home, '' Albus commented.

`` You 've got a lot of books about magical beast, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Yeah, well, that 's what Dad 's into. ``

`` Especially werewolves, '' Kaden went on, `` There 's a unscathed row of them. ``

`` Yeah, you can probably opine why, '' lustrelessness mumbled.

`` So, '' Albus changed the subject, `` How was your head trip to New York ? ``

The discomfort that had been on matt 's face moments before disappeared. `` It was brilliant ! We had so much fun. ``

`` And how was the airplane ? '' John asked eagerly.

matt laughed. `` Just like every early one I 've been on. ``

`` Anything else new with anyone ? '' Albus asked.

`` Bethany thinks she 's a beldame, '' Kaden announced, `` She found a peg exterior and has been pretending to vagabond magic spell. ``

`` Bet your grandfather loved that, '' Albus laughed.

`` He turned a lovely shade of purpleness, '' Kaden laughed.

`` I 'd pay to see that, '' John the Divine replied.

Albus and Kaden laughed. `` I would n't suggest being anywhere near my Uncle Vernon when he turns purple, '' Albus put in.

`` Did I tell you that my dad 's getting a promotion ? '' Matt asked.

Albus turned to him. `` Nope. What sort of promotion ? ``

`` The drumhead of the Department of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures is retiring at the end of the year, '' lusterlessness explained, `` And he 's recommending my dad for the location. It 's not final, but it 'll most likely happen. ``

`` That old bloke is finally retiring ? '' Albus asked, `` He 's been there for decades. ``

`` Yeah. Dad was n't surely he wanted the promotion, but after thinking about it, he decided to take it if it 's offered to him, '' Matt continued.

`` Why would n't he desire it ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

`` well, that 's what he did in Australia. And he hated it towards the end. But he thinks it 'll be estimable up here. ``

`` From what you 've told us, everything is better up here, '' Albus said.

`` What does your dad do now ? '' Kaden asked.

`` He works in lycanthrope Support table service. ``

Kaden nodded. `` You know, that is form of good story, considering .... ''

mat rolled his eyes. `` Yeah, I know. The world-wide populace did n't really call up it was that funny when we were living in Australia. ``

`` And that 's why you moved ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Pretty practically, yeah, '' mat said quietly, `` But I like Hogwarts, so I do n't really care that we had to strike. ``

`` How about you, Albus ? '' John asked, `` Anything charge up happening in the most famous wizarding family ? ``

Albus rolled his heart. If anyone besides his friends referred to his family that way, he probably would have hexed them.

`` Actually, '' Albus began, surprised that he had momentarily forgotten about it, `` I do have some occupy news about the Hogwarts staff. ``

`` What is it ? '' John asked eagerly, `` Is Slughorn finally retiring for dear ? ``

`` No, '' Albus laughed, `` I do n't think that will ever pass off. ``

`` Then what is it ? '' matt asked.

`` My dad 's not teaching Defense this year, '' Albus answered. Harry had broken the news to Albus, James, and Lily a few weeks ago. Albus was disappointed, but not really surprised. He had been surprised that Harry had stayed for Sir Thomas More than a year.

Matt, John, and Kaden gaped at him. `` What ? '' John asked, `` Are you serious ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus nodded.

`` Why ? '' Matt asked, `` He 's a superb instructor. ''

`` He thinks he needs to centre more on his Auror job, '' Albus explained, `` He wants to fully devote his metre to finding Willinson and Washburn. ``

`` Oh, well, that makes signified, '' Matt replied.

`` Who 's replacing him ? '' John asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` Dad did n't tell me. He said he wants me to develop my own view of the teacher. ``

`` I wonder if we 'll ever have the exact Same faculty for two class in a row, '' King John commented, `` I mean, first yr they were all new to us. live year we got Cedonia. And this year we 've got some new defensive measure teacher. ``

`` I just hope whoever the new instructor is, that they 're nice, '' matte said, `` So what do you lot want to do ? We 've got a few hour until dinner. ``

`` Hmm, '' Albus mused, `` Want to play Quidditch ? That field would be excellent for it. ``

Matt groaned. `` That 's the one thing we ca n't do. The Muggle farmer is often out tending to his fields and he 'd see us. ``

`` I 've got an idea, '' Kaden grinned mischievously and dug around in his bag. He pulled out a football. `` Let 's play football. ``

The son decided it was as good an idea as any and they ran downstairs. Albus had limited experience with football. He had watched a couple compeer and played it a few metre, but that was it. He did n't think John had ever played and he was n't surely about matt. John was skeptical about the fun of football game, but he was willing to give it a try.

`` Where are you boys going ? '' Mrs. Eckerton shouted from the kitchen as they ran to the second door.

`` We 're going to play football, '' Matt said as he pulled the threshold open.

`` Be deliberate ! '' Mrs Eckerton replied.

Albus followed Matt down the deck stairs and into the field. He stood adjacent to Matt and John and all three of them turned to Kaden, who had set the formal on the ground and had one foot on it.

`` Have any of you played football before ? '' Kaden asked.

`` A few time, '' Albus answered.

`` Nope, '' John said.

`` When I was younger, I played a bit, '' Matt replied, `` But I was never any good. ``

Kaden sighed. `` All right. Why do n't we just play two on two. John and I versus Albus and flatness. ``

The other three boy nodded. Kaden pointed out two different trees that would serve as makeshift finish. He next explained the rules of the game and they began playing.

Albus found the concept very alike to that of his chaser position in Quidditch, only he could n't use his hands. That was very odd. He had problem keeping the musket ball near his feet and even more trouble aiming it to Matt. Half the time Kaden would slip it and he would n't even get a chance to communicate it.

bathroom was hardly any better than Albus. He never managed to kick the chunk where he aimed it, but Kaden 's superior skill seemed to even off for John 's want of accomplishment. The two of them ( well, Kaden ) had scored more goals than Albus and Matt.

matt seemed to be able to aim the ball, but he wound up tripping over it a lot. He did care to nock a few destination, though.

All in all, Albus thought it was sort of fun. It was n't something he desired to be on an official team of, but it was fun to encounter informally. Not nearly as exciting as Quidditch, though.

`` john ! '' Albus shouted as John picked up the Ball and took off across the field of force, `` You ca n't touch the chunk ! ``

`` I 'm turning the game into Quidditch-football ! '' Saint John shouted and threw the ball at the goal, `` See, we 've got another point now ! ``

Kaden groaned and kicked the chunk back into sport. `` That 's cheating, John ! And we 're winning, so we do n't want to screw ! ``

`` I do n't care ! '' Saint John the Apostle grinned and picked the ball up again.

Kaden tackled John and tried to wrestle the ball out of his arms. St. John the Apostle tried to escape, but Kaden was holding onto his leg.

`` Now it 's Quidditch-football-wrestling, '' Albus said to Matt as the two of them walked towards their wrestle friends.

`` Albus ! Help ! Your full cousin is Muggle dueling with me ! ``

`` wellspring, we are playing a Muggle sportsman, St. John, '' Albus smirked and yanked the football out of his hands.

`` Hey ! '' Kaden shouted and grabbed Albus 's leg, `` fall in that back ! ``

Albus stumbled and fell onto the terra firma. He held the ball out of Kaden 's reach and Kaden tackled him. John, now justify of Kaden 's wrath, grabbed Matt 's leg and pulled him into the mix.

`` Hey ! '' matt shouted, `` I did n't aim the football ! ``

`` Department of Energy n't matter, '' John grinned, `` We 're not going to let you stand there while we 're Muggle dueling each other. ``

`` Got it ! '' Kaden shouted a few minutes later. He held the football up over his head word. `` And I declare lavatory and I the winners ! ``

Albus stood up and agitate his head. St. John the Apostle and Matt stood up after him. John looked quite triumphal at the win, even though he had n't really contributed to it.

`` congratulation, '' Matt smirked, `` You beat a clumsy genius and a pursuer at football. ``

`` Any win is a dear win, '' Kaden grinned.

`` boy ! '' Mrs Eckerton shouted from the window, `` Dinner is ready ! ``

Albus grinned as he walked towards the house. As lots as he enjoyed his own house, it was fun to spend a few days with Matt and his former ally. Plus, the girls were n't there. They had never really had meter away from Rose and Amanda and it was kind of fun. Not that he did n't enjoy their troupe, there were just matter they could n't really do around Rose and Amanda. Like turn a football lucifer into a wrestle compeer, for example.

`` What did you boys do ? '' Mrs Eckerton exclaimed as they entered the house, `` You 're lousy ! I want you all to go shower before you eat ! ``

`` Just like family, '' Kaden commented, `` You 're a lot like my mum. ``

`` wellspring, I 'll take that as a compliment, '' Mrs Eckerton smiled.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks so much to everyone for reading and for your wonderful reviews ! You make my day when you leave follow-up ! Also, I will be updating on Wednesday from now on, they 're just easier this semester.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


dinner party with Matt 's parents was interesting. Mealtimes at Albus 's house were always chaotic and never really planned in smashing detail. It seemed like one of his parents was always coming or going. Then there was the fact that at least one of his first cousin or Teddy always seemed to be showing up partway through the repast. But Albus did n't really listen. He kind of liked the chaos that was his family.

Mealtimes at Matt 's firm, on the other hand, seemed more formal and planned. His mum and house elf, Ellie, cooked a lavish spread and served it on fancier dishes than Albus 's family had. And Matt did n't feature any congeneric to randomly drop cloth in. Albus enjoyed it, though. The formalness of it did n't enervate Kaden in the least and he dominated the conversation, which centered around Hogwarts, Quidditch, and football game.

The boys spent the eve in the den playing rung after round of Exploding Snap. Since Rose was n't there, they all had a chance of winning. Matt 's parents joined in for a few rounds and once they left, Albus and his booster talked about the upcoming schooltime year. John and Kaden agreed that they needed to perpetrate a few marauderesque pranks, but Albus and Matt were a bit reluctant. The job of schoolhouse practical joker was currently held by James II and his friends and Albus really did n't want everyone to remember he was a just like his brother.

Eventually, Mrs. Eckerton returned to the room and told them they needed to get to bed. Albus followed Matt up the stairs and into the subroutine library. They all changed into pajamas, but they did n't go to bed. Their conversations continued until Mrs. Eckerton knocked on the door and told them they had to go to bed.

`` Albus ? '' Matt whispered a few minutes later, `` Are you awake ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back.

`` I 'm really glad you came, '' flatness replied.

`` Me, too, '' Albus said.

`` You three are the first friends I 've ever had over here, '' flatness said quietly, `` I never really thought it would ever happen. ``

Albus really did n't get laid what to say to that. He knew Matt had had a lonely childhood until going to Hogwarts, but the fact that he had never had friends over to his planetary house before never crossed his head.

`` fountainhead, I 'll definitely need to come back, '' Albus decided to say.

`` Thanks, '' mat said, `` Well, good dark. ``

`` 'Night. ``

Albus fell asleep quickly to the muffled sound of Kaden 's snoring. But what seemed like a short-change while later, he awoke again to the phone of individual 's whispering.

`` Kaden, '' someone whispered, `` Kaden ! ``

`` Wh-what is it ? '' Kaden yawned.

`` Are you hungry ? '' Albus recognized John 's voice.

`` Erm, a short, I guess, '' Kaden replied.

`` deprivation to go find some food ? '' John asked.

`` Sure. ``

Albus listened as John and Kaden got up from their cots and crept out of the way. There was the sound of footsteps on the stair, and then quiet.

Albus leaned over his cot and poked Matt. `` Matt ! '' he whispered, `` Get up ! ``

lusterlessness rolled over and Albus groaned. It was always so difficult to wake him up. `` mat ! '' Albus shouted a small louder.

Matt rolled over again and mumbled something incoherent. Albus poked him a little harder and he finally opened his eyes.

`` What ? '' he asked.

`` John and Kaden went to get a snack, '' Albus told him. Albus did n't cognize what form of bite the two of them were going to get, but he had a feeling they would n't make it round-eyed. John and Kaden were known to come up with some fairly mad ideas when they were together, especially when they did n't have Albus or Matt to counteract them.

`` All right, '' matte groaned and got out of his cot, `` Let 's go. ``

Albus got up and the two of them quietly left the room and went down to the kitchen. The ignitor was on, but Albus could n't see anything going on. That could either be a goodness preindication or a bad sign.

When the kitchen came into view, Albus saw Saint John the Apostle and Kaden rummaging around in the icebox.

`` We could combine this with that, '' Kaden was saying.

`` That is disgusting, '' john commented, `` But brilliant. ``

lavatory and Kaden emerged from the refrigerator carrying various containers. They set them down on the counter and then turned around.

`` Oh, hey Albus and Matt ! '' John grinned, `` Want any of our midnight snack ? ``

`` Depends on what it is, '' Albus smiled wryly and sat down on one of the counter stools, `` If you think something is both disgusting and splendid, I 'll bet it 's really sicken. ``

`` Oh, come on, Albus, '' Kaden grinned, `` Mashed murphy and hot chocolate patty would be a good combining. ``

`` Oh, filthy ! '' flatness grimaced and sat down next to Albus.

`` It 's only tight if you forget the catsup, '' whoremonger replied.

Even the mind of a combination like that made Albus want to honk. It sounded like some sort of new Bertie Bott 's flavor.

`` No thanks, '' Albus said.

`` Your loss, '' Kaden shrugged and opened the container of potatoes.

`` So, if you 're not down here to eat our delicious food, what are you here for ? '' john asked as he dumped the patty into the potatoes.

`` To manage you, '' lustrelessness replied, `` I ca n't let the two of you cook unsupervised in my kitchen. ``

`` Oh, relax, '' John grinned.

Albus watched as Kaden stirred the tater and cake combination. It actually did n't await that bad. Almost like some sort of unusual pud. Albus was for sure the ketchup would negate any sort of potential edibility, though.

`` Hey, what 's this affair ? '' John gestured to a black box that was attached to the bottom of the cupboards along the wall. He pushed a few buttons and the entirely thing lit up inside and started whirring.

Albus stared at it. He vaguely remembered seeing something like it at some of his cousins'houses, but he could n't ever remember using it.

`` It 's a microwave, '' Matt jumped off his stool and pushed a clitoris on it. It stopped whirring and turned dark again. `` And you ca n't move around it on when it 's empty. ``

John stared at it. `` What 's it do ? What 's the point ? ``

`` It cooks nutrient, '' Matt explained, `` flying than an oven. ``

`` Oh, '' John shrugged and picked up a fork that was sitting on the tabulator. He put it in the microwave and went to bend it on.

lustrelessness grabbed his arm. `` You ca n't put metal in it ! It 'll bankrupt ! ``

Albus smirked. And toilet said he did n't need supervision. He definitely did, especially since there were Muggle appliances everywhere.

`` fountainhead that 's stupid, '' John replied and took the branching out.

flatness shrugged. `` It 's Muggle engineering science. ``

`` Why 's it in here then ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` Came with the star sign. And my mum the like Muggle technology for cooking. ``

`` Oh, '' John said and turned to Kaden, who had begun pouring ketchup in the mixture, `` Let 's put the whole thing in the microwave ! ``

Matt groaned and turned to Albus. `` This wo n't plow out good. ``

Albus laughed. `` Probably not. But Kaden 's Muggle Max Born, so I 'm jolly sure he knows how to work the microwave. ``

`` commodity pointedness, '' Matt said, `` trick ! Let Kaden do the microwaving. ``

`` Aw, '' John sighed, `` It looks fun. ``

Kaden took the bowlful and put it in the microwave. He turned it on and Albus watched as the roll turned around and around on the inside denture. It was rather clever, he thought. Almost like magic trick. It seemed like a magic box that cooked nutrient in criminal record time.

A minute or so later, the microwave beeped, which caused Saint John the Apostle to rise. `` Bloody hell ! '' he shouted, `` What was that ? ``

`` It means it 's done, '' Kaden laughed and took the bowl out, `` Who wants to try it ? ``

`` Me ! '' John shouted and grabbed a few spoons off the counter.

`` No way, '' Albus shook his head. The mixing in the arena was the consistency of pudding, but was a strange carmine brown color that was absolutely disgusting looking.

`` Me either, '' lustrelessness said, `` Just the smell of that grosses me out. ``

John took a puff and grinned. `` Smells well ! ``

`` Oh, complete ! '' matte covered his mouth.

`` You look a bit park, '' Albus said to Matt.

`` Good affair he 's not having any, '' Kaden took a huge spoon and stuffed it in his mouth.

Albus watched as Kaden swallowed the food. He was actually smiling when he had finished. lustrelessness really looked like he was going to vomit after watching Kaden eat it.

`` Delicious ! '' Kaden grinned.

`` Kaden, that is the most disgusting matter I have ever seen you eat, '' Albus announced.

John tried it following and pronounced it toothsome as well. Albus and Matt just stared at each early and tried not to watch as whoremonger and Kaden polished off the rest of the concoction.

`` Are you done yet ? '' lusterlessness asked, `` The smell of it is really getting to me. ``

`` Almost, '' John said.

`` Done, '' Kaden replied.

`` You 'd break wash the roll out, '' lusterlessness said.

Kaden nodded and began to dampen the dish antenna. John returned to the icebox and started rummaging around again.

`` You 're not still hungry, are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' John shrugged, `` Just looking. ''

He closed the refrigerator and went back over to the microwave. He stuck something in it, pushed a few buttons, and it lit up and started whirring again.

`` What did you put in there ? '' lustrelessness asked suspiciously.

`` Er, '' John stammered, `` Well, I just kind of wanted something else to eat- ''

`` I thought you were n't athirst, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I was n't, but then I got an idea and I thought I 'd make an egg- ''

`` AN EGG ? ! '' Matt shouted as he jumped up, `` Did you put an egg in the microwave ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' John Lackland said, `` Why ? ``

`` Because eggs- ''

lusterlessness never got to finish his sentence. A loud pop came from the microwave oven before he could go on. He quickly turned the thing off and glared at whoremonger. lavatory was grinning and looking at the microwave.

`` Explode in microwaves, '' flatness finished.

`` Oh, er, sorry, '' lav said, trying not to laugh.

`` That 's brilliant ! '' Kaden grinned and opened the microwave oven, `` I 've always wanted to try that ! ``

Albus stood behind lusterlessness and looked into the microwave. The inside was covered in egg yolk, white, and shell. It was a complete mess, yet variety of funny at the same time.

matte groaned, `` I ca n't believe you did that. well, ok, I can. I told you not to reach the microwave. ``

`` Sorry, '' John shrugged, `` I 'll clean it up. ``

`` Clean what up ? ''

Albus turned around and saw Matt 's parents standing in the entrance to the kitchen. Both of them looked half asleep.

`` St. John decided to put an egg in the microwave oven, '' matte explained.

Mr. Eckerton burst out laughing and his wife glared at him. `` I did the same matter when we first moved here, '' Mr. Eckerton grinned.

`` See ? '' John said, `` I 'm not the only when one ! ``

`` I know, '' Matt sighed, `` At least I caught you before you put the fork in there. ``

`` Do I even want to bonk what you boys were doing down here ? '' Mrs Eckerton asked.

`` John the Evangelist and Kaden wanted a snack, '' mat replied, `` So they made a repel combination of squeeze potatoes, coffee cake, and ketchup. They liked it, but Albus and I thought it was despicable. Just the smell of it made me upchuck. ``

Mrs Eckerton groaned. `` fountainhead, just strip up the microwave and go back bed. ``

`` Ok, Mum, '' Matt replied.

`` You have to admit that was funny, Julie, '' Mr. Eckerton laughed.

`` Yes, I do actually ascertain it funny that you made the Saame mistake five geezerhood ago, and now Gospel According to John did it and he 's a thirteen year old boy, '' Mrs. Eckerton smirked.

`` How was I supposed to cognize eggs exploded in the microwave ? '' Mr. Eckerton asked as they stared back towards the stairs.

`` You should have taken Muggle written report, '' Mrs. Eckerton said.

Albus, matte, and Kaden waited while lav cleaned the microwave oven. It did n't use up him long and soon the four of them returned to their camp bed in the library. Albus fell asleep thinking about what rosebush would say when he told her John Lackland exploded an egg in Matt 's microwave.

******

`` What do you want to do ? '' Albus asked the next day. The boys were all sitting in the den throwing a Quaffle around.

`` Let 's microwave random clobber, '' John Lackland suggested.

`` No way, '' matt replied.

lustrelessness 's parents had officially banned them from cooking for the remainder of the visit. Albus found this rather funny, especially the looks on Saint John and Kaden 's faces when they were told they could n't cook. The two of them spent a trade good twenty minutes trying to receive a loophole in the rule.

`` Do wizards play hide and seek ? '' Kaden asked.

`` That was random, '' Albus commented, `` But yes, sensation do bet hide and seek. ``

`` I play it with my cousin-german all the clock time, '' John said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus said. He loved secret plan of hide and seek at the burrow. There were excellent places to hide there.

`` We should play it, '' Kaden announced, `` It 's always boring to play it at my house because the only one there to play it with is Bethany. And she never skin in dependable places. ``

`` That 's what Amy said about me when I was little, '' Matt said, `` I would always cover in the Saame spot. ``

`` Ok, let 's turn, '' John stood up, `` The couch in here can be home and we can shroud anywhere in the house. ``

`` Sounds good. But no going outside, '' flatness agreed, `` Who 's it ? ``

`` Albus, '' John said.

Albus shrugged. He always liked being it. `` All rightfulness. You lot can all go hide and I 'll matter to 100. ``

Albus closed his eyes and started counting. He heard the footfall of his friends disappear as he got nigh to 100. Usually, one of his older cousins was it whenever he played hide and seek. Albus rarely got to be it.

`` Ready or not, here I come ! '' he shouted and looked around the den. The den would be the complete spot for concealment because it was tightlipped to the nursing home couch. But there were n't very many place to hide in it.

Albus walked quietly over to the one closet that was in the room. He pulled it assailable and looked inside. Empty. He left the room and looked down the corridor. The john, he thought, that would be a good hiding place. Albus himself hid in the bathtub on numerous occasions.

He stepped into the bathroom and sure enough, the exhibitioner curtain was pulled shut. Albus yanked it open and saw John laying in the tub.

`` Got you, '' Albus grinned.

`` Merlin, this is always a good fleck ! '' St. John groaned as he got out of the tub.

`` Yeah, which is why it 's always where I hide, '' Albus grinned, `` semen on, you can help me search for lustrelessness and Kaden. ``

Albus and lav left the bathroom and resumed the hunting. Albus really did n't feel comfortable searching in flatness 's dad 's study, so they left it alone. Albus figured no one would hide in there anyway. They searched the residue of the downstairs, looking in every corner and cranny and closet. But lusterlessness and Kaden were no where to be found.

Next they went upstairs and searched all the bedrooms except Matt 's parents'. The library and bath were searched as well, but still no luck. The game was reminding Albus of the single he played at the Burrow. James was always impossible to get hold. Although one prison term he got a broom and decided to bulk large above the menage to obliterate. No one found him for hours and then the adults made a 'no flying'rule for hide and seek.

`` Where are they ? '' bathroom said as they searched the library for the moment time, `` We 've searched the intact family ! ``

`` Not the basement, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Good estimation, '' whoremonger agreed.

Albus and John ran down the step and towards the basement. They opened the room access and ran down another flying of steps. Albus flipped on the Light and the two of them began to look around. matt had showed them the cellar earlier, when he showed them Amy 's potion brewing room.

trick checked the potion brewing room while Albus looked in the independent part of the cellar that seemed to be a combination storage area and den. Still nothing. The cellar was perfectly quiet, too.

`` What about that way ? '' John the Evangelist pointed to a way at the back of the basement.

`` lustrelessness said it was just memory board, '' Albus replied, `` I doubt either of them are in there. Plus, it 's so quiet. We 'd hear some sort of apparent motion. No one 's down here. ``

`` Then where are they ? '' John asked.

`` Maybe they made it to the sofa, '' Albus suggested.

Albus and King John returned the den and Matt was laying on the couch. He grinned and sat up when Albus and whoremaster entered the room.

Albus gaped at Matt. `` Where were you hiding ? We did n't even see you run in here ! ``

`` I was in that closet, '' Matt pointed to the closet Albus had searched earlier.

`` But I checked that as soon as I finished counting ! '' Albus groaned, `` And no one was in there ! ``

`` There 's a modest room access in there that leads to a smaller water closet, '' flatness got up off the couch and walked over to the W.C.. `` Look, '' he opened the door.

Matt pulled back a few coats that were hanging up and Albus noticed a very tiny threshold in the wall. Matt opened it and revealed a bantam water closet that was just big enough for a small person to wax into.

`` See ? '' Matt grinned.

`` You had an unfair advantage, '' John said, `` You know stuff about this family that we do n't. ``

`` fountainhead, when we play at your house, then you 'll have an advantage. ``

`` My menage does n't have any little hole-and-corner wardrobe, '' John muttered.

`` What 's that for anyway ? '' Albus asked.

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged and looked around the room, `` Hey, where 's Kaden ? Did n't you find him ? ``

`` Nope, '' Albus replied. He never would have thought that Kaden would be this unspoilt at fell and seek.

`` We 'd better go find oneself him, '' john said.

`` Wonder why he has n't tried to run to the sofa, '' Albus said as they left the room.

`` No musical theme, '' lusterlessness said, `` But with Kaden, it could be anything. ``

The boys searched the entire house twice, but they still could n't find Kaden. He was the ultimate hide and seek player, Albus thought. He could even give James IV lessons.

`` Where the ruddy hell is he ? '' bathroom shouted as they walked down the stairs.

`` I wonder if he 'll ever even come out if we do n't find him, '' Albus said.

`` He 'll derive out once he 's hungry, '' Matt pointed out.

`` What are you boys doing ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked. She was sitting on the couch reading a book in the sustenance room.

`` playacting hide and seek, '' Matt replied and sat down on a chair, `` But we ca n't retrieve Kaden. ``

`` Did you appear outside ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked as she set down her book.

`` exterior was off terminal point, '' John said.

`` We 've searched the house twice just now, '' mat said, `` And Albus and Gospel According to John searched it twice before that. We 've looked everywhere. ``

`` Everywhere ? '' Mrs. Eckerton raised her eyebrows, `` Even in the basement ? ``

flatness 's typeface paled. `` Oh, Merlin ! Not the entire basement ! ``

`` You 'd ameliorate go cheque, '' Mrs Eckerton said.

Matt jumped off the couch and ran towards the basement door. Albus shrugged at St. John as they followed. He did n't have a hint as to why mat was so nervous about Kaden hiding in the cellar. Plus, Albus and St. John checked the basement. Except that storage room. But why would that pretend Matt uneasy ? What was in it ?

Albus ran down the stairs and followed flatness. Sure enough, matte went straight to the storage room.

`` Merlin ! '' Matt muttered and paused in front of the threshold, `` Why did he blot out in here ? ``

`` Er, are you ok ? '' Albus asked.

Matt sighed, but did n't suffice. He put his hand on the doorknob and slowly opened it.

Albus gaped as he saw what was in the room. Well, what was n't in it. The room was completely discharge and had no windows. But the strange part was that it was padded. The floor and wall were completely covered with what looked similar mattresses.

`` Is that ? '' John the Evangelist asked, `` A tramp room ? ``

`` Hey ! '' Kaden, who was running around and literally bouncing off the rampart, ran over to them, `` remove you long enough ! matt, why did n't you tell us you had a padded room in your household ? This is brilliant ! ``

Albus did n't think that lusterlessness thought it was so brilliant. He was staring at Kaden and was as Theodore Harold White as he had been when his mum suggested they search the basement.

`` Bloody hell, this is bright ! '' John grinned and walked into the room.

`` No it 's not, '' Matt said quietly, `` Come on. ''

matt turned and left without waiting to see if the others would follow. Albus followed immediately and he heard lavatory and Kaden run after him. Matt did n't say anything as they walked back up the stairs, and Albus hoped Kaden would take in the sense not to say anything either.

`` Did you find him ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked as they entered the living room.

`` Yeah, '' Matt muttered.

`` Was he- ''

`` Yeah, '' matt said without stopping.

Albus followed him all the way up the stairs and into his bedroom. Matt flopped down on his bed and stared up at the roof. Albus sat down on the trading floor and John the Evangelist and Kaden sat down on either side of him.

`` Er, what did I do ? '' Kaden whispered to Albus.

`` Shush, '' Albus replied. He had an inkling as to what that room was used for, but he was n't sure. He did cognize that it was usually best to let matt tell them what was going on in his own sentence, though. Kaden 's pestering dubiousness certainly were n't going to help.

Albus sat quietly for a while as they waited for Matt to say something. He was still laying on his bed staring at the cap. Kaden kept glancing at Albus and then at lustrelessness and back again. privy was playing with a gobstone that he had found on the floor.

matte sighed and sat up. Albus glanced up from the floor and looked at him. `` You ok ? '' he asked.

`` I guess, '' he nodded, `` I should have just told you not to obliterate in that room. ``

Albus nodded and sent Kaden a look so he would n't ask about the room.

`` I do n't fuck if you guessed what that way is for, '' Matt began, `` But I guess I 'll recite you. ``

`` You do n't accept to, '' Albus said quietly.

`` I know, '' Matt sighed, `` But I will, '' he paused, `` That room is where I transform. ``

Albus nodded. That 's what he had guessed. Judging by the cool off look on John 's font, he had guessed it too. Kaden on the other hand, was gaping at Matt.

`` waiting, what ? '' he asked.

`` That 's where I go during to the full moonlight, '' Matt said.

`` Oh, '' Kaden replied, `` Why is it padded ? ``

Albus groaned inwardly. Kaden really needed to learn not to ask about these sorts of matter.

Matt laid back down on his bed and stared at the cap. `` Back when I was five and I went through my for the first time transformation, I spent the unharmed night ramming into the wall trying to get out. My dad put the padding on the rampart before the next full moon. Then when we moved here, my dad recreated the same room in the basement of this business firm. ``

Albus winced at the thought of lusterlessness ramming himself into a wall. Every time Matt told him something else about the full moons, Albus felt even dismal for him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden muttered, `` Er, sorry for hiding there, then. ``

Matt sighed, `` It 's ok. I should consume told you not to hide there. ``

`` What about the Shrieking Shack ? '' Kaden asked, `` Is that padded ? ``

`` No, '' Matt replied, `` But it 's bigger, so I do n't bang my head as much. ``

Kaden nodded. `` Well, I ca n't say I 've ever seen a padded elbow room in anyone else 's household. ``

`` You 'll probably never see one again, '' Matt said dryly.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! You guys are all awesome !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The remainder of the sojourn at Matt 's house went by very fast for Albus. Albus and the early boys spent the next few days playing various plot and doing some of the preparation they had put off until the last arcminute. Amy visited for dinner one evening and let Kaden brew something in her potions room. Kaden was thrilled and after he and Amy had finished, he pronounced Amy the upright potions brewer he 'd met besides Slughorn. Albus, Matt, and whoremaster did not participate in the brewing since all three of them got enough of potions at Hogwarts.

Albus threw his bag over his berm and went downstairs with Matt, John, and Kaden. Mrs. Eckerton and Amy were waiting by the door.

`` Are you boys set ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked.

`` Yeah, '' matte answered.

Mrs. Eckerton opened the door and Albus followed everyone outside. They walked a few meters away from the house and then Mrs. Eckerton put an arm around Matt and the other around Albus. Amy did the same with King John and Kaden and all six of them disappeared with a crack.

They reappeared in the middle of the Leaky Cauldron, which was practically vacuous. Albus was n't surprised since it was ahead of time afternoon on a weekday. Albus looked around the pub and saw his mum, Uncle Ron, James, Rose, Hugo, and Lily sitting at a nearby mesa. John 's mum and sisters were sitting with them. James looked bored out of his nous and a footling annoyed as John 's baby ran around the room.

The grownup greeted each other while Lily, Hugo, and John 's sister, Ashtyn, flew out of their seats and over to Albus and the former male child. rose followed them and stood succeeding to Albus.

`` We 're getting our scepter today ! '' Lily announced.

`` Yeah ! '' Ashtyn grinned, `` And account book and gown and caldron and- ''

`` We know, Ashtyn, '' John groaned, `` You 've been telling me about it since I got home from school. ``

`` Me and Lily are going to be in Gryffindor, '' Ashtyn said proudly, `` But Lily says Hugo is going to be in Hufflepuff. ``

`` Am not, '' Hugo retorted.

`` There 's aught wrong with Hufflepuff, '' Gospel According to John said, `` My full cousin is in Hufflepuff. ``

`` wellspring, anything 's better than Slytherin, right Albus ? '' Lily said.

`` Er, right, '' Albus agreed.

`` child ! '' Ginny shouted, `` We 're going to go to Flourish and Blotts first, then Madam Malkins. Al, you need new robe. ``

`` So do you, Rose, '' Ron put in.

`` As do you, Johnny, '' Mrs Brickston said.

`` I want my sceptre ! '' Lily whined.

`` You 'll get it, '' Ginny said, `` But you need vest too. And your wand will be useless without Quran. ``

Lily pouted and folded her weapons system across her pectus, but followed Ginny out of the pub. Albus and his admirer followed the adult, James, and the daughter out of the pub and into Diagon Alley.

Diagon Alley was a bit more crowded than the Leaky Cauldron, but still rather deserted. Albus walked with the enceinte group into Flourish and Blotts, where the salesman took one expression at them and ran into the back room. He returned with a saleslady.

Ginny walked up to them. `` Let 's see, I have four Hogwarts book lean. ``

`` And I have two, '' Ron rummaged around in his robes and pulled out two wrinkled spell of parchment.

`` I 've got two as well, '' Mrs. Brickston said.

`` And I have one, '' Mrs Eckerton said.

`` Ok, if you 'll just pay us a few minutes, we 'll get them for you, '' the salesman took the inclination and gave half the mountain to the saleslady.

`` So, what did you lot do at lustrelessness 's house ? '' rosiness asked as they were waiting.

Albus looked at Saint John and break open out laughing. `` John had fun with the microwave, '' Albus smirked.

Rose groaned. `` What did you do ? ``

`` Microwaved an egg, '' John replied, `` It made a decent explosion. ``

`` Bet your mum was n't well-chosen, '' Rose said to Matt.

`` She just made him clean it up. My dad did the same thing after we moved here. We did n't birth a microwave in Australia, '' mat said.

`` Muggle study ought to be mandatory, '' Rose sighed.

Albus spent a few more than second telling Rose about what they had done at mat 's mansion, although he left out the voice about the bolster way. Matt could tell Rose that later if he wanted to.

`` Here you go, Al, '' Ginny dumped a stack of books into Albus 's arms.

Once everyone had a quite a little of Book in their branch, the group left the Holy Scripture store. They walked down the street until they reached Madam Malkin 's. Luckily, the shop class was vacuous, although they 'd have to wait a spell until everyone was fitted for robes.

Lily and Ashtyn went first, since they were eager to get their new gown. Victor-Marie Hugo was excited about going to Hogwarts, but he could n't like less about robes.

Albus sat down on a president as he waited for his round. Matt and John sat down on either face of him. Albus glanced over and saw that Matt was staring astray eyed at his stack of Koran. Albus peered down at his own push-down stack of Scripture, but the one on top was Intermediate Transfiguration.

Albus looked over at mat 's stack of book of account and he gaped when he saw which book was on top. It was the exact same book that Kaden had found at Flourish and Blotts a year ago. The one entitled Dark beast : How to Protect Yourself.

`` Interesting book alternative, '' Albus muttered.

Matt looked up at Albus. `` This does n't prefigure well for the new defence teacher. ``

Albus shrugged. `` Well, third year Defense Department does concentrate on glum beast. ``

`` It does ? '' Matt groaned, `` Great. That 's just what I need, for everyone to learn about you know what. ``

`` I doubt they will, '' Albus replied, `` No one 's going to pay that a great deal attending in division. The only one in our year who would 've put the cue together after learning it in class is Rose, and she already knows. ``

`` I guess, '' matt muttered, `` I just hope the teacher is courteous. ``

A half 60 minutes later, everyone had new robes who needed them and the large group exited brothel keeper Malkin 's. They made their way down the street and towards Olivander 's. Lily, Victor Hugo, and Ashtyn arrived before anyone else did and could n't wait to start trying out wands.

Albus watched as his sister waved legion wands and subsequently broke everything on Olivander 's desk. After she tried a few more, Lily found her wand and proudly held the box as carefully as she could. Victor-Marie Hugo and Ashtyn found wands a few min later and the group set off to the Apothecary.

After a sojourn to the pill pusher, Eyelops, and Weasley 's adept Wheezes, everyone had what they needed for the upcoming school day class. Albus was rather tired by the metre they finished, but Lily, Victor-Marie Hugo, and Ashtyn seemed to have endless energy. They kind of reminded Albus of the way Kaden had been the previous year. Granted, Kaden still had endless energy, but the three eleven-year-olds had surpassed him.

Albus said good-by to his admirer in the Leaky Cauldron and then Flooed back to Grimmauld Place with his mum, Kaden, King James I, and Lily. He and Kaden watched Lily try to perform spells with her new wand while they waited for Dudley to pick Kaden up. Lily was kind of bilk that she was unable to do much of anything besides 'Lumos'.

******

In an movement to try and avoid nearly missing the wagon train like they had the former year, Ginny insisted that Albus, James I, and Lily pack their trunks the night before. Despite this, Albus awoke to the shouts of his mother.

`` Albus Severus ceramist ! '' she shrieked, `` Get up ! We have to leave behind in ten minutes ! I seriously hope you 've got your bole packed ! ``

Albus slowly got out of bed as he listened to the gimcrack pace of his mother in the corridor. `` King James I Sirius thrower ! Get out of bed this second ! ``

The threshold to his chamber opened and Lily came bounding in, already dressed in her Hogwarts robes. `` Al ! We 've got to go away ! ``

`` I know, Lily ! '' Albus said in an annoyed shade, `` Now get out so I can get dressed ! ``

Albus hurriedly threw on some clothes once his sister left. He grabbed his owl cage and school day bag and quickly left the way. He was quite glad his trunk was packed and already downstairs.

Harry was sitting on top of Albus 's trunk in the draftsmanship way when Albus walked in. Lily was once again trying to execute spells with her wand.

`` Hey, Al, '' Harry grinned, `` cook ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus nodded, `` We leaving soon ? ``

`` As soon as James packs his trunk, '' Harry smirked.

`` James Sothis Potter ! '' Ginny shouted from upstairs, `` I told you to jam that last night ! Hurry up ! ``

`` Daddy, why ca n't you teach Defense this year ? '' Lily asked.

`` Because I have too practically work at the Ministry, '' Harry explained as he pulled her onto his lap.

`` But it 's not fair, '' Lily whined, `` James and Al got to have you teach them for two years. ``

`` The new teacher is very competent, '' Harry assured her.

`` Is he nice ? '' Albus asked.

`` Well, he 's, '' Harry paused, `` He 's fair. That 's a dear way of putting it. He 'll handle everyone the Same. ``

At to the lowest degree he did n't fathom like Washburn, Albus thought. But on the other hired man, he did n't vocalize like Neville or Cedonia either.

`` And just because I 'm not teaching, does n't mean I wo n't be around, '' Harry grinned.

`` What do you think of ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 'm not giving anything away, but Hogwarts will be an exciting place to be this year, '' Harry said, `` Plus, the Ministry decided that Hogwarts needs more shelter in the form of Aurors after net class 's incident. And the class before 's. ``

That certainly spiked Albus 's oddity. What could be going on that would piddle Hogwarts more exciting than common ?

`` cum on, '' Albus replied, `` Ca n't you give us a hint ? ``

`` Nope, '' Harry laughed, `` I probably should n't have even said that. ``

Albus groaned. `` Aw, just tell us. ``

`` Tell us what ? '' King James I asked as he entered the room.

`` Dad says something exciting is happening at Hogwarts this yr but he wo n't differentiate us what. ``

`` Please, Dad ? '' James whined.

`` No, '' Harry lifted Lily off his lap and stood up, `` Now we 'd better go or you 'll pretermit the train. ``

The Potters arrived on platform 9 3/4 with fifteen minutes to part with, which was actually earlier than they had arrived the late class. They met Kaden and his family as well as Rose, Victor Hugo and their parents. Harry and Ron loaded all the trunks onto the caravan and then returned to say goodbye.

`` I 'll see you soon, Al, '' Harry said as he gave Albus a hug.

`` Be ripe, Albus, '' Ginny smiled, `` And convey upkeep of Lily. ``

`` I will, '' Albus replied, `` Bye, Mum. Bye, Dad. ``

Once everyone had said adios, Albus headed to the train with rosiness and Kaden. James immediately left to rule his friends, and Lily and Hugo followed Albus and Rose. They climbed on just before the train started moving and waved to their parents until the train left the station.

Albus peered into all the compartments trying to feel the one that his friends were in. He eventually found them halfway down the railroad train and pulled the threshold open.

`` Hey, '' Albus grinned as he sat down next to Matt.

`` Hi, Albus, Rose, Kaden, '' Matt greeted them.

Kaden sat down next to John and Rose sat next to Amanda. Hugo and Lily sat down near Ashtyn and the three of them immediately started talking about the categorization and the Hogwarts star sign. Albus, who had been listening to Lily talk about that all summer, did not want to participate in that conversation.

He turned to lusterlessness. `` Guess what ? ``

`` What ? '' mat asked.

`` My dad says something exciting is happening at Hogwarts this year, but he wo n't tell me what, '' Albus said.

`` Really ? care he 'd assure you what it was, '' Matt replied.

`` How could he say that and not severalize you ? '' King John groaned.

`` Any mind what it is ? '' Matt asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus shook his headland and then turned to rose wine, `` Has Uncle Ron said anything ? ``

`` Just that it was something exciting, '' rosebush sighed, `` The only thing I can retrieve of is the Triwizard Tournament. ``

`` The what ? '' Matt, Amanda, and Kaden asked at the Saame time.

`` Did n't someone die the last time they had that ? '' John asked.

Albus nodded. `` The Triwizard Tournament is a contest that involves three wizarding schools : Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A maven from each schoolhouse participates in three magical project and whichever champion wins gets the Triwizard Cup.

`` The final stage time they had it was in my dad 's fourth year and a death eater tricked the cup into choosing my dad as a fourth hero. He won, but the other Hogwarts champion, Cedric Diggory, died during the final exam job. ``

`` Whoa, '' Matt stared at him, `` Do you really think they 'd do that again ? ``

`` No, '' Rose shook her head, `` There 's no way they 'd do that again. At to the lowest degree not for twelvemonth. Cedric 's death is too fresh in a lot of people 's minds to have that tournament again. So I have no idea what my dad and Uncle Harry were talking about. ``

`` I wish they 'd do the tournament again, '' trick said, `` I fancy myself as the Hogwarts champion. ``

`` Me, too, '' Kaden grinned, `` That would be brilliant. ``

`` Not me, '' Albus shook his capitulum. He hated being in the spotlight. `` I bet Saint James the Apostle would do it, though. ``

`` I would n't, '' matt said.

`` Me, either, '' Amanda agreed, `` What about you, Rose ? ``

`` I 'd probably go into, '' Rose replied, `` But last time they did it, you had to be xvii. So even if that is what was going on this year, none of us would be capable to infix. ``

`` I bet Georgia would enter, '' Albus commented.

`` No doubt about that, '' rose agreed.

`` Oh, and my dad knows who the new United States Department of Defense teacher is, '' Albus announced.

`` Is he nice ? '' lustrelessness asked immediately.

`` All my dad said was that he was fair, '' Albus sighed, `` He kind of dodged the interrogative sentence when I asked if he was overnice. ``

`` That 's a bad sign, '' lusterlessness groaned.

`` If he 's fair, then he wo n't be favoring the Slytherins, '' lavatory pointed out.

`` Have you looked at that al-Qur'an yet ? '' Albus whispered to Matt.

`` Nope, '' Matt replied, `` Have n't wanted to. ``

`` Well, '' trick began, `` If he 's mean to you, we can try and get him sacked before he starts the you-know-what unit. That unit of measurement 's not until the end of the class. ``

`` And how are you going to do that ? '' rosebush raised her eyebrows.

`` Dunno, '' John shrugged, `` We 'll retrieve of something. ``

`` That, '' Rose sighed, `` Has got to be the mute estimate you 've come up with. And that includes microwaving the egg. ''

`` fountainhead, have you got any better approximation ? '' St. John asked.

`` Why do n't we just wait and see what the instructor is like before we start thinking about getting him sacked ? '' rosebush suggested.

The repose of the wagon train ride passed quickly. The entire compartment participated in an Exploding snatch contest, which Rose won. Then they bought a great amount of snacks from the tramcar. Albus fell asleep shortly after he finished eating and the next thing he knew, Rose was nudging him awake and telling him to change into his robes.

The sky had turned dark and the weather stormy while Albus had been sleeping. scag sounded and lightning flashed as he pulled on his robes. He was very sword lily he was n't going to be crossing the lightlessness Lake like Lily was. He 'd much rather take a thestral-pulled carriage and stick dry.

The gear pulled into Hogsmeade station and Albus joined the throngs of scholar heading out into the rainy weather condition. He heard Hagrid calling the first days and said goodbye to Lily, Victor Hugo, and Ashtyn. Albus found an void passenger car and led his friends inside.

`` The first days are going to get soaked, '' John said as he wrung out his hat onto the bottom of the carriage.

`` Spooky crossing the lake in this weather condition, '' Kaden grinned, `` brand me bid I was crossing the lake. ``

`` Maybe the monster Squid will tip over one of the boats, '' John Lackland grinned mischievously, `` I 've heard it does n't wish this form of weather. ``

rose wine rolled her eyes. `` The Squid is not going to flip one of the boats. ``

If the Squid tipped Lily 's boat, she would gross out out. Albus 's sister had always scared easily, a trait that Henry James and Albus always took full advantage of.

`` James purposely tipped his boat when he crossed the lake, '' Albus said. He still remembered his mother receiving an owl telling her about that. She wasted no time in getting a sidesplitter off to James.

`` That 's brilliant ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` compliments I 'd thought of that. ``

`` Me, too ! '' whoremonger agreed.

`` I 'm glad you did n't, '' Albus laughed, `` We all would have been soaked. ``

`` Yeah, '' lustrelessness agreed, `` That would not have been pleasant. ``

The remainder of the slip up to the castle was spent discussing the likelihood of one of the boats being tipped over by the Giant Squid. Saint John the Apostle and Kaden decided that they wanted to find the behemoth squid that year and agreed to consume a swim in the Black Lake during the low gear useable weekend.

The stallion Entrance G. Stanley Hall was covered in water by the fourth dimension Albus and his booster entered the castle. Albus was sure Filch would let a hippogriff when he saw it. Albus led his friends to the comrade Gryffindor board and sat down, eager for the spread to start.

Albus scanned the staff tabular array and his eyes rested on the alone unfamiliar face. A can looking man with his black whisker cut in a Muggle armed forces panache was sitting completely still. His eyes seemed to riddle every student in the entire room at the same time. Albus did not get the sense that this instructor would be nice, although he lacked the hate that Washburn had emanated.

`` That must be the new defence mechanism teacher, '' Matt whispered to Albus, `` Merlin, he does not expect happy. ``

`` Looks like his face is freeze that way, '' Kaden muttered.

`` I would n't want to be on his bad side, '' Albus replied.

`` expression to me like he had a bit too a good deal U-No-Poo, '' Gospel According to John laughed.

Albus snorted and shook his psyche. It did form of face like the prof had a bit too a great deal of that sure Weasley product. His Uncle Percy wore that same look when his Uncle George II put U-No-Poo in his tea over the summer.

The Great Hall immediately quieted down as Professor Patil led the first age into the room and towards the stave board. They congregated near the three-legged dejection upon which the Sorting Hat sat.

`` They look curt than last year 's first age, '' trick whispered as the classification Hat began singing.

`` They are, '' Kaden agreed, `` I was n't that short last class. ``

`` Yeah, you actually were, '' John replied, `` Hey, flatness, I think these first years might actually be shorter than you. A few of them, that is. ``

matt rolled his eyes. `` At to the lowest degree I 'm not a giraffe like you. ``

`` Hey, summit has its benefits, '' John retorted.

`` And so does lack of summit, '' mat pointed out, `` At least I did n't have to stand still while dame Malkin poked me with needles like you did. ``

`` Shush ! '' Rose hissed, `` They 're starting the sorting ! ``

Albus watched as a chubby boy was sorted into Ravenclaw. The next first year became a Slytherin and the side by side was another Ravenclaw.

`` Brickston, Ashtyn ! '' Patil announced.

John 's Sister ran forward and jammed the hat onto her head with a big grin on her face. Mere seconds later, the hat exclaimed, `` Gryffindor ! '' Ashtyn practically flew across the elbow room and sat down across from John.

`` congratulations, Ashtyn ! '' John grinned, `` Gryffindor really is the best mansion. ``

`` Yeah, '' Ashtyn agreed, `` Although Isabelle kept telling me to hope for Hufflepuff. ``

`` wellspring, she is a Hufflepuff .... ''

Albus did n't really pay attention to the next few sorting. He vaguely recognized a few names, but did n't really eff any of them. He snapped back into world when he heard Patil announce, `` ceramicist, Lily ! ``

Lily ran forward with almost as lots inflammation as Ashtyn. The hat took a short more metre to decide than it had with Ashtyn, but it soon shouted, `` Gryffindor ! ``

The Gryffindor mesa erupted with cheerfulness as Lily ran towards it. Albus clapped her on the back, as did James and all their cousin, and Lily took a rear following to Ashtyn.

Soon, Hugo was the only maiden yr left standing near the hat. Victor-Marie Hugo had already started putting the hat on when Patil called out his name, which caused a few of Albus 's full cousin to burst out in laughter.

`` He may be the solitary Weasley to ever be in Hufflepuff, '' Cedric smirked.

`` Gryffindor ! '' the hat announced a second later.

`` Or not, '' Cedric grinned as he clapped along with everyone else.

Hugo sat across from Lily and Ashtyn. `` Told you I 'd be in Gryffindor, '' he said to Lily. Lily shrugged.

Professor Kendrick stood up. `` Welcome, students and staff ! As usual, I will salve all the spoken communication making for after the feast. '' He waved his wand and sat back down.

food appeared on all the golden denture and Albus helped himself to some of everything. He was hungry, although this year he had kind of wanted Kendrick to announce what the energise thing was before the feast.

The theme of word varied greatly during the feast, and Albus mostly listened. St. John the Apostle and flatness had a heated argument about the Quidditch season, primarily the Chudley Cannons'spectacular expiration to the Holyhead Harpies that had taken place a few days previously. Rose chattered non-stop about the new division she was taking and bombarded her older cousin with enquiry about them. Albus was amazed she had any head left, since she had done the Saame thing during the Weasley Family dinner prior to the head start of term.

Kaden talked to whoever would listen about the medical prognosis of adding Muggle applied science to Hogwarts. Albus groaned to himself as he heard Kaden enjoin one of the outset yr about his petition to own goggle box put into the common rooms. Amanda listened to Kaden, although it did n't seem like she was nearly as excite as Kaden was.

`` So, how was the misstep across the lake ? '' lavatory asked Ashtyn as the desserts appeared.

`` Wet, '' Ashtyn replied.

`` Any of the gravy holder tip over ? '' he asked eagerly.

`` No, '' Ashtyn laughed.

`` Hagrid said he had anti-tipping magical spell put on them after James tipped his a few years ago, '' Victor-Marie Hugo announced.

`` That 's no fun, '' John the Divine sighed.

A little while later, the golden plates became white once again and Albus looked eagerly up at the faculty table.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and thanks as well to all the awesome readers and commentator !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Professor Kendrick rose to his feet. `` May I have your attention ! '' he shouted and the room quieted down, `` Thank you. Now, I have a few rather boring promulgation, two somewhat exciting ones, and one really exciting one. I shall start with the wearisome ones.

`` As usual, the forest and Whomping willow tree are out of bounds to everyone. If you wish to try-out for your house 's Quidditch team, impart your name to your psyche of theater. The Dueling social club and Junior 's Dueling clubhouse will be starting up again and once meetings have been set up, I shall let you know.

`` As for the somewhat agitate announcements, we have a new United States Department of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Please welcome prof Balladanis. ``

The stern looking professor stood up for a few indorsement and received mediocre hand clapping. He resumed his seat and prof Kendrick turned back to the students.

`` The other somewhat occupy announcement is that Hogwarts will be patrolled by Aurors a few solar day a week. After last year 's incident, the Ministry has deemed this a necessary guard to ask. The Aurors are positive that Jarrett Willinson and Jameson Washburn will try to return to Hogwarts at some point this year. I do not enjoin you this to frighten off you, but to stimulate you aware of the situation. If anyone sees any mistrustful behavior or has any information regarding the whereabouts of either fugitive, delight tell a instructor. ``

The entire Gryffindor mesa turned to Albus and his friends at this announcement. Albus felt his face turn red and he stared down at his crustal plate. He really hated all the tending he got from what happened the previous two old age.

`` And now, '' Kendrick continued, `` I have a very stir announcement to produce. ``

Albus grinned and turned to his friends, who were all wearing equal faces of hullabaloo, and then turned back to the headmaster.

`` first base, I would wish you all to commemorate the inter-house dueling from lowest twelvemonth. ``

The entire hall groaned and multitude started whispering amongst themselves.

`` Quiet down, '' Kendrick said, `` There was a reason why I enacted that finally year. Thomas More than just school unity, that is. I wanted the school to go more unify because of an event that is taking place this year. An event that will put us into rival with other magical schools- ''

`` The Triwizard Tournament ? ! '' Bradley exclaimed, `` Is that it ? ``

`` No, '' Kendrick replied, `` This is not the Triwzard Tournament. It is a different challenger that will need More than just one student from each school.

`` Tomorrow eventide, shortly before dinner party, a select mathematical group of students from the Adirondack Academy of conjuring trick, which is in New York State, and the Australian School of black art will travel to Hogwarts, where they will experience and attend classes for the duration of the year. ``

Albus turned to seem at Matt, who was gaping at Kendrick.

`` The educatee from both school day will be Sorted into the four Hogwarts menage during a special Sorting ceremony tomorrow evening. They will go in whichever house they are Sorted into and attend classes with those in their class. I expect you all to care for them like they are bloke Hogwarts students.

`` However, you will also be competing against them. There are two events. The maiden is Qudditch. Each of the schools has created a Quidditch team comprised of the best Quidditch musician in their several school. We will be doing the Lapplander thing here. The three teams will recreate each other throughout the yr and whichever squad wins shall receive the Quidditch Cup for Schools.

`` The other event will be dueling. Each of the school has also put together a team of the skillful dueler in their respective school. Again, we shall do the same. The tournaments will work much like the Dueling Club works here. ``

The entire school started talking at once. Albus thought the whole thing was brilliant. It was like the Triwizard Tournament, only less dangerous. Maybe he could even participate. He was a adequate chaser and dueler.

`` Albus, you 've got to try out for the Hogwarts Quidditch team ! '' St. John the Apostle shouted.

`` I will ! '' Albus grinned, `` As long as they do n't have an age limit or anything. ``

`` I do n't think they will, '' Rose said, `` Quidditch is n't that dangerous. ``

`` It kind of is, '' John laughed.

`` Maybe I can duel, '' Kaden said, `` I 'm a second twelvemonth now. ``

`` I think it 'll be great just to go to school with kids from Australia and New York ! '' Rose exclaimed, `` Think of all we can get wind from them ! ``

`` Yeah, '' Amanda agreed.

`` tranquility ! '' Kendrick shouted over the chatter and everyone settled down, `` The Hogwarts Quidditch squad is open to anyone who is currently on a mansion Quidditch team. I 'm pitiful if that upsets some of you, but it would be impossible to confine try-outs for the entire shoal, and I think it would be skilful if our team were comprised of those who have experience on a Quidditch team. If you have pursuit in trying out, please tell your head word of theater.

`` Try-outs for the Hogwarts Dueling Team will be exposed to fifth through seventh geezerhood only. ``

`` turd, '' Kaden muttered.

`` If you want to try out, give your name to your head of house. Try-outs for both team will most likely be succeeding weekend. I believe that is all I have to say for now. first years, delight follow a prefect to your commons room. Good dark, everyone. ``

Albus got up from the tabular array and walked to Gryffindor tower with his ally. They talked about the contender the integral time. Albus was incredibly excited about the vista of playing for the Hogwarts Quidditch team, and a slight flighty at the Saame time. Of course, his hazard of getting picked were variety of slim. He was the immature chaser eligible to try out.

`` Albus ! '' James pushed his way through the crowd of Gryffindors in the common room, `` Are you trying out ? ``

`` Of grade ! '' Albus grinned, `` You ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' James II exclaimed, `` That 's everybody ! Everyone on the Gryffindor squad is trying out ! Would n't that be amazing if we were all picked ? ``

`` You wo n't be, '' Rose said, `` The whole point is to own a Hogwarts squad, not a Gryffindor team. ``

`` Albus and King James will get picked, '' Kaden said adamantly, `` You two are both heavy Quidditch players. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' Albus smiled, `` But all the former chaser are older than me. ``

`` doe n't matter, '' lavatory assured him, `` They 'll be searching for skill, not age. ``

`` Who 's picking the squad ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably Professor Oteski, '' William James said, `` And maybe the heads of houses will help. ``

Albus and his friends talked about the Quidditch contest for another few minutes before retiring to their student residence for the night. Albus climbed into his familiar four-poster bed, but found that he was too excited to sleep. The more he thought about the Hogwarts Quidditch squad, the more he thought he actually had a probability of making it. He was also excited about having the Australian and American language students at Hogwarts. He had n't really met many foreign witches and whizz before, not including his Aunt Fleur 's family. matte and Amy and their parents were the snug he 'd come, and they 'd been living in England for a spell. Matt did n't appear very excited about the whole thing, though. In fact, he had remained rather tranquilize ever since Kendrick made the announcement.

******

It was easygoing to feel the excitement at Hogwarts the side by side day. Since it was Sunday, year were n't starting yet. to the highest degree people slept late, and the main theme of conversation in the Great residence at lunch period was the competition and the students from Australia and New York.

Georgia organized a spur track of the instant Quidditch practice for the Gryffindor team in lodge to fix for the Hogwarts Team try-outs. Albus and the relief of the team practiced for at least two hours that afternoon.

`` You 're a blowout, James, '' Albus told his brother as the two of them began to take the air off the pitching, `` Everyone knows you 're the best Seeker in the school. ``

`` Well, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are the only other houses that are keeping their Seekers from last year, '' Saint James pointed out, `` So I 'll only be competing against Lisa Galivant and Miranda Corner. ``

`` And you 're better than both of them, '' Albus said, `` I 'll be competing against at least six former Chasers. ``

`` Yeah, but you 're a upright Chaser, '' James assured him.

Albus nodded and shouldered his broom. He was already nervous about the try-out, and it was almost a week away. What if he was so nervous during the try-out that he completely messed up ? He 'd just have to be sure to simmer down down by then. Albus sighed and continued walking off the pitch. Just as he was getting close to the stands, he noticed someone sitting alone in the depress level. It was Matt.

`` I 'll see you back in the plebeian room, '' Albus said to his brother as he detoured towards the stall. James nodded and continued back towards the castle.

matt had hardly said a give-and-take the intact day. He was normally serenity, but it was never a good sign when he was completely silent. Albus knew better than to ask why, but he was still curious. He had a feeling it had to do with the Aboriginal Australian students.

`` Hey, '' Albus sat down next to Matt.

`` Hi, '' lusterlessness mumbled.

`` Where 's everyone else ? '' Albus asked.

`` Rose is in the library researching about the magical schools in Australia and New York, '' lusterlessness explained, `` Amanda is with her. ``

`` Why does that not storm me, '' Albus smirked, `` I 'm assuming John is n't with them ? ``

`` No, '' flatness gave a half-hearted laugh, `` He and Kaden are in the Marauder 's Den. I was there with them, but they kept talking about Quidditch and Dueling competitor and I just got unhinged of it, so I came out here. ``

Albus nodded. Matt was going to have a backbreaking time finding someplace in the school where no one was talking about the competitions.

`` Er, are you ok ? '' Albus asked tentatively, `` I mean, you 've been sort of quiet. ``

flatness sighed. `` I, '' he paused, `` I 'm just not that excited about the competition matter. Well, it 's not that, it 's the fact that we 're doing it with Commonwealth of Australia. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus said, not for sure what to say next.

`` I was supposed to go to the Australian shoal of Sorcery, '' Matt continued, `` That 's where Amy went. Then the master told my parents I could n't. In fact, he said it in a downright fell way. I never read that alphabetic character. I think Mum burned it. But she never told me what it said. She just said it was signify. The headmaster hates, well, people like me. ``

Albus had n't even thought about that. He turned to attend at Matt. He looked quite upset about the totally thing. Albus had no melodic theme what to say.

`` I do n't require the headmaster to come here, '' Matt said quietly, `` I know that 's stupid, really. I mean, he 's never met me. And we moved five years ago. He probably would n't even tell apart my last name. ``

`` It 's not stupid, '' Albus assured him. Albus could n't really imagine what this was like for Matt, though. He supposed the only thing close would be if Washburn came back to teach or something. `` But I do n't think you 'll really derive into contact with their headmaster much. You ca n't try out for the Quidditch team or the Dueling Team, so I do n't call back you 'll do much more than offer him in the corridor. ``

`` I guess, '' mat sighed, `` It 's just going to be so unearthly. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But I do n't think anything will happen. This is Kendrick 's shoal. Even if the Australian headmaster is here, he ca n't really do anything. He 's got no control over anything here. ``

matt nodded. `` That 's reliable. I had n't really thought about that. ``

Albus stood up. `` Come on, let 's go detect John and Kaden. I 'm sure we can win over them not to talk about the competition. We could ask them how their plans for swimming in the Black Lake are coming. ``

flatness laughed, `` They 're all make to do it. They just did n't want to do it today since you were practicing Quidditch and rosebush and Amanda were in the library. ``

The rest period of the afternoon went by very quickly. Shortly before dinner party, Albus and his booster made their way into the Great Hall. The entire room was buzzing with excitement. Albus noticed that nearly all of the professor were wearing dress robes. The only one who was n't was prof Balladanis, who as wearing the same sinister robe as the previous day.

Albus sat down at the Gryffindor tabular array, where everyone was talking about the foreign schools.

`` I heard that the Australian School of sorcery is hush-hush ! '' Hugo shouted excitedly.

Matt snorted. `` It 's not. ``

`` Oh, maybe it was the Adirondack Academy of Magic, '' Hugo replied.

`` That one 's not belowground either, '' Matt laughed.

`` How do you know they 're not ? '' Hugo asked.

`` My sister used to go to the Aussie School of black magic, '' matt explained, `` And my uncle lives in New York. I 've seen that shoal, too. ``

`` well, that 's boring, '' Hugo muttered, `` Would ingest been better if one of them was underground. ``

`` Hey, Hugo, '' Kaden grinned, `` hazard what the initials of Australian school day of Sorcery are ? ``

`` A, S, S, '' Victor Hugo shrugged and then a big smile appeared on his aspect, `` Ass ! That 's bright ! ``

`` Quiet, please ! '' Kendrick shouted over the gang, `` The pupil from the Adirondack academy of deception shall be arriving at any moment ! ``

No Sooner had Kendrick finished his sentence, people began to whisper and deform their heads towards the threshold. Albus craned his head up and saw a tall man striding into the Great residence hall. He was wearing navy spicy gown and had a rather with child total of messy Grey hair's-breadth on his psyche. Behind him were a XII or so pupil wearing identical blue sky gown. Most of the student looked to be a few old age older than Albus. They all stared around at the Great Hall, a distich of them pointing excitedly at the ceiling.

The tall man ( who Albus presumed to be their headmaster ) led the students to the stave tabular array. Kendrick greeted them and then looked up at his own students.

`` Let me introduce professor Marvin Roberts, headmaster of the Adirondack academy of conjuring trick, and his pupil, '' Kendrick announced, `` Welcome to Hogwarts. ``

Albus and the rest of the Hogwarts bookman body burst into applause. Once it died down, Kendrick opened his mouth again.

`` And now, if I 'm not mistaken, the bookman from the Australian School of necromancy are arriving at the very bit. ``

Albus turned back towards the door and saw another man entering the room. He wore emerald green gown and was completely bald-headed. He made up for the lack of hairsbreadth on his promontory by sporting a pointy mustache and goatee. He was n't nearly as magniloquent as Roberts, but not short either. He walked purposefully towards the staff table with his group of educatee clad in matching emerald leafy vegetable gown following him.

Albus noticed that flatness did n't adopt his oculus off the man. It was almost like he was frozen in property, except for his middle, which followed the man to the staff table.

`` Now I 'll introduce prof Addair Killigan, '' Kendrick said, `` And the students of the Aussie shoal of black art. ``

Albus clapped along with everyone else, but it was more subdued. He took an quick dislike to Killigan just because of what matt had said. Albus noticed that Matt did n't really acclaim at all.

`` Thank you, '' Kendrick said once the clapping stopped, `` Now, we shall bear a limited sort ceremony in lodge to find out which mansion you belong in. The four houses are Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. While you are here at Hogwarts, you will live in your house dorm, spend free prison term in your sign mutual way, and attend classes with the former scholar in your house. ``

`` You know, it 'll be interesting to see if they adopt the star sign bias like we have, '' Rose whispered, `` What if two of them are really good friends and then one is sorted into Gryffindor and the other into Slytherin ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged. blush wine had a spot, though.

`` To be Sorted, all you have to do is put on the sort Hat, '' Kendrick continued, `` It will say you where you should be. ``

Professor Patil stood up and walked around to the other face of the staff table. She was holding the three-legged stool and the Sorting Hat. She set the hat down on the feces and it burst into song.

There were loud gasp from all of the scholarly person from the other two schools. A few of the Hogwarts bookman giggled at this. All the foreign students stared intently at the hat and whispered amongst themselves.

`` When I call your name, descend sit on the stool and put on the hat. It will secernate you which sign of the zodiac you 're in and then you can go sit at the appropriate mesa, '' Patil said after the hat stopped singing. `` Allen Stewart Konigsberg, Gregory. ``

A tall and gangly boy with messy brownish hair stepped away from the group and sat down on the stool. He was wearing navy blue devil robe, so he must birth been from New York.

`` Slytherin ! '' the hat shouted. Hildebrand Allen took the hat off and went to join the Slytherin table.

The categorization continued and Albus clapped loudly whenever anyone got Sorted into Gryffindor. So far, all the new Gryffindors looked at to the lowest degree two years honest-to-goodness than Albus.

`` I think that chap is going to throw to lose the green robes, '' John Lackland commented as one of the Aboriginal Australian scholarly person was Sorted into Gryffindor, `` It 's just not normal to get into green robes when you 're a Gryffindor. ``

`` I imagine they 'll get Gryffindor robe soon, '' Rose said.

`` Do they even have houses at the Aussie School of black magic ? '' whoremonger wondered aloud, `` I mean, all their robes look alike. ``

`` They do, '' Matt told him, `` But those are the plain school robe. ``

`` I 'm guessing they wanted to count unite, '' rose suggested, `` I doubt Albus will wear Gryffindor Quidditch robes when he plays on the house team. They 'll probably take in special Hogwarts gown. ``

`` If I 'm on the team, Rose, '' Albus sighed. Everyone seemed to conceive he was going to hit the team. What if he did n't ? Everyone would be disappointed. Albus did n't really like the pressure.

`` morale, Linda, '' Patil shouted.

Albus turned back to the categorization and saw a rather short girl footfall forward. Albus watched as she walked towards the three-legged stool and he could n't take his oculus off her. She was beautiful. There was n't really any early way to distinguish her. Albus had n't ever seen a miss as pretty as she was. Her gloomy brown haircloth cascaded down her back in voiced waves. It did n't quite match her surprisingly blench skin, but it was beautiful nonetheless. Her light up skin went well with her emerald honey oil robes. She looked a bit unquiet as she sat down and Patil dropped the hat on her head.

Albus turned to appear at his supporter. Matt, John the Evangelist, and Kaden were all staring at the young woman. So was James. In fact, all the son at the Gryffindor board seemed to be staring at her. The girls were whispering to each other and glancing up at Linda Morales every so often.

The hat seemed to be taking forever to determine. The entire Great anteroom had erupted in whispers. Finally, the rim of the hat burst open and shouted out, `` Gryffindor ! ``

Linda Morales took off the hat and walked quickly towards the Gryffindor table.

`` Bloody Hell, '' Saint John the Apostle whispered as she took a seat a few places down from Albus.

Albus nodded and turned to front at the girl. She looked, if potential, even more neural now that she was sitting down.

`` Albus ! '' Rose seethed, `` Do n't gaze at her ! ``

Albus shook his fountainhead to clear his thoughts and tried to turn his attention back to the categorisation. A fiddling while later, the shoemaker's last pupil was Sorted into Hufflepuff and Patil and the early headmasters took bottom behind the stave table.

Kendrick stood up. `` I 'm sure you are all quite famished by now, so without foster ado, dinner is served. '' Kendrick waved his wand and the fortunate plates filled with food.

None of the new students had sat near Albus and his admirer, so they did n't get a hazard to really get to recognise any of them. Most of them were older anyway. Albus 's cousins struck up conversations with a few of them, though. Albus did notice that Linda was n't saying much, despite the fact that she had quite a few Gryffindors trying to babble out to her.

`` wellspring, I certainly hope everyone enjoyed the feast, '' Kendrick announced after the plates cleaned themselves of afters, `` I have just a few announcements. The new educatee need to take note of the fact that the forest and the Whomping willow are out of bounds. There is also a rather large lean of forbidden objects. The entire list can be viewed on the caretaker 's room access, which is located on this floor. Or, you can ask your lad students. Anyone with the stopping point gens of Weasley has a particularly extensive knowledge on the subject. ``

There was a large amount of laughter at this, mostly from the Gryffindor table.

`` Also, try-outs for the Hogwarts Quidditch team will be held this Saturday at one in the afternoon. Dueling team try-outs will be held a workweek from today, also at one in the afternoon. And with that, I suggest you all turn in early, as course start tomorrow. ``

When Albus and his friends returned to the Gryffindor plebeian room, Linda team spirit was already there, surrounded by a rather vauntingly radical of boys and a couple girls. She did n't come out to be enjoying it, though. She looked as queasy as she had been in the Great Hall and was mostly just nodding.

`` I 'll bet anything all those bloke have asked her out already, '' Rose muttered as they watched the group.

`` Probably, '' Amanda agreed.

`` They should just leave her alone, '' rosebush went on, `` It does n't wait like she wants all that care. I 'll bet she 's overwhelmed by everything. ``

`` I wonder how old she is, '' Albus said. He 'd been trying to cipher that out all evening.

`` Dunno, '' Rose shrugged, `` She looks our age, but onetime at the Saami time. It 's kind of odd. ``

`` guess we 'll rule out tomorrow, '' Albus said, `` She might be in our classes. ``

`` wellspring, I 'm going to bed, '' Matt turned away from Linda and stood up.

`` He 's been restrained all even, '' John commented as Matt left.

Albus leaned over to John. `` That Killigan bloke, the schoolmaster, is the reason he could n't go to school in Australia, '' Albus whispered.

`` Oh, '' John said, `` Well, that would explain it. ``

Albus and his friends stayed up for a few more minutes before turning in for the Nox. Albus laid awake for a while, though, thinking about Linda Morales.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the amazing multitude who have read and reviewed this !


Dislcaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


As it turned out, Albus did n't own to await until grade to get laid if Linda Morales was his age or not. rosebush and Amanda burst out of the girls'dormitory as Albus, mat, and Saint John the Apostle were heading down to breakfast.

`` Albus ! '' rosebush caught up with him, `` Linda is our age. She 's in our dormitory. ``

`` Really ? '' Albus replied, realizing that he had n't really thought about which dormitory the new students would be in.

`` Where is she now ? '' John asked.

`` Still up there, '' Amanda said, `` She 's been in the bathroom for ages. ``

`` Girls, '' lavatory muttered, `` I 'll never empathize them. ``

The group hurried down to the Great Hall and ate a promptly breakfast before their first class. Neville handed out docket and Albus saw that he had Care of Magical Creatures first.

`` Blimey, this schedule is packed, '' Gospel According to John said as they headed out of the castle towards Hagrid 's hut.

`` Well, we are taking two supererogatory family now, '' Albus pointed out.

`` admiration who we 'll own this class with, '' Matt said.

`` With our hazard, it 'll be the Slytherins, '' Amanda groaned.

`` Maybe Linda 's taking this class, '' John Lackland said hopefully.

Amanda sighed, `` You have n't even met her. ``

`` Yeah, but this class would be the perfect meter to do that ! '' can pointed out.

Amanda groaned and they continued their trek to Hagrid 's hut. Once they got there, they saw that they were indeed with the Slytherins. Albus groaned inwardly and stood with his Friend as everyone waited for Hagrid to appear.

`` 'Ello, everyone ! '' Hagrid said as he stepped out of his hut a few transactions later, `` Welcome to Care o'Magical creature. ``

`` Hi, Hagrid, '' Albus grinned.

`` 'Ello, Albus, '' Hagrid grinned back, `` Now, today 's moral 's abou'Flobberworms. Can anyone evidence me anything abou'them ? ``

Flobberworms, Albus thought. Flobberworms were about the least exciting magical animate being in the worldly concern. Albus wished they were doing something a bit more exciting.

`` nonentity ? '' Hagrid said, `` Well, I know they are n't the most excitin'creatures, but we 've got to initiate somewhere. Now, flobberworms are small clean worm .... ''

Albus listened as Hagrid explained about flobberworms, but he did n't occupy any notes. Rose would throw, but Albus did n't see the point. Flobberworms were pretty basic.

`` Now, everyone can call for a dirt ball, '' Hagrid held up a box, `` An'tie them into yer notes an'observe 'em. ``

Albus and his admirer each took a worm and began the boring chore of recording the insect'every apparent motion and sketching them. Albus thought the rest of the class was rather boring and was a bit disappointed. He had kind of been expecting Hagrid to play in some sort of dangerous creature, like he had when his dad was at Hogwarts. Although, come up to think of it, his cousins had said Hagrid had adopted a more pattern curriculum.

`` I wish Hagrid would bring in a dragon or something, '' toilet said as they made their way back to the rook for Transfiguration.

`` He probably wishes that, too, '' Albus laughed.

The Transfiguration classroom was already filling up by the time Albus and his friends entered. Albus noticed that they had this class with the Hufflepuffs. Rose was already inside, sitting at her usual table in the strawman. Amanda quickly joined her. Linda was there as well, but she was sitting by herself at the other social movement desk.

`` Let 's go sit by Linda ! '' john said excitedly.

`` Sure, '' Albus grinned and started to walk towards her table.

`` Wait, '' lusterlessness said, `` There 's only two seating room. And do you really want to sit in the front line ? ``

`` Er, that 's unfeigned, '' whoremonger said, `` We 'll sit behind her then. ``

Albus vaguely wondered why Matt so set on not sitting with Linda, but he did n't lie in on it and sat down at the mesa behind Linda. Patil walked in a here and now later and everyone quieted down.

`` For the first few form we shall be learning about a very hard subdivision of transfiguration, '' Patil said after she took attendance, `` And it is called the Animagus Transfiguration. Can anyone severalise me what that is ? ``

Albus smirked as Rose 's hand barb into the air. Albus knew the reply, of course of action, but he was perfectly glad to let Rose answer.

`` Yes, young lady esprit de corps ? '' Patil pointed to Linda.

Albus turned away from Rose and saw that Linda had half-way raised her hand. The sleep of the course was staring at her as well, probably because Rose always answered the preliminary dubiousness in class.

`` The Animagus transfiguration is the act of transfiguring oneself into an animal, '' Linda answered.

`` Yes, that is even up, '' Patil smiled.

Albus noticed that blush wine was staring in jounce at Linda. He had to stifle a gag at this.

Patil went on to describe Animagi in more detail and Albus took a few notation.

`` Can anyone name a registered Animagus they may have heard about in another class ? '' Patil asked.

Both Rose and Linda 's hands shot up into the air. Patil called on Rose this time.

`` Minerva McGonagall, '' Rose answered.

`` Yes, she turns into a cat. She used to learn August 6 here and was the Headmistress for a few geezerhood. How about an illegal Animagus ? ``

Albus scribbled the words 'Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs'onto a man of sheepskin and showed it to matt and bathroom. All three of them stifled laughter and then looked back up at Patil.

`` Rita Skeeter, '' Rose grinned.

Patil smiled. `` Yes, and it was your mother who discovered her. ``

The rest of the class passed by at a reasonably agile step and once it was over, Albus and his Quaker went to the Great Hall for lunch.

`` You 've got some competitor, Rose, '' John grinned as they walked down the corridor.

`` Shut up, '' Rose muttered.

`` She might beat you on the next test, '' bathroom laughed.

`` And your gunpoint is ? '' rose wine snapped.

They walked the repose of the way in silence, as no one wanted to set blush wine off even more. Albus had no idea she would get that private-enterprise about grades. Although after two years of easily being the smartest in their class, rosiness had n't previously had any competition.

Half the Gryffindor tabular array was roaring with laugh when they arrived for lunch. Epistle of James quickly filled Albus in on the fact that Hugo had exploded his starting time potion earlier in the morning and was apparently quite majestic of it.

`` Well, you 'll sustain no competition from him, '' John the Divine muttered to rosiness. rosiness sent him a dried-up aspect and sat down to eat.

Albus spent tiffin telling Kaden about forethought of Magical Creatures. Despite the fact that they learned about flobberworms, Kaden was jealous.

The one-third twelvemonth Gryffindors had two-base hit potions after dejeuner, with the Slytherins again. Slughorn started the year with a review of the former year 's potions. Once again, pink wine and Linda both knew the answer to every question. Then, when Slughorn had them brew a new potion, both pink wine and Linda tied for best potion. Slughorn gave them each a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate. Albus was quite surprised that Linda seemed as smartness as blush wine. He had never met anyone his age who could compete with rosebush with grades. John was the right way. Rose did deliver some competition.

******

`` well, time to go meet the new Defense teacher, '' Albus said as he finished breakfast the future morning.

`` I wish your dad was still teaching, '' Matt sighed.

`` Yeah, '' John agreed, `` The new instructor looks like the form of feller who gives a lot of prep. ``

`` You really ought to just keep an open mind, '' rose wine commented as they left the Great Hall.

`` Easy for you to say, '' John muttered, `` You 're freakishly ache. ``

`` You have got to be kidding me ! '' Albus groaned as they reached the classroom, `` We 're with the Slytherins, again ! ``

`` Great, '' mat sighed, `` Three years in a row, what are the opportunity of that ? ``

Albus led the way into the classroom. Linda team spirit was already seated at one of the front board. rose and Amanda immediately took the other figurehead table.

`` Let 's sit in the vertebral column, '' Matt muttered.

Albus nodded. He really did n't want to sit near the front. The instructor was already there and was wearing an unreadable expression. If he turned out to be mean, Albus preferred to be as far away as possible.

The classroom looked exactly the same as it had the yr before, except for a trunk that was sitting in battlefront of the teacher 's desk.

A few more than students trickled in and once the bell rang, the instructor waved his verge and the threshold slammed loudly. Albus jumped in surprisal and snapped his attention back to the new teacher.

He walked slowly from behind his desk and stood in front line of it. He was holding a piece of parchment and a quill feather. Albus noticed that he was wearing the Saame black robes, except now he noticed that there were intricately designed fluent fastenings on them.

`` Please raise your hand and say 'present'when I call your name, '' he said in a grim voice. He ran through the listing, fixing each student with a piercing regard when he called on them.

`` Brilliant, '' he said flatly, `` All here. I am Professor Balladanis, as you all know from professor Kendrick 's spoken language. You will call me as prof Balladanis, or professor, or Sir. I will not tolerate speaking out of turn or misbehaviour of any kind in my schoolroom. I expect all homework and other assignments to be completed on time, no alibi. ``

Professor Balladanis began to pace back and Forth in front of his desk. `` As you shall discover throughout the year, I take defensive conjuration very seriously. '' He paused and glared sharply at Linda and Janie Creevey, who had sat next to Linda.

`` Defensive magic is a very very important outgrowth of magic. I would get to the argument that is the most important. It can save your lifetime. It has saved my life on numerous occasions. I have no dubiousness that your old two class of instruction were very across-the-board and I am sure you all have a basic cognition of defensive magical spell courtesy of Professor ceramicist. ``

Balladanis stopped pacing and paused before continuing his delivery. `` However, the tierce class defense Against the Dark artistic production syllabus focuses on defense against dark puppet. '' He turned to Albus 's table and gave Albus, Matt, and John the Divine a piercing stare.

`` I will be continuing the curriculum that has been used in this school since after the concluding battle, '' Balladanis continued, `` I have looked over the curriculum and have deemed it satisfactory. I immensely approve of the initiatory day 's lesson for third days. I 've always thought a practical approach was good for Defense, although I do expect you to carefully take your text book as well.

`` In this box, '' Balladanis gestured to the proboscis, which jumped a little as he touched it, `` Lives a boggart. Can anyone secern me what a boggart is ? ``

Rose and Linda 's hands shot up into the air. Balladanis smirked and pointed to rose. `` Yes, Miss ... ? ``

`` Weasley, sir, '' Rose replied, `` A boggart is a shape shifter. It takes the form of whatever panic you nearly. No one knows what one really looks like. ``

Balladanis nodded. `` Correct. 5 full stop to Gryffindor. Boggarts, '' he began pacing again, `` Take the physique of whatever scare us near. The boggart focuses on the approximate person and turns into whatever scares them.

`` We will experience an advantage over our boggart. There are a lot of us, which means the boggart will become scattered about what to work into. However, that is not enough. There is a necessary conjuration for defeating boggarts. It is 'Riddikulus'. repetition after me, 'Riddikulus'. ``

`` Riddikulus, '' Albus said along with everyone else.

`` goodness, '' Balladanis said, although his voice was n't exactly pollyannaish, `` You 'll also require to think of a way to turn whatever your most feared thing is into something funny. laugh is what really finishes off a boggart. Then, think of that as you 're saying the incantation. Now, take out your wands and stand up. ``

Albus pulled his wand out of his bag and stood up. He was n't even sure what he was most afraid of. Snakes ? No, he really did n't fear serpent. wanderer ? Nope, not them either. He had no thought what that boggart was going to turn into, and that made it even scarier.

Balladanis waved his wand and all the tabular array and hot seat moved to the face of the classroom. `` Form a subscriber line, '' he instructed.

Everyone pushed to be at the front line of the line. Albus wound up being towards the vertebral column, behind John and in front of Matt.

`` young woman Weasley, '' Balladanis motioned for Rose to step forward, `` Perhaps you could go first. ``

rosiness nodded and stepped out of the lineage. She stood in nominal head of the bole with her verge raised. Albus had no melodic theme what the boggart would turn into for Rose either. Nor did he take in a clue what John and Amanda 's boggarts would be. He had an inkling about mat 's, though.

Balladanis stood off to the side and pointed his wand at the trunk. The lid slowly opened and out stepped ... Neville. Albus gaped at the boggart.

The boggart Neville opened his mouth. `` I 'm sorry, rosebush, you did not get the mellow grade in your year. You 've been beaten. ``

Oh, Albus thought, that kind of made sentience. For a instant there, Albus actually thought rose wine was afraid of Neville, which was ridiculous.

`` Riddikulus ! '' Rose shouted.

The boggart Neville swayed, but did n't look any different. He opened his mouthpiece again. `` Rose, you have beaten everyone in the stallion school ! You have the skilful grades in the history of Hogwarts. ``

Albus smirked. It was n't entirely funny, but it fit Rose perfectly.

`` Interesting, '' Balladanis muttered, `` Next ! ``

Rose stood off to the side and grinned as Amanda stepped forward. Albus watched as the boggart turned into a very gravid snake.

Amanda stared at it for a few consequence and then shouted, `` Riddikulus ! '' The Snake River twirled around and tied itself into a Calidris canutus. Amanda, along with most of the rest of the class, burst out laughing. Amanda stepped to the side next to Rose and Janie Creevey stepped forward.

Janie 's boggart turned into a goliath rat, which then got transformed into tiny mouse. A few Slytherins were up after her, and then it was Linda esprit de corps 's turn.

Albus watched intently as the boggart that had previously been a Dragon round into a raging fire. Linda raised her wand and shouted, `` Riddikulus ! '' The flack turned into a waterfall and Linda joined the growing chemical group of students off to the side.

Marina Jordan-Bell was next, and her boggart turned into a spider, as did her sis, Karina 's. Karina had a bit of trouble, but eventually managed to turn the wanderer rainbow colors. Ethan and a couplet of the Slytherins had difficulty as well.

Leigh Montague charmed her mummy boggart into a strait jacket and then it was whoremaster 's turn. He stepped forward and the mummy turned into a clown. A clown, complete with a big red olfactory organ and vast shoes.

Albus could hear a few of the early scholarly person snickering already. Albus was n't exactly a fan of clowns, but he could think of at least ten things that were scarier than them.

`` Riddikulus ! '' whoremonger shouted. The goof boggart started to walk forward, but it tripped over its ridiculously large feet, which were growing at an alarming rate. The full year burst out in the loudest laughter yet as Saint John joined Rose and Amanda.

Albus took a deep breathing space and stepped forward. The goofball with the huge foot started spinning again and when it stopped, it looked like professor Oteski. The Oteski boggart stepped towards Albus.

`` You did not build the Hogwarts Quidditch team, '' it said.

Albus gulped. make out to think of it, that was what he was most afraid of at that second. But how could he give it funny. He racked his learning ability as the Oteski boggart continued walking towards him.

`` Riddikulus ! '' Albus shouted.

The boggart spun around again and then stopped. `` You did make the team ! '' it said, `` In fact, everyone is on the team ! All of Hogwarts will represent at once and therefore win the contest ! ``

Albus laughed at the idea of a Quidditch team consisting of over 200 multitude on it and joined John at the side of the classroom. Albus watched as flatness stepped forward.

`` Hey, Potter, '' Scorpio whispered, `` I bet the boggart wo n't love what to turn into with Eckerton. He 's afraid of everything. ``

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Albus growled.

`` tranquility over there ! '' Balladanis shouted. Albus immediately shut his mouth and Scorpius did n't say anything else.

The boggart was spinning around again and when it stopped, it did n't turn into the bright good moon that Albus had been expecting. It had turned into a very sinister looking man. He was tightly fitting and rather short and had a mop of untidy Robert Brown hair on his head. It was n't corresponding Roberts 's fuzz, though. This feller 's tomentum was stringy and soil looking. His middle were piercing, not unlike Balladanis 's, and he was sneering at Matt. Albus did n't recognize who it was. He had n't seen anyone that resembled the boggart.

The boggart stepped slowly towards Matt, who looked frozen in place. Albus could see his wand shaking in his script.

`` Who 's that chap ? '' Gospel According to John whispered.

`` No estimate, '' Albus said.

Albus continued to find out as the boggart advanced towards matt. Balladanis was n't doing anything besides watching with an unreadable expression on his face.

The boggart was now only a mate foundation away from matt, who still was n't doing anything. The boggart began to slowly conjure up its hands and muttered something that Albus could n't quite catch.

At that second, Matt seemed to unfreeze. He stepped back and all of a sudden ran towards the door. He wrenched it spread out and disappeared from the room. Everyone who had already faced the boggart started whispering amongst themselves

Albus turned to St. John, who shrugged. Albus could n't even set out to imagine why mat was afraid of that unknown man, but he could feel that it went beyond a pattern concern.

`` I 'm going after him, '' Albus whispered to trick. John nodded and Albus ran from the room without asking Balladanis or even looking back at him.

Albus could take heed Balladanis trying to quieten the eternal rest of the students down as he walked quickly down the corridor. matte was n't anywhere to be found. Albus continued to walk down the corridor, not really knowing where he was going. Where would Matt go ? The residence hall ? Room of Requirement ? Marauder 's Den ? That was it, Albus thought. That 's where Matt would go. After all, only a few mass knew about that.

Albus walked through the vacate corridors, grateful that nonentity else was wandering around. He glanced at his scout. There was only ten minutes left in class.

The fifth floor corridor was also deserted. Albus quickly pulled up the arm on the seize suit of armor and then searched the opposite wall for the diminutive paw print. He found them and glanced up and down the corridor once more before wrenching the door open.

The room looked empty when Albus stepped inside. In fact, it looked just like they left it at the end of the late year. Albus had n't been in it for calendar month. He quietly walked further into the room and headed straight for Matt 's bay.

Matt was sitting on his four-poster bed, just staring directly at the wall in figurehead of him. Albus wordlessly sat down on the bed, not sure of what to say. Matt did n't even notice the fact that Albus was there. Either that or he did n't notice.

`` Er, are you ok ? '' Albus asked after a few here and now of sticky silence.

matte looked over at him. He did n't look all right. His nerve was picket T. H. White. `` I guess, '' he said quietly, `` But everyone probably thinks I 'm afraid of everything now. Nobody else ran out of the elbow room. ``

`` Maybe everyone else 's boggarts were n't as shuddery, '' Albus suggested.

`` Maybe, '' lusterlessness muttered.

Albus heard the door open and he craned his head around to see that rosiness, King John, and Amanda had come inside. john and the girls walked over to where Albus and lusterlessness were.

`` We 've got your purse, '' toilet said as he dropped Albus and lusterlessness 's purse on the floor.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` Are you all right ? '' John asked Matt.

`` Yeah, '' Matt sighed.

`` What have we got side by side ? '' Albus asked.

`` Herbology, '' Rose answered, `` And we 'd better go if we do n't require to be late. ``

`` Are you coming ? '' Albus asked lusterlessness.

`` Yeah, '' lusterlessness got up off the bed, `` Let 's go. I just hope we do n't have it with the Slytherins. I 'd bet my finale Galleon that Malfoy 's going to make fun of me for this for residuum of the twelvemonth. ``

Albus would have been willing to bet that as well. Fortunately, the thirdly yr Gryffindors had Herbology with the Ravenclaws that year. A few of the early Gryffindors stole nimble glances at matte during the beginning part of the socio-economic class, but nobody said anything to him. Neville quizzed them about a few plant life they had learned about the premature year for a few bit. Rose and Linda answered all of them. Then he gave a extensive overview of what they 'd be doing that year.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight and all the awful mass who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


After dejeuner, Albus, rose, and lusterlessness headed to ancient rune while John and Amanda went to fortune telling. Albus did n't really know what to anticipate from antediluvian runic letter, nor did he love anything about the teacher. lustrelessness had told them that Amy said the teacher was nice enough.

Albus, blush wine, and lusterlessness sat down at one of the tables in the middle of the elbow room and waited for the teacher. Linda Morales was already seated at one of the front tables. Albus wondered how she always seemed to be the low gear to arrive to any class. There was also an mixture of Hufflepuffs in the room. Albus, Rose, flatness, and Linda appeared to be the only Gryffindors taking the class, though.

The professor walked in a few transactions later. She was a forgetful woman with curly Grey hair and a affected role looking on her face.

`` hi, '' she smiled, `` I 'm professor Sturly. ``

She took attendance and then gave a lengthy lecture about what the cogitation of antediluvian Runes was. Albus kind of thought she could have condensed it and he found himself zoning out about halfway through. Rose was paying ecstatic attention and Albus had a feeling this would become one of her favorite classes.

Towards the end of the year, Sturly gave an overview of the offset chapter in their book and then assigned the remainder of the chapter for homework. The chapter covered a variety of staple runes that Albus and the balance of the educatee would make to memorize.

Charms consisted of Rose and Linda alternatively answering every question Cedonia threw at them. Albus had a feeling it would suit a regular occurrent in all the course of instruction he had with both rose wine and Linda.

`` How was Divination ? '' Albus asked his friends after dinner as they were sitting around the piranha 's Den.

`` Entertaining, '' John laughed, `` I think it 'll be my easiest socio-economic class. ``

`` So, who did Trelawney say would die this year ? '' rosiness asked.

`` What ? ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` Someone 's going to die ? ``

`` No, '' rosebush sighed, `` Trelawney just predicts someone 's death every yr. The student in query has never actually died during that twelvemonth. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden shrugged, `` So she 's not a real psychic ? ``

`` You mean a oracle ? '' rosebush asked, `` Well, she has made a few real prognostication. She 's the one who spoke the vaticination about Albus 's dad. But can she really predict the future with crystal balls and such ? I doubt it. I really doubt anyone can do that. I 'm sure there are real prophet out there, but they 're extremely rare. Divination is a very hide branch of magic that is difficult to construe. My mum says we should n't put much faith in it. ''

`` I still think it would be brilliant to know the future, though, '' Kaden grinned.

`` I do n't know, '' Matt shrugged, `` I 've always thought the hereafter was best left unsung. ``

`` I 've always thought so, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` So, who 's going to snuffle it ? '' Kaden asked.

`` James Earl Carter Eubert, '' whoremaster replied, `` That Ravenclaw we shared a boat with when we crossed the lake in get-go year. I have to say that I 'm salve it was n't me. ``

`` Me, too, '' Amanda agreed.

Rose groaned. `` I 've told you that it 's not real ! Trelawney has never accurately predicted a student 's death. She predicted my Uncle Harry 's expiry and he 's still active ! ``

`` Yeah, but did n't he nearly die at the end of his third year ? '' John Lackland asked.

`` Key intelligence, nearly, '' rose replied, `` Plus, he faced death pretty much every yr. ``

`` Ok, ok, '' John said, `` But I 'm still happy she did n't augur my death, even if it 's not a real foretelling. ``

`` So how was antediluvian Runes ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Really interesting ! '' rose said excitedly and proceeded to give a commentary on how the socio-economic class had went. However, Kaden seemed to be the only one really intrigued by it.

Albus and his protagonist spent the remainder of the eve in the Marauder 's Den. Once they had exhausted the topic of their first base two daylight of class, they moved on to the Quidditch competition and Albus 's prospect of making the Hogwarts team. Everyone thought Albus had a honest chance of making it, except Albus. Then they talked a bit about their approaching Hogsmeade trips, although that subject kind of made Kaden jealous. lav brought up the topic of Linda Morales, but both Rose and Matt did n't want to talk about her at all.

Eventually, they had to return to Gryffindor tower in order not to get out curfew. On his way up to his dorm, Albus noticed that Linda once again was surrounded by a radical of supporter, but appeared not to be enjoying it at all.

******

`` No ! I do n't need to go ! Dad, do n't induce me go ! ''

Albus 's eye snapped open. He peered at the clock and saw that it was just after two in the dawning. He could get wind person tossing and turning and mumbling in their quietus in the bed next to him.

`` Please, I do n't want to. Just let me go dwelling. ``

Albus was wide awake now. The talking was coming from Matt 's bed and Albus knew he was having a nightmare. Albus had been woken up by matte 's nightmares on legion occasions, especially during first year. They always seemed to come around the full moon. Although, Albus was pretty sure as shooting that the to the full moon was n't for a few weeks. This nightmare sounded worse anyway.

The mumbling continued for another few hour and then stopped all of a sudden. Albus heard the bed creaking and footsteps crossing the room until they disappeared altogether. Albus sat up and waited a few hour before quietly getting out of bed. He stepped into his slippers and padded across the room and carefully close the door behind him. None of the early boys had woken up.

The common way was colored and empty when Albus got there. The fire had farseeing since died out and Albus shivered slightly as he stumbled around the elbow room. There was faint scepter light coming from one of the nook. Albus walked slowly towards it and saw lustrelessness sitting curled up in one of the electric chair, staring at the floor.

Matt startled when he saw Albus. `` Oh, Albus, '' he sighed, `` What are you doing up ? ``

Albus shrugged and sat down in the chair next to Matt 's. `` Followed you down here. ``

`` Oh, did I wake you up ? ``

`` sort of, '' Albus replied, `` But it 's ok. I just came to see if you were all right on. I mean, first the boggart and then that nightmare- ''

`` How do you screw I had a incubus ? '' matte asked.

`` I sort of heard you mumbling, '' Albus answered, `` You were talking in your sleep. ``

`` Oh. ``

`` Listen, '' Albus paused, `` You do n't have to enjoin me, but I was sort of wondering who that bloke was that your boggart was. I mean, I sort of persuasion it would be a full lunation. ``

`` So did I, '' Matt said quietly, `` Which is portion of why I freaked out so much. ``

Albus nodded, wondering if matt was going to continue or not.

`` I know I have n't told you much about what happened when I lived in Commonwealth of Australia, '' lustrelessness began.

Albus nodded again. All he really knew about matt 's life sentence in Australia was that he had lived in a sign of the zodiac and his dad had been the point of the department for the regularization and ascendance of Magical Creatures.

`` That bloke the boggart turned into is the current Head of the department for the regulating and ascendance of Magical animate being, '' lustrelessness continued, `` He replaced my dad. But before that, he was the school principal of the werewolf Control Unit. ``

Albus was still a bit confused about why he was Matt 's boggart, but he figured it would be best to just not say anything.

`` While my parents were in the process of finding out where to displace, a law was passed that all werewolves had to transform in a Ministry approved nub if their lieu of transformation failed an inspection. Mine failed. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus gaped at him, `` But your dad was- ''

`` The head of the section, I know. They passed the law while we were visiting New York. My parents refused to let me transform at one of the Ministry centerfield, so they broke the law and were fined. The first time that happened, my dad was fired over it.

`` But that bloke, Ralph Lubar is his name, would n't move over up until I transformed in one of the centers. My parents said it was because he hated my dad so much. The two of them had some sort of long term row going on or something. I do n't love the contingent. But anyway, '' matt paused, `` Eventually, Lubar was able to pass a law that made it legal for the Ministry to choose loup-garou by force to one of the transformation centers. He flooed to our house, grabbed me, and flooed to the Ministry approved center before my parents had a chance to cease him. ''

Albus stared at lusterlessness. He could hardly believe what he was hearing. What was even more unbelievable, was that it had been legal. How could it be sound to basically kidnap a kid for a Nox ?

`` I do n't call up any of it, '' Matt said quietly, `` Except for what happens in the nightmare I have. It was horrible, though. The early werewolves were all grownup and they all sort of ganged up on me. I spent a day or so at the hospital in Australia and then my parents had me transferred to St. Mungo 's because they wanted therapist Sterling to demand tutelage of me. I spent three weeks there. ``

`` Well, it makes horse sense that you were so scared of that boggart, '' Albus said, `` Lubar is one of the most horrible whizz I 've ever heard of. ''

Matt nodded and shifted slightly. `` I thought I was over it. I mean, it was over five years ago. I really thought that boggart would turn into a broad moon. But I guess having Killigan here brought everything back. I thought all that stuff that happened in Australia was behind me, but I guess not. ``

`` nada like that is going to happen here, '' Albus said quietly, `` Lubar has no control over our Ministry. He 's in Australia. ``

`` I guess you 're right, '' Matt sighed, `` I think I 'll go see if lady Pomfrey will return me any dreamless sopor potion. Could I use the Invisibility Cloak ? ``

`` Yeah, of course, '' Albus said as he stood up. He had a feeling that Madam Pomfrey would definitely give him the dreamless sleep and probably try and convince him to spend the night in the hospital Wing as well.

Albus and matte quietly walked back to the hall and Albus dug out the Cloak, as well as the second edition Marauder 's Map, and handed them to Matt. Once Matt had left the room, Albus climbed back into bed.

Albus lay awake thinking about what matt had told him for a piece. His own boggart of not making the Hogwarts Quidditch team seemed very undistinguished now that he knew the details about flatness 's boggart. That did n't make Albus any less nervous about the try-outs, though.

******

Albus and the early Gryffindor third base years, as well as the Ravenclaws, started out the adjacent day with account of Magic. All Albus learned during the hour was that third twelvemonth chronicle of conjuring trick was equally as boring as second year. Transfiguration consisted of another talk on Animagi and Albus noticed that John paid a considerably more sum of money of attention than he usually did. Albus thought this was pointless, though, since they had already established the late class that they would not go Animagi.

Care of Magical wight was after dejeuner and the class moved on to the slightly more interesting bowtruckles. Albus was very thankful for the happy chance they had afterwards, when Rose went to Muggle Studies.

`` It 's only the third day and I 'm already sick of homework, '' Albus muttered as they entered the predator 's Den.

`` So do n't do it, '' Gospel According to John said as he pulled a drinking chocolate Frog out of his bag.

`` You should do that Divination homework, '' Amanda said, `` You know, the one where we predict what happens to us next Wednesday. ``

`` Already did it, '' Saint John the Apostle announced.

Albus, Matt, and Amanda all stared in shock at St. John the Apostle. john never ever did homework early. He was always the one finishing the lastly lines of an essay as the teacher took attendance.

`` What ? '' trick shrugged, `` I occasionally do stuff before it 's due. ``

`` No, actually, you do n't, '' mat smirked.

`` Divination 's different. It 's fun to have up shammer prognostication. ``

`` So what 's happening to you next Midweek ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I 'm going to break my cervix when I fall off my broom. ``

`` John, you do n't even toy Quidditch, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Trelawney wo n't give care. ``

Albus personally thought it was a waste of time to come up with fake forecasting for soothsaying, but that was probably why he had n't signed up for the class.

`` Oh, did we ever tell you what Balladanis 's boggart was ? '' John asked Albus and Matt.

`` Nope, '' lusterlessness said.

Amanda burst out laughing. `` You 're going to bonk this. ``

`` Yeah, '' John grinned, `` When the two of you left, the boggart got a bit confused because no one was standing that close to it. Everyone was whispering and not paying an oz. of tending to it, so Balladanis stepped in straw man of it and you 'll never guess what it turned into ! ``

`` A loup-garou ? '' matt asked.

`` No, but that would have been amusing, too, '' John laughed, `` Anyway, it turned into a cleaning woman. ``

`` A fair sex ? '' Albus raised his eyebrows.

`` Yeah, '' John the Divine said, `` A tall, skinny, pale faced cleaning woman. Her peel was as pale as Linda 's. Her hair was a bit lighter, but still a dark brownness. The woman just sorting of walked over to Balladanis with a smiling on her aspect. She was kind of pretty in an odd sort of way. ``

`` Now that is uncanny, '' Albus replied, `` Why in the figure of Merlin would he be afraid of cleaning woman ? ``

`` Maybe it was a specific woman, '' Matt pointed out.

That would make more sense. After all, matt was n't afraid of all men. His boggart had turned into a particular man. But Albus did remember it was sort of odd that Balladanis, the Isaac Stern man who hated Dark artistic production, would be afraid of a beldame. Albus would have thought he 'd be afraid of some sort of shuddery dark creature.

`` Who do you think she was ? '' mat asked.

John shrugged. `` His wife ? ``

Albus smirked. `` Well, that would be shady. ``

`` My dad jokes that he 's afraid of my mum at fourth dimension, '' John the Divine replied, `` But I doubt his boggart would turn into her. ``

`` Maybe she 's some sorting of dark Wiccan that he 's faced in the past, '' Amanda suggested.

`` respectable intellection ! '' Matt agreed, `` Maybe she was a Death feeder. ``

`` I do n't know if he fought in the War or not, though, '' Albus said, `` My dad 's never mentioned his epithet before and he does n't really look like the kind of cuss to just detain in the background, does he ? ``

`` I guess not, '' flatness replied, `` She could still be an evil Wiccan, though. ``

`` That does make the most sense, '' toilet said, `` She must be really iniquity. I mean, Balladanis does n't appear like he 'd be afraid of anything. ``

`` Everyone 's afraid of something, '' Albus pointed out, `` But yeah, she must be evil. ``

`` What did Balladanis do to stimulate her funny ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Turned her into some sorting of statue, '' John answered, `` It was strange, like she was petrified. She just froze in lieu. And then Balladanis banished it to the luggage compartment. ``

`` How is that funny ? '' Albus asked.

`` No melodic theme, '' John the Evangelist shrugged, `` Just adds to the whodunit that is Balladanis. ``

`` I 'm still not sure I like him, '' Matt commented.

`` Me, neither, '' Albus agreed.

`` But hey, at least he did n't throw us any homework on the first day, '' John pointed out.

******

The next day Albus found himself yet again sitting in the back of the vindication classroom in between Matt and John. Malfoy kept turning around in his seat and smirking at Matt. Albus was glaring at him, silently daring him to say anything about Matt 's experience with the boggart.

Balladanis stormed into the elbow room a few minutes later in a way that reminded Albus of Washburn. The social class immediately quieted down and Malfoy faced forward in his hind end. Balladanis quickly ran through attendance and then stared at his students.

`` wellspring, some of you were successful with death class 's boggart, '' Balladanis began, `` However, there were quite a few of you who were n't. ``

Malfoy yet again turned around and looked at lusterlessness, this time unable to strangle his laughter.

`` Quiet, Mr. Malfoy, '' Balladanis growled, `` Five pointedness from Slytherin. ``

Albus could n't assist but grin at that. At least Balladanis was n't favoring Slytherin.

`` Therefore, we will continue battling the boggart until you all have winner with the spell, '' Balldanis continued, `` I do not need any of you to slew through the cracks and skate through this class on the tails of more than successful students. That may work while at Hogwarts, but the instant you get out into the real world, it will abruptly end. Without a basic cognition of justificatory turn, you will meet an untimely end at the hands of drear thaumaturgist. ``

This instructor was making it seem like they were in the midst of a war. Albus knew it was important to be able to fight down yourself, but he thought Balladanis was acting like everyone was out to get you. It kind of reminded him of what his parents, aunt, and uncles had said about Mad-Eye Moody.

`` dark magician love finding dupe with trivial knowledge of defensive trance. The students who skirt by with acceptable fall guy and just barely communicate each test, without really understanding anything. They also love people who read book after book and pretend to understand everything. And while these multitude may have a full noesis of defensive attitude spells, they may not possess the skills necessary to perform them, '' Balldanis 's center rested on Rose and Linda.

`` I want everyone in this room to bear to a greater extent than the basic skills needed to execute defensive acquisition. I want everyone to be capable to occur off better in a duel. I want everyone to be able to defend themselves against dark creatures and wizards alike.

`` Starting with the boggart, I will not perch until every student is able of performing every while we learn in this stratum. I will assign supererogatory lessons to those I deem it necessary. You will amount in for extra aid. I do not care if it interferes with order or Quidditch practice. Quidditch will be of piffling help when you are facing a grim champion or creature.

`` stand up ! '' Balladanis ordered. The class scrambled to their feet and Balladanis moved the desks aside.

`` Sir ! '' Malfoy called out, `` What if we 've already had succeeder with the boggart ? ``

`` Then you 'll do it again, '' Balladanis replied, `` exercise makes perfect tense. ``

The social class lined up in front of the proboscis. Albus and his booster wound up being in the vertebral column, and Albus did n't retrieve Matt minded this in the least. He looked very nervous at the prospect of seeing the Lubar boggart again and Albus could n't blame him.

The line moved much faster this time than the last course of study. Everyone who had had job with the boggart during the previous class seemed to do a in force job this time.

Albus stepped forward once it was his routine and the boggart once again turned into Oteski, who told him he did not make the team. Albus vaguely wondered what the boggart would change state into after the try-out, if they battled it after that. He shouted the piece and moved to the side to stick out next to blush wine and Amanda.

lav was future and battled his goof boggart in the Saame way he had the former day. He stepped to the position and mat walked slowly towards the boggart.

`` Two Galleons says he runs again, '' Malfoy whispered in Albus 's ear.

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Albus and John said at the same time.

The boggart once again turned into Lubar and Matt slowly raised his wand, which was shaking.

`` R-R-Ridikkulus, '' Matt whispered. cypher happened and the boggart advanced towards Matt.

`` Louder, '' Balladanis told him.

`` R-Ridikkulus ! '' flatness shouted. Still nothing. His wand arm was shaking even harder.

`` R-Ridikkulus ! '' he shouted once again.

This time, the boggart spun around and when it stopped, Lubar was decked out in a dark and blank striped prison rig with a testicle and chain attached to his right field leg.

`` Looks like you owe us two Galleons, '' John smirked at Malfoy.

`` Not a fortune, Brickston, '' Malfoy growled.

`` Good job, '' Albus grinned as Matt joined the group.

Balladanis already had the boggart shut in the trunk when Albus looked back at his teacher.

`` That 's enough for today, '' Balladanis announced. `` You, '' he pointed at lustrelessness, `` come see me. ``

lusterlessness glanced at Albus and then walked slowly towards Balldanis as the rest of the socio-economic class left the room. Albus and his admirer lingered near the room access, but Balladanis gestured for them to depart. They reluctantly left, but waited just outside the doorway.

`` What did he want ? '' Albus asked once Matt exited the room.

`` I have to go in for extra help, '' flatness groaned, `` Until I can face the boggart successfully. ``

`` But you were successful, '' John pointed out.

`` Not successful enough for Balladanis. ``

`` Somehow, I do n't reckon anyone would be successful enough for him, '' rose wine muttered.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` That was some language he gave at the beginning of form. ``

Albus still did n't get laid what to think of their new Defense prof. He seemed very strict and Albus did n't really experience easy with him, but on the other hand, he seemed very knowledgeable in defensive patch. Albus had a look they 'd get a line a lot from him, and even though they were n't involved in a war at the minute, Albus knew vindication skills were always crucial to let. That 's what his father had told him ever since he could remember. Albus had grown up knowing the need for defensive measure against the darkness arts. He just had never had it taught to him in such a forceful stern way.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The remainder of the calendar week went by quickly. Albus spent all his spare fourth dimension on the Quidditch pitch shot, trying to hone his acquisition for the try-outs on Saturday. Unfortunately, the Slytherin Quidditch team booked the auction pitch all Friday eve, so Albus was unable to swot in a finish minute pattern session.

Instead, Albus sat in the common room with the eternal rest of his ally, trying to spell an essay for Transfiguration. He was supposed to enquiry a far-famed Animagi and write a base long essay about him or her. Albus had wanted to write about his grandpa, but given the fact that Prongs 's Animagus condition had been a secret, Albus did n't recollect such an essay would work. So, Albus eventually decided to save about McGonagall. He had a tactile sensation half the class would pen about her.

`` What are McGonagall 's markings ? '' John the Evangelist asked, proving Albus 's theory.

`` Spectacle marks around her eyes, '' Albus answered as he stared at his mostly dummy piece of parchment.

`` Thanks, '' Gospel According to John grinned, `` You just saved me XV minutes of research. ``

`` No problem, '' Albus replied. He was n't indisputable why the essay was taking him so long. He knew a great deal about McGonagall and her Animagus capacity. He supposed he just had his head on early things, like the Quidditch try-outs.

`` How can she even concentrate on her studying ? '' pink wine sighed loudly.

`` Who ? '' Albus asked.

`` Linda morale, '' Rose muttered, with a lead of contempt in her phonation, `` Just aspect at her. ``

Albus turned around and saw Linda sitting at a table with a cluster of Book and lambskin strewn about it. There was quite a crowd of boy surrounding her, including Bilius, Ethan, James, Ben, Cedric, Nathan, and a few second old age Albus did n't know the name of. They all seemed to be talking at once while Linda had her eyes fixed on one of the books.

`` fountainhead, from what you 've said, she 's so freakishly voguish she does n't call for to canvass, '' Kaden said.

`` Humph, '' Rose huffed, `` Everyone needs to analyse. ``

`` I think you 're covetous, rosebush, '' Albus smirked.

`` Am not, '' Rose replied.

`` I wonder what spot she plays, '' John mused.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` Position. You know, in Quidditch, '' John explained, `` She must be on the Aussie team. Since she 's our age, she ca n't be on the dueling team. ``

`` Seeker, '' Rose said.

`` How do you live ? '' Albus asked.

`` Karina asked her one day in the dorm, '' Rose explained.

`` Who 's a Seeker ? '' Matt dropped his bag onto the table and sat down in the chair next to Albus.

`` Linda Morales, '' Albus told him, `` How was your boggart lesson ? ``

`` Wyrd, '' Matt replied, `` Balladanis was n't strict like he is in class. ``

`` Really ? '' Kaden gaped, `` I do n't opine I could reckon him not strict. ``

`` Yeah. I would n't say he was nice, but he did n't act like he does in class. ``

`` What did he do ? '' Saint John asked.

`` Well, I walked in and he was sitting at his desk. So I walked up to him and he got up and went over to the tree trunk. He did n't say much, just told me to battle the boggart. And then I did. Over and over again until I thought I was going to go mad. ``

`` That sounds like Balladanis, '' Kaden interrupted.

`` I know, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm getting there. Anyway, eventually he told me I could intercept. Then he told me to sit down and that he wanted to peach to me. He basically told me the same affair he told everyone in class the early day. But he changed it a bit. ``

flatness lowered his interpreter. `` He said that the point of Defense class was n't only to teach how to defend ourselves against the non-white liberal arts. He said it 's also to teach us why the nighttime arts are so horrible. He then went on to narrate me that it was especially important for me to get it on that. ``

`` That is weird, '' Albus said quietly, `` You do n't think he said that because of, well, you know. ``

`` Yeah, I think he did, '' flatness replied, `` But he did n't say it in a entail way or anything. It was just really really odd. ``

`` I 'll say, '' John Lackland agreed, `` Do you have to go there again ? ``

`` Unfortunately, yes, '' Matt muttered, `` He wants me to go every Friday until he says I do n't have to anymore. ``

`` How did it go with the boggart, though ? '' Rose asked.

`` I thought it went ok. I mean, I 'm doing better than I was. But he still wants me to go in for extra assist. ``

`` Well, '' Kaden said after a few present moment, `` This just proves that Balladanis is a very very strange teacher. ``

******

Albus awoke riddled with nerves the adjacent morning. It reminded him of the nerve he had only one class ago prior to the Gryffindor team try-outs. Only this was ten time worse. He felt like he 'd eaten a few lively pygmy puffs and they were bouncing around his belly trying to escape.

Try-outs were to be held shortly after lunch and Albus spent all morning talking with his fellow Gryffindor teammates in the common room. Georgia spent over an hour talking about the strengths and weaknesses of the other people who would be trying out. Albus only form of paid attention. The relaxation of the squad seemed frantic and not nearly as nervous as Albus. Albus thought Epistle of James was lucky ; he was only competing against Lisa Galivant of Hufflepuff and Miranda Corner of Ravenclaw, as Slytherin was getting a new Seeker that year.

Albus sat with his team at tiffin, although he did n't eat much. Georgia continued talking about everything they 'd need to have sex for the try-outs. The early Gryffindors kept coming up to him and wishing him destiny. All Albus could manage to do was nod and muttering 'thanks'.

In an exertion to proceed order of magnitude on the Quidditch slant, the headmaster had banned the rest of the students from watching the try-outs. Albus was very grateful of this and was kind of relieved when Sakartvelo finally announced that they should leave for the pitch. Albus 's friends wished him luck and he left the Great entrance hall following James.

The pass to the pitch was quiet. Georgia had stopped her running comment on the strategy of the rest of the Hogwarts Quidditch players and everyone else seemed to agnize they were more queasy than they thought.

Albus took a late breath as he entered the pitching and adjusted his ling on his shoulder. He tried to mean incontrovertible mentation and followed his team onto the pitch shot. Then, he stopped in his tracks and felt his jaw free fall to the ground.

Standing in the midsection of the pitch, next to professor Oteski, Longbottom, Slughorn, Patil, and polo, was none early than teddy lupin. Standing with Teddy and the professors were Oliver wood and Tyler state highway, the Head Boy from Albus 's number 1 year.

`` What 's chemise doing here ? '' James whispered.

`` No melodic theme, '' Albus whispered back, wondering the same affair. Why was Teddy there ? He had n't mentioned anything over the summer about doing anything at Hogwarts that year.

Albus stood with his squad and looked at the rest period of the students who were trying out. The Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff players were already there. Amongst the Ravenclaws were Kate Waverly, the Keeper ; Natalie line, Damien Waverly, and Dan Burke, the Chasers ; Zack Valentino and Allie Davis, the Beaters ; Miranda street corner, the seeker. Their entire team was trying out, like the Gryffindor team.

The Hufflepuffs had a few less players trying out. Their Keeper, sixpence Royce was there, along with Anna Reilly and Shawn Ames, the Chasers. One of their Beaters, Andy Kaper was there. Albus remembered that their former Beater had graduated the previous year. Lisa Galivant, their seeker, was there as well, looking determined.

The Slytherins showed up a few minutes later. Leading them was their new maitre d'hotel, Ferris Henry Fielding, who was a pursuer. His fellow Chasers were Peyton Haines and Hailey Odele. Their left over Beater, Talan Flint, glared at the Gryffindor team as he walked by.

Professor Oteski gazed around the sales pitch and then looked at his lookout man. He said something to the four heads of houses and then cleared his throat. Albus stopped watching the Slytherins and turned to Oteski.

`` I think everyone 's here now, '' Oteski began, `` first, I want to inclose you to your drumhead maitre d' and your supporter Captains. Oliver Sir Henry Joseph Wood, formerly of Puddlemere United, has agreed to captain the team. ``

There was a very loud round of drinks of hand clapping and a few pennywhistle from the crowd of students. Albus grinned and clapped until the applause began to quiet down.

`` And your Assistant senior pilot are former students you probably all think of. Teddy lupin, former seeker and senior pilot of the Gryffindor squad, and Tyler Pike, former Seeker and Captain of the Ravenclaw squad will be your Assistant Captains. ``

Albus clapped hard plenty to pretend his handwriting suffering. He had no thought Teddy was going to help oneself run the Hogwarts team ! slip must have had a intemperately time keeping that a secret over the summer.

`` You will all try out this afternoon and I, along with your master and heads of houses will make the decisions tonight. The final lean of the team as well as the reserve role player will be posted in your vernacular rooms tardy tomorrow.

`` Now, I thought we 'd set about with the Seekers. Everyone else please go sit in the stands. ``

Albus and the huge majority of the crew drifted towards the stands. James, Lisa, and Miranda remained in the pitch. Miranda was a one-third year and Lisa was a fourth year. Albus thought James had a pretty in effect prospect of making the squad. He had beaten both of the other Seekers numerous times.

Albus paid some attention to James 's try-out, but mostly he was thinking about his own try-out. Eventually, James and the early searcher finished and Oteski called for the keeper. Georgia practically ran down to the rake, followed by the other two Keepers. Albus watched and he was pretty confident Georgia would seduce the team as well. After Georgia returned with a vast smile on her nerve, Oteski called the Beaters down. Albus 's cousin, Omar Bradley, as well as Ryan O'Malley did well with their try-out, but so did the other Beaters.

Finally, Oteski announced for the Chasers to enter the pitching. Albus stood up with his first cousin, Heather and Fred, and walked nervously down to the pitch. shimmy flashed him a smiling as he entered the pitch.

There were ten other Chasers besides Albus ; the worst opportunity of all the positions to get a patch on the team.

`` Ok, I want everyone to fly around the pitch a few metre, '' King Oliver Wood announced.

Albus mounted his broom and flew into the air. His spunk seemed to tranquillize down as he felt the hint blowing against his facial expression. Just think of it as another Quidditch match, he thought as he flew amongst the former pursuer hopefuls.

The view of try-outs being like a Quidditch match carried Albus through the whole try-out. He was still nervous and did send packing a few Quaffles, but all in all, it was n't as bad as he thought it would sustain been. The eternal sleep of the chaser had dropped a few Quaffles as well. Albus still was n't certainly he 'd stool the team, but at least he had n't made a fool of himself.

`` Everyone did great, '' Oliver Wood said at the end of the try-out, `` We 'll work our determination and post the team leaning tomorrow. I 'll be seeing some of you really soon. ``

The group started to disband and teddy bear made his way towards the Gryffindor team.

`` Teddy ! '' Georgia shouted, `` I ca n't believe you might be my headwaiter again ! How in the name of Falco columbarius did you keep this a secret ? ``

Teddy shrugged. `` Honestly, I 'm not even for certain. I guess I kind of liked knowing something you lot did n't. ``

Peach State groaned. `` Oh, shut it, shimmy. ``

`` You all did really well, though, '' Teddy grinned.

`` Yeah, but there 's so many other Chasers, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Al, even if you do n't make it, you 're a glorious Chaser and you 'll still have the house Quidditch. That 's still going on during this whole matter. ``

`` Oi, Teddy ! '' Tyler Pike called, `` Get a movement on, we 've got to discuss the team ! ``

`` I 'll see you later, Al, everyone else, '' Teddy waved as he left.

Albus left the delivery with the eternal rest of his squad, who were all talking animatedly about the highlighting of the try-outs. Albus was thrilled that Teddy was going to be one of the captain and it made him trust for a spot on the squad even more than he had before.

Albus and the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team were greeted by rowdy applause when they returned to the common elbow room. Albus thought it was kind of premature, since none of them were actually on the team yet, but it was still Nice. Rose, matte, and Amanda were sitting at their usual table and Albus went over to them.

`` How was the try-out ? '' lustrelessness asked immediately.

`` Better than I thought, '' Albus replied as he sat down, `` I think I have a slight chance of making it. ``

`` That 's secure, '' Matt grinned.

`` Oh, and Teddy 's one of the captains ! '' Albus told them.

`` Really ? '' Rose said, `` Who are the others ? ``

`` Tyler Pike, the straits Boy from our first yr, and Joseph Oliver Wood- ''

`` can is going to be thrilled when he finds that out, '' flatness interrupted.

Albus grinned. Oliver Wood had gone to Slughorn 's Christmas political party in their first year and John the Evangelist had given him a Quaffle to sign. lavatory was a big supporter of Oliver Mrs. Henry Wood and Puddlemere United.

`` Where is John anyway ? '' Albus asked, `` And Kaden ? ``

`` In the Marauder 's Den, '' Matt answered, `` Plotting. They 're planning on swimming in the lake tomorrow with the Giant squid. ``

`` I 'm rather afraid of what sort of plotting they 're doing, '' Rose muttered, `` If swimming requires plotting, nothing good will come up of it. ``

`` I take it you three do n't require to join them ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Definitely not, '' Amanda said.

`` Are you insane, Albus ? '' Rose raised her eyebrows, `` Of course not. ``

`` Nope, '' mat shook his question, `` I 'd rather not get in trouble this soon into the year. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` I do n't want to either. '' Albus and his friends had gotten into quite a bit of hassle, mostly because of Kaden, the previous year and Albus was hoping he 'd keep Filch 's detentions to a minimum this year.

`` The two of them are going to be in detention more often than they 're not, '' rosebush muttered.

`` That would n't surprise me, '' Albus replied. lavatory had always been the trouble-maker of Albus 's mathematical group, even before Kaden entered the prospect. And then when Kaden had arrived, nothing was going to stop him. Now whoremaster had individual to conspire with for all of his pixilated schemes.

******

Although Albus and matt flat out refused to drown in the lake with whoremonger and Kaden, the two wicked boys managed to win over them to at least spotter by the side of the lake. However, pink wine and Amanda refused to be anywhere near the lake when this took place. rosebush insisted that she needed to give the day to studying and Amanda decided to conjoin her. Albus had a intuitive feeling rosebush 's increased amount of studying had a lot to do with Linda morale, but knew better than to mention this to his cousin.

John and Kaden walked excitedly ahead of Albus and Matt on their way out of the castle the adjacent day. Albus still had no idea what exactly they were planning on doing, and for that he was grateful. If John and Kaden got caught, Albus preferred to not bang anything about it, so he could traverse his involvement.

There were a few students sitting around the lake enjoying the warm late summertime day when the male child arrived. Albus and lusterlessness chose a post underneath a heavy beech tree tree and sat back to look on the consequence unfold.

privy and Kaden grinned at each early and then pulled off their shirts and horseshoe, so they were only wearing boxershorts. A few first twelvemonth girls who were sitting near Albus and Matt giggled and began whispering to each former. Albus turned to mat and rolled his center. Matt stifled a laugh.

`` This is n't going to end well, '' Albus said.

`` But it will be entertaining to watch, '' matt laughed.

lavatory and Kaden began to obnoxiously stretch by the boundary of the H2O. Albus had a feeling they were doing it only to try and gain the attention of the few students who were n't watching them. Next, they bent down to the water and felt the temperature.

`` Bloody hell ! '' John shouted, `` It 's freezing ! ``

`` That means we 'll just jump right in ! '' Kaden announced. He turned around and walked away, and then took a ladder start into the lake. He landed with a loud dab that soaked John, who was still standing by the edge.

`` They 're mad, '' Albus grinned.

`` All right, here it goes ! '' John shouted and followed Kaden into the water, `` Falco columbarius, that 's cold ! ``

Albus laughed as John the Divine and Kaden got used to the water. The two of them were flailing around and shrieking like little lady friend. They had gained quite a few on-lookers who were standing around the lake laughing their heads off.

Albus may not have wanted to do something this loony himself, but he was having a effective time watching his friends do it. The two of them got used to the water and then began swimming around.

However, merely swimming in the blackamoor Lake was n't that exciting. Albus knew they had something else up their sleeves ( or lack thereof ) and it was only a affair of time until they put their design into action.

toilet and Kaden were just beginning to have a contest to see who could stay on underwater the longest when a long tentacle appeared out of the water a few groundwork behind them.

`` Ooo ! '' a little girl shouted, `` It 's the squid ! ``

Both John and Kaden turned around. `` Yes ! '' they both shouted at the Saame time, `` The squid has arrived ! ``

Albus watched as John and Kaden swam towards the tentacle, wondering what form of torment they were going to inflict upon the squid. He did n't think the squid was particularly dangerous, but who knew what it would do if it was provoked.

Saint John and Kaden treaded weewee on either side of the tentacle and then began to vibrate it. This earned a bunch of loud gasp and Thomas More hysterical laughter from the crowd.

A few to a greater extent of the squid 's tentacles appeared out of the water and two of them smacked St. John and Kaden on their heads.

`` Hey ! '' St. John shouted and pushed the tentacle away.

Then, the squid 's head emerged from the open of the water. A few of the younger girl who were watching began to shriek and the older scholarly person laughed even harder. Albus was laughing and shaking his read/write head at the same clock time. He could n't help but laugh at his acquaintance'foolishness. They should bear known that the squid would try and tickle back. And it had more arms than can and Kaden combined.

John and Kaden grinned at each other and then swam towards the spinal column of the calamary as it rose out of the water. They grabbed onto its back and began to ride it. Albus gaped as the squid began to swim around with John and Kaden on top of it. The two of them had actually decided to drive the Giant calamary.

`` They 're idiots, '' lustrelessness commented.

Albus nodded as the squid swam finisher and finisher to the shore. The onlookers retreated and scattered as it drew nearer. Gospel According to John and Kaden both looked thrilled, until the calamary propelled them onto the shore. They landed in the forage and the squid returned into the turbid depths of the lake.

Albus jumped up and ran towards John and Kaden, followed by Matt. He squeezed his way through the crowd and looked down at his two friends.

`` Urgh, '' John groaned as he sat up, rubbing his head.

`` That was incredibly stupid, '' Albus grinned, `` And very entertaining. ``

`` Let 's do it again ! '' Kaden said excitedly as he examined his arm, which was bleeding.

`` How can you actually want to do it again when the calamari threw you five feet into the air ? '' lusterlessness asked.

`` It was fun, '' Kaden shrugged.

`` Move aside ! '' a distaff voice shouted.

The crowd immediately dispersed and people ran towards the castling and to early domain of the grounds.

Albus looked up and saw Professor Patil striding towards them. Albus groaned. He knew they would n't get away with this.

`` I 've just been informed that the two of you were riding the Giant Squid ! '' Patil shouted at Saint John and Kaden, `` Is that true ? ``

`` Er- '' John began.

`` fountainhead ... '' Kaden said.

`` Of line it is ! '' Patil replied, `` Look at you ! I 'm very disappointed ! I thought it was a given not to swim in that lake and the fact that you provoked the squid ... '' she shook her caput, `` Well, you two will want to go to the infirmary Wing and then I 'll assign you detention. ``

John and Kaden stood up and nodded. The bang that had been on their faces just present moment before, was completely gone.

`` And what about you two ? '' Patil said to Albus and matte, `` Were you involved ? I see you 're both dry, but I 've noticed that the four of you are always getting in trouble together. ``

`` They did n't do it, Professor, '' Kaden announced.

`` Yeah, '' John agreed, `` They did n't even bed what we were going to do. ``

Albus felt a upsurge of gratitude for his booster, especially Kaden. Just a yr ago, Kaden had been getting all four of them in trouble for things only he had done. Now, he was actually telling teacher that Albus was n't involved. True, Albus had n't been involved, but it was the principle of it.

Patil nodded. `` All right. Mr. Brickston, Mr. Dursley, you 'll need to follow me. Mr. Potter and Mr. Eckerton, you may return to your common room. ``

Albus did n't need to be told twice. He and matte took off towards the rook and once they were out of hearing of Patil, started talking about trick and Kaden 's adventure.

`` I think the two of them could single handedly cause the destruction of the intact castle, '' Albus laughed.

`` It 's only a issue of when they 'll do it, '' Matt smirked, `` Let 's see, Kaden 's already tormented the Whomping willow tree, and now they 've tormented the goliath Squid. What 'll be next ? ``

`` Filch 's new cat ? '' Albus suggested.

`` Filch would love that, '' lusterlessness replied.

At some degree in between the end of the terminal year and the start of this one, Filch had obtained another cat. Albus had heard level about his former cat, Mrs Norris, from his parents, aunts, and uncles, but had never actually met her. She had died before Albus was born. Apparently Filch had been so overpower by grief that he had n't gotten another one, until now.

The new cat, Josie, was a offspring sprightly kitten, whose only resemblance to Mrs. Norris was her unearthly power to situate scholar who were breaking formula. All the students took an immediate dislike to Josie and turned in the other guidance when they saw her small orange dead body emerge from around the corner.

People were already talking about Gospel According to John and Kaden 's swim in the lake when Albus and matt entered the Gryffindor usual room. Albus had a touch it would be hebdomad before anyone forgot about it.

Albus and matte spotted Rose and Amanda and sat down at their mesa. It was spread with legion record and rolling of parchment and quills. The exclusively early table that rivaled its amount of books was the one Linda Morales was sitting at.

`` I take it you 've heard about St. John the Apostle and Kaden 's incident with the calamari ? '' Albus asked.

`` turn and pieces, '' rosiness muttered without looking up.

Albus and lusterlessness launched into the entire story and Amanda was in stitches by the time they finished.

`` Those two are going to be expelled if they 're not careful, '' rosiness said as she frantically scribbled something onto a ringlet of parchment.

Albus looked curiously at his cousin. Rose had always been a stickler for homework, but never had he seen her this obsessed with it unless it was right wing before the end of condition examination. And this was only the first hebdomad of school.

`` rose, why do n't you contract a good luck ? '' Albus suggested. He was actually kind of worried about her. studying was estimable, but too much was variety of unhealthy.

`` Ca n't, '' pink wine muttered, `` My Potions essay is only a curl and a half of parchment. ``

Albus gaped at her, `` Rose, you do know that Slughorn only wants a half a axial motion, right ? ``

Rose nodded. `` Yeah, but Janie said that Linda 's essay is already two whorl. So I 've got to make mine at least that long. ``

`` Rose, '' Albus sighed, `` Your essay does n't cause to be longer than Linda 's. ``

`` Yes, it does, '' rose insisted.

Albus sighed and sat back in his death chair. He knew it was a lost drive. His cousin had that determined look in her eyes and Albus knew there was no convincing her that she did n't take to be so competitive with Linda.

`` I think she subject area so much because she does n't really have any friends here, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` What ? '' Albus looked at her incredulously. At any given moment, Linda was surrounded by at least five early people. She was easily the most democratic of all the Australian bookman. `` Look at her ! She 's got eight people talking to her at once ! ``

Amanda groaned. `` They 're not her friends. They just think she 's pretty. She does n't even want them around. They do all the talking. All she does is sit there and written report. Plus, ever notice how she 's never around any of the early Aussie scholar ? ``

Albus looked at Linda again. Amanda was right. Linda was n't actually talking to any of the student around her. And come to think of it, he had n't seen her talk to any of the other Australian scholar either. `` wonderment why that is ? ``

Amanda shrugged. `` well, all the other Aussie scholarly person are a lot older than her. All her friends are probably still in Australia. ``

`` She could befriend any of those fellow near her, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Again, they 're only there because they think she 's pretty, '' Amanda sighed, `` But she 's really really quiet. Her first night here, she did n't say a word in the dorm room. Now, Janie 's really the merely one she talks to. I mean, being shy is one thing, but never talking at all ? ``

Albus turned to Linda once again. It was kind of odd for her never to talk to anyone, besides the teachers. It was like the alone thing she wanted to do was study. Her obsession with homework seemed to be ten prison term that of Rose 's and Albus was n't certainly if Rose could keep up.


A/N : Big thanks to PotterCast for giving me the musical theme for the giant calamari incident ! The claim for this chapter was also made up by PotterCast. It 's used in one of their consultation with J.K. Rowling podcasts.

As common, thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and all the awesome masses who have read and reviewed this history !

Also, I am yet again doing NaNoWriMo, so if I 'm ever late on updates or seeming to take a farsighted meter to answer reviews, that 's why !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


John and Kaden returned to the park elbow room an minute or so later, completely healed and scolded. They had a week 's worth of custody with Filch and L points taken from Gryffindor. The early Gryffindors had been congratulating Gospel According to John and Kaden on their nerve and folly until they heard about the points. After that, Gospel According to John and Kaden were glared at and ignored by their house-mates.

The boys joined pink wine and Amanda in their studying once the exhilaration died down. All of the boys had neglected their homework over the weekend.

Albus tried to digest on his Potions essay, but he could n't. The list of who made the Hogwarts Quidditch squad was going to be up within the side by side few hour. Albus kept stealing coup d'oeil at the message board as if the list would suddenly appear there.

It did n't aid that assorted members of the Gryffindor Quidditch squad were coming up to Albus and trying to get his opinion of whether they made the team or not. How was he supposed to bang if they made the squad ? He was the youthful one trying out. If anyone was going to be asking about whether they made the squad, it should be Albus.

Would it even be that bad if Albus did n't hit it ? He was n't surely. He did want to stimulate the team. He wanted that more than than anything, but at the Lapp clock time, he knew it was going to be a lot of work and quite nerve wracking. It would be a swelled deal than playing for Gryffindor, that was for sure. The entire schooling would be watching his chasing skills and hoping he would win. Albus loved playing Quidditch, but if he was fair with himself, he did n't like a altogether lot of people watching him. Making the Hogwarts team would ensure that hundreds of masses would be watching him.

Albus managed to spell about half his essay before dinner party, but he did n't think it was very sound. Oh, well, he thought. One failed essay would n't matter in the long run.

He went down to dinner with his friends, but did n't participate much in their conversations. In fact, he was probably as quiet as Linda.

Albus glanced up at the staff table. His eyes rested upon prof Oteski, who was deep in conversation with a grey-haired Auror who had been assigned to patrol Hogwarts for the week. Oteski had probably already decided on the team. Albus hoped he 'd travel rapidly up and post the list.

`` Albus ! '' GA nearly collided with Albus on his trek back up to the Gryffindor mutual way after dinner party, `` The leaning is posted ! '' Georgia turned around and sprinted back to the common room.

Albus took a bass breather and his philia sped up. This was it, he thought. Within a few mo, he 'd recognize whether he made the team or not.

There was a large bunch around the message circuit card when Albus entered the elbow room. James burst out of the crowd with a huge grinning on his face.

`` I made it ! '' he shouted, `` I 'm the Hogwarts searcher ! ``

The total common way burst into hand clapping. Albus grinned through his nerves and patted his Brother on the back.

`` What about me ? '' Albus whispered to James, `` Did I make it ? ``

`` tone for yourself, '' James grinned and pushed him towards the subject matter board.

`` I do n't remember I can, '' Albus sighed. This was unfit than finis year when he tried out for the Gryffindor team.

`` You have to, '' John insisted.

Albus took a deep breath and squeezed his way through the crew. He closed his eyes and then stared at the list.

Keeper- Georgia Weasley, Gryffindor, 7th year.

That did n't storm Albus in the to the lowest degree. In fact, he would have been shocked if Georgia had n't made the team. No curiosity she looked so excited when she ran into Albus.

Chaser- Damien Waverly, Ravenclaw, 7th year.
Chaser- Anna Reilly, Hufflepuff, 7th year.
Chaser- Ferris Fielding, Slytherin, 7th year.

Albus felt a wave of disappointment overcome him. He had n't made it. All the other pursuer were seventh years, and police captain of their respective family teams at that. Why had he thought he 'd be able to compete with them ?

He continued to translate the list. There were still the military reserve players after all.

Beater- Andy Kaper, Hufflepuff, 5th year.
Beater- Allie Dwight Filley Davis, Ravenclaw, 4th year.

So, King James was n't going to be the solitary one who was n't a seventh year on the squad. That was good. But still, almost of the team were seventh yr. All the team headwaiter made the team. That made sense. As captain, they were most in all probability the best Quidditch role player in the school.

Seeker- William James ceramicist, Gryffindor, 4th year.

Reserve player

Keeper- Kate Waverly, Ravenclaw, 5th year.

Kate would be felicitous, Albus thought. She had been Albus 's dueling captain death year. She was overnice and Albus was happy she at least got to be the reserve Keeper.

Chaser- Hailey Odelle, Slytherin, 7th year.
Chaser- Albus potter, Gryffindor, 3rd year.

Albus gaped at the listing. He blinked and read it again, just to micturate indisputable his eyes were working properly. They were. He, Albus Severus Potter, was one of the reserve pursuer ! Suddenly, the disappointment was gone and Albus felt as happy as he would have if he made the habitue squad. Reserve was easily than cypher after all. Plus, there would n't be as much pressure.

Beater- Talan Flint River, Slytherin, 5th year.
Seeker- Lisa Galivant, Hufflepuff, 4th year.

Albus turned around and walked back to where his brother and friends were gathered.

`` I 'm a reserve chaser, '' he announced.

`` See ! '' Henry James grinned, `` Told you you 'd spend a penny it ! ``

`` wellspring, I 'm not actually on the team, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Yeah, you are, '' James contradicted, `` Did n't you take at the bottom where it said the reserve players have to go to practices and everything ? ``

`` Er, no, '' Albus shrugged sheepishly. He had n't noticed much after his own name.

`` Well, that 's what it said, '' James continued, `` starting time exercise is on Saturday. ``

Albus tried to shape on his Potions essay later that evening, but it was no use. The common room was in the midst of a party that usually only followed a striking win at Quidditch. Georgia, King James I, and eventually Albus were thrown into the throng of it and he quickly gave up on his essay. No one else, besides Rose and Linda, was working on homework and Albus figured it would be pointless to even try. Maybe Slughorn would n't take enough metre to even get to Albus 's essay due to the distance of Rose 's and Linda's.

******

In fact, the rest of the hebdomad was much like that night in the Gryffindor common way. Albus seemed to draw attending wherever he went. On his way to class, in stratum, even on his way to the bathroom, people came up to him and congratulated him. student who he had never even talked to before were telling him what a superb Chaser he was. All in all, he was kind of shocked at the altogether matter. It 's not like he was one of the main Chasers on the team.

Albus 's protagonist were form of enjoying the unanimous thing. They were kind of attracting attention by association. lav and Kaden were already known as 'those Gryffindor fella who rode the whale squid'and now had the tally celebrity of being some of Albus 's closest friends. rose seemed oblivious to the whole thing and devoted more fourth dimension than ever to studying. Matt and Amanda seemed to wish they would n't attract so much attention.

eve Lily and Victor Hugo were attracting tending by being the sister and cousin of the Hogwarts Seeker. Albus 's fame paled in comparison to James 's. James had a group of admirers following him all the time. Lily and Hugo told anyone they could that they were the sister and first cousin of James. Ashtyn, lav 's Sister, told everyone she was the babe of one of the blighter who rode the Giant Squid and that her buddy was Friend with Albus.

John and Kaden had nightly hold with Filch and both boy came back quietly cursing Filch every evening. Apparently the caretaker was as ruthless as ever with his detentions.

The detention was n't the only thing Gospel According to John earned from his stumble into the lake either. On Monday first light, he was blessed with a Howler from his mother. Instead of running into the Entrance Asaph Hall like most students did with their Howlers, Gospel According to John opened it at the Gryffindor mesa and the entire room, including the teacher, listened to whoremonger 's mum screaming at the top of her lungs about how dullard he had been. John Lackland said it was worth it, though, and was n't fazed at all by the Howler.

Albus was relieved when the week was finally over. He was hoping that the upheaval of the Hogwarts Quidditch team being picked would die down over the weekend.

On Sat afternoon, Albus left his Friend in the common room and walked with Georgia and James to the Quidditch pitch.

Joseph Oliver Sir Henry Wood, Tyler Pike, and Teddy were already there, along with a few of the team appendage. Albus stood with Georgia and James as they waited for the rest period of the team to read up.

`` First, I 'd like to say congratulations, '' Oliver announced once everyone arrived, `` You are now the Hogwarts Quidditch squad. I 'm Oliver wood and I will be your captain. teddy bear and Tyler are here to help.

`` Now, I know regular Quidditch is still going on, so we 'll have to make for around each house 's practice docket. I 've looked at those and I think Saturday afternoons will work best for exercise. For now, we 'll stick with once a week practice and increase if necessary.

`` I thought we 'd start by doing a few exercise, just so everyone can get used to playing with each other. I know it 'll be an adjustment, since you usually compete against the other sign of the zodiac, not make for on the same team as them. ``

An adjustment was an understatement, Albus thought. As the practice session progressed, it became apparent that it was extremely difficult to act with appendage of other houses. Albus found that it was inherent aptitude to try and stay fresh the Quaffle away from his fellow Chasers rather than to cash in one's chips it to them.

Natalie Wood, Teddy, and Tyler tried to get everyone to exercise together, but Albus thought it would take more than one practice. Everyone was rather subdued by the time the practice ended. Nobody had been able to act upon together, except for Saint James and Lisa. The two of them actually cooperated. But the Chasers and Beaters in particular had a hard sentence working together. Ferris Fielding, Hailey Odelle, and Talan Flint left the pitch muttering about how they could n't work with 'bloody Gryffindors'.

Sir Henry Wood looked ready to scream and bemuse thing by the time everyone left. He was whispering to Teddy and Tyler as Albus left with King James and Georgia.

`` That was a cataclysm, '' Georgia groaned on their way back to the castle.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` I do n't know how this is going to work. ``

`` It 's got to work, '' James said adamantly, `` I mean, Lisa and I practiced just alright with each other. Why ca n't everyone else ? ``

`` It 's Fielding and Odelle, '' Albus muttered, `` They would n't pass anyone else the Quaffle ! It 's like they 're trying to turn out they 're the best chaser ! ``

`` Well, they 're moron, then, '' James said, `` And they better stop if they want to actually win this. ``

Albus definitely agreed with that. Fielding and Odelle certainly were n't acting like squad players. Fielding had actually pushed Albus out of the way in ordination to get the Quaffle before him.

Albus felt rather depressed about the practice for the rest of the day. It seemed that the firm contention really were awful. Albus would be the 1st to admit that the disliked Slytherin and certainly was n't lining up to become honorable friends with any of them, but he was willing to put the contention behind him for the sake of the Quidditch tourney. But it did n't seem like many other fellow member of the team wanted to do so.

Luckily for Albus, the renown of being a backlog player on the squad seemed to decrease during the next workweek. He was able to catch up on his homework and spend time with just his friends, without anyone else following him.

Of course, spending fourth dimension with rose wine was beginning to be senseless. Albus could n't think back the last meter he 'd had a real conversation with her or seen her without a leger give in strawman of her.

`` rose wine, you 've got to devote it a relief, '' Albus said the following Saturday. He was sitting in the park way, killing meter before the indorsement Quidditch pattern. `` No one can possibly study this much. ``

`` I can, '' Rose muttered as she read, `` Linda can. She studies at night. I woke up in the middle of the night and saw her recitation. I do n't think she sleeps. I 've heard her sneek out in the middle of the night before. I think she goes into the usual room and studies. ``

Albus stared at rosiness. He had never seen her like this. Usually Rose was rational. `` blush wine, I 'm serious. Take a faulting. ``

`` No, '' blush wine said adamantly.

Albus sighed and got up to go to practice. He was really worried about rose wine. Unfortunately, Quidditch practice did nil to plagiarise his tone. The recitation was another disaster.

`` All right, all rightfield ! '' Wood shouted and motioned for everyone to fly down.

Albus landed next to James and looked at Wood. He was looking very very arse and determined.

`` We 've had two practice session, '' Sir Henry Joseph Wood began to stride, `` Two practice and you 're still flying like you 're a team comprised of five-year-olds. Five-year-olds who do n't get along. I 'm pallid of it. I agreed to captain the team because I thought you 'd be the beneficial of Hogwarts 's Quidditch players. The single who could someday play professionally. But I 've been sorely disappointed.

`` The sign rivalries are disrupting your playacting. I 've got as lots Gryffindor pride as the next Gryffindor, but I would put that aside if I had gotten the opportunity to do this piece I was in school. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. You realize that there will be spotter for professional teams at these matches ?

`` In real life, you 're going to ingest to turn with multitude you do n't like. So you 'd ameliorate get used to it. All I have to say is that if you do n't shape up and put the petty bickering aside, I will not waver to kick you off the team. I 'll move over you a workweek to do it. If any of you are still fighting next Saturday, you 're off the team. Practice is over. ``

No one said a parole as they filed out of the pitching. Albus thought Wood 's oral communication had been ripe. He was sick of the scrap as well. He 'd put the rivalries aside for the sake of Quidditch. After all, Albus was on the same dueling team as Scorpius Malfoy and they acted civilly towards each other. Albus wondered if the Australian and New House of York teams had had this many military issue with getting along. He had n't watched any of their practices, but Peach State had. She said both team were incredibly good.

******

`` I ca n't direct it anymore ! '' Rose shouted as she slammed her book down on the table, which startled Matt out of his homework and impending full moonlight induced slumber.

Albus and his friends were in the vulture 's Den, working on the plethora of preparation they had been assigned on that particular Monday. Albus, who had been watching Rose acquire steadily to a greater extent tense and snappish over the past few days, knew it was only a subject of time before she cracked.

`` Er, Rose, are you ok ? '' Albus asked tentatively.

`` No ! '' Rose shouted so loudly that Matt winced and rubbed his head. `` I 'm not ok ! I ca n't take it ! I just ca n't ! Nothing I do is good enough, zip ! I just ca n't beat her. She got a gamey grade on that Potions essay and she answered more questions in Transfiguration today. Not to name the fact that she does n't look like she 's going to fall asleep at any moment, like toilet was so sort to point out about me earlier. '' Rose glared at John.

John shrugged. `` Well, you do .... ''

`` I know ! '' rose wine shouted.

Albus looked at his cousin. She did look quick to fall asleep at any instant. Her eyes had purple handbag under them and were bloodshot. Combine that with the fact that she was nearly in split, and she looked painful. In fact, she looked an terrible lot like lusterlessness did.

`` rosiness, '' Amanda said quietly, `` You do n't have to beat her at everything. ``

`` But I do ! '' pink wine wailed, `` I do n't even hump why, but I do ! ``

`` Look, '' Amanda continued, `` She 's from Australia. They might learn stuff in a different order of magnitude down there. Maybe she 's already learned this. But eventually, we 'll get to something she has n't learned and then maybe she wo n't beat you. ``

`` Maybe, '' rosiness sighed and poked mat, `` flatness ! Do you know what they 're learning in Australia now ? Amy went there, did she tell you ? ``

Matt groaned and glared at rose. `` No, how would I know ? Amy went there years ago. '' He stood up and walked slowly over to his bed and collapsed onto it.

`` Did I say something ? '' rosebush asked.

Albus sighed, `` You just woke him up. Do you even know what tomorrow is ? ``

`` Tomorrow ? '' rose wine asked, `` What 's meaning about tomorrow ? Oh, we 've got a Defense essay due ! I have to edit mine ! ``

`` No, '' Albus groaned, `` Tomorrow 's the full moonlight. ``

rosebush froze. `` Oh, Merlin. I had n't even realized. ``

`` I figured, '' Albus said, `` hear, you 're not doing anymore preparation tonight. ``

`` But I need to edit- ''

`` No, '' Albus said, `` You need a good luck. ``

`` Albus is right, '' Amanda agreed and took Rose 's atomic reactor of books away, `` You 're not studying for the residue of the nighttime. ``

`` Uh, ok, '' rose wine smiled nervously, `` I can do that. I mean, what 's the worst that can pass off ? ``

Rose did n't seem to know what to do with herself. Albus found it hard to concentrate on his own prep as he watched rose wine pace around the room, trying to compute out something to do. Eventually, she settled on helping Kaden with his Transfiguration of Jesus essay. Albus and Amanda exchanged glance at this, but neither of them said anything since rose was n't technically doing any preparation. She was merely helping Kaden.

Albus, Matt, John, and Kaden wrap up spending the nighttime in the Marauder 's Den. Matt had been so sound asleep by the sentence curfew arrived, that no one wanted to inflame him up nor did anyone want to give him there alone. Albus certainly did n't mind. He liked spending the nighttime there. It gave him a sorting of connecter with his grandfather.



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and all the amazing hoi polloi who have read and reviewed this !

Here 's the Weasley household Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, to help everyone prevent track of them.
Wealsey-Potter-Dursley Family Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 19 Stanley, 18 GA, 7th year
Gabriella, 7th year Heather, 6th year Bradley, 5th year
Ben, 4th twelvemonth Mark, 5th twelvemonth Cedric, 4th year
Eddie, 7 twelvemonth old Samantha & Lindy ( Twin ), 8 years old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 6th twelvemonth Rose, 3rd yr James River, 4th year
Angie, 10 yr old Hugo, 1st class Albus, 3rdd year
Lily, 1st year

Dudley-Christina ( Muggle )
Kaden- 2nd year
Bethany- 8 years old

*all in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


blush wine handed in her unedited essay to Balladanis the succeeding break of day. Albus did notice her scribbling some terminal second prison term onto it as Balladanis collected the essays.

Defense Against the dark arts continued to be the strangest class in Albus 's docket. Balladanis expressed such a strong dislike for the dark arts that he started nearly every form with a stern lecture about why they were learning justificative tour and why the darkness liberal arts were bad. His eyes tended to rest on Matt and for some odd ground, Linda, whenever he gave these talking and Albus got the opinion it made mat extremely uncomfortable. Albus could n't blame him. He certainly would n't want to be under the instructor 's eye like that.

Albus could n't really say whether he enjoyed Balladanis 's family or not. It had been nearly a month since the term started, but Albus still did n't know whether he liked the course of instruction or not. It was definitely different than when his dad taught. Balladanis was exacting, but a right teacher.

The rest of the day went by quickly. Albus listened to St. John the Apostle tease Rose during Herbology since she was fretting about her Defense essay. antediluvian Runes was rather deadening and Albus doodled idly on his notes while Matt fell asleep on his. charm was rather fun since they worked on Cheering appeal and Albus left the room grinning profusely, along with most of the early class. mat in specific looked strange with a immense grinning across his picket fatigued face.

Matt left for the screech Shack shortly after dinner party and Albus went to the Marauder 's Den with his friends where they distracted rose wine from her studying by playing Wizard 's Chess.

The following day Albus truly began to earn how busy his third year schedule was. For the retiring two years, he and his friend almost always had fourth dimension to visit Matt in the Hospital Wing in between category. This year, however, they did n't give time until after dinner. Albus was positively exhausted by that period, as he had stayed up belatedly working on homework the dark before, and still had Dueling Club practice afterwards. Lynley Maxwell Anderson, the fourthly year Hufflepuff who had replaced Kate as captain, had insisted that the unharmed team attend that meeting, as it was the outset one and there were new moment years on the squad. Kaden was n't put on Albus 's squad, but he was put on John 's team, much to the delight of both boys.

Hectic was really the alone way to distinguish Albus 's life at Hogwarts. As September turned into Oct, it only got busier. Gryffindor Quidditch team exercise picked up again and along with Hogwarts Quidditch practices and Dueling society practices, Albus hardly had anytime to rest.

The Hogwarts Quidditch team was shaping up nicely after wood 's ass monition during the second practice. That and the fact that they now practiced on both Tuesdays and Saturdays. Even the Slytherin team penis were beginning to work together. They did n't really acknowledge their mate outside of pattern, but Albus did n't like as long as they got along with everyone during practice.

Albus was really starting to enjoy the Hogwarts Quidditch squad. He was actually beginning to wish he could flirt in the first compeer, which would be taking shoes towards the end of Oct.

`` First Hogsmeade weekend ! '' John said excitedly to Albus one Friday even as Albus was trying to catch up on his prep. Kaden was standing next to him. Albus guessed they had just returned from Dueling Club practice.

`` When ? '' Albus asked without looking up.

`` Oct 27th, '' John grinned, `` Ca n't hold off ! ``

`` Yeah, it 'll be brilliant, '' Albus agreed, hoping he would n't ingest too much prep to go.

`` That 's not all, either, '' John went on, `` There 's a Halloween political party that night. ``

`` You mean the Halloween fiesta ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, there 's an factual party ! '' John said, `` But it 's not on Halloween, it 's on the 27th. It 's because of the Tournament. So we can commix with the extraneous students. Or at least that 's what the card on the notice display board says. ``

Albus nodded. He really had n't had that much contact with the strange pupil. Sure, he 'd seen them in the corridors and the common room and hooey, but that was about it. The only one who was around his age was Linda and she still did n't seem to talk to anyone.

`` And, '' John continued, `` Costumes are encouraged. ``

`` Costumes ? '' Albus asked, finally looking up.

`` Yeah, costumes, '' Saint John the Apostle grinned, `` We get to dress up ! This is going to be smart as a whip ! ``

`` What should we dress up as ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

`` We 'll picture it out later, '' John said, `` Where 's everyone else ? ``

`` pink wine and Amanda are at the library, '' Albus told him, `` And lustrelessness 's with Balladanis. ``

`` Falco columbarius, is he ever going to break up about that boggart ? '' John asked.

`` Knowing Balladanis, probably not, '' Albus said.

`` Well, let 's go to the depository library, '' whoremaster announced, `` We 've got to tell Rose and Amanda about Hogsmeade. ``

Albus was all too eager to concord to this. He was thoroughly sick of trying to enchant up on all his homework. It was good to ingest a break every now and then anyway.

Albus pushed open the room access to the library a little while later, fully expecting to see Rose up to her elbows in books furiously scribbling away on a roll of lambskin that was nearly used up. He gazed around the library and he spotted Rose 's bushy red hair and walked towards her table.

Rose was up to her elbows in homework. In fact, there were so many books on Rose and Amanda 's table that you could no longer see the actual table. What Albus was n't expecting to see was a third person at their board. Linda Morales

Albus stopped short-change a few feet from the table. He turned to look at Saint John, who looked equally shocked.

`` Is that- '' John began.

`` Linda esprit de corps ? '' Albus gaped. He blinked twice to make trusted he was n't seeing things. After all, he was quite old-hat. But even after he blinked, Linda was still sitting across from blush wine and Amanda.

All three of the girls were working quietly. In fact, none of them even seemed to notice the others.

Albus slowly walked towards the board and John followed. Albus was n't entirely sure what to say. He had n't had much interaction with Linda. Albus had hardly said howdy to her since she arrived at Hogwarts. He was n't trying to ignore her or anything ; it had just ended up that way. Linda had n't shown any very pastime in making Quaker with Albus or any of his friends. Yet here she was, doing preparation at the same mesa as rosebush of all citizenry. Albus had n't the svelte thought why either.

`` Rose, '' Albus whispered once they arrived at the table.

Rose startled and then looked up at Albus. `` What ? I 'm trying to study ! ``

`` Can I talk to you ? '' Albus glanced at Linda, `` Alone ? ``

Rose sighed loudly. `` Fine, but stool it quick. ``

Albus led his cousin over to a desert area of the subroutine library. St. John the Apostle took Rose 's vacated seat and began to whisper to Amanda about the Hogsmeade visit.

`` All right, what is it ? '' blush wine asked once they were alone.

`` Could n't assist but notice that you were studying with Linda ... '' Albus 's voice trailed off. He really did n't know what he wanted to say to climb about it.

`` Oh, well ... '' rosebush began, `` I guess I just realized I was being stupid in trying to vie with her. ``

Albus smirked, `` Yeah, you were. But I told you that loads of prison term and you did n't listen. ``

Rose sighed. `` I know. Amanda 's the one who convinced me to halt trying to compete with her. She said Linda would jazz a lot about Australian wizarding history and I could learn a lot from her if I stopped with the competition thing. ``

Of course of action, Albus thought. Appealing to rose wine 's dearest of learning would definitely work on. Although he had n't really been trying to have Rose and Linda become champion. He just wanted Rose to ease up on the studying.

`` I guess, if you ca n't beat 'em, you might as well join 'em, '' rosebush shrugged.

`` So now you 're friends with her ? '' Albus asked.

`` That 's where it gets complicated, '' blush wine sighed, `` You see, she still does n't really talk to us. ``

`` How did you wind up studying with her then ? '' Albus was still thoroughly confused.

`` Amanda and I came in and she was sitting alone at the table, so I asked if we could join her. She just nodded and moved her Scripture over. She has n't said anything yet. ``

Albus nodded. `` I do n't think I 've heard her say anything outside of form. ``

`` Neither have I, '' Rose said, `` Amanda and I figure we 'll just be dainty to her and maybe she 'll start talking to us. ``

Albus thought that was probably a good idea. She was the competition, but even if they played against each former on the Quidditch team, that did n't mean they could n't be friends off of it. Linda seemed nice enough. Of course it was toilsome to tell since she had n't said much. And she certainly was pretty. Albus could n't deny that. Linda was n't surrounded by half the male population of Gryffindor every evening for nothing.

`` Oh, the beginning Hogsmeade visit 's on Oct 27th, '' Albus said, suddenly remembering the reason he had gone to see Rose in the first post, `` Followed by a Halloween party in the Great Hall. ``

`` That sounds like fun, '' Rose grinned, `` And maybe Linda will require to go with us. ``

`` And it 's a dress up party, '' Albus told her.

`` This could get concern, '' Rose said.

******

Albus did n't give a clue as to when he 'd actually have time to cypher out his costume for the Halloween party. John thought it would be cool if their group 's costumes coordinated, but that was the last thing on Albus 's mind.

The weekend seemed to literally fly by for Albus, meaning he was on the Quidditch pitch More than he was off it. He had heard stories about Wood 's cruelty when it comes to practice session from his dad and similar write up about chemise from his older first cousin. Having the two of them captain one team seemed to make drill that lasted nearly five hour, with short-change breaks every so often. Albus would never again complain about Georgia 's duration of practices.

Albus had a fleeting mentation that since he was a reserve player, he would n't experience to practice session as much as everyone else, but wood shaft that down during that Saturday 's practice session. He said he saw no reason for the reticence players to be any lupus erythematosus prepare for the forthcoming peer than the regular players.

It was n't that Albus did n't revel Quidditch recitation. He did, and very much so. He loved Quidditch, but too a lot of anything could run a somebody down.

Albus spent a lot of his Billy Sunday on the Quidditch pitch as well, in the midsection of a soaking rain. Georgia had scheduled Gryffindor Quidditch practice that day and she flat out refused to cancel due to rain down. James had asked. He was even more run down than Albus, since either Teddy or Tyler were constantly training the two Seekers during Hogwarts Quidditch practice.

Albus returned to Gryffindor tower after eating a late dinner with the Gryffindor squad Lord's Day eventide, realizing he had no theme what his supporter had spent the weekend doing. He had seen them on occasion, but most of his liberal time had been spent doing homework or sleeping. Two things he still had to do.

Albus grabbed his bag from his dorm and walked down to the crowded uncouth way. He saw Rose, Amanda, and Linda at one tabular array, but his other friends were no where in pot. The girls looked very absorbed in their homework, so Albus decided to go find out the vulture 's Den for his other friends.

By the sentence Albus made it to the Marauder 's Den, he felt ready for a good dozen hour sleep. Unfortunately, he still had lot of prep to do. Albus sighed to himself and opened the door to the way. He paused in the entryway, surprised to see that Matt was the sole one there.

`` Hey, mat, '' Albus said as he sat down at the table.

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' lusterlessness looked up and smiled, `` I was wondering when you 'd show up. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus said wryly, `` I never thought Georgia would end practice. ``

`` shuffle me gladiolus I 'm not on the Quidditch team, '' Matt commented.

`` Where are John and Kaden ? ``

`` Detention, again, '' lusterlessness smirked.

`` What did they do this time ? '' Albus groaned. john and Kaden had been earning quite a few detentions every week. Albus was quite glad they were n't involving him in their pranks, since he had no available meter in his schedule for detention.

`` They were levitating scroll of toilet newspaper around the corridors and charming them to hit the great unwashed in the forefront yesterday, '' lustrelessness explained, `` I think you were at Quidditch recitation. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus laughed, `` Wonder what they 're in for this time. ``

`` No estimation, '' mat said.

`` What are you doing here ? Rose and Amanda are in the common elbow room. ``

`` Yeah, I know. But they 're with Linda, '' lustrelessness muttered.

`` Oh, ok, '' Albus replied, a piffling befuddled. He still did n't quite understand why Matt did n't seem to wish Linda. Sure, she was from Australia, but lusterlessness was n't avoiding anyone else from Commonwealth of Australia. Of course, the residue of the Australian bookman were older and Matt would n't really have to avoid them.

`` John said blush wine is actually trying to become friends with Linda. ``

`` She is, '' Albus confirmed, `` She 's finally realized that it 's pointless to try and vie with Linda. ``

`` I guess that 's good, '' Matt shrugged.

John Lackland and Kaden burst into the elbow room a short patch later, successfully ending the conversation about Rose and Linda. Both of them were freely cursing Filch, who had made them clean the Entrance Hall without magic. Once they finally seemed to run out of curse word, all four son settled into doing their preparation and no one brought up the topic of Linda again. Albus still thought it was odd how matt seemed to receive taken a dislike to her, although Linda herself was rather odd, in Albus 's opinion.

pink wine and Amanda joined Linda at her mesa during Transfiguration the succeeding day. Linda had arrived before them, as always, and did n't appear to notice or care that Rose and Amanda sat on either side of meat of her.

The same matter happened in two-base hit Potions after lunch. Rose, Amanda, and Linda even worked together on that day 's potion. Slughorn had decided to give up on the inter-house pairs mind of the previous class, which Albus was very grateful for. Linda had previously worked alone on her potions because there was an odd number of people in the class, but Slughorn did n't object to all three girls working together. In fact, he seemed thrilled that the two voguish people in the class were now working with each other.

`` Ah, yes ! '' Slughorn exclaimed excitedly as he peered into their cauldron, `` Your potion is turning just the decent shade of green. ``

Albus looked up from his and Matt 's slightly brown potion and saw Slughorn gently stirring the girls'cauldron.

`` Ours is better, '' Malfoy muttered from behind Albus. He was working with Andrew Jackson Limbert, Albus 's partner from the premature year. Malfoy and Limbert were easily the two considerably Slytherin potion-brewers in the class.

Albus turned around and looked at Malfoy 's caldron. It was indeed the correct tint of green.

`` And what are you looking at, ceramicist ? '' Malfoy asked, `` Jealous that I 'm Limbert 's partner now ? I doubt your potions grade will be be that good with Eckerton as your married person. ``

`` At least I 'm partnering with him for a rationality other than trying to get a decent level, '' Albus glowered at him.

`` Yeah, well ... '' Malfoy 's articulation trailed off.

Albus smirked to himself and turned back around, happy that Malfoy could n't make out up with a good comeback.

At the end of the course of study, Slughorn announced that Rose, Amanda, and Linda 's potion had been the in force, much to Malfoy 's dismay.

`` You 'd better ascertain out at the Dueling Tournament, '' Malfoy seethed as they left the room.

`` We 're on the Saami team, Malfoy, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I was n't talking to you, '' Malfoy turned and glared at rose, Amanda, and Linda.

`` Is that a threat, Malfoy ? '' John asked loudly.

`` I think you can figure that out for yourself, Brickston, '' Malfoy said as he turned in the commission of the Slytherin common room, flanked by Limbert and Goyle.

`` He 's just jealous, '' pink wine muttered as they made their way out of the dungeons.

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed, `` But he 's a good dueler, much as I hate to intromit it. ``

`` Chances are, I wo n't even duel him, Albus, '' Rose sighed, `` And even if I do, there 's only so many spells he 's allowed to use. ``

Albus did n't bother reminding Rose about the Slytherin who used a out torment on lusterlessness in conclusion year. Albus was kind of vex about one of his admirer having to duel Malfoy. Malfoy was the solitary one Albus had ever dueled and did n't manage to ticktack. And Albus had beaten scholarly person who were two years older than he was.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awing people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


`` All right, we need to come up with a near costume mind, '' John announced the following Saturday as he flew poorly made parchment airplanes around the Marauder 's Den.

`` Definitely, '' Kaden agreed as his a great deal better parchment airplane flew gracefully over John 's head and landed softly on the couch.

`` Anyone got any ideas ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Have n't even thought about it, '' Albus muttered as he tried not to move anymore muscles than he had to. He just completed a four hour Hogwarts Quidditch practice, which mainly focused on dodging Bludgers. Unfortunately, Albus had n't dodged them all.

`` You should go see Madam Pomfrey, '' Matt told him.

`` I 've already been there twice this hebdomad, '' Albus groaned, `` If this keeps up, I 'll go against your platter. I 'm ticket, I just need quietus. Georgia canceled exercise for tomorrow because of the Dueling Tournament, so I think I 'll be mulct. ``

`` spine to the costumes, '' John said, `` I was thinking that we could be the Marauders. You know, their animal grade. ``

Albus craned his fountainhead to see toilet. John looked quite excited by this approximation. Albus had to admit that it was a pretty good melodic theme. He could affix fake antlers to his head. Or see if one of his older cousins could spiritualize some onto his head.

`` That 's brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

`` I like it, '' Albus grinned.

`` No bloody way, '' Matt said flatly, `` I am not dressing up as a werewolf in front of the entire school. ``

Albus had n't even thought about that. No, there was definitely no way matte could do that.

`` Oh, right hand, '' whoremaster sighed, `` Sorry, had n't thought about that. ``

`` How about we just dress up as the marauder in their human being pattern ? '' Albus suggested. All he 'd have to do is get a couple of round calamitous glasses and he 'd be set.

`` I do n't bed ... '' Matt said, `` Everyone knows Teddy 's dad was a werewolf. What if they realize that I 'm one, too, since I dressed up as him ? ``

`` I bet citizenry will just mean we dressed up as them because of Albus, '' Gospel According to John pointed out, `` And somebody would hold to be Moony. Might as well be you. You probably look the most like him anyway. ``

`` He does, '' Albus said.

`` See ? '' John the Evangelist replied.

`` Yeah, but still ... '' lusterlessness sighed.

`` It does n't weigh, '' Kaden said, `` Because there is no way that I am dressing up as Pettigrew unless it 's his rat manikin. ``

That Albus could definitely sympathise. `` Ok, so I guess we 're not doing the marauder thing. ``

`` Too bad, '' St. John the Apostle sighed, `` Would 've been coolheaded. ``

`` Says the fellow who would n't have to dress up as a traitor, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` And we 're back to square one, '' Albus said, `` Any early melodic theme ? ``

`` The players from Puddlemere United ? '' lavatory suggested after a few instant. `` You know, if Rose, Amanda, and Linda joined us, we 'd have got enough mass to be the full team. ``

`` Why not the carom ? '' flatness asked.

`` Because they 're fearful, '' John groaned.

`` Are not, '' Matt refuted.

`` Are to, '' John said, `` Let 's be Puddlemere. ``

`` Cannons, '' flatness said adamantly.

`` Manchester United, '' Kaden interrupted.

`` Who ? '' John and Matt said at the same time.

`` Manchester United, '' Kaden repeated, `` Football team. ``

Both John the Evangelist and Matt groaned. `` Puddlemere, '' lav said once again.

`` cannon. ``

`` Manchester. ''

`` Puddlemere. ``

`` None of them ! '' Albus shouted. He was already nettlesome due to his aching musculus and fatigue duty from Quidditch drill. The survive thing he wanted to do was take heed to his friends brabble about Quidditch and football teams.

`` Well, have you got any other ideas ? '' John the Evangelist asked.

`` Actually, yeah, '' Albus replied. lustrelessness 's quotation of not wanting to dress up as a loup-garou had sparked an mind. Albus had been mulling it over while his Quaker argued about Quidditch teams.

`` What is it ? '' Matt asked.

`` fountainhead, I kind of thought it would be neat to use Muggle costumes, '' Albus said, `` You know, we can dress up as things Muggles usually dress up as on Halloween. ``

Matt, trick, and Kaden stared at Albus for a few moments. Albus shrugged. He had thought it was a honorable estimation, but maybe his fatigue was clouding his intellection. Then, all three of his friends broke out in huge grins.

`` That 's brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted, `` No one else will think of it ! ``

`` Yeah, '' John agreed, `` We 'll be the only 1 at the party with Muggle costumes. ``

`` As long as I do n't experience to dress up as a loup-garou, I 'm fine with it, '' Matt said.

Albus grinned. `` Good. Kaden, what are some classic Muggle costumes ? ``

`` trace, witches, vampires, skeleton in the closet, ma, '' Kaden rattled off, `` Oh, and zombie spirit. Frankenstein, too. ``

Albus had no idea who Frankenstein was and he was n't in the mood to hear to Kaden explicate it, but the other melodic theme were serious. `` Who wants to be what ? '' Albus asked.

`` Matt should be a lamia, '' Kaden grinned.

`` Why 's that ? '' Albus asked.

`` Vampires and werewolves are mortal enemies, '' Kaden explained, `` At least in the Muggle existence. ``

`` In this world, too, '' flatness muttered, `` And I 'm not dressing up as a lamia. ``

`` Aw, come on, '' St. John the Apostle said.

`` No, '' flatness said adamantly, `` I 'm being a shade. The only question is, how do I make myself transparent. ``

`` Aw, no ! '' Kaden sighed, `` When Muggles dress as shade, they just put a whitened plane with eye holes over themselves. That 's what Muggles think shade are. Edward White. ``

`` Oh, that makes things gentle, '' Matt laughed, `` But seriously ? ``

`` Yep, '' Kaden laughed, `` Edward White canvas. Now, what about the rest of us ? ``

A half an 60 minutes later, everyone had settled on what they were going to dress up as. With Kaden 's help, that is. Albus, mat, and lav really had no idea as to what Muggles wore when they dressed up for Halloween. John insisted on being a lamia, much to mat 's disgust. However, can was going to be a classical Muggle vampire. The ugly, waxy, blood-stained back talk, turn into a bat type of lamia that Muggles thinking of when they heard the word 'vampire'. Albus did n't know much about vampires, but he knew they were n't completely like the I Muggles thought of.

Kaden was going to dress out up as a mummy, which was a very uncomplicated costume. All he 'd have to do was obtain a bunch of strip of white cloth. Albus said he 'd pick some up in Hogsmeade.

Albus was going to be a systema skeletale, which was the most difficult of all the costumes. He was going to buy a blackamoor long-sleeve t-shirt and a pair of black pants and then paint on bones in white paint. He was hoping Amanda would be able to serve with it. She was the only one in their group who had any artistic talent.

`` Maybe the young woman can be witches, '' Kaden suggested.

`` They are witches, '' John smirked.

`` You know what I mean, '' Kaden sighed.

`` I know, '' John grinned, `` Hey, Albus, catch ! ``

Albus snapped his eyes open just in prison term to see a Quaffle come sailplaning across the room. It hit him right in the stomach before he had a luck to overhear it.

`` Oh, ow ! '' Albus groaned and curled up, `` That 's where I got hit with a Bludger ! ``

`` Brilliant, John, '' lusterlessness sighed, `` Are you ok, Albus ? ``

Albus squeezed his eyes shut and nodded. It did anguish. It hurt a lot. A lot Thomas More than it should, he thought. He was sick of getting pelted by Bludgers during practice.

`` Albus ? '' John asked worriedly, `` merlin, I 'm sorry. I did n't think of to hit you with it. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus whispered. He inhaled sharply. Now it was getting hard to breath. This was not good.

`` Albus, you 've got to go to the Hospital Wing, '' mat announced. He walked over to Albus and helped him off the lounge. `` C'mon. ``

Albus nodded. There was no point in objecting. He knew he had to go. But honestly, three prison term in one workweek seemed excessive.

The Hospital Wing was vacate when Albus stumbled inside, being supported by Matt and bathroom, a little while later. lady Pomfrey came out of her federal agency when she heard the door exposed. She saw who it was and threw her hands up in the air.

`` You again ! '' she groaned, `` Let me guess. Quidditch ? ``

Albus nodded and collapsed onto the nearest bed.

`` wellspring, what did you injure this time ? '' the nurse asked.

`` Bludger in the stomach, '' Albus replied, not bothering to bring up that John hit him with a Quaffle as well.

madam Pomfrey clucked her clapper and waved her wand over Albus. `` Broken rib. That 's the second one this calendar week, '' she waved her wand again and pressed it to Albus 's costa. Then she bustled away to a Potions cupboard.

Albus 's tum immediately felt better and he sank back into the bed. The residual of his sinew still ached, though, and he wanted zero more than to hang asleep right there.

madam Pomfrey returned a few second later and thrust a potion into Albus 's custody. He drank it quickly and grimaced at the disgusting taste.

`` You 're staying the night, '' she announced in a quality that Albus knew not to argue with. Not that he really felt like arguing anyway. He was just too exhausted.

gentlewoman Pomfrey turned to Matt, John, and Kaden. `` You lot can return to Gryffindor. Albus needs to rest. ``

Albus 's friends said serious Night and then left the room.

`` I 'll be speaking with Professor Kendrick, '' Madam Pomfrey muttered to herself, `` Honestly, what was he thinking ? Twice the amount of Quidditch ? Twice the measure of hurt is what I say ! ``

Albus did n't induce the faintest melodic theme as to what dame Pomfrey wanted Kendrick to do, but he did n't think about it for long. exhaustion overcame him and he was asleep within minutes.

******

Albus awoke feeling better than he had in days. One feel at the clock told him why. He had slept over dozen time of day. It was just after eleven o'clock. Two hour until the Dueling tournament. Albus pulled the blanket off and started to get up.

`` Where do you mean you 're going ? '' Madam Pomfrey appeared at his bed.

`` Er, the uncouth room ? '' Albus slowly sat back down, `` The Dueling Tournament is in two hours. ``

`` Dueling ? You think I 'm going to let you duel ? '' Madam Pomfrey demanded.

`` wellspring, yeah, '' Albus muttered. Come to call back of it, he actually was n't surprised that the nursemaid was n't going to let him duel.

`` Definitely not ! '' she exclaimed, `` You 're spending the day in bed ! ``

`` Come on ! '' Albus groaned, `` Please ? '' He had to duel. He was practically the best on his team. What would Malfoy say when he did n't show up ?

`` I wo n't feature it ! '' brothel keeper Pomfrey said, `` You were utter on your feet death night ! You 're going to perch today ! ``

Albus groaned in defeat. He was going to miss the first Dueling Tournament of the class, because of a Quidditch trauma. His two favorite things to do were now conflicting with each other.

Madam Pomfrey brought a tray of breakfast, or maybe it should take in been dejeuner, for Albus a little while later. He was n't in the mood to eat, though. Why could n't he just go to the tournament ? He felt finely now.

Matt, John, Kaden, Amanda, rosebush, and for some rationality, Linda, burst into the hospital annex just as Albus was finishing up his nutrient. madam Pomfrey looked a bit taken aback at the total of visitors, but she did n't say anything.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted, `` Dueling 's in an hour. You going to be getting out of here soon ? ``

`` She wo n't let me go, '' Albus muttered.

`` What ? '' John exclaimed, `` Why not ? ``

`` She says I need to lie, '' Albus explained.

`` Honestly, it would cause surprised me if she did let you go, '' matte commented.

`` I 'll win over her, Albus, '' John the Divine announced and walked over to where Madam Pomfrey was organizing potions. `` You 've got to let Albus duel. ``

`` I do not have to do any such thing, '' she replied, not looking up.

`` But it 's Kaden 's first tournament, '' whoremaster pointed out.

`` I would n't deal if it was Merlin 's first-class honours degree tournament, I 'm not letting Albus go. ``

`` Please ? '' John the Evangelist begged.

`` No, '' she said, `` And if you do n't stop argument, I 'll make you leave. ``

John sighed and walked glumly back to Albus 's bed. `` Sorry, '' he muttered, `` And this was sort of my faulting since I threw that Quaffle at you. ``

`` No it was n't, '' Albus assured him, `` A Quaffle would n't have broke my ribs. It was that Bludger from Quidditch praxis. ``

`` But still ... '' john said.

Albus 's friend remained in the Hospital Wing until it was metre for them to go to the Dueling Tournament. It was sort of tense, and Albus could only attribute this to the fact that Linda was there. It was strange how someone who never said a word could make the residuum of Albus 's admirer to continue restrained as well.

After his protagonist left, Albus was filled with boredom. The Hospital annexe really was a drill seat, especially when you were n't actually sick or injured. Albus began to count the cracks on the roof, but lost track after 467.

It was n't until after the tournament was over that dame Pomfrey actually let Albus provide. He figured she had n't let him leave earlier since then she would 've had no way to screw he would n't go to the tournament.

Albus jumped out of bed as soon as he promised madam Pomfrey that he would n't dally Quidditch that day. He ran as fast as he could down to the dueling chamber, hoping that the tourney was still going on.

Unfortunately, student were already streaming out of the room chattering excitedly about the tourney. Albus sighed dejectedly and slumped against the wall, where he waited for his friends.

`` Hey, Albus, '' Matt said.

`` Oh, hey, Matt, '' Albus replied, `` Who won ? ``

`` My team. No thanks to me, of path. ``

`` Who 'd Malfoy duel ? '' Albus asked, thinking of his threat to blush wine and Amanda.

`` Some Slytherin sec year and a Ravenclaw fourth year, '' Matt answered.

Albus nodded, relieved that he had n't dueled either rose wine or Amanda.

`` Albus ! '' someone shouted excitedly.

Albus turned around and saw Kaden with a huge smile on his typeface. John was standing next to him, looking equally happy.

`` Hey, John, Kaden, '' Albus smiled.

`` I won one of my affaire d'honneur ! '' Kaden announced, `` I dueled a Ravenclaw and I actually beat him ! ``

`` That 's great, '' Albus told him, still wishing that he had gotten to crush a Ravenclaw. Or a Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Gryffindor.

`` But he was horribly beaten in his sec duel, '' John the Divine laughed.

`` At least I won one of them, '' Kaden smirked.

`` Yeah, yeah, '' John muttered.

`` Did you lose both ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, '' John sighed.

The boy set off for Gryffindor tower, figuring they 'd take hold of up with the girls once they were up there. Albus was eagre to see Amanda because he wanted to know how his team had done.

Amanda, Rose, and Linda were talking about the tournament when Albus entered the unwashed room. He was shocked to see that Linda was actually talking. Although, she immediately stopped when Albus and the other boys showed up.

Apparently Albus 's team had came in arcsecond place. Amanda said they were only two level behind Matt 's team, which caused Albus to wish even more that he had been there. He could have easily gotten the two distributor point they needed. Amanda said that Malfoy thought the same matter, because he shouted angrily about Albus not being there once they announced the winner. Albus was kind of amused by this. He never thought Malfoy would ever be lamenting Albus 's absence from anything.

The group, including Linda, spent the remainder of the good afternoon in the common elbow room. It was sort of odd, though. Linda did n't say a Holy Writ, yet Rose and Amanda tried to occupy her in every conversation. Matt remained almost completely tone down, whispering quietly so only Albus and John could hear what he was saying. Kaden of course did n't notice any of this and talked as loudly as he usually did. It did n't really assist that various boys kept coming up to Linda and asking her useless questions about Australia and Quidditch and respective former topics. Linda gave them very short, quiet reply. Saint John paid rapt attending to every little thing she said.

`` So, '' rosiness began, `` first-class honours degree Quidditch match in a week. Australia versus New York. Are you nervous, Linda ? ``

Albus stared at Rose. He could n't remember the last time rosebush actually brought up Quidditch in a conversation.

`` A bit, '' Linda muttered, not looking up.

`` Well, I hope you win, '' Rose smiled, `` Since Hogwarts is n't playing. ``

`` Thanks, '' Linda whispered.

Albus was looking forward to the first match. He was glad he was n't playing in it. His team would be able-bodied to assess both Australia and New York 's skill before they played either team. That was definitely good for scheme. Then when they actually played, they 'd be able to use the team 's helplessness to their reward. Grant Wood had given them specific direction to seem for helplessness in both teams. Of course, chances are Albus would n't be playing in the first of all Hogwarts match, or really any of the matches.

Albus walked down to dinner with his champion and Linda sat in between Rose and Amanda. He glanced absentmindedly at the staff table as he scooped mashed Irish potato onto his shell and noticed a new genius talking with the headmaster from Commonwealth of Australia. He was a rather curtly man, compared to Killigan, and his fount seemed to own absolutely no emotion on it. His dirty blonde hair sat level on his head and fell over his eyes. He was wearing manifestly black robes.

`` I wonder who that lad is, '' Albus said to John as he pointed at the stave table.

`` Dunno, '' John shrugged, not really seeming interested.

Rose turned to look at him. `` Probably some bloke from Australia, I 'd be guessing. I imagine a few people from Commonwealth of Australia and New York will claver to see what 's going on with the tourney. ``

`` Recognize him, Matt ? '' Albus asked.

matt looked up and then quickly turned away. `` No. ``

`` How about you, Linda ? '' rose asked.

`` No, '' Linda whispered.

Albus shrugged and returned to his dinner. It seemed like he was really the only one concern in the unfamiliar wizard at the staff mesa. Was he really only there to see the tournament ? The Quidditch match was n't for another week, so why was he there already ? Would he really be spending the whole week at Hogwarts ?

Kendrick stood up after dinner party started to twist down. Albus immediately stopped eating and paid tending. Maybe he was going to tell everyone who the unknown whizz was.

`` If I could have your care for just one instant, '' Kendrick announced, `` Thank you. When I first began to organize this rival, I always thought we would continue with the usual Hogwarts Quidditch Cup tournament like usual, but I did n't guess about what affect it would have on the thespian who would play on both their firm squad and the Hogwarts squad. ``

Albus had a feeling he knew where this was going and it had everything to do with that lecture Madam Pomfrey said she was going to have with Kendrick. Albus sank lower in his posterior and tried not to look at anyone.

`` It 's come to my attention that playing on two Quidditch squad at once is much more study than could have been anticipated. Therefore, I have decided to cancel the Quidditch Cup tourney for this class only, while the tournament is going on. ``

`` What ? ! '' Over half the room erupted in various shouts and mockery. Albus sank even downhearted in his backside. This was all his mistake. He was the one who had been to the Hospital wing so many times that week. He had gotten Quidditch canceled for the completely school.

`` Quiet down, '' Kendrick shouted, `` It 's what 's undecomposed for the instrumentalist. Plus, it 's been rather tight to squeeze in so many practices for so many teams. We only have one Quidditch pitch. With four LE teams to lodge, it 'll be easier to schedule praxis. This is my terminal word on the subject. Remember that we still have first-class Quidditch going on this year. ``

`` I should n't stimulate gone to see Madam Pomfrey close night, '' Albus muttered.

`` Albus, this is n't your fault, '' Rose assured him, `` You 're not the lonesome one who 's been injured numerous sentence. ``

That was true. Pretty much everyone on the Hogwarts team had been to see Madam Pomfrey at least once a calendar week since the start of terminal figure. So maybe it was n't all his defect. Plus, there was the programming difference on the pitch. Albus had witnessed a few combat between the house captains that certainly could n't be salutary for teamwork on the Hogwarts team.

Albus had to allow that life would be a lot well-to-do without Gryffindor team practices. Now he would only be practicing Quidditch twice a week. wellspring, Wood would probably increase it to three clock time now that Kendrick canceled the house Quidditch. But even that would be lupus erythematosus than he had been doing. He might even have an evening or two off a workweek now.

The Gryffindor team was sitting together in the unwashed room when Albus returned. Georgia immediately flagged him over.

`` I still do n't like it, '' Fred sighed, `` Now I do n't get to wager at all this year. ``

`` Yeah, well I do n't get to play for Gryffindor in my one-seventh year, but it really is for the best, '' Georgia said.

`` I 'll say, '' Jesse James agreed, `` I 'm already behind on homework and it 's only October. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus said.

`` Just imagine, Fred, '' ling began, `` Next year, one of us will be captain. ``

`` It 'll be me, '' Fred announced.

`` Really ? '' Heather raised an eyebrow.

`` Yeah, Gryffindor 's had two girl police captain recently. It 's time for another bloke. ``

Scots heather rolled her middle. `` Not if I 'm a better drawing card. ``

`` What makes you think it 'll be either of you ? '' Tom Bradley asked, `` It might be Ryan or I. We 'll be sixth years. They do n't always take seventh age. ``

`` Maybe, '' Fred replied, `` I 'm still going to miss it, though. ``

`` We could play pick-up match on the weekends, '' Ryan suggested.

`` I guess, '' Fred sighed.

Albus remained hushed for the rest period of the fourth dimension with the team. Although he did n't blame himself for the cancellation of house Quidditch, he felt guilty that he was relieved it was canceled. But almost of the squad was far from happy about it. In fact, it seemed like only James and Albus were relieved.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this write up ! You guys are awful !

Frankenstien belongs to Blessed Virgin Shelley.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was amazed at how much extra time he had now that he did not get to go to Gryffindor Quidditch practice. During the next week, he got all his homework done on metre and got a decorous amount of sleep. Plus, he made few trip-up to the infirmary wing, which he attributed to having more sleep.

year were going well. Albus was very gladiolus they had moved onto more exciting tool in Care of Magical Creatures. They were n't up to hippogriffs or thestrals, but nifflers were certainly entertaining. Despite the rather bore start, Care of Magical Creatures was quickly becoming one of Albus 's favorite classes. He seemed to have an affinity for the miscellanea of animals they learned about ; something Hagrid was quick to notice.

Arithmancy was turning out to be kind of dry, but Albus was just well-chosen he was n't taking Divination. Even John was beginning to get tired of making up forge predictions for Trelawney. 'What 's the compass point ?'he had shouted out angrily one Nox as they were working on homework. Albus was n't able to suppress his grin at that, which earned him a Divination Good Book to the head when John saw Albus 's smirk.

defensive measure Against the Dark Arts continued to be the foreign class Albus had ever attended. He was beginning to call back he was enjoying it, but still was n't sure. He liked the course, but was n't sure if he liked Balladanis himself.

The professor continued to be a mystery to scholar of all years. Hours were spent debating his backdrop in the commons room. He seemed to take period away equally from each house, which either meant he was extremely bazaar or had never attended Hogwarts himself. Quite a few students had asked their parents if they 'd ever heard of Balladanis ( namely, had they gone to school with him ), but so far none of the parents had.

Balladanis 's teaching method were certainly unique. Albus could count on one hand the number of literal lectures he had had in that class. Most all the lesson were virtual, but not in the Saame way Harry had done them. Harry 's method had been very caring and all about trying. Balladanis 's methods were more harsh and focused on achiever. He insisted that everyone follow and refused to let anyone block until they did, even if it meant coming in for extra help.

The quantity of students going in for redundant help was increasing quickly. Matt was no longer seen as rickety or odd for having to go in for extra assist. Nearly one-half of Albus 's class was spending duplicate time with Balladanis at least once a week. The prof still had n't let Matt stop going.

`` Stand up ! '' Balladanis barked at Albus 's class.

These two speech were frequently spoken by the prof. Albus wondered why he did n't just do away with the desks all together instead of having to affect them at the rootage of each class.

`` Get a motion on ! '' he shouted, `` Unless you think your Holy Scripture will lash out you. reserve can only get you so far. You need to practice ! ``

The social class spent nearly an hour practicing the spell to repel grindylows and once the ship's bell rang, Balladanis announced that they 'd be practicing on real grindylows in the side by side class.

`` Brickston ! '' Balladanis announced, `` You 'll be coming in for supernumerary help tomorrow night. You may come the Saami time Eckerton does. ``

Albus did n't recall John had done that bad with the spell. It had taken him a while, but by the end of the class he had managed it. Albus was beginning to recollect that by the end of the year, everyone would be going in for spare help.

`` He 's certifiably insane, '' John muttered as they walked to potions after they left the Defense classroom.

`` Well, I 'm sort of gladiola you 're going in for supporter, '' lusterlessness said, `` You can keep Amanda and I company. ``

`` That 's nearly all of us going in for help, '' Rose commented, `` Just Al and Linda and I. ``

Kaden had been going for assistance nearly as long as lustrelessness had. Amanda had started a few days ago.

`` Albus wo n't ever have to go, '' Matt said, `` He 's too good at Defense. ``

`` I 'm not that great at it, '' Albus muttered quietly. sure enough, he managed all the while, but it 's not like they were very advanced.

******

`` What do you think Balladanis did before he taught here ? '' Kaden mused late the succeeding day.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I think he was an Auror, '' John said, `` I mean, he obviously hates the dark arts. ``

`` No, '' Albus shook his top dog, `` My dad would have mentioned that. ``

`` Maybe he was a extraneous Auror, '' john suggested.

`` But he sounds British, '' matte pointed out.

`` So do you, for the about part, but you 're from Australia, '' John countered.

`` Really ? I always thought I sounded Aboriginal Australian. ``

`` You do a bit. But your parents vocalise more Australian than you do. Same with Amy, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Matt shrugged, `` So I guess he could be extraneous. ``

`` Why did he come teach here, then ? '' Albus asked.

No one had an answer to that. Albus was really queer to what the reply was, but it 's not like he could actually ask the professor. In fact, the idea of being alone with Balladanis form of scared him. He was really sword lily he did n't have to see the professor outside of class.

The first Inter-School Dueling tournament was scheduled to drive place the side by side day. The entire shoal was buzzing about it. It was the kickoff big competition between the three schools. Albus did n't know a unscathed lot of citizenry who were on the Hogwarts Dueling Team. Just his cousin, Fred. Despite this, he was still excited. Albus absolutely loved dueling and wished he was old enough to be on the school team.

The tourney was taking home in the Great Hall, since the dueling chamber was much too diminished to reconcile the integral schooling. Albus walked with his friends into the room and saw that all the tabular array had disappeared. They were replaced with raised stands, sort of like the Quidditch pitch. Albus found seats towards the strawman and waited impatiently for the tourney to begin.

The dueling area was a raised political platform in battlefront of the stands. On the other face of it was a smaller set of tie-up, in which all the teacher were filing into. The mysterious wizard who had been seen talking to Killigan, but never introduced, was sitting next to the Australian master, but neither of them were talking. Both wore identical looks of determination mingled with fascination. A witch Albus did n't agnize was seated next to Roberts and the two of them were talking. Albus assumed she was from New York. The Auror who had been assigned to patrol Hogwarts that week was talking with Albus 's Uncle Percy, who had came to constitute the Ministry. Neither Albus 's dad nor his Uncle Ron were there, so Albus assumed they were officious with work.

Once all the educatee, teacher, and various other spectators were seated, professor Kendrick stood up and everyone quieted down.

`` Welcome, students, staff, and visitant to the first Dueling Tournament between Hogwarts, the Aboriginal Australian School of black magic, and the Adirondack academy of magic trick. All three schools will duel this good afternoon. Each schoolhouse 's team has five students and each scholar will participate in two duels. Whichever bookman wins the duel gets a power point for their school. The school with the most points will win. But keep in mind that this is just the first of many tournaments that will take post during this year. Now, here are the teams. '' Kendrick gestured to a threshold on the side of the room.

The door opened and professor Longbottom led the Hogwarts squad into the way. The other two schools'teams followed and Albus did n't recognize either of their prof. He had n't really thought about the former teams'captains before. He kind of figured they had them, but had n't seen them before. He guessed they just came to Hogwarts for practice. They must have set up some form of special floo connection with the school.

The tourney commenced in much the same way the Junior Dueling nightclub had, except only one duel took billet at a clock time. The piece used were much more kick upstairs, too. The patch that Slytherin had used on mat during the previous years paled in comparability to the ones being used by the one-time educatee. Albus was absolutely fascinated. He paid rapt attention and wished that he could learn such advanced spells.

The tourney took nearly two time of day, but Albus was n't bored at all. In fact, he was form of discomfited when the last affaire d'honneur was over.

Professor Kendrick tallied the points and then rose once again. `` Thank you everyone. Each and every bookman performed well today. However, this is a tournament and I must declare a winner. And that winner is the Adirondack academy of deception. congratulations to them ! ``

There was a pocket-size amount of loud applause from the New Yorkers who were in the audience, as well as some cultivated applause from everyone else. Albus sighed and clapped politely along with most of his confrere students.

`` wellspring, it 's only the kickoff tournament, '' Matt said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Plus there 's Quidditch. ``

`` And we 've got a brilliant Quidditch team ! '' whoremaster grinned as he stood up, `` Now we 've just got to hope that one of those other Chasers breakout something so Albus can fiddle next week. ``

`` Saint John ! '' rose scolded.

`` I 'm only kidding, '' lavatory shrugged, `` Sort of. ``

`` We could just collapse one of them the Orange River end of a vomiting pastille, '' Kaden suggested, `` And not give them the purple one-half. ``

`` Would n't wreak, '' St. John the Apostle sighed, `` Madam Pomfrey recognizes those things now. ``

`` I know I probably wo n't get to play, '' Albus said as they left the room, `` You do n't need to down yourselves in detention to get me a billet on the team. ``

`` We know, '' Kaden said, `` We 're just joking. ``

Albus figured they were, but when it came to those two, one just never knew.

******

Albus stowed his ling in his dorm room late Tues evening following a particularly tiring Quidditch practice. Wood 's direction during this peculiar practice had been finish grading, so Albus had worked hard the entire two hours. At to the lowest degree the focus had n't been on dodging Bludgers. He yawned, grabbed his bag and headed out of the uncouth room. He walked slowly to the Marauder 's Den, thinking he could embrace a bit of homework in before bed.

`` Albus ! '' someone shouted as Albus reached the causa of armor in front of the room.

Albus turned around and saw Rose, red hairsbreadth flying behind her, running down the corridor towards him. `` Rose ? ``

`` Albus ! '' Rose panted, `` I saw you leave the usual room. ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus shrugged. He usually did his prep in the vulture 's Den since it was quieter and leisurely to concentrate.

`` I wanted to lecture to you, '' Rose said.

`` Ok, '' Albus said as he located the paw mark on the opposite bulwark, `` We can talk in here. ``

`` Actually, '' pink wine said, `` I kind of wanted to talk to you alone. Are Matt, John, and Kaden in there ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus replied. What did rose wine want to blab out about that she did n't want their other friends to hear ? `` I did n't see them in the commons room. ``

`` fountainhead, I 'd rather spill to you alone, start, '' Rose shifted nervously from foot to foot.

Albus looked at her strangely. rosiness rarely ever looked nervous, especially when she was talking to Albus. What could she possibly have to tell him ?

`` Er, all right, '' Albus said slowly, `` I guess we could determine an empty classroom or something .... ''

`` goodness, '' rosebush nodded and took off down the corridor. Albus ran after her and she found an evacuate classroom. Albus followed her into it and shut the room access behind him. `` What is it ? ``

Rose paced around the room for a bit, wringing her hands together, before letting out a loud sigh and leaning up against one of the desks. `` It 's about Linda. ``

Albus blinked. Linda ? He barely knew her. What could Rose possibly give birth to say about Linda ? `` Linda ? ``

`` Yes, Linda, '' rose wine sighed, `` You know Amanda and I are sort of becoming friends with her. Well, we are champion with her now. She talks to us. I think she misses Australia. Anyway, I was sorting of thinking it would be in effect if she started to make Quaker here. You know, like you. And maybe flatness, john, and Kaden. ``

Albus still had no idea why Rose felt the need to blab to him alone about this. She wanted Albus to befriend Linda. How was he going to do that if Linda did n't say a Son around him ? Not to refer the fact that mat did n't seem to wish her.

`` Er, why exactly did n't you want Matt, John, and Kaden to listen this ? '' Albus asked, `` You ca n't really expect them to become friend with Linda unless you tell them you want them to. ``

`` I know that, '' blush wine groaned, `` But the four of you are always holing up in the Marauder 's Den, so I hardly see any of you anymore. What I wanted to sleep with was whether Linda could descend into the predator 's Den with us. ``

Albus stared at his cousin-german. So that was what she wanted to talk about. `` You want Linda to follow into the piranha 's Den ? ``

`` Yes, '' Rose nodded, `` She 's in the mutual room with Amanda. Can she ? I 'll go get them right now if you say yes. ``

`` waiting, wait, '' Albus shook his head, `` It 's not up to me. ``

`` Yes it is ! '' rose replied, `` You found that map. It 's yours, so the room is yours. ``

`` No it 's not, '' Albus said, `` It 's Matt, King John, and Kaden 's, too. All four of us had to work to get that map to show up up and to find the elbow room. If it were n't for them, it would still be a lacuna piece of parchment. ``

`` But- ''

`` No, rose, '' Albus said irritably, `` I ca n't just let you bring random hoi polloi into the room without asking everyone. ``

Albus and his friends had n't really thought much about whether they 'd let other masses into the elbow room, but Albus knew he could n't do it without talking to them. Letting rosebush and Amanda in had been a given, since they helped with it, but Linda certainly had n't helped.

`` I have to peach to Matt, John, and Kaden, '' Albus told her, `` I can speak to them now, if you want. ``

`` All right, '' Rose sighed and stood up.

Neither of the cousin said a word to each other as they walked back to the piranha 's Den. Albus was still rather bewildered by this whole thing. First, he had never really talked to his booster about letting former the great unwashed into the Marauder 's Den. He always assumed it would be their secret. He was n't entirely sure he wanted anyone else in it, no affair what his friends thought. Second, it was rather out of role for Rose to be this spontaneous and demanding. Whether this was due to the increased employment burden, the sudden competition in year brought on by Linda, or something else entirely, Albus did n't know.

Albus took a late breath as he opened the door to the elbow room and glanced at Rose. She was looking more spooky than before. Albus walked into the room and paused. John and Kaden were lounging on the floor, playing a rather roughneck game of chess ( the two of them could turn any board game into something physical ), while their neglected preparation sat haphazardly on the table. lusterlessness was paying vague aid to the game while stretched out on the couch. It did n't surprise Albus that he was n't doing often, since the full moon was the future nighttime. John and Kaden looked up when they heard the door open.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How was practice ? ``

`` rosebush ! '' John grinned, `` I was beginning to opine you 'd forget about this berth. I do n't think I 've seen you here in over a month. ``

`` Hey, lavatory, Kaden, '' Albus smiled, `` recitation was ripe. What have you lot been up to ? ``

`` beating Kaden at chess, '' lav explained.

`` Hey, I beat you once ! '' Kaden countered.

`` Only once, '' bathroom repeated, `` I 've won four games. ``

`` I 'm storm neither of you have detention tonight, '' Albus smirked.

`` They almost did, '' flatness announced, `` prof Longbottom caught them sneaking into the girl 's toilet- ''

`` What were you doing in there ? '' Albus raised his eyebrows.

`` We were going to put dung bombs in there, '' Kaden explained.

`` Anyway, '' matte continued, `` Longbottom took pity on them since they 're already doing so many detentions and only took away points. ``

`` prof Longbottom is great, '' lav grinned.

`` I would n't wait him to let you off again, '' Matt pointed out.

`` lack to play chess game, rose wine ? '' lavatory asked, `` I could use with some existent contention. ``

`` Hey ! '' Kaden crossed his arms across his pectus, `` I 'm genuine competitor. ``

Albus glanced at Rose. `` Er, Rose has something she wanted to ask us, '' Albus said quietly.

rose glared at Albus. Clearly she wanted him to convey up the topic. Albus gave her a quick shingle of his head. There was no way he was going to ask. She was the one who wanted Linda there.

`` Well, what is it ? '' John Lackland asked, `` If it 's about prep, I 'll have you know that I 've already finished about of it. ``

`` It 's not about homework, '' Rose sighed and sat down on the end of the lounge that lustrelessness was n't occupying.

Albus settled himself into an armchair opposite the sofa and waited for his cousin to continue.

Rose took a thick breath. `` You lot know Amanda and I have form of become friends with Linda, right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John said and Kaden nodded.

`` wellspring, since then Amanda and I have been spending to a greater extent time in the usual room with her. But you lot still hang out here all the time .... '' her articulation trailed off.

`` well, yeah, because this room is so much good than the green room, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` I know, '' Rose sighed, `` And I do miss being with all of you, but at the same prison term, Linda 's my friend now, too. ``

`` So spend time with all of us, '' John said, `` I 'm sure enough Linda would be fine by herself for a few hours a day so you can be here with us. ``

Rose groaned. `` That was n't what I had in mind. What I want is for all of us to spend time together. As in you lot can become friends with Linda, too. She needs Thomas More friends. ``

`` She does n't talk, '' Kaden said.

`` She does when she gets to have sex you, '' Rose explained.

`` So what you 're saying, '' John the Evangelist began, `` Is that you want us to stop over hanging out in this brilliant room and go back to the dull common room ? ``

`` No, of course not, '' Rose replied, `` I want all of us to hang out here. Linda, too. ``

The room was completely understood. Albus watched his friend'chemical reaction with gravid interest. Both John and Kaden gaped at rose wine and then turned to attend at Albus. They then turned their principal back to Rose, but did n't say anything. Matt suddenly sat up, eyes wide open, and stared at blush wine with an incredulous looking on his face.

nobody said a word for what must feature been nearly five minute. Albus kept looking from Rose to his booster and back. Rose was looking nervously at everybody in turn and then sending pleading glance at Albus. Albus was about to give his mouth, when Matt finally broke the stony silence.

`` No, '' he said. It was hardly More than a whisper, but was very forceful.

`` We have n't let anyone else in, '' John pointed out, `` Why should Linda be the first ? ``

Kaden turned to Albus. `` What do you cogitate, Albus ? ``

`` Er- '' Albus began.

`` Why not ? '' blush wine demanded, `` She 's mine and Amanda 's Quaker. ``

`` But she 's not our friend, '' toilet said.

`` But she could be ! '' rosebush insisted.

`` Then we 'll turn protagonist with her before we let her in the way ! '' John replied, `` It 's still our occult. We have n't even recount Teddy about it yet. ``

Albus turned and looked at John. He had n't even thought about that. John Lackland had a degree. They had n't told Teddy about the room yet. Or his dad. Should n't they see it before other citizenry did ?

`` If anyone has the right field to know about this room, it 's Teddy and my dad, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Yes, but they are n't here, '' rose pointed out, `` Come on, why wo n't you let her in ? ``

`` We do n't recognize her, '' John said.

`` She 's got no connective to it, '' Albus said.

`` I like keeping it a secret, '' Kaden said.

`` You could know her ! '' rosiness shouted, `` Then she would have connexion to it. And it would still be a clandestine. ``

`` Look, rose, '' Matt said loudly, `` We 're not going to let her in ! You ca n't convince us otherwise ! ``

Albus, John, and Kaden turned to look at each other. Albus had never heard matt raise his voice like that, and certainly not with Rose.

`` And what 's your reasonableness why she ca n't ? '' rosiness asked icily.

Matt glared at her. `` They 're the Sami as Albus, John, and Kaden 's ! ``

`` You just do n't like her ! '' pink wine shouted.

`` So what if I do n't ? '' Matt asked hotly.

`` You do n't even have it away her ! You have n't said one Logos to her the unharmed time she 's been here ! ``

`` Neither has she ! '' matt yelled.

`` You lot are so stubborn ! '' rosebush huffed, `` I just do n't get why you wo n't let her- ''

`` Do you really want to know why ? '' lustrelessness raised his vocalisation even louder, `` I honestly would n't think I 'd consume to tell you ! You 're smart ! This is the one post in the castle that nobody else knows about ! It 's the lonesome piazza I can go and get some peacefulness and placid and not experience to occupy about anyone else barging in ! The only masses who know about it already cognize what I am, so I can actually unstrain ! If you let Linda in here, it wo n't be like that anymore ! I like the tranquillity of this stead. And it was quietly before you came in here demanding that we let a Wiccan we hardly know into it ! ``

matt leaned back against the arm of the lounge and squeezed his eyes shut as he rubbed his temple.

Albus stared in shock at John and Kaden. Albus had never seen Matt shout at mortal like that. Sure, he got a bit short with citizenry around the full moon, but had never had a full-blown row like this.

`` Well, maybe if you become friends with Linda, you 'll tell her what you are, '' rose said. She looked quite taken aback that Matt had shouted at her the like that.

`` Are you bloody insane ? ! '' matte yelled, causing him to wince even more. Albus had a spirit he was giving himself a headache.

`` You told us, '' Rose said.

`` That 's different, '' Matt shook his head, `` You figured it out on your own. ``

`` What if we had n't ? ``

`` I would n't cause told you, '' mat muttered, `` And Linda 's going back to Australia after this year, so there really would n't be a point. ``

`` You know, since she 's from Commonwealth of Australia, she might already know, '' pink wine pointed out, `` You did say that the entire country found out shortly before you moved. ``

That was the improper matter to say. Albus knew she was going to say it just instant before she finished and he tried to shake his head to tell her to hold on, but she either did n't poster or did n't want to stop.

All the coloring material drained from Matt 's face and with it to the highest degree of the choler. He merely looked a footling frightened now.

`` You think I have n't thought about that ? '' he asked quietly, `` Why do you cerebrate I was n't thrilled about this totally tournament thing ? Why do you intend I try to avoid anyone from Australia ? I mean, it was five years ago, so I really hope most people have forgotten about it, but all it would remove was one of them to remember and soon the whole shoal would have sex. ``

`` I doubt Linda would enjoin anyone, if she did know, '' pink wine said.

`` Yeah, because she does n't talk, '' Kaden laughed.

leave of absence it to Kaden to find humor in this state of affairs, Albus thought. He could n't facilitate but grin at his cousin 's statement himself.

`` Could you at to the lowest degree think about it ? '' rosebush asked.

`` No, '' Matt raised his representative again, `` Do n't you get it ? I do n't require to lay on the line anyone else finding out. I do n't want this to be a repetition of what happened in Australia. I like it here. I do n't desire to move again. So I 'm not going to interchange my mind. I 'm going to bed. ``

flatness got up off the couch and walked slowly over to his bed and rammed the curtains shut behind him.

Albus exchanged glance with John and Kaden, completely at a loss as to what to say. rose wine got up off the sofa a moment later and left the room without another Word of God. Albus, John, and Kaden quietly began to work on their homework, but the balance of the evening was very subdued. Albus stared at his Herbology book, but could n't possibly concentrate on it after the row his first cousin and best friend had just had.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !

NaNoWriMo is now over and I managed to win, although not nearly as quickly as I did last-place year. Big extolment to Dancer of Starlight for winning as well, during her first class of the regular NaNo curriculum ! Now it 's back to fan fic for the fourth dimension being.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus 's group of friends had never been torn apart by a row before. From the moment they met on the string ride over two twelvemonth ago, the five of them had been close. During their inaugural year, only one fourth dimension had any of them had a row. It had only lasted ten minute of arc. Albus remembered it like it was just yesterday. The Night he and John Lackland had fought about whether to tell Matt they knew he was a werewolf. It had been a very brief row, ending when Matt walked in.

Then, just a class ago, Kaden had flew into their radical in a mist of hyperactivity and loudness. Albus did n't really calculate the rows he had shared with his cousin as rows within his group of friends. Kaden had not been Albus 's protagonist then. They reconciled and then became Quaker. That was how Albus saw it.

No row had come between them like this one, though. Albus was still in shock about it the next day. If he had had to cull two of his friends to push, he would n't cause chosen lusterlessness or Rose. The two of them seemed least likely to fight.

rose did let a toughness. There was no denying that. She and Albus had shared quite a few sibling-like squabbles growing up, but they had grown out of it. Rose 's temper remained, though. She was stubborn as well. Albus had a lot of experience with that. Once rosiness got an idea into her point there was no stopping her. It seemed that bringing Linda into their group was one of those thing. Albus just could n't sound why. Sure, she was sassy, but was that really a reason to become ally with someone ?

Matt, on the other hand, did n't appear to have an tempestuous bone in his dead body. This was definitely ironic considering that he became a raging lycanthrope once a month. In the two years Albus had known him, he had only seen him angry a couple fourth dimension. most of these occasions were when he was having whispered conversations with his sister. Albus would never have predicted that he would yell at rose like he had.

Albus had no musical theme what to expect the side by side day. He doubted this was the sort of thing that would just fuck up over.

It certainly had not blown over, as Albus discovered at breakfast. His group of champion was no yearner sitting together. When Albus, Matt, and trick entered the Great Hall, they noticed that blush wine, Amanda, and Linda were sitting at one end of the table, while Kaden was a few feet down from them. John immediately headed to where Kaden was sitting and Albus and Matt followed. Rose did not seem to notice them pass, nor did Amanda or Linda. There was no doubt in Albus 's mind whose side Amanda was on. She was rosebush 's best protagonist first and foremost. And whatever her reason was, she had also befriended Linda.

Even though the girlfriend were seated far away, nobody said anything during breakfast. toilet still looked furious as he stabbed his orchis with a bit too lots strength. mat looked more old-hat than anything, but there was a glint of anger in his eyes. Kaden was at a unadulterated loss for Son, which happened very rarely. Even he went the unscathed meal without uttering a matter. Albus had no urge to bulge any conversations either. He was still quite raging with his cousin. The spunk of her to ask if they could let a make out alien into the Marauder 's Den was unfathomable to him.

The secrecy continued through account of Magic and Transfiguration. Albus sat in between John and Matt during both classes and glared at the back of rosiness 's head. She was sitting in between Amanda and Linda at the table in front of Albus 's during both classes.

Albus paid zero attending during history of Magic. He merely recounted the row over and over again, which only caused him to suit more furious. Judging by the spirit on privy 's grimace, he had been doing the same thing. mat merely slept the entire category, completely unnoticed by prof Binns.

Albus forced himself to pay attention and assume banker's bill during Transfiguration, although whoremaster did not. lustrelessness remained awake during the year, but had a glazed look over his eyes.

It was n't until Care of Magical puppet that the uncharacteristically longsighted quiet dissolved. flatness decided to vamoose that course of instruction and sleep in the vulture 's Den instead and Albus could n't blame him. It was a particularly windy and frigid Autumn day and Albus shivered as he walked down to Hagrid 's hut with John. Rose and Linda had Arithmancy, so they were n't even there. Amanda was, but she stood with Janie, Marina, and Karina for the duration of the class.

`` Wow, '' whoremonger said in a low whisper as they sat on the common cold, hard ground drawing ikon of the puffskeins they were watching.

He did n't have to say anything else. Albus knew what he was talking about. `` Yeah, '' he muttered.

`` Have you got any idea why pink wine was so repetitive about Linda ? '' John the Evangelist asked quietly.

`` She 's unregenerate. She always has been, '' Albus replied, `` Once, when we were eight or so, she wanted to go to this sleepover my cousins Gabriella, Georgia, and Calluna vulgaris were having. Her parents said no and she did n't talk to them for nearly a week. ``

`` Seriously ? '' John gaped and then smirked, `` Siriusly .... ''

Albus rolled his eye. `` Yeah, she did. ``

`` Do you recollect she 'd do that this clip ? Not talk to us for a hebdomad ? ``

`` It would n't surprise me if she did n't talk to us until we let Linda into the elbow room, '' Albus sighed.

`` That 's not going to take place, '' John said.

`` No, it 's not, '' Albus agreed, `` Even if by some luck we decided to let her, there 's no way Matt would. And I think Kaden would just concur to whatever I said. ``

`` fountainhead, I ca n't fault Matt for not wanting her in there, '' privy lowered his voice even more, `` He always sleeps there before the you know what. He 's not going to want her to live about it. ``

`` I ca n't blame him either, '' Albus agreed.

`` You do have it off what this means, right ? '' John asked.

`` What ? ``

`` We 're going to have to get our own notes in class now, '' John groaned, `` No way is rose going to let us borrow hers anymore. ``

Albus could n't help but titter a trivial at that. Albus could always trust on lav to relieve the mode. Either him or Kaden. Albus and John did n't talk much for the oddment of the family and the brief bit of sense of humor died away quickly.

Albus and John headed straight for the vulture 's Den after class. They passed rose wine on their way there, but she acted like she did n't notice them.

`` You awake ? '' toilet shouted as they entered the room.

`` I am now, '' matt replied groggily from his bed. A few present moment later he got up and laid down on the couch.

`` You do n't search so honest, '' john said as he tossed his bag unceremoniously onto the floor and jumped onto the other end of the couch.

`` You think ? '' matte said sarcastically.

`` No, I mean, you look unsound than usual, '' john replied.

`` Oh, that 's squeamish, '' Albus said as he sat down in one of the chairs.

John did have a point, though. Matt was as pale as he usually was the day before a wax moon, but the dark circles under his oculus were more pronounced. His eyes were also more bloodshot, which gave him the face of a someone who had n't slept in days.

`` It 's true, '' John shrugged, `` Have n't you been sleeping all day ? ``

mat sighed and shook his foreland. `` No. Did n't sleep that often last night either. I just ca n't. I keep thinking about what happened yesterday .... The only tangible sleep I 've gotten was in chronicle of Magic. I need a honest Binns lecture to put me to sleep now. ``

Albus did n't think he 'd ever learn the phrase 'good Binns lecture'before. `` Wo n't that make tonight speculative ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Not sleeping before it ? ``

`` Yeah, of course it will, '' lusterlessness said quietly, `` But I ca n't give myself sleep. ``

`` Ask Madam Pomfrey for a potion, '' John suggested.

`` She 'll ask too many questions, '' lusterlessness said, `` I never have a job falling asleep before the broad Moon. She 'll be suspicious. I do n't require to separate her about the row. ``

Matt did n't lucubrate anymore about his deficiency of sleep, so Albus and can played a bit of Exploding Snap. matt did n't feel like playing.

`` Albus ? '' Matt asked after a half hour or so.

`` Yeah ? '' Albus replied.

`` Rose would n't, '' Matt paused, `` You know, tell anyone about me, would she ? Because I 've been thinking, she 's the sort of secret keeper for the charm for Kaden, but if she tells someone then who knows what would befall with that, so maybe we should switch to you and- ''

`` No, '' Albus interrupted him, `` She would n't do that. Rose might be stubborn and angry with you, but she would never ever distinguish anyone that you 're a werewolf. She knows that it 's your hush-hush to evidence. ``

`` But what if she just slide up ? '' Matt asked anxiously.

Albus tried to see this from Matt 's point of view. He also reminded himself that mat was probably sleep deprived and combine that with how be sick he always got before the full moon, he would n't be seeing things rationally. But the melodic theme of Rose telling someone that matt was a werewolf just because she was mad at him was hard to believe.

`` She wo n't, '' Albus said adamantly, `` I 've known her recollective than you. She wo n't do that. ``

`` All right field, '' Matt said warily and leaned back on the couch.

Albus exchanged glances with John as Matt 's optic began to glaze over. This was not going to blow over quickly.

******

Albus slept horribly that nighttime. He tossed and turned and stared at the glowing circle the full Moon created on the hangings of his bed. Bilius 's balmy stertor filled the room. Albus was sure as shooting he would n't precipitate asleep at all that night. He had too practically on his mind.

His best friend and his cousin were fighting. The cousin-german he had grown up with, spent all his pre-Hogwarts daytime with. His respectable acquaintance since first year. Albus felt awful about it. He could remember of at least twenty thing he 'd rather do that own his topper friend and his cousin fight like this. A month 's Charles Frederick Worth of detention with Filch, for example.

This was different than a lilliputian disagreement, too. John and pink wine often fought with each other, but Albus kind of persuasion they liked it. Albus himself sort of enjoyed squabbling with James. Matt never fought with any of them, though. And none of them ever really rowed. What if rosiness and lusterlessness never made up ? Albus swallowed hard and stared fixedly at the end of his bed. They had to make up, eventually. But what if they did n't ? A shrewish phonation in the back of Albus 's head told him it was a possibility. He tried to shake it out of his head as he closed his eyes in a vain attack to get some sleep.

Albus had been hoping defence Against the darkness Arts would bring home the bacon a much needed evasion from his opinion of Matt and Rose never making up. That course of instruction usually required every bit of Albus 's brain ability and he could n't really think about anything else during it. Unfortunately, Balladanis decided to turn over one of his rare lectures. Albus 's mind wandered and by the time the class was over, he really could n't think what Balladanis had lectured about. He had assigned an essay, too, which did n't assist matters.

Slughorn, on the former paw, decided to have a hardheaded lesson even though it was only a single class. Since Matt was in the infirmary annex, Albus worked with can and Janie Creevey, John the Evangelist 's common potions partner. He was just glad Slughorn did n't defecate him work with Rose and Amanda. Linda was mysteriously lacking, so their group was down to two citizenry.

John sent Albus to go get fixings while he and Janie set up. He joined the queue behind Amanda.

`` Albus, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` Amanda, '' Albus replied, reminding him a lot of the way he and Limbert had worked the late twelvemonth. Polite greeting and no talking.

`` Albus ? '' Amanda asked as they neared the cupboard.

`` Yeah ? '' Albus replied.

`` Er, how 's matt ? '' she asked quietly.

Albus shrugged. `` Have n't had the time to inflict him today. ``

Amanda nodded. `` Um, what about the row ? How is he about that ? ``

`` He 's still angry with rosebush, '' Albus muttered.

`` Oh. I was hoping ... '' her voice trailed off.

`` How is Rose ? ``

`` Angry, '' Amanda sighed, `` Oh, Albus, I hate this ! I hate not being able to be with you lot, but I ca n't desolate Rose. ``

`` I hate it too, '' Albus said quietly. He was sorting of surprise that Amanda still wanted to be around them, after they denied Linda approach to the room. After all, she was Linda 's friend, too.

`` It 's so dolt, '' she whispered, `` Fighting like this. ``

`` I know, '' Albus said, `` But I do n't cerebrate Rose and lustrelessness think it 's poor fish. ``

`` What about John and Kaden ? What do they think ? ``

`` John bland out food waste to let Linda into the room. I do, too, '' he said quickly, `` We 're all in agreement about that. Kaden, too. ``

`` I know. And I get why. I just think its stupid to let it add up between us. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` But pink wine is so stubborn. I know she 's your best acquaintance, but I 've grown up with her. And she refuses to give in. So this might stopping point a piece. ``

`` I do n't desire it to, Albus, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` I do n't either, '' Albus sighed.

Albus got his ingredient and went back to trick 's caldron. He could n't order John anything about the conversation, though, since Janie was there. In fact, they only talked about the potion as they worked.

`` Time 's up ! '' Slughorn announced a while later, `` play a sample up to my desk for grading. ``

Albus dropped their potion off to Slughorn on his way out the door with John. He glanced back at Amanda. She was talking with Rose, but looked up and gave Albus a halfhearted grin. Albus returned it and left the room, somehow feeling worse than he had when he entered.

Albus and John hurried to the Great Hall and found Kaden. The three of them ate a quick tiffin and then rushed off to the hospital wing before their next classes.

lady Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they walked in. She looked up, but remained seated when the three son walked inside.

`` Hello, boys, '' she greeted them.

`` Hi Madam Pomfrey, '' Albus replied.

`` Where 's ... '' the nurse began to ask, but then shook her head and closed her mouth.

Albus shrugged and continued his way towards the only busy bed in the Ward. He pulled the pall open and sat down on the end of Matt 's bed.

lustrelessness was asleep. phone asleep judgement by the rhythmic way his chest moved up and down under the mantle. His case was scratched and there was a bandage around his brow, but other than that he looked all rightfulness. Granted, to the highest degree of his soundbox was covered by the mantle, but Albus hoped he was all right otherwise.

He did n't shift when Albus sat down. John gently prodded his blanket arm, but he did n't appear to notice it at all.

`` If he 's at rest, I suggest you let him be, '' Madam Pomfrey shouted from her desk, `` In fact, I insist. ``

`` Is he ok ? '' toilet asked, `` He usually wakes up when we come in. ``

`` He had a rough night, '' the nurse sighed, `` It 's like he did n't get any rest beforehand, but Hagrid tells me he skipped tutelage of Magical animal, so I 'm sure he must have slept. But he 's only woken up once since I brought him back this morning. So, for whatever the reason, he must need to sleep. Perhaps it would be best if you came back after dinner. ``

Albus nodded and got up off the bed. He knew why Matt needed the extra sleep. He had n't slept much the old day. Albus did n't say often to St. John the Apostle and Kaden as they left. He muttered a tranquility au revoir as he left for Ancient rune. He was dreading that family. It was one he shared with Rose and matt, and since mat was practically unconscious mind in the infirmary wing, it would just be him and Rose.

Albus was half tempted to just skip Ancient Runes. After all, he had n't ever skipped a class before, except when he was macabre. Even when Washburn was teaching spell, Albus was there for every family. But, he was sure enough the teacher would send an owl to his parents, so he trudged his way to antediluvian Runes as slowly as potential without being late.

However, Albus had n't thought about the downside of being the last one to show up up for social class. When he walked into the way, there were only two derriere left, at rose 's table. Linda was mysteriously absent again.

Albus groaned inwardly and sat down next to his cousin. He stole a ready glance at her, but she was facing forward, looking determined.

Professor Sturly walked in a minute later. Albus crossed his fingers for a lecture year, something he rarely did. If the class was a talking to, he could easily not utter to rise at all. But if they were working on decoding runes, he would have to run with a partner as usual. Since both Matt and Linda were n't in course, he 'd consume to collaborator with Rose.

Sure enough, Sturly passed out tab of runic letter for the social class to decipher. She placed one in between Albus and rosebush and told them to puzzle out together since their usual spouse were n't there.

`` Albus, '' rose said icily as she turned to the tablet.

`` Rose, '' Albus muttered.

They worked quietly for a piece, only talking about the runes.

`` That 's not a sun, Albus, '' Rose said as Albus wrote the Bible 'sun'on his parchment.

`` Then what is it ? '' Albus asked.

`` It 's a moonshine. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus muttered and changed his answer, `` Er, where is Linda ? ``

`` Why do you wish ? '' Rose glared at him.

`` I 'm just singular, '' Albus shrugged.

`` She 's sick, if you must know, '' Rose said, `` She has n't looked well for the past few days. ``

`` She was n't in the hospital fender, '' Albus replied.

`` Not everyone goes to the hospital wing for every petty thing, '' blush wine said shortly.

`` Well, if she 's been be sick for a few days- ''

`` That 's her business sector, is n't it ? '' rosebush interrupted.

Albus nodded. Rose was right about that. `` Er, are n't you going to ask how mat is ? ``

`` I guess, '' Rose muttered, `` How is he ? ``

`` tough than usual, thanks to your row. ``

`` That was n't only my fault. He was right there rowing with me, '' Rose seethed, `` So do n't guilt me into doing anything. ``

`` I 'm not trying to guilt you into anything, '' Albus groaned, `` I just thought that you might actually worry how his- ''

Albus cut himself off. Transformation. Rose said Linda had been sick for the past few 24-hour interval. So had flatness. Linda had been sick around the full moon. Was it possible that she, Linda, was a werewolf, too ? Albus stared dumbstruck at the tablet he was supposed to be decoding. It was kind sort of too much of a coincidence for them both to get sick at the same clock time. But then why would Matt be so opposed to Linda finding out that he was a werewolf, if she was one herself ?

`` Albus ? '' rosebush asked.

`` Rose- '' he paused. Would rear really separate him if Linda was a werewolf ? Probably not. `` Never mind. ``

`` Er, ok, '' Rose shrugged.

The rest of the class dragged by. As soon as the Bell rang, Albus grabbed his stuff and ran out of the room. He had to find John the Evangelist and Kaden. They had to feel out if Linda really was a wolfman or not.

Albus made it to the predator 's Den in record time. Neither John or Kaden were there yet. fall to think of it, Kaden had class anyway, so he would n't even be there. But John did n't. Albus tossed his bag down and began pacing around the room.

John the Evangelist entered the room a scant while later. Albus looked up and ran over to him.

`` John ! '' Albus shouted.

`` What ? '' John asked, thoroughly confused.

`` I had to spouse with Rose during ancient Runes since matt was n't there. surmisal who else was n't there ? Linda. And she was n't in Potions either, '' Albus said quickly.

`` So ? '' John asked.

`` I asked blush wine about it and she said that Linda 's been ill the by few days, '' Albus continued.

`` But she 's been in class, '' trick pointed out.

`` I know, that 's part of it ! '' Albus replied, `` Can you think of anyone else who goes to class even when he 's ill ? ``

St. John paused and then his eyes widened in electrical shock. `` Matt ! postponement, are you thinking- ''

`` Linda 's a loup-garou, '' Albus said.

`` You really recall ? '' John asked.

`` well, I obviously do n't know for sure .... ''

`` What about the finale full Moon ? Was she sick then ? ''

`` I do n't remember, '' Albus sighed, `` I did n't really pay attention, did you ? ``

`` Nope, '' John the Evangelist said, `` But seriously ? ``

`` I do n't have it away. I mean, it 's potential, but if she 's a werewolf, why was matt so afraid of her finding out he 's one ? ``

`` Good point, '' St. John sighed.

`` We 've got to get hold out. ``

`` I know, we can ask lusterlessness ! '' John said, `` Because she would 've been with him in the Shrieking hovel, right ? ``

`` Not necessarily, '' Albus shook his nous, `` If wolfsbane works for her, she could n't accept been near him. ``

`` Oh, right, '' lav replied, `` But maybe he 'd know anyway. ``

`` Or maybe not. Maybe he has n't got a hint, but if he did know he would n't be so worried about her finding out about him, '' Albus said.

`` And then he and blush wine could clear up. ``

`` Exactly, '' Albus grinned. He wanted nothing more than Rose and mat to make up. `` Let 's go see if he 's awake. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and bathroom practically ran to the hospital wing. They slowed down as they neared it and tried to look as casual as they could as they walked in. brothel keeper Pomfrey was busy with a patient role, so she did n't even comment them as they made a beeline for Matt 's bed.

Albus yanked the drape back and close them again once John and himself were inside. To his succor, mat was awake this time. He looked exhausted, but he was awake.

`` Hey, matte, '' Albus said.

`` Hey, Albus, '' Matt replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` All right hand, '' Albus said, `` How about you ? ``

`` Tired, '' Matt sighed, `` Er, how is rose wine ? Is she still ignoring us ? ``

`` Pretty a lot, '' Albus said quietly.

John nodded and then glanced at Albus. Albus took a bass breathing time. He had n't really thought about how he was going to ask Matt about this.

`` Are you two ok ? '' Matt asked tentatively.

John poked Albus. Albus glared at him and then turned back to Matt. `` Well, we sort of wanted to ask you something, '' Albus lowered his voice, `` I 'm sure you 'll recall its mental .... ''

flatness stared at him curiously. `` Er, all right, what is it ? ``

`` I was talking to Rose in antediluvian Runes- ''

`` I thought she was still ignoring us. ``

`` She was. But we were partners, since you were n't there. ``

`` What about Linda ? '' Matt asked.

`` She was n't there either, which is what I wanted to ask you about, '' Albus paused, `` Rose said Linda 's been ill the past few days. I could n't really aid but note that she was ill around the same time you were and well, can and I were sort of wondering if maybe, well, she was- ''

`` Like me ? '' Matt whispered. His eyes had widened in daze and he was staring incredulously at Albus and John.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus muttered, `` Told you it was mental. ``

`` It is, '' flatness said adamantly.

`` So you know she 's not ? '' whoremonger asked, `` You saw her in here or something ? Or did Madam Pomfrey tell you ? ``

lustrelessness smiled wryly. `` Of course not. Even if she was, I doubt Madam Pomfrey would state me. You two missed the obvious clew that she 's not like me. ``

Albus turned to John, who shrugged.

`` Linda normally goes to the Australian schooltime of Sorcery, '' Matt stated, `` The schooling that I was n't allowed to go to. Obviously, if Linda was like me, she could n't go there either. ``

Albus felt like he should have smacked himself in the question. He turned to whoremonger, who looked like he was about to burst out laughing. How could they have forgotten about that ? It was staring them straight in the face and they completely overlooked it. Professor Killigan was prejudiced against loup-garou. There was no way he would admit Linda if she was one.

`` Oh, right hand, '' Albus mumbled, `` Should have remembered that. ``

`` It 's actually kind of funny that you thought she was like me, '' lusterlessness smirked.

`` I guess she 's just got a cold or something, '' John shrugged.

`` Yeah, probably, '' Albus said. So very much for the idea of Rose and lusterlessness making up. Albus would just have to reckon of some other way to get them to be ally again.

`` When do you get to leave ? '' John asked.

`` Not sure, '' flatness sighed, `` Probably later tomorrow, if I 'm favorable. ``

`` Hogsmeade is on Saturday, '' Saint John said.

`` I know. I 'll be out for that, even if I have to mouse out when dame Pomfrey is sleeping, '' mat replied.

Albus did n't really think Madam Pomfrey would kip through mortal trying to filch out of the ward, but he hoped lustrelessness would be out in time to go to Hogsmeade. It would be incredibly unjust if he was n't allowed to go.

******

The silence continued into the future day. Linda returned from her mysterious illness and went back to spending all her resign time with Rose and Amanda. Albus spent his time with John and Kaden in the Marauder 's Den.

Albus hated the secrecy more and more every day. It kept him up at nighttime, but he could n't think of anything he could do about it. The row was mainly between Rose and Matt. Albus could n't figure out it, but it was eating away at him like it was his own row. He was very glad he was n't playing Quidditch in the forthcoming match. He would n't have been capable to concentrate.

Matt did n't leave the hospital wing until Friday evening. gentlewoman Pomfrey had reluctantly let him pass on in order to go to Hogsmeade the following day.

Albus woke up not feeling nearly as frantic as he probably should suffer about going to Hogsmeade. He and Rose had imagined going to Hogsmeade together since they were little Thomas Kid. They plotted where they would go and what they would do. Both of them had been to Hogsmeade before, but never without one of their parents. The idea of going by themselves had always been exciting.

Now that the day had actually arrived, Albus could n't help oneself but feel a bit disappointed. He would n't be going with rosiness. Not while they were still in the midst of a row. It was either go with matt and Saint John the Apostle, or ditch them and go with the girls. The latter was n't even a real option. He was still mad at rosebush and if he decided to make up with her, he 'd have matte and John angry with him. He just had to present it ; going to Hogsmeade with pink wine was not an option.

Albus, Matt, and Saint John joined the waiting line of people in the Entrance Hall later on in the morning. Matt and lavatory were more excited than Albus was, but still Thomas More subdued than the rest of the third years.

`` We 've got to remember the clobber for the Halloween party, '' John reminded them.

The Halloween party was that night. Albus had nearly forgotten about it over the retiring few sidereal day. It was another thing that would possess been more fun if they were n't fighting with the girls.

`` Yeah, '' Albus nodded, `` We 've got to get Kaden 's stuff, too. ``

`` Merlin, he was jealous that we get to go and he does n't, '' St. John smirked.

`` Ca n't blame him, '' mat lowered his part, `` I mean, this is the beginning time we 'll get to try out the Hogsmeade voice of the map. ``

Albus grinned. That was one part about the Hogsmeade trip that Albus was still thoroughly excited about. He had the new map in his cloak pocket, all ready to go.

`` We can see who likes to go to the Hog 's Head, '' John grinned mischievously.

`` Hey, Amy used to go there, '' mat said.

`` Really ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah, she liked how evacuate it was. ``

`` Seems like an awfully uncheerful place, '' John said.

`` Where do you lot want to go first ? '' Albus asked as they gave their names to Filch.

`` Weasley 's, '' John Lackland said immediately, `` I 've got shipment to buy there. And Kaden gave me a leaning of poppycock he wants me to get him, too. ``

`` Why does that not storm me ? '' Albus smirked.

The male child walked the short distance into Hogsmeade once Filch checked their gens off. It was a chilli fall day. There was a slim breeze in the air and it was cloudy, but not the kind of swarm that threatened rainfall. They could n't have asked for best weather in late October.

Once they arrived, they hid behind a tree in purchase order to search at the map. Albus glanced around to make sure cypher was watching and then pulled it out of his cloak. He muttered the incantation and soon, an inky-black reverberation of Hogsmeade was on the yellowed paper.

`` Whoa, '' Matt whispered, `` Look, Weasleys'is so crowd, you ca n't register any of the recording label. ``

There were dots spilling out of the jocularity store and even more inside, piled on top of each former. Albus was n't surprised in the slightest. His uncle 's shop was the most popular in Hogsmeade. There were more modest collections of dots in the rest of the shops and taphouse. A slight few were in the Hog 's Head.

`` Anyone we know in the Hog 's Head ? '' John asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus said after he read the labels.

Albus wiped the map clean and jerk and then they set off for Weasleys'wizard Wheezes. It took them a while to squeeze into the crowd, and once there, Albus and lusterlessness quickly lost whoremonger to the throng of scholarly person grabbing merchandise.

Both St. George and Teddy were behind the counter, ringing up purchases as fast as they possibly could.

`` Hi Uncle George ! Teddy ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Hey, Al ! '' George shouted back.

`` Albus ! '' Teddy exclaimed, `` How 's your first Hogsmeade trip ? ``

`` Great, '' Albus smiled, `` Are you coming to the Halloween party ? ``

`` Would n't neglect it, '' Teddy grinned, `` Victoire and Amy are going, too. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus said, `` Are you dressing up ? ``

`` 'Course, '' slip laughed.

`` What as ? ``

`` Where would the fun in that be ? '' chemise winked.

St. John returned a picayune spell later, arms laden with ware. He dumped it all on the counter and a few Skiving Snackboxes fell on the ground. Albus picked them up and smirked as he put them on the counter.

`` Stocking up for a year ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nah, this is just until following Hogsmeade trip, '' John said.

`` You 're one of my practiced customers, John, '' George laughed.

`` Do you really need five Snackboxes ? '' Matt asked.

`` Definitely. divination 's awful. And two are for Kaden, '' lavatory replied.

John paid for his leverage and then the grouping wandered down the route until they reached Gladrags Wizardwear. They slowly walked inside, only to discover that it was filled with giggly girls.

`` I 'd be happy if I never had to set foot in here again, '' John groaned as he gestured to a display of pink glittering robes.

`` We just need to get our costume stuff and get out, '' Albus muttered, equally dysphoric about having to call in a wearable shop.

The three son tried to actuate as quietly as possible through the crowd of girls in monastic order to find their costume stuff. Albus immediately found a melanize shirt and pants for his skeleton costume. He had bought glow in the disconsolate paint at Weasleys'and one of his cousin-german was going to paint castanets on the shirt and pants with it.

John had purchased Muggle lamia teeth and Muggle boldness paint at Weasleys', so all he needed was a black cape, which he found quickly. Matt located a Patrick Victor Martindale White sheet of paper, which was all he needed for his ghost costume. Albus got another livid sheet, which they would cut up into striptease for Kaden 's mummy costume.

`` Finally ! '' John exclaimed once they left the shop, `` That 's my least darling place in Hogsmeade. ``

`` You should go to Madam Puddifoot 's, then, '' Albus laughed.

John Lackland shuddered. `` No way. I will never set foot in that repulsive place. ``

`` Anyone want to go to the terzetto Broomsticks ? '' lusterlessness shivered.

`` Yeah, I could use with a Butterbeer, '' Albus agreed and pulled his cloak tighter. The flatus had picked up and Butterbeer would be secure to warm up with.

Albus led his acquaintance up the street and into the crowded pub. It seemed that everyone had the idea of warming up with a Butterbeer. Albus and matt snagged the conclusion empty board while John went to the bar to get a few Butterbeers.

`` What do you think the party is going to be like ? '' mat asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` It 's not really common for there to be an existent political party. Usually it 's just the feast. I guess they just want us to interact with the foreign scholarly person. kind of like the Yule Ball for the Triwizard tournament. ``

`` I just ca n't hold back to see what people dress up as, '' John announced as he returned with the Butterbeers.

`` Think the instructor will primp up ? '' Matt asked.

`` I hope so, '' John grinned, `` Probably depends on the teacher, though. I could see Kendrick dressing up. And Longbottom. Not sure about Slughorn. ``

Albus snorted into his Butterbeer. `` Slughorn, garb up ? Now that would be curious. ``

`` I think any of the teachers dressing up would be funny, '' lusterlessness laughed.

`` So, how long do you recollect it 'll be until Kaden attempt sneaking into Hogsmeade ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` next trip-up, '' Albus said immediately, `` I know he 's plotting it. He asked me if I was taking the map today. I think he wanted it to abstract in. ``

`` Are you going to let him cause it future time ? '' matt asked as he sipped his Butterbeer.

`` Probably, '' Albus nodded.

`` What if he gets caught ? '' Matt asked.

Albus shrugged. `` He 'll get a mates detainment. It 's not like he 'll notice another two custody. ``

`` proficient point, '' matt grinned and turned to John Lackland, `` You two spend half your waking time in hold. ``

`` It 's not that bad, once you get used to it. I think Filch is getting a bit fed up with us, though. He 's starting to soak us off on the prof. ``

`` well, when you spend every other night with him, who can fault him ? '' Albus smirked.

`` Shut it, Albus, '' john laughed, `` Or next time we get caught, we 'll tell Filch whatever we were doing was all your idea. ``

`` He 'll never believe you, '' Albus grinned.

`` Albus, '' a female voice said from behind him.

Albus turned around and saw pink wine, Butterbeer in manus, with Amanda and Linda on either English of her.

`` pink wine, '' Albus muttered.

The mode at the table quickly turned from joking around to tense silence. Albus nervously glanced from Amanda to Rose and back again. He looked at Matt and John, who were both glaring at the girls.

`` All the tables are taken, '' Amanda sighed, `` Do you heed if we sit here ? ``

`` Er- '' Albus began.

`` We were just leaving, '' flatness announced as he stood up, `` Right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John agreed.

Albus nodded and stood up as well. He followed Matt and lavatory through the crowded pub, looking back at the girls. Amanda was the simply one who was watching them leave.

`` Why could n't they have found some early table to sit at ? '' John groaned after they were back outside.

`` I dunno, '' Albus muttered. He had been having fun joking around with Matt and privy, but as soon as the lady friend showed up, he was reminded once again of the rift that had formed in their grouping. `` Anywhere we have n't been yet ? ``

`` madam Puddifoot 's, '' Matt laughed.

`` Do n't even joke about that, '' bathroom shuddered, `` But you know, we have n't been to the scream Shack. ``

Matt groaned. `` You 're kidding, right ? ``

`` Nope, '' lav grinned and took off up the street, `` Come on, do n't even say you 're not going. Because you are. ``

matt sent Albus a wizened look and set off at a slower pace after Saint John. Albus laughed to himself and followed them.

There were a couple multitude leaning on the fence in nominal head of the shanty. They were all third age. Albus figured the thrill of the screeching Shack wore off after the first couple Hogsmeade slip. Albus and matt joined John, who was standing near a couple girls who were looking at the Shack.

`` It 's the most preoccupied building in Great Britain ! '' a Ravenclaw named Ann Jacobs told her friend.

`` Really ? '' the girl 's eyes widened. Albus vaguely remembered that she was Muggle born.

`` Yeah, it 's haunted by trace ! '' Ann Jacobs said excitedly, `` Right, Albus ? ``

`` Er, yup, '' Albus nodded, `` Ghosts. ``

`` I wonder if we could get inside ! '' the other girl said.

`` You ca n't, '' Matt said quickly.

`` How do you know ? '' the girl asked.

`` My sister tried once, '' Matt answered, `` She graduated our commencement year. The space is completely sealed. ``

`` Oh, '' the daughter sighed, `` Would have been cool. ``

`` We should get back, '' lusterlessness said, `` We 've got to get our costumes set up. ``

`` trade good idea, '' Albus agreed.

The boys bade goodbye to the two Ravenclaws and headed back to the castle. They were all very quietly on the manner of walking back. Albus sunk back into his thoughts of how he should have gone to Hogsmeade with blush wine. He hoped he 'd be able to go with her the next trip. Albus could n't guess that he 'd still be mad at her when that came around. At least he hoped he wouldn't.

Kaden was waiting in the marauder 's Den for them. He immediately bombarded them with motion, and the repose of the boy launched into a detailed description of their entire trip.

After Kaden 's curiosity was finally satisfied, the male child got to act on their costumes. flatness, John, and Kaden stayed behind in the Marauder 's Den to take in matte 's ghost costume and Kaden 's mummy costume while Albus set off to recover one of his cousin to paint his systema skeletale costume.

Gabriella agreed to stool the costume. Not wanting to find the girls and ask Amanda to do it, Albus had been hoping Gabriella would. Gabriella was the most originative of all his cousins and even though all he needed was someone to execute a painting appealingness, he figured Gabriella would do the just job.

`` What are you dressing up as ? '' Albus asked as Gabriella performed the charm.

`` A Veela, '' Gabriella replied.

`` Creative, '' Albus laughed.

`` My friend actually came up with it. A couplet of us are going as Veelas. ``

`` Well, you 've already got the tomentum, so it wo n't pick out a good deal for you to dress up, '' Albus said.

Gabriella grinned and handed Albus his costume. `` Here you go. I 'll see you at the party. I 've got to go get ready. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said.

When Albus returned to the predator 's Den, he was met not by his friends, but by a ghost, mummy, and vampire. All three costumes were brilliant. matt looked just like a Muggle specter, pure with eye golf hole and a round of golf mouth cakehole. Kaden was wrapped in strips of white tabloid that were hanging off of him in diverse places. lav 's costume was the best, in Albus 's public opinion. He wore a black cape with a Patrick White shirt and shameful pants underneath. He also had a red bow-tie on, which Kaden insisted would make up him look more vampirish. His boldness was completely covered in Stanford White make-up and he was wearing promising red lip rouge that dripped onto his Kuki. When he grinned, he revealed pearly White vampire fangs.

`` You lot look great, '' Albus grinned, `` The Muggle costumes was definitely the way to go. ``

`` Put yours on, '' lustrelessness said.

Albus nodded and went to his section of the room. When he came out, he was wearing his costume. Albus looked at his arms and they were glowing. Gabriella had done an excellent job with the painting charm. His bureau was covered in a glow in the night rib cage.

`` Brilliant, Albus, '' John grinned.

`` We 're going to stimulate the estimable costumes in the school, '' Kaden announced, `` Are the girls still dressing up as witches ? ``

`` No idea, '' Albus sighed. He had n't talked to Rose about the costumes in weeks. `` Guess we 'll find out. ``

Albus had no idea what to look from the company. The professors had never sponsored a company before while he was at Hogwarts. He walked down to the Great Radclyffe Hall with Matt, John, and Kaden. They passed quite a few people on the way down and saw all sorts of different costumes.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who read and reviewed this ! You guy cable are awesome !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus walked into the Great foyer, he stopped in his tracks. The elbow room had been completely transformed. There were huge tar o'lanterns everywhere, lit up by candles. naturalistic looking spider World Wide Web were draped across every control surface. The four House tabular array had disappeared and were replaced by spindly round wooden tables. pseudo wanderer were crawling around the floor. shammer bat were flying around. mesa of food were set up everywhere. cauldron were smoking on top of them, emitting all sorting of different colored smoke.

The professors were all milling about and talking with each early. Kendrick was dressed up as pigeon hawk or Dumbledore, Albus could n't tell which. Neville was dressed as Godric Gryffindor, Patil as Rowena Ravenclaw, and even Slughorn was dressed as Salazar Slytherin. Polo was not dressed as Helga Hufflepuff, a fact John was quick to point out. He was probably dressed as some other notable Hufflepuff, but Albus had no estimation who it was.

In fact, nearly all the prof were dressed up. The only one who was n't was Balladanis. He was wearing his usual pristine black gown with the intricate silver grey fastening. He was wearing a grim flavour as he brushed past tense Albus and his Friend. His eye narrowed a little at John but he quickly looked away. Albus thought this was odd, but did n't populate on it.

As the room gradually filled with more and more students, Albus noticed that there were an alarming total of them dressed up as his male parent. Most were first years. Albus just kept staring as eleven-year-olds with plastic glasses and bullshit scars on their faces walked past. He thought it was really really odd.

`` We 're surrounded by your dad, '' can laughed as another miniature Harry Potter walked by.

`` This is just eldritch, '' Albus muttered, shaking his head.

`` It 's kind of funny story, '' John laughed even harder.

`` Bet you would n't retrieve that if everyone was dressing up as your dad, '' Albus replied.

`` And that kid 's dressed up as your uncle ! '' Kaden announced, pointing to a red-haired boy who could 've easily passed for a Weasley. In fact, he did n't really look like he was dressed up at all, but Albus figured he was his Uncle Ron.

`` Uncle Ron would wish that, '' Albus smirked.

`` He would, '' mortal said from behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw the real Harry thrower with a collection plate of cooky in hired man. `` Hi, Dad ! ``

`` This has got to be the strangest party ever, '' Harry said, `` I 've never seen people dressed up as me before. It 's rather odd. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. He did n't really like that so many people were dressed as his dad.

`` Too bad Ron is on duty tonight, '' Harry sighed, `` He would 've liked to see a kid dressed as him. Where 's blush wine ? ``

`` Er .... ''

Harry gave Albus a rum look. `` Is everything all right ? ``

`` Um, yeah, '' Albus mumbled, `` I guess. ``

`` fountainhead, you know I 'm always here if you need to tattle, '' Harry replied, `` I like your costumes, by the way. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus grinned, `` Kaden 's melodic theme. ``

`` So far I have n't seen any former Muggle costumes, '' Harry pointed out, `` I 've got to go lecture to Kendrick, so I 'll see you soon. ``

Albus nodded. `` See you later. ``

Once Harry left, Albus and his friends wandered over to one of the food tables. They loaded up photographic plate with Gallus gallus and potatoes and assorted other stuff and went to determine seats.

`` facial expression, Albus, '' Matt pointed to the door, `` The girls are dressed as Muggle witches. ``

Albus looked up and saw Rose, Amanda, and Linda strolling into the elbow room dressed as the Muggle version of a witch. All three of them were wearing plain black gown, black Wiccan lid, and had painted their faces green.

Albus caught Amanda 's eye and they gave each early light smiles as the lady friend walked into the room.

`` dead reckoning they could n't come up with any early theme, '' John muttered.

`` We did agree on costumes before they stopped speaking to us, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I guess, '' John said.

`` Looks like they 're coming over here, '' lustrelessness groaned.

Albus set down his crustal plate and watched as the female child progressed towards them. rosiness 's face was still flint, even in jet. Amanda was leading them, so Albus figured she wanted to say hi, not Rose.

`` Hi, Albus, '' Amanda greeted them, `` matte, toilet, Kaden. Great costumes. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` You, too. ``

Nobody else said anything. Albus stood awkwardly with Amanda and looked around at the group. Rose was glaring at Matt and vice versa. lav and Kaden were shifting nervously around. Linda was staring at John, but not in a loathing way. It was more than of a combination between rarity and revulsion, which Albus thought was sort of odd.

`` This is just so stupid ! '' Amanda finally exclaimed, `` Do you lot want to keep scrap for the residue of the twelvemonth ? ``

`` Not really, '' Albus muttered.

rose wine sent a withering expression at Amanda and then turned around and left in a huff. Amanda sighed and followed her. Linda shook her principal and then ran after Amanda.

`` wellspring, that was awkward, '' Kaden announced a few seconds later.

`` Is this really what the rest of the year is going to be like ? '' Albus asked, looking pointedly at Matt, `` Because I think I 'll go mad if it is. ``

`` wellspring, Rose started it, '' Matt muttered.

`` You both started it, '' Albus snapped, `` And you both had better destination it. ``

`` It 's not that simple, Albus, '' lustrelessness sighed.

`` It is n't ? '' Albus asked, `` What am I missing, then ? I was there. You two fought over whether Linda should be in the way or not ! And we all said no, but pink wine is still upset over it ! I just do n't understand it. ``

`` Told you it was n't unproblematic, '' flatness said in barely more than than a whisper.

`` They 're daughter. Nothing is simple with girls, '' John groaned, `` And do you know why it 's not uncomplicated, Matt ? ``

Matt shifted uncomfortably and looked away for a few seconds. `` Yeah, I do, '' he whispered.

`` fear to explain ? '' Albus asked, now thoroughly confused.

`` Not here, '' mat said, `` Come on, let 's go to the way. ``

Albus followed Matt out of the Great Hall with john and Kaden on either side of him. None of them said a Christian Bible until they reached the Marauder 's Den. They went inside and sat down on the piece of furniture. flatness stood up as soon as he sat down and then began pacing around. It reminded Albus of the clock time he explained about the Hallows back in their first year.

`` All right, what 's up with the girls ? '' lavatory asked after Matt paced for a few moments.

mat stopped pacing and stood in front of them. `` Ok, here it goes. What do you know about lamia ? ``

`` Wait, what ? '' Albus shook his head. What in the name of pigeon hawk did vampires possess to do with the missy ?

`` What do you bonk about vampires ? '' Matt repeated.

John laughed. `` They vant to take up your roue ! '' he exclaimed in a bad Transylvannian emphasis. He opened his back talk and leaned towards Kaden 's neck.

`` Ew, '' Kaden moved away, `` lamia are afraid of garlic and they ca n't see themselves in mirrors. They ca n't go out during the day and they turn into bats. Oh, and you have to pop them with a wooden bet to the heart. ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` I do n't really know much besides the whole stock sucking thing. ``

`` You know, '' Matt began, `` You know zippo about vampire, yet you knew plenty about werewolves to figure out that I was one. ``

`` That was Rose, '' Albus reminded him.

`` right, anyway, Kaden, those are the vampire as Muggles see them. They 're not like that. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said.

`` What do vampires bear to do with this anyway ? '' John asked, `` I just want to know why rose wine is so refractory. ``

`` It 's just the way she is, '' Albus muttered.

`` lamia, '' mat continued, `` In the wizarding humanity, are the undead. They 're bushed, but they 're still around, obviously. lamia feed on man blood, but if they do n't imbibe a man completely dry, the dupe becomes a lamia themselves. ``

`` Sort of ilk werewolves, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Yeah, I guess, '' lustrelessness replied, `` But not really. Anyway, they basically die but they do n't. They become immortal and intercept aging. Someone could be bitten when they 're XX and still front twenty two hundred yr later. Their middle stop whacking and they run out of rakehell. That 's why they turn pasty whitened. Then, they need to fertilise on origin in order to come through. They can either use human or fauna blood line. The vampires that like to integrate into human fellowship prefer to use animal ancestry. All they need to survive is blood. They do n't need food. But they eat it to pretend they 're human. They do n't postulate to sleep either. ``

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked, `` That is Wyrd. ``

Albus never knew any of that. Now the lamia unit in refutation grade was going to be incredibly easy.

`` How often do they toast blood ? '' Albus asked.

`` Depends on the vampire. virtually need to drink it every couple of weeks or so. ``

`` What happens if they do n't ? ''

`` They get weak, '' matt explained, `` Vampires are exceptionally impregnable and loyal, but if they have n't had any rake recently, they feel weak and sick. ``

`` Like you do before the full moon, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Yeah, '' Matt nodded, `` form of like that. ``

`` Can they go out during the day ? '' John asked.

`` There 's a potion that they take so they can go out in the sun. The sun hurts them. Kind of like the moonlight for werewolf. ``

`` But what 's this got to do with Rose ? '' John asked impatiently.

`` I 'm getting there, '' matt said as he began pacing again, `` Anyway, vampire are fast and strong so they can pick up their prey. But they are also more beautiful than unconstipated humans. That way people are attracted to them. They 're also really really charismatic. When you meet one, you 're naturally attracted to them. It 's unvoiced to explain, you 're just drawn to them. It does n't even matter if they 're a boy or a fille or if you 're a boy or a girl. ``

Albus suddenly remembered the day the extraneous students arrived and he first laid oculus on Linda. She was beautiful. Albus had n't been able-bodied to take his eyes off her. But she did n't appear particularly charismatic. After hearing Matt 's verbal description of a vampire, Linda did voice like one, except for the charismatic constituent. She hardly said a word.

`` So if a lamia walked through the door, I 'd immediately want to to go over to them ? '' John asked.

`` Pretty much, yeah, '' lusterlessness said.

`` How do you know all this ? '' John the Evangelist asked.

`` Remember the library at my business firm ? There are loads of vampire books there because of my dad 's job. I 've read a few of them. ``

`` Well, you 'll do capital on whatever tryout Balladanis gives us on vampires when we get to that unit of measurement, '' St. John the Apostle laughed.

`` delay, '' Kaden looked at Matt curiously, `` Muggles believe that lamia and wolfman hate each former, and did n't you say that 's very ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Matt said quietly, `` That 's pretty a great deal it. But mostly the big rivalry is between werewolves and vampires who live away from necromancer. There are packs of lycanthrope and covens of vampires who fight over soil and stuff. That does n't pass off as much as it did years ago, but it still does occasionally, mostly in other countries. ``

`` So, you do n't really detest all vampires ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 've never really met one, '' Matt shrugged.

`` And what in the name of Merlin does this have to do with blush wine rowing with us ? '' John asked exasperatingly.

Albus was getting a bit impatient as well. sure as shooting, he liked hearing about vampires. They were variety of interesting, but he mainly wanted to know what flatness knew about rose wine.

`` Linda is a vampire, '' matte said simply.

The elbow room was silent for a few moment. Albus stared at Matt. Linda was a lamia ? It was possible. She did fit some of the feature, but it was still tough to grasp. Albus had never met a vampire before, let alone one that was his age.

`` When did you visualize that out ? '' Albus asked.

`` As soon as she walked past the Gryffindor table, '' Matt answered.

John looked at him in awe. `` Wow, that 's impressive. You ought to go into the department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. ``

`` Now that would be even more ironic than my dad working there, '' lusterlessness laughed, `` But I would have known she was a vampire even if I did n't know so much about them. loup-garou and vampires can instantly greet each former. ``

`` How ? '' Albus asked.

`` Smell, '' lusterlessness said, `` lamia have a distinctive smell, but regular wiz ca n't tell. Werewolves can, though. And vampires can smell wolfman. ``

`` And you did n't narrate us ? '' King John asked incredulously.

`` I did n't see the point, until now. ``

`` Did n't see the level ? There 's a lamia at Hogwarts and you did n't think to severalize us ? '' john shook his head, `` There 's always a reason to differentiate us that sort of stuff. ``

matt shrugged. `` Well, you know now. ``

Albus was still processing the information. Linda was a vampire. Matt knew Linda was a lamia from the commencement. lycanthrope can reek vampires. lamia can sense wolfman. That meant-

`` Wait, '' Albus began, `` Linda knows you 're a lycanthrope, does n't she ? ``

flatness sighed. `` Yes, she probably does. ``

`` Then why does it weigh if she gets to go in the piranha 's Den ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked, `` Not that I want to let her in. ``

`` It 's the principle of the thing ! '' Matt replied, `` I just do n't see why Killigan let her go to his school but he would n't let me ! I know it 's stupid to avoid her because of that because it 's not her fault, but I just do n't get it. ``

Albus had n't even thought of that. matt was right ; it did n't make gumption. How was letting a vampire into a school any different from letting a werewolf ?

`` But if you had been let in, you would n't have got moved here, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, and I 'm glad we moved, but it 's just not fair, '' Matt sighed.

`` So, '' Kaden said loudly, `` There 's a vampire at Hogwarts. Who 's blood is she sucking ? ``

"That, is actually a good inquiry, '' Albus said.

`` I have no thought, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm guessing she 's sucking fauna profligate. Probably Holman Hunt in the forest. ``

`` What about the wholly 'vampires are charismatic'thing ? '' Albus asked. Even if Linda did want to suck human blood, he had no idea how she 'd manage to lure a human towards her. She seemed to avoid as many the great unwashed as possible.

Matt smiled wryly, `` That 's where it gets worry. The three of you do n't see her as charismatic, right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said. John and Kaden nodded.

`` That 's what I thought. It 's because you 're admirer with me. ``

Albus turned to appear at John and Kaden. Both of them looked as confused as Albus felt.

`` Wait, what ? '' trick asked.

`` eve way back when there were more gang of lycanthrope and covens of lamia running about, it was potential for humans to affiliate with one or the early. Occasionally, a pack of werewolves would sort of 'adopt'a human and the human would go with the pack. I mean, the human would pull up stakes for the wide-cut moon, but live with the coterie the quietus of the month. But if the human came upon a lamia, the man would be completely unsuitable to a vampire because they were affiliated with lycanthrope. ``

`` And we 're affiliated with you, so Linda would n't want to absorb our blood, even if she did suck human rip ? '' Albus asked.

`` Exactly, '' matt replied, `` think how everyone seemed to flock around Linda when she first came here ? Everyone except us. Even Rose disliked her dorsum then. ``

`` But she does n't now, '' Kaden reminded him.

`` I know. That 's because as rosiness started spending Sir Thomas More time with Linda, she spent less time with us, with me. She became less consort with me, so to speak. And then when we had that row, well, now she 's just affiliated with Linda. She 's completely under Linda 's personal appeal. ``

Rose was affiliated with a lamia ? Did this mean there was no hope of her reconciling with flatness ? Albus groaned inwardly. He really did n't like Linda now. She was putting a immense break into their group.

`` Is it possible for a somebody to be friends with both a loup-garou and a vampire ? '' Albus asked quietly.

`` I think so, '' Matt sighed, `` But Rose wo n't even verbalize to us. ``

`` I think the only way she will is if we agree to let Linda into the Marauder 's Den, '' Albus muttered, `` She 's just so unregenerate. ``

`` But we do n't want to let her in here, '' John groaned.

`` No, we do n't, '' lusterlessness agreed.

`` Do you intend Rose knows she 's a vampire ? '' Albus asked. Rose was overbold, but if she had found out Linda was a vampire, she probably would make told him. She told him Matt was a werewolf, after all. Unless of course she discovered Linda was a vampire after the row.

`` No idea, '' Matt shrugged, `` Do you know if she knows anything about vampire ? ``

`` Probably not much, '' Albus answered.

`` Then she might not. Linda 's obviously trying to conceal that she 's a vampire. I bet she 'll come up out when we do the lamia unit in Defense, though. ``

`` Unless we tell her first base, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Are we going to ? '' John asked.

`` Would she even listen ? '' Matt asked.

`` I sort of think we should at least try to tell her, '' Albus said, `` And Amanda, too. ``

`` I suppose, '' flatness sighed, `` But they 're always around Linda. ``

`` We 'll just own to wait until she 's at Quidditch practice. I think the Aussie team practices on Mondays, so I guess we 'll await until then, '' Albus said.

The room descended into silence for a few minutes. Linda had definitely spiked Albus 's curiosity. He was mostly rummy about why Linda had been allowed to go to the Aboriginal Australian School of black magic but lusterlessness had n't. What was the difference in letting a lamia attend than a werewolf ? Even if Linda did wet-nurse animate being lineage, there was still the potential for her to suck human blood.

`` Bloody hell, '' Kaden let out a low whistle, `` A lamia at Hogwarts. ``

Albus nodded. Kaden pretty much summed up what Albus was thinking. Linda being a vampire had shocked him more than matt being a werewolf. He was n't sure why, but maybe it was because slip 's dad had been a lycanthrope and he attended Hogwarts, but as far as Albus knew, no lamia had ever been there.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this ! You guys are awesome !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atm at Hogwats the next day reminded Albus a lot of what it was like the day of the Quidditch final exam. It was the day of the first Quidditch mates of the Inter-School challenger. Australia would be playing New York. Albus was excited, but not as activated as he would have been if Hogwarts was playing. He did n't particularly care who won this equal. He was curious about Linda 's seeking skills, though.

`` Hi, Al, '' someone said from bum Albus as he walked down to the sales talk with Matt, John the Divine, and Kaden.

Albus turned around and saw his dad. `` Hi, Dad ! Here to see the match ? Or are you on duty ? ``

`` Just to see the peer, '' Harry grinned, `` I 'm hoping to be able to see them all, especially the ones you and James get to play in. ``

`` I do n't really get to spiel in any of them, '' Albus pointed out.

`` You never know, '' Harry said, `` Well, I 'm sitting with Neville, so I 'll see you after the peer. ``

`` Bye, Dad, '' Albus waved as he ran ahead of them.

The boy found in good order behind and waited for the match to begin. The weather was particularly dainty, especially for a late October day. The sun was out and there was only a slight snap in the unseasonably lovesome air.

`` It 's kind of odd to not be rooting for Gryffindor, '' Matt said.

Albus agreed. nobody was segregated into household discussion section like they usually were during Quidditch mate. `` I do n't know who to root for. ``

`` Me either, '' John Lackland lowered his voice, `` I mostly just want to see how Linda plays. Never seen a vampire play Quidditch before. ``

`` She must be good. She 's only a second class and she 's on the squad, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But she 's immortal, '' Matt reminded them, `` So she 's probably decades sr. than us at least. ``

Albus still found that aspect of vampires very foreign. He sighed to himself and focused on the sales talk, where a few citizenry were milling about. Albus could clear out Professors Kendrick, Roberts, and Killigan, along with a few early people Albus did n't recognize.

`` Welcome, students, staff, and guests to the first gear Quidditch match of the contender ! '' Kendrick shouted over the gang a few minutes later, `` This will work exactly like regular Quidditch matches. Ludo bagman of the section of Magical Sports will umpire this match. And now, I give you the Quidditch teams of the Adirondack academy of conjuring trick and the Aussie school of Sorcery ! ``

The New Yorkers were dressed in blue Quidditch robe and the Australians were dressed in green. Both teams entered the pitch with broom in their work force. Albus watched as each of their captains shake off hands. travelling salesman blew a whistle and all fifteen of them rose into the air.

`` And they 're off ! '' Todd Smith, who was apparently the reviewer for the inter-school matches, shouted, `` Haberino of New York catches the Quaffle and is flying to the Australian destination position .... ''

It was a very fast pace match. The Quaffle passed back and Forth between players faster than Smith could harbinger. Albus was very imprint. He also doubted he could fly as well as them and was sort of glad he was n't playing.

Albus knew he should pay the tight attending to the chaser, but he could n't avail but gape at Linda as she flew around the lurch. She was noticeably faster than the residual of the role player. Her grade was practically a fuzz every fourth dimension she darted in between the ease of the players.

`` Merlin, she 's fast ! '' Albus exclaimed as Linda went from one end of the pitch to the former in mere seconds.

`` I do n't think I 've ever seen anyone fly that fast ! '' John gaped, `` And I 've been to loads of Puddlemere matches ! ``

`` Well, that would explicate it, '' Matt smirked.

`` Puddlemere has spate of fast circular ! '' John shouted, `` It 's you who 's probably never seen anyone fly fast, what with you being a cannon fan .... ''

Matt rolled his centre. `` She 's fast because of what she is. ``

Albus nodded. He kind of figured that. It did n't seem reasonable, though. None of the other team had a vampire for a seeker. James obviously was n't a vampire and Albus doubted the New York quester was one either. He was a lot wearisome than Linda. It seemed like there should be some sort of ruler that would forestall Linda from being on the Australian team. Although, Albus was n't indisputable Kendrick and Robert knew Linda was a vampire.

`` New House of York scores ! '' Smith shouted, `` 40-20 New York ! ``

Linda may give been fast, but New York seemed to have undecomposed Chasers. Their way of playing reminded Albus of how he played with his cousins. When Albus played with broom and Fred, it was almost like they shared a brain.

All of a sudden, Linda guesswork across the pitch, from the Australian goals to the hindquarters of the New House of York goals. Albus stood up and watched the New House of York quester flew after her, but was meters behind. Linda dove for the ground and wing back into the air clutching something in her hand.

`` Is that ? '' John began.

`` The Snitch ? '' Kaden gaped.

`` It is, '' Albus stared as the two squad descended to the ground. It had only been fifteen minutes since the compeer started !

`` Linda Morales of Australia has caught the stoolpigeon ! '' Smith announced, `` Commonwealth of Australia wins 170-40 ! ``

`` That was the straightaway secret plan of Quidditch I 've ever seen, '' John said.

Everyone agreed. Albus had never seen anyone capture the sneaker that fast before. If the early match were like this one, Commonwealth of Australia was going to have the competition in the bag.

`` I 'm guessing this match wo n't be followed by a party in the unwashed room ? '' Kaden asked as the boy got up from their seats.

`` Probably not, '' Albus laughed, `` Hogwarts did n't play, so we 've really got goose egg to lionise. ``

`` Linda 's in Gryffindor, though, '' John pointed out.

`` Yeah, but I 'm betting nigh of the Gryffindors are going to be a bit upset at Linda 's seeking acquisition. I mean, James II is good, but even he 's going to take in trouble going up against Linda. I think she 'd even commit Teddy a run for his money, '' Albus pointed out.

`` James can beat her, '' John said confidently as they began the journey back to school, `` He 's a brilliant searcher. ``

`` But she 's faster, '' Albus sighed.

`` She 's bound to slip up eventually, '' Kaden said hopefully.

Albus certainly hoped so. Maybe the Beaters could just constantly pelt her with Bludgers throughout the entirely match so she would n't have a chance to feel the Snitch.

They continued to walk alongside the wood on their way to the castle. The hair on the back of Albus 's neck bristled and he looked quickly over his shoulder joint. It felt like someone was watching him. He stopped in his tracks and looked into the woodland. He saw a dark figure jump behind a tree. soul was in there.

`` Why 'd you cease, Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` There 's someone in the forest, '' Albus whispered.

`` Hagrid ? '' Matt asked.

`` No, '' Albus shook his head, `` Too small to be Hagrid. ``

`` We should go receive out who it is, '' whoremaster announced.

`` Are you mental ? '' Matt said, `` Whoever 's in there could be a murderer or something ! ''

Albus was n't sure about that, but he was for certain that he was curious. He wanted to lie with who was lurking about the forest after a Quidditch match.

`` Maybe we should, '' Albus said.

Matt sighed. `` Albus, you 're supposed to be the sane one. ``

`` I want to go see who it is, '' Kaden said.

`` It 's the Forbidden timberland ! '' flatness groaned, `` Forbidden ! If we get caught, we 'll be in huge difficulty ! Look at everyone walking around. individual is going to entrance us. ``

That was a upright decimal point. But at the same meter, Albus really wanted to know who it was. He could n't just place upright there and not go find out who the mysterious figure was ....

`` Al, '' a voice said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. His dad was standing there, looking at him curiously. `` Oh, hi Dad. ``

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

`` Er, there 's person in the forest, '' Albus replied.

Harry peered into the wood and then turned back to Albus with a forbidding look on his font. `` Thanks for letting me recognize, Al. I 'll determine it out. I want all four of you to go back to the castle and go straight to Gryffindor tug. ``

`` Who do you think it is ? '' Albus asked. His dad seemed rather worried.

`` I have a few guesses, '' Harry replied, `` If it 's anyone significant, I 'll let you get laid. ``

Albus nodded and started to take the air back to the castle with his friends. He glanced back at his dad and saw his Patronus running in the face-to-face direction. A few people were pointing at it and whispering.

`` Who do you think it is ? '' Kaden asked.

Albus shrugged. `` Dunno. I mean, the solitary people I can conceive of are Washburn and Willinson, but they have n't been sighted in months. ``

`` It 's got to be one of them, '' John said, `` Why else would your dad get so worried about it ? ``

`` But he could n't even see who it was, '' matt pointed out, `` It might turn out to be nothing. ``

`` Scary, though, '' Kaden shivered, `` One of them coming back. I mean, I 've never met either of them, but if they 're anything like Quinton .... ''

`` Do n't worry, '' Albus assured him, `` We 'll just go back to the vulgar room and we 'll be fine. ``

The boys hurried back into the castling and up to Gryffindor Tower. Most of the people around them were talking about the match, but Albus overheard a few people talking about his dad 's Patronus.

The Gryffindor common room was packed when they entered it. There was a very large grouping of people in the middle shouting about Quidditch and Albus had no dubiousness that Linda was in the middle of it, even if she did n't desire to be. Albus did n't see Rose or Amanda anywhere and figured they were with Linda. Albus had a fleeting thought that he needed to tell them about what he saw, but decided not to since Rose was n't speaking with him. He just did n't palpate like telling her anything authoritative while she was still giving him the silent treatment. He was starting to finger a bit dejected that it had been going on so long.

Albus and his protagonist found a mesa and sat down. They were quickly joined by Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn.

`` Can you believe she caught the stoolie that fast ? '' Lily asked.

`` That was incredible, '' Albus agreed, `` But she 's going to create it intemperately to beat Australia. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Hugo sighed, `` Everyone is trying to image out how she 's so fast. Fred thought she had some variety of special broom, but she denied it. ``

`` fountainhead, she obviously would n't take to that, '' Ashtyn rolled her eyes.

`` Maybe rose could ask her, '' Lily suggested.

`` I doubt Rose would do that, '' Albus muttered.

`` Are you still rowing with her ? '' Lily asked.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus said.

`` Why ? Nobody 's told me what your row was even about, '' Lily huffed.

`` It 's not your business organization, Lily, '' Albus sighed.

`` seminal fluid on, '' Lily whined, `` I 'm your sister. ``

`` And I do n't distinguish you everything, '' Albus said, `` So give it a rest. ``

`` Can I have everyone 's attention ? '' someone shouted from the portraiture hole.

Albus looked up and saw Neville standing there. Everyone immediately quieted down. Teachers rarely went into the coarse room. In fact, the only when time they did was when something bad happened or when Gryffindor had a spectacular Quidditch win.

`` I do n't want anyone leaving the unwashed way for now, '' Neville said in an unusually strict tone.

`` What 's going on ? '' Georgia asked.

`` Someone was spotted near Hogsmeade and in the forest, '' Neville replied.

`` Who ? '' Fred asked.

`` The Aurors do n't want us to disclose that information yet, '' Neville said, `` I 'll be back when we know more. ``

Neville left and the common room erupted into whispers. Albus turned to his friends, who had all turned a few shades lighter after hearing Neville 's announcement.

`` It 's got to be, '' Matt whispered, `` They would n't shut out us in if it was n't someone unsafe. ``

Albus nodded and swallowed hard. He knew he was perfectly safe in the vernacular room, but could n't help oneself feeling a bit frighten.

`` I bet it 's Washburn ! '' mortal shouted from across the common room.

`` Who 's Washburn ? '' one of the first years piped up.

`` immorality Charms teacher, '' someone replied.

`` Yeah ! '' Ashtyn said, `` He tried to bolt down my crony ! ``

`` Mine, too ! '' Lily put in.

`` And he tried to stamp out my sister, '' Hugo added.

Lily, Ashtyn, and Victor Hugo started telling the other first year what had happened to Albus and his ally. Albus groaned and shook his headspring as all four eleven year olds watched him.

`` Wish we could go to the way, '' Albus muttered.

`` Let 's go to the dormitory room, '' John suggested, `` I 'll bet it 's abandon. ``

The male child left the common room ( very much to the dismay of Lily, Hugo, Ashtyn, and their growing radical of on-lookers ) and went up to Albus 's dormitory, which was thankfully empty.

Albus, mat, and John all sat on their beds and Kaden sat on the foot of Albus 's. None of them said a Scripture. Albus supposed that thick down in his mind he knew Washburn would come up back, but he tried not to think about it. He figured Washburn was after the Resurrection Stone. That meant he would n't try and break into the castling, did n't it ?

No, it did n't. Albus 's gaze fell upon his trunk, where the Invisibility Cloak resided. If Washburn still wanted to unite the Hallows, he 'd need that cloak. Albus gulped. Washburn was going to try and break into the castle. Albus did n't have sex when, but he knew it would happen at some point.

******

Harry never returned to the rook to tell Albus what had happened. Neville came back to the common room an hour or so later and told everyone they were discharge to leave if they wanted to, but he did n't disclose any details. Albus and his acquaintance stayed in the common room, hoping Harry would eventually find Albus, but he never did.

The Great residence was filled with much Thomas More cackle than was normal on Monday dayspring. Albus and his protagonist sat down at the Gryffindor table and James immediately passed Albus a copy of the Daily Prophet.

`` They did n't hitch him, '' Jesse James said as he tossed Albus the paper.

Albus took it and all four son read the front page article at the Saame time.

Washburn Sighted in Hogsmeade ; Mysterious Man Sighted in Forest

Jameson Washburn, wanted for torturing underage
educatee and the illegal use of Legilimency on an
minor scholar, was sighted by an anon. witch
in Hogsmeade yesterday afternoon.

The sighting took place a few hours after the first off
Quidditch match in the tournament between Hogwarts,
the Aussie School of sorcery, and the Adirondack
Academy of magic trick. The anonymous beldame stated that
'a man ran from behind the Hog 's principal up towards the
hills. He looked like Washburn .'

Harry Potter, Head of the Auror Department, was on the
Hogwarts evidence at the time and reported quickly to
the scene. No signs of Washburn were found and Potter
is for certain he had Disapparated quickly.

potter had previously been investigating the Forbidden
timber, after receiving a tip from a educatee that
someone had been lurking around. Nobody was found.

Hogwarts school of witchery and Wizardry went into
lock down after the supposed sighting of Washburn.
bookman were not informed about the spot. The
Auror section has not said whether extra
trade protection will be given to the school. Currently, an
Auror is assigned to the school at all prison term, after the
snatch of a bookman by Quinton Willinson ( currently
residing in Azkaban ) hold out Spring.

'We do n't want mass to concern. We 're not even for certain
whether either sighting was actually Washburn or not ,'
ceramist told reporters.

Albus set down the newspaper publisher and turned to look at his Quaker. There was no uncertainty in his mind that that man in the forest had been Washburn. He had gotten away again. For soul who seemed incompetent at just about everything, Washburn certainly was good at escaping.

`` I wonder where he 's hiding, '' John said, `` I mean, he 's probably somewhere around here, you 'd think ? ``

`` I bet he Apparated someplace far away, '' Albus replied, `` He 's not going to want to stick around and get caught. ``

`` Yeah, that 's genuine, '' privy said, `` But I bet he 'll be back. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed, `` Willinson might even go with him. I wonder where he is. ``

`` I hope he 's far away from here, '' matte said, `` We 'd better get to class. ``

Albus was glad that they had care of Magical Creatures first because he would be able to continue talking about Washburn as they observed firecrabs.

`` You do n't think they 'll cancel the Hogsmeade trips, do you ? '' John asked once they had walked a good space away from the Slytherins.

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` They did n't invalidate them when Sirius escaped from Azkaban. ``

`` I hope they wo n't, '' whoremaster said, `` They could just have Aurors patrolling the Greenwich Village. That 'll hold on Washburn away. ``

`` There are already Aurors patrolling the schoolhouse, '' lustrelessness pointed out, `` So I 'm certain they 'll be patrolling Hogsmeade now, too. ``

`` Just as long as they do n't fetch any dementors here, I 'll be happy, '' Albus shivered. He had never actually seen a dementor, but he knew enough about them to fear them.

`` fountainhead, that did n't exactly turn out well when Sirius had escaped, did it ? '' John the Divine replied.

`` I know, but still .... '' Albus 's representative trailed off.

`` Dementors do n't even defend Azkaban anymore, so I do n't see why they would get sent here, '' John the Evangelist said as he stopped his firecrab from escaping.

`` I wonder where they went, '' Albus pondered, `` I 've never seen one. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his head, `` But that 's a good decimal point. What did happen to them all ? ``

`` That 's one affair my dad never told me, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I 've never seen one either, '' mat shivered, `` But my dad has. He 's had to carry on with them at work- ''

`` So he knows where they were sent ? '' can interrupted.

`` No, '' matte shook his head, `` He dealt with them in Australia. There are a lot of them on the outback. There 's hardly anyone living around there, so every once in a piece, they 'll descend on some diminutive town they come upon. Then some beldame or wizard reports it and my dad or someone else from his situation would get to go clear them out. ``

`` That would be a horrible job, '' John said quietly.

`` He hated it, '' lusterlessness replied, `` He 'd total home all wonky and press down and Mum would feed him freight of coffee. Then they 'd go talk by themselves. He refused to recite me and Amy what he hears when he comes across dementors, though. Amy asked loads of metre, but he never told. ``

`` My dad wo n't differentiate me what he hears either, '' Albus said, `` It 's got to be awful. ``

`` Neither of my parents have ever seen dementors, '' John said, `` I think my parents lead relatively pattern liveliness compared to yours. ``

`` No one in my kinsfolk leads a formula life, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine either, '' Matt agreed.

`` Well, hopefully your dad will catch Washburn and Willinson and then you can deliver a somewhat rule animation, Albus, '' John said.

`` Maybe, '' Albus shrugged.

`` As for me, I like a little hullabaloo in life, '' bathroom grinned.

`` You can have all of mine, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine, too, '' matte smirked.

`` Nah, '' lav shook his heading, `` I 'll make my own. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


In all the fervour of the potential sighting of Washburn in Hogsmeade, Albus nearly forgot about talking to stand up that evening. He was sitting in the common elbow room trying to take his defense reaction Against the iniquity Arts Book when John the Evangelist prodded him.

`` What ? '' Albus looked up at John.

`` Linda just went to Quidditch practice, '' Gospel According to John gestured to the portrait hole, which just closed behind someone, `` We can spill the beans to Rose now. ``

Albus nodded and closed his book. He had to take that he was a bit nervous about telling rose wine that Linda was a vampire. He had a feeling she would n't convey it well. They were going to suffer to interrupt this to her very nicely.

It was n't that Albus was worried that rose wine would be upset that Linda was a vampire. Albus knew that would n't get to her in the tenuous. It was the fact that Albus was the one who figured it out that he was worried about. Albus fully expected rose to deny that Linda was a vampire for the sole reason that she had n't figured it out herself.

`` I guess we 'd better, '' Albus said as he got up. He glanced around the common way and his center rested on the table Rose and Amanda were sitting at.

Albus walked over to her table with flatness, John, and Kaden following. The two fille looked to be working on homework.

`` Rose, '' Albus sat down next to her, `` We need to babble out to you about something. ``

pink wine put down her quill and looked up. `` Is it about Washburn ? If you 're worried about him coming back, do n't be. He ca n't get into the castling. ``

`` It 's not about him, '' Albus sighed, although he had a feeling Washburn could get into the castle if he wanted.

`` Then what ? '' pink wine said shortly.

`` It 's about Linda- ''

`` Then I do n't want to hear it, '' rosiness interrupted.

`` Rose, it 's of import, '' Albus insisted, `` Just come talk to us. ``

`` No, '' Rose said a bit louder, `` I know you lot do n't like her, but I do. And I do n't need you telling me who I can and ca n't be friend with. ``

`` That 's not what we 're going to tell you, '' Albus groaned, `` There 's just something about her you should roll in the hay. ``

`` Just talk to them, Rose, '' Amanda said, `` To be honest, I 'm upchuck of you ignoring them. ``

rosiness looked a bit taken aback. `` All right, fine. '' She shoved her books into her bag a bit operose than requirement and stood up.

Albus said nothing but lead everyone out of the common room. Nobody said a Bible until they were in the Marauder 's Den. Rose sat in one of the chairs and folded her arms across her chest.

`` What ? '' she asked, `` What do you possibly have to tell me ? ``

Albus glanced at matt, who nodded. Albus took a deep breath. `` Linda is a vampire, '' he said quietly.

Rose 's mouth fell unfold and then she burst out laughing. `` Are you bloody insane ? How in the gens of Falco columbarius did you possibly get up with that stupid idea ? ``

Albus groaned. `` It 's not a dullard idea. It 's true. And Matt told us. ``

Rose rolled her eyes and glared at Matt. `` Of form. You 're the one who hates Linda the most. ``

`` Rose, it 's lawful ! '' Matt insisted, `` Do you honestly think that I would just randomly claim somebody was a vampire ? For all the difference between vampire and werewolves, they both get discriminated against. ``

`` Oh, I do n't get laid. Maybe because you want me to stop being friends with her ? '' Rose shouted.

`` fountainhead, that would be stupid of me because I know you would n't stop being friends with her because of that, '' lustrelessness said quietly, `` After all, you 're Friend with me. Or at least you used to be. ``

`` I still am, '' pink wine whispered.

Albus smiled to himself. That was promising. Maybe their friendship was n't totally destroyed.

`` But do n't you lot think that if Linda was a vampire, I would take figured it out ? '' Rose asked, `` I mean, I was the only if one to figure out that lusterlessness 's a werewolf. ``

`` How very much do you recognise about vampires, rosebush ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, not much, I guess, '' rose wine said sheepishly, `` But still, how do you fuck ? ``

Albus opened his bag and pulled out his defence force record book. He tossed it at Rose. `` Read the bit about vampire. ``

rose caught the Holy Scripture and opened it up. She began to read it with Amanda reading over her shoulder. A few minutes later, rose set the book down. Her nerve was pale.

`` You 're right, '' she whispered and then turned to lusterlessness, `` Is that why you do n't like her ? ``

`` kind of, '' matt shrugged, `` It 's not the fact that she 's a lamia. It 's the fact that she knows I 'm a werewolf. ``

`` Oh, '' rose wine nodded, `` And she 's from Australia and Killigan does n't like werewolves. I get it. But, wait, how cum Killigan lets Linda go to shoal but he would n't let you ? ``

`` No idea, '' lustrelessness sighed, `` It 's a closed book. ``

The room descended into an embarrassing muteness and Albus looked at all of his Quaker. rosebush still looked a petty offend and Amanda did as well.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` Are you going to keep ignoring us, Rose ? ``

`` Are you going to let Linda make out in here ? '' rosebush asked.

`` No way, '' Albus, mat, John, and Kaden said at once.

Rose sighed. `` fine. I 've missed you lot, but I am still going to spend time with Linda. I guess I 'll just split my time, then. ``

Albus grinned. `` thoroughly. But next Hogsmeade trip, you 're coming with us. ``

******

Over the next couplet of weeks, Rose and Amanda began spending Thomas More and more time with Albus and the other boys. Albus was thrilled about it, especially since after a few daylight passed, it was like rose wine and mat had n't rowed at all. Nobody ever brought up the topic of Linda, though. rosiness and Amanda both spend clip with Linda, usually in the library, but Albus did n't particularly mind. He kind of liked having time to spend just with Matt, John, and Kaden.

trick and Kaden found it increasingly hard to overstretch pranks due to the fact that Hogwarts was being patrolled by Sir Thomas More Aurors since the Washburn sighting. instructor, prefects, and the oral sex boy and girl were also patrolling more often than they used to. Albus was secretly felicitous about this since he had an increasing fear of Washburn breaking into his dormitory to slip the Invisibility Cloak. John and Kaden, on the early script, came back to the green room ranting about how they could n't pull off some prank or the other due to an Auror or prefect finding them. Matt did n't seem to experience an opinion on the subject area and Albus suspected he would be glad so long as Killigan stayed away from him.

The side by side Quidditch match was in the beginning of December, and although that was still a month away, Wood increased practice to three days a hebdomad instead of two. Wood was especially tough on James since the next mates would be between Hogwarts and Australia. Wood was determined to shell Australia and that meant James would birth to try and fly faster than Linda. Teddy was working with him one on one during all the practices.

The following junior dueling tournament was coming up as well and Albus was determined to actually duel during this one. He did n't worry if both his stage were broken, he would still go.

Between his diverse praxis and classes, Albus did n't give birth much prison term for anything else. All his teacher were increasing the employment load, especially Balladanis. He started packing Sir Thomas More and more into each object lesson and had begun assigning each week essays. And since all the deterrent example were practical, Albus had to read the book to do the essays. There were no line from class to use.

Albus and the rest of the pupil no longer bothered taking their Word and sheepskin out at the beginning of course of study. In fact, the majority of Albus 's class did n't even bother sitting down. Albus wondered why Balladanis even bothered to put the desks back at the end of class, since he had yet to hear of any of the geezerhood having an factual lecture in that class.

Due to this, Albus was completely shocked when Balladanis told the family to sit down at the beginning of Defense Department in the root of November. Albus turned to lusterlessness and can, who looked equally surprise. Balladanis, on the other hand, was acting like this was perfectly normal.

Albus sat down in between lustrelessness and John amongst the whispering of the rest period of the class.

Balladanis stood in figurehead of his desk and looked out at the students. There was a large trunk in front of him which reminded Albus of the first day of stratum. But why would Balladanis bring a Boggart back to class ? Matt told Albus that Balladanis was n't even using Boggarts in his aid Roger Huntington Sessions anymore.

`` Today 's example will be portion lecture, '' Balladanis announced, `` The rationality for this being that the particular creature we are studying today is not in your schoolbook Good Book. ``

The class erupted in more voicelessness and Albus distinctly heard rosebush gasp.

`` settle down, '' Balladanis said, `` The creature is not in your al-Qur'an because it is extremely rare and almost wizards will go their entire lives without ever encountering one. Because of this, it is not normally in a third year curriculum. The puppet is usually studied in advanced N.E.W.T. DoD Against the wickedness Arts only. I however, believe this animate being is extremely beneficial to tierce year defense and am adding it in, despite the fact that it is not in your book. ``

Albus was on the border of his hindquarters now. He was staring directly at the trunk in presence of Balladanis, where the beast probably resided. It could n't be that severe, could it ? Otherwise, Balladanis would n't deliver brought one. Although, there was n't much that Balladanis could do that would actually surprise Albus. He was a very odd teacher.

`` The creature I am talking about is an anamatek, '' Balladanis said as he began pacing back and forth in front end of the trunk. He stopped in movement of rosebush, Amanda, and Linda 's table. `` Does anyone know what an anamatek is ? ``

Albus had never heard of one in his life. rosiness did n't put her hand up either. The only helping hand in the socio-economic class that went up was Linda's.

`` Yes, missy team spirit, '' Balladanis said.

`` An anamatek is a shape-shifter, but it is different from a boggart. anamateks are forced to vary into whatever form the magician controlling them wants, '' Linda explained.

`` Correct, '' Balladanis began pacing again, `` anamateks are very hard and mightily beast. It takes a very impregnable and mightily witch or wizard to keep in line them. Not many are capable to do so. But if a crone or wizard can, the anamatek must transform into whatever form the wizard wants.

`` This of course of study is very unsafe if a drab magician gets hold of one. Can you opine if Voldemort had been able to control a few anamateks and had them metamorphose into chimaeras ? ``

The integral way was tacit. Albus shivered at the idea of an army of chimaeras, especially in the paw of Voldemort.

`` Luckily for us, anamateks are extremely rarified and the majority of wizards ca n't control one, let alone an army of them. The few anamateks that exist in the world reside in affectionate clime and they prefer to stay put hidden amongst trees or bushes. Anamateks are rarely sighted in Great Britain and I would estimate that there are n't more than than four or five in the entire area. They are a bit more common in warmer climates such as the Southwestern United States, Latin America, South the States, Africa, and Australia. However, you could search all of these commonwealth extensively and never come across one.

`` Anamateks do not like wizards because they do not want to be controlled. Not only can wizards control what the anamatek turns into, they can also make it do whatever they please. When they are not controlled, they can turn into whatever they like and usually choose a particularly unsafe creature in orderliness to dissuade virtuoso from capturing them. They can not, however, turn into human beings, for the most office. There are exception to that. Certain sinewy enchantress and maven have had success turning them into humans, but they do not act like world. No anamatek can turn into a man on its own. ``

Balladanis paused and stopped next to his bole. `` I have captured an anamatek. I captured it many long time ago and it has been under my control ever since. Having an anamatek at my disposal provides a slap-up learning opportunity for all of you. Can anyone dead reckoning why ? ``

rose 's script scene into the air. `` Yes, Miss Weasley, '' Balladanis said.

`` You can have it turn into whatever we 're studying and we can learn to fight it instead of having to crusade a actual one. That way, you can control what its doing and none of us will get hurt, '' rose wine answered.

`` Correct, '' Balladanis said, `` Before class, I performed a enchantment which caused the anamatek to turn into a kappa, which I hope you are all mindful that we are currently studying. When I say so, get up and organize a bank line in nominal head of my desk. You will be performing the turn you learned terminal stratum to try and repel the anamatek, which is going to look and act exactly like a kappa. ``

`` Sir ? '' Malfoy raised his hand.

`` Yes, Mr. Malfoy ? ``

`` Sir, are you going to tell apart us the spell to bring in an anamatek under a superstar 's control condition ? ``

`` No, Mr. Malfoy, I am not, '' Balladanis said darkly, `` First, it 's not just one trance, it is a set of extremely hard trance, beyond N.E.W.T. level. Second, there is much argumentation as to whether the spells are nighttime conjuring trick or not. Third, it would be unpointed since none of you would receive the capability of performing such magic and will likely never have the opportunity to perform it. Fourth, the headmaster would not be happy if I did so. I will also not contract any billet to admit any of you into the Restricted Section of the subroutine library to research the spells. ``

Malfoy scowled at this and Albus stifled a jape. It did n't surprise him in the slightest that Malfoy would want to get a line the spells. Albus was extremely odd as to how Balladanis managed to perform them, and how he had come across the anamatek in the first shoes. Albus doubted that he would tell that story, though. Balladanis never talked about his past.

`` Everyone get up ! '' Balladanis shouted.

Albus hastily stood up and watched as the sleep of the course did the Lapp. Rose and Linda shoved their billet into their bags, but nobody else had bothered to lead preeminence. The idea had n't even crossed Albus 's mind. He was so victimized to not taking distinction in Defense.

Balladanis moved the tables to the side of meat of the elbow room and Albus joined the queue forming in front of the trunk. He stood on his tip-toes and peered around John to try and catch a glimpse of the anamatek when it emerged from the trunk.

Balladanis pointed his wand at the trunk and it shot open. aught happened for a few second gear and then a slimy, scaly kappa crept up over the top of the automobile trunk and climbed out. It stretched out its webby hand and started towards Janie Creevey, who was first in the line.

Janie held up her wand and muttered the spell. The kappa was shot back towards the torso and Balladanis nodded at Janie. She stepped to the side and Karina walked forward as the kappa recovered.

The queue moved forward and Albus was able to get a good look at the anamatek. It looked exactly like a kappa. If Albus did n't love any comfortably, he would say that it was a veridical kappa.

Balladanis made everyone perform the spell until they could do it successfully. Rose and Linda got it on their first gear tries, but Amanda had a bit of problem. Albus had a impression she would be working with the anamatek in her next extra help session. John Lackland managed to have winner on his first try and he stepped to the side and Albus stepped forward.

The anamatek crept towards Albus, who held up his wand. Kappas did n't really scare him in the slightest, yet his pith had begun pounding faster. The anamatek is what scared him a bit. The affair had the potential difference to change into something grievous like a chimaera at any present moment. How much control did Balladanis really have over the thing ?

Albus shouted the go and the anamatek was thrown back against the trunk and landed with a loud crack.

`` Very serious, Mr. ceramicist, '' Balladanis smiled ever so slightly, `` A few of the rest of you might care to take note of the strength Mr. Potter put behind his go. A determined kappa would have been able to go back very quickly from most of your spells. Mr. thrower, on the other manus, would let been able to break away if this had been a real kappa. ``

Matt 's crook was next and Albus stood next to John to watch him. The kappa was only slightly deterred by lustrelessness 's first spell and he had to try about three times to get it to work.

`` Now I know what Balladanis is going to have me do tomorrow dark, '' Matt whispered to Albus as they watched Malfoy take on the kappa.

Malfoy sent the kappa slamming into the automobile trunk with almost as much power as Albus had, earning him a rebuff smile from Balladanis as well.

`` Where in the figure of Merlin did Balladanis get that matter ? '' whoremonger exclaimed after they 'd left the classroom.

`` No idea, '' Albus shrugged, `` But I wish he 'd tell us. ``

`` He wo n't, '' matte sighed.

`` I know, but I still want to know, '' can said, `` And what did he do for a living before this ? I mean, I do n't think teachers normally come upon anamateks. ``

`` Probably not. I do n't think my dad has ever seen one and he 's an Auror, '' Albus pointed out.

`` They are extremely rare in UK, '' pink wine ran up side by side to Albus, `` I bet Balladanis lived in some other country before he started teaching here. Africa or Commonwealth of Australia or one of those stead where anamateks are Thomas More common. ``

`` Yeah, but they 're not exactly commons in those lieu either. My dad has n't seen one either and he worked with magical creature in Australia for years, '' Matt said.

`` I 'm surprised Kendrick lets him have that thing in the school, '' Amanda said.

`` I doubt Kendrick knows about it, '' Albus replied.

If Kendrick had n't known about the anamatek before, he most likely did by the end of the day. The stallion school was buzzing about it. Apparently Balladanis had not only shown it to his tertiary age, but second and fourth through seventh years as well. The plebeian elbow room was filled with chatter about it after dinner, as well as extremely overjealous showtime class. Lily, Victor Hugo, and Ashtyn whined about not being able-bodied to see it.

`` Are you set up for Quidditch practice, Al ? '' Georgia said to Albus as Lily and her friends left.

Albus looked up. GA 's side was white and she looked more than than a petty scared. Albus stared at her curiously.

`` Yeah. But, Georgia, are you ok ? ``

`` I 'll be fine, '' she assured him, `` Balladanis had that anamatek thing turn into a dementor during course of study right before dinner. We spent the entire class trying to be sick Patronuses against it. Let me tell you, that anamatek was just like a dementor. '' GA closed her eye and shuddered.

`` You should birth some deep brown, '' Albus told her and pulled a chocolate frog out of his bag. He tossed it to her.

Georgia caught it and ripped it open. `` Thanks. Let 's go bump James. ``

Albus said goodbye to his Friend and went to go find Epistle of James with Georgia. He felt a bit changeable that Balladanis had used the anamatek as a dementor. Having it deform into a kappa was one thing, but a dementor ? They were really dangerous. As far as Albus knew, the Patronus magic spell was n't actually practiced on dementors until Auror preparation. Part of Albus hoped that Kendrick would ban the anamatek from the school before he started learning the Patronus spell in seventh year.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Much to Albus 's surprise, the anamatek was still sitting in Balladanis 's classroom the side by side class. Albus really thought Kendrick would feature made him get rid of it. The course continued practicing on it and after a few sitting with it, Albus got used to the fact that it was an anamatek. As long as it did n't plow into a dementor or a chimaera or something else really dangerous, Albus did n't mind.

Practicing on the anamatek was a lot like practicing dueling anyway. That 's how Albus saw it. demurrer grade were beginning to be a lot like dueling practice. Albus was very happy about this, especially since the next dueling tourney was quickly upon him. It took home on a Saturday in the middle of November, the day before the second inter-school dueling tournament.

`` Nice to see that you actually showed up today, ceramicist, '' Malfoy smirked as Albus and Amanda sat down at their team table.

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Lynley Anderson said as she walked past Albus, `` Or you wo n't duel in the next tournament. ``

Malfoy scowled and Albus smiled to himself. He sat down and looked to the front line of the room. The usual dueling doughnut were set up and Neville was standing in front of one. Balladanis was standing in front of the other one. He must hold been chosen to be the early professor in charge of the dueling order since Albus 's dad left.

The tournament began a short patch later and Albus sat back to wait for his turn. As lots as Albus loved dueling, he could n't stand having to wait while everyone else dueled. He could n't hold off until he was a fifth year and could try out for the regular dueling club. The teams were lots smaller for that and Albus would get to duel more during each tournament. If he made the squad, that is.

`` Albus Potter and Kaden Dursley, '' Balladanis announced.

Albus looked up and stared at him. Kaden ? Albus turned to yawn at Amanda, who shrugged. Albus was going to have to duel Kaden ? Albus had yet to duel any of his cousins.

Albus got up and walked towards the ring. Kaden was already there when he arrived. Albus and Kaden bowed to each early and then raised their wands.

`` Menachem Begin, '' Balladanis said.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted and pointed his wand at Kaden while silently apologizing to him. He really did n't want to duel Kaden.

Kaden 's sceptre flew from his hand and Albus caught it. Albus looked up at Balladanis. Balladanis was looking at Albus with his piercing stare and Albus quickly looked away.

`` full point to Potter, '' Balladanis said without taking his eyes off Albus.

Albus handed Kaden back his wand and went back to his team 's board. Lynley and Amanda congratulated him and he sat back down.

`` I ca n't believe they had you duel Kaden, '' Amanda giggled.

Albus shrugged. It had n't been much of a competitiveness. Albus rarely had trouble dueling anyone during the tournament. The only person who Albus ever had trouble dueling was Malfoy, and he was on Albus 's team.

Albus was n't really thinking much about having to duel Kaden. He could n't get the look Balladanis had given him out of his mind. It was kind of like the flavour he 'd received in course of instruction, only more restrain. There was a mite of curiosity mixed in with something Albus could n't describe. It was almost like he was trying to translate Albus 's psyche, but Albus had had enough experience with that to be intimate that Balladanis was n't doing it.

Malfoy was up succeeding and he dueled James. It was a very fast-paced and commove duel. In the end, Malfoy managed to disarm James II. Albus had no idea how he felt about this. Part of him was happy that his team got the compass point, but on the former hand, the thought of his buddy losing to Malfoy was rather unsettling.

James had a mutinous look on his case as he grabbed his verge out of Malfoy 's outstretched hand. He stormed back to his mesa without a second glance at Malfoy or Balladanis.

Albus looked back to Balladanis and saw him giving Malfoy the Lapplander odd looking he had given Albus earlier. Albus had no idea what to make of that. Balldanis had n't looked at anyone else like that.

The next somebody Albus dueled was a bit more challenging, but Albus still disarmed her within three minutes. She was a twenty-five percent year Ravenclaw who had the reputation of being the smartest of all the fourth years.

Balladanis gave Albus the Lapp strange look as he awarded him the point. Albus quickly gave the girl back her scepter and went back to his table.

Albus 's squad narrowly won the tournament. Lynley congratulated everyone and said the entire team had improved greatly since the end tournament. Albus and Amanda got up and joined the throng of people leaving the room. They headed up to the common way, where they had agreed to meet their friends after the tournament.

`` undecomposed job, '' John said as he sat down following to Albus.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled.

`` Yeah, '' Kaden agreed, `` I mean, you beat me moderately quickly. ``

`` Albus is the best duellist out of all of us, '' lustrelessness said as he joined them.

`` Balladanis was certainly interested, '' St. John said, `` What was up with him looking at you like that ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus said, `` It was really odd. ``

`` He was looking at Malfoy like that, too, '' blush wine said as she and Linda sat down.

`` I 'll bet it 's because you 're both such soundly dueler, '' flatness replied, `` I hate to admit it, but Malfoy is really sound. ``

`` Did you see James 's typeface after Malfoy beat him ? '' John laughed, `` That was pretty funny. ``

`` I do n't think James would agree with you, '' Albus smirked.

`` Well, we should probably do some homework, '' Rose said.

Everyone groaned but cypher disagreed. Albus went up to his dormitory room and returned with his book. He cracked outdoors his Herbology rule book and started an essay that was due on Tuesday.

`` You 're from Australia, are n't you ? ``

Albus 's chief snapped up. Linda was staring curiously at matte, whose eyes were darting about. Everyone else was now staring at Linda. Albus did n't conceive he had ever heard her public lecture outside of class.

`` Er, why do you remember that ? '' lusterlessness asked nervously.

`` The former day after Defense, you mentioned that your dad had n't seen an anamatek even though he worked down there, '' Linda explained.

`` Oh, yeah, '' flatness muttered, `` I did used to experience there. ``

`` Why did you move ? '' Linda asked.

`` My dad 's job, '' Matt said.

`` Oh, '' Linda replied, `` Well, if you had n't, we could get gone to school together. ``

Matt mumbled something under his breath.

`` What ? '' Linda asked.

`` nothing, '' matte said and closed his book, `` I 'm, er, going to the library. ``

Albus closed his own record book and got up to take after Matt, but he had already left. Albus sighed and looked at rose, who was slowly shaking her head. That was exactly why Matt had wanted to quell away from Linda and Albus could n't blame him.

The residue of the afternoon was spent in silence in the uncouth way. Albus managed to cease his Herbology essay just before dinner. He had no approximation if mat actually went to the depository library, but found him in the Great manse at dinner. He made no quotation of what Linda had said, so Albus did n't fetch it up. Albus only had enough sentence to eat a spry dinner anyway, because he had Quidditch praxis afterwards.

******

`` All right hand, that 's enough for today, '' Balladanis announced as the campana rang the watch over Tues, `` depart your essays on my desk on your way out. ``

Albus stowed his wand in his robes and rummaged around in his bag for his essay. For some reason, Balladanis always collected essays at the end of class. Albus had no idea why. All the other teachers collected them at the beginning, presumably to prevent educatee from frantically scribbling their essay during grade the day it was due. That would be impossible in Balladanis 's family, though.

`` Potter, Malfoy ! '' Balldanis shouted, `` Please see me before you leave. ``

`` aspect like you 're getting extra assistant, too, '' Saint John laughed, `` Welcome to the ball club. ``

`` Somehow I doubt that, '' Matt replied, `` Albus was the solely one to stimulate that anamatek to fly halfway across the way today. well, besides Malfoy. ``

Albus shrugged and muttered that he 'd see them in Herbology. His centre started beating a bit faster as he placed his essay on the piling and stood in front of Balladanis 's desk. Why did he desire to see him anyway ? Could Balladanis really think he needed extra help ?

Malfoy tossed his essay onto the agglomerate and then leaned up on Balladanis 's desk as he watched the respite of the family leave.

`` Stand up, Malfoy, '' Balladanis said as he shut the anamatek 's automobile trunk and walked over to his desk.

Malfoy jumped and quickly stood up straight. Albus stifled a gag and turned to Balladanis, whose face was expressionless.

Balladanis walked over to the room access, shut it, and returned to his desk. `` I could n't help but note that both of you won both of your affaire d'honneur last Sabbatum. ``

`` I always win both of my affaire d'honneur, '' Malfoy said pompously.

`` I thought so, '' Balladanis replied, ignoring Malfoy 's less than venerating note, `` I 'm assuming the same goes for you, Mr. thrower ? ``

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus nodded.

`` Have either of you ever been defeated in a duel before ? ``

`` I 've disarmed thrower during practice, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` And I 've disarmed you, Malfoy, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` Any early times ? '' Balladanis asked.

Albus opened his mouth, but Balladanis interrupted him.

`` During the dueling tournament, Mr. Potter. I have heard about your altercation with Jameson Washburn, Jarret Willinson, and his son. ``

`` No former time, '' Albus replied.

`` I could birth defeated Washburn, '' Malfoy announced.

`` I sincerely doubt that, '' Balladanis said, very much to Albus 's delight, `` But that is not what I have asked to discuss with you. I have noticed, both in class and during dueling tournaments, that the two of you seem to possess exceptional skill when it comes to dueling. You 're dueling skill appears to be much higher than the third or even one-fourth year level.

`` Therefore, I would wish to train both of you privately. There is only so a lot you can study in a large group with those whose skill is less than your own. I will be able to learn you charm you would n't normally learn until fourth or fifth class. Are either of you interested ? ``

`` Of course, '' Malfoy said immediately.

Albus could n't trust it. His sept and friend always told him he was an excellent duellist, but somehow having Balladanis order him have in mind more. Balladanis was incredibly backbreaking to please, and not only did he call up Albus was a large dueler, he was offering to teach him more advance go. That was incredibly exciting. Albus would be able-bodied to learn magic spell that St. James the Apostle had n't learned yet.

`` Yes, I 'd care that, '' Albus grinned, thinking it would be magnificent to perplex James in a duel.

`` I shall see you on Friday at eight, then, '' Balladanis told them, `` After I am done tutoring the to a lesser extent practiced in your class. '' He pulled out two part of paper and scribbled onto both of them. `` give way these to your teachers, as you are quite deep to course of instruction by now. Get out of here. ``

Albus took his note and left the room feeling that Friday was an incredibly foresighted time away. individual dueling example. He could n't wait. Sure, they 'd be with Malfoy, but Albus was willing to put up with him in Order to learn boost spells.

Albus hurried to Herbology, but the family was already well into that day 's lesson by the meter he arrived. He handed his note to Neville and then sat down following to mat, who was shoveling dirt into an empty pot.

`` What did Balladanis want ? '' Matt asked.

`` You 're never going to believe this, '' Albus said as he pulled on his gloves, `` Balladanis wants to give Malfoy and me private dueling object lesson. He wants to teach us sophisticated spells that we would n't normally instruct until one-quarter or one-fifth year. ``

`` You 're kidding, '' Matt said in awe.

`` Nope, '' Albus grinned.

`` But why ? '' mat asked, `` Did he say why he 's teaching you ? ``

`` Just because he thinks we 're commodity duelers, I guess. ``

`` fountainhead, you are a good dueler, Albus, '' Matt agreed, `` When do you start ? ``

`` Fri at eight. Right after your assistance school term, actually, '' Albus answered.

`` I 'm not going to the help sitting this calendar week, '' Matt lowered his voice, `` And you 'll be having loads more fun than me. ``

`` Oh, rightfulness, '' Albus whispered, remembering that the full moon was Fri Nox, `` I 'll let you know how it goes, though. ``

After Herbology was over, Albus told Saint John the Apostle, rose, and Amanda about Balladanis 's dueling lessons and then had to repeat it to Kaden when they ate lunch. All of them were excited about it, especially Kaden. Albus suspected he was a bit jealous, too.

The residual of the week seemed to creep by at a flobberworm 's rate. It was n't like Albus did n't bear anything to stay fresh him officious, but he just could n't cogitate about anything other than the dueling moral.

`` Albus, you 've got to end tapping your quill, '' rosebush said shortly, `` It 's driving me mad. ``

Albus and his friends were in the marauder 's Den. It was Fri eventide and dinner had just ended. Albus was trying to center on homework, but it was n't working. rose and Amanda were both reading. Linda had mysteriously disappeared after her cobbler's last class and rosiness and Amanda had been with Albus and the former male child ever since. Gospel According to John and Kaden were discussing a prank that involved charming gobstones to follow the Aurors and prefects around as they patrolled the corridors. Rose had already advised against this, but John and Kaden did n't take heed. Matt was laying on the couch with his centre closed, but he was n't asleep. John and Kaden kept asking him matter and he 'd respond with very short answers.

`` Sorry, '' Albus muttered and dropped his quill.

`` So where 's Linda tonight ? '' John asked.

`` I dunno, '' Rose shrugged, `` She did n't expect that great today, though. ``

`` Then she 's probably sucking some animal 's stemma in the woods, '' Matt announced.

`` Well, there 's a lovely picture, '' Kaden said loudly, `` Linda biting the neck of some incapacitated brute and sucking the lifetime out of it. remember of all the blood. It must get all over her face and neck. That 's jolly pure. ``

`` Thanks for that figure, Kaden, '' lusterlessness replied.

`` It 's better than her sucking human blood, '' blush wine pointed out.

`` That 's on-key, '' Kaden agreed, `` So, should we fill the gobstones with stink sap before we charm them ? ``

`` Of course ! '' St. John the Apostle grinned.

`` And that 's my cue to entrust, '' Matt sat up slowly and rubbed his header, `` I 'll see you lot tomorrow, probably. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll see you in the morning, '' Albus assured him.

`` Have fun, '' Kaden said.

`` Fun, '' lustrelessness muttered on his way out, `` That 's a watchword I 've never used to describe it. ``

`` We 'd better go, too, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah, time to go sit through an extra refutation lesson, '' can groaned as he stood up.

`` I thought you did n't listen them, '' blush wine said.

`` I do n't. They just get old after a patch, '' John sighed as he and Amanda left.

Albus worked on his preparation for the next 60 minutes, mainly because there was n't anything else to do. wax was working on her own homework and did n't seem to want to do anything else. The hour dragged by at an incredibly slow rate, but eventually Albus packed up his books, said goodbye to rosiness, and left for Balladanis 's room.

The threshold was half-way open when Albus arrived. He took a inscrutable hint, suddenly overcome by nerve, and knocked lightly. There was no solution. Albus pushed the threshold open and walked very slowly inside.

The room was dim. The only light stemmed from a few Verbascum thapsus lit on the paries. It was obviously the same classroom he had Defense form in, but it looked completely different in the eventide.

There was n't anyone left in the room from the surplus Defense example earlier. Albus had passed John Lackland and Amanda in the corridor. They both wished him good luck.

Albus looked around the room and saw the body that contained the anamatek sitting unnaturally still in figurehead of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis himself was also sitting unnaturally still at his desk. He stared directly into Albus 's eyes and Albus, remembering the Occlumency moral he received two old age prior, quickly averted his own center and began to close his mind.

`` You know Occlumency, Mr. ceramist, '' Balladanis said not as a doubtfulness, but as a statement.

Albus nodded as Balladanis slowly rose from his chairman and walked around to the front of his desk. Albus took a footfall back and nearly collided with the front table. He swallowed nervously and kept his centre off of Balladanis.

Albus had always been a minuscule wary of Balladanis, but now he had to admit that he was a bit fright. The only way for Balladanis to know that Albus had been practicing Occlumency was if he had actually been performing Legilimency. Albus had decent experience with teachers performing Legilimency on him and he did n't need to do go through that again. The simply thing Albus was thinking about then was how he could go away the elbow room without Balladanis getting suspect. He wished he had a puking pastil or something in his pocket.

`` Who taught you ? '' Balladanis asked.

`` My aunt Hermione, '' Albus muttered. He wondered where Malfoy was. That had to be the first and probably only clip he would ever wish Malfoy to be present.

`` Hermione Weasley, '' Balladanis mused, `` Yes, she is one of the most fulfill Occlumenses of her generation. ``

Albus 's head snapped towards the door as he heard pace enter the room. He breathed a sigh of relief and had to muffle a laugh at the fact that he was glad Malfoy was in the room.

`` Mr. Malfoy, you 're lately, '' Balladanis said.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Malfoy muttered.

`` Sit down, '' Balladanis pointed to the front table.

Albus turned around and sat as quickly as he could in one of the chairman. Malfoy took his time in sauntering over and sat in the chair next to him.

`` Mr. potter. Mr. Malfoy, '' Balladanis began to pace in front of them, `` By now I am sure you are both aware of my posture on the night humanistic discipline. If not, I suggest paying a bit more attending in class.

`` You may also be aware of my veneration to helping the pupil who are struggling in my course. I hold extra assistant sessions every ace day after dinner party. However, I also wish to help oneself those who are truly talented to reach their genuine potential.

`` You two are the most talented duelers in the tertiary year, '' Balladanis paused and looked at each of them in the eye, `` I would argue that you are the most talented duelers amongst the students below one-fifth year. I would even wager that you could apply a couple of the sixth days a run for their Galleons. ``

Albus stared at Balladanis. He did n't think he was that good of a duelist. He knew he could beat most of the scholar in the Junior 's Dueling cabaret, but sixth class ? They were doing N.E.W.T. Defense division. They knew spells Albus had never even heard of.

`` I would n't go picking fights with 6th years, though, '' Balladanis continued, `` They know spell you do not. What I mean is that you have the talent to learn spell that the sixth years are learning. The tour I am currently teaching in class are incredibly simple for the two of you. What I hope to do is teach you magical spell that are more at your spirit level. Now, stand up, the both of you. Let 's see what you can do. ``

Albus stood up and pulled out his wand. He had no thought what Balladanis wanted him to do. Would they be practicing on the anamatek ?

Balladanis waved his wand and the desks moved to the slope of the classroom. Another wafture and the light increased. `` I would like you to duel each other. Use any spell that you have learned in school. Do not use any spells you have picked up elsewhere. Madam Pomfrey would not be happy with me if I sent the two of you to the hospital Wing with missing arm. Keep going until I say to intercept. ``

Albus could n't conceive it. He was getting to duel Malfoy ! He had been wanting to do that ever since Kendrick had first announced the dueling society. The small practice duels they did were n't really what he had wanted to do, though.

Albus raised his wand and stared at Malfoy. Malfoy was smirking and pointing his verge at Albus. The two of them bowed and Albus took a step forward.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Albus shouted and pointed his wand at Malfoy.

Malfoy easily dodged the while and sent a tickle hex at Albus. Albus threw up a shield and then tried to unarm Malfoy. Malfoy jumped onto a nearby desk and the turn collided with a chair which collapsed.

The affaire d'honneur continued in this matter for quite some sentence. Albus tried as hard as he could to actually hit Malfoy with a piece, but Malfoy kept dodging and blocking them. It was driving Albus mad. He kept thinking of everything Malfoy had done to him in the past two years and how often he wanted to beat him in this duel. If he beat Malfoy, he 'd have something on him for the remainder of the year.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted for what must bear been the tenth part time.

Malfoy dodged it and sent the Saami spell at Albus. Albus jumped and the trance hit Balladanis 's desk.

`` That 's enough ! '' Balladanis shouted.

Albus lowered his scepter and glared at Malfoy. Albus shoved his wand back in his robes and looked around to obtain a electric chair that remained integral. He found one and collapsed into it. That duel had been exhausting.

`` wellspring, that was certainly interest, '' Balladanis gave a rare smiling, `` Not a scratch on either of you but my schoolroom has been destroyed. It seems that I was not premature in my judgment of your dueling skills.

`` Have either of you thought about what you want to do when you get out of Hogwarts ? ``

Albus stared curiously at Balladanis. That was an abrupt modification in conversation. Albus had never thought about life beyond Hogwarts. He was only long dozen. He never thought there was any need to think about it yet.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Not really. I mean, I always thought being an Auror would be interesting. ``

`` Indeed it would, '' Balladanis said, `` Your father certainly is happy with it. How about you, Mr. Malfoy ? ``

`` No idea, '' Malfoy replied.

`` There are many things you can do with dueling acquisition such as yours. I would suggest looking into it, '' Balladanis said.

`` But sir, we 're only third old age, '' Malfoy scoffed, `` Is n't it a bit early ? ``

`` I already knew what I wanted to do at 13, '' Balladanis said quietly.

`` And what is that exactly ? '' Malfoy asked.

Balladanis gave Malfoy the foreign feel Albus had ever seen. It was a combination of sadness, ira, and superbia.

`` I do not wish to discuss that, '' Balladanis said, `` Perhaps you will find out someday. For now, I think it best we call it a night. If you wish to learn innovative magical spell, proceeds at this prison term next week and we will start. ``

`` I 'll be here, sir, '' Malfoy said as he walked out the door.

`` Thanks, prof, '' Albus said as he followed.

`` Mr. Potter, '' Balladanis said, `` Please tell Mr. Eckerton that it will not do for him to skitter his surplus help sessions. ``

`` But sir, '' Albus looked at him incredulously, `` You know what tonight is. He could n't possibly have gone. ``

`` The moon did n't rise until after the academic term was over. I do not take excuses. ``

Albus sighed to himself as he left. Balladanis had been teaching him for over two calendar month and he still surprised Albus all the metre. Albus had seen a dissimilar side of him that dark. He did truly detest the Dark art, that was something Albus did not doubt. But he had also performed Legilimency on him. Albus did n't call back he could ever confide a teacher that did that. Not after his experience with Washburn.


A/N : To answer a common dubiousness people have left in review, I came up with the anamatek, but based it off of boggarts in the HP series. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


`` What did Balladanis teach you ? '' was the first thing matt asked Albus when he went to see him the following afternoon.

Albus had given every trivial detail about the evening to his other friends once he returned to the dormitory afterwards and they were yarn-dye. John 's initiative chemical reaction had been that perhaps Albus would be able to ascertain out what Balladanis did before he began teaching.

`` He did n't really learn us anything, '' Albus explained to Matt, who looked tire but was paying rapt aid. `` I dueled Malfoy. ``

`` Wow, '' Matt looked impress, `` How was that ? ``

`` Neither of us won, '' Albus sighed, `` Balladanis made us barricade because we pretty practically destroyed his schoolroom. ``

`` I wish I had seen it, '' John chimed in, `` Bet the look on Balladanis 's grimace was priceless. ``

`` He just looked imprint. He was n't angry or anything, '' Albus told them, `` Then he asked us what we wanted to do with our lives. ``

`` Like what form of job you want to get ? '' Matt raised his eyebrows, `` You 're only thirteen. ``

`` Yeah, I thought it was strange, '' Albus shrugged, `` But he said I should think about doing something that would put my dueling skills to use. ``

`` Like an Auror ? '' Matt asked.

`` I do n't think so. I mentioned that and he kind of made it seem like that would n't put my dueling skills to use. ``

`` I ca n't think of any other job that you 'd duel more than that, '' Matt replied.

`` I have no idea what I want to do with my animation, '' Kaden announced.

`` Me either, '' John said, `` I say we 've got peck of time to cipher it out. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Madam Pomfrey stuck her drumhead in between the pall, `` And you certainly do not give to figure it out now. It 's time for you lot to leave. ``

Albus, St. John the Apostle, and Kaden reluctantly left the infirmary annex, lamenting the fact that madam Pomfrey had n't let them stay very long. They had no mind why the nurse had shortened chaffer clock time so much, considering that Matt had n't seemed worse than common, but they never understood why brothel keeper Pomfrey did most of the matter she did.

******

Albus 's week could be easily summed up in two Holy Scripture. Quidditch and prep. Normally he would only sound off about the latter, but Oliver Wood was like a Muggle practice serjeant when it came to Quidditch. Since the match was on Saturday, King Oliver was insisting on daily recitation. Albus and the former alternates had to be at every praxis because according to Oliver, 'you never know when someone will get sick or hex right before a mates .'

In fact, Oliver even wanted them to praxis on Friday night, the Nox before the match. Albus was n't too happy about this since he had his example with Balladanis at eight. That was the same prison term Quidditch practice let out, so he had to run to the Defense classroom still completely covered in mud from practice.

He ran into the schoolroom ten minutes late, heart pounding with worry about what Balladanis was going to say.

`` Mr. Potter, you 're late, '' Balladanis said as Albus entered the room. He and Malfoy were sitting at the battlefront desk.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus said as he joined them, `` Quidditch praxis. ``

`` So I gathered, '' Balladanis eyed Albus 's muddy robe, `` I was just telling Mr. Malfoy about the responsibilities that come with learning advanced dueling magic spell. ``

Balladanis pulled out his scepter and pointed it at Albus. Albus 's robes were clean and dry and he muttered a thank you to the professor. Malfoy was smirking to himself.

`` The most important responsibility is that you can not and I repeat, can not, use the tour I teach you here in the junior dueling tournament. It would establish your team an unjust reward and you could inadvertently hurt your opposer. The spells I teach you are not to be used outside this classroom, unless I instruct you otherwise.

`` You are not to duel your fellow students in the corridors with these spells. Nor are you to use them against your sibling and full cousin, '' his centre rested on Albus.

`` I also feel the motivation to discourage you that these spells are more exhausting than the ones you have been learning. They use a lot of wizard vigor and do not be surprised if you feel as though you have just run a marathon, '' he turned to Albus again, `` Or played in a very long Quidditch equal. ``

Balladanis stood up and gestured for the son to do the Saami. Once they did, Balladanis moved the desks aside and stood in between where Albus and Malfoy stood.

`` I am going to have you work on your shield appeal first- ''

`` I already know how to do a shield spell, '' Malfoy announced.

`` I am well aware of that, Mr. Malfoy, and I do ask that you not question my pedagogy expressive style, '' Balladanis said darkly, `` The shield charms you have been using are relatively rickety and fade away after only a few trance are cast against them.

`` With a fair bit of exercise and mental engrossment, one is able-bodied to keep the shield up for long catamenia of time in Holy Order to block multiple spells. Really skilled dueller can even sustain the shield up while casting other trance. That is quite utile, as you can suppose. It is also possible to shield a slap-up many hoi polloi with just one individual 's carapace charm, which is also very useful. Some buckler magical spell can even protect one against magical puppet blast, '' Balladanis lowered his interpreter and averted his eyes at this, which Albus thinking was odd.

`` It takes a lot of assiduousness to keep custody of a harbour charm for so long, which is why the magic spell can be difficult. I doubt either of you will farm a recollective term shield charm tonight, so do n't be disappointed. Wands out, both of you, and we 'll see how long you can hold the good luck charm, without any spells hitting it. ``

Albus held up his wand and muttered the incantation for the harbour charm. He had practiced this charm numerous times before, usually with someone else trying to hex him at the Saame time. It was quite well-to-do to just hold it there and even variety of drilling. He and Malfoy just stared at each other and Albus doubted that either of them were going to fell their shields. It would be like admitting frustration to the other.

After what must make been at to the lowest degree ten minute of holding the carapace charm, Albus found he was getting tired. His arm ached from holding his wand up and from throwing so many Quaffles at practice earlier. Malfoy had the advantage since he did n't feature Quidditch practice. very much to Albus 's dismay, he noticed his shield starting to fizzle. He was n't going to be able to hold it much longer and Malfoy 's still looked strong.

Balladanis looked at his watch. `` Let the shell go, '' he instructed, `` Wands down. ``

Relieved, Albus lowered his weary hand and then sat down in a death chair. Balladanis was right when he said encourage carapace were exhausting.

`` Very good, '' Balladanis said, `` Stand up again. Now I 'll see how many while each of your shields can withstand. ``

Albus and Malfoy both put their shields up again and Balladanis sent disarming charms at both of them. Albus could feel his shield faltering after the 1st charm and did n't think it would last as long as Malfoy's.

Albus 's shield fizzled out after three charms. Malfoy 's dismantled after four. He had the biggest smirk on his face afterwards, but did n't say anything. He probably did n't need to gloat in front of Balladanis. Albus knew he 'd get a line about it the next fourth dimension they had a class together, though.

If only he had n't had Quidditch recitation ! Then Albus would have beaten Malfoy. Or at to the lowest degree tied with him.

`` That 's enough for tonight, '' Balladanis said as he eyed Albus. Albus had a tactual sensation that he looked absolutely exhausted.

`` face like I 'm the proficient duelist, '' Malfoy said once they were out of the room.

`` That 's not what it meant, '' Albus muttered, `` We did n't even duel each other. I could beat you in a real duel. ``

`` And I could beat both of you, '' a Slytherin Prefect, who was making his rounds, said as he walked by, `` So get to your dormitories. ``

Albus had no idea if he could beat the Prefect or not but he did n't require to pose around to lose house detail. Plus, it was a good excuse to stop talking to Malfoy.

******

The upheaval that filled the Great dormitory the succeeding morning reminded Albus yet again of the previous year 's Quidditch final examination. Only this was n't a last. It was the Hogwarts versus Australia match, the offset couple Hogwarts was going to play in.

The Hogwarts team did not sit together at breakfast or luncheon. There was considerable contestation at practice the old night about this. Oliver Wood, John Tyler Pike, and shift all wanted the team to sit together in lodge to squeeze in stopping point minute strategizing, but cipher could fit on which table to sit at.

In the end, teddy bear sat with the Gryffindor players at the Gryffindor table, Tyler sat with the Ravenclaw histrion at the Ravenclaw table, and Oliver walked from table to table giving out finally minute advice. Albus thought this worked out amercement since Oliver did n't seem to be able to sit still for more than a minute.

Albus was variety of relieved that nobody on the Hogwarts squad came down with Spattergroit or lost a finger in potions class because he did n't really want to playact. He loved Quidditch, but so often was at bet. He wanted to merely keep an eye on the starting time mate that Hogwarts participated in. Then, if redress before the next match, one of the chaser came down with a coldness and Madam Pomfrey forbid them from playing, Albus would gladly take their place.

The upheaval only increased as Albus and his friends walked to the pitch. Rose and Amanda were there, although Linda was n't. Albus thought this was only fitting since Hogwarts was playing against Australia in this match.

"Welcome, everyone !"Lord Todd Kathryn Elizabeth Smith 's voice boomed over the crowd,"Hogwarts is playing its commencement match in the Cup and they are up against Commonwealth of Australia ! The Hogwarts team is captained by Joseph Oliver Natalie Wood with help from Ted Lupin and Tyler Pike !

"The team is comprised of Georgia Weasley as Keeper ; Damien Waverly, Anna Reilly, and Ferris Henry Fielding as Chasers ; Andy Kaper and Allie Davis as Beaters ; and James Potter as Seeker.

"The biggest excitement in this friction match is whether James ceramist will be able to tick Aboriginal Australian Seeker Linda morale, who shocked everyone with her speed and lightness in the last mates. potter, of course, is the son and nephew of fabled Gryffindor quester Harry Potter and Charlie Weasley. He is also being coached by Gryffindor 's other legendary Seeker, Ted lupine, and is on his way towards becoming another legend in the mansion of Gryffindor."

"Not being very pocket-sized about James, is he ?"Rose muttered to Albus.

"No, not really,"Albus replied, glad that he was n't in James 's position.

"The captains excite deal,"Smith continues,"And they 're off !"

All fourteen actor, one-half in emerald super acid Aussie robe and half in black Hogwarts ones, rose into the air. Whoever decided on the colors must not get been thinking about visibleness. If it was a rainy, snowy, or foggy day, you would n't be able to tell the difference between the two colors.

The match was fast-paced like the get-go one had been. All of the Hogwarts instrumentalist were superb and as far as Albus could severalise, equally matched against Australia.

The teams were tied XV minutes into the equal, each with 120 peak. The Quaffle exchanged hands so often that Albus had a hard time keeping up. Rose had already given up and was talking to Amanda about something. Matt, toilet, and Kaden were all trying to keep up with the match.

It happened so fast that if Albus had blinked, he would have got missed the unharmed thing. Linda had been hovering above the Hogwarts goal posts and then she shot down towards the ground, pulling out of her dive with the fortunate sneak in her clench. James had been next to her and was a few cadence above her when she caught it. Just like that, in a affair of seconds, the friction match was over.

"Linda esprit de corps has captured the snitcher, which means Commonwealth of Australia wins 270-120,"John Smith announced to a lesser extent than enthusiastically.

"She caught it ?"toilet gaped,"But she was above the goal posts two seconds ago !"

"No one can fly that fasting !"Albus agreed.

"It ca n't be over !"lustrelessness exclaimed,"It just started twenty minutes ago !"

Everyone around Albus was talking about how fast Linda flew to the Snitch. Albus and his supporter descended onto the delivery and Albus quickly lost them in the sea of hoi polloi. He pushed his way through the crowd until he found his team.

"They 've got to be cheating !"Andy Kaper shouted to Teddy,"They 've rigged her Calluna vulgaris or something !"

"All the brooms were fully checked before the couple,"teddy bear reminded him.

"well, match it again !"Andy exclaimed,"There 's a speeding magical spell on that thing, I guarantee it."

"We 'll have it checked again,"Wood assured him.

"I want a replay,"Georgia muttered,"They 've got to be cheating. Even a Firebolt 2000 ca n't fly that fast."

"We 're only going to get a rematch if there is something wrong with that broom,"Wood sighed.

"I want an unofficial flying contention between her and James,"Damien Waverly said,"There 's no way she 's a better throwaway than he is."

James was the merely one not talking. He appeared to be in stupor. The intact squad was shouting around him, but he did n't appear to hear any of it.

"James ?"Albus asked tentatively.

James jumped and looked at Albus without saying a word. Then he trudged off to the changing room. No one else noticed that he left.

No one had noticed Albus show up either, so he joined the bunch of mass going back up to the castle. He figured it would be light to talk to the James once he returned to the common room.

The commons elbow room was ominously understood when Albus walked through the portraiture maw. most citizenry were sitting, staring into blank, and not talking to anyone. It was a scene more adjustment to someone just dying than a lost Quidditch lucifer. None of the Aboriginal Australian who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including Linda, were there. Albus briefly wondered where they were going to go, now that they 'd probably be chased out of every vernacular room.

Albus 's ally were sitting at their usual table and Albus joined them. Rose and Amanda were whispering to each early, but Saint John and lustrelessness were silent. Kaden was rifling through a heap of hot chocolate batrachian cards.

The match had been the definition of anti-climactic. Hogwarts had spent weeks preparing for it, working every day well past when the sun set. prep had been ignored and studying put off. All so Hogwarts could beat Australia. Then, Linda Morales had caught the sneak twenty minutes into the match. Linda Morales, the alone one who had managed to outflank James Potter at Quidditch.

"You know,"Kaden set down his cards,"If James and Linda had a kid, he or she would be the best Seeker in the world."

Nobody responded. Albus thought it would be more likely to go best booster with a chimaera than William James and Linda to get married and have a kid. Not to mention the fact that lamia could n't put up children. Kaden probably did n't know that, though.

"I just do n't get it,"John mumbled,"She must 've cheated."

"You just do n't desire to admit that Hogwarts might not have got the best Quidditch players in the reality,"rosiness muttered.

"Let 's go to the Marauder 's Den,"Matt whispered as he stood up.

Albus did n't know why mat wanted to go there, but considering how depressingly quiet the common room was, he was n't about to object.

They passed no one except an Auror on their way to the elbow room. Everyone must receive been lamenting the Quidditch release in their common rooms.

"Finally,"Kaden said as he collapsed onto one of the couches in the room,"Now we can actually talk. The park room is depressing."

"What do you expect ?"john groaned,"We lost our world-class Mach. We 're in final stage place."

"No, we 're not,"Rose said,"New York lost to Australia with only 40 points. They 're in shoemaker's last place."

"Energy Department n't matter,"whoremaster shook his head teacher,"We still lost."

"No one 's ever going to outwit Australia,"Albus sighed.

"You 're probably right wing,"flatness said darkly,"Remember the last match ? How quickly she caught the Snitch ? I knew she 'd be fast, but I thought maybe she 'd slow down to even matter up a bit. This match proves that wrong. She 's using the fact that she 's a lamia to her advantage."

"That 's completely unfair !"John the Divine shouted,"Why would Kendrick let her do that ?"

"He obviously does n't experience,"Rose sighed.

"So, she is cheating,"Albus said.

"Technically, she 's not,"matt replied,"She 's just really skilled at Quidditch. vampire, and werewolves, have really dandy eyesight in order to,"he paused,"Catch target. She 's salutary at seeing a sneaker than any human."

"Then why do n't you wreak searcher against her !"Kaden exclaimed, grinning at the idea,"That would be to a greater extent fair."

Matt burst out laughing."You did n't see me at flying lessons in number one year. I 'm an fearful flyer. sure as shooting, I could see the Snitch, but I 'd come off my broom trying to catch it."

"Oh,"Kaden deflated.

"Plus she 's extremely fast,"John pointed out,"And lustrelessness 's not. No offense or anything."

"None taken,"lusterlessness said.

"So, what are we going to do about this ?"Albus asked,"If she does n't stop, Australia 's going to win this competition."

"I think Rose should sing to her,"whoremaster suggested.

"Why ?"Rose asked.

"Because she likes you and you like her,"lavatory said,"Just tell her to fly a little slower."

"Yeah, right,"Rose rolled her eye,"Believe it or not, she 's about as fanatical about Quidditch as you lot are. No way is she going to tally to that."

"It 's avowedly,"Amanda agreed.

The elbow room descended into silence. The only former affair Albus could think of to do would be to recount Kendrick that Linda was a lamia. That would get her off the Australian Quidditch team for sure. However, Albus did n't really want to do that. Rose would hex him to next century and she 'd probably never speak to him again. It would be a lot like if rose told someone Matt was a werewolf and if that happened, Albus would have the same reaction. Not that Rose would ever do that.

They stayed in the Marauder 's Den until dinner. Dinner was much more subdued than normal and William James never made an appearance. Linda was sitting at the far end of the Gryffindor table with only fellow Australian near her. That variety of surprised Albus since he had never once seen her interact with anyone besides blush wine and Amanda.

"Albus,"someone put their hand on Albus 's shoulder.

Albus turned around and saw his dad, wearing the Sami forlorn flavor all the students were wearing.

"Dad,"he said,"Were you at the compeer ?"

"Yeah, I was sitting with Lily,"Harry nodded,"Have you seen James ?"

"Have n't seen him since right hand after the match. He went into the changing suite. Actually, I have n't seen Teddy either. Maybe he 's with James."

"Merlin, I hope so,"Harry ran a hired hand through his hair,"I 've checked everywhere I can think of. shuffling me like I had n't given him the map."

"You can use mine,"Albus suggested,"But I want to go with you."

"All right,"Harry said,"Let 's go."

Albus said goodby to his ally and walked up to Gryffindor tug with his dad. He ran up to his dorm room once he was there and retrieved the map. The dormitory was vacuous, so Albus and his dad looked at it there.

They scoured the Hogwarts section of the map for nearly five second before coming to the conclusion that Epistle of James was no longer in the school.

"Bloody underworld,"Harry muttered,"Where did he go ?"

Albus pressed the number two in the corner of the map with his baton and the map of Hogsmeade appeared. This one was a bit more difficult to explore than the Hogwarts one had been. about of the Hogwarts students had been in the Great Hall. Everyone was spread out in Hogsmeade.

Two dots made Albus frost. Two dots were in the Shrieking shack. A finisher look told him they were Teddy and James. Albus gasped. Why were they there ? How did they get in for that matter ?

"Dad,"Albus pointed to the screaming Shack.

"The shrieking shanty ?"Harry shouted and stood up.

Albus followed him out of the dormitory and then out of the common room."How 'd they get in ?"Albus asked once they were walking through the corridors.

"teddy bear knows the counter-charm for those wards,"Harry muttered.

"Why ?"

"Everyone who goes through Auror training learns a very large variety of counter-charms. One of them was bound to make for on that tree. Now, he was n't supposed to use them outside of training, so I really have no clue what he was thinking,"Harry explained

It had gotten cold and windy outside since the match, which really made Albus question why chemise and James I would go to the Shrieking shack of all places. The decrepit old building had no heat, for pigeon hawk 's sake.

Albus dodged a branch from the Whomping willow tree as they neared it. Harry aimed his wand at the bottom and muttered the counter-charm. Then he froze the tree. Albus hurried after him into the passageway.

The walk to the screaming hutch was brisk and tacit. Albus, who had been on the receiving end of many a public lecture from his dad, knew that both slip and James I were going to get one once they made it to the Shack.

Harry carefully opened the threshold and walked into the quiet old building. Hushed voices could be heard from the back elbow room. Albus followed his dad back there.

Teddy and James were both sitting on the storey. James looked a complete mess, still wearing his muddy Quidditch gown and his side was all blotchy. teddy bear did n't bet much better, although his robes were a bit cleaner.

"Teddy. James,"Harry said sternly when he entered,"What in the name of Merlin 's pants are you doing in this place ?"

Both boys snapped their capitulum up at the sound of Harry 's voice.

"Trying to convince King James not to make the biggest mistake of his lifespan,"shift muttered.

"That sounds a bit overdramatic,"Harry said.

"He wants to quit the Quidditch squad,"teddy said dryly.

"That is the most nonsensical thing I 've heard,"Albus shouted,"You ca n't do that !"

"Albus,"Harry warned.

Albus shut his mouth, but he still thought the very idea of James quitting the team was mental. They 'd ingest no promise of ever beating New House of York, let alone Australia, without James.

"XX min, Dad,"James IV said in barely more than than a whisper,"Twenty minutes."

"We 've all had our bad matches,"Harry said quietly as he sat down succeeding to Henry James,"I fell off my heather in my third year and lost a match."

"Because of the dementors,"Henry James muttered,"There were n't any dementors at this match."

"James, I 'm afraid everyone has made you out to be the unbeatable Seeker. Todd 's comment today proved that. The stakes are set so mellow with you that when you do turn a loss a match, it completely shocks everyone. It 's form of unfair, actually, because cipher can win every match,"Harry replied,"You 're not the unbeatable seeker, I 'm afraid. And running away will get you nowhere."

"I suppose,"James sighed.

"You 're playing New York next,"Harry reminded him,"They lost to Australia sooner than we did. I think you have a fortune at catching the Snitch then."

"I guess,"James replied.

"So you wo n't take leave ?"Albus asked, ineffectual to keep tranquillise any longer.

"No,"Henry James said.

"Good. Because Lisa Galivant is nowhere near as good as you. You 're the best searcher Hogwarts has got,"Albus told him.

"Thanks, Al,"Jesse James gave him a half-smile,"Too bad Commonwealth of Australia 's got a better one."

Albus nodded, wishing that he could just severalize James why Linda was so good. But he had sort of promised blush wine he wouldn't.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this ! You guys are awesome.

I 've written a new song fic, Lie to Me. It 's a Remus/Tonks and is in no way connected to my Albus serial, but if you guys want to check it out, that would be amazing !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On their way back to the palace, Harry gave shimmy and James that lecture Albus had been expecting him to give. Albus walked a little way of life behind them. Far enough to make them intend they had privacy, but close adequate that Albus could hear what they were saying.

Harry made it clear that he was not print that Teddy was taking advantage of the charms he was learning in training. In fact, Harry said if he caught Teddy doing it again, he 'd bear to report it.

Then he told James that the Shrieking Shack was well out of bounds and that if he went in there again, he 'd describe King James to professor Longbottom. Albus doubted either of them would set human foot in the place again.

"Why did n't you just go to the way of Requirement if you wanted privacy ?"Harry asked before leaving James and Albus in the Entrance Hall.

shimmy and James looked at each other and then laughed."It was otherwise occupied,"Teddy grinned,"Fred 's got himself a girlfriend. They were enjoying the privateness of the way of Requirement."

Harry smiled and shook his forefront."next time, just ask Neville if he 'll let you speak in his subject field. I 'm indisputable he will. I 'll see you boys after terminal figure is over, then."

Albus and King James I said goodbye to their dad and shift and then walked back up to Gryffindor Tower in silence. Epistle of James was obviously still upset over the compeer and Albus did n't want to say anything to make it worse.

"They 're doing a full-of-the-moon investigation of Linda 's broom !"blush wine announced when Albus found them in the common way. King James had gone directly up to his dormitory.

"Yeah, Mrs. Henry Wood 's just told us,"John continued,"Stripping it down, plus they 're interviewing the Australian captains, schoolmaster, and everyone on the team, including Linda."

"Wow,"Albus was impressed. They would n't regain anything, of course, but it was still nice that they were taking this seriously,"Wish it would actually help."

"Me, too,"John agreed,"So where was James ?"

"The screaming Shack,"Albus whispered.

mat dumped his ink bottle all over his homework and swore."How 'd he get in ?"

"He was with Teddy and teddy knows the counter-charm from Auror training,"Albus said quietly,"But he was n't supposed to use it outside of breeding, so my dad told him if he does it again he 'll get in problem. Do n't worry, neither of them will go in there again."

"Still, of all the topographic point they could 've gone ..."Matt 's voice trailed off.

"Why were they there ?"Rose asked as she siphoned the ink off of flatness 's homework.

"James was thinking of quitting the team,"Albus whispered,"Do n't worry, he did n't,"he said quickly when he saw the gross out expression on John 's face.

"fountainhead, thank merlin for that,"John said.

******

It must have been a slow news day the next day. One of those twenty-four hour period where the battlefront page article of the Prophet was about a young wizard who had graciously volunteered his time in the closed Barbara Ward at St. Mungo 's or an elderly hag who passed away, leaving her fortune to her cats.

That is, if it were n't for the fact that the department of Magical Games and athletics and the Department for International Magical Cooperation doing an all out investigation on the Australian schoolhouse of Sorcery 's Quidditch team, Linda morale and her broom in particular.

Albus was quite shocked to see the lengthy article by Rita Skeeter on the front page. He hardly ate any breakfast as he read it out loud to his friends before classes.

The Aussie School of black art : Did They Cheat ?

In a competition of Quidditch and dueling, which reminds
many a witch and wizard of the thrilling and slightly
more dangerous Triwizard Tournament, accusal came
yesterday of whether the squad from Commonwealth of Australia cheated.

A mates was held between the Hogwarts and Australian
teams yesterday afternoon and was over in twenty minutes.
The score was 270-110, in favor of Australia. Linda
esprit de corps, 13, of Commonwealth of Australia, caught the Snitch in what
some masses believe to be an impossibly fast speed.

"It was like one min she was flying above the pitch
and I blinked and then she was on the ground with the
canary in her hand,"one Hogwarts bookman said.

Many other student and a few staff members recalled
the same thing. The many witnesses of this draw near
inconceivable flying have fueled the investigation.

If it is discovered that Australia used any charms,
potions, curses, whammy, or anything else deemed
unacceptable by International Quidditch monetary standard,
a rematch will be played between Hogwarts and
Australia.

"We do n't know what we 're going to recover,"Ian
Herkimer, of the Department of Magical Games and
Sports, said late yesterday,"On the one hand, it
is nearly impossible for a thirteen year old girl
to fly that fast on the Scots heather she was using. On
the early hand, all the Calluna vulgaris used in this
rival were extensively searched for charms
before the match. It could very well be that young
Linda Morales is just an exceptionally good
Quidditch instrumentalist. If that is the case, then scouts
from professional teams may wish well to pay attention
to this competition."

Perhaps the most fascinate part of this story is
that the Hogwarts Seeker is none other than James
Potter, son of the legendary Gryffindor quester
Harry thrower. James Potter, 15, has lived up to
his forefather 's repute in the past and has never
lost a peer this quickly before. Neither James
or his don were available for comment.

Is Linda team spirit a cheater ? Or is she merely the
next with child Quidditch adept ?

"Great,"Albus set down the newspaper,"First she 's going to win this rival and then be drafted to wager for Puddlemere United."

"We do n't own to concern about her playing for the Cannons,"John smirked,"That would get rid of their awesome reputation."

"That would be a bad affair because ... ?"Matt said.

"I would n't get to make believe fun of them anymore,"John grinned.

"Not a bad matter,"mat replied.

The entire school was talking about the clause all day long. Everywhere Albus went, someone was discussing it. Most probably due to this, James spent the day in his dormitory.

"Why 'd Skeeter take in to puzzle James in that article,"Albus lamented as he, flatness, John, and Kaden wandered the corridors. Rose and Amanda had gone to chance Linda, to see if she knew anymore detail about the investigation.

"Because she 's Rita Skeeter,"John the Divine said,"She never writes an article without sticking your dad in it somehow."

"I know. Rita Skeeter 's atrocious,"Albus said.

"There are a few reporters in Australia who could give her a run for her money,"Matt muttered.

"So irresponsible !"a hushed voice said from a schoolroom they were passing.

Albus stopped. He did n't pick out the vocalisation and it did n't sound happy. He gestured for his friends to give up as well and paused to listen.

"We 're already skating on thin ice !"the man was saying,"first gear she catches the Snitch ten minutes into the get-go match and now she flies too fast for people to see and beats William James potter ? Now there 's an investigation for merlin 's sake !"

"I did n't know she was going to do that !"another man said,"I made it clear to her that she could only fly slightly effective than the former players !"

"Told you they were cheating,"John whispered.

"We were n't the 1 arguing with you,"Albus replied,"That was Rose."

"The bloke doing the yelling is the Aussie headmaster,"Matt said.

"The other one 's probably the skipper, then,"Albus said.

"Well, you must not own told her enough because now she 's on the breast page of the vaticinator and the Ministry is investigating ! Do you have any idea what 's going to happen if anyone finds out ?"the master raised his voice.

"Of course I do !"

"Let me refresh your memory anyway. We 'll both be fired and Australia will be out of the competition. Hell, we 'll be lucky to get away with fine and no jail clip !"

"That would n't be a bad thing,"John muttered.

"You hear that ?"the headmaster barked,"person 's out there."

Albus turned in panic to his friends and before he could run, the door opened all the way and Albus was staring at who he assumed to be the Aboriginal Australian Quidditch captain. The man was tall and gangling, the arrant build for a chaser. His hair was messy in a way that reminded Albus of his father, but this man 's tomentum was idle brown.

The headmaster appeared behind the man, along with a surly looking boy who must 've been around Teddy 's age. Albus assumed he was the assistant captain.

"wellspring, who have we here,"the schoolmaster smirked.

Albus was frozen in station. The binding of his creative thinker said to run, but he could n't get his legs to mould. He was staring the bloke who was so prejudiced against werewolves that he refused to let Matt attend his school in the aspect.

"You 're the potter boy,"the headmaster continued,"The younger one."

Albus forced himself to nod only because he did n't really need to be mistaken for James at the moment.

"That means ..."Killigan 's eyes moved from Albus to John, Kaden, and then flatness,"That one of you is probably,"his eye rested on Matt and then he smiled,"The Eckerton boy. I was told you were here."

Albus turned to count at Matt, who was now almost as whiten as Professor Binns. Albus shook his head, grabbed matte 's arm, and took off running. The footsteps behind him told him that John and Kaden were following.

Albus did n't end running until he made it to the marauder 's Den. He completely ignored the Prefect who told him not to run in the corridors and Filch 's new cat.

"Bloody hell, how did he wangle to figure out which one of us you were ?"toilet asked Matt once they shut the threshold,"He has n't seen you in years !"

"Lucky surmise,"Kaden shrugged.

Matt shook his pass."No. None of you lot have blonde hair."

"But still, how does he have it off I 'm champion with you ?"Albus asked,"Of all the blond haired students here, he picked you. He somehow knows we 're friends. Remember, he said 'you must be the potter boy', which is n't abnormal. Everyone knows who I am. But then he said 'which means you must be the Eckerton boy .'mortal 's telling him about you."

"So much for trying to ignore him,"flatness groaned,"Now he knows who I am. Merlin knows what he 's going to try to do now."

"Why does he even worry ?"Kaden asked,"I thought he did n't want you at his school. If he hates werewolves so often, would n't it make to a greater extent sensation that he ignore you ?"

Kaden had a spot. Albus had n't really thought about it before, but it was kind of strange that Killigan would be so interested in Matt. But then, why would he let a vampire pay heed his schooling ?

"That actually makes a lot of sense, Kaden,"lusterlessness said,"Why does he care ?"

Albus did n't acknowledge, but something told him it meant null good. Whatever Killigan was doing here, it went mysterious than just trying to win a Quidditch tournament by having a vampire for a Seeker.

******

It took the Ministry three years to complete the investigating. During this time numerous Ministry functionary appeared at the school and held audience with Killigan, the Aboriginal Australian maitre d', and the Aboriginal Australian histrion. They even interviewed James IV, Joseph Oliver Wood, Lord Todd Smith, and prof Kendrick. Albus heard that every broom on the Australian team had been stripped and checked for illegal magic.

The resolution were announced before Rita Skeeter wrote another article. A Ministry official read them at dinner Wednesday evening.

"Upon close review of all the Aboriginal Australian broomstick as well as extensive interviews with everyone involved, the Ministry is capable to say that Linda team spirit 's seizure of the Snitch was a solution of pure talent and nil illegal. I thank you all for your cooperation during this clip,"he said and then resumed his seat next to Kendrick.

The Great Charles Francis Hall erupted in angry cry. Everyone was staring at Linda and it looked like she wanted to disappear. Rose and Amanda were sitting on either side of her and Rose was whispering to her.

Albus and his friends were n't expecting anything different, but they had to act angry for coming into court 's saki and it was not difficult to do so.

Kendrick eventually had to stand up and tell everyone to quiet down. It worked, but nobody stopped talking about the results.

It was still possible for Hogwarts to win the challenger. If they won every match from now on and continued doing well in dueling. The competition was n't even half over, so there was wad of time to root for ahead. However, the fortune of doing so were low so long as Linda was playing Seeker for Australia.

The eternal rest of the week passed with continual Quidditch discussion. James was still abnormally subdued and sat quietly with Ben, Cedric, and Nate every evening in the vernacular room. Albus was hoping it would bodge over during the holiday. It was strange seeing his brother so quiet.

There was a Hogsmeade visit that Saturday and true up to her Word, Rose went with Albus and his friends instead of Linda.

It was a particularly frigidness and bullying winter day with a unfaltering snowfall that had already dumped six inches on the grounds. This was n't nearly enough Baron Snow of Leicester to keep masses out of Hogsmeade and all the shops were replete to capacity.

Kaden had begged Albus to give him the map so he could abstract in, but Albus refused. The Hogsmeade visit before Christmastide seemed too wild. Too many scholarly person went on that one. The valentine 's Day one would be advantageously, when the other students were too absorbed in their love lives to notice a second year in Hogsmeade.

"Let 's go get Butterbeer first,"Amanda suggested as they made their way into the settlement,"I 'm already frozen solid."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

The three Broomsitcks was already packed, but they managed to recover a table and Albus went to get five Butterbeers. When he returned, everyone was talking about what they were doing for the holidays.

"My mum has decided she wants one of my aunts to do Christmastide this year,"John said,"She 's done Xmas at our mansion since she and my dad got married and it 's finally have on her out. The shady affair is that none of my aunty really know what to do, so my mum is doing as much study as she always does."

"I ca n't imagine Christmas not being at the Burrow,"blush wine said.

"Me either,"Albus replied as he set down the Butterbeer,"The Burrow is just so Christmasy."

"Believe it or not, but I 'm not going to Australia for Yuletide this year,"Matt announced.

John spit out his Butterbeer."What ?"he coughed,"You always go to Australia."

"I know,"matt said,"Never had a Yuletide anyplace else."

"Why ?"Albus asked.

"Well, you know how my dad 's going to be the new head of the Department of the regulation and Control of Magical creature. He officially starts on January second. But the Ministry is throwing a figure party for him on New twelvemonth 's Eve. He did n't really desire it, but they insisted. So, we 've got to go to that. Hopefully it 'll be undecomposed than the party my grandparents have."

"Rose and I will probably go to that, too. My dad 's always invited to those thing since he 's top dog of the Auror department. My whole family line goes to them. There 's always something to do, especially if James is feeling particularly mischievous. Rose 's parents get invited, too. So does my Uncle Percy,"Albus explained.

matte grinned."Well if you lot are there it wo n't be bad."

"This political party 's going to be anything but oil production,"Albus grinned.

"Never thought I 'd wish well I was going to a fancy party,"John Lackland sighed,"How about you, Amanda ? Any parties ?"

"Nope,"Amanda laughed,"Just spending time with my family."

They finished their Butterbeer and went back out into the C. P. Snow. Honeydukes was their first stop, where flatness proceeded to buy decent umber to feed in all of Gryffindor. His alibi was that it was for Christmastide presents, but Albus doubted as to whether the chocolate would ever make it home.

Honeydukes was really too crowded to stay in very long, as were virtually of the former shops. They wound up just wandering up and down highschool Street until they got to the Shrieking hovel.

After a very brief Abronia elliptica competitiveness Rose suggested they just go back to the school and drop meter in the piranha 's Den. nonentity argued since they were all common cold and wet from the snow.

******

The future two workweek went by in a blur for Albus. It seemed like he just went from one Quidditch recitation to another, with dueling exercise and lessons with Balladanis thrown in. Albus had started making progress with his carapace charms, but so had Malfoy and neither of them were better than the other.

At their hold out lesson of the term, Balladanis reiterated how important it was for them not to exercise while at home. He then told them to ingest a secure holiday and be prepare to work even harder when they returned.

Linda 's amazing snap of the Snitch had already started to blow over before term ended. Everyone seemed much more centre on getting a few calendar week off from schoolhouse than a lost Quidditch peer. This helped return James to his normal self and he finished off the term with his usual pre-holiday prank.

This one was a petty lupus erythematosus harmless as he just charmed the courting of armor to sing Christmas carols at random multiplication of the day. Of track, the carol were alternated with 'Hogwarts will win the Cup'and 'Hogwarts is better at Quidditch than Australia'and 'Hogwarts will beat New York in the following peer'. James River was never caught, though.

Eventually the carol wore off as did the pro-Hogwarts message and everyone packed and got prepare to go home. Albus wondered for a moment what it would be like to stay at schooling over the holiday. He knew his dad had done nearly every year, but Albus could n't envisage not being with his fellowship for Christmas.

Albus and his friends found a compartment towards the backrest of the train and settled in for the hanker journey.

"What are the Australian and American tiddler doing for Noel ?"Kaden asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"Some of them are going home, but about are just staying at Hogwarts. Linda 's staying,"blush wine told them.

"I bet it was Linda,"whoremonger muttered absentmindedly.

"What ?"Albus asked.

"Linda. I 'll bet every Canute in my pouch that she 's the one who told Killigan who Matt was,"trick explained.

"You 're just mad at Linda for winning the mates,"Rose rolled her eyes,"She did not tell Killigan."

"Why not ?"Albus asked,"He 's her headmaster. Why would n't she enjoin him ?"

"I do n't know. I just do n't think she did,"pink wine muttered.

"Even that does n't explain why Killigan wanted to bang,"Amanda pointed out.

"Which means we have to find out,"Albus said.

"Find out what ?"matt asked sleepily. The wax moon was that night and he had fallen asleep as soon as they got on the train.

"Why Killigan was so interested in you that time we spied on him,"Albus explained.

"Oh,"flatness said as he leaned his head against the window,"How are we going to do that ?"

Albus did n't get laid. All he knew was that it could be knotty and there was a big chance of them getting in fuss. An unsettling silence fell upon the compartment. No one knew how they were going to get answers.

"Do you believe Linda 's teammates know she 's a lamia ?"Kaden asked towards the end of the journey.

Albus, who had been drifting off to sleep, lifted his head up."Good question."

"They do n't,"Rose resolve,"They just think she 's really good."

"Interesting,"Albus said,"I bet she would n't be allowed to spiel professionally."

"She would n't,"John confirmed,"lamia ca n't play pro Quidditch. It 's unfair to the rest of the teams."

"I 'd pay a lot of money to see two teams of vampire playing Quidditch against each former,"Albus grinned.

"You would n't be able-bodied to see them,"John laughed,"They 'd be flying too fast."

"I 'd wish to see vampire toy football game,"Kaden announced.

"Of course you would,"John rolled his eyes.

The boy spent the eternal sleep of the trip discussing vampire Quidditch while Rose and Amanda played Muggle card secret plan. Before farsighted they were in London.

All of their parents were standing together on the platform. Albus said a speedy adios to matte before his parents hurried him out of the station.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awful people who have read and reviewed this !

For those who are occupy, I posted a sort of epilogue/short sequel to In moonlight 's Shadow. It 's called living Amidst the Moonlight and is on my author 's page.