Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Matt did n't return to the common elbow room until Sunday afternoon. Albus and his friends had spent near of the weekend doing preparation and playing rounds of Exploding Snap. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really think about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his booster did n't get a chance to enjoin Matt about what Kaden told Malfoy while he was in the infirmary wing because it had been very crowded that weekend. Apparently, quite a few scholarly person had decided to practice their dueling for the upcoming match while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused ma'am Pomfrey to sustain an awesome lot to do. She looked very frazzled when Albus and the others visited Matt on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the common way with the others, doing homework, when matte returned from the hospital offstage. He still looked a bit tired and the gash on his nerve were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much better than he had on Th. Albus closed his book and glanced at his friends when Matt came through the portrait hole.

`` What 's with you lot ? '' mat asked, `` You 're awfully quiet. ``

`` We 've, er, got to tell you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the Room. '' Albus got up and left the common room. His champion all followed, not saying a word. Albus led them down the seventh story corridor until they reached the picture of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three time in battlefront of it and opened the threshold that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his friends asked for a place where they could be alone. There were a few miry armchairs and couches, a fireplace, and it was decorated in scarlet and gold.

`` Ok, so what 's this all about ? '' lustrelessness asked immediately, once the door was shut.

`` Why do n't you sit down ? '' rosebush suggested.

Matt sat down on one of the couch and looked nervously at the others. `` You look like my parents did when they told me I could n't go to shoal in Australia. ``

`` well, we 're obviously not going to tell you that, '' Albus gave a lukewarm laugh as he sat down on a electric chair. Rose, whoremonger, and Amanda sat down as well.

`` Well, get on with it, '' Matt said.

`` All right hand, '' Albus began, `` You 've probably noticed that Kaden is n't around. ``

`` Yeah, I thought that was a bit odd, '' Matt commented, `` What 's he done now ? ``

Albus sighed, `` I do n't really make love the best way to say this. Kaden, er, for some rationality was talking to Scorpius Malfoy- ''

`` Malfoy ? ! '' Matt interrupted with a look of shock on his face.

`` It gets spoilt, '' Albus continued, `` You know how I told Kaden that you get purge every once in a spell, so he would shut up concluding month ? ``

`` Yeah ... ''

`` And I made him forebode not to distinguish anyone, '' Albus said quickly, `` But for some reason he told Malfoy. ``

matte sank back into his chair and his look went trash white. Albus was glad Rose told him to sit down, because if he had n't have been sitting he probably would have fainted. Albus watched as Matt processed the information. After a few moments he asked very quietly, `` What did he tell Malfoy ? ``

`` That you 've got some form of sorcerer disease that ma'am Pomfrey ca n't bring around, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't visit your honk gran. ``

`` Oh, no, '' flatness closed his eyes and started rubbing his question, `` This is n't undecomposed. Malfoy ca n't find out, he just ca n't. ``

`` We 're going to try and make sure he does n't, '' John said adamantly.

`` But you ca n't really break him ! All he 's got to do is a bit of research and he 'll know everything, '' Matt moaned.

`` Maybe he 'll be too faineant to bother, '' Amanda suggested.

`` There 's another thing, '' Albus started, `` Kaden may have also told him about the Whomping Willow. ``

`` No, he ca n't feature, he just ca n't, '' Matt whispered.

`` We do n't know for sure, '' Albus reminded him, `` I 'm watching the Marauder 's Map and if we see Malfoy anywhere near the tree, we 'll go hex him or something. ``

Matt nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and William Tell anyone, chances are I 'll take in to will. ``

`` No, you wo n't, '' Rose assured him.

`` How do you know ? ``

`` rosiness is right, '' Albus agreed, `` When the marauder were in school, Snape found out about Teddy 's dad and he still got to stay in school. Dumbledore made him promise not to tell anyone. I 'm sure Kendrick would do the same thing. ``

`` I sure hope so, '' matte sighed, `` What about Kaden ? ``

`` rosiness had to hold back me and John from hexing him, '' Albus explained, `` But I yelled at him quite a bit. Have n't seen him much since and I do n't really want to. ``

`` But he 's your cousin-german, '' matte said.

`` Does n't count, '' Albus assured him, `` I hardly saw him at all until he started coming here. I told him not to tell anyone and he did, so I ca n't rely him anymore. And no one 's going to convince me to apologise this time. ``

`` All right, '' lustrelessness replied. `` Let 's stay here for a while. I think if I saw Kaden right now I 'd deliver to hex him. ``

pink wine groaned, `` What is with boys ? Do you always have to hex masses to clear your trouble ? ``

`` It 's a proven fact that hexing kit and boodle best when dealing with Slytherins, '' John grinned.

`` Kaden 's not a Slytherin, '' Rose commented.

`` What he did was a pretty Slytherin thing to do, '' Albus replied. cipher argued with that.

******

The weekend before Halloween was a very shake one for the students at Hogwarts. There was the low gear Hogsmeade sojourn on Saturday, which the honest-to-goodness bookman were very excited about. Albus, of line, was n't allowed to go since he was a second year. James made sure to lord this over him at every minute potential during the week preceding the visit. James IV would be going on his first Hogsmeade visit, and Albus was sure that Hogwarts would be treated to a variety show of pranks following. When Saint James and his Quaker returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the common room with their bags bulging with what could only be Weasley 's products, and quickly stowed it all in their hall. trusted enough, at dinner that night, the educatee eubstance was treated to a very harbour repast. Somehow, James and his friends had managed to sneak a potion into the Slytherins'food that caused their hair's-breadth and fingernails to turn scarlet and gold. The rest period of the schoolhouse laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to forecast out how to turn their hair and nails back to normal.

`` nothing will transfer it, '' St. James the Apostle informed the Gryffindor table in between fits of laughter, `` Uncle George told me it will bear off within 24 hours, though. ``

`` Too bad it 's not permanent ! '' John laughed.

`` I was going to save it for the day of the Quidditch couple, '' James explained, `` But I just could n't wait. ``

`` I ca n't charge you, '' Albus grinned. He looked up at the stave mesa and saw his dad trying to choke his laugh, but he was n't succeeding. The early members of the staff were smiling slightly, except for Slughorn, who was looking a bit distraught at the sight of his house decked out in Gryffindor colors.

The following day was the first dueling tourney for the next-to-last dueling club. The older student had already had their first tournament the previous weekend. Albus 's cousin-german Francis Edgar Stanley 's team had won. The tournament was to take post immediately following lunch, at one o'clock, and the indorsement, third, and 4th yr were filled with excitement about it.

`` What if we have to duel each former ? '' Albus said worriedly at lunch. `` I really do n't require to duel you lot. ``

`` I do n't either, '' John agreed, `` But we might have got to. It 'll be all right. None of us know any spells that could do any lasting equipment casualty. I 'm just hoping I get to duel Malfoy. ``

`` Me, too, '' matt agreed.

`` I almost wish first years could join the dueling club, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't listen beating him in figurehead of the integral schooling. ``

`` I 'm probably just going to misplace, no matter who I duel, '' Amanda sighed, `` The only matter I can do is demilitarise someone, and I 'm not even that right at that. ``

`` Sure you are, '' Albus assured her, `` And if you duel a second class, or even a tierce year, you 'll sustain a hazard at winning. Fourth years, on the former hand, I 'm not indisputable any of us have got a chance at winning a affaire d'honneur with one of them. They probably know all sort of magic spell we do n't. ``

`` Albus, '' Rose began, `` Remember that the team have people from all yr on them. I do n't opine any squad has an advantage over another. ``

`` I guess, '' Albus agreed, `` But I still wish there were home squad. I do n't like being on the same team with Malfoy. ``

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

`` We wind up practice dueling with each former every coming together, '' Albus explained, `` And neither of us has really won any of them. ``

`` You 're both really good duellist, '' Amanda replied. `` You 're going to beat anyone you 're up against, Albus. ``

`` I 'm not sure as shooting about that, '' Albus said.

`` Attention ! '' Professor Kendrick stood up, `` The Junior dueling tournament will start out shortly. Please relieve oneself your way to the dueling chamber. ``

Albus stood up, `` Well, good luck everyone. '' Albus 's supporter all wished each other good luck as they got up and left the Great mansion. It was a bit odd being on discriminate team, Albus thought. He wished his friends good portion, but he wanted his own squad to win.

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of scholarly person filing into the dueling sleeping accommodation near the Great lobby. They found Kate at one of the mesa that had been set up for each team to expect at. Their team name, The Dueling Dragons, was written on a opus of parchment that was stuck to the mesa. There was a naturalistic looking firedrake breathing flack drawn on it. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the board, his hair still lustrous scarlet and atomic number 79. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the paired end. A few minutes later, once everyone on their team had arrived, Kate began to speak.

`` Attention ! '' she shouted and the mesa became quiet, `` Thanks. The tournament will start in a twosome mo. I 'm sure we 'll do great. Everyone remember what you 've learned within the past calendar month and you 'll do ticket. Just do your best and even if you do n't win today, there 's still side by side time. I know this inter-house team affair is hard, but I think everyone here has really come together to bring as a team, and I 'm proud of all of you for that. So, with that, good lot ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the former fourth years on the team.

A min later, prof Kendrick stood up at the front line of the elbow room and raised his hands for quiet. The room fell mum and he began to speak. `` welcome to the first Dueling Tournament for the Juniors Dueling Club. This is the start of six qualifying tourney of the year. At the end of the twelvemonth, the top two team will face off in a final tournament. There will be two duel going on simultaneously, with Professors Potter and Longbottom presiding over them. Every student will duel twice today. The victor of each duel will be awarded one degree. At the end of the tourney, the team with the most points will be declared the achiever. The points will role over to each tourney, after the sixth tourney, the two team with the most points will present off in the final exam. Now, each senior pilot was given a list of duels for today, so I will give you a few minutes to get organized and for the captains to inform their squad of the docket. Good circumstances to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the schedule with her team. Albus 's first duel was about halfway down the tilt and his second was the third to net. The exclusively matter he could do now was wait until his turn came. Albus was growing steadily more flighty as meter wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him live that down. Albus watched the first couple of duel while talking with Amanda. After a few duels, James 's bend came and he lost to a Ravenclaw fourth class. rose wine was up next and she easily beat her third twelvemonth Slytherin resister. Quite a few of Albus 's teammate had dueled by now and virtually of them had won. Before yearn, Amanda 's turn was up. Albus wished her luck and she went nervously to the dueling annulus that Neville was watching over.

Amanda was up against a back year Hufflepuff and the first part of the duel consisted of each of them mostly dodging the spell sent towards them. Eventually, Amanda managed to disarm her opposer and won. She came back grinning ear to ear. Kate congratulated her as she sat back down adjacent to Albus.

`` Great job ! '' Albus smiled, `` Told you you could do it. ``

`` Thanks, '' Amanda grinned.

flatness was up next against a Slytherin fourth twelvemonth. The affaire d'honneur hardly lasted two minutes before the Slytherin used an elevate spell that caused matte to bang into the wall behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. prof Cedonia took Matt to the hospital wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a couple detentions.

`` What a git, '' Albus growled, `` I hope lusterlessness 's ok. ''

`` He 'll be ok, '' Amanda assured him, `` I think he just cut his arm a bit. ``

`` Yeah, but still, '' Albus continued, `` That Slytherin knew he could n't use spells like that. ``

`` I could have blocked it, '' Malfoy announced.

`` No you could n't, '' Albus shot back. `` And how 's the hair ? ``

Malfoy scowled and turned away from Albus. A moment later his name was called and he was off to duel a fellow Slytherin. It was a very fast paced affaire d'honneur. Both of them were excellent duelers, but Malfoy won in the end. Albus was not certain whether to be happy about this or not. He did n't hold long to dwell on it, though, because a minute later, he was called.

Albus walked nervously to the dueling ring where Neville was and he faced his Ravenclaw opponent. He was dueling Carter Eubert, a feller second year.

`` Both of you know the rule, '' Neville said to them, `` You can lead off when I let out red electric discharge. ``

Albus and President Carter bowed to each early and took a dueling stance. Neville 's wand shot out red sparks and the affaire d'honneur began. Albus sent out a disarming spell, but Carter easily blocked it. Howard Carter then sent one at Albus, but Albus was able to block it as well. This went on for five minutes, each of them sending tour that the other blocked. Eventually, Albus managed to hit Howard Carter with a tickling hex that had him bent over in laughter. Albus took advantage of this and disarmed him easily. He had done it ! He won !

`` power point goes to Potter, '' Neville announced. Albus and Carter shook hands and went back to their teams.

`` soundly job, Albus ! '' Kate grinned as Albus sat down.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` That was amazing dueling, Albus, '' Amanda greeted him, `` President Carter 's goodness, too, but that tickling thing was with child. He could hardly move. ``

`` I 'll have to remember that if I ever duel him again, '' Albus said.

The good afternoon wore on and Albus found himself getting a bit bored with watching the dueling. It was taking all good afternoon. King John dueled Albus 's cousin, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an excellent dueler. Rose and Malfoy each won their moment duels, while John and Amanda lost theirs. Matt returned from the hospital wing in time for his 2nd affaire d'honneur, but wound up losing to his third year Ravenclaw opponent. Albus dueled a one-third year Gryffindor in his second duel and narrowly won. His opponent did not bet happy about this. Malfoy also won his endorse duel, which was against a third or 4th year Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't certainly which.

Eventually, all the duels finished and professor Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a tremendous job. Now, to announce the succeeder. I am proud of to announce that the flight Phoenix, captained by Barty heath of Slytherin have come in first place with 23 points ! Thank you, everyone. The next tournament will train seat at the end of November or commencement of December. Your sea captain will be informed of the accurate day of the month as it comes closer. ``

`` We 'll win next time, '' Kate assured her team as they got up. `` See everyone at recitation on Midweek. ``

Albus and Amanda made their way out of the room, but realized they would never line up their friends in the bunch. `` We 'll meet them in the vulgar room, '' Albus said as they started up the stairs.

When they got to the common room, it was already full with student rehashing portion of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to St. James 's account of his duel. James had won his instant duel and appeared to be very gallant of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found King John and lusterlessness sitting at their usual table. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few present moment later were joined by rose wine, who was glowing.

`` kudos ! '' Albus announced as his cousin sat down. The others echoed his word.

`` Thanks, '' blush wine replied, `` I was n't surely we were going to win. Heath is n't the greatest maitre d'. I think we just have naturally honest duellist on our team. Carter is amazing, although not as good as you, Albus. ``

`` I 'm just glad I beat him, '' Albus grinned, `` Malfoy would n't have shut up about it otherwise. ``

`` sword lily I 'm not on his squad, '' King John muttered, `` Ca n't believe I lost both my duel. ``

`` You 'll do better adjacent sentence, '' Albus assured him.

`` At least you did n't wind up in the hospital wing, '' mat commented, `` I 'm the only one that did. Figures. ``

John the Divine laughed a bit at this, `` I think you 've got some form of magnet for that situation. ``

`` Oh shut it, '' flatness replied.

`` That was n't your fault, though, '' Rose pointed out, `` That Slytherin was n't supposed to use that hex on you. ``

`` You 're ok now, right ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah, I 'm okay, '' flatness assured him, `` brothel keeper Pomfrey healed my arm in an instant, but she was fretting over me as usual. professor Cedonia convinced her to let me go back for my back duel. ``

`` trade good, '' Amanda said, `` I like Professor Cedonia. She reminds me of the instructor I had in primary school. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` She hardly ever gives detention. ``

`` And no exams ! '' can grinned. Albus liked this as well. So far, the sole course they had in that class were from essays they had been assigned as homework. Cedonia had not given them a single in class test.

`` I 'm not sure I like that, '' rosiness sighed. The four early students looked at her like she was mental.

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

`` How is she supposed to know if we 've mastered the spell if she does n't screen us ? ''

`` She watches us in stratum to see if we 've improved, '' Albus replied.

`` And those essays for homework, '' lustrelessness commented.

`` But those are n't at all what the O.W.L.s will be like, '' rosebush reminded them, `` We 've got to get used to taking exams in charms. ``

`` Those are three old age away ! '' John the Evangelist sighed.

`` Two and a half, '' pink wine corrected him, `` And it 's better to start preparing early. ``

`` All I know is that I 've learned Thomas More magical spell this year than last class, '' Albus said.

`` fountainhead, I 'm going to ask her about it on Tuesday, '' pink wine replied.

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the same time. Albus liked Cedonia 's style of teaching and he did n't require her to set out giving them exams like the other instructor did. Without charms exam, Albus had less to interest about. Hopefully, Cedonia would ignore rosiness 's pleas for exam and continue the way she had been.



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, St. Luke, Denas, ladymblack, and Moonylupin for their reassessment !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some autumn pumpkin juice when the spot arrived on Tuesday morning. He looked up and noticed a minor browned owl flying towards him. He immediately recognized it as Victoire 's owl. `` Victoire 's sent me something, '' Albus announced as the owl landed next to his scale. Albus took the letter and gave the owl a piece of toast before it flew off.

`` Look, it 's addressed to all of us, '' Rose commented as she glanced at the letter.

Albus turned the envelope over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a duad varsity letter so far this year, virtually of them sent along with Amy 's varsity letter to matte. These usually arrived a match years after the good synodic month, as Amy always wanted to have a go at it how Matt was. Since the full moon had been a few weeks ago, Albus was curious as to what Victoire had to tell them. He opened the varsity letter and began to interpret it. Rose, Matt, John, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

lamb Albus, Matt, Rose, lavatory, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying year and not making too
much trouble. Congratulations on your success in the dueling tournament,
especially you, Rose. I hope there are many outstanding triumph to come. Good
destiny in your world-class Quidditch friction match, Albus. We hope to be capable to take care, but
it depends on body of work and healer breeding schedules.

Training has been going well. We 've been attending form in the morning
and training at St. Mungo 's in the afternoon, like always. shimmy has been
very engaged with Auror training as well.

By now you 're probably wondering why we 're writing to you now, as it 's not
our usual clip to write. We 're not certainly if you read the Prophet regularly,
which is why we 're telling you this in a letter. Quinton Willinson was
spotted yesterday-

Albus immediately stopped reading the letter and glanced at his booster. As Albus fell back into his schooling routine, he had almost forgotten about Washburn and the Willinsons. He felt his fear come back as soon as he read that Willinson had been spotted. Albus returned his heart to the letter without saying anything.

He was spotted in a Muggle village in Southern England, quite far from Hogwarts. The Aurors are already on his rump and are tracking him this very
minute. shimmy heard about it while he was at breeding, and we decided to
give you a heads up. Uncle Harry will probably state you as well.

Do n't vex about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under control. Good destiny with Quidditch, dueling, and classes, and we
hope to see you soon.

making love,
Victoire, chemise, and Amy

`` I 'd nearly forgotten about Willinson, '' Saint John the Apostle said darkly after they 'd finished reading the letter.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` It explains why professor Potter is n't here, '' lustrelessness commented.

Albus looked up at the stave table and noticed that his Father of the Church was missing. `` guess so. ``

`` Do n't worry, '' rosiness said, `` I mean, it 's kind of good that someone spotted him. Before they had no lead story, and now they sort of know where he is. ``

`` I suppose, '' Albus replied. He had n't thought of that. But what about the other two ? Were they with Quinton or had they parted way ? Albus just hoped his dad and the other Aurors managed to capture him.

`` Could I see the prophet ? '' rose asked one of the older students who was sitting across from her. The girl nodded and handed her the paper. `` Let 's find the clause. '' rose scanned the front varlet and found a curt article on the left side of the page. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle town, Hythe, in Southern England early yesterday morn. A superstar who prefers not to be named in this article saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror department since his attack on Head Auror and Defense Against the night Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and wizardry, Harry ceramist, live on fountain. Five underage Hogwarts students were also attacked. Willinson, along with his don, Jaret Willinson, and the one-time Charms professor, Jameson Washburn, attacked thrower and the five scholarly person on the footing. thrower declined comment for this article. The read/write head Auror has informed the wizarding world that all three men are dangerous and not to attempt to crusade them. If any of them are seen, mass are requested to inform the Ministry immediately. Ministry Aurors responded to the sighting and are currently investigating .'''

`` Wow, '' Rose said once she 'd finished reading the clause, `` I hope they catch him soon. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm happy he 's so far away, though. ``

`` But they 're going to come back, '' Rose sighed, `` To find the, you-know-whats. ``

`` wellspring, hopefully professor potter will becharm them before they get the fortune, '' Matt replied, `` Anyway, I hope Amy and Victoire come to the Quidditch catch. I have n't seen Amy in ages. ``

Albus looked over and saw that Matt was looking a bit sad. Albus knew he and Amy were very close, but had n't really thought about how different it must be for mat this year. Albus did n't opine flatness had ever gone this recollective without seeing her. `` They 'll probably come, '' Albus assured him, `` And if they ca n't, they 'll visit when they can. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt gave a half-hearted smile.

`` We 'd better get to spell, '' rosiness announced. The five endorse eld got up from the mesa and made their way out of the Great Radclyffe Hall. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting side by side to James, talking animatedly about something. James did n't look too happy about this and had the look of someone pretending to listen, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about James having to dish out with Kaden, but not bad enough to urinate up with his cousin.

Professor Cedonia spent the firstly half of class teaching the good luck charm for tying skid, and during the second half, the division practiced. Unlike last year, Albus thoroughly enjoyed hardheaded lesson in charm. Professor Cedonia did not bear in mind them talking with each early as they practiced, and although she watched their advancement, she did n't hover like Washburn had done.

`` exculpation me, professor ? '' Rose announced shortly after she succeeded in charming her skid to tie themselves.

`` pink wine, do n't, '' Albus whispered. He knew she was about to ask if they were going to stimulate any tests.

`` Yes, pink wine ? '' Cedonia walked over to her desk and immediately spotted her perfectly tied skid. `` Oh, terrific job ! ``

`` Thank you, professor, '' rose wine replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to possess any test in this class ? ``

Everyone in the full room stopped what they were doing and looked over at Rose. near of them looked horrified, but a few appeared to also be wondering if they would have any exams. Since they had magic spell with the Ravenclaws, this did n't really surprise Albus.

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the other teachers at this school, do not conceive in testing students in the schematic way. I prefer to put essays that are done outside of class, where you are free to use your books, to tax your cognition of hypothesis. As far as hard-nosed examination go, I prefer to assess your progress in class. If I have any impression that you are not mastering the task at hand, I will gift you redundant help until you can master it. However, in accordance with Hogwarts tradition, there will be a practical exam at the end of the semester. The theory test will be an essay that you can complete using your book, in form. ``

`` Oh, '' pink wine said. She looked a bit stunned. `` All right. ``

`` If you 'd care an examination, I will produce one for you, but no one else will possess to take it unless they want to, '' Cedonia announced.

`` No, that 's all right, '' Rose replied.

`` Excellent. I assure you, Rose, that you will have a staring savvy of second year Charms by the time the yr is up, and you will be in splendid shape to affect on to 3rd yr. ``

Rose nodded and Cedonia walked back to the front of the room. Albus turned to John and grinned. `` Yes, no exams ! '' he said.

`` Brilliant, '' John agreed, `` I really thought Rose was going to convert her to test us. ``

`` Well, I suppose she form of is testing us, '' Matt explained, `` Just in a different way. I 've never had a teacher like her before. ``

`` Me, neither, '' can said.

Albus nodded. All of his teachers in primary schooltime had been like the ones at Hogwarts, with conventional exams and homework. `` I went to a Muggle school and all of the teachers gave us test. Rose went to the same one. ``

`` Same here, '' whoremonger replied, `` formula Muggle school day. ``

`` Not me, '' Matt announced, `` I was home-schooled. You can probably guess why. Amy went to Muggle shoal, though. ``

`` All the teachers were like Cedonia at my schooling, '' Amanda turned around to babble to the son. `` We did n't induce exams or level or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to school. Except when I made strange clobber happen. the great unwashed thought I was weird. Turns out I was, but in a upright way, '' she laughed.

`` I suppose this will lick, '' pink wine sighed, `` She is assessing us, just in a different way. At least she 's nice. Everyone seems to like her. ``

`` We do n't really have any mean teachers this year, '' Albus commented.

`` I had n't really thought about that, '' St. John said, `` But you 're right. ``

`` Who knows about future year, though, '' flatness replied, `` We 'll get going new depicted object and who knows what those teachers will be like. ``

`` Hagrid teaches Care of Magical animate being and he 's great, '' Albus told them.

`` What kind of sorcerous animal ? '' John grinned at Matt.

`` Do n't even go there, '' flatness grinned back. `` Amy says the ancient rune teacher is decent. ``

`` Trelawney 's kind of strange, but dainty enough, '' Albus commented. `` She teaches Divination. ''

`` No way am I taking that, '' flatness announced, `` I do n't want to know what my future holds. ``

`` Arithmancy sounds really interesting, '' Rose said, `` And Georgia told me the instructor is strict, but not mean. ``

`` Well, unspoiled, '' Albus replied, `` But we 've got calendar month before we have to settle what new subjects we 'll take. ``

`` I wish I could fill them all, '' rosiness sighed.

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't think it would release out well. '' Albus and Rose shared a laugh that the others did n't really understand. Albus saw their confounded faces and decided to differentiate them about Hermione 's third twelvemonth schedule sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in prison term for Albus 's Defense family on Th. Harry called Albus up to his desk after grade. Albus had been anxiously waiting the whole class to see if Harry managed to overtake Quinton Willinson. Albus had a feeling he had n't because there was n't any cite of it in the prophet that morning.

`` Hi, Al, '' Harry gave Albus a hug once all the former students left. `` I 'm guessing you know why I left ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied, `` Victoire sent us a letter and I read it in the prophesier, too. ``

`` Good, '' Harry sighed, `` I 'm glad Victoire told you before you read it in the Prophet. I had to leave very abruptly and was afraid you would n't fuck what happened. ``

`` Well, did you capture him ? '' Albus asked. The suspense was killing him and he did n't require to wait any longer.

Harry sighed again and put his hand around his son 's berm. `` I 'm dark, Al. He got away. We got some more leads, though. Talked to a few Muggles and a genius who were around when Quinton showed up. I still have n't heard anything about Quinton 's founder or Washburn. But we 're still searching and it 's only a matter of metre. ``

Albus 's font fell and he became more worried as he realized that not practically progress had been made. He had been so sure that his dad would get Quinton this time. But he had n't. Washburn and both Willinsons were still out there. How long would it be until they went back to Hogwarts ? `` What if they come back here ? '' he asked quietly.

`` I 'm not going to deny it. They probably will get along back here. But there is a magnanimous amount of protection around the schooltime. Last year, it was easy for them to be on the grounds since Washburn was a professor and Quinton was a bookman here. They do n't cause that going for them now. And I do n't retrieve any of them could ill-treat foot in Hogsmeade without somebody alerting me or the Ministry. ``

Albus thought about this for a here and now and felt a bit better. `` All right. Are you leaving again ? ``

`` Not unless one of them is seen, '' Harry explained, `` The other Aurors have it under mastery. ``

`` trade good, '' Albus smiled. He felt a lot better knowing his dad was at the shoal.

`` Well, we 'd better head to the Great manse, '' Harry gave Albus another hug.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` If we do n't hurry, John will eat all the nutrient. '' Harry laughed and the two of them left the room together.

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the rough-cut way the side by side workweek completely tired out from Quidditch pattern. The first match, against Slytherin, was on Sabbatum and GA was having them practice every evening. It had been a drizzly evening and Albus 's robes were soaked. He went up to his dormitory to put away his broom and change. Once he was done, he grabbed his books and went back to the uncouth way to do his prep. When he got there, he could n't find his friends anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dorm room, Albus had just been up there.

Albus squeezed his way through the crowded rough-cut room until he found Bilius and Ethan studying at a nearby table. `` Have you seen John and Matt anywhere ? '' Albus asked.

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Ethan looked up from his playscript. `` How 's practice going ? We 're going to beat Slytherin, right ? ``

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus gave a tired grin, `` They 're hapless. ``

`` Excellent, '' Bilius replied, `` I think bathroom and mat left an hour or so ago. I 'm not sure where. ``

`` Yeah, '' Ethan agreed, `` Rose and Amanda were with them. Matt did n't look so good. Maybe they went to the hospital wing. ``

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the full moonshine was the next nighttime. They must have gone to the Room of Requirement. Albus had also momentarily forgotten about the elbow room due to the fact that Kaden was always hanging around them, and they did not require him to know about the Room.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` I think I know where they are now. '' Albus waved to Bilius and Ethan and left the room.

Albus walked down the corridor as fast as he could without actually running. He slowed down as he reached the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy, as there was a prefect roaming nearby. Albus loitered until the prefect turned a street corner and then he started pacing in front of the paries. Three gait later, the room access appeared and Albus walked in.

`` There you are ! '' Albus announced after he shut the door. `` I thought you 'd be in the vernacular room. ``

Rose, John, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on pieces of sheepskin and they looked up as Albus came in. matt was sleeping on a nearby chair and did n't remark Albus.

`` We were, '' Rose said, `` But it was awfully loud in there. Plus, now that Kaden has left us alone we thought we 'd embark on coming in here again. ``

`` auditory sensation respectable, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a chair and sat down next to toilet. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

`` August 6, '' John groaned, `` Eight inch essay due tomorrow. I 've got four inches so far. ``

`` chronicle of thaumaturgy, '' Amanda said, `` Also due tomorrow. ``

`` I finished those a spell ago, '' blush wine commented, `` Now I 'm doing Herbology. ``

`` I still have the story of Magic stuff and nonsense to do, '' Albus said as he pulled out his history book. `` How long has he been asleep ? '' Albus pointed to Matt.

`` Since we got here, '' John Lackland answered. `` Probably just as well since before that he was just rambling about how Malfoy 's going to explore the Whomping Willow tomorrow night. ``

`` Why would Malfoy do it at dark ? '' Albus asked, `` He 'll get in more trouble if he 's out retiring curfew. ``

`` That 's what we told him, '' rose wine explained without looking up from her Good Book. `` I think he gets kind of delirious and does n't think straight at this metre of the month. ``

`` You 're probably proper, '' Albus agreed, `` But can you blame him ? ``

`` No, not really, '' blush wine sighed.

Albus started to leaf through his chronicle of Magic book, but he could n't focus. It was n't past curfew now ; what if Malfoy was exploring the tree right now ? Albus closed his book and started rifling through his bag. He pulled out the Marauder 's Map and set it down on the table.

`` What are you doing ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Looking for Malfoy, '' Albus replied. Everyone looked up from their work and watched Albus. `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good, '' Albus pointed his wand at the map.

Albus searched the map for a few moments before his oculus rested on Malfoy 's dot. He breathed a sigh of reliever as he saw that Malfoy 's dot was currently residing in the Slytherin unwashed room. `` He 's in his common elbow room. ``

`` Oh, good, '' Rose smiled. `` I really do n't cerebrate he 's going to investigate that tree diagram. ``

`` Why 's that ? '' John asked skeptically.

`` He 'll get in big trouble if he gets caught, '' Rose reminded him.

`` So ? That probably would n't blockade me, '' John laughed.

Albus was relieved that Malfoy was n't currently trying to get into the Whomping Willow, but he did consort with John that Malfoy would eventually try. The matter was, what were the chances of it happening while Albus was looking at the map ? Not very high. And what would Albus do if he did see Malfoy near the tree ? Albus had no mind. He sighed as he whispered, `` maleficence managed. '' Albus watched as all the ink disappeared from the map. He still did n't want to do his homework, but he had to. He started to put the map back in his bag, but the sight of a minor patsy on one of the recess made him stop.

Albus slowly lifted the map back out of his bag and stared at the street corner. He had never seen any marks on the map after he wiped it light before. But this mark was so diminished it could feature easily been missed. He peered at the bantam marker until he noticed what it was. It was four paw prints. A wolf, dog, hart, and rat print. It obviously meant the Marauders. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to stare at the paw print, wracking his brain to try and think why it seemed so familiar.

`` Albus, '' rosebush was watching him. `` What are you doing ? ``

Albus looked up at the sound of her voice, `` Oh, there 's something on the map. I never noticed it before. It 's a wolf, dog, stag, and rat substructure print. Here, look. ``

rose, John, and Amanda all leaned in to look at the mark. rose wine furrowed her brow and tilted her head as she looked at it. `` Why did the Marauders have this thing stay on the map ? All the early ink disappears. Now it 's just a random piece of parchment with these paw mark on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw photographic print before. The opus of parchment that fell out of the photo record album in the noggin of Grimmauld billet ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the course of the school yr. The symbol were exactly the same. They must entail something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his hindquarters. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the attic at my house, John ? ``

John nodded his headland. `` Yeah ... ''

`` And the photo album we found in that box ? '' Albus continued, `` And the piece of parchment that fell out of it ? ``

fruition dawned on John 's face. `` Oh ! I 'd bury about that ! Do you still sustain it ? ``

`` Yup ! '' Albus shouted excitedly, `` In my trunk. I 'll go get it ! '' Albus ran out of the room, leaving a very arouse John and a thoroughly confused blush wine and Amanda.



A/N : Sorry for the cliffhanger, but the succeeding chapter is long and I had to part it up somewhere.

The idea for Cedonia 's education style and the school Amanda used to go to came from a school that used to be near where I live. It recently closed due to lack of funding. But the students did n't receive tests or receive grades. They also got to choose whatever they wanted to study. It was a really interesting idea and it worked well until it closed. I never went there, but I always thought it was neat.

Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as potterfan89, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Luke, and Moonylupin for their reappraisal !

Be on the spotter for my newest story, Life Is Good, which is a prequel to mystery Within that chronicles how Albus, rose wine, Matt, John, and Amanda received their Hogwarts letters. I 'm hoping to brand the 1st chapter sometime next week, as I have Spring Break.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus ran all the way to the Gryffindor common room, narrowly avoiding another prefect. He went to his dorm, dug through his trunk, and found the parchment. He was so glad he had n't left it in the attic. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the green room, ignoring the unknown stares he was receiving from his fellow classmates. When he got back to the Room, John was in the outgrowth of explaining to Rose and Amanda about what they had found in the garret. `` I 've got it ! '' Albus shouted. He ran back to the table and spread the lambskin out on the table.

`` You 're right ! '' rose wine grinned, `` Exactly the Saami mark. ``

`` But it 's just a clean piece of lambskin, '' Amanda reminded him.

`` I know, but there 's definitely something mystifying about it. Why would the Marauders put this symbol on it if it meant zip ? ''

`` I think you 're rectify, Albus, '' John agreed, `` I do n't bonk much about the Marauders, but from what you 've told me, there 's no way this is just a random spell of parchment. ``

rose looked from the map to the new part of parchment and back. `` Hmm, I wonder if this is like the map ? Do you think we have to say something to get it to work ? Maybe it 's an extension of the map, Hogsmeade perhaps ? ``

Albus thought for a import. That kind of made signified. The Marauders frequented Hogsmeade quite a bit, during their full phase of the moon moon jaunt. Maybe they wanted a map of the small town as well. `` There 's only one way to find out, '' he grabbed his scepter and tapped the piece of parchment, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no just. ``

Ink spread across the map and Albus 's inwardness jumped. It had worked ! Albus and the others leaned over the table and watched the ink. But there was something different about it. It was n't forming a map, it was forming words. Once they were formed, Albus stared at them.

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would care to congratulate you, as you have obviously found the Marauder 's Map and figured out how to use it. However, he assures you that the marauder would not use the Same incantation for this fussy token .'
Albus and Rose burst out laughing. This while of parchment was variety of like the map ! There was something magical about it, but it obviously was n't the Saame as the map. John smirked and shook his head.

Amanda stared wide-eyed at the parchment. `` B-but, I thought h-he was all in ? How can he be talking through lambskin ? '' she stammered.

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's magic. The marauders either found or invented some kind of charm that enabled the Marauder 's Map to communicate with masses who try to use it and they 've done the Saami matter with this. '' Albus pulled the Marauder 's Map in nominal head of him and tapped his wand to it, `` Watch this. I, Albus Severus Potter, demand you to establish yourself. ``

Ink appeared across the map, but it was n't the usual ink. John and Amanda stared in awe, as they had never seen the map do this before. Albus and rosebush had done this on occasion and they thought it was extremely funny.

'Mr. Moony would like to would care to tell Mr. potter to keep his dirty hands off the parchment.

Mr. Wormtail agrees with Mr. Moony and would like to add that despite the fact that Mr. Potter shares a first name with the headmaster, it does not give him the federal agency do what he pleases.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would like to add that Mr. ceramicist 's middle name has got to be the most shocking figure he has ever heard.

Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, Mr. Wormtail, and Mr. Prongs, and would like to be able to affront Mr. Potter 's survive public figure, but tone he is unable to do so .'
Amanda and John started laughing hysterically after they finished reading the map. `` Does it do that to anyone ? '' John asked.

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

`` I did n't live Kendrick 's initiatory public figure was Albus, '' Amanda commented.

`` It 's not, '' Albus explained, `` When the vulture were in school, Albus Dumbledore was headmaster. And the predator hated Snape, so they always insult my name. Except my granddaddy, he 's never able to grapple it. ``

`` That 's pretty impressive magic, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

`` You know, '' Rose began, `` If the Marauders did n't want anyone else reading that map, they would have just put a charm on it that prevented anyone except themselves to read it. I reckon they hoped someone would eventually find out how to register it. ``

Albus contemplated that for a moment. Rose was probably right wing. The vulture were always cut-up, and they would probably require others to see the map and use it for mischief.

`` But, '' pink wine continued, `` Do you intend they might induce wanted another particular that only they could read ? ``

`` What are you getting at ? '' Albus asked.

`` That early piece of parchment. Maybe it 's something that the Marauders did n't want anyone to be able-bodied to study. ``

`` But then we could n't register it, '' Albus sighed. It did form of shuffle common sense that the predator wanted something to be private. But then why did they put the same mark on both parchments ?

`` There 's got to be a way, '' John said adamantly.

`` We do n't even eff if rose wine is right, '' Amanda argued.

`` Even if only the Marauders could read it, would they still have to say something to calculate at it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 'm not trusted, '' pink wine replied, `` I mean, there 's probably some variety of magic that only enables a few masses to read it. Kind of like a Fidelius good luck charm for books or something. ``

Albus grabbed the parchment and pointed his sceptre at it. The alone way to find out if something would reveal it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to cause trouble. '' zilch happened. `` I want to make devilry. I am going to pull a buffoonery on someone. I promise I will draw difficulty. '' Albus tried many different edition on the incantation for the marauder 's Map, but nothing worked.

`` It wo n't sour, Albus, '' rosebush said after a while, `` You ought to just do your homework. ``

Albus did n't want to do his homework. He wanted to make the parchment work. Right now, he did n't care about anything else. `` There 's got to be something. ``

`` If it 's something only the Marauders can read, then you 've got to be a Marauder to read it, '' John sighed.

`` That 's it ! '' Albus shouted. He had been thinking the incantation was like the piranha 's Map, but it must be something that would prove you 're a piranha. `` I solemnly swear that I am a predator. '' nada happened. Albus sighed. He had been so sure enough that that would have worked.

`` Maybe you have to say which Marauder you are, '' John suggested.

`` Oh come off it ! '' Rose shouted, `` There 's going to be some sort of charm on it to see if he really is a Marauder. Just saying so is n't going to operate. ``

Albus kind of agreed with blush wine at this point, but he was willing to try anything. But which predator ? Prongs. It had to be. Prongs was his granddaddy. If this was going to work for anyone, it would work for him. He was related to one of the Marauders. Albus pointed his wand at the lambskin with his nerve beating fast. `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

Albus held his breath as he watched the lambskin. John, pink wine, and Amanda watched as well. Albus 's eye bugged out as he saw ink appearing across the lambskin. `` It worked ! '' he whispered. His friends nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus began to read as the words formed completely.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the Marauder 's Map, moment variant .'
`` Second map ? '' John looked up, `` I thought there was only one. ``

`` So did I, '' Albus replied. He stared at the parchment as more words appeared across it. John Lackland, Rose, and Amanda all watched with him, no one saying a word.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs .'
`` Merlin, '' Albus sighed. It had n't worked. The parchment could agnize different people.

`` wait, '' Rose pointed at the parchment. `` It 's not done. ``

'However, you could be the second Prongs .'
`` What ? ! '' Albus looked up in confusion. Was this some variety of joke ? How could there be another Prongs ? And how could Albus be that second Prongs ?

`` What is this parchment ? '' John the Evangelist asked curiously.

`` Either it 's a jest or a highly advanced magical aim, '' Rose remarked. The four champion continued to determine as more writing appeared.

'When four boy, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendly relationship and mischief, they may exhibit themselves as the next generation of predator .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the lambskin. The next genesis of vulture ? What had his grandfather and his Quaker done ?

`` This is incredible, '' Rose whispered.

'These four acquaintance must each represent one of the marauder, for if even one is missing, this map will not work. Before this goes any further, you must shew that you know the secrets of the Marauders. shew that you know, and you may continue along the path of breakthrough .'

'The path of discovery ? I never knew you were so poetic, Mr. Prongs .'

'Oh, conceive me, Mr. Padfoot, I am not. Mr. Moony came up with that whole matter .'

'Then I pay my compliments on the phraseology to Mr. Moony .'

'Mr. Moony advises that whomever is reading this ignore Mr. Prongs and Mr. Padfoot and start proving that they know the vulture .'

'Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and also advises that if whomever is reading this has no estimate who the Marauders are, that they quit while they 're ahead .'

'The Marauders wish you good chance .'

The ink disappeared from the sheepskin and Albus looked up at his champion. `` What in the name of merlin is this ? ``

`` I think it 's something the marauder invented to assure that they would never be gone from this school day, '' rosebush said in awe, `` It 's amazing. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Amanda grinned, `` Probably the substantially wizardly matter I 've seen yet. ``

`` And I do n't think we 've even discovered the most of it, '' Albus commented.

`` How are we going to find out the rest ? '' John asked.

`` well, I think we 've somehow got to prove that we know who the marauder are and that we know their secrets, '' Albus explained.

`` We already know their swelled secrets, '' blush wine said, `` But how would we leaven it to a piece of parchment. ``

`` I 've got no idea, '' Albus told her, `` I mean, I doubt we can just severalize the sheepskin. ``

`` Why could n't we ? '' St. John asked.

`` Seems too simple, '' pink wine said.

`` It 's worth a try, though, '' John argued. `` Albus ? ``

Albus did n't intend it would do work, but he did n't think it could really harm anything either. `` Worth a shooter. '' Albus picked up the parchment and stared at it. This seemed really silly when he thought about it. He was about to talk to a piece of music of parchment. `` Here goes nil. Let 's see, Moony is a werewolf. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a hart, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat. ``

Albus and the others watched the parchment. A few words appeared on it. Could it have actually worked ?

'Nice try .'
`` I told you it would n't work, '' Rose smirked, `` It 's got to be more elusive than that. ``

`` We 'll just have to think on it, '' Albus replied. He had no theme how they were to try out to the new map that they knew the Marauders'closed book, but he had to notice out. This parchment was perhaps even more matter to and charming than the Marauder 's Map, and he was going to cipher it out.

`` What are you lot doing ? '' matt sat up and was looking around with a disconcert look on his face. `` What clip is it ? ``

Albus looked up when he heard Matt 's voice. Albus had practically forgotten that he was there during the turmoil of the new map. `` It 's about 8:30. We 've got a half hour until curfew. As for what we were doing, well, we 've got a new whodunit on our work force. ``

Albus, bathroom, blush wine, and Amanda spent the next few minutes explaining about the new map to Matt. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbolization on the Marauder 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to show the writing, and how they had to test that they knew the predator'secret. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is smart as a whip, '' Matt commented.

`` Yup. And we 're going to work out out how to work it, '' Albus grinned. `` Maybe we are the new Marauders. ``

`` Well, I know what we can do while we 're trying to figure it out how to bear witness we know the Marauders, '' John announced, `` We 've got to image out who we 're going to stage. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus said, `` I guess we each have to be one of the Marauders. ``

`` I think it 's obvious who I am, '' Matt said tiredly. `` I 'm definitely Moony. ``

`` I 'd say so, '' john laughed, `` I 'll be anyone except Wormtail. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's grimace fell as he realized that someone was going to stimulate to represent Wormtail. Nobody was going to want to be him.

`` You 're obviously Prongs, '' John replied, `` I mean, you 're his grandson. Plus, you 're a chaser, just like he was. ``

`` That makes sense, '' Albus agreed, `` How about you ? ``

`` He 's Padfoot, '' lusterlessness yawned, `` He 's got to be. He 's loyal like a dog. Remember that detention live on year in the trophy room, when he yelled at Washburn ? ``

bathroom grinned sheepishly, `` I could be Padfoot. ``

`` Good, '' Albus agreed, `` We 've got Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs. But what about Wormtail ? ``

Everyone groaned. `` I 'm not going to be him, '' rose said disgustedly.

`` You do n't have to, '' Albus told her, `` The map clearly said four boys, four Gryffindor boys to be specific. ``

`` So Amanda and I do n't get to be involved ? ''

`` Hey, it 's not our fault the vulture wanted it to be son, '' Albus shrugged, `` But you can help oneself us figure the whole thing out. ``

`` right field now, we 've got to find a Wormtail, '' Amanda said. `` Who else are you three respectable ally with ? ``

`` No one, really. Just Bilius and Ethan, '' John explained, `` And whomever is Wormtail is going to get hold out about lusterlessness. ``

The friends all looked at mat, whose face had paled at hearing this. Albus had n't thought about that. He did n't want anyone who resembled Peter Pettigrew finding out about matt. If that 's what it took to incur out the arcanum of this map, then the map would just stay secret.

`` We 're not doing it, '' John said adamantly, `` No one like Wormtail is going to detect out that flatness is werewolf. ``

`` And that 's why you 're Padfoot, '' Matt yawned. `` Thanks. ``

`` No problem, '' St. John the Apostle smiled.

`` You know, '' Rose began, `` When this map was made, Wormtail had n't betrayed Albus 's grandparents. He was a piranha. They trusted him. All we 've got to do is obtain somebody who you lot are friends with, not necessarily someone who was like the Wormtail we 've heard of. We just need individual who is even slightly like Pettigrew. ``

Albus thought about this. It could work. But could they really find someone they could trust enough to uncover Matt 's undercover ? Or, did they even have to reveal it ? Was it possible to do this without telling the quarter somebody ? `` Let 's just keep our eyes out for someone who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll think about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them love about matt, at least not for a piece. Is that all right, Matt ? ``

Matt had fallen asleep again and jerked his headway up when he heard his name. `` Huh ? Oh, yeah, that 's all right. ``

`` Sounds like a plan, then, '' John said.

`` We 'd better get back to the common room, '' rose wine looked at her watch, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

Albus and the others left the Room and walked back to Gryffindor pillar. Albus thought about the new map and what it could possibly hold. It was obviously a more involved map than the Marauder 's Map. Albus could only imagine what was actually on it. The outlook of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even find out. What were the opportunity of them finding someone who would be willing to symbolise Wormtail ? And if they did recover that person, could they visualize out the map without telling that mortal that Matt was a werewolf ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Luke, Moonylupin, TheAlbusPotterCritic, potterfan89, sinwillys822, Denas, and XDNLxtlz99 for their review !

The prequel to arcanum Within, aliveness Is Good, has been posted and the first off chapter is up. I 'll be updating it weekly, most in all likelihood on Tuesdays.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the following few days, Albus constantly thought about the new map. He kept it in his bag all the time and found himself looking at it whenever he got the prospect. He read the clues again and again, hoping to bump something he missed before that would tell him how to test that he knew the Marauders'secrets. Albus found that he could n't really concentrate on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions test on Friday because he had so very much trouble settling down to study the Nox before.

His school study was n't the only affair suffering, either. Albus was also having a unmanageable sentence paying tending during Quidditch practice. Seeing as the equal against Slytherin was on Saturday, this could n't have happened at a regretful clip. Georgia had to shout out at him at least five metre during practice on Friday, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' Peach State said once practice was over and everyone was starting to go back to the palace, `` stoppage here for a 2d, I need to mouth to you. ``

Albus trudged over to Georgia. She had a grim look on her grimace that made Albus feel awful. He knew he had played ugly during practice, but he just could n't get the map out of his head. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what Georgia wanted to talk to him about.

`` Albus, '' Georgia began, `` I know you 're a terrific Chaser. That is why I chose you to be on the team. It was not because you are my cousin. If one of the other people who tried out played better than you, they would throw gotten in. You know perfectly well that I do not play favorites. ``

This was true. Sakartvelo was ruthless about Quidditch. She was even more so than Samantha Meyers, which was saying something. Albus knew replete well that if he continued playing this badly, he would get kicked off the team.

`` You play wonderfully with Fred and Heather, which is why I chose you. You 've had experience working with them, and I thought that would avail us. I think I know why your acting has declined over the past few twenty-four hours, '' Georgia softened her gaze, `` You 're nervous. ``

Albus glanced up when his first cousin said this. To secern the truth, Albus had n't even thought about being unquiet. But he was More than willing to blame his frightening playing on nerves. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely skittish during my 1st match as well. But you are going to do very well. We 're going to squash Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll shew all those people wrong who thought I was favoring my family, '' Empire State of the South grinned.

Albus gave a half-hearted grinning. He had to terminate thinking about that map, if only just for tomorrow. If not, it could cost him his place on the team. `` Thanks. I 'll try to sedate down a bit. ``

`` commodity, '' GA replied, `` Now let 's get back to the castle. ``

******

Despite Albus 's lack of nerves the past few days, he was certainly making up for it on Sabbatum dawn. He woke up with butterflies in his stomach and could n't wield to eat anything for breakfast. regretful yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to boil down on this match. His spot on the team rested on it.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' Matt asked. He had returned from the infirmary Wing the previous evening and was looking much better. Judging by his tone of voice, Albus suspected that Matt looked better than he did.

`` Yeah, just unquiet, '' Albus mumbled. He had n't told any of his booster about GA 's talk last night.

`` wellspring, you 'd improve win, '' Gabe bourne, the senior who Albus had beat during try-outs was glaring at him. `` If not, Peach State made a big misunderstanding in choosing one of her first cousin over me. ``

`` Shove off, Bourne, '' Bradley sat down across from Albus and glared at Gabe. Gabe turned to glare at Bradley and then stalked off to the former end of the mesa. `` Do n't worry about him. He thinks he 's upright at everything. We 'll show him. ``

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus was n't nearly as confident as Bradley was. But he knew they had to win that compeer. If they did n't, Albus would have to deal with Bourne, and he did not want to do that. Albus never thought so practically would be resting on one match of Quidditch, let alone his inaugural match.

Soon enough, Sakartvelo announced that the squad needed to go to the changing room. Albus 's booster wished him luck as he left with the team. The absolute majority of the Gryffindor table cheered as they left, with Bourne and one of his acquaintance glaring at Albus, but not clapping. Albus changed into his Quidditch robes in silence while the repose of the team talked animatedly around him. It seemed like Albus was the sole one who was nervous about this match.

`` clip to go, everyone ! '' Empire State of the South announced.

Albus grabbed his broom and followed the rest of the team out onto the pitch, with his fondness pounding fast. He gazed up at the bunch, never realizing before how many people actually attended Hogwarts. It was one matter to play Quidditch during practice, but in battlefront of everyone ? Albus was certainly he 'd fall off his broom and humble the intact team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor team ! '' Albus heard the familiar spirit interpreter of Sir Alexander Robertus Todd Captain John Smith booming over the pitch. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James Potter, Omar Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Georgia Weasley, and Heather Weasley ! Georgia is the new captain this year, and Albus Potter has replaced Samantha Meyers as chaser. Will he be able to hold out up to her legacy ? lonesome time will tell. ``

Albus gulped when he heard that. Why did Lord Todd deliver to say that ? Albus felt as if every eye in the bowl was focused on him. Albus stood next to William James as they waited for the Slytherin team to come onto the field. James sent him a supportive smile that Albus returned nervously.

`` And here are the Slytherins ! Ferris fielding, Talan Flint, shaft Goyle, Peyton Edward James Hughes, Garth Octavius, Hailey Odele, and Jackson Naiser ! The Slytherins have replaced their quester since last year. Garth Octavius is the new searcher. ``

Albus remembered Georgia telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin quester from last year, had been utterly incompetent of catching the Snitch. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as inapt, but he doubted it.

`` climb your Calluna vulgaris, '' Professor Oteski announced, `` ready, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's whistle. He took a few inscrutable breaths to clear his head and tried to block out the gang 's cheering and booing. He glanced around the lurch and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the other side of the subject area in guild to get away from Odele, who was flying right next to him. With his faster Calluna vulgaris, he was away from her in no metre. He could do this, Albus thought.

Albus dodged a Bludger and both Slytherin Beaters as he made his way down the auction pitch. He got nearer to Fred and Fred passed him the Quaffle. Albus grabbed it and flew towards the Slytherin destination stake. He was almost there when a Bludger collided with his arm. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he dropped the Quaffle. He swore and examined his arm. It did n't appear to be broken. It was just a little afflictive. Albus looked around and saw that Haines had the Quaffle.

Albus flew after him, but he had already managed to crap it past both Bludgers and was heading straightforward towards Sakartvelo. He threw the Quaffle and it sailed into the left most hoop.

`` Score ! Slytherin scores the first goal of the biz, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Todd announced.

Albus groaned and flew towards the Gryffindor end. He zigzagged through the other players, dodging both the Bludgers. Albus was very good at maneuvering his Calluna vulgaris and avoiding other instrumentalist. He saw that both ling and Fred were covered by Slytherin Chasers as everyone waited for the Georgia to throw the Quaffle back into play. Georgia faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle to the left. Albus immediately flew towards it, and with his truehearted new broom, grabbed the Quaffle just as Fielding tried to catch it.

Albus turned his broom around and sped like lightning towards the other end of the pitch shot. He looked all around him, noticing that the Slytherin Chasers were closing in, while the beaters aimed both Bludgers at him. Albus flew straight up and avoided all of them.

`` Albus Potter is really flying now ! He 's got that brilliant Firebolt 2000 that GA has. I believe they are the sole two in the school to give birth one, '' Kathryn Elizabeth Smith called out.

Albus ignored metalworker 's commentary and continued flying. He passed James, who gave him a thumbs up. Henry Fielding was hot on his shadow now. Albus looked around, he needed to pass the Quaffle. Heather was overt and Albus gave the Quaffle a hard toss. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin goal posts. She threw it at the middle ring and it sailed through.

`` grade ! '' Ian Smith announced, `` Scots heather Weasley has scored, making the game tied with 10 point each. ``

Albus grinned at Calluna vulgaris and flew to the Slytherin end position. He waited for Goyle to thresh the Quaffle back out, and let his mind wander to the map. Albus had n't really thought about it at all so far, which was good. Who could they get to comprise Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the clip. Every person he passed in the halls made Albus wonderment, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never find anyone. Albus, John, and Matt were destined to just be a group of three Friend, and that was n't going to work for the new map. Why would n't it just swallow Rose or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of course, neither lady friend would agree to representing the double-dealer that was Peter Pettigrew anyway.

`` Albus ! '' A flashy vocalism jerked Albus back into the match. He looked up and saw that Scots heather was glaring at him. He shook his promontory and started flying again.

During the remainder of the match, Albus found his mind drifting more and more towards the map. He dropped the Quaffle to a greater extent than a few times, earning disapproving facial expression from Georgia. Although he had n't scored a single destination, he did help Heather and Fred score a few each. Unfortunately this was n't enough, and soon Slytherin was ahead.

`` Another goal for Slytherin ! '' Smith shouted, `` Making the score 120-80 Slytherin ! ``

Albus groaned and looked around at his mate. Sakartvelo looked tense, heather and Fred looked determined, Bradley and Ryan looked angry, and James IV looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the Snitch. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor goal posts. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to nock.

`` Albus ! '' Peach State shouted, `` You can do this ! Just dressed ore ! ``

Albus nodded and sped down the auction pitch. He could do this. He just had to get his mind off the map. There would be plenty of time to see it out later. Quidditch, Quaffle, scoring end, that was what he had to remember about now. Fred passed him the Quaffle and he continued flying towards Goyle. Fielding was on his bottom again and he passed the Quaffle to ling, who was open.

All of a sudden, James whooshed past Albus, heading straight person for Ryan. Albus looked over quizzically and realized that James must stimulate seen the Snitch. Garth Octavius followed James but he was n't quick enough. James I grabbed the canary, which was idling near Ryan 's arm, and pulled out of the dive. He held it up with a triumphant grin.

`` ceramicist has caught the Snitch ! '' Smith announced happily, `` Gryffindor wins with 230 points ! ``

cheer erupted in the stands, with the Gryffindors storming the rake. Albus landed happily next to James. It was over, his offset Quidditch match was over. He breathed a sigh of relief. They had won, Albus was not going to be kicked off the team. He stood there grinning with the rest of the team as their fellow Gryffindors clapped them on the backs and high-fived them. Albus had never been a fan of this sort of thing before, but he did n't really mind it right now.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Gospel According to John broke through the crowd, followed by lusterlessness, Rose, and Amanda.

`` Excellent, '' matt grinned.

`` You were awesome, '' Rose agreed.

`` commodity match, '' Amanda added.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` But I did n't even score any goal. ``

`` Does n't matter, '' Matt replied, `` You had quite a few assistance, and we won so it 's all good. ``

`` political party in the common elbow room ! '' one of the older bookman shouted. Everyone else cheered and the bunch started to incite slowly to the castle.

`` Hi, Al. '' Albus turned around to see his dad wearing a huge grin. `` You did cracking ! ``

`` Thanks, Dad, '' Albus smiled as his dad gave him a hug, `` But I 'll do near next time. ``

`` Of course you will. The world-class mates is always the most stressful, '' Harry replied.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, although spunk were only a piece of why he had n't played one hundred percent that day.

`` Well, I 've got to owl mum and let her know you 're all right hand, '' Harry laughed, `` She gets so occupy about Quidditch. ``

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His mother did worry a lot, although she did have a good reason. His family always seemed to attract bother, and he was mildly surprised that he escaped his first match with only a minor bruise from a Bludger.

Albus walked to the commons room with his friends and when they got there the park room was already filling up. Everyone congratulated Albus as he entered, telling him what a great job he did that day. Albus smiled at them and thanked them, but he broke into a huge grinning when he saw Victoire and Amy sitting at one of the tables.

`` You made it ! '' Albus shouted over the racket. `` Did you see the match ? ``

`` Sure did ! '' Victoire replied. `` You were an fantabulous pursuer. ``

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

`` Thanks, '' Albus said, `` I did n't see you on the sales talk. ``

`` We left right after James caught the Snitch to go to Hogsmeade to get party supplies, '' Victoire gestured to the large amount of solid food and butterbeer.

`` What did you do to your arm ? '' Amy grabbed the arm that had been hit with a Bludger early in the match.

`` Bludger, '' Albus answered, `` It does n't spite much anymore. ``

Amy reached into her robe and pulled out her wand. `` I 'll cure it for you. '' Amy muttered an incantation and Albus 's arm immediately felt better.

`` Wow, '' Albus grinned, `` Does n't hurt at all now. ``

`` Good, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're able to heal minor cuts and contusion right now, although most of the stuff we 've learned is theoretical. It 's all quite transfix, though. ``

`` I 'm glad you like it, '' Albus said. `` How long until you 're healer ? ``

Victoire laughed, `` Not for another two geezerhood. It 's a long process. ``

`` Although not nearly as long as Muggle doctors, '' Amy told them, `` They 've got to go through eight years of schooling after secondary school. ``

`` That is mad, '' John shook his forefront, `` Why would anyone require to be in school day that long ? ``

`` I would n't heed, '' blush wine grinned.

`` Of path you would n't, '' lavatory laughed.

`` We 've learned a bit of Muggle medicinal drug, '' Victoire told them, `` Just in case we ever have to treat Muggles. Magical healing does n't induce much of an outcome on them. ``

`` I much prefer Magical healing, '' Matt announced, `` Muggles use too many needles. conjuration and potions are much better. ``

`` If Muggles use needle, then I agree, '' St. John the Apostle said.

`` It 's not that bad, '' Amanda laughed.

`` I think I 'd rather deliver someone wave their wand than have person stick me with a needle, '' Albus shook his head. Sometimes he just did n't read the matter Muggles did.

`` Ever hear of stitches ? '' Matt grinned mischievously.

Albus, rose, and Victoire laughed. They had all heard the story of their grandpa 's experiment with Muggle stitches. `` My grandpa had them once, '' Albus grinned, `` Did n't turn out too well. ``

`` What are stitches ? '' King John asked.

`` They sew your skin together, '' mat explained.

`` Sew ? '' John the Divine had a disgusted look on his face, `` Like what they do with dress ? That 's mental. ``

`` Bloody painful, too, '' mat commented, `` I had them once. I 'll state you that story sometime. ''

`` Albus ! '' James walked over to their mesa with a butterbeer in his script. `` Great number one match ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` fantabulous grab. ``

`` Thanks, '' James grinned, `` Ca n't trust Octavius did n't see it. It was glittering in the sunlight. Oh, well, better for us if their new searcher ca n't see the snitch. ``

`` Ca n't argue with that, '' Albus laughed.

`` Listen, '' St. James lowered his phonation and glanced around him. `` What did you do to Kaden ? ``

Albus was startled by the change in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the past few days. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not want to be around him anymore and found his own acquaintance. Albus had not really paid practically care to his little first cousin since he told Malfoy that Matt gets sick every calendar month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

`` Yes, Kaden, '' James sighed, `` He said you were mad at him. Are you still mad at him ? ``

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus glanced around at his champion, who were all paying close care. Victoire and Amy were also listening.

`` Ugh, '' James groaned, `` Are you ever going to forgive him for whatever he did ? What did he do anyway ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus looked at flatness and then back at Epistle of James, `` He kind of told soul something that I told him to stay fresh calm about. ``

`` fountainhead, whatever that was, you should make up with him, '' James replied, `` He 's been moping around me for the past month and it 's getting on my nerves. ``

`` What do you need me to do about that ? '' Albus asked coldly.

`` Be friends with him again ! ''

`` I was n't really friends with him to begin with, '' Albus commented, `` He just started hanging around us. I thought he found his own friends since I stopped talking to him. ``

`` Nope, he has n't, '' James groaned, `` Oh, look, here he comes. ``

`` Saint James the Apostle ! '' Kaden said, `` There you are ! '' Kaden looked around at Albus and the others. `` Oh, hi Albus. ``

`` Kaden, '' Albus replied.

`` Good job on the match. ``

`` Thanks. ``

`` Well, see ya later, Albus, '' James stood up. Albus and the others said goodbye. Kaden followed James like a puppy dog.

`` Did n't think he 'd pop out annoying James, '' blush wine commented.

`` shuffling signified, though, '' Albus said.

`` I take it you 're not going to apologize ? '' matt asked.

`` Nope, I told him not to say and he did anyway, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` I 'm guessing you would n't tell us what he did ? '' Victoire asked curiously.

`` Actually, '' Albus lowered his spokesperson, `` I would, if you 'd come to the Room. ``

******

`` It 's been so long since I 've been in here, '' Victoire smiled as she looked around the room of Requirement.

`` I know, '' Amy agreed, `` It 's strange. I was getting used to not being here anymore, but now that we 're back, I 'm starting to omit it. ``

`` Me, too, '' Victoire said, `` But if individual told me that you 'd miss Hogwarts back when you first came here, I 'd never sustain believed them. ``

Amy laughed, `` I know, but I got used to it. ``

Albus watched them as they reminisced about Hogwarts. He had never imagined that Amy would sustain disliked Hogwarts. `` Why 's that ? ``

`` Well, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old school and my old Friend. piffling did I know that I would hail to love this berth even more and clear even better friends. ``

`` All right, '' Victoire threw herself down on one of the couches, `` What 's this about you and Kaden ? ``

Albus sat down future to her, while his acquaintance and Amy took seats on diverse other chairperson and couches. `` Have you ever met Kaden ? '' Albus asked his cousin.

`` Once, I think, '' Victoire answered.

`` wellspring, he 's very pesky, to say the least. He thinks everything about the wizardly world is wonderful and that magic can solve everything, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm guessing you 've tried to secern him otherwise ? '' Victoire asked.

`` Yeah, but he did n't look to realize, '' Albus replied, `` Anyway, he latched himself onto me and started following us around everywhere. It got very painful, but we tolerated it. Then, the day of the first full moon moon, Kaden got sick and Madam Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really stick him and he came back to the rough-cut room praising Madam Pomfrey and her potions. He came over to where we were sitting and he noticed how ill Matt looked. ``

`` Oh, merlin, I can see where this is going, '' Amy sighed and looked at matte, who was looking a bit uncomfortable.

`` Yeah, he insisted that Matt go see Madam Pomfrey. I tried to explain that magic could n't fix everything, but he just would n't listen. We told him to stop going on and on about healing potions, but he would n't. Matt left wing because he had to go to the Hospital annexe, and I yelled at Kaden. However, the conflict did n't last long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't know about lustrelessness, therefore he had no idea that what he said was hurtful. I explained to Kaden once again that there were affair that illusion could n't resolve, and that lustrelessness had a disease that magic could n't solve- ''

`` You did n't tell him, did you ? '' Amy asked lustrelessness anxiously.

`` Of course not, '' Matt assured her, `` He 's still got no thought. ``

`` trade good. ``

`` After that, we just variety of accepted that Kaden would be around us all the time and got used to him, '' Albus continued, `` But then he decided to inquire the Whomping Willow. ``

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the take Sami time. Amy 's face lost all people of colour as she stared at Albus.

`` He did. We were lying around the grounds after Quidditch recitation and Kaden wanted to investigate it. We told him numerous clock time not to, but he did anyway. He got hit a couple times, but eventually he wound up inside the burrow. ``

Amy turned to her brother with a face of fearfulness on her nerve. `` Did he play along it ? '' she whispered.

`` He wanted to, '' Albus answered, `` But I went in after him and persuaded him not to. We got out and Filch caught us. He gave us three exhausting Night of detention, which you already know about. ``

The girls nodded their heads. Albus had owled Amy and explained about the detention on the Astronomy Tower, but had not told her why they were in detention.

`` Right after we got out of Filch 's office, we took Kaden up to our residence hall and persuaded him not to ever reckon for that tunnel again or to tell anyone about it. He said he would n't, '' Albus continued, `` Just like he said he would n't narrate anyone that Matt had a disease that could n't be fixed by magic. ``

`` Oh, Merlin, '' Victoire sighed, `` I 'm guessing he told someone ? ``

`` You 're correct, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some unusual reason, known only to my stupid cousin, he decided to secernate Scorpius Malfoy that matt gets purge every once and a while, and assure him about the Whomping willow ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Both missy shouted and stood up with looks of anger on their faces.

`` And Malfoy has been trying to line up out where I go every month and now he 's got more clues. Up until now we 've been telling him that I have to chit-chat my be sick gran, but that wo n't work anymore, '' Matt explained. `` It 's only a matter of time before he finds out. ``

`` We wo n't let him, '' Amy said adamantly, then she turned to Albus, `` So this Scorpius Malfoy knows about the burrow under the Whomping Willow ? ``

`` Er, we think so, yeah, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Not good, this is not good, '' Amy started tempo, `` Have you told any of the teacher ? ``

`` No, '' Matt answered.

`` You 've got to. He ca n't go exploring that tree diagram, he just ca n't, '' Amy told them. `` We 'll go secernate Kendrick now. derive on, Matt. ``

Matt stood up, his face as pale as Amy 's. `` All rightfield. '' He reluctantly followed his sister out of the Room.

`` And you 've been ignoring Kaden ever since, '' Victoire said, not as a interrogative sentence, but a fact.

`` Yeah, '' Albus confirmed, `` It 's been over a calendar month now. ``

They all sat in silence for a few bit, all lost in their own thoughts. Albus had n't really given Kaden much thought the past few days. He 'd been much too in use thinking about the map. But now, the incident with Kaden was back in the movement of his mind. What was Kendrick going to do about Malfoy ? What if he decided that lusterlessness could n't stick around in school anymore now that people knew about the tunnel ? Albus shuddered at the thought of his friend being kicked out of schooltime because of what Kaden had done.

`` Albus, '' Victoire said quietly, `` I know what Kaden did was horrible. underworld, I 'm mad at him now and I do n't really bang him. But I really think there is to a greater extent to this than meets the eye. I do n't recognize why he told Malfoy, but I do n't think he just randomly decided to severalize Malfoy. I really think you ought to think about forgiving him, or at least asking him why he told Malfoy. ``

Albus thought about this for a second. The concluding thing he wanted to do was spill the beans to Kaden, let alone forgive him. Kaden might be the ground one of his Quaker is forced to give the school day ! If that happens, Albus decided, no way would he ever forgive Kaden. Sure, what Victoire said might be true. There might be some kind of underlying cause why Kaden told Malfoy, but the fact remains that he told him. And that could n't be changed.

`` I kind of agree with Victoire, '' blush wine whispered, `` I do n't think he really meant to sacrifice Malfoy clues about mat 's lycanthropy. ``

`` I know that ! '' Albus shouted, `` Kaden does n't even screw about it ! But I told him not to tell and he did n't listen. We ca n't trust him with anything ! Everything I 've told him not to tell, he 's told person, and it was Malfoy of all the great unwashed ! You realize that if I forgive him, he 'll get going following us around again. He 'll get more suspicious about matt and eventually he 's going to find out. And what do you think he 'll do then ? We 'll tell him not to say anything, and he will. He 'll probably distinguish Malfoy. ``

`` I agree with you, Albus, '' John said.

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` Fine, '' rose snapped.

`` Just think about it, Albus, '' Victoire said as she got up. `` I 've got to be going. shimmy should be home by now and I want to go visit him. ``

`` Where is he ? '' Albus asked. He had been wondering where chemise was.

`` He had some variety of Auror training thing today, '' Victoire responded, `` Training is pretty intense. And it 's at all kinds of crazy hours. I guess they 're preparing him for what it 'll be like when he 's a fully take Auror. ``

Albus nodded. He knew what that was like. Harry was always leaving at random times, only to return in the dead of night. Aurors had some of the foreign hours he had ever heard of.

`` Of course, my hours wo n't be much improve when I 'm a Healer, '' Victoire commented, `` With our hours, we 're never going to get to see each other. Well, I 'll see you soon, Albus and rosebush. I 'm not sure when, but I 'll definitely see you at Xmas. ``



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and Denas, Jen, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Gospel According to Luke, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his friends sat around the way of essential for the next half hour, waiting for flatness to come back. Nobody said lots, but Albus could tell that they were all worried about what was going to occur. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the door to the room undecided. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

Matt ran over to his ally with a grinning on his facial expression. `` Not much. ``

`` You do n't have to leave ? '' rosebush asked.

`` Nope ! '' lusterlessness grinned. `` Kendrick said he 'd assume care of it and no one 's going to be able to get into the passageway anymore. ``

`` That 's great ! '' Albus replied. He was very relieved. It would not have got been comely for lustrelessness to give birth to impart Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's imbecility.

`` Yeah. Kendrick said I should get just told him immediately, though. ``

`` We did n't really think of it at the meter, '' John commented.

`` I know, and Kendrick understands. He 's not giving me detention or anything, '' Matt told them.

`` good, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' can said tentatively, `` cipher can get into the passageway now ? ``

`` Pretty much. Kendrick did n't really explain, but he told me no one would be able-bodied to get in, '' Matt explained, `` Just me and ma'am Pomfrey, I think. ``

`` Oh, '' John said, `` I was kind of hoping we could go explore it some time. ``

mat turned and glared at him, `` Are you insane ? There 's no way I 'd study you into the Shrieking hut. ``

`` It could feature been like our own common room, '' john continued.

`` No way. Nope. Not going to happen, '' matte said flatly.

`` All right, fine, '' whoremaster sighed, `` Would 've been cool, though. ``

******

The side by side day at breakfast, Albus was still thinking about the new map. He kept wondering what made it so different from the original Marauder 's Map. Albus was hoping that it would register Hogsmeade, along with everyone who was in Hogsmeade.

`` Who 's that old lady up there ? '' Amanda pointed to the staff table. There was a suddenly old crone with a patched and frayed hat sitting where prof Longbottom usually sat.

Albus looked up and watched her. For some reason she looked rather intimate, but he could n't put his fingerbreadth on it.

`` Yeah, and where 's Professor Longbottom ? '' flatness asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He looked up towards the ceiling as the C. W. Post owls started to go far. Rose 's family owl made a beeline for her and stood waiting for her to hire the varsity letter off.

Rose took the letter and gave her owl a piece of goner. She opened the letter and read for a few minute before reemerging from behind it with a huge grin on her face. `` Professor Longbottom 's wife has had her sister ! Her name is Lucy Augusta. That explains why prof Longbottom is n't here. ``

Albus smiled. `` That 's majuscule. '' Albus had n't seen Hannah since the summer, and she 'd been quite meaning then.

`` You know, I never really consider about the teacher having families, '' matte commented.

`` well, we met Professor Longbottom 's wife at the Leaky Cauldron over the summer, '' trick pointed out.

`` I know, but I do n't really remember her that well, '' Matt explained, `` I did n't experience too neat that day. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' toilet remembered, `` And Professor thrower obviously has a family. '' John grinned at Albus.

`` He does ? '' Albus opened his eyes wide in a smell of fake impact. `` I never knew ! ``

flatness laughed, `` I wonder about the other teachers, though. ``

`` I think Patil is married, '' pink wine told them, `` Slughorn is n't, but I 'm not sure enough about the others. ``

`` May I have your attention ? '' Kendrick stood up and banged his spoon against his goblet. `` Thank you. I have two announcements this dawn. The kickoff one is that it has come to my care that a few of you have not heeded my admonition about staying away from the Whomping Willow. I must tell you again how dangerous it is. ``

Albus stole a glance at Kaden, who was steadily turning more pink. Albus glared at him and this made him flex a bright subtlety of red.

`` As an bestow safeguard, I have put a few hospital ward around it that will inform me when person disregards my dominion. There will be grievous penalization for anyone who is caught around the tree, '' Kendrick said sternly.

`` On a wakeful note, I 'm sure you all have noticed that professor Longbottom is not here today. ``

Most of the other students started whispering among themselves, no dubiousness wondering why this could be considered a 'lighter notation'.

`` Yes, yes, no motive to worry. Professor Longbottom 's wife has had a infant girl and he will be gone for a few workweek. prof Sprout, who taught here old age ago has offered to consider his spot until he returns, '' Kendrick gestured to the older witch.

That 's where he knew her from, Albus thought as Sprout stood up and waved. Albus had met Sprout once when he was much younger.

`` I believe that is all. I hope everyone has a good Billy Sunday and is well rested for classes tomorrow, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` I hope Sprout is nice, '' Matt said as he and the others wandered around the grounds after breakfast. It was a very mild day for November and virtually of the students were outside enjoying the weather.

`` She is, '' Albus assured him. `` My parents had her. So did to the highest degree of my aunty and uncles. ``

`` Mine, too, '' John said.

`` I 've met her a few prison term, '' Rose commented, `` I like her. ``

`` Good, '' lustrelessness smiled, `` It seems like we have n't got any mean teachers this yr. ``

The chemical group spent the break of day wandering around the grounds, putting off the preparation they should have been doing. They talked some more about the map, but nonentity had any ideas as to how to get it to wreak or who could represent Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to enquire if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a whole lot wanton than trying to avoid him, like he had been doing the by month and a half.

`` I do n't think we 're going to be able to cut Kaden forever, '' Albus announced as they were laying underneath a beech tree Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree near the lake.

`` You 've just realized this ? '' pink wine asked, smirking.

`` well, I 'd been hoping we could just ignore him, '' Albus told her.

`` You ca n't, Albus, '' Rose sighed, `` He 's your cousin, whether you like him or not. ``

`` I know, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm getting sick of having to avoid him all the sentence. ``

`` I still do n't like him, '' Gospel According to John said adamantly, `` I mean, maybe if he 'd pick up how to shut his lip, I 'd like him ripe. ``

`` Maybe there 's some form of spell we can use to get him not to let the cat out of the bag about affair he 's not supposed to, '' Amanda laughed.

`` That 'd be nice, '' Albus agreed. `` So, you think we should forgive him ? ``

`` We probably should, '' flatness replied quietly. `` No one can get into the tree now, and Malfoy 's going to find out eventually, '' he sighed, `` It 's only a matter of time. He 'll notice out whether Kaden gives him cue or not. He 's ache. Kaden wo n't figure it out until someone tells him, but Malfoy will chance out on his own. It 's only a matter of when. ``

Albus stared at his friend. Albus did not think matt would ever be friendly with Kaden again, but what he said actually made sense. Malfoy was going to chance out. `` It 's all redress with you if I forgive him ? ``

`` Yeah, '' matt said, `` He 's your cousin. If I had any cousin, I 'd desire to be friendly with them. ``

Albus sighed. He knew the right matter to do was to just forgive Kaden. Albus knew that as soon as he made up with Kaden, Kaden would startle hovering around them again. He just wished Kaden would find his own friends. But it did n't look like that was going to happen anytime soon. Every time Albus saw Kaden, he was either alone or with King James.

`` Want to go back to the castle ? '' John asked a little while later. It was starting to get windy and swarm were rolling in. It would probably rain soon.

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've got to obtain Slughorn, '' Rose announced as she stood up. `` I need to verbalise to him about that last essay. Want to come, Amanda ? '' Amanda nodded and the two girls took off for the castle.

`` Bet she thinks she lost a point on it, '' lavatory laughed.

`` Probably, '' Albus grinned as the three boys started walking back to the castle. They joined the large mathematical group of students now running towards the castle as it got darker outside.

`` What do you require to do ? '' John asked as they climbed the stairs.

`` Want to go to the Room ? '' Matt suggested.

`` phone ripe, maybe we can calculate out how to go the new map, '' Albus said. `` After all, once I talk to Kaden, we wo n't be able-bodied to snarf off there without him wondering where we are. ``

`` I had n't thought of that, '' King John groaned. `` Maybe you should n't talk to him. ``

`` I 've got to, Gospel According to John, '' Albus sighed. `` He 's my cousin. ``

`` How are you going to preserve him from knowing about the map ? '' Matt asked.

`` No idea. I guess we 'll just give to mess with it while Kaden 's in class. ``

The male child continued their journey up to the seventh floor corridor. They were halfway down the one-sixth story corridor, heading towards the stairs, when matt stopped in his tracks. Albus stared at him quizzically, wondering why he had stopped. `` What 's wrong ? '' he whispered.

Matt said nothing but pulled his two friends into a nearby vacate classroom. He shut the doorway and turned to face his friends. `` There 's people whispering just around the corner. ``

`` What ? '' Albus asked. He had n't heard anything in the corridor. It had seemed completely deserted.

`` Are you mad ? '' Saint John the Apostle stared at him, `` We were the only ones out there. ``

`` I 'm severe ! '' Matt said.

`` No you 're not, '' Gospel According to John laughed, `` I 'm supposed to be Sirius. You 're Remus. ``

Matt groaned, `` You know what I mean ! But I definitely heard something. My hearing 's bettor than yours. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus replied, remembering that werewolves did take superior auditory modality. `` Well, what was it ? ``

`` There 's at least two the great unwashed out there and one sounds scared, '' matt explained.

`` Do you think they 're scholarly person ? '' Albus asked, immediately thinking of the Willinsons and Washburn. Had they come back to find oneself the Hallows ?

`` Yeah, definitely student. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. It could n't be Washburn or either Willinson, if they sounded like students.

`` Let 's go investigate, '' privy said mischievously.

Albus was on the fence if he wanted to go see who was whispering around the corner or not. He was definitely curious, but he did n't need to get hex. Eventually, his curio beat out his fear. `` All right field. ``

`` Hold out your scepter, '' Matt instructed as he opened the door. The boys crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the box. As they got closer, Albus could bug out to make out piece of conversation.

`` Come on ! '' an icy vocalism seethed, `` You know more. Just tell apart us and we wo n't hex you. ``

`` I swear, I told you everything ! '' soul croaked. He sounded like he was shaking.

Albus quickened his footstep. someone was going to hex someone. He had to contain them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the articulation, but he could n't quite topographic point them.

The boy rounded the nook and Albus saw why he recognized the vocalism. Scorpius Malfoy and Felix Willinson were standing with their verge pointed at Kaden, who was leaning on the bulwark, his script shakily holding his sceptre out in movement of him. Albus stopped in his track, and John and mat did the same. Neither Malfoy, Willinson, or Kaden had noticed them yet.

`` Just order me what 's beyond the tunnel, Dursley, '' Willinson snarled.

`` I do n't be intimate ! '' Kaden repeated.

`` Liar, '' Malfoy raised his verge a slight higher.

That was it. Albus could n't put up to watch over Malfoy interrogating his cousin-german like that. All his bitter thought process toward Kaden flew out the window the moment Albus saw Kaden 's terrified human face. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's wand sailed out of his hand and landed on the level a few understructure down the corridor. lav ran forward and grabbed it.

Albus and Matt stepped forward as Malfoy and Willinson turned around. `` Well, if it is n't Potter, '' Malfoy gaiter. `` What can you possibly require ? ``

`` Quit threatening my cousin, '' Albus growled. He pointed his wand at Malfoy 's chest.

`` That can be arranged, '' Malfoy replied, `` If you tell us where the tunnel under the Whomping Willow goes. ``

Albus did n't cave in eye inter-group communication with Malfoy, but he knew mat had gone white next to him. `` Why would you call back I know where it goes ? ``

`` The Mudblood told us, '' Willinson smirked. `` But he claims he 's got no idea where it goes. I think you do. ``

`` Do n't call him a Mudblood ! '' Albus shouted.

At the Lapplander fourth dimension, John shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' and Willinson 's verge sailed neatly into lav 's hand.

`` Looks like you 've got your cousin 's dueling accomplishment, '' Albus commented. `` Quinton Willinson is your cousin, right ? ``

`` Sure is, '' Willinson confirmed. `` Now, will one of you tell us where the burrow goes ? I 'll let your Mudblood cousin go if you do. ``

`` I said do n't holler him that ! '' Albus shouted, `` And no, we wo n't differentiate you where it goes. ``

`` fine, '' Malfoy smirked, `` reckon your cousin-german will get bewitch. ``

lavatory burst out laughing, `` Good luck with that, seeing as I 've got your wands. ``

Apparently both Malfoy and Willinson had forgotten about that and they stared at each early. Kaden, realizing that neither Slytherin could hex him, stumbled over to where Albus and the others were standing.

`` Dueling in the corridors, '' a panting representative behind them said. `` That 's against the prescript. ``

Albus jumped as he heard the voice and turned around to meet it. It was Filch. Albus groaned inwardly. Why did Filch always have to be around ? He, Matt, whoremaster, and Kaden all exchanged coup d'oeil as Filch grinned at them all.

`` Follow me, all of you, '' Filch said gleefully.

`` But, Sir, '' Malfoy replied sweetly, `` Felix and I do n't let our baton. Clearly these four Gryffindors attacked us. ``

`` If I 've learned anything over the years, '' Filch growled, `` It 's that Slytherins are never impeccant. ``

Albus stifled a laugh as he followed Filch down the hallway. cypher said anything as Filch led them into his cramped office. It was very difficult for the six boy to fit inwardly and everyone was too tightlipped for comfort.

Filch went through his usual procedure of filling out conformation and filing them in the make up locker. He smirked as he filed Albus 's form. `` Seems you 'll receive a Indian file nearly as big as your father and gramps 's by the time you graduate. ``

Albus said nothing as Filch continued to fill out and lodge his forms. After what seemed like an 60 minutes, but was probably only a few instant, Filch finished. `` You 'll have two night 's detention. Tonight and tomorrow Night. Meet me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't have to be asked twice. He was the maiden one out the room access, followed quickly by lustrelessness, John, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the dungeons, Albus began to conduce his friends up the stairs. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor Tower. Kaden stuck to them like someone had affixed a permanent sticking charm on him, but Albus did n't beware. He needed to talk to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the rationality he told Malfoy about the passageway in the Whomping willow ?

When they got to the common elbow room, it was packed. There was hardly any way for them. Albus wordlessly lead them up to his dormitory and shut the doorway behind them. Saint John the Apostle and Matt sat down on mat 's bed, but Albus and Kaden remained standing.

Albus was n't certainly where to lead off. Should he just tell Kaden that he forgave him ? Or ask him what was going on with Malfoy and Willinson ? But before Albus could decide, Kaden started the conversation.

`` I 'm sorry, '' Kaden whispered quietly.

Albus did a double take. Kaden was sorry ? `` For what ? '' Albus asked. Kaden had n't done anything wrong recently. Not since he talked to Malfoy over a month ago.

`` For telling Malfoy, '' Kaden explained. `` I know you 're mad at me and I 'm sorry, '' his part cracked. `` And I 'm sorry for landing you lot in detention, again. ``

`` Kaden, this one was n't your demerit, '' Albus insisted, `` It was Malfoy and Willinson 's faulting. speech production of them, want to separate us what 's been going on ? '' Albus had n't paid an ounce of attention to his first cousin since their big fighting over a month ago, but Albus was for sure that this was n't an quarantined incident with the Slytherins.

`` They cornered me, '' Kaden whispered, `` Over a calendar month ago. They knew I hung out with you, and they wanted to screw if I knew anything about matte 's, er, illness. ``

Albus nodded. That 's why Kaden had told Malfoy. The Slytherin weaseled it out of him. `` Go on. ``

`` And I 'm sorry, Albus, '' Kaden 's eyes watered, `` I really am. They just both pointed their scepter at me, and I do n't know any good hex, and I just got mark, and I know Gryffindors are supposed to be courageous, but they told me they 'd hex me if I did n't tell them what I knew. So I did, and before I realized it I mentioned the Whomping willow. ``

So that was it, Albus thought. He should own just listened to Victoire. There was a reason Kaden had told Malfoy. Kaden had n't just willingly given him the information.

`` And it was too late, '' Kaden continued, `` They were going to hex me if I did n't tell them. So I told them there was a tunnel but I did n't have sex where it went. They did n't believe me, though. They 've been trying to get me to tell them about once a calendar week and I get hex every time. Madam Pomfrey fixes it, though. ``

Albus sighed, `` I told you to tell me if they were bothering you again. ``

`` But you were mad at me, '' Kaden 's voice wobbled, `` I figured you did n't care anymore. ``

`` Kaden, sometimes you do things that I just do n't interpret, '' Albus explained, `` But I 'll always care about you. You 're my cousin and nothing can change that. ``

`` I know, and I 'm really sorry about everything, '' Kaden replied, `` I wanted to keep it all a hidden, but- ''

`` It 's all right field, '' Albus cut him off. Kaden was obviously sorry about what he had done. Albus was starting to feel really bad that he had ignored his cousin for so long, especially when he was being threatened by Slytherins. `` And I 'm sorry I did n't listen to you before. ``

Kaden nodded, rip starting to disgorge out of his middle. `` You 're not mad at me anymore ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Just recount me adjacent time they do that. And try not to secern anyone the things I tell you in private anymore. ``

Kaden nodded and turned to trick and Matt. `` Are you two still mad at me ? ``

John and Matt looked at each other and then shake their read/write head. `` No, we 've been mad at you long enough, '' Matt told him.

Kaden smiled through his tears and looked back at Albus. `` I do n't suppose you 'd tell me where the burrow goes now ? ``

`` Not a probability, '' Albus grinned. Even after all that, Kaden was still his usual singular self, forever optimistic that Albus would actually tell him all of Hogwarts 's secrets.

`` Did n't guess so, '' Kaden replied, `` But it was worth a dead reckoning. Anyway, I have n't had a chance to tell you, but I still think football is better than Quidditch. ``

`` Are you mad ? ! '' John and lusterlessness shouted at the same time. Both of them had flavor of disgust on their faces.

Kaden grinned sheepishly, `` I just think it 's substantially. You ca n't kick the Quaffle around like they do in football. ``

John Lackland turned his gaze from Kaden to Albus. `` We 've got to fix this, '' he said solemnly.

`` We 'll take him to the Cup, '' Matt decided, `` No matter where it is. We 'll go and turn up to him that Quidditch is best. ``

`` It wo n't alter my intellect, '' Kaden replied.

`` Once you see the Cannons shimmer, you 'll change your mind, '' matte told him as he stood up.

`` The Cannons ? '' John laughed and walked over to the threshold, `` Are you the insane one now ? ``

`` Not at the moment, no, '' lustrelessness smirked. lavatory and Albus burst out laughing at John 's pick of countersign and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

`` Another matter I do n't get to screw ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yup, '' the three other boys said at the Saame time.

`` Anyway, '' John continued as they left the room, `` The carom are the worst squad, you do n't want to see them flirt. It 's not like they 'll cook it to the league Cup. ``

Matt punched him playfully in the arm, `` Do n't insult my team like that. It 's not like Puddlemre United is doing practically adept. ``

This metre it was John 's bit to punch lusterlessness in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the Cannons can ever hope to be. ``

John and mat continued their argument all the way down into the common way, with Kaden paying ecstatic attending. Albus smiled as he watched them. Maybe Kaden could fit in with their mathematical group after all.



A/N : Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing for me ! Thanks as well to Denas, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Rebekah, Moonylupin, Saint Luke, and lilausty for their critical review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't film farseeing for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's group of booster. By the end of the hebdomad, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their usual turn of doing prep in the coarse room after dinner party. Of trend, that did not go until after the boys served their detention with Filch. The caretaker had them clean almost every can in the entire palace. This was a tense up affair due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the custody alongside them. Albus was quite happy when the detention was over.

All in all, schoolhouse was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his course and Quidditch and the Dueling Club were going well, too. Albus managed to shove aside his idea of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased Georgia greatly. The downside to having Kaden back was that Albus and his other friends could n't really filch off to the Room of prerequisite anymore, unless they wanted to bring Kaden. They all liked Kaden well enough, but none of them really wanted the younger boy to sleep with about the elbow room yet. That, and they did n't require Kaden to have intercourse about the map. He did n't even know about the habitue Marauder 's Map. So, Albus had no choice but to just guess about the map, rather than mess up around with it.

As November turned into December, blow fell upon the yard and students of all eld flocked to them to deliver snow ball fight. Albus and his friends took part in quite a few, usually being crushed by the senior pupil. Albus enjoyed these fights immensely, but thought of the new map were always in the rachis of his nous. He just wished they could have some sentence away from Kaden to enquire it some more. The chance to do just that arose one day in the showtime of December. Kaden was not doing too well in Transfiguration and one of the older Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few other first years in the library.

Albus immediately shut his Charms Holy Writ after Kaden left the common room. `` All right, he 's gone. Let 's go to the Room. ``

`` You 're awfully eager for him to leave, '' Gospel According to John smirked, `` I thought you did n't mind him so much now. ``

`` You know I do n't, John Lackland, '' Albus replied, `` I just want to mess around with the map. ``

`` Do you think you know how to lick it ? '' Matt asked.

`` I 've got an thought, '' Albus said.

`` Let 's go, '' rosebush announced.

The group left the crowd park room and followed the conversant course to the Room. Once there, they took their usual stern and waited for Albus tell them his idea.

`` Well, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and spread it out on the table. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, remember what I tried to order the map terminal prison term ? I think I should write that on the map. ``

`` Are you out of your mind ? '' John exclaimed, `` What if you ruin it ? ``

lustrelessness and Amanda stared at Albus in shock, but rosebush did n't look fazed at all.

`` No, listen, '' Albus continued, `` think back the diary Horcrux ? Well, my mum and dad wrote in that and the ink just disappeared into it. ``

`` But this is n't a Horcrux ! '' John said.

`` Have you got any better estimate ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, no, but- ''

`` Then we should just try it ! '' Albus insisted.

`` I agree, Albus, '' Rose announced.

`` Thank you, rose wine. ``

`` At least save it really small, '' matt suggested, `` That way if it is n't the right way, it wo n't mess up it up. ``

Albus nodded. That made sentience. `` All rightfield. '' He took a deep intimation. `` Here it goes. I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The familiar ink appeared on the lambskin, telling Albus that he needed to prove he recognise all the Marauders'secrets. He looked up at his ally, who were all wearing looks of anticipation. Albus grabbed a quill and an ink pot. He poised his quill over the parchment and wrote in very lilliputian letters,

'Moony is a werewolf. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a hart, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat .'
Albus put the quill down and stared at the parchment. Everyone watched in gross silence. The ink disappeared into the map and Amanda let out a gasp. A few bit later, new Bible appeared.

'Close, but not quite .'

Albus let out a loud groan as the words dissolved. `` I really thought that would be it ! ``

`` We 're never going to figure this out, '' John the Evangelist sighed.

`` Does n't matter anyway, we do n't have a Wormtail, '' mat pointed out.

`` I think that would have been too obvious anyway, '' rose explained, `` It 's got to be something More subtle. ``

`` How do we subtly tell a piece of sheepskin that we know the predator'closed book ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` Well, '' rosiness began, `` We 've got to think of that these are the Marauders. And I 'm sure they wanted to make it difficult for whoever found this map. ``

`` undecomposed point, '' lav said.

`` This most belike holds more information about Hogwarts than the Marauder 's Map did, and possibly Hogsmeade as well, '' pink wine continued, `` So we 've got to think about this the way they would 've. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. Of course the Marauders would n't possess just had them write something on the map. It was too sluttish. `` Right, so they liked getting in problem. They would probably want us to do something that might get us in bother. ``

`` And most likely dangerous, '' rosiness added.

`` Dangerous ? '' Amanda repeated, staring at Rose.

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the Sir Thomas More it made sentiency. The Marauders spent their Hogwarts life history causing trouble and doing grievous things. They obviously would want people just as daring to be the future Marauders.

`` How can it be dangerous to test that we know their secret ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` No idea, '' Albus sighed, `` And it 's got to be something we can put on this parchment. ``

`` What can we put on parchment that shows they were all animagi and a werewolf ? '' mat asked.

`` We could guide paw photographic print on it, '' John laughed.

Rose 's grimace lit up. `` John, that 's it ! ``

`` drafting paw prints ? '' John the Divine stared at her, `` How 's that dangerous ? ``

`` No, not that. But the paw print estimate, '' Rose grinned mischievously, `` We 've got to get a werewolf, stag, dog, and rat paw print onto the map. ``

The idea sounded ludicrous to Albus, but it did appear like the kind of matter the predator would do. It would definitely be dangerous to get the paw mark, and difficult as well. Not many masses would actually be capable to get them all. It was subtle as well. No one would have any idea what the paw mark would mean unless they knew the marauder'enigma. The only matter he did n't like about it was the idea of a cluster of creature trampling the map.

They all stared at rosiness, who was looking quite happy with the idea. Eventually, Albus spoke. `` Are you sure ? ``

`` Not plus, '' pink wine answered, `` There 's only one way to witness out. What do you lot guess ? ``

`` I think that might be it, '' Albus replied, `` It seems very Maraudery. ``

`` Is that a word ? '' pink wine laughed.

`` Probably not, '' Albus grinned, `` But I like it. ``

`` Good idea, rosiness, '' John agreed.

`` Sounds like it might work, '' Amanda said.

`` Makes signified, '' mat replied.

`` So it 's settled, '' Rose announced, `` We shall put paw prints on the map. ``

`` Wait, '' Albus said, `` I really do n't like the estimation of animals stepping on the map. What if it gets ripped accidentally. ``

`` sound dot, '' blush wine sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few moments, then rose had another estimate. `` What if we use different man of parchment and then use a transference charm to put them on the map ? ``

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned. Sometimes, he loved how smart his cousin was. `` Anyone know how to do one ? ``

They all stared at each other and rock their heads. `` Er, that might be a problem, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm middling sure that charm is well past O.W.L. ``

`` I 'll discover it, '' rose told him, `` I 'm sure I can find it in the library somewhere. ``

`` We 're lucky you 're such a book dirt ball, Rose, '' St. John the Apostle laughed.

`` All right, so we 're going to try this, '' Albus said adamantly. He was up for trying anything. Even if it did n't influence, they would still be making progress. `` Rose, you start figuring out the transference charm, and the residual of us will get the paw prints. ``

`` The dog will be easy, '' Amanda announced, `` I 've got a dog, think of ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus replied, `` So you can get the dog print over Yuletide. ``

`` Sure, '' Amanda grinned, `` It 'll be easy. ``

`` Christmas ? '' Saint John the Apostle sighed, `` I thought we 'd give birth it done before that. ``

`` It might admit me a while to enter out the charm anyway, '' pink wine commented.

Albus had wanted to figure out the map before Xmas as well, but considering the fact that there were n't any dogs in Hogwarts, that would n't be possible. `` I think we can happen a rat somewhere in the castle. Probably near the donjon. ``

`` Great, Slytherin territory, '' St. John the Apostle groaned.

`` I 've seen them in the Potions classroom, '' rosebush said, `` All we 've got to do is cast Petrificus Totalus on one during Potions and sneak it up here. Who wants to do it ? ``

Albus glanced around at his friend. He was n't real fond of rats and would opt not to make to carry one around in his bag all day.

`` I 'll do it, '' toilet said after a patch, `` It should n't be that hard. I just hope the charm lasts until I can get it up here. ``

`` It should, '' rose wine replied, `` Just try and get up here as soon as possible. ``

`` trade good, '' Albus said, `` We 've got the dog and the rat covered. Next is the hart. That 'll be a bit more difficult. ``

`` There are probably stags in the wood, '' Amanda suggested, `` But we 'd get in bother. ``

`` That 's what the Marauders would stimulate wanted, '' Albus told her.

`` We do n't accept to go to the Forbidden forest, '' blush wine announced, `` We 've just got to go to a forest. I live right near a timberland, Albus and I can try and get the print over Christmas. ``

`` That is a brainy estimate, rose wine, '' Albus smiled. He did not really want to go wandering around the Forbidden Forest and not just because it was out of bounds. It would be very unsafe to go in there. `` And that just leaves- ''

`` The loup-garou one, '' Matt whispered. Albus and the others turned to calculate at lustrelessness. He had been very silence over the retiring few proceedings and Albus noticed that he was paler than usual. Albus could understand why. The lycanthrope paw print could possibly be the most dangerous one to get.

`` You know, '' Rose said quietly, `` This is why the paw print thing makes so much sense to me. I highly doubt a steady Hugo Wolf print is going to crop. And if this really is the way to get the map to do work, the only way to get a werewolf paw print would be if a werewolf was at Hogwarts. ``

Albus thought about this and it made unadulterated mother wit. This would be one way for the vulture to stool sure that the new Marauders would deliver at least one similarity to the master copy. `` But how do we get it ? We obviously ca n't go into the Shrieking shanty the nighttime of the entire moonshine. ``

The elbow room fell serenity as everyone tried to think of a way that they could safely get a wolfman 's paw print. Albus had no idea. They could n't exactly try and daze lusterlessness while he was transformed like they were planning on doing with the rat and the stag.

`` All right field, '' mat sighed after a few minutes. `` I 've got an idea. ``

Albus and the repose of his acquaintance said nothing but watched as they waited for lustrelessness to complicate. Albus could order that Matt really did n't want to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to work ?

`` We go down to the Shrieking hut a couple days before the wax Moon and stay a few part of self-inking parchment to the floor. Hopefully I 'll step on one of them and we 'll have a paw print, '' Matt explained quietly.

`` That could work, '' Albus said slowly.

`` But we ca n't let anyone see us, '' flatness told them, `` So we 'll own to go at Night. ``

`` We 'll get caught, '' Rose said.

`` Not if we use my dad 's invisibleness cloak, '' Albus grinned. `` I 'll sneak into his study sometime when he 's in division and borrow it. ``

`` Really ? '' Matt half-smiled. `` That would be great. ``

`` We wo n't all be able-bodied to fit underneath, though, '' Albus told them, `` Probably just two of us, three at most. ``

`` You three can go, '' Rose gestured to Albus, Matt, and John, `` You 're going to be the new Marauders anyway. ``

`` hang on, '' John interrupted, `` I thought Kendrick put up wards on the Whomping willow tree. How are we going to get in without him knowing ? ``

`` I know how to deactivate them, '' lusterlessness explained, `` Otherwise I would n't be able-bodied to get in. ``

`` Oh, right. ``

`` When 's the next full moon ? '' Albus asked.

`` Next week, '' matte sighed, `` Are we doing it that soon ? ``

`` Might as well, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll try and get Dad 's cloak tomorrow. He 's got classes in the afternoon but we do n't. Then we can sneak down to the screaming hut this weekend. ``

`` perfective tense, '' Rose grinned, `` And I 'll bulge out searching the library for the charm. Hopefully we 'll possess it figured out right after Noel. ``

`` Leslie Townes Hope so, '' Albus replied. He was excited. They were close to figuring this out ; he could finger it.

`` wellspring, I 've got preparation to do, '' rose announced as she pulled out a few Word of God from her bag.

Albus sighed, `` I do, too. ``

The group worked silently on their homework for a while, only talking when they needed to ask enquiry about it. Albus tried his best to concentrate on his Transfiguration essay, but his idea kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw prints faster. Albus was very anxious to find out what this map had in store for them. Of row, they still had to happen someone to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to campaign that sentiment from his mind.

`` It 's so smooth, '' can said, tapping his quill feather on his book.

`` Nice, is n't it ? '' blush wine smiled.

`` Not really, '' John replied, `` It 's too quiet. I 've kind of gotten used to Kaden 's loudness. ``

`` It is variety of strange not having him around tonight, '' Albus agreed. He had kind of gotten used to Kaden 's unceasing presence over the yesteryear few weeks. Albus would even go so far as to say that he was starting to become friends with his cousin.

`` He 's always around us, though, '' Matt laughed, `` He kind of follows us around like a puppy dog. ``

`` He looks up to Albus, '' Rose explained, `` To him, Albus ca n't do anything wrong. ``

That 's it ! Albus dropped his pinion and stared at rosiness. Of course ! Why had n't he realized it before ? Kaden did follow them around and practically hero-worship the ground they walked on. Kaden was Wormtail.

`` Albus ? '' rose wine asked. `` Are you all right ? ``

Albus shook his head and looked at rosiness. `` I 'm fine. Better than that, actually, '' he grinned. `` You 've just given me an mind as to who can be Wormtail. ``

`` Who ? '' lavatory asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? ! '' St. John, matt, Rose, and Amanda shouted at once.

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, I 'm not, '' Albus replied. He did n't see how they could n't understand it. It made perfect signified to him. `` You do n't see it ? ``

`` Not really, '' John said.

`` Just listen, '' Albus sighed. `` starting time, we 've got to remember what the map said when I told it I was Prongs. It said 'four Gryffindors connected by friendship and deviltry'. The three of us are obviously connected through both. '' Albus gestured to Gospel According to John and lustrelessness. `` But we need a fourth part person. Since they have to be somehow connected through us, we ca n't just blame a random student. Can you remember of anyone besides Kaden that we have gotten in trouble with ? ``

`` Not really, '' John said after a few mo silence.

`` Right, '' Albus continued, `` And I 'd say we 're champion with him now. Would you ? ''

John and Matt nodded. `` Yeah, I think so, '' Matt agreed. `` I see what you 're getting at. But how is he like Wormtail ? ''

Albus looked at his friends for a moment before responding. Albus talked the to the lowest degree about Wormtail than all the other Marauders. Obviously, Albus felt a abstruse hatred for Saint Peter the Apostle Pettigrew, and this resulted in him not wanting to talk about him. So Albus 's friends really did n't recognize a whole lot about him. Just the parts that had to do with him betraying Albus 's grandparents. `` Well, we 've got to commend that when the vulture made this map they were admirer with Wormtail. He had n't betrayed them yet. He did have got good caliber, as lots as I hate saying that, '' Albus said grimly.

`` So what are these tone ? '' toilet asked skeptically.

`` Er, I 'm not for sure exactly, '' Albus confessed, `` I mean, all the marauder were dead by the meter I was born, so there 's not really anyone to tell me what they would be. But my dad has told me some stuff, and it sounds a bit like Kaden. He told me that Wormtail practically worshiped Sirius and my grandpa. ``

`` Like Kaden does with you three, '' Rose commented, a look of realisation appearing on her face.

`` Exactly, '' Albus said, glad that someone was finally empathise, `` And he used to do whatever they wanted. ``

`` speech sound like Kaden, '' Matt agreed.

`` Definitely, '' whoremaster replied.

`` You know, '' rose began, `` Wormtail obviously caved under terror and Kaden did, too. ``

Albus had realized this as well, but he really did n't desire to imagine about it. Albus did n't ever think his cousin would lead astray anyone like Wormtail had done. `` Well, I guess we 've found our Wormtail. ``

`` When are we going to enjoin him ? '' John asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus had n't gotten that far. There were still constituent of him that wanted to keep the map a secret from Kaden, but he obviously could n't do that if Kaden was supposed to be the new Wormtail. `` I 'm not certain how to tell him. I 'm not sure he 'll be that thrilled about being Wormtail. ``

`` Oh, I do n't do it, '' Rose said, `` I think he wo n't mind as long as he gets to be a part of this. ``

`` The map 's not the only if thing we 're going to have to tell him, is it ? '' Matt said quietly, `` He 's going to find out what I am. ``

This was the part that Albus had tried to obviate thinking about ever since he first realized what they had to do to go the new map. Whoever was going to represent Wormtail was going to find out that mat was a wolfman, there was no avoiding it. It was part of the reason that Albus had n't really thought about who would be Wormtail. Albus knew Matt did n't want anyone else to line up out. He never even really severalize Albus and the others. They had found out on their own. Albus knew Kaden would never find out on his own ; he was just too unmindful. He needed to know, though, if he was going to be a part of this. Otherwise, he could n't really be one of the new piranha. Albus just had a gut feeling about that. But was it worth it to distinguish him ? Especially when he already told Malfoy everything Albus had told him to celebrate mystery ? Albus sighed, `` I think so. If we 're going to do this, Kaden will have to know. ``

`` We ca n't do it then, '' flatness said adamantly, `` I ca n't tell him. I just ca n't. He 'll severalise Malfoy and then the whole of Slytherin will know and then soon the hale school will know and they 'll tell their parents and they 'll complain and Kendrick will induce to kvetch me out. But then it wo n't matter anyway because all of Wizarding Britain will know and no one will want to be around me or my mob again and it will be just like Australia- ''

`` matte, '' Albus cut him off. He was getting hysterical. `` calm air down, that 's not going to befall. ``

`` How do you experience ? '' flatness whispered in a precarious voice.

`` Because Kaden wo n't differentiate anyone, '' rosiness interjected.

`` Not if I do n't secern him, '' Matt replied, `` And I 'm not going to recount him. You lot ca n't either, you promised. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus reassured him, `` Not unless you want us to. ``

`` I do n't, '' matte said in a slightly louder voice.

`` Just listen to me for a minute, '' Rose said loudly. `` Remember what Amanda said about a charm to hold Kaden from giving away anymore secrets ? '' Everyone nodded. `` well, I 'm pretty sure there is a magical spell like that, '' blush wine grinned.

`` Really ? '' Amanda stared at her, `` conjuring trick just gets better and better. ``

`` Yes. I vaguely remember reading about it in a Quran. I 'm sure as shooting if I went to the library I could chance it, '' pink wine explained. `` I 'll just look for it when I 'm researching the transfer good luck charm. ``

Albus 's hopes soared high again, `` first-class ! Would you be willing to say him if rosiness found this magic spell ? ``

Albus held his breath as he watched lusterlessness think about it. `` I, '' lusterlessness paused, `` Suppose that could put to work .... But, only if we try out the spell with a less crucial secret first. ``

Rose nodded, `` Yeah, I could do that. ``

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could experience it. They would unlock the secret of this new parchment. Albus was so thrilled with the prospect of finally discovering what the new map held, he could hardly sleep that Nox. He was n't the only one, either. Albus heard Matt and privy tossing and turning all dark, over the sounds of Ethan and Bilius 's snoring. Although, Albus suspected Matt 's sleepless night was more due to heart than fervour. Judging by the face on his expression as they went back to the common room that evening, he was still reluctant to let Kaden in on his biggest secret.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Moonylupin, Lily meet Ginny, and drownzer for their reviews !



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the succeeding dayspring, he found that he was overcome with nerves about stealing his father 's invisibleness Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the upheaval about the map the night before that he had n't really given it a second thought. But now that the melodic theme had simmered overnight, he realized that the programme might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the invisibleness Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the old year. Of track, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to sneak it back right after he was done with his of late Nox stroll to the screeching hutch, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even probable ? Albus had no idea how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't possess very much use for it at Hogwarts because instructor could tramp around wherever and whenever they wanted.

Albus did n't even know where his father kept the cloak. He was planning on just trying a summoning charm as King James had done to retrieve the Marauder 's Map. Albus just hoped that the cloak attack would go just as smoothly. Harry still had n't noticed that the Map was missing. Either that or he knew James took it and was just letting him keep it. As Albus 's thoughts went to the original marauder 's Map, he remembered that he still had n't given it back to St. James the Apostle.

Albus remained distracted throughout his break of the day social class and by the time tiffin came, he was almost as nervous as he had been for the number 1 Quidditch mate. nonentity said much as Albus picked at his nutrient, well nobody except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his dawn year until he had to pass on for Potions a short while later. Once he was gone, Albus was release to blab out about their plan. `` I 'm not sure if this is going to function. ``

`` It worked for the Marauder 's Map, '' Rose reminded him.

`` I know, but still .... ''

`` It 's got to work, '' John insisted, `` How else will we sneak down to, '' he lowered his articulation, `` you know, without being caught ? ``

`` There is n't any other way, '' lustrelessness replied, `` We 'll get caught if we do n't have the cloak. ``

`` We might get caught when we 're trying to steal it, '' Albus commented.

`` No we wo n't, '' bathroom assured him, `` And even if we do, we 'll just be caught by your dad. It 's not like we 'll get in trouble with Filch or anything. ``

`` But we 'll get caught by Filch if we try to creep out at nighttime without the cloak, '' Matt whispered.

`` Right, '' John agreed, `` So we 're off to steal the cloak. ``

Albus groaned, `` Does n't anyone else think this might not forge ? ``

`` faith me, Albus, '' pink wine said, `` It 'll act upon. We 'll pilfer the cloak back before Uncle Harry even knows it 's gone. ``

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the staff table, `` We 'll just wait a couple more minutes. ``

`` I do n't mean we should all go, '' Rose announced, `` It 'll seem leery if we all go into his office. I think just me and Albus should go. ``

`` Good idea, '' flatness agreed, `` No one will think anything of it if the two of you go into his office. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the unspoilt way to do it. If all five of them went, chance are they would make enough noise to attract another teacher. Albus was relieved that blush wine was going to go, though. She was much advantageously at summoning good luck charm than Albus was.

`` We 'll wait for you in the Room, '' matt stood up. John and Amanda followed suit. `` See you in a bit. ``

`` Bye, '' rose grinned at them. She and Albus loitered a few minutes longer at the Gryffindor board before Rose gestured that it was time to go.

Albus and pink wine had lingered long enough at the table that the corridors were practically evacuate, deliver for a few sprawl scholarly person who were much more wrapped on making it to class than giving Albus and rosebush a second glance. They quietly made their way to Harry 's office, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom. Judging from the brassy cries that were emitted from the bathroom, Peeves had just finished making fun of miserable Myrtle.

The corridor that Harry 's position was in was entirely deserted when Albus and Rose descended upon it. Albus was very happy about this. Maybe they would get away with it. Albus tried to spread out the door, but it was locked. `` Falco columbarius ! '' he shouted and looked at Rose.

rosebush did n't see in phased in the least. `` Just use Alohamora. ``

Albus looked at her skeptically. Why would chivvy bother to shut up his door with a charm that anyone could open ?

`` Just do it, '' Rose insisted, `` He 's got a magic spell on there that recognizes his magical signature. Yours will be close plenty to his that it 'll give for you, too. It worked with Saint James the Apostle last year. It wo n't sour with me, though. I tried. James thought it was incredibly funny. ``

`` All right field, '' Albus replied and pointed his wand at the lock. `` Alohomora. '' The lock clicked and Albus turned the handle. It opened. The full cousin quietly crept inside, carefully shutting the door behind them.

Harry 's office looked much like it had the last-place sentence Albus had been in it. Parchment, books, and other miscellaneous object were strewn around all over the place, cluttering up the desk, couch, and chair. The chamber door had been left out-of-doors and Albus could see that that room was just as messy, with robe laying on the bed and copies of the Prophet on the floor.

`` Does he ever clean up ? '' rosebush asked disgustedly, `` I mean, really. This is defective than James River 's elbow room. ``

`` James gets it from Dad, '' Albus laughed, `` Mum makes both of them clean up but Mum 's not here, so Dad can just do what he wants. ``

`` I 'll bet it 's somewhere in there, '' Albus pointed to the bedroom and started walking towards it. rose wine followed and soon they were in the petite bedroom. Albus guessed that the cloak was either in Harry 's trunk or the wardrobe.

Rose must have been thinking the same matter. She wrenched the proboscis open and pointed her verge at it. `` Accio Invisibility Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

`` Great, '' Albus groaned, `` It 's not here. ``

`` Wait, '' rose wine said as she crept closer to Harry 's trunk, `` I 'm pretty sure Uncle Harry mentioned that you ca n't use a muster charm on the cloak. ``

Albus thought for a moment and then remembered his dad telling him that once. `` Oh, yeah. Well, now what are we going to do ? ``

`` We 'll do it the surd way, '' rosiness sighed, `` You take the wardrobe, I 'll pick out the trunk. ''

Albus shook his head as he stepped over to his dad 's closet. This was going to acquire forever. They would certainly get caught before they found it. Albus carefully weeded through his dad 's stuff, being careful to put it all back exactly as he found it.

`` Got it ! '' pink wine announced, `` buns of the trunk ! ``

Albus felt an immense relief as Rose held up the cloak. They did it ! They actually found the cloak ! Nothing was stopping them now. They were going to find out the secrets of the second map.

`` There. Told you we 'd get it, '' rosebush grinned, `` Now let 's get out of here. ``

Albus nodded, happy to do as Rose said. He certainly did n't require to get caught in his dad 's office with the invisibleness Cloak. Rose handed him the cloak and he stuffed it into his robes. Once Albus and Rose were certain that the room looked just as it had when they got there, they quietly left. Neither of them said a word as they walked quickly to the Room of Requirement.

Relief washed over Albus when he made it into the Room a few minutes later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's heart still beat fast with adrenaline as he ran into the room and grinned at his Friend. The boot of what he and rosiness had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the invisibleness Cloak. It was the first gear Marauder-like thing he had done. He knew this was exactly what the vulture had wanted him to do. To break rules and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' John ran over with a glimmering of excitement in his eyes. Matt and Amanda were ripe behind him sporting identical grin on their faces.

`` Sure did, '' Albus smiled and pulled the silvery cloak out of his robes.

`` It was incredibly easy, '' Rose laughed. `` I found it right in Uncle Harry 's proboscis. ``

`` Can I hold it ? '' Matt asked in awe. Albus handed him the cloak. `` This is incredible, '' mat whispered. `` I 'm holding one of the Hallows. I wish I could tell my dad about this. ``

`` You 'll be able to eventually. My dad just wants to get to know him first. ``

Matt put the cloak on and disappeared from view. He reappeared a few sec later. `` That is so coolheaded. ``

`` Let me try, '' john took the cloak and wrapped it around himself. They spent the next few minutes passing the cloak around and trying it on.

`` You three ought to see if you fit, '' rosiness announced.

Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Amanda. John and lusterlessness stood next to him as he threw the cloak over their heads. Albus had been under the cloak with King James, Lily, and his first cousin before, so he was used to how strangle it was, but his friends weren't.

`` scout it, '' John snapped as Matt stepped on his foot.

`` Sorry, '' Matt muttered. `` This is going to be difficult. ``

`` Can you see us ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nope, '' rosebush said, `` Walk around the room a few times. ``

The boys walked slowly around the room, making sure not to expose any of their arm. whoremaster and matt started to get the hang of it after a few minute of practice and they were soon capable to go a little faster.

`` Perfect, '' Amanda announced after the fourth time they circled the room. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What night should we do this ? '' John asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Saturday because I 've got Quidditch practice that morning and I 'm going to have to get some eternal rest Friday night or Georgia will spend the whole time yelling at me to stir up up, '' Albus explained, `` That unspoiled with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' John the Evangelist agreed. lusterlessness nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Sabbatum Night, we sneak into the Shrieking Shack. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the bother Almighty, Albus, '' Rose laughed, `` The Marauders would be proud. ``

******

The next day Rose decided to set forth her enquiry on the transference charm. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't pack prospicient to find the rectify book. rose found it in a written matter of Advanced spell and after she read a bit about the charm she decided that it was going to be difficult but not impossible for her to do. She decided to master that magic spell before trying to find the good luck charm to prevent Kaden quiet. That one was going to be tough to find since they did n't even recognise the figure of it. resurrect checked out the Advanced spell book of account under the menacing glare of dame Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to demand what they were up to and traverse them the book. But, she could n't since the book was n't in the Restricted Section.

rosiness spent the adjacent few years trying to figure the charm out. There was n't much Albus could do to aid her, so he just did his homework and watched her. Albus thought the charm looked incredibly complicated and he was glad that Rose had volunteered to read it. Rose was having a bit of difficulty mastering the charm, though. By the clock time Saturday night rolled around, she still had n't managed to reproduce much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The charm was well beyond the O.W.L. level and it stood to grounds that it would be hard for her. This did not suit Rose well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one thing that drove rose wine mad, it was having trouble learning something.

`` Why do n't you take a jailbreak ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the coarse room on Saturday dark. `` You 've been at it for days. ``

`` Maybe you 're right, '' Rose sighed. She had been trying for the past time of day to multiply her name onto another art object of lambskin. `` I 'll just loosen up for a while. '' She pulled out her August 6 book and opened it to one of the by and by chapters.

`` I do n't bang how you can consider that relaxing, '' John screwed up his face in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` supernumerary credit charms homework, '' Rose lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that rosiness would call for surplus credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' blush wine explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're smart. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' Rose smiled at him.

Albus had no doubt that Rose would figure the charm out eventually. It was just taking her longer than she expected. Albus was in no kick because the magical spell would be useless until they got all the paw mark they needed. That would n't happen until after Christmas. whoremaster had n't managed to find a rat in Potions on Friday, but he was keeping his eyes peeled.

The mathematical group stayed in the common room for another match hours, waiting until it was completely empty-bellied. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his fatigue and went up to his hall. Eventually, Albus and his Friend were the alone ones left.

`` make ? '' Albus asked. trick and lusterlessness nodded. Albus rummaged in his bag and pulled out the cloak. `` I 've got the parchment in my robe. I think we 're set. ``

`` Let 's do it, '' John stood up.

`` Good lot, '' Amanda said as the three boys pulled the cloak around themselves. `` We 'll be waiting. ``

`` See you in a bit, '' Rose told them as she held the portrait afford for them to go forth. `` Do n't get caught. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus assured her. `` I 've got the Map. '' Albus was n't nearly as queasy about sneaking out of the rook as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking more rules this evening than he had the former day. He figured it had something to do with the fact that stealing the cloak was something his forefather would be disappointed in, whereas sneaking out would just get him in trouble with another teacher.

Whatever the reason, Albus felt almost excited about this even. The only time he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his for the first time Occlumency dream the previous year. Tonight 's risky venture was a much better context. Besides, Albus was a bit stir about following the tunnel to the Whomping Willow and seeing the interior of the Shrieking shack. He felt kind of shamefaced about this because he knew lustrelessness did n't need them to and was only agreeing to this for the sake of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to stop before they started down the stair. He took out the Map and scanned it for a duo instant. Filch was currently striding along the third floor corridor. They would accept to be thrifty about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a classroom on the fourth floor, no doubt wreaking mayhem for one of the teachers to fix in the morning. Luckily, all of the instructor were in their offices. All they had to worry about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, John, and lustrelessness continued their conservative trek down to the Entrance Hall, with Albus glancing at the Map every few minutes. The boys made it down to the third storey corridor without trouble, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about insolent children. Albus gave his acquaintance a apprehensive look as they quietly moved towards the good stair case. Albus held his hint as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three unseeable son. Albus was very glad when they made it onto the second trading floor and even well-chosen when they got to the front door and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one thing that could hold gone wrong with their programme. surface had tried to teach him a few More composite unlocking spell but he was n't very good at them and was hoping he would n't need to use them.

`` Made it ! '' privy let out a huge breath once the castle doors were shut.

`` Not quite, '' Matt replied.

`` Yeah, but at least we can talk now. I wish this cloak would cover up noise, too. Reckon we can take the cloak off ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered immediately. `` What if one of the teachers is looking out the windowpane ? Or if Hagrid is wandering around ? '' Albus loved Hagrid, but he would n't want to ingest to explain why he was sneaking down to the Whomping Willow in the dead of night if the loveable half-giant caught them.

The three boy continued along the route that lead them through the yard. There was about six inch of Snow on the ground and the air was bitingly cold. Albus was glad he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to see to it the Map every distich of minutes, but so far the grounds were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be capable to walk faster once they were on the ground, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to stick concealed under the cloak and it was even heavily now because Matt was slowing down. `` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked after the cloak almost slipped off of him.

`` Fine, '' he panted. `` Just the moon. Let 's keep back going. ``

Albus looked from his friend 's tired face to the sky. The almost good lunation was shining down on the flat coat, illuminating it sufficiency that Albus had n't bothered to light his sceptre. `` We should possess done this earlier in the week, '' Albus commented, remembering the fateful detention with Filch the other month.

`` No, I 'm fine, '' Matt assured him, `` It wo n't be full until Tues. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and St. John the Apostle slowed down their pace to rival mat 's, although Albus thought it would be better for them to speed up in society to attain the tree faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping willow tree. The three boys paused just beyond the grasp of the branches and Albus and John looked to Matt for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able-bodied to get into the hole wearing the cloak, '' mat explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his robes. `` All right, '' mat continued, pulling out his scepter. `` I 'll just incapacitate the Montgomery Ward. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his wand at the tree. Albus strained to listen to the piece but he could n't get a line it.

`` Now what ? '' John asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

Matt walked around to the former position of the tree with Albus and John following. Matt bent over, searched through the blow, and picked up a long stick, stumbling and shivering a little as he stood up. He pressed his hand to his head word, wincing a little. `` head ache, '' he answered to Albus and St. John 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the tree 's branches and stuck the farsighted stick into the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree 's trunks. The arm immediately froze and the Whomping willow looked just as tame as any of the former trees on the yard. `` Quick, before they start again, '' Matt stumbled towards the tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the burrow once, gestured for King John to go first. Albus followed his friends and made it into the maw just as the arm started flailing again. Albus and John lit their wands and looked around the strangle burrow while lustrelessness put the ward back up.

`` Let 's go, '' Matt announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly passably cool, '' John said in awe as they started down the passage, `` Kinda spooky, but cool. '' Matt sent him a dirty feel. `` I mean, besides the whole loup-garou thing, '' whoremonger replied quickly.

Albus could see what Saint John meant. It was kind of a neat burrow, although very dark and kind of dampness. The right thing was that it was slightly ardent than outside. The ceiling was low and Albus had to hunker down a little in order to walk. There were rocks and roots along the path, but the whole atmosphere was quite energize. Albus loved wandering through undercover passageways and this one was n't any different. He was excited about finally being able to follow it. His dad had told him about this burrow and the screech hutch numerous times, but always said no when Albus asked if he could go explore it. Now he was finally getting to do it. Granted, he was breaking about a dozen school linguistic rule to do it, but it was worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt like at least a one-half hour. The chill of it was beginning to assume off as Albus got colder. The month of December was not a commodious metre to be doing this. By the prison term they reached the scream shanty, Albus was make to crawl into his warm four-poster bed and go to sleep. John Lackland 's upheaval had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the retentive, chilly walk. lustrelessness, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the moonlight, did n't look much practiced than he had earlier. He looked incredibly exhausted and was breathing as heavily as if he 'd just run a marathon.

`` How do you possibly make it here before the full moon ? '' John the Divine asked, out of breath. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the time you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' flatness replied in between breaths, `` Madam Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` well, next clip I ca n't slumber I 'll just walk up and down this a few times, '' bathroom joked.

`` In. Here, '' mat panted as he opened an old looking door that creaked as he opened it. Albus and John quietly followed him through it, into a very decrepit looking room.

Albus was shocked at what he saw. Broken furniture lay everywhere, a lot of it covered in dry out blood. There was n't anything that remained unbroken. slice of tabular array, chairs, and couches were all over the plaza with bite marks on them. There was a staircase nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on numerous sentence. Albus swallowed as he realized that his friend was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' John asked slowly.

Matt glared at him. `` Use your genius, '' he snapped.

John looked from him to the broken article of furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all right, '' matt sighed and sat down on the floor near the fireplace. He leaned his head against the wall. `` See why I did n't really want you to come here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and bathroom nodded.

`` It 's one thing for you to know what I am, '' lustrelessness continued, `` But another to see what I actually do, what I could do ... '' his vocalism trailed off.

Albus knew what he wanted to say, but could n't. What he could do if he was n't in the screech hovel during the full moon. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the wolf. ``

`` I guess, '' Matt said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' John replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and Matt shouted at the Lapp time.

`` Become Animagi, '' John repeated, `` If we 're trying to turn the adjacent piranha, we might as well do it properly. ``



A/N : Bit of a cliffy ! But I had to go a new chapter somewhere. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, Denas, myself, and Luke for their reexamination !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit the thought did cross his mind every once in a while. But really, it was n't very realistic. Yes, the marauder had done it, but they were prosperous it had worked out all right. There was a reason that hardly anyone could go an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only second gear class. The Marauders had n't done it until their fifth class. They were exceptionally bright, too. fountainhead, three of them were. Albus did n't believe he was anywhere near good enough at August 6 to pull it off. blush wine was probably the just one of them who had a chance at succeeding. And even though rose did not pause to break formula when she needed to, there was no way she would agree to this. `` Oh come on, John, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' John asked, `` The marauder did it. ``

`` They were really smarting, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smart. And what did you get on your last transfiguration test ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' John corrected him, `` And we 'd figure it out. stand up could serve us. ``

`` But this is n't as bare as figuring out a spell for class ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's dangerous. What if we ca n't change back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? rose does n't love everything. Even she would let trouble with this. ``

`` It 's worth the risk of infection, '' lavatory said adamantly, `` I do n't care if I mess up a few meter. I 'll just try again. ``

`` That 's the thing. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the chance to try again. My dad explained this all to me over the summer. He talked to me about becoming an Animagus as soon as schooltime was over last year because he knew the thought process would bilk my creative thinker. He 'll know if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd moot trying when we 're older, but definitely not right now. ``

John sighed, `` It would be great if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new Marauders then. Imagine if we could even switch into the same animals the Marauders were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that John seemed to accept the fact that Albus was n't going to stir on the matter. `` I do n't know if I 'd be a stag, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' lav asked, grinning.

Albus smirked, `` Not really. He 'd probably be one of those yappy dogs, not a big cool dog like you 'd be, but a flyspeck chihuahua or something that 's always barking and jumping. ``

`` Definitely, '' bathroom laughed, `` It could n't hurt to inquiry Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for extra credit. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` Department of Energy n't matter, '' matte said quietly. He had been exceptionally tranquil ever since toilet had first mentioned the estimate. `` You ca n't become Animagi with me on the full Sun Myung Moon. ``

`` Why ? '' John asked. `` We know it 's grave. I do n't handle. ``

`` It 's not that. You think I have n't thought about you lot becoming Animagi ? That my parents have n't thought about doing it ? Amy ? They have. My parents have ever since we found out Aconitum lycoctonum did n't lick for me. Amy has ever since she first saw me after a transformation. My parents actually started working on it. But then they decided to cause me do the Wolfsbane study instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the full Sun Myung Moon, I wo n't hurt myself and it 'll seem like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up the study big fourth dimension. My parents decided it would be better for me to find a potion that would work on than to own to rely on other people 's Animagus abilities. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very glad. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a little relieved. He did n't want to get an Animagus behind his dad 's back. It was one thing to steal the Invisibility Cloak for a couple daytime, but to sneak around as an animal every full-of-the-moon Moon ? That was just too secretive for Albus 's liking. He hoped that whoremonger would give up on the idea now.

`` But if the study ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't stop you from trying. ``

`` Sounds fair, '' John replied, `` How long does the study go ? ``

`` No idea. Probably at least another two years. It all depends on how many different class of wolfbane people come up with, '' Matt closed his optic and leaned his head against the wall again.

`` worry still there ? '' Albus asked. flatness nodded without opening his eyes. `` Let 's hastiness up, then. Where should we put the lambskin ? ``

`` way behind the stairs, '' matt shakily stood up. `` That way brothel keeper Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' John gently pushed his Friend back onto the floor. `` How much lambskin should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you bring in ? ``

`` About a half roll, '' Albus pulled a partially used axial rotation of parchment out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. Chances are to the highest degree of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the steps with John the Divine following and saw the small room Matt was talking about. It was also filled with various go against pieces of furniture. `` We should n't have done this tonight. I did n't even believe about the lunar month. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his head as he bent down to move some of the furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the metre with the detainment. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can sleep all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped pieces off the roll of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' trick yawned. `` Was n't expecting the tunnel to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a long way from the grounds to Hogsmeade, so it makes sense. ``

Albus finished ripping the parchment and the two boy each took a peck to affix to the floor. It took them a few minutes and once they were done, the way was covered in pieces of parchment.

`` I can see why he did n't require dame Pomfrey to see, '' King John laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely raise some inquiry, '' Albus lit his own wand. `` Let 's just hope this oeuvre. I ca n't see any early way to safely get a loup-garou 's paw print. ``

The two boys took one more facial expression at the parchment coated elbow room and then went back to the large master room. lusterlessness was right where they left him, leaning against a partially crack chair. Albus nudged him awaken.

`` Finished ? '' matte yawned.

`` Yup, let 's get back to the palace, '' Albus helped his friend up and the three of them left the shack.

The trip back through the tunnel took a lot prospicient than when they were going to the shack. All three boys were incredibly tired and the rush had worn off for Albus and John. Albus glanced at his watch as they neared the end of the tunnel and saw that it was nearly 1:30. He was very sword lily they had done this on a weekend.

`` It 's harder getting out than getting in, '' lusterlessness said tiredly as he removed the wards. `` Whoever goes first has to dodge the subdivision and then push the mile on the luggage compartment for the other two. ``

Albus and John looked at each other, for both of them knew lusterlessness was too exhausted to be able to put off the branches properly. `` I 'll do it, '' Albus told him, `` I 'm making you get the rat. '' Albus climbed up the wall and crawled out of the hole. He was immediately hit in the berm with one of the flailing offset. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the trunk for the knot. His bridge player made contact with it and the offshoot immediately froze. `` You can come out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the invisibility Cloak out of his cloak. Matt appeared out of the hole first and shuddered as the moonlight hit him. John was mightily behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once Matt re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' John asked Albus once they were back on the itinerary leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the articulatio humeri, '' Albus replied. His shoulder stung and he could feel some blood dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see Madam Pomfrey. She would know immediately what gave him the wound and would no incertitude take a firm stand on knowing what they were up to.

The boys trudged along through the coldness nighttime air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that thick-skulled swarm were moving in. It would probably lead by the nose soon. Of class, Albus would be much too tired the adjacent day to enjoy it, so it did n't much matter. It was worth it, though. Within a few sidereal day they would have got one of the four paw print needed to unlock the secrets of the new map.

A little while later they reached the castle threshold. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the sixth floor and Peeves was in Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the handle of the doorway and pushed. It did not agitate. He tried again, but no circumstances. `` Filch must 've remembered to lock it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those spells Rose taught you, '' St. John the Apostle suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his wand at the handle. He muttered a spell but the door remained locked. He tried a few More, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a panic-stricken tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' John the Divine questioned and pushed the threshold himself, `` What do we do now ? ``

`` What do you intend we 're locked out ? '' lusterlessness groaned, `` It was just unlocked a pair hours ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't stay out here all night ! '' Matt 's interpreter cracked, `` We 'll suspend ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as panic filled his eubstance. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the palace and into the burrow without getting caught that the opinion of being locked out had n't even crossed his mind. I mean, what were the luck of the doors being unlocked when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't ride out out here, it was freezing and would snow soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any chance either of you knows how to conjure a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the only way he knew to contact Rose and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' John asked. `` We 're only second years. ``

`` well, have you got any bright mind on how to narrate Rose and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

trick thought for a mo before answering, `` You could fail into the heather shed and steal a heather. Then fly it up to Gryffindor Tower. ``

`` Now you 're mad. I 'll get seen by someone. What if one of the professor is looking out their window ? Or one of the student ? ``

`` Wear the Invisibility Cloak, '' St. John replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then rose and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, right field, '' toilet sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in hassle, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't recollect of something else soon, they would suffer to go to Hagrid's.

`` Well, we 've got to think of something soon. He 's got to get away from the moon, '' John gestured to matte who was leaning against the door and breathing heavily.

`` The Sun Myung Moon 's almost covered by clouds, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll have to worry about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' John groaned. `` Maybe we can curl up up in hatful of snow like wolves do and stay fresh warm that way. ``

`` Very mirthful, '' Albus said flatly. He was really starting to get worried now. What would bechance if they did go to Hagrid 's ? They 'd surely get in trouble, but how much ? Would they just get custody or would it be worse ? full stop would be taken away for sure as shooting, and that would not go over well with the other Gryffindors.

`` Hey, wait ! '' John 's face brightened a bit, `` What about the shriek hutch ? We could just go back there and spend the nighttime. Then we 'll sneak back in tomorrow morning after Filch has unlocked the room access again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a moment. `` Not actually a bad idea. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

King John grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked lusterlessness in the side.

`` What ? '' Matt opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the Shack, '' lav explained.

`` Great, '' matt said sarcastically, `` I get to spend another night there. You two could n't come up with a different idea ? ``

`` Nope, '' John answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty smart as a whip myself, so unless you 've got a better one, we 're going. ``

lusterlessness sighed, `` Oh, fine. But we 're not making a riding habit of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' John Lackland laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' matte groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't help but feel a tiny bit agitate about spending the nighttime in the hutch. It would definitely be the worst thing he had ever done, as far as breaking rules was concerned. He also felt nervous about it. What if they did get caught ? What if rosebush and Amanda started to get worried and told someone about their plan ? Albus pushed that thought out of his brain. blush wine would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in fuss. But they were n't in that big of trouble. The three of them would pass the nighttime in the shack and that would be that. When morning came they would sneak back into the castle and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be form of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit dangerous. Something the marauder would have done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The stumble back to the hutch, though exhausting, was uneventful. john, like Albus, had a look of excitement in his eyes when the three of them entered the shack once more. Matt looked like he did n't care where they were, as long as there was some place he could sleep.

`` This is reasonably cool, '' John grinned, `` Spending the night in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be cold, though, '' matte shivered, `` There are n't any heating charms in here. ``

`` Warmer than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his robe. `` Are there any illumination in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' flatness replied. `` We 'll just have to go along our wands lit. ``

`` What do you want to do now ? '' Gospel According to John asked with a expression of mischief on his face, `` So many opening in this stead .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' Matt suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the night in the hovel, was extremely well-worn and all he wanted to do was sleep. `` Are there any beds here ? ``

`` One, '' flatness answered. He led Albus and John up the stairs and into the only bedroom. There was one expectant bed and a press, both surprisingly still inviolate. `` They 're charmed to be indestructible, '' mat answered Albus 's questioning look.

John hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is excellent for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' lusterlessness joined him on the bed and started jumping as well. `` You 're in good order, it is quite nice for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was good for jumping. Even in force than Henry James 's. James, Albus, and Lily had spent many hr jumping on James 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their mother. The boys continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a pair minutes. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a floor his aunt Hermione had told him about scallywag jumping on a bed.

`` What 's so funny ? '' lav asked.

`` Just wondering who 'll be the world-class to fall off and break his header, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' Saint John asked and matte started to express joy as well.

`` It 's a Muggle narrative, '' Albus explained and proceeded to tell John the narration of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for storey, '' John Lackland shook his head and jumped off the bed, landing on his fundament like a cat. `` I do n't think any of us are going to break out our top dog. ``

`` Mine feels like it 's broken, '' Matt announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't bring as gracefully as John and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down side by side to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt pointed his lit wand at his arm. `` No stock. ``

`` Good, '' whoremaster replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can sneak back in before a lot of people wake up. ``

`` There 's more than blankets in the closet, '' Matt yawned as he got back on the bed and curled up beneath the cover that was already on the bed.

Albus and toilet each grabbed a couple cover and got into the bed alongside Matt. It was a trade good thing the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much bighearted than the four-poster beds in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already asleep, '' John commented as he lay down.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his headache will go away. Good Nox. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the side by side morn to slivers of light shining through the boarded up window. Boarded up Windows ? There were n't boarded up windows in the dormitory. Albus 's heart shot loose and he glanced around at his surroundings. Oh, flop. The memories of the premature night flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the screeching Shack. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more stock this morning than he had the old night. One look at his sentry told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four hours of sleep. Just as well, Albus thought. They had to get back to the castle quickly anyway, if they wanted to sneak back in without anyone noticing.

Albus nudged privy awake and winced. He pulled up the arm of his robe and saw that the cut from the Whomping Willow looked thoroughly disgusting. It was probably infected and would require a trip to the hospital wing. Albus shook whoremaster with his uninjured arm. `` whoremaster, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me slumber, '' John groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't care, '' John murmured.

`` I 'll push you out of bed, '' Albus warned. Saint John the Apostle muttered something incoherent and did n't move. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled John the Divine over to the edge of the bed. He gave him one final nudge and John fell off the sharpness of the bed with a loud thump.

`` What the Scheol ? '' John shouted, sitting up with a bedaze look on his face.

`` I told you to get up, '' Albus leaned over the bed and laughed. `` We 've got to get back to the palace or someone 's going to see us do out of the tree. ``

`` Oh, amercement, '' John grumbled, `` But I 'm going back to bed once we get back. ``

`` You and me both, '' Albus agreed and got out of bed. He picked up the excess cover and stowed them back in the wardrobe so Madam Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to bear on him off the bed too ? '' John the Divine pointed to mat 's sleeping form as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the judge ? '' St. John muttered.

Albus grinned and shook lusterlessness awake. `` We 've got to get back to the castle. We 'll log Z's more there. ``

mat groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just stay here. ``

`` I would n't suggest it, '' John responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you trust that ? ``

matt laughed and looked from John to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The male child left the shack quickly and started the hanker journey back to the Whomping willow tree. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very beaming that he did n't have any year today. He had homework, but he was n't even going to call back about that until he got at to the lowest degree another six hours of sleep. One quickly check of the map told him that the coast was solve before they emerged from the tree.

The three of them donned the Invisibility Cloak as soon as lustrelessness was finished warding the tree and they set off for the palace. Since it was still former, the only one on the primer coat was Hagrid. There were several more inches of snow and by the time they boys were back at the castle doors, their gown were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the castle, it had started sowing again.

`` Rose and Amanda are in the Great Hall, '' Albus pointed to their two dots on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the Entrance Hall, so I think we 're thoroughly. '' Albus pushed the doorway subject and the three invisible boys slipped inside. Albus immediately pulled the wet cloak off of them and hid it in his gown. `` We should probably go talk to rose and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see Madam Pomfrey sometime, '' flatness told them, `` My arm still hurts, look. '' He pulled the sleeve of his robe up and showed them his nigrify and blue arm. `` I do n't conceive it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My shoulder still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll receive to go, too. ``

At that moment, pink wine and Amanda left the Great anteroom and stopped a brace feet away from the boys. John pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both girls had a compounding of relief and anger on their faces. Rose was fuming by the time she stomped over to Albus. `` Where. Were. You, '' she demanded.

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled. He never liked being on the receiving end of his cousin 's anger.

`` room, now, '' Rose seethed and stalked off towards the steps with Amanda at her side.

Albus, John, and flatness followed wordlessly. All ideas of going to the hospital Wing were driven from Albus 's brain. Of course, after seeing pink wine, he would much rather have been bombarded with inquiry about his shoulder joint than going to the Room with his cousin.

Nobody said a word until they were in the Room. Albus, St. John the Apostle, and Matt sat side by side on the couch, but Rose and Amanda remained standing in strawman of them. `` Explain yourselves ! '' rosebush shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

rose wine cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll recount you about our night first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the Shack in the middle of the night, but it had to be done. What former option did we possess ? It was safe than the alternative. How else were you going to get the paw photographic print ? I thought the plan would work. We had it all set. You three would sneak down there and put the lambskin on the floor and then sneak back up. Simple. '' rosiness stopped and began to rate around the room.

`` There were all form of things that could 've gone awry, '' Amanda picked up where Rose left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the teachers. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the background ? There are all form of animals wandering around at night. Not to mention the Whomping willow tree itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to imagine when you three never showed up ? ! '' Rose raised her voice even high, if that was potential. `` If you had been caught by Filch or a teacher, you would 've came back to Gryffindor eventually ! BUT YOU NEVER DID ! ``

`` But Rose- '' John pleaded. Albus sent him a warning look. He knew it was never good to break Rose when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, Saint John the Apostle ! We thought some kind of brute had you ! Or even spoilt, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and nobble you or something ! Then you sneak back into the castle this break of day, looking like you 've just been at a party or something !

`` You kept us up all night worrying, when you probably just decided to ingest some fun last Nox. You know I was this come together to telling Uncle Harry this sunrise. I wanted to last night, but Amanda convinced me to wait until good morning. Of course now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a couple hold would teach you not to stay out all Nox ! ``

`` rose wine, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us explain. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' Rose glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did last night was n't just stupidity. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The door to the castling were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the castling. I tried all the spell you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to spend the night in the shrieking shanty. And you 're right, it was kind of fun. ``

Rose and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a discussion for the following minute. Albus and the former boys did n't defy say a word either. `` Well, '' Rose said quietly, `` Er, that does excuse things. I 'm, uh, sorry I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' rosiness began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a quick banker's bill telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at least roll in the hay what was going on. ``

Albus, John, and Matt turned to look at each early. Albus felt his cheeks turning red. Of track ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The solitary means of communication Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the answer was there all along, a simple owl. He could have just made a quick tripper to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're idiots, '' John the Divine muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our idiot, '' rose laughed. `` Now, are you going to tell us about your niggling adventure ? ``

Albus, John, and Matt spent the next one-half hour relaying every point of their trips to the screech Shack the former night. Rose and Amanda both found it very hold, especially the part about Albus pushing toilet off the bed.

After they were done telling the story, all five of them went to the hospital wing so Albus and mat could get their lesion healed. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward was completely deserted of other patients. She took one look at the Gryffindors and came bustling out from behind the desk. `` You lot again ? What have you gotten yourselves into this time ? ``

`` Just these two, '' John pointed at Albus and Matt.

Madam Pomfrey took one heavy feeling at lustrelessness and announced, `` You were international net night. Was mortal giving you detention ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey looked at him for a few seconds longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and Matt sat down on one of the beds and Madam Pomfrey returned a few second later with a tray laden with potions. She told Matt to drink them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' Matt pulled up his sleeve, `` I tripped over a book. ``

Madam Pomfrey clucked her natural language and pulled out her verge. She had his arm healed in an instant. `` I trust you 'll get some rest today ? Or do I have to make you stay put here ? ``

`` I 'll sleep, I promise, '' Matt replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nursemaid turned to Albus.

`` Hurt my articulatio humeri, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the subject. He pulled up his sleeve to let out his offend shoulder.

Madam Pomfrey studied it for a here and now, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nanny looked at the harm for a little while longer and she looked from Albus to Matt and back again. `` I know how you got that, '' she replied.

`` Er, '' Albus stuttered. Great, after all that, they were still going to get in trouble.

`` Whatever you boys did last night, do n't do it again, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then Matt in the eye, `` I wo n't separate Professor Longbottom this time, or your begetter, '' she said to Albus, `` But succeeding time I will. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of rest period as brothel keeper Pomfrey healed his shoulder joint with one swift wave of her wand. He 'd have no trouble keeping his Bible to the nurse. There was no way that he was going to duplicate last Night. Well, unless they needed to for the map. But he 'd try hard not to get hit by the Whomping Willow future time.

`` You 're all set, '' Madam Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some rest, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would have no problem doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The group went back to the common room and the boys immediately headed for their dorm. Albus changed into his pajamas and climbed into his warm four-poster bed, feeling very satisfied that they had n't been caught at all.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Denas, Alex, Gospel of Luke, smirkyhaha, Moonylupin, and hermionieforever for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the prison term Albus woke up it was already dinner meter, which was good because he was starving. John the Evangelist and Matt woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling much advantageously now that they 'd gotten a properly amount of sleep.

`` make to do that again ? '' John asked as he was putting on his shoe.

Despite the fact that Albus did hold fun on their escapade last night, he did not require to repeat it. `` Are you genial ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' john laughed.

`` You do realize that we 'll have to go get the paw print, '' matt reminded them.

Albus and John looked at each other. The true statement was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just bring with you back to the castle ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious mind, '' Matt replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped matte would be able to get the paw print. What were the fortune that they 'd be able-bodied to sneak down to the shack again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't forget to mesh the doors twice. Plus, what would happen if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a loud voice shouted as soon as Albus, John, and Matt descended into the park room. Kaden came running over to them with his usual look of excitement in his eyes.

`` Hey, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` We 're just going to dinner. ``

`` Me, too. I 'll go with you, '' Kaden fell into step alongside Albus. `` Where have you lot been all day anyway ? ``

`` Uh, sleeping upstairs, '' Albus replied.

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked skeptically, `` Because I asked Rose if you were in your residence hall and she said you were n't. ``

`` I assure you we were, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hmm, well, I wonder why she told me you were n't. ``

`` Who knows ? She 's a young woman, they do foreign affair, '' whoremaster said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' lusterlessness answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up later doing prep live on night, '' John lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after first gear year. They bombard you with even to a greater extent homework. ``

`` guessing I 've got that to look forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The boys did spend their stallion eve doing all the prep they had n't done the night before. Kaden stared at them the whole time, no doubt thinking of next twelvemonth, when he would consume to spend his unhurt weekend doing homework. Albus felt kind of bad that they told him that and he was now variety of dreading his indorse year, but he 'd find out soon enough that that was n't admittedly. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a word about the new map until rose found the appeal to keep him calm down about it.

******

The day of the full lunation came quickly and Albus could n't decoct on any of his classes. He could only cerebrate about the map, and how they would be one stride closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon live if another trip to the hut was going to be necessary. Of grade, it may be that more than one Sir Thomas More tripper would be needed, if they did n't get the step tonight. There was the possibility that all the parchment would be destroyed. Albus did n't want to recollect about that, though. He just clung to the estimate that they would be able to get a paw print tonight and that Matt would be able to bring it back the side by side morning.

lusterlessness skipped his afternoon social class and spent the time sleeping in the elbow room of requirement. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner party and snuck out of the Great entrance hall before Kaden noticed, they went up to the Room. They did n't cause much time before lustrelessness had to go to the infirmary extension and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how long that tunnel is, I feel even distressing for him, '' John said quietly on their way to the vernacular room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't know how he does it. He could barely get to the hospital fender. ``

`` Hi, Guy ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the common way. Albus, John, rose wine, and Amanda went over to the tabular array Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with parchment and Bible, and sat down. `` Where 's matte ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the hospital annex, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Because of that disease I was n't supposed to recount anyone about ? ``

`` Right, '' Albus confirmed. His cousin-german could be so slow sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his books and tried to centralise on his homework. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the next day, which he was very mad about. Albus tried to tune him out, but he could n't. Albus had a tone even if Kaden was n't running a streaming commentary about his potions class he still would n't be capable to digest. His wholly nous was consumed with thoughts about the map. He sighed and closed his book. None of his homework was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really feel like doing homework tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' John muttered and continued writing his DADA essay that was due the succeeding day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an idea that would busy both his and Kaden 's even. `` Ever played chess ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum taught me. ``

`` Ever played mavin 's Chess ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's face lit up, `` thaumaturgist have their own chess ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll teach you. Be compensate back. '' Albus ran up to his student residence and rummaged around in his trunk until he found a chess board, his chessman, and an old set of chessmen for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more charge than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Play chess. It 's pretty practically like Muggle chess game, but with some remainder. You remember how to play Muggle chess ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` fountainhead, with Wizard 's Chess everyone has their own chessmen. These are mine, '' Albus held up his White chessman. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this spare set. I think it used to belong to my Uncle Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of black-market chessmen.

`` Are you any upright at chess ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all right hand. Not as good as James, and not nearly as honest as Rose. My Uncle Ron, rosiness 's dad, is the best at it. No one 's ever able to beat him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like normal ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own pieces. `` White goes first. Oh, and you do n't move your spell. Just tell the pieces which blank space to move to. ``

`` severalise them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you think of, recite them ? ``

`` Just spotter, '' Albus put down his final bit and muttered instructions for his pawn to locomote two lame ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the white instrument moved by itself. `` They 'll do that if I tell them, too ? ``

`` They 're supposed to. But they might not need to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his pawns to move forward two squares and it did so without hesitation. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than regular cheat. ``

The game continued for a few Thomas More mo and then one of Kaden 's pawns wound up in the way of life of Albus 's castle. Albus commanded the castle forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the common way turned around to look at him. `` Your castle killed my pawn ! That 's mental ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a spell to revivify them, '' Albus explained.

`` Will my musical composition kill yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few bout later, Kaden got the probability to order one of his musical composition to defeat one of Albus 's. Kaden 's case was full of glee as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's pawns. The game continued and Albus started to get the feeling that Kaden just liked watching the man destroy each other. This became especially evident when Kaden only had his king, a horse, his castle, and three cat's-paw left. Albus was only missing one castle, both bishops, and five or so pawns. Kaden 's chessman were not very glad about this and his Billie Jean King and knight actually got into what appeared to be a heated tilt about whether or not they were going to continue to listen to Kaden. Eventually, his king prostrate out refused to move and Albus won by nonpayment. Nevertheless, it was one of the most amusing secret plan of chess Ablus had ever played. whoremonger, Amanda, and even rose wine gave up on their homework and watched the lowest part of the game.

`` I think you need your own chessman, '' Albus told Kaden as he repaired the broken pieces. `` I 'm not sure if these will be will to listen to you anymore. ``

`` Well it 's no marvel, '' rose wine commented, `` All he did was say them to walk right into death traps. ``

`` It 's funny to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe future meter you 'll actually try and win, '' blush wine smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chessmen for Christmas. ``

`` That would be a good mind, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them serious than these I. ``

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that night and he was very sap the side by side morning. All he could think about was the paw print and whether or not their plan worked. Luckily Albus only had two classes that day and then he would be able to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the hospital annex after this, right ? '' King John whispered to Albus during a mind numbing account of Magic moral. Binns was currently droning on about the history of the enslavement of family pixie. Rose was the solely one paying aid, although Albus had no idea why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the story of family pixie, having been lectured about it by Rose 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you desire lunch first ? ``

`` Of course I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's micturate it fast. ``

`` I should n't have bothered asking, '' Albus laughed.

`` How often prospicient until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in figurehead of him and can, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his watch. `` 15 second. But it 'll feel like thirty. ``

`` Why do we call for to know about house Elves anyway ? '' St. John the Apostle asked

`` They 're an important component of wizarding chronicle ! '' Rose replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's boring, though, '' John responded and flicked a piece of lambskin at the Hufflepuff sitting at the desk future to him. `` We should memorize about something more excite. Like the whale Wars. ``

`` Binns 'll build even that drilling, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's better than this. ``

`` Even the chronicle of caldron and their effects on wizarding society ? '' Amanda laughed. That moral, which had taken stead the previous year, had been the worst one yet. Albus was sure as shooting everyone, including blush wine, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never mind, '' John groaned. `` I do n't even want to intend about that one. Or the 14 inch essay we had to write on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and Miss Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd care to share with the socio-economic class ? ``

`` No, sir, '' King John replied.

`` good, good, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, Brits menage Elves started to have contact with the American English House Elves, which resulted in a sort of House Elf single .... ''

`` Kill me now, '' John muttered.

`` Five more minutes ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this House Elf clobber, '' Amanda whispered.

King John snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes account. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is bad than maths in Muggle schooling, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate mathematics, '' John agreed, `` I 'm glad we do n't have to demand them here. Mum taught me some and it was atrocious. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy next year, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that class either.

`` No way, '' Gospel According to John shook his head teacher, `` I 'll bet Kaden would like it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this stratum. ``

`` He does. He told me the other day, '' Amanda announced.

`` Likes everything except Quidditch, '' John sighed, `` There 's something wrong with that kid. ``

`` Twelve inch essay about the Society for the packaging of Elfish Welfare for future class, '' Binns droned a minute before the class was over.

The moment the bell rang, Albus and his admirer shot up out of their chairs and ran out the door. `` This 'll be bar, '' Albus laughed, `` An essay on Spew ! ``

`` It 's S.P.E.W. ! '' Rose laughed as she caught up with him.

`` commodity, you can do mine ! '' John told him.

`` Sorry, one boring essay per dark, yours would put me over my limit, '' Albus faked an excusatory looking at. `` Oh, come on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd care to spend my time. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see Matt. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of students that were flooding into the Great Hall. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor mesa and Albus and the others were capable to shovel down food for thought at the inverse end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their hurried lunch, they ran up to the hospital wing. `` I hope he was able to get the paw print, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't take to walking through that tunnel again, '' lav agreed.

The pall were pulled around Matt 's usual bed at the far end of the Ward. Nobody was in any of the other bottom. Madam Pomfrey was busy preparing potions when the mathematical group of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to greet them. `` Oh, it 's you lot. I figured you 'd be showing up soon. He 's sleeping right now, I 'm afraid you 'll have to hold back. ``

`` Please, dame Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't stick around long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be quiet, too, '' John the Divine commented, `` You can throw us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the regulation, '' the nursemaid replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to do back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a hoarse representative came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' gentlewoman Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the curtains, `` You know he needs to rest ! ``

`` wellspring, he 's awake now, so we can stick, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` Fine, '' Madam Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a short piece. '' She left them alone and went back to her potions.

`` Sorry for waking you up, '' Albus said as he closed the curtain again. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right, '' lusterlessness replied. He looked much like he usually did after a wide moon, with several patch all over. `` You did n't stir up me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' Rose asked.

`` You 'll never think who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he derive to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go visit flatness unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't think. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in class and he and Kaden got covered in it. Willinson got the brunt of it and while Kaden was waiting for his routine to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. Madam Pomfrey would n't secern him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here last nighttime. Madam Pomfrey came to give me potion while they were here and Kaden saw me. Then he asked if he could see me, so I pretended to be asleep. ``

`` So Willinson knew you were here ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he 's going to tell Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in Transfiguration this morning, '' pink wine pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't matter then. ``

Albus was just itching to know if Matt had managed to get the paw print. He had thought lusterlessness would bring it up right away, but the Kaden thing must 've made him forget about it. `` Did you get the print ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in luck, '' lusterlessness smiled, `` I did manage to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's right there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather displume slice of parchment. But in the middle was a very orotund paw print consisting of a mixture of ink, mud, and blood. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And sort of rank, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` Perfect. ``

`` One down feather, three to go, '' John commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the other three are a bit easier. '' Albus was feeling very good about their plan now. The surd paw print was done and soon they would give birth the early three.

`` And the spell is working often better now, '' Rose announced, `` I started to get the hang of it net dark. I 'll probably have it done before Christmas. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can start looking for that good luck charm to keep Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow evening or Fri daybreak, probably, '' Matt told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to cut Astronomy. ``

`` What a disgrace, '' St. John the Apostle faked a flavour of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an hour looking at genius. ''

`` We 'll be certain to get all the homework for you, '' Rose told him.

`` Oh do n't worry about it, '' Matt laughed. `` What did I miss in class yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not much, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted mandrake root again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoon into forks in transfiguration. And we learned all about the history of House Elves in History of Magic. It was one of the most irksome classes yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' Matt agreed.

`` Was not, '' pink wine argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling practice, '' Amanda said. `` The next affaire d'honneur is Sat. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely forgotten about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the lycanthrope photographic print for the map that the dueling nightspot had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, Rose, '' whoremaster grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' Rose smirked, `` Ca n't block him. ``

`` You should challenge him to a chess mates, '' trick decided, `` It 'll be fun to check. ``

`` I 'll beat him in two minutes flat, '' Rose laughed.

`` Kaden plays maven 's Bromus secalinus ? '' Matt asked.

`` Albus taught him last night. You 've got to watch it sometime. It 's uproarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to take in the pieces get smashed so by the end of the biz, his pieces refused to heed to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' Rose changed the subject, `` drive back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't have to lift back into the hutch. ``

Albus really did n't want to contribute back the cloak. He liked it. But he knew he had to. `` I guess. ``

`` We 'll do it after we get kicked out of here, '' privy suggested.

`` Which is flop now, '' Madam Pomfrey pulled back the drapery and set a tray of potions down on the bedside table. `` Time for you four to leave. He needs to sleep. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' lusterlessness waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' Rose whispered as soon as they 'd shut the door to the hospital wing.

Albus nodded and started to take the air to his dad 's agency. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few students wandering around, but no one paid very much attention as Albus unlocked the door to Harry 's office and moderate his champion inside.

`` feel like my household, '' Saint John, who had never been in Harry 's federal agency before, announced, `` A pure mess. My whole family is messy. ``

`` My mum 's a bully freak. She 'd have a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' can gave Amanda a weird look.

`` shot it 's a Muggle expression. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the various stuff and went over to the sleeping room door. He pushed it open and went inside, with his admirer following. The proboscis was just where it had been the workweek before and Albus lifted the lid. He pulled the cloak out of his bag and looked at it one more meter before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd recover it. `` fountainhead, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' St. John replied as he gazed around the way. `` marvel what else we could find in here ? ``

`` John ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` look at this ! '' St. John leaped over a big bucks of books and picked up a ikon that was sitting on top of the wardrobe. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle bambino. ``

Albus grabbed the movie out of bathroom 's hand and looked at it. trusted enough, it was a picture of Albus, James, and Lily, right after Lily was born. James River, who must have been three or four, was holding a tiny baby with a heavy sum of red hair. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's helping hand and making her wave.

`` You were an adorable little kid, Albus, '' whoremaster smirked. `` So was James. ``

`` I 'm sure you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the picture back. `` Now let 's get out of here before my dad gets back. ``


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Gospel of Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Saturday was soon upon them and with it came a howling snow violent storm. Albus was very well-chosen that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch mate. He had played Quidditch in snow before, but never in shape that prevented him from seeing his own hands in front end of him. Today 's storm was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going external, but he need n't throw bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the first place.

After luncheon, half the school migrated into the dueling room and waited for the tourney to set out. Albus and Amanda said bye-bye to their acquaintance and sat down at the mesa they had been at the previous tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the exclusively remaining fundament, which happened to be adjacent to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a tush next to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` ceramist, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tourney commenced much as it had the previous time, only this sentence everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around time and Albus was very happy that Amanda was on his team so he had someone to talk to. So far, there were still tensions between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's architectural plan to have everyone get along was not working.

After about a half 60 minutes, it was finally Albus 's turn to duel. Malfoy had just completed his beginning duel and beat his Ravenclaw resister. Albus congratulated him as he went up to the dueling area. He was up against a Hufflepuff one-third year. Albus and the other boy bowed and the two of them started dueling. The Hufflepuff sent two jinxes at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a trip jinx and then disarmed him. The whole matter took about a minute.

`` item to Potter ! '' Neville announced.

`` undecomposed job, Albus ! '' Kate and Amanda said in unison once Albus returned to his seat.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Hardly counts, '' Malfoy commented, `` You dueled a bloody Hufflepuff. A first twelvemonth could 've beat that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the same affair. ``

`` Your little friend is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling orbit that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that flatness was about to duel one of the other Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't calculate that good. ``

Albus personally thought Matt looked all right, considering he had just gotten out of the hospital wing the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was sick. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your pudding head cousin-german told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that first cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't predict him stupe. And the Hat knows better than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't tell Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would have been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your full cousin 's got anymore information that I 'd like to live. ``

`` Do n't go near my cousin, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In case you have n't realized by now, you 're on the same team. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to watch the rest of matte 's duel. It took him a patch, but Matt did eventually dumbfound the Hufflepuff. He looked worn out, but happy. `` Told you he could beat him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky shot, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't let the cat out of the bag to each other for the rest of the tournament. Both male child won their next duels, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her get-go duel and won her second. John won his first and lost his moment. flatness lost his arcsecond one and rosiness managed to win both of hers. But despite their best exploit, none of their squad won the tournament. It did n't really count though because the distributor point were so close up. The final tournament was still very up in the air and any of the teams had a chance of making it.

******

The remaining days until the end of full term went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Christmas holiday this year because it meant that Albus and his friends would acquire two to a greater extent of the paw prints needed for the map. Rose had just perfected the transference charm and had already started searching for the charm to hold open Kaden quiet. After Yuletide, the only thing left to do would be to get the rat print. Albus thought it was quite funny that the smallest and theoretically sluttish photographic print to get was taking the longest. John the Evangelist had yet to manage to bewitch a rat during potions class and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every sentence I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' John vented the evening before their last day of classes. The group of Gryffindors were in the Room of Requirement, enjoying some peace and quiet while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with cheeseflower or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just stun it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' Saint John muttered, `` I 'd been trying to stupefy them across the room. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would notice that ? '' Rose said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, pink wine. ``

`` Well, you 've got plenty of sentence to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the spy prints. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' rosebush replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the stag, Albus. You can come over to my home after we leave the burrow. ``

`` Sounds just, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the burrow the whole vacation anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Rose smirked, `` Gran and granddad are going on holiday together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really like to think about, rose wine, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few Clarence Day after Christmastime and spend new twelvemonth 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the holiday ? ``

`` The usual, '' John said immediately, `` All my first cousin coming over at various metre. Should be crazy as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your house sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your cousins are mad, but I really do n't think your category is as insane as mine is. ``

`` I 'm trusted it is. My great-great grandfather is coming this year. He 's uproarious, especially after he 's had a brace firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great granddad beverage firewhiskey ? '' lusterlessness laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling derisory stories about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should hook him up with Auntie Muriel, eh Rose ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the funniest thing ever, '' rose wine grinned.

`` Your great-great granddad sound like our aunt Muriel. She 's 127 and loves to gossip, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad congenator, '' Amanda commented, `` My kin sounds pretty normal compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Hanukkah, so that makes up for it, '' whoremaster replied, `` I mean, who would n't care eight Clarence Day of presents ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the right thing ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle friend who celebrates both. But she does n't get presents on every night of Feast of Lights, '' Matt told them.

`` I get humble presents each dark and then one big one on the finally night, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still cool, '' John said, `` So, Matt, do you have to go visit your grandparents this year ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' lusterlessness groaned, `` Of course I do. But only for five Day this year. We 're leaving right before new year 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few days before term starts. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus smiled. `` At least you do n't possess to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The only thing to do down there is preparation or read. It 's not like I can trifle Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can occur over to Rose 's menage with me. Then we can play Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should come too, John and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm sure my parents will let me, '' John replied.

`` I can probably only delay a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Hanukkah is late this year and starts on Christmas, so it 'll still be going on on the 28th. I 'll birth to be home by the evening. ``

`` That 'll operate. Maybe we can all get the hart print together, '' Albus said.

`` good mind, '' privy grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably recite you now, just in case I do n't get to go to Rose 's house, '' lustrelessness began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the train with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his supporter, who was looking a little forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the rootage of the term. The full synodic month 's on the 9th and soul has to keep an eye on me once I start taking it a few days before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the morning after and stick around a couple Clarence Day. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really sure what to say. He wished more than ever that someone would just expose a potion that would work for him.

`` seem on the bright side, '' whoremonger said, `` At least you do n't accept to transubstantiate at your grandparents sign again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never have to do that again, '' flatness shook his forefront, `` But let 's mouth about something else. Did you see in the Prophet that the carom almost won that game against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American squad they were playing for exercise. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 points ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's close ! '' Matt grinned, `` They 're making a comeback, I just know it ! ``

`` wellspring, with a figure like 'Finches', what do you bear ? It would n't have surprised me if the carom beat them, '' John laughed, `` Well, maybe a little. But seriously, who names a team the 'Finches'? ``

******

The term ended the next day with a charge, literally. James and a few of his booster thought it would be odd to put a few Weasley pyrotechnic into the wooing of armor and charm them to go off at certain times during the day. After the tenth explosion the instructor gave up trying to instruct anything and just let their students do what they wanted during stratum, within reason of course. Unfortunately for James and his friend, professor Cedonia spotted them refilling the armor on the secondly floor corridor with bracing fireworks and gave them one of her rarified detentions. For this one, they had to scavenge every unity suit of clothes of armor on the indorsement floor corridor that evening. Jesse James said it was worth it, though.

`` We really ought to fall up with a few good frivolity, '' whoremonger decided as they were traveling through the mound on the train. `` That 's what the Marauders did, was antic masses, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very good at coming up with caper. That was James 's area of expertise. Plus, if the upshot of such joke was cleaning suits of armor, Albus really did n't want to force a all lot of clowning. `` Maybe a few underage ones, that do n't get us in huge worry. ``

`` I 'm sure we could do some of those. There 's consignment of hooey we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one Saint James the Apostle did before the first dueling tournament, '' lustrelessness laughed.

The rest of the train ride went quickly and soon Albus and his friends found themselves at Martin Luther King Jr. 's Cross. Albus climbed off the caravan and saw his parents standing with Rose 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, John grabbed his arm and steered him in another direction. `` C'mon, you can run across my great-great grandfather ! ``

Albus saw a very weak, completely bald, old man with a long Patrick White beard standing next to John 's parents. John lead their grouping over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave John the Divine a stiff hug, `` How 're things at that schoolhouse ? How is Professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died yr ago, Grandpa, like I told you over the summer. Like I tell you every summer, '' St. John stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new teachers, a gang of young'ins I bet ! rachis in my day none of the teacher were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new master .... ''

`` granddad, '' trick shook his head, `` The teachers are fine. But I want you to meet my friends. This is flatness Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` Potter ! ? '' John 's great-great grandfather peered into Albus 's eye and grinned, `` Albus Potter ? well I 'll be. If it is n't Harry thrower 's son ! I remember back in the days of You-know-who and cypher thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes minuscule Harry thrower and poove ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should happen again ? Harry Potter makes 'im disappear again and for near this time ! ``

Albus, who was used to this form of tending but not mortal shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to ignore the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, nice to suffer you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these girls ? Have you got yourself two girlfriend, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't recommend it. I did it once and meander up with no lady friend after they found out ! ``

`` No, gramps, '' St. John laughed, `` They 're just friends. Amanda tagging program and Rose Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the redhead. Just wait boulder clay you 're aged. ``

`` Just friends, Grandpa, '' john 's nerve turned red.

`` He 's like the male version of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' John 's grandad shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the aged man would be able to hear him. `` I used to know a Muriel ! Went to schoolhouse with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in X ! ``

Albus looked at rose. What a co-occurrence. `` Er, Albus and I have an aunty Muriel Weasley, '' rose giggled.

`` fountainhead I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm sure enough she 'd bang that, '' rose smiled.

`` We 're going to suffer to go now, '' John 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' John waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` Tell your dad I said hi ! '' John 's great-great grandpa shouted.

******

Albus spent the next few days hanging around Grimmauld Place with King James and the remainder of his family. Lily was thrilled to have both her brothers and her dad home and she had been demanding to know everything that had gone on the past condition.

`` That way I 'll screw everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Noel Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to recount you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a glass of juice, `` It 's a surprisal. ``

`` That 's not fairly, '' Lily whined.

`` nonentity told me or Al how we got sorted, so how is it not fair for you not to have a go at it ? '' James IV asked.

`` I 'm the youthful. I should know everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few years ! And then all the Muggle-born Kyd will ask me questions and I 'll be capable to answer them. ``

`` You 'll find out soon enough, Lily, '' Ginny assured her.

`` How much longer ? '' Lily asked excitedly.

`` There 's still 9 month. ``

`` That 's forever ! ``

`` She 's going to be a incubus this summer, '' James River whispered to Albus.

`` Morning, everyone ! '' Harry descended the step into the kitchen and pulled up a chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the Prophet, `` Have you seen the Marauder 's Map ? ``

James choked on his juice and sprayed it across the table at Albus, as he turned brightly red.

`` Ew, take in it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, James ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` Fine. The article on the strawman of the paper, it 's, er, shocking, '' St. James the Apostle blushed some more and pointed to the nominal head of the vaticinator, which was facing him.

`` crone attempt to diminution sizing of Her Ears, Charms Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. mass ought to be more heedful ! '' St. James the Apostle sputtered. He gave Albus a look that Albus interpreted to mean 'meet me upstairs'. Henry James excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No melodic theme, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go change, '' Albus jumped up and followed James II. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to have to collapse it back. Albus was going to miss it, but it would only be a issue of prison term before he had the other one working.

`` Albus ! '' King James I pulled him into the drawing way and shut the door. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I form of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to have to hook it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` delay, Albus ! '' St. James the Apostle grabbed his arm, `` The affair is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from foot to foot looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't find it ! '' James whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't have lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not mirthful ! '' Henry James insisted.

`` You did n't lose it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you calendar month ago and did n't want to dedicate it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' Henry James shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd drop off it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't matter now. We 've got to give it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` fountainhead you stole it from Dad in the initiatory place, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of trouble ! ``

He had a power point there. If Albus had n't consume been in Kendrick 's situation the former class, James never would have taken the map in the first place. `` All right. I 'll just go sneak it into his room. Maybe he 'll believe he just forgot to land it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's hope so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his sleeping room. He knew his dad would desire the map back eventually, he just had n't given it much thought. At least he had n't noticed it was missing at school. Albus threw exposed his torso and rifled through his schooltime stuff. He still had n't unpacked everything or packed a bag for his stay at the tunnel. The map was inside the photo album Albus found over the summer, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't require the predator 's Map to decipher the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'room. He shoved the map under a pile of defensive magic al-Qur'an and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' James asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a stack of playscript, with one corner sticking out. ``

`` Perfect. You might need to go change your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, right hand, '' Albus looked down at his juice splattered T-shirt, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No problem, '' Saint James the Apostle laughed, `` come to me for all your juice spraying pauperization. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his eyes as he left the way to change his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their reviews !