A/N : This story describes how Albus, matt, Amanda, John, and pink wine get their Hogwarts varsity letter. Each chapter contians lyrics from a vocal by Jared Joseph Campbell. Each chapter 's name is a lyric from the Lapp song. The story is named after his song, lifespan Is Good.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist or any of Jared Campbell 's songs.

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Cause fate, it 's in my way
and I do n't have the patience to put life on hold,
I think I 'm holding out for something more.
~Fate, Jared Campbell



Eleven-year-old Albus Severus Potter was standing in battlefront of the window in the drawing off room of his British capital house, Grimmauld place. He had been standing perfectly still for the past two arcminute, watching as a dot in the sky got larger and larger until it was recognizable as an owl.

The owl was close now and it looked like it was heading straight person for Grimmauld spot. It was closelipped enough for Albus to detect its ruffled brown feathering and the letters wrapped around its legs. Albus gulped and he rubbed his sweaty hands on his pants.

watching for the sunrise post had become a mundane for Albus over the past few Day. As soon as he woke up, he would brook by the window waiting for the owl that he knew would arrive soon. The owl from Hogwarts School of witchery and wizardry that would wreak him his acceptance letter. Albus 's honest-to-god pal, King James I, had received his alphabetic character a yr ago, in mid-July, and Albus was for certain his would arrive at roughly the same time.

Albus wrenched open the window and the owl soared inside. It stuck out its leg and Albus quickly detached the alphabetic character. The owl gave a garish hoot and then soared out the window. Albus shut it as he rifled through the letters. One was addressed to James II. But the other, the other was addressed to Albus.

Albus sat down on the sofa and slowly turned the missive over in his hands. He swallowed surd and began to open it with shaking hands. He pulled it out of the envelop and read it.

Albus closed the missive, grinning to himself. It had finally arrived. Albus had been kind of anxious about it the entire summer. He knew it would arrive, but after days of no hooter from Hogwarts, he had gotten a bit worried.

Albus stood up and ran to the stairs. He had to awaken William James up. James had been teasing Albus ever since he returned from Hogwarts, telling him he would n't get his letter. Albus knew Saint James liked to joke, but it had gotten a bit chafe by the tertiary week.

James 's sleeping room door was closed, but that did n't stop Albus. After all, St. James always barged into Albus 's room. Albus banged open the door and peered down at James, who was curled up on his bed. He looked rather innocent when he was sleeping, but if anyone could pee hassle even while sleeping, it was James.

Albus glanced around the room, trying to think of a creative way to heat him up. He wished he had a scepter and could mouth off H2O in James River 's expression.

Albus decided to just go with the old understudy of staring at James River until he woke up. It usually worked. Albus peered down until he was only inches from James and waited.

All of a sudden, King James I 's eyes shot undecided and he jumped back. He hit his brain on the wall behind his bed and winced.

`` What the nether region, Al ? '' James shouted as he rubbed his promontory, `` Do you realize what clip it is ? ``

`` Nine in the aurora, '' Albus said, `` Sorry about your drumhead. ``

`` It 's ok, '' St. James muttered, `` I 'll get you back eventually. But why in the name of Merlin did you stir up me up so early ? ``

Albus pulled his letter out of his envelop and proudly shoved it in James I 's fount. James grabbed it and scanned it. He gave it back to Albus and grinned.

`` See, you got it, '' James said.

`` I know, '' Albus said, `` But you 're the one who said I would n't. ``

`` I was only joking, '' James II shrugged, `` It 's what crony do. Now you get to do it with Lily. ``

Albus shrugged. He sort of doubted Lily would trust him if he told her she was n't going to Hogwarts. She 'd been waiting impatiently for her Hogwarts varsity letter since she was five or so. Now she was nine and she still had two class to go.

`` Oh, you got your Koran list, too, '' Albus handed James River the letter addressed to him.

`` Excellent, '' James grinned as he ripped it open, `` Maybe Mum and Dad will get me a broom as an former birthday present. Then I can try out for quester this year and not get to use one of those schooltime brooms. ``

Jesse James was entering his second class and was determined to go Gryffindor 's new quester. He had been practicing all summertime on one of their mum 's old heather. Saint James the Apostle 's birthday was in November and he had been giving their parents not so elusive soupcon about a new broom ever since he returned home from school.

`` well, I 'm going to go see if we can go to Diagon Alley today, '' Albus said.

`` Then I can get my broom, '' St. James replied and laid back down.

Albus looked back at James as he left, and noticed that he already had his eyes closed.

Albus ran back downstair and to the kitchen. Both of his parents were sitting at the tabular array eating eggs and toast.

`` It came ! '' Albus said proudly as he set his letter down in between his parents.

`` Congratulations, Al, '' Harry grinned and ruffled Ablus 's pilus, `` Told you you just had to be affected role. ``

`` That 's howling, Albus, '' Ginny got up and kissed the top of his school principal, `` We can go shopping today, if you 'd like. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned, `` James wants to go, too. He wants his new broom. ``

Ginny rolled her centre as she put her collection plate in the swallow hole. `` We 'll see about that. ``

`` Mummy ! ! ! ! '' Lily came shrieking down the stairs.

Albus turned around and saw that she had a hairsbreadth brushing stuck in her pilus and her eyes were welling up with tears.

`` Mummy ! '' Lily cried, `` It 's stuck ! ``

Ginny sighed and picked up her wand. `` Lily, what were you doing ? ``

`` I was just trying to arrive at my hair curly like Rosie 's, '' Lily pouted as Ginny started to disencumber the brush from her hair.

`` Lily, what have I told you about wrapping your hair around your brush ? '' Ginny asked.

`` Not to do it, '' Lily muttered.

`` Exactly, '' Ginny said, `` Albus got his Hogwart 's letter. ``

`` Really ? '' Lily shrieked and ran away from Ginny just as she got the brush give up, `` Where is it ? I want to see ! ``

Albus grabbed his letter off the table and held it in front of Lily. Lily stared wide eyed at it and tried to grab it away from Albus. Albus held it up above her head.

`` I wan na hold it ! '' Lily shouted.

`` No, '' Albus shook his head.

`` Mum ! '' Lily shouted, `` He wo n't let me see it ! ``

`` It 's his alphabetic character, Lils, '' Harry replied.

Lily crossed her arms across her bureau. `` Fine. I want to go to Hogwarts, too. ``

`` You 're not old enough. You just have to be patient, Lily, '' Ginny told her.

Harry snorted into his juice. `` I seem to remember individual else who was raring about going to Hogwarts. ``

Ginny smacked Harry playfully on the head with that morning 's written matter of the Prophet. `` Oh, shut it, Harry. ``

Albus poured himself a stadium of cereal and sat down just as the open fireplace lit up with green flames. It cleared a few second later and out stepped a boy in his of late teens who had turquoise colored hair.

`` shift ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up from the table, `` I got my letter just now ! '' Albus handed teddy bear his letter.

`` Brilliant, '' Teddy grinned and scanned Albus 's varsity letter, `` Merlin, I wish I still had another year there. ``

`` That 's only because then you could put off deciding what you want to do with your life, '' Ginny laughed.

`` No, so I could be there when Albus is there, '' shimmy groaned, `` But I suppose you 're right, too. ``

`` Of course of instruction I am, '' Ginny said.

`` Anyway, I just stopped by to say hi on my way to go, '' Teddy said as he grabbed a piece of toast off Harry 's plate.

`` And to steal my food, '' Harry muttered.

`` That, too, '' teddy bear grinned, `` I 'm working at the Diagon Alley store today, so will I see you lot there later ? ``

`` Yep, '' Harry nodded, `` We 'll be there. I 'm going to see if Ron and Hermione want to go as well. Rose probably got her letter today. ``

`` Sounds good, '' Teddy said as he stepped back into the fireplace and disappeared in green flames.

******

A few hour later ( after James had woken up ), the Potter family found themselves in Diagon Alley. The street was filled with returning Hogwarts student and their families.

Albus had been to Diagon alley legion sentence before, but there was something very arouse about going there to buy supplies for Hogwarts. He was getting to do everything James had done the late year. Albus was especially excited about going to Olivander 's and getting his wand.

They met Ron and Hermione Weasley, as well as their two nipper, Rose and Victor Hugo, in presence of Gringott 's. Rose was a couple months younger than Albus, but would be turning eleven in August and would be going to Hogwarts as well. Hugo was Lily 's age.

`` Where to first ? '' Harry asked.

`` Olivander 's ! '' Albus announced.

`` brandish and Blotts ! '' Rose said excitedly.

Albus stared at her like she had three heads. How could his cousin want to go to the book store before she got her sceptre ?

`` You 're mental, rose, '' St. James the Apostle laughed, `` I say we go to Quality Quidditch supplying ! ``

`` Eyelops ! '' Lily shouted.

`` You 're not even going to Hogwarts, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I do n't care, '' Lily huffed.

`` Weasley 's sensation Wheezes, '' Victor Hugo suggested.

`` Then it 's settled, '' Harry grinned, `` We 're going to the pill roller first. ``

Everybody groaned, but followed Harry down the street anyway. Albus sighed to himself. That was always how his dad settled disceptation. He 'd find fault what nobody had suggested.

The slip to the Apothecary was quick. nobody really wanted to linger in there. Albus did n't particularly savour the place. It had an odd tone to it and there were cauldron full of thing that looked like they were decaying.

After the Apothecary, they went to Madam Malkin 's, which was boring as well. Albus just did n't chance buying gown very exciting. It seemed like his dad was doing the about irksome shopping first.

Finally, after a long trip to Flourish and Blotts, Harry announced that Olivander 's was next on the list. Albus and pink wine ran ahead of the eternal sleep of the group and arrived a few minutes before anyone else.

`` Ah, Albus and Rose, '' Olivander turned around and greeted them with a wispy voice.

`` Hello, Mr. Olivander. We 're getting our wand today, '' Albus grinned.

`` I thought so, '' Olivander smiled and walked slowly to the row of sceptre that were behind him.

Olivander took mensuration and then walked to the back of the store. He returned with a few wands just as the rest of the Potter and Weasley menage entered the shop. Olivander greeted them and then handed Albus and rose each a wand.

Albus smiled as he held the wand in his paw. It was an unbelievable feeling ; holding a sceptre that could be his. He waved it and the window behind him exploded.

James River burst out in laugh as Albus 's grimace turned bright red. He set the wand on Olivander 's desk and looked sheepishly at his family. Harry grinned and repaired Olivander 's windowpane with a wave of his own wand.

`` Perhaps this one, '' Olivander handed Albus another wand, `` Eleven and a quarter inch, Ash, genus Phoenix feather. ``

Albus took the scepter and all of a sudden a tender feeling enveloped him. If he did n't know any dependable, he 'd say the sceptre actually glowed in his hand for a rive bit. He could feel that it was the in good order one even before he waved it. He gave it a wave and Au sparks erupted from it.

`` Excellent, '' Olivander grinned.

A little while later, blush wine had her wand as well and the mathematical group left the shop. Albus was carrying his wand with the uttermost aid and staring More at the box than what was in front end of him.

The grownup decided that it would be best to inflict Eyelops endure since both Albus and blush wine were getting owls. They did n't desire to bear to post the bird of Minerva around all day.

Jesse James was asking to go to calibre Quidditch supply every five minutes or so, but Harry led the way into Weasley 's adept Wheezes first.

`` Ron, Ginny ! '' George greeted them as they entered, `` And Harry and Hermione ! You 've got everyone with you today. ``

`` Hogwarts shopping, '' Harry grinned, `` Al and Rosie just got their sceptre. ``

Albus proudly opened the box and showed his Uncle George II his new wand. ascend did the same.

`` Brilliant, both of you ! '' George said, `` And now I shall get you both ready for Hogwarts in the prank department .... ''

Albus followed George into the depths of the shop. He was not at all surprised that his uncle was assisting him with pranks. George II was the possessor of Weasleys'wiz Wheezes and was legendary at Hogwarts as one of the most mischievous students ever to attend.

`` Now, every educatee needs a Skiving Snackbox or two, '' George IV said as he handed Albus and Rose each a colourful box, `` After all, I ca n't imagine you 'll need to sit through History of legerdemain very often. ``

Albus grinned as he took the box of confection to hit one ill. He had heard many a history from his parents, aunts, uncles, cousin-german, and King James about how boring prof Binns'form were.

`` And then you 'll need some dung bombs, '' George said as he led them to a different display.

`` Last time I checked, those were still forbidden at Hogwarts, '' Hermione said sternly.

`` Oh, I 'm sure they are, '' George VI winked, `` But so long as Filch does n't feel out it was these two who set them off, it does n't matter. ``

`` George Weasley ! '' Hermione scolded, `` You should be setting a better example for these two ! No admiration Fred was in detainment every hebdomad last year ! ``

Albus laughed as he took a pack of dung bombs off the shelf. His full cousin Fred was George 's son and just finished his tierce yr at Hogwarts. Fred had taken after his father as far as pranking went.

`` Lighten up, Hermione, '' Ron laughed, `` Let them possess their fun. ``

`` Ronald ! '' Hermione shouted, `` You 're even worse ! ``

`` Harry ! '' Teddy burst out of the backbone room and joined the chemical group, `` Getting Al all the pranking product he 'll need this year ? ``

`` Sure am, '' Harry grinned, `` Although I do n't think Hermione is too glad about it. ``

`` I am not buying this poppycock for Rose, '' Hermione stated.

After a few more minutes of arguing, Hermione gave up and both Albus and rosiness had bagfuls of Weasleys'products. James had replenished his stash as well and Albus had a tone he 'd use everything up within a month.

George closed the shop class so he and chemise could get something to eat and everyone went to the Leaky Cauldron for dinner. Albus mainly listened to the conversation but was very content. Going to Hogwarts was something he had been looking forward to for years and now it was finally happening.

James finally got to go to calibre Quidditch supplying after dinner and got his early natal day present. Albus was slightly jealous about this, but knew that he could n't have his own Scots heather at Hogwarts anyway. He was determined to make it onto the Quidditch team eventually, though.

The last stop of the day was Eyelops Owl Emporium, which was a place Albus was almost as delirious about as he had been about Olivander 's. His parents had told him he 'd be able to get an owl when he went to Hogwarts.

`` I want an owl, '' Lily whined as they entered the shop.

`` In two years, '' Harry replied.

`` That 's so far away, '' Lily groaned.

`` I know, '' Harry said as he picked her up, `` But it 'll go by degraded than you think. ``

Albus began looking around at all the owls. He did n't really have any melodic theme about what kind of owl he wanted ; he just thought he 'd look around and see what owl liked him.

There were bird of night of all sizes and colors. Patrick Victor Martindale White ones, black unity, and speckled one. diminished single, big ones, and medium sized ace. Albus walked slowly through the shop and looked at each owl. His heart rested on an owl with gleaming topaz eyes and night brown plumage. The owl had a few flecks of Patrick Victor Martindale White on its head and it was staring directly at Albus.

Albus walked over to the owl and gave the owl a pat on its head. The owl gave a soft razzing and Albus knew it was the one for him. The owl flew onto his shoulder and Albus walked back to his parents.

`` I 've got my owl, '' he grinned.

`` What 's his name ? '' Harry asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` Have n't thought of one yet. ``

`` public figure him Salazar, '' James I smirked, `` Because you 'll be in Slytherin. ``

`` What ? '' Albus stared at his brother, `` I 'm not going to be in Slytherin. ``

`` You never know, '' King James I said, `` There 's a 25 percent fortune that you might. ``

Albus was stunned. It was so obvious. There was a 25 percent chance that he 'd be in Slytherin. After all, there were four mansion. But the thought of being in Slytherin had never crossed his mind. He always thought he 'd be in Gryffindor, where everyone in his whole kinfolk had been. It was potential for him to be in Slytherin, though. Or Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. Neither of those would be that bad, but Albus wanted to be in Gryffindor.

`` set up to go, Al ? '' Harry asked, `` Rose just found her owl. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus said quietly, `` I 'm ready. And I 'm naming my owl Godric. ``

Albus followed his menage out of the owl shop and to the Leaky cauldron. In two month, he 'd be at Hogwarts. The place where his parents went and most of the quietus of his family. The shoes he had been impatiently waiting to go to for old age. He could n't intend of a time in his life-time where he had been more stir. All he hoped was that he would wind up in Gryffindor and maybe, just maybe, he would be able to get a name for himself.


But he knows that it 's going to be all right
suit the love that he 's got will keep him quick through the night
Life is good, life is good
~LIfe Is trade good, Jared Campbell


Eleven-year-old Gospel According to Matthew Conan Eckerton was sitting below a large oak Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in his backyard. His centre were closed and he was resting his head against its harsh luggage compartment. The sun was beating down on him through the branches above. For the past hour, the only sound had been the occasional bird chirping or cow mooing. Then a loud revving broke the silence.

Matt slowly opened his centre and squinted in the hopeful sun. He glanced around to try and rule out where the noise was coming from. In the aloofness, he saw the Farmer riding his tractor through the fields that surrounded matt 's house.

lusterlessness lived in the state, far from any towns. His mansion was on an acre of place that was surrounded by tillage on three sides and a forest on the other. The nearby farmer owned all of the surrounding farmland and was regularly seen plowing or performing early tasks. The farmer 's home was quite far away, although mat could see it from where he was sitting. other than the farmer, Matt had no other neighbors.

Matt 's parents, Walter and Julie, wanted it that way. matt was not an ordinary eleven-year-old boy, even by wizarding monetary standard. At the age of five, he was bitten by a werewolf and became one himself. For the retiring five and a half years, over half his life, he had been enduring painful transmutation every month that left him exhausted and sick. As if he could be anymore unusual, the Aconitum lycoctonum Potion which normally enabled a werewolf to keep his judgement during wide Sun Myung Moon, did not work for Matt.

That fussy day happened to be the day of the wide Sun Myung Moon. In only a few suddenly hours, lustrelessness would be locked in a elbow room in the basement and go through the dreadful transformation into the wolf.

As the full Moon was only a brusk while away, Matt was already feeling the gist of it. A few daytime beforehand, he would tire quickly and get a lot of worry. He also lost his appetite. At the second, he had a splitting vexation which was not helped by the tractor, but felt too exhausted to move. He closed his center and tried to ignore the buffeting in his head and the tractor 's roaring.

`` mat, are you out here ? '' someone shouted.

matt opened his eyes again and saw his sister, Amy, walking towards him. `` I 'm over by the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ! '' he shouted.

Amy ran the respite of the distance and sat down side by side to him. Her blond hair was thrown up into a messy ponytail and flying everywhere as she walked.

`` Thank Merlin, '' Amy sighed, `` I could n't ascertain you anywhere. You know Mum does n't like it when you go outside the day of the full phase of the moon moonlight. ``

flatness groaned inwardly. His mother was extremely overprotective, in his vox populi. He understood she had her reasons and after what had happened in the past tense, he could n't really blame her. But he was n't a baby anymore and he did n't think going outside was going to anguish. He liked going external before fully lunation since he 'd be cooped up inside for a few days afterwards.

`` Is she back yet ? '' Matt asked. His mother had gone to Diagon alleyway to pick up some groceries a little spell ago, leaving Amy to 'babysit'him. lustrelessness thought this was ridiculous since he was eleven and certainly did not necessitate a babysitter, but did n't argue with her. Plus, Amy was home anyway.

`` No, '' Amy replied, `` But I had to bump you because this just came by owl. ``

Amy grinned as she handed Matt a varsity letter. Matt took it and turned it over. His breath caught in his chest of drawers as he saw the Hogwarts crest stamped on it. It was his Hogwarts letter.

Ever since Amy had begun her magical educational activity, when matte was four, he had been excited about going himself. Even after he had been bitten by a loup-garou, he thought he 'd get to go. His parents had never said otherwise. Until they received a varsity letter telling them Matt could n't attend, that is.

The Eckertons had not lived in England their whole spirit. Up until three years ago, they had lived in Australia. Amy had attended the Australian shoal of Sorcery until she was xiv. That was when their parents had asked the headmaster if Matt would be able to attend. He said he could not.

Everything got worse from there. Someone who held a grudge against matte 's dad at the Ministry announced to the entire country that Matt was a werewolf ( something they had successfully hidden for over two years ) and then his dad lost his job because of it. He had been the Head of the department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. After that, the man who had announced Matt 's lycanthropy became the nous and turn over legislation restricting the rights of wolfman.

Matt 's parents sent letters to legion other schools asking if he could attend. Hogwarts shoal of witchery and wizardry in Scotland said yes. flatness 's dad found a job at the British Ministry, in Werewolf Support Services, and they moved. living had been better since then. Amy had a hard meter adjusting, but eventually began to delight Hogwarts.

Due to all of this, Matt knew he would get a letter of the alphabet from Hogwarts this summertime. He had been waiting for it for calendar week since he had no approximation when it would arrive, but had momentarily forgotten about it that day. Despite knowing it was going to total, there was something very exciting about it actually arriving.

flatness slowly peeled back the seal and opened the envelop. He pulled the letter out and carefully open it.

`` merlin, you 're tedious with that ! '' Amy exclaimed, `` I think I nearly ripped my varsity letter from Australia when I got it. ``

`` That 's why I opened mine slowly, '' Matt smirked. He looked at the letter and scan it aloud. There was a post script at the end, one that matt knew the rest of his fellow educatee would not have received.

P.S. Please have your parents adjoin
us so we can set up a sentence for you to
come to the school so we can discourse
the forethought we have set up for
your lycanthropy.

mat folded the letter and then looked up at Amy. He still could n't believe that it was finally his turn to go to Hogwarts. He had been secretly green-eyed of Amy for years. Every clock time she got to go shopping for supplies and then hurry away on the Hogwarts Express, he watched with envious eyes.

`` It 'll be both of us going this twelvemonth, '' Amy grinned.

matte nodded. `` I just hope I 'm in Gryffindor. ``

`` You will be, '' Amy assured him, `` Siblings usually get sorted into the same house. Victoire 's Sister and chum are in Gryffindor like she is. All their cousins are there, too. ``

`` I got my supply tilt, too, '' Matt said as he pulled out another bit of lambskin, `` You get yours ? '' Amy was entering her seventh and final twelvemonth at Hogwarts.

`` Yup, '' Amy nodded, `` We can go to Diagon alleyway once you 're recovered from tonight. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, wishing he did n't have to hold back, `` Says I ca n't get a bring a heather, though. ``

`` Like Mum would let you bring one anyway, '' Amy laughed, `` Speaking of Mum, she 'll probably be back anytime. We should go back inside. ``

`` You wo n't evidence her I was out here, will you ? '' Matt asked as he stuffed his letter back in the envelop.

`` Nah, '' Amy grinned, `` Since when have I been one to do what Mum says anyway ? ``

Matt stood up and felt dizzy as soon as he did so. He stumbled and Amy grabbed his arm. She let him lean on her as they walked slowly back to the family. The thing Matt hated even Sir Thomas More than the actual shift into the wolf was how vomit he felt the days leading up to it. It was like getting the flu once a month.

To matte 's relief, his mother was not back from Diagon Alley when they got back to the house. Amy helped him to the couch and he laid down on it.

`` I am going to miss so many classes during the fully lunation, '' matte groaned.

`` Yeah, you probably will, '' Amy agreed, `` But the teachers are nice so you 'll be capable to enchant up. Well, almost of them are nice. Washburn 's a foul piece of work, but the quietus are squeamish. And it 's not necessarily a bad affair to leave out History of magic trick. There 's usually about a quarter of the people in my family using Puking pastille or Nosebleed Nougats before that class. You 'll stimulate a built in alibi once a month. All the residuum of the kids in your class will be covetous. ``

`` I doubt that, '' matte said darkly. Ever since he had first seen the sweets in a Skiving Snackbox, he was bewildered that people would actually eat sweets that would nominate you ill. He just could n't wrap his head around actually wanting to be ill, even to overlook a boring stratum. He 'd rather sit through the class.

`` Just keep an undecided mind, '' Amy shrugged, `` There have been quite a few metre where I would rather be in the infirmary Wing than in division. ``

Matt groaned and closed his eyes. He wished he could go all seven year at Hogwarts without ever setting foundation in the hospital Wing, but that was n't going to happen.

`` Amy, could you get me some of that cephalalgia potion ? '' he asked.

`` When did you last have got it ? '' Amy asked.

`` When I woke up this sunrise. ``

`` Sure, '' Amy replied and got up.

mat heard the door open a moment later and his mum walked in, her branch laden with grocery bags.

`` Amy ! '' she shouted, `` Can you add up help oneself me with these suitcase ? ``

`` Hang on ! '' Amy shouted from the kitchen.

The dish dropped to the base with a clunk and Matt heard footstep coming closer. He felt his mother kiss his forehead and ruffle his blonde hair.

`` How are you ? '' she asked softly.

`` Tired and I 've got a headache, '' Matt mumbled.

`` I 'll get you some worry potion. ``

`` Amy 's already getting it, '' matt replied.

His mum kissed his forehead once more and sat down next to him on the couch. `` Amy, could you bring the fever reducer, too ? ``

mat squeezed his eyes shut squiffy. No wonderment he felt dire ; he had a febrility. Now he was form of gladiola he came inside when he did.

`` I got my Hogwarts alphabetic character, Mum, '' he whispered.

`` That 's wonderful, beloved, '' she replied, `` We 'll go shopping in a few Day. ``

`` Here 's the potions, '' Amy said.

Matt cracked exposed his eye and took one of the chalice Amy was holding. He drank it quickly and then grabbed the former one. He swallowed that one as fast as he could as well and gagged at the disgusting taste.

`` Can I get an owl ? '' he yawned.

`` Of grade, dearest, '' his mum said as she rubbed his back, `` Just go to kip now. We 'll talk More about it tomorrow. ``

Matt nodded and closed his eyes. He fell asleep quickly, feeling the happiest he had ever been the day of a entire moon.

******

`` lusterlessness, '' mortal whispered as they shook him.

Matt opened his centre and saw his dad bent down in front of the lounge. `` Hey, Dad. ``

`` I just heard you got your Hogwarts letter, '' his dad smiled, `` Congratulations. ``

`` Thanks, '' Matt whispered.

`` Well, I 'll let you get some more sleep. There 's still an hour or so until you have to go downstairs, '' his dad said as he gave him a hug.

matt watched his dad walk into the kitchen and closed his middle once more. He drifted off to log Z's again, trying not to think about what would hap in an hour.

After what seemed like only a few transactions later, Matt woke up in a cold sweat with an frightful headache that no potion could ever help with. He sat up and looked out the window. It was dark, but he did n't take to see the sky to have it off that the moon would rear soon.

`` Mum ! '' his voice cracked. He swallowed hard. The pain in the neck always started before the shift did. It was awful. He always tried not to cry, but it never worked. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to keep the tears from leaking out.

He heard three solidification of footstep run into the room and felt his mother 's arms wrap around him. He leaned into her and rested his pass on her shoulder.

`` It 's time, '' his dad said quietly.

mat shakily stood up and his parents helped him trip-up towards the basement door. He could learn Amy 's footsteps behind them. Nobody said a Holy Scripture as they walked down the stairs and towards his transformation way.

Matt sat down on the padded level as soon as he got into the elbow room. His head was spinning and he did n't think he 'd be able to stand up much longer anyway. His parents and Amy each gave him a hug and then left the elbow room. They did n't say anything, but there was naught to say. He 'd done this so many metre there was n't really any head in his parents saying anything. He knew they 'd be there in the morning.

The door locked as his parents and Amy left, and lusterlessness let out a loudly suspiration as he sat down. This was it. Another total moon. There was zero he could do now but wait.

For years, he fought the change. He 'd clench his hand and jaw and try to prevent the transmutation, even though he knew it would n't work. The only clip he had n't fought it was the first one, where he had no idea what was going to happen. For the back one, he knew what was going to happen. He was only six, but he understood and he fought it with every part of his being. Now, five and a half years later, with five and a one-half days of substantiation that it would n't work, he still fought it.

Matt did n't have to wait long for the transformation to begin. His concern became unbearable and he felt his tum lurch. He learned early on to not try and eat anything beforehand, because it always came back up during the first part of the transformation.

He curled up into a orchis and let out a soft moan. He could finger his heart beating a mile a minute. His respiration was short-change and labored. It felt like he could n't pass off. He always tried not to scream, but that never worked either. He felt his bones breaking and elongating and hair sprouting everywhere.

He let out a meretricious scream and clenched his eyes as painful sensation coerced through his body. No amount of old full moons would ever set him for the terrible translation. Nothing helped with it either. His parents had given him so many different potions, but nothing decreased the pain.

His head was always the final stage thing to go. matte hated that. He wished his judgment would go first. Then he would n't have to think back the actual translation. He always wished he 'd reach out before the transformation began, but that never happened.

lusterlessness took a few more ragged breath and cried out in bother. He sat up and looked at his hired man, which were quickly turning into hand of the Friedrich August Wolf. He felt dizzy. The public was spinning around him and it felt like fog was clouding his brain. He let out one more scream and the world disappeared.

******

The wildcat slowly stood up and took in his surround. It was wickedness and there was a faint olfactory perception of line of descent and human being lingering in the air. He was also trapped, again. The wolf was always trapped. He began to pace around the elbow room and look for an escape route. It was n't there. There was never an escape itinerary.

The wolf stood up on his hind legs and pointed his snout towards the ceiling. He let out a long howl and then glared at the opposite paries. He got back down on all quatern and charged at it, slamming his foreland into the abnormally piano bulwark. He stepped back and repeated the mental process again and again.

He was alone. Alone and trapped. Every bingle full moon moon, the skirt chaser was alone and stuck in the belittled pad room. He wanted to get out. He wanted to get out and find the people he could faintly reek beyond the walls.

However, there was no way out. No matter how many times the wolf rammed his mind into the paries, he could not break it. Eventually, he sat down in the middle of the room and howled once more. He then proceeded to bite at his own body to relieve the urge to lash out something.

******

Matt cracked his eyes open and tried to lift his principal. A stabbing pain fled through his head and he dropped it back down onto the aggrandise story. He closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on breathing. Each short, labored breath suffering. He could n't even figure out which constituent of his eubstance hurt the worse. Everything hurt. From the top of his head to his toes.

`` Mum ? '' he said hoarsely. His vocalisation was little more than a whisper. He knew there was no way his mother could hear him, but he called her name anyway.

The threshold clicked a poor while later, but for matte it felt like an eternity. Whoever came in the room made no audio as they walked across the mattress covered trading floor. They put a cloak over him and then picked him up. A wave of dizziness come over him as he was lifted up.

`` It 's ok, I 've got you, '' his dad whispered.

lustrelessness was hardly aware of being carried up to his room and he passed out on the way.

The future thing he knew, he was laying in his flabby bed with stratum of blankets on top of him. He could experience the lovesome sun shining through the window. He opened his eye slowly and blinked as they adjusted to the brightness.

His eubstance still ached despite the potions he knew his parents had given him. His headspring was throbbing dully as well. Worse yet, he was exhausted. He knew he had already slept for hours, but it felt like he had n't slept in days.

Who was he kidding ? How was he going to go to Hogwarts ? How would he make out full Moon when he was by himself ? He could n't even get up when he transformed back the next dawning. His parents always had to run him back to his room.

His parents. flatness felt a shock in his stomach as he realized that they would n't be there every full moon when he was in school. They had been there for every broad moon he had ever endured. They took care of him the day of and the days following. They got him his potions and healed all his injuries.

He hated to admit it, but he was scared about doing it by himself. He knew he should n't be ; he was eleven years old for Merlin 's sake. Eleven-year-olds should not be afraid of going to school and being away from their parents.

It was a practical issue, he assured himself. That was all. He could n't physically parcel out with broad lunar month by himself. That was why he was worried about going to school. It was n't like he could n't parcel out with being away from home.

Then there was the outcome of his classmates. What if they found out ? It was n't like he could sneak away for the total synodic month and be back in his dormitory the next morning before his roommates woke up. He 'd be in the hospital Wing for at least two days. He doubted he 'd be able to go to classes the day of the full lunar month and he usually needed two days to go back. That was three twenty-four hour period of missed classes, but more importantly, it was three twenty-four hour period of disappearances to explicate. What was he going to say ? People did n't normally get sick that much.

It was a dazed idea, he thought, going to schooltime. He bit his lip and tried to terminate the bust from welling in his eyes. Why did n't his parents just home school him ? It would be soft. They were both intimate in most aspects of magic. If his parents had just decided to home school him, they could feature stayed in Australia. Then Amy would cause been happier.

No, they could n't have stayed. He sighed. Not after his dad lost his job and all the laws restricting the rights of wolfman had been passed. They were originally going to move so he could go to schooltime. But then his dad lost his job. It was n't entirely Matt 's faulting that they moved, was it ? Not if his dad needed another job ....

It was his fault his dad lost his job, though. If he had n't gotten bitten, his dad would n't have lost his job. So, for all purpose and purposes, his syndicate had moved because of him. He could n't not go to school after all they 'd done for him. He 'd just bear to suck it up and deal with it, no matter how terrifying the prospect was.

`` flatness, are you wake up ? '' Amy peeked her caput into his room.

mat quickly rubbed his eyes and turned to attend at her. `` Yeah. ``

Amy gave a small smile and walked into the room. She set a goblet down on the bedside table and then sat on the metrical unit of the bed.

`` How are you ? '' she asked quietly.

`` All- '' he cut himself off and looked at Amy 's concerned expression. Ever since she had first seen him after a shift, she had this uncanny way of knowing when something was bothering him. He was n't sure how she did it, but somehow she managed to get him to recount her what was wrong.

It was form of strange since Amy normally had quite the temper and was very impatient. Their mum had once told lustrelessness that she took after his grandmother, but Amy would never admit to it. The two of them did what they wanted and often disregarded other people 's emotions.

Amy used to be a lot like that with Matt, too. When they were immature, their parents insisted on keeping Amy away from the house during full moons. She hated it and resented their parents for keeping her out of the loop topology. She really had no idea what went on during full moons.

Then liveliness as they knew it fell apart in Australia and Amy began to realize what went on. She did resent matt for months about having to move, but eventually got used to Hogwarts. Then, the inaugural total moon after her one-quarter year, she stayed at home during the wax Sun Myung Moon and saw Matt afterwards.

Amy never told lusterlessness what she had thought of seeing him after a transformation, but her natural process spoke more than words would let. She stayed by his position after every full moon that summertime. A few weeks after that kickoff full synodic month of the summer, she announced that she was going to become a healer and hoped to discover a version of the wolfsbane Potion that would bring for Matt.

Matt had been a piddling offend when he heard this, but not incredibly surprised. As far back as he could remember, Amy had enjoyed experimenting with potions. She was also an avid whiz gazer and loved Astronomy. If anyone could get along up with a in effect version about that potion, it was Amy. She had the skills, interest group, and motivating to do it.

`` Actually, '' his voice caught in his throat, `` I 'm not that great. ``

Amy crawled up the bed and laid down side by side to him, her mouth turning down in a frown. She grabbed the potion off the tabular array and handed it to him. `` What hurts ? You should take this potion, it 'll facilitate. ``

`` It 's not that, '' lustrelessness swallowed the potion in one swig, `` I mean, my head injury but no regretful than common. It 's, '' he paused, `` It 's Hogwarts. I 'm just not sure if I should go ... '' his voice trailed off.

Amy put her arm around Matt 's shoulders and looked at him sadly. `` Why not ? ``

`` This, '' he muttered, `` This probably sounds stupid, but I do n't mean I can do it without Mum and Dad. ``

`` It 's not dullard, '' Amy said quietly, `` They 've always been there for every full moon. But I think you 're incorrectly. You can do it without them. ``

`` How ? '' matt 's voice wavered, `` I ca n't even get back up to my room without them ? How in the name of Merlin will I get from that shack in Hogsmeade back to the castle ? ``

`` The nursemaid, '' Amy sighed, `` You 're forgetting about the nurse. Madam Pomfrey. You 've met her, have n't you ? ``

`` I think so, '' lusterlessness nodded, `` But I hardly know her. ``

`` well, I do, '' Amy said, `` And she 's one of the nicest adult at Hogwarts. She 'll help. And I 'll be there too. I 'll be there for your total first twelvemonth. ``

`` And you 'll be there ? Can you go to the shack with Madam Pomfrey ? ``

`` Of path, '' Amy nodded, `` And I 'll appease at the Hospital Wing with you except when I 'm in course. ``

flatness nodded. He felt a little better knowing that Amy would be there with him. She could practically do everything in order to mend his hurt after the full moonlight. Their parents had been teaching her ever since she was fifteen and she had actually been performing them ever since she turned seventeen. But he still felt ill at ease about the whole thing.

`` I know you 'll still omit them, '' Amy said quietly, `` And there 's nothing improper with that. I was so homesick during kickoff year and I did n't have to deal with turning into a savage once a calendar month. I imagine that 'll make it even worse. ``

mat turned to his sister and laughed. He sort of care how she just stated what was avowedly and never tried to soften it.

`` Yeah, probably, '' he replied.

`` But you 'll get used to it, '' Amy assured him, `` Soon you 'll make admirer and get into mischief like half of Victoire 's cousins do. ``

lustrelessness shrugged. Making booster was another matter he was worried about. He did n't really have many friends. He occasionally spent clip with some of his dad 's coworkers'tiddler, but did n't bang them very well.

`` If I make any Friend, '' he said.

`` You will, '' Amy said.

`` But they wo n't wish me if they find out who I am, '' mat replied.

`` They wo n't feel out, '' Amy said adamantly, `` You 'll piss plentifulness of champion. Victoire said a few of her cousin-german are starting this class and they 're certainly to be in Gryffindor like you will be. ``

Matt had only met Victoire a few metre, but from what he could recite, she was really courteous. Matt only hoped her cousins were as well.

`` I guess that would be unspoilt, '' he yawned, `` What time is it ? ``

Amy glanced at her picket. `` Just after one. I should let you slumber. ``

mat nodded. `` Ok. Thanks. '' He was pretty run down. He did n't normally have got such long discussions with Amy so soon after the total moonshine. He usually slept until dinner time.

`` I 'll be back later, '' Amy gave him a gentle hug, grabbed the discharge potion bottle, and quietly left the room.

Matt rolled over in bed and huddled under the many mantle. He closed his eyes feeling a bit better about going to Hogwarts, but still worried.


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A/N : Thanks to Saint Luke, Moonylupin, and XDNLxtlz99 for the revue !
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or Jared Joseph Campbell 's songs.

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And she knows that this is substantial


It 's not something that she 's made up in her head
And there 's something that she feels but she has n't found the Good Book
~It 's making love, Jared Campbell


Eleven-year-old Amanda Genevieve Tagger smiled to herself as she closed her book. She rolled over on her bed and set the it on her bedside table. Her bedside table was stacked high with at least ten Quran, most of which Amanda had already read.

Amanda had always enjoyed indication. Ever since she was a petty girl, books had been some of her best protagonist. They were nifty society when she was sad or bored or just wanted to get away into a different world for a patch. scoop of all, books never made fun of her.

Amanda had always been shy and she was the first to admit it. She did n't have very many friend and kids her age tended to ride out away from her. This was most likely because unusual matter always happened around her.

She was only five when she first realized that she was dissimilar. Amanda, her older sister, Jen, who was nine at the sentence, and a few of her Sister 's friends were playing away. They decided to dally hide and go seek and Amanda climbed the biggest Tree in their backyard and hid amongst the branch. Jen, who was 'it', had the difficult time finding her. In fact, Jen never found her. Amanda did n't leave the Tree until their mom called them in for a snack.

That was when it happened. Amanda 's invertebrate foot caught on one of the branches and she lost her grip. She fell what must suffer been twenty or thirty metrical foot out of that maple tree, hitting legion branches on her way down.

When she was a simple five human foot from the ground, she suddenly stopped falling. Then, she glided lightly to the solid ground, and landed softly on her pes. Amanda looked around and saw Jen staring open-mouthed at her. Their mother, who had seen Amanda falling, ran from the house and checked her over. She was completely ok, salvage for a few nestling scratches and bruise. No one knew why it had happened, but Amanda 's mother said an angel must bear been looking out for her that day.

Whatever it was, Amanda knew she was different that day. It was only the source. unusual things had happened to her ever since. When she was six and the class bully stole her biscuit at luncheon, new one appeared out of dilute air in front of her. When she was seven and forgot to do her maths homework, it somehow did itself while sitting in her backpack.

A modest, relatively harmless tornado had somehow descended upon a few male child who were chasing her when she was eight. That incident was what caused almost of the other kids her age to steer exculpate of her.

There was one girl who did not worry that strange things happened around Amanda. Jamie House, Amanda 's best friend since Kindergarten, never cared about the unusual incidents. She actually thought they were mirthful. Amanda and Jamie were inseparable at school.

However, Jamie was currently spending a few weeks with her grandparents in Scotland. Without Jamie 's caller, Amanda had spent about of her time recitation. There was n't really anything else to do. Jen was xv and the lastly thing she wanted to do was pay heed out with her eleven-year-old sister. Amanda 's fiddling brother, Max, was eight and all he wanted to do was hinge on his motorcycle in the empty lot down the road with the other neighborhood boys.

Amanda was left with her books for ship's company, not that she really minded. She was getting a bit restless, though. She stood up opened her bedroom door. Maybe Jen was n't on the electronic computer and Amanda would be able to go online. Jamie managed to get on heartbeat messager ever so often at her grandparents'house and Amanda had talked to her a few times over the by week.

The doorbell rang just as Amanda was leaving her room.

`` Amanda ! '' Jen shouted from her room, `` Could you get that ? ``

`` Sure, '' Amanda said as she passed Jen 's room. She peeked inside and saw that Jen was in the process of straightening her lightly dark-brown fuzz. Jen had straightened Amanda 's honey blonde hair's-breadth a few metre, but Amanda actually preferred it with its cancel thin Wave. Jen hated her own curly hair, though.

Amanda ran down the stairs and towards the door. She pulled it open and saw a man wearing the unusual outfit she had ever seen anyone clothing on a day that was not Halloween. It looked like a sinister commencement surgical gown. The man himself looked relatively sane, though. His blonde hair was neatly combed and he smiled when Amanda opened the door.

`` hullo, '' he greeted her, `` Are your parents nursing home ? ``

`` Er, '' Amanda began, `` I think so. Are you selling something ? '' Her parents hated room access to door salesmen. Amanda was n't exactly trusted where her parents were, but she doubted they 'd desire to be interrupted to take heed to mortal trying to sell something.

The man laughed. `` No, not at all. ``

`` time lag rightfield here, '' Amanda said and went to retrieve her parents, `` Mum ! Dad ! There 's some bloke at the room access who wants to verbalise to you ! ``

`` What 's he selling ? '' Mrs. tagging program shouted from the kitchen.

`` goose egg ! '' Amanda replied.

Mrs. tagger, a short, plump woman with maculation of gray in her obscure John Brown hair walked out of the kitchen and followed Amanda to the door.

`` Can I help you ? '' she asked the man.

`` Yes, '' the man replied, `` I 'm a teacher at a private schooltime and I 'm here to inform you that your daughter has been accepted. ``

`` Jen ? '' Mrs. Tagger asked, `` I was n't cognizant she applied to any common soldier schooltime. ``

`` No, '' the man shook his head, `` Not Jen. Amanda. ``

Amanda gaped at the man and then turned to her mother, who was now frowning. Amanda had n't applied to any individual schools. Why would she ? She had already gotten into the secondary coil school she was attending in the fall.

`` I know Amanda has n't applied to anymore schools, '' Mrs. tagger said.

`` This is n't one she applied for, '' the man said quietly, `` Her name has been down since she was born. ``

Amanda was stunned. What was this about ? How could her name have been down for a school since she was born ?

`` Could I come in ? '' the man asked.

`` I think you 'd better, '' Mrs. Tagger said in barely more than than a whisper.

The man stepped inside the house and followed Mrs. Tagger into the den. Amanda followed and sat down on a president while the unknown man took the couch.

`` henry ! '' Mrs. Tagger shouted down the basement stair, `` You 'd better come upstairs ! ``

A minute later a tall man with a messy shock of blonde tomentum on his brain walked into the way with Mrs Tagger.

`` My husband, henry, '' Mrs. Tagger replied, `` And my name is Sarah. Who are you ? ``

`` professor Neville Longbottom, '' the man replied as he stood up and shook each of my parents'hands.

`` Professor ? '' H raised his eyebrows.

`` He told me Amanda has been accepted to a private school. One that her name 's been down for since birth, '' Sarah explained, `` Did you signalize her up without telling me ? ``

`` No, '' Patrick Henry shook his head.

`` I 'll explain everything if you 'll just sit down, '' Neville said.

Henry and Sarah nodded and they sat down on the couch Neville had just vacated.

`` I teach at a boarding schooltime in Scotland called Hogwarts- ''

Patrick Henry snorted and Sarah glared at him. `` Sorry, '' he muttered.

Neville grinned. `` I get that reaction a lot. Anyway, Hogwarts is not an ordinary shoal. It is a school of magic. Mr. and Mrs tagging program, your daughter is a witch. ``

Amanda was glad she had been sitting down. If she had n't, she surely would have fainted. She stared in shock at Neville. What did he intend, hex ? Amanda had read many stories about Wiccan. Some had good witches and others had bad enchantress. Which beldam was she ?

How could she even be a witch ? Witches were n't genuine. They were made up to provide entertainment. They could n't actually be. Magic did n't exist.

`` What are you getting at ? '' Henry said defensively, `` If this is some sorting of prank, it 's not funny. ``

`` It 's not a prank, '' Neville said calmly, `` conjuration does exist. Witches and wizards have been hiding their world for genesis. I teach at United Kingdom 's only schooling of magic. ``

`` What do you teach ? '' William Henry asked.

`` Herbology. The study of wizardly plants. ``

`` Prove it, '' henry said, `` Pull a rabbit out of your hat or something. ``

Neville grinned and pulled out his scepter. Amanda stared at it. A real magic wand. Just like the ones she 'd read about in books.

`` Accio pillow, '' Neville pointed his sceptre at one of the pillows next to Henry. It soared through the air and landed neatly in Neville 's hand.

`` Where 's the strand ? '' Henry stood up and grabbed the pillow. He searched all over it for a train, but did n't find one.

`` No strand, '' Neville smiled. He took the pillow back and pointed his wand at it. He muttered something else and the pillow turned into a tea kettle.

`` That is brilliant, '' Amanda grinned, `` Can I learn how to do that ? ``

`` When you are sometime, yes, '' Neville replied.

`` What else can you do ? '' Amanda asked excitedly.

`` Brew potions, diverse appealingness, disappear and reappear in a new place- ''

`` Seriously ? '' Amanda gaped, `` Can you show me that ? ``

`` Sure, '' Neville replied. He disappeared from the room with a loud crack and then was back a few indorsement later.

`` What the bloody hell was that ? '' Jen ran into the room with her tomentum partially unbent and partially curly.

`` speech communication, Jennifer, '' Sarah warned.

`` I 'm a hag, '' Amanda grinned, `` I can do magic. ``

`` What ? ! '' Jen shouted and sat down on the nearest chair, clearly intent on staying in the way despite her hair.

`` waiting, wait ! '' Henry shouted, `` What if we choose not to let her assist this place ? ``

`` You have to, Dad ! '' Amanda shouted.

`` H, are you really so gullible ? You ca n't honestly think there is a schoolhouse of conjuration ! '' Sarah shouted.

`` Magic ? '' Jen asked, `` Like pulling rabbits out of hats ? ``

`` Of course it exists, Mum ! '' Amanda told her.

Sarah shook her point. `` No. Amanda, you just want it to exist. magic trick is n't real. It 's fantasy. ``

`` It does, '' Neville said quietly, `` Can you recollect a prison term Amanda has done something that could n't be explained ? Any time where she should have been hurt and then somehow was n't ? ``

Sarah 's face went pale white and she turned to Henry. `` Yes, '' she whispered, `` Many times. ``

`` It can be explained, '' Neville replied, `` It 's deception. ``

`` But what if we do n't let her go ? '' William Henry asked again.

`` That 's fine. But she wo n't ever learn to control her conjuring trick and she will bear on to cause strange things to happen. ``

`` I 'm going, '' Amanda crossed her implements of war on her chest.

`` glad to hear it, '' Neville reached into his, what could only be described as a cloak, and pulled out a letter. He handed it to Amanda.

It was addressed to her. She turned it over and carefully opened it. She unfolded it and began to read it aloud.

There was another piece of newspaper publisher that had a list of provision written on it, including a cauldron, wand, and spell Good Book. Amanda had about a million questions. Where could she buy a real verge ? Had they gotten the chopine faulty ? There could n't be a Platform 9 3/4, could there ? What did the missive mean, broom handle ? Did witches really turn on around on Calluna vulgaris like they do in book ?

`` I 'm home plate ! '' the front doorway slammed shut and Max ran into the way, his night hairsbreadth disheveled and his boldness coated in dirt. He stopped at the sight of Neville and grinned. `` Nice costume, but Halloween 's not for a few months. ``

`` It 's not a costume, '' Jen said, `` He 's a ace. He teaches at a schoolhouse of deception and he 's here to tell us that Amanda is a witch. ``

`` That is brilliant, '' Max grinned, `` Am I one, too ? ``

`` You 'll find out the summer you are eleven, '' Neville answered.

`` Max, please go upstairs and clean house yourself up, '' Sarah groaned, `` You 're getting mud all over the carpeting. ``

`` Oh, sorry, '' Max turned and ran up the stairs.

`` Mum, Dad, '' Amanda began, `` You 've got to let me go to Hogwarts. This explains everything ! I want to memorize how to control my magic. I wo n't be the weird girl at Hogwarts. ``

Patrick Henry and Sarah shared a spirit. `` I suppose you 're rectify, '' William Henry sighed, `` We 'll let you go, so long as this prof explains everything about conjuration to us. ``

`` I will, '' Neville nodded, `` Actually, if you 're not meddlesome today, I could take away you to Diagon alley. That 's the shopping area where you will be able-bodied to purchase everything Amanda needs for Hogwarts. It 's in London. ``

`` We 're not fussy, '' Henry said, `` We 'll just wait for Max. ``

Amanda grinned as she reread her letter over and over again. She still could n't believe it. A witch. She was a real beldam ! Amanda always knew she was different, but she never imagined it would be like this. She pinched herself to bring in for sure it was actual. It was. She, Amanda tagging program, was a witch. It was like she had fallen into one of her books.

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sidereal day are different then they were before
And we both exchange
It 's only getting better
~Only Getting Better, Jared Joseph Campbell


Eleven-year-old John Malcolm Brickston was running around in a vauntingly circle as fast as he possibly could. He, along with two early boys, was spinning the merry-go-round in the parkland across the street from his business firm as fast as he could. A quarter boy was on the roundabout scream in delight.

It was a daily affair for John, playing with the early boy in his neighborhood at the parking lot. They particularly liked spinning each other until they felt sick on the roundabout. Other activities included trying to push each early off the monkey legal community and jumping off of the lilt. They often spent all day doing this, until one of their mothers called them inside.

Saint John the Apostle had fun playing with the other male child from his neighbourhood even though he was quite different from them. toilet was a necromancer and all of his region friends were Muggles. John 's family was the only wizarding kinsperson living in a locality of Muggles. He did n't listen, of course. He was actually glad he lived in a neck of the woods full of multitude to playact with, rather than in the middle of nowhere like so many early adept did. most of his first cousin did n't receive any close neighbors.

Without the neighborhood boys around, the only people St. John would have had to play with were his sisters. Saint John the Apostle had three of them and while he loved them, they got on his nerves. They were all younger than him and drove him mental on a day-by-day footing.

Despite having so many Muggle booster, Saint John the Apostle could not hold off to get to Hogwarts where he could meet other magician his age. He knew a duo Wiccan and genius his age whose parents worked with his dad, but he did n't see them too often. Then there were his full cousin, but they were all youthful than him.

King John had been trying not to think about his Hogwarts letter, which he knew would be arriving soon. Thinking about it just made the meter go by dim. So, he tried to get his mind off of it by goofing off at the playground.

`` Enough, enough ! '' the boy on the merry-go-round shouted.

John and the other two boy stepped back and watched it decelerate down. Once it had almost stopped, the boy jumped off and stumbled around, falling on the terra firma. trick and the others crowded around him.

`` My turn ! '' John shouted as the dizzy boy sat up.

`` Johnny ! '' somebody shouted from the entrance to the park.

John turned his head towards the vocalism and groaned. It was his female parent. The previous day she had made him take in over his little sister when they played at the park and he really did n't want to do that again. But his babe were n't with his mum, so maybe she wanted something else.

`` What ? '' John shouted.

`` You need to come house now ! '' she shouted back.

John groaned again and reluctantly said auf wiedersehen to his friends. He hated it when his mum called him home without explaining why.

`` Why do I deliver to go rest home now ? '' privy asked as he reached his mum, `` It 's not dinner party time. ``

`` Your letter arrived, '' she said and began to walk across the street.

That was probably the simply thing she could have said to make John no longer mind leaving his acquaintance. He grinned and ran to fascinate up with his mum. Now it was prescribed, he was going to Hogwarts !

St. John the Apostle 's firm was in its usual United States Department of State of chaos when he entered it. Not two s after they stepped in the door, his sec youngest sister, Gemma, ran up them screaming about how Amelia had taken her toy. Gemma was six and Amelia, his youngest sister, was five.

At any given moment there were probably five or six little kids at John 's household. He had a lot of cousins who were all younger than him. His female parent was a stay at plate mum, but a few of his auntie worked outside the home. They often dropped their youngster off at John 's sign while they were at body of work. Or when they had to go shopping. It was just another reasonableness why John enjoyed spending his free time outside, away from the little kids.

That day, all his little sis were home, of course. Plus, his full cousin Isabelle, who was ten, and Isabelle 's three-year-old sister, Alyssa.

`` Your Aunt Pam is grocery store shopping, '' his mother, Jan, replied as she picked up Gemma.

trick nodded and stepped over a pile of Wendy Witch dolls that Ashtyn, his nine-year-old sister must have left in the doorway.

`` Ashtyn, find fault up your toys ! '' Jan shouted as she carried Gemma back into the den.

Ashtyn and Isabelle came running through the house, scooped up the dame, and ran back to wherever they came from.

`` Where 's my missive ? '' St. John the Apostle asked as Jan set Gemma back down on the floor.

`` It 's here somewhere, '' Jan said as she rifled through a hatful of mail, `` I just had it a bit ago. bent on. ``

John the Evangelist sighed as he leaned against the bulwark. He could n't wait to get to Hogwarts. Then he would n't stimulate to share with all his little sisters and cousins anymore. He would be in a post where he was one of the young the great unwashed. That rarely happened. John the Divine had always been the former, the one who was expected to be mature.

`` Mum ! '' Ashtyn shrieked from upstairs, `` I think John put a dung bomb in the toilet again ! ``

Saint John the Apostle grinned. He may be expected to be maturate, but he was n't. Pulling pranks was one of his favorite thing to do and the dung bomb in the toilet never got old, especially when Ashtyn was on the receiving end of it.

Jan sent him a withering look. `` I cringe to retrieve about the amount of bird of night I 'll be getting from prof Kendrick about the mischief you get into next year, '' she sighed, `` Ashtyn, just purge it like usual ! ``

`` Mum, she wo n't give it back ! '' Gemma whined.

Jan groaned and walked over to the two daughter, who were still fighting over a stuffed Draco. Jan wrenched it from Amelia 's hands and stuck it up on a luxuriously ledge. She continued searching for John 's letter while Gemma and Amelia complained.

`` I think I found it, '' John said as he bent down.

Three-year-old Alyssa was holding a torn envelope in her hands and giggling playfully. John grabbed it from her and she burst out watchword. Jan picked her up as John took off for his chamber, the but tot free place in the total house.

The letter was n't completely destroyed, practically to John 's respite. He had caught Alyssa before she was able-bodied to do a lot of damage. The gasbag was completely illegible, but the letter inside was spared from split and baby slobber.

John tossed aside the damp envelope and unfolded the letter. He grinned widely as he read it, even though he already knew the centre of what it said.

He was in ! John laid down on his bed and stared up at his ceiling. Of track he was in. There was never any doubt. Everyone in his entire family had gone to Hogwarts for as far back as anyone could remember. As far as he knew, his family did n't have any Squibs.

John had been looking forward to Hogwarts for a very prospicient time. His parents had all kind of stories to tell of the billet. Although, their pedagogy had been interrupted due to the final battle and Voldemort 's frustration. They had only been first years at the prison term and Hogwarts had closed for a year in order of magnitude for it to be rebuilt. But after that, his parents had had a somewhat normal education.

There were all sorts of things that John was looking forward to. The Sorting ( although his parents refused to tell him how it was done ), the feast, exploding potions, Peeves, Quidditch, Hogsmeade trips when he got erstwhile, the Gryffindor common room. John was sure he 'd get into Gryffindor even though his mum had been a Hufflepuff. His dad was a Gryffindor and everyone said he took after his dad.

John 's dad, Jeff Brickston, had been the Hogwarts prankster when he was in school. John could n't await to draw some pranks of his own. His dad had promised to get him well supplied with stuff from Weasleys'champion Wheezes, although his mum was n't too happy about it.

St. John remained in his room for the rest of the good afternoon. A coup d'oeil out the windowpane told him that his Muggle friends had left the Park. It would have been boring for him to go back. Instead, he stayed in his room and pulled out his old but trusty halo Two Thousand and One.

The Calluna vulgaris had been his dad 's when he was at Hogwarts. Gospel According to John grabbed a bottle of polish and began to rub it into the worn wood. Jeff had given it to King John when he was only five and John had been flying on it ever since.

If John had to pick the one thing he was most looking forward to at Hogwarts, it would be Quidditch. privy had been flying for as long as he could remember and he had hope of making it onto the Gryffindor Quidditch squad. If he was sorted into Gryffindor, that is. He just hoped that there was a beater position out-of-doors at the right time. He doubted he 'd get chosen as a beater in his second year due to the fact that beaters were generally quite a lot openhanded than the balance of the players. But if a beater position opened when he was in fourth or fifth year, he just might ready it.

Isabelle and Alyssa had left by the time John left his way. He wandered into the kitchen and found his mum preparing dinner. Ashtyn, Gemma, and Amelia were 'helping'.

`` Can we go to Diagon Alley tomorrow ? '' John asked as he grabbed a cultivated carrot out of a bowl.

`` I do n't know, '' Jan replied, `` Your Aunt Jodie is working tomorrow and I have to catch Stephanie as well as the Twins. I do n't particularly want to drag three extra kids to Diagon Alley especially when two are baby. It may have to wait until the weekend. And please do n't eat the Daucus carota sativa. ``

John sighed and sat down at the table. He did n't want to expect until the weekend. He wished his mum did n't find out all of his niggling cousins all the time.

`` I 'm home plate ! '' someone shouted from the den.

John jumped up from his chairwoman and ran into the den. He saw his dad brushing ash off of his bright green therapist robes. St. John grinned as he saw his great-great grandpa standing just behind his dad.

`` Gramps ! '' Gospel According to John shouted, `` What are you doing here ? ``

`` Went to Mungo 's, '' he replied, `` Had to get this dang hip checked out. Then Jeffrey here invited me to dinner. ``

john 's great-great grandpa, Zander Brickston, was over one hundred years old but was usually healthy as a hippogriff. He was a bit senile and oblivious at metre, but it never bothered him. He was often the spirit of the party, too, despite his age. John loved him.

`` I got my Hogwarts letter ! '' John Lackland said excitedly as he pulled the letter out of his pocket.

`` Congratulations, '' Jeff grinned and gave bathroom a one-armed hug as he set his bag down.

`` wellspring done, Johnny-Boy ! '' Zander gave him a surprisingly unassailable clack on the back, `` Great place, Hogwarts. C. H. Best years of my aliveness, except for the times I found myself in professor Dippet 's office. You 'd scoop hitch out of there. ``

`` Professor Dippet 's been idle for long time, Gramps, '' King John laughed.

`` Then you stay out of trouble with whoever 's the headmaster now, '' Zander said and lumbered off into the kitchen, `` Where 's my girls ? ``

dinner was lively that evening, as it always was when Zander was there. He dominated the conversation with floor of his own years at Hogwarts. lav was sort of surprised he remembered them so well. He told of the metre he and his acquaintance went for a swim in the blackamoor Lake at midnight during the full moon in January. The nanny had not been pleased when they showed up at the infirmary wing with slim cases of hypothermia. She scolded them and told them if they were dazed enough to float in the lake during January, they could at least use cold-repellent magical spell on themselves.

`` Where would the fun be in that ? '' Zander laughed as he finished the story.

Other news report included the many joke he pulled on the Slytherins. 'Pranking 's a Brickston custom ,'he told trick solemnly. The multiplication he snuck out of the castling and into Hogsmeade. The clock time he fell asleep during his History of legerdemain O.W.L. ( `` What do they expect, when Binns makes you fall asleep during class ? '' ) Sneaking about the castle at night with whatever girlfriend he had at the prison term. Jan had to shut him up at that tip and she and Jeff began to relay their own Hogwarts stories.

St. John the Apostle was, if it was potential, even more stimulate about Hogwarts after hearing all of the stories. He wanted to swim in the pitch blackness Lake in the centre of wintertime. He wanted to sneak out of school to go to Hogsmeade. He wanted to paint half his aspect red and the other one-half gold for the Gryffindor-Slytherin Quidditch match.

John did n't know how he was going to be able to wait two days until Sabbatum to go to Diagon Alley, let alone wait the month and a half until he 'd be able to actually go to Hogwarts. It seemed so far away. He had been waiting years to go to Hogwarts, but he had a feeling the last month and a half would hang back by even slower than those yr had.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

crusade there 's so a great deal yet to see, that I have n't seen yet
And there 's so much air to take a breath, yeah
I want to pick out it in
~Take It In, Jared Joseph Campbell


Ten-year-old Rose Elizabeth Weasley put the end of her quill feather to her mouth and chewed it thoughtfully as she looked up from her parchment. She smiled and dipped the quill into her pot of ink and then wrote 'Elandra Harvard took a deep breath and sat down on the three-legged stool'onto the parchment. pink wine set down the quill and picked up the parchment. She looked at it for a moment and then set it down again.

The parchment was a taradiddle. A story about a Muggle-born at Hogwarts. Ever since rose wine was small, she liked coming up with stories. She used to just order them to her parents and slight brother, but then she got sometime and began writing them down.

Rose had spent the solid first light writing about Elandra. She supposed it was because rosebush herself was going to Hogwarts soon and that was really all she could believe about. Although she tried to come up with other level ideas, she just could n't. All the ideas were about Hogwarts. It was just about the only affair that could screen out of go on her mind off her own Hogwarts letter.

rosiness had been waiting for the missive all summer. She wished that Hogwarts would send out them out in June instead of the end of July. The end of July was variety of late. That only gave a month and a half to prepare to go to schooltime. Rose had been preparing since May, though. She knew she would get her varsity letter this summer, as she would be turning eleven on August twentieth.

Her dad had located her mum 's old luggage compartment in the noggin and charmed an engraving of 'REW'to interchange the 'HJG'that stood for Hermione dungaree Granger. The trunk currently sat on the level in Rose 's elbow room. The only thing in it was a cauldron that her dad had found in the attic as well. It was a perfectly good cauldron, so neither of her parents saw any want to buy her a new one. Rose agreed. She sort of liked the old cauldron. There was something to be said about brewing potions in a cauldron that was aged than you were.

`` Rose ! '' someone banged on her door.

Rose groaned and got up. It was Hugo, her nine-year-old brother. He probably wanted to play Quidditch or something. rose did n't particularly like Quidditch. She preferred recital or pretty a great deal anything that she remained on the flat coat to do.

`` What ? '' Rose asked when she opened the door, `` I do n't want to fiddle Quidditch. ``

`` I was n't going to ask you, '' Hugo muttered, `` You 're no fun to playact Quidditch with anyway. I 'd rather just ask Jesse James and Al to play. I just wanted to give you this. The post just arrived. ``

Hugo thrust an envelope into Rose 's hand and she caught a coup d'oeil of the Hogwarts crest on the sealskin. The breathing time caught in her pectus as she grabbed it. `` Thanks, Victor-Marie Hugo, '' she grinned.

Hugo made no motility to provide as Rose shakily began to open the envelope. `` Hurry up ! '' he said.

`` It 's my letter, '' Rose replied and pulled it out of the envelope. Victor-Marie Hugo peered over her shoulder as she began to read it.

Rose grinned looked at Hugo. `` It 's official ! I 'm going to Hogwarts ! ``

`` And I 'll get the home to myself, '' Hugo grinned, `` I can go through your stuff and you wo n't be able to do anything about it. ``

`` Mum and Dad will be here, '' pink wine rolled her eyes, `` And you better not go through my stuff. ``

`` You wo n't be capable to do anything about it ! '' Victor-Marie Hugo gleefully ran off towards his room.

Rose turned the early way and went downstairs in order of magnitude to find her mum. She eventually found her in the library, pouring over numerous books.

`` It came, '' blush wine grinned and sat down across the table from Hermione.

Hermione looked up and smiled. `` Congratulations ! '' She leaned over and kissed rose 's forehead.

`` What are you working on ? '' rose asked.

`` Oh, employment stuff and nonsense, '' Hermione said as she closed the Holy Writ, `` It can wait. Let me see that letter of the alphabet ! ``

Rose handed her female parent the letter and waited while she read it. Hermione handed it back to her and smiled even encompassing. `` I ca n't believe you 're going to Hogwarts already. Time has flown by ! My minuscule girl, all grown up. ``

`` I ca n't wait, Mum, '' blush wine replied.

`` We 'll have some shopping to do, '' Hermione said as she stood up.

`` Ron ! Hermione ! Anyone here ? '' someone shouted from the living room.

`` Uncle Harry ! '' Rose shouted as she ran out of the library and into the sustenance room.

Harry 's face was floating amongst unripened flames in the hearth and Rose grinned when she saw him. `` Hi Uncle Harry ! Guess what ? I got my alphabetic character ! ``

`` Brilliant, '' Harry grinned, `` Al got his, too. Are your parents menage ? ``

`` Dad 's working at the London shop, but he 's supposed to be back soon, '' rosiness replied, `` And Mum's- ''

`` Right here, '' Hermione said as she came into the room, `` Hi Harry. ``

`` Hey, Hermione, '' Harry said, `` We were going to go to Diagon Alley after dejeuner. Al got his letter a few 60 minutes ago. Want to come ? ``

`` That sounds good, '' Hermione agreed, `` We 'll gather you there around 1:30. Ron should be back from Weasleys'by then. ``

`` See you then, '' Harry said.

`` Bye, '' Hermione replied as Harry 's head disappeared and the greenish fire died down.

******

A few hours later rosiness was standing with her family in front end of Gringotts. She tapped her ft and sighed. They were waiting for the Potters, who were never on meter for anything. Rose 's parents were n't known for being on time either, but Rose had hurried them along.

`` Sorry we 're late ! '' Harry shouted as he ran towards the Weasleys.

`` James would n't wake up, '' Albus grinned at Rose.

`` What else is new ? '' Rose smirked.

`` Where to first ? '' Harry asked.

`` Olivander 's ! '' Albus announced.

`` Flourish and Blotts ! '' Rose said excitedly. She had been there numerous times, but never to buy books for school.

`` You 're mental, rosebush, '' James laughed, `` I say we go to Quality Quidditch Supplies ! ``

rose wine rolled her eyes. James was the one who was mental. He spent more prison term at caliber Quidditch Supplies than all the other stores in Diagon Alley combined. Half the clock time he did n't even buy anything. He just gawked at the broom handle he wished he could have.

`` Eyelops ! '' Lily shouted.

`` You 're not even going to Hogwarts, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I do n't care, '' Lily huffed.

`` Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, '' Hugo suggested.

`` Then it 's settled, '' Harry grinned, `` We 're going to the druggist first. ``

Rose groaned. The Apothecary was possibly her least darling store, next to Quality Quidditch supplying. It did n't surprise her that Harry chose that memory board, though. He always did that when they argued. rosebush 's parents did the Same thing.

They finally made it to fanfare and Blott 's, after the chemist and Madam Malkin 's. Rose was the inaugural one through the door and immediately started browsing. She did n't make out where everyone else was going in the shop, but she did n't care.

tucket and Blott 's had always fascinated Rose, ever since she was little. There were always at least five Quran she wanted to buy whenever she went in. Hermione usually bought her one every time they went.

`` rose, are you done yet ? '' Epistle of James tapped her on the shoulder.

rosiness jumped and looked up from the Transfiguration rule book she was reading. `` No. ``

`` hastiness up, '' James whined, `` I want to go get my heather. ``

`` What makes you think you 'll get it ? ``

`` I 'm trying out for the Quidditch squad this year, '' James told her.

`` So ? ''

`` So ? '' James I gawked, `` So ? I need another broom ! A dear one ! You 'll never understand. ``

James sighed loudly and then walked away. Rose shook her head and went back to her book. A few minutes later her mum told her it was time to go. It was time to go to Ollivander 's, which was what Rose had been most looking forward to.

Rose ran ahead of the group with Albus and the two of them arrived at Ollivander 's long before the others. Ollivander had taken their mensuration and brought out a few wands for Albus to try by the clock time the others got there.

Albus smashed the window with his 1st wand, which rose mentation was incredibly mirthful. She secretly hoped she would n't do the Lapplander, though. The side by side sceptre chose Albus and then it was pink wine 's turn.

The first three she tried out were n't right. Although she did n't break any windows, they did n't work properly.

`` How about this one ? '' Ollivander handed her another sceptre, `` Ten and a half inches, yew, Dragon heartstring. ''

Rose took the wand and waved it. Red glint erupted from it and rose wine knew it was the right one. She grinned at Ollivander and he smiled.

Next on the list was Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, despite James 's changeless badgering about the Quidditch store.

`` Ron, Ginny ! '' St. George greeted them as they entered, `` And Harry and Hermione ! You 've got everyone with you today. ``

`` Hogwarts shopping, '' Harry grinned, `` Al and Rosie just got their sceptre. ``

Rose opened the box she was holding and showed her wand to her Uncle George. Albus did the same.

`` Brilliant, both of you ! '' George V said, `` And now I shall get you both prepare for Hogwarts in the prank department .... ''

Rose followed her uncle across the shop class. The one thing she had inherited from the Weasley side of the syndicate was the love for a good clowning. So long as no one got hurt, that is.

`` Now, every student needs a Skiving Snackbox or two, '' George II said as he handed blush wine and Alubs each a colorful box, `` After all, I ca n't conceive of you 'll want to sit through chronicle of Magic very often. ``

blush wine smirked. She had heard about Professor Binns and his boring lectures, but she really did n't guess she 'd ever use a Skiving Snackbox. Well, maybe if James I wanted her to watch Quidditch drill, but never for skipping a class.

`` And then you 'll need some dung bombs, '' George said as he led them to a different display.

`` lastly time I checked, those were still forbidden at Hogwarts, '' Hermione said sternly.

`` Oh, I 'm sure they are, '' George winked, `` But so long as Filch does n't find out it was these two who set them off, it does n't matter. ``

`` George Weasley ! '' Hermione scolded, `` You should be setting a just instance for these two ! No wonder Fred was in detention every week last year ! ``

`` Lighten up, Hermione, '' Ron laughed, `` Let them have their fun. ``

`` Ronald ! '' Hermione shouted, `` You 're even worse ! ``

A few minutes later, Ron had convinced Hermione to let Rose get the muck bomb and former mischief making products. Hermione did n't look too happy about it, though.

George V and Teddy, who had also been working, closed the shop class and they all went to the Leaky caldron for dinner. Everyone told stories about Hogwarts, which made rose wine look forward to school even more.

Jesse James 's whining finally paid off after dinner party and they went to Quality Quidditch supply. Rose thought he took far too farseeing to break up out the perfect tense broom and she was bored out of her mind. St. James, Albus, Teddy, Ron, and Harry all spent at least a half 60 minutes going over the pro and cons of each model before they finally made a decision.

`` And it goes from zero to 60 in to a lesser extent than twenty sec ! '' James said excitedly on their way to Eyelops.

`` I do n't care, James, '' blush wine groaned.

`` The twig repel urine, '' James added, `` So there is n't any drag when you 're playing in the rain or Snow .... ''

rosebush ignored him for the relief of the walk and then lost him inside of Eyelops. She knew exactly what kind of owl she wanted. A tawny-brown one. She had always liked that kind of owl.

She found three tawny owls together in a John Cage towards the back of the workshop and she put her hand up to the cage. Two of the bird of Minerva ignored her but the third one hopped over and rubbed its school principal on her hired man like a cat would. rise grinned and knew that was the owl for her.

Albus found an owl as well and the group left with two hooting owls. James started telling Albus how he was going to weave up in Slytherin, which was kind of ridiculous in Rose 's popular opinion. Albus then announced that he was going to name his owl Godric.

That was a good public figure, blush wine thought. She looked at her owl and thought about names. None of the usual animal names seemed to fit her owl. Godric, she thought. That was it. She would name her owl after another founding father. blush wine 's owl would be Rowena. She did n't really call up she 'd be in Ravenclaw, but Rowena was a proficient name for an owl.

The paseo back to the Leaky Cauldron was quiet down. Hogwarts seemed closer than ever for rosiness. She was ready. She had been cook for this for twelvemonth. Her mum always told her that she had a knack for learning, and rose wine was ready to learn everything Hogwarts had to offer.


Næsta saga
Albus waved to his parents and trivial sister, Lily, until he could no longer see them. `` Well, we 'd better go feel a compartment, '' he said to his full cousin, Rose, who was standing next to him. Rose nodded her straits and they started walking down the gearing corridor. It was a bit gruelling to take the air on a moving wagon train and Albus kept stumbling. The train rounded a corner and he fell into a rather mean looking former student.

"Watch where you 're going, midget,"the boy said as Albus and rosiness quickly ran away from him.

`` Better find a compartment quick '', Albus said. He continued to take the air along the corridor, looking into each compartment as he passed. He spotted a lot of his early cousins, but did n't really desire to cut off whatever they were doing with their friends. Albus also saw a few people who looked vaguely familiar spirit, including the Jordan-Bell twins. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting in one of the compartments with a few former boys, but Albus definitely did not want to sit with them.

Albus peeked into the next compartment and saw that there was a rather pale boy sitting on one of the seats. He seemed very small and his face was quite scarred. There was also an older little girl, who looked to be about Victoire 's age, sitting adjacent to the boy. She looked vaguely familiar. Both of them had depressed eyes and blonde hair. They looked friendly enough. `` How about this one ? '' he said to Rose.

Rose glanced into the compartment for a few seconds and replied, `` Yeah, looks beneficial to me. '' She opened the door and the two full cousin walked in.

"Can we sit here ? '' Albus asked.

"Sure,"the boy responded as he gestured to the seat polar him."My epithet 's Matt, matt Eckerton."

`` I 'm his sister, Amy. I 'm a seventh yr, Matt 's just starting, '' the female child told him.

"Hi, I 'm Albus Potter, '' Albus said, `` And this is my cousin, Rose Weasley, '' he gestured to pink wine. `` We 're both low gear years. ``

`` Hi, '' pink wine waved. Rose sat down on the seat across from Amy and Albus sat down across from Matt.

`` That 's where I know you two from ! I knew I 'd seen you somewhere. My best ally is your cousin, Victoire. I think I 've seen you at her sign before, '' Amy explained.

`` Probably. I think I 've seen you, too, '' Rose responded. Albus nodded his head in agreement.

Matt 's middle opened all-embracing as he stared at Albus."So, you 're Harry Potter 's son ? You know, you do look a whole lot like him. You 've got his eyes and everything."

"Yeah, I know,"Albus said shortly, he often got sick of people telling him this.

"I bet you two hear lode of storey of the fight. My parents have told me some, but they do n't fuck all the item, just the second that are in books. You see, we 're from Commonwealth of Australia. We moved discover when I was about eight,"Matt looked nervously at his sister.

"Yeah, I know all about the battle. My parents did n't evidence me the full chronicle until I turned eleven. Lapplander with Rose, our parents told us at the same time. They did n't require to scare us, but thought we ought to know before we went to Hogwarts, since most people there will have heard all about it. But my parents do n't lecture about it much. guess it brings back bad memories,"Albus told matte before changing the case. He really did n't love citizenry constantly asking him about his dad."So, how 'd you get all those cicatrix ?"

"I 'm, um, er, very clumsy,"matte glanced at Amy and started to stare absentmindedly out the window.

"Oh, that 's ok. A friend of my parents'was very fumbling, kind of a problem since she was an Auror. But she was killed in the battle at Hogwarts. Along with her husband. My dad is their son, chemise 's, godfather, so we see a lot of him,"Albus told Matt.

Matt just continued staring out the window. Albus did n't know what to say, he hoped he had n't said anything to bother Matt."So, do you have any other siblings ?"Albus asked.

Matt turned away from the window."Nope, just me and Amy. I know you 've got sibling. I 've read about you and them in playscript. A brother James and a baby Lily, right ? And I think you 've got a little chum, right, Rose ?"

Albus just looked at matte. It was a bit unusual having other masses know all about you. He supposed this was what it was like for his beginner when he went to Hogwarts."Yup, James is a second class and Lily 's just nine, so she 's not here yet."

`` Yeah, my brother, Victor Hugo, is nine, too, '' rose wine told him. rosiness 's folk was mentioned in numerous Word of God as well, although not nearly as many as Albus's.

At that moment, the compartment door opened and James walked in with two of their cousins, Ben and Cedric, and their protagonist Nathan."How 's it going, slight bro ?"James asked."Still worrying about being in Slytherin ?"

"James, shut up !"Albus responded, blushing a little.

"Oh, I see you 've met someone, what 's your epithet ?"St. James asked Matt.

"Matt Eckerton."

`` Hi, '' the male child responded.

`` Oh, and hi Amy, '' Ben added.

`` Hi, Ben. How are you ? '' Amy asked.

`` I 'm good. So this is your buddy ?, '' Ben said. Ben was Victoire 's brother, so he had seen Amy loads of times.

`` Yeah, Matt 's just starting his first year, '' Amy told him.

`` trade good luck with the sorting, then, Matt, '' Ben grinned at Matt.

"Ah, well, we practiced be off, the trolley 's on it 's way to our compartment, would n't require to omit that !"James IV said as he walked out of the compartment with his friends.

lusterlessness stared at Albus."You think you 're going to be in Slytherin ?"

"No,"Albus said, turning more crimson.

`` So, what firm do you want to be in ? ``

`` Gryffindor, just like my parents, '' Albus told him, `` And Henry James and all my cousins are in Gryffindor, too. So were most of my aunty and uncles. ``

`` I hope you get in, then, '' Matt said, `` I 'm hoping for Gryffindor, too. Amy 's in Gryffindor. ``

`` Bob Hope you 're there, too. ``

`` I 'm also hoping for Gryffindor, '' Rose announced, `` Although Ravenclaw looks nice, too. ``

`` Ravenclaw would n't be so bad, '' Matt agreed, `` That 's where all the impudent kids go, right ? ``

`` In essence, yeah, '' Amy told him.

The compartment door opened again. Another boy walked in, along with a frighten off looking girl. The boy was night skinned, very tall, with dark-brown hair and glum eyes. The girl was quite a bit shorter than the boy, with tenacious, rippled, honey colored fuzz and light brown eyes.

"Can we sit in here ?"the boy asked."A lot of Slytherins kicked us out of our compartment."

"Sure,"Albus and Matt responded.

"goodness. I 'm lav Brickston and this is Amanda tagging program. We 're both initiatory old age,"the boy told Albus, Rose, mat, and Amy.

"Hi. I 'm Albus ceramist, this is my cousin Rose Weasley, and that 's lustrelessness Eckerton, we 're also first years,"Albus responded, `` And she 's Amy, Matt 's sis. '' Albus pointed to Amy, who waved.

"Wow !"toilet exclaimed."My dad said you 'd be starting this year, Albus."Amanda still had n't said anything.

Albus just smiled a little and his impudence turned redder yet.

`` Well, I think I 'll go find Victoire, '' Amy grabbed her bag and got up, `` You going to be ok, Matt ? ``

`` Yes, I 'll be okay, '' Matt told her.

`` You sure ? ``

`` Yeah, you can go. See you later, '' Matt waved as his Sister left the
compartment.

`` And you 're rosebush Weasley ? '' St. John asked. Rose nodded. `` I 've heard of you, too, '' John continued. `` Your family owns Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, right ? ``

`` fountainhead, it 's really my Uncle George V who owns it. He 's Albus 's uncle, too. But my dad works there a lot. My Uncle George opened it with my Uncle Fred after they left school. They 're twins. But Uncle Fred died in the fight at Hogwarts, so after that my dad helped Uncle George II with it, '' rosiness explained.

John grinned, `` I love that station. So does my dad. He 's always buying me pig out from there. Mum 's not always happy about it since I 'm always using the stuff to pull japery on my little sister. ``

Albus, Rose, and Matt laughed. `` I 've done that quite a bit, too, '' Albus commented. `` But now that Lily 's a bit older it 's harder to root for japery on her. ``

"Anything from the trolley ?"A witch had appeared in the doorway with a streetcar laden with delicious sweets.

"Definitely !"John shouted, as he jumped up from his seat and ran out into the corridor. Albus smiled. Saint John reminded him of Henry James. Albus, Rose, matte, and Amanda followed Saint John the Apostle. All five returned with their weapon full of food.

"So, what is all this hooey ?"Amanda spoke for the first time since entering the compartment.

"Well, you have your cauldron cakes, pumpkin pasties, chocolate salientian, and Bertie Botts Every sapidity bean,"John explained, as he pointed to the various items."Just be careful with the beans."

"Why ?"Amanda asked as she tried a light-green colorize dome."Ugh !"she exclaimed."Bogey !"Amanda spat out the bonce and it landed on whoremaster. Albus, Rose, and matt broke out in fits of laughter.

"They mean every tang !"Matt shouted."So, you must be Muggle-born ?"

"Yes,"Amanda answered."My mum is a teacher and my dad 's a doctor."

"What 's a doctor ?"John asked.

"A muggle healer,"matte explained."My mum 's Muggle born, but she 's a beldam, and my dad 's a wizard. He works at the Ministry, in the department for the Control and Regulation of Magical Creatures,"Matt told everyone. `` And my mum does n't cultivate, but she 's intellection of getting a job now that I 've started school. ``

"Oh, my parents are a witch and whiz. My family line 's mostly all magic, except for a few Muggle aunt and uncles and cousins. My dad is a Healer and my mum halt at dwelling with my younger baby, I 've got three of them. They 're nine, six, and five. But before I was born she worked at the Ministry,"John explained. `` How about your parents, Rose ? ``

`` wellspring, like I said before, my dad works at Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, but he 's also an Auror, which is a Dark maven catcher. And my mum employment at the Ministry. She 's the one who started all the House-Elf right hand material. ``

`` Wow, your dad 's an Auror, too ? That 's blinking brilliant ! '' John grinned.

"What do your parents do, Albus ?"Amanda asked.

Albus was a minuscule shocked at this question, since the whole magical world knew about his parents, but of course Amanda did n't."Well, my dad 's an Auror. And my mum 's a sportswriter for the Daily Prophet."

"Yeah, Albus 's parents are celebrated !"bathroom shouted."Tell Amanda, wo n't you, Albus ?"Albus suspected privy secretly wanted to hear all about the thrower directly from him, even though he 'd probably scan all about them in books.

And so, Albus, with a little help from Rose, told the story about how Jehovah Voldemort had killed his grandparents and tried to drink down his dad, but his dad survived. He told them all about his parents'years at Hogwarts, about the Horcruxes, and how Jehovah Voldemort met his downfall.

All three pupil stared at Albus and Rose with their mouths broad afford. Matt and whoremonger had obviously heard the totally storey before, but never this accurate an chronicle. Amanda was practically in tears.

`` Blimey, '' St. John let out a low whistle, `` Your dad 's amazing. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed.

Albus blushed, `` I guess, but I just think of him as my dad. ''

The group of five get-go years spent the rest period of the journey discussing what they knew was admittedly about Hogwarts and what their siblings and cousin had told them about the antediluvian schooltime. Everyone agreed that the Giant calamary did not eat a different first year each year while they crossed the lake on gravy boat, despite what Albus and blush wine 's cousin-german, Fred, had said.

"wellspring, you 'd amend exchange into your robe,"rose said an time of day or so after the sky turned dismal. Rose had been wearing her robes since before she 'd even gotten on the train. The four former scholarly person changed into their robes quietly.

Once the gearing arrived at Hogsmeade, the five pupil got off and looked around.

"Firs'years ! Firs'years, this way !"a man shouted.

Albus and Rose ran up to him."Hagrid !"Albus shouted.

"'ello, Albus ! 'Ello, Rose !"Hagrid responded."Ready ter go ? Here 's a boat for yeh."Albus hurried into the gravy boat, followed by John, and Matt, who were all gaping at Hagrid. pink wine and Amanda got into a nearby boat and were joined by the Jordan-Bell twins. Another magniloquent boy quickly joined Albus in his sauceboat.

`` You know him ? '' John pointed at Hagrid with an flummox feeling on his face.

`` Yep, he 's a family friend, '' Albus answered.

`` I 've never seen someone so big, '' lustrelessness commented.

`` wellspring, he 's half-giant, '' Albus told him.

`` That 's so coolheaded ! '' John grinned.

The boats started moving magically across the lake once everyone was in them. They sailed for what must have been at least a half hr before arriving at Hogwarts. Once they got there, Hagrid lead them into the rook and up a flight of stairs. The castle was incredible. It was big and intimidating looking on the remote. But once Albus stepped inside, it seemed warm and inviting, like he was home.

The outset years came to a check in movement of strict looking woman."Good evening. I 'm Professor Patil, I teach transfiguration. In a bit, you will be able to join your familiar scholar in the Great Asaph Hall for dinner, but beforehand, you will require to be sorted into your planetary house. They are Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin,"she said Slytherin with a note of hand of disgust in her articulation."While you 're here, you will be capable to bring in peak for your house for any achievements. Likewise, any misbehavior will cause decimal point to be taken away. At the end of the twelvemonth, the firm with the most stage earns the sign of the zodiac Cup. Now, surveil me, please."

-- -- -- -- --
A/N : I hope you liked it ! Feel free to pull up stakes a review. I 'd care to thank my brother and sisters for reading this for the first time and letting me know what they thought.
I do n't own Harry thrower. zippo you recognize is mine.

******
The students followed Professor Patil into a declamatory dining room. The ceiling looked just like the nighttime sky outside."It 's enchanted to look like the sky,"Rose whispered to Albus. The older student at all four of the mesa were whispering to each early and pointing wildly at Albus. Once the world-class twelvemonth reached the head table, Professor Patil turned around. The older students were still whispering, and they seemed to be doing so more loudly by the minute. Albus looked out at them and then inched his way to the dorsum of the mathematical group so no one could see him. Sometimes, he hated how much he looked like his founding father.

"serenity, please,"Professor Patil announced, and the students immediately stopped talking. An old, patched hat sat on a stool and all of a sudden it broke out in birdcall. A few of the outset yr were quite shocked at this and jumped back. Once it stopped, Professor Patil started talking again."When I call your public figure, you will get forward and try on the sorting Hat."

"Asterley, Elaine."A curt, blond haired missy ran forward and tried on the hat."Hufflepuff !"the hat shouted.

"Brickston, John."can ran up and jammed the hat on his head. It was only there for a mo when it shouted out,"Gryffindor !"St. John the Apostle let out a loud whoop and ran for the Gryffindor mesa, where he was patted on the back by a few honest-to-god Gryffindors.

"Creevey, Janie."She was also made a Gryffindor.

"Eckerton, Matthew."The schoolmaster suddenly sat up straight in his prat and stared as matt tried on the hat and was made a Gryffindor. The headmaster relaxed again. 'That was unknown ,'Albus thought. lustrelessness walked calmly over to the Gryffindor board and sat side by side to John.

`` Eubert, James Earl Carter. '' Albus recognized the other boy from their boat as he walked up to the sort Hat. He put it on and a few sec later it shouted out, `` Ravenclaw ! ``

A few more than scholarly person were sorted and then prof Patil called"Malfoy, Scorpius."Albus watched as a blond haired boy with a smug look on his cheek was made a Slytherin before the hat even touched his head.

"Potter, Albus."A susurration went through the crew. The headmaster had sat up straight again. Albus froze. He could n't do this. What if he was made Slytherin in front of all these the great unwashed ? All these people who expected him to be in Gryffindor ?"Albus potter ?"professor Patil said again. person pushed Albus forward. He walked up to the stool and put on the hat.

"Ah, yes, another ceramist. I see it all here. The courage, yes, yes, it 's all here,"the hat told Albus.

"Not Slytherin,"Albus thought,"Anything but Slytherin."

"Oh, oh, this sounds comrade,"said the hat,"Yes, indeed, just like your begetter. And just like your Church Father, Slytherin would help you attain grandness, but if you insist, Gyffindor !"

Albus breathed a sigh of reliever as he jumped off the faeces and ran to sit across from John and mat at the Gryffindor table. Albus did n't even pay attending to the next few sortings. He was just so happy to be in Gryffindor.

Albus next looked up when professor Patil called out"tagging program, Amanda."Albus watched as Amanda cautiously put on the hat."Gryffindor !"it shouted. Amanda ran to sit down across from bathroom, with a smile on her face. Only one student was left to be sorted.

"Weasley, Rose."Rose was made a Gryffindor before the hat had even touched her mind. 'Just like how James IV was sorted ,'Albus thought. It never hesitated for them. But it had for him. Albus stared glumly at his golden plate.

The headmaster rose from his chair."Welcome back to Hogwarts to all returning students and welcome to those who are new. For those of you who do n't love, I 'm prof Kendrick, master of Hogwarts. Now, I know the older scholarly person have noticed we are little one staff fellow member,"the headmaster gestured to the discharge professorship beside him."But I shall inform you about that later. Right now it is sentence to eat."And the halcyon home filled with food.

Albus stared in amazement as the food appeared in presence of him. He started piling his home base with as lots as would fit. privy was using not only his plate, but an vacate one that he found as well.

"This is awe-inspiring !"John exclaimed."I might actually get fully here ! I hope all the meals are like this."

"Yeah, it all looks very sound,"Albus said. Albus started eating his food and could n't aid but overhear a conversation between two older students.

"I wonder where Professor Torro is ? It 's not usual for a teacher to miss the starting signal of terminal figure spread,"a brown haired female child asked the boy sitting next to her.

"Yeah, quite strange, really. I hope he 's all right. Maybe he 's ill or something ?"the boy responded.

"What does he teach ?"John said, interrupting the two older students.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts,"the girl told him. The two older students continued their conversation, but in scurvy voices so John could n't catch him.

*********

After the scholar had eaten their fill of dinner party, the golden plates became clean for a moment, and then dessert appeared. Albus immediately helped himself to his favorite, glop woman of the street. While he was eating, he heard a shrieking coming from his left field. A ghostly school principal had appeared right out of Amanda 's plate.

"Oh, so bad to have scared you !"the ghost said as he glided out of Amanda 's home."I 'm Sir Nicholas."

"You 're Nearly Headless Nick !"John shouted."Great to meet you. Can I see you perpetrate off your psyche ?"

Amanda looked like she might faint, but dent grudgingly pulled on his ear and his psyche came partially off.

"Wow ! That 's fucking brilliant !"John exclaimed."Did you see that, Albus ?"

"Yeah,"Albus responded. He did n't think it was as neat as John did, and was beginning to bid he had n't eaten nearly as a great deal slop tart.

The headmaster got to his animal foot again as the golden plates became clean once more."Is everyone fulfil ? soundly. Now, I have a few start of term notices. The village of Hogsmeade is out of saltation for first and second days, as well as the Forbidden Forest to everyone. As always, quell away from the Whomping Willow. Mr. Filch has added a few new items to the list of forbidden things and if you wish to inspect the inclination, it is pinned to Mr. Filch 's threshold.

"Now, as many of you have noticed, Professor Torro is not with us tonight. I regret to inform you that he has been discovered utter only a few hours ago,"prof Kendrick stated with a sad saying on his face. There was a penetrating intake of breath from the students."Cause of demise has not been determined. Until I can notice a suitable replacement, vindication Against the Dark Arts division will not take post. Now, it is time to go to your dormitories. Classes begin tomorrow and you will involve to be well rested. first gear years, please abide by a prefect to your vernacular rooms."

Albus got up and looked for his cousin-german, Georgia, for she was one of the Gryffindor prefects. Albus found her, and he, John, mat, rosebush, and Amanda all followed her up to the rough-cut elbow room. As they walked through the castle, there was a unscathed lot of whispering about Professor Torro.

"He was n't even that old,"one scholarly person said.

"Yeah, and was n't DADA the subject field that was witch years back ?"another responded.

Albus and the others arrived at the portrait of the Fat Lady. Georgia told her the parole, Cornish gremlin, and everyone walked inside.

"Boys to the right wing, girl to the left. I hope everyone has a good night,"Georgia told the number 1 years.

Albus walked up the spiraling staircase to his dormitory with Matt, John, and two other boy Albus had not met yet. Albus thought their figure were Bilius and Ethan. Albus was rather silence while he got into bed. All the other boys were laughing and talking. But Albus could n't escape from that he was considered for Slytherin. He was also a bit nervous about the fact that a professor had died. That did n't happen often, did it ? Albus was still thinking about these thing as he drifted off to sleep.

******

When Harry, Ginny, and Lily walked back into their house after taking James and Albus to Platform 9 3/4, Harry noticed an owl waiting on the windowsill. He walked over to it and opened the letter.

honey Harry,
I would appreciate it if you would come to Hogwarts later tonight, around 9pm.
I have something to ask you, and would prefer to do it in person, rather than by letter.
Please return this owl with your answer, thank you.
From,
Fabius Kendrick

'That 's strange ,'thought Harry. Surely one of his boys could n't be in bother already ?"Ginny, I 'm going to give to go to Hogwarts tonight. Fabius has requested that I meet with him. He has n't told me why,"Harry told his wife.

"Okay, just let me know before you leave. That is strange, though. Why would n't he have met with you before term started ? I hope James IV and Albus are n't in trouble."

*********

Later that night, Harry Apparated into Hogsmeade. It was a chilly dark, but there was not a cloud in the sky. The stars and lunation shone brightly. Harry thought the students must be in their common rooms by now, judging from the time. 'That 's good, Albus and James have no estimate I 'm here', thought Harry. He walked along the path and soon found himself walking through the big oak doorway into the Great foyer. Kendrick was waiting for him there.

"commodity eventide, Harry,"Fabius greeted.

"How are you ? What 's this about ? Are James and Albus okay ?"Harry asked anxiously.

"Oh, do n't vex, they 're okay. But I would prefer if we discuss what we need to discuss in my office,"Fabius responded. Harry followed Fabius up to the stone gargoyle. It leaped aside as Fabius murmured,"Woolen coat."

Harry walked into the familiar flier office. He saw all the versatile ownership that Dumbledore had left to the shoal. He also noticed the sleeping portraits of previous headmasters. Only one was awake, the one of Albus Dumbledore. Harry smiled as he saw him.

"Please, sit down,"Professor Kendrick said as he gestured to a electric chair in front man of his desk. Harry sat."I have some bad news. professor Torro was found drained in his house this morning."

"What ? ! How did he die ? He was n't very old,"Harry exclaimed. prof Torro had been teaching pop since Hogwarts reopened after the battle.

"I know, shocking, and very, very sad. His cause of death was Avada Kedarva, but I did n't enjoin the students this. It does concern me. It is quite shady. Especially since DADA was the subject that Voldemort jinxed."

"But he 's gone ! I saw him die, I was there !"Harry shouted."This ca n't be the workplace of him, can it ?"Harry knew there would be an investigating awaiting him when he returned to shape the following day. He had taken the day off to see King James and Albus onto the Hogwarts Express, and had n't heard a thing about professor Torro 's death until just now.

"Of course of instruction not. But there are still Death eater out there. I have reasonableness to believe that one of them killed Torro and the minister of religion agrees with me. But onto the reason I have summoned you here.

"We are, of course of instruction, in need of a new DADA teacher, and I was wondering if you would wish the job. I think it would be a commodity idea to have an Auror here after late outcome and you are the ideal prospect,"Kendrick told Harry.

"Me ? A instructor ? Well, I ca n't say I 've never thought about it. It would be nice to be back at Hogwarts. But what about Ginny and Lily ? I ca n't leave them."

"Of trend. And palpate destitute to leave every weekend to spend time with them. Neville Longbottom does the same thing to natter Hannah,"Kendrick explained.

"I guess I could do it, but only if Ginny is okay with it. I tell you what, I 'll Apparate base tonight and ask her. You 'll have your answer in the morning, okay ?"Harry asked.

"That 's fine. I 'll see you in the morning, then. soundly night."

"'Night,"Harry said as he walked out of the spot.

As Harry left the castle, he pondered the demise of Torro. Harry had only met Torro a few times, and he was not particularly close to him, but his death still troubled Harry. Was this another random end Eater fire ? There had been a few of them throughout the old age after the engagement. But why was Torro killed ? He did n't even live on in Britain during the meter of Voldemort, he lived in France then. Why were the Death eater going after Hogwarts instructor ? Harry had a shrewish tone that this was n't like the other deaths, this had significance. Surely, Voldemort could n't render ? He was dead. There were no to a greater extent Horcruxes. Harry kept telling himself this, but he still felt very anxious about it. The headmaster and the diplomatic minister felt the Same way. Why else would they require an Auror at Hogwarts ? Of course of action, Harry was the one who defeated Voldemort, so who else knew more about DADA ?

Harry found himself back in Hogsmeade and he Disapparated. He appeared a minute later in his backyard and he walked into the house. It was clock time to tell Ginny what had happened. Luckily, Lily would be in bed.

*********

Early the following sunrise, Harry Apparated into Hogsmeade once again. This clock time he had his old Hogwarts trunk with him, along with a declamatory, Joseph Black owl named William Harvey. This is comrade, he thought. Harry wheeled his trunk over to Hogsmeade post, where he would wait for a go-cart to take on him to the castle. Ginny had said yes right away. She felt that Harry 's presence in the school would protect her sons. Ginny was also quite vex about the Death of Torro.

The pram arrived and Harry loaded his trunk into it. 'This sure is strange ,'he thought. rachis at Hogwarts, once again. It kind of felt adept, comforting in a way. Hogwarts had always felt like home to Harry. But he still could n't sway the ill at ease feeling he had about Torro 's death. The stroller gave a lurch, and the thestrals pulled Harry up to the school.



"Get up, Albus ! Get up !"Albus awoke with a starting signal and saw John 's typeface looking down at him.

"Huh ? Wha 's going on ?"Albus said sleepily.

"get-go day of lessons ! Let 's go down to breakfast,"John responded, excitedly. He was bouncing around the room, waking up all his beau Gryffindors.

Albus got up and put on his gown."O.K., I 'm ready,"

"Great ! Bilius and Ethan are up too. But I ca n't get mat up. He sleeps like a log,"John said as he shook Matt some more. Matt finally got up and put his robes on.

The five Gryffindor first year boys met the lady friend in the vernacular room. Rose, Amanda, Janie Creevey, and the Jordan-Bell twins. Albus knew he 'd met the twins a few multiplication, but could n't retrieve their epithet They introduced themselves as Karina and Marina. They were indistinguishable with prospicient black hair's-breadth and blue eyes. The first years walked down to the Great vestibule together, only getting lost once.

When Albus walked into the Great Hall, he glanced up at the oral sex tabular array and his jaw dropped. He stopped walking and an aged Hufflepuff bumped into him.

"Sorry,"she said as she walked past.

Albus did n't pay any attention to her. He continued to stare at the faculty table. Sitting next to the headmaster, was his father. Albus shook his head and ran over to the Gryffindor table, where his boyfriend first years had already sat down.

"Henry James ! William James !"Albus shouted,"aspect who 's sitting adjacent to Professor Kendrick ! Is n't that Dad ? What 's he doing here ? He does n't teach here !"

James was staring at Harry."Yeah, I know. funny story how he never mentioned it. But I guess he must be the new dada instructor. All the other teachers are there."

"Honestly, James ! He could n't have told us yet. Torro just died yesterday. Obviously, Kendrick asked him cobbler's last night. It was only a matter of meter, was n't it ? I mean, he 's got to be the most qualified wizard for the job, right ?"Georgia had sat down next to St. James and talked some sensation into him.

"I suppose,"William James said as he started to eat his eggs.

"Here are your schedule !"Neville Longbottom had appeared near the Gryffindor table.

Albus took his agenda from him and looked at it. He had DADA right after breakfast, then appealingness, and after lunch he had double Herbology.

"flavor like a decent schedule,"John said,"Should be interesting having your dad as a teacher, Albus ! I ca n't wait ! I 've got so many questions for him."

"Yeah, should be tremendous,"Albus said glumly as he dug into his waffles. Truthfully, Albus did not want his dad instruction at Hogwarts. With his dad here, Albus would be even more renowned than usual. He did not like the staring oculus and the constant inquiry about his dad.

**********

After breakfast, the Gryffindors headed to the dad classroom, with John leading the way. Albus hung back with flatness, who was going pretty slow.

"You okay, Matt ?"Albus asked,"You look kind of sick. You want to go to the infirmary offstage ?"

"No, I 'll be delicately,"Matt replied with a yawn,"Guess I did n't get to sleep until late, too nervous about lessons."

When they arrived at the classroom, Albus ran and took the table in the back. lustrelessness and Amanda followed him. toilet hesitated, apparently torn with joining his new Friend and sitting up front. Finally, he, too, went and sat in the cover.

"Why are we sitting back here ?"John asked.

"Cause it 's my dad, John. How would you like it if your dad taught at Hogwarts ?"Albus said in a rude note. can did n't say anything.

At that moment, another group of students came into the way. They were Slytherins. Scorpius Malfoy was leading them.

"Great, we 're with the Slytherins,"John whispered to flatness,"promise they 're not going to ruin everything."John was about to set in motion into a tirade about Slytherins, but Harry walked in.

"goodness morning,"Harry said as he walked to the front desk,"I 'm professor Potter."A few of the girls in front giggled."I 'll start by taking attendance."Harry ran down the attendance sheet. Everyone was there.

"Please open your script to page 5,"Harry told the students.

"Professor ? Can you differentiate us about the battle ? Please ?"one of the twins asked, Albus did n't know which one.

Harry sighed."Well, I really do n't like to talk about it lots. But I suppose I could. I know you wo n't let it reside until I do,"he smiled and looked at Albus,"I know my own kids, nieces, and nephews kept asking me until I told them."

Albus sunk lower in his electric chair. lavatory was sitting straight up, staring at Harry, hardly blinking. Amanda and Matt were also paying close care.

Harry 's story about the battle lasted the whole time period. The Vanessa Stephen rang shortly after Harry finished.

"Please read chapter one for next fourth dimension, since we did n't get a prospect to cut across it in class,"Harry told the educatee as they left."And Albus, could you stay for a import ?"

"You guys go on ahead,"Albus told his friends,"I 'll play you in Charms."Albus approached his don 's desk after all the other students had left.

"Hi, Al, how was the Sorting ? I see you did pull in it into Gryffindor. I knew you would,"Harry said with a proud feel on his face.

"Yes, I did,"Albus said, his eye brimming with snag as he remembered what the hat had told him,"But it wanted to put me in Slytherin !"Albus started crying and he could n't stop."I told it to put me in Gryffindor, that 's the only when reason it did !"

Harry quickly shut the doorway before responding."I told you at the station that it did that to me, too."

"But that 's causal agency you were a Horcrux !"Albus sobbed,"I 'm not a Horcrux, so why should I own done well in Slytherin ? It put rosiness in Gryffindor before it even touched her psyche. And James said it did that with him, too."

"Yes, I know, but everyone 's unlike. It means that you have qualities of many different houses. It does n't mean you should be in Slytherin. The hat put you in Gryffindor because you wanted it to. A great man once told me 'it is our option that show who we really are, far more than our abilities'. Albus Dumbledore was that man. He told me that when I was wondering the like thing you 're wondering right now. You chose to be in Gryffindor, which makes you very different from the Slytherins. Do n't worry about it,"Harry explained, as he drew Albus into a hug.

"O-k-kay,"Albus stuttered,"J-just, d-do n't differentiate J-James."

"Do n't worry, I wo n't. James IV does n't even know that the hat considered putting me in Slytherin,"Harry confided,"Now, I think you should be off to your next class. And do n't care about me teaching here. I 'll treat you just like the former pupil, detainment and all."

Albus laughed."well, you do n't have got to do that."

"See you later, Al."

"Bye, Dad."

**********

Albus was a bit more cheerful for the relief of the day. He thoroughly enjoyed double Herbology. He had known Professor Longbottom since he was born, and Albus was very interested in magical flora. Charms, however, was n't as pleasurable. The Charms professor, professor Washburn was not very nice, and for some reasonableness he seemed to have something against Gryffindor.

Soon enough, dinner came, and right when Albus walked into the Great residence hall, Epistle of James came running over to him.

"So, how was having Dad as a teacher ?"James asked, breathlessly.

"You know, it was n't as bad as I thought it would be,"Albus said, while sitting down and grabbing the nearest bowl of potatoes."He spent the unit period telling everyone about the battle because he figured no one would leave him alone until he did."

"sound companion !"James laughed,"Remember when we kept bugging him about it when I was 10 ? And then he said he 'd secernate us the whole story the summer before our first year of Hogwarts."

"Yeah, I was kind of surprised he was so volition to recount the story. You know how he hates talking about it."

"I know, but I suppose it 's dependable for everyone to hear it sooner rather than later, and now Dad can get on to teaching,"Henry James explained as he shoved his mouth with poulet,"Should be pretty aplomb having him instruct, he knows so much DADA."

"Hey, Albus !"John shouted to Albus as he ran over to the Gryffindor table. lusterlessness sat down on Albus 's former side.

"Hi John, flatness,"Albus said, passing them the autumn pumpkin juice.

"Wow, this is just as good as last Nox !"trick exclaimed as he piled his scale high with food,"I could definitely get used to this."

"What ? Did your mum starve you ?"Albus joked.

"'Course not. But she did n't produce as much variety,"Saint John the Apostle explained. He turned to Matt."You okay ? You look variety of pale."

That was an understatement. lusterlessness looked like he was about to buy the farm out in the potatoes. He had n't touched any of the food and his golden denture was still empty. Matt was leaning his head on his deal and was yawning a lot."I 'm all right, I guess, just tired."

Albus and Gospel According to John eyed him warily."You sure ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, I 'm just not hungry tonight. I 'll be fine."

At that present moment, the headmaster stood up."If I could have your attention for just a bit, I have some more than announcements."The room immediately fell silent."Thank you. Now, as many of you have noticed, I did have success in securing a new DADA teacher and I would like to bring out him. This is Professor Potter."Kendrick gestured to Harry."Now, I know many of you will have questions for him when you have your first pappa lesson, but I ask you not to bug him. He will tell you what he wants to, and nothing more. I would also wish to tell you that if you want to try out for your menage Quidditch team, please give your figure to your foreland of house. That is all. Thank you."Kendrick sat back down again and proceeded to talk to Harry.

"well, I 'm trying out for seeker this year !"St. James the Apostle announced to the whole Gryffindor mesa,"I 've been down to the pitching practicing on my Firebolt during lunch."

"trade good luck, William James,"Albus told him,"Dad 'll be proud if you make the team."

"I sure hope I do. It 'll be great having him watch the games."

Albus turned to St. John the Apostle."You finished ? We should probably get started on that homework."

John groaned,"Yeah, I suppose. You gon na come, Matt ?"

lustrelessness looked up from his shell."Sure."The three male child started walking back up to the Common room, with lustrelessness lagging behind.

"Matt, are you sure you 're ok ? You 're going pretty slacken,"Albus asked, with a nervous look on his face."I think you should probably go to the hospital wing.

matte looked out the window."I suppose you 're probably right. You guys go on ahead, I 'll touch you back in the Common room."

"No, we 're going to take you. You look make to crock up,"John insisted. They all trekked back down the stairs and to the infirmary Wing. When they got there, gentlewoman Pomfrey was powerful by the door.

"Matt ! seed here, you look dreadful,"she said, grabbing his shoulder and leading him to the bed,"Thanks for bringing him, boys, you can exit now."gentlewoman Pomfrey shooed them out of the room.

"You know, it almost looked like she was waiting for him,"Albus said as he walked up the stairs.

"Yeah, and she knew his name. That 's odd. I do n't opine he 's been there yet,"John stated,"I wonder if he gets sick often ? Or maybe he gets hurt a lot, he 's got lading of scratch. ``

"I know. I asked him about them on the string, before you came in. He said he was clumsy and quickly changed the subject."

"Well, I 'm sure he 'll differentiate us about it when he 's set,"John reasoned,"Cornish Pixie."The portrait opened and the two male child walked into the common room. They settled down to doing their homework with Amanda, rose, Janie, Bilius, Ethan, and the twins. After a few hours, Albus bid them good night.

He walked up to his dorm room, changed into his pajamas, and climbed into bed. He pondered his lessons and the rest of his day. Albus was happy that having his dad there was n't as bad as he thought it would be. But why did professor Washburn dislike him and the other Gryffindors so much ? And was mat okey ? He still had n't returned to the common room. As Albus was worrying about lusterlessness, he drifted off to log Z's. Just after he drifted off, the Shrieking Shack shrieked for the foremost meter in decades.




Harry was in the Great Hall. Ropes bound him to the Headmaster 's chairman. His scratch was searing in pain. Blood was pouring down his arms as he struggled against the simpleness. He opened his eyes and glanced around, looking for his wand. There it was, lying uselessly halfway across the elbow room. All around him, other people were bound to the other prof 's chairwoman, they were surrounding Harry in a forget me drug. A robe material body was circling around the outside of the circle, while early cloaked figures stood stationary around the elbow room. Bodies lay in pools of blood line on the floor.

Harry glanced around at the other people bound to the electric chair. The person directly across from him had long red hairsbreadth. Harry screamed."NO ! ! ! ! Ginny !"He looked at the early citizenry."James ! Albus ! Lily ! Take me instead, not the kids !"

The hooded shape looked up and entered the circle. He stood directly in front line of Harry."wellspring, well, somebody 's decided to find his consciousness. As you see, the residue of them did n't fair too well without you. well-nigh are stagnant. But I 've saved your lamb family for last. I will torture them and defeat them. And then, I shall stamp out you. At last, I 've waited so long. You should own known you could n't kill me."Voldemort rounded on the small child tied to a chair.

"Crucio !"he shouted.

"NO ! ! ! ! Do it to me instead ! Lily !"Harry screamed. His scar started to hurt even worse, it burned so bad he could n't keep his eyes undefended anymore.
Harry awoke with a startle. He was covered in sweat and his heart was beating fast. His hand automatically went to his scar, but he was not in any botheration. He shakily got out of bed and went to the window.

'Will it never end ?'he thought. The nightmare kept returning, but why ? It was always the same one. It had been going on ever since the last battle. Only before he had tiddler, the people surrounding him were Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna. As soon as James was born, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna disappeared. Once Albus was born, he appeared too. Same with Lily.

Harry had no idea what the dreams meant, and neither did anyone else. Harry could call up of only one individual who may deliver been able to excuse it, Dumbledore. However, as soon as Harry had a few of these dreams, he had gone to see the portrait in Dumbledore 's power. He was only 18 then. Unfortunately, Dumbledore had no useful explanation. Since Harry was no longer a Horcrux, he could n't possibly be seeing into Voldemort 's thoughts. Especially since Voldemort was dead. But the dreams continued.

Tonight 's dream had been more vivid than any of the past unity. Maybe it was because Harry had spent all day reliving the horrific scenes from his childhood to various DADA classes. He wished he had n't done that now. Oh, how he regretted it. But he 'd take to put up with it the rest of the workweek, seeing as it would n't be fair not to narrate the other students.

Harry walked away from the window. He slowly walked into the corridor. His whole body was dank. He needed a sleeping draught. He 'd been relying on these more and more as clock time went on .'I really should check how to brew them myself ,'he laughed to himself.

walking through the corridors at night brought back many memories. He still felt like he was disobeying the pattern, even though he was now a professor. It seemed like Snape was decent around the corner waiting to grab him doing something wrong. Harry climbed the stairs to the hospital extension. He hated to wake dame Pomfrey at this hour, however he knew he 'd never get to sleep without it. Maybe she would give him a large supplying to hold in his office.

Harry walked into the ward, only to see that Madam Pomfrey was already up. She was tending to a female child in one of the end beds.

"Hello, Poppy,"he whispered.

"Oh !"Madam Pomfrey jumped,"You frightened me. I was n't expecting you at this minute, Harry. You know, it 's almost like you 're a scholarly person again, coming in so late."

"Yeah, I was thinking the Saami thing,"Harry glanced down at the girl,"Is she okay ?"

"Yes, she 'll be fine. mortal levitated her in her quietus. She screamed and that scared the educatee who did it to her, that scholar gave the countercurse, and she promptly fell onto the floor and broke her arm."

"Wow, does n't lease very long for matter to get occupy around here,"Harry said.

"Now, why are you here, Harry ?"

"well, er, remember after the engagement and I had all those nightmares ? They never completely stopped, and now they seem to be getting worse. I was wondering if I could have a sleeping draught. I 'd also like to just have a supply of it on deal. I 've never been much of a potion brewer and have n't attempted to make it myself. I just can never grapple to get to sleep without one after one of these nightmares,"Harry explained sheepishly. He felt like he was a kid again. How could he, the sensation who defeated Voldemort, who was known as the intrepid wizard of the time, be afraid of a nightmare ?

A sad gaze fell over brothel keeper Pomfrey."You know, this form of reminds me of how you were so susceptible to the dementors in your third year. I know most people think you 're brave and cypher frightens you, but everyone has nightmare and being frightened is nothing to be ashamed of."She walked over to a cabinet and came back with a gravid feeding bottle filled with potion."Here you go. Just follow back to me whenever you need more."She handed him the bottle.

"Thanks,"Harry replied, as he walked out of the Hospital Wing.

As he walked back towards his place, Harry thought about what dame Pomfrey had said. He knew she was in good order, but he still could n't help but feel weak whenever he had one of these nightmares. He just wished he knew why he was having them and what he could do to contain them.

******

When Albus awoke the next dayspring, matte still had n't returned from the Hospital Wing. lavatory suggested that they go visit lusterlessness before class, but since the two male child had gotten up former, they only had time to seize a prompt bite to eat before heading to Potions in the dungeons.

"trade good aurora, course of instruction !"an old, round, professor greeted them,"I 'm Professor Slughorn, your Potions Master. Today, we shall be learning about the basics of potion brewing, including the importance of proper inspiration, heat, and fixings. Please open your leger to paginate 6."

The class opened their books and spent the all lesson listening to Slughorn and copying down notes.

"Well, we 're pretty much out of time, so I 'll see you all side by side lesson. Could I have Albus ceramicist and blush wine Weasley please period by my desk on their way out ?"Slughorn told the class.

"I 'll see you in Transfiguration, privy. Tell prof Patil where I am,"Albus told his friend. He had a feeling he knew what Slughorn wanted. James had warned him about it.

Albus and blush wine walked cautiously up to Slughorn 's desk after everyone else had left.

"Ah ! Whitney Moore Young Jr. Mr. Potter and misfire Weasley. Now, I would like to separate you about a slight gathering I have scheduled for Fri. It 's for the students in the school whose parents are, for deficiency of a unspoilt term, popular. Or those who have shown exceptional magic skill. Of course of study, I 'd be pleased if the both of you would assist. I 'm certainly your full cousin will be attending. They seemed to like them in the past tense years,"Slughorn informed them.

"Well, er, I guess we could make it,"Albus told Slughorn, while looking at Rose.

"Yes, we 'll be there. See you next lesson, professor,"Rose told him, as the two of them left the dungeon.

"I knew it was only a thing of time before we were invited to the lick order,"Albus groaned. James loved the sluggard night club. It gave him a unit lot more attention and more people for him to tell his stories too. But Albus did n't like the celebrity. He would have rather skipped the party, but as Henry James and his cousins were going, it would be hard not to.

"fountainhead, maybe it 'll be fun,"rose stated in a hopeful step. Albus rolled his eye and the two of them went to Transfiguration.

***********
matt did n't show up in form all day. Albus and John were really starting to worry. They decided to visit him before dinner. When they got into the Hospital Wing, they did n't see Matt right away. There was one girl occupying a bed with her arm in a catapult. madam Pomfrey was fussing over her.

"I really think you need to stay on here tonight. You can impart in the morning !"

"But, brothel keeper Pomfrey, I 've been here all day. My arm 's fine !"the girl exclaimed.

"No, I will not have it ! You can will in the daybreak,"madam Pomfrey said in a tone that was not to be argued with. The lady friend pouted and stopped talking.

Albus and Saint John the Apostle approached madam Pomfrey."Um, where 's Matt Eckerton ? We brought him here last Night,"bathroom said tentatively.

"He 's back there,"she said, pointing to a bed with the drape pulled around it.

"well, can we see him ?"Albus asked.

"No, I 'm sorry, but you ca n't. He 's not in any state to have visitant at the instant. You can come see him this sentence tomorrow,"gentlewoman Pomfrey said hurriedly.

"But could you at least state us if he 's ok ?"Albus asked.

"He 'll be very well in a few days. Now, you two should head down to dinner. You can see lusterlessness tomorrow."

Albus and Saint John the Apostle walked glumly down to the Great Hall."That was strange. James said you can usually chatter your friends when they 're in the Hospital Wing,"Albus told John.

"Very weird. You know, I think Matt 's keeping something from us. madam Pomfrey seemed like she was expecting him last night, and now no one can visit him,"John told Albus in a care tone.

"We 'll ask him about it when he gets out of the hospital flank. I do n't think he 'll be inclined to tell us tomorrow,"Albus reasoned.

*********

The next day, Gryffindor first class had pappa again. Nothing extraordinarily exciting happened during socio-economic class. They mostly took notes on using Expeliarmus, the disarming spell. Harry said they would start being able to practice it on each other in the side by side class. John and Albus were really looking forward to this, as they really had n't used their wands for anything yet.

Charms, however, was quite eventful. prof Washburn started category by taking attendance as common. He gave a menacing limelight to all the Gryffindors as he called their names. But Albus thought he stared especially long at him.

"Take out your verge,"snarled Wahsburn,"we 're practicing levitation today. Everyone involve a feather."Washburn waved his verge and a feather appeared in movement of each student."Remember to swish and flick."

"Swish and picture,"murmured Albus from the back mesa. He waved his sceptre and said,"Wingardium Leviosa !"Nothing happened. He tried over and over again. Still, nothing happened. John, however, managed to do it.

"looking, Albus !"John exclaimed,"I 've done it !"John 's feather had rose a few column inch off the tabular array, and fell down again.

"congratulation,"Albus said flatly, his feather still remaining quite still on the table.

"I 've done it, too !"rose shouted. Her feather had also rose off the tabular array, but it managed to crap it a few feet in the air before falling.

Washburn stormed out from behind his desk and rounded on the back table, where Albus, can, Rose, and Amanda were sitting."Well, do it again !"he growled.

St. John the Apostle and rosebush looked at him nervously and picked up their wands."Wingardium Leviosa !"they said at the like time. Both their feather rose feebly into the air and fell down again.

"Pathetic,"Washburn muttered,"Potter ! You do it !"he shouted at Albus.

"But, Professor, I have n't managed it yet,"Albus muttered quietly.

"You 'll do what I tell you to do ! Perform the patch !"Washburn seemed to be getting angrier by the bit.

Albus nervously picked up his wand. His arm was shaking, this would not flex out unspoilt."Wingardium Leviosa,"he muttered very quietly. His plumage leaped into the air and caught fire. The whole class, which had been staring at the back table for quite some time, screamed.

The fire from the feather caught onto Washburn 's robes and set them on fervour as well."Bloody Hades !"Washburn screamed. He grabbed Albus 's sceptre out of his paw and produced body of water from it to douse the flames."Potter ! You 'll getting custody and 20 points from Gryffindor !"he shouted, glaring at Albus."Class dismissed. Get out, all of you except Potter."

Albus was visibly shaking now. The rest of the social class quickly left, the Gryffindors glancing anxiously at Albus. He walked slowly up to Washburn 's desk.

"wellspring, you seem to get a knack for causing trouble, Potter,"Wahsburn spat.

"I 'm sorry, prof, I did n't mean to,"Albus muttered, on the threshold of tears.

"You 'll be doing detention tonight, I do n't care what other plans you might feature. See you at 8pm."

"But-"

Washburn cut him off."I said tonight, now get out !"he screamed.

********

Later that night, Albus trudged his way back to the rough-cut room after doing detention with Washburn. He had Albus do lines, so it was n't too bad. But Washburn stared at Albus the solid time, his eyes like ardour.

Albus climbed through the portrait and saw just who he needed to talk to."Epistle of James, I 've got to ask you something."

"What is it ?"James River asked, walking away from his acquaintance.

"Why does Washburn hate me ?"Albus asked."During the first course of instruction, I thought he just hated all Gryffindors, but today he made it exculpated that it 's me he hates."

"Really ? It 's well known he hates Gryffindors. But he 's always seemed to hate me more than everyone else,"St. James the Apostle explained,"I always assumed it 's because I cause so much trouble. You on the other helping hand, have always been so quiet. What did you do to him ?"

Albus mumbled something incoherent.

"What ?"

"I set him on fire."

St. James burst out laughing.

"It 's not amusing ! I did n't mean to do it. We were doing levitation, and he asked me to levitate the feathering in nominal head of everyone, when he knew I had n't managed to do it before. My arm was shaking so very much I knew the spell would n't crop. The plumage caught flame as soon as I muttered the spell, and then it spread to Washburn 's robes. I got lines and 20 points taken from Gryffindor,"Albus looked down, ashamed.

James looked stunned."But that 's a mistake any first year could induce made. I do see how he got mad, though. I think you should just try to avoid him. Sit in the cover, do n't say anything. Ignore him in the halls. That 's what I do. I still get way more custody from him than any early teacher, but I think I 've become immune to them. wellspring, I 'd better get back to my friends. See you later."

Albus contemplated this information. Washburn hated all Gryffindors, but he hated James and Albus the most. Why ? It did n't name good sense. Neither Albus nor James had met Washburn before Hogwarts.

"Albus !"lavatory came running into the common room,"I 've just been with Matt."

"How is he ?"Albus asked.

"Not good. He 's covered in track and bruises. Said he 'd tripped on his way to the bathroom. He kept avoiding talking about being ill. Just wanted to talk about what 's going on in the school. So I told him about you setting Washburn on fervour. He thought it was hilarious."

"It 's NOT !"Albus shouted. He was sick of everyone thinking it was funny. The story had already made it around the school and at dinner everyone was staring at him more than usual. Some pupil even heights fived him and patted him on the book binding. It seemed like Washburn was disliked by many students.

"Okay, OK,"John said, putting his hands up,"Anyway, Matt said he 'd be back in course of instruction tomorrow cockcrow. brothel keeper Pomfrey just wanted him to quell the rest of the night."

"Good. Let 's go to bed. I 'm run through,"Albus said. He and Saint John the Apostle climbed up the rotary staircase to the dormitory.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Here 's the adjacent chapter ! I combined two unretentive chapters into one, so this one 's a good bit longer than the previous ones.
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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Friday came too quickly for Albus 's liking. He was not looking forward to the Slug Club confluence. Since the meeting and Gryffindor Quidditch try-outs were at the Same clip, James I would n't be joining Albus at the meeting. Albus had tried to get out of the meeting by watching try-outs, but the team skipper decided to not let any spectators at the try-outs. A great identification number of pupil had wanted to attend just to see St. James the Apostle, and the sea captain did n't want anyone to disrupt the try-outs.

Later that day, Albus and rosiness walked down to the dungeons together. Albus was dreading the meeting. They walked into the meeting to see that most everyone else was already there. Albus already knew most of them. Some of his cousin-german were there, along with several other gild penis'nestling. However, there were a few faces Albus had never seen before.

"Ah ! Albus and rose wine !"Slughorn gestured to a few chairs in the elbow room,"Please have a seat. You already know many of the citizenry here. But I do n't believe you know Tami Tobias, wienerwurst Belleville, and Quinton Willinson ?"he said, gesturing to a blond haired girl, a Shirley Temple haired boy, and a very morose looking boy."Tami is a 6th year Ravenclaw who brews the most excellent potions, Frank is a 4th year Hufflepuff who can already perform nonverbal turn ! And Quinton 's a 7th year Slytherin whose father works at the Minsitry."

"Er, hi,"Albus responded.

"howdy,"Rose smiled.

Unfortunately for Albus ; Tami and frank, along with Slughorn, spent much of the meeting hounding Albus with questions about his dad, the engagement, and Albus 's childhood. Eventually, Albus just got fed up with it.

"Look, my dad 's told you all he wants to tell you. You 're not going to larn anything else from asking me !"Albus shouted.

Slughorn looked taken aback."I thought you 'd relish talking about it. Your comrade always enjoys telling tarradiddle about his childhood."

"Well, I 'm not James, now, am I ?"Albus shouted. Everyone else was now staring at him. Albus jumped up from his chair and stormed out the door, slamming it behind him.

Albus stamped his pes the whole way up to the common room. He went through the portrait and was immediately bombarded by James.

"Albus ! I got it ! I 'm the new Seeker !"James shouted over the noise, jumping up and down and spilling his butterbeer all over the floor.

"That 's great, Henry James, really neat,"Albus told him, trying to sound somewhat excited.

"What ? You 're not felicitous for me ? I thought you would be. Dad 's ecstatic. I told him as soon as I was done at tryouts,"William James said tentatively.

"No, I am energise,"Albus responded glumly. All he wanted to do was go to bed, but St. James blocked his path.

"What 's wrong ? I can enjoin something 's wrong. evidence me,"James said, in a vox that sounded strangely like their mother's.

"It 's the bullet gild. I just left. All anyone wanted to do was listen to me maunder on about my childhood,"Albus shouted, all the angriness coming back in full violence."They would n't intercept bothering me until I screamed at them and stormed out."

Epistle of James just stared at Albus."And to top it all off, Slughorn said he thought I 'd LIKE talking about all that, just because you do !"Albus screamed at James and punched the nighest armchair.

"Boy, you do induce Dad 's biliousness,"James told Albus,"I 'm distressing I could n't be there. I 'll be there at all the others. I swear. fountainhead, unless there 's Quidditch practice."

"Others ? ! You really think I 'm going to another one of those ?"Albus shouted disgustedly.

"Well, Slughorn has them all throughout the year. Sometimes they 're kind of fun. You know Dad used to go to them."

"Fun ? ! Fun ? ! How could that possibly be fun ? And I know Dad used to go to them, he did n't exactly enjoy them, now did he ?"Albus seethed.

"Yeah, some of them are fun,"Saint James shifted from foot to foot. Albus could assure he was nervous.

"Just go back to your company. You deserve it. Good job at making Seeker, I really do intend that. But I think I 'm going to bed. Good night."

"'Night,"James said as he rejoined his party.

Albus walked up to his dormitory. It was still relatively early on, so Albus was surprised to see mat there. flatness had returned at breakfast yesterday morning, but he still did n't seem himself, so John and Albus did not bring up the interrogative sentence of him being ill.

Albus went over to matte 's bed and pulled back the curtains. He was good asleep. That was strange. He just spent 2 solar day in the Hospital Wing, why was he still tired ? Was he still sick ? Albus sighed, he would n't be able to query Matt tonight. well, turning in early would do Albus some full too. Maybe he 'd be able to sedate down after the eventide 's hullabaloo. He got into his pajamas and got into bed.

********
Unfortunately, Albus did not have a relaxing sleep. He was having vivid nightmare which involved Slughorn questioning him while James stood behind him, laughing. This same image kept recurring over and over again. Albus tossed and turned and eventually, a new dream came over him.

Albus was sitting in a dingy empty-bellied room. A man in a dark cloak appeared next to him.

"He will deliver,"the man said.

"What ?"Albus asked."Who 's returning ?"

"He 's coming. He 'll find a way. He will return."

"William Tell me ! Who ?"Albus shouted.

"He will give back, he will return, he will return ...."the man said over and over again.

Albus awoke with a first. He was sweating. What was that about ? He had never had such a vivid dream. Who was going to render ? Albus raked his brain, and then it hit him. It felt like he 'd been punched in the stomach. Of trend ! He jumped out of bed and put on his dressing robe. It must be late, he thought. Matt, John, Ethan, and Bilius were still sleeping. Albus tip-toed out of dormitory and carefully shut the doorway behind him.

Albus had to see his dad. He did n't deal that it was the middle of the nighttime. He ran out of the rough-cut room and into the empty corridor. It was strange wandering around this later. Albus had never walked around the castle at night. He did n't care that he was n't supposed to be out of his dormitory this late. All he thought about was telling his dad about that aspiration. Albus ran down the stairs, probably making too much noise. As he rounded the street corner, somebody reached out and grabbed his berm. Albus screamed.

"Shut up !"a man shouted,"You 'll wake the whole schooltime. Then we 'll possess a really problem."

Albus looked into the eyes of the man who had caught him. It was professor Washburn.

"Well, well, Mr. Potter is out of bed. And this late at night ? Surely, he must be up to no estimable,"Washburn sneered. Albus heard the felicity in his tone."We 'd better be off to my role, shall we ?"

Albus stood where he was."No, I have to see my dad."

"track to Daddy, are we ? Is n't that sweetness. Unfortunately for you, wandering corridors at Night is against the rules, therefore, I will penalize you."

Washburn grabbed Albus 's mitt and dragged him to his place. Albus was really shaking now. What would Washburn do to him ?

When they entered Washburn 's dark post, he forced Albus into a chair directly in front of his desk.

Washburn slammed his hands on his desk."So, decided to give a little midnight perambulation ? fear to secern me what you were up to ?"he glared at Albus, not blinking.

"I 've already told you. I need to see my dad,"Albus told him, nervously.

"Surely that could look till morning ? I bet you were setting up some kind of prank. Am I right ? You know, I 've caught your brother out of bed many a time for just that reason."

So that was it. Washburn hated Epistle of James, so he in turn hated Albus too. That was the second time in the by 12 hours that Albus had been compared to James II."I am NOT like my brother !"he stood up, fists clenched and stared at Washburn.

Washburn smiled."I seem to give struck a nerve. But it hardly matters what you were doing out of bed. The fact remains that educatee are not to be out of bed at,"he glanced at his watch,"1:37 in the morning. Now, to discuss your punishment."

"You can discuss my punishment after I see my dad,"Albus glared at Washburn.

"Sit back down, Potter. I know you 're just trying to get dear old Dad to pull through you."

Albus remained standing."I AM NOT !"he screamed,"I have something really crucial to discuss with him !"

"Fine, but I 'll occupy you to see him, so I can pass water sure as shooting you 're punished,"Washburn spat.

Albus did n't say another word and ran out the door.

"delay ! Get back here, boy ! I told you I 'm taking you !"Washburn ran to catch up with Albus, breathing heavily. He was clearly out of form. The two of them walked to Harry 's office in complete silence.

"Well, here we are,"Washburn stated, pushing Albus aside and opening the door."thrower ! rouse up ! I caught your son out of bed."

Harry quickly walked out of his chamber. He had also been up after having a nightmare of his own. Harry looked at Albus and Washburn and jumped."Sorry, I expected it to be James."

"So did I. He insists that he discuss something with you before I punish him,"Washburn told Harry in a disgruntled voice.

Harry looked worriedly at Albus."What is it ? Are you okay, Al ?"

"I just need to evidence you something ..."Albus replied, looking warily at Washburn.

"I must ask you to leave, professor Washburn. I think this needs to be private."

"Fine ! I 'll look outside the door, but he will be punished !"Washburn yelled as he walked out the door and slammed it behind him.

As soon as he left, Albus relayed his unharmed pipe dream to Harry.

Harry pulled Albus into a hug and told him,"Albus, I do n't think your nightmare had any sort of significance. It was just a bad dream."

"But, it seemed so real ! And you had dreams like this when you were untried, and they were real !"

"Yes, that 's because I could see Voldemort 's thoughts. You know that. I think that hearing so much about the battle over and over again this workweek and being bombarded with doubtfulness about it has caused you to be worried,"Harry explained."I understand your fears. I still have nightmares about it. But I think the best thing for you to do is just forget about it."

"But, what if it is veridical ?"Albus asked in a worried tone.

"Think about it, Al. How could he come back ? He 's abruptly. Even in the Wizarding public, no one can arrive back from the dead."

"Yeah, I suppose you 're right. It was just so intense and scary."

"I know. Now I only hope that as you spend Sir Thomas More time at Hogwarts, hoi polloi will stop asking you so many question. For tonight, I think you should have some Sleeping Draught,"Harry walked over to his cabinet and poured a potion into a small bottleful. I 'll take you back to Gryffindor towboat, and booze this before you get into bed."

"But what about detention ?"

"Do n't interest. You wo n't get detention. But wandering the corridors is against the prescript, so please do n't do it anymore. Just send word with a portrait from the common room if you need me, and I 'll gather you in the common room. Now, let 's get you back to bed. Just follow me and do n't say anything. I 'll deal with Washburn."

Harry opened the doorway and left the room. Albus followed."There will be no custody tonight, prof Washburn. Albus really did need to severalize me something that was worrying him. It 's perfectly understandable what he did. I 've talked to him and he wo n't do it again,"Harry explained calmly.

"But, he broke the rules !"Washburn screamed.

"Careful, you 'll wake the altogether palace,"Harry told him as he continued to walk down the halls with Albus following quickly behind.

They left Washburn standing with his mouth capable in the hall. When Albus got back to his bed, he took his potion and had a dreamless, reposeful sleep.

******

As the workweek past, people slowly got over the fervour of having Harry as a dad teacher. Harry had explained the struggle to every single one of his course, and in the stick to family he was able to instruct without being disrupted with enquiry pertaining to the downfall of Voldemort. Harry was grateful for this. He was still having his nightmare more often than usual, but thanks to Madam Pomfrey 's potion, he was able to get a few enough nighttime 's sopor a week.

Things seemed to be calming down for Albus too. There had not been anymore Slug order merging since the disastrous first one, but Albus had no intention of going to one even if he got invited. His classes were going well. He seemed to sputter the most in Charms, but that was to be expected. At to the lowest degree Albus now knew why Washburn hated him so much, it was because he hated Jesse James. As a good deal as Albus hated being compared to James, it was nice to recognize it was n't anything Albus did to vex Washburn. Unfortunately, Albus was earning a custody a workweek in his class.

lusterlessness seemed to reclaim from his illness within a few days. However, as Sep grew into October, and the weather started getting colder, matt got nauseous again.

Albus, bathroom, Matt, Bilius, Ethan, rosiness, Janie, Amanda, Karina, and Marina sat together at one table in the rough-cut room after dinner one Midweek. They were working on a particularly arduous Transfiguration essay.

"No, you 've got that wrongfulness,"pink wine told Albus.

"Well, why do n't you tell me what the right solution is, then ?"Albus said disgustedly.

"But then you wo n't learn anything !"

"You 're just like your female parent,"Albus told him, shaking his caput."Matt, what 's wrong ?"

lustrelessness had put his drumhead down on his parchment, he had only written the first sentence of his essay.

"Huh ?"he said, lifting up his head. He glanced out the windowpane."I 'm not feeling too undecomposed. I think I might be sick."

"Again ? You do look a bit blanch,"Amanda told him with a worried look on her face."You better go to the infirmary Wing.

"All right. I 'll see you guys later,"Matt slowly got up from his chair and shuffled out of the common room."You guys do n't have to come,"he said to Albus and John, who had gotten up.

Albus looked at him warily."If you 're sure."But Matt had already left the park room.

"I hope he 's all right. That 's the second prison term he 's been sick here and it 's only Oct,"John said.

"Yeah, I know. I guess we 'll just give to expect and see how retentive he spends in the Hospital extension this time,"Albus told him.

"well, I 'm never going to get this done !"Janie shouted, exhaustedly."I 'm going to bed,"she got up and left, the early 4 girls following her.

"We 'd improve turn in, too,"Bilius told the other boys.

"Yeah, probably,"Albus agreed. The three boys walked up the bill staircase and got into bed.

*********

matte did n't get out of the Hospital extension until Sat. Although, he spent nigh of that day sleeping in his four card bed. His friends were n't all that surprised, since this exact same matter had happened during his previous illness. They gave him his infinite until class started again on Monday.

Albus had started to dread Potions category. He was always afraid that Slughorn was going to bring up what happened in the former slug Club meeting. Unfortunately for Albus, after stunt man potions that week, Slughorn called Rose and him up to his desk after class.

"See you in Transfiguration, then, Albus,"John told him as he and matt started to take the air out of the room.

"No, arrest, please,"Albus hissed at them,"He wo n't let the cat out of the bag about what happened terminal time if you 're here."

"All right,"St. John sighed and dropped his bag on the nearest desk.

"rose wine and Albus ! I just wanted to ask over you to my future get together. It 's happening on Halloween. It 'll be a sort of Hallowe'en party. You can each institute a Guest,"Slughorn said, delightedly.

"Cool !"John the Evangelist shouted, running to the straw man of the room,"Bring me, Albus !"

"No, institute me !"Matt said louder, pushing by John.

"Do n't care, boys, you can both hail, all right ?"Slughorn told them with a smiling on his face.

"But, but-"Albus stammered, staring at John and Matt.

"Well, off you go, do n't need to be belatedly for your next form !"Slughorn shooed them out of his classroom.

"trick ! Matt ! Why did you do that ?"Albus shouted, once Slughorn was back in his room.

"What ? I wanted to see what all the hassle is about with those meetings,"John said innocently.

"Ugh ! Now I have to go !"Albus threw his manpower up in the air,"You knew I did n't want to go to anymore."

"wellspring, we 'll be with you, it 'll be all right,"Matt said sympathetically.

*********

Before Albus knew it, he, lusterlessness, and privy were trudging down to the dungeons for the Hallowe'en party. John and matt were running along excitedly, while Albus lagged behind. They walked into the dungeon, to come up it packed.

"trade good, maybe no one will detect me,"Albus said as he gazed around at the crowd. The same penis who were at the finale meeting were there, along with their guests and numerous adult."Let 's go get some food."

The three boys walked through the crowd and over to the food for thought table. They each piled a plate high gear with nutrient. When Albus turned around, he almost ran into someone.

"vigil it !"the boy shouted, he was a rather heavy Slytherin. The boy looked at Albus and then sneered."Ah, Potter, can I ask you a few dubiousness about your childhood ? Or will that reach sister ceramist cry ?"

"Shut it,"Albus muttered, trying to labour past the boy.

"Trying to run away, are we ? Well, that wo n't do. I thought you 'd savor talking about yourself. I certainly enjoy talking about me. So, I 'll babble out. I 'm Quinton Willinson."Albus glanced at him again and now recognized him as the Slytherin that Slughorn introduced him to at the previous meeting.

whoremonger snorted into his pumpkin vine juice.

"You think that 's funny ? Who are you ?"Quinton glared at John.

"John Brickston. Pleased to meet you. This is lusterlessness Eckerton,"he gestured towards Matt.

"Enough about you, more about me. My founding father in high spirits up at the Ministry. He does a sort of tasks and makes a incumbrance of gold from it. I 'm a 7th twelvemonth. founding father 's getting me a Ministry job once I 'm done here. I ca n't wait until I get out of here and make amber like he does,"Quinton slip a biscuit off of Albus 's plate and started to eat it.

"So,"he said in between morsel,"What was it like growing up with 'The Chosen One'?

"I said, shut it !"Albus said, a bit louder.

"Oh, are we going to deliver a repetition of last coming together ?"Quinton asked excitedly, stealing another cookie.

"Definitely not,"shouted Saint John the Apostle, who drew his wand,"After this one, you 'll care you 'd never been born."Matt quickly drew his own wand.

"No, guys, it 's okay, do n't get in trouble for him, he 's not Charles Frederick Worth it,"Albus told them.

"Gon na curse me, ickle firsties ?"Quinton giggled,"I 'm so scared."

"What 's going on over here ?"James I asked as he walked over to the solid food table,"What do you want, Willinson ?"

"Just thought I 'd ask Albus about his life growing up,"Quinton told James innocently.

"wellspring, I think he said to barricade, did n't he ?"James said, drawing his own wand.

"He might 've mentioned it,"Quinton sneered as he, too, drew his wand,"But I do n't see what 's so wrong about wanting to recognize about 'The elect One'. Maybe you could secern me how he managed to vote down the greatest wizard of all clock time ?"

"Expeliarmus !"James shouted, and Quinton 's wand flew across the room.

Slughorn looked up at the shouting and hustled over to see what had happened."You can not duel at my party !"

"They started it,"Quinton said, pointing to Albus and his friends,"Little thrower had to take in his big chum defend him."

"fountainhead, you 'll all put your verge away now so we can enjoy the rest of the party in peace. Or you 'll all get detention,"Slughorn growled as the boy all hastily put their baton away.

Quinton gave Albus one last sneer and he stalked off. Albus watched him go and turned and ran out of the room. He heard his friend following him, but did n't stop to talk. He did n't stop or turn around until he reached the Fat dame 's portrait. He gave the password and ran into the unwashed room and up to his dormitory.

Albus knew going to that party was a bad estimate. He should n't take in gone. Never again. He punched his pillow. What did Quinton want with him anyway. And why did he call Voldemort 'the dandy adept of all clock time'? Voldemort was defeated before Quinton was even born, he could n't possibly have been a Death Eater.

The room access to the dormitory opened and mat and John walked in."You okay ?"Matt asked.

"Oh, I 'm just all right,"Albus told them sarcastically,"I 'm never going to one of those again, even if you two want to go as my guests. You saw what it 's like now, not much fun, is it ?"

"Yeah, not that much fun, although was n't that cool how James I disarmed Willinson ?"toilet said excitedly."I mean, he 's 5 yr youthful than him !"

"real cool,"Albus said flatly,"I think I just want to go to bed."Albus pulled the suspension of his bed closed and laid down. He fell asleep relatively quickly, but it was n't a restful quietus. He had the nightmare again. It happened a few times a calendar week now, and try as he might, Albus could n't appear to forget about it.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --


Sorry for the hold ! I had to rewrite something and combine chapters because I thought this one was too short.

As usual, I do not own Harry Potter.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --



As the foremost few days of November passed, the weather became gradually colder. The wind was blowing fiercely, and soon snow would be falling. The number 1 year Gryffindors were not at all surprised when Matt got disgorge again and spent a few days in the hospital wing.

"Hey, matt ! How are you feeling ?"Albus asked at dinner when flatness reappeared from the hospital wing.

"All right,"Matt told him while putting food onto his plate.

"You know, you get sick a lot, lustrelessness. Are you sure you 're okay ?"John the Divine chimed in.

"Yeah, I know. I 've got this, er, illness. And it makes me get puke quite a bit. I did n't want to occupy you, so that 's why I never told you,"Matt replied quickly.

"But you 're better now, right ?"Albus asked, nervously.

"Um, sort of. I mean, I 'm better now, but it 'll befall again,"Matt told them and quickly changed the subject area,"So, first Quidditch couple in 2 calendar week ! Gyrffindor vs. Hufflepuff. Should be a practiced game !"

"Uh, yeah, it should be,"Albus looked warily at lustrelessness. Clearly he did n't like talking about his unwellness. Albus and can did n't bring it up again during the meal. Albus, John, and matt spent the relief of dinner talking about the upcoming match.

The next two weeks dragged by. As the fourth dimension before the Quidditch match drew brusk, the expectation and inflammation increased. Both captains were holding practices more often than common. They alternated evenings for the pitching, so each squad was practicing every other night. The Gryffindor players trudged back into the common room well after ten o'clock at night on the days of their practice session. They were usually cloudy and frigidness, as the conditions was not cooperating. Even the professors were getting into the spirit and were not assigning much prep to the histrion, however they still piled it on the other students.

exhilaration was extremely gamy in the Gryffindor mutual room the Night before the first Quidditch mate. No one was getting a great deal preparation done. The only unity trying were a few 7th old age and rosiness, who was reading a ledger with her fingers in her ears.

"Oi ! rose !"Albus called across the common room as he walked over to her,"You actually trying to get preparation done ? Why do n't you require a break ? You 've been studying all day."

"Yes, I know I have,"Rose said irritably,"We 've got a big History of Magic exam this week, you know. And we have n't even won the match, so why celebrate yet ?"

"You know, you 're just like your mum,"Albus laughed as he left blush wine to her Quran. He decided he 'd find James and wish well him good luck.

James I was standing in the heart of the uncouth room, surrounded by his comrade teammate."Saint James the Apostle !"Albus shouted,"Could I have a word ?"

"Sure !"James shouted back, as he left the group,"What 's up ?"

"Just wanted to wish you portion, was n't sure enough if I 'd see you before the match. You know, you 'll do fine,"Albus told his brother."Are you nervous ?"

"A bit, yeah,"James responded,"It 's just everyone thinks I 'll be a outstanding seeker because Dad was, so I do n't require to disappoint them."

"You wo n't. I 've seen you play. You 're the best Seeker this firm has, that 's why you 're on the team,"Albus said reassuringly.

"I suppose. I guess I 'd better get back to the team, we 're talking strategy,"James told him.

"Ok, see you tomorrow."

********

Albus was right that he was n't able to talk to James IV before the mate. Albus saw him briefly at breakfast, he was looking a bit cast and was n't eating anything. Shortly after Albus arrived at the tabular array, however, the whole squad left for the footlocker rooms. After eating some breakfast, Albus walked down to the pitch with lav and flatness. They found themselves hind end high in the stands next to rose wine, Amanda, Janie, Marina, and Karina.

"Is St. James the Apostle queasy ?"Rose asked Albus.

"A bit, yeah, he 's afraid everyone 's going to compare him to Dad, so he 's afraid he 's going to disappoint everybody,"Albus told her.

"well, he wo n't,"rosebush said reassuringly.

"I know."

The atmospheric condition condition could n't have got been worse for a game of Quidditch. The wind and pelting from the previous week had not let up at all. Albus had a hard clock time seeing onto the pitch shot. Visibility was abominable, so the viewer had to mainly rely on the comment to secern them what was going on.

"Welcome to the for the first time Quidditch couple of the season !"a expand voice shouted. Albus recognized it as Sir Alexander Robertus Todd Bessie Smith, one of his cousin Georgia 's friends."Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff !

"And here come the squad ! Gryffindor, Samantha Meyers, Ryan O'Malley, James thrower, Thomas Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Georgia Weasley, and heather Weasley. Blimey, that 's a lot of Weasleys ! Here are the Hufflepuffs ! Shawn Ames, Jason Bristol, Lisa Galivant, Jessica harpist, Andy Kaper, and Stacey Sir Patrick Manson !

"senior pilot Meyers and Harper have shaken workforce, and the Quaffle is up !"

14 thespian and Professor Oteski rose up into the sky on their Calluna vulgaris. Albus could just make out the red robed Gryffindors and the icteric robed Hufflepuffs. Although he had no idea who was who.

"Gryffindor is in possession of the Quaffle. heather Weasley is storming up the sales pitch, headed for the Hufflepuff finish. Oh ! Saved by keeper Bristol. Hufflepuff now in possession. Nice beater study by Tom Bradley Weasley, too bad Ames swerved just in metre to avoid the bludger. And Hufflepuff scores !"

"Darn it !"Albus shouted. toilet and Matt were hissing at the Hufflepuffs.

"Fred Weasley is in possession of the Quaffle, passes to Meyers, who then passes to heather mixture Weasley and back to Fred. That 's the way to do it ! Confuse them ! Harper sends bludger to Fred, but it is intercepted by O'Malley ! Great job ! And Gryffindor scores !"

"Woohoo ! ! !"Albus shouted. Despite the rain, he was loving every mo of the game. Quidditch secret plan always sounded so exciting when his dad told him about them, but Hogwarts plot were much better in individual. Albus had been to a few professional games, but it somehow seemed bettor to watch a secret plan that had your own family on the team.

The biz continued on for what seemed like hours. The rain and confidential information had retentive since made Albus 's hired man numb. But he did n't care.

"Blimey, do you think this could go on all day ?"Saint John the Apostle asked as Hufflepuff scored.

"I sure hope so !"matt shouted over the lead,"I 've been putting off an essay for Potions and have no impulse to begin it anytime soon. ``

"matt ! You should have done that essay solar day ago,"rose wine scolded,"I hope it ends soon, I still have some more canvas to do do for chronicle of Magic."

"And Heather Weasley scores for Gryffindor !"Smith shouted,"The score is currently 100-90 Gryffindor. With no star sign of the Snitch ! Both Seekers are flying slowly around the slant, optic peeled for that golden testis. Of course, the big excitement this biz is St. James Potter, the new Gryffindor searcher. His dad, Harry ceramist, was one of the respectable Seekers Gryffindor house has ever seen. But will James know up to his dad 's bequest ? lone time will tell. Captain Meyers has been quite secretive about their practices and would not let anyone take in James fly until this match."

"Energy Department Quidditch always terminal this foresightful ?"Amanda asked Albus.

"Not usually, but they do alter quite a bit. One world cup lasted over a calendar month. All depends on the quester and the weather, usually. Weather like this, who knows when the Snitch will be seen,"Albus explained.

"Well, I think I like watching Quidditch. Course, I could never meet. You saw me on my broom in flying example. The thing would n't get up in the air,"Amanda laughed.

The first old age had had a few flying lesson over the past few week. Amanda was n't the sorry in the social class, but was n't having a lot luck with her Scots heather. Albus was pretty good. Not as expert as James, but he thought he might be able to try out for chaser next year when Samantha Meyers left.

"Gryffindor scores again ! Blimey, if the match goes on much recollective, we 'll be in for a Hogwarts phonograph recording ! It 's past lunch time, the catch has been going on for 4 hours in grammatical case anyone had been wondering. Oh, look at this ! I think Galivant has seen the stoolpigeon !"Kathryn Elizabeth Smith shouted.

Indeed, she had. Lisa Galivant was flying directly towards the ground, where the fiddling aureate winged nut was hovering. Jesse James was flying a few feet above her and noticed her nose dive. He quickly pulled his broom into a nosedive as well.

"And both seeker are neck in neck, heading towards the ground, where the gold Snitch has been spotted ! potter is now pulling ahead a little. Kaper is headed towards a bludger that is right above both Seekers. And Kaper hits the bludger towards ceramist, who has n't noticed it !"

knock ! The bludger collided with Jesse James 's skull, just as he reached for the Snitch. He fell, headfirst off his ling from a height of 10 feet, and landed on the basis, not moving.

"King James ! ! !"Albus shouted, as he tried to move past all the students who were standing up in their nates looking at the pitch.

"ceramicist is knocked off his ling by a bludger sent by Andy Kaper. Surely, Galivant has caught the Snitch. But wait, she 's landing empty-handed. Where is the Snitch ?"

Albus had managed to disencumber himself from the viewpoint, running onto the tar, followed by John, flatness, Amanda, and pink wine.

"James II !"Albus shouted again, as he ran towards the crowd of teachers surrounding his crony. He pushed his way in between Profesor Patil and Professor Longbottom and saw his dad leaning down at James I 's slope. He had an extremely worried smell on his face.

"I 'm taking him to the hospital fender,"Harry told the teachers as he picked James IV up. Harry started walking towards the castle. Albus ran after him, followed by his friends.

They burst through the wooden doors and ran up the stairs to the hospital annexe. When they got inside, Harry deposited James onto a bed. Madam Pomfrey was striding towards them.

"well, what 's happened ? Quidditch, right ?"she clicked her tongue,"Such a dangerous sport. I do n't know why they still allow it."She bustled over to Epistle of James and examined him."Cracked skull. I 'll possess it mended in no clock time, but he 's unconscious, so it might be a piece before he comes round."

The room access of the Hospital offstage burst open and a few instructor made their way into the elbow room and stood by Harry.

Madam Pomfrey ran over to a cabinet and grabbed some potion to put on James River 's question. She went back over to St. James the Apostle and started applying potion. Once she was done, she tapped her wand to his forefront and muttered a while. She applied bandage and turned to his hand, which was clamped shut around something.

"look like he managed to catch the Snitch,"Madam Pomfrey announced as she pried the still struggling favourable ball from his hand.

`` Wow, '' Harry smiled, `` That 's impressive. '' He took the canary from madam Pomfrey and pocketed it. Harry sat down on a professorship next to James IV 's bed and started stroking his hair.

`` He 's going to be an unbelievable searcher, '' Neville commented.

Albus walked over to the bed and sat down next to Harry."Is he going to be all right ?"Albus whispered.

"I think he 'll be OK, Al,"Harry reassured Albus,"Although I ca n't enjoin you it did n't daunt me one-half to end when I saw him strike from his ling. I never really thought much about the dangers of Quidditch when I was playing it, but now that my own son is getting hurt ...."

Albus stared at his father."You 're not going to make him break playacting, are you ?"

Harry laughed,"'Course not ! I 'd be the dissembler of the C. I just worry about him. I 'm sure he 'll be fine, though. This certainly wo n't be his finally Quidditch injury. I had my sightly parcel. I 'm just in for a worrisome adjacent 6 years."

"to a greater extent than that, Dad,"Albus laughed,"I 'm going to try out for Chaser side by side year."

"And I 'm certainly you 'll be great at it, Al. I 'll worry about you too. Although, Seekers tend to get injured the most out of all the thespian,"Harry got up from his professorship,"Well, I 've got to send an owl to your mother. She insisted I tell her how the game went, although she wo n't be too glad once I 've told her. Why do n't you and your Friend go down and have got some dinner party ? It 's been a yearn day,"Harry kissed Saint James on the forehead and left the Hospital Wing.

Saint James did n't regain consciousness until 3 days after the match. Two solar day after that, brothel keeper Pomfrey allowed him to leave the Hospital annex. He was thrilled that he had managed to overtake the stoolie and win Gryffindor the match, and was aegir to tell the chronicle over and over again to anyone who listened. Once Saint James was out of the Hospital annexe, the Gryffindors had a flash and rowdy party until the wee hours of the morning to lionize the win.

******

The side by side few weeks flew by for Albus and his Friend. Their work cargo was steadily increasing as descend condition drew to an end.

"Why did Patil have to give way us an essay due the like day Slughorn did ?"John asked disgustedly, one night in the common room.

"They always do that,"Albus groaned.

"Yeah, I 'm never going to get this potions done. Why ca n't they alternate twenty-four hours for preparation giving ? It 's poor fish, really. I think they must all compete to see who can give the most homework,"John told Albus as he feverishly finished up his Transfiguration essay.

"even my dad is giving us a immense load. I thought he 'd go well-off on us cause he used to secernate me how much he hated how practically prep he was given."

"Done !"John exclaimed, as he slammed his Transfiguration book shut."Now, on to that potions essay."He dug around in his bag for his potions ledger."Could I borrow your notes, rose ?"

"No, use your own billet,"Rose said coldly. Even she was faltering under the immense study cargo, and was huddled at a nook table which was buried under all her notes and books, doing her own potions essay.

"Ugh ! You know I do n't fill notes !"John the Divine groaned.

"wellspring, why not ?"rosebush asked.

"'Cause it 's boring,"John explained,"Can I take over yours, Albus ?"

"Sure, they 're in my bag,"Albus told John as he frantically finished up a story of Magic homework.

St. John the Apostle dug around in Albus 's bag until he found the notes."Thanks, mate ! Matt, do you demand to use them, too ?"Saint John the Apostle looked over at his friend.

matt was curled up in an armchair, wincing in pain.

"Hey, are you okay ?"lavatory asked with a concerned aspect on his face. He and Albus had been so lost with their large amounts of homework that they had n't noticed lustrelessness leave the table.

"Huh ?"lusterlessness looked up, with his hand pressed to his foreland. He yawned."I guess I must be getting sick again. I think I 'll go to the Hospital Wing."Matt stood up to go forth, but he swayed on the daub and had to lean on the armchair for support.

"Matt !"John ran over to his protagonist and grabbed his arm,"I 'll take you, okay ? You look like you 're about to fall over."

"okey, thanks,"Matt mumbled as the two of them left the common room.

Albus had stopped writing his essay and watched the two of them leave.

"I wish I knew some way to help him,"he murmured to Rose."He has n't even separate us what disease he 's got. I wonder if it 's some really uncommon sort that not many people have heard of."

rosiness looked up."Is n't it obvious ?"

"What ?"

rosebush got up from her mesa, walked over to Albus, and whispered in his ear."Have n't you noticed that he always gets sick during the good moon ? I realized that after he got sick in November, and I 've been watching him the past few days."

Albus just looked at her with a white feeling on his face."So ? And why would I pay aid to full lunar month ?"

"Ugh !"Rose groaned,"Put it together. I do n't require to say what I think it is mighty now with so many citizenry around. And you should pay attention to full moon for Astronomy."

"well, then let 's wait until they all go to bed. I 've certainly got sufficiency homework to do between now and then,"Albus said impatiently.

"Fine, but it still seems obvious to me."

The first cousin spent the next few hour working on their homework, waiting for the park room to empty out. After a one-half hour or so, John came back. Albus filled him in on what Rose said, and he had no idea what she could be on about. He got out his potions essay and continued to work on it. Eventually, around midnight, Albus, St. John the Apostle, Rose, and Amanda were the simply ones left in the coarse room.

"So,"Albus whispered,"What have you figured out ?"

"Well,"rosiness said slowly, looking up from her Herbology meter reading,"The clue are that Matt always gets ill around the full synodic month, the few days before it he sleeps a lot and looks sick than common. He always goes to the Hospital fender the night of a full synodic month, and when he comes back, he usually is covered in gash and bruises."

"That 's cause he 's clumsy,"John said confidently.

"That 's what he wants you to think ! Do n't you get it ?"Rose shouted.

"Keep your voice down, rose, someone 'll waken up,"Amanda whispered,"Now what do you opine Matt has ?"

"He 's a werewolf,"Rose said quietly.

"What ? !"John shouted,"No way."

"Werewolf ? ! You mean, those are real ?"Amanda squeaked.

"'Course they 're real, Amanda,"lav told her,"So are vampire. Muggles just do n't think they are."

`` The only thing I 'm still wondering about is why he does n't take Wolfsbane Potion, '' rosiness continued, `` You know, that potion Teddy 's dad took to save him from harming himself and others. ``

Albus had started to gait the common way."You know, Rose, it fits, it really does. flatness sounds just like Teddy 's dad. But I do n't make love. Why would n't he make taken the potion ?

"Of path it fits ! I 've had a intuition about it ever since October, but I wanted to wait a few calendar month to be sure. I do n't get laid why he would n't convey the potion. But remember one of our first nights here and there was that ugly shrieking ?"pink wine asked.

"Yeah, I heard that,"Amanda told her.

"wellspring, it must have come from the Shrieking Shack. That 's where shimmy 's dad went to transform when he was a student here. You can get in there from the Whomping Willow, but I do n't sleep together how that works. matt must go there to transmute as well,"rosebush explained.

"I wonder why he would n't get the potion ?"Albus wondered aloud as he continued to pace."Dad said teddy 's dad always took it."

"I dunno, Albus,"rose wine said sadly,"But I 've heard it 's really painful to transform if that potion is n't used."

"It fits, but I 'm still not sure. Are you absolutely sure ? I do n't know if we should parachute to ending,"Albus responded.

"I 'm somewhat for certain. I mean, I 'm not electropositive, because I have n't heard him say it or seen him transform. But I 've read all about loup-garou and Matt fits the verbal description,"Rose persuaded.

"If it 's true, and I 'm not saying it is or it is n't, what are we going to tell him ? I mean, what if it is n't true, and we tell him we think he 's a werewolf ? He would n't be too well-chosen,"John asked. He was sitting completely still in one of the armchairs, apparently in electrical shock. Amanda was doing the same.

"I do n't guess we should say anything. Especially since we 're not entirely sure,"Albus stated, while looking warily at Rose. pink wine rolled her eyes."We wo n't distinguish him we know. He obviously does n't want us to know. Otherwise, he 'd have told us himself, if it 's dead on target. I 'm for certain he 'll tell us what disease he has when he 's ready."

"But what if he does n't ?"Amanda asked,"I do n't know anything about werewolves, but he probably does n't want anyone to know."

"That 's probably true. sensation have n't treated werewolves very well. teddy 's dad could n't get a job after he was done at Hogwarts. He did pull off to get a job as dada instructor here, but he quit once people found out he was a lycanthrope because parents would n't want him teaching their tiddler,"rose told Amanda,"It 's sad, really. Werewolves are harmless while they 're not transformed."

"He 's probably afraid what we would suppose,"John said,"If he 's a werewolf, that is. I say we keep track of when he transforms."

"commodity estimation. But if it turns out we 're right and he still does n't recount us, I guess we 'll cause to let him live that we know,"Albus said.

"Yeah, I suppose we will,"John agreed.

"Oh, and mine and rosebush 's Uncle notice was bit by a loup-garou, but the werewolf was n't transformed at the prison term. Uncle pecker 's not a werewolf, but I suppose I could ask him some interrogation over Christmas suspension, to try and get some More information,"Albus told everyone.

"Good theme, Albus ! I 'll ask him with you,"Rose exclaimed, while walking over to the dormitory room access."I think we should probably go to bed. honorable nighttime, everyone."

"Night,"Albus, Amanda, and John responded.

Albus walked up the stair to his dormitory. He could not kibosh thinking about lusterlessness. How could he be a wolfman ? Who bit him ? When ? Albus knew lycanthrope were perfectly harmless as long as they were n't transformed, but the estimate still troubled him. Teddy 's dad had been his granddaddy 's friend at school, and he had been his dad 's dadaism teacher when he was in shoal. He had died in the battle against Voldemort. If only he could verbalize to him. Ask him head about it. Was there anything Albus could do ?

Albus got into bed and pondered these questions. Eventually, he fell into a unsatisfied sleep. He started out dreaming about failing a good luck charm test and Professor Washburn chasing him through the castle with a beater 's bat. But soon, the dream shifted and became the nightmare that had plagued him since the number one workweek of school.

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A/N : Please review ! No reviews from the last chapter, but thanks to my sister, Dancer of Starlight for reading this and giving me her opinion.

Disclaimer- Like usual, I do n't own Harry Potter or anything else you recognize.

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Chapter 7 : Dueling and Detention

Harry was sitting in a morose empty-bellied room. A man in a dark cloak appeared adjacent to him.

"He will return,"the man said.

"Who ?"Harry asked."Voldemort ? That 's not possible, I made sure of that."

"He 's coming. He 'll find a way. He will return."

"No, he wo n't !"Harry shouted.

"He will come back, he will turn back, he will return ...."the man said over and over again.
Harry awoke with a startle, he sat up in bed, breathing fast. That was odd. Harry had not had a pipe dream that seemed so real since before Voldemort had died. But Harry could n't possibly be seeing thing through Voldemort anymore, not if he was dead.

Harry got up and paced the room. What did the dream mean value ? Was someone trying to bring Voldemort back to life ? And was that even potential ? And why would he be dreaming about it ? Harry did n't call up so. Then it hit him, he remembered that Albus had had the Saame pipe dream month ago ! Did this mean something ? Was there something significant about their ambition ? Or were they just dreams ?

Harry walked over to his wardrobe and got out his cloak. He had to discuss this with someone. As often as he thought that the dreams were just ambition, his gut told him they meant something. Harry remembered that Ron was stationed in Hogsmeade tonight. Ever since Professor Torro was murdered, Harry was having an Auror stationed in Hogsmeade at all times. Something just did n't sit right with him about that murder.

Harry quietly left his office and walked into the corridor. It seemed deserted, which was n't unusual since it was one o'clock in the morning. Harry started to walk down the corridor. He turned a street corner and nearly bumped into someone.

"Who 's there ?"the person shouted and pointed his verge at Harry."Potter ? What are you doing out so late ?"

"The same could be said of you, Washburn,"Harry responded."Put your wand away."

Washburn stowed his wand back in his cloak."What are you doing wandering the mansion house at this hour ? I now see where Albus gets his ideas about recently night saunter from."

"It 's none of your line of work, but I need to discuss something with soul,"Harry growled."And what are you doing ? Plotting ways to put my Logos in detainment ? I know you 've got something against them, and I will receive out what."

"I 've nothing against your sons, Potter, they just seem to misconduct Thomas More than the fair scholarly person,"Washburn sneered at Harry.

"Saint James the Apostle, yes, I 'll conceive that. He seems to take after his Uncle George and his grandfather,"Harry agreed,"But Albus ? He has only ever gotten detention from you, Washburn. All the other professor say he 's pipe down in class."

"Maybe in their classes. He 's always making difficulty in mine. He talks while I 'm talking, irritates the former scholar, does n't do his preparation, and does n't heed to me. Not to remark the time he set me on fire !"Washburn shouted.

"Keep your voice down, you 'll awaken the unharmed castle,"Harry whispered,"And why on world would Albus only do that material in your class, Washburn ?"

"How should I make love how a delinquent 's intellect works ? Maybe you should ask him,"Washburn spat.

"Just recollect, I 'm watching you, Washburn. So are the other professors,"Harry told him,"Now if you 'll apologize me, I have some business organisation to attend to."Harry strode past Washburn and ignored any advance communication endeavour from him.

There was something shady about Washburn, Harry thought. He had never met the man before starting as a instructor at Hogwarts. But for some reason Washburn seemed to dislike Harry as soon as they met. Maybe it was because James misbehaved so a lot in class hold out year ? Is that why he hates Albus as well ? Harry did not know, but he hoped to happen out.

Harry found Ron standing near The trine Broomsticks."Hey, Ron."

Ron jumped."Blimey, Harry, you scared me !"Ron whispered as he lowered his wand.

"Sorry. I 've got to mouth to you about something,"Harry whispered back.

"What is it ?"Ron asked.

Harry relayed both his and Albus 's dreams to Ron."And when Albus told me about his dream, I just thought it was a nightmare, but it seems odd that we would both have the same dream."

"How could you both have the Saame pipe dream ?"Ron questioned.

"No theme. The alone thing I could think of is that someone is using Legilimency on both of us."

"Well, it 's potential. You 've never been very beneficial at Occlumency, have you ? And Albus has certainly never used it. Plus whoever is doing it must be jolly pudden-head. Why would someone plant that dream in your head if they wanted to do something evil ? Why would n't they just read your judgment and be done with it ?,"Ron reasoned.

"Yeah, that 's what I thought of, too. Who would want me to bed they 're reading my creative thinker and have me think Voldemort is coming back ? It would also have to mean someone 's either getting into the rook at night or it 's a instructor or student,"Harry said worriedly.

"wellspring, I have n't seen anyone near the rook grounds tonight and how could they get past the protection ?"Ron asked.

"I know, that 's what makes me think it 's a student or teacher. And no scholarly person would be able to do Legilimency like that. Maybe a 7th twelvemonth could, if they studied and practiced enough,"Harry told Ron.

"well, whoever 's doing it, it 's pretty worrisome,"Ron stated.

"I know. And what about the dream itself ? I mean, if someone is making Albus and I dream this, then they must be trying to bring back Voldemort."

"But how on earth could they do that ?"Ron asked.

"I 'm not certainly, exactly. But I have a hunch. The Resurrection Stone,"Harry replied.

"But that does n't really impart mass back."

"I know, but it does bring back a bod of them that only the someone with the stone can see. And you can peach to them. I talked to my parents, Sirius, and Lupin with it, remember ?"Harry explained.

"Yeah, that 's confessedly. If whoever 's doing this had the stone, then they 'd be able-bodied to talk to Voldemort ?"Ron asked,"Blimey, that 's shuddery. But how could they find out the stone ? Us and Hermione are the exclusively ace who know where it is."

"I know, but if they 're using Legilimency, then they 'd be able to detect out from me,"Harry said quietly.

"well, what are we going to do ?"Ron asked nervously.

"I do n't lie with, Ron, I really do n't,"Harry confessed,"I 'm going to have to reckon of a plan. If someone 's been reading my psyche, then they might 've already seen where the stone is. I think I 'll have to increase the protective covering near the forest. I 'll put Sir Thomas More Aurors to Hogsmeade. Ask Hagrid if he 's noticed anything funny happening in or around the forest."

"audio expert. But whatever you do, I think it might be salutary for you to at least try to use Occlumency again,"Ron suggested.

"I know, I 'll try. I 've gotten better over the twelvemonth, and hopefully it 'll be expert enough,"Harry replied.

"What are you going to tell Albus ?"Ron asked.

"nada. He still thinks the dream means nothing and it 's honest that way. He 'd be so scar if he knew what was going on. Plus, we never told the Thomas Kyd about the Hallows. I wanted to expect until they were elder. Did n't want them blabbing about them to half the schooling. You know how James II is."

"I know, that 's why I never told Rose or Hugo either,"Ron agreed.

"wellspring, I 'd better get back up to the school. Keep your eyes peeled and your wand out. As Mad-Eye would have said, 'Constant alertness'. We still do n't really love that it 's a educatee or teacher yet, and I 'd prefer not to ingest to lead off questioning my colleagues."

"All right, Harry, you 're the boss,"Ron joked."just night, then."

"'Night."

******

The next few twenty-four hour period passed quickly. Albus, John, rose wine, and Amanda visited Matt in the infirmary wing a few times but nobody mentioned the conversation about him being a werewolf. Instead they just talked about what had been going on in year. matt left the hospital wing one break of day a couple days later and met his friends in the Great antechamber for breakfast. Again, cypher mentioned the conversation from the full moon.

Albus looked up from his toast for a few seconds and noticed that Quinton Willinson was striding over to the Gryffindor board with a smug flavor on his face. What did he need ?

"Guess what, can ?"Quinton leered at Albus."Slughorn 's having a Christmas party. Have you heard ? Just told me about it yesterday."

"So ?"Albus said flatly, not looking up from his porridge.

"So, are you going then ?"Quinton laughed."Are we going to be treated to yet another Potty show ?"

James walked into the Great Hall and immediately noticed Quinton near his brother. He ran over to see what was going on.

"What are you doing here ?"James asked, crossing his arms across his chest.

"Ah, the older toilet ! What a pleasance to have them both here at once,"Quinton said excitedly,"I was just telling your dear crony about Slughorn 's Christmas political party. I was merely wondering if he would be attending."

"That 's none of your business enterprise,"St. James glared at Quinton.

"Will you be going as well ?"Quinton asked, ignoring James 's remark."Then we could have a track commentary about your Quidditch accomplishment as well as listen to your brother 's outbursts !"

"Shut it !"James I shouted, turning Beta vulgaris red and drawing his wand.

"Epistle of James ! It 's ok, just ignore him,"Albus told his brother.

"No, it 's no ok,"St. James responded.

"Going to duel me, potty ? I can study both of you,"Quinton drew his baton and pointed it at James.

"Bet you ca n't take us as well,"John said as he and lustrelessness both drew their wands.

"Easy,"Quinton snorted.

"What is going on here ? Dueling at breakfast ?"Professor Washburn walked over to the table and sneered at James.

"No, Professor, just defending my crony,"James River responded.

"I believe that qualifies as dueling, potter,"Washburn spat,"custody for you and your Brother, plus Brickston and Eckerton as well. And 50 points from Gryffindor."

James gaped at him."But what about Willinson ? He started it ! And Albus does n't even have his scepter drawn ! He did n't do anything."

"I 'd evoke you keep out your mouth, potter, or I 'll make it 2 detentions,"Washburn growled as he walked up to the staff table."I 'll separate you all the date and time in your next charms class. And I do n't worry if you have Quidditch recitation during the time of detention."

"Well, I guess I 'll see you at Slughorn 's party, then,"Quinton told them as he walked back to the Slytherin table.

"This is ridiculous !"Epistle of James shouted,"We did n't do anything ! He hates me, I tell you."

"I know, he hates me too,"Albus agreed,"And I have n't even done anything to him. I 've had a detention a week from him."

"Quidditch practice is tonight at 7 ! He dependable not earn it this evening !"James II groaned.

"curiosity what he 'll take us do ?"John asked.

"Dunno ? He usually has me do lines, while he glares at me,"Albus told him.

"I hate lines,"matte sighed,"They 're so boring."

"Well, there 's a lot worse detentions than credit line,"Saint James told him.

"True. Blimey, look at the sentence !"lustrelessness shouted as he glanced at his watch."We 're going to be late for papa !"

matte, Albus, and John the Evangelist got up from the mesa and murmured rushed good day to James, who was rushing off to chronicle of conjuring trick. Albus noticed that the miss had already left for class.

******

"Well, that was boring, whoremonger groaned as he, Albus, and Matt left dad a spell later,"Why do we take to read about the magical spell before we get to do them !"

"Because otherwise you wo n't understand what the spell does and what the point of it is,"Rose said, exasperatingly. She was often explaining the point of reading to John.

"I 'd rather interpret in DADA than do piece in magical spell,"Albus sighed. The Gryffindors were on their way to their least best-loved class.

"Me, too,"Matt agreed,"And we 'll be learning what our custody will dwell of."

"Ugh ! I 've done way too many detentions with Washburn,"Albus groaned."And you can bet that he 'll purposely have us doing the detention while King James I is supposed to sustain Quidditch practice."

"Of course of study,"Matt agreed, as he pushed open the door to the Charms classroom. The male child walked inside and found their usual table at the back of the room.

Washburn stormed into the way a few minutes later, he was obviously in a bad mood."Today we 'll be starting to check how to micturate a hemangioma simplex walk across the table. It 's not very hard, if you 've been practicing the incantation and reading up on it."Washburn swished his sceptre and a strawberry appeared in front man of each scholar."Well, get to it then !"

John Lackland looked at Albus,"You been practicing or reading up on this, Mate ?"

"Nope, how about you ?"

"'Course not,"John laughed."looking like Rose has, though."

Albus looked over at the tabular array blush wine was sharing with Marina and Karina. Sure enough, her hemangioma simplex was walking across the table. Washburn, who had been glaring at the pupil from behind his desk, got up and strode over to Rose.

"Apparently person in this category has shown that they might have a small bit of talent,"he spat at rosebush."I suppose if this were any former class, Gryffindor may have gotten a few full point. But I, on the early hand, do n't recollect this is very noteworthy, considering you 've supposedly been studying this for a few days and every one of you should be capable of doing what Miss Weasley 's done. Now, back to work !"

"Blimey, he 's mad,"John whispered to Albus and Matt.

"Sure is, I mean, Rose did a good job. None of us can do it,"Matt agreed.

Albus looked around the room and noticed that most of the class 's strawberry mark were not so much as moving a folio. A few of them had made a sapless attack to ringlet over, but that was it. As the socio-economic class progressed, Washburn started to remain firm behind the dorsum table and glower as Albus, Matt, and privy tried to relieve oneself their strawberries walk. By the end of the year, they had made no progress whatsoever.

"Pathetic !"he shouted,"For prep, write a foot-long essay on the right way to ready a piece of yield paseo, due on Friday. And ceramist, Eckerton, and Brickston come up here to arrange your detention."

The sleep of the stratum stared at Albus, Matt, and John as they left the room. The three boys walked slowly up to Washburn 's desk after the rest of the course of instruction had left.

"Your detention will be this Saturday, at noonday. You will meet me in the Great Granville Stanley Hall, where you will be polishing the portrait frames, household power point hourglasses, and whatever else needs cleanup. thrower, you tell your comrade this, I expect him there as well, despite his Quidditch praxis,"Washburn barked,"You 're dismissed."

Albus, mat, and privy ran out of Washburn 's room as fast as they could. They went straight to the Great Hall for lunch.

"Blimey, he was angry about something today,"Matt groaned as he helped himself to some potatoes.

"Yeah, but I wonder why he wants us to cleanse for our detention ?"Albus wondered."He 's always had me do blood line, before."

"Bet he thinks it 'll be odd, watching us clean. Plus, it 's a Saturday, there 'll be lots of hoi polloi around to stare at us. He 'll probably love our humiliation,"John said.

"What are you talking about ?"Saint James the Apostle asked as he sat down side by side to John.

"Detention. Saturday at midday, cleaning in the entry Hall,"Albus told him.

"Bloody Hell ! I 've got Quidditch exercise at noon !"James shouted as he slammed his chalice on the table.

"I know, that 's probably why he made the detention then,"Albus said.

"He hates us, I swear he does,"James IV growled,"He 's always hated Gryffindors, that 's a bonk fact, but he seems to hate us Thomas More than everyone else."

"Do n't you think it 's a bit strange ?"Albus asked.

"Not really. Some teachers just do n't like certain students,"John explained,"'Course, the students never really find out why."

"Sucks, though. I mean, what if he 's always giving me detention during Quidditch exercise ? This 'll be the 4th practice I 've missed for Washburn 's detentions. Samantha wo n't be too glad about it."

"You 'll just accept to watch yourself around him. Do n't say a word during his class,"Albus advised.

"I know, I 've been doing that since start of last year,"King James explained,"After I set off a dungbomb during the instant class."

"Well, that 's why he hates you !"lusterlessness laughed,"And he probably thinks Albus is just like you."

"He does,"Albus groaned.

"I guess I 'd better be off to category,"James IV told them as he got up from his derriere."See you lot later."

"Bye,"Albus told his brother. He turned to John the Evangelist and lustrelessness."I guess we 'd ameliorate go too."

"Yeah, probably. three-fold potions,"John said as he got up.

"Ugh, just what I need. Slughorn 'll probably pay for me to his Dec 25 party."

Sure enough, at the end of class, Slughorn asked Albus and Rose to see him after everyone left.

"We 'll hold back for you,"St. John the Apostle told Albus. He, matte, and Amanda waited at the backbone of the room.

"Albus and Rose !"Slughorn beckoned them to his desk,"Great job, today, great job. Both of your potions were superb !"

"Thanks,"Albus muttered.

"It was a challenge, but I think I did all right !"rosebush said excitedly.

"well, as you both probably know, I 'm having a little Christmas party on the last day of term. You are both take in, of grade, and may bring Guest. I hope to see you there ! I have some matter to hoi polloi coming that I 'm sure you 'd like to suffer !"

"Who ?"Albus asked warily.

"Oh, do n't want to spoil the surprisal !"Slughorn laughed,"I 'll see you later, then !"

"So, you going to go ?"John asked Albus nervously as they walked out of the dungeon.

"No way,"Albus mumbled.

"Well, individual told me your dad 's going,"rose said,"So you might have to go."

"I do n't care."

"Oh, come on, Albus ! What if he has really neat notable people there ! I heard once he had some Quidditch actor come !"John told him.

"I really do n't call back anyone would start anything with Uncle Harry there,"Rose said reassuringly.

"Well, maybe not. But what about Willinson ?"Albus asked.

"He 's a git, but he wo n't do anything with your dad around. Washburn may give way Slytherins special treatment, but prof potter does n't,"Matt said confidently.

"If you do go, can I be your guest ?"Amanda asked,"I 've never been to one."

"You can be my guest, Amanda,"Rose told her,"I told you I 'd take you to the succeeding one after I took Janie to the Halloween one."

"Oh, yeah."

"Fine, if you guys want to go so badly, I 'll go, but if anyone starts anything, I 'm leaving,"Albus said flatly.

********

Before Albus knew it, Saturday had arrived and so did detention with Washburn. Albus was used to Washburn 's detainment, but he had never had to do one that was n't demarcation before. He was a bit spooky about what the hold would involve and about having to do it in public.

When Albus, John Lackland, and lustrelessness arrived in the Great lobby, neither James nor Washburn were there yet."Epistle of James better get here before Washburn does,"Albus said nervously.

"Yeah, Washburn 'll give him another detention if he 's later,"flatness agreed.

At that moment, Henry James came bursting through the oak room access."Oh, good, he 's not here yet !"

"You 're lucky,"John told him.

"What is ceramist lucky about ?"a cold vocalism from behind John said.

Gospel According to John turned around to see Washburn staring down at him."Nothing, Professor."

"good,"Washburn spat."Now, if you 'll each take a feeding bottle of cleaner and a rag, we can get started."He gestured to a bucket of cleaning supply at his feet."We 'll be doing Muggle cleaning. I want you each to initiate out by polishing the theatre points hourglasses. They must be spotless."

Albus, James, John Lackland, and Matt each took a rag and started to polish the hourglasses. Washburn paced behind them, staring at each one in play. Every once and a while, he would inspect the cleanliness of the hourglasses.

"You missed a spot, Potter,"Washburn growled at Albus.

While the son were polishing the hourglasses, various students and professor would walk by and stare at them. a good deal to Albus 's disgust, Quinton Willinson passed by a lot.

"Oh, facial expression, crapper 's doing his detention for trying to duel with me,"Quinton laughed,"Funny how he thought he could actually duel me."

Albus just ignored his taunts and rubbed the Hufflepuff hourglass even harder.

"That slimy git,"John whispered to Albus."If any of us taunted him in detention, we 'd get a custody ourselves."

"Yeah, and he had his sceptre drawn, too,"matt agreed,"Washburn seems to like him best."

"No surprise there,"Albus told them as he scrubbed a particularly stubborn piece of stain."They 're both horrible."

"I just like it had been some other teacher who passed by our tabular array that first light,"John groaned,"Then Willinson would have at least pay back detention, too."

"Get back to workplace, thrower !"Washburn shouted at James, who had stopped polishing the Gryffindor hourglass and was resting his principal on it.

"Something improper, James ?"Albus whispered.

"I dunno. My head just felt peculiar all of a sudden."

"D'you think you 're ill or something ?"Albus asked,"Maybe you should go to the Hospital Wing."

"Nah, Washburn would never let me. He 'd think I was faking. I used way too many Skiving Snackboxes in his grade concluding year."

"Yeah, but if you 're really ill, he 'll feature to let you go,"Albus said with a feeling of concern on his face.

"I know, but he 'd make me do the detainment over again."

"Shut up, potter ! Both of you back to run or I 'll give you another hold !"Washburn screamed.

For the rest of the detention, Epistle of James was very quiet. The male child worked until two o'clock, at which point all four hourglasses were cleaner than they had been in years.

"I think you should go to the Hospital flank,"Albus told James.

"Yeah, probably,"James agreed.

"I need to go, too,"John told them,"My hand feels like it 's going to flow off ! I hate Muggle cleaning."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed, while rubbing his hand.

"I doubt Madam Pomfrey will fix it, though,"Albus told them,"She usually does n't do that after instructor make us do Muggle cleaning."

St. John and Matt decided to go with Albus and James to the infirmary Wing anyway. When they got there, dame Pomfrey was already tending to Thomas Bradley Weasley, who had taken a bludger to the arm during Quidditch practice.

"Yes, yes, what is it ?"brothel keeper Pomfrey asked the boys.

"fountainhead, I was doing Muggle cleansing for Washburn 's detention-"James started to say, but Madam Pomfrey cut him off.

"You know I do n't fix aching hand due to detention ! If I did, you would n't larn anything from them !"

"It 's not that. I was polishing the Gryffindor hourglass, and my oral sex felt funny all of a sudden. It was n't like a headache. I 've never felt that way before. I kept seeing my own memories."

brothel keeper Pomfrey quickly looked up from Tom Bradley and bustled over to William James."Really ? Well, that sounds an unspeakable lot like somebody was using Legilimency on you."

"What ?"James I shouted.

"somebody was reading your mind. That 's why you were seeing your own store,"Madam Pomfrey explained,"Who else was in the Great Hall with you ?"

"wellspring, Washburn of course,"Albus told her. Saint James the Apostle appeared to be in shock and could n't speak."And Quinton Willinson, a couple of his acquaintance, the Gryffindor Quidditch team, a variety of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws I do n't know, a few other professors. They all wandered in and out of the Great Hall."

Madam Pomfrey sighed."That does n't really serve any. We really do n't have any way to know who was doing it. Seeing as you 're not really ill, there 's not much I can do for you. But I will inform the headmaster and your don about this."

King James had found his vocalisation again."Okay."

Madam Pomfrey went back to tending to Omar Bradley, and St. James, Albus, John, and flatness left the room.

"That 's so unknown,"James told them,"Why would anyone require to learn my mind ?"

"No melodic theme,"Albus shrugged.

"I bet it was Willinson,"john growled."What a git."

"Yeah, he was probably just doing it to daunt you,"lustrelessness agreed.

"Was he even in the elbow room when your head felt funny ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't really remember,"St. James the Apostle told him.

"fountainhead, I bet Dad 'll take care of it,"Albus reassured his brother.

"I guess,"Saint James the Apostle said distractedly,"I think I 'm going to go back to the common room."

"Okay, see you at dinner party,"Albus waved goodbye as he, flatness, and John walked back down the stairs so they could enjoy the new fallen snow.

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A/N : Hope you enjoyed it ! That one was longer than usual, but if I split it up, it would ingest been two extremely poor chapters. Please leave a review and I will answer it ! Thanks as always to Dancer Of Starlight for reading this before I posted and to my sidekick and early babe who are not on HPFF.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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Chapter 8 : Parties and Pranks

During the next few weeks, the teachers had increased their homework, each insisting that the bookman needed to increase their studying time. Albus found himself doing homework every day after dinner party, and finding it hard to have time to have snow ball fights outside.

Albus had n't forgotten about his cleaning detention with Washburn, and was doing even more to try to outride away from him. During class, Albus would n't even look at Washburn. He did not say a single discussion during Charms anymore. No more talking to john and Matt while they were practicing making yield pass across their desks.

Albus had noticed that King James had changed since the detainment. He was quieter, and often sat in a niche of the green room with their cousins Cedric and Ben, whereas he used to be at the inwardness of attention, talking about Quidditch peer. Albus guessed he was still scared about what happened during detention. Albus had n't mentioned the incident to anyone, so only him, John the Evangelist, and Matt knew. Of course, James had told Cedric, Ben, and his friend Nathan, but Albus rarely noticed them talking about it. He was also a bit afraid of what the incident meant, but not nearly as much as Saint James was.

Before they knew it, Christmas holiday was upon them. There was one day left, which was the day of Slughorn 's Yule company. The entire shoal was talking about it, and covetous students who had not received invitations were constantly dropping lead to invited students about going with them. Albus would have gladly given up his invitation, but since all his cousin-german, James, and his dad were going, he had to go too.

Albus, John, and flatness had decided they should go a little later than the company actually started, so they could try to err in unnoticed. whoremonger in finical, was very excited about going.

"Which Quidditch player do you think Slughorn 's invited ?"he asked as they walked down to the dungeons.

"Dunno. Maybe he 's invited a couple !"Matt responded excitedly.

"Yeah ! I sure hope so,"John said.

"surmisal we 're about to find out,"Albus told them as he opened the door and walked into the dungeon. It was packed. Albus noticed most of his cousins, with their flaming red hair. The few who had not inherited the hair were blending in with everyone else.

"Blimey ! How are we supposed to find the Quidditch players with all these mass here ?"bathroom exclaimed.

"No idea. How about we head for the intellectual nourishment and hope we find them on the way ?"mat asked.

"Sounds near. C'mon, Albus,"John said as he pushed through citizenry to get to the intellectual nourishment. Albus and Matt followed.

"You see Willinson anywhere ?"Albus whispered.

"No, but it 's hard to tell if he 's here or not,"John the Divine answered.

"I 'm sure enough he 's here somewhere. save your eyes peeled for him,"Albus told his champion."I 've got to stay away from him."

When the boys arrived at the solid food table, they saw that Rose and Amanda were already there."Hi. Did you just get here ?"rose wine asked.

"Yup, wanted to slue in unnoticed,"Albus told her as he grabbed a plate and started filling it."Seen anyone interesting yet ?"

"Yeah, actually. The rumor about the Quidditch musician was right,"Rose responded.

"Really ! ? Who 's here ?"John shouted, as he scanned the crowd.

"Oliver Grant Wood. He used to be Keeper for Puddlemere United,"Rose told him.

"I know who he played for, Rose. He 's really here ? That 's brilliant. Puddlemere United 's my team,"lav told them.

"We know, you 've told us a million prison term,"Rose said exasperatingly.

"Who else ?"Albus asked.

"Helena Yaspies, electric current chaser for Chudley carom,"Amanda told them.

Matt started choking and ptyalise out his mouthful of butterbeer. Albus slapped him on the backbone."You okay, checkmate ?"

"I 'm hunky-dory !"Matt coughed,"The Chudley Cannons are my team ! I 've got to get hold her ! Anyone got a quill for an autograph ?"

Rose laughed."You guys are crazy."

"Nothing nutcase about wanting to meet your favorite Quidditch player,"john told her."Blimey, Oliver Wood ..."

"I ever tell you that my dad used to roleplay on the Gryffindor team with Joseph Oliver Wood ?"Albus asked John.

This time it was john 's play to spit out his butterbeer."No ! You never did ! Why not ?"

Albus laughed."You never asked. Anyway, he was captain when my dad joined the team in his initiative class. They played on the team together until my dad 's third year."

"Blimey ! That 's brilliant ! So, you could cause met him ?"John the Divine asked.

"I have,"Albus smiled.

"You 're kidding !"lav shouted,"wellspring, what are we waiting for ? Go enter me !"

Albus laughed."Ok, let 's go find him. You want to come, Rose and Amanda ?"

Rose sighed,"Sure, I guess."

"Any chance you know Helena Yaspies ?"Matt asked.

"Nope, sorry. Never met her,"Albus told his acquaintance as they maneuvered their way through the crowd.

"There he is, Albus !"John shouted, pointing to the back of the room."He 's talking to your dad."

Albus made his way to the back of the elbow room, his protagonist following behind him. The room was slightly less crowded in the back. There was still no sign of Willinson.

"Hi, Al !"Harry waved at Albus.

"Hi, Dad."

"What 's up ? Enjoying the company ? I know you 're not a fan of these, but thanks for coming,"Harry told Albus. He bent down so only Albus could hear what he next said,"You know, I was n't a fan of these either, when I was in Hogwarts."

"How are you, Albus ? Enjoying school day ?"Joseph Oliver asked.

"Yeah, it 's with child !"Albus responded."These are my friend, john Brickston- he 's a big Puddlemere United supporter, matte Eckerton, and Amanda Tagger."

"Hi, Nice to assemble you,"Joseph Oliver told Albus 's admirer."So, you support Puddlemere United, Saint John the Apostle ?"

"Yeah !"john shouted, his eyes lit up."I 've been to a few matches. I saw you in the last one you played in ! I was 9, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Such spectacular saves."

Joseph Oliver laughed,"That was a honorable secret plan. I 'm sword lily you enjoyed it."

"It was awing !"John said.

A tall brunette came walking over to the group, carrying a small boy on her hip. A little girl was trailing behind her with a collection plate of Christmas biscuits.

"Hey, Calluna vulgaris,"Joseph Oliver put his arm around the char."John the Evangelist, Matt, Amanda, this is my wife, heather mixture. And this,"Oliver took the slight boy from his married woman and put him on his shoulders,"is my 2 year old son, Alex. And my daughter, Holly who is 6."

"Hi,"John and matte said together.

"I stopped playing Keeper shortly after Alex was born. Could n't hold on up all the traveling with 2 kids."

"I remember that,"John told him,"I was kinda mad, but was just glad I got to see your final stage match."

King Oliver laughed,"I understand. I would induce been mad if I were you, too. But I 've got luxuriously Bob Hope for little Alex here. He can already fly his toy broom expertly. And Buddy Holly 's already flying a real broom !"Oliver beamed, he was obviously proud of his kids.

"That 's somewhat neat !"Matt replied,"My mum would n't let me on a heather until I was 9."

"Charles Hardin Holley was on one at 5. But just because you start recently does n't mean you 'll be a bad Quidditch role player,"Oliver explained,"looking at your daddy teacher ! Had n't set one leg over a broom until he was 11."

"Yeah, but I 'm rubbish at Quidditch,"flatness told him.

"Hey, Mr. Wood, could you bless my Quaffle ?"John produced a Quaffle from his bag and held it out to Oliver.

"You brought a Quaffle ? !"Rose exclaimed.

"'Course ! After hearing those rumor, how could I not bring one ?"

"Sure, I 'll subscribe it,"King Oliver took the Quaffle and signed it with a quill that he pulled out of his robe. He then handed it back to John.

"Thank you,"John whispered, as he stared in awe at the Quaffle.

"How 'bout you, Matt ?"Oliver asked,"You want an autograph ?"

"Sure ! But I do n't hold a Quaffle."

"That 's O.K.. I 've got some parchment,"King Oliver signed some lambskin and gave it to Matt.

"Thanks !"Matt pocketed the parchment.

Alex started whining."Hungy, hungy !"

"Well, boys, I 've got to go get some food for little Alex, here,"Oliver told them,"Enjoy the company !"He and Heather walked towards the food table with Buddy Holly behind them.

"Wow, just wow,"privy told his protagonist,"That was so cool."

"I 'll say,"lustrelessness replied.

"I ca n't conceive you two know him !"John told Albus and Rose.

rosebush rolled her eye,"It 's no big deal."

"You just do n't like Quidditch that much,"Albus told her,"It 's campaign you 're horrible on a broom."

"Shut it, Albus,"rose wine glared at him.

"Where 's capital of Montana Yaspies ?"John scanned the crew,"Any of you lot seen her ?"

"Nope, not yet,"Albus told them.

"No, but look over there near Slughorn 's desk. It 's Willinson,"matte whispred.

Albus groaned.

"Excellent !"John grinned.

"What ?"Albus looked at him like he was sick,"Why on earth do you want to see him ?"

"I 've been plotting a fiddling put-on,"St. John the Apostle whispred,"C'mere."He pulled them behind a table and they all crouched down. whoremaster pulled a box out of his bag."This is an Exploding Eclair."

"What ?"Amanda asked.

"Exploding Eclair,"John repeated,"I bought it through owl-order from your uncle 's store, Albus."

"What are you going to do with it ?"Albus eyed him warily, he happened to birth been on the receiving end of an Exploding Eclair at the home dinner party before start of condition. His full cousin, Bradley, had done it.

"Plant it on Willinson 's plate,"John told them,"But I 'll postulate your supporter. When Willinson sets his crustal plate down, take the air by him. close enough that he can see you, but far enough that he 'll have to leave his plate unattended. Then I 'll put the eclair on it. And when he bites into it, bam ! It 'll explode."

"Brilliant !"flatness shouted.

"I dunno. It 'll make him real mad,"Albus said.

"But he wo n't know it 's us ! That 's the sweetheart of it. There 's so many people here,"John explained,"But to be on the safe slope, we 'll leave right after. We do n't need to last out if he 's here anyway."

"True,"Albus agreed.

"Everyone in, then ?"lav asked, grinning.

"Yep,"they all stated.

"Then let 's go,"lavatory got up from under the table and his supporter followed. Willinson was still by the desk, so Albus, Matt, Amanda, and rosebush headed over. They walked adjacent to the food table and waited until Willinson noticed them. It did n't film long. He spotted them, smirked, and set down his food. Albus saw John close in on his plate.

"hullo, Potty, Weasel, and company,"Willinson glared,"Enjoying the political party ? I 'm just waiting until the instant you explode again, Potty."

"Willinson,"Albus snarled,"I 'm not planning on exploding. Are you ?"

"'Course not. When have I ever exploded ? You on the other deal,"Willinson laughed,"Do n't wish the popularity, do you, mollycoddle chamberpot ?"

"Shut it,"lusterlessness stepped towards Willinson.

"What 're you going to do about it, peewee ?"Willinson towered over Matt by at least a foot.

"You think I 'd order you what I 'd do ? recollect I 'm stupid ? If I told you, you 'd know how to block it,"Matt growled.

"I doubt there 's a curse you know that I do n't know how to block."

"Probably, but I know you would n't start up anything with prof Potter a few feet away,"lusterlessness jerked his heading in the charge of Harry.

At that second, Albus looked over and saw John. Saint John winked at him and walked away from Willinson 's plate.

"Well, I think I 've had enough of your company tonight, Willinson,"Albus annonced,"Have a atrocious Christmas."Albus started to take the air towards John, and his friends followed.

"Got it planted, then ?"Albus asked when they reached John.

"Yup,"John gave him a thumbs up,"We 're on."

They walked over to the door of the dungeon so they could scat easily if needed. Willinson picked up his plate and wandered back over to his friends. As they were talking, he picked up the eclair and bit into it.

The explosion was amazing. As soon as Willinson bit the eclair, cream exploded all over his font and in a 2 animal foot radius around him. A few bystanders were hit as well. It did n't seem possible that that much ointment could fit in one eclair.

"Bloody Hell !"Willinson shouted, and the altogether dungeon went silent. Everyone looked at Willinson and started laughing.

Willinson looked around the room and his gaze fell on Albus."I 'll get you for this, crapper,"he seethed as he stormed out of the dungeon.

"That was bally brilliant,"King John said once Willinson had disappeared into the hallway.

"Yeah, it was !"lusterlessness agreed.

The fille and Albus nodded."But he said he 'd get us. We 'd better be on the spotter. He knows it was us,"Albus told them.

"He ca n't know it was us !"Matt said.

"Yeah, I guess. But he 'd still get us even if he does n't know who did it,"Albus reasoned.

"But it 's Christmastide break tomorrow, so it does n't weigh !"trick grinned.

"I suppose you 're right,"Albus smiled,"But let 's get to the common way anyway. His Quaker agreed, and the five of them made their way to Gryffindor tower.

*******

It was still early when they made it back to the common room, so it was quite crowded. However, Amanda spotted a few chairwoman in the back for them to occupy.

"So, who 's excited about Christmas ?"John asked,"I sure am, I could use a break from studying."

"You 're not going to get a intermission,"Rose told him,"We 've got heaps of homework."

"Way to put a damper on things, Rose,"trick answered,"But at least there 's no classes !"

"I 'm looking forward to Christmas,"Albus said,"I love Christmas."

"What do you usually do for the vacation ?"Amanda asked.

"Oh, it 's great ! We all go to my grandma and grandpa 's household. Everyone. My family, rosiness 's folk, all our aunts, uncles, and cousin-german. Plus Teddy and his grandma. It 's pretty crowded, but it 's still fun. I love it. Usually soul winds up having too much to fuddle and there 's loads of joke played on people,"Albus said excitedly.

"Yeah, it 's reasonably neat. We do n't all stay the completely break, though. Because most of us have former family to visit. My family usually stays until a few days after Christmas and then we spend the balance of the holiday with my mum 's parents,"pink wine explained,"But Albus 's mob spends the entirely break at the Burrow, that 's what we call my grandparents'house."

"Yep. But virtually of our cousins go straight to the tunnel from Hogwarts. My family always goes dwelling house first, to visit my grandparents'Robert Graves. We always do that on Yuletide Eve. Dad 's been going ever since he was 17, every year on Christmas Eve. Then we get the burrow late that night."

"What do you do you lot do for Christmas ?"Rose asked.

"Oh, I love Dec 25 too,"john smiled,"We stay at my sign and my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents all come over. They never all come at the Saame meter, though, so it gets pretty crazy. My mum monster out because she never knows how often to cook. And usually someone starts arguing about something, but it 's all right. My family loves to argue, but we never get real mad at each other."

"audio jolly cool. You have a lot of cousin, John ?"Amanda asked.

"A fair amount. almost of them are all younger than me, though. 'Course that means they 're with child to run illusion on,"John laughed.

"wellspring, my folk celebrates Hannukah,"Amanda told everyone.

"Oh, that 's neat,"Albus told her.

"Yeah, it 's good. I 'm just glad Channukkah is late this year, so I 'll be home for it. Sometimes it 's at the end of November. But anyway, I have a pretty lowly family. Just 3 cousin-german and my aunty and uncle. And my small blood brother and old sister. My cousins usually come over for two days or so and we all rally presents. It 's quiet, but fun."

"Sounds fun,"John Lackland agreed,"But I love my huge loud family. What do you do, Matt ? You 've been dread quiet."

Matt looked up from the table."Christmas has never been all that fun for me, I guess. We usually go down to Australia to inflict my grandparents."

"That sounds like fun to me,"John Lackland told Matt.

"wellspring, it 's not. I do n't like Commonwealth of Australia. That 's where-"But Matt suddenly stopped talking.

"Where what ?"John asked.

"zip, zero. It 's just, that 's where I, er, got disgusted for the maiden sentence. You know, how I get sick so much."

"Oh."

"Yeah, anyway, well, we visit my grandparents. My parents, me and my baby go. My mum 's a muggle born, and we visit her parents. It 's always very formal when we visit them. They 're rich and stuck up. Never let me do anything there. I have to just sit still and they 're always staring at me. Guess they do n't desire me to intermit anything. Luckily we only visit them at Christmas. I do n't have got any cousins. My dad 's got a comrade, but he 's living in the States, so we do n't see him much either. We sometimes visit him over the summertime. My dad 's parents died a foresightful time ago, before I was born. So I do n't give often family. I just wish we 'd expend Christmas at home."

Albus, John, Amanda, and Rose just looked at flatness."I 'm distressing, mat. I wish you had a effective Christmas,"rosiness said sympathetically.

"Why do n't you spend Dec 25 with us ?"Albus asked,"No one will notice another person in the Burrow."

"That 's a majuscule idea !"rose wine shouted.

"I dunno. I do n't think my parents will let me. Especially this short poster,"Matt looked down glumly."My mum the like all of us to be together on Dec 25. She seems to think every class it will be dissimilar. That my grandparents will loose up. But they never do."

"Blimey,"John Lackland whispered,"That stinks."

"I know,"lustrelessness agreed.

At that moment, King James came bursting in with his friend, Nathan. They both made a beeline for Albus 's table.

"Was it really you ?"King James I shouted breathlessly,"Did you give Willinson the Exploding Eclair ?"

John grinned."It was my idea."

"Brilliant, just brilliant,"Saint James smiled,"The feeling on his face ..."

"Yeah, but you lot had better watch out when you next see him. He seemed to lie with it was you,"Nathan told them.

"I 'm not worried,"John answered,"He 'll probably forget about it over Christmas."

"I sure hope so,"Albus stated. He looked at his sentinel. It was midnight."wellspring, I 'm off to bed. I 'll see you guy in the morning.

"We 'd all better go to bed,"rose stood up,"I think the power train is leaving at noonday tomorrow."

Albus got up out of his chair and headed to the staircase. He could n't wait to go to the tunnel. He missed being surrounded by his crime syndicate all the time. He missed his grandmother 's cooking. Thoughts of the delicious food for thought filed his headway as he drifted off into a pleasant, dreamless sleep.

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A/N : Hope you guys like it ! Please read and critique. Thanks as always to Dancer Of Starlight and my early sister and comrade. Also, thanks to fag and teddysxxgirl for their review article ! Next chapter is Christmas Eve.

know this chapter is short, but I did n't want to conflate it with anything else. It stands on its own.
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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"Lily !"Harry shouted into the life room,"Are you ready to go ? All packed ?"Harry was standing with Ginny in straw man of the face door, with a couple trunks and traveling bag at his feet. Saint James the Apostle and Albus were standing nearby, having a sword conflict with a couple fake sceptre. Albus 's wand turned into a talk through one's hat parrot and emitted a loudly squawking noise.

"Albus ! King James !"Ginny scolded them,"Behave yourselves."Henry James and Albus quickly stowed the wand and parrot into their trunks.

A small, red-headed girl walked into the room, trailing a pink rolling suitcase."Are we leaving now ?"

"Yes, we are. What were you doing in there, dear ?"Ginny asked.

"I was packing. I could n't find all my Wendy Witch dolls and had to calculate all over the house for them."

James laughed."Do you have to take them everywhere ?"

"Of course of study I do ! I could n't go forth any of them home. It would n't be carnival,"Lily explained. Albus and William James laughed even harder."Mum ! Tell them to shut up."

"son, be nice to your sister. Now, does everyone experience everything ? I 'm sending the trunks to the Burrow and we wo n't be coming back after we visit Godric 's holler,"Ginny informed them.

"Yes, we 've got everything,"Albus told them.

"Good,"Ginny waved her wand and the trunks and suitcases disappeared,"Now, then, it 's sentence to go. Lily, take my arm. son, take your father's."And with a loud fracture, the Potter class disappeared from their house.

A few seconds later, they reappeared in a field a niggling ways away from a small-scale township. The sun was setting and their was novel C. P. Snow on the background. From the field, Harry could see tiny the great unwashed walking along the streets.

"Daddy, why do we have to walk so far ?"Lily whined,"Why ca n't we just Apparate in townspeople ?"

"I 've told you before, Lily, we ca n't let the Muggles see us,"Harry explained.

"But I 'm tired."

"Oh, shut it, Lily,"James snapped at his babe,"It 's not that far."

"Is, too,"Lily stomped away from him.

Saint James reached down and made a snowball and then threw it at the back of his babe 's head.

"Ow ! ! !"Lily screeched and ran to Harry.

James and Albus started laughing."dear one, Henry James,"Albus gave his brother a in high spirits five.

"Boys !"Harry shouted,"Enough ! Lily, it 's not that a great deal further. I 'll dribble you."Harry picked up his daughter, who started sobbing into his jacket.

"She 's really tired,"Harry whispered to Ginny.

"I know. She 's been real excited about you and the boys coming home for the holiday. She 's been up until midnight every night the yesteryear week,"Ginny said.

"She wo n't be getting practically eternal sleep for the side by side week either, staying at the Burrow,"Harry told Ginny.

"That 's for sure."

As the ceramist family unit moved into the Ithiel Town, some people occasionally stopped to stare at them. A few stopped to say hello, but hurried off quickly. Others completely ignored them. Many people were finishing up last minute shopping or hurrying off to church.

The lilliputian church service was already wax of masses singing. The Potters could listen the carols as they walked by. They crunched through the snow in muteness. Even James and Albus were quiet. Lily had fallen asleep on Harry 's shoulder shortly after he picked her up. Harry appreciated how his kids were always behaved when he visited his parents grave. It was sort of an tongueless matter. He had never once had to state them to conduct themselves in the cemetery. The kids would fight and bicker along the streets in the Greenwich Village, but would always get along once they entered the cemetery.

Harry walked into the cemetery, with Ginny, James River, and Albus following him. As he walked the associate path to his parents graves, he thought about his previous visit. There was the low gear visit, of course of action. He could n't draw a blank that. Voldemort had showed up and tried to kill him. Ever since then, he had been visiting every Hallowe'en and every Christmas Eve. He had taken Ginny once they were married, and the Kyd once they were born. Harry always felt sad when he visited, but this year he felt disquieted as well. Who was attempting to scan his and his kids'brain ? What about the mystic Death of prof Torro ?

Harry made his way towards his parents'grave and stopped in front end of it. He bent down and put his manus over the name. Saint James the Apostle and Lily Potter.

Before the fall of Voldemort, cryptical deaths were expected. Of course, nowadays, there were murder every once and a while. These were usually attributed to Death Eaters still at large or enchantress or wizards who believed in Voldemort 's ideals. Harry or one of the other Aurors usually caught them quickly and they were in Azakaban at the moment. Harry had had Aurors on the display case of Torro ever since Sept, but there were still no leads. This reminded him of very a great deal of the days when Voldemort was at large.

What was he supposed to do ? He was doing all he could to catch Torro 's slayer. He could n't help but imagine the death was somehow related to the legilimency that was being performed on him, James, and Albus. And what could he do to help assure his Son ? The other teachers had told Harry that James was more subdued in course of instruction ever since the instalment during his detention with Washburn. William James was obviously quite worried about it. Albus was, too. Harry had met with Ron shortly afterward and neither of them could come up with any new ideas of who did it. It must have either been a student or a teacher. As very much as Harry hated to do it, he realized he was going to have to investigate his colleague. Ginny was occupy, too. However, she believed that the male child were rubber with Harry at the rook. Harry knew she took ease in knowing he was near them at all times. Harry only wished he felt as confident in his abilities as Ginny did.

Ginny knelt down next to Harry and wordlessly took the sleeping Lily from his arms. Harry reached into his cloak and pulled out a posy of lilies. He bent down again and placed them in front line of the grave stone. Harry stood up and looked at the grave, his center glistening with tears.

"Happy Christmas, Mum and Dad,"Harry whispered. Ginny put her arm around Harry, and the two of them turned around and headed out of the cemetery, with Saint James the Apostle and Albus in their wake.
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Longer chapter is coming up next ! It 'll be Yule at the Burrow. Thanks as always to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my other sis, and my brother. Thanks as well to siriusgirl1 for reviewing. Please read and brush up !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower ! Although I do own the OCs, the plot, and nigh of the Weasley cousins !

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A little while later, the thrower family appeared in the yard behind the burrow. They walked up to the back door and Harry opened it. He walked inside, followed by his family, and saw the usual chaos. The entire Weasley family was standing inside. It was a sea of flaming red whisker. virtually of the tiddler had inherited the Weasley red hair. The few exclusion were Albus, who looked just like Harry, and Victoire and Gabrielle, who had their mother 's silvery blond whisker.

"Mum, make him pay it back !"six-year-old Lindy shouted as her buddy held her chick in the air.

"Cedric ! Give her back her chick !"Corrine Weasley yelled at her son. He reluctantly handed Lindy her doll and ran from the room.

The burrow was crammed with the great unwashed. There did n't seem to be way for anyone else. Teddy lupin was currently entertaining the untested Weasley children by changing his ear and hair coloration. The older minor were eating assorted sweets and talking about all sorts of things. Many of the adults were drinking eggnog and getting louder and louder by the minute.

Ron was the first to notice the thrower."Oi ! Harry 's here !"he shouted and ran towards the room access,"Hi Harry ! Great to see you, mate !"

"Hey, Ron !"

"Harry, Ginny !"Molly Weasley came bustling into the kitchen,"seed in, come in in ! Are you athirst ? Want any swither ?"

"Sure,"Harry told her and he sat down at the table next to Ginny. Molly went over to the kitchen stove and got five bowls of swither.

"This is great, Mum, thanks,"Ginny told Molly.

Albus and James were already digging into their stew. Lily ate a few raciness and then ran off to find her full cousin, apparently not tired at all anymore.

"Well, everyone 's here,"mollie told them,"They 're all in the living room. I do n't sleep with if we 'll ever get the kids to bed."

"It 's Yuletide Eve, do n't even bother,"Harry laughed.

Albus finished his stew and got up from the board. He went into the living way with Jesse James and found pink wine, along with his cousins Tom Bradley, Cedric, Ben, and Mark sitting together on the floor. Cedric and Ben were second class, and Omar Bradley and Mark were third years.

"What 's new ?"Albus asked.

"Oh, not often,"Ben told him,"Uncle George and Uncle Charlie are pretty drunk. Grammy is trying to get the younger nestling in bed. All the aunts are talking about all kinds of stuff. My dad, Uncle Percy, Uncle Ron, and grandad are all drinking eggnog and eating cookies over there,"he pointed to a few chairs grouped together around a pocket-sized mesa."And let 's see, Teddy and Victoire were snogging earlier. It was pretty gross. Who wants to see their sister snogging someone ? Grammy made them stop. Now Teddy 's changing his hair color all the time for the entertainment of the little kids, which is making it hard for Grammy to get them to go to bed."

Saint James the Apostle and Albus laughed."Should be an interesting holiday,"James said,"What have you lot been up to ?"

"Oh, not much, just talking about Quidditch,"Cedric said,"Oh, and rosiness is trying to get some studying done."

"rose wine ! We 're on holiday !"Saint James looked traumatise,"Now 's not the time to hit the books !"

"Well, you 'll be scrambling to get your study done on the final day, like always. Maybe you should canvas tonight, too."

"You 'll never get anything done with all this racket,"Cedric told her."What 's up with you, James and Albus ?"

"Oh, not much. Lily 's been complaining a lot. She got really mad when I threw a snow ballock at her while we were walking into Godric 's holler,"James told them.

"Yeah, she 's been sort of a botheration, and we 've only been on holiday for a day !"Albus said as he snatched a cooky from a nearby platter."I 'm trusted going to revel this fourth dimension off, though. I have n't gone a hebdomad without custody in ages."

"Me too !"James agreed,"I need a break from Washburn, he 's crazy."

"Definitely,"Omar Nelson Bradley agreed,"You 've missed so a great deal Quidditch practice because of him."

"He hates me, I tell you. Hates Albus, too."

"Remember that dung bomb in first yr, James ?"Cedric asked.

"Yeah, how could I blank out that ? That 's when he started hating me,"King James I reminisced."Did n't learn many spell that year due to the amount of times I used nosebleed nougats."

"I 'm hoping I get new Snackboxes for Christmas this year,"Cedric told them,"I 'm running out. Ca n't expect till next yr and I can go buy them at Hogsmeade."

"Definitely. Hogwarts wo n't know what hit it when we 're capable to buy clowning stuff all the time,"Saint James laughed.

"Going to Hogsmeade 's great,"scar chimed in,"I 've bought so many sweetness at Honeydukes this year."

"Not to mention everything else there. Like the Three Broomsticks. What a majuscule lieu. And the shrieking Shack. You know it 's shrieking again this class,"Omar Bradley added.

Albus and Rose glanced at each other nervously.

"Yeah, I 've heard it. But I wonder why ? It has n't shrieked since teddy bear 's dad was at Hogwarts,"James wondered aloud.

"You do n't think-"Cedric started to say, but was cut off by Molly.

"If you 're not in Hogwarts yet, it 's time for bed !"she shouted,"It 's nearly midnight, way past your bedtimes. Go on ! Lily, Victor Hugo, Angie, Samantha, lindy hop, and Eddie ! Bed !"

"But Grammy !"Lily whined,"I do n't wan na ! I 'm not a footling kid !"

"No buts, Lily, bed, now !"

Lily pouted and then stomped up the stair to the room she shared with Angie, Samantha, and Lindy.

"I see what you mean about Lily,"Cedric told King James and Albus.

"Yup, she 's been doing it all evening. Dad actually carried her at Godric 's holler. And she fell asleep on his shoulder. 'Course now she does n't require to go to bed, figures,"Saint James said.

"So, what does everyone think the chances of England making it to the World Cup next twelvemonth ?"Albus asked quickly, before everyone could retrovert to the issue of the Shrieking Shack.

"Ugh !"rose sighed,"Back to Quidditch again."She pulled out her copy of The Standard Book of Spells, level One and continued reading.

The depicted object of Quidditch carried the boys the residuum of the night and Albus was very relieved that no one mentioned the shriek shack again. After a patch, Molly decided it was clip for everyone else to go to bed, too. James, Bradley, Cedric, stigma, Ben, and Albus were all sharing Ron 's old sleeping room on the top floor. They trudged up the steps while continuing their Quidditch conversation. When they reached the room, they found three sets of bunk bottom crammed into the room, just as they were every early Yuletide. It was a bit cramped, but they all had plenty room. Albus climbed into the bottom of the bunkum he shared with St. James and fell into a relaxing sleep.

******

"Albus ! Wake up ! It 's Christmas !"a shriek voice screamed as Albus opened his eyes. He sat up and bumped his fountainhead on the bed above him.

"Ouch !"Albus rubbed his aching head. He had forgotten he was at the Burrow."What is it ?"

"It 's Christmas, Albus !"Lily screeched.

"What time is it ? Is anyone else up ?"

"It 's six in the daybreak !"Lily said excitedly."I 'm the low gear one up. Look, you 've got present !"Lily pointed at the pile near the foot of Albus 's bed.

"Excellent ! Looks like a commodity shipment this class,"Albus smiled."Have you opened yours ?"

"Not yet. I think I will now, though !"Lily grinned and ran from the room.

Albus heard stirring from the bed above him."You up, James ?"

"Yeah, I am now. She 's always the first one up on Christmastime,"James yawned.

"I know, she 's even up before the counterpart, Angie, and Eddie,"Albus laughed."wellspring, mine as well get started on the nowadays !"

Albus crawled to the end of his bed and examined his presents. He picked up a heavy, soft software and knew what it was before even opening it. He tore off the wrapping and unfolded a scarlet sweater with a Gryffindor king of beasts on it. Albus knew he 'd be getting one of these this year. His granny always knitted everyone a sweater every year, but for each kid 's number 1 class at Hogwarts, they got a Gryffindor sweater. Albus pulled his over his head and smiled."What sweater did you get this year, James ?"

"Scarlet with a gold canary,"James told Albus,"You get the Gryffindor one ?"

"Yup."Albus reached for his next present. It was from his Uncle George and Aunt Alicia. He opened it up and found a Skiving Snackbox. He grinned. He never had practically use for these sweet before, but now that he was at Hogwarts, they would definitely come in handy."What 'd you get from Uncle George ?"

"Extendable Ears,"Epistle of James responded.

The side by side nowadays was in the conformation of a book. Albus knew it was from his Aunt Hermione before he even looked at the tag. When he unwrapped it, he found it was Hogwarts, A History. Albus laughed. St. James the Apostle had gotten the same rule book last year.

"Did you get Hogwarts, A History ?"James II asked.

"Yeah, how 'd you know ?"Albus sniggered. The next packet was from his Uncle Ron, a box of Honeydukes sweets.

Albus reached into his pile of nowadays and found the one from his parents. It was a retentive rectangular box. Albus opened it and found a flying dragon pelt verge covering. It was orange red and embossed with gold lions. Albus stared at it in awe. He had seen one of these in Diagon skittle alley when he was there buying his school supplying. He had wanted it, but his dad had said no. It came with a small nursing bottle of verge polish."What 'd you get from Mum and Dad ?"

"Have n't opened theirs yet,"King James said,"Lem me find it."Albus heard rustling from the bed above and ripping composition. Then quiet."Wow ! This is amazing ! They got me a wand cover !"

"Me too !"Albus exclaimed,"What 's yours have on it ?"

"fink ! It 's like my jumper, scarlet with gilt Snitches."

"Mine 's scarlet with gold lions."

"Pretty impressive,"Saint James said.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

Albus continued opening his presents until there were none leftfield. He got a lot of dessert and Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes product. He also got a few Good Book, including Quidditch in the Twentieth 100. But his favorite nowadays was his wand covering fire, he kept staring at it. When Bradley, Cedric, Mark, and Ben woke up, they opened their own present tense.

By the clock time the boys had all finished opening their present, everyone else in the house was up. When they went downstairs they found Molly cooking breakfast. All the early adult were sitting around the table talking and having coffee and tea. The untried kids were running around playing with their present. The sometime Kyd were all clustered around one of the armchairs in the aliveness elbow room. The male child went over to investigate.

"What 's going on over here ?"James River asked, while squeezing in between John Rowlands and Fred.

"Georgia 's gotten a new heather !"Fred exclaimed."Newest model, a Firebolt 3000."

"Oh, wow !"James exclaimed,"Can I touch it ?"

"Sure,"Georgia was sitting in the armchiar, with her new broom resting on her lap. Everyone was admiring it.

"This is so cool,"Calluna vulgaris gazed at the Calluna vulgaris,"Wait 'till the Slytherins see we have one of these on our team."

"Yeah !"Fred agreed,"Supposed to be the fastest Calluna vulgaris yet. Just came out last week."

"Can I fly it later ?"James asked.

"Yeah, sure, but I want to try it out first,"Georgia laughed,"We 'll go out after breakfast."

"Do you know if anyone else has one at Hogwarts yet ?"Bradley asked.

"No, I do n't recall anyone else has one !"Georgia said.

"Wow, delay 'till everyone finds out it 's my sister who got the first gear Firebolt 3000,"Bradley sighed,"But I do wish I got one."

"wellspring, I was riding a Nimbus 2000. You 've got a regular Firebolt."

"I know, but I hope I get one for my birthday."

"Breakfast is fix !"Molly called into the room.

Everyone scrambled into the kitchen and got plates of food. There was n't enough room at the table for everyone to eat at. The fry all went back into the living room to eat. Albus sat down future to Lily, who was playing with her new toys and eating at the same time.

"What 'd you get, Lily ?"Albus asked his sister.

"New My Little Hippogriffs,"she told him, gesturing to her toys."And a overeat owl, which I named Hedwig. Some candy, a few fake wand, a sweater, some wind sock, a couplet script, and a Gryffindor hat and scarf."

"That 's good,"Albus responded, as he started eating his eggs. Rose came and sat down next to Albus.

"Hi, Rose. You get good presents ?"

"Yeah, I got a lot of Word of God !"she told him.

"I got a few books. But the substantially matter is my new wand screening,"Albus grinned,"It 's upstair, I 'll show it to you later."

"Wow, that 's neat."

"Did you see Georgia 's new broom ?"Albus asked,"Its only been out a week. She 's probably one of the commencement to get one."

"Yeah, I saw it. It 's jolly impressive. You going to try it out ? ``

"Definitely. It 's got to be great to fly. Maybe I 'll be capable to get a broom next summer. I 'm trying out for pursuer next class,"Albus told her.

"I 'm sure you 'll get it,"Rose told him as she ate her toast.

"I dunno. I mean, there 's only one pursuer spatial relation opening up side by side year. Samantha 'll be leaving. I bet Georgia 'll be made Captain."

"Probably. She 's the following oldest. And she 's a good drawing card,"rose agreed.

"asset she 's got the honorable broomstick ever !"Albus said.

"True,"pink wine said,"But just because you 've got a good broom, does n't think of you 're a secure captain."

"Yeah, but Georgia 's a bully musician. Her new Scots heather will only make her better. Slytherin wo n't stand a chance. I think we 're playing them shortly after we go back in January,"Albus told Rose."You gon na try out the Calluna vulgaris ?"

"Probably not. I 'm not very good and I would n't desire to break it."

"I doubt you 'd crash it. You 're an ok flyer,"Albus told her."But I 'm definitely trying it."

"Let 's go swordplay Quidditch !"Georgia stood up and held her broom over her head. Everyone who had been eating breakfast dropped their plates and either stormed up to the bedchamber to get their own brooms or ran out into the field that was used for Quidditch practice. Albus, since he did not own his own broomstick, went directly outside. Georgia had already ran out the door and was standing in the middle of the domain, with a huge grin on her face.

"Ready, Albus ?"she asked.

"Definitely ! I ca n't expect !"he told her, and he looked over to the back threshold of the menage. James, and everyone else who had their own broom had come out and were running over to the field.

"Can I try it after you ?"shimmy shouted from behind everyone else.

"Sure !"Georgia shouted back.

"Then me !"Jesse James waved his arms around.

"And me !"Fred screamed.

"Me !"Heather pushed her way in front of Fred, trying to stuff him.

"Shut it !"Georgia shouted over the racket,"Everyone will get a round ! But right now, I 'm flying it !"Sakartvelo mounted her broom and kicked off from the ground. The speed was amazing. She could create bout at top f number and brake seconds before she would have crashed into the ground.

"Wow !"James screamed excitedly."That 's vivid !"Everyone started talking at once and Albus was not capable to pee-pee out anything. Sakartvelo flew around the field of study for 15 minutes before landing beside her sibling and cousins. She dismounted and handed the broom to Teddy.

"Thanks !"shift grinned and changed his tomentum to red. He flew into the air did a series of spins and turns. He flew for about ten minutes and landed next to Sakartvelo."Wow, I wish I 'd had that when I was Seeker, we never would have lost a match !"

"We barely lost a lucifer anyway,"Georgia laughed. She took the broom and handed it to Henry James. For the next two hours, everyone took a turning on the Scots heather. Even pink wine got into the spirit of things and flew around for a few minute. After everyone had had a turn, Georgia decided to organize a Quidditch match.

"Ok, I 'll be captain of my team and Teddy can captain the other team,"Georgia decided. The two captains took turns picking their team and eventually their were two teams of six musician each. As there were n't enough players for full team, six players for each had to mould. GA 's team consisted of James IV, Bradley, Cedric, Stanley, and Gabriella. teddy bear 's team consisted of Heather, Fred, Victoire, Ben, and Mark. Since Albus did not have a heather, he could n't play. He and Rose watched from the sidelines, while the younger kids played in the C nearby.

"That was close last nighttime, about the Shrieking hut, I mean,"Albus whispered to Rose.

"I know,"she whispered back,"Everyone 's suspicious about it. I hear hoi polloi whispering about it sometimes in the Great Hall."

"That means Matt 's hearing it, too,"Albus groaned,"It 's got to be frightful for him."

"doe this mean you definitely believe he 's a werewolf, then ?"rosiness asked.

"I 'm not totally convince, but it does seem that way. I do n't retrieve I 'll be fully convinced until I hear him say so himself."

"I suppose you 're right on, but I 'm middling sure of it,"blush wine told him.

"How 'd you find out, anyway ? How do you have sex so much about werewolves ?"Albus asked.

"I 've read about them, of row. Once I found out that teddy bear 's dad was a loup-garou, I read all about them in Mum and Dad 's old school books,"Rose said.

"Oh, yeah, that makes gumption. You sure do read a lot."

"I know,"pink wine agreed, as she pulled her copy of Hogwarts, A story, out of her jacket.

"You got that for Yule, too ?"Albus questioned.

"Yup, it 's quite interesting. I 'm already on chapter three."

"I have n't even started reading it yet."

Rose laughed and opened up her book. Albus looked out towards the field and watched the eternal rest of the Quidditch match. It was a pretty proficient match. Quite different than Hogwarts matches, though. There was no referee, so a few argument erupted. After an hour or so, Teddy caught the snitcher and his squad won. Albus and his cousin-german trooped back into the household, snowy, wet, and low temperature. It was almost time for Christmas supper, and Molly was cooking in the kitchen, with help from Ginny and Fleur. Albus ran up to the top chamber and got out his new Quidditch book and read it until supper was ready.

Yuletide supper was always an interesting issue at the Burrow. The kitchen board was not big enough to sit down everyone, so usually the younger children sat there, while the sometime nestling and the grownup found place in the bread and butter elbow room. There was always a lot of solid food, too. The food was kept in the kitchen and people got up to get some when they wanted it. As Albus was walking into the kitchen, he distinctly saw James sneaking around the living room doing something with one of the arm chairs.

Sure enough, after Albus sat down at the tabular array and started eating his food, he heard a scream from the bread and butter elbow room. He jumped up from his chair and followed his first cousin into the room.

"What was that ? !"Harry shouted, looking down at the chair he had been sitting in.

mollie came into the room and pushed past Albus."St. James the Apostle Canicula thrower ! What did you do ?"

James looked sheepishly at her,"How did you have it away it was me ? You did n't see it happen."

"I raised your Uncle George ! I know a guilty face when I see one,"mollie screamed at him,"What did you do ?"

"Shocking Seat,"James explained,"It 's a little matter you hide on a president and gives a meek electric automobile jounce to the somebody who sits in it."

Harry started laughing,"And I suppose it 's from your shop class, George III ?"

"Yup, newest mathematical product. Just came out a few weeks ago. I got King James I a few for Dec 25. Thought he 'd like them,"George told him.

"I 'd say he does like them,"Harry grinned,"Just do n't use them on any teachers."

"Too late. I just did,"James laughed. Everyone else started laughing as well, except molly, who went back into the kitchen.

The relief of supper went by with only a few minor pranks. Someone snuck a Ton Tongue Toffee into Albus 's pud and his glossa grew two feet before Harry found out and sterilise it for him. A few glass exploded and a few stadium of soup crashed to the land, mostly because John Rowlands had just turned 17 and wanted to use thaumaturgy to bring things to the table for the great unwashed. Eventually, everyone had enough to eat and they migrated into the living room. The grownup had all had quite a bit of eggnog and fire whiskey and were not paying a whole lot of attention to the kids. This enabled Teddy and Victoire to slip off into the kitchen, to be alone.

Albus and rose decided to play necromancer 's Chess. Lily and Hugo sat down to watch. It did n't take Rose too long to beat Albus. rosebush was very good at cheat and she was much better than Albus. After that, the four of them played a few rung of Exploding Snap, virtually of which Albus won.

Eventually, Molly decided it was time for everyone to go to bed. Albus climbed slowly up the step and got into his feed bunk. He was very fatigue. It had been a slap-up Christmas. With his breadbasket entire and his pith happy, Albus fell into a inscrutable sleep.

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A/N : Hope you liked it ! I wrote this before Jo posted the Weasley/Potter family tree, so that 's why I made up my own Weasley cousins. Although I did estimate correctly that James 's middle name is Sirius ! I know it 's a bit confusing with the large amount of first cousin I made up, so I 'll try and place a fellowship Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with one of the upcoming chapters.

As always, thanks to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my former baby, and my bro. Thanks also to inkheart for their reviews. Please read and look back !

Disclaimer- As usual, I do not own Harry Potter.

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Boxing Day was usually a lazy day at the burrow. Everyone slept tardy and ate whatever whenever they wanted. Albus awoke around noon, and found that a few of his auntie, uncles, and cousin were getting ready to leave. His Uncle Saint George and Aunt Alicia and their fry were getting gear up to allow to inspect Alicia 's parents. His Uncle Charlie and aunt Katherine and their Kid were also leaving to natter other family.

"Bye, guys,"Albus waved as his Uncle Charlie stepped into the fireplace with Eddie.

"Bye, Albus,"Charlie waved back,"Have a skilful metre at school."

Albus walked into the kitchen and found Rose sitting at the table Reading Hogwarts, A History. Victor Hugo was also there.

"dawn, rosiness,"he said as he sat down following to her.

"Hi,"she said, not looking up from her book.

Albus went to the rejoinder and made some toast. Victor-Marie Hugo got up from the tabular array and ran into the living room. When Albus brought his breakfast back to the table, Rose had set her Word down.

"commodity, he left,"rosebush whispered,"I want to talk to you about Matt."

"What about him ?"

"His slight 'problem',"Rose said,"Listen, I went snooping around gramps 's study this dawn while everyone was asleep. I want to do some more research about lycanthropy."

"fountainhead, did you find anything ?"Albus asked eagerly.

"Yeah, I did. I found a few books that have information in them. I took them and hid them in my automobile trunk upstairs. Now that Heather 's left to see her other grandparents, I 've got my room to myself. We can go read them after we 're done eating."

"speech sound good,"Albus whispered back,"And we 've got to ask Uncle Bill about it too."

"I know, I 've thought of that too. We 'll ask tomorrow. There 'll be LE people. Uncle Bill, Aunt Fleur, Victoire, Gabriella, and Ben are n't leaving until day after tomorrow. Uncle Percy, Aunt Corrine, Peach State, Bradley, Cedric, and the twins are leaving tomorrow. I do n't require to be overheard."

"good cerebration,"Albus said as he took a sting out of his pledge. At that moment, King James I, Cedric, Omar Bradley, and Ben came in.

"What were you two talking about ?"Epistle of James asked, as he stole a piece of Albus 's toast.

"Nothing,"Albus said abruptly.

James looked at him warily,"Hmm, well, we 're going to go sport Quidditch. You want to learn ?"

Rose looked at Albus."Um, no, me and rose have, er, prep to do."

James laughed."There 's plenty of clock time left to do homework. Oh, well, courtship yourself."Jame shoved the survive bit of his toast into his mouth and he, Cedric, and Ben went outside.

"That was fold,"Rose whispered,"We ca n't let anyone obtain out. Are you ready ?"

"Yeah,"Albus said as he got up from the board. rose got up, too, and Albus followed her to the chamber she stayed in. They went inside and rose wine closed the threshold quietly. She went over to her trunk, pulled out a few heavy books, and dumped them on her bed.

"If anyone flare-up in and asks us what we 're doing, we say it 's homework,"rosebush told Albus. She picked up a Good Book and handed it to him."Here you go. Just look through it and read anything you find about werewolves."

Albus took the book and looked at it. It was entitled Bodoni font Magical therapeutic. He opened it to the index and looked for 'werewolf', but it was n't there. However, 'wolfsbane'was. There was a whole chapter on it. Albus turned to the chapter and briefly leafed through it. It was long and the print was very small. It was not the form of reading Albus would normally do, but his curiosity about matt 's condition triumphed over his disfavour of deadening indication. Albus and Rose read for close to two hours. In the time it took Albus to scan about the wolfsbane potion, Rose had gone through two of the other books.

"well, what did you find ?"Rose asked once Albus had finished his chapter. She looked a bit pale and kind of scared.

"Loads, how about you ?"Albus told her,"Are you okay ?"

"Yeah, I guess,"Rose whispered,"It 's just, the early Scripture I 've read did n't really go over what it 's like to transform. These did. Oh, Albus, it sounds horrible ! Really dreadful ! And irritating. I just finger so bad for Matt, if that is what 's going on. Apparently, when a werewolf is in wildcat form, they must bite other fauna or multitude. They 're not in their human mind, they do n't sleep with what they 're doing ! And if there 's no other animals or hoi polloi to bite, they bite themselves. That must be where flatness got all those undercut and bruises from. He 's doing it to himself."

Albus stared at her with his oral cavity open,"That 's frightful ! There 's got to be something somebody could do ! therapist or somebody must know a curative or something."

"There 's not. There 's no cure for lycanthropy. Just the Aconitum lycoctonum potion,"Rose told him.

"Oh, yeah,"Albus had momentarily forgotten what he had been reading about,"The Aconitum lycoctonum potion does work. If a lycanthrope takes it every night a few nighttime prior to transformation, they will transform, but will be harmless to themselves and former people. It 's really complicated to make, but apparently it makes the transformations loads better."

"But why does n't flatness engage it then ?"Rose wondered.

"I dunno. I guess the only way we 'd find out is to ask him,"Albus told her.

"So you believe me, then ? You 're convinced he 's a loup-garou ?"rosebush asked.

"You know, I think so. I guess I 'm still not positive, but I 'm as convinced as I could be without him actually telling me."

rosiness got up from the bed."I guess we 've learned everything we can from these books. I 'll swipe them back early tomorrow morning."She picked up all the al-Qur'an and put them back into her trunk.

"I think I 'll go see what everyone else is up to,"Albus got up from the base and opened the room access,"You coming ?"

"Yeah, sure,"rosebush followed Albus out the door.

The full cousin walked down the step from rosiness 's room. The house was very quiet. Most of their cousins were out-of-door playing Quidditch or in their elbow room enjoying their present. Since two of the families had already left, it was quite a bit calmer. As Albus and pink wine strode past the kitchen, Albus stopped short. Rose bumped into him.

"Ouch !"she screeched as she bumped her head on his back.

"Shush !"Albus whispered as he pressed his head to the door of the kitchen,"I heard soul say my name."

rose wine leaned her head against the door as well and the two of them tried to listen for a bit or so."It 's no use ! They 're whispering. I ca n't get wind anything."

"Me neither, but I swear one of them mentioned me !"Albus listened again,"I 'm reasonably sure it 's my mum and dad, and your dad as well."

The front door banged open and James IV, Cedric, Ben, and Bradley stormed in, dropping their Scots heather on the level."It 's bloody freezing out there !"James shouted as he tore off his gloves and scarf joint.

"And someone 's locked the kitchen door !"Cedric added, as he pulled off his frozen hat.

"Shush !"Albus shouted back.

"What ?"James River asked as he came rushing over, followed by Cedric, Ben, and Bradley.

"The kitchen 's locked because some of the adults are in there talking about me !"Albus whispered back.

"Really ?"William James looked at him curiously,"What about ?"

"I dunno !"Albus whispered back,"I ca n't hear them, they 're being genuine quiet."

James thought for a present moment, and then a smiling appeared on his font."fourth dimension to break out one of my Christmas presents."

"That 's rightfield !"Albus said excitedly,"You got extendable capitulum for Yule !"

"Yep, sure did I 'll go get them !"James announced, and then he ran upstairs. He appeared a moment later holding a blue box with a large ear pictured on it."Here they are."Saint James tore open the packaging and pulled out seven sarcoid tubes. He handed one to everybody and stowed the additional in his pocket.

Albus hastily pushed one end of the Extendable Ear into his own ear and sent the other end to the bottom of the door. Albus had used Extendables once before, when his full cousin Gabriella had bought some at Hogsmeade and let Albus try them out. That was two years ago, and he had n't heard anything interesting. Gabriella had bought them in order to hear in on Victoire 's conversations with her Quaker who had stayed for Christmas break. Victoire only talked about how a lot she liked teddy, and Albus found that rather boring. This time, however, Albus was certainly he 'd hear more concern conversations.

"I 'm really not sure I should separate them,"Albus heard his dad say.

"I know,"his mother responded back,"If individual invading thieir idea, it 's best they did not know right now."

"I mean, I had n't really thought about when I was going to severalize them,"Harry responded,"I guess I was planning on doing it when they were much older. I worry about what they would do with the information. Epistle of James especially."

James turned away from the door and looked at Albus."They 're talking about me, too !"

"I know, shush !"Albus said as he turned his tending back to the conversation in the kitchen.

"I honestly would only commit Rose with the information, Harry,"Ginny told her husband.

This metre it was rosiness 's turn to look at Albus."Me, too ! But whatever it is, they trust me."rose could n't help but grin as she turned back to the door.

"I do n't need her to know, given the current circumstances,"Ron said.

"Me neither,"Hermione agreed.

"I know, but it seems as if whoever 's doing it is focusing on James II and Albus,"Harry informed them."I was always mistrustful about telling them, but especially now ..."

"Harry, we did n't even evidence my brothers,"Ron said,"Why are you worrying about telling the kids ?"

"Part of me wants them to understand what we think is going on,"Harry went on,"But the other parting of me does n't desire them to know."

"I 'm siding with that share of you,"Ginny said,"We should n't narrate them."

"Ever ?"Hermione asked tentatively,"I do intend they should be trusted with that entropy at some point."

"I agree, Hermione,"Harry told her,"But not now. I guess I 'd just been waiting for the opportunity to present itself, have n't really thought about when I 'd tell them. I suppose the secure affair to do would be to await until they 're out of school, they 'll be more mature and there 'll be lupus erythematosus of a chance of it leaking out."

"That sounds reasonable, Harry,"Ginny agreed,"Someday, we 'll tell them about the Hallows. But right now I think we need to talk about what 's been going on with-"

"James, Omar Bradley, Cedric, Benedict, rosebush, and Albus, what on dry land are you doing ? !"a livid spokesperson caused Albus to dribble his extendable Ear and he was not able to hear what his mum had been about to say.

Molly Weasley ran over to the five first cousin, a looking at of rage on her face."Have you been listening in on that conversation ? Obviously you have ! You have no rightfulness ! Your parents wanted to be alone ! And give me those !"

Albus, James, and their full cousin did not even think about not listening to their nan and handed over their pinna at once."And the other one ?"She eyed William James 's pocket. Albus glanced at it and noticed the little bit of frame sticking out of it. James sulkily pulled it out and handed it to her.

"I 'll be having a word with your Uncle George ! He 's favourable he 's not here right now. He should n't be giving you those for Christmastime, honestly, the face of him ..."Molly stormed over to her desk and grabbed a piece of parchment and a flight feather and started writing while she mumbled to herself. Albus knew she was going to send a wow to her son.

The commotion outside the kitchen caused Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione to cease their conversation and come out to see what the hurly burly was about. Once Albus heard the doorway start to open, he made a mad dash for the stairs, and the thundering behind him told him his brother and cousins did the same.

Albus did n't stop running until he made it to rose wine 's elbow room, and once James IV and their cousin-german were inside, he slammed the doorway shut.

"What was that all about ?"Albus asked as he sat down on one of the beds.

"I dunno,"James responded,"They obviously know something we do n't and they do n't want to say us about it. But what did they mean by they did n't want me to make love about it especially ?"James stomped back and forth across the floor, obviously mad that his parents would n't trust him with something.

"Well, that 's not the only reason they 're keeping it from us !"Rose argued,"They said they trust me, but still wo n't narrate me."

"moldiness be something really closelipped because only your parents know about it,"Ben reasoned."I suppose Bradley, Cedric, and I wo n't ever receive out."

"Yeah, you will !"James IV insisted as he threw himself onto a bed,"Once I find out, I 'll tell you !"

"Henry James !"Rose shouted,"That must be why they wo n't tell you right now ! They do n't want anybody to know. If it 's something so close that they wo n't even narrate any of our uncles, then they must not want a whole lot of people to know."

"But what would my parents, Aunt Hermione, and Uncle Ron know that none of the early aunty and uncles know about ?"Albus asked Rose.

"I dunno,"Rose answered. The five of them sat in silence for a few minutes, trying to suppose of what this could be.

"You do n't think ..."James started,"... that maybe it has something to do with the war ?"

Albus looked at him,"But Dad said he told us all about the war."

"It makes common sense, Albus,"rosebush told him,"What else besides the war do my parents and your parents have, but none of our aunt and uncles do ?"

"But my parents were involved in the war !"Cedric insisted.

"I know they were,"King James said as he got up from the bed again and started pacing,"But my dad and rose 's parents were a lot more involved. They destroyed most of the horcruxes and they were off by themselves for almost a year doing it."

"True,"Cedric agreed.

"Whatever it is, they 're keeping something from us,"St. James the Apostle told everyone as he pounded his fist on the night stall,"And I do n't like it. Especially since Dad said he told us everything."

"Anyone grab what they were talking about ?"Tom Bradley asked.

"Yeah,"Albus responded,"Hallows. Whatever they are."

"Never heard of them,"James said.

"Me neither,"Cedric said. Tom Bradley and Ben shook their school principal. Albus looked expectantly at rose. Whenever someone else did n't cognize about something, pink wine always knew.

"I 've never heard anything about them either, Albus, I 'm good-for-naught,"rose sighed,"But once we 're back in shoal, we can look in the library."

"I guess,"Albus said, looking down at his human foot. He did not like the estimation of his parents keeping something from him. It made him sense betrayed. Harry had always told Albus that he told him everything about the war. But if these Hallows had anything to do with the war, like James suspected they did, then Harry and Ginny were keeping something from them. What were the Hallows ? And why were his parents so intent about not letting him know about them ? Why did they opine he was n't trustworthy enough to have intercourse about them ?

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A/N : Sorry for the wait ! I have been on vacation, so have n't been able to update. Hopefully, I 'll get my Weasley family tree up with the next chapter.
Thanks as usual to Rain is LIquid Moonlight, my other babe, and my crony. Also thanks to inkheart, Ashley, Black fire, and e.jones for their reappraisal !

Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter.

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Chapter 15 : Occlumency and Potions

By the time Albus woke up the next first light, his Uncle Percy, aunty Corrine, and their kids had already left. Albus had not slept very well. Although he had n't had any nightmares, Albus could n't stop thinking about what his parents were keeping from him, and the thought had kept him tossing and turning almost the whole nighttime. Once he fell asleep, he slept until it was nearly one o'clock in the afternoon. He never even had the chance to say so long to his aunt, uncle and full cousin. However, he did n't have long to harp on it because shortly after he had gotten dressed, James burst into the room.

"Good, you 're up,"James greeted him, as he sat down on one of the fathom bunks.

"Yeah, I 'm up,"Albus yawned,"Just got up, could n't log Z's well last night."

"Me, neither, but Cedric woke me up before he left. Tried to get you up, but you were out like a log."

"Well, what 's been going on ? Do Mum and Dad know that we listened to them ?"Albus asked.

"They do. nan told them. I 'm never getting those Extendables back,"James groaned."But I do n't remember they 're too bothered by it."

"Well, that 's just,"Albus told him,"punter they do n't know that we 're trying to get out what they 're keeping from us."

"Definitely. Oh, but they do want to verbalize to us in a few minutes,"James I informed Albus,"They sent me up here to inflame you up."

"You do n't guess they want to cry at us about listening in, do you ?"Albus asked nervously.

"No, I do n't reckon that 's what it 's about. They just want to talk to us. Not Rose,"James answered.

"That 's odd. What else could they need ?"Albus wondered.

"Dunno,"St. James glanced at his picket."Well, we 'd better go. They 're waiting in the kitchen."

Albus followed James slowly down the stairs. He had no idea what this could be about. For a second, he thought that maybe his parents were going to tell them about whatever 'Hallows'were, but he knew that could n't be it. They had seemed so adamant about not telling James, Albus, or Rose about them.

Albus made his way into the kitchen after James. His parents were in there, along with Uncle Ron and auntie Hermione. Harry gestured for them to sit down. Albus sat down in one of the chairs and James River sat next to him, neither of them saying a word. Harry went over to the door, closed it, and pointed his baton at it while muttering a tour. Albus figured it was some variety of turn that rendered Extendable auricle useless.

"beginning,"Harry told his sons, as he walked over and stood following to Ron,"I want to distinguish you that I 'm not punishing you for what you did yesterday. Both of you look like you 're sitting in a detention."

Albus smiled a small, but St. James did not move.

"I would possess done the same thing if I were you,"Harry grinned and continued,"wellspring, let me rephrase that. I have done the same matter you did. plenty of meter. Right after your uncles Fred and George II invented extendible Ears. ``

Harry started pacing around the kitchen. Albus had noticed that his male parent did this whenever he was thinking about something serious. It was the Saame form of pacing that James had done the previous day.

"However, what I do want to spill the beans to you about is a serious matter,"Harry lowered his voice,"It 's about what 's been going on in the school."

Albus looked at St. James. Neither of them really knew what their dad was getting on about.

"James I, when you were in detention a few weeks ago and you said your head felt funny. Madam Pomfrey had the suspicion that someone was using Legilimency against you. I think she was right. well, I 'm sure enough she was right. The way you described it is just like how it feels,"Harry told his son,"James, individual is trying to invade your mind."

James looked shocked. Albus noticed he was a bit paler than usual. He looked very much the same as he did in the twenty-four hours following that detainment. Albus guessed that the days at the Burrow had made James forget about that tremendous experience.

"Albus, about that dream-"Harry started, but was cut off.

"You said it did n't mean anything !"Albus reminded his dad.

"I thought that it did n't, until I started having the same one,"Harry informed them,"I talked to your Uncle Ron about it and we both agree that they 're not normal dreams. mortal is using Legilimency on us as well."

Albus felt the line drain from his boldness and he was sure he looked as blanch as St. James the Apostle did."But who 's doing it ?"he whispered.

"I honestly do n't experience, Al,"Harry softened his voice and sat down next to his son."But your Uncle Ron and I are trying very hard to find out who it is."

"Why does individual want to learn our mind ?"Albus asked his dad.

"I, have a few ideas,"Harry answered slowly,"But I 'm afraid I ca n't assure you just yet."

Albus nodded. It was strange that his dad could n't just solve this problem. During Albus 's vernal childhood years, Harry had always been able to fix everything for him. Broken toys, nestling injuries, his dad was always there to puzzle out the problems. But this meter, Harry could n't just flourish his wand and reach it better.

Harry drew Albus into his arms."Now, Al, I do need to know if you 've had anymore of those incubus since that first one."

"Yeah, I have. I get them a few clip a week."

"Always the same one ?"Harry asked.

"Yes."

"And have you had any while you 've been at the tunnel ?"

Albus thought for a moment."You know, I have n't. I had n't really thought about it, but I have n't had any since I left Hogwarts."

Harry glanced at Ron and got up from the chair."I think that 's all I need to know about the dreams for now. But if they start changing at all, you 've got to let me lie with right away. Just ask one of the portraiture in the common elbow room to find me. Do n't pass on the common room to state me, it 's very crucial that you do not wander around at night."

Harry started pacing again and he turned to cheek King James I."Are you ok ? I know it 's a scary intellection, that soul 's invading your mind. But I will find out who 's doing it. I do n't desire you to care about it too much."

James just nodded, apparently still unable to speak.

"Good. Now, it 's obviously very disturbing that somebody is trying to see our thought and memories. Ron and I, as well as a few early Aurors are working to reckon out who it is and why they 're doing it, so we can bar them. But for now, you two have to ascertain how to protect yourselves.

"Ron and I have decided that you should begin to pick up Occlumency. I know you both already know what that is, but neither of you have had any preparation in the subject. If you 're able to teach it properly, then no one will be able to read your thoughts."

"Are you going to learn us, Dad ?"James spoke for the offset time since he entered the room.

"No, I ca n't,"Harry told him,"I 'm not a very good Occlumens and am having a hard enough time trying to close my own mind, let alone trying to teach you two."

"Then who 's going to teach us ?"James River asked, with a distressed looking at on his face. He and Albus looked at each other. Harry had told them the stories of when Professor Snape had tried to teach him Occlumency in his 5th twelvemonth.

"Do n't worry,"Harry reassured them, seeing the looks on their faces,"I know from experience that in fiat to learn Occlumency properly, it 's much better if you trust your instructor. That 's why your auntie Hermione will be teaching you."

Albus breathed a sigh of stand-in. Although his Aunt Hermione was strict, he knew she would be able to teach him well. There was hardly an aspect of conjuration that she did not do well.

"I 'll be coming to Hogwarts two nights a calendar week until you are both up to of protecting your minds from trespasser,"Hermione informed them.

Saint James the Apostle opened his oral fissure and was about to speak when Hermione cut him off."Not to worry, James, it wo n't interfere with Quidditch pattern ! I know Quidditch is the most important thing in this family."She glared at Harry and Ron, who both grinned sheepishly.

"I 'll air an owl to the school once the first example is set up, telling you which classroom it will be in. We still need to run this by the schoolmaster, but I 'm sure he will not mind,"Hermione informed them.

"Well, I think that 's it, boys,"Harry strode back over to James IV and Albus and gave them each a hug."I do n't want you to worry about this too much. Your Uncle Ron and I have thing under ascendancy. Just concentrate on learning Occlumency. Try to keep your safety up, as well. Constant vigilance, as Mad-Eye would have got said. I 've got to run into the Auror part for a few hours, but I 'll be back before dinner."

When Harry opened the doorway to the kitchen, rose wine fell into the room. She had been leaning on the door, trying to listen in. She stood up, blushing furiously and ran out of the way and up the stairs. King James I and Albus burst out laughing and ran out of the room after her. They found her up in her room.

"So, what was that about ?"she asked eagerly, once Albus had shut the door behind him and James."Any hazard they told you what they 're trying to keep from us ?"

"No,"James said bitterly, it was obvious to Albus that he was still mad about that.

"fountainhead, what was it then ?"Rose pushed.

"Remember that custody that me, James, lustrelessness, and John had to do with Washburn ? The one where we cleaned the hourglasses in the entryway Charles Francis Hall ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah,"rosiness said warily.

"Well, someone tried to read James 's mind during it. And someone 's been trying to take my idea and Dad 's while we 're sleeping, too. I 've been having weird dreams ever since school started, and apparently they mean someone 's using Legilimency on me."

blush wine stared at him, then she glanced at Epistle of James, who had sat down on Rose 's bed."You 're serious ?"

"Yep,"Epistle of James confirmed,"And Dad wants me and Albus to pick up Occlumency to try and stop over them. I get the belief something 's happening. I 'm not sure what, but all the adults seemed a bit upset when they were telling us this. Dad does n't know who 's doing it or why. Well, he has an idea why, but he wo n't secern us. Figures."James punched one of the pillows."I guess I 'm not trustworthy."

"Who 's teaching you ?"Rose asked.

"Your mum,"Albus answered."She 's coming to the castle two nights a week as soon as everything 's straightened out with Professor Kendrick."

"Well, that 's just, then. I hope you two are good at Occlumency,"rose said,"But do you two get the feeling this whole mind reading affair might feature something to do with what they 're keeping from us ?"

"Seems likely,"Albus agreed.

James nodded."We 've got to cipher out what they 're keeping from us. We 'll take up once we 're back at school. And I do n't suppose we should tell anyone what we 're doing, since Dad 's educational activity there. I do n't think he 'd be too glad if he found out what we 're up to."

"I suppose you 're right,"Rose responded.

"Yeah,"Albus said. He did n't like the thought of keeping something this big from toilet, Matt, and Amanda, but he could see James IV 's point. Their male parent did n't want them to know about whatever this is, and if he found out they were looking, it would progress to it harder to discover the secret.

"James !"a voice shouted from downstairs,"Come help with dinner, please ! I 've got Ben cutting up veg and you can help him !"

James II got up and went over to the door,"Aw, Mum ! Why ca n't Teddy do it ? He can do it by illusion and it 'd go faster !"

"Teddy 's helping Victoire study ! Now get down here, please !"Ginny screamed back.

James snorted and looked at Albus and rose wine, who were giggling. They were sure that shimmy and Victoire were not studying, but were in fact hiding away somewhere, snogging.

"Epistle of James !"his mother shrieked.

Saint James the Apostle stomped out of the elbow room and down the stairs, muttering something about Muggle cooking.

Rose got up from the bed and shut the door behind James I. She turned back to Albus."Ok, we 've got to ask Uncle account what he knows about wolfman tonight after dinner."

"Yeah, we should. He 's leaving tomorrow. Do you really cogitate he knows something that we have n't already scan in the books ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm not certainly. But what I want to know is why someone would n't submit the Wolfsbane potion or why it would n't act upon,"Rose told Albus as she sat down following to him.

"good idea. The Bible I read did n't mention anything like that. But if Matt 's a werewolf, then he 's definitely not taking that potion every month."

"Or it 's not working for him,"Rose suggested.

"Yeah, that too. But what are we going to tell Uncle bill when he asks why we want to know about the Wolfsbane potion ?"

"I 've got it taken care of,"Rose told him,"I 'll tell him that Professor Slughorn gave us extra quotation to enquiry an advanced potion. And we 'll say that Slughorn let us do it in grouping of two and you 're my partner."

"Wow ! That 's near mentation, rose wine,"Albus said excitedly,"I 'd never be able-bodied to come up with that."

"It just came to me last dark. I knew we 'd need an excuse because we do n't learn about werewolves until tierce year."

"pink wine ! Albus ! I need your help for dinner, please !"Ginny screamed up the stairs.

"Alright, Mum !"Albus answered,"We 'll be right there !"He and Rose went downstairs, where they were immediately put to exploit slicing bread.

*****

Supper was belatedly that night, and not nearly as pleasurable as Christmas supper. Everyone wanted to hold back until Harry returned from the Auror position to eat, and he did not get back until nearly eight o'clock. Once Harry walked in the door, everyone sat down and started eating.

"I 've got some bad word,"Harry announced as he poured some butterbeer for himself. Everyone stopped eating and looked at him."Someone was found dead this morning in their house. Jasmine Lomski. She worked in the Magical Law Enforcement Office. Avada Kedavra was the reason of death. It 's looking very suspicious. I 've got someone investigating, but so far aught 's been found."

"Lomski ?"Ben asked, his face was white. He was looking at James, whose human face was equally pale."There 's a girl in our form, a Ravenclaw, Rachael Lomski. Are they related ?"

Harry nodded,"Yes, that 's her female parent. Jasmine 's married man, Connor, was taking Rachael and the other nipper to see their grandparents for Yuletide, so they were not home at the time. Jasmine did not go with them because she had to solve tomorrow.

"But I want everyone to know that the early Aurors and I are doing all we can to find out who did this, and who killed Professor Torro, and hopefully we 'll be able to arrest whoever did it soon."

"You think the two execution are related, then ?"Arthur asked.

"I really ca n't be sure yet, but I do accept a opinion they are,"Harry answered.

The rest of the meal was spent discussing the suspicious killings, and no one really had practically of an appetency anymore. Victor Hugo and Lily did not pay much attention to the conversation, and after they finished eating they ran off to act as with their Christmas presents. Albus mostly pushed his food around his crustal plate. He could n't serve but question if the mystical killings had something to do with his strange ambition. Saint James the Apostle seemed to be worried, as well. He was also not eating, and his typeface had not regained any color since their dad 's announcement. Ben and Rose were n't eating either, although they looked less worry than James did. chemise, Victoire and Gabriella spent much of the meal whispering to each former with worried look on their faces.

After everyone had eaten whatever they could, Bill excused himself to the kitchen to get a cup of tea. Rose glanced at Albus and they both got up and followed him.

"Um, Uncle Bill ?"Rose asked tentatively,"I was wondering if Albus and I could babble out to you, er, in buck private ?"

"Sure ..."Bill answered warily, he was obviously wondering what they were up to."Let 's go into your grandpa 's study."

Grandpa Weasley 's study was always an interesting place to visit. It was filled with all sorts of muggle device that were in various states of disrepair. When Albus walked into the room, the first gear thing he noticed was the break off reckoner sitting on the desk. That had been a acquaint from Albus 's aunt Hermione. Hermione 's parents had recently gotten a new data processor and Hermione was able to get their old one to yield to Arthur. He had been thrilled and had spent much of the holiday taking it apart.

"So, what can I help you with, Rose ?"Bill asked.

"wellspring, um, I was wondering if you knew anything about the Wolfsbane potion,"rosiness told him.

account spat out the mouthful of tea that was in his mouth."wolfsbane potion ? Well, I do know a bit about that. But why do you demand to know about it ?"

"We 're doing an spear carrier credit essay for Slughorn on elevate potions. We picked the Aconitum lycoctonum potion. Now, we 've learned a bit about it from Word, but I 've got a few other questions,"blush wine said.

"Sure, go ahead and ask,"bank note sat down in Arthur 's chair and put his invertebrate foot up on the desk.

Rose and Albus sat down in two former chairs."I guess I was wondering if there 's ever been a case where the Wolfsbane potion has n't worked ?"Rose asked.

"It 's rare,"Bill told them,"But not unheard of. There have been a few the great unwashed that the potion has n't worked on. It 's heavily to have a go at it for sure how many because there are n't a completely lot of werewolves to begin with anyway. And many do not report how the potion works for them."

"Ok,"pink wine said, while she pretended to subscribe notes on a composition of parchment,"Why would n't it work ? Or why would n't soul choose it ?"

"A few wolfman have been allergic to the potion, or to one of the ingredients in it, so that 's why it does n't work for some. And they 'd obviously stop taking it if that happened. There 's also a fairly new study about the affects of emotions on the potion. A few people have reported that the potion does not always body of work well, depending on what kind of mood the someone is at the metre of transformation. Which makes sentience, since the nature of the transformation depends on emotions as well. Then there 's a second discipline that 's trying to figure out why the potion just does n't work. There are a few lycanthrope where it has no effect whatsoever. As far as why someone would n't take it, it 's a very unmanageable potion to make. Not many masses are able to make it. Because of that, it 's hard to hold it."

"Oh,"pink wine looked up from her parchment,"I think that 's all I need to be intimate for now. I 've gotten loads of information from Quran. Albus and I should be able to save the report now."

Bill got up from his chair,"Good. Glad I could help."He walked quickly out the door, Albus guessed he wanted to get back to the discussion about Jasmine Lomski 's murder.

Albus and Rose left the way and went back up to Rose 's chamber."wellspring, what do you think ?"rosebush asked Albus.

"I dunno. Maybe he 's not able to get the potion ?"

"Or he 's allergic to it,"Rose suggested.

"But what about that entirely emotions affecting the potion thing ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm not certain. Do you think back what Matt 's been like every clip he 's gotten sick ?"

"No. I mean, usually he 's tired, but that 's not really emotion. I 'd assume he 's unquiet about it, but I bet all werewolves are nervous about transforming."

"Probably. I guess we 're just going to have to keep watching him,"rosebush told Albus.

"I suppose. I wish he 'd just recount us."

"He 's probably afraid to. Afraid we wo n't be acquaintance with him anymore,"pink wine said in a pained voice.

"Well, that 's not admittedly ! We 'd never abandon him like that !"

"I know, Albus,"blush wine sighed,"I just wish there was a way to let him know that."

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Weasley-Potter Family Tree
Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( beldam ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 7th year Stanley, 6th twelvemonth Georgia, 5th yr
Gabriella, 5th year heather, 4th year Omar Nelson Bradley, 3rd year
Ben, 2nd year mug, 3rd year Cedric, 2nd twelvemonth
Eddie, 5 geezerhood old Samantha & lindy ( Twin Falls ), 6 yr old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 4th year rosebush, 1st year James, 2nd year
Angie, 8 years old Hugo, 9 years old Albus, 1st year
Lily, 9 years old
*all in Gryffindor*

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A/N : I hope you liked it ! My Weaslye-Potter family tree is above. I hope it helps clear up any mental confusion. I put Ron & Ginny in there even though I do n't own their shaver. I thought it would be more complete that way. Any similarities between the above ( besides Ron & Ginny 's mob, obviously ) are merely a coincidence.

Thanks as always to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my other babe, and my crony. Thanks to inkheart for their review. Please read & review !

Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter. Nor do I own Nintendo, the Nintendo DS, or Animal Crossing.

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Before Albus knew it, the Christmastide holiday was over. The remainder of the interruption was not nearly as eventful as the firstly few days. The day after Harry came household with the newsworthiness of Jasmine Lomski 's Death, circular, Fleur, Ron, Hermione, and the relief of Albus 's cousins left to chit-chat other kinsperson. life-time at the burrow became very much calmer. James and Albus spent much of their clock time playing Quidditch exterior. Harry had let Albus use his broomstick. James was able to help Albus exercise his science as a Chaser, and seemed pretty confident by the end of the vacation that Albus would get the team next year. Whenever chemise was n't working at Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, he visited and played Quidditch with James I and Albus. Lily often hung around while the games were taking place and would beg the boys to let her cause a go on one of the broom. Occasionally, one of them would take pity on her and lend her their broom. Eventually, James River and Albus realized that they had neglected their preparation long enough and had to expend the whole concluding day of intermission working on it. It took them much recollective than usual, as they did not give birth rose there to help.

Harry spent much of the hold up few Day of break pop in and out of the Auror agency. He left early in the day and came back late in the evening. He always came home looking tired, and Albus could tell that the investigating was not going well. His mum, grandma, and grandpa, seemed worried as well, although they tried not to mention inside information in forepart of the youngster. James and Albus had tried repeatedly to listen in on their conversations, but Molly was much more insomniac of them ever since she caught them using extendable pinna. She had a hard time keeping Teddy out of the conversations, though, because he was of age and out of school. However, Molly prevented Teddy from giving any information to James or Albus.

On his way back to Hogwarts, Albus found himself wandering down the corridor in the Hogwarts Express with Rose, yet again looking for a compartment. Only this time, he was in search of a specific one, the one that toilet, Matt, and Amanda were in.

About halfway down the train, Albus and rose wine spotted their friends in one of the compartments. There was another missy in it, too. Albus recognized her as flatness 's older sister, Amy.

"Hi !"Albus grinned at his friends as he entered the compartment and sat down succeeding to John.

"Hi,"everyone greeted him and Rose.

"So, how was everyone 's holiday ?"Rose asked.

"Great !"John smiled widely,"Got a secure lading of present. All my relatives were there at some point or another. Saved all my homework for yesterday, but somehow managed to get it done."

"Mine was decent, too,"Amanda answered, as she reached into her bag,"But I 've got to show you guys something."She pulled out a minor, rectangular target and opened it to reveal two screens, one above the other.

"What the bloody Hades is that ?"lavatory asked, gaping at it.

"It 's called a Nintendo DS,"Amanda answered,"I got it for Hannukah. It 's something you play video games on."

"Oh, I 've heard of video games,"Saint John the Apostle said,"But I 've never seen one before. Do you give any game for it ?"

"I 've got a few,"Amanda told him,"My favorite is creature hybridisation. You get to earn your own Town and creature are your neighbour. I 've named my townspeople Hogsmeade."

"Awesome,"lustrelessness smiled. `` I got one of those a spell ago. ``

"I hate to severalise you, but that 's not going to work at Hogwarts,"Rose announced.

"Why not ?"john looked at her like she was crazy.

"Too a lot magic around. Makes electronics not work on right,"Rose explained,"It 's in Hogwarts, A History."

"Oh,"Amanda 's smile faded as she put her DS away,"I guess I 'll just give to play it at home over the summer. My parents thought I would care it and it 's pretty fun. They were n't really sure what to get me. They could n't get me anything to do with magic. It was quite foreign, really, not being able to talk a good deal about conjuring trick during break.."

"And how was your vacation, matt ?"rose wine asked.

Albus turned to look at Matt. He was just now noticing how timeworn he looked. He also had some nasty looking partially healed cuts all over his face and arms. His coat of arms were bruised as well, and he looked like he was about ready to decrease asleep. Albus and Rose exchanged glances, but did n't say anything.

"It stunk,"Matt said flatly. He looked at his sister, who gave him a look.

"Why ?"John asked.

"well, I told you how I hate going to Commonwealth of Australia. We spent the unharmed break there, at my grandparents house. They 're so formal, I could n't do anything fun."

"How 'd you get all those cuts ?"trick wondered, as he stared at a particularly nasty cut on matt 's forearm.

Matt shifted his eye and once again looked at Amy, who nodded her psyche."I fell out of a tree."

"What ? !"can exclaimed,"How 'd you manage that ?"

"wellspring, you know how fumbling I am. And I was outside, trying to have some fun, because my grandparents wo n't let me do anything in the house. I was up pretty gamey and I slipped. I fell all the way to the ground, hitting every branch as I went. Got knocked out halfway down. My grandma heard the randomness and ran outside and found me unconscious on the ground. She freaked out, saying this is why I needed to stay inside and do homework all day,"Matt informed them. Everyone was staring at him, unable to reckon of something to say."Anyway, my mum and dad came rushing out, and I wound up spending a few days in the hospital down there."

"Whoa,"Amanda whispered,"I 'm glad you 're all right. That 's shuddery, though."

"Yeah,"John the Divine agreed,"Is that why you 're so trite ?"

"Nope, that 's the jet lag,"lusterlessness answered.

"The what ?"

"Jet lag,"lusterlessness repeated,"It 's what you get when you fly to dissimilar time zones. Your sleep gets all messed up."

"You flew to Commonwealth of Australia ?"Albus looked amazed,"Blimey ! That 's a long clip to be on a broom."

flatness laughed,"Oh, no ! We flew in an airplane."

"Wow !"lav looked impressed,"But why did n't you just Apparate or something ? Or Flooed ?"

"The Australian Ministry does n't allow out of rural area Apparition,"Amy said, speaking for the low gear metre."And our grandparents are Muggles, so we could n't Floo."

"That 's pretty awesome,"Rose told Matt,"My grandpa loves all affair to do with Muggles. One of his spirit 's aspiration is to find out how plane stay up."

Everyone laughed. The compartment door opened and Victoire walked in."Hi, Amy ! I 've been looking for you."

"Hey,"Amy greeted her,"Want to stick her with us ?"

"Sure,"Victoire sat down next to Amy. She glanced at lusterlessness, who was leaning up against the window."Is your blood brother ok ?"

"Yeah, he 's fine. He just fell out of a tree over break and spent a few days in the hospital. That and the jet lag are why he 's so tired,"Amy said quickly.

At that present moment, the compartment door opened again to reveal the person Albus wanted to see the least. A smug looking Quinton Willinson walked in and and shut the room access behind him.

"Something you want, Willinson ?"Victoire stood up and stared at him.

"Oh, just a password with your cousin,"Willinson glared at Albus,"Mind if we speak in private ?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do,"Victoire growled,"Whatever it is, you can say it here, in front line of all of us."

"Fine,"Willinson turned to Albus,"Just thought I 'd let you know that you 'd better watch yourself, Potty."

Victoire stepped between Albus and Willinson."And why is that ?"

"Oh, you did n't get it on ?"Willinson smiled at her,"babe chamberpot here put that Exploding Eclair on my plate at Slughorn 's company. Him and his fiddling posse here."

"How d'you human body that ?"Victoire continued to stare at him.

"I just know,"he answered,"So, you 'd better watch out, Potty and friends."

Amy got up and stood next to Victoire."Is that a terror, Willinson ? Because anyone who does anything to my little comrade regrets it."

"Oh, maybe it 's a threat, maybe it 's not,"Willinson sneered at her,"But I would n't worry too lots about your babe chum. Looks like he 's got sufficiency damage already. Looks like he 's been hit by a truck."

In a span of five seconds, Amy had whipped out her wand and had Willinson pinned against the wall, holding her verge to his typeface."Do not tinct matt, or you will ascertain to repent it. You understand ? Do not do anything to him. I will find out, and you will wish you 'd never even talked to him. Get it ?"Amy let him go, but did not put her wand away.

"You would n't try anything with the Head Girl here,"Willinson gestured to Victoire, as he pulled out his own wand.

"This Head Girl does not care what Amy does to anyone, if they do anything to her house. And, I can add that if you do anything to my crime syndicate, you 'll regret it as well,"Victoire pulled out her own wand and pointed it at Willinson,"Now I suggest you get out, before we 're forced to hex you."

Willinson, realizing licking, scowled and put his sceptre away. He opened the compartment door and with one last glower at Albus, he left.

"Wow,"Albus muttered, gazing at Victoire and Amy,"I 've never seen him back down before."

"When you 've spent almost seven years in the same castle as him, you learn that he only does something when he has the upper mitt. He 'd never try anything when there are a match people up against him. Especially people who are sound witches and thaumaturgist than he is. He 's really quite stupe, honestly. He brags, but I do n't recollect he 'd win a duel against anyone above third gear twelvemonth,"Victoire told them.

"Every twelvemonth, he picks a new first-class honours degree class to torment. We 've never been able to figure out why he picks the one he does. Usually it 's the smallest or most frightened one. I 've got no idea why he 's picked you, Albus,"Victoire continued,"He was picked on a lot when he was a first year. Ever since then, he 's done the Sami matter to early first age. It 's pretty low, if you ask me. If he 's got to torment someone, he ought to do it to someone closer to his age.

"It 's because he ca n't win a duel with someone his own age. If he tried anything with anyone in our class, he 'd be hexed so much you could n't recognize him. But anyway, I would not put it past him to try something on you, Albus. Just get trusted you 're never alone in the corridors and you 'll be delicately. He wo n't try anything where there 'd be attestant or mortal to blockade him."

Amy nodded in understanding,"Same with you, flatness,"she looked at her brother, but he 'd fallen asleep."And probably the rest of you, too."

Albus nodded,"Who 'd he foot on last class ?"

"James,"Victoire said,"But after James pulled a few pranks on him, he gave up. It was quite fishy, really. He tried picking on Ben after that, but I stopped him."

"How ?"Rose asked.

"He 's got this weird crush on me. Has ever since endorsement year. But I 'd never go out with him, of trend. He 's such a git. Actually asked me to go to Hogsmeade our thirdly year,"Victoire laughed,"But boy was he mad when I started going out with shift. Still has n't given up. Somehow he thinks that with chemise out of the rook, I 'll decide to go out with him."

"It 's the Veela pedigree,"Amy told them.

"He 's about the only when one, though. Everyone else gave up once I started going out with Teddy."

"Wow,"rose said,"I just thought he did n't like us for some reason."

"fountainhead, he does n't. But I do n't know why. It 'll be skilful for everyone when he 's gone future year,"Amy stated,"But for now, just micturate sure you 're never alone in the corridors."

*******

Once the new terminal figure started, Albus and his friends found themselves up to their ears in homework. The teachers had already started warning them about concluding exams, despite the fact that they were months away. It was n't only the first-class honours degree years that were bombarded with workplace. It seemed that all the students had more work than normal. The common room often did not empty out until retiring midnight, with some students falling asleep in their reading. The twenty percent and one-seventh geezerhood were spending more metre than everyone else studying, due to the fact that their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s seemed much closer from this position of Christmas.

Albus and his protagonist tended to divide their time evenly between the commons room and the depository library. They went wherever it was less crowded. Albus and Rose were finding it difficult to feel time to inquiry about whatever Hallows were, especially since they were rarely without John, Matt, and Amanda. Albus doubted whether James was getting any research in either, because Samantha Meyers had increased Quidditch practice to four Nox a week due to the impending Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match.

One Nox, Albus and rose wine did deal to find clock time to research because matte, john, and Amanda were all doing detention with Filch. Filch had caught them dueling with Scorpio Malfoy and put all four of them in detention. The only reason Albus was not involved was because Harry had been speaking to Albus about his dreams. They had resumed once he was back in school, although they had n't changed at all. rose had been talking to Professor Patil about a homework she thought she had messed up on, but it turned out she had a gotten a 100 % on it like common. Albus had been trying to do a charms essay when Rose came up to him and asked him if he wanted to go research. Albus was all too eager, since his appeal essay was not going very well. So, the two cousin-german made their way to the library.

"I suppose we could start by researching about the downfall of Voldemort,"pink wine suggested as they browsed through the book,"Since we 're fairly certain it has something to do with that."

"All right,"Albus agreed,"That makes sense."Albus bent down and picked out a al-Qur'an,"The acclivity and dip of Lord Voldemort, by Minerva McGonagall. Hmm, McGonagall, that sounds so familiar ... Where have I heard that before ?"

"prof McGonagall,"Rose reminded him,"She taught Transfiguration when our parents were here, and our grandparents. She was in the last battle, so that 'd be a good record to look at."

Albus took the book over to a table and started reading it. Rose found another book and sat down next to him. Albus decided just to start up at the starting time, as he had no thought where Hallows would come into the picture. The first chapter was about Voldemort 's childhood. Albus already knew about that, so it was all basically reassessment. But he read intently anyway, just hoping that he 'd read the Good Book 'Hallows'. However, as the even wore on, and Albus grew steadily more commonplace, he did not find out anything new.

"uncovering anything yet ?"he asked Rose.

Rose looked up from her Good Book, which was entitled The History of the Dark fine art in Great Britain,"No, zip I do n't already roll in the hay. And no mention of any Hallows."

Albus sighed,"Me either. Curfew 's soon. Why do n't we just take the books out ?"

"Sounds good to me,"rosiness agreed. She walked over to brothel keeper Pince while Albus followed.

Madam Pince glared at them as they handed her the Christian Bible. She read the public figure and gave them a strange look, like she was wondering why they wanted to translate them. Albus did n't satisfy her gaze, but he knew why she was staring at them. Why would Harry Potter 's son need to understand about the fall of Voldemort ? After she seemed satisfied with staring at them, she checked the ledger out and handed them back."They 're due in a month. Do not save in them or bow them or wound them in any way."

Once they were out of the subroutine library, they relaxed,"She 's a nutter,"Albus whispered.

"She 's a bit strange, yeah,"rose wine agreed.

"Acts like the playscript are Au,"Albus giggled.

"She thinks we 're up to something, the way she stared at us like that,"Rose said.

"I know, but that makes sense."

"Yes, I suppose it does. I just hope she does n't tell apart your dad,"rose told him as she walked up a set of stairs.

"She probably wo n't. I do n't remember they 're particularly fold. Dad got in a fuss a few times at the library."

blush wine laughed,"Oh, yeah."

Albus and Rose continued their trek to the vulgar room. Once there, Albus quickly went to the residence hall to hide his book before his friends came back from detention. But after an minute of waiting for them, Albus fell asleep. It was a restless sleep, as he had the Lapp nightmare he usually had. Despite this, he did not inflame up when John and Matt came in at midnight.

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A/N : Thanks as common to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my early sister, and my crony ! Please read and review.

I am not sure when I 'll adjacent update, since I might be in shoal by the time this validates. I will try to update soon, but I ca n't make any warrantee. But I 'll still be writing ! I am well into the continuation to this, I 'm on chapter 30, I believe. I 'm also working on another fic, details to number later, which I will bulge posting as soon as I get past a certain chapter in this. There are despoiler for this fic in my new one, so it will give birth to look a little patch to be posted.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Or Ron Weasley. Or Hermione granger. I do n't even own the smallest owl in the owlery. Or the owlery for that matter. But I do enjoy writing this for fun !

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"That was brutal last Night !"John groaned as he sat down next to Albus at breakfast the next morning. Albus had awoken early and could n't get back to slumber. John and Matt were both sound asleep, so Albus had just gone down to breakfast with out them.

"I 'll say,"lusterlessness sat down on Albus 's other face and winced as he did so,"I ache all over."matte was just starting to get back to normal after his tree incident over break. In the few daylight after returning to schooltime, he had walked very slowly and Albus could recount that he was sore. Albus had assumed he had gotten a few low castanets from the incident, but never asked, as Matt did n't look too keen on discussing it.

"What 'd he have you do ?"Albus asked while he watched mat rub his arm.

"Clean Moaning Vinca minor 's bathroom,"John answered as he piled his plate with ballock and bacon,"It was distortion. He had us do it the Muggle way of course. He had us doing it for 3 hours. We could n't pull off to get it clean the way he wanted it. And he made Matt scrub the floor, so he had to be down on his helping hand and knees the completely night. I could tell it was making his injuries from falling out of that corner injury worse, so I suggested to Filch that I could do the flooring and Matt could do the sinks, but Filch said no. He seemed to take delight in seeing lustrelessness suffer. It was awful. Amanda had to do the toilets with Malfoy. He did something to one of them that made it cast. That was crying. So she had to clean that one again and Matt had to re-scrub the floor."

"Maybe you should see if Madam Pomfrey can do anything for you ?"Albus asked Matt. mat had only eaten a few bites of toast and was wincing every time he moved.

"You know she does n't do anything for pain induced by Muggle cleaning,"John said disgustedly.

"Actually, I think I will go see her,"matte mumbled and got up from the table,"I 'll see you in Defense Against the nighttime Arts."

Once Matt left, John shook his head,"You know she wo n't do anything to help him."

"I know, she probably wo n't if he says the wound are from cleaning. But she will if he says they 're leftover from that entirely tree thing,"Albus reasoned.

"Bob Hope so,"John agreed,"He was big shoemaker's last night when we were doing the detention. Filch was horrible to him, told him to cancel faster. And Malfoy smirked at him every clip he looked over from his toilets."

"I really do n't like that Malfoy kid,"Amanda added. She had come into the Great Radclyffe Hall and sat down across from Albus. Rose sat down in lustrelessness 's rescind derriere.

"Detention 's bad enough with Filch, but Malfoy kept muttering about Matt not even being able to Muggle clean and jerk. Filch did n't hear any of it."

"Ugh,"blush wine groaned,"I hope I 'm never in detention with him."

"You 're never in hold,"Albus chimed in.

"I know. I never get caught,"she grinned. This was on-key. Albus knew she had pulled her bazaar share of prank on the Slytherins, usually involving some sort of confection from Weasley 's mavin Wheezes that turned respective consistency section into different people of colour. And there was no way anyone could pin it on her.

At that moment, the bird of Minerva arrived with the mail."Look, it 's Patches,"Rose announced as a expectant tawny owl arrived at Albus 's place. Patches was Rose 's family 's owl."He 's got a missive for you and James."

Albus called James over and the two of them looked at the letter. Albus opened it and learn it silently.

Dear James and Albus,
I hope the new terminus is going well. I imagine you
spending much of your fourth dimension studying. I have managed
to batten an empty classroom for our Occlumency
lessons. They will take place in the Transfiguration of Jesus
room on Tues and Saturday eventide, at eight o'clock.
We will start this Saturday. I 'll see you then.
Say hi to move up for me.
With Love,
Aunt Hermione

Albus looked at James,"Well, I guess we 'll go on Saturday."

"Yeah, I suppose. Blimey, I ca n't imagine this is going to be fun,"St. James responded.

"Probably not. But it 's got to be better than the Occlumency deterrent example Dad had,"Albus reminded him.

"Yeah,"Henry James agreed,"fountainhead, I 'm off to Potions. I 'll see ya later."

"Bye."

"Occlumency, assuredness,"John said,"I wondered when you 'd start those."

Albus had told John, Matt, and Amanda all about the dreams and Legilimency shortly after they arrived back at the castling."dead reckoning we 're starting on Saturday."

"We 'd better be off to pop,"John reminded them. Albus got up and followed John out of the Hall, with Amanda and rose following.

Matt never showed up in pappa. Albus doubted that he would because he looked pretty worn out at breakfast. Albus figured his dad must have known that Matt was in the hospital annexe because he skipped right over his gens during attending. It was a good DADA lesson. They spent the majority of it practicing disarming each other. Albus and toilet had a good metre doing so, as both of them were quite skilled with that finical go. They were the few who were good at it. Most of the other bookman had a operose time with it, which was why Harry had them practicing it so often. He stressed that it was one of the most crucial go to master. Amanda, in specific, was having a hard clip with it, but she did manage to disarm rose once during the lesson.

Charms, on the other hand, was another cataclysm. Professor Washbburn stormed into the elbow room, and Albus immediately stopped talking. He was sitting at his usual back table with John, Rose, and Amanda.

Washburn quickly ran down the attendance list, stopping at lusterlessness 's name."Where 's Eckerton ?"he barked loudly. No one answered."Potter ! Where 's Eckerton ?"

"In the Hospital backstage,"Albus whispered.

"Speak louder !"Washburn screamed.

"I said he 's in the Hospital flank, Sir,"Albus said.

"He 's always in the Hospital backstage. What 's wrong with him this meter ?"Washburn muttered to himself.

Albus chose not to answer that interrogative sentence and he sat lower in his seat.

"Well, we 're going to have another attempt at levitation today,"Washburn growled,"But we 're not levitating plume this time. All of you who are somewhat skilled at this class have managed that already,"he glared towards the binding tabular array and his heart rested on Albus."You 'll be levitating books, so do n't hit anyone with them. Go on, get started."The class all took out their books and baton, while Washburn took his usual seat behind his desk and glared at them.

Albus reluctantly muttered the incantation and his book moved an inch off the desk and fell back again. He looked at Saint John the Apostle, Rose, and Amanda. After a few attempts, rose wine had managed to levitate her Bible, although she received no extolment from their prof. John was able to do it after a half hour of recitation, not receiving any kudos either. Amanda was having a bit more trouble, but was still doing upright than Albus.

With ten minutes left in the class, Washburn started making his rhythm to all the students, and much to Albus 's dismay, he stopped at his table.

"Well, Potter, let 's see if you 're better with account book than feathers. Go ahead, levitate it,"Washburn sneered.

Albus muttered the turn quickly and his volume managed to get a few inches off the board before falling back down.

"Do it again,"Washburn glared at him.

Albus did it again, this sentence making the rule book air bladder a fully metrical unit off the table. Albus was so offend that he jerked his wand and caused the book to get going speeding towards one of the Windows. Albus knew what was going to happen right before it did. The book flew right at the windowpane, not stopping when it reached it, and soared straight through. The glass shattered and showered a few students with shards. They screamed as the glass cut their arms.

"ceramist !"Washburn shouted,"Must you always make trouble in this class ? !"

Albus did not say a Christian Bible, he just stared down at his desk.

"hold ! Saturday night !"Washburn screamed,"You,"he pointed at the students who were showered with glass,"Go to the Hospital backstage. The rest of you, class dismissed."

"Um, professor,"Albus whispered,"I ca n't do detainment on Saturday night."

"And why on Earth not ?"Washburn seethed,"I 'll decide when you 'll do detention."

"I 've got a coming together with my aunt."

"Your aunt can wait."

"No, she ca n't. I 'm supposed to get, er, lessons from her,"Albus said, not wanting to reveal what the moral were."You can ask the Headmaster."

"Fine. I 'll do that, then,"Washburn told him,"Now get out !"

Albus ran quickly out of the room and managed to grab up with his friends as they were entering the Great lobby for lunch."That was horrible."

"I know,"St. John agreed.

"I hate good luck charm,"Albus groaned as he sat down at the table,"I do n't want to do that detention. It 's gon na be sorry now that he 's got to put it off until after Saturday."

"He definitely will,"Rose agreed,"Hey ! mat, you 're back !"

Matt came over to the table, looking a bit better than he did that morning."Yeah, sorry I missed two lesson. I heard about what happened in spell. That Washburn 's an idiot."

"So Madam Pomfrey actually helped ?"John looked at Matt in awe.

"Yeah, she did,"lusterlessness told them,"And it 's a adept thing. I do n't reckon I could have gone to any classes today if she didn't."

"But why ?"toilet asked,"Did you say the combat injury were leftover from the fall ?"

"Nope,"Matt responded,"She knew they were from hold. But she healed them anyway. I guess because I was n't totally over the whole tree thing. She seemed pretty upset about the unharmed thing. Kept going on about how irresponsible Filch is and how he should n't have made me do all that cleaning. Said she was going to talk to the schoolmaster about it and everything."

"Blimey,"toilet looked at Matt warily,"I 've never seen her mad about wound from Muggle cleaning before. Always says we bring it upon ourselves."

Matt shrugged and piled his collection plate with food and started eating, not elaborating on his tripper to the hospital Wing.

Albus had a strange feeling that there was more than to the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree story than matte was letting on about. He could state that Matt was trying to cover something up, and he could n't help but think about the lycanthrope research that he and rosebush had done over recess. There had been a wide-cut moon over the holiday and Albus kept thinking that the tree floor was just a cover up. He saw how Matt had looked at his sister before telling the story and he seemed a bit untrusting on telling it in the first off office. As Albus started eating his dejeuner, he decided to watch mat carefully around the time of the next full moon moon, which was in two weeks.

Double potions with the Slytherins was after dejeuner that day. Albus thought the course of instruction went pretty well. Slughorn lectured on the shrinkage Solution during the first off half and the mo half was spent attempting to make the potion. Albus was partnered with lavatory, and although their potion was a tint wanton than the coveted gloss, both boy thought they did pretty well.

`` What 's that, commode ? '' Scorpio Malfoy appeared behind Albus as he was putting his phial of Shrinking Solution on Slughorn 's desk at the end of class.

`` A potion, what else do you cerebrate it could be ? '' Albus answered flatly.

`` Looks more like cat sick, '' Malfoy laughed as he put his potion, which happened to be the sodding people of color, onto Slughorn 's desk. `` Ca n't even brew a simple Shrinking Solution. ``

`` At least I can disarm someone, which is a whole lot more utile than making potions, '' Albus retorted as he started to leave the way. Malfoy had extreme point difficulty in disarming his cooperator during that morning 's pa class.

`` As if I 'd try disarming if someone were attacking me, '' Malfoy laughed. A few of his cronies giggled behind him. `` A hex would work loads better. ``

`` You know perfectly well that disarming works better than hexes, Malfoy, '' flatness had caught up to them in the dungeon corridor, `` Professor potter says that every sentence we practice disarming. ``

`` And I suppose you 're an expert on defense now, Eckerton ? Judging by the way you looked last dark, a five year old could beat you in a duel, '' Malfoy sneered at him. `` By the way, rumor has it that Madam Pomfrey actually healed your accidental injury from close night 's detainment. That true ? ``

Matt froze and stared at Malfoy. `` Yeah, so ? '' he whispered.

Malfoy smirked, `` After I heard that I went up to see if she 'd heal my wound. My helping hand 's been aching all day. She glared at me and told me if I should think about my script the next meter I 'm about to interrupt the rules, then she shooed me out and said to get to class. ``

`` Good for you, '' flatness answered.

`` fountainhead, why ? Why 'd she bring around you, but not me ? What 's so special about you ? '' Malfoy asked.

`` I dunno, '' Matt glanced around at his friends.

`` There 's something unearthly about you, '' Malfoy stepped towards Matt.

`` Why do n't you just shut it ? '' John shouted and pulled out his wand.

`` Gon na rescue your friend, Brickston ? '' Malfoy pulled out his own wand, `` Or maybe you could tell me why he 's always in the Hospital offstage. ``

`` Do n't estimate I can, '' John answered, `` But I could have sure you spend the ease of the day there, if you like. ``

`` Ooo, gon na duel me ? '' Malfoy turned to Saint John, `` Well, I dunno what 's up with Eckerton, but I 'm going to come up out. ``

`` What 's going on here ? '' Amy came running up behind Malfoy, `` What do you think you 're doing ! ? '' she shouted at Malfoy, once she realized that his wand was still pointed at Matt.

`` Ah, Eckerton 's sister ! Maybe she 'll distinguish me why Madam Pomfrey treats him particular ? '' Malfoy grinned maliciously at Amy.

Amy stood between Malfoy and Matt and glared at Malfoy, `` That 's none of your job. And if you point your baton at him again, you 'll regret it. '' She turned around, threw her arm around Matt, and dragged him away towards the stairs.

`` Believe me, I 'll discover out, '' Malfoy smirked at John, put his scepter away, and sauntered off towards the Slytherin vulgar room.

`` Blimey, '' John said, once Malfoy was out of earshot, `` He 's mad. ``

`` Yeah, he is, '' Albus agreed, `` He knows something 's up with Matt, too. And I do n't opine he 's going to give up until he finds out. ``

`` Well, we ca n't let him get out, then, '' lavatory stated.

`` But we do n't even know for surely ! '' Albus reminded him.

`` True, '' John shrugged, `` But I think we 're right. And Amy 's so protective of him. Did you see her font when Malfoy asked her to tell him ? ``

`` She was seething. Just like on the power train after breakout, '' Albus said, while starting to take the air up the stairs to the entryway Hall.

`` We 've got to find out for surely. ``

`` He 'll tell us what it is eventually, '' Albus insisted, `` He 'll realize that he can trust us. ``

`` That 's the affair, I do n't have it off if he will, especially if it is what we think it is, '' trick sighed.

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Thanks as always to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my brother, and my former sister ! Also thanks to inkheart for the review. Please read and reexamine !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter, or anything related to it.

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Albus and his acquaintance spent the next few daytime trying to avoid Malfoy. It was n't difficult since most of their spare time was spent in the common room doing homework. Matt was especially leery of Malfoy and made sure to veil behind John, who was a brain taller than him, whenever they passed Malfoy in the halls. Despite this, matte seemed to act like the opposition with Malfoy had never happened, and did not appear to want to tell Albus or his former friends what his mystery was. John did not seem surprised at this, but Albus had thought that maybe after what had happened with Malfoy, Matt might want to confide in someone. Amy also had started keeping a close eye on lusterlessness after this event, which was odd because during fall terminus, she would often go a day or two without talking to matte. Now it seemed that she was checking up on him at to the lowest degree once a day.

`` Hi, guy cable, '' Amy greeted Albus and his Quaker on Saturday evening. Albus, John, lusterlessness, Rose, and Amanda were all clustered around a mesa in the common room, working on diverse prep appointment. `` What 's everyone up to ? ``

`` Homework, '' matte groaned. He was working on a particularly difficult essay for Potions.

`` wellspring, some of us are working on it, '' Rose chimed in, glaring at John.

`` What ? '' John smiled innocently, `` I 've got all tomorrow to do it. ``

Rose sighed, `` You 'd do better to get going it today. ``

`` I know, '' bathroom agreed, `` But right now I 'm enjoying watching you study, while I sit and do cipher. '' Rose groaned and went back to her reading.

`` So, '' Amy started, as she sat down adjacent to Matt, `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm alright, '' lusterlessness replied, `` But I 'd be better if you 'd do this essay for me. ``

`` Not gon na happen, '' Amy grinned, `` I 'm glad you 're doing good. Have you all been staying away from Willinson ? He has n't bothered any of you, has he ? If he has, I 'll get Victoire to put him in his blank space. ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Have n't talked to him since the wagon train. Strange, really. ``

`` fountainhead, good, '' Amy said, `` Hopefully it 'll last out that way. But do n't go alone anywhere. He does n't generate up this quickly. ``

`` We know, Amy, '' Matt snapped, `` You 're not our mum. ``

Albus looked up from his piece of work at the phone of the close at hand argument. He could have sworn he saw Matt 's centre flash gold, but they were back to their common blue within a second.

`` Jeez, flatness. I 'm just making sure he does n't bother you. Mum said- ''

`` I know what Mum said ! '' Matt cut her off loudly.

`` Could you please be a bit quieter ? '' Amanda asked in a frazzled tone.

`` Sorry, '' Amy and Matt mumbled and continued arguing in easy vocalism.

Albus glanced over and saw that she was working on her astronomy charts. She had been having a tough time in astronomy all class. `` Need any help ? ``

`` Ugh, '' Amanda groaned, `` It 's uranology. I 'm wish-wash at it. I 've been doing this chart for the past times hour. Anyone know when the adjacent full moon Sun Myung Moon is ? ``

Both Amy and mat jerked their head toward Amanda. `` Two weeks from tonight. The 24th, '' Matt whispered quickly, then looked back at Amy. Amy glared at him and they resumed their argument.

`` Uh, thanks, '' Amanda looked cautiously at both matte and Amy, and then started writing furiously on her chart.

Albus glanced across the table at rose wine, who was already trying to catch his attention. The cousin-german looked at each other for a few second gear, and then quickly returned to their homework. Nobody said anything for a few minutes, with the exclusion of Amy and matte, who were still arguing. However, they were doing so so quietly that Albus was ineffective to make out any of the words.

`` Blimey ! '' Epistle of James had walked over to the table and standing tail end blush wine. `` Who died ? ``

`` Huh ? '' Albus looked up from his work.

`` You 're so tranquility ! '' Henry James replied.

`` Oh, uh, '' Albus glanced at Amy and Matt, `` They were arguing about something. ``

`` Ah, sibling love, it 's a wonderful matter, '' James River grinned, `` So, you ready to get your mind read by aunt Hermione ? ``

Albus looked up at the clock, it was quarter to eight, `` Bloody hell, I forgot about that ! ``

`` beneficial thing I remembered, '' James River said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus put his books into his bag and got up, `` I 'm ready. ``

Rose got up as well, `` I 'm going too. I want to see Mum. ``

`` Ok, '' James turned around and started walking towards the entrance.

`` goodness luck, '' Saint John waved as Albus followed his crony. Amanda waved, but did n't look up from her work. Matt and Amy were too officious arguing to notice Albus and Rose leave.

Albus, James, and Rose left the common room to find a deserted corridor. `` safe, no one 's out here, '' rose whispered.

`` Why ? '' James asked.

`` Wanted to talk to you two alone about our, er, research, '' Rose answered. `` Have either of you found anything ? ``

`` Nope, '' Albus told her, `` I 've been reading bits of McGonagall 's script before I go to bed every night. It 's the lonesome metre I can do it in secret. I just perpetrate the hangings closed, and everyone thinks I 'm sleeping. ``

`` I 've been doing the same matter, '' Rose revealed, `` But I have n't so a great deal as read the intelligence 'Hallows'. ``

`` Er, I have n't even find out a book to interpret yet, '' St. James the Apostle confessed.

`` well, find one soon ! '' rose scolded, `` We 've got to find out what our parents are hiding from us ! ``

`` I know, I know, '' Henry James said.

`` I 've read a mates so far, and lady Pince keeps eying me when I check them out, '' Rose told them, `` But I 've got a tactile sensation we 're not going to find anything in books. ``

`` Really ? '' William James grinned, `` Are you doubting Word ? ``

`` Shut it, Jesse James, '' blush wine warned, `` I 'm going to start looking at the old Prophet articles they have in the depository library. ``

`` Sounds good, '' Albus said as they rounded the corner and walked towards the transfiguration room.

When they walked in, Hermione was standing near a stone washstand that Albus recognized as the Pensive. Hermione was pulling thoughts out of her head with her wand and placing them into the catchment basin. Albus wondered if maybe those thought process had to do with what his parents were keeping from him. If only he could see the memory without Hermione knowing.

Hermione turned around when Albus shut the threshold behind them, `` Hi, boys ! '' she greeted.

`` Hi, '' James and Albus said back.

`` Oh, and Rose, you 're here too ! '' Hermione walked over to her girl and gave her a hug.

`` Hi, Mum ! ``

`` How 's condition going ? '' Hermione asked.

`` Oh, pretty good, '' rosiness answered, `` shipment of prep, but I 'm getting it done. I 'm afraid I lost a few power point on the last-place magic spell essay. I hope I did n't, though. ``

`` I 'm for sure you did fine on it, '' Hermione reassured her. `` How about you two ? How are your classes going ? ``

`` All right, '' James replied, `` But I 'm afraid I lost more than than just a few distributor point on my go magic spell essay. '' James laughed.

`` And I 'm not so sure you did fine on it, '' Hermione responded, `` And you, Albus ? ``

`` Oh, it 's going well, I suppose, '' Albus told his aunt, `` And I 'm afraid I completely failed the Charms essay. ``

`` Do n't worry, I 'm certain you at least scraped a passing grade, '' Hermione said.

`` I dunno, Washburn hates me. ``

`` Professor Washburn, and I do n't think that 's true, '' Hermione told him, `` But that 's not why we 're her tonight. Tonight, you will start learning Occlumency. rosebush, are you staying ? ``

`` Can I ? '' rosebush asked, `` I 've read a bit about Occlumency and it sounds very concern. ``

`` Of course you can stay. I do n't think I will give birth you do any virtual work, but you 're receive to hear the theory, '' Hermione informed her.

`` You mean, we 're going to cause reading to do ? '' Saint James asked disgustedly.

`` Of class, '' Hermione laughed, `` What did you look ? ``

`` I dunno, Dad 's Occlumency lessons were all pragmatic, '' William James reminded her.

`` I know, but I feel it 's adept for you to learn the theory as well, '' Hermione informed them, `` Now, could you all sit down ? ``

Albus, James River, and blush wine all sat at the table closest to the teacher 's desk.

`` goodness, now I 've got some books for you, '' Hermione picked up two books and placed them in front of Albus and James, `` rose, I did n't jazz you 'd be studying this as well, so I do n't receive a Quran for you. You can attend on with your cousins and if you decide to keep coming to our deterrent example then I 'll get you a book, too. ``

Albus looked at his book. It was entitled, Legilimency and Occlumency : The Art of Seeing Others'Thoughts and Protecting Your Own Mind.

`` Creative deed, '' James whispered and they both laughed.

`` clear the book to page five, please, '' Hermione told them, `` Now, as you are both mindful, Legilimency is what is used to see into another someone 's view, or as some say, read their intellect. When the magic spell, Legilimens, is used, a soul can see into another 's thoughts. This can be done if the person getting the enchantment performed on is awaken or asleep. When the individual is awake, they feel an odd genius in their head, sort of like a worry, but not exactly. They often also see their own memories. If the person is asleep, then they often have unusual aspiration or dreaming about their memories. ``

`` Hey, Voldemort 's in this Christian Bible ! '' Rose exclaimed. Albus poster that she was leafing through the first chapter.

`` Yes, he is, '' Hermione responded briskly, `` Divine Voldemort, although he was a ugly, evil person, was one of the most skilled Legilimens and Occlumens the Wizarding creation has ever seen. He is a pure example of why Legilimency and Occlumency are both very grievous if used in the wrong way. Voldemort was capable to tell exactly where his decease eater loyalties really lay, as well as keep others from knowing his innermost opinion and secrets. ``

Hermione continued her lecturing for a one-half hour, giving a legal brief overview of the first chapter. This chapter explained what Legilimency and Occlumency were and went over the staple needed to try Occlumency. St. James the Apostle and Albus were expected to scan the first chapter and do a few doubt before the adjacent class.

`` Now, for the side by side half hour, I 'd care to start the practical look of this lesson, '' Hermione stood up and picked up her scepter. `` Who wants to go first ? ``

James and Albus looked at each other. `` You 're older, you go first, '' Albus told his brother.

`` All right field, '' James stood up and pointed his scepter at his aunt.

`` Remember, there 's no patch. You 've got to close your creative thinker. Take a few minutes to try to sort out all mentation from your forefront. ``

James lowered his scepter and started to gaze directly at the paries behind Hermione. After a few minute of arc, a lacuna look appeared on his face.

`` Good, '' Hermione said, `` Ready ? ``

James I looked back at her with a skittish spirit on his face, `` I suppose. ``

`` Legilimens ! '' Hermione shouted.

St. James looked horrified as he stared at his aunty. He dropped his wand and pressed his hand to his brow. Hermione continued to target her wand at him, but it was obvious that he was n't succeeding at closing his intellect. He had sunk down to the floor, with his hands on his head. Hermione lowered her baton and walked over to him.

`` Are you all right ? '' she asked, extending her hand for James to grab.

`` amercement, '' St. James mumbled as he took Hermione 's hand and stood up again, `` It 's just, that 's exactly what it felt like when soul did that to me during custody. ``

`` That 's because that was what someone did to you during detention, '' Hermione explained.

`` But I did n't pick up anyone shouting 'Legilimens', '' Epistle of James told her.

`` They were doing it non-verbally. We 'll get to that point in our example eventually, but for now I will do it verbally so you know what 's going on, '' Hermione said, `` Now, that was a pretty good effort for the outset meter. You see now how punishing it is to close your judgment. ``

`` Yeah, '' James IV agreed as he sat back down.

`` Your play, Albus, '' Hermione announced.

Albus had momentarily forgotten that he, too, had to deliver his aunty register his mind. He got up, his heart beating fast. He had never had Legilimency performed on him while he was awake, and he did not experience what to expect.

`` Try to clear your mind, '' Hermione told him as she walked a few feet away and turned around to wait.

Albus tried to enlighten his judgement, but it was hard. His thoughts were consumed with whether Matt was a werewolf or not. He was also constantly thinking about what 'Hallows'could possibly be. Not to mention the reason why he was having these moral in the first seat. It was difficult not to imagine about someone seeing his thoughts.

`` gear up ? '' Hermione asked. Albus nodded with a nervous look on his face.

`` Legilimens ! '' she shouted.

The schoolroom seemed to disappear as Albus was thrown into his own memories. He was four years old and James had stolen the toy heather he had received on his birthday. James was flying it around while Albus chased him. The scene changed and he saw the prison term he dropped a sharp knife onto his foot, but instead of slicing it clear, the knife just bounced off it. He had been four then, as well, and that was the number 1 magic affair he did. The scene changed yet again and Albus was seven and was playing with his full cousin at the Burrow. Then he was at home, reading his Hogwarts varsity letter. The scene changed for a final time, he and pink wine were sitting in Rose 's bedroom at the Burrow, researching about werewolves. Albus 's heart beatnik faster. He could n't let his auntie see that.

`` No ! '' Albus exclaimed, and the classroom reappeared in front of him. He glanced around and was one-half surprised that he was still standing up, since James had collapsed during his attempt.

Hermione was looking at him and then she glanced at Rose, then back to Albus. She had obviously seen a bit of the last memory. `` Well, you actually managed to stop me, although not by normal means of Occlumency. But that is very beneficial for a first try. What was that last memory ? ``

`` Nothing, zip, '' Albus replied quickly, averting his gaze from his aunt.

`` Very well, I think that is enough for tonight. Albus, St. James, keep practicing. Try to close down your minds before you go to bed. I 'll see you all on Tuesday. soundly luck with all your classes. And try to behave yourselves during charm, '' Hermione added.

`` We do ! '' James insisted, `` prof Washburn just does n't like us. ``

`` Be that as it may, you do need to pass his form, '' Hermione reminded them, `` secure night. ``

`` Night, '' Albus, Saint James the Apostle, and pink wine said as they left the classroom.

`` So, what was that memory that you did n't want my mum to see ? '' Rose asked curiously once they were out of earshot of the classroom.

`` Later, '' Albus whispered, glancing at James.

`` Blimey, that 's some unknown hooey, Legilimency and Occlumency, '' Jesse James announced after a few moments of secretiveness, `` But you seem good at it, Albus. ``

`` Maybe, '' Albus responded.

`` Better than me. I could n't do anything during it. Just kind of forgot everything except the memories I was seeing. Could n't conceive of anything to do about it, '' James explained.

`` You 've just got to practice session it, '' Albus told him, `` Plus, this was just the beginning meter. And anyway, I 've got to think of something better to do than just shouting out random things. masses will think I 'm a nutter if I 'm just shouting out 'no'all the clip. ``

Jesse James laughed, `` Well, I already know you 're a wacko. ``

`` Oh, shut it, James, '' Albus laughed and punched James in the arm. James II punched him back and they continued that until they reached the Fat lady. Rose followed behind and muttered something that sounded like 'boys'.

When they arrived back at the common way, James immediately went to his dorm so he could narrate his friends about the lesson.

`` So, what was the memory ? '' Rose whispered to Albus.

`` When we were researching about wolfman, '' Albus told her, `` I did n't want aunt Hermione to cognize about that. ``

`` Why not ? '' rose wine asked.

`` I dunno, really. I mean, it 's not like she had a trouble with shift 's dad. I guess she just came awfully close to seeing our other enquiry, '' Albus explained.

`` Good point in time, '' Rose agreed, `` But you know, you 've got to practice this. What if she does find out about that ? She 'll tell Uncle Harry. ``

`` I know, I know, I 'll practice, '' Albus assured her.

`` trade good, '' Rose seemed satisfy, `` Now, we 'd better get to bed. in effect night. ``

`` Night, '' Albus said as he walked to the door to the residence hall. As he lay in bed trying to get to sleep, listening to Bilius 's snoring, he tried to close his judgement. 'Think about nothing ,'he kept repeating in his mind. But it did n't figure out, because Albus yet again had the same nightmare.

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A/N : Hope everyone liked it ! I am a bit mortified to let in that I have been typing my own baby 's username haywire in the past few Author 's eminence I 've done for this fic. Her figure is Dancer Of Starlight. I must be mixing it up with another website. So thanks, Dancer Of Starlight for reading this and helping me with it ! Thanks also to my other sister and my brother. Thanks as well to inkheart, for the inspection, you 're awesome ! Please read and refresh, everyone !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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During the succeeding two week, tensions ran high between the Gryffindors and Slytherins. As the impending Quidditch match grew nearer, there were more and more duels in the corridors. These usually resulted in assorted instrumentalist having to go to the Hospital wing. Luckily, no one had been severely hurt yet. However, both Houses were starting to be very protective of their instrumentalist. Samantha Meyers forbade anyone on the Gryffindor team from wandering the corridors alone. She was also getting more and more vivid with her practice schedule. Samantha had started scheduling a recitation for every Nox of the week. Every even, the Gryffindor squad came trooping back into the green elbow room well after dark, looking tired and worn out. Slytherin was also practicing each day, but they got an earliest metre in the evening.

Nightly Quidditch recitation did not bode well for James 's Occlumency moral. He had asked Hermione if he could skip the lessons until after the match, but she would not allow it. Saint James the Apostle grudgingly skipped his Quidditch practice, much to Samantha 's disheartenment. She was not happy about James missing practice. Hermione actually sent her a letter, which got her to stop badgering James about practice.

Albus thought he was making a bit of advance with his Occlumency. He had been reading the Quran and doing the homework, although he did not love it. Occlumency was like having another family to take, so he wound up with Thomas More preparation than the rest of his classmates. Albus had not yet succeeded in preventing Hermione from entering his thinker, but he usually managed to force her out after a little piece. He was relieved that he had so far prevented her from discovering his Hallows research. Despite this, he was still having strange nightmares a couplet of nights a week. James was not making nearly as much onward motion as Albus. He had yet to terminate Hermione 's Legilimency at all, and was still collapsing on the floor occasionally. St. James was getting increasingly fed up with Occlumency and did not bask the lessons at all.

As the Quidditch match, and the wax moonshine, grew faithful, Albus started to watch Matt for sign of the zodiac of illness. The day before the match, matt almost slept through breakfast. St. John the Apostle had to wake him up before he left for the Great Hall. Albus watched him throughout DADA and noticed that he was much to a greater extent tired than usual. He kept his header on the desk the entire class and did n't take any notes. Harry did not say anything about this, which Albus thought was strange because whenever anyone else fell asleep in former classes, the teacher woke them up. Albus could n't remember a sentence when someone fell asleep in pappa, though, because usually that class was exciting.

`` Are you ok ? '' Albus asked Matt as they were walking to Charms.

`` Fine, '' flatness responded. He was walking a bit slower than usual, `` Just tired. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus said warily, `` But if you want to go to the infirmary Wing during Charms, I 'll volunteer to take you. ``

`` I will too, '' whoremaster agreed, `` Anything to get out of that course. ``

The boys immediately stopped talking once they entered the appeal classroom and went to their common back tabular array. Once he sat down, Matt put his oral sex down on top of his book. Washburn stormed into the way a few second later and started taking attendance.

`` I 'm lecturing today, take out your notes, '' he barked at the division. Everyone silently found quills and parchment as Washburn pointed his wand at the board. bank note appeared on it and Albus started copying them down. Washburn started talking and droned on for about half the period without stopping, even when students raised their hands to ask interrogation. Albus did not glance up to look at him at all. Once he finished copying his notes, he looked over at mat and noticed that he had fallen asleep. Unfortunately, Washburn had noticed, too.

`` Eckerton ! '' Washburn shouted while he walked towards the back table, `` This is not nap time ! ``

`` I do n't think he 's feeling well, sir, '' John said tentatively.

`` I did n't ask how he 's opinion ! '' Washburn growled at John. `` Now awaken up and pay care ! '' he shouted again.

mat slowly picked up his head and stared at Washburn, `` Huh ? ``

`` I said this is not nap time ! '' Washburn screamed.

`` Oh, sorry, '' Matt mumbled. He stared down at his book and rested his head on his hand.

Washburn grumbled something incoherent and got back to his lecture. Matt kept his head up the rest of the course of study, but did n't rent any notes. Although he did go to Astronomy after lunch, Matt did not seem to pay practically aid in that class either. After course of study was over, he went up to the dormitory and slept straight through dinner.

`` What other explanation could there be ? '' rose wine wondered aloud in the common elbow room that night. She, Albus, John, and Amanda were sitting around a mesa after dinner. The pre-Quidditch mate fervour kept the bedlam and noise in the park room up, so no one was paying much attention to what they were talking about.

`` I do n't think there is another one, '' Albus told her, `` He 's got to be a werewolf. He gets sick every full lunation and leaves overnight. When he comes back he 's still throw up and he 's got injuries. ``

`` I 'm sure he is one, '' lav agreed, `` Just trust he tells us soon, or I 'm just going to accept to tell apart him I know. It 's gon na be hard to hide that we know. ``

`` think how hard it is for Matt ? Hiding that from everyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` True. ``

`` So, who thinks we 'll win the mate tomorrow ? '' Albus asked, changing the subject.

`` I do ! '' John shouted, `` With your first cousin 's new broom, we 'll be unbeatable. ``

`` Definitely, '' Amanda agreed, `` I ca n't look to see it in action. ``

`` You 've really gotten into Quidditch, have n't you ? '' Rose giggled.

`` Sure have, it 's so much bettor than football game, '' Amanda told her.

******

The lucifer was to be held in the early good afternoon, which was a bit later than the late Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff match. Albus and his friends spent the sooner part of the day playing magician 's Chess and Exploding Snap in the common room. lustrelessness seemed too tired to play anything, so he laid on one of the sofa and watched the biz. Albus noticed the Gryffindor team huddled in one corner of the room, reviewing last-place minute tactics. James looked a bit skittish, which was intelligible considering the last catch landed him in the Hospital Wing.

The morning dragged by, but eventually, everyone started to seduce their way down to the rake after lunch.

`` Should be a honorable secret plan, '' Albus said to toilet as they were walking towards the pitch.

`` Definitely. I 've been looking forward to a Gryffindor vs. Slytherin plot. I 've heard they 're the best ones, '' lav told him.

`` That 's what I 've heard, too. Dad says they were usually the most energise unity in his Clarence Shepard Day Jr. here, '' Albus informed John.

`` Conditions could n't be speculative, though, '' John lamented. He was right. The weather condition was not cooperating for a secret plan of Quidditch. Although the visibility seemed to be a bit better than Gryffindor 's last match, the Charles Percy Snow was falling at a steady rate and it was bitterly cold.

`` Hopefully it wo n't final stage as long as last meter, '' Rose pulled her cloak tighter, `` I 'm freezing. ``

`` Me, too, '' lusterlessness agreed. He was already shivering, and was a few paces behind everyone else.

Albus and the residue of the group slowed down to allow lustrelessness to catch up with them. `` Well, I just hope James does n't get offend again, '' Albus said.

`` Hope not, '' Amanda agreed.

The five first years made their way through the crowds and found their way to a few hindquarters on Gryffindor 's side of the stands. As they were walking slowly to match Matt 's tread, they were some of the last people in the viewpoint. They found their backside just before the commentary started.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin couple ! '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd Smith shouted over the bunch, `` This is a highly anticipated match that should bear witness to be as excite as always. The weather 's brutal, but that should n't stop a well trained team.

`` And here come the teams ! number one onto the pitch shot is the Gryffindor team. Captain Samantha Meyers, followed by Georgia Weasley, Fred Weasley, Heather Weasley, Thomas Bradley Weasley, Ryan O'Malley, and James potter ! ''

The squad flew around the pitch shot once and then landed next to each other on the ground.

`` Here are the Slytherins. headwaiter Talan Flint River, followed by Lance Goyle, Jackson Naiser, Ferris Fielding, Peyton Haines, Hailey Odele, and Glenna Dabney. ``

The Slytherins flew once around the pitch and landed in front of the Gryffindors. The referee, Alan Oteski, had the captains shake hands, and the squad were off.

`` Professor Oteski releases the Quaffle, Bludgers, and stoolie, and the players are up ! Quaffle goes to fielding and he 's flying towards the Gryffindor goal mail. Oh, courteous Bludger work by O'Malley ! Quaffle goes to Meyers, she flies down the pitch, passing to the two Weasley chaser. And Scots heather Weasley scores the first goal ! ``

The Gryffindor team scored three destination within the first five arcminute. Slytherin had not managed to get any goals past Georgia.

`` Of course, the exciting division of this game is Georgia Weasley 's new broom. It 's a Firebolt 3000. The fastest broom yet ! It seems to be proving itself in this game. What with Georgia 's unbelievable skill, and that broom, I 'd be surprised if Slytherin scores any goals at all ! '' Todd shouted excitedly.

`` She 's amazing ! '' John Lackland exclaimed, `` I want one of those Calluna vulgaris ! ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` I flew it over holiday. It was amazing. ``

`` Wow ! Think she 'd let me depend upon it ? '' John asked.

`` Maybe. If you come to my place over the summer, I 'll ask her, '' Albus told him.

`` Awesome ! '' King John grinned.

`` Another goal scored for Gryffindor ! Making the scotch 40-0 in favor of Gryffindor ! Fred Wealsey has the Quaffle, he 's storming up the sales pitch, headed to the Slytherin destination berth. Ouch ! Hit in the rachis with a Bludger sent from Naiser. Odele has the Quaffle now and is headed towards Georgia Weasley. She passes to Fielding, who attempts to score a goal. And saved ! Wow, I did n't think a broom could impress that fast, '' Todd was jumping up and down at the observer 's dais now.

`` Flint does not count happy, '' Albus commented.

`` No, he does n't. Looks like he 's ready to hex someone, '' John agreed.

`` Would n't put it past him, '' Rose chimed in, `` These mate are known to get ugly. ``

The secret plan continued for a piece, with Gryffindor scoring a few more finish. Slytherin did contend to get one goal after Flint sent a Bludger at Georgia right field when Odele was attempting to score.

`` Think this match will live much longer ? '' Matt asked.

`` Dunno. Does n't look like Saint James or Dabney have seen the Snitch yet, '' Albus peered out at the flying field. `` They 're just hovering above everyone else. Looks like they 're trying to stay out of it. I can see why. The Bludger piece of work is getting awful. ''

And it was. All the Gryffindor chaser were sporting some kind of injury. Georgia had a pry bleed, but seemed to be ignoring it. Odele and Haines both had taken Bludgers to arm and it seemed to have affected their ability to catch the Quaffle.

Albus looked over at lusterlessness. He was sitting down, shivering, with his head resting on his hand. `` You ok ? ``

`` I guess. I just hope the match is done soon, '' flatness winced.

`` lack to go back inside ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, I 'll be ok, '' Matt insisted.

`` Another goal for Gryffindor ! Making the match 110-10 Gryffindor ! '' Todd bellowed, `` And the match is getting ugly. Ouch ! Fred Weasley takes a Bludger to the head, causing him to drop the Quaffle. But it 's caught by Meyers ! She passes to Heather, who scores another goal !

`` Flint appears to have abandoned the Bludgers and is soaring up towards thrower and Dabney. What 's he up to ? Meanwhile, Bradley Weasley hits a well aimed Bludger towards Fielding, who drops the Quaffle. Back to Flint. It appears that he is getting into an disceptation with Dabney. I wonder what they 're saying ? Hope it 's important. Looks like his neglect of beater obligation has caused his uninjured pursuer to get hit. ``

flint turned his forefront around and flew consecutive towards Georgia. Odele was flying towards the end posts with the Quaffle. `` What 's he doing now ? He 's grabbed delay of Georgia 's broom ! Foul ! Flint River has grabbed Georgia 's ling and appears to be preventing her from keeping ! Foul ! '' Todd screamed angrily. Odele took advantage of the berth and scored a goal.

Oteski blew his whistling, `` penalization nip for Gryffindor ! unnecessary grabbing of opposing steward 's broom handle. Honestly, you should be intimate bettor ! Such an obvious foul ! And that goal does not count ! ``

`` Gryffindor police chief, Meyers, easily scores the penalisation shot, bringing the grievance up to 130-10 Gryffindor, '' Sweeney Todd announced, `` Slytherin chaser, Henry Fielding, manages to get the Quaffle and is flying towards the Gryffindor goal posts. Omar Nelson Bradley Weasley sends a Bludger towards him and, ouch ! He 's knocked off his heather. Lucky for him, he was low to the ground. But looks like he 's out for the balance of the game, probably broke his arm or something. ``

`` This is amazing ! '' John exclaimed, `` I 've never seen Quidditch like this. I wonder if Slytherin 's ever lost by this much before. ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus responded, `` But I do n't think their Seeker 's very good. All she 's doing is following James around. And flint was yelling at her for something. ``

`` Probably telling her just to trip up the Snitch so they can end the misery, '' Saint John laughed.

`` James better catch the snitch soon, '' Matt groaned, `` I do n't think I can take much more than of this. '' He was huddled on his seat, holding his stomach in pain.

`` Sure you do n't want to go in ? '' Albus asked.

`` I dunno, '' lusterlessness moaned, `` Maybe. ``

`` Looks like thrower 's seen the stoolpigeon ! '' Todd shouted. St. James had started speeding towards the Gryffindor goal posts, with Dabney following closely behind. `` The Slytherin beaters seem to be trying to hit Potter with the Bludgers. But, hang on, the Gryffindor chasers and beaters seem to have surrounded potter, protecting him from Naiser and Flint. Blimey ! I 've never seen anything like it ! And it worked ! Potter caught the Snitch ! ``

The gang erupted into applause, Gryffindors storming the terra firma, lifting James up into the air. They started walking back to the palace. The Slytherin team was looking murderous and Flint was screaming at Dabney.

`` Let 's go, '' Rose said, looking at Matt.

`` Oh, well, '' lusterlessness moaned as he slowly stood up.

`` You want to go to the infirmary Wing ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, I do n't mean so, '' Matt said, leaning on John for support.

The five ally slowly made their way up to the rook. By the time they got there, everyone else had already made it back. It took them a while to climb the stairs to Gryffindor tower, but eventually, they made it.

When they entered the common room, a political party was already in full swing. Matt made a beeline for the dorm room and did n't look back.

`` Albus ! '' James came running up to him, butterbeer in deal, `` We did it ! round Slytherin ! They are pathetic. And here I was, thinking they actually had a secure team. No way they 're in the run for the Cup now. Blimey, losing 10 to 300 ... ''

`` You did expectant ! '' Albus grinned at him, `` Dad would be very proud. ``

`` Proud of what ? '' a voice came from behind them.

Albus turned around, `` Dad ? ! ``

`` What are you doing here ? '' James asked.

`` Came for the party. Blimey, affair have n't changed a bit. The parties after we beat Slytherin were always best. Anyway, congratulations, James ! ``

`` Thanks ! ``

`` We 're not being too brassy, are we, professor Potter ? '' Samantha Meyers had come over to see what was going on.

`` No, 'course not ! '' Harry grinned, `` Ca n't expect you to be quiet after that win. Just quiet down by midnight. ``

`` Sure, no problem ! It was amazing, was n't it ? '' Samantha said excitedly.

`` Oh, it was smart as a whip, '' Harry agreed. Harry and Samantha quickly settled down to rehashing every bit of the couple, and were soon joined by Georgia.

`` Never grow out of Quidditch, right ? '' James laughed.

`` Right, '' Albus agreed, `` Honestly, I thought it 'd be a bit strange having him as our teacher, but it has n't been weird at all. ``

`` Yeah, it 's been pretty cracking. ``

******

The party in the Gryffindor common elbow room lasted well into the evening. near of the Gryffindors did not even go down for dinner. Albus 's first cousin had managed to bring a honorable bit of food up to the common room, so there was really no want to go to the Great G. Stanley Hall. Harry left shortly before dinner, though, so he could join the ease of the stave for the meal.

`` Honestly, I 'll never get any work done with this interference, '' pink wine sighed. She, Albus, John, and Amanda were sitting around one of the board in the coarse room eating sweets. Rose was the solely one trying to get any study done.

`` Why bother ? You 've still got tomorrow, '' Saint John commented, `` Hey, I got your dad, Albus. '' John held up a Chocolate Gaul card.

`` I do n't see why everybody 's got to party so late into the eventide, '' Rose said, `` It was n't that spectacular a win. Slytherin was dreadful. ``

`` That 's the compass point, '' can told her, `` Slytherin 's usually got a pretty good team. It 's the principle of the matter. Gryffindor and Slytherin are huge rivals, and when we beat them, it 's a grounds to celebrate. Even if they 're rubbish. ``

`` Whatever, '' blush wine put her fingers in her spike and continued to read.

`` And their new Seeker 's atrocious, '' Albus said, `` I bet she could n't see the stool pigeon if it was right in front of her fount. ``

`` Yeah, she 's no match for James I, '' John agreed, `` I 've heard from some of the older students that he 's as right as Ted Lupin was. ``

`` fountainhead, he should be, '' Albus laughed, `` shimmy 's been training him ever since James could get on a broom. I think they started when William James was about five. ``

`` But he 's got it in his rakehell, too, '' Amanda chimed in, `` I mean, Albus, your dad was the proficient Seeker Gryffindor 's ever seen. And your Uncle Charlie was a great Seeker, too. Plus, your mum played for the Holyhead Harpia harpyja. ``

`` Yup, '' Albus grinned, `` Quidditch is a heights priority in my fellowship. ``

`` Guess rose just did n't get any of those Quidditch factor, '' John poked blush wine and she jumped.

`` Shut it, King John, '' Rose told him, `` Where 's Matt ? ``

`` Still sleeping, '' Albus said, glancing at the door to the student residence, `` Been there ever since the end of the lucifer. ``

`` Well, why do n't you go check on him ? '' pink wine suggested.

`` All right, '' Albus got up from his chair and walked to the dormitory. When he got there, he saw that Matt was strait asleep in his bed.

`` mat ! '' Albus whispered, `` Hey, matte ! Get up ! '' Albus lifted lusterlessness 's arm up and it fell limply back onto the mattress when he let go. `` Wake up ! '' Albus shouted a little louder.

`` Huh ? Wha'? '' Matt groggily lifted his head and grimaced.

`` You all right ? '' Albus asked with a look of concern on his face.

`` Ugh, '' flatness groaned and sat up. `` What metre is it ? ``

`` Almost six, '' Albus told him.

`` Ohh, '' Matt slowly got up off the bed and swayed, `` I 've got to go to the Hospital Wing. ``

`` Well, I 'll take you, '' Albus grabbed Matt 's arm so he would n't fall.

`` No, I 'll be OK, '' flatness said.

`` No, I 'm taking you, '' Albus insisted. Matt did not resist any foster and leaned on Albus for funding. They made their way down into the common room, where the party was still in full vacillation. Albus led Matt straight out of portraiture hole and into the corridor towards the Hospital Wing.

`` C'mon, we 're almost there, '' Albus said as they walked down a flying of stairs.

`` I think I 'm going to be gruesome, '' flatness groaned and clutched his stomach.

`` It 's ok, we 'll be there soon, '' Albus winced under lusterlessness 's weight unit. matt was leaning on Albus more and More by the moment, `` gentlewoman Pomfrey will fix it. ``

`` No she wo n't. She ca n't, '' flatness 's voice wavered as he talked.

`` Here we are, '' Albus opened the door to the Hospital extension and led flatness inside. Madam Pomfrey was waiting and rushed over to Albus and Matt.

`` It 's ok, honey, come on, '' she pulled lustrelessness away from Albus and let him lean on her, `` I 'll take it from here, Albus. You 'd scoop go back to your vulgar room. ``

Albus turned to go forth, but not before seeing Madam Pomfrey soothing Matt, who had started to cry. Albus shut the doorway, wishing he could do something to help. Matt seemed to be doing worse this month than he had the past months. He had n't seemed any different during the past few days, but maybe he was just skillful at hiding his emotions. Albus had forgotten to center on figuring out what lustrelessness was feeling in the daylight leading up to the full Sun Myung Moon due to being preoccupied with homework and Occlumency example. Why did this calendar month seem worse ? What was going on ?

Albus pondered these thoughts as he walked slowly back to the common room. How could he win over Matt that it would be good to tell Albus his secret ? Would he ever order ? And more importantly, was there anything anyone could do to help ?

`` Something troubling you, Potty ? '' a cold interpreter said. Albus looked up and saw Quinton Willinson, flanked by two other Slytherns, standing at the top of the stairs that Albus was climbing. `` Fancy a perambulation by yourself ? ``

`` Go away, Willinson, '' Albus growled as he reached the top of the stairs.

`` It 's a costless castle. Not curfew yet. I 'm free to wander the corridors just as you are, thunder mug, '' Willinson sneered at Albus.

`` Just go forth me alone, '' Albus tried to walk past him, but the former two Slytherins blocked his path.

`` No, do n't think I will. I still have n't forgotten that Exploding Eclair, '' Willinson said, drawing his wand and pointing it at Albus, `` I know it was you. ``

`` How ? '' Albus asked nervously as he drew his own wand and pointed it at Willinson.

`` I just do, '' Willinson snapped his finger and his cronies pulled out their wands and pointed them at Albus, `` And now you 'll pay. ``

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted, and Willinson 's wand flew out of his hand and landed on the base. A split second gear later, two jets of light came from the other two Slytherins 's verge and hit Albus in the chest. Before he knew what was happening, he stumbled backwards and fell down the stairs. He blacked out halfway down, and the close thing he saw was Willinson and his two friends running in the opposite direction.

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A/N : Sorry for the cliffie ! Well, not really, I do like putting them in. Originally, this chapter did not have a cliffie, but it was quite brusk so I stuck about half the next chapter at the end of this one. So now it 's a bit longer than usual.

Thanks as usual to my baby and now official beta, Dancer Of Starlight. Thanks as well to my brother and my other babe. Please read and retrospect !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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`` You have no idea who did it, then ? '' Albus heard his dad ask.

`` No, when Neville found him, there was no polarity that anybody else had been there, '' dame Pomfrey whispered.

`` wellspring, when I find out who did it, there 'll be trouble, '' Albus heard a bang and he figured his dad had just slammed his fist onto something hard.

`` Harry, please be a bit quieter. I 'm for sure whoever it is will be punished. ''

`` I 'll be surely of that. ``

Albus opened his eyes and looked around. He was in the Hospital fender. Judging by the darkness outside, it must have been the eye of the dark. He had no melodic theme how many hours had passed, but he guessed it must have been quite a few. Albus tried to sit up, but was immediately hit by a searing pain in his head and had to lay back down.

Harry rushed over upon seeing that he was awake, `` Albus ! What on earth happened ? ``

`` How 'd I get here ? '' Albus groaned.

Harry bent over and hugged Albus tight. `` Ouch ! '' Albus winced.

`` Really, Harry, I 've only just healed those pearl ! '' dame Pomfrey pulled Harry away.

`` Neville found you a couple hours ago. You were laying unconscious at the bottom of one of the staircases. It was obvious you 'd fallen down, but it looked like someone had stunned you as well. You 've got a bonkers skull, a few broken costa, and a broken arm. '' Harry answered, once he sat down in the president next to the bed. `` But who did it ? ``

`` Quinton Willinson, and two other Slytherins I do n't know, '' Albus told him.

`` What year are they in ? ''

`` Willinson 's a seventh year, I dunno about the others, '' Albus answered.

Harry slammed his hand onto the bedside table and stood up, `` Seventh year ? ! Bloody hell ! What in the name of Falco columbarius 's saggy left- ''

`` Harry, calm down ! '' Madam Pomfrey rushed over to pick up the water jug that had fallen off the table.

`` Sorry, '' Harry resumed his derriere, `` But honestly, what seventh year gangs up on a first off year ? ``

`` Victoire and Amy Eckerton warned me. They said he picks a first class every year to torment. And they told me not to go anywhere alone, because he never picks a fight unless you 're alone. Apparently he 's not a very good dueler. But I totally forgot about that when I took Matt here, '' Albus looked around at the empty layer around him, `` By the way, where is he ? ``

`` aught to worry about now, '' madam Pomfrey said shortly.

`` well, Willinson will be getting custody, and gobs of it. And those two other Slytherins as well. I 'll be talking to Slughorn, '' Harry muttered.

`` Oh, Dad, I disarmed Willinson ! '' Albus said excitedly, `` I 'd forgotten about that. Right after I disarmed him, the other two stunned me and I fell down the stairs. ``

Harry grinned, `` Brilliant. You 're great at disarming. And if the other two were n't there, you 'd have been fine. But, it 's backbreaking to disarm three wizards at once. ``

`` It 's getting late, I think you 'd better give Albus a fortune to kip, Harry, '' Madam Pomfrey came over holding a chalice of potion.

`` All right wing, '' Harry stood up and gave Albus a gentle hug, `` I 'll be back in the break of the day. G'night, Al, I love you. ``

`` beloved you, too, '' Albus awkwardly hugged his dad back, `` proficient night. ``

`` I 've got a potion to serve you log Z's, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey handed him the potion, `` Drink up. ``

Albus took the goblet and downed it in one gulp.

`` Knew it was only a subject of clip before you showed up here, '' Madam Pomfrey muttered, `` Potters seem to be unable to go on themselves out of this spot ... ''

*****

`` What happened, Poppy ? '' Albus heard someone ask.

`` Bad transformation, really bad, '' ma'am Pomfrey replied grimly.

`` What can you do ? '' the spokesperson asked, Albus recognized it now as Neville.

`` I 'm really not sure, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey sighed, `` I 'll administer the common potions and heal the os, but former than that ... I 've got to contact St. Mungo 's. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' Neville announced, `` Is Albus ok ? ``

`` He 'll be ok, '' Madam Pomfrey assured him, `` I 'll hold back him here until tomorrow morning. ``

Albus heard Neville leave and brothel keeper Pomfrey tug the curtains shut around one of the beds. She moved quickly around the way whispering to herself and loudly grabbing feeding bottle off of ledge. Albus opened his eyes briefly and saw that the bed at the end of the row had the curtains shut. That 's where Matt was. And Albus had been right. He was a wolfman. Any doubtfulness that Albus had was gone. He felt sick with dread at the thinking of Matt going through that transformation every calendar month. Stuck with a swearword that prevented him from living a normal life. Albus knew what life was like for a werewolf. He heard about Teddy 's dad 's life. After Hogwarts, what would Matt do ? Would he be able to get a job ?

`` Are you awake ? '' Madam Pomfrey came bustling over with a breakfast tray, `` Good, eat up. ``

`` Is Matt going to be ok ? '' Albus asked nervously.

`` Never you mind, '' Madam Pomfrey answered as she walked back to Matt 's bed and disappeared behind the curtains. She spent much of the adjacent minute bustling back and Forth River between lusterlessness 's bed and her discipline, where Albus could see her consulting account book and mixing potions. Albus watched her and point out she looked much more worried than common. What was going on ?

Neville returned about an hour later, followed by a tall, balding man in lime putting green robes. Albus recognized them as therapist robes. Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the drape when she heard the door clear and walked quickly over to the two men.

`` I 'd better go find Amy, Poppy, '' Neville announced.

`` Yes, I suppose you should, '' madam Pomfrey answered, `` Poor dear will be worried sick when she sees him. ``

`` I know, '' Neville sighed and left the room.

ma'am Pomfrey turned to the former man, `` Oh, good, they 've sent you, Healer Sterling, '' she welcomed the healer with a suspiration of succour, `` I was afraid they 'd send one of the trainee Healers. ``

`` No, no, I insisted on fare, '' Healer Sterling assured her, `` I 'm the one in accusation of the study- ''

Madam Pomfrey cut him off and gestured to Albus 's bed, `` Shush ! We 'll hash out it shortly. Albus, why do n't you finish your breakfast ? ``

`` I 'm not thirsty, '' Albus mumbled.

Madam Pomfrey 's grimace softened, `` Albus, Matt will be ok. You must n't worry. ``

`` But what 's going on ? '' Albus asked, `` I 've already figured it out. I know he 's a loup-garou. ``

`` Be that as it may, I can not inform you about the situation, '' Madam Pomfrey said as she and therapist Sterling walked towards lustrelessness 's bed, `` Now, it 's best for you to get some remainder. ''

dame Pomfrey drew her verge, muttered a spell, and she and the two men disappeared behind the curtains. Albus knew she had casted the Muffliato charm on him. He had witnessed his parents using that spell before. He sighed and picked at his testicle, but he really could n't eat anything. He knew that madam Pomfrey really was not sure whether Matt would be ok. Albus sat pondering about what could be incorrect, when a loud rush jolted him out of his thoughts.

Albus turned around in his bed and noticed that the battering was coming from the door. Madam Pomfrey ran out from behind the pall and headed towards the door. `` Who 's there ? '' she shouted.

`` Rose Weasley, '' Albus heard his cousin 's voice, `` Why are the doors locked ? Ca n't we descend in and see Albus ? ``

`` I 'd rather you did n't. I 've got another bookman in here who needs subdued, '' Madam Pomfrey said through the closed door.

`` Is it Matt ? '' Rose asked, `` Because he 's still not back yet. ``

brothel keeper Pomfrey sighed, `` Yes. ``

`` We 'll be quiet, '' rose answered, `` I promise. ``

`` Oh, all right hand, '' Madam Pomfrey opened the door, `` But only for a little while. ``

Rose walked through the doorway, followed by John, Amanda, and James. `` Oh, Albus, are you all right ? '' she whispered as they neared Albus 's bed.

`` I 'll be fine, '' Albus told them.

`` What on earth happened ? Never saw you after you took lusterlessness here last dark, '' John asked. He, Henry James, Amanda, and Rose sat down on the bed next to Albus's.

`` Met up with Willinson, '' Albus groaned, `` Him and two other Slytherins. ``

`` He 's trouble, I tell ya, '' James II shook his brain, `` repulse me mad until Victoire talked to him end year. ``

`` Yeah, well, he does n't appear to be listening to Victoire this year, does he ? '' Albus responded, `` Anyway, I disarmed him, but his two friends stunned me at the like time and I fell down the step. Got knocked out halfway down and woke up here. ``

`` Whoa, are you ok ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I 'm fine. Got a few broken bones, but they 're healed now. My foreland still hurts, though, '' Albus rubbed his forehead.

`` We were so worried when you were still gone this sunrise, '' rosiness told him, `` go away heterosexual to Uncle Harry 's study and he told us you were here. By the way, he said he 'd be visiting later this morning. ``

`` Dad was here last nighttime, too, '' Albus said, `` He 's really angry about it. He 's going to founder Willinson loads of detention. ``

King John grinned, `` Excellent. He 'll finally be getting what he deserves. ``

`` Well, I 've got to get going. Quidditch praxis, '' James River announced as he got up from the bed.

`` But you just had a equal yesterday, '' Rose shook her head.

`` Does n't matter. Lord's Day 's one of our usual recitation days, '' James reminded her. `` Glad you 're better, Albus. '' James waved and left the room. As he left, Neville, Victoire, and Amy came rushing through. Amy ran straight to Matt 's bed with tears in her heart and Neville following quickly behind. Victoire stared at her questioningly, but turned to Albus 's bed.

`` I told you not to go anywhere alone ! '' she sighed.

`` I know ! '' Albus replied, `` Sorry. I was just taking Matt here. He was pretty regurgitate last night, and it did n't occur to me that I 'd be walking back to the common room alone. ``

`` Oh, I understand that, '' Victoire answered, `` But just be careful from now on. ``

`` I will, '' Albus assured her. Sometimes, it felt like his older full cousin were just extra parents.

`` fountainhead, Uncle Harry 's enraged, so I do n't call back you 'll have to worry much anymore, '' Victoire told him, `` I heard him talking to Slughorn earlier. Apparently, Harry and Professor Longbottom are going to strike turns overseeing his detentions and let 's just say he 's not going to take in much disengage time in the coming weeks. ``

`` Good, '' Albus responded.

`` I 'd better be off, '' Victoire said, `` I 'm due to tutor Mark in Transfiguration of Jesus in a few second. I was just with Amy, she started getting hysterical when Neville came and found her in the usual way. But she would n't tell me what 's going on. I do n't suppose you sleep together ? ``

`` Nope, '' Albus said.

`` Well, I 'll see you later, '' Victoire started to head towards the door, `` Whatever it is, I hope lusterlessness 's ok. ''

`` Ok, now that she 's gone, I 've got to severalise you about lusterlessness, '' Albus whispered, `` Come closer, I do n't need brothel keeper Pomfrey to hear. ``

blush wine, Gospel According to John, and Amanda climbed onto Albus 's bed. `` What about him ? '' John asked.

`` He 's a werewolf, '' Albus muttered.

`` What ? '' John exclaimed a bit too loudly, `` How do you know for sure ? ``

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered, `` He was n't here last night when I woke up. And this good morning, Professor Longbottom and lady Pomfrey brought him here, but he was unconscious. ``

`` I knew it, '' rose whispered.

`` Anyway, brothel keeper Pomfrey said he 'd had a really bad shift, '' Albus told them, `` He 's still unconscious. And there 's a Healer from St. Mungo 's here. They 're all behind the curtains on mat 's bed. They wo n't differentiate me anything. They casted Muffliato, so I ca n't hear anything. ``

`` Figures, '' Rose groaned, `` Adults never let us know anything. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But what are we going to do about Matt ? ``

`` wellspring, we 've got to compute out how to severalize him we know, '' John the Divine answered.

`` I do n't know about that, '' Albus responded, `` There 's a understanding he 's not evidence us. I think we should let him tell us. ``

`` How do we hide that we know, Albus ? '' John asked.

`` We just do, '' Albus said adamantly, `` Anyway, it 's got to be harder for Matt to keep this undercover than us hiding the fact that we know. He 's got to tell us sooner or later. ``

`` I think Albus is in good order, John, '' Rose agreed, `` He 'll tell us soon. This has got to be something he tells us. He has to be gear up. ``

`` Fine, '' John sighed. The four acquaintance sat in silence for a import, succumbing to their own thoughts about Matt 's lycanthropy.

dame Pomfrey and healer Sterling came rushing out behind the curtain, and once they did, the Muffliato appeal broke.

`` I think I can handle him here, Poppy, '' Sterling said to Madam Pomfrey, `` I do n't think there 's any need to move him to St. Mungo 's, unless he gets speculative. ``

`` Oh, undecomposed, '' ma'am Pomfrey sighed with alleviation, `` That must mean it 's not as bad as I thought. ``

`` No, it 's not quite that bad. It will take a while to treat, but he will recuperate perfectly fine, '' Sterling assured her, `` Right now I 've got to pack these notes back to St. Mungo 's and consult with some other Healers. I 'll also contact his parents. I should be back sometime in the afternoon. Just keep administering the potions every hour until then. ``

`` I 'll see you later, then, '' Madam Pomfrey bade him cheerio as he left the room.

`` I think it 's time for you three to bequeath, '' she announced, `` Mr. Potter needs his eternal rest and he 's got to pick out a few more potions. ``

`` See you, Albus, '' John got up and started towards the door.

`` Bye, '' Amanda followed behind John.

`` gladiolus you 're ok, '' Rose got up, `` When do you get to exit ? ``

`` Tomorrow morning, '' Madam Pomfrey answered.

`` Can we see lusterlessness ? '' rose asked.

`` Absolutely not, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, `` He 's in no term for visitors. ``

`` Ok, ok, '' Rose responded, `` Bye, Albus. ``

`` Bye. ``

******

Throughout the rest of the day, Healer Sterling popped in and out of the hospital offstage, bringing with him various potions from St. Mungo 's. Shortly after lunch, Matt 's parents showed up and they stayed until the eventide. Everyone kept using the Muffliato magical spell against Albus, so he was unable to mind in on any conversations. Eventually he gave up on trying to encounter out any selective information about lusterlessness 's term and fell asleep. Madam Pomfrey let Albus leave the infirmary annexe too soon Mon morning, while breakfast was still going on in the Great Hall. Albus was quite bored with the infirmary fender and once ma'am Pomfrey had deemed him well, he ran straight to the Great Hall. trick, Amanda, and Rose were all sitting together, whispering.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted once Albus had sat down next to him, `` All salutary then ? ``

`` Yeah, I 'm fine, '' Albus assured him, `` Bit athirst, though. '' Albus piled his dental plate with ball and toast.

`` We were just talking about Matt, '' rosiness informed him, `` How is he doing ? ``

`` I 'm really not trusted, '' Albus said through a taste of toast, `` I could n't try a Good Book anyone was saying. They 're being very secretive. ``

`` Is he awake yet ? '' Amanda asked.

`` No, he 's not, '' Albus sighed, `` At least I do n't think so. The fleck of conversation that I have been able to learn are mostly about figuring out how to wake him up. ``

`` No hazard of visiting him, then ? '' John wondered aloud.

`` Do n't think so, '' Albus told him, `` I mean, Madam Pomfrey 's still keeping the door locked. You have to say who you are and what you want in order to get in. The lonesome ones who 've been allowed to sojourn are his parents and Amy. ``

`` Oh, '' John sounded disappointed, `` I hope she lets us in soon. ``

`` Scorpius Malfoy tried to get in, '' Albus lowered his voice, `` Last night. ``

`` What the Hades did he want ? '' John growled, `` Slimy git. ``

`` Wanted to find out what 's wrong with Matt, '' Albus answered, `` He 's way too nosy. Anyway, he banged on the door and told Madam Pomfrey he had a scent bleed. But he 'd only taken a olfactory organ Bleed Nougat, because once he got in, I saw him eat the other half and the profligate stopped immediately. While madam Pomfrey was shutting the door after him and locking it, he ran over to mat 's bed. ``

`` He did n't see him, did he ? '' Rose asked anxiously.

`` No, the mantle were up. Amy noticed him and she was looking murderous. She yelled at him to go away and heed his own business concern. Then dame Pomfrey came back over and noticed he was n't bleeding anymore and made him leave. Said she was going to assure Slughorn about it. I hope he gets detainment. ``

`` Wow, he does n't move over up, does he ? '' John Lackland responded.

`` No, he does n't, '' Albus agreed, `` We 're gon na have to be deliberate about him. ``

`` station is here, '' Amanda looked up and commented on the owls swooping into the room.

`` Albus, look, '' rose wine pointed to a transcript of the Daily prophesier that had been delivered to the girl sitting across from them.

Albus glanced at the newspaper and immediately noticed what rose wine was showing him. The front man page headline was 'Mysterious Deaths Mystify Ministry Aurors'with a rather turgid pictorial matter of Harry below it. Albus turned to rosiness, `` What 's that about ? ``

`` I do n't know, but I do n't care the audio of it, '' Rose answered. `` Can I take over that ? '' she asked the girl.

The miss looked at them, and then the article, `` Sure, but I 'd like it back when you 're done. '' She gave them one last aspect and then turned to her friend and the two of them started whispering.

rose wine took the paper and put it in between her and Albus.

Mysterious Deaths Mystify Ministry Aurors

It started with the slaying of Hogwart pa instructor, Eric Torro, in the origin of September. Supposedly, the Aurors looked into the death immediately, but there have been no leads. Harry thrower, the Boy Who Lived, the Chosen One, Head Auror, and Hogwarts dad instructor, has been leading the investigation. But are his teaching duties getting in the way of his Auror tariff ? There have also been no pencil lead in the destruction of Jasmine Lamski, which occurred a month ago. We asked if these deaths are connected, but the Auror office responded with 'no comment'. Do they have it away more than they 're telling us ? It is these sort of slaying that remind many of us of Godhead Voldemort 's sentence of terror. Could there still be shadow star among us ? Is the Auror position doing enough to stop them ? And more importantly, should Harry ceramist be teaching minor when his efforts are obviously needed in the Auror Office ? Despite this, Harry thrower assures the Wizarding earthly concern that affair 'are under control and there is no need to vex .'masses are being murdered and the murderer are not being caught. It might indeed be time to worry.

`` That 's folderol ! '' Albus shouted when he finished the article.

`` What ? '' trick asked, trying to say top side down.

`` Read this, '' Albus grumbled as he handed John and Amanda the paper. `` Who wrote it ? '' he asked Rose.

`` Rita Skeeter, '' pink wine told him.

`` material body ! '' Albus shouted, `` She 's always twisting the verity. ``

`` Does n't look like the teachers are too happy about it, '' Rose pointed to the stave table, where all the instructor were whispering amongst themselves. Most of them wore looking of worry and angriness. The solitary one who was n't whispering was Washburn, who was glaring at the educatee, just like he usually did. Harry was noticeably absent from the table.

`` Blimey, '' toilet let out a low whistle, `` That 's the way to scare away everybody. ``

`` There are n't really still nighttime sensation are there ? '' Amanda asked quietly, she was pale as a ghost.

`` 'Course there are, '' Albus told her, `` There 's always evil in the earthly concern. But it 's not like Voldemort 's coming back or anything. If my dad says there 's aught to worry about, then there is n't. ``

`` Ok, but it 's still scary, '' Amanda responded.

`` That 's what Rita Skeeter wants, '' Albus informed her, `` That 's what she does. She 's rarely ever written anything that 's she has n't stretched the truth. ``

`` But what about those dreams and Legilimency ? '' rose wine asked, `` Even your dad admits there 's something going on with that ? ``

`` I know, but he 's taking care of it, '' Albus assured her, `` I mean sure enough, it 's scarey, but I do n't opine it required an article that strikes worry and fear into everyone. No one besides you lot and my family recognise anything about those dreams. So to them, it 's just like mortal just started randomly killing a few mass. ``

`` That 's unfeigned, '' Saint John the Apostle agreed, `` Where 's your dad ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus told him, `` I saw him net Nox in the infirmary Wing. He 's probably at the Ministry, trying to smooth everything over with this clause. If mass start complaining that the Aurors are n't doing enough, then he could suffer his job here. ``

`` Bloody hell, '' John exclaimed, `` That would n't be right. I 'm sure the Aurors are doing a good job. ``

`` quieten ! '' prof Kendrick had stood up. The elbow room fell silent as he did so. `` Thank you. Now, I 'm sure most of you have read today 's movement pageboy article in the Prophet. I want to assure you all that we are perfectly condom and there is no penury to worry. Certain journalists often have the habit of stretching the truth in order to frighten people, and that is what is going on here. The Aurors are doing everything in their great power to catch whoever murdered prof Torro and Jasmine Lamski. I also need to inform you that papa lessons will not take situation today, because prof Potter is spending the day at the Auror place and the Ministry, trying to quieten everyone down. If you have DADA today, please use the time to learn for your upcoming exam. That is all. '' prof Kendrick sat back down and resumed his conversation with Neville.

Once Kendrick had finished his speech, whispering resumed amongst the scholarly person. Anyone who had not seen the article before, was now scrambling to find a copy of the Prophet.

`` Well, what 're we going to do with our relinquish flow, then ? '' lavatory asked. The Gryffindor first eld had DADA first that day.

`` I 've got preparation to wind up, '' Amanda groaned, `` Essay for Herbology. ``

`` Ugh, do n't cue me, '' can groaned as well, `` I have n't finished it either. ``

`` wellspring, then you do need reminding ! '' rose wine exclaimed, `` I finished that over the weekend. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus commented.

`` Why do n't we go finish it, then, John ? '' Amanda suggested, `` The uncouth elbow room will be pretty quiet with everyone off in class. ``

`` Fine, '' John reluctantly agreed. He stood up and headed off with Amanda to finish the essay.

`` That could n't induce worked out better, '' Rose whispered to Albus, `` Now we can go to the program library and resume our research. ``

`` Good thought, '' Albus told her, `` I 've finished that other record. Returned it a few 24-hour interval ago. I 'd better get another. ``

`` I 've looked through three, but there 's tons others, '' Rose informed him. She started walking out of the Great Hall, with Albus following, `` But I have n't found anything useful. ``

`` Me, neither. ``

Albus and pink wine were pleased to find that the library was rather empty. There were a few honest-to-god students who had a liberate period, but all of them seemed too interfering studying to comment the two initiative geezerhood. They headed straight to the script shelf that held the books they had previously looked at.

`` Are we really going to have to look through all of these ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` Hopefully not, '' pink wine said as she pulled out a rather large book, `` Once we find something about Hallows, we can discontinue. ``

`` I 'm beginning to doubt if that 's going to happen, '' Albus responded.

`` I sure hope we find something soon, '' Rose opened her Book and glanced quickly at the table of contents, `` examination will be in a few month, so we 're going to have to depart studying Thomas More, which means less time for this. ``

`` Yeah, maybe we 'll get lucky today, '' Albus hoped, `` Want to go find a board ? '' He had picked out two books to see at.

`` Sure, '' rosebush followed Albus into a secluded voice of the depository library, away from Madam Pince and the other students. They read silently for fifteen minutes.

`` well, this book 's inviolable applesauce, '' Albus closed his starting time book, `` Says Dad and Voldemort dueled for half a day before Voldemort finally died. ``

rosebush broke out laughing, `` Really ? ! Wow, amazing that got published. ``

Albus set aside that book and opened the former one, `` This looks a bit better. ``

`` Well, aspect who it is ? '' someone said from behind rose.

Albus glanced up. `` And what do you want, Malfoy ? ``

`` Just seeing what you 're up to on your free time, '' Malfoy smiled smugly, `` I 'm assuming you read the article. ``

`` Yeah, I did, '' Albus said coldly, `` But it 's not true. Just someone trying to bring up up trouble. ``

`` Never can severalise, though, can you ? '' Malfoy sat down at their mesa, `` The Ministry 's often silence matter up. ``

`` What do you know about that ? '' pink wine asked.

`` Nothing, nothing, just stuff I 've overheard my father saying, '' Malfoy looked over at the book Rose was reading.

`` A history of Creator Voldemort, '' Malfoy read the title, `` Interesting form of address. Why are you reading it ? ``

`` Just a bit of background reading, never can memorise too much. ``

`` Hmm, '' Malfoy looked at Albus, `` So, I hear you got into a bit of a duel the former day. ``

Albus turned red, `` Uh, yeah. ``

Malfoy smirked, `` Ca n't really take on three seventh years. ``

`` He disarmed Willinson, '' pink wine said angrily, `` And is it really your patronage ? ``

`` No, not really, but I still want to know. ``

`` I could 've taken on Willinson, '' Albus added, `` He 's ugly at dueling. But his two mates got me. ``

`` That 's true, Willinson 's dueling skills leave a lot to be desired, '' Malfoy agreed, `` But he 's hurt enough not to duel without others on his side. ``

`` Good for him, '' Albus mumbled.

`` well, we 'd better be off to charm, '' Rose slammed her Good Book shut and got up.

`` Yeah, bye, '' Albus muttered and followed rosebush. They checked out their Word, which got them more inquiring glares from Madam Pince, and headed off to Charms.

appeal was surprisingly uneventful. professor Washburn did enquire where Matt was, but he seemed meet with 'in the infirmary fender'as an answer. image Herbology went as common, although Neville seemed kind of tense and distracted during the class. Albus had assumed this was because of Rita Skeeter 's article. Both trick and Amanda had managed to terminate their essays, although John 's was n't long enough.

`` We should see if we can visit Matt tomorrow evening, '' Rose announced at dinner.

`` Definitely, '' can agreed, `` If ma'am Pomfrey lets us. ``

`` I ca n't, '' Albus said, `` I 've got Occlumency tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, that 's right ! '' rosiness responded, `` I 'd completely forgotten. I 'll just skip that lesson, then. ``

Albus laughed, `` Well, you do n't even have to do it anyway. ``

`` I know, but it 's really interesting stuff. ``

`` I hope matte 's ok, '' Albus said in a occupy tone, `` gentlewoman Pomfrey seemed so worried. ``

`` I wonder how long he 'll be stuck in there, '' St. John the Apostle asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus answered, `` I just hope he 's conscious now. ``

`` We should probably bring his homework, '' rose suggested.

`` That 'll cheer him up, '' privy said sarcastically.

`` He needs to do it if he 's going to preserve up with classes ! ''

`` True, '' John agreed, `` oral presentation of prep, has anyone finished that essay for Slughorn that 's due tomorrow ? ``

`` I did, '' rose said, `` But let me reckon, you have n't ? ``

`` Nope, '' John Lackland grinned, `` Want to lend me your banknote ? ``

`` Not really, '' blush wine shook her head.

`` I finished it, '' Amanda added, she had been rather restrained throughout the unanimous conversation. Albus could tell that the approximation of Matt being a werewolf freaked her out a little bit. He could understand, considering up until a few months ago, she had n't even known werewolves were real number. But he did hope Amanda would n't start treating mat differently.

`` goodness, I 'll use your notes ! ''

`` I 'm not quite finished with it either, '' Albus informed them, `` I 've just got to publish three More inches, then it 'll be done. ``

The four ally finished up their pudding and headed back to the green room. John worked on his essay with Amanda 's help, while Albus finished his. rose did other preparation, and eventually she decided to help Saint John as well.
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A/N : Longest chapter yet, I think ! I did n't want to split it up because then it would have been two really poor chapters. And I know when I read news report, I prefer longer chapters.

Thanks as usual to my baby and beta Dancer of Starlight, and my crony and former sister. Thanks as well to inkheart for the reviews.

I 'd also like to ploughshare that it was about a year ago that I started writing this. So, happy birthday to the report ! I finished it about six months ago.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter, or any of his many relatives.

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Shortly before seven the next eve, Jesse James and Albus headed to Occlumency, while lav, Rose, and Amanda went to the Hospital Wing. As it turned out, the instructor told Rose that they had already sent lustrelessness 's homework to the Hospital wing and there was no need for her to take in it.

`` People talking about that article in your classes ? '' Albus asked his Brother on the way to the Transfiguration classroom.

`` Yeah, '' James responded, `` They always contain rightfield when the teacher comes in, though. ``

`` Everyone in my classes have been whispering about it. They try to talk quietly so I ca n't get word them, but I can, '' Albus informed him.

`` That 's what it 's like for me, too, '' James River said, `` But you know Peyton Haines, the Slytherin Chaser ? Well, he keeps loudly discussing how the Auror department unable to do anything and everyone 's in severe danger. Always within earshot of me, too. ``

`` Git, '' Albus growled.

`` I heard he scared the hell out of the Hufflepuffs in charm today. Said he heard all the destruction feeder had broken out of Azkaban and no one had caught them yet. loading of applesauce. Got away with it, too, because Washburn was n't in the way yet. ``

`` Probably would n't have mattered if he was in the room, '' Albus muttered, `` Slytherins can do no wrong in his middle. ``

William James opened the door to the Transfiguration way and walked inside, Albus followed. Hermione was already there.

`` Hi, boys ! '' she smiled and gave them each a hug.

`` Hi, Aunt Hermione, '' Albus and Saint James the Apostle greeted her.

`` When 's Dad coming back ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, full inquiry, '' James I chimed in, `` And what 's with that article ? ``

Hermione 's smile faded and she gestured for the son to sit down. `` He 'll be back later tonight, so do n't worry about that. And as for the article ... Well, you both know that well-nigh everything Rita Skeeter writes is applesauce. ``

James and Albus nodded.

`` That article was written for the lonesome purpose of scaring masses. All the it did was arouse questions. The article itself was just a load of questions. The murders do remind people of Voldemort 's reign, so it was quite easy to just write this article and send people into a panic. The fact that the Aurors have no trail in either murder just fueled the fire. But I can promise you that whatever is going on, your father and the other Aurors are taking care of it. And he is perfectly capable of teaching here and heading the Auror department, '' Hermione told them.

`` So there is something going on ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, of course of instruction something 's going on. There have been two mysterious murder, and someone is trying to see your persuasion, '' Hermione explained, `` But it is nothing the Ministry ca n't handle. ``

`` So, do you have it away what 's going on ? '' James asked.

`` Your dad has a few intimation and he has expressed them to me, but I ca n't severalise you them, '' Hermione answered, `` Now we 've got to start the lesson. afford your books to page 50. ``

Albus and James opened their books and Hermione lectured them for a half minute. Albus found this contribution of the moral extremely tiresome, but every lesson started this way. Albus did n't expect any different from his Aunt Hermione, who was always trying to get him to understand a lot of Holy Scripture. Eventually, the lecture section of the lesson was over and the practical voice began.

Albus had been getting better at Occlumency. He had yet to foreclose Hermione from entering his idea, but usually managed to force her out after a few minutes.

`` Albus, you first. ``

Albus got up from his president and stood in front of his aunt. `` Remember to close your psyche. Legilimens ! '' she shouted.

Albus stood there, being flooded with his own memory, for a few minutes. He saw James levitating Albus 's drinking glass of pumpkin juice at lastly summer 's family reunification, the time he got lost in a Muggle grocery store when he was five, and the low clip he ever rode a heather. Albus concentrated hard on blocking out all mentation, and he was able to storm Hermione out of his mind.

`` Good job, Al ! '' Hermione congratulated him, `` It took you less time than last lesson. ``

Albus tried two Thomas More time, both times producing the same upshot as the initiatory, and then he sat down to watch over James.

James had been having a much more difficult time than Albus. He had only been successful once, and it had taken him nearly ten minutes. This fourth dimension proved to be no different, and after XV mo, St. James had not been able to force Hermione out of his mind. The last try, he had even wound up laying on the base. Hermione had thought that was enough, and James and Albus went back to the common room.

`` How 'd it go ? '' rose asked, when Albus sat down next to her. Rose, John, and Amanda were all sitting at one of the tabular array, doing homework.

`` Pretty good, '' Albus answered, `` It 's taking me lupus erythematosus time to get your mum out of my psyche. But Saint James the Apostle ca n't get her out at all. ``

`` He 'll get there eventually, '' pink wine responded.

`` Did you get to see Matt ? '' Albus asked as he pulled out his Potions homework.

`` No, '' John said sadly, `` He 's still unconscious. And dame Pomfrey still has the doors locked. She 's got a really curt temper, too. ``

`` Yeah, Scorpius Malfoy was skulking around ! '' Rose exclaimed, `` We went up there and he was trying to mind in through the door. ``

`` Little git, '' Albus muttered, `` So what happened ? ``

`` We told him to go away, but he would n't, '' John explained, `` He whipped out his sceptre and tried to hex Amanda, but missed her. Madam Pomfrey came out when she heard the ruckus and told him to get back to his park room or she 'd get Slughorn. Then she told us mat was still unconscious and we would n't be able to see him. ``

`` Malfoy 's really got to intercept investigation this, '' Albus responded, `` He ca n't detect out. He 's got to mind his own stage business. ``

`` We ca n't let anyone find out, '' Rose agreed.

`` But he 's still not up ? '' Albus sighed, `` Whatever is going on, it sounds really bad. ``

`` I know, '' rosebush shook her head.

`` Well, his natal day is following week, '' John reminded them.

`` Oh, yeah, on the sixth, Midweek, '' Albus remembered.

`` I think we should do something for it, '' John stated, `` Even if he 's still in the Hospital annex. ``

`` I bet he will be, '' rosebush said, `` But we can still do something if we 're allowed in. ``

`` Let 's design it, then, '' John announced, `` Our first Hogwarts natal day party. Because you guys did n't do anything for mine, '' he added.

`` Your birthday was over the holiday ! '' Rose lightly smacked him with her DADA book.

`` I know, '' lavatory grinned, `` Anyway, we could bring some food into the hospital Wing and have the party there. ``

`` Great theme ! '' Albus grinned.

`` But none of us know where the kitchens are, '' Amanda reminded them.

`` No problem, '' Albus glanced around the common elbow room, `` Oi ! Bradley, sign ! '' he waved his two full cousin over.

`` Whatcha need, Albus ? '' Omar Bradley asked as he sat down in an empty chair at the table.

`` We 're going to accept a piffling birthday party for our friend, lusterlessness, '' Albus told them, `` But none of us know where the kitchens are. So, since there 's a Hogsmeade visit on Sabbatum, could you get us some stuff ? ``

`` Sure, no problem, '' sign said, `` Butterbeers and some stuff from Honeyduke 's sound dependable ? ``

`` Yeah, that 'd be great. ``

`` What should we get him for a present ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Hmm, I dunno ... '' John stopped to think, `` material from Weasley 's is always dear. ``

`` How about a Chudley cannon jersey ? '' Albus suggested.

`` Sounds skillful ! '' lav agreed. rose wine and Amanda nodded their heads.

`` Anywhere in Hogsmeade that you could get one of those ? '' Albus asked his cousins.

`` The Quaffle Shop should ingest it. I 've only been there once. It just opened up this past summertime, '' Omar Bradley told them, `` I can get you one. ``

`` Thanks ! '' Albus grinned.

`` But you 'll have to reach us money for everything, '' Mark told them.

Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda each forked over a couple reap hook and handed them to Mark.

`` Ok, we 'll get the stuff and give it to you when we get back, '' Thomas Bradley said, and he and bell ringer rejoined their friends on the other slope of the park room.

`` It 's really rotted luck that he 's going to be in the infirmary backstage on his natal day, '' John commented.

`` Yeah, but we 'll try to cheer him up, '' Albus reasoned.

`` What if gentlewoman Pomfrey does n't let us in ? '' Amanda wondered.

`` She better, '' Rose stated, `` But she 's got to, it 'll be his natal day. If anything, we can always get Amy to let us in. ``

`` True, she 'd be able-bodied to convince lady Pomfrey. She 's got some pettishness, '' Saint John laughed.

`` Just as long as we do n't ask her too many questions, '' Rose said, `` Amy obviously does n't need anyone knowing about matt 's, er, problem. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus told her, `` Hopefully dame Pomfrey will just let us in and we wo n't involve Amy to do any convincing. ``

Rose glanced at her watch, `` Well, it 's getting variety of late. I 'm going to bed, '' she started packing up her Book, `` Did you all cease your homework ? ``

`` Yep, '' they all answered.

`` Good nighttime, then, '' Rose got up and walked over to the young woman 's dormitories.

`` I guess I 'll go to bed, too, '' Albus put his ledger away and got up.

`` Me, too, '' lavatory and Amanda put their material away. Amanda caught up with rosiness and followed her up the stairs.

privy headed up to the boy 's dorm room with Albus. As Albus got ready for bed, he thought about Matt 's birthday party. He hoped that Matt would be up for it, and that Madam Pomfrey would let them in. Hopefully, they would be able to consume the company and that it would cheer him up. He also wondered how much foresightful Matt would be able to keep his secret from his friends. Albus only hoped that someday, he would trust them enough to secernate them. He got into bed and his thoughts drifted to Scorpius Malfoy and how untrusting he was about Matt. Would they be able-bodied to proceed him from finding out ? And what would happen if he did find out one day ? The thought of Scorpius finding out occupy Albus right field until he fell asleep.

******

`` His nonsuch will be realized, '' a coldness voice surrounded Albus.

`` Whose ideals ? '' Albus asked.

`` The one you fear the most, '' the part answered. It was coming from a masked figure that was circling Albus. They were in a dark, low way. Albus was sitting in a punishing hot seat in the middle.

`` Voldemort ? '' Albus responded nervously, `` But he 's dead. ``

`` It does n't weigh ! '' the voice screamed, `` There are others to carry out his program ! ``

`` They 're all in Azkaban. '' Albus tried to make out who the robe trope was, but it was too morose.

`` Not all of them. There are some who roam gratuitous, '' the figure whispered in Albus 's ear, `` Now, perhaps you can assist me. ``

`` Sorry, I ca n't, '' Albus glared at him, feeling braver than he had a indorse ago.

`` Oh, I think you can, '' the bod pulled out his verge and pointed it at Albus. He muttered a spell and Albus 's men and feet became bound by witching forget me drug. `` Now, maybe you can differentiate me where the Hallows are ? ``

Albus 's eyes widened and he stared at the man, `` What do you know about Hallows ? ``

`` Not nearly as practically as you do, '' the man answered, `` Now severalise me where they are ! ``

`` I do n't know ! '' Albus shouted, feeling the ropes narrow his men. He winced in pain.

`` I 'm trusted you do ! ``

`` NO ! I do n't ! '' The Mexican valium dug into his wrist even more as he felt the circulation to his manpower being cut off.

`` William Tell me ! '' The man forcefully shook Albus 's chair. `` You do n't want to know what I 'll do if you do n't ! ``

`` But I do n't even know what Hallows are ! '' Albus screamed in infliction, `` What are they ? ! ``

`` You know perfectly well what they are ! Now recite me where they are ! ``

`` NO ! ``

`` William Tell ! '' the man shook the chair so hard it fell over, taking Albus with it. He screamed as his pass hit the cold, hard floor.
`` Albus ! '' an anxious vocalization whispered, `` Wake up ! ``

`` No, no, no, I do n't know what they are ... '' Albus moaned in his sleep.

`` It 's just a pipe dream, wake up, '' a warm bridge player shook him gently, and Albus wrenched his oculus open. He saw can looking down at him with a frightened look on his typeface. Bilius and Ethan were behind him, glancing around nervously.

Albus rubbed his center and noticed he was not on his bed anymore. He was laying on the floor, in a tangle of cover. He was sweating profusely and his affection was beating fast.

`` Should I get ma'am Pomfrey ? '' Bilius asked tentatively.

`` Maybe we should get prof Potter, '' John Lackland responded.

`` Is he back yet ? '' Ethan questioned.

Albus started to detangle himself from the bedclothes. He knew what the dream had been. And he knew he needed to see his dad as soon as possible. `` I 'm ok, I 've just got to go talk to my dad. ``

`` D'you want me to go with you ? '' John the Divine asked.

`` No, I 'll be fine, '' Albus got up and rummaged in his trunk for his dressing robe.

`` Are you sure ? You do n't look too good. ``

Albus pulled on his robe and stepped into his shoes, `` I told you, I 'll be ok. '' He left the dormitory and went down to the abandoned vernacular room. A glance at the clock told him it was just past times four a.m. He was about to croak through the portrait hole, when he remembered what his dad had told him over Christmas. No more wandering the corridors. He looked around the room to try and chance a portrait that was awake. He spotted one in a picture of a herd of oxen, it was a brusque knight riding atop a fat pony.

`` Excuse me, '' Albus asked tentatively as he walked over to the scene, `` I was wondering if you could do something for me ? If it 's not too much difficulty. I need you to go get someone for me. ``

The knight puffed out his chest and turned his crib towards Albus, `` A seeking ? ``

`` Er, well, I suppose you could regard it a pursuance. Who are you ? ``

`` I, am Sir Cadogan, at your service ! '' the horse saluted Albus and bowed his top dog low.

`` Um, ok, and I 'm Albus potter. I was wondering if you could go get my dad. Harry Potter. ``

`` Harry thrower ! Quite the nice young lad, I remember him well. I helped him on a quest once ! And you are his son. Well, I shall assist you on your quest. I shall not let scoundrel nor beast stop me ! I will incur your dad or I shall perish trying ! ''

`` Thanks, then, '' Albus responded, thinking that this was the strangest portrait he 'd ever met. And that he 'd have to ask his dad about the 'quest'Sir Cadogan had helped him with. `` Just tell him to come to Gryffindor tug, and that it 's very significant. ``

`` I will do just that ! '' the strange horse replied, `` Off I go then ! Nothing shall stop me. Sir Cadogan lets zilch get in the way of his seeking. A pursuit to find the great Harry Potter ! On with ye, then ! '' he shouted at his pony. Sir Cadogan traveled through a few portraiture in the common room, waking up the occupier and earning nasty smell from them as he went. Eventually, the noise died down and Sir Cadogan exited the room.

Albus looked around the vernacular room as he waited for his dad. It was very dissimilar in the dead of Night. He was the lonesome occupant and had his choice of spot to sit. As a first year, Albus rarely got the good arm president near the flak. He walked over and sat down in one, but as the fervour had died away hours ago, it was just as cold as the ease of the elbow room. Albus sighed as he stared into the empty hearth. What had that dream meant ? Who was the hooded figure and why did they think that Albus knew where the 'Hallows'were ? As Albus thought about this, he realized that as horrible as the dream had been, it did fall in him Sir Thomas More information on the 'Hallows'. He now knew that they were objective. physical object that someone was trying to locate and probably steal. He would have to tell Rose when she got up. But what were the 'Hallows'? And why did this individual want them ? It must take in something to do with Voldemort 's 'ideals', of course. Whoever was creating these dreams in Albus 's mind must want to try to pack out Voldemort 's plans. The very thought process of another Voldemort sent frisson up Albus 's pricker. He jumped as he heard a noise behind him. When he turned around, he noticed that Sir Cadogan was back in the picture of the cattle. Albus got up and walked over to it.

Sir Cadogan placed his blade into its holster and saluted Albus, `` I have had succeeder with the quest ! The Great Harry ceramicist has been found and shall be entering the room shortly ! ``

Albus looked at the knight and grinned nervously, `` Thanks, Sir Cadogan. ``

`` Anytime ! Anytime ! '' the knight said excitedly, `` I must be off now, for I spotted someone on the way back and I 've got to see what they are up to ! No scoundrel gets past Sir Cadogan ! ``

`` right, '' Albus responded.

`` Well, then, I 'll be off ! '' Sir Cadogan drew his sword again, `` But if you are ever in pauperism of knightly help again, be sure to bid on Sir Cadogan ! '' The strange knight and his crib sped out of the portrait, yet again waking the occupants of the portraiture he passed through, and left the room.

The portrayal yap opened and a very tired looking Harry crawled through. He looked at his son and grinned, `` Ah, the quantity of times I snuck back through here in the dead of night ... ''

Albus ran towards his dad and hugged him tight. Harry hugged him back and led him over to the large arm professorship near the fire. Harry sat down in one and pulled Albus onto his lap. `` What 's going on ? I was just getting to log Z's when that mad knight came in and told me you needed to talk to me. Would n't impart me any details, just said it was urgent. I thought he was going to fire up half the castle, the way he was shouting through the corridors, '' Harry laughed.

Albus looked at his dad and laughed nervously, `` He was the entirely one awake. Seemed very aegir to go on a pursuance. And he said he 'd taken you on a quest once. I 'd like to have a go at it all about that. ``

Harry grinned, thinking back to the time in his third year when Sir Cadogan had led him, Ron, and Hermione to the Divination schoolroom. `` Of course of action. How could I forget that ? I was in third year and your Uncle Ron, Aunt Hermione, and I were trying to find the foretelling room. Sir Cadogan helped us find it. We did get there, but he is a bit insane. Later on that twelvemonth he was recruited to guard the Gryffindor common elbow room entrance after Sirius slashed the Fat peeress 's portrait. Of row, everyone thought he was a people liquidator and when Sir Cadogan let him into the pillar later on, his days as the guard of the room were over. ``

Albus stared at him, `` Wow. Well, he 's got to be the most mad portrayal I 've ever met. ``

`` Me, too, Al, '' Harry agreed, `` Now, what was so urgent ? ``

`` I had another dreaming, '' Albus whispered, `` Only this one was dissimilar. ``

Harry 's grin faded away and was replaced by a more serious aspect, `` What happened in this one ? ``

Albus quickly rehashed the dream to his dad, and by the end he was shaking again and almost in tears. Harry wrapped his arms around Albus and held him close.

`` It 's ok, Al, '' Harry reassured him, `` But thanks for letting me know. I hate to say it, but that pipe dream does help confirm what I thought this was leading to. ``

`` And what would that be ? '' Albus asked, blinking back his tears.

`` I 'm dismal, but I ca n't say you. You will observe out, though, once it 's all sorted out. ``

`` But what are Hallows ? ''

`` That 's another thing I ca n't tell you. I will tell you sometime down the road, though, '' Harry responded, `` Anyway, Hermione tells me your Occlumency example are going well. ``

`` Apparently not well enough, '' Albus groaned, `` After tonight 's incubus. ``

`` It takes a while, Al, and it 's severe when you 're sleeping. ``

`` I know, and I am trying. ``

`` I know you are. ``

`` So, '' Albus said, changing the issue, `` Did everything go ok at the Ministry ? ``

`` Oh, that went fine, '' Harry told him, `` Everything 's smoothed over. Rita Skeeter 's received a warning and so has the editor program of the Prophet. ``

`` Everyone here 's been pretty concern. Rita Skeeter succeeded in scaring everyone, '' Albus responded.

`` Yeah, but it 'll die down. Once the next Quidditch couple comes around it 'll all be forgotten, '' Harry grinned, `` nix like Quidditch to ingest your mind off everything. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, `` Next match is in three weeks. Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw. I bet Ravenclaw will win. ``

`` You 're probably right. I 'm betting it 'll be between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw for the cup. ``

`` Yeah, and I hope we win it ! '' Albus said excitedly.

`` Me, too, Al, '' Harry smiled and lifted Albus off his lap, `` Now, I 've got to get a few hour sleep and you probably should, too. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus yawned.

`` I 'll see you in course of study later on, Al, '' Harry stood up and gave his son one last-place hug, `` I love you. ``

`` Love you too, '' Albus watched as his dad left the rough-cut elbow room. He smiled as he walked up the broadside stairway to the dormitory. He felt a whole lot better after talking to his dad.

`` Albus, '' John whispered from his four poster bed, `` Are you all right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back as he climbed into bed, `` Are Ethan and Bilius dormancy ? ``

`` I think so, one of them started snoring a few minutes ago, '' John told him.

`` commodity. I had another one of those dreams where someone 's using Legilimency on me. ``

`` I figured. Was it the Sami one ? ``

`` No, this one was different. My dad says it confirms some of his hunch, which is n't really expert. He 'll take care of it, though. ``

`` Good. So he 's back, then ? ``

`` Yup, everything 's fine with the Ministry and the Prophet, now. wellspring, Rita Skeeter and the editor program of the prophet got into a bit of trouble, '' Albus laughed.

`` That 's peachy ! I 'm gladiolus your dad 's spinal column. Now things can get back to normal. Well, as normal as they ever are around here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said softly, `` Well, good Night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus did n't get much sleep that night. cerebration of his new nightmare kept him up the residuum of the night. He gave up trying to sleep by 7am and got up. By the time John woke up, he was quick to go to breakfast. The two boy met blush wine and Amanda at the Gryffindor tabular array and had breakfast. Albus noticed that there was a lot of whispering going on and he suspected it was due to the fact that Harry was back from the Ministry. Albus continued thinking about his nightmare during breakfast and was very muted. can and Amanda did not find this because they were in the middle of arguing about whether the Potions essay had to be a foot of sheepskin or just six inch. Albus suspected Amanda was right and the essay had to be a foot. blush wine, however, kept looking at Albus while she ate her food.

`` Is something wrong ? '' she asked him.

Albus glanced around to check if anyone was paying attention to them, luckily, no one was. `` Yeah, I had another eldritch dream survive night. This one was different. ``

`` Really ? '' Rose stared at him with all-embracing eyes. `` What was it about ? ``

`` Ca n't state you here. I 'll state you at luncheon. I 've got to tell James, too. The common room should be vacuous when everyone 's at luncheon, '' Albus whispered.

Morning course of study seemed to drag on forever. Albus kept looking at the clock throughout both DADA and charms, waiting for lunch. He really wanted rose wine 's opinion of the ambition and could n't hold off to recount her about the Hallows facial expression of it. Harry started DADA by telling the social class that everything was straightened out with the Ministry and they had nothing to worry about. Albus suspected he was going to differentiate every year that. Charms was just as horrible as common, and it ended with Washburn rescheduling the detainment that Albus could n't attend earlier due to Occlumency. He would be doing business at noon on Saturday.

Once Charms was over, Albus and Rose went to see James. Rose had told John and Amanda that the Potions essay did have got to be a foot, so John was spending his lunch in the library trying to amount up with another half pes of essay. Amanda had gone along to aid him. Albus and Rose found James in the Great Hall and after the three of them ate a rushed tiffin, they headed up to the unwashed elbow room. It was, as suspected, deserted.

`` Ok, so what 's so important that I had to practically vamoose luncheon for ? '' Henry James asked once they were in the room.

`` I had another shady dream last night, '' Albus told him, `` This one was unlike. '' Albus explained the pipe dream in detail, including the parts about the Hallows.

James II and rose stared at Albus for a few instant before Rose spoke, `` Well, this is is kind of good. Now we know that the Hallows are objects. I was almost thinking that they were a serial publication of turn or something. ``

`` But we still do n't know what they are, '' James sighed.

`` Or why I should know where they are, '' Albus stated, `` This would be a whole lot easier if Dad would just enjoin us. ``

`` But he wo n't, '' James replied angrily.

`` And I hate to say it, but I do n't think we 're going to line up any answers in the program library. We 've looked in practically all the books that have to do with the war and I 've looked through all the Prophets from that year, too, '' Rose told them.

The three of them stood in secretiveness for a few min, trying to guess of some resolution. Saint James the Apostle had started pacing. Albus sat down in a chair and tried to think of some early way they could detect out what the Hallows were.

`` wellspring, let 's go over the clues again, '' Rose announced, `` The Hallows are something close, and our parents wo n't tell us what they are because they do n't want us to say anyone. None of our aunty or uncles or full cousin know about them either. So, maybe it 's just our parents who know about them ? If that 's true, then no admiration we could n't find the answer in a rule book. None of our parents have ever written a book. ``

`` Yeah, '' James agreed, `` It 's got to be something just our parents know about. ``

`` well, they were the ones who destroyed most of the Horcruxes. Maybe it 's got something to do with that ? '' Albus suggested.

`` That could be, '' James agreed, `` If only there was someone else we could ask about it. ``

The room fell silent again, as they sank into their view again. Suddenly rose jumped up from her chair. `` I 've got it ! ``

`` What ? '' James and Albus asked at the same time.

`` Who we can ask about the Hallows ! I ca n't believe I did n't intend of it before ! ``

`` Well, who is it ? '' Albus asked.

`` Dumbledore ! ``

`` What ? ! '' James shouted, `` But he 's abruptly ! ``

`` I know that, '' Rose said, `` But there 's a portrait of him in Kendrick 's office ! ``

`` Oh, yeah. ``

`` Anyway, '' Rose began, `` Dumbledore 's the one who told Uncle Harry about the Horcruxes, so he might know something about the Hallows, too ! ``

`` That 's brainiac, rosiness ! '' Albus grinned at her.

`` Thanks. We just have to figure out how to get into Kendrick 's office. ``

`` That could be tricky, '' Albus said, `` Either of you know where his office is ? ``

Rose and James shook their heads. `` Neither do I, '' Albus sighed.

A arch grin spreading across Rose 's face, `` But I know how we can get in. ``

The male child looked at her skeptically. `` How ? '' James asked.

`` Well, if you get in plenty trouble, you get taken to Kendrick 's office. ``

`` But what if we get expelled ? '' Albus asked warily.

`` Do n't concern, you wo n't. ``

`` You 've got a programme, then ? '' Jesse James inquired.

`` Sort of, '' rose told them, `` I 've got a vague approximation. It 'll be me and Albus who are doing it. I 'm going to induce some variety of mayhem in Washubrn 's class- ''

`` Washburn ? ! Are you half-baked ? '' Albus shouted.

`` Just let me explain. Washburn does n't hate me nearly as very much as he hates you. So he 's going to wear the Chaos was caused by you since we sit at the like board. He 'll start screeching, which will probably make another teacher to occur running. Washburn will tell that teacher what you supposedly did and you 'll get taken to Kendrick 's office. You 'll talk to Dumbledore 's portrait about the Hallows. Simple as that. ``

James and Albus looked at her with ball over expressions on their faces. `` But I 'll get in huge trouble, '' Albus said flatly.

`` No, you wo n't, '' Rose assured him, `` I might, but you wo n't. After Washburn dismisses the class, I 'll run to Uncle Harry and say him it was really me who caused the beguilement. ``

`` But I do n't desire you to get in fuss, either, '' Albus told her.

`` It 's ok. I have hardly been in fuss at all this year. Anyway, all we need is the misdirection. ``

`` I 've got it, '' Epistle of James announced, `` One of Uncle George 's pyrotechnic. I 've got a whole supply up in my hall. ``

`` excellent ! '' rose said excitedly, `` And I 'll just tell Uncle Harry that it went off accidentally. I 'll probably just end up with lines or something for having a banned aim in my self-possession. ``

`` perfect tense, '' Albus smiled, finally satisfied that no one would get in Brobdingnagian trouble.

`` I think we ought to wait a few week to do it, since you just got a detention from Washburn, Albus, '' pink wine told them.

`` Ok, just let us acknowledge when you think we ought to do it, '' James IV responded.

`` I will, '' Rose assured him, `` We 'd better be off to class. See you later. ``

`` Bye, '' Albus said to James as he followed Rose to Potions. He was excited and aflutter at the same time at the prospect of talking with Dumbledore about the Hallows. Would he finally learn what was being kept from him ? Only time would tell.

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A/N : I 've done it again ! I merged 2 chapters, due to the shortness of each. This resulted in the retentive chapter yet. Hope you enjoyed it !

Thanks as always to my genus Beta and sis, Dancer of Starlight. She has been especially helpful in coming up with characters for Albus 's third year. Thanks as well to my sidekick and other sister, and to inkheart for the inspection !

Disclaimer- As usual, I do not own Harry Potter

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The quietus of the week flew by in a fuss of social class and preparation. Albus and his acquaintance found that they had no fourth dimension to do anything other than homework during their supererogatory sentence. They had not even found time to claver lusterlessness, but they did n't even know if he was arouse yet. Rose was already freaking out over the end of term exams, which were still over four calendar month away, and was using every waking minute to contemplate. Albus was not yet worried about exams and was more touch on about just completing all the assigned homework.

Quinton Willinson had not bothered Albus or any of his champion since Albus had left the infirmary wing. Albus was not sure whether this was due to Willinson 's upcoming N.E.W.T. exams, the tumid sum of detentions he received, or fear of what Harry would do if he continued tormenting Albus. Albus did not care which one it was, he was just gladiolus Willinson had given up for the time being. However, the Same could not be said about Scorpius Malfoy. Malfoy continued to badger Albus, rosebush, bathroom, and Amanda about what was wrong with lustrelessness whenever they were in class together. Albus found this more annoying than anything else, because Malfoy rarely ever brought out his baton during these confrontations. Malfoy kind of remind Albus of his Great aunt Petunia because she was also very snoopy. Malfoy stood no fortune of ever finding out about Matt from Albus or the others, but Albus did vex about what would occur if Malfoy found out on his own.

Albus slept late on Saturday morning time and woke up with just enough time to grab a snack to eat in the Great manse before rushing off to his detention with Washburn. As much as Albus hated these detentions, he had become kind of immune to them. Albus had been upset about the first few, but lately he had started to take them in stride. As long as it was just short letter, Albus did n't concern about them too much.

When Albus arrived in the good luck charm classroom at noon, Professor Washburn was sitting at his desk with the usual scowl on his font. `` Sit down, potter, '' he barked.

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus responded quietly while taking a tooshie at the battlefront table.

`` Get out your parchment and ink. Write'I will not misbehave in Charms'until I tell you to arrest. ``

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus repeated as he took out a roll of sheepskin and a quill feather. He started to write. Washburn never told Albus how many times he would suffer to compose the crinkle. He supposed Washburn liked to save Albus there until he looked sufficiently tired and uncomfortable. Washburn had no way of knowing how many cable that would take. However, he never kept Albus in custody for less than an time of day. Albus kept repeating the tune on his parchment while trying hard not to await at the clock. He found that looking at the clock just made the time go by slow. Eventually, Albus stole a glance at the clock and found that it had only been 45 minutes. He sighed.

`` You say something ? '' Washburn growled.

`` No, sir, '' Albus said without looking up from his paper. He wrote a few more lines and was startled when he heard stride come into the room. He glanced up to see that a tall man he did n't agnise walking towards Washburn. The man was wearing a black cloak and had light brown hair. It reminded Albus of the form of haircut Muggles in the USA had. Washburn got up from his seat when the man approached.

Washburn turned to Albus, `` Do n't go anywhere. If you do, I 'll induce you in hold for the quietus of term. ``

Albus nodded, but did n't say a Son. The unusual man followed Washburn into his office and close the door behind them. There was quiet for a moment and then Albus was able to get wind kindle vocalism coming from the part. They had forgotten to cast Muffliato before they started talking. It sounded like they were arguing about something, but Albus could n't make out what it was. He wished they 'd argue a bit louder. Albus put down his pinion and strained to hear what they were saying. The two men stayed in the government agency for about xv bit before Washburn stormed out of it, looking quite wild, followed by the other man who seemed rather tranquillize. Albus quickly picked up his flight feather and continued his lines.

Washburn returned to his desk while the unusual man walked over to the threshold. He turned around to look at Washburn and said icily, `` Remember, this is your job, no one else 's. And I expect you to complete it soon. '' Then the man left, shutting the threshold behind him.

Washburn stared at the rachis of the door for a few proceedings, before turning and glaring at Albus. `` You 're done. Get back to your park room, '' he seethed.

Albus did not waffle. He got up quickly and ran out of the elbow room. Today 's detention had been much shorter than others. Albus suspected that this was due to whatever Washburn and the early wizard were talking about. Washburn was definitely up to something. Apparently he had a job to do. But what could it be ? Albus could n't help but enquire if the good luck charm professor was involved with something immorality. He ran all the way to the mutual way to separate his friend what he had overheard.

When Albus rushed through the portrait gob, he immediately spotted his Friend at one of the tables. He grabbed a chair and sat down next to Rose.

`` That was short, '' rosiness commented.

`` I know, I lucked out today, '' Albus responded, `` But I 've got to tell apart you about Washburn. ``

`` What about him ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked, looking up from his book.

`` In the midriff of my custody, some unknown sensation came barging into the room, '' Albus told them.

`` Who was he ? '' rosiness asked.

`` I dunno, that 's the thing. I 'd never seen him before. ``

`` What did he bet like ? '' Amanda asked. Albus described the man, but none of his admirer recognized the description either.

`` Maybe he was a parent of one of the students, '' Rose suggested.

`` Who knows ? '' Albus said, `` But he got into a huge argument with Washburn. ``

`` Well, that 's not difficult, '' John Lackland laughed, `` Anything will set him off. ``

`` What did they argue about ? '' rose asked.

`` I 'm not trusted. They were in Washburn 's office. I could n't make out what they were saying, but they were definitely rowing about something. And then, right before the guy left, he said 'remember, this is your job to do and I want it done soon'to Washburn. Or something like that. ``

Rose, John, and Amanda stared at Albus for a instant before Rose replied, `` That 's so strange. So Washburn 's doing something for this wizard ? ``

`` Yeah, I think so. He 's definitely up to something. And I do n't think it 's anything well, '' Albus informed them.

`` You think they 're doing something evil ? '' bathroom asked skeptically.

`` Maybe, but I do n't really bed. ``

`` I dunno, '' John the Evangelist said warily, `` I mean, Washburn 's horrible to you and James IV, and all the Gryffindors, really. But I do n't know if he 's really into the wickedness humanities or anything. ``

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed, `` That 'job'could be anything. It does n't stimulate to be something bad. ``

`` But Washburn seemed so mad about it. Just seems weird to me. ``

`` It 's definitely suspect, but I do n't think we should alternate to finish, '' rose replied, `` I mean, look at Snape. Uncle Harry thought he was evilness, but he was n't. ``

`` I suppose, '' Albus sighed.

`` Anyone want to go see if we can visit mat ? '' John asked a few transactions later.

`` Good theme, '' Albus agreed, `` I hope brothel keeper Pomfrey lets us. ``

`` I hope he 's awake, '' pink wine closed her books and put them away in her bag.

`` We can at least try to win over brothel keeper Pomfrey to let us visit him on his birthday if she does n't let us today, '' John reasoned.

The four ally packed up their books and put them away in their dormitories. A few minutes later, they found themselves walking to the infirmary Wing. They walked in secretiveness the whole way there, each one knowing what the other was thinking about. All four of them were hoping matt was arouse and worrying about him. Albus had been worrying ever since the aurora he found out flatness was a werewolf. But at the Saami fourth dimension, Albus felt a bit angry that Matt would n't trust him with his arcanum. Albus 's rational side knew why Matt was n't very trusting, but could n't avail wishing that flatness would confide in him. Albus supposed that part of this was due to his dad not trusting him with knowing what the 'Hallows'were. He wished more masses would trust him.

When they reached the Hospital backstage, they noticed that the door were still shut, and when whoremaster tried to open them, they found out that they were still locked as well.

`` This is n't a practiced augury, '' Saint John sighed.

Rose banged on the doors and shouted, `` Madam Pomfrey ! ``

A minute later, dame Pomfrey opened the doorway a cranny and stuck her head out. `` What do you need ? ``

`` Is flatness awake ? '' rosiness whispered.

`` Yes, he woke up utmost night. ''

`` Well, can we see him ? '' blush wine asked hopefully.

`` No, I 'm sorry, but he really ca n't have visitant right now, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed.

`` Is he all right ? '' John interrupted.

`` He 'll be alright in a match of weeks or so. ``

`` Can we amount visit him on his birthday ? It 's side by side Midweek. please ? '' Albus pleaded.

Madam Pomfrey 's verbalism softened, `` I think that would be all right wing. Not before Wednesday, though. I 'll see you then. ``

`` Great ! Thanks, Madam Pomfrey, '' Albus smiled as she closed the doorway to the ward.

`` I 'm gladiola he 's awake now, '' rosiness said as they walked back to the unwashed room, `` And we get to see him on his birthday. ``

`` Yeah, and we did n't even involve Amy to convince her ! '' John grinned.

`` Ca n't wait until Wednesday, '' Albus said.

`` Definitely, '' Amanda agreed.

`` Boo ! '' a voice said from behind them. Amanda shrieked and they all turned around. Tom Bradley and mark were laughing.

`` Gotcha ! '' Bradley shouted.

`` We got your stuff from Hogsmeade, '' scratch told them. He handed them two bags filled with butterbeer and sweets.

`` Awesome, '' Albus took the bags.

`` And here 's the Chudley shank tee shirt. Although, what he sees in them ... '' Bradley shook his head as he handed John the jersey.

`` Thanks, guys, '' Albus said to his cousins.

`` No trouble, '' Bradley said, `` I remember the days of not being able to go to Hogsmeade. We always got John Rowlands and Heather to get our stuff for us. Glad those years are over now. ``

`` I ca n't wait to go to Hogsmeade, '' toilet announced, `` Think of all the pranking stuff we 'll be able to buy. There 's only so much you can fit in your trunk and bring from habitation. ``

`` Endless possibilities, Mate, '' Mark told John, `` Well, we 'd better be off. We 've put off the homework long enough. Play first, body of work later. That 's our motto. ''

`` Bad motto, if you ask me, '' blush wine whispered as her cousins took off for the common room.

`` They 'll survive, '' Albus assured her, `` Have n't failed a class yet, have they ? ``

`` No, they have n't, '' Rose agreed, `` We 'd better go, too. ''

`` Yeah, I 've still got to write that totally essay for Potions, '' Amanda sighed.

Albus groaned, `` I 'd leave about that. Have n't even started. ``

Albus, Rose, John, and Amanda continued walking to the common room. Once they were there, they spent the balance of the afternoon composition essays about the dimension of moonstone.

******

During the adjacent few daylight, Albus and his friends debated about whether they should ask Matt how he wound up in the infirmary Wing when they went to see him on his birthday. Albus thought they should avoid the topic altogether, still believing that lustrelessness would tell them when he was set up. However, Rose thought it would look mistrustful if they did n't ask what happened, because if your protagonist gets injured, you would desire to know what happened. As it stood right now, the only people in the castle who knew what really happened were the teacher, Amy, Albus, Rose, John, and Amanda. Of row, no one knew that Albus and his friends knew what happened. Despite this, many masses asked them what happened. Albus just told them he had no idea and after a few years, they gave up asking. Albus had heard quite a few nonsensical rumor about it. He overheard a few back year Hufflepuffs telling a couple Ravenclaws that mat had been attacked by a thestral. This same floor had been repeated throughout the castling, only with a different creature being substituted each time, including a Hippogriff and a centaur. The centaur story was especially ridiculous and Albus was for sure the centaurs would not be happy if that story reached their ears.

In the end, Albus and his booster decided that they would ask Matt what happened, but they would not brood on the subject. Albus was sure that mat, or maybe even Amy, had come up with some kind of story to enshroud up what happened. Despite this, Amy was not telling anyone the story. She just ignored anyone who brought it up. Her protagonist, including Victoire, stayed nigh by her at all metre and would n't let anyone agitate the matter. Albus suspected that Victoire had already been fed the pseud taradiddle, but he did n't ask her about it.

After dinner party on February sixth, Albus, rose, John, and Amanda found themselves walking to the infirmary backstage armed with party supplies and a wrapped present.

Rose was the maiden to reach the door and when she went to knock, everyone was surprised to find that the door pushed open. `` It 's unlocked ! '' Rose gasped.

`` That must mean Matt 's doing better ! '' Albus said excitedly.

`` Let 's go, then ! '' privy pushed past Albus and Rose and walked into the room. Amanda followed him and then Albus and rose wine walked in. Albus spotted Matt 's bed, but the curtains were pulled around it. He did n't see brothel keeper Pomfrey anywhere.

`` gentlewoman Pomfrey ! '' rose shouted, `` Are you here ? ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey peeked her head out from behind the curtains and smiled at them. `` rose wine ! You can call as soon as I 'm done giving him his evening potions. ''
`` Ok, thanks, Madam Pomfrey, '' Rose responded.

A few min later, the nanny came back out and walked over to where Albus and his friends were standing. `` What do you hold in those bag ? '' she eyed their packages suspiciously.

`` Oh, just some Honeydukes stuff, Butterbeer, and a present, '' Albus told her.

`` But none of it 's Weasley ware, is it ? ''

`` No. ``

Madam Pomfrey relaxed, `` Ok, skillful. The last thing I need is to cause this topographic point destroyed while you have your party ! You can go see him now. ``

Albus ran to the bed, followed by his Friend, and pulled back the curtain. Amy was sitting in a chair next to the bed and whispering to Matt. She stopped abruptly when the curtain opened.

`` Hey, matte ! '' Albus grinned and sat down at the end of the bed. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right, '' Matt replied hoarsely, `` But I 've been better. ``

`` Glad to see you 're wake up, mate, '' John sat down next to Albus and set the bag of party material on the floor.

Rose and Amanda smiled and sat in chairs that Amy had conjured after they came in. Rose pulled the curtains closed and handed matte his present. `` Happy natal day ! '' everyone shouted.

`` Thanks, guy wire ! '' Matt grinned and tore open up the wrapping. `` Wow ! A Chudley Canons tee shirt ! This is bright ! ``

`` I 'm glad you like it, '' Albus said, `` My first cousin picked it up in Hogsmeade for us. They also got us butterbeers and sweets. ``

`` excellent ! '' Matt replied excitedly.

John picked up the bag and passed out butterbeer and jelly slugs. `` So, '' he began once everyone started feeding, `` What exactly happened to you ? We 've heard the craziest rumour. You did n't really get attacked by a herd of thestrals, did you ? ``

lustrelessness started choking on his butterbeer and Amy slapped him on the back. He gave her a distressed look and then looked back at John. `` Really ? '' he sputtered.

It was a bit unvoiced to consider that Matt had been attacked by thestrals, when Hagrid had the schooling thestrals very well groom. But on the early hand, matt did look like he 'd been attacked by a large creature. He had partially healed cuts, sting, and scratches all over all his consistency. His weaponry and peg were covered in bandage and just about all of his body was bruised. Albus could see how individual would surmise he was attacked by a thestral.

`` Well, that 's what the Hufflepuffs are saying, '' John told him.

`` The Ravenclaws think it was a Hippogriff, '' Amanda chimed in.

lusterlessness sighed and glanced at Amy, who gave him a look. `` It was n't either, '' flatness began, `` I got a bit too close to the Whomping willow. ``

`` What ? ! '' trick exclaimed, `` Really ?

`` Er, yeah, '' Matt said.

Albus was debating about whether to ask Matt to elaborate or not when he continued.

`` I spent the dark here when Albus took me that one nighttime. Then I left in the morning and went for a walk on the ground. I was n't paying attention to where I was going and the Tree gave me quite a beating. ``

`` Wow, '' Albus responded, `` I 'm gladiolus you 're ok. ''

`` Yeah, '' whoremonger said, `` But when do you get to get out here ? ``

`` I 'm not really certainly, '' lusterlessness told them, `` Not for at least another week. Madam Pomfrey wants the slice healed and the contusion faded before I leave. And I ca n't really take the air that wellspring. ``

`` A whole workweek ? '' Rose exclaimed.

`` At least, '' Matt responded, `` I hope it 's not more. I 'm getting so bored. What 's been going on in the rest of the castling ? ``

`` Well, did you see that article Rita Skeeter wrote death week ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, I read it yesterday. But Amy told me there was n't anything to interest about. ``

`` She 's right. But the whole castle 's talking about it. Dad thinks it 'll blow over when the next Quidditch equal arrives. ``

`` He 's probably right, '' rose wine agreed.

`` I hope I get to depart here before the next match. I do n't want to miss it, '' Matt said.

`` I hope so too, '' bathroom took a sip of butterbeer, `` Nothing big than missing Quidditch. ``

`` I can cogitate of no less than ten things, '' Rose muttered.

`` I think we might stimulate a probability of winning the cup, '' Albus said excitedly.

`` That would be so coolheaded ! '' Amanda shouted, `` I love Quidditch. I was never into Muggle sports, but Quidditch is awing. ``

`` Definitely, '' lav agreed, `` I never saw the dot of Muggle sports, but I guess if you ca n't bet Quidditch ... ''

They spent the next 60 minutes talking about Quidditch and everything else that was going on in the castle. Albus told flatness about how Saint Francis Xavier Goyle had melted his cauldron in potions the early day. The potion had spread across the story and burned through Scorpius Malfoy and his friend, Jesse Jackson Limbert 's, shoes. The Gryffindors had thought this was very mirthful, especially when they found out that the potion had turned both male child foot pink. former than that, cypher too shake up had happened in socio-economic class during Matt 's absence. Washburn had continued being horrible to Albus and the other Gryffindors. In Transfiguration, they had started transfiguring Muggle pencils into calamus. Rose, lav, and a couple of the Ravenclaws were the alone I who had managed to do it.

After they had exhausted the topic of lesson, the conversation turned back to Quidditch. Professional Quidditch this fourth dimension. No one seemed to recall the Chudley canyon had any promise of ever making it to the Cup. Even Matt seemed to jibe. No one had any estimate who would be playing in the Cup this yr, but it did n't matter much because it had already been decided that the Cup would acquire seat in Soviet Russia and none of them would get to go anyway.

Amy spent the stallion visit sitting next to matte, so Albus was unable to contribution the contents of his young dream or what had happened in custody the previous Sabbatum. Albus found out that Amy spent most of her spare time visiting Matt. He had never seen such a consecrate sis before. Albus had thought his older cousin-german were protective, but they were nothing compared to Amy.

Eventually, brothel keeper Pomfrey came back to tell them that they had stayed long enough and it was clip for them to leave.

`` Well, I hope you can go out soon, '' Albus said as he stood up.

`` 'Night, mat, '' John cleaned up the leftover food for thought and put it back in the bag.

`` See you soon, '' Rose told him.

`` Bye, '' Amanda stood up and followed everyone out from behind the curtains.

`` Bye, guys, '' lustrelessness yawned as they left.

`` He does n't look upright, '' Albus whispered once they had left the room.

`` No, he does n't, '' rose wine agreed, `` But at to the lowest degree he 's awake. ``

`` soundly point, but I can see why Madam Pomfrey wo n't let him leave behind yet. Everyone would bomb him with dubiousness about what happened, '' john pointed out.

`` I do n't reckon he knows you were in the Hospital annexe that Nox, Albus, '' Amanda said, `` He says he spent the night in the Hospital fender, but you know he did n't. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` And they brought him back there so early, there would n't deliver been any time for him to cheat on the grounds. ``

`` Do n't point it out, though, '' blush wine warned him.

`` I wo n't, '' Albus assured her, `` We agreed that we would n't say anything about what happened now that we 've heard the account. ``

`` He 'll suffer to separate us eventually, '' whoremaster reasoned.

`` I know. I hope it 's soon, '' Albus said.

`` I bet it will be soon, '' rosiness told them, `` How many stories can he get up with about what happens every full Sun Myung Moon ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` I just hope it 's not worse side by side calendar month. ``

No one said anything else the rest of the way to the common room. Albus knew that everyone else was thinking what he was thinking. That it was very much a possible action that next month would be worse.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, and thanks to my former sister and my brother. Thanks to inkheart for the review.

You may bear noticed that I lost practically all my reviews for this story during the site crash. I had around 40 and lost all but 8. So please read and reassessment !

I thought I 'd share that I 've finished the subsequence to this ! Albus ceramist and the Tracks They Left Behind, which is about Albus 's 2nd class, will be posted as soon as I 've posted all of this one.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter

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As February progressed, the castle terra firma were blanketed in even more C. The students found themselves going outside for snowball battle during much of their resign prison term. These games started out as intimate fun, but soon groups of multitude formed boastfully teams that eventually led to each house having their own team. On occasion, half the school would be external participating. The games usually resulted in a few pupil going to the hospital wing. The student also tracked quite a bit of Charles Percy Snow and mud into the castle and Filch was not well-chosen about it. He spent his meter lurking near the front doors, waiting to yell at anyone who came inside with muddy horseshoe. Albus and his protagonist participated in a few snowball fight, but soon found that the honest-to-god educatee were able to bewitch snowball and it was severe for them to keep up. It was fun nonetheless, and even rosebush took breaks from studying to join in.

They also made sure as shooting to gossip Matt every nighttime. They told him the in style word of the castle and helped him with his homework. No one mentioned his wound beyond a simple 'how are you ?'and Albus could tell that mat wanted to head off the guinea pig. Eventually, after a replete three week in the hospital backstage, brothel keeper Pomfrey finally let him go forth. His bruises had faded, excision had healed, and was looking almost convention. By now, the entire rook had heard the Whomping willow tree fib, and Albus hoped that no one would ask any query about it.

`` I am so glad to be out of there, '' Matt said as he set his books down on a board in the common room the night he left the hospital wing.

`` I 'm glad you are, too, '' Albus sat down and took out his metamorphosis book.

`` We all are, '' Rose grinned, but did n't sit down. She walked over to Albus and whispered in his ear, `` I 've got to talk to you, alone. James, too. We 'll go up to your dormitory. Bilius and Ethan are down here, so it 'll be empty. ``

`` We 'll be right back, '' Albus told lusterlessness, trick, and Amanda as he got up. He went up to his dormitory and sat on the bed, waiting for his sidekick and cousin.

A few minutes later, rose came into the room followed by a bewildered looking James II. `` What is it ? '' James asked.

`` I think it 's clock time for our program, you know, about getting Albus to talk to Dumbledore, '' Rose told them.

`` Now ? '' Albus asked in a scandalize tincture. The more he had thought about that plan, the more nervous he became. It could go wrong in so many ways.

`` Yes, I think so, '' Rose replied adamantly, `` I 've given up the library enquiry. ``

`` Really ? ! '' William James laughed, `` I 'd amend shout out the Prophet ! ``

`` Shut it, James, '' pink wine said. `` Tomorrow, during good luck charm, I 'll set off the fireworks and you 'll get sent to Kendrick 's billet. And then maybe we 'll finally get some solvent. ``

`` All right, '' Albus sighed. His peculiarity trumped his desire to not cause anymore trouble in Washburn 's class.

`` We 'll let you make out how it goes, James II, '' Rose told her cousin.

James grinned, `` Somehow, I think I 'm going to see about it before I see you. This is glorious, setting off pyrotechnic in Washburn 's class .... ''

`` I 'm not talking about that ! '' Rose sighed, `` I 'm talking about the poppycock with Dumbledore. ``

`` I know, but still. Blimey, I wish I 'd be there to see the tone on Washburn 's face .... ''

`` No, you do n't, '' Albus replied, `` He 's going to be ashen. ``

`` Yeah, but that 's what we 're hoping for, '' Rose said, `` It 's the only way to get into Kendrick 's office. ``

`` I know, I just wish there was a better way, '' Albus sighed.

`` Me, too, '' blush wine said softly.

******

Albus hardly slept at all that night. He tossed and turned while worrying about the adjacent day 's good luck charm course of study. He finally gave up sleeping around six in the morning and got up. Once Saint John the Apostle and Matt were up, the three of them headed down to breakfast.

Albus sat next to pink wine, who was already there, and served himself some toast. However, Albus was too nervous to eat it. He just kept glancing up at the stave table, where Washburn was doing his common morning glare at the students.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' Matt asked, `` You do n't expect too good. ``

`` I 'm just tired, I guess, '' Albus said quietly while glancing at rose wine. She gave him a good-hearted look, but did n't say anything. Amanda, John, and Matt had no theme what would be happening in Charms, of course, so they just thought Albus was sick.

`` Maybe you should go to the infirmary annexe, '' Matt suggested while stuffing eggs in his mouth.

`` No, I 'll be hunky-dory, '' Albus assured him.

Albus could n't pay attention during papa. Harry lectured during the wholly class, but Albus spent the whole time worrying about Charms. The class seemed to go by twice as fast as normal and before Albus knew it, it was over.

Albus walked to Charms with Rose, who told him that everything was set. The Weasley fireworks were in her bag, and prepare to be set off. She did n't tell him when it would be happening, but Albus assumed it would be during the virtual part of the class.

Washburn stormed into the room in his usual burst of frenzy. He went to his desk and took attending. When he got to lustrelessness 's name, a strange smiling appeared on his side.

`` Nice of you to finally conjoin us in year, Eckerton, '' he sneered, `` What 's it been ? Three workweek ? I certainly hope you 've been studying Charms while you skipped course. ``

Albus glanced over at Matt, who was turning red and slouching down in his seat.

Washburn continued the attending and when he was done, he started lecturing. Albus 's fondness was pounding loudly now and he could n't make out a word Washburn said. All he noticed was that Washburn was calling on mat to serve every single question he asked. matt had no idea what any of the result were and was looking more miserable each minute. Eventually, Washburn announced that they would be charming theme birds to fly. He said that this magic spell was much like levitation, and if one was subject of levitating a paper chick, they 'd be capable of making one fly.

Albus groaned as he pulled out his wand. Levitation never ended well in this grade, and he knew for a fact it would n't end well today. He glanced down at Rose 's bag, which was sitting in between them on the floor. Once Washburn settled down to score homework at his desk, Albus noticed Rose flex her verge from her report bird and towards her bag, which had been emptied of everything except the fireworks earlier. She gave Albus a nervous look and muttered an incantation.

A flash explosion erupted from the bag and a gravid hippogriff made of flame floated towards the ceiling. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at it. A few people screamed. Albus put on a sphacelate boldness while Rose tried her best to look surprised.

`` ceramist ! '' Washburn ran out from behind his desk and was in front of Albus within five seconds. Albus had never heard him scream so forte. `` What on earth are you doing ? ! Must you always disrupt my grade like this ? ! Never have I seen such a blatant perturbation ! '' He was shouting so loud now that Albus was certainly everyone in the castle had heard him.

`` I 'll have you expelled from this rook ! '' Washburn continued, `` I 'll make sure you- ''

`` What is going on in here ? '' professor Patil came charging into the way and interrupted Washburn 's broadside. She saw the pyrotechnic and pointed her wand at it. It disappeared immediately.

`` Potter has disrupted my class yet again ! He set off a firework while I was trying to learn ! '' Washburn informed her, `` And I will produce surely there is some penalisation ! He has gotten away with far too practically. ``

`` Well, I think this is a matter that is unspoilt taken up with the Headmaster, '' prof Patil replied, `` Come along, Potter. ``

Albus nodded and got up from the mesa. So far, so trade good. The plan was going as well as it could be. He was going to make it to the Headmaster 's function. He followed Patil out into the hallway. Washburn glared at him as he left, his oral cavity opening and closing, but no speech were coming out.

Professor Patil did not say a word the totally way to the schoolmaster 's business office. She led him up a few flight of stairs and stopped in front of a stone gargoyle.

`` I 'm in the midsection of teaching a class, so I 'll leave you here to see the master, '' she informed him. `` Rubber duck, '' she said to the gargoyle.

The gargoyle opened to divulge a circular stairway. Albus stepped inside and climbed up. His heart was pounding as he stepped off the net step and came into a throwaway room. It was adorned with the portrait of past schoolmaster. There were all sort of silver instruments on every surface, along with bookcases overflowing with Word of God. In the binding was a desk with a comfy looking chairwoman behind it. Behind the chair was prof Dumbledore 's portraiture. Albus glanced around and noticed that he was alone in the elbow room. Luckily, Professor Kendrick was not there. Albus breathed a sigh of relief. That was the one affair that could have gone amiss with the plan. If Kendrick was there, then Albus would not have a luck to talk to Dumbledore.

Albus ran to Dumbledore 's portrait, tidal bore to get this over with, as Kendrick could return any minute. As he approached Dumbledore, he passed the only early portrait that was currently awake. It was a portrayal of a greasy haired, hooked scent man. `` Getting into trouble, Potter ? Just like your father, '' the man said. It was Professor Snape.

Albus chose to cut him as he reached Dumbledore. `` Um, excuse me, Sir, '' he started.

`` Hello, Albus, '' Dumbledore smiled, `` I wondered when I 'd be seeing you. But I must ask, what variety of trouble did you cause to be sent here ? ``

`` I, um, er, well, it was n't me, exactly. It was Rose. But we assumed, hoped rather, that I 'd get blamed for it, '' Albus stammered.

`` Ah, you 've been wanting to talk to me ? '' Dumbledore asked.

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus replied.

`` I will be glad to facilitate you, but inaugural I really must screw what you and Rose did, '' Dumbledore insisted, `` I am rather odd. ``

`` Well, rosiness set off a Weasley firework in Professor Washburn 's class, '' Albus confessed.

`` Interesting. I seem to remember her female parent doing the same in my family once, although I never could demonstrate it, '' Snape commented.

`` That 's certainly a creative way of getting to let the cat out of the bag to me, '' Dumbledore replied, `` But I must tell you that a meliorate way would be to place word with another portraiture and I 'd be able to assemble you in the common room. ``

Albus slapped his head, `` I ca n't believe I did n't think of that ! Too late now. Anyway, what I want to blab out about is private. ``

`` Oh, I understand. Ask away. ``

`` Um, well, over Xmas, Rose, King James, and I, and a few former of our cousins overheard our parents talking, '' Albus paused, waiting for the reprimand for listening in on a conversation.

`` Perfectly understandable. I do believe that if adults do n't desire child hearing their conversations, they ought to use the proper charms against eavesdropping. ``

Albus grinned, `` That 's what I thought, but Grandma was pretty mad. She took away all of St. James 's extendable pinna. ``

`` What a ignominy. I always thought those were ingenious. I wish they had been invented when I was your age. ``

`` Anyway, we overheard that they are keeping something from us. A secret, I guess. We always thought they told us everything about Voldemort, the horcruxes, and the fight at Hogwarts. But now we 're not so sure enough. They were talking about figuring out when to tell us something. Something they do n't want us to go around around, '' Albus informed him.

`` I see, '' Dumbledore replied with a thoughtful look on his aspect, `` Go on. ``

`` Well, Professor, we think we sort of know what it is. Well, I heard them say one word and the Lapplander Christian Bible was mentioned in these Weird dreams I 've been having. I 've been having dreams due to someone doing Legilimency on me. I 'm learning Occlumency, though. ``

`` That 's good, '' Dumbledore said, `` I hope it 's going well. ``

`` Mine is, but James is n't doing so well with his. ``

`` Who 's precept you ? '' Snape interrupted, `` It 's not your don, is it ? '' Snape laughed at the very thought.

`` No, '' Albus replied coldly, `` But he could if he wanted to. ``

`` No, he could n't, '' Snape replied, `` I tried to teach him, and he is incompetent of the task. ``

`` He 's doing better now, '' Albus said defensively.

`` Who is teaching you, then ? '' Snape pressed.

`` My Aunt Hermione. ``

`` wellspring, as much of a know it all she was, she 's probably a competent teacher, '' Snape approved.

`` Thank you, Severus, '' Dumbledore said, `` Now, continue, Albus. ``

`` Um, right. Anyway, I guess I was wondering if you could tell me anything about the Hallows, '' Albus held his breathing time, waiting for Dumbledore 's reaction.

Dumbledore sighed, `` I was afraid that 's what you were going to ask. What do you cognise about them ? ``

`` Not much. My parents have n't told me anything, but I 'm pretty sure that 's what they 're keeping from us. Rose, James, and I have been researching in the program library about them, but we have n't found anything. All I know is that they are objective and I learned that from my dreams. ``

`` Be careful not to believe everything those dream tell you, '' Snape warned, `` That was one of your father 's problems. ``

`` Severus, '' Dumbledore said warningly and turned back to Albus. `` You will not regain any information about the Hallows in the history books about Voldemort. And this is because there are few who know about their grandness in the final battle. Many of those who do, do not believe it. ``

`` So, they do have to do with the battle ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, they do, '' Dumbledore confirmed.

`` will you tell me what they are ? ''

Dumbledore sighed again, `` I am afraid that it is not my property to tell you. That duty remains with your forefather. I will tell you that they played an important function in defeating Voldemort, but beyond that, you 'll suffer to wait until your father is ready to tell apart you. ``

Albus groaned, `` But why ? Why wo n't he state me ? ``

`` Adults have a substance abuse of keeping things from children because they think they are protecting them. This is not always the caseful, as I have learned on many social function. I made the same error numerous time, virtually of them involving Harry and the information about his past tense. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus responded, `` Do you have it away when he 'll separate me ? ``

`` No, although I do conceive it will be soon. Perhaps within the next few calendar month, '' Dumbledore revealed.

`` Months ? ! '' Albus shouted, `` I ca n't wait that long ! ``

`` patience is a mighty virtue, Albus, '' Dumbledore said, `` I know it 's punishing to wait that retentive. Which is why I will yield you a little hint. ``

`` A hint ? Like where we can observe out about the Hallows without asking my dad ? '' Albus asked hopefully.

`` Not exactly. But before I get to that, I sense there is something else troubling you. ``

Albus thought for a moment before responding. `` Well, I guess there is one thing ... '' he paused, wondering if he should state Dumbledore about Matt.

Dumbledore smiled, but did n't say anything.

Albus sighed. `` Ok, it 's my acquaintance lusterlessness. He gets sick a lot, once a month to be exact. And I just found out he 's a werewolf. Not that that subject or anything. I still want to be friends with him, '' Albus said quickly.

`` Ah, yes, Matthew Eckerton, '' Dumbledore replied.

`` You know him ? ''

`` Yes, he voiced a few concerns to me before the schooling twelvemonth started. He and his parents had a meeting with Professor Kendrick. ``

`` That was quick, Potter. I must say that I am pleasantly surprised that you found out so quickly. Your founder never was able to put the clues together to figure out that Lupin was a wolfman. missy Granger told him, '' Snape interjected.

Albus averted his eyes from Snape and mumbled, `` Er, Rose is the one who really found out. I just confirmed it when I was in the Hospital fender the Lapp metre as Matt. ``

`` Of track, '' Snape said flatly.

`` Severus, '' Dumbledore warned, `` Continue, Albus. ``

`` It 's just, matt has n't told us yet. He 's still trying to hide it from us. I just wish he 'd entrust me. It just kind of feels like no one trusts me. Matt wo n't secernate me he 's a werewolf and my dad wo n't severalise me about the Hallows. Why wo n't anyone trust me ? '' Albus told Dumbledore.

`` I understand, '' Dumbledore responded, `` But I do think it 's more complicated than you not being trusty. You, I believe, are very trustworthy. As far as Matt trusting you, I will tell you that he had a very rough childhood. He 's been through repugnance you ca n't even imagine. I do recall he trusts you, but I do n't think he tells many people about his lycanthropy. I know that he is very afraid about what will fall out if people find out- ''

`` But it does n't count to me ! Or whoremaster or rose wine or Amanda ! '' Albus interrupted.

`` I know. But past experiences have caused lustrelessness to be reluctant to tell anyone. Although I do mean he will confide in you eventually. ``

`` So you agree that I should n't secernate him that I know ? '' Albus asked.

`` As long as he does n't make love that you know, I think that would be a wise to choice. ``

`` No, I do n't think he has any idea that I know, '' Albus said.

`` Good, '' Dumbledore continued, `` Now, I believe faith is a two-way street. You want Matt to confide in you, but can you think of anything that you are keeping from him, and John Lackland, and Amanda as well ? ``

Albus wracked his encephalon, `` fountainhead, just the Hallows, but I do n't even recognize what they are. ``

`` The Hallows, that 's exactly what I suspected you were keeping secret. But why ? ``

`` Um, I guess I 'm not certainly. It just seems like something that I should keep to myself. Since my parents have n't even told anyone, '' Albus reasoned.

`` Ah, but you wish your parents would tell you about them ? ``

`` Yes, but- ''

`` It might be judicious to tell your friends, Albus. Just because your parents have n't told anyone, does n't think of you have to maintain it to yourself. ``

`` Really ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, and that is my hint to you. distinguish your friend what you know about the Hallows. They just might be able to avail you, '' Dumbledore told him.

`` You think they would know to a greater extent than we could get from books ? '' Albus asked skeptically.

`` There 's only one way to witness out, '' Dumbledore winked.

`` All right, if you 're sure, '' Albus responded.

`` upright circumstances with that, ceramist, '' Snape smirked.

Albus heard a door open behind him and he jumped. He had momentarily forgotten what he had done to get to Kendrick 's office. As he remembered the chaos in Washburn 's division, dread consumed him once more. What was going to fall out ? Albus turned around and saw professor Kendrick standing in the doorway.

`` Sit down, Albus, '' Kendrick said as he walked towards his desk.

Albus sat down in the president in front of the desk while Kendrick sat down in his chair.

`` professor Patil told me what happened. Before we start discussing, I 'm going to ask prof Washburn to occur in. Along with your dad. Hopefully we 'll be able-bodied to get to the bottom of this, '' Kendrick got up from the desk and went over to the fireplace. He threw a handful of floo pulverization in and thrust his head into the emerald flames.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early sister and my crony. Thanks to Moonylupin for the revue !
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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`` Now, do n't require to make much more than than a wisp of silvery fog on your offset attempt, '' Harry told his class of eager seventh old age, `` Patronuses are difficult for even the easily wizards to conjure. ``

`` But my mum and dad said you managed it in your third year, '' Christina Davies interrupted.

`` fountainhead, yes, I did, '' Harry told his form, `` But I had rattling instructor and the need I needed to manage it at such a Thomas Young age. Now, everyone think of a happy retention, just as we discussed- ''

`` apology me, Harry ? '' The flames in the classroom open fireplace turned a bright emerald special K and the master 's aspect appeared in it. The whole class turned to look towards the fireplace and were shocked to see professor Kendrick 's head.

`` Yes, prof ? '' Harry answered in a confused tone. fireplace had been installed in all the classroom during the rebuilding of Hogwarts after the Battle in order for the instructor to communicate faster in the issue of an hand brake. Harry had never used his open fireplace before and was a bit worried when he saw Kendrick in it.

`` Your son caused a disruption in spell just now- ''

`` What did Henry James do this time ? '' Harry sighed.

`` No, not James. It was Albus, '' Kendrick told Harry.

`` What ? ! '' Harry was baffled. He never imagined Albus would induce enough difficulty to be sent to the Headmaster 's office. Even James had avoided that so far.

`` Yes, it was Albus. He 's in my office right now and I 'd wish to discuss it with you and prof Washburn, '' Kendrick said

`` All right wing. I 'll meet you in your bureau in a few hour. ``

`` I 'll see you then, '' Kendrick 's head disappeared and the flames returned to their common orange.

The one-seventh age all turned their heads back to Harry, with looks of blow on their faces.

`` What did Albus do ? '' Victoire asked, `` I ca n't imagine him getting in problem. ``

`` I really do n't know what happened, Victoire, '' Harry answered.

`` Were his friends in on this, too ? '' Amy asked anxiously. Harry could tell she was worried about her brother getting in trouble.

`` I 'm not indisputable. I just hear about this now, '' Harry responded, `` I 've got to go. I 'm dismissing stratum now. I trust you 'll all use this meter responsibly, '' Harry grinned, knowing they 'd all use the time to goof off. `` We 'll uphold with Patronuses next grade. ``

Harry left the classroom as his students were packing up. He made it to Kendrick 's position in record time, gave the watchword, and entered the room. Kendrick was sitting behind his desk, with Albus and Washburn sitting in front man of it. There was an abandon chair between them. Nobody was saying a intelligence. Both Dumbledore and Snape 's portraits seemed to be paying fold aid. Harry walked over to the empty electric chair and he noticed that Albus was shaking and he looked extremely scared.

`` Hi, Al, '' Harry whispered and gave his son a nimble hug before taking the middle seat. Albus remained quiet and he was staring straight at Dumbledore 's portrait.

`` daddy wo n't be able to relieve you this time, ceramist, '' Washburn sneered.

`` That 's enough, Jameson, '' Kendrick said calmly, `` Now that Harry is here, could you please explain to both of us what happened ? ``

`` I was trying to teach and all of a sudden, there was an explosion and a firework emerged from the board he was sitting at, '' Washburn spat, `` He set it off to cause a hoo-hah. He 's been doing it ever since the rootage of the twelvemonth. ``

`` Is this straight, Albus ? '' Kendrick asked. All three adults turned to await at Albus, who was sinking lower in his tail. He did not say a word.

`` Of course it 's dependable ! '' Washburn growled after a few minute of silence.

A garish battering disrupted their give-and-take. Harry turned away from Albus and looked at the office door. `` Do you want me to get that ? ``

`` Yes, I suppose, '' Kendrick replied.

Harry got up and went over to the door. He opened it and rose wine came bursting in. She was out of breath and looked flushed. `` Do n't. expel. Him. '' she panted.

`` What ? ! '' Kendrick said, `` I was n't planning on expelling Albus. ``

`` You should ! '' Washburn stood up and glared at Kendrick.

`` Sit down, '' Kendrick responded, `` You have to prise my decisiveness. I will not expel Albus, but there will be a punishment. ``

`` No ! '' rose shouted. She walked towards Kendrick 's desk and stood in strawman of it. Harry followed and stood behind Albus 's chair. `` It was n't him ! '' she announced.

`` What do you mean ? ! '' Washburn exclaimed, `` Of course it was him ! I saw him ! ``

`` No, you did n't. You saw it came from our board, there was no way you could tell who actually did it. Saint John, lusterlessness, and I were also sitting at that table, '' Rose explained.

`` What are you getting at, rose ? '' Harry asked. Now he was thoroughly confused about the whole event.

`` It was me, '' Rose said simply, `` It was my firework. ``

`` You set off a firework during a class ? '' Harry was mystified. If there was anyone who was less belike than Albus to stimulate worry during class, it was rose. rose did love causing trouble, but she never did it during classes.

`` fountainhead, not really, '' pink wine glanced shiftily at Washburn and then returned her gaze to Harry. `` Not intentionally, that is. It was one of those new pyrotechnic that Uncle George I is working on. They 're still in the testing microscope stage. The ones that are supposed to actually disappear if you vanish them, but then re-emerge an hour or so later. Only right now they permanently disappear. ``

`` That 's estimable, '' Harry breathed a suspiration of relief. There were much bad experimental ware that could have accidentally gotten set off.

`` Anyway, they 're very precarious rightfield now and they go off if there 's a lot of deception around, and we were practicing charming theme birds, '' pink wine told him.

`` Why did you deliver it ? '' Harry asked.

`` I, um, took it during Yule good luck, '' Rose mumbled while looking at her feet.

`` What ? ! '' Harry exclaimed.

`` I found it at the Burrow and did n't gain it was one of the observational single. I just realized that the early day. ``

`` And why was it in your bag ? ``

`` I was meaning to give it to you during daddy, but I forgot, '' Rose confessed.

Harry sighed, `` All right field. I guess that whodunit is solved. ``

`` What about penalization ! They need to be punished ! '' Washburn shouted while glaring at Rose.

`` rosebush will get lines, but seeing as Albus was n't actually involved, I ca n't punish him, '' Kendrick explained.

`` But, but, '' Washburn sputtered.

`` And that is net, Jameson, '' Kendrick said firmly, `` Now, Albus and Rose, you should get going to your adjacent class. Rose, you can do your line of credit with Professor Washburn tomorrow dark at seven. ``

Albus and rose wine nodded. Albus got up and gave Harry a hug before he followed pink wine out of the room. He still did n't say anything, but he looked a bit less scared than he had earlier and he had stopped shaking.

Kendrick stood up, `` I 'm glad we got this all straightened out. I shall see both of you later. ''

Washburn glared at Harry and stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Harry turned to leave as well, but stopped when he heard a familiar voice. `` Harry, I would like to discuss something with you, if you have time. ''

Harry turned around and saw the familiar face of Albus Dumbledore looking at him. `` Yeah, I 've got time. ``

`` I 'll leave you to your conversation, then, '' Kendrick said as he left his office.

Harry walked over to Dumbledore 's portrait, `` What is it, professor ? ``

`` I had an concern conversation with Albus earlier. ``

`` Really ? '' Harry was very curious as to what the two of them would suffer talked about.

`` Oh, yes, '' Dumbledore continued, `` He has been wondering about the Hallows. ``

`` The, the, Hallows ? '' Harry stammered. He did n't suppose his Kid had ever even heard of the Hallows.

`` The Hallows. He overheard you talking about them over Yule vacation. He, James, and blush wine have been attempting to research them in the library ever since. ``

`` They have ? ''

`` That 's what Albus told me. Naturally, they did not find any answers, '' Dumbledore went on, `` So, Albus asked me what I knew about them. ``

`` And did you tell him ? '' Harry asked anxiously.

`` I told him I do know about them, but that I could not give him the answer he wanted. I believe that is your duty, Harry, '' Dumbledore responded.

Harry breathed a sigh of succour, `` Thank you. ``

`` Why have n't you told them, Harry ? ``

Harry stopped to think. Dumbledore gazed at him while waiting patiently. `` Well, I guess because I do n't want a totally lot of people knowing about them. The last thing we need is to hold someone seeking them out. ``

`` But you fear that is what 's happening. ``

`` Yes, I do. I 'm afraid that 's what the dreams mean value, '' Harry told him.

`` Are you afraid the kids will say the unanimous school ? ``

`` I guess I am, '' Harry confessed, `` Especially James I. He 's always so eager to tell everyone he meets floor about me. ``

`` He is proud of being your son, '' Dumbledore said, `` And I think if you expressed your concern about others knowing about the Hallows, they would keep the mysterious. ``

`` You 're probably right, '' Harry sighed, `` But I 'm also afraid about whoever 's doing the Legilimency finding out about them. If I tell the nestling, then whoever wants the Hallows will be able-bodied to find out where they are. ``

`` Perhaps. It is a tough call. But I 'm sure you 'll always nominate the the right way determination in the end, '' Dumbledore replied, `` Were you ever planning on telling them ? ``

`` Yes, I was. ``

`` When ? ``

`` I 'm not for certain, I guess, '' Harry responded, `` When they were a bit old, I suppose. But I was waiting for the right moment. ``

`` And that instant might be approaching earliest then you thought, '' Dumbledore replied, `` Albus thinks you do n't intrust him. ``

`` He does ? '' Harry sighed. This was getting more complicated by the moment.

`` Yes, he told me. He is a bit upset about it. But it is aided by the fact that you are n't the only one keeping a big secret from him. ``

Harry paused to think. Who else was keeping secret from his son ? `` Oh, his champion, lustrelessness, right ? He has n't told Albus yet, has he ? ``

`` No, he has n't. But Albus and rose wine have figured it out on their own. I do n't cerebrate he fully understands why matt has n't told him. He just sees it as the mass he loves are n't trusting him. ``

`` Oh, no, it 's so much more complicated than that, '' Harry responded.

`` That 's what I told him. But that is an issue that 's between him and flatness and there is n't lots you can do about it. What you can do is reconsider when you are going to tell your tike about the Hallows. ``

`` Yeah, I guess I will. I just do n't want to bucket along into it. Maybe at the end of full term would be salutary. That way they can process the mind over the summer at home where they wo n't be tempted to separate others about it. ``

`` That would be wise, '' Dumbledore smiled.

`` Thanks for telling me, prof. I should probably get going, '' Harry said.

`` I shall see you soon, Harry. ``

`` Bye, '' Harry turned around and left the berth. He thought about what Dumbledore said on his way to the Great Hall for luncheon. What Dumbledore said made mother wit, but he was still reluctant about telling his kids about the Hallows.

******

`` That was an telling lie the Weasley girl told, '' Snape said curtly to Dumbledore after Harry left.

`` Yes, it was, '' Dumbledore agreed.

`` But you did n't tell ceramist about it. ``

`` No, I did not feel it was necessity. I do n't think anymore penalization would have got accomplished anything. I ca n't imagine Albus or rose wine will do anything like that again in the near time to come, '' Dumbledore explained.

`` They did lie, though. They lied to the Headmaster. That deserves penalisation, '' Snape responded.

`` Perhaps, perhaps, '' Dumbledore said calmly, `` But, Severus, you did not tell Harry either. ``

******

`` That was crazy, '' Albus shouted after he left the headmaster 's place with rose wine. As soon as the gargoyle closed behind them, James IV appeared in front of them.

`` Well, are you in Brobdingnagian bother, Albus ? '' he asked anxiously.

`` Luckily, no, '' Albus told his brother.

`` What happened, then ? '' William James pushed, `` Are you going to order us about your talk with Dumbledore ? ``

`` Of course of study ! '' Albus said, `` Just not here. What if someone heard us ? ``

`` There 's still an hour until our future class, why do n't we go up to the common room ? It might be empty now, '' rosebush suggested.

`` Good thought, '' Albus agreed. He started walking towards Gryffindor towboat. James and rosiness followed, neither of them saying a tidings.

The park room was void. Albus, James, and rose wine hurried inside and snagged the good armchairs near the fire. James and Rose looked at Albus expectantly, waiting for him to begin.

Albus launched into a protracted account about his conversation with Dumbledore. Jesse James and blush wine sat quietly and did n't interrupt him. Albus told them every bit of the conversation, except for the share about Matt. Albus would assure Rose about that later, after James I left.

`` So, Dumbledore knows ? '' William James said after Albus finished.

`` Yes, he does, but he wo n't tell me often, '' Albus explained, `` Just evidence me to ask my friends. ``

`` That 's so unusual, '' Rose furrowed her brow, `` Why would they recognise anything about the Hallows if we do n't ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Saint James the Apostle commented, `` He was a bit mad, though. ``

`` Yeah, but he was magnificent. He has n't been wrong about much, '' Albus reminded them.

`` So, you think we should tell our booster ? '' Rose asked.

`` I 'm not really indisputable, '' Albus confided, `` I 'd be leave to try anything right now to figure out what the Hallows are, but what if Dad 's mad that we told people ? ``

`` He ca n't be mad if we do n't even know what they are, '' James reasoned, `` As far as he knows, we 've never even heard the word 'Hallows'. ``

`` That 's true, '' rose wine said.

`` Well, Dumbledore seems to think that Dad 's going to tell us soon, possibly this year, '' Albus reminded them.

`` Maybe we should kick in it another month or so ? '' Rose suggested, `` Maybe something will wrick up in the depository library. ``

`` Dumbledore said we wo n't get hold anything in the program library. The Hallows do possess to do with Voldemort 's precipitation. He told me that much. And hardly anyone knows about that component part, of course. ``

`` I guess we could give it a little while longer, to see if he tells us about them, '' James sighed.

`` Ok, then, we 'll wait a bit longer, '' Albus agreed, `` Anyway, if Dad wo n't tell us, he certainly wo n't want our friends to know. ``

`` Yeah, '' James said, `` Oh, what penalization did you twist up with ? ``

`` I got detention tomorrow night, '' Rose told him.

`` I got zero, '' Albus grinned.

`` What ? ! '' James shouted, `` Nothing ? ``

`` Nope, zilch. ``

`` I convinced them it was me. fountainhead, I convinced them the firework went off accidentally, '' rosiness explained the story she told about the experimental firework.

`` That 's amazing, '' James IV grinned, `` You must be an excellent liar. ``

Rose blushed and suppressed a smile.

`` Speaking of amazing, '' Albus started, `` How did you find out where Kendrick 's government agency is ? ``

`` That would be all me, '' James continued grinning, `` All my brilliance. ``

`` What did you do ? '' Albus asked suspiciously.

`` fountainhead, I expected to find Uncle Harry in his office after socio-economic class, but he was n't there. I was so care you 'd get expelled before I was able to explicate. So I went to get hold James so we could figure out what to do- ''

`` Let me tell him, blush wine, '' James interrupted, `` We ran back to Dad 's office and that 's when I thought of how we could find the berth. Mind you, I wish I 'd thought of it earlier and then you would n't have had to do the whole pyrotechnic matter. ``

`` Well, what was it ? '' Albus asked impatiently.

St. James reached into his robes and pulled a rather old looking objet d'art of sheepskin out. `` The Marauder 's Map. ``

Albus stared at it and smacked his brow. `` Of course ! Why did n't we think of it before ? ``

`` I dunno, but the thought just popped into my mind. I 'm so glad Dad told us how it worked. We were able to detect Kendrick 's berth, but of course the door was closed and we did n't be intimate the password. But then we looked at the map and the little dot labeled 'Rose Weasley'had a spoken communication bubble that said 'Rubber duck'. So Rose said that and she was in. Easy as that. ``

Albus continued to stare in awe at the map. `` So now you 've got the map ? You 're going to be in Brobdingnagian trouble. What if Dad 's using it ? ``

`` I do n't guess he is. It was n't sitting out or anything. We were n't even sure it was there, thought he might feature left it at home. I summoned it. It came flying out of the fanny of a trunk that was shoved in the back of the storage cupboard, '' James explained.

`` Are you going to keep it ? '' Albus asked.

`` For now, '' James told him, `` At least until I hear anything about Dad wondering where it is. ``

`` I hope you do n't get in trouble, William James, '' rose warned, `` Be deliberate. ``

`` I will, do n't concern. I 'd just like to get some mischief in, '' James grinned.

`` Be deliberate about who sees it, too, '' Rose insisted.

`` I 'm just letting Nathan and Thomas Bradley see it. And Cedric and Ben, of course. They know all about it. And they keep asking when I 'd manage to nick it. ``

rosiness sighed, `` Fine. fountainhead, we 'd outflank get going to class. '' She stood up and walked towards the portrait kettle of fish.

Albus got up and followed rose wine, `` See ya later, James. ``

`` Bye, '' James waved.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my brother. Thanks also to inkheart, Moonylupin, and dick for their reassessment !
Please show and retrospect !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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As the week progressed, Albus fell back into his usual Hogwarts routine. His preparation drove most of the thoughts about the Hallows out of his head. He occasionally thought about telling bathroom, Matt, and Amanda about them, but he decided not to. King James, who was even more occupy than Albus, did not seem to be lingering on opinion of the Hallows either. Between preparation, Quidditch praxis, and Occlumency lesson, he hardly had any leisure time at all. Albus had yet to hear about any amazing pranks that James had been able to pull off with the helper of the Marauder 's Map.

Towards the end of the week, Albus and his admirer had something else to worry about that succeeded in Albus momentarily forgetting about the Hallows all together. The wide-cut moonshine. It fell on a Monday this month. The Lord's Day before it, Albus and his friends were enjoying a Abronia elliptica fight on the grounds.

SMACK ! toilet had sent a snowball at the back of Albus 's head and the force caused him to flow nerve first into the deep snow. `` I 'll get you ! '' Albus shouted as he stood back up and formed a bombastic snowball. He sent it flying across the nearly empty Quidditch sales pitch towards John. But Saint John the Apostle was too prompt. He jumped aside and the Abronia elliptica hit Matt instead.

`` Ha, ha ! '' Gospel According to John shouted gleefully. They were having a team Baron Snow of Leicester bollock fighting. It was John and rosebush versus Albus, Matt, and Amanda. whoremonger seemed delighted that Albus had hit one of his own teammates instead. John rolled another snowfall musket ball and threw it at Amanda. It hit her second power in the back. She in turn quickly made a snowball and threw it at Rose. rosebush jumped aside and the Abronia elliptica sailed into the ground behind her. Despite the fact that Albus 's squad had three mass and whoremonger and rose were only two, can and rosebush seemed to be doing much better. John had a good arm and very good aim and was great at dodging snowballs.

Albus quickly made another snowball and was about to thrust it, but he noticed that lustrelessness still had n't gotten up. He dropped his sweet sand verbena and ran over to flatness and was hit in the psyche by a snowball sent by John.

`` closure the game ! '' Albus shouted and pointed to mat. John, rosiness, and Amanda glanced over and immediately dropped their snowballs.

`` Matt, are you all right ? '' Albus poked lustrelessness 's arm, but he did n't respond.

`` Matt ? '' John rolled him over onto his rachis. Matt groaned. King John pulled him up into a sitting situation. `` We should probably go inside, '' Saint John the Apostle said to Albus.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed Matt 's other arm and he and Saint John the Apostle pulled matt to his feet. `` I 'm sorry, I did n't think I threw it that hard. ``

`` I did n't cogitate you did either, '' John agreed. They walked back towards the palace, supporting Matt between them.

`` Maybe we should go to the hospital wing, '' pink wine suggested.

`` No, no infirmary annex, '' Matt whispered, `` I 'm fine. I 've just got to lie down. ``

`` Are you sure ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, I 'll be fine. Let 's just go back to Gryffindor, '' lusterlessness said.

They walked slowly back to Gryffindor Tower. By the meter they were at the commons way, lustrelessness was able to take the air unsupported, although he still did n't look respectable. Once they were in the way, Matt made a beeline for the dormitory room. Albus and John went with him so they could coldcock their wet cloaks and scarves.

`` Are you going to stay up here ? '' Albus asked Matt.

`` I think so, '' lusterlessness said as he climbed into his bed.

`` Ok, well I hope you 're feeling better, '' Albus replied.

`` Me, too, '' John said. But by the time the two boys left the way, matte had already fallen asleep.

Albus and St. John headed back down the throwaway stairway and back into the common way. The way was packed and very noisy. rose and Amanda had already settled themselves to doing homework at a small secluded board in a corner of the elbow room. Albus and lav sat down across from the daughter and took out their books.

`` So, '' Albus whispered, `` Is the full moon sometime soon ? ``

`` Yep, '' Rose told him without looking up from her homework, `` It 's tomorrow. ``

`` D'you think it 'll be as bad as last time ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I dunno, '' Rose answered, `` I really do n't know why his transformations are so bad. ``

`` I think he 's section of that field of study Uncle Bill was talking about, '' Albus told them, `` When I was in the infirmary extension endure calendar month, the therapist mentioned a cogitation, but ma'am Pomfrey shushed him before he elaborated. ``

`` Then that might excuse it. But why would he be in the study if it 's just shit matter worse ? '' John asked.

`` Who knows what it was like before it, though, '' rose wine commented.

`` Good point, '' John responded. The four Friend sank into their thoughts and continued working on their homework in silence for a half time of day. The interference in the common room made it difficult to carry on a conversation. Albus managed to complete his Charms homework, but it took him longer than common since he was distracted by worrying about Matt.

Albus closed his magic spell Christian Bible and put it back into his bag. When he looked up, he was surprised to see matt coming over towards them. Albus sat back up and poked privy, who was still working diligently on his Herbology essay that was due the next day. John looked up as Matt sat down adjacent to Rose.

`` What are you guys talking about ? '' Matt asked.

`` Not lots, really, we 're just doing homework, '' John told him, `` I guess I 'll have to finish up this after dinner. '' He closed his Herbology rule book and stuffed it in his bag.

`` You coming to dinner ? '' Albus asked matt, `` We were n't for certain if you 'd be up. ``

A look of terror flashed across Matt 's face, `` Why would you reckon that ? '' he asked quickly.

Albus glanced shiftily at John, `` Er, just because you did n't reckon too good after getting hit by that snowball. ``

Matt visibly relaxed, `` Oh, um, I 'm feeling better now. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus answered. flatness did appear a bit better, although he was still a lot paler than common. `` Let 's go eat, then. I 'm starved. ``

Rose and Amanda packed up their work and the group headed down to the Great Hall. Even though lustrelessness went to dinner, Albus noticed that he did n't eat a great deal. After dinner, they headed back up to the coarse way to wind up their homework.

`` I 'm still three inch short circuit, '' John announced after he worked for another XX minutes on his Herbology essay.

`` Let me see it, '' rosiness reached over and took whoremonger 's essay. She read it silently for a few min. `` You can expound on the purpose of deuce 's snare drum in Potions. ``

`` monster 's noose has consumption in Potions ? '' John asked.

`` Yes, in more advanced Potions. It 's in the book, '' blush wine told him. whoremaster flipped through his book and began working on his essay again.

Albus had finished his Herbology essay the previous day and was currently working on a pappa essay that was also due the following day. `` Have you guys all finished the daddy essay ? '' he asked.

`` Yes, '' Rose responded without glancing up from her book.

`` Yeah, '' Amanda answered while working furiously on her headliner chart.

`` Huh ? '' flatness picked his oral sex up from his book. He had fallen asleep in his pa book.

`` Have you finished the DADA essay ? '' Albus repeated.

`` Oh, no, but I 'll get it done, '' mat said tiredly and put his promontory back down on his book.

Albus glanced at Rose, who gave him a distressed flavour. Albus had a impression that lustrelessness would not be getting the essay done. They both went back to their piece of work without saying a parole. A few minutes later, someone tapped Albus on the shoulder.

`` Hey, '' someone said from behind him.

Albus turned around and saw Victoire standing behind his chair. `` Oh, hi, Victoire. What 's up ? ``

`` Not much, '' Victoire sat down in the chair next to Albus. `` Amy and I just have to tell you something. '' Amy had sat down next to flatness and was trying to wake him up.

`` What is it ? '' Albus asked. John, Rose, and Amanda had all looked up from their work and were waiting for Victoire to get on with it.

`` Quinton Willinson has finished his detentions, '' Victoire told him.

`` Oh, great, '' Albus groaned.

`` I just thought you should know, '' Victoire said.

`` Do you think he 's going to rag me anymore ? '' Albus asked.

`` He might. Detention certainly deterred him for a calendar month, but who knows what could happen now that he 's done with detention. I 'd just take in out, if I were you. All of you. ``

They all nodded, except for lustrelessness, who was sleepily paying attending to something Amy was whispering in his ear.

`` Well, I 've got studying to do, '' Victoire stood up, `` You coming, Amy ? I still have n't finished that Arithmancy stuff. ``

Amy stopped whispering to lustrelessness and looked at Victoire. `` Uh, yeah, I have n't finished it either. '' She said something else to flatness and then stood up and left with Victoire, while glancing once Sir Thomas More at her brother.

`` Well, this could be bad, '' rosiness said once they left.

`` I know. He 's going to be livid after having hold for a month, '' Albus replied.

`` You 've got to be heedful. He 's going to want revenge again, '' John said.

`` Yeah, he will, '' Albus agreed.

`` Has Slughorn mentioned anymore parties ? '' St. John asked.

`` No, surprisingly not. But I 'm not going to any even if he does. ``

`` I think that 's a good idea. I wo n't either. We should try and avoid Willinson, '' Rose responded.

They worked on their homework for another hr before going to bed. Matt had fallen asleep again shortly after Amy and Victoire left, and Albus had to jab him rather hard to wake him up. Once they got up to the hall, Matt collapsed onto his bed and was asleep within minutes.

Albus lay awake for a patch before he managed to fall asleep. He was worried about Matt and about what Willinson was going to do now that he was free from detention. Albus tried to clear his brain, but there were so many matter worrying him that he found it impossible. His sleep was filled with unusual dream, involving Willinson, along with the usual nightmare about the Hallows.

Albus went down to breakfast the next morning with John and lusterlessness. They were running late because it had taken John and Albus a piece to wake Matt up. By the time they made it to the Great Radclyffe Hall, rose and Amanda had already finished breakfast and were getting ready to go to DADA.

`` There you are ! '' rose said when Albus sat down succeeding to her, `` You 'd amend eat fast. We 've got to go to course of study in five minutes. ``

`` I know, it took us forever to get him up, '' Albus gestured to matte, who was leaning his head on his arm and not eating anything. Rose nodded and glanced at Matt sympathetically.

Albus and John shoved a few slices of toast into their mouths and then the group was off to DADA. They managed to run into the elbow room before the gong rang, but they were the final stage ones there. There was only one table available, the one in front end, which happened to be right in front end of the table Scorpius Malfoy and his friends sat at. Albus groaned silently and sat down at the table, hoping Malfoy would n't name matt 's fatigue.

`` I 'll collect your essays now, '' Harry announced once he 'd finished taking attendance. He got up and went around the room to call for the essays.

Albus handed his dad his essay and Harry moved on to Matt. Matt was laying his fountainhead on his book and seemed to be asleep. Harry lightly tapped him on the shoulder. `` Huh ? '' Matt glanced up.

Malfoy snorted loudly behind them and Albus turned around and glared at him.

`` Do you have the essay done ? '' Harry asked quietly.

`` Oh, no. I 'm lamentable, Professor, '' mat whispered, `` I tried to get it done last night, but I just ... '' his voice trailed off.

`` It 's all right, '' Harry replied, `` Try to have it done by next week. I know I did n't give you often time, since I just assigned it Friday. ``

Matt nodded and put his head back down on the table. Harry went back to his desk and started the day 's talking to. `` Today we are going to continue- ''

`` Sir, '' Malfoy interrupted, `` Sir, why does he get extra meter for his essay ? '' Malfoy pointed at Matt.

Harry sighed, `` I do not think that is any of your concern, Mr. Malfoy. ``

`` But it 's not very fair, is it ? Why ca n't I have extra clock time ? ``

`` You handed in your essay today, did n't you ? '' Harry asked.

`` Yes, why ? ``

`` wellspring, then, you obviously are in no need of extra time. If you ever think you need additional fourth dimension for an assignment, just state me why and I may accord it to you. ``

`` But- ''

`` That 's the end of this discourse, Mr. Malfoy, '' Harry cut him off, `` Now, back to the object lesson .... ''

Harry lectured for the entire course of instruction. Throughout the 1st half of division, Malfoy repeatedly poked flatness with his scepter to try and wake him up. Albus turned around and glared at him numerous times but Malfoy kept doing it. Eventually, Harry noticed and threatened Malfoy with detention if it continued. Albus was relieved when class was over, but they still had to get to it through Charms with the Slytherins. Although Albus knew even Malfoy would n't poke anyone with his wand in Washburn 's class.

`` So, first you get special treatment from dame Pomfrey and now from Professor Potter, too ? '' Malfoy glared icily at Matt after they left the papa room.

`` Just leave him alone, '' Albus growled.

`` I will find out why, you can count on it, '' Malfoy stared at mat, who had gone as pale as a ghost when Malfoy said this.

`` Is there a problem ? '' Harry had just left the classroom and was standing behind Malfoy.

Malfoy jumped as he heard Harry 's representative, `` No, prof. '' He gave Matt one Sir Thomas More public eye before taking off for the good luck charm classroom.

`` I 'll see you later, Al, '' Harry gave Albus a hug before going back into the classroom.

`` Bye, Dad, '' Albus hugged him back. Albus and Matt started to walk to Charms. John Lackland, rose wine, and Amanda had gone on ahead, but Albus was staying behind to walk with Matt, who was walking considerably slower.

`` Late again, Potter, Eckerton, '' Washburn growled as they walked into the elbow room. They headed for their usual back tabulate and passed Malfoy on the way. He was smiling smugly at them, noticeably happy that they were late. The division went by in its usual agony. Washburn seemed to have increased his hatred for Albus since the firework incident, if that was possible. He called on Albus for every question, even though Albus never raised his handwriting. The solitary clock time he did n't do this was when he chose to yell on mat, which was every sentence he fell asleep.

Much to Albus 's surprisal, Matt made it through twice Herbology without going to the hospital annexe. Albus was certainly that Neville would have made him go after he tripped over a pot and banged his arm on the terrace. But Neville just asked if he was all rightfield and continued teaching.

After dinner, Albus and his protagonist found themselves taking a much needed break from studying. They had all finished the prep that was due the succeeding day and were relaxing at their usual mesa. Albus was losing horribly at Wizard 's chess game to Rose, whose knight was currently beating up Albus 's pansy. John and Amanda were playing a rather tawdry secret plan of Exploding Snap.

`` You want to act, Matt ? '' Saint John asked as he was dealing cards for the next round.

`` No, '' lustrelessness groaned. He was curled up in an armchair near the tabular array and was wincing every few minutes.

`` All right wing, '' can gave him a worry feel, `` Do you want me to go with you to the Hospital Wing ? ``

`` Not right now, '' Matt whispered and closed his eyes again.

Albus glanced up and looked at his friends. They all had worried looks on their faces. Albus watched mat declension back asleep, which only took two minutes.

`` fag to D4, '' rosiness announced, `` And checkmate. '' Rose 's queen moved to the lame, beat up Albus 's remaining bishop, and won the game. `` in force game. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Have you ever lost ? ``

`` I 've lost to my dad quite a few times, '' Rose said as she put her chess piece away.

Albus put his chessmen back in their casing and folded up the board. He looked up once he was done and saw Amy coming over. She walked over to mat and started gently shaking him awake.

`` Hi, Amy, '' Albus said.

Amy looked over at Albus, `` Oh, hi, Albus, '' she said quietly and went back to waking flatness up. Matt opened his eyes and groaned.

`` C'mon, it 's time to go, '' Albus heard Amy whispering. Albus looked at rose wine, John, and Amanda. They were all watching Amy, too.

`` Ugh, no, '' Matt whispered. But he sat up and winced.

`` It 's ok, come on, '' Amy grabbed Matt 's arm and pulled him gently out of the chair. lusterlessness got up and let Amy chair him out of the common room.

`` Has she ever taken him to the Hospital Wing before ? '' Albus asked once they left.

`` No, I do n't believe so, '' Rose said.

`` She must call back it 's going to be bad this time, '' John said glumly.

`` Guess so, '' Albus responded quietly.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other sister, and my brother. Thanks as well to inkheart and Moonylupin for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter

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The four friend were very subdued the balance of the evening. They all joined in a secret plan of Exploding Snap, but none of them were very into it. Although they did n't babble out about lusterlessness the rest of the evening, Albus knew they were all thinking about him. Eventually, they just decided to go to bed.

Albus climbed into his four-poster bed and tried to hang asleep. He tossed and turned for hours, but sleep would n't issue forth to him. He was too disquieted about Matt.

`` Are you awake, St. John the Apostle ? '' Albus asked once he was sure Bilius and Ethan were asleep.

Albus heard the bed to his right creak as John turned over. `` Yeah, ca n't log Z's. ``

`` Me neither. ``

`` Maybe this month wo n't be as bad, '' John suggested.

`` promise so, '' Albus said, `` But even if it is n't as bad, he wo n't be in class tomorrow. ``

`` Which means that Malfoy 's going to say something, '' John groaned.

`` Yeah, we 've got to do something about that, '' Albus decided.

`` We could hex him, '' John suggested.

`` That 'd be good, but I do n't imply like that. I mean something that 'll throw him off the trail. We ca n't let him find out, '' Albus explained.

`` Oh, right wing, '' trick thought for a mo, `` How about, since Matt wo n't lie about where he is, we 'll do it for him. ``

`` That 's what I was thinking, too, '' Albus said, `` I know, if someone asks, we 'll just tell them flatness 's visiting his cast gran. ``

`` Good thought, '' John agreed.

Albus yawned, `` Well, I suppose we should try and get some eternal sleep. ``

`` Probably. Good night, then. ``

`` 'Night. '' After another hour of laying awake, Albus finally fell asleep.

Albus woke up feeling very play out, after only a few 60 minutes sleep. He went down to breakfast with St. John and met Rose and Amanda there, who were looking worried and not eating much.

`` Have you heard anything yet ? '' Rose asked once Albus sat down.

`` No, have you ? ''

`` No. I have n't seen Amy at all and have n't had clip to go to the hospital extension. ``

`` We could try and go during lunch, '' whoremonger suggested.

Everyone agreed to that plan and managed to eat a bit of breakfast before heading off to Potions. By the time they got there, Slughorn was ready to startle course of instruction, which meant Malfoy did n't sustain any time to ask where mat was. Since it was just a individual geological period, Slughorn lectured during the entire social class and Albus had a hard time staying awake. He managed to ask a few notes, but by the prison term the category was over, he felt in need of a nap.

`` Hey, there, Potter, '' Malfoy ran up beside Albus just outside the room access of the Potions classroom.

`` Malfoy, '' Albus mumbled and kept walking.

`` Could n't help but notice that Eckerton was n't in class today. You gon na separate me where he is ? ``

`` Visiting his granny. She 's not doing too well, '' Albus lied.

`` Really ? That 's interest, '' Malfoy raised his eyebrows, `` After seeing him yesterday, I 'd cause guessed he was the one who 's ill. ''

`` Maybe he 's just worried about his gran, '' John said shortly, before turning down the corridor towards the transfiguration room, `` Now we 've got to go to class. ``

`` See you, then, '' Albus said to Malfoy as he followed toilet to Transfiguration. Malfoy turned around and left without saying a intelligence. `` I hope that worked. ``

`` Me, too, '' privy agreed.

After August 6, Albus and his admirer ate a hurried lunch and went to the Hospital backstage. When they got there, Albus noticed that the threshold were open. `` Well, that 's a good sign of the zodiac. ``

`` Definitely, '' Rose agreed and walked inside. Albus, John, and Amanda followed her. The bed at the far end of the Montgomery Ward had the drape drawn and all the other seam were evacuate. `` He must be in there, '' Rose pointed to the curtained bed.

`` Where 's brothel keeper Pomfrey ? '' Albus whispered. The nurse did n't seem to be in the room.

Gospel According to John pointed to the pall, which started to rustle, `` She must be back there. ``

A gap appeared in the curtains and madam Pomfrey came out from behind them. She was carrying an empty glass and a clipboard. When she noticed the group of Gryffindor first base years, she came rushing over to them. `` I thought I 'd be seeing you lot here. ``

`` Is lustrelessness all right ? '' blush wine whispered anxiously.

`` Yes, he should be okay in a couple days, '' Madam Pomfrey smiled.

`` So, it 's not nearly as bad as net time ? '' Albus asked.

`` Oh, no, he 's much better this month, '' Madam Pomfrey set the empty looking glass down on a table and started writing on the clipboard.

`` Well, can we see him ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked tentatively.

`` Sorry, but no. He 's sleeping right now. And I do n't think he wants visitors. He has n't told you yet, has he ? ``

`` No, '' John answered.

ma'am Pomfrey sighed, `` Of course. well, I do hope he tells you soon. I have a feeling this unharmed thing would be easier on him if he was n't keeping it to himself. ``

`` I guess we 'll just see him when he leaves, then, '' Albus said.

`` I think that would be best. He should be gear up to forget on Th or Fri. You 'd scoop be off to category, '' Madam Pomfrey picked up the empty chicken feed and strode into her office.

As Albus walked to the common room to collect his Koran, he thought about what Matt was going to do when he found out that they knew about his arcanum. Matt seemed so keen on keeping it from everyone. He did n't even need his Friend to visit him in the Hospital Wing. Yet, he had n't done a very good job at hiding it. Or had they found out so easily just because blush wine knew so much about werewolves ? Albus was n't sure he would have figured it out without her. But even so, if Albus had found out so quickly, how long would it be until Malfoy found out ?

******

`` Hey, pot, '' a cold voice from behind Albus said. It was Friday night and Albus, Rose, John, and Amanda were eating dinner while wondering when Matt would come back. Albus turned around at the representative and choked on his pumpkin vine juice when he saw who it was.

`` Willinson, '' Albus coughed.

`` What do you need ? '' John Lackland said shortly as he slapped Albus on the back.

`` Oh, not much, '' Willinson replied, `` Have n't seen you much since our little duel last month, pot. ``

`` Yeah, I hear you 've been quite occupied with detention, '' Albus laughed.

`` Laugh now, but the custody is over. I 'll consume sight of time on my paw now. ``

`` And what are you going to do ? You could n't even hex me. Your acquaintance did it. ``

`` Energy Department n't matter. I 'm not the one who wound up in the infirmary offstage, am I ? '' Willinson snorted.

`` And I suppose you 're proud that a beginning year could demilitarize you ? '' Albus grinned, `` Because if I were you, I 'd be a bit embarrassed. ``

`` Shut it, Potty, I planned that. ``

`` No, you did n't. Quite the look of shock on your face after I did it, '' Albus responded. Willinson glared at him.

`` What 's going on here ? '' someone from behind Albus asked.

`` N-nothing, prof, '' Willinson said quickly.

`` Then I 'd suggest returning to the Slytherin mesa, Mr. Willinson, '' Neville replied. Willinson turned on the spot and headed to the Slytherin table without saying another word.

`` He was n't bothering you, was he ? '' Neville asked once Willinson left.

`` Not really, '' Albus told Neville.

`` Good. If he 's causing trouble, just let me get it on. I think the hold may possess set him flat, though. He 's not nearly as smug when he 's in the wood, '' Neville responded and left for the staff table.

Albus laughed, `` I guess he 's not as brave as we thought he was. ``

`` Course he 's not ! '' lav exclaimed, `` He 's a Slytherin, not a Gryffindor. ``

`` Yeah, we 're the brave ones ! '' Albus agreed.

After dinner, Albus and his friends went to the park room to spend the evening. The elbow room was quite a bit emptier than usual. There was a big dueling club meeting and most of the Gryffindors were attending it. First years were not allowed to link the dueling baseball club, so all of them were in the common way, along with some older scholarly person who were n't function of the baseball club. Since it was so abandon, Albus and his friends were able to snag a few of the effective armchairs in social movement of the fire. They were all putting off homework, except for rosebush who was reading a book, since it was the weekend.

`` You going to join the dueling club next year ? '' Albus asked, while sorting through his burnt umber toad cards. `` I ca n't wait to fall in. James says it 's awesome. ``

`` Of course ! '' St. John shouted, `` Hey, have you got any Snape bill ? ``

`` Yeah, I 've got quite a few, '' Albus shifted his deck of wit and pulled out five Snapes, `` Want one ? ``

`` Yeah, I still have n't gotten any, '' John told him. Albus handed him one of his cards.

`` Is it normal to get injured badly in the dueling club ? '' Amanda asked.

`` It 's potential, but it does n't usually happen, '' Albus told her. `` The teacher make sure zero bad happens. ``

`` Then I might link up. How about you, Rose ? '' Amanda said.

`` Sure, probably, '' blush wine responded absentmindedly.

`` Are you ok ? You 're awfully hush, '' Amanda commented.

`` I 'm all right, '' rose answered, `` I 'm just thinking about Matt. Madam Pomfrey said he was supposed to be back today. ``

`` I 've been thinking about that, too, '' Albus told her, `` I hope he 's ok. ''

`` Well, even if he does n't come back until tomorrow, it 's still better than last month, '' John whispered, `` But I wonder when he 's going to recite us. ``

`` Why do n't we go up to the dorm room and talk about it, '' Albus suggested, `` It 's too tranquilize in here, someone 's going to pick up us. And Bilius and Ethan are down here anyway. '' Albus pointed to a table to their left, where the other two Gryffindor beginning year boy were sitting playing gobstones.

`` Good approximation, '' pink wine agreed and closed her playscript. The group got up from their chairs and followed Albus to the boys'dormitory.

When they got up to the dormitory, Albus sat down on his bed. rose and Amanda looked around a bit before sitting down next to him.

`` I ca n't lead it anymore, we 've got to order him ! '' John shouted and started pacing around the room, `` I 'm not surely he 's ever going to narrate us ! ``

`` He will, we 've just got to give him some More meter ! '' Albus insisted.

`` I 'm not so certainly, Albus. He has n't told us yet, what makes you so surely he 'll ever do it ? '' John the Evangelist questioned.

`` I do n't know, I just think he will. ``

`` Well, I do n't. And I 'm not so certain I can continue pretending I have no clue why he leaves every month. I mean, how long has it been since we 've known ? And we 've known him since Sept. Is n't that enough fourth dimension for him to entrust us ? '' John the Divine stormed over to his bed and threw himself on it.

`` Honestly, John, that 's really not a long time. September was n't even six month ago, '' Rose reasoned.

`` So you 're on Albus 's side, then ? You think we should just dissemble we 're clueless about his disappearances ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` Yes, I do. I think he will tell us, once he realizes he can intrust us, '' Rose told him.

`` well, what more do we have to do ? '' St. John huffed.

`` It 's not that wide-eyed ! '' Albus shouted, remembering his conversation with Dumbledore. `` Do you recognise how unvoiced it must be for him ? He 's probably had people abandoning him because of this his whole biography ! ``

`` And I suppose you know more about it than I do ? live on I checked, you were n't a wolfman, '' Saint John the Apostle shouted.

`` Yeah, I do have it off more than you ! '' Albus shouted back, getting up from the bed and walking towards John.

`` Really, and how would that be ? '' John got up and stood in forepart of Albus, staring at him.

`` Because Teddy 's dad was a werewolf ! I 've told you that ! And my dad 's told me all about what he went through ! You know he was n't even going to be allowed to get along to Hogwarts, but then Dumbledore became headmaster and let him ! And then he could n't even observe a job because no one wanted to hire a werewolf ! So, yeah, I do lie with a bit Sir Thomas More than you do ! ``

`` Fine, so you know more about it than me, but how do you bed that Matt will tell us ? ``

`` I just do, ok ? '' Albus insisted, thinking of what Dumbledore had said.

`` wellspring, I think that it might be well-off if we just told him we know. Then he could just talk to us about it and we could stop keeping secrets ! '' trick shouted.

`` Albus, '' Rose said from behind Albus and started tugging on his robes.

`` Not now, Rose, '' Albus pushed her deal away, `` It probably would be well-heeled, but it 's his confidential, so let 's just let him tell us ! ``

`` But what if he does n't ! '' John threw his hands up in the air. `` Are we just going to go our all seven old age at Hogwarts pretending we do n't get it on ? ``

Rose poked Albus more persistently and Albus pushed her hand away again. `` Of grade not, because he 'll tell us soon ! ``

`` Albus ! '' rose wine shouted louder and pointed to the doorway.

Albus turned his head away from privy and glanced at the doorway. Matt was standing there, looking tired and run down, with a ball over face on his aspect. He stared at Albus for a few seconds before turning and running back down the stairs.

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A/N : I know it 's shorter than usual, but I wanted the cliffhanger. The next chapter will be quite a bit longer, as I 'm planning on combining two chapters again.

Thanks to my babe and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other sister, and my Brother. Thanks as well to inkheart and Moonylupin for their inspection !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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Albus turned back to John and they stared at each other. `` How long had he been standing there ? '' Albus asked quietly.

rose wine sighed, `` Since right after you finished talking about Teddy 's dad. ``

`` So he definitely knows we know, '' Albus responded.

`` I 'd say so, '' Rose agreed.

Albus and lavatory looked at each other again, and with their argument forgotten they both turned and ran out of the dormitory to postdate matt. Albus did n't look back, but the sound of footsteps told him that pink wine and Amanda were n't far behind. Albus did n't know what he was going to say to lustrelessness when they found him, he just knew he had to do something. This was not how Albus imagined lustrelessness telling them about his lycanthropy. And he was sure that it was not what Dumbledore had in mind. But what 's done is done, and Albus could only hope that Matt was n't too mad at them.

When they reached the vernacular room, it was packed. Albus realized that dueling club practice must have just let out. He glanced quickly around the room, thinking they 'd never receive Matt amongst all the other Gryffindors. John elbowed Albus in the side and pointed towards the Fat Lady 's portrait. It was opening, and then it closed again, but they did n't see anyone enter or leave. Someone short must have left. Albus knew it was Matt. He motioned for his friends to follow. They pushed their way through the throng of older bookman and eventually made it to the portraiture. The grouping scrambled through the trap and landed in the seventh level corridor.

`` Where is he ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus said, glancing around. Matt was no where in flock. `` I wish we had the Marauder 's Map. ``

`` The what ? '' Saint John asked.

`` The Marauder 's Map. It 's that map of Hogwarts my granddaddy and his friends made. Remember ? I told you about it. ``

`` Oh, yeah. ``

`` Well, we do n't have it. But we 'd improve get going if we have any hopes of finding him, '' Rose started running down the corridor.

Albus, John, and Amanda followed Rose down the corridor. After a minute or so, Albus spotted Matt. `` There he is ! '' he whispered to his friends. They continued running and it did n't take farseeing to catch up to Matt. Since it was right after a full moon, lustrelessness was going slower than usual.

Albus and his friends stopped a few meters in front of him. `` flatness ? '' Albus asked tentatively.

Matt turned around and walked slowly towards his protagonist, past a tapestry of
Barnabas the Barmy trying to instruct troll to dance concert dance, and stopped a few feet in front of Albus. `` So, you know ? '' he asked in a representative so diffuse, Albus could hardly hear it. He stared at the ground.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus answered in an equally unruffled voice.

Matt did n't look up and turned around and paced slowly down the hall. He seemed to be thinking hard. When he got just past the tapis, he stopped and walked back towards Albus. Albus knew he was trying to think of something to say. Albus glanced at his friends and all of them looked very uncomfortable. They stood completely still, not saying a tidings, while matt continued pacing up and down the hallway.

On his third or fourth clock time returning to Albus, Albus was n't sure as he had lost count, Matt finally looked up at him with a scare construction on his side. Matt opened his lip and was about to say something when he stopped. He turned and looked at the wall facing the tapestry.

Albus turned to see what Matt was staring at. When his gaze reached the wall, his sass fell open. A door was sitting upon the wall, where there had n't been a threshold before. Albus turned around and looked at Rose. Albus had a tactile sensation he knew where the door came from, and pink wine 's knowing feeling of awe confirmed it. John was staring at it as if he had been stupefied. Amanda was blinking and rubbing her eyes, as if the door was just a figment of her imagination.

Matt glanced at Albus and then he walked towards the door. When he reached it, he grasped the handgrip and opened it. He walked slowly inside, leaving the door open behind him. Once Matt was inside, Albus nodded to his admirer and walked inside. bathroom, Rose, and Amanda followed.

When Albus got into the way, he gazed around in awe. The entire way was decorated in Gryffindor scarlet and amber. The richly ceiling was painted gold and the walls were covered in scarlet drape. The floor was covered in scarlet and gold patterned carpet. In the book binding of the way was a large open fireplace complete with a crackling fire. In front of the fire, were three bombastic comfy looking scarlet armchairs and a big gold lounge.

`` What is this place ? '' Amanda asked as she walked around the room.

`` I think it 's the room of Requirement, '' Albus told her, `` It 's also called the Come and Go Room. It only appears when you 're in pauperism of it. And it changes according to your needs. ``

`` Dad 's told me about this before, but he would n't tell apart me where it was or how to find it, '' St. John the Apostle told them.

`` Same with me, '' Rose said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's incredible ! '' Amanda grinned, `` Looks just like the Gryffindor common room. ``

`` Only better, '' John responded, `` We can sit near the ardor. ``

`` It looks like it was made for us, '' Albus commented.

`` It does, '' Rose agreed, `` lustrelessness, did you ... request this ? ``

`` Yeah, '' lustrelessness sighed.

`` So, you knew about the Room ? '' John asked.

`` Yes, '' Matt answered, `` Amy told me about it before I came to Hogwarts. She thought, it well, might be useful, for me. '' He sighed, `` Sometimes I come here after I get out of the hospital extension, if I want to just be alone and sleep. ``

`` And does it count like this then ? '' Amanda asked.

`` No, usually it 's got a four-poster bed and the fireplace, and that 's it. ``

`` So, it 'll hand you whatever you ask for ? '' Amanda responded.

`` Er, I think so, within reason, '' mat told her, `` Like, if you wanted a room full-of-the-moon of Galleons, I do n't think it would be able-bodied to do it. And it ca n't pass you intellectual nourishment. Something about the jurisprudence of Transfiguration or something. ``

`` Is this where you 've been all day ? '' John asked as he wandered around the room. `` Because we went to see you on Tuesday and brothel keeper Pomfrey said you 'd get to impart Th or today. ``

mat sighed and slowly walked towards one of the armchairs and sat down in it. Albus followed and sat down on the couch. Rose sat down next to him while trick and Amanda took the remaining chairs. `` Yeah, I was here, '' matt said quietly after a few moments of muteness. `` I was just so tired and I could n't face going to Charms and dealing with Washburn and Malfoy. ``

Albus could understand that. Looking back on the late month, he realized that Washburn did tend to visit on lustrelessness More right after he got back from the Hospital Wing.

`` You were still tired ? Even after spending three sidereal day in the Hospital annex ? Why ? '' lavatory asked while he pulled a Chocolate toad out of his scoop and opened it. `` Oh, look, Albus. Now I 've got Snape ! ``

`` I dunno. That 's just how it is, '' lustrelessness mumbled.

The group sat in silence for a few moments. John pulled out a few more Gaul and offered them around. Albus, rosebush, and Amanda each took one and ate them. Albus got Minerva McGonagall, which he gave to Amanda since he already had about seven of her.

`` You guys have to promise me something, '' Matt broke the secrecy, `` Do n't separate anyone. ``

Albus stared at him. `` Of course we wo n't, '' he said solemnly. Gospel According to John, rose wine, and Amanda nodded their caput in agreement.

`` Thanks, '' Matt whispered, and got up from his chair.

`` Where are you going ? '' Albus asked.

`` I dunno. I just figured you would n't want to hang out with me anymore, '' matte looked nervously at Albus.

`` What ? ! '' Albus shouted, `` Of course we still want to hang out with you ! ``

`` Really ? '' matte asked, while a smile slowly crept up on his face.

`` Definitely ! '' Saint John assured him.

`` Of course, '' Amanda smiled.

`` We wo n't abandon you, '' rose wine said adamantly.

matt visibly relaxed and sat back down in his chair. `` I guess I just thought that you would n't. Since, well, everyone I 've ever been friends with stopped talking to me once they found out. ``

`` That wo n't happen with us, '' Albus assured him.

`` But does n't it scare you, just a bit ? '' matt asked tentatively.

`` Nope, '' Albus replied, grinning. He glanced at Rose, who grinned back.

`` What 's so funny ? '' matte looked from Albus to Rose.

`` Did Professor Kendrick William Tell you that you are n't the low werewolf to pay heed Hogwarts ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah ... '' mat responded warily, `` He said there was one other, a couple decades ago. ``

`` And I 'm guessing he never told you who that was ? '' rose replied.

`` Er, no, he did n't, '' Matt answered, `` But Amy told me that shimmy 's dad was a lycanthrope and he went here, so I assumed it was him. ``

`` Exactly, '' Albus grinned, `` And my dad 's shimmy 's godfather. ``

`` Really ? '' mat asked.

`` Yup, '' rosiness said. `` I 'll let Albus narrate you the rest. ``

`` You mean, there 's more ? '' matt stared in awe at Albus.

`` Yup, you want to know why my dad 's Teddy 's godfather, do n't you ? ``

`` Of path ! ``

`` wellspring, here it goes. My grandpa, the one who was killed by Voldemort, went to Hogwarts the same time Remus Lupin did. Along with Canicula blackness and Simon Peter Pettigrew. They all became pretty beneficial friends. Remus Lupin tried to keep the fact that he was a werewolf secret, but eventually, my grandpa, Sothis, and Peter found out. And they did n't abandon him. In fact, they all became illegal animagi and spent the full moon Sun Myung Moon with him. ``

`` Really ? '' lustrelessness glanced around at his friends.

`` Really, '' Albus continued, `` They stayed champion right up until Pettigrew betrayed my grandparents. And you know that fib. Then, Remus met Nymphadora Tonks, who was somehow related to Sirius, I think she was his cousin 's daughter. Anyway, they got married and had a son, chemise, right in the superlative of Voldemort 's reign. They both were killed in the fight. But Remus had made my dad teddy bear 's godfather, so he 's kind of like a brother. So, you can see that no way would I desert you. ``

`` Wow, '' mat grinned at Albus, `` But what about the rest of you ? ``

`` Nope, you do n't have to worry about me, '' rosiness answered, `` Teddy 's like my cousin. ``

`` I 'm not related to any werewolves, heck, you 're the first one I 've met. But do n't worry. You 're my friend and null can change that, '' John Lackland replied.

`` Honestly, it scared me a bit when I first found out, '' Amanda admitted, `` But I 'm Muggle-born, so the only if melodic theme of werewolves I 'd had were in Muggle fairy tale. ``

mat looked at her and the grinning on his face disappeared. He glanced nervously at Albus.

`` But I 'm fine with it now. Rose taught me a lot. I know now that real werewolf are n't anything like the ones in fairy tales. And besides, just because you get furry once a month does n't think you 're a different person the rest of the month. I was ally with you before I knew and I 'll stay ally with you now, '' Amanda assured him.

Matt relaxed, `` Thanks, Guy. I 've never had better booster. But how long have you known ? ``

`` Well, blush wine figured it out in Nov, but we were n't positive until I wound up in the Hospital Wing at the Lapplander time as you last month. ``

`` What ? ! '' matt 's mouth fell surface, `` How did that materialise ? ``

Albus explained the duel with Quinton Willinson and how he had overheard Madam Pomfrey and the therapist talking early the next morning.

`` Why did n't you evidence me you knew ? '' Matt asked quietly.

`` I thought it would be expert for you to secernate us when you 're set up, but I guess that did n't take place, '' Albus answered.

`` Guess not, but thanks anyway, for the mentation, '' lusterlessness replied. Everyone sat quietly for a few moments, before Albus broke the silence.

`` Could we, er, ask you doubt about it ? '' Albus asked tentatively.

flatness sighed, `` Sure, I guess. ``

`` If you do n't want to- '' Albus started.

`` No, it 's fine, it 's just I 've never actually told anyone about it. It 's always been my parents or Amy. But yeah, ask whatever you want, '' Matt told them.

`` All right, if you 're certain, '' Albus paused, `` Well, when did it fall out ? ``

lustrelessness took a mystifying breathing time. `` When I was five. We were Muggle camping at the fourth dimension. My mum 's Muggle-born, and she had gone camping when she was a kid, and she wanted me and Amy to get the experience. You guys do know what Muggles do when they camp, right ? ``

`` That 's when they live in those cramped, tiny collapsible shelter that are just big enough to catch some Z's in, right ? And they do n't use electricity or any of that stuff and nonsense they use instead of magic ? '' John asked.

Amanda stifled a giggle at his description of camping. `` fountainhead, that 's the universal idea, I suppose, but it 's usually a lot funner than you describe it. ``

`` right hand, '' lustrelessness said, `` Well, that 's what my mum wanted to do. So Dad agreed because he thought it sounded unhinged enough to be fun. And it was, at first. We did n't use any illusion. I do n't remember a unscathed lot, but I do remember Dad playing with compeer trying to get the campfire lit. It took him a half hour. Amy says that after that first campfire, Mum lit all the eternal sleep of them.

`` We were going to camp for three nighttime, I think. The minute night was a full lunation. It was a drab lunar month. You know, when there are two Sun Myung Moon in a calendar month, they call the second one a blue moon. They do n't bump often. Only every 2 or 3 class. It was the end of December, think that the time of year are opposite in Commonwealth of Australia, so it was fond. We were all in one tent, and in the middle of the night I had to go to the bathroom. There was a farseeing walkway to the bathroom, through the woods. I was halfway there when I heard this deep growl. The last thing I remember is a huge brute pouncing on me and a searing pain in my binding, and then I blacked out. ``

Albus listened but did n't say anything. He heard Amanda gasped. Albus variety of felt sick to his tum. Ever since he found out that Matt was a werewolf, he knew he must have been bit, but he never really thought about the point. Now, hearing about it, he felt awful that his friend had been through it.

`` And then what happened ? '' John the Divine whispered.

`` Well, my parents told me what happened a while after I woke up. Amy is a really light wagon-lit and she heard the growls and my screaming. She woke up my parents and my dad went noticed that I was gone and he ran out of the tent with his wand. There were a clump of Muggles who had woken up and were running around screaming. They told my parents that a kid was being attacked by a wolf. That kid of path, was me. My parents kept running towards the growl until they found me. Dad saw what was happening and started shooting off all form of tour that somehow had great force on the loup-garou. Then my mum started trying to bedaze the werewolf, too. After a few spells, the wolfman was stunned. ``

`` Muggles saw it ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yeah, '' Matt continued, `` My mum sent word to the Ministry and they sent Obliviators and representatives from the lycanthrope Control Unit. Dad was head of that department at the time. None of the Muggles recall anything from it of row, but it was in the paper, so all the thaumaturge and beldam found out about it. But they did n't know it was me who got attacked. The law prevents the names of underage werewolf from being released. ``

`` Wow, '' Albus said, `` I guess that 's good that no one knew it was you. ``

`` It did n't really help, though, '' matt replied bitterly. `` But there 's more than before I get to that. After the Ministry people showed up, my dad Apparated with me to Eastworth, that 's one of the hospital in Commonwealth of Australia. I spent nearly a month there. rightfulness up until the next wide-cut moon. I woke up two weeks after it happened. Spent the next two weeks waiting for all the wound to mend, but they did n't heal all the way. That took a pair off months. Anyway, the number 1 good moon was awfully. I hardly remember any of it. Just the painful sensation and unwellness in the few twenty-four hours before it and the two calendar week it took to bring around after it. ``

`` But what about the Wolfsbane Potion ? '' rose asked tentatively.

Matt sighed, `` The matter is, that does n't exploit for me. The Healers have n't been able to envision out why yet. I took it during the first few to the full moon and it had no effect on me at all, so my parents stopped giving it to me. ``

Albus could n't think of what to say. He now knew the news report. Matt had told them the altogether thing. It seemed corresponding once he started, he just did n't stop. Maybe it felt serious to finally enjoin soul about it ? Albus figured that was it. He could n't imagine carrying around a secret like that for twelve years. Then Albus remembered something Matt had told him on the train. `` Um, Matt ? Why did your family movement to here ? '' Albus had the feeling that had something to do with his being a wolfman. Matt had n't mentioned a good deal about moving to England, and when he talked about it on the train, he changed the subject quickly.

`` Um, well, because of me, '' lustrelessness replied glumly, `` I never told you before, but my parents were really long-familiar in Commonwealth of Australia. Not really famous like your family is, Albus, but just kind of amphetamine class types. Both of them were. My dad comes from a farseeing phone line of pure parentage. But not the variety who despise Muggles and Muggle-borns. They were just always involved in the Ministry and had a onus of gold, that sort of thing.

`` And my mum, her menage is really rich. They were always involved in all form of renown character stuff. They knew all form of far-famed people and hosted fancy parties and things like that. Then my mum got her varsity letter telling her she was a crone. My grandparents were horrified and excited at the same meter. They obviously could n't tell any of their protagonist about it, and they had a voiceless meter keeping it a enigma.

`` My parents met in schooling and got married a few years later. Put together, they were the ideal magical match. My dad got a job at the Ministry in the loup-garou command building block. Eventually, shortly after I was born, he worked his way up to Head. Then, a few months after I was bitten, he became Head of the entire section for the Control and ordinance of Magical brute. sort of ironic, is n't it ? ``

`` That 's how he knew how to stupefy the werewolf, '' pink wine commented.

`` Yeah, and it 's a adept thing he did, '' lusterlessness said, `` Anyway, my family was involved in all sorts of fantasy events and committees, both charming and Muggle. My parents were living the perfect life. Then, I got bit. ``

`` And it all had to stop, did n't it ? '' Albus said softly.

`` Yes, and slowly it did. First, they stopped doing the Muggle things. Muggles do n't know wolfman are real number, so they could n't do much Muggle stuff anymore. The Muggles would ask what was wrong with me and my parents could n't tell them. If they lied and said it was some sorting of Muggle disease, it would have been all over their news. So, my parents just told everyone that they were going to unbend and raise their family away from all the renown.

`` The magic stuff was a little more perplex. Everyone who worked in my dad 's office knew that I had been bit and they kept it a occult for a long fourth dimension. For over two twelvemonth, no one knew it happened. Then, there were more werewolf onrush down there. So people started drafting anti-werewolf statute law. My dad immediately rejected all of it. the great unwashed got suspicious, and one of his colleagues got pretty fired up about it. He was all for more restriction. So, he leaked that I was a werewolf to former contribution of the Ministry. Of course, they could n't really fire him for me being a werewolf. But correct before that happened, the Ministry managed to slide by a law requiring all places of transformation to be separate construction. The department overruled Dad 's veto and the minister signed it into law. Dad refused to abide by and got fired for breaking the law. ``

John let out a low whistle, `` mat, I 'm so good-for-naught, did you call back it was your fault ? ``

`` Yeah, I did, actually, '' Matt said darkly, `` Mum and Dad kept telling me it was n't and not to think that way, but I could n't help it.

`` But it was just all downhill from there. My parents had already sent a letter to Amy 's school day, the Aussie schooltime of Sorcery, to see if I could still attend. They would n't let me. So they were planning on moving anyway. ``

`` They would n't ? ! '' John shouted, `` But why ? ``

`` Said it was too dangerous. I was really depressed after that. The transformations got spoiled. I always held out Leslie Townes Hope that I 'd be able to go to school. Amy would issue forth home with stories and I looked forward to when I 'd get to go. So, just to seek out the options, my parents sent varsity letter to a few early schools. The capital of Oregon beldam Institute in Massachusetts, Hogwarts, and the Adirondack Academy of Magic in New York State. And a couple others that I do n't remember the epithet. Hogwarts, Salem, and Adirondack both said I could still attend. Adirondack had never had any werewolf attend, but they said they would work it out. capital of Oregon turned out to be a really bad idea. My parents and Amy did n't like it.

`` By then, my parents were definitely willing to displace so I could go to school. They were debating which school I should go to when they read about a subject area St. Mungo 's was doing. It would try to cypher out why Wolfsbane would n't knead for some people. That was the deciding factor. They decided on Hogwarts and signed me up for the bailiwick. We moved that summer. ``

Albus sat and thought. He now knew what Dumbledore had meant by 'true horrors in his past'. It was n't just being bit by a werewolf and becoming one himself. It was the fact that lusterlessness 's family 's unscathed biography was drastically changed because of what had happened. They moved halfway across the world because of it. `` What about Amy ? She had already been at school in Australia for a few years, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, she had. She was 14 when we moved, going into her quarter class. And she was n't too felicitous about it. I know you make fun just see her as a protective sure-enough Sister, but she was n't always, '' Matt paused, `` She was really untune when my parents told her that we had to move. She did n't want to leave her friends. She blamed me. ``

`` But she 's always looking out for you ! '' Rose replied, `` I ca n't conceive of her being mad at you. ``

`` I know, '' Matt said, `` But it 's rightful. You see, my parents did n't let her be anywhere near me when I transformed. She stayed with my grandparents every total moon that she was n't in school. She stayed with them for a few days after the wide lunation, too. By the time she got back, I was mostly better. ``

`` Oh, '' blush wine said, `` But what happened ? ``

`` Well, once we moved, she could n't go stay with my grandparents every to the full moonlight anymore. We moved in June, right after the full moon. There were two more fully moons before she started school. Dad still had connections with the Ministry in Australia, so he managed to set up portkeys for her to require to my grandparents'house, even after we moved. She was still mad at me when she left for school and it made me feel horrible. But after a few weeks, she settled into Hogwarts and made new friends, including Victoire.

`` Then the summer came and my parents had to present that she would be there during full moons. Something happened and Dad could n't get portkeys to Australia anymore. By then I 'd been a werewolf for over three years and she still had n't been there. She was 15, then, so my parents figured she was old enough anyway. Anyway, the night came and I, er, went to the place where I transform when I 'm home. In the forenoon, my parents always came and got me really early on, so they could admit me to my bed and give me my potions and stuff. fountainhead, apparently that night Amy had n't slept at all. She told me later that she could n't once she heard my screeching and howling. She stayed come alive all night, waiting for the moonlight to set, and once it did, she went and got me even before my parents did.

`` Well, once she saw me, she realized what I was going through. That good morning, she saw me unconscious mind, with offend castanets, and covered in blood and cuts. It made her realize how bad it really is. She told me later that once she saw me, she started crying and she started trying to bring around my cuts. Then my parents came and found her. They started crying with her and let her help them do everything they do after a transformation. When I woke up, we had a farseeing talk, all four of us. Amy completely forgave me for moving here and she 's been very protective ever since, especially when it comes to individual being rude about my condition. ``

`` Oh, lusterlessness, '' Rose whispered, `` I 'm so glad that Amy is n't mad at you anymore. I just ca n't believe you have to go through all this. ``

`` It 's all ripe, I 'll hold out, '' matt assured her.

`` I know, it just does n't seem carnival, '' pink wine said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Do you know what happened to the loup-garou that bit you ? ``

`` My dad told me, '' Matt answered, `` He got in a cargo of difficulty, because of what did chance and what could deliver happened. He could have attacked some of the Muggles that were there, instead of me. It was only by chance that it happened to be me, a wizard, he bit. We were probably the only wizards anywhere near that camping area, but there were rafts of Muggles around. Anyway, he got sentenced to ten class in prison. ``

`` So he 's still there ? '' toilet asked.

`` Yup, '' lustrelessness replied. He paused for a few moments, watching his champion. `` So, now you know the unscathed story. ``

`` Were you really planning on keeping it a private the whole time you were at Hogwarts ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, I 'm not sure. I guess so. That 's what my parents told me to do anyway. They told me not to tell anyone, and I did n't need to tell anyone either. I did n't really think anyone would recover out. ``

`` pink wine is pretty voguish, though, '' Albus said, `` I would n't hold figured it out without her, well, until I wound up in the Hospital annexe with you last calendar month. ``

`` I guess I would n't ingest been able to go all through school without anyone finding out. ``

`` So who does fuck ? '' Albus asked.

`` Hardly anyone. The instructor, of course. well-nigh of them have been really dainty about it, especially your dad, Albus, '' Matt answered.

Albus grinned, `` Yeah, like that essay that was due the other day. ``

`` Oh, yeah, I 'd forgotten about that, '' Matt groaned, `` I 'll have to do it this weekend. Washburn 's been somewhat rude, but he 's rude to every Gryffindor. Amy had warned me about that. ``

`` What about over Christmas vacation, did you really fall out of a tree, or was that just another cover-up story ? '' Albus asked, suddenly remembering that.

lustrelessness blushed, `` Er, yeah, it was. There was a full moon over the holiday. The secondly one of Dec to be exact. It was a blue moon. Only the secondly one since the one when I got bit. The first one was when I was 8 and it was unspeakable. Much worse than the regular full moons. And the one in December was just as awful. Plus, I had to transform at my grandparents menage. In their bonce, which my dad sound proofed and strengthened the walls with magic. So, yeah, those injuries were from the full moon, not falling out of a tree. ``

`` I had a feeling about that, '' Albus commented, `` So, no other students make love ? ``

`` Nope, '' Matt answered, `` You 're the merely ones, besides Amy. She 's not allowed to tell her Friend. She has n't even enjoin Victoire. ``

`` Thanks for telling us the whole story, '' pink wine said.

`` You know, it feels safe to finally secern soul. form of like I can slacken now. I was always afraid you 'd discover out and order someone and I 'd sustain to entrust. ``

`` We 'd never do that, '' Albus assured him.

`` Thanks, '' matt smiled.

Just then the door to the room volley open and Amy came running in, out of breathing time. `` There you are ! '' she shouted and ran towards Matt.

`` How 'd you get in here ? '' John asked. `` We 're already using the Room. ``

`` I made all the requests for it and I always request that Amy be able to find me, but to continue everyone else out, '' Matt answered.

`` And it 's a ripe thing, too ! It 's half yesteryear midnight ! I was worried disgorge ! Madam Pomfrey said you left ages ago, but I have n't seen you all day, '' Amy gave him a hug.

`` Ouch ! '' lustrelessness winced.

`` Oh, sorry ! '' Amy released her grip, `` Have you been here all day ? ``

`` Pretty a great deal. ``

`` You skipped division ? Are you sure enough you 're salutary ? '' Amy asked in a occupy tone.

`` I 'm just tired and I did n't require to face up Washburn today. He always calls on me when I 'm tired, he does it on purpose, '' mat yawned.

`` Oh, he 's such a git, '' Amy replied, `` But are you sure you 're ok ? I could take you back to the Hospital extension. ``

`` I 'm mulct, honestly, '' Matt said adamantly.

`` How did they bonk how to get in here ? '' Amy glanced around at Albus, John Lackland, Rose, and Amanda, and then leaned over and whispered something in matt 's ear.

`` It 's all rightfield, Amy, '' lustrelessness sighed, `` They know. I told them. I told them everything. ``

`` What ? ! '' Amy opened her eyes wide and stared at Matt. `` Mum and Dad told you not to ! ``

`` I know, but it 's all right. They figured it out months ago and were just waiting until I was ready to enjoin them. ``

`` They 'd better not secernate, '' Amy glanced around at Albus and the others.

`` Do n't worry, they wo n't, '' Matt assured her, `` Albus 's dad is Teddy 's godfather. So, they definitely wo n't tell. Albus 's grandfather was really good supporter with Teddy 's dad. ``

`` I knew that, '' Amy said, `` guessing I just never really put it together. ``

`` Yup, and you know, I 'm really glad I told them everything. I can loosen up a piffling bit. ``

`` Just be for certain no one else finds out, '' Amy warned.

`` I know, I 'll be careful, '' matt said, `` But you know, you could tell Victoire, if you want. I do n't think she 'd tell anyone, do you, Albus ? ``

`` No, she would n't evidence anyone, '' Albus assured them.

`` Yeah, I know she would n't. I 've been tempted to tell her ever since she told me that her dad was attacked by Fenrir greyback, '' Amy revealed, `` But Mum and Dad do n't want me to tell anyone. ``

`` I know, they did n't require me to tell anyone either, but that did n't work out, '' flatness replied, `` I just wanted you to know that I would n't mind if you told Victoire. ``

`` Ok, I 'll cogitate about it. But thanks for telling me that. It 's strong keeping it a secret. Sometimes I just want to spill about it. ``

`` Me, too. That 's why I 'm kinda relieved they know now, '' matte gestured to his friends.

`` I guess you should let Mum and Dad know that you told them. ``

`` I will, I 'll get off them a missive this weekend, '' matte yawned.

`` You really ought to go to bed, '' Amy suggested.

`` That 'd probably be a thoroughly idea, '' Albus agreed, `` Quidditch is tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, yeah, I 'd forgotten ! '' Matt said excitedly.

`` Should be a good game, '' john commented.

`` Ravenclaw will probably win, '' Amanda predicted.

Albus and his friends walked back to Gryffindor pillar with Amy, and the common elbow room was practically deserted by the clip they got back. Victoire was there, along with Samantha Meyers, and a couple other 7th days who Albus vaguely recognized. Amy bid them goodnight and went to sit with her supporter. When Albus, John, and flatness went up to their dormitory, Bilius and Ethan were already asleep. Albus climbed into his bed feeling very content. He was happy that flatness had finally opened up to them, but still felt a bit worried about what Matt was going through. Albus was also quite thrilled with the idea of having the Room of Requirement uncommitted to them. He did n't think he 'd manage to obtain that until he was often old, but now he would be able to use it during all his years at Hogwarts. With that and the Marauder 's Map, if James let him adopt it, Albus and his friends would certainly be capable to ingest some fun. If only he had the invisibility Cloak. And with opinion of his dad actually giving him the Cloak, Albus fell into a surprisingly restful sleep.

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A/N : So, there it is ! The chapter you 've been waiting for ! I really hope you liked it. I wound up re-writing a caboodle of it, since parts had contradicted my other report. It was originally two chapters, but I combined them to make up for the last chapter which was quite short !

oral presentation of my other story, I will be posting it very soon ! It 's called In Moonlight 's Shadow and it 's basically the product of me having too often background narration about Matt to possibly put into a story that focuses on Albus. The news report goes into great detail about why Matt and his kinsfolk moved to England. It 's done in initiatory soul, from Amy 's point of scene. I have XXX chapters written so far. I hope you 'll all agree it out once I post it !

Thanks as common to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other sister, and my brother. Thanks as well to inkheart, Moonylupin, and mamaykay for the follow-up !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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Albus woke up late the succeeding morning, but he was still up before John or lustrelessness were. Bilius and Ethan 's bed were evacuate, so they were already up. Albus was surprised that Saint John was n't up yet. He rarely ever missed breakfast, even on the weekends. The Quidditch match was n't for another two hours, so Albus quietly got garbed and read a bit of his Quidditch in the Twentieth Century book. He had been reading for a half hour when he heard someone come into the room.

`` Albus ? '' a voice called out, `` Are n't you up yet ? ``

Albus looked up from his book, `` Oh, hi blush wine, Amanda. I 've been up for a patch, but those two are still asleep. '' He jerked his head towards John and Matt 's beds.

`` I do n't consider I 've ever seen John miss breakfast before, '' pink wine commented while looking at his sleeping form.

`` Me neither. But we did stay up pretty late final night, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah. We 've been up for a piece, doing homework, '' rose wine responded.

`` Still throw onus Sir Thomas More to do, though, '' Amanda sighed, `` I have n't made much procession on my phases of the moonshine essay for Astronomy. ``

`` Bet matte could have that done in fifteen proceedings, '' Albus commented, `` He could probably avail you. ``

`` Good thought, I 'll ask him after the friction match, '' Amanda decided, `` We should probably get them up, though. ``

Albus agreed and pulled back the curtains on lustrelessness 's bed while rosebush and Amanda prodded John awake. Albus looked down at mat, who was sleeping soundly. Albus almost felt bad waking him up, but he knew matt wanted to view the match and would be mad if no one woke him up in meter. Albus pulled back the mantle and gently poked his arm.

`` Wha 's going on ? '' lusterlessness mumbled. He sat up and rub his eyes.

`` We almost slept through Quidditch, '' john replied sleepily as he got up out of bed and headed to the bathroom.

`` Oh, right ! '' lusterlessness yawned and got up immediately.

Fifteen minutes later, Albus headed down to the Great foyer with his supporter to have lunch before the match. The usual exhilaration that accompanied a Quidditch friction match was in the air when they walked into the room. Harry had been right when he said that Quidditch would strike people 's psyche off Rita Skeeter 's article. Albus had n't heard anyone mention it in daylight. It seemed as if everyone had finally forgotten about it.

`` Why ca n't the conditions be like this when we play ? '' James groaned as he sat down next to Albus.

The weather was unusually good. It was still bitterly common cold, but it was relatively sunny.

`` Well, it does n't count, because our squad can play in any weather ! '' Samantha Meyers announced. `` The Hufflepuffs on the other hand .... ''

`` They 're ripe than the Slytherins this class, '' James commented.

`` True, but the Slytherins have n't totally fall back the Cup yet. Ravenclaw only beat them by 30 points in their catch. Now, if they lose to Hufflepuff in the next match, they 'll be out of the running play, '' Samantha explained.

After tiffin, everyone made their way to the Quidditch pitch. Albus and his friends managed to get estimable seat, but none of them really knew which team to root for. The match lasted almost two hr before the Ravenclaw searcher finally caught the sneak. Both seeker spent virtually of the match hovering above the other role player, neither of them managing to see the fink. King James I was sitting a few buns down from Albus and Albus heard him shouting to the searcher on legion occasions because he had seen the Snitch. In the end, the Ravenclaw quester saw it hovering near the Hufflepuff destination billet, caught it, and won the game.

Albus and his Friend spent the oddment of the day working on their preparation. mat was able to help Amanda finish her essay, and everyone helped him catch up on all the work he had missed the late week.

******

`` Fifteen minutes left ! '' professor Slughorn announced during doubling potions one March good afternoon, a few weeks later. `` Bring a sample of your potion up to my desk for grading and clean up, please ! ``

Albus poured a bit of his boil-cure potion into a ampule and took it up to Professor Slughorn while John cleaned out their cauldron.

`` Albus, m'boy ! '' Slughorn grinned at him and took his potion. He held it up to the igniter and rock it. `` Near perfect, I think ! Could have done with a few more porcupine calamus, but very good.

`` Now, I am planning on having another fiddling meeting this Sunday evening, '' Slughorn went on, as he put Albus 's potion on his desk with the others. `` I was hoping you and young lady Weasley would be capable to hang. ``

Albus inwardly groaned. He did not want to go to another Slug lodge meeting. The thought of being that close to Quinton Willinson again made him shudder. `` Er, well, actually, I 've got lessons with my Aunt Hermione every Dominicus. Rose does, too. ``

`` Oh, what a shame, '' Slughorn replied, `` Maybe next fourth dimension, then ? ``

`` Er, maybe, '' Albus shifted nervously. He had no intentions of ever going to another bullet nightspot merging. At least not while Willinson was still at Hogwarts.

Albus went back to his table, got his bag, and left the room with his champion. As they walked up the stairs to the entryway hallway, Albus told them about the type slug nine meeting.

`` You 're not going, are you, Albus ? '' Saint John questioned.

`` Definitely not, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` Plus, I 've got Occlumency that Night anyway. ``

`` I 'm glad he made the meeting for a Sunday, then, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, me too. But he wo n't do it again, though. Now that he knows we have lessons that night. I guess side by side time I 'll just have to say I 've got too much preparation or something, '' Albus said.

`` Or use a Puking pastille or fever Fudge or something, '' John suggested.

`` That could work, '' Albus replied as they emerged into the Entrance Granville Stanley Hall. They started to interbreed towards the Great Hall when Albus noticed someone walking towards them. He grabbed the backs of pink wine and flatness 's gown and stopped them.

`` What ? '' Matt turned around and looked quizzically at Albus.

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered, `` ejaculate here. '' Albus lead them over to a broom cupboard and pulled them inside it.

`` What are we doing in here ? '' King John asked loudly.

`` Shush ! '' Albus said again and opened the door a crack. `` Look at that man. He 's who I saw arguing with Washburn ! ``

Rose, John, Matt, and Amanda each took a turn peering out the threshold to look at the thaumaturgist. `` Are you sure ? '' Rose asked.

`` Positive, '' Albus replied.

`` Wait, you saw him arguing with Washburn ? '' flatness asked.

`` Oh, right, you were in the Hospital backstage then, '' Albus remembered. He quickly rehashed what he had overheard while doing detention for Washburn.

`` So Washburn 's doing some kind of job for that wizard ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` And I think they 're up to something. I say we follow him. ``

`` But it 's fourth dimension for supper ! '' John whined.

`` Exactly. Which means no one will be around to enquire what we 're up to, '' Albus reasoned. `` Plus, we 'll get supper after. ``

John sighed, `` Fine. Where do you think they went ? ``

`` Probably Washburn 's business office. ``

Rose opened the door. `` Let 's go then. ``

Albus followed rosebush out the door and they crept up the stairs towards Washburn 's government agency, with John, lusterlessness, and Amanda following. The corridors were empty since everyone was in the Great Hall. They reached the charm classroom and Albus peeked inside. Washburn and the other mavin were standing near his desk, arguing in hush up voices. Albus motioned for his friends to proceed closer and the five of them huddled near the open door, being thrifty not to make too much noise.

`` You have n't done it yet, '' the strange man hissed, `` Why have n't you done it ? ``

`` I 'm good-for-naught ! '' Washburn replied, `` I have n't been able to yet ! ``

`` Well, why not ? It does n't seem that difficult to me. ``

`` It 's backbreaking than you 'd think ! I do n't know where they are ! '' Washburn answered.

`` I 've told you how to find out ! ``

`` I know and I 've been trying. I have, really ! '' Washburn moaned.

Albus looked quizzically at his friends. He had never seen Washburn like this before. Usually, it was Washburn who was doing the bullying, not the other way around. But this man was obviously angry that Washburn had n't finished whatever he wanted him to do.

`` Well, hurry up then. Try harder ! '' the strange wiz insisted.

`` I will, I will. ``

`` You know we can not proceed without them. I 'm positive degree I know where one of them is, but it will bear witness very difficult to get. Once we find out where the others are, we 'll do them first. They 're the more important single anyway. So, you must do it soon. Just find out where they are. I 'll retrieve them. You 've obviously had difficulties with even doing the simple task of finding them, let alone retrieving them, '' the thaumaturgist growled.

`` Yes, I know. I will try harder, I will. It 's just ..., '' Washburn trailed off.

`` What ? ! '' the thaumaturge demanded.

Albus leaned his head closer to the door, but Washburn remained understood. Then Albus felt a wet object collide with his head. `` Argh ! '' he screamed and turned around.

`` Ickle firsties ! '' Peeves was bobbing up and down in the air, cackling madly. `` Spying on instructor ? Very naughty !

`` Peeves ! '' Rose shouted as the poltergeist heaved a water balloon at her headway. Peeves cackled and threw another water balloon at Albus.

`` What is going on out here ? ! '' Washburn appeared in the door, his vocalism returning to the common fad that Albus was used to.

`` Firsties spying on your meeting, Professor, Sir ! '' Peeves saluted Washburn and flew down the hallway, laughing hysterically.

`` ceramist ! '' Washburn spat, glaring at Albus. Albus stood trembling and soaking wet, waiting for whatever was coming future. At the time, spying on Washburn seemed like a groovy idea. But now that he thought about it, it was inevitable that they would be caught.

The strange wizard came sauntering out of the way with a smug face on his face. `` I think that concludes our discussion. I shall be speaking with you shortly. '' He walked down the corridor and disappeared around a corner.

Washburn watched him will and once he was gone, Washburn turned back to Albus. `` Just what, do you lot, think you were doing ? '' he seethed.

Albus stood still, but said naught. Rose, John, Matt, and Amanda remained mute as well. Washburn looked at each of them in turn and returned his regard to Albus. `` 100 points from Gryffindor. And detention, this Mon at 7 pm, all of you. I 'll experience you polishing the trophies, '' he spat.

Albus nodded. 100 stop, that was the most Washburn had ever taken from them before. The detention was no big pile, but the item would set Gryffindor quite a slipway back in the track for the House Cup.

`` Um, Professor, '' Matt whispered, `` Is there any chance we could do it this weekend, maybe, instead of Monday ? ``

Washburn turned to glare at Matt, looking livid. `` NO ! I 've got former detentions scheduled for the weekend ! You 'll gather me in the Trophy Room at 7 pm on Monday, or I 'll report you to the headmaster ! '' He gave matte one more piercing stare and went back into his elbow room, slamming the threshold behind him.

Albus turned and looked at his friends. They all had shocked expressions on their faces and Matt looked quite worried. rosiness 's hair was dripping with water.

`` Told you we should have gone to supper instead, '' lav commented, as they started walking down the corridor.

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` We may have gotten detention, but we did hear some useful information. ``

`` He 's got a point, '' Rose said, `` Washburn 's definitely up to something. That man wants him to find something out, find out where something is, and then they 're going to try to steal it. ``

`` I guess, but we do n't even know what they 're trying to obtain out. We ca n't really do anything about it, '' lavatory responded.

`` And Washburn 's even more angry with us, '' matte said dryly.

`` Yeah, but he already hates me so much that it does n't count, '' Albus pointed out, `` By the way, why did you need the detention switched ? That 's not the, you know, is it ? '' Albus asked, not wanting to say 'full moon'out loud, in case anyone was lurking around.

`` No, '' Matt whispered, `` But it 's two nights after the detention, so I 'll already be feeling miserable. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus said, remembering how tired Matt always was in the days preceding the entire moon. `` Maybe you could talk to my dad or prof Longbottom ? They 'd take in Washburn switch it. ``

`` I know they would, but then Scripture would get around to Malfoy. The last thing I need is him wondering why I can choose when I have my detentions. You know Washburn would somehow credit it in class. ``

`` Yeah, he would, '' Albus said darkly.

`` We 'll just polish your trophies for you, '' bathroom assured him, `` Just make it take care like you 're doing something and we 'll cover for you. ``

lusterlessness smiled weakly, `` Thanks. ``

`` So, we going to go eat supper or not ? '' St. John turned towards the stairs.

`` You guys go ahead, '' Albus answered, `` I 've got to go switch out of these wet robes. '' He gave Rose a meaningful glance.

`` I 've got to commute, too, '' rosiness told them and gestured to her soaking robes.

`` All right, '' John said, and started down the stairs with matte and Amanda.

Albus and Rose set off for Gryffindor Tower. Once they entered the deserted common elbow room, Rose turned to look at Albus. `` You thought of the Hallows when you heard Washburn talking, did n't you ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Did you ? ``

rose wine nodded, `` It does seem leery. ``

`` It 's got to be him. It fits. That 's why he hates me. He thought I 'd have sex where the Hallows are, but I do n't. ``

`` I dunno. I mean, it does fit, but still, Washburn 's a instructor. ``

`` So what ? Teachers can be Dark wizards, too. ``

`` I know, but we do n't accept any test copy ! We did n't even discover him say 'Hallows', '' rose reasoned.

`` I know, so I do n't think we should tell my dad yet, we ca n't get him in trouble, but it 's a starting line. And we learned more about the Hallows, '' Albus pointed out, `` They already know where one of them is, but it 's going to be hard to get. Maybe it 's heavily guarded ? ``

`` Probably. Anyway, I think we 'll probably possess to take on Dumbledore 's advice and lecture to John Lackland, Matt, and Amanda about it. We 've got to find out what they are. ``

`` Yeah, we should. We 'll do it soon, '' Albus assured her.

`` Albus, do you think that Washburn, or whoever is trying to get the Hallows, will be able to make for back Voldemort ? '' Rose asked quietly.

`` I do n't consider so. I mean, he 's dead, right ? So how could he come back ? Plus, in my dream, the wiz said he was going to bring about Voldemort 's 'ideals'. ``

`` Well, his 'ideals'are pretty scary, '' rosebush shuddered, `` And the idea of a secondment Voldemort 's almost as scary as the first one. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Which is why we 've got to keep Washburn from getting the Hallows. ``

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other sister, and my pal. Also, thanks to Moonylupin, XXEveryinchXX, and TheNobleHouseofPotter for their review article !

I 've posted my next story, In Moonlight 's Shadow. Please check it out on my author page !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower

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Word spread like wildfire that a grouping of first years had lost Gryffindor 100 points in one night. Quite a few older students were very raging about this, especially since the personnel casualty of points placed them below both Slytherin and Hufflepuff in the run for the household Cup. After classes the next day, Albus and his champion were bombarded by a duad one-fifth eld, including his cousin Georgia and Gabriella, demanding to know why the detail were taking away. Albus quickly explained what had happened with Washburn, and silence fell around the common elbow room. After a few moments, someone started clapping. Soon after, a yoke more people joined in and eventually the integral vulgar room was cheering and slapping Albus and his friends on the back. Albus stared quizzically at everyone, wondering why they were all shouting that he had lost them so many points.

`` Why 's everyone clapping ? '' Albus asked James.

William James grinned, `` Because you made Washburn so angry ! Everyone hates him ! No one 's had the nerve to spy on him before. It 's brilliant, really. I 've heard people have been trying to get him to quit since he first started teaching when Victoire was a number one yr. You 've done so a good deal stuff and nonsense to him this year. first base you set him on fire- ''

`` That was a complete accident ! ``

`` Energy Department n't matter, the point is, he 's horrible to everyone, except the Slytherins. And you 're rebelling against him. Honestly, you 've got more nerve than I thought, '' James stared in awe at his brother.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled at James. Albus had felt horrible about losing so many points, but if the former Gryffindors were n't going to care, than maybe it was n't so bad after all.

For the future few days, whenever Albus and his Quaker were in the uncouth room, the other Gryffindors would ask Albus for aid in planning put-on to pull on Washburn. Apparently, the other Gryffindors saw Albus 's spying as inspiration to figure out their own shipway to drive the magical spell professor crazy. Albus, however, wanted aught to do with it. He was far too worried about the idea of Washburn and that other adept trying to get hold the Hallows and use them to complete Voldemort 's plans. He spent the weekend trying to do homework, but always wound up thinking about the Hallows and trying to think of something that was heavily guarded that could be used to gather power.

By the meter Monday arrived, Albus had exhausted every possible powerful object and could n't opine of anymore. Monday meant that it was time for their detention with Washburn. After dinner, Albus and his friends walked slowly to the prize room. Albus was not looking forward to being in close up neighborhood with the person who was most likely performing Legilimency on him.

`` Are you all right, Matt ? '' Rose asked, jolting Albus out of his thoughts. He turned around to await at mat, who was lagging behind the relief of them, even though they were all walking slow.

`` Yeah, '' flatness yawned, `` Just tired, no big deal. ``

`` You should go to Madam Pomfrey. She 'll pull in Washburn reschedule the detainment, '' Rose suggested.

`` And have Malfoy find out ? No. Plus, if I do it another prison term, I 'll have to do it alone, '' Matt shuddered at the thought of being alone with Washburn.

No one said another word the balance of the way to the trophy room. When they got there, Washburn was already there, looking murderous, and standing next to a great bucket of cleaning supplies.

`` It 's 7:05. You 're late, '' he growled.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Matt mumbled, `` It was my mistake. ``

`` I do n't care who 's fault it was. It just means you 'll be here later, '' Washburn barked, `` You 'll be staying until every one of these prize is spotless. No magic, of course of instruction. ``

Washburn strode over to a heavy armchair that was sitting near the door, sat down in it, and started his usual glaring. Albus picked up a nursing bottle of smooth and a rag and wandered over to a trophy for the Gobstones Club. john and flatness started polishing trophies on either side of Albus, while rosebush and Amanda started on the other incline of the room. The trophy elbow room was quite large and Albus guessed it would use up them at to the lowest degree two minute, perhaps more, to brush up all the prize and suit. They polished in silence for a half minute, moving along the wall of trophy as they went on. Albus was polishing a Wizard 's Chess patronage trophy from 1922 when he felt a sharp trailer in his side. He turned to his rightfulness and saw King John, who had stopped polishing his trophy. `` What ? '' Albus whispered.

toilet silently pointed to Albus 's other face and Albus turned to reckon. Matt was standing with his head slumped up against the prize case. He was fast gone. Albus glanced nervously back at John. Albus did n't want to love what Washburn would do to Matt if he discovered that he was n't awake.

`` matt, '' Albus prodded his Quaker gently, `` Wake up. ``

matte groaned a little and lifted his drumhead off the glass. Albus glanced nervously at Washburn. Luckily he was currently pointing out a spot of soil that Rose had missed on a Quidditch prize. Albus poked Matt again, a trivial harder this time.

`` Ouch ! '' matte winced and opened his centre. He glanced around with a confused look on his face.

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered. `` You fell asleep. hold polishing. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Matt picked up his rag that had fallen on the floor when he drifted off and went back to polishing.

The three male child continued polishing in muteness for the next hour. Occasionally, either Albus or John would ingest to wake up Matt up. Matt was not getting a solid lot of polishing done, but since he was working right next to Albus and John, Washburn did n't appear to notice.

`` Albus, '' Gospel According to John whispered a patch later.

`` What ? '' Albus looked over at John. John pointed at the trophy he was polishing. Albus looked at it and saw that it was a plaque of everyone who received an award for extra divine service to the schooling.

John pointed at two name on it, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. `` What did they do ? '' he whispered.

`` Saved my mum from Voldemort and a basilisk in the bedroom of secret, '' Albus whispered back. `` And discovered that it was Voldemort attacking students in the first gear office. He possessed my mum through a diary he wrote when he was 16. ``

John stared wide-eyed at Albus. `` Whoa. I think I remember my parents telling me about that. They were n't in Hogwarts yet when that happened. ``

`` repose back there, '' Washburn growled.

matte jerked awake at the sound of Washburn 's articulation. `` Wha 's going on ? '' he said a little too loudly.

`` Oh, inflame up, Eckerton ! It 's only 9 pm ! '' Washburn shouted, `` The sooner you finish, the Sooner you can go to bed. ``

`` Sorry, sir, '' Matt replied and went back to polishing a prize.

As Albus continued polishing, he thought about the award his dad had gotten all those years ago. He had been a hoagie every class he had been in school. He still was a hero. 'Will I ever do anything like that ?'Albus thought. 'Will I ever live up to what the great unwashed think I will do ? Everyone thinks I 'll do great things just because my dad did, but what if I ca n't ?'Albus doubted that he would ever get an honor for exceptional services to the school.

`` Eckerton ! '' Washburn shouted, causing Albus to come out of his thought process. `` Why ca n't you stay awake ? ! Get up ! ``

Albus looked over at Matt. He was slumped yet again on one of the glassful display sheath, looking very blanch. He opened his eyes and started slowly dragging his rag along the glass with his eyes drooping.

`` Why do n't you lay off him already ? '' John shouted disgustedly. `` You know perfectly well why he 's wear down. ``

Washburn got up from his chair and started towards John. Albus glanced nervously from one to the other. Rose and Amanda both stopped polishing and were paying closely attention. matt had fallen asleep on the looking glass again. `` What did you say ? '' Washburn bicker once he was within two feet of John.

John stared at him, not breaking eye contact. `` I said, why do n't you leave him alone ? You knew he 'd be tired today and you still made him do detention ! Just let him kip and we 'll polish off the cleaning. We 're almost done anyway. ``

Washburn 's face turned a shade of purple that Albus had only seen on his granduncle Vernon. He stepped stuffy to John, but Saint John the Apostle did n't look away. `` 50 Thomas More degree from Gryffindor for talking back. And another custody, I think. Tomorrow night. stock. My office. But just you. Sleeping beaut will be even speculative tomorrow and as much as I 'd love to impart More detention to Potter, Weasley, and Tagger, they have n't done anything. This was all you. Go on, get out of here ! '' He shouted stormed out of the room.

Albus stared in shock as he left. He glanced around at John, who was still glaring at the door, his face as red with anger as Rose 's hair. `` C'mon, let 's go, '' he said quietly as he prodded matte awake.

`` Huh ? '' Matt mumbled.

`` Detention 's over, '' Albus told him as he walked towards the door.

`` Oh, ok, '' lusterlessness yawned and followed the rest of them out of the door.

`` He 's kept us past curfew, '' rosebush commented as they made their way through the corridors.

`` Figures, '' John Lackland grunted.

`` That was brilliant, by the way, '' Albus said.

`` What was brilliant ? '' Matt asked.

`` John flipped out on Washburn while you were asleep, '' Albus told him.

`` What did you do ? '' lustrelessness asked Saint John the Apostle in an astound articulation. `` Why do I always miss the good stuff ? ``

John was still too furious to say much, so Albus explained. `` He told Washburn off for yelling at you. It was after Washburn woke you up that mo clock time. And you had just fallen asleep again. Saint John the Apostle started yelling at him about how he should n't have shouted at you when he knew why you were tired and how he should n't have assigned you detention for today. ``

`` What ? ! '' Matt shouted, `` Are you mad ? What did he do to you ? ``

`` hold tomorrow night. And fifty dollar bill points lost, '' Gospel According to John replied.

`` You are mad, '' matte said quietly, `` You did n't have to do that. I do n't want you getting in trouble for me. ``

`` Yes, I did, '' john said, `` It 's not fair what he did. He should have made the detention over the weekend, like you suggested. He 's deliberately trying to run you down. It 's just not comely. ``

`` Yeah, well, life 's not fair. I found that out six year ago, '' Matt said bluntly.

`` Yeah, but it does n't mean it 's OK for masses to treat you like muck, '' John replied softly.

******

By the time John trudged back into the common way after his detention the future night, nigh of the rest of the Gryffindors had gone to bed. There were a few fifth old age huddled up at one table, studying for their O.W.L.s, and Victoire and Amy were up talking quietly while studying for their N.E.W.T.s. Albus and his admirer had managed to get the skillful armchairs near the fire once the fourth years occupying them had gone to bed. Rose was reading a Christian Bible while Albus and Amanda played gobstones. Matt was sound asleep in his chair.

`` How 'd it go ? '' Albus asked as John collapsed in one of the chairs.

`` It was bloody miserable, '' John groaned, `` He stared at me the whole time. Had me write'I will value my elder and not lecture back'about 300 times. ``

`` Yeah, that 's what he does. I 've gotten used to it, but it drove me mad during the get-go few hold, '' Albus told him.

`` He 's an malign git, '' John growled.

`` I know, '' Albus agreed.

`` Well, I do n't desire to mouth about him anymore. I just spent two hours with him. Anyway, what have you been up to ? '' whoremonger asked.

`` Not lots. We finished all our homework a while ago. We 've just been sitting around waiting for you, '' Albus said.

`` When did he descend asleep ? '' John jerked his school principal towards Matt.

`` About an minute ago, '' Amanda answered.

Gospel According to John sighed, `` You know, it 's almost like he expects everyone to be crude to him. ``

`` I 'm pretty sure he does, '' Albus whispered.

`` fountainhead, it 's probably because most masses have, '' Rose commented, `` I mean, nigh multitude are n't exactly nice to, well, people like him. ''

`` I know, but he should n't just accept it. I 'm going to dumbfound up for him, '' John said.

`` We will, too, '' Rose agreed, `` But he 's just not used to it. ``

`` I guess, but I 'm not going to let anyone address him badly. Especially not someone like Washburn, '' John replied.

`` Me neither, '' Albus said.

`` Definitely, '' Amanda replied.

`` We should probably go to bed, '' Albus said after glancing at his sentry, `` We 've got Astronomy tomorrow. ``

Amanda groaned, `` Oh, yeah. Should be a miserable dark. ``

`` Yours wo n't be as miserable as his will be, '' lavatory pointed to Matt.

******

The future day went by fast for Albus. Charms was thoroughly miserable for Albus and all his admirer. can had made it onto the lean of people Washburn clearly disliked More than the others. Now, the only one of Albus 's champion who was n't, was Amanda. However, Washburn did dislike her more than the other Gryffindors, just because she was Quaker with Albus. Washburn spent the whole course of study lecture and shouting at Matt whenever he fell asleep. Albus could tell that toilet was trying difficult to behave himself whenever this happened. It did n't help that Malfoy spent the whole class with a smug smell on his face, clearly enjoying that Washburn was shouting at lusterlessness every five minutes.

`` Evil git. We ought to sneak a few puking pastille in his pumpkin succus, '' lav muttered under his breath after Washburn woke Matt up for the fourth time.

`` What did you say, Brickston ? '' Washburn shouted.

`` zip, sir, '' John answered.

`` Did n't sound like nothing, '' Washburn growled, `` Ten full point from Gryffindor. ``

flatness wound up skipping Potions because he could n't confront a second course with Malfoy that day. Malfoy interrogated Albus again as to where Matt was, and Albus told him that Matt had left after lunch to visit his sick nanna.

After dinner, Albus and his champion decided to see if Matt was in the elbow room of Requirement. He never showed up at dinner. When they arrived in the room, Amy was already there, trying to wake Matt up.

`` Hey, Amy, '' Albus said quietly.

Amy turned around, `` Oh, hi, Albus. ``

`` Are you going to the Hospital annexe now ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yeah, I 'll see you guys tomorrow, I guess, '' Matt yawned as Amy helped him out of the bed.

`` All right, '' Albus replied.

`` Bye, '' John Lackland, rosebush, and Amanda said quietly.

`` Bye, '' lusterlessness winced as he followed his sister out of the room.

Albus and his friends spent the rest of the even in the room, working on their homework. After a few hours, in which Albus managed to get the previous Potions homework done, it was time for Astronomy.

Professor Polo announced that they would be finishing their Master of Architecture superstar charts that night. Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda set up their telescopes and got to sour.

`` This is the start good synodic month on a Midweek, is n't it ? '' Albus whispered to Rose after a few minutes.

`` Yeah, I think so, '' Rose said, `` I 'm just glad we do n't have this with the Slytherins.

`` Where 's your booster, mat ? '' Jackie Pierce, the Hufflepuff on Albus 's early slope asked.

`` He 's visiting his sick gran, '' Albus said automatically.

`` Oh, I hope she 's better soon, '' Jackie replied.

Albus focused his telescope and marked down a few stars. He moved his telescope and pointed it towards the Moon. He sighed as he thought about how something as beautiful as the Moon could operate somebody 's life as much as it controlled Matt's.

Albus managed to land up his star chart just as the category was ending. John and Rose were able to finish theirs as well.

`` I hope he does n't take off a whole lot of tip for not getting all the lead, '' Amanda sighed as they climbed into the portrait hole.

`` If you only forgot a couple, I do n't believe you 'll loose that many points, '' Rose assured her.

Albus sat down in one of the armchairs in front of the empty fireplace. `` Are any of you tired ? ``

John sat down succeeding to Albus, `` No, not really. ``

Rose and Amanda shook their heads and sat down. `` Let 's persist up. We can go see Matt in the cockcrow, '' rose wine suggested.

`` trade good idea, '' Albus agreed. The friends spent much of the nighttime playing numerous games of chess game, Exploding Snap, and Gobstones. Eventually, the sun started to rise and sunrise came.

`` Should we go, then ? '' John asked once they finished their game of Exploding Snap.

`` Yeah, it 's probably a just meter, '' Rose said. `` But maybe you should go get the map, Albus. I do n't fancy running into Filch. ``

Albus agreed and ran up to Saint James 's dormitory. Henry James and the repose of the second twelvemonth son were all sound asleep. Albus ran to James 's bole and rummaged around in it until he found the Marauder 's Map. He left a quick note to James telling him that he took the map, quickly left the way, and went back to the common room.

Albus spread the map out on the flooring and tapped it with his wand, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

`` Blimey, that is brilliant !, '' St. John grinned as the penning appeared on the map. Albus had told his friends about the map before, but he had never showed it to them.

`` Wow ! '' Amanda stared in awe at the map. `` That is awesome. ``

`` Let 's see, '' Albus scanned the map, `` Filch is still in his bureau. ``

`` What about Washburn ? '' St. John asked.

`` Hmm, '' Albus looked back at the map.

`` There he is ! '' rose wine pointed at the map, `` He 's in his part, too. ``

`` goodness, '' can said in a relieved vox, `` Oh, and there 's lady Pomfrey. She 's walking through the entranceway Hall. ``

`` Let 's go, then, '' Albus stood up, `` Mischief Managed. '' He stuffed the map into his robe pocket and left the elbow room, with Rose, john, and Amanda following.

When they arrived at the hospital extension, it was completely deserted. Albus and his friends settled themselves on the bed next to the one Matt usually stayed in. The door opened a few min later, but it was n't Madam Pomfrey who came through. It was Amy, followed by Victoire.

`` What are you doing here ? '' Amy asked when she saw Albus and the others.

`` We had astronomy live on Night and were n't tired, so we just stayed up and figured we 'd come see Matt, '' Albus told her.

`` Oh, all right, '' Amy replied. She walked over to the bed where Albus and his friends were sitting and Victoire followed. `` I told her, '' Amy said to Albus, `` about flatness. ``

`` I still ca n't believe you kept this from me all these years, '' Victoire said.

`` You 're not mad, are you ? '' Amy asked quietly.

`` No, of course not, '' Victoire assured her and sat down side by side to climb on the bed. `` It just must possess been so toilsome to keep that a secret. ``

Amy sat down following to Victoire, `` It was. But I did n't really have a choice. My parents forbid me from telling anyone. ``

`` Well, I 'm glad you told me now. Your parents are n't going to be mad, are they ? ``

`` No, I asked them a couple hebdomad ago and they said it would be all right if I told you, '' Amy answered.

`` good, '' Victoire said and turned to Albus, `` How long have you guys known ? ``

`` Since January. Well, rosiness put the clues together in November, but we did n't know for for certain until Jan. But we did n't talk to mat about it until last month, '' Albus responded.

The group sat in muteness for a few instant, before Victoire asked, `` When 's he coming back ? ``

`` Should be any meter, '' Amy stood up and glanced at the door. `` But just to let you jest at know, he 's not going to be in any shape to tattle to you. ``

`` We know, we just want to be here for him, '' John replied.

`` I honestly do n't even experience if he 's going to want you here. He never likes anyone seeing him right after a transformation. ``

`` We do n't give care what he looks like, '' John said adamantly.

`` I know you do n't, but I think he 's still afraid you 're going to desolate him. He 's never had such supportive friends before. The few friends he had went running in the other direction once they found out, '' Amy explained.

`` stinker, '' lavatory muttered under his breath.

The door to the Hospital Wing opened and Albus looked up. Madam Pomfrey came bustling through while using her sceptre to float a stretcher through the door. Matt was laying upon it, covered in a thick green blanket. Amy immediately rushed over to them. `` How is he ? '' she asked anxiously.

`` Not that bad, actually, '' dame Pomfrey replied, `` A few broken ivory and a sightly bit of deletion and bruises, but not as bad as by calendar month. ``

`` Oh, salutary, '' Amy replied.

Madam Pomfrey directed the coping stone towards the bed next to the one Albus and his acquaintance were sitting on. `` What are you lot doing here ? '' she asked briskly once she noticed them.

`` We, er, just wanted to see if matt was okay, '' Albus answered nervously. He suddenly was n't indisputable if they should have gone to the Hospital annex after all.

`` He knows you know, then ? '' Madam Pomfrey asked.

`` Yeah, and he explained everything last month, '' Albus told her.

`` And you know, too ? '' Madam Pomfrey gestured to Victoire.

`` Yes, I do, '' Victoire answered.

ma'am Pomfrey smiled, `` secure. It 's about time he had some truehearted ally. Now, I 've got to mend him up a bit and then if he 's awake, you can see him. '' She pulled the mantle closed behind her and Amy. A moment later, she came out, went to her office, and came back with legion potions and bandages. Albus watched as she went back through the curtains and listened to the respective healing trance she was performing.

Victoire, Albus, and his friends all sat on the bed, no one saying a word. Albus was still a bit worried about mat 's reaction to them being there. He had n't thought about it before, but now he realized that Amy was right and matt probably did n't want them to see him like this. He glanced at his champion, who were also looking a bit nervous. They did n't have long to dwell on it, though, because a little while later, Madam Pomfrey and Amy appeared from behind the curtains.

`` He 's awake, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey told them, `` You can see him for a few minute of arc, but not very long. He needs rest. ``

Albus glanced at his friends and they stood up. He walked through the curtains, with rosebush, St. John, and Amanda following. mat was laying on the bed, looking thoroughly execrable. His face was covered in cuts and there was a large bruise on his left cheek. Both of his arms were heavily bandaged and he looked very tired.

`` What are you make fun doing here ? '' he asked hoarsely when he saw Albus and the others.

`` We wanted to fare see you. Are you all right ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' Matt answered bluntly.

`` I hope you do n't take care that we came, '' rose said softly.

`` It 's all right hand, '' Matt sighed, `` I just thought you would n't birth wanted to. ``

`` 'Course we do, '' John said, `` You 're our friend. ``

Matt grinned tiredly at them. `` Oh, did you tell Victoire ? '' he asked Amy, who had just come back through the mantle with Victoire.

`` Yeah, I told her this dayspring, '' Amy replied.

`` And it does n't rile me in the least, '' Victoire assured him. lusterlessness yawned and smiled at her.

Madam Pomfrey came back with another steaming potion in a chalice. `` fourth dimension for you lot to go, '' she told them, `` He needs to catch some Z's. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus said, `` Bye, Matt. Hope you feel better. ``

`` We 'll come see you tonight, '' Rose told him.

`` Ok, have fun in class, '' Matt yawned. John and Amanda waved as the mathematical group left. Amy and Victoire followed behind them, whispering to each other.

Albus walked to the Great foyer for breakfast with his friends. He was feeling quite tired after staying up the whole Nox. Albus was gladiola that matt did n't seem to mind them coming to see him so soon after the full lunar month, but he could recount that matte still was n't completely comfortable with them knowing his secret. Albus figured that after a couple calendar week or so Matt would gradually unlax about it. Now, all Albus had to do was determine when to tell his protagonist about the Hallows. He had been putting it off, but decided to choose Dumbledore 's advice and see if they knew anything about them. It was the sole hint he had, and if he was going to cease Washburn from getting the Hallows, he he had to use it.
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A/N : Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my sidekick. Thanks also to inkheart, Moonylupin, and Mamaykay for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter or any of The tarradiddle of Beedle the Bard.

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Albus did not get a chance to ask John, lusterlessness, and Amanda about the Hallows until after the Easter vacation. Matt spent the rest of the week in the Hospital annex, and Albus did n't desire to spill about the Hallows there. He preferred to do it in private. The Easter vacation began the day after Matt left the infirmary annex. Neither Albus nor his friends stayed at the castle over the holiday. Albus quite enjoyed the open frame and drop much of it playing Quidditch with King James I. Rose and her family unit came to stay for a few days, but Albus did n't see the rest of his extended sept. Albus, Rose, and James did drop a bit of prison term sneaking around Grimmauld Place, looking for clues that would chair them to finding out what the Hallows were, but they did n't find anything useful.

By the time Albus was back at Hogwarts, the Baron Snow of Leicester had melted and it was relatively quick. Apr was upon them, which meant that the end of term exam were only two months away. The teachers made sure to remind them of this during every form. Albus had not thought it possible, but they were being assigned even more prep than before. Of course, no one was feeling the pressure more than the fifth and seventh years, who were preparing for their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s. All of them could be seen studying in the coarse room and library until tardily at nighttime. A few of them were already cracking under the air pressure. Albus was sword lily that his O.W.L.s were still four years away, but he was not looking forward to them. Even Victoire was becoming flighty about the exams and had started threatening younger pupil with detainment if they were too flash in the common room. Usually Victoire was very level headed and not much bothered her, but she was afraid she would n't feature enough N.E.W.T.s to get her into the healer program.

`` I am not looking forward to my O.W.L.s, '' John sighed as he watched as a fifth part twelvemonth nodded off while reading her notes.

`` Me neither, '' lustrelessness agreed.

`` You 'll be fine if you study, '' Rose assured them.

`` That 's the portion I 'm not looking forward to, '' John laughed, `` I 'm having enough trouble studying for this year 's exams. ``

`` Have you finished your Herbology ? '' Albus asked John.

`` I 'm working on it now, '' John Lackland told him.

`` I have n't even started it, '' Amanda commented. Matt was helping her finish this week 's Astronomy assignment.

`` well, it 's not due until day after tomorrow, '' Albus told them.

`` upright affair ! '' John shouted and threw down his shaft, `` I need a respite from all this ! ``

`` Shush ! '' Victoire came storming over to their board. She looked very run down. `` This is study sentence ! ``

`` Sorry, Victoire, '' St. John the Apostle said, `` I 'm just sick of studying. ``

`` Just waiting until one-seventh year ... '' Victoire muttered as she went back to the board she was sharing with Amy.

`` Want to go to the room ? '' Albus whispered.

`` Yeah, let 's go, '' Matt replied and got up. Albus, pink wine, Amanda, and John all picked up their Holy Scripture and followed flatness out of the common room. They walked to the Room and mat paced three multiplication in front man of it. The door appeared and they all walked inside. The Room looked just as it did when lusterlessness told them about the Nox he was bit.

Albus walked inside and sat down on one of the chairs. His booster followed and they all resumed their poring over, except for trick, who was wandering around the Room.

`` I 've got to say you guys something, '' Albus said quietly after a few minutes. Everyone looked up from their script and John came over to the fire and sat down on the couch next to Matt.

`` Are you going to separate us where you disappear to with rose wine and your brother ? '' whoremonger asked.

`` Er, yeah, you noticed that ? '' Albus asked nervously.

`` Yes, we all did, '' Amanda told him.

`` well, I 'm going to secernate you why, '' Albus said. `` I guess first I 've got to tell you that this past summertime, I thought my dad had told me everything about the defeat of Voldemort. ``

`` You mean, he did n't ? '' toilet asked.

`` No, I do n't think he did, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Over Christmas, pink wine, James, and I, and a couple of our cousins, overheard mine and Rose 's parents whispering about something in the kitchen. They were talking about whether or not to distinguish us something, something they 've been hiding from us. I do n't know what it was. I just heard them say one Book, 'Hallows'. James, Rose, and I researched in the program library to try and observe out what 'Hallows'were. But we did n't find out anything. The only affair we had to go on was the fact that I heard the parole 'Hallows'in those Legilimency dreams I have. somebody wants to happen the Hallows and steal them, whatever they are.

`` rose wine came up with the mind that I should talk to Dumbledore 's portrait about it. We figured that the Hallows had something to do with Voldemort 's precipitation because they seem to be something just our parents know about. Since Dumbledore told my dad about the Horcruxes, we figured he 'd know something about the Hallows. So, rose came up with the completely idea to set off a firework in Washburn 's stratum in order to get me into the headmaster 's function so I could talk to Dumbledore. ``

`` Wait, you did that on purpose ? '' John asked in awe.

`` Yeah, we did, '' rose wine grinned.

`` That 's, that 's glorious, but dazed ! '' John laughed.

`` We know, '' Albus said grimly, `` It could have gone a lot worse. Anyway, Dumbledore did roll in the hay about the Hallows, but he would n't say us about them. He said it was something my dad had to tell me. But he did give me a hint. He told me to ask you about them, '' Albus said.

`` He thinks we 'd know what they are ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Well, yeah, that 's what he said. He said to specifically ask John and matte about them, '' Albus replied.

`` He got that right field, I 've never heard of Hallows before, '' Amanda responded.

`` You have n't heard of them, have you ? '' Albus turned to Saint John the Apostle and Matt.

Gospel According to John and flatness looked at each early and then glanced at Albus. `` Well, I 've never heard of them, '' John said.

`` I have, my dad told me about them once, '' lusterlessness commented.

`` You know what they are ? '' Albus asked in shock. He looked at pink wine. She looked as clueless as Albus did.

`` Yeah, I do, '' mat repeated, `` Have n't you two ever heard The Tales of Beedle the Bard ? ``

`` Of grade, '' Albus nodded.

`` The what ? '' Amanda looked quizzically at Matt.

`` The story of Beedle the Bard, '' he repeated, `` A book of account of star fag tales. The Warlock 's Hairy Heart, Babbity Rabbity and Her Cackling Stump, The Wizard and the Hopping Pot, The Fountain of bazaar Fortune- ''

`` My parents register me those when I was niggling. Mum 's actually got the master written matter ! '' pink wine interrupted excitedly.

`` Does she really ? '' lusterlessness stared at her in awe.

`` Yeah, Dumbledore left it to her in his will, '' blush wine told him. `` But what do a gang of fairy tales have to do with 'Hallows'? ``

`` You did n't let me land up. There 's one more. The tale of the Three crony, '' matte told them. `` And that has everything to do with the Hallows. ``

Albus and rose glanced at each other. Like Rose, Albus had been read those fairy tales when he was little, and he remembered The Tale of the leash pal. He remembered his auntie Hermione reading it to him from the original copy. He had n't been able to scan a word of it, since it was written in runic letter, but he definitely remembered the tale.

`` But I do n't call up anything about any Hallows in that story, '' Rose commented.

`` You would n't, '' lustrelessness told her, `` The narration does n't cite the word Hallows, but the story itself is about the Hallows. ``

`` That does n't pass water sense, '' John announced.

`` Could individual explain this story, delight ? '' Amanda asked with a look of disarray on her face.

`` Sure, '' Matt leaned back on the couch and gazed around the way. `` This would be easier if I had the book. I have n't heard it in ages. '' Matt got up from the couch and walked over to a book shelf that was behind Albus 's professorship. `` Perfect ! Here 's one, '' mat picked a book of account up off the ledge, walked back over to the lounge and sat down.

`` 'There were once three buddy who were traveling along a lonely, winding road at twilight, '' matte began. He read the whole floor straight through. It was just as Albus remembered, with no mention of the Son Hallows.

`` 'And then he greeted Death as an old friend, and went with him gladly, and, as compeer, they departed this life .''' Matt looked up at Amanda and closed the book. `` That 's the tarradiddle. ``

Amanda stared at him, `` That 's quite a bit dissimilar than Muggle fairy tales. Although I 'm still confused. ``

`` So am I. What 's that got anything to do with 'Hallows'? '' Albus asked.

`` Everything, '' matte sighed, `` Just let me explain it. The Hallows, or the Deathly Hallows as they 're really known as, are the invisibleness Cloak, the Resurrection of Christ endocarp, and the Elder scepter. Some people believe that the story tells of the universe of the Deathly Hallows, but most people think it 's just a story.

`` My dad told me about it ages ago. He 's one of the few people who think they actually exist. When he was younger, before he got espouse, he actually tried to find them. Looked in loads of rule book all over the world, trying to delineate where they might be. My Uncle Jack went with them, too. They kept searching even after my parents got tie. Mum went with them. He gave up his search after he and Mum wanted to get a house. They never did notice out anything about the Hallows that would severalize him where they were. Uncle tar kept looking for years afterwards, but eventually settled in New York. He still thinks they 're out there, someplace, and has n't truly given up. ``

`` You mean, those three objects actually exist ? '' blush wine asked skeptically.

`` I dunno, '' lustrelessness replied, `` My dad seems to cerebrate so. And he 's met a few former mass who think so. ``

`` But if they do n't be, why would my dad want to keep back me from knowing about them ? '' Albus asked quietly. Albus was not sure what to guess about what lusterlessness had said about the Hallows. It was a far-fetched estimate, but there was one thing Albus knew might prove their existence. His father 's invisibleness Cloak. Albus had not really connected The narrative of the three Brothers to his dad 's Cloak, but now that he thought about it, the connection made sense.

`` Oh, follow on, Albus, you ca n't honestly be thinking that they exist ? '' Rose said exasperatingly.

`` We already know one of them exists ! '' Albus told her, `` What about Dad 's invisibility Cloak ? ``

`` Your dad 's got an Invisibility Cloak ? '' Matt asked. `` Really ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus told him.

`` But that does n't think of it 's the one from the story, '' John the Divine said, `` I mean, there are consignment of Invisibility Cloaks out there. One of my uncles used to suffer one. But it wore out and he never got another. ``

`` Exactly !, '' Albus said excitedly, `` My dad 's Cloak is different from all other Invisibility Cloaks. It does n't wear out ! I know most invisibleness Cloaks just have a charm or something put on them and it wears off eventually. That must suffer been the kind your uncle had, John Lackland. But my grandpa had that cloak before my dad did, and my dad still has it. It still works as soundly now as it ever has. ``

`` Whoa, '' Matt stared at Albus with a glint of excitement in his eyes, `` Then that could be the Cloak from the story ! ``

`` But what about the other Hallows ? '' Rose asked. `` I do n't recall they exist. ``

`` They might, '' John said, `` I know I 've heard of topnotch wands being passed from thaumaturge to wizard centuries ago. ``

`` Ok, '' Rose began, `` Say there is a 'super baton'out there, and Uncle Harry 's cloak is 'The Invisibility Cloak'. But how on earth would a 'Resurrection Oliver Stone'work ? ``

Albus could n't answer that, but he did consider that the Deathly Hallows existed. Why else would his dad have kept all this secret ? The Deathly Hallows had something to do with Voldemort 's ruin, and Albus was going to find out what. `` Well, if these three objects are the 'Hallows'that I heard mentioned in my dream, than soul is trying to notice them, '' Albus realized.

`` That ca n't be honest, '' John said, `` Whoever 's been doing that Legilimency wants to stay what Voldemort was doing, right ? ``

`` right field, '' Albus confirmed, `` Do you bed if anything special happens if you 've got all three Hallows ? ``

`` Dad said that if one someone unites all three, they will be the Master of death, '' Matt answered.

`` superior of last ? '' Albus repeated, `` Well, I can imagine that Voldemort would have loved to have them, then. Especially that wand. ``

`` That 's a chilling thought, '' privy said, `` Voldemort with an unbeatable baton. ``

Albus silently agreed. `` Anyone evil with that wand would be shivery. recall that clock time we spied on Washburn ? ``

Matt shuddered, `` How could I not ? That resulted in one of the mop up custody ever. ``

`` I know, and I 'm sorry about that, '' Albus said quietly. He still felt a bit guilty about causing all his Quaker to end up in detention with Washburn. `` But that strange necromancer was yelling at Washburn because he had n't found out where something was. ``

`` And we did n't even hear what it was he had to find, '' mat interrupted.

`` But I think I know what it is. I think that Washburn is trying to line up out where the Hallows are, '' Albus told them.

`` What ? ! '' King John shouted, `` I know he 's ugly, but you think he is trying to unite the Hallows and continue what Voldemort wanted to do ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus said.

`` I told him it was ridiculous, '' Rose sighed, `` But he still thinks it 's Washburn. ``

`` It makes sentience, Rose ! '' Albus shouted.

`` It does fit, but still, he 's a teacher, '' rosiness replied.

`` So what ? He makes it realize that he hates me and James, and you, and lusterlessness. He 's been giving flatness a hard time since the first of the year ! And now he hates John, too. ``

`` I know, but maybe he just does n't similar Gryffindors. He was a Slytherin, you know, '' pink wine commented.

`` Yeah, I know that. But what if he hates us because he was on Voldemort 's side ? '' Albus suggested.

`` But do you really conceive he 'd do this right wing under your dad 's nose, Albus ? I mean, come on ! Your dad 's head Auror ! '' whoremaster argued.

Albus shrugged. He really had n't thought of that. `` Dunno. Maybe he 's just stupe ? Or maybe that bloke he was arguing with is threatening him or something and he has n't got a choice ? ``

`` Well, I suppose it could be that, but still ... '' St. John the Apostle replied.

`` Ok, so what if it is Washburn ? '' mat said, `` What do we do about it ? ``

`` I dunno. I do n't think we have sufficiency test copy to enjoin anyone, '' Albus answered. `` We 've just got to hope that he does n't find out where the Hallows are. I only know where the Invisibility Cloak is, Dad 's got it in his office somewhere, and Washburn probably already knows where that is, if he 's the one doing the Legilimency. ``

`` All right, '' Matt replied, `` But this is mad, I never thought I 'd actually see out the Hallows existed, let alone know where they are ! Do you think you could exhibit me the Cloak sometime ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus told him, `` But delight do n't tell your dad about this. Not yet. I know he 'd want to know, but I think you ought to wait until after my dad tells me their significance in the war. ``

`` All right, '' matt sighed, `` I wo n't tell him yet. ``

`` Swear you wo n't ? ``

`` I swear, '' Matt said, `` I 'll go on it mystical. I 've got class of experience keeping things secret. Do n't worry. ``

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A/N : Thanks to my baby and Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and my other sister and my brother. Thanks as well to XXEveryinchXX, Moonylupin, inkheart, and leezdz for their revue !
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower

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Over the next few hebdomad, Albus thought a lot about the Hallows. He found it hard to concentrate on his homework, and Rose would often scold him for not spending enough clip studying. He continued having his unknown dreams almost every nighttime, but he did n't reckon that Washburn had found out anything new about the Hallows. Washburn continued to yell at Albus during every Charms form and give him at least a detention a week. With custody, prep, and Occlumency deterrent example, Albus had hardly any time for anything else. aliveness at Hogwarts was just as chaotic as ever. Albus did manage to feel time to tell James about what Matt had told him about the Hallows, but James did n't have any ideas as to where the other Hallows could be either. He did agree with Albus that it was highly possible that Washburn was the one trying to join them.

Before Albus knew it, exams were upon them. The night before they began was very strain. almost all the Gryffindors were either in the rough-cut way, studying, or in the library doing the same. Albus and his Friend were studying at a set back next to the one Victoire and Amy were at. Both the one-seventh year young lady were extremely nervous, and Victoire insisted on downright quiet in the common room. Albus did not listen this, because he needed to canvass anyway. Their first exam was Charms, and Albus was particularly uneasy about this exam.

`` I 'm not sure I 've passed, '' Albus groaned as he walked out of the elbow room with pink wine, can, Matt, and Amanda after the good luck charm exam.

`` I 'm certainly I 've failed, '' flatness replied, `` Washburn was breathing down my neck during one-half of it. ``

`` I hate when instructor do that, '' John said.

`` Me, too, '' Amanda agreed.

`` Well, I think I passed, but- '' rose started.

`` Of course you passed, '' trick interrupted, `` You 've been preparing for exams since Sep. ``

Albus thought the repose of the exam went fairly well. He thought he at least expire Potions. Herbology and DADA went extremely well, and Albus thought he got properly soft touch in Astronomy, Transfiguration, and story of Magic. However, even though test were over, O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s were still going on, and Victoire was still mandating a repose common way in the evening. The night of their survive test, Albus and his Quaker decided to just go to the way of necessary and celebrate.

`` What a relief ! '' John shouted as he flopped down onto the couch, `` No more exams until next year ! ``

`` Yep, a field free summer ! '' Matt grinned as he pulled a umber Gaul out of his pocket.

`` You 've got homework, you know, '' Rose laughed.

`` I know, but I 'll redeem it for the last minute, '' Matt replied, `` So, anyone got programme for the summertime ? ``

`` I 'm going to Ireland with my family, '' Amanda told them, `` For two weeks. I ca n't expect ! ``

`` Are you going on an airplane ? '' Gospel According to John asked, excitedly.

Amanda laughed, `` Yeah. ``

`` magnificent ! '' trick shouted, `` Maybe I can win over my parents to postulate us on an airplane. ``

`` It 's not that great, '' Matt commented. `` Are you doing anything ? ``

`` Erm, not sure. We usually visit all my cousins, '' John said.

`` fountainhead, you 've all got to descend hitch at my house, '' Albus told them. `` Rose and I always have a big natal day party at the burrow. ``

`` My birthday 's at the end of August and Albus 's is the end of this calendar month, '' Rose said. `` So we always have a political party together. But usually it 's just our household. And our parents'friends and their kids. ``

`` 'Course I 'll come in ! '' John the Divine smiled, `` I want to see your sign of the zodiac and the tunnel. ``

`` My parents should let me total. We 're not going to Eire until the middle of August, '' Amanda answered, `` As long as they meet your parents first. ``

`` They can run across at world-beater 's Cross, '' Rose replied.

`` Can you come, Matt ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, I dunno, '' lusterlessness said slowly, `` My parents have never let me stay over at someone 's sign of the zodiac before. Not that anyone would has ever wanted me to stay over at their house before. Do you know when it will be ? ``

Albus looked at Rose, who shrugged. `` I 'm not indisputable. I do n't call back our parents have planned it yet. But we 'll make sure it 's not around the full Moon. ``

`` Then I might be able-bodied to go, '' Matt smiled.

`` Great ! '' Albus said, `` We 'll let payload of fun ! We can represent Quidditch. ``

`` I ca n't conceive this class is almost over, '' Rose began.

`` Yeah, I mean, a class ago, I did n't even bang I was a witch, '' Amanda laughed, `` Going to be strange to go back home. ``

`` And terminal year, I never even knew about the Hallows, and now Washburn 's trying to steal them, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Well, at least over the summer you wo n't be anywhere near Washburn, '' Rose said, `` And maybe Uncle Harry will tell us the whole story. ``

`` And then you can tell it to us ! '' toilet replied. `` And to stay on matter, this sentence last year, I was about the same as I am now. '' Everyone laughed.

`` Well, this meter last year, I did n't have any friends, '' matte said quietly.

`` But you do now, '' john pointed out.

Matt grinned, `` Yeah, I do. Never thought I would, though. It 's been a keen year. ``

`` I have n't showed you the predator 's Map, have I ? '' Albus asked Matt.

`` No, I do n't recollect so, '' Matt answered.

`` It 's brilliant, '' St. John the Apostle grinned, `` Saw it a couple months ago. ``

`` Yeah, you were in the infirmary Wing, '' Albus remembered, `` But I 've got it now. '' Albus pulled the Map out of his robe pocket.

`` You have n't given it back to James yet ? '' Rose asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus laughed, `` I do n't really need to give it back. Maybe we 'll just share it. '' Albus got up from his professorship and set the Map down on the table.

`` Looks just like a even small-arm of parchment, '' Matt commented.

`` That 's what 's so slap-up about it ! '' Albus grinned, `` Anyway, this is the map that my grandad, Peter Pettigrew, Sirius Black, and of course of instruction, shift 's dad made, when they were at Hogwarts. ``

`` Yeah, I remember you telling me that, '' Matt replied.

`` Here it is, '' Albus tapped his scepter on the parchment and said, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no sound. ``

Ink spread across the map while Matt stared in awe at it. `` That 's smart as a whip ! '' He stared at the map and all the labeled superman milling around it. His heart stopped on the Whomping willow tree. `` This shows the passageway to the shriek hovel ? '' he asked nervously.

`` Sure does, '' Albus said, `` It shows all the passageways out of the school. But do n't vex, hardly anyone knows about the Map. Just us, St. James the Apostle, my parents, Rose 's parents, my Uncle George I, and probably some of my cousin-german. But none of them, except my parents and pink wine 's parents, jazz how to get in the tunnel. ``

`` Do you know how to get into the tunnel ? '' mat asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus answered. Harry had told him all about the passage, but had n't told him how to get into them. Harry had told Albus that he did n't want to deflower all the fun of discovering things for himself.

`` Good, '' lusterlessness breathed a sigh of relief and went back to inspecting the map. `` Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, '' he murmured. `` Are those, their nicknames ? ``

`` Yup, '' Albus confirmed, `` Moony was- ''

`` Teddy 's dad, I figured that one out, '' Matt said, `` But what about the others ? ``

`` Wormtail was Pettigrew, he was a rat in more style than one, '' Albus said grimly, `` And Padfoot was Sirius, because he was a big shaggy dog. And Prongs was my grandpa because he was a hart. ``

`` Wow, '' lusterlessness said softly, `` This is get. ``

`` See ? '' Albus began, `` Moony had awesome supporter, well most of them were, '' Albus said, thinking of Pettigrew. `` And they did n't dessert him. We wo n't dessert you. ``

`` Yeah, you 're our Moony, '' John agreed.

lustrelessness smiled at them, `` Thanks, guys. I know you wo n't, now. ``

The group quietly watched the map for a few minute of arc, noting that all the fifth and seventh long time were still cooped up in the program library, studying for their exams. `` Who 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a dot that was lingering near the forest.

Rose leaned in closer and read, `` Jarett Willinson. Never heard of him. ``

`` Willinson. Do you think he 's related to Quinton Willinson ? '' Albus asked.

`` Probably, '' whoremonger said, `` But Quinton does n't give any sib at schooltime. ``

`` What 's that bloke doing here, then ? '' Albus wondered.

`` Look ! '' Matt pointed at a dot that was traveling from the castle towards Jarret Willinson. `` It 's Washburn ! ``

Albus looked at the dot, and surely enough, it was Washburn. He was heading towards Jarett Willinson. `` What are they doing ? ``

`` I dunno, '' mat answered.

`` What if they 're going to try and discover the Hallows ? '' Albus asked. `` We should go see what they 're up to. ``

`` What ? ! '' matt shouted, `` Last time we went to see what Washburn was up to, we wound up in custody. ``

`` But what if he is trying to steal the Hallows ? If he is, then we wo n't get in fuss from him. He 'll get fired, '' Albus pointed out.

lusterlessness sighed, `` I guess. Let 's go before they leave. ``

`` Are you coming, rose wine ? '' Albus asked.

`` I suppose, '' Rose said. She looked at Amanda and the two of them stood up.

`` Let 's go, then ! '' St. John the Apostle grinned. He was clearly excited about spying on Washburn again.

Albus and his friends left the room and set off towards the movement doorway. They saw hardly anyone on their way down the steps. Peeves was lurking on the sec storey corridor, but luckily he did n't notice the first geezerhood sneaking off.

`` Are they still there ? '' Rose whispered as they walked onto the grounds.

Albus checked the map. `` Yeah, they 're there. They must be talking or something. ``

`` You ought to wipe it clean before we meet up with them, '' Rose suggested.

`` Good idea, '' Albus agreed, `` Mischief managed. ``

Albus walked slowly towards the edge of the wood, where he could just make out two disguised figure. The sun was setting and it was nearly shadow. Once Albus was a couple feet away from the two champion, he recognized who Jarret Willinson was, and stopped abruptly.

`` Ouch ! '' Amanda shouted as she ran into Albus.

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered, and he pulled his friends behind a tree.

`` What is it ? '' blush wine asked.

`` That wizard ! Jarett Willinson ! He 's the fellow that was arguing with Washburn when we spied on him ! And the fourth dimension I had custody and they argued in Washburn 's survey. I 'm for sure of it. ``

`` That means- '' Rose replied.

`` That they 're going after the Hallows. Remember, when we spied on them, that Jarett Willinson told Washburn that he would come and they would steal the Hallows together, '' Albus said.

`` We 've got to stop them, '' john replied.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Let 's go. '' Albus walked out from behind the tree, with his protagonist following. They slowly approached Washburn and Jarett Willinson. They were soon close adequate to hear what the two champion were saying.

`` You 've discovered the fix of one of the Hallows ? '' Jarett asked.

`` I believe so. ceramist finally cracked. I 'd listen that his Occlumency science were abysmal, but I did n't think it would take me this long. The two youngster do n't know a matter about the Hallows, '' Washburn stated.

Jarett laughed, `` They will soon. Which one did you light upon ? ``

`` The resurrection Stone, '' Washburn said.

`` Perfect. And where is it ? ``

`` In here, '' Washburn pointed to the forest. `` But I do n't roll in the hay where. ``

`` How are we supposed to find it ? ! '' Jarett shouted angrily.

`` Do n't ask me ! '' Washburn shouted back.

`` It was your job to determine out where it is, '' Jarett said icily and took a step closer to Washburn. `` And you have n't found the exact place. ``

`` Sorry, but thrower did n't know either, '' Washburn answered nervously. `` Should n't we just go searching ? ``

`` We will, but I 've told Quinton he could come with us, and he 's not here yet, '' Jarett answered. `` And we 've got another job to do tonight, anyway. ``

`` And what is that ? '' Washburn asked.

`` Kill Potter, '' Jarett said.

Albus let out a gasp. They were going to pop his dad ? But why ? Albus turned around and looked at his friends. They were all standing stock still and wearing spirit of complete fear on their faces.

`` I do n't suppose we 're alone anymore, '' Washburn informed Jarett and a grin appeared across his face.

Albus turned back around to face the two wizards and backed up. Jarett and Washburn turned towards Albus and started walking towards him and his Friend.

`` I believe you are right on, '' Jarett responded, `` Mr. thrower, how nice of you to join us. ``

`` What are we going to do with them ? '' Washburn asked while glaring at the five fist years.

`` Oh, I do n't bed, what do you think ? '' Jarett replied.

`` Well, ceramist seems unequal to of doing the dim-witted appeal. The Weasley girl is a right know-it-all. Eckerton is asleep half the time, so I doubt he 's adequate to of doing much magic. Brickston does n't love when to save his mouth shut. And the other female child does n't look too promising either, '' Washburn said, `` I say we just let them hang around and if they interfere, I 'll take attention of them. '' He stared Albus in the eye, with a feeling of complete loathing.

`` Very well, '' Jarett agreed, `` You know them proficient than I do. Now, let 's get back to business concern. ``

`` Right. Now, why do we experience to kill ceramist ? Is n't he the one who knows where all the Hallows are ? '' Washburn asked.

`` I know that ! '' Jarett shouted, `` But he 's the one who 's got the elderberry bush scepter ! And if we want it, we 've got to kill him. ``

`` Oh, rightfield, '' Washburn responded.

Albus watched the two wizards and glanced nervously at his friends. He had no idea what he was going to do next. Albus had been right, Washburn and this other wizard were after the Hallows. Albus heard footsteps behind him and turned around, pulling out his wand at the like time.

`` Quinton, '' Jarett said, `` You 're recent. ``

`` Sorry, Father-God, '' Quinton mumbled, `` Filch was lurking around. I had to wait for him to result. ``

Jarett Willinson was Quinton 's dad. As Albus watched them, he only hoped that Jarett was as hopeless at dueling as his son was.

`` Put your wand away, ceramicist ! '' Washburn growled at Albus.

`` provide it out, Al, '' a representative said from behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw his dad pulling off the Invisibility Cloak. Albus let out a sigh of relief. His dad was there, everything would be okay.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks to my other baby and my buddy, too. And thanks to inkheart, TheNobleHouseofPotter, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, and Moonylupin for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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`` Nice of you to conjoin us, ceramicist, '' Jarett stepped towards Harry. `` How did you find us ? ``

Harry drew his scepter and stared at Jarett. `` Followed your son. pupil are n't supposed to be out of their common rooms after hours. ``

`` I do n't think it matters what he does now, '' Jarett replied icily. `` Once we have the Hallows, we will have power you know zero of. ``

`` So it 's you, '' Harry said, `` You 've been after the Hallows. And you 've been doing the Legilimency, Washburn ? ``

`` Yes, I have, '' Washburn confirmed. `` Only your sons do n't experience anything about the Hallows, so it proved pointless. You, however, provided us with a enceinte raft of information. ``

`` No, I have n't told them about the Hallows yet. But I suppose I 'll throw to after tonight, '' Harry said.

`` I do n't recollect you 'll have the chance, Potter, '' Jarett growled.

`` You 've found out where the Hallows are, then ? '' Harry asked.

Washburn nodded, `` The Resurrection Stone is in the forest. I managed to break through your pathetic Occlumency. The Invisibility Cloak is in your handwriting. And you 've got the Elder Wand, we already knew that. ``

Harry held up his wand, `` I 'm afraid I do n't. ``

`` What ? ! '' Jarett shouted and looked at Harry 's wand, `` But you had it ! That 's how you defeated Voldemort ! ``

`` Maybe so, '' Harry began, `` But I have n't got it now, have I ? ``

`` You 've got it somewhere ! '' Jarett growled. `` plenty talk ! Give me the Cloak ! ``

`` Do n't think so, '' Harry shoved the Cloak into his pocket and raised his wand higher. `` We 'll duel if you want, but if you come with me now, you 'll have less meter in Azkaban. ``

`` I do n't handle about Azkaban ! '' Jarett shouted. `` Crucio ! ``

`` Protego ! '' Harry shouted at the Saame time. A cuticle formed in forepart of Harry, protecting him, Albus, and Albus 's friends from Jarett 's spell.

Washburn and Quinton ran from behind Jarett, holding their wands out. Harry stepped towards Jarett and Jarett stepped closer to Harry. Albus watched them, his heart beating fast. Jarett sent more magical spell towards Harry, but Harry blocked each of them. Albus smiled a little as he saw how very much better at dueling his dad was than Jarett.

spirt of abstemious flew out of both Harry and Jarett 's verge, lighting up the night around them. Harry sent a magical spell towards Jarett and he flew back and landed on the ground. Jarett stumbled back to his feet and sent a daze spell at Harry.

`` Just tell me where the wand is ! '' Jarett shouted as he dodged Harry 's curse.

`` No ! '' Harry shouted back and leaped out of the way of another stunner. The two wizards continued dueling, each one sending piece and jinx towards the other. Albus stared at them. He had never seen dueling like this before. Neither champion seemed to be slowing down. Harry was noticeably faster and dodged spells more easily than Jarett, but Jarett did n't look to be giving up anytime soon.

`` What do we do ? '' Rose whispered to Albus.

Albus turned away from the duel. `` I dunno ! '' Albus heard footstep behind him again and turned to see Quinton standing with his verge facing Albus.

`` So, we duel again, Potter, '' Quinton smirked. `` Impedimenta ! ``

Albus dodged the spell easily, but did n't know what to do next. He had n't learned many dueling spells yet. He held his wand up higher and watched Quinton.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Quinton shouted. Albus jumped to the side of meat and dodged the new spell.

`` Ahh ! '' individual screamed behind Albus. He turned around and saw John the Evangelist, Rose, and Matt standing around Amanda, who was laying rigid on the ground. The trance meant for Albus had hit Amanda square in the chest.

Quinton laughed. `` One down, four to go ! ``

`` picket out ! '' Albus shouted to his friends. They held up their verge and stood succeeding to Albus.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Quinton shouted again. Albus and his protagonist darted to one side and Quinton 's spell hit a nearby bush.

Albus regained his Libra and turned to Quinton. He raised his wand and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Quinton dodged the spell and smirked at Albus, `` Think that 'll work again ? Petrificus Totalus ! ``

Albus and his friends dodged the spell yet again. `` Do n't you know any other spells ? '' john laughed.

`` Shut it ! '' Quinton shouted, breathing heavily.

Albus whispered to Rose, `` We 'll all demilitarise him at once. On the reckoning of three. state them. '' Albus waited until Rose had passed the Word on to John Lackland and flatness and began to count. `` One ... ''

`` What are you doing ? '' Quinton asked nervously.

`` Two ... Three ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' All four beginning years screamed the spell before Quinton realized what was going on. He was knocked off his metrical unit and his wand flew out of his deal and sailed through the air, landing near matte. Matt picked it up and stowed it in his robe.

`` Urgh, '' Quinton picked his head up off the ground.

`` Let me lead it from here, '' Washburn stormed over to where Quinton was laying. `` pitiful ... ''

Albus 's bosom started beating even faster. He had never seen Washburn affaire d'honneur before. It would surely be a whole lot harder to disarm him than it was to disarm Quinton. Albus had no desire whatsoever to start dueling with one of his teachers.

`` So you four, well five, if you count tagger, '' Washburn began, `` Decided to find out what I was doing. view that it was a soundly idea to meddle in my business ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Do n't deny it, thrower ! '' Washburn shouted. `` You came here this night ! You spied on me month ago ! ``

`` If you 're going to kill my dad, than it is my business ! '' Albus shouted.

`` You could see it that way, if you 'd wish. But if it 's your business organisation, and you get in the way, we 'll kill you, too, '' Washburn growled at Albus.

Albus 's stomach churned with fear and he looked over to where Harry was dueling Jarett. Harry had just sent a spell at Jarett that had completely knocked him off his metrical foot. Harry looked over to Albus while Jarett was trying to get up. `` Do n't do anything to my son, Washburn ! '' Harry shouted. `` Protego ! '' He sent a buckler charm in between where Albus and Washburn were standing. `` You 'll regret it ! ``

`` I do n't suppose I will, putter ! '' Washburn shouted back, aimed his baton at Harry, and sent a still bane towards him. Harry easily dodged it.

`` Crucio ! '' Jarett had regained his balance and was pointing his wand at Harry. Harry turned back and ran out of the way of the unforgivable curse just in time. He returned to his duel with Jarett, sending More K of light at him.

`` Are you decease feeder ? '' John asked once Washburn returned his gaze to the group of first years.

Washburn smirked at John. `` You still have n't learned to shut your mouth, have you ? No, we 're not end feeder. Although Jarett 's father was. He 's in Azkaban now. Albus 's bloody father captured him ! ``

`` So, what are you going to do ? If you were planning on killing us, you would 've done it by now, '' John replied.

Washburn stepped tight to John, `` Maybe I like to draw it out. But enough of that. potter ! '' He looked at Albus and pointed his wand at Albus 's chest. `` I do n't suppose you know if your Father of the Church has any supererogatory scepter laying around ? One that might be the elder Wand ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus whispered, `` I do n't think so. ``

`` 'Course not, '' Washburn growled, `` And you probably would n't narrate me if you did. ``

`` Do n't retrieve so, '' Albus said.

`` Now, I think you four would be a whole lot easier to deal with if you did n't have your wands, '' Washburn seethed. `` Expelliarmus ! '' he pointed his wand at Matt. Harry 's shield appeal had worn off and disappeared moment before.

Albus looked over to where flatness was. Matt collapsed to the solid ground when the turn hit his pectus, and his wand and Willinson 's wand flew through the air, landing next to Washburn. Albus darted over to where Matt was laying to see if he was ok.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted at Washburn after he realized that Matt was knocked out stale. `` What did you do to him ? ! ``

Washburn deflected the spell and picked up the two wands. `` I just disarmed him, that usually does n't knock you out unless there are multiple people casting it. Always knew he was decrepit, '' Washburn sneered.

`` Shut it ! '' John shouted as he bent down to try and wake Matt up, `` Why do n't you ever leave him alone ? ! ``

`` Ahh, looks like you 'll be next, '' Washburn pointed his wand at lavatory, `` Expelliarmus ! '' John 's wand sailed out of his hand and Washburn caught it. `` Now for the Weasley lady friend. Expelliarmus ! '' Rose 's sceptre left her hand and landed in between Washburn and Albus.

Albus ran forward to pluck up rosebush 's baton. `` I do n't think so, ceramist, '' Washburn reached the wand first and picked it up. `` You 're future. Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his wand lead his hand and saw Washburn becharm it. He glanced nervously at his ally. They were n't doing too well. No wands, and two of them were unconscious. Albus looked at Washburn, who had started pacing in a circle around them.

`` Defenseless students, '' he smirked, `` I think you 'll be much more willing to do what I say now. prison term to go into the forest, we 're going on a little pack rat hunt. ``

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` We 're not. ``

`` You 're not in a attitude to negotiate, potter. You 'll help me find the Resurrection pit, '' Washburn barked, `` Now, trace me ! '' Washburn started to walk towards the forest, but Albus did not accompany. `` Let 's go, Potter ! ``

`` We 're not going, '' Rose said, crossing her arms across her chest.

`` You 'll regret that, '' Washburn said icily. He walked back to where Albus, Rose, and John were standing. `` Crucio ! '' he shouted at Rose.

rosebush screamed and jumped to the side, just missing the curse. Washburn started sending curses towards all three of them. Albus jumped behind a tree to avert a whammy that wound up hitting the tree diagram. He looked over to where Harry and Jarett were dueling. As far as Albus could tell, Harry was winning. Jarett appeared to be slowing down, but Albus noticed that his dad was limping a bit as he dodged Jarett 's spells.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Rose asked anxiously.

`` I do n't know ! '' Albus shouted back. He peeked his point out from behind the tree diagram and saw John running towards them. Washburn pointed his wand at privy 's spinal column and hit him with a Trip curse. lav fell forward and he landed on the flat coat with a sickening crunch. `` John ! '' Albus shouted and ran out from behind the tree.

`` Just you and the Weasley young woman now, Potter, '' Washburn growled. `` Sectumsempra ! '' he shouted at Rose.

`` No ! '' Albus shouted as the scourge hit one of her arms. She sank down onto the ground, screaming in pain in the ass. Albus could see blood seeping out of her gown. `` bar it ! '' Albus shouted again. Albus glanced over to his dad again. Both of the wizards were slowing down. Willinson was definitely the speculative off, he was leaning against a tree, trying to maintain up his wand with a broken arm. `` Dad ! help ! ``

Harry turned away from his duel and came limping over when he heard Albus 's yell. `` Expelliarmus ! '' he shouted at Washburn, and all five wands the good luck charm teacher was holding sailed out of his hands. Washburn turned away from pink wine and looked at Harry. `` Do n't go near my niece, '' Harry growled at Washburn.

`` Let 's go, '' Washburn lifted Quinton onto his pes, `` You all right ? ``

`` amercement, '' Quinton grunted. The two of them took one look at Harry and ran off into the night. Albus saw them disapparate just as they left the Hogwarts grounds.

Albus glanced over to where Jarett had been bit before. He was gone. `` Are n't you going to go after them, Dad ? ``

`` Ca n't, '' Harry lifted his robe and revealed a nasty cut on his leg, `` Took all my metier to get over here and save you. '' Harry sank down onto the dry land, breathing heavily. `` Are you all right ? ``

`` Yeah, I 'm all right, '' Albus sat down next to his dad and leaned up against him. `` But I want to know the unanimous story about the Hallows. ``

`` I know, and I will order you, '' Harry sighed, `` After we get back to the castle. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus whispered. He looked over to where rosebush had collapsed and saw her getting up. She walked slowly over to Albus and Harry and sank down on Harry 's other side.

`` Uncle Harry ? Can we go back to the palace now ? '' she asked quietly. Her part was shaking. She was holding one of her men down over her arm, stopping the bleeding that Washburn 's whammy had caused.

`` I think that would be a good idea, '' Harry replied.

`` Harry ? '' a new voice said from behind them. `` What happened ? ``

Albus, Harry, and rose wine turned around. Neville was standing behind them. `` Bit of a filthy duel, '' Harry answered, and went on to explicate the entire evening.

Neville shook his foreland, `` Blimey, Washburn 's always been a little cold, but I 'd never have expected that. What was he after ? ``

`` I 'll explain that later, '' Harry said, while trying to stomach up, `` But right now we 've got to get back to the castle. ``

`` right field, '' Neville agreed, `` Give me your paw. '' Harry extended his arm and Neville helped him up. Albus and Rose got up after him.

Harry leaned on Neville and Neville helped him walk over to where John was laying. Neville conjured a stretcher and with a flick of his wand, King John was laying upon it. He did the same with Matt and Amanda. `` What happened to them ? '' Harry asked quietly.

`` bathroom got hit by a stumble whammy and hit his head on a rock, Amanda got a full-body-bind swearword, and lustrelessness just got hit by Expelliarmus, '' Albus explained.

`` That 's aught lady Pomfrey ca n't fix, then, '' Harry replied. `` Let 's go. ``

The group slowly made their way back to the palace. It took them quite a while. Albus was mulct, except for a few cuts and being completely worn out. The bleeding on pink wine 's arm seemed to deliver slowed down, but it would involve to be magically healed or else it would surely open up again. Harry was walking quite slowly, and Albus could secern by the way he winced every time they went up the step, that he was in a great spate of pain. Eventually, they made it up to the Hospital extension. When they got into the ward, ma'am Pomfrey was already bustling around, and when she saw them fall in, she immediately descended upon them.

`` There you are, Harry ! '' the nurse shouted, `` I 've been trying to adjoin you all evening. James got into a filthy duel with a couple Slytherins and he 's been unconscious mind ever since. '' She gestured to one of the beds at the far end of the room and looked back at Harry. She gazed upon the chemical group and her mouth fell open. `` What in the gens of Merlin happened to you lot ? ''

`` Quinton Willinson 's father, Jarett Willinson, tried to pop me, '' Harry said simply. `` Had quite the duel with him down near the woods. Him, along with Quinton, plus Professor Washburn. ``

Madam Pomfrey 's eye became declamatory with shock. `` professor Washburn ? And where are they now ? '' she asked quietly.

`` They took off, disapparated once they left the ground, '' Harry told her, `` I could n't catch them with this nasty cut on my leg. ``

`` Well, get along on, then, '' the nurse said, `` Harry, you go in bed one, since it 's tightlipped. Albus, bed two, and blush wine, bed three. '' dame Pomfrey gestured to the beds and then approached the stretcher that Neville was holding up with his baton. `` And let 's see, Neville, take aim them to do it four, five, and seven, since James is in bed six. ``

Neville nodded and directed the copestone to the empty beds. Albus walked over to the indorsement bed and lay down. He stared at the ceiling, thinking about what had happened. Washburn thought Harry had the senior Wand, but Harry did n't. Where was it ? Who had it ? And why did Washburn think that Harry had it ? At to the lowest degree Harry said that he would tell Albus everything. It was only a topic of time before Albus knew the whole tale about the Hallows.

brothel keeper Pomfrey came bustling over to Albus 's bed. `` Here, drink this, '' she handed him a potion. `` Dreamless sleep. '' Madam Pomfrey turned away from Albus and strode across the room to one of her storage locker. She rummaged around inside. `` All the potter in the Hospital offstage at once, it was bound to happen Oklahoman or later ... '' she muttered.

Albus gratefully took the potion, and a few minutes later, he fell into a relaxing sleep.

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A/N : Thanks to my Sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight and my other babe and brother. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, inkheart, Moonylupin, and MiZzPrInCeZz for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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When Albus awoke the sun was shining into the windowpane next to his bed. He sat up and peered at the clock on the wall. It was two o'clock. Albus looked over at Rose 's bed ; she was still asleep.

Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the curtains around one of the bottom. She walked over to Albus once she noticed he was awake. `` How are you, dear ? ``

`` I 'm finely, '' Albus told her, while trying to glint at the other bed, to see how everyone else was.

`` Are you sure ? '' Madam Pomfrey asked, `` nada hurts ? ``

`` No, I 'm alright, '' Albus answered truthfully, `` But what about everyone else ? Where 's my dad ? ``

`` They 're all okay, too, '' dame Pomfrey assured him, `` They 're asleep. And your dad left a few minute ago. He had to take concern of some things at the Ministry. He said he 'd be back later. Now, do you want something to eat ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said, suddenly realizing how hungry he was. gentlewoman Pomfrey left the room for a few moment and came back with a tray filled with sandwiches and pumpkin juice. She set it down on Albus 's bedside table and Albus started eating. Rose and St. James woke up a few transactions later, and they joined Albus in his tiffin. Saint James immediately asked them what had happened last Night. Albus and Rose explained the unscathed thing.

`` Blimey, '' James said quietly, once they had finished, `` I always knew Washburn was evil. ``

`` Explains why he hates us so often, '' Albus replied, `` We knew nada about the Hallows, and he thought he 'd be able to find out where they were by reading our minds. ``

`` Guess so, '' James agreed. `` So, Dad said he 'd tell us about the Hallows ? ``

`` Yeah, he did, '' Albus told him, `` I guess he will when he gets back from the Ministry. ``

privy, Matt, and Amanda woke up an hr later, and Albus and Rose told them the balance of what had happened the previous night. They were all happy that Washburn, Jarett, and Quinton had n't gotten any of the Hallows, but were worried that they had gotten away. They spent much of the afternoon discussing what would materialize next.

Albus was sure enough that, somehow, the rest period of the school already knew what had happened the night before. They had no idea what Washburn, Quinton, and Jarett were after, but they knew about the affaire d'honneur that had taken lieu on the ground. Madam Pomfrey spent a lot of clock time keeping curious students out of the infirmary flank, and eventually she locked the door. Victoire and Amy were the number 1 ones to visit Albus and the others in the hospital Wing, followed by the respite of Albus 's full cousin. They all wanted to know what went on, and Albus told them most of the story. He left out the component about the Hallows, since none of Albus 's cousin knew about them. Amanda, John, and lusterlessness 's parents showed up for a few hr each and were all relieved that their kids were ok.

Once evening arrived, Madam Pomfrey made all of Albus 's cousins and Amy leave, and she gave Albus and the others a large platter of food for their dinner party. After they finished eating, Albus heard person trying to get into the room.

`` Bloody hell, I think she locked it ! '' a voice shouted out.

`` Oh, Ron, honestly. Just knock, '' a female person voice said. Albus heard a flash knocking, and ma'am Pomfrey came running out of her office. She flung the threshold opened and Ron and Hermione came running in. `` rosiness ! '' Hermione shouted and descended upon her daughter. She wrapped Rose in a big hug. `` Are you all right ? ``

`` Yes, Mum, '' Rose hugged Hermione back. Ron sat down on the bed and wrapped his coat of arms around Rose as well.

`` Where 's Harry ? '' Madam Pomfrey asked, `` I thought he was coming with you ? ``

`` He was behind us, '' Ron glanced at the door.

`` I 'm here, '' Harry appeared in the doorway and limped over to Albus 's bed. He sank down on it and gave Albus a hug.

`` I told you not to take the air on that leg yet, '' Madam Pomfrey scolded.

`` Did n't make much of a choice. I had to alert the Ministry. I 've got Aurors looking for Washburn and both Willinsons right now, '' Harry explained.

`` Good, '' Madam Pomfrey handed Harry a goblet of potion, `` Drink that. ''

Harry took the potion and downed it in one taste. `` Disgusting. ``

`` Dad ? '' Albus asked tentatively, `` Are you going to tell us about the Hallows now ? ``

Harry sighed, `` I suppose. ``

`` You 've got to let John, lustrelessness, and Amanda listen to, '' Albus insisted.

`` I know, they 've got to know what happened, too, '' Harry agreed, `` We just take some place private. ``

`` How about the way of Requirement ? '' Albus suggested.

`` You 've found that already ? '' Harry grinned.

`` Well, Matt showed it to us, '' Albus explained.

`` Oh, '' Harry replied, `` Well, that would be the unadulterated post. '' Harry stood up. `` Poppy, I 've got a bit of explaining to do to the child. ``

`` Ca n't you do it here ? '' Madam Pomfrey asked, `` It really would be in effect for them all to delay here a while longer. ``

`` I promise we 'll all come back once I 'm done, '' Harry said.

`` Really, Harry, they need rest ! '' Madam Pomfrey insisted.

`` I owe them an account, Poppy, '' Harry said quietly.

`` Oh, fine ! '' madam Pomfrey threw her hands up in disgust, `` But do n't have them out too long. ``

Harry grinned. Albus got up out of the bed. James II, Rose, John, Matt, and Amanda all got up as well. They followed Harry, Ron, and Hermione to the door.

`` I 'm getting too old for this, '' lady Pomfrey muttered as they left.

`` You 're not leaving, are you ? '' lusterlessness asked nervously.

gentlewoman Pomfrey smiled, `` Of course of action not, lamb. Do n't you worry. ``

The group made their way slowly to the seventh floor. Once they reached the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy, Harry started pacing. After a few consequence, a door appeared where it had n't been previously. Harry opened it and everyone followed him inside. The room looked a lot like it did when Matt asked for it. The simply noticeable difference was that this time there were Thomas More armchairs and another couch.

Harry sat down on one of the couches. Albus and St. James sat on either side of him. Ron, Hermione, and pink wine took the early couch, while whoremonger, lustrelessness, and Amanda took the hot seat.

`` Dad, '' Albus began, `` We already know about the Hallows. ``

`` You do ? '' Harry asked.

`` Er, yeah, we know about the connective to the Tale of the Three Brothers, and we know that the Deathly Hallows are the senior wand, Christ's Resurrection Stone, and the Invisibility Cloak. We just do n't get it on why you 've kept it a secret. ``

Harry sighed, `` How long have you known ? ``

`` A few calendar month now. Since April. Matt told us about them. ``

`` Really ? '' Harry looked at flatness, `` You knew about them ? ``

`` Yeah, my dad told me, '' Matt answered, `` But I was n't indisputable if I believed they existed or not, until Albus told me about the Cloak. ``

`` Not many people think they 're real number, '' Harry replied, `` I first heard the Tale of the triplet Brothers when I was 17. It was the year that Ron, Hermione, and I were hunting Horcruxes. When Dumbledore was killed, he left each of us something in his will. You already know that he left Hermione the original copy of The story of Beedle the Bard, written completely in antediluvian runes. Ron got the Deluminator, and I got the showtime canary I ever caught.

`` Hermione decoded the runic letter and noticed a symbol in a draft that went with the Tale of the Three brother. '' Harry pulled a firearm of parchment and a quill out of his sac. He drew a trilateral, with a circuit inside it, and a line connecting the top of the triangle to the bottom. `` This was the symbolic representation. We recognized it because at Bill and Fleur 's nuptials, Xenophilius Lovegood was wearing it on his gown. Viktor Krum approached him about it because this symbolisation is also Grindelwald 's symbolic representation. ``

`` Grindelwald, that evil wizard Dumbledore defeated ? '' Matt asked.

`` Yes, '' Harry continued, `` But at one point, Dumbledore and Grindelwald were friends- ''

`` What ? ! '' matte shouted.

`` They were, '' Harry said. Albus already knew this part of the story, but it must make had relevance to the Hallows, if Harry was telling it again. `` They were friends, who were obsessed with uniting the Hallows. That symbolic representation is the symbol of the Hallows. The triangle is the Cloak, the band, the Stone, and the line of business, the elder sceptre. Grindelwald and Dumbledore 's friendly relationship fell apart after Dumbledore 's sister was killed. Eventually, Dumbledore had to confront Grindelwald and defeat him. Grindelwald had the senior Wand, and when Dumbledore defeated him, the Wand changed its allegiance, and Dumbledore became the new master. ``

`` Dumbledore had the Elder Wand ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, he did, '' Harry said, `` Now, after Hermione decoded the account, we went to see Xenophilius Lovegood, and he explained the Hallows to us. We were skeptical, but we knew that the Cloak existed. You may sustain already guessed this, but Voldemort found out about the Elder Wand and he wanted to get it, because he believed it would enable him to kill me. That is why he wanted somebody to kill Dumbledore. However, before Snape killed Dumbledore, Dragon Malfoy disarmed him. The Wand changed allegiance once again. You see, the Elder Wand does n't change allegiance when a star kills the wizard it belongs to. That wizard just needs to be defeated. frustration does n't always match death. Since Snape killed Dumbledore, Voldemort assumed that the wand had shifted its loyalty to Snape, but in actuality, it belonged to Draco.

`` When we got captured and taken to the Malfoy Manor, I disarmed Draco. I defeated him. Even though he did not have the elder Wand in his possession at the prison term, it was still his verge. But when I disarmed him, it became mine. The Elder Wand had been buried with Dumbledore, but Voldemort stole it. Voldemort assumed that the wand had allegiance to Snape, so Voldemort used his serpent to kill Snape.

`` After Snape died, I viewed his memories in the Pensieve, and found out that I was a Horcrux and I would let to die in order for Voldemort to die. As I was walking into the forest, I tried once again to unfold the Snitch that had failed to open earlier in the year. It opened, and inside was the Resurrection I. F. Stone. In the forest, Voldemort tried once again to stamp out me, but he only succeeded in killing the Horcrux inside me. When I came back, Voldemort and I had one concluding affaire d'honneur. He had the Elder baton, but it 's allegiance belonged to me. He tried to kill me with a verge that was mine. A wand will not work properly against its rightful owner. So, when we dueled, Voldemort 's killing swearing bounced off my disarming spell, and hit him. ``

Albus stared at his dad, `` But what about the fact that Voldemort used your blood to come back to sprightliness ? Is n't that why you survived ? ``

`` That 's part of it, Al, '' Harry told him.

Albus did n't know what to say. He finally had the answers he had been looking for. This was why no one else knew about them. The Hallows did take to do with Voldemort 's downfall, a big part.

`` Where 's the Elder Wand now ? '' James asked, `` Do you let it ? ``

`` No, '' Harry answered, `` That wand is too much hassle. It 's back with Dumbledore. And if I die a natural dying, it will have no loyalty. ``

`` Oh, '' James I replied, `` Would 've been cool, though, having an unvanquishable baton. ``

`` And the Stone ? '' Albus asked, `` Is it really somewhere in the forest ? ``

`` Yes, '' Harry answered, `` And I have no estimation where. The only Hallow I 've got is the Invisibility Cloak. ``

`` But you did unite them, the Hallows ? '' Albus asked.

`` For a little patch, yes, '' Harry said. `` I was the master of Death. ``

`` That 's what Washburn and the Willinsons wanted to do, redress ? ''

`` Yes, that was their plan, '' Harry answered. `` But they did not succeed. ``

`` Do you think they 'll try again ? '' Albus asked quietly.

`` Yes, Albus, they probably will, '' Harry replied, `` But I 'm hoping that they will be in Azkaban soon. There are Aurors looking for them right now. ``

`` I hope they 're caught, '' Albus said.

`` Me, too, '' Harry agreed, `` I 'll do everything I can to make sure that they are. ``

Albus sat quietly, thinking about everything his dad had said. Harry had united the Hallows, he had been the 'Master of expiry'. Albus was relieved that he finally knew the all account, but he still had Sir Thomas More questions. Had his dad ever used the Resurrection Stone ? How did it wind up in the woodland ? But Albus decided to ask the interrogative sentence that had been pulling at him since he first heard 'Hallows'mentioned calendar month ago. `` Dad, why did n't you tell us ? ``

Harry sighed, `` It was a mistake not telling you sooner. I want you to sleep with that. I should own told you last summer, when I told you everything else. But at the Lapp metre, I did n't want you to distinguish anyone about it. I wanted to wait until you were old and more than mature. ``

`` So you did n't confide me ? '' Albus asked. He hated it when masses told him he was n't old enough to do something, or know about something.

`` Not exactly. I did n't want you to be tempted to tell people about the Hallows. If word got out that there is an invincible wand out there, especially one that is on the Hogwarts evidence, the result could be bad. Look at what Washburn and the two Willinsons did. And they are just three the great unwashed. Imagine if half the schooling was going after that verge ? I 'm not saying everyone would want to use the verge for wickedness, but if a lot of people were going after it we could make a tragedy on our hands. The idea of major power, whether one is going to use it for good or evil, does dotty affair to multitude. And that is why I did n't tell you. I did n't want a lot of people to be intimate about it. But that did n't exploit at all. Now, Sir Thomas More people than just you and James IV and pink wine know about it.

`` Which brings me to my side by side item, '' Harry said in a more grievous tonicity, `` None of you can tell anyone anything I have told you tonight. You ca n't tell anyone that the Hallows exist, and that they are all currently residing somewhere in or around Hogwarts. A lot of people know about my Cloak, but without knowledge of the Christ's Resurrection Harlan Fiske Stone or the elder Wand, they wo n't think anything of it. ``

`` I ca n't even tell our cousin ? '' James asked.

`` No, I 'm gloomy, but you ca n't, '' Harry replied

`` I wo n't separate, '' Albus assured Harry. rose, Saint John, and Amanda all nodded.

`` wishing I could differentiate my dad, '' Matt said, `` He 'd love to hear about it. ``

`` Is he interested in the Hallows ? '' Harry asked.

`` Yeah, he was. He went all over the creation researching them when he was younger. Never found out where they were. Gave up after he and my mum decided to start a class, though. He still believes they exist, '' Matt replied.

`` Maybe I 'll evidence him, someday, '' Harry answered, `` But for now, please do n't distinguish him. ``

`` All right wing, '' mat agreed.

`` well, then, I think we ought to get back to the infirmary annexe, '' Harry stood up, `` Madam Pomfrey will make my head if I keep you up much later. ``

******

brothel keeper Pomfrey let Albus and the others leave the hospital Wing two twenty-four hours later. Albus was quite glad about this, as he was getting bored with the hospital Wing. Albus and his friends spent much of the day following talking or playing plot in the common room or on the background. Shortly after they were released, O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s finished, and the common room returned to its usual noisy state. A few student asked Albus and his champion about what had happened with Washburn and the Willinsons, but Albus did n't tell apart them anything. The educatee'attention was soon turned towards the Quidditch final examination. Just as Albus and Harry had predicted a few month prior, it would be Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, and my former sister and my buddy. Thanks as well to inkheart, smirkyhaha, and harshabc for their reappraisal !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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`` You 're going to be fine, James, '' Albus assured his pal at breakfast a few mornings later. James was sitting across from him, but was n't eating anything. With the exception of James IV, everyone else at the Gryffindor table was in richly spirits. exam were over, and it was the last Quidditch match of the year. The lonesome one besides James who was n't eating anything was matte, and considering that the full lunation was that night, it was n't surprising.

`` James, you 've got to eat something, '' Samantha Meyers had appeared behind William James and was pouring him a glass of pumpkin juice, `` At least toast this. '' James nodded and took the goblet, but he only drank a few sips. He glanced nervously at Albus, and then looked up at the staff table.

Albus turned and looked as well. Harry was n't there. The past few sidereal day, Harry had been away from Hogwarts more than he had been there. He had been spending a lot of time at the Ministry, organizing the hunting for Washburn and both Willinsons. `` He 'll be there, James River. He said he would. You know he would n't pretermit the couple for the world. ``

`` Ok, squad, let 's go ! '' Samantha stood up and beckoned her team to accompany her. Epistle of James followed the relief of the squad, with one hold up glance at the staff tabular array. As they left, the entire Gryffindor mesa stood up and cheered.

A few bit later, Albus and his friends walked down to the pitch. `` last-place Quidditch mate of the year, '' Albus sighed.

`` Yeah, just hope we win ! '' trick shouted.

`` Hope so, too. But Ravenclaw will be hard to beat. They 've got a right team, '' Albus replied.

`` At least the weather 's good, '' King John pointed out, `` I do n't conceive we 've played in better consideration than this the whole year. '' can was right about that. It was tender, hardly windy at all, and there was just enough cloud blanket to mask the glare from the sun.

`` I hope it 's a quick friction match, '' lusterlessness yawned as they climbed into the stands.

`` It probably wo n't be, '' Albus said, `` We 're reasonably evenly matched with Ravenclaw. ``

matt groaned, `` Maybe Epistle of James will spot the canary early. ``

`` Would n't calculate on it, '' Albus responded, `` St. James told me that in order to win the Cup, we 've got to be at least 40 points up before he catches the snitch. Otherwise, we 'll win the compeer, but Ravenclaw will get the Cup. And Samantha has made it clear she wants the Cup. It 's her only chance. She 's only been captain for this year. Before her, it was teddy. ``

`` Maybe you should 've stayed in the castle, '' pink wine said sympathetically.

`` And overleap Quidditch ? '' Matt stared at her like she had three heads.

rose wine sighed. `` I do n't live what 's with you bozo and Quidditch, '' she muttered.

`` It 's a full plot ! '' Amanda grinned, `` Way better than football game. ``

`` Does n't admit a good deal for something to be more concern than football game, '' King John laughed, `` I mean, honestly, what were the Muggles thought process ? How can a biz be exciting with one clump ? ``

Albus laughed. He had to agree. He had been to one football game lucifer before. It was a community league, and Harry had taken him and James IV to see if they had been interesting in playing it. Throughout the hale match, both Albus and James had commented on how a lot right Quidditch was.

Albus watched the stands fill up, hoping to catch a glimpse of his dad. He looked at the section of the viewpoint where the staff sat, but the seat following to Neville that Harry usually occupied during Quidditch catch remained empty. Where was he ? The match was about to start. He promised James that he would be there.

`` Welcome, Hogwarts pupil and staff to the Quidditch Final ! '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd Smith 's part boomed over the crowd. `` Today 's match is between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw ! And here come the teams !

`` get-go is Ravenclaw. Captain President Tyler Pike, followed by Dan Martha Jane Burke, Natalie Cable, Allie Sir Humphrey Davy, Damien Waverly, Kate Waverly, and Zack Valentino ! '' Seven role player in dingy gown walked out onto the sphere, with their brooms over their shoulders.

`` Next we have Gryffindor ! Captain Samantha Meyers, followed by Ryan O'Malley, James IV ceramicist, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Empire State of the South Weasley, and Heather Weasley ! '' The Gryffindor team marched onto the athletic field and stopped in presence of the Ravneclaws.

`` Professor Oteski steps onto the field. Captains Meyers and freeway shake hands, and the teams are off ! ``

Albus watched as both team soared into the air. broom immediately took ascendance of the Quaffle, passing it back and Forth between Fred and Samantha. They flew down the pitching, dodging Bludgers sent by Valentino and Davies.

`` Gryffindor scores the first goal of the game ! '' Lord Todd shouted out, once Heather managed to get the Quaffle retiring Kate Waverly. `` Ravenclaw in possession now. Waverly passes to Martha Jane Burke, and then back to Waverly. ``

`` Hi, Al. ``

Albus turned around at the sound of his name. Harry had appeared behind him and was climbing over the seating room in order to sit down. Albus moved over so Harry could sit in between him and Matt. `` Dad, you made it ! ``

`` 'Course I did ! I said I would, '' Harry replied as he sat down, `` Did I miss anything ? ``

`` Heather just scored the first destination of the game, '' Albus grinned.

`` Awesome ! She 's got some arm, let me enjoin you. Even as a infant. I remember once, she threw one of her toy dog at me. Gave me a dim eye, '' Harry laughed.

`` Why are you sitting here ? '' Albus asked, `` You usually sit with the rest of the staff. ``

`` To be honest, it 's more fun seance here, '' Harry grinned, `` I do n't have to see to it my excitation when Gryffindor scores. ``

At that moment, Samantha scored a goal, and all the Gryffindors jumped up, screaming and hollering with joy. Harry screamed the loudest of them all.

`` See what I mean ? '' Harry grinned, `` The staff always has to contain their excitement, in order not to play deary. ``

For the next hour, the game continued with both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw scoring goal after goal. After the first initial goal, Ravenclaw caught up quickly and tied the match. Both team showed exceptional skill, and there had still not been any glimpse of the Snitch.

`` Now, this is Quidditch, '' Harry grinned and looked at Albus. `` This could be another for the record books. ``

Albus agreed, `` Yeah, we 've just got to hope that we can somehow get 40 level ahead. ``

`` That could need a while, '' Harry said.

`` Cable of Ravenclaw has scored ! '' Todd shouted, `` 110-100 Ravenclaw ! ``

`` Merlin ! '' Albus shouted. Albus looked out over the slant. Heather was in possession of the Quaffle again. Valentino was flying directly behind her and hit a Bludger towards her head. Luckily, she ducked at that very moment and the Bludger wound up hitting Damien Waverly instead. Waverly slipped off his ling, but managed to hold on with one hand. He got back on the broom and sent a nasty expression towards Valentino. In the lag, Heather managed to grade another goal.

It became realise within the next half hour of the biz, that the Damien Waverly had been injured by the Bludger. His coordination was all off, and he was having problems catching the Quaffle. This, of course, worked to Gryffindor 's advantage, and soon enough the score was 120-150 Gryffindor.

`` Just one more goal, '' Albus said, `` One to a greater extent and James can see the sneak. ``

`` It 'll be hard to keep up that 40 point lead, though, '' Harry pointed out. `` He 'll let to encounter the fink soon after the goal is scored. ``

`` I hope he does, '' rose said, `` I do n't recall Matt can take much more of this. ``

Albus looked over at his admirer and felt bad that he had become so immerse in the game, that he had n't noticed how bad matte looked. matte appeared to have fallen asleep and was leaning his head on Harry 's shoulder. He was wincing every once and a while, much like he had been during the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin game. Why did they always schedule Quidditch equal around the full moon ?

Harry nudged Matt gently until he woke up, `` Wha 's going on ? '' Matt asked sleepily.

`` You fell asleep, '' Harry said gently, `` You 're receive to angle on me, but I was n't sure if you wanted to miss the match. ``

`` I do n't, thanks, '' Matt replied, blushing a petty, `` It 's bad enough having Malfoy see me fall asleep in class, but during Quidditch .... ''

`` I do n't think he can see you here, '' Albus said quietly, `` He 's on the other English of the stands. ``

`` Good, '' Matt responded. `` But I still do n't want to leave out the match. ``

Albus turned his attention back to the match. It seemed to be getting harder and harder for Ravenclaw to to score destination with only two chasers. Damien Waverly was flying more erratically by the hour and his teammates had long since stopped trying to switch him the Quaffle. However, despite the difficulty, Ravenclaw was putting up a good fight. Their former two pursuer were superb.

`` Burke scores ! '' Todd shouted out over the crowd, `` Making the account 130-150 Gryffindor ! C'mon, you can do it, Gryffindor ! Just two Thomas More goals and enchant the Snitch ! ``

`` hoot, '' Albus sighed, `` So much for one more than goal. ``

`` It 's all mighty, Al, two goals wo n't be hard, '' Harry shifted awkwardly to turn towards his son. Matt had fallen asleep on his shoulder joint again. `` Madam Pomfrey did n't even want him to go to the mates, '' Harry gestured to lustrelessness. `` But I convinced her to let him. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` He did n't want to miss it, even if he is asleep during one-half of it. ``

`` Well, gentlewoman Pomfrey worries a lot, '' Harry told him, `` Frankly, she was n't too lament on James acting, either. Said he 'd just recovered from his duel with those Slytherins and he ought to be resting. But I insisted that he could spiel. ``

`` He seems to be doing fine, '' Albus said as he glanced out over the pitch. James was currently circling above the rest of the players. The Ravenclaw quester, Tyler motorway, was doing the same.

`` He is, '' Harry agreed, `` Staying out of the way, that 's the best strategy for a Seeker. ``

`` Gryffindor scores ! '' Sweeney Todd exclaimed, `` skipper Meyers has scored ! ``

`` See, Al, now it 's just one more than goal, again, '' Harry said.

The plot was now entering it 's third hour. There was still no sign of the stoolpigeon, which was good for Gryffindor, since they still needed to score one more goal before William James could catch it. About ten minutes after Samantha scored, broom managed to score as well.

`` Yes ! '' Albus jumped up in his can and shouted out in excitement. Now, James II could catch the Snitch.

`` As long as Gryffindor can continue their forty stage leash, and take in the sneaker, they will win the Cup ! '' Todd shouted.

Albus watched as James started picking up speed and fly around the pitch shot, looking for the Snitch. But in the meantime, Dan Martha Jane Burk was once again storming up the sales talk with the Quaffle. He flew straight towards the Gryffindor goal and managed to tally another goal.

`` hoot ! '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd shouted.

`` Language, Smith ! '' Patil shouted next to him.

`` Sorry, prof, '' Todd said, `` Now, Gryffindor must score another end in order to gain back the forty point lead. And they might be doing that now ! Fred Weasley has gained possession of the Quaffle. He passes to Meyers and then Meyers passes it back. Fred aims the Quaffle, and score ! Gryffindor has the 40 head lead again ! ``

The Gryffindors were all on their infantry now, shouting in fervor and chanting 'Go, James, go ! All of them except Matt and Harry. Somehow, matte was managing to sleep through everything, and Harry continued to let him lean on his shoulder. Luckily, no one seemed to notice, besides Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda. They kept glancing worried looks at Matt, but eventually, they got sucked up into the emotion of the secret plan and watched James 's search for the Snitch.

`` And I think he 's seen it ! '' Todd screamed, `` Yes, Potter has seen the Snitch ! He 's flying directly towards the ground. Pike has noticed it as well, but he is all the way at the other end of the pitching. I do n't reckon he 'll get there in clock time. No, he definitely wo n't ! ``

Albus watched as James flew closer and closer to the ground. Albus was sure he would crash into it, and watched nervously as St. James the Apostle finally pulled out of the dive, just in clip. He flew back up a few feet, holding the struggling Snitch in his hand. Albus turned to his dad. `` We 've won ! We 've got the Cup ! ``

`` Gryffindor wins ! With 320 detail, Gryffindor has not only won the lucifer, but they 've won the Cup as well ! congratulations, Gryffindor ! '' Todd 's voice rang out over the crowd.

`` Matt, wake up ! '' John nudged his friend awake, `` We 've won, wake up ! ``

`` Wha'? '' lustrelessness slowly lifted his point off Harry 's berm and looked at all the turmoil around him. `` Oh, right. Awesome ! ``

Harry stood up, smile, `` I 'm going to go preen St. James. I 'll see you later. I 'll probably block off by the common room, for the party. ``

Albus gave his dad a hug before he left, `` All right. See you later. ``

`` Let 's get back to the park elbow room, '' pink wine suggested as she watched flatness rub his head, `` We 'll see James there. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus agreed. He knew Matt had no desire to connect the mob of Gryffindors currently storming the pitch.

Despite their slow base on balls back to the castle and up to the seventh floor, Albus and his protagonist made it back to the mutual room before most of the other Gryffindors. In fact, the only former people there were a few older students Albus did n't know, Amy, Victoire, and someone Albus definitely did n't expect to see.

`` Teddy ! '' Albus shouted as he spotted shimmy sitting side by side to Victoire on one of the couches. `` What are you doing here ? ``

`` Came to see the couple. St. James did brilliantly ! They could n't have found a better searcher to replace me, '' he grinned, `` And came to see Vicky 's graduation exercise, of course. '' He smiled at Victoire and giggled.

`` Oh, rightfulness, '' Albus grinned, `` Glad you came ! ``

`` Yeah, it 's peachy to be back here, '' shimmy grinned, `` Well, I think I might go to Hogsmeade and blame up some supply for the company. ``

`` Great ! '' Albus said, `` See you in a bit. ``

`` You, too, '' Teddy stood up. He gave Victoire a promptly kiss and exited the rough-cut room. It was really starting to fulfill up now, although the team had yet to arrive.

`` Are you going to rest for the political party ? '' Albus quietly asked Matt.

`` I do n't think so, '' Matt yawned, `` Think I might pack a nap. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus responded. mat left the group and made his way through the crowd to the dormitories.

`` It 's so unjust, '' Rose said softly as he left. Albus, John, and Amanda nodded in agreement, but no one said anything else on the subject.

The group found seating area at their usual tabular array and shortly after they sat down, James and the eternal rest of the team came into the room.

`` We 've got it ! '' Samantha Meyers was the start to break open into the room, holding the Quidditch Cup above her straits. `` We did it ! '' She was positively beaming. The rest of the team climbed in behind her, all of them grinning from ear to ear. The intact usual room flare-up into clapping as soon as they were all inside.

`` Thank you, everyone ! '' Samantha shouted over the crowd, `` I just want to say a few words. '' She waited until everyone was unsounded. `` First, I just want to thank the whole team. We could n't have done this without any of you. We 've got a fantastic team here, and I 'm definitely going to miss all of you next class. I especially want to congratulate Jesse James, '' she turned to James, who was clearly basking in the glory, `` You have done an great job this solid year. Coming in as searcher, right after slip Lupin, who was one of the near Seekers this house has ever had. That, and being expected to subsist up to your dad 's reputation. well, all I can say is you have lived up to that prospect. And I think you are definitely going to rival Teddy as far as seeking science goes- ''

`` Ah, Samantha ! '' Teddy came bursting back into the common room, `` Am I missing you rambling on about my brilliance on the Quidditch pitch ? ``

`` Actually, no, Teddy, '' Samantha laughed, `` I was just saying how James could give you a run for your money when it comes to seeking. ``

`` wellspring, that 's no surprisal, since it was Yours Truly who trained him, '' teddy joked.

`` Oh, shut it, shift ! '' Samantha replied.

`` And I get no credit at all ? '' Harry had come into the uncouth room and was standing behind Teddy.

`` Harry ! '' Teddy turned around, grinning, `` Glad you could derive to the party ! I 've just gotten back from getting supply. ``

`` Good, '' Samantha grinned, grabbing one of the udder and pulling out Butterbeers, `` Then let 's get this party started ! ``

The party proceeded much like the one following the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match had, only even more boisterous. Teddy had not only bought stuff from Honeydukes, but from Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes as well. shift treated everyone to a display of Everlasting Fireworks, which took the figure of Gryffindor king of beasts, canary, and broomstick. Albus and his friends quite enjoyed it, and they also played cycle after round of Exploding Snap. Just like the previous party, no one left for dinner. teddy bear had bought enough intellectual nourishment that no one needed to. Even Harry stayed well into the evening.

`` You know, Rose, '' John said after what must own been their tenth secret plan of Exploding Snap, `` I do n't think I 've ever seen you without a leger before. ``

Albus looked over at Rose, who was indeed without any sort of book. `` Well, examination are over now, '' rose wine laughed, `` I do strike a break from studying every once and a while. ``

`` It 's just kind of shocking, '' whoremonger grinned, `` move up without a book. ``

`` Do n't interest, '' Albus laughed, `` I guarantee you she 'll be back to studying within two hebdomad of going back rest home. ``

`` Oh, shut it, Albus, '' pink wine grinned.

`` Hey, guy rope, '' James was standing succeeding to their table, his smile still as big as when he first came into the room.

`` Oh, hi, St. James the Apostle ! '' Albus replied, `` congratulation on the match ! You did brilliantly. ``

`` Yeah, it was amazing ! '' King John agreed.

`` Great job ! '' Amanda said.

`` It was smashing !, '' Rose said.

`` Thanks, '' James replied, `` You 're trying out side by side yr, right Albus ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely, '' Albus answered, `` But I do n't get laid if I 'll make it. I mean, the lonesome attitude give will be Samantha 's. ``

`` I 'm sure you 'll pass water it, '' Saint James the Apostle assured him, `` You 're a expectant Chaser. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said quietly, his impudence turning a bit crimson.

`` Great party, huh ? '' James said, `` But where 's Matt ? ``

`` He, er, does n't find effective. He 's in the dormitory, quiescence, '' Albus answered.

`` Oh, I hope he feels better soon. He did n't look too upright this dawn, '' James IV responded, `` Well, I 'd better get back to the team. See you later. ``

Albus waved as James left and was absorbed back into the huge crowd in the room. It seemed as if every Gryffindor was in the commons room. With Harry and chemise there as well, there was hardly room to motivate. Albus kind of liked it though. He was n't a huge fan of gravid gang of citizenry, but as long as everyone was n't focusing on him, he was ok with it. And now, the attention was definitely on Epistle of James and the residue of the Quidditch team. Albus glanced around the room and saw that the entire team was right at the pith of things, along with Teddy and Harry.

`` Oh, hi, mat, '' Rose said quietly. Albus turned his head away from the Quidditch team and saw that lustrelessness had come down from the dorm. He was leaning on the table and looking very tired.

`` Hi, '' he mumbled quietly, `` I 've got to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, probably. ``

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' Albus agreed. During the past few months, Albus and the others had started visiting lustrelessness the day after every full moon. Ever since the first fourth dimension they had done that, lustrelessness had started getting more and more well-to-do with the idea of his friends seeing him so soon after a transmutation. But Albus and the others had not visited him so early in the morn since. They now visited in the latterly good afternoon, after class were done for the day.

`` Want me to go with you ? '' John Lackland asked.

`` No, it 's ok, Amy 's going to, '' matt replied

`` prepare ? '' Amy appeared next to Matt.

`` Yeah, I guess, let 's go, '' lusterlessness turned and started to walk towards the portrait hole. Amy followed closely behind.

`` Last one here, until Sep, '' Rose commented after they 'd left.

`` Wonder what it 's like at home ? '' St. John mused.

`` Dunno, but I do n't think we should ask, '' Albus said quietly.

`` No, probably not, '' whoremaster agreed.

Albus and his friends stayed up late into the night, playing games of Bromus secalinus and Exploding Snap. Harry spent near of the even in the common room, but he left around 9 pm. However, the company continued well into the wee hours of the morning. It probably would receive lasted much longer, but Neville came in around 1 am, and told them they had to go to bed. Apparently, the haphazardness had carried into early constituent of the castle and some of the other prof wanted to get some sleep. After Neville left, Albus dragged himself up to his dormitory. He was completely exhausted from staying up so latterly and fell asleep the moment his promontory hit the pillow.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my brother. Thanks also to BKL8008, inkheart, Moonylupin, and XDNLxtlz99 for their critique ! There are only a few chapters left in this story, just to let everyone know.

Chapter 38 : Graduation

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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`` May I have your attention, please, '' Professor Kendrick stood up and announced at the End of Year banquet the a couple 24-hour interval later. Albus stopped talking to Gospel According to John and turned to face the Headmaster.

`` Thank you, '' Kendrick continued once the Great Hall was placid, `` What a year, what a class. It is firmly to believe that it is now June. The twelvemonth has ended with quite a blow. I know that you all know by now what transpired on the curtilage this past calendar week. ``

Albus glanced around at his fellow educatee and saw that they were all turning to gaze at him. He sunk down in his seat a little bit and tried to fend off their gaze.

`` I want to assure you all that the Aurors are looking for both prof Washburn and Jarett Willinson, as well as Quinton Willinson. Whether this was an sequestrate attack, I am not for certain. But whether there are more attacks to come or not, I am sure we will all stand strong, and stand as one. Whatever is coming, we will deal with it. We have dealt with evil in the past times and chances are we will get by with it in the future. '' Professor Kendrick paused and looked out at his students. Everyone had returned their gaze to him, and were no longer staring at Albus and his friends.

`` Now, onto lighter matters. I have a few proclamation, then the House Cup needs awarding. get-go, O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. results will be mailed partway through the summer, as usual. Second, the graduation observance will take up place tomorrow, at ten o'clock. And lastly, as usual, I must remind you of the fact that using magic is prohibited while you are not in schooling over the summer.

`` And now, the theatre Cup. In hold up blank space, Hufflepuff with 376 points. '' Kendrick announced. Albus clapped politely along with everyone else in the Hall. `` succeeding, Gryffindor with 413 points. '' Albus groaned, as did everyone else sitting at the Gryffindor table. No doubt that the many points Washburn took from all of them helped assure that they did not get the house Cup. `` In second place, with 452 stage, Slytherin. '' There was a bit more polite applause, but none of it from the Gryffindor table. `` And in first place, Ravenclaw with 563 spot ! congratulation, Ravenclaw ! '' Kendrick waved his wand and the decorations transformed from their usual Hogwarts colours into the Ravenclaw blue.

Albus clapped his handwriting, while looking glumly at his plate. Oh, well, there was always next year. At least they 'd gotten the Quidditch Cup.

`` I think that is all that needs to be announced, '' Kendrick said once the applause died down, `` And with that, enjoy the feast ! '' Kendrick waved his sceptre once again and food for thought appeared on all the plates.

`` We 'll win it adjacent twelvemonth, '' St. John the Apostle announced as he heaped his plate high with chicken, `` But you know what, I 'm going to miss this food over the summer .... ''

`` 'Course we 'll win it next twelvemonth, '' Albus agreed, `` Washburn wo n't be here anymore to take off unfair points. ``

`` You do n't sleep with who Kendrick 'll get to replace him, though, '' Rose warned.

`` commodity point, '' Matt said as he buttered a piece of pelf. He was still recovering from the wax moon and was n't that hungry. Normally, he would n't even be out of the Hospital backstage yet, but he had convinced Madam Pomfrey to let him attend the feast. `` Do you know if your dad will be teaching pa again succeeding year ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it before, but Harry had come to learn pa at a moment 's notice, and maybe Kendrick really did n't have time to get anyone else. But now he 'd have the unit summer.

`` hope he does, '' lustrelessness replied, `` Otherwise, we 'll be getting two new instructor, and what are the probability that both of them will be prissy ? ``

`` Not gamy, '' rosiness said. `` I like having Uncle Harry teach here. I hope he comes back. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed. john and Amanda nodded.

`` Just hope our following magic spell instructor is overnice, '' Amanda said, `` Of course, it wo n't take much, will it ? ``

`` Nope, '' Rose replied, `` Wo n't ask much at all. ``

******

Albus awoke the next sunrise with just enough time to enamour a promptly breakfast in the Great Hall before making his way to the evidence for the graduation.

`` We 'll see you after, when we 're getting on the train, '' Rose said to John and Amanda as she got up from the table.

`` Bye, '' John mumbled, his mouth broad of toast.

`` have fun, '' Amanda waved.

Albus and Matt waved as they followed Rose out of the room. `` Good matter it 's sunny today, '' Albus commented, `` Remember Teddy 's ? Last year ? ``

Rose laughed, `` Oh, yeah, how could I blank out that ? ``

`` What happened ? '' Matt asked.

`` Worst electrical storm of the unanimous year, '' Albus grinned, `` It 's funny looking back on it, but it was n't then. We got soaked, despite the collapsible shelter Kendrick put up. Not to bring up the hint, roar, and lightning. Scared Lily out of her brain. Mum had to take her into the castle partway through. ``

`` sword lily it 's not like that this year, '' lusterlessness agreed. The three of them walked onto the grounds and over towards the chair that had been set up by the lake. people were already milling about and finding seats. Albus spotted his parents, grandparents, aunty, uncles, and cousin-german, all taking up practically half the keister.

`` There 's my mum and dad, '' Matt pointed to two people sitting down near where Albus 's auntie Fleur and Uncle Bill were, `` Want to meet them ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and Rose nodded.

Matt started walking towards them, but once they noticed him, they came running towards the three of them and met them halfway. `` Oh, St. Matthew the Apostle ! How are you ? Are you feeling ok ? '' A tall blond char with an Australian accent enveloped Matt in a tight hug.

`` Mum ! '' matte said, his cheek turning red, `` I 'm hunky-dory ! Really, I am. ``

`` Are you sure ? You look a bit picket. Did you sleep well last Nox ? '' the blond adult female asked anxiously, with her arms still wrapped around her son.

`` I 'm sure ! I slept all right, really, '' Matt assured her.

`` Julie, I think he 's fine. '' The man, who Albus guessed was mat 's dad, pulled the fair sex off of Matt. He also had an Australian accent and was tall, with graying hair.

`` Oh, all rightfield, '' the fair sex sighed, `` I just worry. ``

`` I know, so do I, '' the man said quietly, then turned to Matt, `` How was the end of terminal figure ? ``

`` Great, really. Well, with the exception of what happened with Washburn, '' Matt told them.

`` And you wonder why I worry so a good deal, '' the womanhood said to the man, `` I 'm glad everything else was fine. ``

`` Oh, these are my friends, '' lustrelessness gestured to Albus and Rose, `` Well, two of them anyway. Albus Potter and Rose Weasley. They 're both Victoire 's cousins, like I told you in my letters. Albus, Rose, this is my mum and dad. ``

`` Pleased to get together you, '' rose wine smiled and shook their hands.

`` Hi, '' Albus shook their custody after Rose.

`` hello, dears, '' the woman gave them a warm up smile.

`` So you 're the single who set off fireworks in Professor Washburn 's stratum ? '' Mr. Eckerton asked.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus answered nervously.

lusterlessness 's dad just laughed, `` That sounds like something I 'd have done in school. Of line, I did flock of other stuff .... '' Mrs. Eckerton gave him a stern look. `` Not that I 'm saying you should pull pranks like that, of course. You should act yourself in school, son, '' Mr. Eckerton said quickly to Matt.

Albus stifled a jest and noticed his own parents, followed by his Uncle Ron and aunt Hermione walking over towards him. `` Hi, Mum and Dad ! ``

blush wine grinned and greeted her parents as well, `` Hello, Mum, Dad. ``

`` Albus ! '' Ginny let go of Lily 's hand and wrapped her son in a big hug.

`` Hi, Mum, '' Albus replied and rolled his eyes and Ginny finally let him go. He looked over and saw that rose 's parents were doing the Lapp affair with her.

Albus gestured to Matt and his parents, `` This is our acquaintance, Matt. wellspring, you already know him, Dad, '' Albus laughed, `` But anyway, these are his parents. And matt, Mr. Eckerton, Mrs Eckerton, those are my parents, and my Uncle Ron and aunt Hermione, who are rose 's parents. And my short sister Lily and Rose 's little brother, Hugo. ''

`` Nice to meet you, '' flatness 's dad stuck out his hand. `` Bruno Walter Eckerton. And my married woman, Julie. '' The adults spent a few instant exchanging helping hand shakes and pleasantries, while Albus and blush wine introduced matt to Lily and Hugo.

`` How 'd you get those excision ? '' Hugo asked lusterlessness loudly, gesturing to the partially healed cuts on lustrelessness 's arm. Since the wax moon was only a couple mean solar day ago, they still had n't completely healed. `` Didja get 'em from that duel with Professor Washburn ? '' Hugo said excitedly, `` 'Cause that was awful. compliments I 'd been there. I woulda blasted him all the way from here to Hagrid 's Hut ! ``

`` Er, yeah, they 're from the affaire d'honneur, '' lustrelessness replied quickly.

`` Wicked ! '' Hugo grinned. `` Ca n't wait until I can do here. ``

`` Just another year, Hugo, '' Albus smiled at his first cousin. `` But do n't calculate on getting to duel with vicious instructor. I 'd rather not take in had to do that. ``

`` Me and Lily acted out the duel, did n't we, Lily ? '' Hugo told them. Lily nodded her head. Hugo continued, `` I got to be Washburn, only I won. Lily ran away. ``

`` Did not ! '' Lily shouted.

`` Did too ! '' Hugo shouted back.

`` Kids, calm down, '' Ginny said sternly.

`` Mum, can lustrelessness come arrest with us over the summer ? John, too, but he 's in the castle. They can come for mine and Rose 's birthday party, '' Albus asked.

`` I do n't see why not, '' Ginny smiled, `` As long as it 's ok with his parents. ``

`` Can I go stay with Albus ? '' Matt asked his parents, `` Please ? ``

`` I do n't love ... '' Mrs Eckerton looked worriedly at her husband.

Mr. Eckerton glanced at his married woman and replied, `` We 'll have to think about it. ``

`` Oh, occur on ! Please ? '' lusterlessness pleaded, `` I 'll be fine. Albus even said they 'd have the party at, a, good time. ``

Harry seemed to catch onto what the Eckertons were worried about and gave them a meaningful gaze, `` I understand your worry, but I 'm for sure Matt will be fine if he stays with us for a few daylight. And we will schedule the party at a good clip. ``

The Eckertons still did n't appear convinced, but lusterlessness 's dad said, `` He probably will, but I 'd still care to talk it over with Julie. We 'll get back to you, all right ? ``

`` That 's ok, '' Harry replied.

Matt groaned, `` You worry too often. ``

`` Sometimes we have to worry, '' Matt 's mum told him, `` You know that. ``

`` I know, '' matte sighed.

`` I think the ceremony 's starting now, '' Harry announced. `` We 'll be in affect with the details of the party. ``

`` phone good, '' Mrs. Eckerton replied.

`` See you after, lusterlessness, '' Albus waved. He and rosiness followed their kin to the chairwoman that were set up on the lawn. Albus sat down in between rose wine and Harry and waited for the ceremony to begin.

There was a expectant stage set up in front of the president, with a grandiloquent ambo embossed with the Hogwarts crown. next to the podium was a table piled with Hogwarts diploma. All the 7th years sat in the first few rows of chairs, dressed in their blackness Hogwarts gown and a champion 's hat.

After a few minutes, in which everyone who had been milling around and talking came and sat down, prof Kendrick strode up to the podium and began to speak. `` Welcome, supporter and syndicate, to the graduation ceremony of the Hogwarts Class of 2017. I remember the beginning meter these students stepped infantry into Hogwarts. Many were excited and just as many were scared and nervous. Some thought they knew all of Hogwarts 's closed book, and others hardly knew anything about the Wizarding cosmos at all. But that did not issue. Because now, they all stand as one, equally educate to deal on the populace around them. I believe that great things will occur to the people in this course of study and that they will do great thing.

`` This division is a especial one to me. Every class at Hogwarts is limited, but the year I became schoolmaster was the year this social class came to Hogwarts. I think that I was just as anxious as they were, if not more so. '' Kendrick paused as the audience laughed. `` And I remember each one of their sortings. I remember Tyler Pike tripping over his own feet as he made his way to the stool. He 's certainly occur a retentive way from that, becoming headwaiter of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. I also remember Olivia Kaden 's smile as she was sorted into Hufflepuff and ran to get together her sister at that table. And who could leave the cheap shout of glee from chemise lupin as Victoire Weasley was sorted into Gryffindor. ``

Professor Kendrick continued his speech for another ten second. After he was done, each of the caput of household went up to the stump and gave a words as well. Albus liked Neville 's speech the scoop. He talked about how proud he was of each and every Gryffindor that was graduating that day, and what made them special. Albus found it a bit difficult to pay attention to professor Patil 's delivery about the Ravenclaws because she used such big words that Albus hardly knew what she was saying. He assumed it all meant that Professor Patil knew that all the Ravenclaws would roll up making keen contributions to the Wizarding World in the find of versatile things. Professor Polo gave a good speech about the Hufflepuffs, and then Slughorn gave one, but it did n't rivet much on the Slytherins. His delivery mainly consisted of itemization who he had taught at Hogwarts, and how celebrated they are now. He spent a adept portion of it talking about how he had taught Harry. Albus saw his dad face as Slughorn mentioned what a howling potions brewer he had been. Albus had to repress a gag at that, because he knew the report of Snape 's potions book and how Harry had wound up with it in his sixth year.

professor Kendrick took the podium once Slughorn had finished, `` Thank you, prof Longbottom, Patil, Polo, and Slughorn. Now, two spectacular pupil shall utter on behalf of their grade. number one, psyche Boy Tyler Pike. And then, Head female child Victoire Weasley. ``

Tyler state highway took the podium and began his speech. It was a long-winded speech full moon of more words Albus did n't understand, much like prof Patil 's had been. mustiness be a Ravenclaw thing, he thought. Albus glanced at Rose and noticed she was paying ecstatic aid. Maybe she should take been in Ravenclaw.

Once Tyler concluded his speech, Victoire stepped up to the podium. She waited for the crowd to bar their applause for Tyler 's oral communication and then she began. `` Wow, what a crazy seven years it 's been ! '' she paused and smiled at the audience. `` I remember our first day here. I was scared, we were all scared. short circuit first-class honours degree yr, lost in a sea of older students, and now we 're at the top. Over the past seven age we have not only set about an educational activity that will serve us throughout our entire liveliness, but we have forged friendships and memory board that will hold up a lifetime. Memories. In the end, that 's all we 've got. I know I speak for us all in saying that the retentivity we 've made here at Hogwarts are some of the best we have. It has n't always been easy and not all the store are good ones. We 've all lost the sign Cup at least once in the past seven year, we 've lost Quidditch match, failed tests, and had combat with friends. But now is n't the time to consist on those retentiveness. Right now we should remember the good prison term. The clip we did win the House Cup, the spectacular winnings in Quidditch, the exam we 've aced, and the fact that our friendships are firm enough to withstand a few rows.

`` I 'm surely we all have mixed flavor about leaving Hogwarts. I know I do. This rook has been our home away from home for the past seven age. A good helping of our lives have been spent here. It will be sad to leave Hogwarts behind, but this moment is what we 've been working towards ever since we stepped off the geartrain when we were 11. Hogwarts has prepared us, not only academically, but socially, for the world before us. We are quick, we can go into the world and crap something of ourselves. When you look out at the class behind me, do n't just reckon at us as the Hogwarts grade of 2017. Look at us as the future therapist, Aurors, researchers, and who knows, maybe even the hereafter Minister of conjuring trick. So, in finish, we are ready to face the world. Whatever it has in memory for us, we will be able to charter it on. Using our dissimilar natural endowment, we as a mathematical group will be able to take whatever the existence has to throw at us. ''

The audience broke out into brassy applause. Albus clapped along with them. He thought Victoire 's speech had been much better than Tyler 's and judging by the applause, everyone else thought so, too. The applause died down as Victoire went back to her seat and Kendrick took up the soapbox once again.

`` Thank you, Tyler and Victoire, '' he nodded his caput in their direction, `` Now it is clip to present the diplomas. '' Kendrick waved his scepter and the podium moved to the incline, while the table with the diplomas moved to the center of the stage. The four heads of theatre got up and stood next to the tabular array. Kendrick stood on the former side of meat and picked up the first diploma. `` Katelyn Isabelle Asterly, '' he called out.

A tall, red haired Hufflepuff stood up and walked over to the headmaster. She took her sheepskin and shook Kendrick 's helping hand. Then she shook all the headland of household'hands and walked off the stage. She walked the short distance to the lake. Albus watched her and noticed that Hagrid was standing there. The sauceboat they had crossed the lake on earlier in the twelvemonth were sitting on the calm water.

The master continued to shout out off names. Albus recognized a few of them, but well-nigh of them were people he had just seen occasionally.

`` Amy Marie Eckerton, '' Kendrick called out a short while later. Albus and Rose clapped loudly as Matt 's Sister accepted her diploma and walked over to the growing group of one-seventh age near the lake.

Albus watched as Kendrick called out more names. He recognized the two Slytherins that had hexed him earlier in the class. Neither he or Rose clapped for them. They politely clapped for everyone else. Albus also recognized the Quidditch captain, Samantha Meyers and clapped a bit louder for her.

The crowd of 7th years on the stage diminished until there were only two left. `` Victoire Fleur Weasley, '' Kendrick announced. Albus and Rose clapped louder than they had for anyone else as their cousin shook Kendrick 's deal. Albus heard Teddy whistle and give a forte call of 'Go Victoire !'as she shook Neville 's helping hand. professor Patil shot him a stern look and he quieted down. Albus had to stifle a gag. Even after you graduate, you still have to listen to the professors, he thought.

`` Cameron Alexander Zabino, '' Kendrick called once Victoire had crossed the microscope stage. A husky looking Slytherin accepted his diploma and joined his social class by the lake.

Kendrick waved his baton and the table disappeared. The podium moved back to the center of attention of the stage and Kendrick stood behind it. `` In the by seven years, the students in this socio-economic class have learned a groovy deal about illusion and life in general. These skills will help oneself them as they pursue the life history and dream of their choosing. It is fourth dimension for them to travel from Hogwarts, on the same boats they arrived her on seven years ago. The inaugural prison term they crossed this lake, they were both excited and scared about what Hogwarts had in store for them. As they cross the lake once more, they are more confident, but still excited and a bit scared about what the existence has in store for them. I know I speak for us all when I say I 'm certainly they will do not bad things. ''

Kendrick nodded his head teacher towards the group of seventh age. The student climbed into the gravy holder and Hagrid got into the one in front. He brandished his pink umbrella and bellowed, `` Forward ! '' The boat all started moving, taking the seventh years away from Hogwarts and towards the new adventures that awaited them as adults.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other sister, and my blood brother. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, ladymblack, sinwillys822, and XDNLxtlz99 for their recapitulation !

Also, if anyone picked up on the fact that this took plaza in 2016/2017, whereas the Harry potter Lexicon indicates that Albus 's first year would have been 2017/2018, I figured out the dates differently than the Lexicon did. I used Victoire 's birthday ( May 2, 1999 ) and figured out that her 7th year would hvae been 2016/2017. I know the Lexicon figured it out differently, but I 'm sticking with my own calculations.

There 's only one chapter left ! I 'll post it future week and then look for the continuation, which I 'll put up sometime after Christmas !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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The audience stood up and applauded as the boats left. A few hoi polloi cheered and whistled. Albus could hear Teddy 's cheering over everyone else 's. After a few proceedings, mass started to leave.

Albus and blush wine said a quick sayonara to their families before heading off to the horseless carriages that would adopt them to Hogsmeade place. They got into a pushchair with Matt and the pram lurched forwards to get hold of them to the train.

`` john and Amanda must already be on, '' Albus said as they walked down the corridor in the train.

`` Probably, we 're some of the finis one on, '' rose wine pointed out. They continued to look into the compartments before they found the one that their booster were in.

`` How was the graduation ? '' John asked once the compartment doorway was shut once again.

`` Really good, '' rosiness said.

`` Yeah, teddy kept shouting and whistling and prof Patil was glaring at him, '' Albus laughed.

`` And Victoire 's voice communication was really expert, '' lustrelessness told them, `` Much intimately than Tyler freeway 's speech. ``

`` I could hardly understand a word of it, '' Albus commented.

`` I thought it was a safe speech, '' rosiness responded, `` It was all about how the class needs to use their gift and acquirement to further overture the Wizarding man. ``

`` Well, he could have just said that, '' Albus huffed, `` He did n't have to make it so bloody confusing. ``

`` I got told off by him once, I could n't understand anything he was telling me, '' John laughed.

`` He 's just got a big mental lexicon, '' Rose insisted, `` Anyway, the commencement ceremony was really full. ``

`` Yeah, but it 'll be Wyrd next year when Victoire 's gone. She 's starting education to be a healer succeeding year, '' Albus told them and turned to Matt, `` What 's Amy doing ? ``

`` She 's going to be a Healer, too, '' matte told them, `` She 's going to work with therapist Sterling this summer, actually. She, er, wants to get involved with the study I 'm in and stuff. ``

`` Oh, is that the Healer who 's in explosive charge of it ? He 's the one who Albus saw in the Hospital Wing a couple months ago ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah, '' Matt told them, `` Amy 's wanted to be a healer and work on the Aconitum lycoctonum Potion ever since she saw me after the full synodic month for the offset metre, '' he said quietly.

`` That 's good, '' Amanda said, `` Maybe she 'll actually find a cure. ``

`` Maybe, but probably not, '' matt replied sullenly.

`` So, what are you doing in Ireland, Amanda ? '' Rose asked after a moment of inapt silence.

`` Mainly just sight seeing and poppycock, '' Amanda answered, `` It 's going to be really fun. I 've always wanted to go there. ``

`` There 's all kinds of chronicle there, '' blush wine told her, `` There 's a bunch of wizarding villages there, too. I 'd eff to go and visit them. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I think we 're sticking with the Muggle stuff. ``

`` Oh, right hand, '' rosebush said, `` Well, if I ever go to Ireland, you can fall with me and we 'll reckon around all the wizarding villages. ``

`` I wish I was going to Republic of Ireland over the summer, '' lavatory announced, `` We 're not doing anything. Just staying home. ``

`` Us, too, '' Albus said, `` hold up yr we went to France. ``

`` That was loads of fun ! '' Rose grinned, `` I want to go back. ``

`` The funniest voice was watching James try and address French to all the French people, '' Albus laughed. `` But this year we 're just staying home. ``

`` We never go anywhere, '' lusterlessness told them. `` Well, we did go see my uncle in America a couple years ago. I was eight. But we have n't been back since. It 's really expensive to bait on Muggle aeroplane, and we always go to Australia every Christmas, '' he sighed. `` I 'd rather just claver my uncle than my grandparents. ``

`` I 've never been to America, '' John told him, `` What 's it like ? ``

`` Different. The Muggles drive on the wrong English of the road, '' lusterlessness said, `` But it was loads of fun when we went. I think we might be going next class. ``

`` wellspring, you can all derive visit me and Rose for a picayune while, '' Albus told them, `` We usually have our natal day political party at the Burrow, but you can issue forth stay at my house before it. ``

`` That would be awesome ! '' John the Divine grinned, `` I 'll just Floo to your spot. ``

`` Yeah, that would play, '' Albus agreed, `` And hopefully your parents will let you come, Matt. ``

`` I think they will, '' matt responded, `` But we 're not connected to the Floo network. ``

`` You 're not ? '' Albus asked, `` Why ? ``

`` Basically, because of what happened in Australia with the Ministry and everyone finding out about me. My parents just want to lay low here, and if we 're not on the Network, that 's one to a lesser extent way of the Ministry tracking us down. Of course of action, my dad works for the Ministry, so I 'm not exactly sure what my parents'logic is. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus said, `` Do you just Apparate everywhere ? ``

`` Pretty a great deal. Well, I Side-Along Apparate, of course. But that works to get where we 're going. My parents will just Apparate me to your family, '' matte told them.

`` That 'll work. ``

`` And you can make out stay at my house, '' Rose told Amanda.

`` Ok, but I ca n't do any form of Apparition or Floo, '' Amanda said.

`` It 's all right, my parents can get. We 'll come get you, '' Rose assured her.

`` Great. I ca n't wait to see your house. I bet it 's a lot dissimilar from mine. I 've never been in a wizard house before, '' Amanda said.

`` So, is your wholly family going to be at the burrow ? '' John asked.

`` Pretty lots. We usually have a few parties there during the summer. A few of our cousin have summer birthdays, too, so there are a few other birthday parties. Rose and me always have a shared one, though, since we 're the same age. Samantha and Lindy 's birthday is in the kickoff of July, so they get a political party. Fred, Thomas Bradley, and Gabriella are all born in August, like rosiness, so they all have parties, too. But theirs are usually at their own firm. Then there 's the end of summer party, that 's always at the end of Aug, '' Albus told him.

`` Excellent. There 'll be some awesome Quidditch matches, then ! '' John grinned.

`` Oh, yeah, Quidditch can get pretty exciting during the summer, '' Albus responded, `` There 's usually so many people that we can get a real tournament going. ``

`` That 'll be loads of fun, then. And my dad said he 'd get me a broom this year, '' Saint John the Apostle told them.

`` Great ! You can take it with you. I 'm asking for one for my birthday, '' Albus said.

`` I 've got a broom at nursing home, '' Matt said, `` I 'll wreak it, too. ``

`` I obviously do n't have one, '' Amanda sighed, `` Maybe I can win over my parents to get me one, but I doubt it. As much as they 've grown accustomed to magic, the idea of flying still gross out them out. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Rose said, `` There are plenty of brooms in our kinfolk, someone will let you adopt theirs. ``

`` Speaking of Quidditch, I think the Chudley shank are going to make a substantial come-back next season, '' matte grinned.

`` Ugh ! '' Albus groaned, `` You 're kidding, right ? There 's no way they could ever piddle a come back ! ``

`` Yeah they can ! '' lusterlessness insisted, `` And someday, they 'll make it to the conference Cup and I 'll go and subscribe them ! ``

`` The day the Chudley cannon make it to the conference Cup is the day Gryffindors and Slytherins get along, '' John laughed.

`` You 'll see, they 'll get to the League Cup. And then they 'll win it ! '' Matt said excitedly, `` I want to go to the next one, even if the carom are n't in it, though. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've been to the humankind Cup once, '' Matt went on, `` When I was four. I can hardly remember it, but Amy says we had really good hind end. It was in Commonwealth of Australia, I think it 's one of the only times it 's been there. It was the New Seeland Kiwis versus Anatole France. France won. ``

`` That must have got been awing, '' John the Evangelist grinned.

`` Yeah, I 've been to steady mates, but not the Earth Cup, '' Albus said.

`` fountainhead, I hardly remember any of it. I mostly remember France 's celebrating afterwards, '' flatness said, `` Just like I 'll be celebrating when the cannon win. ``

Everyone else groaned. The group kept talking about Quidditch for a patch, and they all agreed that they wanted to go to the next Cup. No one knew where it would be, but they wanted to go even if it was far away.

Once they 'd exhausted the topic of Quidditch, they played a couple rhythm of Wizard 's cheat and Exploding Snap. pink wine won all the plot of chess and while they each won at least one rhythm of Exploding snatch, rose won nearly of them as well. When the tram came around, they bought a bit of everything and had fun eating Bertie Botts Beans and trading Chocolate Frog calling card. Albus had most of the calling card by now, but he was still did n't possess McGonagall.

Towards the end of the head trip, everyone quieted down a bit. grow dug out a book and started reading, Amanda doodled on a firearm of parchment, trick and Albus started up the Quidditch word again, and Matt fell asleep. Albus and John were just beginning to discuss the luck of Puddlemere United making it into the next league Cup when the compartment door opened. Victoire and Amy walked into the compartment, both sporting immense grins.

`` So, how 's it find to have graduated ? '' Rose asked, putting down here book.

`` Brilliant ! '' Victoire said, `` We 've been celebrating with everyone else, but thought we 'd come see you. What have you been up to ? ``

`` Not much, just talking about Quidditch, '' Albus said.

Victoire sat down next to rose and Amy sat down adjacent to her sleeping blood brother. `` Of course. That 's one thing I 'll definitely miss next year, '' Victoire sighed, `` I 've never been very good at Quidditch, but I love watching it. ``

`` You can come back to watch, '' Albus told her, `` You 've got to. I 'm going to try out for Chaser next year and if I make it, I want you to come to the peer. ``

`` I will, at least some of them, '' Victoire assured him, `` But I 'll be pretty busy next class. therapist training is pretty intense. ``

`` You 'll be good at it, though, '' Rose said, `` Both of you will be. ``

`` I hope so, '' Amy said quietly as she looked at Matt, `` It 'd be heavy to discover a serious rendering of that potion .... ''

`` If anyone can do it, you can, '' Victoire told her, `` You 've always been the substantially at Potions in our year. I 've just barely squeaked by. I really hope I got at least an E on my N.E.W.T. If not, I ca n't get a Healer. ``

Amy blushed, `` Well, I 'm not that great at it. I 'm sure you got an E on your N.E.W.T. ``

`` Where do you train to be a healer ? '' Amanda asked, `` Is there a university or something ? ``

`` There are some classes, of form, but it 's not like a Muggle university. And there 's less schooling than Muggle doctors need. We do a pair years of course of study and interning at St. Mungo 's, '' Amy told her.

`` Yeah, we 're going to get a matte in Greater London sometime this summer and split the split during the education, '' Victoire added.

`` Can I go visit you ? I want to see your monotone, '' Albus asked.

Victoire laughed, `` Of course you can. ``

Amy stretched her branch and got up, `` Well, we 're almost there, so I think I 'll go get my stuff cook. You coming, Victoire ? ``

`` Sure, we could probably get in a bit more observe before we 're in British capital, '' Victoire grinned. `` See you guys in a little spell. ``

Albus waved as his full cousin and Amy left the compartment. The end of the journey was uneventful. Albus played another round of golf of Exploding Snap with John and Amanda and then he dozed off for a bit. The next matter he knew, John was shaking him awake when they were in London. Albus yawned and started putting all his things back in his bag. He joined the bunch of students heading out of the railroad train and walked onto the platform with his friends.

`` There 's my parents, '' mat pointed to the left and Albus saw the Eckertons talking to his Uncle neb and aunty Fleur, `` I guess I 'll probably see you guys this summer, if my parents let me come. ``

`` They will, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` They 'd better, '' John laughed.

`` I hope so, '' mat responded quietly, `` Well, I 'll let you know if I can, Albus. See you soon, I hope. ``

`` Definitely, this summer will be awe-inspiring ! '' Albus grinned, `` Bye, Matt ! '' John, Rose, and Amanda all said goodbye as well.

`` Bye, guys ! '' Matt waved and walked over to his parents. Albus watched as Mrs Eckerton pulled him into a fuddled hug. She reminded Albus a lot of his grandmother.

`` You should find your parents so they can meet ours, '' Albus told John and Amanda.

`` Good estimate, '' Gospel According to John looked out among the bunch, `` Oh, they 're over there. Hey, Mum ! Dad ! '' he shouted.

A man and woman walked over to John, the charwoman shaking her head and the man laughing. Three lilliputian female child followed them. `` mustiness you be so loud, dear ? '' the woman asked.

`` Mum, what a way to recognise me after you have n't seen me in calendar month, '' King John grinned.

`` Oh, total here, Johnny Reb, '' the woman smiled and wrapped John in a hug.

`` Mum ! '' John 's cheeks reddened and he pulled away. `` Hi, Dad. ``

`` how-do-you-do, John, how was the relief of term ? ''

`` Great ! ``

`` Albus ! rosiness ! '' Harry said from behind Albus.

Albus turned around, `` Hey, Dad ! Hi, Mum, Lily, Victor Hugo, Aunt Hermione, Uncle Ron. '' Albus and Rose exchanged greetings with their parents and sibling while Saint John continued to tell his parents about school. Lily and Victor Hugo seemed to hit it off with one of John the Divine 's sisters and they were running around the platform, trying to get each other to eat the disgusting flavour of Bertie Bott's.

Amanda had meanwhile found her parents and brought them over to the group. They both looked a bit uncomfortable among all the witches and wizards, but seemed to desire to meet Albus and the others.

Rose seemed to take electric charge of all the introductions. `` Ok, Mum, Dad. These are mine and Albus 's Quaker, St. John the Apostle and Amanda. '' The next few minutes were spent with all the adults shaking workforce and introducing themselves. rosebush and Albus told John and Amanda 's parents about their birthday party and it seemed like both John and Amanda would be able to go. After a few bit of discussing details, John, Amanda, and their families said adieu to the potter and the Weasleys and headed back into London.

`` Ready to go, St. James the Apostle ? '' Harry shouted to his oldest son who was standing a few beat away, talking to Nathan.

`` Yeah, Dad, just a instant, '' James shouted back. He said something else to Nathan and then walked over to his family.

Albus and the rest of the Potters walked back out of the place with rose wine and her crime syndicate. Albus was tired from the journeying home and did not say much. He was thinking about the yesteryear year. It had been great. Sure, the whole altercation with Washburn had been scarey, but that was over now, and his dad was taking attention of that at the Ministry. He was happy he had made a few good friends and was very gladiolus that matt trusted them with his mystery. Albus was looking forward to the summer and having Saint John and matt visit him at Grimmauld Place, but in all money plant, he was looking forward about going back in September. He had only been at Hogwarts for a twelvemonth, but it already felt like a bit home to Albus.


~Fin~


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A/N : Well, there it is, the last chapter ! It 's a bittersweet mo to finish posting this here. I 've been working on this story for over a year, and even though I finished it last April, I 've been editing it as I 've posted it here.

Thanks go out to my wonderful beta and youngest baby, Dancer of Starlight. She 's been reading this and betaing it ever since I started writing it in September of 2007. I 've bounced ideas off of her and she tells me whether they 're soundly or they 're dreadful. My early sister and my brother have also been extremely helpful. Thanks to them as well !

Thanks as well to all my close reader. XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Moonylupin, and ginnyweasleypotter87, you guys are awesome !

Albus 's taradiddle is far from over, though ! Be on the sentinel for the subsequence, Albus ceramist and the Tracks They Left rump, sometime shortly after Yuletide ! It chronicles Albus 's second yr at Hogwarts and is filled with new fictitious character and patch ! It is completely finished, so updates will be on a veritable basis. I 'm currently working on the unknown story of Albus 's third year.

I 'll leave alone you with that rather long bit of author 's Federal Reserve note. I hope everyone has a Happy Chanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Other vacation !