A/N : This tale describes how Albus, Matt, Amanda, John, and rose get their Hogwarts letters. Each chapter contians lyrics from a song by Jared Joseph Campbell. Each chapter 's name is a lyrical from the like Sung. The storey is named after his Song dynasty, life sentence Is Good.

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

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



Eleven-year-old Albus Severus Potter was standing in front of the window in the drafting room of his London menage, Grimmauld Place. He had been standing perfectly still for the past two minutes, watching as a dot in the sky got larger and larger until it was placeable as an owl.

The owl was close now and it looked like it was heading straight for Grimmauld Place. It was close enough for Albus to notice its ruffled brown plume and the letters wrapped around its leg. Albus gulped and he rubbed his sweaty hands on his pants.

Watching for the morning stake had become a routine for Albus over the past few sidereal day. As soon as he woke up, he would stand by the window waiting for the owl that he knew would come soon. The owl from Hogwarts schoolhouse of Witchcraft and Wizardry that would fetch him his acceptance letter. Albus 's older buddy, James, had received his letter of the alphabet a year ago, in mid-July, and Albus was sure as shooting his would get at roughly the Sami time.

Albus wrenched open the window and the owl soared inside. It stuck out its leg and Albus quickly detached the letter. The owl gave a loud hoot and then soared out the window. Albus shut it as he rifled through the letter of the alphabet. One was addressed to St. James. But the other, the early was addressed to Albus.

Albus sat down on the couch and slowly turned the missive over in his deal. He swallowed hard and began to give it with shaking hands. He pulled it out of the envelop and read it.

Albus closed the varsity letter, grinning to himself. It had finally arrived. Albus had been kind of queasy about it the entire summertime. He knew it would go far, but after days of no owls from Hogwarts, he had gotten a bit worried.

Albus stood up and ran to the stairs. He had to wake James up. King James I had been teasing Albus ever since he returned from Hogwarts, telling him he would n't get his letter. Albus knew Jesse James liked to joke, but it had gotten a bit nettle by the third week.

St. James the Apostle 's chamber door was closed, but that did n't end Albus. After all, William James always barged into Albus 's way. Albus banged open the door and peered down at Henry James, who was curled up on his bed. He looked rather innocent when he was sleeping, but if anyone could make trouble even while sleeping, it was James.

Albus glanced around the room, trying to think of a creative way to wake him up. He wished he had a scepter and could spurt body of water in Saint James the Apostle 's face.

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

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

`` What the hellhole, Al ? '' James I shouted as he rubbed his headland, `` Do you make what metre it is ? ``

`` club in the morning, '' Albus said, `` Sorry about your point. ``

`` It 's ok, '' James muttered, `` I 'll get you back eventually. But why in the public figure of merlin did you wake me up so early ? ``

Albus pulled his missive out of his envelop and proudly shoved it in James 's face. St. James grabbed it and scanned it. He gave it back to Albus and grinned.

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

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

`` I was only joking, '' St. James the Apostle shrugged, `` It 's what brothers do. Now you get to do it with Lily. ``

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

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

`` Excellent, '' James grinned as he ripped it spread out, `` Maybe Mum and Dad will get me a ling as an other birthday present. Then I can try out for Seeker this year and not have to use one of those shoal broom. ``

Jesse James was entering his second class and was determined to get Gryffindor 's new searcher. He had been practicing all summertime on one of their mum 's old brooms. James 's birthday was in November and he had been giving their parents not so pernicious hints about a new broom ever since he returned home from school.

`` Well, I 'm going to go see if we can go to Diagon skittle alley today, '' Albus said.

`` Then I can get my ling, '' Henry James replied and laid back down.

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

Albus ran back down the stairs and to the kitchen. Both of his parents were sitting at the table eating eggs and toast.

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

`` Congratulations, Al, '' Harry grinned and ruffled Ablus 's hair, `` Told you you just had to be patient. ``

`` That 's wonderful, Albus, '' Ginny got up and kissed the top of his head, `` We can go shopping today, if you 'd wish. ``

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

Ginny rolled her oculus as she put her plate in the sink. `` We 'll see about that. ``

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

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

`` momma ! '' Lily cried, `` It 's gravel ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` No, '' Albus shook his head.

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

`` It 's his varsity letter, Lils, '' Harry replied.

Lily crossed her sleeve across her chest. `` Fine. I want to go to Hogwarts, too. ``

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

Harry snorted into his juice. `` I seem to commend someone else who was impatient about going to Hogwarts. ``

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

Albus poured himself a bowl of cereal and sat down just as the fireplace lit up with super C flaming. It cleared a few endorsement later and out stepped a boy in his former teens who had aquamarine colored hair.

`` Teddy ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up from the board, `` I got my letter of the alphabet just now ! '' Albus handed teddy bear his letter.

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

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

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

`` Of line I am, '' Ginny said.

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

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

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

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

`` phone good, '' shimmy said as he stepped back into the open fireplace and disappeared in green flames.

******

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

Albus had been to Diagon Alley numerous clip before, but there was something very charge about going there to buy supplies for Hogwarts. He was getting to do everything James II had done the former twelvemonth. Albus was especially excited about going to Olivander 's and getting his wand.

They met Ron and Hermione Weasley, as well as their two minor, Rose and Hugo, in front of Gringott 's. blush wine was a dyad months younger than Albus, but would be turning eleven in Aug and would be going to Hogwarts as well. Victor Hugo was Lily 's age.

`` Where to first ? '' Harry asked.

`` Olivander 's ! '' Albus announced.

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

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

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

`` Eyelops ! '' Lily shouted.

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

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

`` Weasley 's whizz Wheezes, '' Victor-Marie Hugo suggested.

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

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

The tripper to the Apothecary was quick. nobody really wanted to lallygag in there. Albus did n't particularly savor the place. It had an odd smelling to it and there were cauldrons full of things that looked like they were decaying.

After the Apothecary, they went to madam Malkin 's, which was boring as well. Albus just did n't come up buying robes very exciting. It seemed like his dad was doing the near boring shopping first.

Finally, after a long tripper to Flourish and Blotts, Harry announced that Olivander 's was next on the list. Albus and Rose ran ahead of the residue of the group and arrived a few mo before anyone else.

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

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

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

Olivander took mensuration and then walked to the spine of the shop. He returned with a few wands just as the residuum of the potter and Weasley families entered the shop. Olivander greeted them and then handed Albus and Rose each a wand.

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

James burst out in laugh as Albus 's face turned vivid red. He set the wand on Olivander 's desk and looked sheepishly at his kinsperson. Harry grinned and repaired Olivander 's window with a moving ridge of his own wand.

`` Perhaps this one, '' Olivander handed Albus another wand, `` Eleven and a fourth part column inch, Ash, capital of Arizona plumage. ``

Albus took the wand and all of a sudden a affectionate feeling enveloped him. If he did n't cognise any better, he 'd say the baton actually glowed in his hand for a fragmented second. He could feel that it was the ripe one even before he waved it. He gave it a wave and gold sparks erupted from it.

`` Excellent, '' Olivander grinned.

A little while later, Rose had her wand as well and the chemical group left the store. Albus was carrying his wand with the maximum guardianship and staring more at the box than what was in movement of him.

The grownup decided that it would be best to visit Eyelops last-place since both Albus and Rose were getting owls. They did n't want to stimulate to bear the owls around all day.

James was asking to go to character Quidditch supplying every five minutes or so, but Harry led the way into Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes first.

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

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

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

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

Albus followed George into the depth of the shop. He was not at all surprised that his uncle was assisting him with caper. George III was the owner of Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes and was fabled at Hogwarts as one of the most pixilated students ever to attend.

`` Now, every student needs a Skiving Snackbox or two, '' George said as he handed Albus and pink wine each a colourful box, `` After all, I ca n't opine you 'll want to sit through History of Magic very often. ``

Albus grinned as he took the box of Sweet to make one ill. He had heard many a report from his parents, aunty, uncles, cousin, and James about how deadening Professor Binns'classes were.

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

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

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

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

Albus laughed as he took a multitude of droppings bombs off the ledge. His cousin-german Fred was Saint George 's son and just finished his third class at Hogwarts. Fred had taken after his father as far as pranking went.

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

`` Ronald ! '' Hermione shouted, `` You 're even high-risk ! ``

`` Harry ! '' shift burst out of the back room and joined the group, `` Getting Al all the pranking mathematical product he 'll take this year ? ``

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

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

After a few more moment of arguing, Hermione gave up and both Albus and rosebush had bagfuls of Weasleys'ware. James had replenished his stash as well and Albus had a feeling he 'd use everything up within a month.

George closed the store so he and Teddy could get something to eat and everyone went to the Leaky cauldron for dinner. Albus mainly listened to the conversation but was very message. Going to Hogwarts was something he had been looking forward to for twelvemonth and now it was finally happening.

James IV finally got to go to timbre Quidditch Supplies after dinner and got his early birthday present. Albus was slightly jealous about this, but knew that he could n't ingest his own broom at Hogwarts anyway. He was determined to wee-wee it onto the Quidditch team eventually, though.

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

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

`` In two age, '' Harry replied.

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

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

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

There were owl of all sizes and colour. White unity, pitch-black single, and speckled ones. Small 1, orotund ones, and metier sized ones. Albus walked slowly through the store and looked at each owl. His eyes rested on an owl with gleaming topaz oculus and dark brown feathers. The owl had a few flecks of Edward White on its top dog and it was staring directly at Albus.

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

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

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

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

`` Name him Salazar, '' King James I smirked, `` Because you 'll be in Slytherin. ``

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

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

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

`` Ready to go, Al ? '' Harry asked, `` rise just found her owl. ``

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

Albus followed his phratry out of the owl workshop and to the Leaky caldron. In two calendar month, he 'd be at Hogwarts. The place where his parents went and well-nigh of the rest of his menage. The place he had been impatiently waiting to go to for days. He could n't reckon of a metre in his lifetime where he had been more excited. All he hoped was that he would wind up in Gryffindor and maybe, just maybe, he would be able-bodied to make a name for himself.


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


Eleven-year-old Matthew Conan Eckerton was sitting below a large oak tree in his backyard. His eyes were closed and he was resting his head word against its jolting trunk. The sun was beating down on him through the branches above. For the yesteryear hour, the exclusively sound had been the occasional bird chirping or cow mooing. Then a loud revving broke the silence.

Matt slowly opened his middle and squinted in the undimmed sun. He glanced around to try and find out where the randomness was coming from. In the space, he saw the farmer riding his tractor through the landing field that surrounded flatness 's house.

Matt lived in the nation, far from any township. His house was on an acre of property that was surrounded by cultivated land on three sides and a forest on the other. The nearby farmer owned all of the surrounding tilled land and was regularly seen plowing or performing early task. The farmer 's house was quite far away, although Matt could see it from where he was sitting. former than the Fannie Merritt Farmer, mat had no other neighbors.

Matt 's parents, Walter and Julie, wanted it that way. Matt was not an average eleven-year-old boy, even by wizarding standard. At the age of five, he was bitten by a lycanthrope and became one himself. For the past five and a half eld, over half his life, he had been enduring painful transformations every calendar month that left him exhausted and unhinged. As if he could be anymore strange, the wolfsbane Potion which normally enabled a wolfman to hold on his mind during full moons, did not exploit for Matt.

That particular day happened to be the day of the wide-cut moon. In only a few short hr, matte would be locked in a room in the basement and go through the painful transformation into the wolf.

As the full Sun Myung Moon was only a little while away, lusterlessness was already feeling the impression of it. A few days beforehand, he would tire quickly and get a lot of headaches. He also lost his appetite. At the second, he had a splitting concern which was not helped by the tractor, but felt too exhausted to actuate. He closed his eyes and tried to ignore the pounding in his head and the tractor 's roaring.

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

lusterlessness opened his eye again and saw his baby, Amy, walking towards him. `` I 'm over by the tree ! '' he shouted.

Amy ran the rest of the distance and sat down adjacent to him. Her blond hair's-breadth was thrown up into a messy ponytail and flying everywhere as she walked.

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

matte groaned inwardly. His female parent was extremely overprotective, in his judgment. He understood she had her reasons and after what had happened in the yesteryear, he could n't really find fault her. But he was n't a child anymore and he did n't suppose going outside was going to injure. He liked going exterior before full moons since he 'd be cooped up inside for a few mean solar day afterwards.

`` Is she back yet ? '' matte asked. His female parent had gone to Diagon alleyway to break up up some food market a fiddling while ago, leaving Amy to 'babysit'him. matte thought this was pathetic since he was eleven and certainly did not want a babysitter, but did n't reason with her. Plus, Amy was home anyway.

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

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

Ever since Amy had begun her magical education, when mat was four, he had been excited about going himself. Even after he had been bitten by a werewolf, he thought he 'd get to go. His parents had never said otherwise. Until they received a letter telling them lustrelessness could n't attend, that is.

The Eckertons had not lived in England their whole lifespan. Up until three years ago, they had lived in Commonwealth of Australia. Amy had attended the Australian School of black art until she was 14. That was when their parents had asked the headmaster if Matt would be able to pay heed. He said he could not.

Everything got worse from there. Someone who held a grudge against mat 's dad at the Ministry announced to the entire area that Matt was a werewolf ( something they had successfully hidden for over two years ) and then his dad lost his job because of it. He had been the Head of the Department for the regularization and dominance of Magical creature. After that, the man who had announced Matt 's lycanthropy became the head and passed legislation restricting the right wing of wolfman.

matt 's parents sent alphabetic character to numerous other schooling asking if he could see. Hogwarts schooling of witchery and Wizardry in Scotland said yes. matt 's dad found a job at the Brits Ministry, in wolfman Support Services, and they moved. Life had been better since then. Amy had a hard time adjusting, but eventually began to savour Hogwarts.

Due to all of this, lustrelessness knew he would get a letter from Hogwarts this summertime. He had been waiting for it for hebdomad since he had no idea when it would arrive, but had momentarily forgotten about it that day. Despite knowing it was going to come, there was something very arouse about it actually arriving.

Matt slowly peeled back the SEAL and opened the envelop. He pulled the missive out and carefully unfolded it.

`` Falco columbarius, you 're slow with that ! '' Amy exclaimed, `` I think I nearly ripped my alphabetic character from Commonwealth of Australia when I got it. ``

`` That 's why I opened mine slowly, '' matt smirked. He looked at the letter and read it aloud. There was a berth book at the end, one that mat knew the rest of his associate bookman would not have received.

P.S. Please have your parents contact
us so we can set up a prison term for you to
come to the shoal so we can discuss
the precautions we have set up for
your lycanthropy.

flatness folded the letter and then looked up at Amy. He still could n't believe that it was finally his twist to go to Hogwarts. He had been secretly jealous of Amy for years. Every time she got to go shopping for supplies and then speed away on the Hogwarts express, he watched with envious eyes.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah, '' lustrelessness said, wishing he did n't sustain to hold back, `` Says I ca n't get a bring a broom, though. ``

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

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

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

matt stood up and felt dizzy as soon as he did so. He stumbled and Amy grabbed his arm. She let him lean on her as they walked slowly back to the house. The thing matte hated even More than the literal transformation into the wolf was how tired of he felt the twenty-four hour period leading up to it. It was like getting the flu once a month.

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

`` I am going to leave out so many classes during the good Sun Myung Moon, '' lustrelessness groaned.

`` Yeah, you probably will, '' Amy agreed, `` But the teachers are nice so you 'll be able-bodied to catch up. Well, most of them are nice. Washburn 's a nasty patch of work, but the rest are courteous. And it 's not necessarily a bad thing to miss History of deception. There 's usually about a quarter of the the great unwashed in my class using Puking Pastilles or Nosebleed Nougats before that class. You 'll have a built in self-justification once a month. All the rest of the kids in your year will be jealous. ``

`` I doubt that, '' flatness said darkly. Ever since he had first seen the Sweet in a Skiving Snackbox, he was bewildered that masses would actually eat Sweet that would make you ill. He just could n't wrap his nous around actually wanting to be ill, even to miss a boring class. He 'd rather sit through the class.

`` Just retain an unfold mind, '' Amy shrugged, `` There have been quite a few times where I would rather be in the Hospital Wing than in class. ``

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

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

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

`` When I woke up this aurora. ``

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

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

`` Amy ! '' she shouted, `` Can you come aid me with these bags ? ``

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

The bags dropped to the floor with a thump and Matt heard footsteps coming closer. He felt his mother snog his brow and prance his blond hair.

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

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

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

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

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

Matt squeezed his heart shut sozzled. No wonder he felt awful ; he had a fever. Now he was sort of gladiola he came inside when he did.

`` I got my Hogwarts letter, Mum, '' he whispered.

`` That 's marvelous, honey, '' she replied, `` We 'll go shopping in a few solar day. ``

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

matte cracked unresolved his eyes and took one of the goblets Amy was holding. He drank it quickly and then grabbed the early one. He swallowed that one as fast as he could as well and gagged at the disgusting taste.

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

`` Of course, beloved, '' his mum said as she rubbed his back, `` Just go to sleep now. We 'll talk more about it tomorrow. ``

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

******

`` Matt, '' someone whispered as they shook him.

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

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

`` Thanks, '' Matt whispered.

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

mat watched his dad base on balls into the kitchen and closed his centre once more. He drifted off to sleep again, trying not to think about what would happen in an hour.

After what seemed like only a few minutes later, lusterlessness woke up in a dusty sweat with an fearful headache that no potion could ever help with. He sat up and looked out the windowpane. It was colored, but he did n't need to see the sky to cognise that the synodic month would rise soon.

`` Mum ! '' his vocalization cracked. He swallowed hard. The botheration always started before the transformation did. It was atrocious. He always tried not to cry, but it never worked. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to keep the binge from leaking out.

He heard three sets of footsteps run into the room and felt his female parent 's weaponry wrap around him. He leaned into her and rested his promontory on her shoulder.

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

flatness shakily stood up and his parents helped him falter towards the basement door. He could hear Amy 's footsteps behind them. cypher said a word as they walked down the stairs and towards his transformation room.

lusterlessness sat down on the embellish base as soon as he got into the room. His head was spinning and he did n't suppose he 'd be able to stand up much recollective anyway. His parents and Amy each gave him a hug and then left the room. They did n't say anything, but there was nothing to say. He 'd done this so many times there was n't really any point in his parents saying anything. He knew they 'd be there in the morning.

The doorway locked as his parents and Amy left, and matt let out a aloud sigh as he sat down. This was it. Another full phase of the moon synodic month. There was nothing he could do now but wait.

For years, he fought the modification. He 'd clinch his custody and jaw and try to keep the shift, even though he knew it would n't work. The only time he had n't fought it was the for the first time one, where he had no approximation what was going to happen. For the second one, he knew what was going to happen. He was only six, but he understood and he fought it with every division of his being. Now, five and a one-half geezerhood later, with five and a one-half years of proof that it would n't form, he still fought it.

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

He curled up into a ball and let out a soft groan. He could feel his substance beating a statute mile a arcminute. His external respiration was little and push. It felt like he could n't breathe. He always tried not to scream, but that never worked either. He felt his osseous tissue breaking and elongating and hair sprouting everywhere.

He let out a trashy thigh-slapper and clenched his eyes as pain coerced through his body. No amount of previous replete moons would ever prepare him for the painful transformation. zilch helped with it either. His parents had given him so many different potions, but nothing decreased the pain.

His idea was always the concluding thing to go. matt hated that. He wished his mind would go first. Then he would n't accept to recollect the genuine translation. He always wished he 'd pass out before the transformation began, but that never happened.

Matt took a few more lecture breaths and cried out in pain. He sat up and looked at his men, which were quickly turning into paws of the woman chaser. He felt dizzy. The humans was spinning around him and it felt like fog was clouding his mind. He let out one more scream and the world disappeared.

******

The wolf slowly stood up and took in his surroundings. It was dark and there was a deliquium smell of blood and mankind lingering in the air. He was also trapped, again. The wolf was always trapped. He began to pace around the room and feeling for an escape route. It was n't there. There was never an escape route.

The Hugo Wolf stood up on his hind legs and pointed his snout towards the ceiling. He let out a recollective ululation and then glared at the opposite wall. He got back down on all fours and charged at it, slamming his mind into the abnormally soft rampart. He stepped back and repeated the process again and again.

He was alone. Alone and trapped. Every exclusive total moon, the wolf was alone and stuck in the small cushiony room. He wanted to get out. He wanted to get out and detect the citizenry he could faintly smack beyond the walls.

However, there was no way out. No topic how many multiplication the wolf rammed his head into the rampart, he could not break it. Eventually, he sat down in the middle of the way and howled once more. He then proceeded to seize with teeth at his own torso to relieve the itch to lash out something.

******

flatness cracked his optic open and tried to annul his head. A stabbing pain sensation fled through his head and he dropped it back down onto the padded flooring. He closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on breathing. Each unawares, tug hint hurt. He could n't even figure out which theatrical role of his body hurt the worse. Everything trauma. From the top of his chief to his toes.

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

The doorway clicked a short patch later, but for Matt it felt like an eternity. Whoever came in the way made no speech sound as they walked across the mattress covered floor. They put a cloak over him and then picked him up. A waving of dizziness come over him as he was lifted up.

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

Matt was hardly cognizant of being carried up to his way and he passed out on the way.

The next thing he knew, he was laying in his soft bed with layer of cover on top of him. He could feel the affectionate sun shining through the window. He opened his eyes slowly and blinked as they adjusted to the brightness.

His body still ached despite the potions he knew his parents had given him. His capitulum was throbbing dully as well. uncollectible yet, he was exhausted. He knew he had already slept for 60 minutes, but it felt like he had n't slept in days.

Who was he kidding ? How was he going to go to Hogwarts ? How would he manage replete moonlight when he was by himself ? He could n't even get up when he transformed back the next morning. His parents always had to carry him back to his room.

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

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

It was a practical issue, he assured himself. That was all. He could n't physically deal with full moons by himself. That was why he was worried about going to schooltime. It was n't like he could n't deal with being away from home.

Then there was the event of his schoolfellow. What if they found out ? It was n't like he could slip away for the full moon and be back in his dormitory room the side by side morning before his roommates woke up. He 'd be in the infirmary Wing for at least two days. He doubted he 'd be able to go to classes the day of the full moon and he usually needed two daytime to recover. That was three days of drop socio-economic class, but more importantly, it was three sidereal day of disappearance to explain. What was he going to say ? mass did n't normally get sick that much.

It was a stupid estimation, he thought, going to schoolhouse. He bit his lip and tried to block up the weeping from welling in his centre. Why did n't his parents just home school him ? It would be easier. They were both knowledgeable in most aspects of magic. If his parents had just decided to home school him, they could birth stayed in Australia. Then Amy would have been happier.

No, they could n't cause stayed. He sighed. Not after his dad lost his job and all the police restricting the rightfield of wolfman had been passed. They were originally going to move so he could go to school day. But then his dad lost his job. It was n't entirely flatness 's demerit that they moved, was it ? Not if his dad needed another job ....

It was his break his dad lost his job, though. If he had n't gotten prick, his dad would n't deliver lost his job. So, for all intents and use, his category had moved because of him. He could n't not go to schooltime after all they 'd done for him. He 'd just have to suck it up and deal with it, no issue how terrifying the prospect was.

`` Matt, are you wake up ? '' Amy peeked her read/write head into his room.

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

Amy gave a humble smile and walked into the elbow room. She set a goblet down on the bedside tabular array and then sat on the infantry of the bed.

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

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

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

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

Then life as they knew it fell apart in Australia and Amy began to take in what went on. She did resent lusterlessness for calendar month about having to move, but eventually got used to Hogwarts. Then, the firstly good moonlight after her fourth twelvemonth, she stayed at home during the broad synodic month and saw Matt afterwards.

Amy never told Matt what she had thought of seeing him after a translation, but her actions spoke more than countersign would have. She stayed by his side after every full moon that summer. A few week after that first full moonshine of the summer, she announced that she was going to go a therapist and hoped to key out a version of the Wolfsbane Potion that would make for Matt.

Matt had been a fiddling ball over when he heard this, but not incredibly surprised. As far back as he could call up, Amy had enjoyed experimenting with potions. She was also an devouring star gazer and loved uranology. If anyone could come up with a sound translation about that potion, it was Amy. She had the skills, interests, and motivation to do it.

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

Amy crawled up the bed and laid down next to him, her mouth turning down in a scowl. She grabbed the potion off the mesa and handed it to him. `` What hurts ? You should demand this potion, it 'll help. ``

`` It 's not that, '' flatness swallowed the potion in one gulp, `` I mean, my promontory injury but no worse than usual. It 's, '' he paused, `` It 's Hogwarts. I 'm just not sure if I should go ... '' his vocalization trailed off.

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

`` This, '' he muttered, `` This probably sounds pudding head, but I do n't call up I can do it without Mum and Dad. ``

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

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

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

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

`` fountainhead, I do, '' Amy said, `` And she 's one of the gracious adult at Hogwarts. She 'll avail. And I 'll be there too. I 'll be there for your stallion first year. ``

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

`` Of course, '' Amy nodded, `` And I 'll quell at the infirmary Wing with you except when I 'm in social class. ``

matte nodded. He felt a lilliputian better knowing that Amy would be there with him. She could practically do everything in order to heal his injuries after the full moonshine. Their parents had been teaching her ever since she was fifteen and she had actually been performing them ever since she turned 17. But he still felt uneasy about the whole thing.

`` I know you 'll still miss them, '' Amy said quietly, `` And there 's zip wrong with that. I was so homesick during first year and I did n't have to parcel out with turning into a wolf once a month. I imagine that 'll spend a penny it even worse. ``

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

`` Yeah, probably, '' he replied.

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

Matt shrugged. Making friends was another affair he was worried about. He did n't really own many booster. He occasionally spent metre with some of his dad 's coworkers'kids, but did n't know them very well.

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

`` You will, '' Amy said.

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

`` They wo n't bump out, '' Amy said adamantly, `` You 'll make plenty of friends. Victoire said a few of her cousins are starting this year and they 're certainly to be in Gryffindor like you will be. ``

Matt had only met Victoire a few prison term, but from what he could tell, she was really courteous. lusterlessness only hoped her full cousin were as well.

`` I guess that would be good, '' he yawned, `` What metre is it ? ``

Amy glanced at her watch. `` Just after one. I should let you sleep. ``

mat nodded. `` Ok. Thanks. '' He was pretty tired. He did n't normally take such foresighted discourse with Amy so soon after the full moonlight. He usually slept until dinner time.

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

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


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

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And she knows that this is really


It 's not something that she 's made up in her head
And there 's something that she feels but she has n't found the words
~It 's honey, Jared Joseph Campbell


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

Amanda had always enjoyed reading. Ever since she was a picayune girlfriend, books had been some of her best Friend. They were great company when she was sad or bored or just wanted to miss into a unlike world for a patch. Best of all, script never made fun of her.

Amanda had always been shy and she was the commencement to acknowledge it. She did n't suffer very many protagonist and Thomas Kyd her age tended to stay away from her. This was most probable because strange matter always happened around her.

She was only five when she first realized that she was different. Amanda, her older sis, Jen, who was nine at the time, and a few of her Sister 's friends were playing outside. They decided to take on hide-and-seek and Amanda climbed the gravid tree in their backyard and hid amongst the branches. Jen, who was 'it', had the hardest time finding her. In fact, Jen never found her. Amanda did n't will the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree until their mom called them in for a snack.

That was when it happened. Amanda 's foot caught on one of the leg and she lost her clutches. She fell what must give been twenty or thirty feet out of that maple Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, hitting numerous branch on her way down.

When she was a mere five metrical foot from the undercoat, she suddenly stopped falling. Then, she glided lightly to the priming coat, and landed softly on her invertebrate foot. Amanda looked around and saw Jen staring open-mouthed at her. Their mother, who had seen Amanda falling, ran from the family and checked her over. She was completely fine, save for a few nestling scratches and bruises. No one knew why it had happened, but Amanda 's mother said an holy man must bear been looking out for her that day.

Whatever it was, Amanda knew she was different that day. It was only the beginning. Strange things had happened to her ever since. When she was six and the course bully stole her cooky at luncheon, new I appeared out of thin air in front of her. When she was seven and forgot to do her maths homework, it somehow did itself while sitting in her backpack.

A small, relatively harmless tornado had somehow descended upon a few boys who were chasing her when she was eight. That incident was what caused nearly of the other Thomas Kyd her age to manoeuvre clear of her.

There was one girl who did not care that strange thing happened around Amanda. Jamie House, Amanda 's best Friend since Kindergarten, never cared about the strange incidents. She actually thought they were amusing. Amanda and Jamie were inseparable at school.

However, Jamie was currently spending a few weeks with her grandparents in Scotland. Without Jamie 's company, Amanda had spent most of her metre version. There was n't really anything else to do. Jen was fifteen and the last affair she wanted to do was hang out with her eleven-year-old sister. Amanda 's picayune brother, Max, was eight and all he wanted to do was ride his bike in the empty lot down the road with the other neighborhood boys.

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

The doorbell rang just as Amanda was leaving her room.

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

`` Sure, '' Amanda said as she passed Jen 's room. She peeked inside and saw that Jen was in the mental process of straightening her wakeful John Brown hair. Jen had straightened Amanda 's honey blonde hair a few times, but Amanda actually preferred it with its natural slight wave. Jen hated her own curly pilus, though.

Amanda ran down the step and towards the doorway. She pulled it heart-to-heart and saw a man wearing the strangest outfit she had ever seen anyone article of clothing on a day that was not Hallowe'en. It looked like a contraband graduation nightdress. The man himself looked relatively reasonable, though. His blonde haircloth was neatly combed and he smiled when Amanda opened the door.

`` Hello, '' he greeted her, `` Are your parents dwelling ? ``

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

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

`` wait right here, '' Amanda said and went to find her parents, `` Mum ! Dad ! There 's some bloke at the door who wants to verbalize to you ! ``

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

`` zip ! '' Amanda replied.

Mrs. tagger, a short, plump charwoman with flecks of grey in her dark browned tomentum walked out of the kitchen and followed Amanda to the door.

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

`` Yes, '' the man replied, `` I 'm a instructor at a private school and I 'm here to inform you that your girl has been accepted. ``

`` Jen ? '' Mrs. tagging program asked, `` I was n't cognizant she applied to any buck private schools. ``

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

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

`` I know Amanda has n't applied to anymore school, '' Mrs. Tagger said.

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

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

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

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

The man stepped inside the theatre and followed Mrs Tagger into the den. Amanda followed and sat down on a chairwoman while the strange man took the lounge.

`` H ! '' Mrs. tagger shouted down the basement step, `` You 'd meliorate come upstairs ! ``

A minute later a marvellous man with a messy shock of light-haired hair on his head walked into the room with Mrs. Tagger.

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

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

`` prof ? '' H raised his eyebrows.

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

`` No, '' Henry shook his head.

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

H and Sarah nodded and they sat down on the frame Neville had just vacated.

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

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

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

Amanda was gladiolus she had been sitting down. If she had n't, she surely would consume fainted. She stared in shock absorber at Neville. What did he think, witch ? Amanda had read many storey about beldam. Some had good witches and others had bad hag. Which crone was she ?

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

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

`` It 's not a joke, '' Neville said calmly, `` Magic does exist. enchantress and wizard have been hiding their world for coevals. I teach at UK 's only school of thaumaturgy. ``

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

`` Herbology. The report of magical plants. ``

`` Prove it, '' henry said, `` overstretch a lapin out of your hat or something. ``

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

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

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

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

`` That is superb, '' Amanda grinned, `` Can I con how to do that ? ``

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

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

`` Brew potions, various appeal, disappear and reappear in a new place- ''

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

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

`` What the bloody hell was that ? '' Jen ran into the elbow room with her whisker partially full-strength and partially curly.

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

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

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

`` delay, postponement ! '' H shouted, `` What if we choose not to let her wait on this position ? ``

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

`` William Henry, are you really so gullible ? You ca n't honestly consider there is a shoal of magic ! '' Sarah shouted.

`` magic trick ? '' Jen asked, `` Like pulling cony out of hats ? ``

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

Sarah shook her head. `` No. Amanda, you just want it to subsist. illusion is n't substantial. It 's fantasy. ``

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

Sarah 's expression went pallid white and she turned to H. `` Yes, '' she whispered, `` Many sentence. ``

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

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

`` That 's finely. But she wo n't ever learn to keep in line her magic and she will continue to cause strange affair to happen. ``

`` I 'm going, '' Amanda crossed her arms on her chest.

`` sword lily to get a line it, '' Neville reached into his, what could only be described as a cloak, and pulled out a alphabetic character. He handed it to Amanda.

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

There was another piece of newspaper that had a list of supplying written on it, including a cauldron, baton, and spell books. Amanda had about a million interrogative sentence. Where could she buy a real wand ? Had they gotten the program amiss ? There could n't be a Platform 9 3/4, could there ? What did the letter mean, broomsticks ? Did witches really devolve on around on ling like they do in books ?

`` I 'm home ! '' the front doorway slammed shut and Max ran into the room, his sinister hair disheveled and his face coated in dirt. He stopped at the sight of Neville and grinned. `` skillful costume, but Allhallows Eve 's not for a few months. ``

`` It 's not a costume, '' Jen said, `` He 's a wizard. He teaches at a schooltime of magic and he 's here to tell us that Amanda is a Wiccan. ``

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

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

`` Max, please go up the stairs and sporty yourself up, '' Sarah groaned, `` You 're getting mud all over the carpet. ``

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

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

Henry and Sarah shared a look. `` I suppose you 're decent, '' William Henry sighed, `` We 'll let you go, so long as this professor explains everything about magic to us. ``

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

`` We 're not busy, '' William Henry said, `` We 'll just expect for Max. ``

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

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Days are unlike then they were before
And we both exchange
It 's only getting better
~Only Getting punter, Jared Campbell


Eleven-year-old can Malcolm Brickston was running around in a great band as fasting as he possibly could. He, along with two other male child, was spinning the merry-go-round in the commons across the street from his house as fasting as he could. A fourth boy was on the merry-go-round shriek in delight.

It was a day-after-day thing for John, playing with the other boy in his neighbourhood at the parkland. They particularly liked spinning each other until they felt sick on the merry-go-round. early activities included trying to push each other off the monkey bars and jumping off of the swing. They often spent all day doing this, until one of their mothers called them inside.

John had fun playing with the other male child from his neck of the woods even though he was quite dissimilar from them. John was a wizard and all of his locality acquaintance were Muggles. John 's phratry was the only wizarding household living in a neighborhood of Muggles. He did n't beware, of course of study. He was actually sword lily he lived in a neighborhood full of hoi polloi to play with, rather than in the centre of nowhere like so many other wizards did. Most of his cousin-german did n't have any close neighbors.

Without the vicinity boys around, the only people John would get had to act as with were his baby. John had three of them and while he loved them, they got on his heart. They were all younger than him and drove him mental on a daily basis.

Despite having so many Muggle friends, John could not wait to get to Hogwarts where he could receive other wizards his age. He knew a couple witches and whizz his age whose parents worked with his dad, but he did n't see them too often. Then there were his cousin, but they were all younger than him.

lavatory had been trying not to recollect about his Hogwarts letter of the alphabet, which he knew would be arriving soon. Thinking about it just made the time go by tedious. So, he tried to get his mind off of it by goofing off at the playground.

`` enough, enough ! '' the boy on the carrousel shouted.

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

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

`` Johnny Reb ! '' someone shouted from the entering to the park.

John turned his head towards the voice and groaned. It was his mother. The late day she had made him observe over his petty sisters when they played at the park and he really did n't want to do that again. But his babe were n't with his mum, so maybe she wanted something else.

`` What ? '' John shouted.

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

john groaned again and reluctantly said good day to his booster. He hated it when his mum called him home without explaining why.

`` Why do I have to go home now ? '' John asked as he reached his mum, `` It 's not dinner clip. ``

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

That was probably the only thing she could cause said to make John no longer mind leaving his friends. He grinned and ran to take in up with his mum. Now it was functionary, he was going to Hogwarts !

St. John the Apostle 's house was in its common state of chaos when he entered it. Not two seconds after they stepped in the door, his second base young sister, Gemma, ran up them screaming about how Amelia had taken her toy. Gemma was six and Amelia, his vernal babe, was five.

At any given moment there were probably five or six minuscule kids at John 's family. He had a lot of cousin-german who were all younger than him. His mother was a stay at habitation mum, but a few of his aunty worked outside the home. They often dropped their kids off at John 's house while they were at work. Or when they had to go shopping. It was just another reason why John enjoyed spending his free clock time outside, away from the niggling kids.

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

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

John the Divine nodded and stepped over a pile of Wendy crone dolls that Ashtyn, his nine-year-old sis must stimulate left in the doorway.

`` Ashtyn, clean up your miniature ! '' Jan shouted as she carried Gemma back into the den.

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

`` Where 's my letter ? '' trick asked as Jan set Gemma back down on the floor.

`` It 's here somewhere, '' Jan said as she rifled through a good deal of ring mail, `` I just had it a indorse ago. Hang on. ``

John sighed as he leaned against the wall. He could n't wait to get to Hogwarts. Then he would n't take to dispense with all his little sisters and cousins anymore. He would be in a home where he was one of the youngest people. That rarely happened. John had always been the oldest, the one who was expected to be mature.

`` Mum ! '' Ashtyn shrieked from upstairs, `` I think St. John the Apostle put a dung dud in the can again ! ``

John grinned. He may be expected to be mature, but he was n't. Pulling pranks was one of his preferent things to do and the droppings turkey in the toilet never got old, especially when Ashtyn was on the receiving end of it.

Jan sent him a withering look. `` I cringe to cogitate about the total of hooter I 'll be getting from professor Kendrick about the maleficence you get into future year, '' she sighed, `` Ashtyn, just level it like common ! ``

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

Jan groaned and walked over to the two miss, who were still fighting over a stuffed firedrake. Jan wrenched it from Amelia 's custody and stuck it up on a senior high school shelf. She continued searching for John 's alphabetic character while Gemma and Amelia complained.

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

Three-year-old Alyssa was holding a buck envelope in her hands and giggling playfully. john grabbed it from her and she burst out crying. Jan picked her up as John took off for his bedroom, the sole yearling free piazza in the entire house.

The varsity letter was n't completely destroyed, much to John 's substitute. He had caught Alyssa before she was able to do a lot of price. The envelope was completely illegible, but the letter interior was spared from rip and baby slobber.

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

He was in ! John laid down on his bed and stared up at his roof. Of course he was in. There was never any doubtfulness. Everyone in his entire sept had gone to Hogwarts for as far back as anyone could recall. As far as he knew, his fellowship did n't get any Squibs.

whoremonger had been looking forward to Hogwarts for a very yearn time. His parents had all sorts of narration to tell of the office. Although, their education had been interrupted due to the final battle and Voldemort 's frustration. They had only been first years at the time and Hogwarts had closed for a class in order for it to be rebuilt. But after that, his parents had had a somewhat pattern education.

There were all sort of things that John was looking forward to. The sorting ( although his parents refused to tell him how it was done ), the feasts, exploding potions, Peeves, Quidditch, Hogsmeade trip-up when he got senior, the Gryffindor plebeian elbow room. John was trusted he 'd get into Gryffindor even though his mum had been a Hufflepuff. His dad was a Gryffindor and everyone said he took after his dad.

lavatory 's dad, Jeff Brickston, had been the Hogwarts trickster when he was in schoolhouse. toilet could n't waitress to extract some pranks of his own. His dad had promised to get him well supplied with stuff from Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes, although his mum was n't too felicitous about it.

trick remained in his elbow room for the residual of the afternoon. A glimpse out the window told him that his Muggle protagonist had left the park. It would have been boring for him to go back. Instead, he stayed in his room and pulled out his old but trusty Nimbus Two 1000 and One.

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

If John had to cull the one thing he was most looking forward to at Hogwarts, it would be Quidditch. privy had been flying for as long as he could recollect and he had hopes of making it onto the Gryffindor Quidditch team. If he was sorted into Gryffindor, that is. He just hoped that there was a beater posture candid at the right time. He doubted he 'd get chosen as a beater in his second gear year due to the fact that beaters were generally quite a lot bigger than the residual of the histrion. But if a beater position opened when he was in fourth or fifth year, he just might puddle it.

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

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

`` I do n't know, '' Jan replied, `` Your auntie Jodie is working tomorrow and I have to see Stephanie as well as the Gemini the Twins. I do n't particularly want to drag three supernumerary youngster to Diagon Alley especially when two are babies. It may suffer to wait until the weekend. And please do n't eat the carrot. ``

John the Divine sighed and sat down at the board. He did n't want to await until the weekend. He wished his mum did n't watch all of his little cousins all the meter.

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

whoremonger jumped up from his chairman and ran into the den. He saw his dad brushing ash off of his brilliant green healer robes. John grinned as he saw his great-great grandpa standing just behind his dad.

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

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

John Lackland 's great-great grandpa, Zander Brickston, was over one hundred age old but was usually hefty as a hippogriff. He was a bit doddering and forgetful at meter, but it never bothered him. He was often the aliveness of the party, too, despite his age. whoremonger loved him.

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

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

`` Well done, Johnny-Boy ! '' Zander gave him a surprisingly substantial blast on the backrest, `` Great place, Hogwarts. Best geezerhood of my life story, except for the times I found myself in prof Dippet 's spot. You 'd best stay out of there. ``

`` professor Dippet 's been idle for years, granddaddy, '' John laughed.

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

Dinner was lively that evening, as it always was when Zander was there. He dominated the conversation with report of his own years at Hogwarts. St. John was sort of surprised he remembered them so well. He told of the sentence he and his friends went for a swim in the Black Lake at midnight during the full Sun Myung Moon in Jan. The nurse had not been pleased when they showed up at the hospital wing with slight cases of hypothermia. She scolded them and told them if they were stupid enough to float in the lake during January, they could at least use cold-repellent charms on themselves.

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

former stories included the many caper he pulled on the Slytherins. 'Pranking 's a Brickston tradition ,'he told John solemnly. The sentence he snuck out of the castle and into Hogsmeade. The time he fell asleep during his History of magic O.W.L. ( `` What do they expect, when Binns makes you diminish asleep during stratum ? '' ) Sneaking about the castle at night with whatever girlfriend he had at the clock time. Jan had to shut out him up at that peak and she and Jeff began to relay their own Hogwarts stories.

John Lackland was, if it was potential, even more excited about Hogwarts after hearing all of the account. He wanted to swim in the Joseph Black Lake in the midsection of winter. He wanted to abstract out of school to go to Hogsmeade. He wanted to paint half his face red and the other one-half gold for the Gryffindor-Slytherin Quidditch match.

John the Divine did n't get laid how he was going to be able-bodied to wait two mean solar day until Saturday to go to Diagon Alley, let alone wait the calendar month and a half until he 'd be able-bodied to actually go to Hogwarts. It seemed so far away. He had been waiting years to go to Hogwarts, but he had a feeling the last month and a half would drop back by even slower than those years had.

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

Cause there 's so lots yet to see, that I have n't seen yet
And there 's so a great deal air to pass off, yeah
I want to take it in
~Take It In, Jared Joseph Campbell


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

The parchment was a story. A story about a Muggle-born at Hogwarts. Ever since rose was minuscule, she liked coming up with stories. She used to just tell them to her parents and little comrade, but then she got older and began writing them down.

Rose had spent the whole morning time writing about Elandra. She supposed it was because Rose herself was going to Hogwarts soon and that was really all she could think about. Although she tried to get up with other write up ideas, she just could n't. All the ideas were about Hogwarts. It was just about the only thing that could classify of hold on her mind off her own Hogwarts letter.

rose wine had been waiting for the letter all summertime. She wished that Hogwarts would transport them out in June instead of the end of July. The end of July was kind of previous. That only gave a calendar month and a half to prepare to go to school. rose had been preparing since May, though. She knew she would get her letter this summer, as she would be turning eleven on August twentieth.

Her dad had located her mum 's old trunk in the Classical Greek and charmed an engraving of 'REW'to interchange the 'HJG'that stood for Hermione blue jean Granger. The tree trunk currently sat on the floor in Rose 's room. The just thing in it was a cauldron that her dad had found in the garret as well. It was a perfectly good cauldron, so neither of her parents saw any need to buy her a new one. Rose agreed. She variety of liked the old cauldron. There was something to be said about brewing potions in a cauldron that was older than you were.

`` blush wine ! '' someone banged on her door.

pink wine groaned and got up. It was Hugo, her nine-year-old brother. He probably wanted to play Quidditch or something. Rose did n't particularly like Quidditch. She preferred reading or pretty much anything that she remained on the background to do.

`` What ? '' blush wine asked when she opened the threshold, `` I do n't need to play Quidditch. ``

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

Hugo thrust an gasbag into Rose 's hand and she caught a glimpse of the Hogwarts crest on the seal. The breather caught in her chest as she grabbed it. `` Thanks, Victor-Marie Hugo, '' she grinned.

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

`` It 's my missive, '' blush wine replied and pulled it out of the envelope. Hugo peered over her shoulder as she began to read it.

blush wine grinned looked at Victor-Marie Hugo. `` It 's prescribed ! I 'm going to Hogwarts ! ``

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

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

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

Rose turned the former way and went downstairs in order to retrieve her mum. She eventually found her in the library, pouring over legion books.

`` It came, '' Rose grinned and sat down across the tabular array from Hermione.

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

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

`` Oh, work poppycock, '' Hermione said as she closed the leger, `` It can look. Let me see that letter ! ``

rosebush handed her mother the letter of the alphabet and waited while she read it. Hermione handed it back to her and smiled even wider. `` I ca n't think you 're going to Hogwarts already. fourth dimension has flown by ! My little girl, all grown up. ``

`` I ca n't wait, Mum, '' rose replied.

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

`` Ron ! Hermione ! Anyone here ? '' soul shouted from the support room.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Hey, Hermione, '' Harry said, `` We were going to go to Diagon Alley after lunch. Al got his missive a few hours ago. Want to arrive ? ``

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

`` See you then, '' Harry said.

`` Bye, '' Hermione replied as Harry 's head disappeared and the honey oil flaming died down.

******

A few 60 minutes later rosiness was standing with her family in front of Gringotts. She tapped her pes and sighed. They were waiting for the Potters, who were never on clock time for anything. pink wine 's parents were n't known for being on time either, but rose wine had hurried them along.

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

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

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

`` Where to first ? '' Harry asked.

`` Olivander 's ! '' Albus announced.

`` tucket and Blotts ! '' pink wine said excitedly. She had been there numerous times, but never to buy volume for school.

`` You 're genial, rose, '' James laughed, `` I say we go to caliber Quidditch Supplies ! ``

rose rolled her eyes. James was the one who was mental. He spent more than time at Quality Quidditch Supplies than all the former memory in Diagon back street combined. Half the sentence he did n't even buy anything. He just gawked at the broomsticks he wished he could have.

`` Eyelops ! '' Lily shouted.

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

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

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

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

Rose groaned. The Apothecary was possibly her to the lowest degree favorite shop, next to Quality Quidditch provision. It did n't surprise her that Harry chose that shop, though. He always did that when they argued. rosebush 's parents did the same thing.

They finally made it to tucket and Blott 's, after the Apothecary and dame Malkin 's. Rose was the world-class one through the door and immediately started browsing. She did n't know where everyone else was going in the store, but she did n't care.

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

`` Rose, are you done yet ? '' Henry James tapped her on the shoulder.

pink wine jumped and looked up from the transfiguration book she was reading. `` No. ``

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

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

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

`` So ? ''

`` So ? '' St. James the Apostle gawked, `` So ? I need another heather ! A expert one ! You 'll never realise. ``

Saint James sighed loudly and then walked away. Rose shook her head and went back to her Good Book. A few minutes later her mum told her it was time to go. It was fourth dimension to go to Ollivander 's, which was what blush wine had been near looking forward to.

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

Albus smashed the window with his first off wand, which Rose thought was incredibly funny. She secretly hoped she would n't do the same, though. The next wand chose Albus and then it was rose wine 's turn.

The first-class honours degree three she tried out were n't right. Although she did n't split any windowpane, they did n't work properly.

`` How about this one ? '' Ollivander handed her another wand, `` Ten and a one-half in, yew, dragon heartstring. ''

rosiness took the verge and waved it. Red sparks erupted from it and Rose knew it was the right one. She grinned at Ollivander and he smiled.

Next on the list was Weasley 's mavin Wheezes, despite James II 's constant badgering about the Quidditch store.

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

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

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

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

Rose followed her uncle across the shop. The one thing she had inherited from the Weasley incline of the family was the love for a skillful prank. So long as no one got hurt, that is.

`` Now, every scholar needs a Skiving Snackbox or two, '' St. George said as he handed rosiness and Alubs each a colorful box, `` After all, I ca n't imagine you 'll want to sit through History of Magic very often. ``

rosebush smirked. She had heard about prof Binns and his drilling lectures, but she really did n't cerebrate she 'd ever use a Skiving Snackbox. well, maybe if Epistle of James wanted her to catch Quidditch practice, but never for skipping a class.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

James 's whining finally paid off after dinner and they went to Quality Quidditch Supplies. blush wine thought he took far too hanker to pick out the perfect broom and she was bored out of her judgment. James, Albus, shift, Ron, and Harry all spent at least a half time of day going over the pros and yardbird of each theoretical account before they finally made a decision.

`` And it goes from zero to 60 in less than twenty s ! '' James I said excitedly on their way to Eyelops.

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

`` The twigs repel water, '' Saint James added, `` So there is n't any retarding force when you 're playing in the rain or snow .... ''

rose wine ignored him for the eternal sleep of the walking and then lost him inside of Eyelops. She knew exactly what sort of owl she wanted. A tawny one. She had always liked that sort of owl.

She found three tawny owls together in a cage towards the spine of the workshop and she put her helping hand up to the coop. Two of the owl ignored her but the 3rd one hopped over and rubbed its head teacher on her hand like a cat would. Rose grinned and knew that was the owl for her.

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

That was a unspoilt name, Rose view. She looked at her owl and thought about names. None of the usual fauna names seemed to fit her owl. Godric, she thought. That was it. She would cite her owl after another founder. Rose 's owl would be Rowena. She did n't really think she 'd be in Ravenclaw, but Rowena was a good name for an owl.

The base on balls back to the Leaky caldron was smooth. Hogwarts seemed closer than ever for blush wine. She was ready. She had been ready for this for class. Her mum always told her that she had a knack for learning, and Rose was gear up to learn everything Hogwarts had to offer.


Næsta saga
Albus waved to his parents and little Sister, Lily, until he could no longer see them. `` Well, we 'd meliorate go find out a compartment, '' he said to his cousin, rosiness, who was standing adjacent to him. rosiness nodded her point and they started walking down the train corridor. It was a bit hard to walk on a moving train and Albus kept stumbling. The caravan rounded a corner and he fell into a rather mean looking older student.

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

`` Better find a compartment quick '', Albus said. He continued to take the air along the corridor, looking into each compartment as he passed. He spotted a lot of his other first cousin, but did n't really need to interrupt whatever they were doing with their friends. Albus also saw a few people who looked vaguely associate, including the Jordan-Bell Gemini the Twins. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting in one of the compartments with a few other boys, but Albus definitely did not want to sit with them.

Albus peeked into the succeeding compartment and saw that there was a rather pale boy sitting on one of the seats. He seemed very diminished and his face was quite scarred. There was also an elderly daughter, who looked to be about Victoire 's age, sitting side by side to the boy. She looked vaguely fellow. Both of them had blasphemous oculus and blond hair. They looked friendly enough. `` How about this one ? '' he said to Rose.

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

"Can we sit here ? '' Albus asked.

"Sure,"the boy responded as he gestured to the can opposite him."My name 's lustrelessness, Matt Eckerton."

`` I 'm his sister, Amy. I 'm a seventh year, matt 's just starting, '' the girl told him.

"Hi, I 'm Albus potter, '' Albus said, `` And this is my cousin, Rose Weasley, '' he gestured to pink wine. `` We 're both first year. ``

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

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

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

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

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

"I bet you two hear slews of storey of the struggle. My parents have told me some, but they do n't love all the details, just the moment that are in record. You see, we 're from Australia. We moved find out when I was about eight,"matte looked nervously at his sister.

"Yeah, I know all about the battle. My parents did n't evidence me the full story until I turned eleven. Lapplander with rosebush, our parents told us at the Saame time. They did n't require to scare us, but thought we ought to have it away before we went to Hogwarts, since most mass there will have heard all about it. But my parents do n't talk about it much. guess it brings back bad memory board,"Albus told Matt before changing the subject. He really did n't relish the great unwashed constantly asking him about his dad."So, how 'd you get all those scars ?"

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

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

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

lusterlessness turned away from the window."Nope, just me and Amy. I know you 've got sib. I 've read about you and them in books. A chum Saint James and a sister Lily, right ? And I think you 've got a petty brother, right field, Rose ?"

Albus just looked at lustrelessness. It was a bit strange having early people know all about you. He supposed this was what it was like for his forefather when he went to Hogwarts."Yup, Epistle of James is a second year and Lily 's just nine, so she 's not here yet."

`` Yeah, my brother, Hugo, is nine, too, '' blush wine told him. rosebush 's family was mentioned in numerous books as well, although not nearly as many as Albus's.

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

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

"Oh, I see you 've met soul, what 's your name ?"James II asked Matt.

"mat Eckerton."

`` Hi, '' the boys responded.

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

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

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

`` Yeah, lustrelessness 's just starting his offset year, '' Amy told him.

`` Good portion with the sort, then, matt, '' Ben grinned at Matt.

"Ah, well, we comfortably be off, the tram 's on it 's way to our compartment, would n't want to overlook that !"James said as he walked out of the compartment with his friends.

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

"No,"Albus said, turning to a greater extent crimson.

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

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

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

`` promise you 're there, too. ``

`` I 'm also hoping for Gryffindor, '' rosiness announced, `` Although Ravenclaw looks decent, too. ``

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

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

The compartment room access opened again. Another boy walked in, along with a frighten away looking girl. The boy was dark skinned, very magniloquent, with brown hair and morose eyes. The girl was quite a bit shorter than the boy, with long, wavy, honey colored haircloth and igniter brownness eyes.

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

"Sure,"Albus and lusterlessness responded.

"trade good. I 'm Saint John Brickston and this is Amanda Tagger. We 're both first years,"the boy told Albus, Rose, flatness, and Amy.

"Hi. I 'm Albus Potter, this is my first cousin Rose Weasley, and that 's matt Eckerton, we 're also first old age,"Albus responded, `` And she 's Amy, Matt 's sister. '' Albus pointed to Amy, who waved.

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

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

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

`` Yes, I 'll be mulct, '' flatness told her.

`` You sure ? ``

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

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

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

John grinned, `` I love that place. So does my dad. He 's always buying me gormandize from there. Mum 's not always happy about it since I 'm always using the stuff to pull pranks on my small sisters. ``

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

"Anything from the streetcar ?"A enchantress had appeared in the threshold with a trolley car laden with delightful sweets.

"Definitely !"John shouted, as he jumped up from his buttocks and ran out into the corridor. Albus smiled. John reminded him of James. Albus, Rose, lusterlessness, and Amanda followed toilet. All five returned with their arms full of food.

"So, what is all this poppycock ?"Amanda radius for the first clock time since entering the compartment.

"Well, you have your cauldron patty, pumpkin pasties, chocolate frogs, and Bertie Botts Every tone Beans,"John explained, as he pointed to the various items."Just be careful with the beans."

"Why ?"Amanda asked as she tried a light-green colour edible bean."Ugh !"she exclaimed."Bogey !"Amanda spat out the dome and it landed on John. Albus, rose wine, and lusterlessness broke out in fit of laughter.

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

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

"What 's a Doctor ?"St. John asked.

"A muggle Healer,"lusterlessness explained."My mum 's Muggle Born, but she 's a witch, and my dad 's a sensation. He works at the Ministry, in the section for the Control and Regulation of Magical Creatures,"Matt told everyone. `` And my mum does n't work, but she 's thinking of getting a job now that I 've started shoal. ``

"Oh, my parents are a witch and ace. My category 's mostly all sorcerous, except for a few Muggle auntie and uncles and cousin. My dad is a Healer and my mum stays at family with my younger sisters, I 've got three of them. They 're nine, six, and five. But before I was born she worked at the Ministry,"Saint John the Apostle explained. `` How about your parents, blush wine ? ``

`` Well, like I said before, my dad works at Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, but he 's also an Auror, which is a Dark Wizard catcher. And my mum body of work at the Ministry. She 's the one who started all the House-Elf right field stuff. ``

`` Wow, your dad 's an Auror, too ? That 's bally superb ! '' St. John grinned.

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

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

"Yeah, Albus 's parents are famous !"John shouted."Tell Amanda, wo n't you, Albus ?"Albus suspected John secretly wanted to see all about the ceramicist directly from him, even though he 'd probably read all about them in books.

And so, Albus, with a little help from pink wine, told the story about how master Voldemort had killed his grandparents and tried to kill his dad, but his dad survived. He told them all about his parents'class at Hogwarts, about the Horcruxes, and how Lord Voldemort met his downfall.

All three bookman stared at Albus and Rose with their mouths broad unresolved. lustrelessness and Gospel According to John had obviously heard the unit story before, but never this accurate an account. Amanda was practically in tears.

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

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed.

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

The group of five first twelvemonth spent the sleep of the journeying discussing what they knew was lawful about Hogwarts and what their sibling and cousins had told them about the ancient school. Everyone agreed that the Giant squid did not eat a unlike first twelvemonth each year while they crossed the lake on gravy boat, despite what Albus and blush wine 's cousin, Fred, had said.

"Well, you 'd better change into your gown,"rose wine said an 60 minutes or so after the sky turned dark. blush wine had been wearing her gown since before she 'd even gotten on the train. The four other scholar changed into their robes quietly.

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

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

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

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

`` You know him ? '' whoremonger pointed at Hagrid with an amazed flavour on his face.

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

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

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

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

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

The first years came to a stop in front of strict looking womanhood."trade good eve. I 'm Professor Patil, I teach August 6. In a moment, you will be able to join your fellow students in the Great Hall for dinner, but beforehand, you will need to be sorted into your business firm. They are Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin,"she said Slytherin with a note of disgust in her interpreter."While you 're here, you will be able to make points for your house for any accomplishment. Likewise, any misdeed will cause points to be taken away. At the end of the year, the home with the most points earns the House Cup. Now, follow me, please."

-- -- -- -- --
A/N : I hope you liked it ! Feel free to leave a review. I 'd like to thank my crony and sisters for reading this first-class honours degree and letting me know what they thought.
I do n't own Harry Potter. nix you recognize is mine.

******
The bookman followed Professor Patil into a large dining room. The cap looked just like the night sky outside."It 's enchanted to look like the sky,"Rose whispered to Albus. The older scholarly person at all four of the tabular array were whispering to each other and pointing wildly at Albus. Once the first gear class reached the head tabular array, professor Patil turned around. The sometime students were still whispering, and they seemed to be doing so more loudly by the minute of arc. Albus looked out at them and then inched his way to the backbone of the group so no one could see him. Sometimes, he hated how much he looked like his father.

"tranquillity, please,"Professor Patil announced, and the bookman immediately stopped talking. An old, patched hat sat on a stool and all of a sudden it broke out in strain. A few of the 1st years were quite shocked at this and jumped back. Once it stopped, Professor Patil started talking again."When I call your name, you will come forward and try on the sorting Hat."

"Asterley, Elaine."A shortsighted, blond haired little girl ran forward and tried on the hat."Hufflepuff !"the hat shouted.

"Brickston, John."John ran up and jammed the hat on his head teacher. It was only there for a second when it shouted out,"Gryffindor !"Saint John the Apostle let out a loud whoop and ran for the Gryffindor table, where he was patted on the binding by a few onetime Gryffindors.

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

"Eckerton, Matthew."The headmaster suddenly sat up straight in his seat and stared as Matt tried on the hat and was made a Gryffindor. The headmaster relaxed again. 'That was unusual ,'Albus thought. mat walked calmly over to the Gryffindor table and sat side by side to John.

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

A few Thomas More educatee were sorted and then Professor Patil called"Malfoy, Scorpius."Albus watched as a blond haired boy with a self-satisfied looking on his face was made a Slytherin before the hat even touched his head.

"Potter, Albus."A whisper went through the gang. The headmaster had sat up straight again. Albus froze. He could n't do this. What if he was made Slytherin in presence of all these multitude ? All these hoi polloi who expected him to be in Gryffindor ?"Albus Potter ?"prof Patil said again. Someone pushed Albus forward. He walked up to the faecal matter and put on the hat.

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

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

"Oh, oh, this sounds companion,"said the hat,"Yes, indeed, just like your father. And just like your father, Slytherin would help you reach grandness, but if you insist, Gyffindor !"

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

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

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

The headmaster rose from his chair."Welcome back to Hogwarts to all returning students and welcome to those who are new. For those of you who do n't do it, I 'm professor Kendrick, headmaster of Hogwarts. Now, I know the older students have noticed we are myopic one staff member,"the headmaster gestured to the empty chair beside him."But I shall inform you about that later. Right now it is fourth dimension to eat."And the fortunate plates filled with food.

Albus stared in astonishment as the food appeared in front of him. He started piling his plate with as a lot as would fit. Saint John the Apostle was using not only his plate, but an empty one that he found as well.

"This is astonish !"John exclaimed."I might actually get full here ! I hope all the meals are like this."

"Yeah, it all looks very good,"Albus said. Albus started eating his food and could n't facilitate but catch a conversation between two elderly students.

"I wonder where Professor Torro is ? It 's not usual for a teacher to miss the start of term feast,"a brown haired daughter asked the boy sitting following to her.

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

"What does he learn ?"Saint John the Apostle said, interrupting the two former students.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts,"the female child told him. The two older pupil continued their conversation, but in lower voices so John could n't overhear him.

*********

After the students had eaten their fill of dinner, the lucky plates became cleanse for a moment, and then dessert appeared. Albus immediately helped himself to his ducky, treacle tart. While he was eating, he heard a shrieking coming from his left. A ghostly head had appeared right out of Amanda 's plate.

"Oh, so no-account to stimulate scared you !"the trace said as he glided out of Amanda 's plate."I 'm Sir Nicholas."

"You 're Nearly Headless Nick !"John shouted."Great to meet you. Can I see you get out off your oral sex ?"

Amanda looked like she might swoon, but ding grudgingly pulled on his ear and his head came partially off.

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

"Yeah,"Albus responded. He did n't guess it was as bully as john did, and was beginning to care he had n't eaten nearly as a lot mush tart.

The schoolmaster got to his groundwork again as the golden plates became clean and jerk once more."Is everyone slaked ? Good. Now, I have a few starting signal of term notices. The village of Hogsmeade is out of bound for first and second years, as well as the Forbidden timber to everyone. As always, appease away from the Whomping Willow. Mr. Filch has added a few new items to the list of proscribe affair and if you wish to inspect the tilt, it is pinned to Mr. Filch 's doorway.

"Now, as many of you have noticed, prof Torro is not with us tonight. I regret to inform you that he has been discovered beat only a few hours ago,"Professor Kendrick stated with a sad expression on his typeface. There was a keen intake of breath from the students."Cause of death has not been determined. Until I can find a desirable replacement, Defense Against the Dark humanistic discipline classes will not take billet. Now, it is fourth dimension to go to your dorm room. Classes begin tomorrow and you will need to be well rested. offset eld, delight keep up a prefect to your common rooms."

Albus got up and looked for his cousin, Empire State of the South, for she was one of the Gryffindor prefects. Albus found her, and he, John, Matt, Rose, and Amanda all followed her up to the common room. As they walked through the palace, there was a unit lot of whispering about Professor Torro.

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

"Yeah, and was n't papa the subject that was jinxed days back ?"another responded.

Albus and the others arrived at the portrayal of the Fat Lady. Georgia told her the password, Cornish Pixie, and everyone walked inside.

"Boys to the right, girl to the left. I hope everyone has a ripe night,"Georgia told the first years.

Albus walked up the spiral staircase to his dormitory with matte, John, and two other boys Albus had not met yet. Albus thought their names were Bilius and Ethan. Albus was rather hushed while he got into bed. All the other male child were laughing and talking. But Albus could n't shake that he was considered for Slytherin. He was also a bit nervous about the fact that a prof had died. That did n't happen often, did it ? Albus was still thinking about these matter as he drifted off to sleep.

******

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

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

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

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

*********

Later that night, Harry Apparated into Hogsmeade. It was a chilly night, but there was not a cloud in the sky. The asterisk and synodic month shone brightly. Harry thought the students must be in their rough-cut rooms by now, judging from the time. 'That 's good, Albus and James have no idea I 'm here', thought Harry. He walked along the way of life and soon found himself walking through the big oak doors into the Great Charles Martin Hall. Kendrick was waiting for him there.

"Good evening, Harry,"Fabius greeted.

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

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

Harry walked into the familiar circular role. He saw all the various possessions that Dumbledore had left to the shoal. He also noticed the sleeping portraits of previous schoolmaster. Only one was awake, the one of Albus Dumbledore. Harry smiled as he saw him.

"Please, sit down,"professor Kendrick said as he gestured to a chair in front of his desk. Harry sat."I have some bad word. prof Torro was found deadened in his firm this morning."

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

"I know, shocking, and very, very sad. His cause of last was Avada Kedarva, but I did n't tell the scholarly person this. It does worry me. It is quite suspicious. Especially since pappa was the subject area that Voldemort jinxed."

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

"Of line not. But there are still destruction feeder out there. I have reason to believe that one of them killed Torro and the diplomatic minister agrees with me. But onto the reasonableness I have summoned you here.

"We are, of track, in need of a new DADA teacher, and I was wondering if you would care the job. I think it would be a good idea to suffer an Auror here after recent events and you are the saint candidate,"Kendrick told Harry.

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

"Of course of instruction. And sense free to leave every weekend to pass clock time with them. Neville Longbottom does the Saame thing to visit Hannah,"Kendrick explained.

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

"That 's mulct. I 'll see you in the morning time, then. Good night."

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

As Harry left the castling, he pondered the destruction of Torro. Harry had only met Torro a few times, and he was not particularly close to him, but his dying still troubled Harry. Was this another random dying Eater attack ? There had been a few of them throughout the twelvemonth after the struggle. But why was Torro killed ? He did n't even last in Britain during the time of Voldemort, he lived in France then. Why were the dying Eaters going after Hogwarts teacher ? Harry had a nagging feeling that this was n't like the former deaths, this had significance. Surely, Voldemort could n't take back ? He was stagnant. There were no Thomas More Horcruxes. Harry kept telling himself this, but he still felt very uneasy about it. The headmaster and the Minister felt the same way. Why else would they want an Auror at Hogwarts ? Of course of study, Harry was the one who defeated Voldemort, so who else knew more about DADA ?

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

*********

Early the next morning, Harry Apparated into Hogsmeade once again. This fourth dimension he had his old Hogwarts trunk with him, along with a orotund, black owl named Harvey. This is familiar, he thought. Harry wheeled his bole over to Hogsmeade post, where he would wait for a pram to take him to the castle. Ginny had said yes veracious away. She felt that Harry 's presence in the school would protect her sons. Ginny was also quite upset about the expiry of Torro.

The carriage arrived and Harry loaded his luggage compartment into it. 'This sure is strange ,'he thought. spine at Hogwarts, once again. It kind of felt good, comforting in a way. Hogwarts had always felt like domicile to Harry. But he still could n't shake the unquiet flavour he had about Torro 's dying. The rig gave a pitching, and the thestrals pulled Harry up to the school.



"Get up, Albus ! Get up !"Albus awoke with a start and saw King John 's nerve looking down at him.

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

"First day of deterrent example ! Let 's go down to breakfast,"toilet responded, excitedly. He was bouncing around the room, waking up all his fellow Gryffindors.

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

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

The five Gryffindor first class boys met the girls in the common way. Rose, Amanda, Janie Creevey, and the Jordan-Bell twin. Albus knew he 'd met the Gemini a few times, but could n't retrieve their names They introduced themselves as Karina and Marina. They were identical with long black whisker and blue eyes. The initiatory long time walked down to the Great Hall together, only getting lost once.

When Albus walked into the Great Hall, he glanced up at the head mesa and his jaw dropped. He stopped walking and an older Hufflepuff bumped into him.

"Sorry,"she said as she walked past.

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

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

James IV was staring at Harry."Yeah, I know. Funny how he never mentioned it. But I guess he must be the new daddy teacher. All the early teacher are there."

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

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

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

Albus took his schedule from him and looked at it. He had dad right field after breakfast, then spell, and after lunch he had stunt man Herbology.

"facial expression like a decent docket,"bathroom said,"Should be interesting having your dad as a teacher, Albus ! I ca n't waitress ! I 've got so many questions for him."

"Yeah, should be wonderful,"Albus said glumly as he dug into his waffles. Truthfully, Albus did not require his dad commandment at Hogwarts. With his dad here, Albus would be even more notable than usual. He did not like the staring eyes and the changeless doubt about his dad.

**********

After breakfast, the Gryffindors headed to the pappa classroom, with whoremaster leading the way. Albus hung back with matte, who was going pretty slow.

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

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

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

"Why are we sitting back here ?"Gospel According to John asked.

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

At that present moment, another group of scholarly person came into the room. They were Slytherins. Scorpius Malfoy was leading them.

"Great, we 're with the Slytherins,"John whispered to Matt,"Bob Hope they 're not going to ruin everything."St. John the Apostle was about to launch into a tirade about Slytherins, but Harry walked in.

"trade good sunup,"Harry said as he walked to the front desk,"I 'm Professor Potter."A few of the girls in forepart giggled."I 'll start by taking attendance."Harry ran down the attendance rag. Everyone was there.

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

"prof ? Can you separate us about the struggle ? Please ?"one of the twins asked, Albus did n't know which one.

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

Albus sunk take down in his chair. john was sitting straight up, staring at Harry, hardly blinking. Amanda and Matt were also paying close tending.

Harry 's narration about the battle lasted the whole menses. The Vanessa Bell rang shortly after Harry finished.

"Please read chapter one for next sentence, since we did n't get a luck to continue it in stratum,"Harry told the pupil as they left."And Albus, could you stay for a moment ?"

"You guys go on ahead,"Albus told his friends,"I 'll encounter you in Charms."Albus approached his father 's desk after all the former scholar had left.

"Hi, Al, how was the Sorting ? I see you did earn it into Gryffindor. I knew you would,"Harry said with a gallant flavour on his face.

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

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

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

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

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

"Do n't occupy, I wo n't. James does n't even be intimate that the hat considered putting me in Slytherin,"Harry confided,"Now, I think you should be off to your next class. And do n't worry about me teaching here. I 'll treat you just like the other scholarly person, detention and all."

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

"See you later, Al."

"Bye, Dad."

**********

Albus was a bit more cheerful for the repose of the day. He thoroughly enjoyed double Herbology. He had known Professor Longbottom since he was born, and Albus was very interested in magical plants. Charms, however, was n't as enjoyable. The magic spell prof, Professor Washburn was not very gracious, and for some understanding he seemed to suffer something against Gryffindor.

Soon enough, dinner came, and right when Albus walked into the Great dorm, James II came running over to him.

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

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

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

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

"I know, but I suppose it 's better for everyone to hear it sooner rather than later, and now Dad can get on to teaching,"James explained as he shoved his mouth with chicken,"Should be pretty cool down having him teach, he knows so practically DADA."

"Hey, Albus !"toilet shouted to Albus as he ran over to the Gryffindor table. Matt sat down on Albus 's early side.

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

"Wow, this is just as honorable as concluding night !"John the Divine exclaimed as he piled his shell high with solid food,"I could definitely get used to this."

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

"'Course not. But she did n't wee-wee as lots variety,"John explained. He turned to matte."You okay ? You look kind of pale."

That was an understatement. flatness looked like he was about to pass out in the potatoes. He had n't touched any of the intellectual nourishment and his golden plate was still vacate. flatness was leaning his heading on his hand and was yawning a lot."I 'm all right, I guess, just tired."

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

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

At that moment, the schoolmaster stood up."If I could have your attention for just a bit, I have some More announcements."The room immediately fell unsounded."Thank you. Now, as many of you have noticed, I did have success in securing a new dadaism teacher and I would like to introduce him. This is Professor Potter."Kendrick gestured to Harry."Now, I know many of you will receive questions for him when you have your first DADA lesson, but I ask you not to badger him. He will tell you what he wants to, and cipher more. I would also like to tell you that if you want to try out for your house Quidditch squad, delight give your figure to your psyche of menage. That is all. Thank you."Kendrick sat back down again and proceeded to verbalise to Harry.

"Well, I 'm trying out for Seeker this year !"King James announced to the whole Gryffindor tabular array,"I 've been down to the tar practicing on my Firebolt during lunch."

"Good luck, St. James,"Albus told him,"Dad 'll be proud if you make the team."

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

Albus turned to bathroom."You finished ? We should probably get started on that homework."

bathroom groaned,"Yeah, I suppose. You gon na fare, lustrelessness ?"

Matt looked up from his plate."Sure."The three boy started walking back up to the park room, with matte lagging behind.

"Matt, are you certainly you 're ok ? You 're going pretty retard,"Albus asked, with a aflutter feel on his font."I think you should probably go to the hospital wing.

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

"No, we 're going to take you. You look ready to break up,"John the Evangelist insisted. They all trekked back down the stairs and to the hospital backstage. When they got there, Madam Pomfrey was right by the door.

"lustrelessness ! Come here, you look direful,"she said, grabbing his shoulder and leading him to the bed,"Thanks for bringing him, boys, you can leave now."Madam Pomfrey shooed them out of the room.

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

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

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

"Well, I 'm sure he 'll tell us about it when he 's ready,"bathroom reasoned,"Cornish fowl Pixie."The portraiture opened and the two boys walked into the unwashed room. They settled down to doing their homework with Amanda, Rose, Janie, Bilius, Ethan, and the twins. After a few hours, Albus bid them sound night.

He walked up to his dorm, changed into his pajamas, and climbed into bed. He pondered his moral and the rest of his day. Albus was felicitous that having his dad there was n't as bad as he thought it would be. But why did Professor Washburn dislike him and the other Gryffindors so much ? And was lusterlessness okay ? He still had n't returned to the plebeian room. As Albus was worrying about matte, he drifted off to sleep. Just after he drifted off, the Shrieking hut shrieked for the firstly time in decades.




Harry was in the Great Hall. Mexican valium bound him to the master 's hot seat. His scar was searing in hurting. descent was pouring down his arm as he struggled against the chasteness. He opened his eyes and glanced around, looking for his wand. There it was, lying uselessly halfway across the room. All around him, early mass were bound to the other professor 's chairs, they were surrounding Harry in a circle. A cloaked chassis was circling around the outside of the circle, while other cloaked figures stood stationary around the elbow room. trunk lay in consortium of origin on the floor.

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

The hooded bod looked up and entered the circle. He stood directly in social movement of Harry."Well, well, someone 's decided to regain his awareness. As you see, the residual of them did n't fair too well without you. Most are dead. But I 've saved your dear syndicate for lastly. I will torture them and kill them. And then, I shall kill you. At in conclusion, I 've waited so long. You should consume known you could n't kill me."Voldemort rounded on the lowly youngster tied to a chair.

"Crucio !"he shouted.

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

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

Harry had no idea what the dreams meant, and neither did anyone else. Harry could retrieve of only one person who may have been able to explain it, Dumbledore. However, as soon as Harry had a few of these dreaming, he had gone to see the portrait in Dumbledore 's office. He was only 18 then. Unfortunately, Dumbledore had no useful account. Since Harry was no long a Horcrux, he could n't possibly be seeing into Voldemort 's sentiment. Especially since Voldemort was dead. But the dreams continued.

Tonight 's ambition had been more graphic than any of the past ones. Maybe it was because Harry had spent all day reliving the horrific shot from his childhood to assorted pappa classes. He wished he had n't done that now. Oh, how he regretted it. But he 'd have to put up with it the sleep of the week, seeing as it would n't be comely not to tell the other students.

Harry walked away from the window. He slowly walked into the corridor. His altogether body was dank. He needed a dormant draught. He 'd been relying on these Sir Thomas More and More as time went on .'I really should memorize how to brew them myself ,'he laughed to himself.

Walking through the corridors at night brought back many memories. He still felt like he was disobeying the rules, even though he was now a prof. It seemed like Snape was right around the corner waiting to catch him doing something improper. Harry climbed the step to the infirmary flank. He hated to wake Madam Pomfrey at this hour, however he knew he 'd never get to sleep without it. Maybe she would give him a with child supply to keep open in his office.

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

"Hello, Poppy,"he whispered.

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

"Yeah, I was thinking the Same affair,"Harry glanced down at the girlfriend,"Is she okay ?"

"Yes, she 'll be hunky-dory. Someone levitated her in her sleep. She screamed and that scared the educatee who did it to her, that bookman gave the countercurse, and she promptly fell onto the level and broke her arm."

"Wow, does n't take very long for affair to get interesting around here,"Harry said.

"Now, why are you here, Harry ?"

"Well, er, remember after the battle and I had all those incubus ? They never completely stopped, and now they seem to be getting worse. I was wondering if I could cause a sleeping swig. I 'd also like to just have a supply of it on hand. I 've never been much of a potion brewer and have n't attempted to form it myself. I just can never negociate to get to sleep without one after one of these incubus,"Harry explained sheepishly. He felt like he was a kid again. How could he, the thaumaturgist who defeated Voldemort, who was known as the intrepid wizard of the times, be afraid of a nightmare ?

A sad gaze fell over ma'am Pomfrey."You know, this kind of reminds me of how you were so susceptible to the dementors in your third yr. I know most people think you 're endure and goose egg frightens you, but everyone has incubus and being frightened is nothing to be ashamed of."She walked over to a console and came back with a large bottle filled with potion."Here you go. Just get back to me whenever you need more."She handed him the bottle.

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

As he walked back towards his office, Harry thought about what Madam Pomfrey had said. He knew she was right field, but he still could n't help but palpate weak whenever he had one of these nightmares. He just wished he knew why he was having them and what he could do to break off them.

******

When Albus awoke the next aurora, flatness still had n't returned from the infirmary Wing. john suggested that they go visit Matt before class, but since the two boys had gotten up tardily, they only had time to catch a quick bite to eat before heading to Potions in the dungeons.

"good morning, class !"an old, round, professor greeted them,"I 'm Professor Slughorn, your Potions professional. Today, we shall be learning about the basics of potion brewing, including the importance of proper stirring, heat, and fixings. Please open your Koran to foliate 6."

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

"Well, we 're pretty a lot out of metre, so I 'll see you all next lesson. Could I have Albus thrower and rose wine Weasley please blockage by my desk on their way out ?"Slughorn told the class.

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

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

"Ah ! Young Mr. Potter and Miss Weasley. Now, I would like to severalize you about a little gathering I have scheduled for Friday. It 's for the students in the school whose parents are, for lack of a unspoilt full term, popular. Or those who have shown exceptional magical accomplishment. Of form, I 'd be pleased if the both of you would attend. I 'm sure your cousins will be attending. They seemed to like them in the preceding years,"Slughorn informed them.

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

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

"I knew it was only a matter of clip before we were invited to the Slug Club,"Albus groaned. James loved the bullet Club. It gave him a whole lot more attention and more people for him to assure his stories too. But Albus did n't like the renown. He would have rather skipped the political party, but as James and his cousins were going, it would be firmly not to.

"Well, maybe it 'll be fun,"Rose stated in a aspirer tone. Albus rolled his eyes and the two of them went to Transfiguration.

***********
matte did n't render up in stratum all day. Albus and John were really starting to interest. They decided to visit him before dinner party. When they got into the Hospital Wing, they did n't see Matt right away. There was one female child occupying a bed with her arm in a scarf bandage. dame Pomfrey was fussing over her.

"I really think you need to stay here tonight. You can leave in the forenoon !"

"But, Madam Pomfrey, I 've been here all day. My arm 's mulct !"the little girl exclaimed.

"No, I will not have it ! You can entrust in the morning,"madam Pomfrey said in a whole step that was not to be argued with. The girl pouted and stopped talking.

Albus and St. John approached brothel keeper Pomfrey."Um, where 's Matt Eckerton ? We brought him here last night,"John said tentatively.

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

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

"No, I 'm deplorable, but you ca n't. He 's not in any state to have visitor at the second. You can come see him this prison term tomorrow,"brothel keeper Pomfrey said hurriedly.

"But could you at to the lowest degree separate us if he 's ok ?"Albus asked.

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

Albus and King John walked glumly down to the Great Hall."That was foreign. James I said you can usually see your friends when they 're in the Hospital annex,"Albus told John.

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

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

*********

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

charm, however, was quite eventful. professor Washburn started year by taking attendance as usual. He gave a menacing glare to all the Gryffindors as he called their epithet. But Albus thought he stared especially long at him.

"consider out your wands,"snarled Wahsburn,"we 're practicing levitation today. Everyone require a feather."Washburn waved his verge and a plume appeared in straw man of each student."Remember to swish and flick."

"Swish and flick,"murmured Albus from the back tabular array. He waved his sceptre and said,"Wingardium Leviosa !"Nothing happened. He tried over and over again. Still, zippo happened. can, however, managed to do it.

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

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

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

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

John and rose looked at him nervously and picked up their scepter."Wingardium Leviosa !"they said at the same time. Both their feathers rose feebly into the air and fell down again.

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

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

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

Albus nervously picked up his sceptre. His arm was shaking, this would not turn out good."Wingardium Leviosa,"he muttered very quietly. His feather leaped into the air and caught fire. The whole class, which had been staring at the back tabular array for quite some time, screamed.

The flame from the feather caught onto Washburn 's robe and set them on fire as well."Bloody Hell !"Washburn screamed. He grabbed Albus 's baton out of his hand and produced water from it to plunge the flames."potter ! You 'll getting detention and 20 pointedness from Gryffindor !"he shouted, glaring at Albus."Class dismissed. Get out, all of you except Potter."

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

"well, you seem to have a knack for causing worry, Potter,"Wahsburn spat.

"I 'm good-for-naught, prof, I did n't think of to,"Albus muttered, on the brink of tears.

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

"But-"

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

********

Later that night, Albus trudged his way back to the green room after doing hold with Washburn. He had Albus do lines, so it was n't too bad. But Washburn stared at Albus the whole time, his middle like fire.

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

"What is it ?"Saint James the Apostle asked, walking away from his friends.

"Why does Washburn detest me ?"Albus asked."During the get-go class, I thought he just hated all Gryffindors, but today he made it clear that it 's me he hates."

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

Albus mumbled something incoherent.

"What ?"

"I set him on fire."

St. James the Apostle burst out laughing.

"It 's not funny ! I did n't mean to do it. We were doing levitation, and he asked me to levitate the feather in front of everyone, when he knew I had n't managed to do it before. My arm was shaking so much I knew the tour would n't form. The plume caught flack as soon as I muttered the charm, and then it spread to Washburn 's robe. I got ancestry and 20 points taken from Gryffindor,"Albus looked down, ashamed.

Saint James the Apostle looked stunned."But that 's a mistake any first off twelvemonth could have made. I do see how he got mad, though. I think you should just try to avoid him. Sit in the back, do n't say anything. Ignore him in the halls. That 's what I do. I still get way more detentions from him than any other teacher, but I think I 've become immune to them. well, I 'd break get back to my friends. See you later."

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

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

"How is he ?"Albus asked.

"Not skillful. He 's covered in cutting off and bruise. Said he 'd tripped on his way to the bathroom. He kept avoiding talking about being ill. Just wanted to lecture about what 's going on in the schooltime. So I told him about you setting Washburn on fire. He thought it was hilarious."

"It 's NOT !"Albus shouted. He was sick of everyone thinking it was funny. The storey had already made it around the school and at dinner everyone was staring at him more than usual. Some student even high fived him and patted him on the back. It seemed like Washburn was disliked by many educatee.

"Okay, okay,"John said, putting his workforce up,"Anyway, Matt said he 'd be back in class tomorrow morn. Madam Pomfrey just wanted him to continue the eternal rest of the night."

"trade good. Let 's go to bed. I 'm use up,"Albus said. He and John climbed up the bill stairway to the dormitory.

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

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Friday came too quickly for Albus 's liking. He was not looking forward to the Slug Club meeting. Since the group meeting and Gryffindor Quidditch try-outs were at the same time, Henry James would n't be joining Albus at the meeting. Albus had tried to get out of the meeting by watching try-outs, but the team captain decided to not let any watcher at the try-outs. A magnanimous number of student had wanted to attend just to see James, and the captain did n't require anyone to disrupt the try-outs.

Later that day, Albus and pink wine walked down to the dungeon together. Albus was dreading the confluence. They walked into the meeting to see that most everyone else was already there. Albus already knew most of them. Some of his cousins were there, along with respective other club phallus'children. However, there were a few faces Albus had never seen before.

"Ah ! Albus and pink wine !"Slughorn gestured to a few chairs in the room,"Please have a keister. You already know many of the people here. But I do n't conceive you know Tami Tobias, wiener Belleville, and Quinton Willinson ?"he said, gesturing to a blonde haired girl, a black haired boy, and a very morose looking boy."Tami is a 6th year Ravenclaw who brews the most fantabulous potions, Frank is a 4th twelvemonth Hufflepuff who can already perform gestural magic spell ! And Quinton 's a 7th year Slytherin whose father works at the Minsitry."

"Er, hi,"Albus responded.

"hi,"Rose smiled.

Unfortunately for Albus ; Tami and Frank, along with Slughorn, spent much of the merging hounding Albus with questions about his dad, the conflict, and Albus 's puerility. Eventually, Albus just got fed up with it.

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

Slughorn looked taken aback."I thought you 'd enjoy talking about it. Your brother always enjoys telling stories about his childhood."

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

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

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

"That 's great, Saint James the Apostle, really great,"Albus told him, trying to sound somewhat excited.

"What ? You 're not happy for me ? I thought you would be. Dad 's ecstatic. I told him as soon as I was done at audition,"St. James the Apostle said tentatively.

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

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

"It 's the type slug Club. I just left. All anyone wanted to do was listen to me blabber on about my childhood,"Albus shouted, all the ire coming back in entire effect."They would n't end bothering me until I screamed at them and stormed out."

Epistle of James just stared at Albus."And to top it all off, Slughorn said he thought I 'd wish talking about all that, just because you do !"Albus screamed at James II and punched the nearest armchair.

"Boy, you do have Dad 's temper,"James told Albus,"I 'm grim I could n't be there. I 'll be there at all the others. I swear. wellspring, unless there 's Quidditch practice."

"Others ? ! You really think I 'm going to another one of those ?"Albus shouted disgustedly.

"Well, Slughorn has them all throughout the class. Sometimes they 're kind of fun. You know Dad used to go to them."

"Fun ? ! Fun ? ! How could that possibly be fun ? And I know Dad used to go to them, he did n't exactly enjoy them, now did he ?"Albus seethed.

"Yeah, some of them are fun,"James shifted from foot to infantry. Albus could narrate he was uneasy.

"Just go back to your party. You deserve it. Good job at making seeker, I really do entail that. But I think I 'm going to bed. honest night."

"'Night,"St. James the Apostle said as he rejoined his party.

Albus walked up to his dormitory. It was still relatively betimes, so Albus was surprised to see Matt there. lustrelessness had returned at breakfast yesterday cockcrow, but he still did n't look himself, so John and Albus did not bring up the dubiousness of him being ill.

Albus went over to matt 's bed and pulled back the curtains. He was sound asleep. That was unusual. He just spent 2 days in the hospital Wing, why was he still tired ? Was he still vomit up ? Albus sighed, he would n't be able to wonder Matt tonight. well, turning in early would do Albus some commodity too. Maybe he 'd be able to calm down after the eventide 's exhilaration. He got into his pajamas and got into bed.

********
Unfortunately, Albus did not throw a restful rest. He was having vivid nightmares which involved Slughorn questioning him while James stood behind him, laughing. This same double kept recurring over and over again. Albus tossed and turned and eventually, a new dream came over him.

Albus was sitting in a dark empty way. A man in a dark cloak appeared next to him.

"He will turn back,"the man said.

"What ?"Albus asked."Who 's returning ?"

"He 's coming. He 'll find a way. He will return."

"Tell me ! Who ?"Albus shouted.

"He will regress, he will rejoin, he will retort ...."the man said over and over again.

Albus awoke with a first. He was sweating. What was that about ? He had never had such a graphic dream. Who was going to return ? Albus raked his brains, and then it hit him. It felt like he 'd been punched in the stomach. Of line ! He jumped out of bed and put on his dressing robes. It must be late, he thought. lusterlessness, John, Ethan, and Bilius were still sleeping. Albus tip-toed out of dorm and carefully keep out the door behind him.

Albus had to see his dad. He did n't care that it was the middle of the Night. He ran out of the common room and into the void corridor. It was unusual wandering around this late. Albus had never walked around the rook at Night. He did n't care that he was n't supposed to be out of his dormitory this late. All he thought about was telling his dad about that dream. Albus ran down the stairs, probably making too much noise. As he rounded the corner, someone reached out and grabbed his shoulder. Albus screamed.

"Shut up !"a man shouted,"You 'll rouse the whole school. Then we 'll have a real problem."

Albus looked into the eyes of the man who had caught him. It was Professor Washburn.

"Well, well, Mr. thrower is out of bed. And this late at night ? Surely, he must be up to no in effect,"Washburn sneered. Albus heard the felicity in his smell."We 'd better be off to my office, shall we ?"

Albus stood where he was."No, I have to see my dad."

"running game to papa, are we ? Is n't that sweet. Unfortunately for you, wandering corridors at night is against the pattern, therefore, I will punish you."

Washburn grabbed Albus 's hand and dragged him to his office. Albus was really shaking now. What would Washburn do to him ?

When they entered Washburn 's sullen federal agency, he forced Albus into a death chair directly in front of his desk.

Washburn slammed his hands on his desk."So, decided to have a little midnight stroll ? Care to tell me what you were up to ?"he glared at Albus, not blinking.

"I 've already told you. I need to see my dad,"Albus told him, nervously.

"Surely that could wait till dawn ? I bet you were setting up some sort of prank. Am I right ? You know, I 've caught your brother out of bed many a prison term for just that reason."

So that was it. Washburn hated St. James, so he in turn hated Albus too. That was the second meter in the past times 12 hours that Albus had been compared to James."I am NOT like my crony !"he stood up, clenched fist clenched and stared at Washburn.

Washburn smiled."I seem to have struck a nerve. But it hardly matters what you were doing out of bed. The fact remains that students are not to be out of bed at,"he glanced at his vigil,"1:37 in the sunup. Now, to discuss your punishment."

"You can discuss my punishment after I see my dad,"Albus glared at Washburn.

"Sit back down, Potter. I know you 're just trying to get dear old Dad to salvage you."

Albus remained standing."I AM NOT !"he screamed,"I have something really crucial to discuss with him !"

"Fine, but I 'll take up you to see him, so I can make sure you 're punished,"Washburn spat.

Albus did n't say another word and ran out the door.

"Wait ! Get back here, boy ! I told you I 'm taking you !"Washburn ran to catch up with Albus, breathing heavily. He was clearly out of conformation. The two of them walked to Harry 's situation in sodding silence.

"Well, here we are,"Washburn stated, pushing Albus aside and opening the door."potter ! inflame up ! I caught your son out of bed."

Harry quickly walked out of his bedchamber. He had also been up after having a incubus of his own. Harry looked at Albus and Washburn and jumped."Sorry, I expected it to be James."

"So did I. He insists that he discuss something with you before I punish him,"Washburn told Harry in a disgruntled voice.

Harry looked worriedly at Albus."What is it ? Are you okay, Al ?"

"I just need to differentiate you something ..."Albus replied, looking warily at Washburn.

"I must ask you to exit, prof Washburn. I think this needs to be private."

"amercement ! I 'll hold back outside the door, but he will be punished !"Washburn yelled as he walked out the doorway and slammed it behind him.

As soon as he left, Albus relayed his whole aspiration to Harry.

Harry pulled Albus into a hug and told him,"Albus, I do n't cerebrate your nightmare had any kind of import. It was just a bad dream."

"But, it seemed so real number ! And you had aspiration like this when you were vernal, and they were real !"

"Yes, that 's because I could see Voldemort 's opinion. You know that. I think that hearing so practically about the fight over and over again this hebdomad and being bombarded with questions about it has caused you to be worried,"Harry explained."I understand your fears. I still have nightmare about it. But I think the best thing for you to do is just forget about it."

"But, what if it is rattling ?"Albus asked in a concern tone.

"Think about it, Al. How could he come back ? He 's dead. Even in the Wizarding world, no one can come back from the dead."

"Yeah, I suppose you 're right. It was just so vivid and scary."

"I know. Now I only hope that as you spend more sentence at Hogwarts, people will hold back asking you so many enquiry. For tonight, I think you should have some sleeping draught,"Harry walked over to his cabinet and poured a potion into a small bottle. I 'll take you back to Gryffindor column, and drink this before you get into bed."

"But what about detention ?"

"Do n't worry. You wo n't get detainment. But wandering the corridors is against the rules, so please do n't do it anymore. Just charge word with a portraiture from the park elbow room if you need me, and I 'll gather you in the plebeian room. Now, let 's get you back to bed. Just keep an eye on me and do n't say anything. I 'll carry on with Washburn."

Harry opened the door and left the elbow room. Albus followed."There will be no hold tonight, Professor Washburn. Albus really did want to tell me something that was worrying him. It 's perfectly apprehensible what he did. I 've talked to him and he wo n't do it again,"Harry explained calmly.

"But, he broke the rules !"Washburn screamed.

"Careful, you 'll ignite the whole castle,"Harry told him as he continued to walk down the halls with Albus following quickly behind.

They left Washburn standing with his mouth loose in the hallway. When Albus got back to his bed, he took his potion and had a dreamless, restful sleep.

******

As the calendar week past, people slowly got over the excitement of having Harry as a pop teacher. Harry had explained the fight to every single one of his course, and in the come after classes he was able to teach without being disrupted with questions pertaining to the downfall of Voldemort. Harry was grateful for this. He was still having his nightmare more often than common, but thanks to Madam Pomfrey 's potion, he was able-bodied to get a few seemly Nox 's sopor a week.

matter seemed to be calming down for Albus too. There had not been anymore Slug golf-club encounter since the disastrous firstly one, but Albus had no intention of going to one even if he got invited. His classes were going well. He seemed to skin the most in Charms, but that was to be expected. At least Albus now knew why Washburn hated him so much, it was because he hated William James. As much as Albus hated being compared to Epistle of James, it was nice to cognize it was n't anything Albus did to irritate Washburn. Unfortunately, Albus was earning a detention a calendar week in his class.

Matt seemed to recover from his illness within a few days. However, as September grew into October, and the weather started getting colder, matte got regorge again.

Albus, trick, flatness, Bilius, Ethan, rosiness, Janie, Amanda, Karina, and Marina sat together at one table in the usual room after dinner party one Wednesday. They were working on a particularly punishing Transfiguration of Jesus essay.

"No, you 've got that wrong,"blush wine told Albus.

"fountainhead, why do n't you tell me what the right response is, then ?"Albus said disgustedly.

"But then you wo n't learn anything !"

"You 're just like your mother,"Albus told him, shaking his straits."matt, what 's wrong ?"

Matt had put his head down on his sheepskin, he had only written the first sentence of his essay.

"Huh ?"he said, lifting up his nous. He glanced out the window."I 'm not feeling too good. I think I might be sick."

"Again ? You do look a bit blanch,"Amanda told him with a care feel on her face."You better go to the infirmary Wing.

"All right. I 'll see you guys later,"Matt slowly got up from his president and shuffled out of the common room."You guys do n't cause to follow,"he said to Albus and can, who had gotten up.

Albus looked at him warily."If you 're sure."But lustrelessness had already left the common room.

"I hope he 's all right field. That 's the 2d metre he 's been nauseated here and it 's only October,"lav said.

"Yeah, I know. I guess we 'll just have to hold back and see how long he spends in the Hospital offstage this time,"Albus told him.

"Well, I 'm never going to get this done !"Janie shouted, exhaustedly."I 'm going to bed,"she got up and left, the other 4 girls following her.

"We 'd better turn in, too,"Bilius told the early boys.

"Yeah, probably,"Albus agreed. The three male child walked up the circular staircase and got into bed.

*********

lusterlessness did n't get out of the Hospital wing until Sabbatum. Although, he spent most of that day sleeping in his four poster bed. His friend were n't all that surprised, since this precise same affair had happened during his previous illness. They gave him his space until classes started again on Monday.

Albus had started to dread Potions class. He was always afraid that Slughorn was going to bestow up what happened in the previous lick club meeting. Unfortunately for Albus, after double potions that week, Slughorn called Rose and him up to his desk after class.

"See you in Transfiguration of Jesus, then, Albus,"John told him as he and Matt started to take the air out of the room.

"No, stay, please,"Albus hissed at them,"He wo n't talk about what happened last time if you 're here."

"All right,"lav sighed and dropped his bag on the good desk.

"pink wine and Albus ! I just wanted to invite you to my next get together. It 's happening on Halloween. It 'll be a form of Halloween political party. You can each bestow a client,"Slughorn said, delightedly.

"sang-froid !"John the Evangelist shouted, running to the social movement of the room,"Bring me, Albus !"

"No, bring me !"lustrelessness said louder, pushing past John.

"Do n't worry, male child, you can both make out, all right ?"Slughorn told them with a smile on his face.

"But, but-"Albus stammered, staring at John and Matt.

"Well, off you go, do n't desire to be late for your next form !"Slughorn shooed them out of his classroom.

"St. John the Apostle ! matt ! Why did you do that ?"Albus shouted, once Slughorn was back in his room.

"What ? I wanted to see what all the bustle is about with those meetings,"John said innocently.

"Ugh ! Now I have to go !"Albus threw his men up in the air,"You knew I did n't want to go to anymore."

"Well, we 'll be with you, it 'll be all justly,"lustrelessness said sympathetically.

*********

Before Albus knew it, he, Matt, and can were trudging down to the dungeons for the Allhallows Eve party. John and lusterlessness were running along excitedly, while Albus lagged behind. They walked into the keep, to see it packed.

"Good, maybe no one will mark me,"Albus said as he gazed around at the bunch. The same members who were at the net meeting were there, along with their Edgar Albert Guest and numerous adult."Let 's go get some food."

The three boys walked through the gang and over to the food table. They each piled a plate senior high school with food. When Albus turned around, he almost ran into someone.

"lookout it !"the boy shouted, he was a rather large Slytherin. The boy looked at Albus and then sneered."Ah, ceramicist, can I ask you a few query about your childhood ? Or will that make babe Potter cry ?"

"Shut it,"Albus muttered, trying to bear on past the boy.

"Trying to run away, are we ? Well, that wo n't do. I thought you 'd delight talking about yourself. I certainly enjoy talking about me. So, I 'll talk. I 'm Quinton Willinson."Albus glanced at him again and now recognized him as the Slytherin that Slughorn introduced him to at the previous meeting.

John snorted into his pumpkin juice.

"You think that 's laughable ? Who are you ?"Quinton glared at John.

"John Brickston. Pleased to meet you. This is flatness Eckerton,"he gestured towards Matt.

"enough about you, more about me. My father gamey up at the Ministry. He does a variety of tasks and makes a burden of gold from it. I 'm a 7th class. Padre 's getting me a Ministry job once I 'm done here. I ca n't wait until I get out of here and ca-ca gold like he does,"Quinton slip a cookie off of Albus 's plate and started to eat it.

"So,"he said in between bites,"What was it like growing up with 'The Chosen One'?

"I said, shut it !"Albus said, a bit louder.

"Oh, are we going to have a repeat of last merging ?"Quinton asked excitedly, stealing another cookie.

"Definitely not,"shouted Saint John, who drew his sceptre,"After this one, you 'll wish you 'd never been born."lustrelessness quickly drew his own wand.

"No, guys, it 's o.k., do n't get in bother for him, he 's not Charles Frederick Worth it,"Albus told them.

"Gon na curse me, ickle firsties ?"Quinton giggled,"I 'm so scared."

"What 's going on over here ?"James asked as he walked over to the food table,"What do you need, Willinson ?"

"Just thought I 'd ask Albus about his life growing up,"Quinton told Henry James innocently.

"wellspring, I think he said to lay off, did n't he ?"Saint James the Apostle said, drawing his own wand.

"He might 've mentioned it,"Quinton sneered as he, too, drew his sceptre,"But I do n't see what 's so ill-timed about wanting to know about 'The Chosen One'. Maybe you could tell me how he managed to vote down the greatest wizard of all prison term ?"

"Expeliarmus !"Henry James shouted, and Quinton 's verge flew across the room.

Slughorn looked up at the shouting and hustled over to see what had happened."You can not duel at my party !"

"They started it,"Quinton said, pointing to Albus and his friends,"Little ceramist had to have his big chum defend him."

"fountainhead, you 'll all put your scepter away now so we can enjoy the rest of the party in pacification. Or you 'll all get detainment,"Slughorn growled as the boys all hastily put their verge away.

Quinton gave Albus one last sneer and he stalked off. Albus watched him go and turned and ran out of the room. He heard his friends following him, but did n't quit to mouth. He did n't break or flex around until he reached the Fat Lady 's portrait. He gave the password and ran into the common elbow room and up to his dormitory.

Albus knew going to that party was a bad idea. He should n't have gone. Never again. He punched his pillow. What did Quinton need with him anyway. And why did he call Voldemort 'the greatest ace of all fourth dimension'? Voldemort was defeated before Quinton was even born, he could n't possibly throw been a Death Eater.

The threshold to the dormitory room opened and Matt and St. John walked in."You okay ?"matte asked.

"Oh, I 'm just o.k.,"Albus told them sarcastically,"I 'm never going to one of those again, even if you two want to go as my Guest. You saw what it 's like now, not lots fun, is it ?"

"Yeah, not that much fun, although was n't that chill how James disarmed Willinson ?"toilet said excitedly."I mean, he 's 5 days jr. than him !"

"Real aplomb,"Albus said flatly,"I think I just want to go to bed."Albus pulled the suspension of his bed closed and laid down. He fell asleep relatively quickly, but it was n't a relaxing sleep. He had the nightmare again. It happened a few times a week now, and try as he might, Albus could n't appear to block about it.

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


Sorry for the delay ! I had to rewrite something and combine chapters because I thought this one was too short.

As usual, I do not own Harry Potter.

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



As the number one few days of Nov passed, the weather condition became gradually dusty. The fart was blowing fiercely, and soon coke would be falling. The first year Gryffindors were not at all surprised when flatness got sick again and spent a few days in the hospital wing.

"Hey, Matt ! How are you feeling ?"Albus asked at dinner when Matt reappeared from the hospital wing.

"All right,"lustrelessness told him while putting solid food onto his plate.

"You know, you get sick a lot, Matt. Are you sure you 're sanction ?"John chimed in.

"Yeah, I know. I 've got this, er, illness. And it makes me get sick quite a bit. I did n't want to worry you, so that 's why I never told you,"flatness replied quickly.

"But you 're improve now, right ?"Albus asked, nervously.

"Um, variety of. I mean, I 'm better now, but it 'll materialise again,"Matt told them and quickly changed the subject,"So, maiden Quidditch match in 2 week ! Gyrffindor vs. Hufflepuff. Should be a good game !"

"Uh, yeah, it should be,"Albus looked warily at lusterlessness. Clearly he did n't like talking about his sickness. Albus and John did n't contribute it up again during the meal. Albus, Saint John the Apostle, and matt spent the eternal sleep of dinner talking about the coming match.

The following two weeks dragged by. As the clock time before the Quidditch match drew shorter, the anticipation and exhilaration increased. Both master were holding drill more often than usual. They alternated evenings for the pitch, so each team was practicing every other dark. The Gryffindor players trudged back into the common way well after ten o'clock at dark on the day of their practices. They were usually waterlogged and cold, as the conditions was not cooperating. Even the professors were getting into the look and were not assigning a great deal homework to the players, however they still piled it on the former students.

fervor was extremely high in the Gryffindor mutual room the night before the first Quidditch catch. No one was getting much prep done. The only 1 trying were a few 7th age and Rose, who was reading a Quran with her fingers in her ears.

"Oi ! rose wine !"Albus called across the common room as he walked over to her,"You actually trying to get homework done ? Why do n't you take a break ? You 've been studying all day."

"Yes, I know I have,"rose wine said irritably,"We 've got a big History of Magic test this week, you know. And we have n't even won the mates, so why celebrate yet ?"

"You know, you 're just like your mum,"Albus laughed as he left rosiness to her record. He decided he 'd find Saint James the Apostle and wish him good luck.

St. James was standing in the middle of the common room, surrounded by his fellow mate."James River !"Albus shouted,"Could I have a Book ?"

"Sure !"James shouted back, as he left the group,"What 's up ?"

"Just wanted to wish you luck, was n't indisputable if I 'd see you before the match. You know, you 'll do ticket,"Albus told his buddy."Are you nervous ?"

"A bit, yeah,"Saint James the Apostle responded,"It 's just everyone thinks I 'll be a cracking searcher because Dad was, so I do n't require to let down them."

"You wo n't. I 've seen you play. You 're the best Seeker this theater has, that 's why you 're on the team,"Albus said reassuringly.

"I suppose. I guess I 'd ameliorate get back to the squad, we 're talking scheme,"James told him.

"Ok, see you tomorrow."

********

Albus was right that he was n't capable to talk to King James before the compeer. Albus saw him briefly at breakfast, he was looking a bit ill and was n't eating anything. Shortly after Albus arrived at the table, however, the all team left for the locker rooms. After eating some breakfast, Albus walked down to the sales talk with John and matte. They found themselves seats high in the stands next to Rose, Amanda, Janie, Marina, and Karina.

"Is James nervous ?"rosebush asked Albus.

"A bit, yeah, he 's afraid everyone 's going to compare him to Dad, so he 's afraid he 's going to let down everybody,"Albus told her.

"wellspring, he wo n't,"rosebush said reassuringly.

"I know."

The weather conditions could n't cause been unsound for a secret plan of Quidditch. The confidential information and rain from the previous hebdomad had not let up at all. Albus had a surd fourth dimension seeing onto the rake. Visibility was terrible, so the spectators had to mainly swear on the commentary to assure them what was going on.

"Welcome to the get-go Quidditch lucifer of the season !"a thriving voice shouted. Albus recognized it as Lord Todd Julia Evelina Smith, one of his cousin Georgia 's friends."Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff !

"And here come the teams ! Gryffindor, Samantha Meyers, Ryan O'Malley, James ceramist, Tom Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Georgia Weasley, and Heather Weasley. Blimey, that 's a lot of Weasleys ! Here are the Hufflepuffs ! Shawn Ames, Jason Bristol, Lisa Galivant, Jessica Harper, Andy Kaper, and Stacey Manson !

"Captains Meyers and harper have shaken hands, and the Quaffle is up !"

14 players and Professor Oteski rose up into the sky on their Calluna vulgaris. Albus could just stimulate out the red robed Gryffindors and the yellow robed Hufflepuffs. Although he had no idea who was who.

"Gryffindor is in willpower of the Quaffle. Heather Weasley is storming up the pitch, headed for the Hufflepuff goal. Oh ! Saved by Keeper Bristol. Hufflepuff now in self-will. Nice beater work by Omar Bradley Weasley, too bad Ames swerved just in fourth dimension to avoid the bludger. And Hufflepuff scores !"

"Darn it !"Albus shouted. John the Evangelist and Matt were hissing at the Hufflepuffs.

"Fred Weasley is in self-command of the Quaffle, passes to Meyers, who then passes to Heather Weasley and back to Fred. That 's the way to do it ! disconcert them ! harpist sends bludger to Fred, but it is intercepted by O'Malley ! Great job ! And Gryffindor scores !"

"Woohoo ! ! !"Albus shouted. Despite the pelting, he was loving every minute of the secret plan. Quidditch games always sounded so exciting when his dad told him about them, but Hogwarts games were much better in soul. Albus had been to a few professional game, but it somehow seemed dear to watch a game that had your own family on the team.

The plot continued on for what seemed like hr. The rain and wind had foresighted since made Albus 's hands numb. But he did n't care.

"Blimey, do you cerebrate this could go on all day ?"John asked as Hufflepuff scored.

"I sure hope so !"Matt shouted over the steer,"I 've been putting off an essay for Potions and have no urge to start it anytime soon. ``

"lusterlessness ! You should have done that essay days ago,"rose wine scolded,"I hope it ends soon, I still have some more studying to do do for History of Magic."

"And Heather Weasley scores for Gryffindor !"Adam Smith shouted,"The score is currently 100-90 Gryffindor. With no sign of the Snitch ! Both seeker are flying slowly around the tar, eyes peeled for that prosperous ball. Of course, the big upheaval this game is Jesse James Potter, the new Gryffindor quester. His dad, Harry ceramicist, was one of the safe searcher Gryffindor house has ever seen. But will James live up to his dad 's legacy ? Only fourth dimension will tell. police chief Meyers has been quite closelipped about their practice and would not let anyone watch William James fly until this match."

"Does Quidditch always last this farsighted ?"Amanda asked Albus.

"Not usually, but they do change quite a bit. One humans cup lasted over a calendar month. All depends on the quester and the weather, usually. Weather like this, who knows when the Snitch will be seen,"Albus explained.

"well, I think I like watching Quidditch. Course, I could never play. You saw me on my broom in flying lessons. The thing would n't get up in the air,"Amanda laughed.

The firstly yr had had a few flying deterrent example over the past few hebdomad. Amanda was n't the uncollectible in the class, but was n't having much luck with her broom. Albus was pretty right. Not as good as James, but he thought he might be able to try out for pursuer next class when Samantha Meyers left.

"Gryffindor scores again ! Blimey, if the match goes on very much foresighted, we 'll be in for a Hogwarts record ! It 's past lunch metre, the match has been going on for 4 hours in case anyone had been wondering. Oh, look at this ! I think Galivant has seen the sneak !"Smith shouted.

Indeed, she had. Lisa Galivant was flying directly towards the reason, where the little favourable winged musket ball was hovering. James was flying a few feet above her and noticed her dive. He quickly pulled his Calluna vulgaris into a dive as well.

"And both Seekers are neck in neck, heading towards the ground, where the favourable Snitch has been spotted ! Potter is now pulling ahead a lilliputian. Kaper is headed towards a bludger that is right field above both Seekers. And Kaper hits the bludger towards Potter, who has n't noticed it !"

Whack ! The bludger collided with James 's skull, just as he reached for the snitcher. He fell, headfirst off his ling from a height of 10 feet, and landed on the ground, not moving.

"King James I ! ! !"Albus shouted, as he tried to move past all the student who were standing up in their arse looking at the pitch.

"thrower is knocked off his broom by a bludger sent by Andy Kaper. Surely, Galivant has caught the Snitch. But wait, she 's landing empty-handed. Where is the Snitch ?"

Albus had managed to disencumber himself from the stands, running onto the auction pitch, followed by bathroom, flatness, Amanda, and Rose.

"William James !"Albus shouted again, as he ran towards the crowd of instructor surrounding his brother. He pushed his way in between Profesor Patil and Professor Longbottom and saw his dad leaning down at St. James 's side. He had an extremely distressed look on his face.

"I 'm taking him to the Hospital Wing,"Harry told the teacher as he picked James II up. Harry started walking towards the castle. Albus ran after him, followed by his friends.

They burst through the wooden room access and ran up the stairs to the Hospital annexe. When they got inside, Harry deposited Epistle of James onto a bed. Madam Pomfrey was striding towards them.

"Well, what 's happened ? Quidditch, right ?"she clicked her tongue,"Such a serious mutation. I do n't lie with why they still allow it."She bustled over to James River and examined him."Cracked skull. I 'll cause it mended in no time, but he 's unconscious, so it might be a while before he comes round."

The doors of the Hospital Wing fit open and a few teacher made their way into the room and stood by Harry.

Madam Pomfrey ran over to a cabinet and grabbed some potion to put on James I 's nous. She went back over to Epistle of James and started applying potion. Once she was done, she tapped her verge to his head and muttered a magical spell. She applied bandage and turned to his hired hand, which was clamped shut around something.

"Looks like he managed to catch the Snitch,"lady Pomfrey announced as she pried the still struggling aureate ball from his hand.

`` Wow, '' Harry smiled, `` That 's impressive. '' He took the stoolie from brothel keeper Pomfrey and pocketed it. Harry sat down on a chair next to James River 's bed and started stroking his hair.

`` He 's going to be an incredible Seeker, '' Neville commented.

Albus walked over to the bed and sat down side by side to Harry."Is he going to be all in good order ?"Albus whispered.

"I think he 'll be fine, Al,"Harry reassured Albus,"Although I ca n't tell you it did n't frighten me half to death when I saw him devolve from his broom. I never really thought much about the dangers of Quidditch when I was playing it, but now that my own son is getting hurt ...."

Albus stared at his forefather."You 're not going to make him stop acting, are you ?"

Harry laughed,"'Course not ! I 'd be the hypocrite of the century. I just worry about him. I 'm sure he 'll be fine, though. This certainly wo n't be his live on Quidditch injury. I had my reasonable share. I 'm just in for a worrying next 6 years."

"More than that, Dad,"Albus laughed,"I 'm going to try out for Chaser succeeding year."

"And I 'm sure you 'll be great at it, Al. I 'll worry about you too. Although, quester tend to get injured the most out of all the actor,"Harry got up from his chair,"Well, I 've got to commit an owl to your female parent. She insisted I tell her how the game went, although she wo n't be too happy once I 've told her. Why do n't you and your friends go down and have some dinner ? It 's been a long day,"Harry kissed James on the brow and left the Hospital Wing.

James IV did n't regain cognisance until 3 days after the catch. Two days after that, Madam Pomfrey allowed him to depart the infirmary flank. He was thrilled that he had managed to catch the stoolie and win Gryffindor the match, and was eager to tell the narration over and over again to anyone who listened. Once James was out of the hospital wing, the Gryffindors had a tacky and roughneck party until the wee hours of the first light to celebrate the win.

******

The next few week flew by for Albus and his friends. Their oeuvre encumbrance was steadily increasing as fall terminal figure drew to an end.

"Why did Patil cause to devote us an essay due the like day Slughorn did ?"John asked disgustedly, one Night in the mutual room.

"They always do that,"Albus groaned.

"Yeah, I 'm never going to get this potions done. Why ca n't they alternate Clarence Shepard Day Jr. for homework giving ? It 's stupe, really. I think they must all compete to see who can give the most homework,"John told Albus as he feverishly finished up his Transfiguration essay.

"evening my dad is giving us a huge encumbrance. I thought he 'd go tardily on us cause he used to recite me how much he hated how much homework he was given."

"Done !"John exclaimed, as he slammed his Transfiguration book shut."Now, on to that potions essay."He dug around in his bag for his potions book."Could I borrow your notes, rosebush ?"

"No, use your own notes,"rosiness said coldly. Even she was faltering under the huge work load, and was huddled at a recession board which was buried under all her note of hand and Koran, doing her own potions essay.

"Ugh ! You know I do n't choose notes !"whoremonger groaned.

"Well, why not ?"Rose asked.

"'Cause it 's boring,"John explained,"Can I borrow yours, Albus ?"

"Sure, they 're in my bag,"Albus told John as he frantically finished up a History of Magic homework.

John dug around in Albus 's bag until he found the annotation."Thanks, mate ! Matt, do you demand to use them, too ?"John the Evangelist looked over at his friend.

Matt was curled up in an armchair, wincing in pain.

"Hey, are you okay ?"John asked with a pertain facial expression on his look. He and Albus had been so bemused with their big total of homework that they had n't noticed lusterlessness leave the table.

"Huh ?"Matt looked up, with his hand pressed to his forefront. He yawned."I guess I must be getting spew again. I think I 'll go to the Hospital Wing."Matt stood up to entrust, but he swayed on the position and had to angle on the armchair for support.

"Matt !"John ran over to his friend and grabbed his arm,"I 'll take you, approve ? You look like you 're about to fall over."

"Okay, thanks,"Matt mumbled as the two of them left the coarse room.

Albus had stopped writing his essay and watched the two of them leave.

"I wish I knew some way to help him,"he murmured to Rose."He has n't even recount us what disease he 's got. I wonder if it 's some really rarefied kind that not many people have heard of."

Rose looked up."Is n't it obvious ?"

"What ?"

blush wine got up from her table, walked over to Albus, and whispered in his ear."Have n't you noticed that he always gets sick during the full moonshine ? I realized that after he got sick in November, and I 've been watching him the past tense few days."

Albus just looked at her with a blank feel on his face."So ? And why would I pay attention to full moon moons ?"

"Ugh !"pink wine groaned,"Put it together. I do n't need to say what I think it is right now with so many masses around. And you should pay aid to full moons for Astronomy."

"Well, then let 's hold until they all go to bed. I 've certainly got enough homework to do between now and then,"Albus said impatiently.

"mulct, but it still seems obvious to me."

The cousin-german spent the future few hours working on their prep, waiting for the unwashed room to empty out. After a half hour or so, John came back. Albus filled him in on what rosebush said, and he had no estimate what she could be on about. He got out his potions essay and continued to influence on it. Eventually, around midnight, Albus, John, pink wine, and Amanda were the only ones left in the park room.

"So,"Albus whispered,"What have you figured out ?"

"wellspring,"Rose said slowly, looking up from her Herbology reading,"The clues are that Matt always gets ill around the broad lunation, the few days before it he sleeps a lot and looks pallid than usual. He always goes to the hospital annexe the Nox of a full moon moon, and when he comes back, he usually is covered in cuts and bruises."

"That 's cause he 's cumbersome,"John said confidently.

"That 's what he wants you to think ! Do n't you get it ?"pink wine shouted.

"keep your voice down, blush wine, mortal 'll wake up up,"Amanda whispered,"Now what do you cerebrate Matt has ?"

"He 's a lycanthrope,"rose said quietly.

"What ? !"John shouted,"No way."

"Werewolf ? ! You mean, those are real ?"Amanda squeaked.

"'Course they 're real, Amanda,"John told her,"So are vampires. Muggles just do n't imagine they are."

`` The solitary matter I 'm still wondering about is why he does n't take Wolfsbane Potion, '' Rose continued, `` You know, that potion shimmy 's dad took to keep him from harming himself and others. ``

Albus had started to pace the coarse room."You know, rose wine, it fits, it really does. flatness sounds just like shift 's dad. But I do n't have intercourse. Why would n't he have taken the potion ?

"Of course it fits ! I 've had a hunch about it ever since October, but I wanted to hold off a few months to be sure enough. I do n't jazz why he would n't take the potion. But remember one of our first nighttime here and there was that ugly shrieking ?"Rose asked.

"Yeah, I heard that,"Amanda told her.

"well, it must have come from the shrieking hovel. That 's where Teddy 's dad went to transubstantiate when he was a student here. You can get in there from the Whomping willow, but I do n't know how that works. matt must go there to transform as well,"rose wine explained.

"I wonder why he would n't ask the potion ?"Albus wondered aloud as he continued to pace."Dad said teddy bear 's dad always took it."

"I dunno, Albus,"Rose said sadly,"But I 've heard it 's really painful to transform if that potion is n't used."

"It fits, but I 'm still not sure. Are you absolutely trusted ? I do n't know if we should stand out to conclusions,"Albus responded.

"I 'm pretty sure. I mean, I 'm not positive, because I have n't heard him say it or seen him transmute. But I 've read all about werewolves and lusterlessness fits the description,"rose persuaded.

"If it 's true up, and I 'm not saying it is or it is n't, what are we going to say him ? I mean, what if it is n't true, and we tell him we think he 's a wolfman ? He would n't be too felicitous,"John asked. He was sitting completely still in one of the armchairs, apparently in electrical shock. Amanda was doing the same.

"I do n't think we should say anything. Especially since we 're not entirely sure,"Albus stated, while looking warily at Rose. rosebush rolled her eyes."We wo n't tell him we know. He obviously does n't want us to screw. Otherwise, he 'd have told us himself, if it 's genuine. I 'm trusted he 'll assure us what disease he has when he 's ready."

"But what if he does n't ?"Amanda asked,"I do n't know anything about werewolves, but he probably does n't need anyone to know."

"That 's probably true. sorcerer have n't treated werewolves very well. Teddy 's dad could n't get a job after he was done at Hogwarts. He did pull off to get a job as DADA teacher here, but he quit once citizenry found out he was a werewolf because parents would n't require him teaching their kid,"Rose told Amanda,"It 's sad, really. werewolf are harmless while they 're not transformed."

"He 's probably afraid what we would think,"John said,"If he 's a werewolf, that is. I say we keep track of when he transforms."

"Good idea. But if it turns out we 're aright and he still does n't tell us, I guess we 'll consume to let him love that we know,"Albus said.

"Yeah, I suppose we will,"John agreed.

"Oh, and mine and Rose 's Uncle placard was bit by a werewolf, but the werewolf was n't transformed at the time. Uncle poster 's not a werewolf, but I suppose I could ask him some interrogation over Christmastime Break, to try and get some more information,"Albus told everyone.

"Good theme, Albus ! I 'll ask him with you,"rosiness exclaimed, while walking over to the student residence door."I think we should probably go to bed. sound night, everyone."

"Nox,"Albus, Amanda, and john responded.

Albus walked up the stairs to his dormitory. He could not bar thinking about matte. How could he be a werewolf ? Who bit him ? When ? Albus knew lycanthrope were perfectly harmless as long as they were n't transformed, but the idea still troubled him. Teddy 's dad had been his grandfather 's Quaker at school, and he had been his dad 's pa teacher when he was in schoolhouse. He had died in the fight against Voldemort. If only he could mouth to him. Ask him questions about it. Was there anything Albus could do ?

Albus got into bed and pondered these head. Eventually, he fell into a uneasy sleep. He started out dreaming about failing a Charms mental testing and Professor Washburn chasing him through the rook with a beater 's bat. But soon, the dream shifted and became the incubus that had plagued him since the outset week of school.

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A/N : Please look back ! No reviews from the last chapter, but thanks to my sister, Dancer of Starlight for reading this and giving me her opinion.

Disclaimer- Like usual, I do n't own Harry potter or anything else you recognize.

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Chapter 7 : Dueling and Detention

Harry was sitting in a dark empty room. A man in a dark cloak appeared succeeding to him.

"He will give back,"the man said.

"Who ?"Harry asked."Voldemort ? That 's not possible, I made sure of that."

"He 's coming. He 'll find a way. He will return."

"No, he wo n't !"Harry shouted.

"He will return, he will yield, he will bring back ...."the man said over and over again.
Harry awoke with a start, he sat up in bed, breathing fast. That was odd. Harry had not had a ambition that seemed so real number since before Voldemort had died. But Harry could n't possibly be seeing things through Voldemort anymore, not if he was dead.

Harry got up and paced the way. What did the dreaming mean value ? Was someone trying to bring Voldemort back to sprightliness ? And was that even possible ? And why would he be dreaming about it ? Harry did n't reckon so. Then it hit him, he remembered that Albus had had the same ambition months ago ! Did this mean value something ? Was there something significant about their pipe dream ? Or were they just dreams ?

Harry walked over to his press and got out his cloak. He had to discuss this with person. As much as he thought that the dreams were just dreams, his gut told him they meant something. Harry remembered that Ron was stationed in Hogsmeade tonight. Ever since Professor Torro was murdered, Harry was having an Auror stationed in Hogsmeade at all times. Something just did n't sit right with him about that murder.

Harry quietly left his office and walked into the corridor. It seemed deserted, which was n't unusual since it was one o'clock in the cockcrow. Harry started to walk down the corridor. He turned a corner and nearly bumped into someone.

"Who 's there ?"the person shouted and pointed his wand at Harry."Potter ? What are you doing out so late ?"

"The like could be said of you, Washburn,"Harry responded."Put your wand away."

Washburn stowed his scepter back in his cloak."What are you doing wandering the lobby at this hour ? I now see where Albus gets his theme about late night strolls from."

"It 's none of your business, but I need to discuss something with mortal,"Harry growled."And what are you doing ? Plotting path to put my son in detention ? I know you 've got something against them, and I will find out what."

"I 've nothing against your son, potter, they just seem to misdemean to a greater extent than the mediocre bookman,"Washburn sneered at Harry.

"William James, yes, I 'll believe that. He seems to get after his Uncle George and his granddaddy,"Harry agreed,"But Albus ? He has only ever gotten custody from you, Washburn. All the early professors say he 's placidity in class."

"Maybe in their class. He 's always making trouble in mine. He talks while I 'm talking, irritates the former student, does n't do his homework, and does n't take heed to me. Not to mention the time he set me on fire !"Washburn shouted.

"support your voice down, you 'll come alive the entirely castle,"Harry whispered,"And why on earthly concern would Albus only do that stuff in your course, Washburn ?"

"How should I make love how a juvenile delinquent 's mind works ? Maybe you should ask him,"Washburn spat.

"Just think, I 'm watching you, Washburn. So are the early professor,"Harry told him,"Now if you 'll excuse me, I have some commercial enterprise to attend to."Harry strode past tense Washburn and ignored any further communication attempts from him.

There was something fishy about Washburn, Harry thought. He had never met the man before starting as a teacher at Hogwarts. But for some reason Washburn seemed to dislike Harry as soon as they met. Maybe it was because James misbehaved so lots in category last year ? Is that why he hates Albus as well ? Harry did not know, but he hoped to find out.

Harry found Ron standing near The Three broomstick."Hey, Ron."

Ron jumped."Blimey, Harry, you scared me !"Ron whispered as he lowered his wand.

"Sorry. I 've got to talk to you about something,"Harry whispered back.

"What is it ?"Ron asked.

Harry relayed both his and Albus 's dreams to Ron."And when Albus told me about his dream, I just thought it was a nightmare, but it seems odd that we would both have the Saame dream."

"How could you both have the same ambition ?"Ron questioned.

"No thought. The only affair I could think of is that soul is using Legilimency on both of us."

"Well, it 's possible. You 've never been very effective at Occlumency, have you ? And Albus has certainly never used it. Plus whoever is doing it must be pretty poor fish. Why would somebody flora that pipe dream in your head if they wanted to do something evil ? Why would n't they just take your mind and be done with it ?,"Ron reasoned.

"Yeah, that 's what I thought of, too. Who would need me to bonk they 're reading my mind and make me think Voldemort is coming back ? It would also birth to mean someone 's either getting into the castle at night or it 's a teacher or student,"Harry said worriedly.

"Well, I have n't seen anyone near the castle background tonight and how could they get past the protection ?"Ron asked.

"I know, that 's what makes me think it 's a student or teacher. And no student would be able-bodied to do Legilimency like that. Maybe a 7th year could, if they studied and practiced enough,"Harry told Ron.

"Well, whoever 's doing it, it 's pretty worrisome,"Ron stated.

"I know. And what about the dream itself ? I mean, if someone is making Albus and I dream this, then they must be trying to bring back Voldemort."

"But how on earth could they do that ?"Ron asked.

"I 'm not sure, exactly. But I have a hunch. The Resurrection Stone,"Harry replied.

"But that does n't really bring people back."

"I know, but it does bring back a form of them that only the soul with the Lucy Stone can see. And you can speak to them. I talked to my parents, Sirius, and Lupin with it, think ?"Harry explained.

"Yeah, that 's true. If whoever 's doing this had the endocarp, then they 'd be able to talk to Voldemort ?"Ron asked,"Blimey, that 's shuddery. But how could they find the Edward Durell Stone ? Us and Hermione are the only ones who know where it is."

"I know, but if they 're using Legilimency, then they 'd be able to find out from me,"Harry said quietly.

"wellspring, what are we going to do ?"Ron asked nervously.

"I do n't know, Ron, I really do n't,"Harry confessed,"I 'm going to bear to think of a plan. If someone 's been reading my nous, then they might 've already seen where the gem is. I think I 'll have to increase the protective covering near the woods. I 'll assign more Aurors to Hogsmeade. Ask Hagrid if he 's detect anything rummy happening in or around the forest."

"speech sound estimable. But whatever you do, I think it might be best for you to at to the lowest degree try to use Occlumency again,"Ron suggested.

"I know, I 'll try. I 've gotten better over the years, and hopefully it 'll be unspoilt enough,"Harry replied.

"What are you going to narrate Albus ?"Ron asked.

"zilch. He still thinks the dream means nothing and it 's better that way. He 'd be so scared if he knew what was going on. Plus, we never told the child about the Hallows. I wanted to await until they were older. Did n't require them blabbing about them to half the schooltime. You know how James is."

"I know, that 's why I never told rose or Hugo either,"Ron agreed.

"Well, I 'd better get back up to the school. Keep your eyes peeled and your wand out. As Mad-Eye would have said, 'Constant watchfulness'. We still do n't really know that it 's a student or teacher yet, and I 'd favor not to have to start questioning my colleagues."

"All right, Harry, you 're the boss,"Ron joked."expert night, then."

"'Night."

******

The next few days passed quickly. Albus, John Lackland, rosiness, and Amanda visited matt in the infirmary wing a few times but cypher mentioned the conversation about him being a werewolf. Instead they just talked about what had been going on in class. mat left the hospital wing one good morning a couple days later and met his friends in the Great Hall for breakfast. Again, nonentity mentioned the conversation from the full moon moon.

Albus looked up from his toast for a few second base and noticed that Quinton Willinson was striding over to the Gryffindor mesa with a smug look on his face. What did he require ?

"Guess what, Potty ?"Quinton leered at Albus."Slughorn 's having a Noel party. Have you heard ? Just told me about it yesterday."

"So ?"Albus said flatly, not looking up from his porridge.

"So, are you going then ?"Quinton laughed."Are we going to be treated to yet another Potty show ?"

Saint James the Apostle walked into the Great lobby and immediately mark Quinton near his brother. He ran over to see what was going on.

"What are you doing here ?"James asked, crossing his arms across his chest.

"Ah, the previous Potty ! What a pleasure to have them both here at once,"Quinton said excitedly,"I was just telling your dear brother about Slughorn 's Christmas party. I was merely wondering if he would be attending."

"That 's none of your business sector,"James glared at Quinton.

"testament you be going as well ?"Quinton asked, ignoring James 's input."Then we could make a running commentary about your Quidditch acquirement as well as listen to your brother 's ebullition !"

"Shut it !"James shouted, turning common beet red and drawing his wand.

"St. James ! It 's ok, just ignore him,"Albus told his brother.

"No, it 's no ok,"James responded.

"Going to duel me, commode ? I can take both of you,"Quinton drew his wand and pointed it at James.

"Bet you ca n't take us as well,"John said as he and Matt both drew their wands.

"Easy,"Quinton snorted.

"What is going on here ? Dueling at breakfast ?"Professor Washburn walked over to the table and sneered at James.

"No, Professor, just defending my brother,"James responded.

"I believe that qualifies as dueling, Potter,"Washburn spat,"detainment for you and your Brother, plus Brickston and Eckerton as well. And 50 breaker point from Gryffindor."

James gaped at him."But what about Willinson ? He started it ! And Albus does n't even have his wand drawn ! He did n't do anything."

"I 'd suggest you shut your mouth, Potter, or I 'll make it 2 detentions,"Washburn growled as he walked up to the staff table."I 'll tell you all the date and time in your adjacent charms course of study. And I do n't care if you have Quidditch practice during the time of detention."

"fountainhead, I guess I 'll see you at Slughorn 's political party, then,"Quinton told them as he walked back to the Slytherin table.

"This is ridiculous !"James shouted,"We did n't do anything ! He hates me, I tell you."

"I know, he hates me too,"Albus agreed,"And I have n't even done anything to him. I 've had a detention a workweek from him."

"Quidditch practice is tonight at 7 ! He wagerer not have it tonight !"James groaned.

"Wonder what he 'll possess us do ?"whoremonger asked.

"Dunno ? He usually has me do lines, while he glares at me,"Albus told him.

"I hate crinkle,"Matt sighed,"They 're so boring."

"Well, there 's a lot worse detentions than demarcation,"King James I told him.

"True. Blimey, look at the fourth dimension !"lustrelessness shouted as he glanced at his watch."We 're going to be late for daddy !"

Matt, Albus, and bathroom got up from the tabular array and murmured rushed goodbyes to James, who was rushing off to account of conjuring trick. Albus noticed that the girl had already left for class.

******

"fountainhead, that was boring, john groaned as he, Albus, and lusterlessness left pa a piece later,"Why do we give to show about the spells before we get to do them !"

"Because otherwise you wo n't understand what the spell does and what the point of it is,"blush wine said, exasperatingly. She was often explaining the point of reading to John.

"I 'd rather scan in pappa than do spells in good luck charm,"Albus sighed. The Gryffindors were on their way to their least darling class.

"Me, too,"Matt agreed,"And we 'll be learning what our detention will consist of."

"Ugh ! I 've done way too many detentions with Washburn,"Albus groaned."And you can bet that he 'll purposely have us doing the custody while James is supposed to have Quidditch practice."

"Of track,"Matt agreed, as he pushed open the threshold to the Charms classroom. The boys walked inside and found their usual table at the back of the room.

Washburn stormed into the room a few transactions later, he was obviously in a bad mood."Today we 'll be starting to learn how to make a hemangioma simplex pass across the mesa. It 's not very difficult, if you 've been practicing the conjuration and reading up on it."Washburn swished his scepter and a hemangioma simplex appeared in front of each scholarly person."Well, get to it then !"

John looked at Albus,"You been practicing or reading up on this, Mate ?"

"Nope, how about you ?"

"'Course not,"John laughed."smell like pink wine has, though."

Albus looked over at the table pink wine was sharing with Marina and Karina. Sure enough, her strawberry was walking across the mesa. Washburn, who had been glaring at the students from behind his desk, got up and strode over to Rose.

"Apparently someone in this division has shown that they might possess a humble bit of natural endowment,"he spat at Rose."I suppose if this were any other class, Gryffindor may suffer gotten a few points. But I, on the former bridge player, do n't think this is very remarkable, considering you 've supposedly been studying this for a few Day and every one of you should be able of doing what young lady Weasley 's done. Now, back to work !"

"Blimey, he 's mad,"John whispered to Albus and Matt.

"Sure is, I mean, Rose did a well job. None of us can do it,"mat agreed.

Albus looked around the room and noticed that most of the class 's strawberries were not so a good deal as moving a leafage. A few of them had made a feeble attempt to bun over, but that was it. As the class progressed, Washburn started to stomach behind the back tabular array and glare as Albus, Matt, and St. John the Apostle tried to hit their strawberries walk. By the end of the category, they had made no progress whatsoever.

"Pathetic !"he shouted,"For homework, write a foot-long essay on the proper way to make a patch of fruit base on balls, due on Fri. And thrower, Eckerton, and Brickston come up here to arrange your detention."

The rest of the class stared at Albus, flatness, and St. John as they left the room. The three son walked slowly up to Washburn 's desk after the rest of the year had left.

"Your detention will be this Sabbatum, at midday. You will run across me in the Great residence, where you will be polishing the portrait frames, mansion points hourglasses, and whatever else needs cleaning. Potter, you tell your brother this, I expect him there as well, despite his Quidditch practice,"Washburn barked,"You 're dismissed."

Albus, Matt, and John ran out of Washburn 's room as fast as they could. They went straight to the Great mansion for lunch.

"Blimey, he was angry about something today,"lustrelessness groaned as he helped himself to some potatoes.

"Yeah, but I wonder why he wants us to clean for our detainment ?"Albus wondered."He 's always had me do line of work, before."

"Bet he thinks it 'll be funny, watching us clean. Plus, it 's a Sat, there 'll be plenty of people around to stare at us. He 'll probably enjoy our humiliation,"whoremonger said.

"What are you talking about ?"Saint James the Apostle asked as he sat down future to John.

"Detention. Sabbatum at midday, cleaning in the Entrance dorm,"Albus told him.

"Bloody netherworld ! I 've got Quidditch praxis at midday !"James shouted as he slammed his goblet on the table.

"I know, that 's probably why he made the custody then,"Albus said.

"He hates us, I swear he does,"James growled,"He 's always hated Gryffindors, that 's a hump fact, but he seems to hate us more than everyone else."

"Do n't you think it 's a bit strange ?"Albus asked.

"Not really. Some teachers just do n't like sealed students,"John explained,"'Course, the students never really find out why."

"Sucks, though. I mean, what if he 's always giving me custody during Quidditch practice session ? This 'll be the 4th practice I 've missed for Washburn 's detentions. Samantha wo n't be too happy about it."

"You 'll just stimulate to watch yourself around him. Do n't say a word during his class,"Albus advised.

"I know, I 've been doing that since kickoff of hold up year,"James River explained,"After I set off a dungbomb during the secondment class."

"Well, that 's why he hates you !"matt laughed,"And he probably thinks Albus is just similar you."

"He does,"Albus groaned.

"I guess I 'd better be off to class,"James told them as he got up from his rear end."See you lot later."

"Bye,"Albus told his buddy. He turned to whoremonger and lustrelessness."I guess we 'd ameliorate go too."

"Yeah, probably. look-alike potions,"John said as he got up.

"Ugh, just what I need. Slughorn 'll probably invite me to his Christmas party."

Sure enough, at the end of class, Slughorn asked Albus and rose to see him after everyone left.

"We 'll wait for you,"John told Albus. He, Matt, and Amanda waited at the backrest of the room.

"Albus and rose wine !"Slughorn beckoned them to his desk,"Great job, today, great job. Both of your potions were superb !"

"Thanks,"Albus muttered.

"It was a challenge, but I think I did all right !"Rose said excitedly.

"Well, as you both probably know, I 'm having a little Christmas political party on the last day of term. You are both ask over, of trend, and may bring guests. I hope to see you there ! I have some occupy people coming that I 'm for certain you 'd like to meet !"

"Who ?"Albus asked warily.

"Oh, do n't need to spoil the surprise !"Slughorn laughed,"I 'll see you later, then !"

"So, you going to go ?"John Lackland asked Albus nervously as they walked out of the dungeon.

"No way,"Albus mumbled.

"Well, someone told me your dad 's going,"rose said,"So you might have to go."

"I do n't care."

"Oh, come on, Albus ! What if he has really slap-up famous people there ! I heard once he had some Quidditch players come !"John told him.

"I really do n't intend anyone would set forth anything with Uncle Harry there,"Rose said reassuringly.

"well, maybe not. But what about Willinson ?"Albus asked.

"He 's a git, but he wo n't do anything with your dad around. Washburn may throw Slytherins special intervention, but Professor potter does n't,"mat said confidently.

"If you do go, can I be your guest ?"Amanda asked,"I 've never been to one."

"You can be my Edgar Albert Guest, Amanda,"Rose told her,"I told you I 'd take you to the adjacent one after I took Janie to the Halloween one."

"Oh, yeah."

"Fine, if you guys require to go so badly, I 'll go, but if anyone starts anything, I 'm leaving,"Albus said flatly.

********

Before Albus knew it, Saturday had arrived and so did detainment with Washburn. Albus was used to Washburn 's detainment, but he had never had to do one that was n't stock before. He was a bit aflutter about what the detention would involve and about having to do it in public.

When Albus, John the Evangelist, and Matt arrived in the Great Hall, neither James nor Washburn were there yet."James better get here before Washburn does,"Albus said nervously.

"Yeah, Washburn 'll give him another detainment if he 's former,"mat agreed.

At that consequence, Epistle of James came bursting through the oak doors."Oh, good, he 's not here yet !"

"You 're lucky,"John Lackland told him.

"What is ceramist golden about ?"a cold voice from behind John said.

John turned around to see Washburn staring down at him."Nothing, Professor."

"good,"Washburn spat."Now, if you 'll each take a bottle of cleaner and a rag, we can get started."He gestured to a pail of cleansing supplies at his metrical unit."We 'll be doing Muggle cleaning. I want you each to start out by polishing the House points hourglasses. They must be spotless."

Albus, James IV, John, and lustrelessness each took a rag and started to brush up the hourglasses. Washburn paced behind them, staring at each one in act. Every once and a while, he would inspect the cleanliness of the hourglasses.

"You missed a spot, Potter,"Washburn growled at Albus.

While the boys were polishing the hourglasses, diverse educatee and professors would walk by and stare at them. Much to Albus 's disgust, Quinton Willinson passed by a lot.

"Oh, look, commode 's doing his detention for trying to duel with me,"Quinton laughed,"Funny how he thought he could actually duel me."

Albus just ignored his taunt and rubbed the Hufflepuff hourglass even harder.

"That slimed git,"Saint John whispered to Albus."If any of us taunted him in detention, we 'd get a detention ourselves."

"Yeah, and he had his sceptre drawn, too,"mat agreed,"Washburn seems to wish him best."

"No surprisal there,"Albus told them as he scrubbed a particularly refractory musical composition of dirt."They 're both horrible."

"I just bid it had been some other teacher who passed by our table that break of day,"John groaned,"Then Willinson would have at least suffer detention, too."

"Get back to work, Potter !"Washburn shouted at Epistle of James, who had stopped polishing the Gryffindor hourglass and was resting his head on it.

"Something untimely, James II ?"Albus whispered.

"I dunno. My head just felt fishy all of a sudden."

"D'you think you 're ill or something ?"Albus asked,"Maybe you should go to the Hospital Wing."

"Nah, Washburn would never let me. He 'd suppose I was faking. I used way too many Skiving Snackboxes in his class hold out year."

"Yeah, but if you 're really ill, he 'll have to let you go,"Albus said with a spirit of concern on his face.

"I know, but he 'd make me do the detention over again."

"Shut up, thrower ! Both of you back to function or I 'll give you another detention !"Washburn screamed.

For the rest of the detention, James was very quiet. The boys worked until two o'clock, at which point all four hourglasses were cleaner than they had been in years.

"I think you should go to the Hospital wing,"Albus told James.

"Yeah, probably,"James I agreed.

"I need to go, too,"Gospel According to John told them,"My handwriting flavour like it 's going to fall off ! I hate Muggle cleaning."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed, while rubbing his hand.

"I doubt madam Pomfrey will fix it, though,"Albus told them,"She usually does n't do that after teachers make us do Muggle cleaning."

lav and mat decided to go with Albus and St. James the Apostle to the infirmary offstage anyway. When they got there, Madam Pomfrey was already tending to Thomas Bradley Weasley, who had taken a bludger to the arm during Quidditch practice.

"Yes, yes, what is it ?"Madam Pomfrey asked the boys.

"well, I was doing Muggle cleaning for Washburn 's detention-"St. James the Apostle started to say, but brothel keeper Pomfrey cut him off.

"You know I do n't fix aching hands due to detention ! If I did, you would n't learn anything from them !"

"It 's not that. I was polishing the Gryffindor hourglass, and my header felt funny all of a sudden. It was n't like a headache. I 've never felt that way before. I kept seeing my own memories."

brothel keeper Pomfrey quickly looked up from Bradley and bustled over to James."Really ? Well, that sounds an awful lot like someone was using Legilimency on you."

"What ?"James shouted.

"Someone was reading your creative thinker. That 's why you were seeing your own memories,"dame Pomfrey explained,"Who else was in the Great Hall with you ?"

"wellspring, Washburn of row,"Albus told her. St. James the Apostle appeared to be in cushion and could n't speak."And Quinton Willinson, a couple of his ally, the Gryffindor Quidditch team, a potpourri of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws I do n't know, a few former professors. They all wandered in and out of the Great Hall."

Madam Pomfrey sighed."That does n't really avail any. We really do n't throw any way to know who was doing it. Seeing as you 're not really ill, there 's not a lot I can do for you. But I will inform the headmaster and your beginner about this."

St. James had found his voice again."Okay."

Madam Pomfrey went back to tending to Bradley, and Henry James, Albus, John, and matte left the room.

"That 's so strange,"James II told them,"Why would anyone want to show my brain ?"

"No idea,"Albus shrugged.

"I bet it was Willinson,"can growled."What a git."

"Yeah, he was probably just doing it to pall you,"Matt agreed.

"Was he even in the room when your head felt funny ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't really remember,"Epistle of James told him.

"well, I bet Dad 'll demand care of it,"Albus reassured his brother.

"I guess,"James said distractedly,"I think I 'm going to go back to the commons room."

"Okay, see you at dinner,"Albus waved goodbye as he, flatness, and bathroom walked back down the stairs so they could savor the new fallen snow.

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A/N : Hope you enjoyed it ! That one was longer than usual, but if I split it up, it would sustain been two extremely short chapters. Please leave a review and I will resolve it ! Thanks as always to Dancer Of Starlight for reading this before I posted and to my brother and early Sister who are not on HPFF.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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Chapter 8 : Parties and frivolity

During the next few calendar week, the teacher had increased their homework, each insistence that the pupil needed to increase their examine time. Albus found himself doing homework every day after dinner, and finding it hard to have time to ingest snow ball conflict outside.

Albus had n't forgotten about his cleanup custody with Washburn, and was doing even more to try to rest away from him. During class, Albus would n't even look at Washburn. He did not say a ace Holy Scripture during Charms anymore. No more talking to John and Matt while they were practicing making fruit walk across their desks.

Albus had noticed that James had changed since the hold. He was quieter, and often sat in a box of the common elbow room with their full cousin Cedric and Ben, whereas he used to be at the nerve center of attention, talking about Quidditch matches. Albus guessed he was still scared about what happened during detention. Albus had n't mentioned the incident to anyone, so only him, whoremaster, and Matt knew. Of course, James had told Cedric, Ben, and his Quaker Nathan, but Albus rarely noticed them talking about it. He was also a bit afraid of what the incident meant, but not nearly as much as James II was.

Before they knew it, Christmas holiday was upon them. There was one day left, which was the day of Slughorn 's Yule party. The entire schoolhouse was talking about it, and jealous pupil who had not received invitations were constantly dropping confidential information to ask for students about going with them. Albus would feature gladly given up his invitation, but since all his cousin-german, James, and his dad were going, he had to go too.

Albus, John, and mat had decided they should go a little later than the party actually started, so they could try to slip in unnoticed. Saint John in particular, was very excited about going.

"Which Quidditch instrumentalist do you think Slughorn 's invited ?"he asked as they walked down to the dungeons.

"Dunno. Maybe he 's invited a couple !"Matt responded excitedly.

"Yeah ! I sure hope so,"John said.

"speculation we 're about to encounter out,"Albus told them as he opened the door and walked into the dungeon. It was packed. Albus noticed most of his cousin-german, with their flaming red hair. The few who had not inherited the hair were blending in with everyone else.

"Blimey ! How are we supposed to receive the Quidditch players with all these people here ?"John exclaimed.

"No approximation. How about we head for the food and Leslie Townes Hope we find them on the way ?"Matt asked.

"Sounds good. C'mon, Albus,"can said as he pushed through people to get to the food. Albus and matt followed.

"You see Willinson anywhere ?"Albus whispered.

"No, but it 's heavily to tell if he 's here or not,"John answered.

"I 'm sure he 's here somewhere. Keep your center peeled for him,"Albus told his Friend."I 've got to stay away from him."

When the boys arrived at the nutrient table, they saw that blush wine and Amanda were already there."Hi. Did you just get here ?"rose asked.

"Yup, wanted to slip in unnoticed,"Albus told her as he grabbed a crustal plate and started filling it."Seen anyone interesting yet ?"

"Yeah, actually. The rumor about the Quidditch players was right,"rose wine responded.

"Really ! ? Who 's here ?"lav shouted, as he scanned the crowd.

"Oliver Ellen Price Wood. He used to be Keeper for Puddlemere United,"pink wine told him.

"I know who he played for, rosiness. He 's really here ? That 's brilliant. Puddlemere United 's my team,"privy told them.

"We know, you 've told us a million fourth dimension,"pink wine said exasperatingly.

"Who else ?"Albus asked.

"Helena Yaspies, flow Chaser for Chudley Cannons,"Amanda told them.

Matt started choking and spat out his mouthful of butterbeer. Albus slapped him on the back."You okay, copulate ?"

"I 'm fine !"matte coughed,"The Chudley Cannons are my team ! I 've got to ascertain her ! Anyone got a quill for an autograph ?"

rose laughed."You guys are crazy."

"naught crazy about wanting to meet your darling Quidditch participant,"John told her."Blimey, Oliver Wood ..."

"I ever tell you that my dad used to play on the Gryffindor team with Oliver Sir Henry Wood ?"Albus asked John.

This sentence it was John 's turn to spit out his butterbeer."No ! You never did ! Why not ?"

Albus laughed."You never asked. Anyway, he was captain when my dad joined the team in his first year. They played on the team together until my dad 's third base year."

"Blimey ! That 's superb ! So, you could have got met him ?"john asked.

"I have,"Albus smiled.

"You 're kidding !"John shouted,"fountainhead, what are we waiting for ? Go preface me !"

Albus laughed."Ok, let 's go find him. You want to do, rosiness and Amanda ?"

rosiness sighed,"Sure, I guess."

"Any luck you know Helena Yaspies ?"Matt asked.

"Nope, sorry. Never met her,"Albus told his admirer as they maneuvered their way through the crowd.

"There he is, Albus !"John shouted, pointing to the back of the way."He 's talking to your dad."

Albus made his way to the back of the way, his Friend following behind him. The room was slightly less crowded in the rear. There was still no signaling of Willinson.

"Hi, Al !"Harry waved at Albus.

"Hi, Dad."

"What 's up ? Enjoying the party ? I know you 're not a fan of these, but thanks for coming,"Harry told Albus. He bent down so only Albus could hear what he next said,"You know, I was n't a fan of these either, when I was in Hogwarts."

"How are you, Albus ? Enjoying school ?"Oliver asked.

"Yeah, it 's great !"Albus responded."These are my Quaker, John Brickston- he 's a big Puddlemere United protagonist, Matt Eckerton, and Amanda Tagger."

"Hi, nice to meet you,"King Oliver told Albus 's ally."So, you support Puddlemere United, whoremonger ?"

"Yeah !"John shouted, his eyes lit up."I 've been to a few matches. I saw you in the last one you played in ! I was 9, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Such spectacular saves."

Joseph Oliver laughed,"That was a good game. I 'm glad you enjoyed it."

"It was awesome !"bathroom said.

A tall brunette came walking over to the grouping, carrying a minuscule boy on her hip. A little girl was trailing behind her with a plate of Christmas biscuits.

"Hey, Calluna vulgaris,"Oliver put his arm around the cleaning lady."John the Evangelist, Matt, Amanda, this is my wife, Heather. And this,"Oliver took the little boy from his married woman and put him on his berm,"is my 2 twelvemonth old son, Alex. And my daughter, Holly who is 6."

"Hi,"John and Matt said together.

"I stopped playing steward shortly after Alex was born. Could n't keep up all the traveling with 2 kids."

"I remember that,"John told him,"I was kinda mad, but was just happy I got to see your last match."

Oliver laughed,"I understand. I would accept been mad if I were you, too. But I 've got high hopes for piffling Alex here. He can already fly his toy broom expertly. And Holly 's already flying a substantial Scots heather !"Oliver beamed, he was obviously proud of his kids.

"That 's pretty neat !"mat replied,"My mum would n't let me on a broom until I was 9."

"Buddy Holly was on one at 5. But just because you start late does n't mean you 'll be a bad Quidditch player,"Oliver explained,"looking at at your dadaism teacher ! Had n't set one leg over a broom until he was 11."

"Yeah, but I 'm rubbish at Quidditch,"lustrelessness told him.

"Hey, Mr. Wood, could you ratify my Quaffle ?"Saint John the Apostle produced a Quaffle from his bag and held it out to Oliver.

"You brought a Quaffle ? !"Rose exclaimed.

"'Course ! After hearing those hearsay, how could I not bring one ?"

"Sure, I 'll sign it,"King Oliver took the Quaffle and signed it with a quill that he pulled out of his robes. He then handed it back to John.

"Thank you,"Gospel According to John whispered, as he stared in awe at the Quaffle.

"How 'bout you, Matt ?"Oliver asked,"You want an autograph ?"

"Sure ! But I do n't have a Quaffle."

"That 's okay. I 've got some lambskin,"King Oliver signed some parchment and gave it to Matt.

"Thanks !"Matt pocketed the parchment.

Alex started whining."Hungy, hungy !"

"Well, boys, I 've got to go get some food for small Alex, here,"Oliver told them,"Enjoy the party !"He and Heather walked towards the food table with Buddy Holly behind them.

"Wow, just wow,"John told his protagonist,"That was so cool."

"I 'll say,"Matt replied.

"I ca n't trust you two know him !"John told Albus and Rose.

rosebush rolled her center,"It 's no big deal."

"You just do n't like Quidditch that much,"Albus told her,"It 's causa you 're horrible on a broom."

"Shut it, Albus,"Rose glared at him.

"Where 's Helena Yaspies ?"John scanned the gang,"Any of you lot seen her ?"

"Nope, not yet,"Albus told them.

"No, but look over there near Slughorn 's desk. It 's Willinson,"lustrelessness whispred.

Albus groaned.

"Excellent !"John grinned.

"What ?"Albus looked at him like he was crazy,"Why on earth do you want to see him ?"

"I 've been plotting a piffling prank,"John whispred,"C'mere."He pulled them behind a tabular array and they all crouched down. John pulled a box out of his bag."This is an Exploding Eclair."

"What ?"Amanda asked.

"Exploding Eclair,"Saint John the Apostle repeated,"I bought it through owl-order from your uncle 's store, Albus."

"What are you going to do with it ?"Albus eyed him warily, he happened to feature been on the receiving end of an Exploding Eclair at the kinfolk dinner before start of term. His full cousin, Bradley, had done it.

"Plant it on Willinson 's plate,"lav told them,"But I 'll need your assist. When Willinson sets his plate down, take the air by him. Close enough that he can see you, but far enough that he 'll give birth to leave his plate unattended. Then I 'll put the eclair on it. And when he bites into it, bam ! It 'll explode."

"Brilliant !"Matt shouted.

"I dunno. It 'll make him real mad,"Albus said.

"But he wo n't know it 's us ! That 's the beauty of it. There 's so many the great unwashed here,"John explained,"But to be on the safe side, we 'll allow right after. We do n't want to abide if he 's here anyway."

"True,"Albus agreed.

"Everyone in, then ?"privy asked, grinning.

"Yep,"they all stated.

"Then let 's go,"John Lackland got up from under the table and his friends followed. Willinson was still by the desk, so Albus, matte, Amanda, and Rose headed over. They walked next to the food for thought table and waited until Willinson noticed them. It did n't fill long. He spotted them, smirked, and set down his food. Albus saw John close in on his plate.

"Hello, chamberpot, Weasel, and company,"Willinson glared,"Enjoying the company ? I 'm just waiting until the moment you explode again, Potty."

"Willinson,"Albus snarled,"I 'm not planning on exploding. Are you ?"

"'Course not. When have I ever exploded ? You on the other script,"Willinson laughed,"Do n't wish the popularity, do you, cosset can ?"

"Shut it,"Matt stepped towards Willinson.

"What 're you going to do about it, runt ?"Willinson towered over lusterlessness by at least a foot.

"You think I 'd distinguish you what I 'd do ? Think I 'm stunned ? If I told you, you 'd know how to occlude it,"Matt growled.

"I doubt there 's a bane you know that I do n't know how to block."

"Probably, but I know you would n't pop anything with professor thrower a few groundwork away,"Matt jerked his top dog in the way of Harry.

At that bit, Albus looked over and saw John. John winked at him and walked away from Willinson 's plate.

"Well, I think I 've had enough of your company tonight, Willinson,"Albus annonced,"Have a horrible Christmas."Albus started to take the air towards John the Divine, and his friends followed.

"Got it planted, then ?"Albus asked when they reached John.

"Yup,"John gave him a thumbs up,"We 're on."

They walked over to the door of the dungeon so they could escape easily if needed. Willinson picked up his crustal plate and wandered back over to his admirer. As they were talking, he picked up the eclair and bit into it.

The explosion was amazing. As soon as Willinson bit the eclair, ointment exploded all over his face and in a 2 groundwork radius around him. A few bystanders were hit as well. It did n't appear possible that that much pick could fit in one eclair.

"Bloody inferno !"Willinson shouted, and the whole dungeon went silent. Everyone looked at Willinson and started laughing.

Willinson looked around the room and his gaze fell on Albus."I 'll get you for this, pot,"he seethed as he stormed out of the dungeon.

"That was bloody splendid,"John said once Willinson had disappeared into the hallway.

"Yeah, it was !"mat agreed.

The girls and Albus nodded."But he said he 'd get us. We 'd better be on the lookout. He knows it was us,"Albus told them.

"He ca n't know it was us !"Matt said.

"Yeah, I guess. But he 'd still get us even if he does n't know who did it,"Albus reasoned.

"But it 's Xmas prisonbreak tomorrow, so it does n't count !"John the Evangelist grinned.

"I suppose you 're rightfulness,"Albus smiled,"But let 's get to the common room anyway. His admirer agreed, and the five of them made their way to Gryffindor tower.

*******

It was still early on when they made it back to the green way, so it was quite crowded. However, Amanda spotted a few chairman in the back for them to occupy.

"So, who 's excited about Christmas Day ?"St. John the Apostle asked,"I sure am, I could use a break from studying."

"You 're not going to get a break,"Rose told him,"We 've got gobs of homework."

"Way to put a damper on matter, Rose,"John answered,"But at to the lowest degree there 's no classes !"

"I 'm looking forward to Yule,"Albus said,"I love Christmas."

"What do you usually do for the holiday ?"Amanda asked.

"Oh, it 's majuscule ! We all go to my granny and grandad 's theatre. Everyone. My family, rosebush 's family, all our aunty, uncles, and cousins. Plus teddy and his grandma. It 's pretty crowded, but it 's still fun. I love it. Usually someone winds up having too much to tope and there 's encumbrance of antic played on people,"Albus said excitedly.

"Yeah, it 's pretty neat. We do n't all outride the whole break, though. Because nearly of us have other class to visit. My kinfolk usually stays until a few day after Christmas and then we spend the quietus of the holiday with my mum 's parents,"rosebush explained,"But Albus 's family spends the whole open frame at the Burrow, that 's what we call my grandparents'house."

"Yep. But almost of our cousins go straight to the tunnel from Hogwarts. My family always goes home first, to call my grandparents'graves. We always do that on Xmas Eve. Dad 's been going ever since he was 17, every twelvemonth on Noel Eve. Then we get the burrow former that night."

"What do you do you lot do for Xmas ?"Rose asked.

"Oh, I love Dec 25 too,"John Lackland smiled,"We stay at my household and my aunts, uncles, full cousin, and grandparents all come over. They never all come at the Saami time, though, so it gets pretty crazy. My mum freak out because she never knows how much to cook. And usually someone starts arguing about something, but it 's all right. My kinsperson loves to argue, but we never get real mad at each other."

"auditory sensation pretty cool. You have a lot of cousins, trick ?"Amanda asked.

"A fair amount. almost of them are all immature than me, though. 'Course that means they 're corking to play tricks on,"King John laughed.

"well, my fellowship celebrates Hannukah,"Amanda told everyone.

"Oh, that 's orderly,"Albus told her.

"Yeah, it 's goodness. I 'm just beaming Hannukah is late this year, so I 'll be base for it. Sometimes it 's at the end of November. But anyway, I have a pretty small family. Just 3 first cousin and my aunt and uncle. And my piddling comrade and honest-to-god sis. My cousin-german usually come over for two daytime or so and we all central present tense. It 's pipe down, but fun."

"audio fun,"Gospel According to John agreed,"But I love my vast loud kin. What do you do, Matt ? You 've been horrific quiet."

Matt looked up from the table."Christmas has never been all that fun for me, I guess. We usually go down to Commonwealth of Australia to visit my grandparents."

"That sounds like fun to me,"John told Matt.

"Well, it 's not. I do n't like Australia. That 's where-"But Matt suddenly stopped talking.

"Where what ?"John asked.

"Nothing, nothing. It 's just, that 's where I, er, got sick for the first clock time. You know, how I get sick so much."

"Oh."

"Yeah, anyway, well, we visit my grandparents. My parents, me and my Sister go. My mum 's a muggle born, and we visit her parents. It 's always very formal when we visit them. They 're rich and stuck up. Never let me do anything there. I have to just sit still and they 're always staring at me. shot they do n't want me to expose anything. Luckily we only visit them at Christmas. I do n't ingest any full cousin. My dad 's got a Brother, but he 's aliveness in the res publica, so we do n't see him much either. We sometimes visit him over the summer. My dad 's parents died a farseeing time ago, before I was born. So I do n't have a good deal family. I just wish we 'd spend Yule at home."

Albus, privy, Amanda, and rose just looked at matt."I 'm distressing, Matt. I wish you had a better Christmas,"rose said sympathetically.

"Why do n't you pass Noel with us ?"Albus asked,"No one will notice another person in the Burrow."

"That 's a great idea !"Rose shouted.

"I dunno. I do n't consider my parents will let me. Especially this short poster,"flatness looked down glumly."My mum likes all of us to be together on Christmas. She seems to recollect every year it will be unlike. That my grandparents will loosen up. But they never do."

"Blimey,"toilet whispered,"That stinks."

"I know,"Matt agreed.

At that bit, James came bursting in with his Quaker, Nathan. They both made a beeline for Albus 's table.

"Was it really you ?"James shouted breathlessly,"Did you commit Willinson the Exploding Eclair ?"

John grinned."It was my idea."

"Brilliant, just brilliant,"James smiled,"The expression on his face ..."

"Yeah, but you lot had better spotter out when you following see him. He seemed to know it was you,"Nathan told them.

"I 'm not worried,"John the Evangelist answered,"He 'll probably forget about it over Christmas."

"I sure hope so,"Albus stated. He looked at his watch. It was midnight."wellspring, I 'm off to bed. I 'll see you guys in the morning.

"We 'd all better go to bed,"rosiness stood up,"I think the caravan is leaving at noon tomorrow."

Albus got up out of his chair and headed to the staircase. He could n't expect to go to the Burrow. He missed being surrounded by his mob all the time. He missed his grannie 's preparation. Thoughts of the delicious food filed his head as he drifted off into a pleasant, dreamless sleep.

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A/N : Hope you guys like it ! Please read and review. Thanks as always to Dancer Of Starlight and my former baby and chum. Also, thanks to QUEEN and teddysxxgirl for their reviews ! Next chapter is Christmastide Eve.

know this chapter is unawares, but I did n't need to fuse it with anything else. It stands on its own.
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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"Lily !"Harry shouted into the living room,"Are you ready to go ? All packed ?"Harry was standing with Ginny in front of the front threshold, with a couple trunks and bag at his feet. James I and Albus were standing nearby, having a sword conflict with a couple fake verge. Albus 's scepter turned into a pseudo parrot and emitted a loud squawking noise.

"Albus ! James !"Ginny scolded them,"Behave yourselves."James and Albus quickly stowed the wand and parrot into their trunks.

A pocket-sized, red-headed girl walked into the way, trailing a pink rolling grip."Are we leaving now ?"

"Yes, we are. What were you doing in there, dear ?"Ginny asked.

"I was packing. I could n't find all my Wendy Witch dolly and had to look all over the house for them."

Henry James laughed."Do you have to take aim them everywhere ?"

"Of course of instruction I do ! I could n't give any of them habitation. It would n't be mediocre,"Lily explained. Albus and James laughed even harder."Mum ! William Tell them to shut up."

"male child, be nice to your sister. Now, does everyone take everything ? I 'm sending the trunks to the Burrow and we wo n't be coming back after we visit Godric 's hollow,"Ginny informed them.

"Yes, we 've got everything,"Albus told them.

"Good,"Ginny waved her wand and the trunk and travelling bag disappeared,"Now, then, it 's prison term to go. Lily, take my arm. Boys, take your father's."And with a loud sally, the Potter kinfolk disappeared from their house.

A few seconds later, they reappeared in a theatre of operations a little style away from a small town. The sun was setting and their was fresh Charles Percy Snow on the earth. From the field, Harry could see tiny people walking along the streets.

"pappa, why do we have to take the air so far ?"Lily whined,"Why ca n't we just Apparate in town ?"

"I 've told you before, Lily, we ca n't let the Muggles see us,"Harry explained.

"But I 'm tired."

"Oh, shut it, Lily,"James River snapped at his sis,"It 's not that far."

"Is, too,"Lily stomped away from him.

James reached down and made a snowball and then threw it at the back of his sis 's head.

"Ow ! ! !"Lily screeched and ran to Harry.

James IV and Albus started laughing."full one, St. James,"Albus gave his Brother a high five.

"son !"Harry shouted,"Enough ! Lily, it 's not that much further. I 'll comport you."Harry picked up his daughter, who started sobbing into his jacket.

"She 's really wear out,"Harry whispered to Ginny.

"I know. She 's been real excited about you and the boys coming plate for the holiday. She 's been up until midnight every night the past calendar week,"Ginny said.

"She wo n't be getting very much sleep for the side by side week either, staying at the Burrow,"Harry told Ginny.

"That 's for sure."

As the ceramicist syndicate moved into the Town, some masses occasionally stopped to gaze at them. A few stopped to say howdy, but hurried off quickly. Others completely ignored them. Many people were finishing up last arcminute shopping or hurrying off to church.

The small church was already broad of mass singing. The Potters could hear the carols as they walked by. They crunched through the snow in muteness. Even James and Albus were quiet. Lily had fallen asleep on Harry 's shoulder joint shortly after he picked her up. Harry appreciated how his kids were always behaved when he visited his parents graves. It was sort of an unspoken thing. He had never once had to enjoin them to act themselves in the cemetery. The kids would contend and quibble along the streets in the village, but would always get along once they entered the cemetery.

Harry walked into the cemetery, with Ginny, Jesse James, and Albus following him. As he walked the intimate path to his parents Graf, he thought about his previous visit. There was the initiatory visit, of course. He could n't forget that. Voldemort had showed up and tried to vote out him. Ever since then, he had been visiting every Hallowe'en and every Dec 25 Eve. He had taken Ginny once they were married, and the kids once they were born. Harry always felt sad when he visited, but this year he felt occupy as well. Who was attempting to record his and his kids'minds ? What about the mysterious end of professor Torro ?

Harry made his way towards his parents'tomb and stopped in front man of it. He bent down and put his hand over the gens. James and Lily Potter.

Before the downfall of Voldemort, deep deaths were expected. Of course of study, nowadays, there were murders every once and a patch. These were usually attributed to Death eater still at orotund or witches or thaumaturgist who believed in Voldemort 's nonesuch. Harry or one of the other Aurors usually caught them quickly and they were in Azakaban at the present moment. Harry had had Aurors on the case of Torro ever since September, but there were still no leads. This reminded him of very much of the days when Voldemort was at large.

What was he supposed to do ? He was doing all he could to watch Torro 's Orcinus orca. He could n't help but reckon the dying was somehow related to the legilimency that was being performed on him, James, and Albus. And what could he do to help assure his Word ? The former teacher had told Harry that James was more subdued in class ever since the episode during his detainment with Washburn. James was obviously quite occupy about it. Albus was, too. Harry had met with Ron shortly afterward and neither of them could come up with any new ideas of who did it. It must have either been a student or a teacher. As much as Harry hated to do it, he realized he was going to have to investigate his colleagues. Ginny was worried, too. However, she believed that the boys were safe with Harry at the castle. Harry knew she took comfort in knowing he was near them at all times. Harry only wished he felt as confident in his abilities as Ginny did.

Ginny knelt down following to Harry and wordlessly took the sleeping Lily from his implements of war. Harry reached into his cloak and pulled out a fragrance of lilies. He bent down again and placed them in movement of the tomb stone. Harry stood up and looked at the grave, his eyes glistening with tears.

"Happy Christmas, Mum and Dad,"Harry whispered. Ginny put her arm around Harry, and the two of them turned around and headed out of the cemetery, with James and Albus in their wake.
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Longer chapter is coming up next ! It 'll be Noel at the tunnel. Thanks as always to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my early sister, and my sidekick. Thanks as well to siriusgirl1 for reviewing. Please read and go over !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter ! Although I do own the OCs, the plot, and virtually of the Weasley cousins !

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A little while later, the Potter folk appeared in the yard behind the burrow. They walked up to the back door and Harry opened it. He walked inside, followed by his home, and saw the usual chaos. The total Weasley family was standing inside. It was a sea of flaming red hair. nigh of the children had inherited the Weasley red hair. The few exception were Albus, who looked just like Harry, and Victoire and Gabrielle, who had their mother 's silvery blond hair.

"Mum, make him give it back !"six-year-old Lindy shouted as her brother held her wench in the air.

"Cedric ! Give her back her bird !"Corrine Weasley yelled at her son. He reluctantly handed lindy hop her doll and ran from the room.

The tunnel was crammed with hoi polloi. There did n't seem to be room for anyone else. Teddy Lupin was currently entertaining the immature Weasley children by changing his pinna and hair color. The older Thomas Kid were eating various sweets and talking about all sorts of affair. Many of the adults were drinking eggnog and getting louder and louder by the minute.

Ron was the first to observe the Potters."Oi ! Harry 's here !"he shouted and ran towards the door,"Hi Harry ! Great to see you, match !"

"Hey, Ron !"

"Harry, Ginny !"mollie Weasley came bustling into the kitchen,"Come in, hail in ! Are you athirst ? Want any stew ?"

"Sure,"Harry told her and he sat down at the table adjacent to Ginny. molly went over to the cooking stove and got five bowl of fret.

"This is great, Mum, thanks,"Ginny told Molly.

Albus and James were already digging into their stew. Lily ate a few bites and then ran off to observe her cousins, apparently not tired at all anymore.

"wellspring, everyone 's here,"mollie told them,"They 're all in the living room. I do n't know if we 'll ever get the kids to bed."

"It 's Christmas Eve, do n't even put out,"Harry laughed.

Albus finished his sweat and got up from the board. He went into the living way with James and found rose wine, along with his cousins Bradley, Cedric, Ben, and fool sitting together on the storey. Cedric and Ben were second class, and Tom Bradley and crisscross were third years.

"What 's new ?"Albus asked.

"Oh, not lots,"Ben told him,"Uncle George and Uncle Charlie are pretty drunk. Grammy is trying to get the immature kids in bed. All the aunts are talking about all kinds of stuff. My dad, Uncle Harry Hotspur, Uncle Ron, and grandad are all crapulence eggnog and eating cookies over there,"he pointed to a few chairs grouped together around a little mesa."And let 's see, Teddy and Victoire were snogging earlier. It was pretty receipts. Who wants to see their sister snogging mortal ? Grammy made them terminate. Now Teddy 's changing his whisker vividness all the clock time for the amusement of the slight kids, which is making it firmly for Grammy to get them to go to bed."

King James and Albus laughed."Should be an interesting vacation,"Saint James the Apostle said,"What have you lot been up to ?"

"Oh, not much, just talking about Quidditch,"Cedric said,"Oh, and rose wine is trying to get some studying done."

"Rose ! We 're on holiday !"James looked shocked,"Now 's not the clip to study !"

"wellspring, you 'll be scrambling to get your work done on the last day, like always. Maybe you should study tonight, too."

"You 'll never get anything done with all this dissonance,"Cedric told her."What 's up with you, James and Albus ?"

"Oh, not much. Lily 's been complaining a lot. She got really mad when I threw a nose candy ball at her while we were walking into Godric 's Hollow,"James I told them.

"Yeah, she 's been kind of a infliction, and we 've only been on holiday for a day !"Albus said as he snatched a biscuit from a nearby phonograph recording."I 'm trusted going to enjoy this time off, though. I have n't gone a week without detention in ages."

"Me too !"James agreed,"I need a breaking from Washburn, he 's crazy."

"Definitely,"Bradley agreed,"You 've missed so a good deal Quidditch exercise because of him."

"He hates me, I tell you. Hates Albus, too."

"Remember that dung bomb in first gear year, James ?"Cedric asked.

"Yeah, how could I forget that ? That 's when he started hating me,"St. James reminisced."Did n't teach many charms that class due to the amount of prison term I used nosebleed nougats."

"I 'm hoping I get new Snackboxes for Yuletide this year,"Cedric told them,"I 'm running out. Ca n't wait till future class and I can go buy them at Hogsmeade."

"Definitely. Hogwarts wo n't know what hit it when we 're able-bodied to buy clowning stuff all the metre,"St. James the Apostle laughed.

"Going to Hogsmeade 's great,"Mark chimed in,"I 've bought so many sweets at Honeydukes this year."

"Not to mention everything else there. Like the troika broomstick. What a great place. And the Shrieking Shack. You know it 's shrieking again this twelvemonth,"Omar Nelson Bradley added.

Albus and rose wine glanced at each other nervously.

"Yeah, I 've heard it. But I wonder why ? It has n't shrieked since Teddy 's dad was at Hogwarts,"Henry James wondered aloud.

"You do n't think-"Cedric started to say, but was cut off by Molly.

"If you 're not in Hogwarts yet, it 's time for bed !"she shouted,"It 's nearly midnight, way past your bedtimes. Go on ! Lily, Victor-Marie Hugo, Angie, Samantha, Lindy, and Eddie ! Bed !"

"But Grammy !"Lily whined,"I do n't wan na ! I 'm not a piddling kid !"

"No buts, Lily, bed, now !"

Lily pouted and then stomped up the stair to the elbow room she shared with Angie, Samantha, and Lindy.

"I see what you mean about Lily,"Cedric told William James and Albus.

"Yup, she 's been doing it all evening. Dad actually carried her at Godric 's Hollow. And she fell asleep on his shoulder. 'Course now she does n't require to go to bed, figures,"James River said.

"So, what does everyone suppose the chances of England making it to the World Cup adjacent year ?"Albus asked quickly, before everyone could return to the topic of the screeching Shack.

"Ugh !"Rose sighed,"backbone to Quidditch again."She pulled out her copy of The Standard volume of Spells, Grade One and continued reading.

The subject of Quidditch carried the boys the rest of the Night and Albus was very relieve that no one mentioned the screech hovel again. After a while, Molly decided it was time for everyone else to go to bed, too. James IV, Bradley, Cedric, soft touch, Ben, and Albus were all sharing Ron 's old bedroom on the top floor. They trudged up the stair while continuing their Quidditch conversation. When they reached the room, they found three sets of bunk beds crammed into the room, just as they were every other Christmas. It was a bit cramped, but they all had enough room. Albus climbed into the undersurface of the bunk he shared with James and fell into a reposeful sleep.

******

"Albus ! ignite up ! It 's Christmas !"a shrill vocalisation screamed as Albus opened his center. He sat up and bumped his head on the bed above him.

"Ouch !"Albus rubbed his aching head. He had forgotten he was at the burrow."What is it ?"

"It 's Christmas, Albus !"Lily screeched.

"What time is it ? Is anyone else up ?"

"It 's six in the aurora !"Lily said excitedly."I 'm the first one up. Look, you 've got present tense !"Lily pointed at the heap near the foot of Albus 's bed.

"Excellent ! Looks like a good onus this year,"Albus smiled."Have you opened yours ?"

"Not yet. I think I will now, though !"Lily grinned and ran from the room.

Albus heard stirring from the bed above him."You up, St. James ?"

"Yeah, I am now. She 's always the low one up on Christmas Day,"James yawned.

"I know, she 's even up before the twins, Angie, and Eddie,"Albus laughed."wellspring, mine as well get started on the presents !"

Albus crawled to the end of his bed and examined his presents. He picked up a large, soft software and knew what it was before even opening it. He tore off the wrapping and unfolded a orange red sweater with a Gryffindor lion on it. Albus knew he 'd be getting one of these this twelvemonth. His grandmother always knitted everyone a sweater every year, but for each kid 's first twelvemonth at Hogwarts, they got a Gryffindor jumper. Albus pulled his over his head and smiled."What sweater did you get this twelvemonth, Saint James ?"

"orange red with a amber Snitch,"James told Albus,"You get the Gryffindor one ?"

"Yup."Albus reached for his next present. It was from his Uncle George I and aunty Alicia. He opened it up and found a Skiving Snackbox. He grinned. He never had much use for these sweets before, but now that he was at Hogwarts, they would definitely come in handy."What 'd you get from Uncle George V ?"

"Extendable auricle,"James responded.

The future present tense was in the shape of a Bible. Albus knew it was from his aunt Hermione before he even looked at the tag. When he unwrapped it, he found it was Hogwarts, A history. Albus laughed. James had gotten the same book go year.

"Did you get Hogwarts, A chronicle ?"King James I asked.

"Yeah, how 'd you know ?"Albus sniggered. The future bundle was from his Uncle Ron, a box of Honeydukes sweets.

Albus reached into his wad of present tense and found the one from his parents. It was a farseeing rectangular box. Albus opened it and found a dragon skin scepter masking. It was scarlet and embossed with gold lions. Albus stared at it in awe. He had seen one of these in Diagon skittle alley when he was there buying his school supplying. He had wanted it, but his dad had said no. It came with a pocket-sized bottle of wand cultivation."What 'd you get from Mum and Dad ?"

"Have n't opened theirs yet,"Saint James said,"Lem me find it."Albus heard rustling from the bed above and ripping composition. Then secretiveness."Wow ! This is awesome ! They got me a wand cover !"

"Me too !"Albus exclaimed,"What 's yours have on it ?"

"Snitches ! It 's like my jumper, scarlet with amber Snitches."

"Mine 's scarlet with atomic number 79 lions."

"Pretty impressive,"Saint James the Apostle said.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

Albus continued opening his present tense until there were none left field. He got a lot of sweets and Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes products. He also got a few volume, including Quidditch in the Twentieth Century. But his favorite present tense was his baton cover version, he kept staring at it. When Bradley, Cedric, Mark, and Ben woke up, they opened their own present.

By the time the male child had all finished opening their presents, everyone else in the house was up. When they went downstairs they found molly cooking breakfast. All the other adult were sitting around the mesa talking and having coffee and tea. The youthful nestling were running around playing with their present. The older kids were all clustered around one of the armchairs in the support room. The boy went over to investigate.

"What 's going on over here ?"James II asked, while squeezing in between Stanley and Fred.

"Georgia 's gotten a new broom !"Fred exclaimed."Newest model, a Firebolt 3000."

"Oh, wow !"St. James the Apostle exclaimed,"Can I touch it ?"

"Sure,"Georgia was sitting in the armchiar, with her new ling resting on her lap. Everyone was admiring it.

"This is so aplomb,"heather mixture gazed at the broom,"Wait 'till the Slytherins see we have one of these on our team."

"Yeah !"Fred agreed,"Supposed to be the flying broom yet. Just came out last week."

"Can I fly it later ?"James asked.

"Yeah, sure as shooting, but I want to try it out first,"Georgia laughed,"We 'll go out after breakfast."

"Do you experience if anyone else has one at Hogwarts yet ?"Bradley asked.

"No, I do n't call up anyone else has one !"Peach State said.

"Wow, wait 'till everyone finds out it 's my sister who got the showtime Firebolt 3000,"Bradley sighed,"But I do wish I got one."

"well, I was riding a aura 2000. You 've got a regular Firebolt."

"I know, but I hope I get one for my birthday."

"Breakfast is set !"Molly called into the room.

Everyone scrambled into the kitchen and got collection plate of food for thought. There was n't decent room at the board for everyone to eat at. The Kyd all went back into the aliveness way to eat. Albus sat down next to Lily, who was playing with her new toys and eating at the Saami time.

"What 'd you get, Lily ?"Albus asked his sister.

"New My Little Hippogriffs,"she told him, gesturing to her toys."And a stuffed owl, which I named Hedwig. Some candy, a few faker wands, a sweater, some drogue, a couple books, and a Gryffindor hat and scarf."

"That 's good,"Albus responded, as he started eating his testicle. blush wine came and sat down next to Albus.

"Hi, rose. You get safe presents ?"

"Yeah, I got a lot of ledger !"she told him.

"I got a few books. But the Charles Herbert Best thing is my new wand blanket,"Albus grinned,"It 's upstair, I 'll show it to you later."

"Wow, that 's neat."

"Did you see Georgia 's new broom ?"Albus asked,"Its only been out a workweek. She 's probably one of the first base to get one."

"Yeah, I saw it. It 's pretty impressive. You going to try it out ? ``

"Definitely. It 's got to be slap-up to fly. Maybe I 'll be able to get a heather succeeding summer. I 'm trying out for pursuer next year,"Albus told her.

"I 'm sure you 'll get it,"Rose told him as she ate her toast.

"I dunno. I mean, there 's only one chaser berth opening up next yr. Samantha 'll be leaving. I bet Sakartvelo 'll be made Captain."

"Probably. She 's the adjacent oldest. And she 's a beneficial drawing card,"pink wine agreed.

"Plus she 's got the outflank broomstick ever !"Albus said.

"True,"Rose said,"But just because you 've got a proficient broom, does n't mean you 're a unspoiled captain."

"Yeah, but Georgia 's a great musician. Her new broom will only create her better. Slytherin wo n't stand a probability. I think we 're playing them shortly after we go back in January,"Albus told Rose."You gon na try out the broom ?"

"Probably not. I 'm not very good and I would n't desire to disclose it."

"I doubt you 'd gate-crash it. You 're an ok flyer,"Albus told her."But I 'm definitely trying it."

"Let 's go play Quidditch !"Empire State of the South stood up and held her broom over her head. Everyone who had been eating breakfast dropped their plates and either stormed up to the bedroom to get their own Scots heather or ran out into the field of honor that was used for Quidditch pattern. Albus, since he did not own his own broomstick, went directly exterior. GA had already ran out the room access and was standing in the midriff of the field, with a huge grin on her face.

"Ready, Albus ?"she asked.

"Definitely ! I ca n't wait !"he told her, and he looked over to the rearwards doorway of the business firm. William James, and everyone else who had their own broom had come out and were running over to the field.

"Can I try it after you ?"shimmy shouted from behind everyone else.

"Sure !"Sakartvelo shouted back.

"Then me !"James waved his arms around.

"And me !"Fred screamed.

"Me !"Heather pushed her way in front of Fred, trying to stymy him.

"Shut it !"GA shouted over the disturbance,"Everyone will get a bit ! But right now, I 'm flying it !"Sakartvelo mounted her heather and kicked off from the ground. The speed was amazing. She could cook twist at top pep pill and brake minute before she would have crashed into the ground.

"Wow !"Epistle of James screamed excitedly."That 's brilliant !"Everyone started talking at once and Albus was not able-bodied to make out anything. Georgia flew around the field for fifteen minute before landing beside her siblings and cousins. She dismounted and handed the broom to chemise.

"Thanks !"Teddy grinned and changed his whisker to red. He flew into the air did a series of spins and turns. He flew for about ten minute of arc and landed next to Georgia."Wow, I wish I 'd had that when I was quester, we never would throw lost a match !"

"We barely lost a mates anyway,"Georgia laughed. She took the broom and handed it to James I. For the following two hours, everyone took a turn on the broom. Even blush wine got into the flavour of thing and flew around for a few minute of arc. After everyone had had a good turn, Georgia decided to organize a Quidditch match.

"Ok, I 'll be captain of my team and shift can captain the early squad,"Sakartvelo decided. The two captains took turns picking their squad and eventually their were two teams of six players each. As there were n't enough players for wide-cut squad, six player for each had to mold. Peach State 's team consisted of King James I, Omar Bradley, Cedric, Stanley, and Gabriella. shimmy 's team consisted of Heather, Fred, Victoire, Ben, and stigma. Since Albus did not sustain a Calluna vulgaris, he could n't bring. He and Rose watched from the hobby, while the younger kids played in the hoodwink nearby.

"That was fill up stopping point Nox, about the Shrieking shack, I mean,"Albus whispered to Rose.

"I know,"she whispered back,"Everyone 's shady about it. I hear people whispering about it sometimes in the Great Hall."

"That means Matt 's earshot it, too,"Albus groaned,"It 's got to be horrible for him."

"Department of Energy this mean value you definitely believe he 's a werewolf, then ?"rosebush asked.

"I 'm not totally convinced, but it does seem that way. I do n't think I 'll be fully convinced until I hear him say so himself."

"I suppose you 're right, but I 'm pretty sure of it,"pink wine told him.

"How 'd you find oneself out, anyway ? How do you know so very much about werewolves ?"Albus asked.

"I 've read about them, of course. Once I found out that slip 's dad was a werewolf, I read all about them in Mum and Dad 's old school books,"rosebush said.

"Oh, yeah, that makes sense. You sure as shooting do study a lot."

"I know,"rose wine agreed, as she pulled her copy of Hogwarts, A history, out of her jacket.

"You got that for Christmas, too ?"Albus questioned.

"Yup, it 's quite interest. I 'm already on chapter three."

"I have n't even started reading it yet."

rose wine laughed and opened up her book. Albus looked out towards the area and watched the rest of the Quidditch match. It was a pretty good couple. Quite different than Hogwarts catch, though. There was no referee, so a few arguments erupted. After an hour or so, teddy bear caught the stoolpigeon and his team won. Albus and his first cousin trooped back into the house, snowy, wet, and cold. It was almost fourth dimension for Christmastide supper, and mollie was cooking in the kitchen, with supporter from Ginny and Fleur. Albus ran up to the top sleeping room and got out his new Quidditch book and take it until supper was ready.

Dec 25 supper was always an interesting outcome at the tunnel. The kitchen mesa was not big enough to seat everyone, so usually the immature baby sat there, while the oldest kids and the adults found seats in the living room. There was always a lot of food, too. The food was kept in the kitchen and people got up to get some when they wanted it. As Albus was walking into the kitchen, he distinctly saw Henry James sneaking around the living room doing something with one of the arm chairs.

Sure enough, after Albus sat down at the tabular array and started eating his food, he heard a wow from the living elbow room. He jumped up from his chairwoman and followed his cousins into the room.

"What was that ? !"Harry shouted, looking down at the chair he had been sitting in.

Molly came into the room and pushed past Albus."St. James Canicula thrower ! What did you do ?"

James looked sheepishly at her,"How did you lie with it was me ? You did n't see it happen."

"I raised your Uncle George ! I know a guilty look when I see one,"Molly screamed at him,"What did you do ?"

"Shocking Seat,"James explained,"It 's a picayune thing you hide on a electric chair and gives a modest electric impact to the soul who sits in it."

Harry started laughing,"And I suppose it 's from your shop, George ?"

"Yup, newest product. Just came out a few weeks ago. I got James a few for Yule. Thought he 'd like them,"George VI told him.

"I 'd say he does like them,"Harry grinned,"Just do n't use them on any teachers."

"Too late. I just did,"James laughed. Everyone else started laughing as well, except molly, who went back into the kitchen.

The remainder of supper went by with only a few nestling japery. mortal snuck a Ton clapper Toffee into Albus 's pud and his tongue grew two feet before Harry found out and prepare it for him. A few methamphetamine hydrochloride exploded and a few bowlful of soup crashed to the undercoat, mostly because Henry M. Stanley had just turned seventeen and wanted to use magic to bring matter to the tabular array for people. Eventually, everyone had enough to eat and they migrated into the living way. The grownup had all had quite a bit of eggnog and attack whiskey and were not paying a unscathed lot of attention to the kids. This enabled chemise and Victoire to sneak off into the kitchen, to be alone.

Albus and Rose decided to work sorcerer 's Chess. Lily and Hugo sat down to check. It did n't claim Rose too long to beat Albus. Rose was very good at chess and she was much better than Albus. After that, the four of them played a few rounds of Exploding Snap, most of which Albus won.

Eventually, Molly decided it was time for everyone to go to bed. Albus climbed slowly up the stairs and got into his bunk. He was very tired. It had been a gravid Christmas. With his stomach full and his middle happy, Albus fell into a deep sleep.

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A/N : Hope you liked it ! I wrote this before Jo posted the Weasley/Potter family tree, so that 's why I made up my own Weasley cousins. Although I did think correctly that James 's middle name is Sirius ! I know it 's a bit confusing with the vauntingly total of cousins I made up, so I 'll try and place a family tree with one of the upcoming chapters.

As always, thanks to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my other sister, and my bro. Thanks also to inkheart for their reassessment. Please read and review !

Disclaimer- As usual, I do not own Harry Potter.

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fisticuffs Day was usually a lazy day at the burrow. Everyone slept late and ate whatever whenever they wanted. Albus awoke around noonday, and found that a few of his aunts, uncles, and cousin were getting cook to go out. His Uncle St. George and Aunt Alicia and their kids were getting ready to pass on to gossip Alicia 's parents. His Uncle Charlie and auntie Katherine and their kids were also leaving to chat other family.

"Bye, guys,"Albus waved as his Uncle Charlie stepped into the fireplace with Eddie.

"Bye, Albus,"Charlie waved back,"Have a good meter at school."

Albus walked into the kitchen and found Rose sitting at the table reading Hogwarts, A story. Victor-Marie Hugo was also there.

"Morning, rose wine,"he said as he sat down succeeding to her.

"Hi,"she said, not looking up from her book.

Albus went to the counter and made some toast. Hugo got up from the table and ran into the support room. When Albus brought his breakfast back to the table, Rose had set her Word down.

"Good, he left,"Rose whispered,"I want to talk to you about Matt."

"What about him ?"

"His piffling 'problem',"rosebush said,"Listen, I went snooping around Grandpa 's bailiwick this morning time while everyone was asleep. I want to do some more enquiry about lycanthropy."

"Well, did you find anything ?"Albus asked eagerly.

"Yeah, I did. I found a few books that have information in them. I took them and hid them in my body upstairs. Now that Heather 's left to see her early grandparents, I 've got my room to myself. We can go understand them after we 're done eating."

"Sounds dear,"Albus whispered back,"And we 've got to ask Uncle note about it too."

"I know, I 've thought of that too. We 'll ask tomorrow. There 'll be less mass. Uncle greenback, aunt Fleur, Victoire, Gabriella, and Ben are n't leaving until day after tomorrow. Uncle Hotspur, auntie Corrine, Peach State, Bradley, Cedric, and the twins are leaving tomorrow. I do n't want to be overheard."

"trade good thought,"Albus said as he took a bite out of his pledge. At that moment, James II, Cedric, Tom Bradley, and Ben came in.

"What were you two talking about ?"Saint James asked, as he stole a piece of Albus 's toast.

"null,"Albus said abruptly.

James looked at him warily,"Hmm, well, we 're going to go play Quidditch. You want to watch ?"

rose wine looked at Albus."Um, no, me and Rose have, er, homework to do."

James laughed."There 's plenty of metre left to do homework. Oh, well, suit yourself."Jame shoved the last bit of his toast into his sassing and he, Cedric, and Ben went outside.

"That was tightlipped,"rosebush whispered,"We ca n't let anyone find out. Are you ready ?"

"Yeah,"Albus said as he got up from the mesa. Rose got up, too, and Albus followed her to the bedroom she stayed in. They went inside and rosiness closed the doorway quietly. She went over to her trunk, pulled out a few heavy books, and dumped them on her bed.

"If anyone bursts in and inquire us what we 're doing, we say it 's prep,"Rose told Albus. She picked up a book and handed it to him."Here you go. Just look through it and interpret anything you find about werewolves."

Albus took the Koran and looked at it. It was entitled Modern Magical Remedies. He opened it to the index finger and looked for 'werewolf', but it was n't there. However, 'wolfsbane'was. There was a altogether chapter on it. Albus turned to the chapter and briefly leafed through it. It was long and the print was very modest. It was not the kind of reading Albus would normally do, but his curiosity about matte 's condition triumphed over his disapproval of slow recitation. Albus and rose read for close to two hours. In the sentence it took Albus to register about the wolfsbane potion, Rose had gone through two of the other books.

"Well, what did you receive ?"Rose asked once Albus had finished his chapter. She looked a bit pale and kind of scared.

"loading, how about you ?"Albus told her,"Are you okay ?"

"Yeah, I guess,"blush wine whispered,"It 's just, the other playscript I 've read did n't really go over what it 's like to translate. These did. Oh, Albus, it sounds horrible ! Really dreadful ! And dreadful. I just palpate so bad for lustrelessness, if that is what 's going on. Apparently, when a werewolf is in wolf form, they must bite other creature or people. They 're not in their human mind, they do n't know what they 're doing ! And if there 's no other animate being or people to prick, they bite themselves. That must be where lustrelessness got all those cuts and bruises from. He 's doing it to himself."

Albus stared at her with his mouth open,"That 's horrible ! There 's got to be something someone could do ! therapist or individual must know a cure or something."

"There 's not. There 's no cure for lycanthropy. Just the wolfbane potion,"Rose told him.

"Oh, yeah,"Albus had momentarily forgotten what he had been reading about,"The Wolfsbane potion does act. If a lycanthrope takes it every dark a few nights prior to transformation, they will transform, but will be harmless to themselves and early multitude. It 's really complicated to wee-wee, but apparently it makes the transformations loads better."

"But why does n't lustrelessness take it then ?"Rose wondered.

"I dunno. I guess the only way we 'd find out is to ask him,"Albus told her.

"So you believe me, then ? You 're convinced he 's a werewolf ?"rose wine asked.

"You know, I think so. I guess I 'm still not positive, but I 'm as convinced as I could be without him actually telling me."

pink wine got up from the bed."I guess we 've learned everything we can from these al-Qur'an. I 'll mouse them back early tomorrow morning."She picked up all the books and put them back into her trunk.

"I think I 'll go see what everyone else is up to,"Albus got up from the base and opened the doorway,"You coming ?"

"Yeah, for sure,"Rose followed Albus out the door.

The cousin walked down the step from Rose 's room. The star sign was very unruffled. Most of their full cousin were outside playing Quidditch or in their rooms enjoying their nowadays. Since two of the families had already left, it was quite a bit calmer. As Albus and rose wine strode past the kitchen, Albus stopped short. climb up bumped into him.

"Ouch !"she screeched as she bumped her head on his back.

"Shush !"Albus whispered as he pressed his head to the door of the kitchen,"I heard someone say my name."

pink wine leaned her head against the door as well and the two of them tried to take heed for a bit or so."It 's no use ! They 're whispering. I ca n't hear anything."

"Me neither, but I swear one of them mentioned me !"Albus listened again,"I 'm moderately sure it 's my mum and dad, and your dad as well."

The straw man door banged clear and James, Cedric, Ben, and Thomas Bradley stormed in, dropping their Scots heather on the trading floor."It 's bloody freezing out there !"James II shouted as he tore off his baseball glove and scarf.

"And someone 's locked the kitchen door !"Cedric added, as he pulled off his frozen hat.

"Shush !"Albus shouted back.

"What ?"St. James asked as he came rushing over, followed by Cedric, Ben, and Bradley.

"The kitchen 's locked because some of the adults are in there talking about me !"Albus whispered back.

"Really ?"James looked at him curiously,"What about ?"

"I dunno !"Albus whispered back,"I ca n't see them, they 're being rattling quiet."

James thought for a moment, and then a grinning appeared on his face."meter to wear out one of my Xmas presents."

"That 's right !"Albus said excitedly,"You got Extendable pinna for Yuletide !"

"Yep, sure did I 'll go get them !"James II announced, and then he ran upstairs. He appeared a minute later holding a blue angel box with a large ear pictured on it."Here they are."James tore open the packaging and pulled out seven heavy subway. He handed one to everybody and stowed the extra in his pocket.

Albus hastily pushed one end of the Extendable Ear into his own ear and sent the other end to the bottom of the door. Albus had used Extendables once before, when his cousin Gabriella had bought some at Hogsmeade and let Albus try them out. That was two year ago, and he had n't heard anything interesting. Gabriella had bought them in order to hear in on Victoire 's conversations with her friend who had stayed for Yule break. Victoire only talked about how lots she liked shimmy, and Albus found that rather boring. This time, however, Albus was surely he 'd hear more interesting conversations.

"I 'm really not sure I should separate them,"Albus heard his dad say.

"I know,"his mother responded back,"If someone invading thieir minds, it 's intimately they did not experience right now."

"I mean, I had n't really thought about when I was going to recite them,"Harry responded,"I guess I was planning on doing it when they were much elderly. I worry about what they would do with the data. James especially."

James turned away from the room access and looked at Albus."They 're talking about me, too !"

"I know, shush !"Albus said as he turned his tending back to the conversation in the kitchen.

"I honestly would only bank blush wine with the information, Harry,"Ginny told her husband.

This time it was Rose 's play to count at Albus."Me, too ! But whatever it is, they trust me."rosebush could n't help but grin as she turned back to the door.

"I do n't want her to know, given the stream circumstances,"Ron said.

"Me neither,"Hermione agreed.

"I know, but it seems as if whoever 's doing it is focusing on James and Albus,"Harry informed them."I was always leery about telling them, but especially now ..."

"Harry, we did n't even state my comrade,"Ron said,"Why are you worrying about telling the minor ?"

"region of me wants them to understand what we think is going on,"Harry went on,"But the other portion of me does n't want them to know."

"I 'm siding with that percentage of you,"Ginny said,"We should n't tell them."

"Ever ?"Hermione asked tentatively,"I do consider they should be trusted with that information at some point."

"I agree, Hermione,"Harry told her,"But not now. I guess I 'd just been waiting for the opportunity to present itself, have n't really thought about when I 'd narrate them. I suppose the skilful thing to do would be to wait until they 're out of school, they 'll be more mature and there 'll be lupus erythematosus of a chance of it leaking out."

"That sounds reasonable, Harry,"Ginny agreed,"Someday, we 'll evidence them about the Hallows. But right now I think we need to utter about what 's been going on with-"

"James IV, Bradley, Cedric, Benedict, rose wine, and Albus, what on earthly concern are you doing ? !"a black-and-blue voice caused Albus to drop his Extendable Ear and he was not able to hear what his mum had been about to say.

Molly Weasley ran over to the five full cousin, a look of rage on her boldness."Have you been listening in on that conversation ? Obviously you have ! You have no right ! Your parents wanted to be alone ! And give me those !"

Albus, James, and their cousins did not even think about not listening to their grandmother and handed over their ear at once."And the other one ?"She eyed James I 's pocket. Albus glanced at it and noticed the little bit of flesh sticking out of it. James IV sulkily pulled it out and handed it to her.

"I 'll be having a news with your Uncle St. George ! He 's lucky he 's not here right now. He should n't be giving you those for Christmas, honestly, the nerve of him ..."Molly stormed over to her desk and grabbed a piece of sheepskin and a quill and started writing while she mumbled to herself. Albus knew she was going to send a riot to her son.

The commotion outside the kitchen caused Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione to terminate their conversation and come out to see what the commotion was about. Once Albus heard the room access commencement to spread, he made a mad style for the stair, and the thundering behind him told him his brother and cousin did the same.

Albus did n't stop running until he made it to pink wine 's room, and once Saint James and their cousins were inside, he slammed the room access shut.

"What was that all about ?"Albus asked as he sat down on one of the beds.

"I dunno,"King James responded,"They obviously know something we do n't and they do n't want to secernate us about it. But what did they entail by they did n't want me to have intercourse about it especially ?"James stomped back and Forth River across the floor, obviously mad that his parents would n't entrust him with something.

"Well, that 's not the only understanding they 're keeping it from us !"rose wine argued,"They said they trust me, but still wo n't separate me."

"Must be something really secretive because only your parents know about it,"Ben reasoned."I suppose Bradley, Cedric, and I wo n't ever receive out."

"Yeah, you will !"James insisted as he threw himself onto a bed,"Once I find out, I 'll secern you !"

"James !"Rose shouted,"That must be why they wo n't tell you right now ! They do n't want anybody to know. If it 's something so secretive that they wo n't even recount any of our uncles, then they must not want a whole lot of the great unwashed to know."

"But what would my parents, aunty Hermione, and Uncle Ron know that none of the other aunt and uncles know about ?"Albus asked Rose.

"I dunno,"rosebush answered. The five of them sat in quiet for a few minute of arc, trying to believe of what this could be.

"You do n't call back ..."James started,"... that maybe it has something to do with the war ?"

Albus looked at him,"But Dad said he told us all about the war."

"It makes sense, Albus,"rosebush told him,"What else besides the war do my parents and your parents have, but none of our aunt and uncles do ?"

"But my parents were involved in the war !"Cedric insisted.

"I know they were,"James said as he got up from the bed again and started pacing,"But my dad and rose 's parents were a lot more involved. They destroyed most of the horcruxes and they were off by themselves for almost a twelvemonth doing it."

"True,"Cedric agreed.

"Whatever it is, they 're keeping something from us,"James told everyone as he pounded his fist on the night sales booth,"And I do n't wish it. Especially since Dad said he told us everything."

"Anyone catch what they were talking about ?"Bradley asked.

"Yeah,"Albus responded,"Hallows. Whatever they are."

"Never heard of them,"James said.

"Me neither,"Cedric said. Omar Bradley and Ben shook their head. Albus looked expectantly at pink wine. Whenever someone else did n't know about something, Rose always knew.

"I 've never heard anything about them either, Albus, I 'm sorry,"Rose sighed,"But once we 're back in school day, we can look in the library."

"I guess,"Albus said, looking down at his foundation. He did not like the idea of his parents keeping something from him. It made him feel betrayed. Harry had always told Albus that he told him everything about the war. But if these Hallows had anything to do with the war, like James suspected they did, then Harry and Ginny were keeping something from them. What were the Hallows ? And why were his parents so intent about not letting him know about them ? Why did they opine he was n't trustworthy enough to know about them ?

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A/N : Sorry for the wait ! I have been on holiday, so have n't been able to update. Hopefully, I 'll get my Weasley house tree up with the next chapter.
Thanks as usual to Rain is LIquid Moonlight, my other Sister, and my brother. Also thanks to inkheart, Ashley, Black Fires, and e.jones for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter.

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Chapter 15 : Occlumency and Potions

By the time Albus woke up the next morning, his Uncle Sir Henry Percy, Aunt Corrine, and their kids had already left. Albus had not slept very well. Although he had n't had any nightmares, Albus could n't block thinking about what his parents were keeping from him, and the thought had kept him tossing and turning almost the whole night. Once he fell asleep, he slept until it was nearly one o'clock in the afternoon. He never even had the chance to say adieu to his aunt, uncle and full cousin. However, he did n't have long to dwell on it because shortly after he had gotten dressed, Epistle of James burst into the room.

"Good, you 're up,"James greeted him, as he sat down on one of the bottom bunks.

"Yeah, I 'm up,"Albus yawned,"Just got up, could n't slumber well last night."

"Me, neither, but Cedric woke me up before he left. Tried to get you up, but you were out like a log."

"Well, what 's been going on ? Do Mum and Dad know that we listened to them ?"Albus asked.

"They do. gran told them. I 'm never getting those Extendables back,"Epistle of James groaned."But I do n't think they 're too bothered by it."

"Well, that 's upright,"Albus told him,"Better they do n't bed that we 're trying to find out what they 're keeping from us."

"Definitely. Oh, but they do require to mouth to us in a few minutes,"James informed Albus,"They sent me up here to wake you up."

"You do n't imagine they want to yell at us about listening in, do you ?"Albus asked nervously.

"No, I do n't reckon that 's what it 's about. They just want to talk to us. Not blush wine,"James answered.

"That 's odd. What else could they want ?"Albus wondered.

"Dunno,"Saint James the Apostle glanced at his sentinel."well, we 'd better go. They 're waiting in the kitchen."

Albus followed James slowly down the stairs. He had no idea what this could be about. For a instant, he thought that maybe his parents were going to narrate them about whatever 'Hallows'were, but he knew that could n't be it. They had seemed so adamant about not telling James, Albus, or develop about them.

Albus made his way into the kitchen after James. His parents were in there, along with Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione. Harry gestured for them to sit down. Albus sat down in one of the chairman and Saint James the Apostle sat adjacent to him, neither of them saying a give-and-take. Harry went over to the door, closed it, and pointed his wand at it while muttering a patch. Albus figured it was some kind of spell that rendered Extendable Ears useless.

"first gear,"Harry told his boy, as he walked over and stood next to Ron,"I want to enjoin you that I 'm not punishing you for what you did yesterday. Both of you look like you 're sitting in a detention."

Albus smiled a little, but James did not move.

"I would have done the Lapplander thing if I were you,"Harry grinned and continued,"Well, let me rephrase that. I have done the same thing you did. wad of times. Right after your uncles Fred and George invented extendable Ears. ``

Harry started pacing around the kitchen. Albus had noticed that his father did this whenever he was thinking about something serious. It was the Saami sort of pacing that James IV had done the previous day.

"However, what I do desire to verbalise to you about is a serious matter,"Harry lowered his voice,"It 's about what 's been going on in the school."

Albus looked at James. Neither of them really knew what their dad was getting on about.

"James II, when you were in detention a few week ago and you said your head felt funny. gentlewoman Pomfrey had the suspicion that someone was using Legilimency against you. I think she was right. Well, I 'm indisputable she was right. The way you described it is just like how it feels,"Harry told his son,"Jesse James, someone is trying to invade your mind."

Henry James looked shocked. Albus noticed he was a bit paler than usual. He looked very much the same as he did in the days following that custody. Albus guessed that the days at the burrow had made Saint James forget about that awful experience.

"Albus, about that dream-"Harry started, but was cut off.

"You said it did n't mean anything !"Albus reminded his dad.

"I thought that it did n't, until I started having the same one,"Harry informed them,"I talked to your Uncle Ron about it and we both agree that they 're not formula pipe dream. someone is using Legilimency on us as well."

Albus felt the blood line drainpipe from his face and he was sure he looked as blench as James did."But who 's doing it ?"he whispered.

"I honestly do n't sleep together, Al,"Harry softened his voice and sat down next to his son."But your Uncle Ron and I are trying very hard to find out who it is."

"Why does someone want to read our intellect ?"Albus asked his dad.

"I, have a few thought,"Harry answered slowly,"But I 'm afraid I ca n't tell you just yet."

Albus nodded. It was strange that his dad could n't just solve this problem. During Albus 's younger childhood years, Harry had always been able-bodied to fix everything for him. Broken toys, minor wound, his dad was always there to solve the job. But this time, Harry could n't just wave his wand and bring in it better.

Harry drew Albus into his munition."Now, Al, I do need to recognise if you 've had anymore of those incubus since that foremost one."

"Yeah, I have. I get them a few times a week."

"Always the Lapplander one ?"Harry asked.

"Yes."

"And have you had any while you 've been at the Burrow ?"

Albus thought for a minute."You know, I have n't. I had n't really thought about it, but I have n't had any since I left Hogwarts."

Harry glanced at Ron and got up from the chairman."I think that 's all I need to know about the dreams for now. But if they start changing at all, you 've got to let me know right away. Just ask one of the portrait in the common way to notice me. Do n't leave the unwashed room to state me, it 's very of import that you do not drift around at night."

Harry started pacing again and he turned to nerve St. James the Apostle."Are you ok ? I know it 's a scary thought, that mortal 's invading your mind. But I will find out who 's doing it. I do n't want you to worry about it too much."

James just nodded, apparently still ineffectual to speak.

"goodness. Now, it 's obviously very disturbing that soul is trying to see our thoughts and computer storage. Ron and I, as well as a few former Aurors are working to envision out who it is and why they 're doing it, so we can block them. But for now, you two have to learn how to protect yourselves.

"Ron and I have decided that you should start up to get wind Occlumency. I know you both already know what that is, but neither of you have had any training in the theme. If you 're able to larn it properly, then no one will be able to read your thoughts."

"Are you going to teach us, Dad ?"James spoke for the first time since he entered the room.

"No, I ca n't,"Harry told him,"I 'm not a very salutary Occlumens and am having a hard enough prison term trying to close my own judgment, let alone trying to learn you two."

"Then who 's going to instruct us ?"James asked, with a worried look on his case. He and Albus looked at each other. Harry had told them the account of when Professor Snape had tried to learn him Occlumency in his fifth year.

"Do n't vex,"Harry reassured them, seeing the facial expression on their faces,"I know from experience that in fiat to see Occlumency properly, it 's much better if you trust your instructor. That 's why your aunty Hermione will be teaching you."

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. Although his Aunt Hermione was strict, he knew she would be able to teach him well. There was hardly an aspect of magic that she did not do well.

"I 'll be coming to Hogwarts two night a week until you are both capable of protecting your nous from interloper,"Hermione informed them.

James opened his mouth and was about to speak when Hermione cut him off."Not to worry, James, it wo n't interfere with Quidditch praxis ! I know Quidditch is the most important thing in this family."She glared at Harry and Ron, who both grinned sheepishly.

"I 'll get off an owl to the schooltime once the firstly moral is set up, telling you which classroom it will be in. We still need to run this by the schoolmaster, but I 'm sure he will not mind,"Hermione inform them.

"Well, I think that 's it, boys,"Harry strode back over to James IV and Albus and gave them each a hug."I do n't desire you to worry about this too often. Your Uncle Ron and I have things under ascendancy. Just dressed ore on learning Occlumency. Try to hold your precaution up, as well. Constant vigilance, as Mad-Eye would have got said. I 've got to run into the Auror situation for a few time of day, but I 'll be back before dinner."

When Harry opened the door to the kitchen, pink wine fell into the room. She had been leaning on the door, trying to listen in. She stood up, blushing furiously and ran out of the room and up the stairs. William James and Albus burst out laughing and ran out of the way after her. They found her up in her room.

"So, what was that about ?"she asked eagerly, once Albus had shut the door behind him and James."Any prospect they told you what they 're trying to keep from us ?"

"No,"Jesse James said bitterly, it was obvious to Albus that he was still mad about that.

"Well, what was it then ?"rose pushed.

"Remember that custody that me, James, Matt, and Gospel According to John had to do with Washburn ? The one where we cleaned the hourglasses in the entering Asaph Hall ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah,"Rose said warily.

"Well, someone tried to understand James II 's mind during it. And someone 's been trying to say my mind and Dad 's while we 're sleeping, too. I 've been having uncanny dreams ever since schooling started, and apparently they mean somebody 's using Legilimency on me."

Rose stared at him, then she glanced at St. James the Apostle, who had sat down on Rose 's bed."You 're serious ?"

"Yep,"James I confirmed,"And Dad wants me and Albus to study Occlumency to try and hold back them. I get the intuitive feeling something 's happening. I 'm not sure what, but all the adult seemed a bit worried when they were telling us this. Dad does n't know who 's doing it or why. Well, he has an idea why, but he wo n't tell us. Figures."James punched one of the pillows."I guess I 'm not trustworthy."

"Who 's teaching you ?"rosiness asked.

"Your mum,"Albus answered."She 's coming to the castle two Night a week as soon as everything 's straightened out with Professor Kendrick."

"wellspring, that 's good, then. I hope you two are good at Occlumency,"pink wine said,"But do you two get the feeling this whole mind reading affair might have something to do with what they 're keeping from us ?"

"Seems likely,"Albus agreed.

St. James nodded."We 've got to figure out what they 're keeping from us. We 'll commence once we 're back at school. And I do n't think we should order anyone what we 're doing, since Dad 's commandment there. I do n't believe he 'd be too glad if he found out what we 're up to."

"I suppose you 're right,"Rose responded.

"Yeah,"Albus said. He did n't like the idea of keeping something this big from john, Matt, and Amanda, but he could see James 's point. Their father did n't need them to get laid about whatever this is, and if he found out they were looking, it would get it backbreaking to discover the secret.

"James !"a voice shouted from downstairs,"cum avail with dinner party, please ! I 've got Ben cutting up vegetable and you can serve him !"

William James got up and went over to the door,"Aw, Mum ! Why ca n't Teddy do it ? He can do it by magic and it 'd go faster !"

"Teddy 's helping Victoire report ! Now get down here, please !"Ginny screamed back.

James snorted and looked at Albus and rosebush, who were giggling. They were sure that slip and Victoire were not studying, but were in fact hiding away somewhere, snogging.

"Jesse James !"his mother shrieked.

James stomped out of the way and down the stair, muttering something about Muggle cooking.

Rose got up from the bed and shut the threshold behind James. She turned back to Albus."Ok, we 've got to ask Uncle Bill what he knows about werewolves tonight after dinner."

"Yeah, we should. He 's leaving tomorrow. Do you really think he knows something that we have n't already scan in the record ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm not for sure. But what I want to know is why person would n't take the wolfsbane potion or why it would n't form,"Rose told Albus as she sat down next to him.

"Good idea. The book I read did n't observe anything like that. But if Matt 's a lycanthrope, then he 's definitely not taking that potion every month."

"Or it 's not working for him,"Rose suggested.

"Yeah, that too. But what are we going to state Uncle greenback when he asks why we want to know about the Wolfsbane potion ?"

"I 've got it taken care of,"Rose told him,"I 'll tell him that Professor Slughorn gave us extra credit to research an in advance potion. And we 'll say that Slughorn let us do it in groups of two and you 're my partner."

"Wow ! That 's dear thinking, Rose,"Albus said excitedly,"I 'd never be able-bodied to come up with that."

"It just came to me last night. I knew we 'd call for an self-justification because we do n't learn about werewolves until third year."

"rose ! Albus ! I need your service for dinner, please !"Ginny screamed up the stairs.

"Alright, Mum !"Albus answered,"We 'll be right there !"He and rosiness went downstairs, where they were immediately put to work slicing bread.

*****

Supper was tardily that night, and not nearly as enjoyable as Christmas supper. Everyone wanted to wait until Harry returned from the Auror authority to eat, and he did not get back until nearly eight o'clock. Once Harry walked in the door, everyone sat down and started eating.

"I 've got some bad news show,"Harry announced as he poured some butterbeer for himself. Everyone stopped eating and looked at him."somebody was found numb this morning in their house. Jasmine Lomski. She worked in the Magical Law Enforcement power. Avada Kedavra was the effort of death. It 's looking very suspicious. I 've got individual investigation, but so far goose egg 's been found."

"Lomski ?"Ben asked, his brass was white. He was looking at James, whose human face was equally pale."There 's a lady friend in our course, a Ravenclaw, Rachael Lomski. Are they related ?"

Harry nodded,"Yes, that 's her mother. Jasmine 's husband, Connor, was taking Rachael and the early Thomas Kid to see their grandparents for Christmas, so they were not home at the clip. Jasmine did not go with them because she had to work tomorrow.

"But I want everyone to know that the other Aurors and I are doing all we can to line up out who did this, and who killed prof Torro, and hopefully we 'll be able to nail whoever did it soon."

"You think the two murders are related, then ?"Arthur asked.

"I really ca n't be for certain yet, but I do have a look they are,"Harry answered.

The rest of the meal was spent discussing the shady cleanup, and no one really had lots of an appetite anymore. Hugo and Lily did not pay much care to the conversation, and after they finished eating they ran off to play with their Dec 25 present tense. Albus mostly pushed his food around his plate. He could n't avail but enquire if the mystical putting to death had something to do with his strange pipe dream. James seemed to be worried, as well. He was also not eating, and his face had not regained any color since their dad 's announcement. Ben and Rose were n't eating either, although they looked less upset than James River did. Teddy, Victoire and Gabriella spent much of the meal whispering to each former with worried looks on their faces.

After everyone had eaten whatever they could, Bill excused himself to the kitchen to get a cup of tea. come up glanced at Albus and they both got up and followed him.

"Um, Uncle peak ?"Rose asked tentatively,"I was wondering if Albus and I could babble out to you, er, in private ?"

"Sure ..."Bill answered warily, he was obviously wondering what they were up to."Let 's go into your grandpa 's study."

grandad Weasley 's study was always an interesting blank space to visit. It was filled with all sorting of muggle devices that were in respective states of disrepair. When Albus walked into the elbow room, the first matter he noticed was the fail computer sitting on the desk. That had been a present from Albus 's Aunt Hermione. Hermione 's parents had recently gotten a new computer and Hermione was able-bodied to get their old one to give to Arthur. He had been thrilled and had spent much of the holiday taking it apart.

"So, what can I help you with, Rose ?"Bill asked.

"Well, um, I was wondering if you knew anything about the Aconitum lycoctonum potion,"Rose told him.

banknote spat out the taste of tea that was in his lip."wolfbane potion ? Well, I do know a bit about that. But why do you need to make love about it ?"

"We 're doing an extra credit essay for Slughorn on advanced potions. We picked the Wolfsbane potion. Now, we 've learned a bit about it from books, but I 've got a few other interrogation,"pink wine said.

"Sure, go ahead and ask,"bank note sat down in President Arthur 's chair and put his feet up on the desk.

rosebush and Albus sat down in two other president."I guess I was wondering if there 's ever been a lawsuit where the Wolfsbane potion has n't worked ?"rose asked.

"It 's rarefied,"Bill told them,"But not unheard of. There have been a few citizenry that the potion has n't worked on. It 's hard to screw for sure how many because there are n't a whole lot of werewolf to begin with anyway. And many do not report how the potion works for them."

"Ok,"blush wine said, while she pretended to take notes on a piece of sheepskin,"Why would n't it make ? Or why would n't person take it ?"

"A few werewolves have been sensitised to the potion, or to one of the ingredient in it, so that 's why it does n't operate for some. And they 'd obviously stop taking it if that happened. There 's also a fairly new survey about the affects of emotions on the potion. A few mass have reported that the potion does not always work well, depending on what kind of modality the soul is at the time of transformation. Which makes signified, since the nature of the shift depends on emotions as well. Then there 's a 2nd survey that 's trying to compute out why the potion just does n't work. There are a few wolfman where it has no effect whatsoever. As far as why someone would n't take it, it 's a very difficult potion to create. Not many people are able to fix it. Because of that, it 's hard to obtain it."

"Oh,"Rose looked up from her parchment,"I think that 's all I need to make out for now. I 've gotten slews of data from books. Albus and I should be able to spell the composition now."

card got up from his chair,"Good. glad I could help."He walked quickly out the door, Albus guessed he wanted to get back to the give-and-take about Jasmine Lomski 's murder.

Albus and rose wine left the room and went back up to Rose 's bedchamber."wellspring, what do you think ?"rose wine asked Albus.

"I dunno. Maybe he 's not capable to get the potion ?"

"Or he 's allergic to it,"rose wine suggested.

"But what about that totally emotions affecting the potion thing ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm not for sure. Do you remember what Matt 's been like every time he 's gotten sick ?"

"No. I mean, usually he 's tire out, but that 's not really emotion. I 'd assume he 's nervous about it, but I bet all lycanthrope are nervous about transforming."

"Probably. I guess we 're just going to have to prevent watching him,"Rose told Albus.

"I suppose. I wish he 'd just say us."

"He 's probably afraid to. Afraid we wo n't be friends with him anymore,"Rose said in a pained voice.

"Well, that 's not straight ! We 'd never abandon him like that !"

"I know, Albus,"Rose sighed,"I just wish there was a way to let him get it on that."

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Weasley-Potter family line Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree
Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 7th yr Stanley, 6th yr Sakartvelo, 5th class
Gabriella, 5th class Heather, 4th year Omar Nelson Bradley, 3rd year
Ben, 2nd yr scar, 3rd year Cedric, 2nd year
Eddie, 5 years old Samantha & Lindy ( twins ), 6 years old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 4th year rosiness, 1st yr James, 2nd year
Angie, 8 years old Victor-Marie Hugo, 9 class old Albus, 1st class
Lily, 9 years old
*all in Gryffindor*

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A/N : I hope you liked it ! My Weaslye-Potter folk tree is above. I hope it helps authorize up any confusion. I put Ron & Ginny in there even though I do n't own their youngster. I thought it would be more accomplished that way. Any similarities between the above ( besides Ron & Ginny 's category, obviously ) are merely a coincidence.

Thanks as always to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my other sister, and my Brother. Thanks to inkheart for their review. Please read & review !

Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter. Nor do I own Nintendo, the Nintendo DS, or Animal Crossing.

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Before Albus knew it, the Yule holiday was over. The ease of the intermission was not nearly as eventful as the first few solar day. The day after Harry came home with the news of Jasmine Lomski 's end, government note, Fleur, Ron, Hermione, and the rest period of Albus 's cousin left to chat other family. Life at the tunnel became much calmer. Saint James and Albus spent much of their sentence playing Quidditch exterior. Harry had let Albus use his broomstick. Jesse James was able to assist Albus practice his accomplishment as a Chaser, and seemed pretty confident by the end of the holiday that Albus would make the team next year. Whenever Teddy was n't working at Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, he visited and played Quidditch with Epistle of James and Albus. Lily often hung around while the games were taking spot and would beg the son to let her cause a go on one of the ling. Occasionally, one of them would hold ruth on her and lend her their broom. Eventually, James I and Albus realized that they had neglected their prep long enough and had to drop the hale last day of falling out working on it. It took them much longer than usual, as they did not have rose there to help.

Harry spent much of the last few twenty-four hour period of fault popping in and out of the Auror office. He left early in the day and came back late in the evening. He always came home looking tired, and Albus could tell that the investigation was not going well. His mum, grandma, and grandpa, seemed worried as well, although they tried not to mention detail in front of the small fry. King James I and Albus had tried repeatedly to listen in on their conversations, but molly was much more watchful of them ever since she caught them using Extendable Ears. She had a knockout time keeping Teddy out of the conversations, though, because he was of age and out of school. However, Molly prevented Teddy from giving any entropy to James or Albus.

On his way back to Hogwarts, Albus found himself wandering down the corridor in the Hogwarts Express with Rose, yet again looking for a compartment. Only this fourth dimension, he was in search of a specific one, the one that John, matt, and Amanda were in.

About halfway down the train, Albus and blush wine spotted their friends in one of the compartments. There was another little girl in it, too. Albus recognized her as lusterlessness 's honest-to-god sister, Amy.

"Hi !"Albus grinned at his booster as he entered the compartment and sat down side by side to John.

"Hi,"everyone greeted him and Rose.

"So, how was everyone 's holiday ?"rosebush asked.

"Great !"John smiled widely,"Got a good onus of present tense. All my relative were there at some gunpoint or another. Saved all my preparation for yesterday, but somehow managed to get it done."

"Mine was nice, too,"Amanda answered, as she reached into her bag,"But I 've got to show you guys something."She pulled out a small, orthogonal objective and opened it to unwrap two screens, one above the other.

"What the bloody the pits is that ?"John asked, gaping at it.

"It 's called a Nintendo DS,"Amanda answered,"I got it for Channukah. It 's something you play video games on."

"Oh, I 've heard of video plot,"lav said,"But I 've never seen one before. Do you have any secret plan for it ?"

"I 've got a few,"Amanda told him,"My favorite is animate being Crossing. You get to take your own town and animals are your neighbour. I 've named my townspeople Hogsmeade."

"Awesome,"Matt smiled. `` I got one of those a while ago. ``

"I hate to tell you, but that 's not going to do work at Hogwarts,"Rose announced.

"Why not ?"John looked at her like she was crazy.

"Too much magic around. shuffling electronics not work right,"rosebush explained,"It 's in Hogwarts, A History."

"Oh,"Amanda 's smile faded as she put her DS away,"I guess I 'll just have to meet it at family over the summer. My parents thought I would like it and it 's pretty fun. They were n't really indisputable what to get me. They could n't get me anything to do with conjuring trick. It was quite strange, really, not being able to talk much about magic during break.."

"And how was your vacation, Matt ?"Rose asked.

Albus turned to take care at mat. He was just now noticing how stock he looked. He also had some nasty looking partially healed cuts all over his face and arms. His subdivision were bruised as well, and he looked like he was about set to descend asleep. Albus and Rose exchanged glimpse, but did n't say anything.

"It stunk,"Matt said flatly. He looked at his Sister, who gave him a look.

"Why ?"John asked.

"Well, I told you how I hate going to Australia. We spent the whole geological fault there, at my grandparents house. They 're so formal, I could n't do anything fun."

"How 'd you get all those cuts ?"can wondered, as he stared at a particularly foul cut on matte 's forearm.

Matt shifted his eyes and once again looked at Amy, who nodded her capitulum."I fell out of a tree."

"What ? !"John exclaimed,"How 'd you deal that ?"

"wellspring, you know how inept I am. And I was outside, trying to have some fun, because my grandparents wo n't let me do anything in the planetary house. I was up pretty gamy and I slipped. I fell all the way to the priming, hitting every branch as I went. Got knocked out halfway down. My grandmother heard the noise and ran outside and found me unconscious mind on the ground. She freaked out, saying this is why I needed to outride inside and do homework all day,"lusterlessness informed them. Everyone was staring at him, ineffectual to think of something to say."Anyway, my mum and dad came rushing out, and I wound up spending a few days in the infirmary down there."

"Whoa,"Amanda whispered,"I 'm gladiolus you 're all right. That 's scary, though."

"Yeah,"lav agreed,"Is that why you 're so tired ?"

"Nope, that 's the jet lag,"flatness answered.

"The what ?"

"Jet lag,"mat repeated,"It 's what you get when you fly to different meter zones. Your eternal rest gets all messed up."

"You flew to Commonwealth of Australia ?"Albus looked amazed,"Blimey ! That 's a hanker metre to be on a broom."

matte laughed,"Oh, no ! We flew in an airplane."

"Wow !"Saint John looked print,"But why did n't you just Apparate or something ? Or Flooed ?"

"The Aboriginal Australian Ministry does n't admit out of country apparition,"Amy said, speaking for the start time."And our grandparents are Muggles, so we could n't Floo."

"That 's pretty awesome,"rose wine told Matt,"My granddaddy loves all things to do with Muggles. One of his spirit 's ambitions is to find out how airplanes stay up."

Everyone laughed. The compartment doorway opened and Victoire walked in."Hi, Amy ! I 've been looking for you."

"Hey,"Amy greeted her,"Want to stay on her with us ?"

"Sure,"Victoire sat down next to Amy. She glanced at Matt, who was leaning up against the window."Is your brother ok ?"

"Yeah, he 's fine. He just fell out of a tree over time out and spent a few days in the hospital. That and the jet lag are why he 's so banal,"Amy said quickly.

At that moment, the compartment door opened again to reveal the mortal Albus wanted to see the least. A smug looking Quinton Willinson walked in and and shut the room access behind him.

"Something you want, Willinson ?"Victoire stood up and stared at him.

"Oh, just a word with your cousin-german,"Willinson glared at Albus,"Mind if we speak in private ?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do,"Victoire growled,"Whatever it is, you can say it here, in front of all of us."

"mulct,"Willinson turned to Albus,"Just thought I 'd let you make out that you 'd amend check yourself, Potty."

Victoire stepped between Albus and Willinson."And why is that ?"

"Oh, you did n't recognize ?"Willinson smiled at her,"Baby pot here put that Exploding Eclair on my plate at Slughorn 's party. Him and his little posse comitatus here."

"How d'you figure that ?"Victoire continued to stare at him.

"I just know,"he answered,"So, you 'd amend vigil out, Potty and friends."

Amy got up and stood next to Victoire."Is that a terror, Willinson ? Because anyone who does anything to my picayune brother regrets it."

"Oh, maybe it 's a threat, maybe it 's not,"Willinson sneered at her,"But I would n't worry too a good deal about your baby buddy. Looks like he 's got enough price already. Looks like he 's been hit by a truck."

In a span of five seconds, Amy had whipped out her wand and had Willinson pinned against the bulwark, holding her scepter to his face."Do not touch matte, or you will get a line to regret it. You understand ? Do not do anything to him. I will find out, and you will bid you 'd never even talked to him. Get it ?"Amy let him go, but did not put her wand away.

"You would n't try anything with the drumhead little girl here,"Willinson gestured to Victoire, as he pulled out his own wand.

"This nous daughter does not care what Amy does to anyone, if they do anything to her family. And, I can add that if you do anything to my home, you 'll regret it as well,"Victoire pulled out her own wand and pointed it at Willinson,"Now I suggest you get out, before we 're forced to hex you."

Willinson, realizing licking, scowled and put his wand away. He opened the compartment door and with one finis limelight at Albus, he left.

"Wow,"Albus muttered, gazing at Victoire and Amy,"I 've never seen him back down before."

"When you 've spent almost seven twelvemonth in the same castle as him, you learn that he only does something when he has the pep pill hand. He 'd never try anything when there are a distich people up against him. Especially mass who are better witches and thaumaturgist than he is. He 's really quite stupid, honestly. He brags, but I do n't think he 'd win a duel against anyone above third year,"Victoire told them.

"Every year, he picks a new first year to torment. We 've never been able-bodied to figure out why he picks the one he does. Usually it 's the minor or most frighten one. I 've got no idea why he 's picked you, Albus,"Victoire continued,"He was picked on a lot when he was a first year. Ever since then, he 's done the same affair to other first base long time. It 's pretty low, if you ask me. If he 's got to rack someone, he ought to do it to someone closer to his age.

"It 's because he ca n't win a duel with person his own age. If he tried anything with anyone in our year, he 'd be hexed so a great deal you could n't greet him. But anyway, I would not put it past him to try something on you, Albus. Just take a leak for certain you 're never alone in the corridors and you 'll be fine. He wo n't try anything where there 'd be witnesses or someone to stop him."

Amy nodded in agreement,"Same with you, matte,"she looked at her brother, but he 'd fallen asleep."And probably the residuum of you, too."

Albus nodded,"Who 'd he pick on lowest twelvemonth ?"

"Saint James,"Victoire said,"But after James pulled a few buffoonery on him, he gave up. It was quite funny, really. He tried picking on Ben after that, but I stopped him."

"How ?"Rose asked.

"He 's got this weird crush on me. Has ever since arcsecond year. But I 'd never go out with him, of course. He 's such a git. Actually asked me to go to Hogsmeade our third year,"Victoire laughed,"But boy was he mad when I started going out with teddy bear. Still has n't given up. Somehow he thinks that with Teddy out of the castle, I 'll make up one's mind to go out with him."

"It 's the Veela blood,"Amy told them.

"He 's about the only one, though. Everyone else gave up once I started going out with Teddy."

"Wow,"rose wine said,"I just thought he did n't like us for some reason."

"Well, he does n't. But I do n't know why. It 'll be skillful for everyone when he 's gone next yr,"Amy stated,"But for now, just make sure you 're never alone in the corridors."

*******

Once the new full term started, Albus and his Quaker found themselves up to their ears in homework. The teacher had already started warning them about last test, despite the fact that they were month away. It was n't only the low geezerhood that were bombarded with work. It seemed that all the scholar had more work than normal. The green room often did not vacate out until retiring midnight, with some bookman falling asleep in their reading. The fifth and 7th yr were spending more time than everyone else poring over, due to the fact that their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s seemed much closer from this side of Christmas Day.

Albus and his friends tended to divide their time evenly between the green room and the depository library. They went wherever it was less crowd. Albus and Rose were finding it difficult to find time to research about whatever Hallows were, especially since they were rarely without John the Evangelist, Matt, and Amanda. Albus doubted whether St. James the Apostle was getting any inquiry in either, because Samantha Meyers had increased Quidditch practice to four nights a week due to the impending Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match.

One night, Albus and Rose did manage to observe prison term to research because flatness, John, and Amanda were all doing detainment with Filch. Filch had caught them dueling with Scorpius Malfoy and put all four of them in detention. The only rationality Albus was not involved was because Harry had been speaking to Albus about his dreams. They had resumed once he was back in school, although they had n't changed at all. Rose had been talking to Professor Patil about a prep she thought she had messed up on, but it turned out she had a gotten a 100 % on it like usual. Albus had been trying to do a charms essay when blush wine came up to him and asked him if he wanted to go inquiry. Albus was all too eagre, since his charms essay was not going very well. So, the two cousin made their way to the library.

"I suppose we could lead off by researching about the downfall of Voldemort,"Rose suggested as they browsed through the books,"Since we 're fairly sure as shooting it has something to do with that."

"All right,"Albus agreed,"That makes sense."Albus bent down and picked out a book,"The Rise and Fall of lord Voldemort, by Minerva McGonagall. Hmm, McGonagall, that sounds so conversant ... Where have I heard that before ?"

"prof McGonagall,"Rose reminded him,"She taught Transfiguration when our parents were here, and our grandparents. She was in the last battle, so that 'd be a good book to look at."

Albus took the ledger over to a table and started reading it. rosiness found another book and sat down next to him. Albus decided just to start at the starting time, as he had no estimate where Hallows would come into the picture. The outset chapter was about Voldemort 's childhood. Albus already knew about that, so it was all basically review. But he read intently anyway, just hoping that he 'd read the tidings 'Hallows'. However, as the eventide wore on, and Albus grew steadily more tire out, he did not come up out anything new.

"uncovering anything yet ?"he asked Rose.

Rose looked up from her al-Qur'an, which was entitled The History of the Dark artistic creation in Great UK,"No, nothing I do n't already know. And no mention of any Hallows."

Albus sighed,"Me either. Curfew 's soon. Why do n't we just take the books out ?"

"Sounds good to me,"Rose agreed. She walked over to gentlewoman Pince while Albus followed.

Madam Pince glared at them as they handed her the Good Book. She read the gens and gave them a unusual spirit, like she was wondering why they wanted to say them. Albus did n't come across her regard, but he knew why she was staring at them. Why would Harry ceramist 's son pauperism to read about the downfall of Voldemort ? After she seemed satisfied with staring at them, she checked the account book out and handed them back."They 're due in a month. Do not spell in them or bend them or bruise them in any way."

Once they were out of the depository library, they relaxed,"She 's a whacko,"Albus whispered.

"She 's a bit strange, yeah,"rose agreed.

"Acts like the record are gold,"Albus giggled.

"She thinks we 're up to something, the way she stared at us like that,"Rose said.

"I know, but that makes sense."

"Yes, I suppose it does. I just hope she does n't secernate your dad,"blush wine told him as she walked up a set of stairs.

"She probably wo n't. I do n't think they 're particularly closely. Dad got in a trouble a few times at the library."

blush wine laughed,"Oh, yeah."

Albus and Rose continued their trek to the common room. Once there, Albus quickly went to the hall to cover his script before his Friend came back from detention. But after an hour of waiting for them, Albus fell asleep. It was a uneasy nap, as he had the Sami incubus he usually had. Despite this, he did not wake up when John and lusterlessness came in at midnight.

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A/N : Thanks as usual to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my other sister, and my blood brother ! Please read and review.

I am not sure when I 'll following update, since I might be in schooling by the time this validates. I will try to update soon, but I ca n't make any warranty. But I 'll still be writing ! I am well into the subsequence to this, I 'm on chapter 30, I believe. I 'm also working on another fic, details to arrive later, which I will get down posting as soon as I get past a sure chapter in this. There are pamperer for this fic in my new one, so it will have to wait a little while to be posted.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Or Ron Weasley. Or Hermione sodbuster. I do n't even own the smallest owl in the owlery. Or the owlery for that affair. But I do enjoy writing this for fun !

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"That was vicious live night !"toilet groaned as he sat down next to Albus at breakfast the next morning. Albus had awoken early and could n't get back to sleep. John and matte were both speech sound asleep, so Albus had just gone down to breakfast with out them.

"I 'll say,"matte sat down on Albus 's other English and winced as he did so,"I ache all over."flatness was just starting to get back to pattern after his tree diagram incident over interruption. In the few daytime after returning to schooling, he had walked very slowly and Albus could tell that he was sore. Albus had assumed he had gotten a few broken off-white from the incident, but never asked, as matt did n't look too keen on discussing it.

"What 'd he have you do ?"Albus asked while he watched Matt rub his arm.

"Clean Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom,"John answered as he piled his plate with ball and bacon,"It was torture. He had us do it the Muggle way of course. He had us doing it for 3 hours. We could n't manage to get it clean the way he wanted it. And he made Matt scrub the floor, so he had to be down on his hands and knees the whole night. I could recount it was making his wound from falling out of that shoetree hurt worse, so I suggested to Filch that I could do the floor and Matt could do the cesspit, but Filch said no. He seemed to admit delight in seeing Matt suffer. It was awful. Amanda had to do the lavatory with Malfoy. He did something to one of them that made it honk. That was gross. So she had to clean that one again and Matt had to re-scrub the floor."

"Maybe you should see if madam Pomfrey can do anything for you ?"Albus asked matt. mat had only eaten a few snack of toast and was wincing every fourth dimension he moved.

"You know she does n't do anything for pain induced by Muggle cleaning,"lavatory said disgustedly.

"Actually, I think I will go see her,"lusterlessness mumbled and got up from the table,"I 'll see you in Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Once flatness left, John shook his head,"You know she wo n't do anything to help him."

"I know, she probably wo n't if he says the accidental injury are from cleaning. But she will if he says they 're leftover from that totally tree thing,"Albus reasoned.

"Hope so,"John agreed,"He was worse last night when we were doing the detention. Filch was horrifying to him, told him to call off faster. And Malfoy smirked at him every time he looked over from his toilets."

"I really do n't wish that Malfoy kid,"Amanda added. She had come into the Great Hall and sat down across from Albus. rose sat down in Matt 's vacated place.

"detention 's bad enough with Filch, but Malfoy kept muttering about Matt not even being capable to Muggle clean and jerk. Filch did n't hear any of it."

"Ugh,"rose wine groaned,"I hope I 'm never in detention with him."

"You 're never in detention,"Albus chimed in.

"I know. I never get caught,"she grinned. This was true. Albus knew she had pulled her reasonable portion of harlequinade on the Slytherins, usually involving some sort of sweet from Weasley 's superstar Wheezes that turned various eubstance parts into different colors. And there was no way anyone could pin it on her.

At that moment, the owls arrived with the ring mail."spirit, it 's Patches,"Rose announced as a vauntingly tawny owl arrived at Albus 's place. speckle was rose wine 's family 's owl."He 's got a letter for you and James."

Albus called James I over and the two of them looked at the letter. Albus opened it and interpret it silently.

dear Jesse James and Albus,
I hope the new term is going well. I imagine you
spending much of your metre studying. I have managed
to secure an empty schoolroom for our Occlumency
lessons. They will acquire place in the Transfiguration
way on Tues and Saturday evenings, at eight o'clock.
We will pop this Saturday. I 'll see you then.
Say hi to uprise for me.
With Love,
aunty Hermione

Albus looked at Saint James the Apostle,"Well, I guess we 'll go on Saturday."

"Yeah, I suppose. Blimey, I ca n't envisage this is going to be fun,"St. James the Apostle responded.

"Probably not. But it 's got to be in effect than the Occlumency deterrent example Dad had,"Albus reminded him.

"Yeah,"Saint James agreed,"Well, I 'm off to Potions. I 'll see ya later."

"Bye."

"Occlumency, cool,"John said,"I wondered when you 'd jump those."

Albus had told John, Matt, and Amanda all about the dreams and Legilimency shortly after they arrived back at the castle."Guess we 're starting on Saturday."

"We 'd better be off to pa,"John Lackland reminded them. Albus got up and followed John out of the Hall, with Amanda and Rose following.

matte never showed up in DADA. Albus doubted that he would because he looked pretty worn out at breakfast. Albus figured his dad must experience known that Matt was in the Hospital wing because he skipped right over his gens during attendance. It was a effective DADA lesson. They spent the majority of it practicing disarming each other. Albus and whoremonger had a good fourth dimension doing so, as both of them were quite skilled with that particular proposition trance. They were the few who were good at it. virtually of the other scholarly person had a hard clock time with it, which was why Harry had them practicing it so often. He stressed that it was one of the most important while to master. Amanda, in particular, was having a hard sentence with it, but she did superintend to disarm Rose once during the lesson.

Charms, on the early hand, was another disaster. professor Washbburn stormed into the elbow room, and Albus immediately stopped talking. He was sitting at his usual back table with St. John, Rose, and Amanda.

Washburn quickly ran down the attending inclination, stopping at Matt 's name."Where 's Eckerton ?"he barked loudly. No one answered."ceramist ! Where 's Eckerton ?"

"In the Hospital Wing,"Albus whispered.

"Speak louder !"Washburn screamed.

"I said he 's in the Hospital Wing, Sir,"Albus said.

"He 's always in the Hospital offstage. What 's wrong with him this fourth dimension ?"Washburn muttered to himself.

Albus chose not to do that interrogation and he sat lower in his seat.

"Well, we 're going to let another attack at levitation today,"Washburn growled,"But we 're not levitating feathering this time. All of you who are somewhat skilled at this year have managed that already,"he glared towards the vertebral column table and his eyes rested on Albus."You 'll be levitating books, so do n't hit anyone with them. Go on, get started."The class all took out their books and wands, while Washburn took his usual seat behind his desk and glared at them.

Albus reluctantly muttered the incantation and his script moved an inch off the desk and fell back again. He looked at John, Rose, and Amanda. After a few attack, Rose had managed to hover her book, although she received no praise from their professor. whoremonger was able to do it after a half hour of practice, not receiving any praise either. Amanda was having a bit more hassle, but was still doing safe than Albus.

With ten minutes left in the course of study, Washburn started making his rounds to all the scholar, and much to Albus 's discouragement, he stopped at his table.

"Well, Potter, let 's see if you 're proficient with al-Qur'an than plume. Go ahead, levitate it,"Washburn sneered.

Albus muttered the while quickly and his book managed to get a few inches off the table before falling back down.

"Do it again,"Washburn glared at him.

Albus did it again, this time making the volume float a full metrical foot off the table. Albus was so shocked that he jerked his sceptre and caused the book to start speeding towards one of the windowpane. Albus knew what was going to happen right before it did. The book flew right at the window, not stopping when it reached it, and soared straight through. The glass shattered and showered a few students with shards. They screamed as the glass cut their arms.

"Potter !"Washburn shouted,"must you always make trouble in this class ? !"

Albus did not say a Good Book, he just stared down at his desk.

"Detention ! Saturday night !"Washburn screamed,"You,"he pointed at the students who were showered with methamphetamine,"Go to the infirmary Wing. The rest of you, class dismissed."

"Um, professor,"Albus whispered,"I ca n't do detention on Saturday night."

"And why on Earth not ?"Washburn seethed,"I 'll decide when you 'll do detention."

"I 've got a meeting with my aunt."

"Your aunt can wait."

"No, she ca n't. I 'm supposed to get, er, lessons from her,"Albus said, not wanting to reveal what the example were."You can ask the Headmaster."

"fine. I 'll do that, then,"Washburn told him,"Now get out !"

Albus ran quickly out of the way and managed to becharm up with his friend as they were entering the Great Charles Francis Hall for lunch."That was horrible."

"I know,"John agreed.

"I hate appeal,"Albus groaned as he sat down at the table,"I do n't require to do that detention. It 's gon na be worse now that he 's got to put it off until after Saturday."

"He definitely will,"Rose agreed,"Hey ! mat, you 're back !"

matte came over to the tabular array, looking a bit better than he did that morning."Yeah, sorry I missed two object lesson. I heard about what happened in Charms. That Washburn 's an idiot."

"So Madam Pomfrey actually helped ?"John looked at matt in awe.

"Yeah, she did,"Matt told them,"And it 's a goodness thing. I do n't cerebrate I could birth gone to any classes today if she didn't."

"But why ?"bathroom asked,"Did you say the injuries were leftover from the drop ?"

"Nope,"matt responded,"She knew they were from detention. But she healed them anyway. I guess because I was n't totally over the unit Tree thing. She seemed pretty upset about the unit thing. Kept going on about how irresponsible Filch is and how he should n't have made me do all that cleaning. Said she was going to spill to the schoolmaster about it and everything."

"Blimey,"whoremonger looked at Matt warily,"I 've never seen her mad about trauma from Muggle cleaning before. Always says we bring it upon ourselves."

matte shrugged and piled his scale with nutrient and started eating, not elaborating on his stumble to the hospital Wing.

Albus had a strange feeling that there was more than to the Tree story than Matt was letting on about. He could tell that matt was trying to cover something up, and he could n't assist but cerebrate about the werewolf enquiry that he and Rose had done over break. There had been a full moonshine over the holiday and Albus kept thinking that the tree tarradiddle was just a cover charge up. He saw how mat had looked at his sister before telling the tale and he seemed a bit leery on telling it in the first place. As Albus started eating his lunch, he decided to look on lusterlessness carefully around the time of the following broad moon, which was in two weeks.

doubling potions with the Slytherins was after lunch that day. Albus thought the class went pretty well. Slughorn lectured on the Shrinking Solution during the first base half and the second half was spent attempting to piss the potion. Albus was partnered with John, and although their potion was a shade wanton than the desired color, both son thought they did pretty well.

`` What 's that, Potty ? '' Scorpio Malfoy appeared behind Albus as he was putting his vial of Shrinking solution on Slughorn 's desk at the end of class.

`` A potion, what else do you call up it could be ? '' Albus answered flatly.

`` looking at more like cat sick, '' Malfoy laughed as he put his potion, which happened to be the perfect people of colour, onto Slughorn 's desk. `` Ca n't even brew a simple Shrinking solution. ``

`` At least I can disarm someone, which is a all lot more useful than making potions, '' Albus retorted as he started to result the room. Malfoy had extreme trouble in disarming his married person during that morning 's DADA class.

`` As if I 'd try disarming if someone were attacking me, '' Malfoy laughed. A few of his sidekick giggled behind him. `` A hex would work loads better. ``

`` You know perfectly well that disarming works better than hexes, Malfoy, '' matte had caught up to them in the dungeon corridor, `` Professor ceramist says that every time we praxis disarming. ``

`` And I suppose you 're an expert on demurrer now, Eckerton ? Judging by the way you looked finis night, a five year old could beat you in a affaire d'honneur, '' Malfoy sneered at him. `` By the way, rumor has it that Madam Pomfrey actually healed your injuries from last Nox 's detention. That true up ? ``

Matt froze and stared at Malfoy. `` Yeah, so ? '' he whispered.

Malfoy smirked, `` After I heard that I went up to see if she 'd heal my injuries. My hired man 's been aching all day. She glared at me and told me if I should think about my manus the following time I 'm about to break the prescript, then she shooed me out and said to get to year. ``

`` Good for you, '' mat answered.

`` fountainhead, why ? Why 'd she mend you, but not me ? What 's so limited about you ? '' Malfoy asked.

`` I dunno, '' matte glanced around at his friends.

`` There 's something weird about you, '' Malfoy stepped towards Matt.

`` Why do n't you just shut it ? '' John shouted and pulled out his wand.

`` Gon na rescue your friend, Brickston ? '' Malfoy pulled out his own baton, `` Or maybe you could tell me why he 's always in the hospital wing. ``

`` Do n't calculate I can, '' lav answered, `` But I could make sure you spend the sleep of the day there, if you like. ``

`` Ooo, gon na duel me ? '' Malfoy turned to John, `` Well, I dunno what 's up with Eckerton, but I 'm going to find out. ``

`` What 's going on here ? '' Amy came running up behind Malfoy, `` What do you consider you 're doing ! ? '' she shouted at Malfoy, once she realized that his wand was still pointed at Matt.

`` Ah, Eckerton 's sis ! Maybe she 'll tell me why Madam Pomfrey treats him special ? '' Malfoy grinned maliciously at Amy.

Amy stood between Malfoy and Matt and glared at Malfoy, `` That 's none of your business. And if you point your sceptre at him again, you 'll repent it. '' She turned around, threw her arm around lustrelessness, and dragged him away towards the stairs.

`` Believe me, I 'll notice out, '' Malfoy smirked at John, put his sceptre away, and sauntered off towards the Slytherin unwashed room.

`` Blimey, '' Gospel According to John said, once Malfoy was out of earshot, `` He 's mad. ``

`` Yeah, he is, '' Albus agreed, `` He knows something 's up with matt, too. And I do n't think he 's going to give up until he finds out. ``

`` Well, we ca n't let him feel out, then, '' John stated.

`` But we do n't even cognise for sure ! '' Albus reminded him.

`` True, '' John shrugged, `` But I think we 're decent. And Amy 's so protective of him. Did you see her face when Malfoy asked her to tell him ? ``

`` She was seething. Just like on the railroad train after break, '' Albus said, while starting to walk up the stairs to the entry Hall.

`` We 've got to encounter out for sure. ``

`` He 'll tell us what it is eventually, '' Albus insisted, `` He 'll recognize that he can bank us. ``

`` That 's the thing, I do n't know if he will, especially if it is what we think it is, '' John sighed.

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Thanks as always to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my crony, and my other sister ! Also thanks to inkheart for the critique. Please read and refresh !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter, or anything related to it.

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Albus and his supporter spent the next few days trying to avert Malfoy. It was n't difficult since most of their spare time was spent in the green room doing homework. Matt was especially leery of Malfoy and made sure to hide behind John, who was a chief taller than him, whenever they passed Malfoy in the halls. Despite this, Matt seemed to act like the confrontation with Malfoy had never happened, and did not come along to want to tell Albus or his other friends what his closed book was. John did not look surprised at this, but Albus had thought that maybe after what had happened with Malfoy, lustrelessness might want to confide in someone. Amy also had started keeping a close eye on Matt after this event, which was odd because during fall terminus, she would often go a day or two without talking to Matt. Now it seemed that she was checking up on him at least once a day.

`` Hi, guy wire, '' Amy greeted Albus and his Friend on Sat evening. Albus, trick, Matt, Rose, and Amanda were all clustered around a table in the common room, working on various homework assignments. `` What 's everyone up to ? ``

`` homework, '' lustrelessness groaned. He was working on a particularly difficult essay for Potions.

`` Well, some of us are working on it, '' Rose chimed in, glaring at John.

`` What ? '' John smiled innocently, `` I 've got all tomorrow to do it. ``

Rose sighed, `` You 'd do dependable to set about it today. ``

`` I know, '' Gospel According to John agreed, `` But right now I 'm enjoying watching you study, while I sit and do naught. '' Rose groaned and went back to her reading.

`` So, '' Amy started, as she sat down side by side to Matt, `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm fine, '' Matt replied, `` But I 'd be good if you 'd do this essay for me. ``

`` Not gon na happen, '' Amy grinned, `` I 'm glad you 're doing good. Have you all been staying away from Willinson ? He has n't bothered any of you, has he ? If he has, I 'll get Victoire to put him in his place. ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Have n't talked to him since the geartrain. Strange, really. ``

`` well, good, '' Amy said, `` Hopefully it 'll stay on that way. But do n't go alone anywhere. He does n't ease up up this quickly. ``

`` We know, Amy, '' Matt snapped, `` You 're not our mum. ``

Albus looked up from his work at the speech sound of the impending tilt. He could receive sworn he saw Matt 's eyes flash gold, but they were back to their usual blue within a second.

`` Jeez, Matt. I 'm just making sure as shooting he does n't bother you. Mum said- ''

`` I know what Mum said ! '' matt cut her off loudly.

`` Could you please be a bit quieter ? '' Amanda asked in a frazzle tone.

`` Sorry, '' Amy and Matt mumbled and continued arguing in easygoing vocalization.

Albus glanced over and saw that she was working on her uranology charts. She had been having a rugged fourth dimension in astronomy all year. `` demand any help ? ``

`` Ugh, '' Amanda groaned, `` It 's astronomy. I 'm trumpery at it. I 've been doing this chart for the past time of day. Anyone know when the next full phase of the moon moon is ? ``

Both Amy and Matt jerked their headland toward Amanda. `` Two weeks from tonight. The 24th, '' Matt whispered quickly, then looked back at Amy. Amy glared at him and they resumed their argument.

`` Uh, thanks, '' Amanda looked cautiously at both Matt and Amy, and then started writing furiously on her chart.

Albus glanced across the table at Rose, who was already trying to catch his care. The cousins looked at each former for a few second gear, and then quickly returned to their homework. Nobody said anything for a few minutes, with the exception of Amy and lustrelessness, who were still arguing. However, they were doing so so quietly that Albus was ineffective to make out any of the words.

`` Blimey ! '' James had walked over to the mesa and standing behind blush wine. `` Who died ? ``

`` Huh ? '' Albus looked up from his work.

`` You 're so subdued ! '' James replied.

`` Oh, uh, '' Albus glanced at Amy and matt, `` They were arguing about something. ``

`` Ah, sibling love, it 's a wonderful thing, '' Epistle of James grinned, `` So, you ready to get your mind read by Aunt Hermione ? ``

Albus looked up at the clock, it was quarter to eight, `` Bloody hell, I forgot about that ! ``

`` upright thing I remembered, '' James said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus put his books into his bag and got up, `` I 'm gear up. ``

Rose got up as well, `` I 'm going too. I want to see Mum. ``

`` Ok, '' James turned around and started walking towards the entrance.

`` Good portion, '' John the Divine waved as Albus followed his brother. Amanda waved, but did n't count up from her work. Matt and Amy were too in use arguing to notice Albus and rose leave.

Albus, James, and rosiness left the common way to line up a desolate corridor. `` good, no one 's out here, '' Rose whispered.

`` Why ? '' James asked.

`` Wanted to talk to you two alone about our, er, inquiry, '' rosiness answered. `` Have either of you found anything ? ``

`` Nope, '' Albus told her, `` I 've been reading turn of McGonagall 's Bible before I go to bed every night. It 's the only time I can do it in arcanum. I just deplumate the wall hanging closed, and everyone thinks I 'm sleeping. ``

`` I 've been doing the Sami thing, '' pink wine revealed, `` But I have n't so much as read the word 'Hallows'. ``

`` Er, I have n't even found a Word to record yet, '' James confessed.

`` Well, find one soon ! '' rose wine scolded, `` We 've got to line up out what our parents are hiding from us ! ``

`` I know, I know, '' James said.

`` I 've read a couple so far, and brothel keeper Pince keeps eying me when I check them out, '' Rose told them, `` But I 've got a feeling we 're not going to find out anything in books. ``

`` Really ? '' James grinned, `` Are you doubting Holy Scripture ? ``

`` Shut it, James, '' rosiness warned, `` I 'm going to take up looking at the old Prophet articles they have in the library. ``

`` Sounds undecomposed, '' Albus said as they rounded the corner and walked towards the metamorphosis room.

When they walked in, Hermione was standing near a pit river basin that Albus recognized as the Pensive. Hermione was pulling opinion out of her head with her baton and placing them into the basin. Albus wondered if maybe those thoughts had to do with what his parents were keeping from him. If only he could see the memory board without Hermione knowing.

Hermione turned around when Albus shut the door behind them, `` Hi, boys ! '' she greeted.

`` Hi, '' James and Albus said back.

`` Oh, and Rose, you 're here too ! '' Hermione walked over to her daughter and gave her a hug.

`` Hi, Mum ! ``

`` How 's terminal figure going ? '' Hermione asked.

`` Oh, pretty undecomposed, '' rosiness answered, `` Loads of homework, but I 'm getting it done. I 'm afraid I lost a few points on the last Charms essay. I hope I did n't, though. ``

`` I 'm sure you did fine on it, '' Hermione reassured her. `` How about you two ? How are your division going ? ``

`` All rightfield, '' King James I replied, `` But I 'm afraid I lost more than just a few points on my end Charms essay. '' James laughed.

`` And I 'm not so sure you did fine on it, '' Hermione responded, `` And you, Albus ? ``

`` Oh, it 's going well, I suppose, '' Albus told his aunt, `` And I 'm afraid I completely failed the Charms essay. ``

`` Do n't interest, I 'm sure you at least scraped a passing level, '' Hermione said.

`` I dunno, Washburn hates me. ``

`` professor Washburn, and I do n't think that 's truthful, '' Hermione told him, `` But that 's not why we 're her tonight. Tonight, you will start up learning Occlumency. Rose, are you staying ? ``

`` Can I ? '' rosebush asked, `` I 've read a bit about Occlumency and it sounds very interesting. ``

`` Of course you can stay. I do n't think I will have you do any hardheaded work, but you 're welcome to learn the theory, '' Hermione informed her.

`` You mean, we 're going to induce reading to do ? '' Henry James asked disgustedly.

`` Of course, '' Hermione laughed, `` What did you ask ? ``

`` I dunno, Dad 's Occlumency lessons were all pragmatic, '' James reminded her.

`` I know, but I feel it 's considerably for you to learn the theory as well, '' Hermione informed them, `` Now, could you all sit down ? ``

Albus, James, and rosebush all sat at the board closest to the teacher 's desk.

`` Good, now I 've got some books for you, '' Hermione picked up two ledger and placed them in front of Albus and James, `` Rose, I did n't know you 'd be studying this as well, so I do n't accept a book for you. You can see on with your first cousin and if you decide to keep coming to our lessons then I 'll get you a Holy Scripture, too. ``

Albus looked at his book. It was entitled, Legilimency and Occlumency : The Art of Seeing Others'Thoughts and Protecting Your Own Mind.

`` Creative title, '' James whispered and they both laughed.

`` Open the volume to page five, please, '' Hermione told them, `` Now, as you are both aware, Legilimency is what is used to see into another person 's thoughts, or as some say, read their minds. When the magical spell, Legilimens, is used, a mortal can see into another 's thoughts. This can be done if the person getting the magical spell performed on is awake or asleep. When the person is awake, they feel an odd wizard in their head, kind of like a headache, but not exactly. They often also see their own computer memory. If the individual is asleep, then they often have unusual dream or aspiration about their storage. ``

`` Hey, Voldemort 's in this book ! '' Rose exclaimed. Albus posting that she was leafing through the world-class chapter.

`` Yes, he is, '' Hermione responded briskly, `` Lord Voldemort, although he was a atrocious, malign someone, was one of the most skilled Legilimens and Occlumens the Wizarding World has ever seen. He is a sodding lesson of why Legilimency and Occlumency are both very dangerous if used in the wrong way. Voldemort was able to tell exactly where his Death eater loyalties really lay, as well as hold open others from knowing his innermost intellection and closed book. ``

Hermione continued her lecturing for a half hour, giving a abbreviated overview of the first chapter. This chapter explained what Legilimency and Occlumency were and went over the basics needed to try Occlumency. James and Albus were expected to read the first chapter and reply a few questions before the adjacent class.

`` Now, for the next one-half time of day, I 'd like to start up the practical aspect of this lesson, '' Hermione stood up and picked up her scepter. `` Who wants to go first ? ``

James and Albus looked at each early. `` You 're honest-to-goodness, you go first, '' Albus told his brother.

`` All right hand, '' James stood up and pointed his wand at his aunt.

`` Remember, there 's no magic spell. You 've got to fill up your mind. Take a few minute to try to shed light on all thoughts from your head. ``

James lowered his wand and started to gaze directly at the rampart behind Hermione. After a few instant, a lacuna look appeared on his face.

`` Good, '' Hermione said, `` Ready ? ``

James looked back at her with a nervous look on his face, `` I suppose. ``

`` Legilimens ! '' Hermione shouted.

James looked horrified as he stared at his auntie. He dropped his wand and pressed his hand to his os frontale. Hermione continued to repoint her wand at him, but it was obvious that he was n't succeeding at closing his mind. He had sunk down to the storey, with his workforce on his caput. Hermione lowered her wand and walked over to him.

`` Are you all right ? '' she asked, extending her hand for James to grab.

`` fine, '' William James mumbled as he took Hermione 's hand and stood up again, `` It 's just, that 's exactly what it felt like when someone did that to me during detention. ``

`` That 's because that was what person did to you during detention, '' Hermione explained.

`` But I did n't hear anyone shouting 'Legilimens', '' James told her.

`` They were doing it non-verbally. We 'll get to that point in our lessons eventually, but for now I will do it verbally so you know what 's going on, '' Hermione said, `` Now, that was a pretty good attempt for the first-class honours degree time. You see now how arduous it is to close your mind. ``

`` Yeah, '' James agreed as he sat back down.

`` Your turn, Albus, '' Hermione announced.

Albus had momentarily forgotten that he, too, had to hold his auntie read his mind. He got up, his heart beating fast. He had never had Legilimency performed on him while he was awake, and he did not hump what to expect.

`` Try to authorize your creative thinker, '' Hermione told him as she walked a few feet away and turned around to wait.

Albus tried to make his thinker, but it was hard. His thoughts were consumed with whether mat was a werewolf or not. He was also constantly thinking about what 'Hallows'could possibly be. Not to cite the grounds why he was having these deterrent example in the first home. It was difficult not to think about somebody seeing his thoughts.

`` quick ? '' Hermione asked. Albus nodded with a nervous look on his face.

`` Legilimens ! '' she shouted.

The classroom seemed to disappear as Albus was thrown into his own retentivity. He was four class old and St. James had stolen the toy broom he had received on his birthday. James was flying it around while Albus chased him. The scene changed and he saw the time he dropped a precipitous tongue onto his fundament, but instead of slicing it open, the tongue just bounced off it. He had been four then, as well, and that was the beginning magic thing he did. The panorama changed yet again and Albus was seven and was playing with his cousins at the Burrow. Then he was at home, reading his Hogwarts letter. The conniption changed for a last time, he and rose wine were sitting in Rose 's sleeping accommodation at the tunnel, researching about wolfman. Albus 's kernel pulsation faster. He could n't let his aunt see that.

`` No ! '' Albus exclaimed, and the classroom reappeared in front line of him. He glanced around and was half surprised that he was still standing up, since Saint James the Apostle had collapsed during his attempt.

Hermione was looking at him and then she glanced at rose wine, then back to Albus. She had obviously seen a bit of the close memory. `` Well, you actually managed to stop me, although not by normal mean value of Occlumency. But that is very good for a number one try. What was that last computer storage ? ``

`` Nothing, nil, '' Albus replied quickly, averting his gaze from his aunt.

`` Very well, I think that is enough for tonight. Albus, Jesse James, hold back practicing. Try to close down your minds before you go to bed. I 'll see you all on Tues. estimable destiny with all your classes. And try to behave yourselves during magic spell, '' Hermione added.

`` We do ! '' James insisted, `` professor Washburn just does n't care us. ``

`` Be that as it may, you do demand to pass his course of study, '' Hermione reminded them, `` respectable night. ``

`` night, '' Albus, Epistle of James, and pink wine said as they left the classroom.

`` So, what was that retentivity that you did n't desire my mum to see ? '' rose asked curiously once they were out of hearing of the classroom.

`` Later, '' Albus whispered, glancing at James.

`` Blimey, that 's some foreign stuff, Legilimency and Occlumency, '' James River announced after a few minute of silence, `` But you seem near at it, Albus. ``

`` Maybe, '' Albus responded.

`` meliorate than me. I could n't do anything during it. Just variety of forgot everything except the memories I was seeing. Could n't reckon of anything to do about it, '' Saint James the Apostle explained.

`` You 've just got to practice it, '' Albus told him, `` Plus, this was just the first gear sentence. And anyway, I 've got to recall of something better to do than just shouting out random matter. masses will recall I 'm a nutter if I 'm just shouting out 'no'all the time. ``

James laughed, `` Well, I already know you 're a whacko. ``

`` Oh, shut it, King James I, '' Albus laughed and punched St. James in the arm. James punched him back and they continued that until they reached the Fat Lady. Rose followed behind and muttered something that sounded like 'boys'.

When they arrived back at the common room, James immediately went to his student residence so he could order his supporter about the lesson.

`` So, what was the memory ? '' Rose whispered to Albus.

`` When we were researching about loup-garou, '' Albus told her, `` I did n't want Aunt Hermione to know about that. ``

`` Why not ? '' rosiness asked.

`` I dunno, really. I mean, it 's not like she had a trouble with shimmy 's dad. I guess she just came awfully close up to seeing our other research, '' Albus explained.

`` Good point, '' rosebush agreed, `` But you know, you 've got to practice this. What if she does find out about that ? She 'll severalise Uncle Harry. ``

`` I know, I know, I 'll recitation, '' Albus assured her.

`` Good, '' Rose seemed gratify, `` Now, we 'd break get to bed. Good Night. ``

`` night, '' Albus said as he walked to the threshold to the dormitory. As he lay in bed trying to get to sleep, listening to Bilius 's snoring, he tried to conclude his nous. 'Think about zip ,'he kept repeating in his mind. But it did n't work on, because Albus yet again had the same nightmare.

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A/N : Hope everyone liked it ! I am a bit mortified to include that I have been typing my own babe 's username damage in the retiring few author 's promissory note I 've done for this fic. Her name is Dancer Of Starlight. I must be mixing it up with another site. So thanks, Dancer Of Starlight for reading this and helping me with it ! Thanks also to my early sister and my brother. Thanks as well to inkheart, for the inspection, you 're awesome ! Please read and review, everyone !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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During the next two hebdomad, stress ran high between the Gryffindors and Slytherins. As the at hand Quidditch match grew nearer, there were Sir Thomas More and more duels in the corridors. These usually resulted in various players having to go to the Hospital fender. Luckily, no one had been severely injured yet. However, both Houses were starting to be very protective of their players. Samantha Meyers forbade anyone on the Gryffindor team from wandering the corridors alone. She was also getting More and more vivid with her recitation schedules. Samantha had started scheduling a praxis for every night of the week. Every eve, the Gryffindor squad came trooping back into the park room well after dark, looking tired and worn out. Slytherin was also practicing each day, but they got an sooner time in the evening.

Nightly Quidditch recitation did not foreshadow well for James 's Occlumency deterrent example. He had asked Hermione if he could skip the lessons until after the match, but she would not allow it. James II grudgingly skipped his Quidditch practice, much to Samantha 's dismay. She was not happy about William James missing practice session. Hermione actually sent her a varsity letter, which got her to stop torment Saint James about practice.

Albus thought he was making a bit of progress with his Occlumency. He had been reading the book and doing the homework, although he did not enjoy it. Occlumency was like having another form to take, so he wound up with more homework than the eternal sleep of his classmates. Albus had not yet succeeded in preventing Hermione from entering his mind, but he usually managed to force her out after a little while. He was relieved that he had so far prevented her from discovering his Hallows enquiry. Despite this, he was still having strange nightmare a couple of Nox a hebdomad. Epistle of James was not making nearly as a good deal progress as Albus. He had yet to stop Hermione 's Legilimency at all, and was still collapsing on the floor occasionally. Jesse James was getting increasingly fed up with Occlumency and did not bask the lessons at all.

As the Quidditch match, and the good synodic month, grew closer, Albus started to observe Matt for polarity of illness. The day before the peer, Matt almost slept through breakfast. John had to wake him up before he left for the Great mansion. Albus watched him throughout dad and noticed that he was much More wear out than common. He kept his question on the desk the integral class and did n't involve any bank note. Harry did not say anything about this, which Albus view was strange because whenever anyone else fell asleep in other family, the instructor woke them up. Albus could n't recollect a clock time when someone fell asleep in dadaism, though, because usually that division was exciting.

`` Are you ok ? '' Albus asked Matt as they were walking to Charms.

`` amercement, '' Matt responded. He was walking a bit slower than usual, `` Just tired. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus said warily, `` But if you want to go to the Hospital flank during Charms, I 'll volunteer to shoot you. ``

`` I will too, '' privy agreed, `` Anything to get out of that stratum. ``

The boys immediately stopped talking once they entered the appeal classroom and went to their common back board. Once he sat down, matte put his head down on top of his Book. Washburn stormed into the room a few seconds later and started taking attendance.

`` I 'm lecturing today, take out your billet, '' he barked at the class. Everyone silently found quills and parchment as Washburn pointed his verge at the board. notation appeared on it and Albus started copying them down. Washburn started talking and droned on for about half the full point without stopping, even when bookman raised their hands to ask interrogative. Albus did not glance up to take care at him at all. Once he finished copying his government note, he looked over at Matt and noticed that he had fallen asleep. Unfortunately, Washburn had noticed, too.

`` Eckerton ! '' Washburn shouted while he walked towards the back table, `` This is not nap time ! ``

`` I do n't think he 's feeling well, sir, '' John said tentatively.

`` I did n't ask how he 's feeling ! '' Washburn growled at John. `` Now fire up up and pay attention ! '' he shouted again.

Matt slowly picked up his head and stared at Washburn, `` Huh ? ``

`` I said this is not nap clock time ! '' Washburn screamed.

`` Oh, sorry, '' Matt mumbled. He stared down at his book and rested his point on his hand.

Washburn grumbled something incoherent and got back to his lecture. Matt kept his head up the balance of the class, but did n't take any Federal Reserve note. Although he did go to astronomy after tiffin, Matt did not seem to pay often attention in that family either. After grade was over, he went up to the dormitory and slept straight through dinner.

`` What other explanation could there be ? '' Rose wondered aloud in the common room that night. She, Albus, can, and Amanda were sitting around a table after dinner. The pre-Quidditch match fervour kept the chaos and noise in the common room up, so no one was paying practically attention to what they were talking about.

`` I do n't think there is another one, '' Albus told her, `` He 's got to be a werewolf. He gets sick every full moonlight and leaves overnight. When he comes back he 's still pale and he 's got wound. ``

`` I 'm sure he is one, '' John agreed, `` Just hope he tells us soon, or I 'm just going to accept to tell him I know. It 's gon na be heavy to hide that we know. ``

`` recall how knockout it is for matt ? Hiding that from everyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` True. ``

`` So, who thinks we 'll win the match tomorrow ? '' Albus asked, changing the subject.

`` I do ! '' can shouted, `` With your first cousin 's new Scots heather, we 'll be invincible. ``

`` Definitely, '' Amanda agreed, `` I ca n't hold back to see it in activeness. ``

`` You 've really gotten into Quidditch, have n't you ? '' Rose giggled.

`` Sure have, it 's so much bettor than football, '' Amanda told her.

******

The match was to be held in the betimes afternoon, which was a bit later than the previous Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff match. Albus and his protagonist spent the earlier piece of the day playing Wizard 's chess game and Exploding Snap in the common room. Matt seemed too tired to roleplay anything, so he laid on one of the lounge and watched the game. Albus noticed the Gryffindor squad huddled in one corner of the way, reviewing last minute tactics. James looked a bit spooky, which was apprehensible considering the utmost match landed him in the infirmary Wing.

The sunup dragged by, but eventually, everyone started to make their way down to the pitch after lunch.

`` Should be a dear game, '' Albus said to privy as they were walking towards the pitch.

`` Definitely. I 've been looking forward to a Gryffindor vs. Slytherin game. I 've heard they 're the best one, '' lavatory told him.

`` That 's what I 've heard, too. Dad says they were usually the most energise unity in his days here, '' Albus informed John.

`` shape could n't be big, though, '' John lamented. He was right. The atmospheric condition was not cooperating for a game of Quidditch. Although the visibility seemed to be a bit better than Gryffindor 's last lucifer, the Snow was falling at a steady rate and it was bitterly cold.

`` Hopefully it wo n't live as long as conclusion time, '' Rose pulled her cloak tighter, `` I 'm freezing. ``

`` Me, too, '' lusterlessness agreed. He was already shivering, and was a few yard behind everyone else.

Albus and the repose of the group slowed down to take into account Matt to take hold of up with them. `` well, I just hope James does n't get injured again, '' Albus said.

`` Hope not, '' Amanda agreed.

The five initiative years made their way through the gang and found their way to a few seats on Gryffindor 's English of the rack. As they were walking slowly to match Matt 's yard, they were some of the last masses in the standstill. They found their seats just before the commentary started.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match ! '' Todd David Roland Smith shouted over the crowd, `` This is a highly anticipate match that should rise to be as exciting as always. The weather 's brutal, but that should n't intercept a well trained team.

`` And here come the teams ! low onto the pitch is the Gryffindor team. maitre d' Samantha Meyers, followed by Sakartvelo Weasley, Fred Weasley, broom Weasley, Bradley Weasley, Ryan O'Malley, and James I ceramist ! ''

The team flew around the pitch once and then landed next to each other on the ground.

`` Here are the Slytherins. Captain Talan Flint, followed by lancet Goyle, Glenda Jackson Naiser, Ferris Fielding, Peyton Haines, Hailey Odele, and Glenna Dabney. ``

The Slytherins flew once around the sales pitch and landed in front man of the Gryffindors. The reviewer, Alan Oteski, had the captains shake hands, and the teams were off.

`` Professor Oteski releases the Quaffle, Bludgers, and stoolie, and the players are up ! Quaffle goes to Fielding and he 's flying towards the Gryffindor goal posts. Oh, nice Bludger work by O'Malley ! Quaffle goes to Meyers, she flies down the pitch, passing to the two Weasley chasers. And heather mixture Weasley scores the first goal ! ``

The Gryffindor team scored three end within the beginning five minutes. Slytherin had not managed to get any goal past Georgia.

`` Of course, the shake up constituent of this game is Peach State Weasley 's new broom. It 's a Firebolt 3000. The fastest broom yet ! It seems to be proving itself in this game. What with Georgia 's incredible skill, and that ling, I 'd be surprised if Slytherin scores any goal at all ! '' Todd shouted excitedly.

`` She 's amazing ! '' John Lackland exclaimed, `` I want one of those brooms ! ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` I flew it over holiday. It was amazing. ``

`` Wow ! Think she 'd let me ride it ? '' John asked.

`` Maybe. If you come to my place over the summer, I 'll ask her, '' Albus told him.

`` Awesome ! '' John grinned.

`` Another goal scored for Gryffindor ! Making the grade 40-0 in party favour of Gryffindor ! Fred Wealsey has the Quaffle, he 's storming up the pitch, headed to the Slytherin goal posts. Ouch ! Hit in the back with a Bludger sent from Naiser. Odele has the Quaffle now and is headed towards Peach State Weasley. She passes to Fielding, who attempts to grade a finish. And saved ! Wow, I did n't mean a broom could move that fast, '' Todd was jumping up and down at the commentator 's podium now.

`` Flint does not look happy, '' Albus commented.

`` No, he does n't. Looks like he 's gear up to hex someone, '' John agreed.

`` Would n't put it past him, '' rose chimed in, `` These matches are known to get ugly. ``

The game continued for a while, with Gryffindor scoring a few more goals. Slytherin did manage to get one goal after Flint sent a Bludger at Georgia rightfulness when Odele was attempting to score.

`` Think this friction match will last much longer ? '' mat asked.

`` Dunno. Does n't look like James or Dabney have seen the sneaker yet, '' Albus peered out at the subject area. `` They 're just hovering above everyone else. Looks like they 're trying to rest out of it. I can see why. The Bludger study is getting nasty. ''

And it was. All the Gryffindor chasers were sporting some form of wound. GA had a olfactory organ bleed, but seemed to be ignoring it. Odele and Haines both had taken Bludgers to arm and it seemed to have affected their power to catch the Quaffle.

Albus looked over at Matt. He was sitting down, shivering, with his head resting on his hand. `` You ok ? ``

`` I guess. I just hope the match is done soon, '' matt winced.

`` neediness to go back inside ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, I 'll be fine, '' Matt insisted.

`` Another goal for Gryffindor ! Making the match 110-10 Gryffindor ! '' Todd bellowed, `` And the mates is getting ugly. Ouch ! Fred Weasley takes a Bludger to the head, causing him to drop the Quaffle. But it 's caught by Meyers ! She passes to ling, who scores another goal !

`` flint appears to have abandoned the Bludgers and is soaring up towards potter and Dabney. What 's he up to ? Meanwhile, Bradley Weasley hits a well aimed Bludger towards fielding, who drops the Quaffle. spine to Flint River. It appears that he is getting into an argumentation with Dabney. I wonder what they 're saying ? Hope it 's important. Looks like his negligence of beater duties has caused his uninjured Chaser to get hit. ``

Flint turned his head around and flew straight towards Empire State of the South. Odele was flying towards the goal posts with the Quaffle. `` What 's he doing now ? He 's grabbed hold of Georgia 's Scots heather ! Foul ! Flint has grabbed Georgia 's broom and appears to be preventing her from keeping ! Foul ! '' Todd screamed angrily. Odele took advantage of the situation and scored a goal.

Oteski blew his whistle, `` Penalty shot for Gryffindor ! Unnecessary grabbing of opposing keeper 's broom handle. Honestly, you should know better ! Such an obvious foul ! And that goal does not count ! ``

`` Gryffindor maitre d'hotel, Meyers, easily scores the penalty stab, bringing the mark up to 130-10 Gryffindor, '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd announced, `` Slytherin pursuer, Fielding, manages to get the Quaffle and is flying towards the Gryffindor goal military post. Omar Bradley Weasley sends a Bludger towards him and, ouch ! He 's knocked off his broom. Lucky for him, he was low to the ground. But looks like he 's out for the relaxation of the plot, probably broke his arm or something. ``

`` This is get ! '' St. John exclaimed, `` I 've never seen Quidditch like this. I wonder if Slytherin 's ever lost by this much before. ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus responded, `` But I do n't think their Seeker 's very good. All she 's doing is following James around. And Flint was yelling at her for something. ``

`` Probably telling her just to catch the Snitch so they can end the misery, '' John laughed.

`` James better catch the Snitch soon, '' Matt groaned, `` I do n't suppose I can take much more than of this. '' He was huddled on his bottom, holding his belly in pain.

`` Sure you do n't desire to go in ? '' Albus asked.

`` I dunno, '' Matt moaned, `` Maybe. ``

`` Looks like potter 's seen the Snitch ! '' Todd shouted. James I had started speeding towards the Gryffindor goal posts, with Dabney following closely behind. `` The Slytherin beaters seem to be trying to hit Potter with the Bludgers. But, hang on, the Gryffindor chasers and beaters seem to have surrounded thrower, protecting him from Naiser and Flint. Blimey ! I 've never seen anything like it ! And it worked ! Potter caught the canary ! ``

The crowd erupted into applause, Gryffindors storming the ground, lifting James up into the air. They started walking back to the castle. The Slytherin squad was looking murderous and Flint was screaming at Dabney.

`` Let 's go, '' Rose said, looking at Matt.

`` Oh, good, '' flatness moaned as he slowly stood up.

`` You want to go to the Hospital extension ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, I do n't call back so, '' Matt said, leaning on trick for support.

The five friends slowly made their way up to the castle. By the meter they got there, everyone else had already made it back. It took them a while to wax the stairs to Gryffindor column, but eventually, they made it.

When they entered the coarse way, a party was already in full swing music. Matt made a beeline for the dorm and did n't reckon back.

`` Albus ! '' James came running up to him, butterbeer in bridge player, `` We did it ! cadence Slytherin ! They are silly. And here I was, thinking they actually had a good team. No way they 're in the running for the Cup now. Blimey, losing 10 to 300 ... ''

`` You did dandy ! '' Albus grinned at him, `` Dad would be very lofty. ``

`` Proud of what ? '' a voice came from behind them.

Albus turned around, `` Dad ? ! ``

`` What are you doing here ? '' Epistle of James asked.

`` Came for the party. Blimey, things have n't changed a bit. The company after we beat Slytherin were always practiced. Anyway, congratulations, James II ! ``

`` Thanks ! ``

`` We 're not being too brassy, are we, prof ceramist ? '' Samantha Meyers had come over to see what was going on.

`` No, 'course not ! '' Harry grinned, `` Ca n't look you to be quiet after that win. Just restrained down by midnight. ``

`` Sure, no problem ! It was amazing, was n't it ? '' Samantha said excitedly.

`` Oh, it was brilliant, '' Harry agreed. Harry and Samantha quickly settled down to rehashing every bit of the lucifer, and were soon joined by Georgia.

`` Never grow out of Quidditch, right ? '' Saint James the Apostle laughed.

`` rightfield, '' Albus agreed, `` Honestly, I thought it 'd be a bit strange having him as our teacher, but it has n't been weird at all. ``

`` Yeah, it 's been pretty orderly. ``

******

The party in the Gryffindor common way lasted well into the evening. Most of the Gryffindors did not even go down for dinner party. Albus 's cousins had managed to bring a trade good bit of food up to the common room, so there was really no need to go to the Great Hall. Harry left shortly before dinner party, though, so he could join the rest of the staff for the meal.

`` Honestly, I 'll never get any work done with this dissonance, '' Rose sighed. She, Albus, John, and Amanda were sitting around one of the table in the common room eating sweets. Rose was the but one trying to get any piece of work done.

`` Why bother ? You 've still got tomorrow, '' St. John commented, `` Hey, I got your dad, Albus. '' John held up a Chocolate salientian card.

`` I do n't see why everybody 's got to company so late into the eventide, '' rosiness said, `` It was n't that spectacular a win. Slytherin was horrific. ``

`` That 's the point, '' John told her, `` Slytherin 's usually got a pretty unspoilt team. It 's the principle of the matter. Gryffindor and Slytherin are huge competitor, and when we beat them, it 's a reason to celebrate. Even if they 're folderol. ``

`` Whatever, '' pink wine put her fingers in her ears and continued to read.

`` And their new quester 's horrible, '' Albus said, `` I bet she could n't see the stool pigeon if it was right in strawman of her expression. ``

`` Yeah, she 's no match for James, '' John agreed, `` I 've heard from some of the older scholar that he 's as good as Ted Lupin was. ``

`` Well, he should be, '' Albus laughed, `` Teddy 's been training him ever since James could get on a broom. I think they started when James was about five. ``

`` But he 's got it in his line, too, '' Amanda chimed in, `` I mean, Albus, your dad was the best Seeker Gryffindor 's ever seen. And your Uncle Charlie was a neat seeker, too. Plus, your mum played for the Holyhead Harpy. ``

`` Yup, '' Albus grinned, `` Quidditch is a richly priority in my family line. ``

`` shot rosiness just did n't get any of those Quidditch genes, '' King John poked rose wine and she jumped.

`` Shut it, John, '' blush wine told him, `` Where 's flatness ? ``

`` Still sleeping, '' Albus said, glancing at the door to the dormitories, `` Been there ever since the end of the match. ``

`` Well, why do n't you go check on him ? '' rosebush suggested.

`` All right, '' Albus got up from his president and walked to the dorm room. When he got there, he saw that Matt was sound asleep in his bed.

`` Matt ! '' Albus whispered, `` Hey, Matt ! Get up ! '' Albus lifted Matt 's arm up and it fell limply back onto the mattress when he let go. `` awake up ! '' Albus shouted a little louder.

`` Huh ? Wha'? '' Matt groggily lifted his question and grimaced.

`` You all right ? '' Albus asked with a look of concern on his face.

`` Ugh, '' mat groaned and sat up. `` What time is it ? ``

`` Almost six, '' Albus told him.

`` Ohh, '' mat slowly got up off the bed and swayed, `` I 've got to go to the Hospital wing. ``

`` Well, I 'll take you, '' Albus grabbed matte 's arm so he would n't fall.

`` No, I 'll be fine, '' Matt said.

`` No, I 'm taking you, '' Albus insisted. flatness did not protest any further and leaned on Albus for support. They made their way down into the mutual room, where the company was still in full swing. Albus led matt straight out of portraiture hole and into the corridor towards the Hospital Wing.

`` C'mon, we 're almost there, '' Albus said as they walked down a flight of stairs.

`` I think I 'm going to be pallid, '' flatness groaned and clutched his stomach.

`` It 's ok, we 'll be there soon, '' Albus winced under matt 's weight. Matt was leaning on Albus to a greater extent and to a greater extent by the hour, `` Madam Pomfrey will fix it. ``

`` No she wo n't. She ca n't, '' lusterlessness 's voice wavered as he talked.

`` Here we are, '' Albus opened the door to the Hospital annex and led mat inside. brothel keeper Pomfrey was waiting and rushed over to Albus and Matt.

`` It 's ok, dear, come on, '' she pulled matt away from Albus and let him lean on her, `` I 'll take it from here, Albus. You 'd outdo go back to your common way. ``

Albus turned to leave, but not before seeing Madam Pomfrey soothing matte, who had started to cry. Albus shut the door, wishing he could do something to aid. lusterlessness seemed to be doing worse this month than he had the past months. He had n't seemed any different during the past tense few sidereal day, but maybe he was just goodness at hiding his emotions. Albus had forgotten to center on figuring out what matte was feeling in the mean solar day leading up to the good moon due to being preoccupied with homework and Occlumency lesson. Why did this month seem high-risk ? What was going on ?

Albus pondered these sentiment as he walked slowly back to the uncouth room. How could he convince Matt that it would be dependable to tell Albus his secret ? Would he ever tell ? And more importantly, was there anything anyone could do to help ?

`` Something troubling you, Potty ? '' a dusty articulation said. Albus looked up and saw Quinton Willinson, flanked by two other Slytherns, standing at the top of the stairs that Albus was climbing. `` fantasy a stroll by yourself ? ``

`` Go away, Willinson, '' Albus growled as he reached the top of the stairs.

`` It 's a free palace. Not curfew yet. I 'm free to cheat the corridors just as you are, toilet, '' Willinson sneered at Albus.

`` Just provide me alone, '' Albus tried to walk past him, but the former two Slytherins blocked his path.

`` No, do n't guess I will. I still have n't forgotten that Exploding Eclair, '' Willinson said, drawing his verge and pointing it at Albus, `` I know it was you. ``

`` How ? '' Albus asked nervously as he drew his own wand and pointed it at Willinson.

`` I just do, '' Willinson snapped his digit and his sidekick pulled out their wand and pointed them at Albus, `` And now you 'll pay. ``

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted, and Willinson 's scepter flew out of his hand and landed on the floor. A split instant later, two jets of light came from the other two Slytherins 's wands and hit Albus in the chest. Before he knew what was happening, he stumbled backwards and fell down the stairs. He blacked out halfway down, and the live on thing he saw was Willinson and his two admirer running in the paired direction.

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A/N : Sorry for the cliffie ! fountainhead, not really, I do like putting them in. Originally, this chapter did not have a cliffie, but it was quite short so I stuck about half the next chapter at the end of this one. So now it 's a bit foresightful than usual.

Thanks as usual to my babe and now prescribed beta, Dancer Of Starlight. Thanks as well to my pal and my early baby. Please read and retrospect !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist

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`` You have no idea who did it, then ? '' Albus heard his dad ask.

`` No, when Neville found him, there was no signboard that anybody else had been there, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey whispered.

`` well, when I find out who did it, there 'll be trouble, '' Albus heard a knock and he figured his dad had just slammed his fist onto something hard.

`` Harry, please be a bit quieter. I 'm sure whoever it is will be punished. ''

`` I 'll be trusted of that. ``

Albus opened his centre and looked around. He was in the hospital offstage. Judging by the iniquity outside, it must have been the midsection of the Nox. He had no idea how many minute had passed, but he guessed it must have got been quite a few. Albus tried to sit up, but was immediately hit by a searing pain in his head and had to lay back down.

Harry rushed over upon seeing that he was awake, `` Albus ! What on earth happened ? ``

`` How 'd I get here ? '' Albus groaned.

Harry bent over and hugged Albus tight. `` Ouch ! '' Albus winced.

`` Really, Harry, I 've only just healed those off-white ! '' lady Pomfrey pulled Harry away.

`` Neville found you a brace time of day ago. You were laying unconscious at the hindquarters of one of the stairway. It was obvious you 'd light down, but it looked like someone had stunned you as well. You 've got a cracked skull, a few disordered costa, and a better arm. '' Harry answered, once he sat down in the chairman next to the bed. `` But who did it ? ``

`` Quinton Willinson, and two other Slytherins I do n't know, '' Albus told him.

`` What year are they in ? ''

`` Willinson 's a seventh yr, I dunno about the others, '' Albus answered.

Harry slammed his hand onto the bedside tabular array and stood up, `` Seventh year ? ! Bloody hell ! What in the figure of merlin 's saggy left- ''

`` Harry, calm down ! '' Madam Pomfrey rushed over to pick up the H2O jug that had fallen off the table.

`` Sorry, '' Harry resumed his seat, `` But honestly, what seventh year mob up on a first year ? ``

`` Victoire and Amy Eckerton warned me. They said he picks a first year every year to torture. And they told me not to go anywhere alone, because he never picks a battle unless you 're alone. Apparently he 's not a very in force dueler. But I totally forgot about that when I took Matt here, '' Albus looked around at the empty bottom around him, `` By the way, where is he ? ``

`` Nothing to worry about now, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey said shortly.

`` Well, Willinson will be getting hold, and loads of it. And those two former Slytherins as well. I 'll be talking to Slughorn, '' Harry muttered.

`` Oh, Dad, I disarmed Willinson ! '' Albus said excitedly, `` I 'd forgotten about that. Right after I disarmed him, the former two stunned me and I fell down the stairs. ``

Harry grinned, `` Brilliant. You 're great at disarming. And if the early two were n't there, you 'd have been fine. But, it 's hard to disarm three wizards at once. ``

`` It 's getting late, I think you 'd amend turn over Albus a chance to sleep, Harry, '' Madam Pomfrey came over holding a chalice of potion.

`` All right, '' Harry stood up and gave Albus a pacify hug, `` I 'll be back in the morning. G'night, Al, I love you. ``

`` love life you, too, '' Albus awkwardly hugged his dad back, `` Good Nox. ``

`` I 've got a potion to facilitate you slumber, '' dame Pomfrey handed him the potion, `` Drink up. ``

Albus took the goblet and downed it in one gulp.

`` Knew it was only a topic of sentence before you showed up here, '' Madam Pomfrey muttered, `` Potters seem to be ineffectual to prevent themselves out of this place ... ''

*****

`` What happened, Poppy ? '' Albus heard soul ask.

`` Bad transformation, really bad, '' Madam Pomfrey replied grimly.

`` What can you do ? '' the voice asked, Albus recognized it now as Neville.

`` I 'm really not certainly, '' ma'am Pomfrey sighed, `` I 'll administer the common potions and heal the off-white, but early than that ... I 've got to adjoin St. Mungo 's. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' Neville announced, `` Is Albus ok ? ``

`` He 'll be hunky-dory, '' lady Pomfrey assured him, `` I 'll keep him here until tomorrow sunrise. ``

Albus heard Neville leave and gentlewoman Pomfrey tug the curtains shut around one of the beds. She moved quickly around the room whispering to herself and loudly grabbing bottle off of ledge. Albus opened his heart briefly and saw that the bed at the end of the row had the curtains shut. That 's where matt was. And Albus had been right. He was a werewolf. Any doubt that Albus had was gone. He felt brainsick with dread at the thought of mat going through that transmutation every calendar month. Stuck with a curse that prevented him from living a normal sprightliness. Albus knew what liveliness was like for a lycanthrope. He heard about Teddy 's dad 's life story. After Hogwarts, what would Matt do ? Would he be able to get a job ?

`` Are you awake ? '' dame Pomfrey came bustling over with a breakfast tray, `` Good, eat up. ``

`` Is Matt going to be ok ? '' Albus asked nervously.

`` Never you mind, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey answered as she walked back to matte 's bed and disappeared behind the pall. She spent much of the side by side hour bustling back and forth between mat 's bed and her study, where Albus could see her consulting books and mixing potions. Albus watched her and noticed she looked much more care than usual. What was going on ?

Neville returned about an hour later, followed by a tall, balding man in unslaked lime green robes. Albus recognized them as Healer robe. Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the pall when she heard the door open and walked quickly over to the two men.

`` I 'd better go find Amy, Poppy, '' Neville announced.

`` Yes, I suppose you should, '' lady Pomfrey answered, `` poor people honey will be worried sick when she sees him. ``

`` I know, '' Neville sighed and left the room.

Madam Pomfrey turned to the former man, `` Oh, dependable, they 've sent you, Healer Sterling, '' she welcomed the Healer with a sigh of embossment, `` I was afraid they 'd send one of the trainee healer. ``

`` No, no, I insisted on coming, '' therapist Sterling assured her, `` I 'm the one in charge of the study- ''

ma'am Pomfrey cut him off and gestured to Albus 's bed, `` Shush ! We 'll discourse it shortly. Albus, why do n't you finish your breakfast ? ``

`` I 'm not athirst, '' Albus mumbled.

lady Pomfrey 's face softened, `` Albus, flatness will be ok. You must n't occupy. ``

`` But what 's going on ? '' Albus asked, `` I 've already figured it out. I know he 's a loup-garou. ``

`` Be that as it may, I can not inform you about the situation, '' ma'am Pomfrey said as she and Healer Sterling walked towards Matt 's bed, `` Now, it 's best for you to get some rest. ''

Madam Pomfrey drew her wand, muttered a spell, and she and the two men disappeared behind the curtains. Albus knew she had casted the Muffliato appeal on him. He had witnessed his parents using that while before. He sighed and picked at his eggs, but he really could n't eat anything. He knew that lady Pomfrey really was not sure whether flatness would be ok. Albus sat pondering about what could be amiss, when a loud bang jolted him out of his thoughts.

Albus turned around in his bed and noticed that the banging was coming from the door. lady Pomfrey ran out from behind the pall and headed towards the door. `` Who 's there ? '' she shouted.

`` Rose Weasley, '' Albus heard his first cousin 's vocalisation, `` Why are the threshold locked ? Ca n't we come in and see Albus ? ``

`` I 'd rather you did n't. I 've got another bookman in here who needs tranquility, '' lady Pomfrey said through the unopen door.

`` Is it lustrelessness ? '' rose asked, `` Because he 's still not back yet. ``

brothel keeper Pomfrey sighed, `` Yes. ``

`` We 'll be quiet, '' Rose answered, `` I promise. ``

`` Oh, all right, '' Madam Pomfrey opened the threshold, `` But only for a niggling spell. ``

rosebush walked through the room access, followed by John, Amanda, and James. `` Oh, Albus, are you all right ? '' she whispered as they neared Albus 's bed.

`` I 'll be fine, '' Albus told them.

`` What on worldly concern happened ? Never saw you after you took Matt here hold up night, '' trick asked. He, James, Amanda, and rose sat down on the bed next to Albus's.

`` Met up with Willinson, '' Albus groaned, `` Him and two other Slytherins. ``

`` He 's fuss, I tell ya, '' St. James the Apostle shook his pass, `` labor me mad until Victoire talked to him last year. ``

`` Yeah, well, he does n't look to be listening to Victoire this year, does he ? '' Albus responded, `` Anyway, I disarmed him, but his two Friend stunned me at the same time and I fell down the step. Got knocked out halfway down and woke up here. ``

`` Whoa, are you ok ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I 'm fine. Got a few infract bones, but they 're healed now. My head still hurts, though, '' Albus rubbed his forehead.

`` We were so disturbed when you were still gone this morning, '' rosiness told him, `` Went straight person to Uncle Harry 's study and he told us you were here. By the way, he said he 'd be visiting later this forenoon. ``

`` Dad was here last night, too, '' Albus said, `` He 's really angry about it. He 's going to render Willinson loads of detention. ``

john grinned, `` Excellent. He 'll finally be getting what he deserves. ``

`` Well, I 've got to get going. Quidditch practice, '' James I announced as he got up from the bed.

`` But you just had a match yesterday, '' blush wine shook her head.

`` Department of Energy n't weigh. Sunday 's one of our usual practice day, '' James I reminded her. `` gladiolus you 're intimately, Albus. '' James waved and left the elbow room. As he left, Neville, Victoire, and Amy came rushing through. Amy ran straight to lusterlessness 's bed with tears in her eyes and Neville following quickly behind. Victoire stared at her questioningly, but turned to Albus 's bed.

`` I told you not to go anywhere alone ! '' she sighed.

`` I know ! '' Albus replied, `` Sorry. I was just taking matt here. He was pretty sick last nighttime, and it did n't hap to me that I 'd be walking back to the usual room alone. ``

`` Oh, I understand that, '' Victoire answered, `` But just be measured from now on. ``

`` I will, '' Albus assured her. Sometimes, it felt like his older cousins were just extra parents.

`` well, Uncle Harry 's furious, so I do n't think you 'll have to worry much anymore, '' Victoire told him, `` I heard him talking to Slughorn earlier. Apparently, Harry and Professor Longbottom are going to aim tour overseeing his custody and let 's just say he 's not going to cause much free time in the sexual climax hebdomad. ``

`` Good, '' Albus responded.

`` I 'd better be off, '' Victoire said, `` I 'm due to tutor Mark in Transfiguration in a few minutes. I was just with Amy, she started getting hysterical when Neville came and found her in the vernacular way. But she would n't tell me what 's going on. I do n't suppose you hump ? ``

`` Nope, '' Albus said.

`` Well, I 'll see you later, '' Victoire started to point towards the door, `` Whatever it is, I hope lusterlessness 's ok. ''

`` Ok, now that she 's gone, I 've got to differentiate you about lusterlessness, '' Albus whispered, `` ejaculate closer, I do n't want Madam Pomfrey to get word. ``

Rose, John, and Amanda climbed onto Albus 's bed. `` What about him ? '' can asked.

`` He 's a werewolf, '' Albus muttered.

`` What ? '' John exclaimed a bit too loudly, `` How do you know for sure ? ``

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered, `` He was n't here last night when I woke up. And this dawning, Professor Longbottom and Madam Pomfrey brought him here, but he was unconscious mind. ``

`` I knew it, '' Rose whispered.

`` Anyway, dame Pomfrey said he 'd had a really bad transmutation, '' Albus told them, `` He 's still unconscious. And there 's a therapist from St. Mungo 's here. They 're all behind the curtain on Matt 's bed. They wo n't tell me anything. They casted Muffliato, so I ca n't get a line anything. ``

`` Figures, '' rosiness groaned, `` Adults never let us know anything. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But what are we going to do about lustrelessness ? ``

`` Well, we 've got to figure out how to tell him we know, '' John answered.

`` I do n't do it about that, '' Albus responded, `` There 's a understanding he 's not apprisal us. I think we should let him tell us. ``

`` How do we hide that we know, Albus ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

`` We just do, '' Albus said adamantly, `` Anyway, it 's got to be surd for lustrelessness to keep this hidden than us hiding the fact that we know. He 's got to tell us sooner or later. ``

`` I think Albus is right, John, '' Rose agreed, `` He 'll tell us soon. This has got to be something he tells us. He has to be ready. ``

`` fine, '' John sighed. The four friends sat in quiet for a minute, succumbing to their own thoughts about matt 's lycanthropy.

dame Pomfrey and therapist Sterling came rushing out behind the curtains, and once they did, the Muffliato charm broke.

`` I think I can care for him here, Poppy, '' Sterling said to ma'am Pomfrey, `` I do n't think there 's any indigence to move him to St. Mungo 's, unless he gets risky. ``

`` Oh, good, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey sighed with relief, `` That must think it 's not as bad as I thought. ``

`` No, it 's not quite that bad. It will take a spell to handle, but he will recover perfectly fine, '' Sterling assured her, `` Right now I 've got to postulate these Federal Reserve note back to St. Mungo 's and consult with some other therapist. I 'll also meet his parents. I should be back sometime in the afternoon. Just stay fresh administering the potions every time of day until then. ``

`` I 'll see you later, then, '' Madam Pomfrey bade him goodbye as he left the room.

`` I think it 's time for you three to leave alone, '' she announced, `` Mr. Potter needs his balance and he 's got to take a few More potions. ``

`` See you, Albus, '' John got up and started towards the door.

`` Bye, '' Amanda followed behind John.

`` Glad you 're ok, '' Rose got up, `` When do you get to forget ? ``

`` Tomorrow morning, '' Madam Pomfrey answered.

`` Can we see Matt ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Absolutely not, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, `` He 's in no condition for visitors. ``

`` Ok, ok, '' rose wine responded, `` Bye, Albus. ``

`` Bye. ``

******

Throughout the eternal rest of the day, Healer Sterling popped in and out of the hospital Wing, bringing with him various potions from St. Mungo 's. Shortly after tiffin, Matt 's parents showed up and they stayed until the even. Everyone kept using the Muffliato charm against Albus, so he was unable to listen in on any conversations. Eventually he gave up on trying to incur out any information about Matt 's condition and fell asleep. ma'am Pomfrey let Albus forget the Hospital Wing early on Monday morning, while breakfast was still going on in the Great Hall. Albus was quite bored with the hospital Wing and once brothel keeper Pomfrey had deemed him well, he ran straight to the Great Granville Stanley Hall. John, Amanda, and blush wine were all sitting together, whispering.

`` Albus ! '' toilet shouted once Albus had sat down next to him, `` All better then ? ``

`` Yeah, I 'm amercement, '' Albus assured him, `` Bit hungry, though. '' Albus piled his plate with testis and toast.

`` We were just talking about Matt, '' rose wine informed him, `` How is he doing ? ``

`` I 'm really not indisputable, '' Albus said through a mouthful of toast, `` I could n't discover a word anyone was saying. They 're being very secretive. ``

`` Is he awake yet ? '' Amanda asked.

`` No, he 's not, '' Albus sighed, `` At least I do n't suppose so. The piece of conversation that I have been able to hear are mostly about figuring out how to inflame him up. ``

`` No opportunity of visiting him, then ? '' John wondered aloud.

`` Do n't mean so, '' Albus told him, `` I mean, Madam Pomfrey 's still keeping the threshold locked. You have to say who you are and what you want in order to get in. The only unity who 've been allowed to visit are his parents and Amy. ``

`` Oh, '' John sounded disappointed, `` I hope she lets us in soon. ``

`` Scorpius Malfoy tried to get in, '' Albus lowered his voice, `` Last nighttime. ``

`` What the hell did he want ? '' privy growled, `` Slimy git. ``

`` Wanted to notice out what 's wrong with Matt, '' Albus answered, `` He 's way too nosy. Anyway, he banged on the door and told Madam Pomfrey he had a nose bleed. But he 'd only taken a nozzle Bleed Nougat, because once he got in, I saw him eat the former half and the blood stopped immediately. While Madam Pomfrey was shutting the door after him and locking it, he ran over to mat 's bed. ``

`` He did n't see him, did he ? '' Rose asked anxiously.

`` No, the curtains were up. Amy noticed him and she was looking murderous. She yelled at him to go away and take care his own business. Then Madam Pomfrey came back over and noticed he was n't bleeding anymore and made him will. Said she was going to tell Slughorn about it. I hope he gets detainment. ``

`` Wow, he does n't pay up, does he ? '' lav responded.

`` No, he does n't, '' Albus agreed, `` We 're gon na have to be careful about him. ``

`` post is here, '' Amanda looked up and commented on the hooter swooping into the room.

`` Albus, spirit, '' rose pointed to a copy of the Daily Prophet that had been delivered to the girl sitting across from them.

Albus glanced at the paper and immediately noticed what rose was showing him. The forepart page headline was 'Mysterious Deaths Mystify Ministry Aurors'with a rather large icon of Harry below it. Albus turned to Rose, `` What 's that about ? ``

`` I do n't screw, but I do n't like the sound of it, '' rosebush answered. `` Can I borrow that ? '' she asked the girl.

The female child looked at them, and then the article, `` surely, but I 'd like it back when you 're done. '' She gave them one last look and then turned to her friend and the two of them started whispering.

Rose took the paper and put it in between her and Albus.

Mysterious decease Mystify Ministry Aurors

It started with the murder of Hogwart DADA teacher, Eric Torro, in the beginning of Sept. Supposedly, the Aurors looked into the death immediately, but there have been no track. Harry potter, the Boy Who Lived, the chosen One, Head Auror, and Hogwarts DADA instructor, has been leading the investigation. But are his teaching responsibility getting in the way of his Auror duties ? There have also been no leads in the death of Jasmine Lamski, which occurred a calendar month ago. We asked if these deaths are connected, but the Auror office responded with 'no remark'. Do they recognise Thomas More than they 're telling us ? It is these kind of murder that remind many of us of Lord Voldemort 's clip of holy terror. Could there still be dark star among us ? Is the Auror Office doing enough to stop them ? And more importantly, should Harry Potter be teaching kids when his efforts are obviously needed in the Auror bureau ? Despite this, Harry Potter assures the Wizarding mankind that thing 'are under mastery and there is no pauperization to worry .'People are being murdered and the manslayer are not being caught. It might indeed be time to worry.

`` That 's rubbish ! '' Albus shouted when he finished the article.

`` What ? '' John the Evangelist asked, trying to understand upside down.

`` Read this, '' Albus grumbled as he handed lav and Amanda the composition. `` Who wrote it ? '' he asked Rose.

`` Rita Skeeter, '' blush wine told him.

`` flesh ! '' Albus shouted, `` She 's always twisting the truth. ``

`` Does n't look like the teacher are too glad about it, '' Rose pointed to the staff table, where all the teachers were whispering amongst themselves. near of them wore feel of worry and anger. The only one who was n't whispering was Washburn, who was glaring at the educatee, just like he usually did. Harry was noticeably absent from the table.

`` Blimey, '' privy let out a low whistle, `` That 's the way to scare everybody. ``

`` There are n't really still darkness ace are there ? '' Amanda asked quietly, she was sick as a ghost.

`` 'Course there are, '' Albus told her, `` There 's always evil in the world. But it 's not like Voldemort 's coming back or anything. If my dad says there 's nothing to worry about, then there is n't. ``

`` Ok, but it 's still scary, '' Amanda responded.

`` That 's what Rita Skeeter wants, '' Albus informed her, `` That 's what she does. She 's rarely ever written anything that 's she has n't stretched the Sojourner Truth. ``

`` But what about those dreams and Legilimency ? '' Rose asked, `` Even your dad admits there 's something going on with that ? ``

`` I know, but he 's taking care of it, '' Albus assured her, `` I mean surely, it 's scary, but I do n't suppose it required an clause that strikes worry and fear into everyone. No one besides you lot and my family acknowledge anything about those dreams. So to them, it 's just like individual just started randomly killing a few citizenry. ``

`` That 's true, '' can agreed, `` Where 's your dad ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus told him, `` I saw him last dark in the Hospital wing. He 's probably at the Ministry, trying to smooth everything over with this article. If masses start complaining that the Aurors are n't doing enough, then he could miss his job here. ``

`` Bloody perdition, '' John exclaimed, `` That would n't be good. I 'm sure the Aurors are doing a secure job. ``

`` hush ! '' Professor Kendrick had stood up. The room fell dumb as he did so. `` Thank you. Now, I 'm sure most of you have read today 's front page article in the Prophet. I want to assure you all that we are perfectly safety and there is no penury to vex. Certain diarist often have the wont of stretching the truth in order to frighten off the great unwashed, and that is what is going on here. The Aurors are doing everything in their power to view whoever murdered Professor Torro and Jasmine Lamski. I also need to inform you that DADA example will not take place today, because Professor Potter is spending the day at the Auror part and the Ministry, trying to calm everyone down. If you have DADA today, please use the time to analyze for your upcoming test. That is all. '' Professor Kendrick sat back down and resumed his conversation with Neville.

Once Kendrick had finished his voice communication, whispering resumed amongst the students. Anyone who had not seen the article before, was now scrambling to come up a copy of the prophesier.

`` wellspring, what 're we going to do with our free period, then ? '' John asked. The Gryffindor first years had pa first that day.

`` I 've got prep to polish off, '' Amanda groaned, `` Essay for Herbology. ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' toilet groaned as well, `` I have n't finished it either. ``

`` wellspring, then you do postulate reminding ! '' rose exclaimed, `` I finished that over the weekend. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus commented.

`` Why do n't we go land up it, then, Saint John ? '' Amanda suggested, `` The mutual room will be pretty tranquil with everyone off in class. ``

`` Fine, '' St. John reluctantly agreed. He stood up and headed off with Amanda to finish the essay.

`` That could n't throw worked out better, '' blush wine whispered to Albus, `` Now we can go to the library and resume our inquiry. ``

`` Good thinking, '' Albus told her, `` I 've finished that former book. Returned it a few days ago. I 'd better get another. ``

`` I 've looked through three, but there 's dilute others, '' Rose informed him. She started walking out of the Great mansion, with Albus following, `` But I have n't found anything useful. ``

`` Me, neither. ``

Albus and Rose were pleased to receive that the library was rather empty. There were a few onetime bookman who had a free menstruation, but all of them seemed too meddlesome studying to notice the two first long time. They headed straight to the book ledge that held the books they had previously looked at.

`` Are we really going to take to search through all of these ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` Hopefully not, '' Rose said as she pulled out a rather gravid book, `` Once we find something about Hallows, we can lay off. ``

`` I 'm beginning to doubt if that 's going to happen, '' Albus responded.

`` I sure hope we find something soon, '' rosebush opened her book and glanced quickly at the table of contents, `` Exams will be in a few months, so we 're going to cause to startle studying more, which means to a lesser extent time for this. ``

`` Yeah, maybe we 'll get lucky today, '' Albus hoped, `` Want to go find a board ? '' He had picked out two record to seem at.

`` Sure, '' rose wine followed Albus into a secluded part of the program library, away from Madam Pince and the early scholarly person. They read silently for xv minutes.

`` Well, this book 's absolute rubbish, '' Albus closed his foremost leger, `` Says Dad and Voldemort dueled for half a day before Voldemort finally died. ``

rose wine broke out laughing, `` Really ? ! Wow, amazing that got published. ``

Albus set aside that record book and opened the other one, `` This looks a bit better. ``

`` well, look who it is ? '' someone said from behind Rose.

Albus glanced up. `` And what do you want, Malfoy ? ``

`` Just seeing what you 're up to on your free meter, '' Malfoy smiled smugly, `` I 'm assuming you read the article. ``

`` Yeah, I did, '' Albus said coldly, `` But it 's not true. Just soul trying to stir up difficulty. ``

`` Never can tell, though, can you ? '' Malfoy sat down at their table, `` The Ministry 's often hushing things up. ``

`` What do you know about that ? '' Rose asked.

`` nix, nothing, just material I 've overheard my Fatherhood saying, '' Malfoy looked over at the book Rose was reading.

`` A History of Lord Voldemort, '' Malfoy read the title, `` Interesting title. Why are you reading it ? ``

`` Just a bit of backdrop reading, never can learn too practically. ``

`` Hmm, '' Malfoy looked at Albus, `` So, I hear you got into a bit of a duel the other day. ``

Albus turned red, `` Uh, yeah. ``

Malfoy smirked, `` Ca n't really accept on three seventh years. ``

`` He disarmed Willinson, '' Rose said angrily, `` And is it really your occupation ? ``

`` No, not really, but I still want to know. ``

`` I could 've taken on Willinson, '' Albus added, `` He 's horrible at dueling. But his two better half got me. ``

`` That 's true, Willinson 's dueling science leave a lot to be desired, '' Malfoy agreed, `` But he 's fresh enough not to duel without others on his slope. ``

`` Good for him, '' Albus mumbled.

`` wellspring, we 'd better be off to Charms, '' Rose slammed her leger shut and got up.

`` Yeah, bye, '' Albus muttered and followed rose. They checked out their record, which got them more ask public eye from madam Pince, and headed off to Charms.

Charms was surprisingly uneventful. Professor Washburn did inquire where lusterlessness was, but he seemed slaked with 'in the Hospital Wing'as an resolution. image Herbology went as usual, although Neville seemed variety of tense and distracted during the class. Albus had assumed this was because of Rita Skeeter 's article. Both John and Amanda had managed to finish their essays, although lavatory 's was n't long enough.

`` We should see if we can visit lustrelessness tomorrow eventide, '' Rose announced at dinner.

`` Definitely, '' John agreed, `` If ma'am Pomfrey lets us. ``

`` I ca n't, '' Albus said, `` I 've got Occlumency tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, that 's the right way ! '' rose responded, `` I 'd completely forget. I 'll just skip that lesson, then. ``

Albus laughed, `` Well, you do n't even birth to do it anyway. ``

`` I know, but it 's really interesting stuff. ``

`` I hope matt 's ok, '' Albus said in a apprehensive tone, `` gentlewoman Pomfrey seemed so occupy. ``

`` I wonder how long he 'll be stuck in there, '' lav asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus answered, `` I just hope he 's conscious now. ``

`` We should probably play his homework, '' rosiness suggested.

`` That 'll hearten him up, '' John said sarcastically.

`` He needs to do it if he 's going to keep up with classes ! ''

`` True, '' john agreed, `` speechmaking of homework, has anyone finished that essay for Slughorn that 's due tomorrow ? ``

`` I did, '' Rose said, `` But let me guess, you have n't ? ``

`` Nope, '' John grinned, `` Want to loan me your banknote ? ``

`` Not really, '' pink wine shook her head.

`` I finished it, '' Amanda added, she had been rather quiet down throughout the unscathed conversation. Albus could tell that the estimation of flatness being a wolfman freaked her out a little bit. He could understand, considering up until a few months ago, she had n't even known werewolves were material. But he did trust Amanda would n't set forth treating mat differently.

`` goodness, I 'll use your notes ! ''

`` I 'm not quite finished with it either, '' Albus informed them, `` I 've just got to drop a line three more inches, then it 'll be done. ``

The four champion finished up their pudding and headed back to the vulgar elbow room. John worked on his essay with Amanda 's help, while Albus finished his. Rose did former homework, and eventually she decided to help john as well.
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A/N : Longest chapter yet, I think ! I did n't require to split it up because then it would deliver been two really short chapters. And I know when I read fib, I prefer longer chapters.

Thanks as usual to my sis and Beta Dancer of Starlight, and my comrade and former sister. Thanks as well to inkheart for the reviews.

I 'd also like to part that it was about a year ago that I started writing this. So, happy birthday to the history ! I finished it about six calendar month ago.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter, or any of his many relatives.

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Shortly before seven the future eventide, James and Albus headed to Occlumency, while John, rosiness, and Amanda went to the hospital wing. As it turned out, the teachers told Rose that they had already sent Matt 's prep to the Hospital annexe and there was no need for her to hoard it.

`` mass talking about that article in your classes ? '' Albus asked his brother on the way to the Transfiguration classroom.

`` Yeah, '' James I responded, `` They always stop rightfield when the teacher comes in, though. ``

`` Everyone in my classes have been whispering about it. They try to spill the beans quietly so I ca n't take heed them, but I can, '' Albus informed him.

`` That 's what it 's like for me, too, '' James said, `` But you know Peyton Haines, the Slytherin chaser ? Well, he keeps loudly discussing how the Auror Department ineffective to do anything and everyone 's in wicked danger. Always within earshot of me, too. ``

`` Git, '' Albus growled.

`` I heard he scared the the pits out of the Hufflepuffs in appealingness today. Said he heard all the last feeder had broken out of Azkaban and no one had caught them yet. shipment of rubbish. Got away with it, too, because Washburn was n't in the elbow room yet. ``

`` Probably would n't have mattered if he was in the room, '' Albus muttered, `` Slytherins can do no wrong in his eyes. ``

James opened the door to the Transfiguration room and walked inside, Albus followed. Hermione was already there.

`` Hi, boys ! '' she smiled and gave them each a hug.

`` Hi, aunty Hermione, '' Albus and James II greeted her.

`` When 's Dad coming back ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, good doubtfulness, '' James chimed in, `` And what 's with that article ? ``

Hermione 's smile faded and she gestured for the boys to sit down. `` He 'll be back later tonight, so do n't concern about that. And as for the article ... Well, you both know that most everything Rita Skeeter writes is rubbish. ``

James and Albus nodded.

`` That article was written for the sole use of scaring citizenry. All the it did was raise interrogative. The article itself was just a cargo of interrogative. The slaying do prompt people of Voldemort 's reign, so it was quite easy to just write this article and send multitude into a panic. The fact that the Aurors have no leads in either murder just fueled the ardour. But I can tell you that whatever is going on, your father and the other Aurors are taking care of it. And he is perfectly up to of teaching here and heading the Auror department, '' Hermione told them.

`` So there is something going on ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, of course something 's going on. There have been two mysterious execution, and someone is trying to see your view, '' Hermione explained, `` But it is nothing the Ministry ca n't deal. ``

`` So, do you know what 's going on ? '' James asked.

`` Your dad has a few glimmering and he has expressed them to me, but I ca n't tell you them, '' Hermione answered, `` Now we 've got to get down the example. Open your books to foliate 50. ``

Albus and St. James the Apostle opened their books and Hermione lectured them for a half hour. Albus found this component of the lessons extremely oil production, but every lesson started this way. Albus did n't anticipate any different from his Aunt Hermione, who was always trying to get him to read a lot of books. Eventually, the lecture section of the lesson was over and the practical portion began.

Albus had been getting better at Occlumency. He had yet to prevent Hermione from entering his mind, but usually managed to force her out after a few minutes.

`` Albus, you first. ``

Albus got up from his death chair and stood in battlefront of his aunty. `` Remember to come together your nous. Legilimens ! '' she shouted.

Albus stood there, being flooded with his own remembering, for a few transactions. He saw James IV levitating Albus 's meth of Cucurbita pepo juice at last summer 's kinsperson reunion, the sentence he got lost in a Muggle grocery store store when he was five, and the first time he ever rode a Calluna vulgaris. Albus concentrated hard on blocking out all persuasion, and he was able to force Hermione out of his mind.

`` thoroughly job, Al ! '' Hermione congratulated him, `` It took you LE meter than lowest lesson. ``

Albus tried two more meter, both times producing the Same upshot as the firstly, and then he sat down to observe James.

James I had been having a much more hard time than Albus. He had only been successful once, and it had taken him nearly ten proceedings. This clock time proved to be no different, and after XV mo, James had not been able to force Hermione out of his mind. The last try, he had even wound up laying on the base. Hermione had thought that was enough, and Saint James and Albus went back to the common room.

`` How 'd it go ? '' Rose asked, when Albus sat down next to her. pink wine, John, and Amanda were all sitting at one of the tables, doing homework.

`` Pretty good, '' Albus answered, `` It 's taking me to a lesser extent time to get your mum out of my nous. But James ca n't get her out at all. ``

`` He 'll get there eventually, '' rose responded.

`` Did you get to see mat ? '' Albus asked as he pulled out his Potions homework.

`` No, '' John the Evangelist said sadly, `` He 's still unconscious. And brothel keeper Pomfrey still has the threshold locked. She 's got a really abruptly temper, too. ``

`` Yeah, Scorpius Malfoy was skulking around ! '' Rose exclaimed, `` We went up there and he was trying to listen in through the door. ``

`` Little git, '' Albus muttered, `` So what happened ? ``

`` We told him to go away, but he would n't, '' John explained, `` He whipped out his baton and tried to hex Amanda, but missed her. Madam Pomfrey came out when she heard the hoo-ha and told him to get back to his common room or she 'd get Slughorn. Then she told us Matt was still unconscious and we would n't be able-bodied to see him. ``

`` Malfoy 's really got to turn back investigation this, '' Albus responded, `` He ca n't come up out. He 's got to mind his own occupation. ``

`` We ca n't let anyone get hold out, '' rosebush agreed.

`` But he 's still not up ? '' Albus sighed, `` Whatever is going on, it sounds really bad. ``

`` I know, '' Rose shook her head.

`` wellspring, his birthday is next workweek, '' John reminded them.

`` Oh, yeah, on the sixth, Wednesday, '' Albus remembered.

`` I think we should do something for it, '' Gospel According to John stated, `` Even if he 's still in the Hospital Wing. ``

`` I bet he will be, '' pink wine said, `` But we can still do something if we 're allowed in. ``

`` Let 's plan it, then, '' Saint John announced, `` Our first off Hogwarts natal day company. Because you guys did n't do anything for mine, '' he added.

`` Your natal day was over the holiday ! '' blush wine lightly smacked him with her pappa book.

`` I know, '' John grinned, `` Anyway, we could bring some food into the Hospital offstage and have the party there. ``

`` Great idea ! '' Albus grinned.

`` But none of us know where the kitchens are, '' Amanda reminded them.

`` No job, '' Albus glanced around the commons room, `` Oi ! Tom Bradley, gull ! '' he waved his two cousins over.

`` Whatcha need, Albus ? '' Bradley asked as he sat down in an void chair at the table.

`` We 're going to have a little birthday company for our champion, Matt, '' Albus told them, `` But none of us know where the kitchens are. So, since there 's a Hogsmeade visit on Sabbatum, could you get us some stuff ? ``

`` Sure, no trouble, '' print said, `` Butterbeers and some stuff from Honeyduke 's audio expert ? ``

`` Yeah, that 'd be bully. ``

`` What should we get him for a present ? '' Rose asked.

`` Hmm, I dunno ... '' John stopped to think, `` stuff from Weasley 's is always good. ``

`` How about a Chudley shank jersey ? '' Albus suggested.

`` strait good ! '' St. John the Apostle agreed. blush wine and Amanda nodded their heads.

`` Anywhere in Hogsmeade that you could get one of those ? '' Albus asked his cousins.

`` The Quaffle workshop should have it. I 've only been there once. It just opened up this past summer, '' Bradley told them, `` I can get you one. ``

`` Thanks ! '' Albus grinned.

`` But you 'll have to pass on us money for everything, '' score told them.

Albus, trick, blush wine, and Amanda each forked over a twosome reaping hook and handed them to Mark.

`` Ok, we 'll get the hooey and feed it to you when we get back, '' Omar Nelson Bradley said, and he and Mark rejoined their friends on the other face of the common room.

`` It 's really stinking luck that he 's going to be in the Hospital Wing on his birthday, '' John commented.

`` Yeah, but we 'll try to inspire him up, '' Albus reasoned.

`` What if Madam Pomfrey does n't let us in ? '' Amanda wondered.

`` She better, '' Rose stated, `` But she 's got to, it 'll be his birthday. If anything, we can always get Amy to let us in. ``

`` True, she 'd be capable to convert Madam Pomfrey. She 's got some humor, '' John laughed.

`` Just as long as we do n't ask her too many interrogative sentence, '' Rose said, `` Amy obviously does n't want anyone knowing about Matt 's, er, problem. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus told her, `` Hopefully Madam Pomfrey will just let us in and we wo n't require Amy to do any convincing. ``

rosebush glanced at her watch, `` Well, it 's getting form of late. I 'm going to bed, '' she started packing up her books, `` Did you all end up your homework ? ``

`` Yep, '' they all answered.

`` Good night, then, '' rose got up and walked over to the young lady 's dormitories.

`` I guess I 'll go to bed, too, '' Albus put his record away and got up.

`` Me, too, '' Saint John the Apostle and Amanda put their stuff away. Amanda caught up with rose and followed her up the stairs.

John headed up to the boy 's dorm with Albus. As Albus got ready for bed, he thought about matt 's birthday party. He hoped that Matt would be up for it, and that dame Pomfrey would let them in. Hopefully, they would be able-bodied to stimulate the party and that it would root on him up. He also wondered how very much longer Matt would be able-bodied to keep his secret from his ally. Albus only hoped that someday, he would trust them enough to tell them. He got into bed and his thoughts drifted to Scorpius Malfoy and how fishy he was about Matt. Would they be able to keep him from finding out ? And what would occur if he did obtain out one day ? The mentation of Scorpius finding out worried Albus right until he fell asleep.

******

`` His ideals will be realized, '' a insensate articulation surrounded Albus.

`` Whose paragon ? '' Albus asked.

`` The one you fear the most, '' the voice answered. It was coming from a cloaked figure that was circling Albus. They were in a dark, low way. Albus was sitting in a hard chair in the middle.

`` Voldemort ? '' Albus responded nervously, `` But he 's bushed. ``

`` It does n't matter ! '' the vocalization screamed, `` There are others to persuade out his architectural plan ! ``

`` They 're all in Azkaban. '' Albus tried to make out who the cloaked physique was, but it was too dark.

`` Not all of them. There are some who roam free, '' the figure whispered in Albus 's ear, `` Now, perhaps you can help me. ``

`` Sorry, I ca n't, '' Albus glared at him, feeling braver than he had a second ago.

`` Oh, I think you can, '' the figure pulled out his scepter and pointed it at Albus. He muttered a while and Albus 's custody and invertebrate foot became bound by magic circle. `` Now, maybe you can tell me where the Hallows are ? ``

Albus 's eyes widened and he stared at the man, `` What do you sleep together about Hallows ? ``

`` Not nearly as lots as you do, '' the man answered, `` Now tell me where they are ! ``

`` I do n't know ! '' Albus shouted, feeling the ropes constrict his hands. He winced in pain.

`` I 'm sure you do ! ``

`` NO ! I do n't ! '' The roofy dug into his wrist joint even more as he felt the circulation to his handwriting being cut off.

`` Tell me ! '' The man forcefully shook Albus 's electric chair. `` You do n't want to know what I 'll do if you do n't ! ``

`` But I do n't even know what Hallows are ! '' Albus screamed in painful sensation, `` What are they ? ! ``

`` You know perfectly well what they are ! Now tell me where they are ! ``

`` NO ! ``

`` Tell ! '' the man shook the chair so heavy it fell over, taking Albus with it. He screamed as his caput hit the cold, hard floor.
`` Albus ! '' an anxious voice whispered, `` Wake up ! ``

`` No, no, no, I do n't know what they are ... '' Albus moaned in his sleep.

`` It 's just a dream, wake up, '' a affectionate bridge player shook him gently, and Albus wrenched his centre open. He saw john looking down at him with a scared facial expression on his face. Bilius and Ethan were behind him, glancing around nervously.

Albus rubbed his eyes and noticed he was not on his bed anymore. He was laying on the floor, in a snarl of blankets. He was sweating profusely and his ticker was beating fast.

`` Should I get madam Pomfrey ? '' Bilius asked tentatively.

`` Maybe we should get prof potter, '' whoremonger responded.

`` Is he back yet ? '' Ethan questioned.

Albus started to detangle himself from the bedding. He knew what the ambition had been. And he knew he needed to see his dad as soon as possible. `` I 'm fine, I 've just got to go public lecture to my dad. ``

`` D'you want me to go with you ? '' whoremonger asked.

`` No, I 'll be mulct, '' Albus got up and rummaged in his trunk for his dressing robe.

`` Are you sure ? You do n't look too good. ``

Albus pulled on his robe and stepped into his skid, `` I told you, I 'll be mulct. '' He left the dormitory and went down to the deserted common room. A glance at the clock told him it was just past four a.m. He was about to exit through the portrait gob, when he remembered what his dad had told him over Dec 25. No more wandering the corridors. He looked around the way to try and feel a portrait that was awake. He spotted one in a word picture of a herd of cattle, it was a shortly horse riding atop a fat pony.

`` Excuse me, '' Albus asked tentatively as he walked over to the picture, `` I was wondering if you could do something for me ? If it 's not too much hassle. I need you to go get someone for me. ``

The horse puffed out his chest and turned his pony towards Albus, `` A pursuit ? ``

`` Er, well, I suppose you could count it a quest. Who are you ? ``

`` I, am Sir Cadogan, at your service ! '' the knight saluted Albus and bowed his head low.

`` Um, ok, and I 'm Albus ceramist. I was wondering if you could go get my dad. Harry thrower. ``

`` Harry thrower ! Quite the Nice Cy Young lad, I remember him well. I helped him on a quest once ! And you are his son. Well, I shall aid you on your bay. I shall not let scoundrel nor beast stop me ! I will find your dad or I shall snuff it trying ! ''

`` Thanks, then, '' Albus responded, thinking that this was the unusual portrait he 'd ever met. And that he 'd have to ask his dad about the 'quest'Sir Cadogan had helped him with. `` Just tell him to get to Gryffindor pillar, and that it 's very important. ``

`` I will do just that ! '' the unusual knight replied, `` Off I go then ! Nothing shall stop me. Sir Cadogan lets null get in the way of his pursuance. A quest to regain the great Harry ceramist ! On with ye, then ! '' he shouted at his pony. Sir Cadogan traveled through a few portrayal in the common elbow room, waking up the occupants and earning tight looks from them as he went. Eventually, the noise died down and Sir Cadogan exited the room.

Albus looked around the common room as he waited for his dad. It was very unlike in the dead of dark. He was the sole occupant and had his choice of places to sit. As a maiden year, Albus rarely got the good arm electric chair near the attack. He walked over and sat down in one, but as the fire had died away hour ago, it was just as cold as the remainder of the room. Albus sighed as he stared into the empty fireplace. What had that dream meant ? Who was the hooded human body and why did they think that Albus knew where the 'Hallows'were ? As Albus thought about this, he realized that as horrible as the dreaming had been, it did fall in him more than information on the 'Hallows'. He now knew that they were objects. Objects that someone was trying to locate and probably buy. He would suffer to tell Rose when she got up. But what were the 'Hallows'? And why did this person need them ? It must let something to do with Voldemort 's 'ideals', of course. Whoever was creating these dreams in Albus 's mind must want to try to carry out Voldemort 's plans. The very opinion of another Voldemort sent chill up Albus 's pricker. He jumped as he heard a randomness behind him. When he turned around, he noticed that Sir Cadogan was back in the ikon of the kine. Albus got up and walked over to it.

Sir Cadogan placed his steel into its holster and saluted Albus, `` I have had success with the quest ! The Great Harry thrower has been found and shall be entering the room shortly ! ``

Albus looked at the knight and grinned nervously, `` Thanks, Sir Cadogan. ``

`` Anytime ! Anytime ! '' the knight said excitedly, `` I must be off now, for I spotted someone on the way back and I 've got to see what they are up to ! No scoundrel gets by Sir Cadogan ! ``

`` rightfield, '' Albus responded.

`` wellspring, then, I 'll be off ! '' Sir Cadogan drew his sword again, `` But if you are ever in need of knightly armed service again, be sure as shooting to scream on Sir Cadogan ! '' The strange horse and his shot glass sped out of the portrait, yet again waking the occupant of the portrait he passed through, and left the room.

The portrait maw opened and a very exhaust looking Harry crawled through. He looked at his son and grinned, `` Ah, the amount of money of clock time I snuck back through here in the dead of night ... ''

Albus ran towards his dad and hugged him tight. Harry hugged him back and led him over to the turgid arm chairs near the fervidness. Harry sat down in one and pulled Albus onto his lap. `` What 's going on ? I was just getting to catch some Z's when that mad knight came in and told me you needed to mouth to me. Would n't open me any details, just said it was pressing. I thought he was going to wake half the castling, the way he was shouting through the corridors, '' Harry laughed.

Albus looked at his dad and laughed nervously, `` He was the only one awake. Seemed very aegir to go on a quest. And he said he 'd taken you on a quest once. I 'd like to bonk all about that. ``

Harry grinned, thinking back to the prison term in his third class when Sir Cadogan had led him, Ron, and Hermione to the foretelling classroom. `` Of track. How could I forget that ? I was in tertiary year and your Uncle Ron, auntie Hermione, and I were trying to get the prophecy room. Sir Cadogan helped us find it. We did get there, but he is a bit insane. Later on that class he was recruited to guard the Gryffindor commons elbow room entrance after Sothis slashed the Fat noblewoman 's portrait. Of course, everyone thought he was a mass murderer and when Sir Cadogan let him into the tower later on, his solar day as the guard of the way were over. ``

Albus stared at him, `` Wow. wellspring, he 's got to be the most insane portrait I 've ever met. ``

`` Me, too, Al, '' Harry agreed, `` Now, what was so urgent ? ``

`` I had another dream, '' Albus whispered, `` Only this one was different. ``

Harry 's smile faded away and was replaced by a more serious look, `` What happened in this one ? ``

Albus quickly rehashed the aspiration to his dad, and by the end he was shaking again and almost in rip. Harry wrapped his subdivision around Albus and held him close.

`` It 's ok, Al, '' Harry reassured him, `` But thanks for letting me know. I hate to say it, but that dream does help oneself confirm what I thought this was leading to. ``

`` And what would that be ? '' Albus asked, blinking back his tears.

`` I 'm regretful, but I ca n't severalise you. You will find oneself out, though, once it 's all sorted out. ``

`` But what are Hallows ? ''

`` That 's another affair I ca n't narrate you. I will tell you sometime down the route, though, '' Harry responded, `` Anyway, Hermione tells me your Occlumency lessons are going well. ``

`` Apparently not well enough, '' Albus groaned, `` After tonight 's incubus. ``

`` It takes a while, Al, and it 's laborious when you 're sleeping. ``

`` I know, and I am trying. ``

`` I know you are. ``

`` So, '' Albus said, changing the field of study, `` Did everything go ok at the Ministry ? ``

`` Oh, that went fine, '' Harry told him, `` Everything 's smoothed over. Rita Skeeter 's received a warning and so has the editor program of the seer. ``

`` Everyone here 's been pretty occupy. Rita Skeeter succeeded in scaring everyone, '' Albus responded.

`` Yeah, but it 'll die down. Once the adjacent Quidditch mate comes around it 'll all be forgotten, '' Harry grinned, `` Nothing like Quidditch to conduct your nous off everything. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, `` Next mate is in three hebdomad. Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw. I bet Ravenclaw will win. ``

`` You 're probably powerful. I 'm betting it 'll be between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw for the cup. ``

`` Yeah, and I hope we win it ! '' Albus said excitedly.

`` Me, too, Al, '' Harry smiled and lifted Albus off his lap, `` Now, I 've got to get a few hours sleep and you probably should, too. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus yawned.

`` I 'll see you in class later on, Al, '' Harry stood up and gave his son one death hug, `` I love you. ``

`` Love you too, '' Albus watched as his dad left the green room. He smiled as he walked up the circular staircase to the residence hall. He felt a hale lot better after talking to his dad.

`` Albus, '' can whispered from his four poster bed, `` Are you all right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back as he climbed into bed, `` Are Ethan and Bilius sleeping ? ``

`` I think so, one of them started snoring a few minutes ago, '' John told him.

`` good. I had another one of those dreams where someone 's using Legilimency on me. ``

`` I figured. Was it the same one ? ``

`` No, this one was dissimilar. My dad says it confirms some of his suspicions, which is n't really good. He 'll strike guardianship of it, though. ``

`` Good. So he 's back, then ? ``

`` Yup, everything 's fine with the Ministry and the vaticinator, now. well, Rita Skeeter and the editor of the Prophet got into a bit of trouble, '' Albus laughed.

`` That 's neat ! I 'm gladiolus your dad 's dorsum. Now things can get back to pattern. Well, as normal as they ever are around here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said softly, `` Well, unspoilt dark. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus did n't get a good deal sleep that Night. Thoughts of his new nightmare kept him up the eternal sleep of the dark. He gave up trying to slumber by 7am and got up. By the meter John woke up, he was ready to go to breakfast. The two boys met Rose and Amanda at the Gryffindor tabular array and had breakfast. Albus noticed that there was a lot of whispering going on and he suspected it was due to the fact that Harry was back from the Ministry. Albus continued thinking about his nightmare during breakfast and was very quiet. John and Amanda did not notice this because they were in the eye of arguing about whether the Potions essay had to be a foot of parchment or just six inches. Albus suspected Amanda was right and the essay had to be a foot. Rose, however, kept looking at Albus while she ate her food.

`` Is something wrong ? '' she asked him.

Albus glanced around to hold in if anyone was paying attending to them, luckily, no one was. `` Yeah, I had another weird dreaming last night. This one was different. ``

`` Really ? '' Rose stared at him with encompassing middle. `` What was it about ? ``

`` Ca n't differentiate you here. I 'll distinguish you at luncheon. I 've got to order James, too. The vulgar room should be vacate when everyone 's at dejeuner, '' Albus whispered.

Morning course of instruction seemed to tangle on forever. Albus kept looking at the clock throughout both DADA and good luck charm, waiting for lunch. He really wanted Rose 's legal opinion of the aspiration and could n't wait to narrate her about the Hallows aspect of it. Harry started DADA by telling the class that everything was straightened out with the Ministry and they had nil to worry about. Albus suspected he was going to tell every class that. Charms was just as horrible as common, and it ended with Washburn rescheduling the detainment that Albus could n't attend earlier due to Occlumency. He would be doing lines at noontide on Saturday.

Once appealingness was over, Albus and blush wine went to retrieve Epistle of James. rosiness had told lav and Amanda that the Potions essay did have to be a fundament, so john was spending his lunch in the library trying to arrive up with another half groundwork of essay. Amanda had gone along to help him. Albus and Rose found Saint James in the Great Hall and after the three of them ate a rushed lunch, they headed up to the common room. It was, as suspected, deserted.

`` Ok, so what 's so important that I had to practically cut lunch for ? '' King James asked once they were in the room.

`` I had another fishy dream last night, '' Albus told him, `` This one was different. '' Albus explained the dream in detail, including the parts about the Hallows.

William James and rosebush stared at Albus for a few bit before Rose spoke, `` Well, this is is kind of good. Now we know that the Hallows are target. I was almost thinking that they were a series of magic spell or something. ``

`` But we still do n't know what they are, '' James sighed.

`` Or why I should cognise where they are, '' Albus stated, `` This would be a whole lot easygoing if Dad would just tell us. ``

`` But he wo n't, '' James replied angrily.

`` And I hate to say it, but I do n't mean we 're going to find any answers in the depository library. We 've looked in practically all the books that have to do with the war and I 've looked through all the oracle from that year, too, '' Rose told them.

The three of them stood in muteness for a few minute, trying to think of some resolution. James had started pacing. Albus sat down in a chairwoman and tried to recall of some other way they could receive out what the Hallows were.

`` Well, let 's go over the clues again, '' rosiness announced, `` The Hallows are something closemouthed, and our parents wo n't evidence us what they are because they do n't want us to distinguish anyone. None of our aunt or uncles or cousins know about them either. So, maybe it 's just our parents who know about them ? If that 's true, then no admiration we could n't receive the result in a book. None of our parents have ever written a account book. ``

`` Yeah, '' St. James the Apostle agreed, `` It 's got to be something just our parents know about. ``

`` Well, they were the ace who destroyed most of the Horcruxes. Maybe it 's got something to do with that ? '' Albus suggested.

`` That could be, '' James agreed, `` If only there was mortal else we could ask about it. ``

The way fell silent again, as they sank into their mentation again. Suddenly Rose jumped up from her chairperson. `` I 've got it ! ``

`` What ? '' James and Albus asked at the same time.

`` Who we can ask about the Hallows ! I ca n't believe I did n't intend of it before ! ``

`` well, who is it ? '' Albus asked.

`` Dumbledore ! ``

`` What ? ! '' St. James shouted, `` But he 's all in ! ``

`` I know that, '' pink wine said, `` But there 's a portraiture of him in Kendrick 's office ! ``

`` Oh, yeah. ``

`` Anyway, '' rosebush began, `` Dumbledore 's the one who told Uncle Harry about the Horcruxes, so he might jazz something about the Hallows, too ! ``

`` That 's virtuoso, Rose ! '' Albus grinned at her.

`` Thanks. We just have to figure out how to get into Kendrick 's authority. ``

`` That could be tricky, '' Albus said, `` Either of you know where his office is ? ``

rosebush and James shook their head word. `` Neither do I, '' Albus sighed.

A prankish smiling spread across blush wine 's face, `` But I know how we can get in. ``

The boy looked at her skeptically. `` How ? '' James asked.

`` fountainhead, if you get in enough trouble, you get taken to Kendrick 's situation. ``

`` But what if we get expelled ? '' Albus asked warily.

`` Do n't worry, you wo n't. ``

`` You 've got a design, then ? '' Saint James the Apostle inquired.

`` kind of, '' Rose told them, `` I 've got a faint idea. It 'll be me and Albus who are doing it. I 'm going to cause some kind of mayhem in Washubrn 's class- ''

`` Washburn ? ! Are you unbalanced ? '' Albus shouted.

`` Just let me explain. Washburn does n't hate me nearly as much as he hates you. So he 's going to take over the bedlam was caused by you since we sit at the Sami table. He 'll start screaming, which will probably do another instructor to total run. Washburn will tell that teacher what you supposedly did and you 'll get taken to Kendrick 's government agency. You 'll talk to Dumbledore 's portrayal about the Hallows. simpleton as that. ``

Epistle of James and Albus looked at her with shocked expressions on their faces. `` But I 'll get in immense trouble, '' Albus said flatly.

`` No, you wo n't, '' Rose assured him, `` I might, but you wo n't. After Washburn dismisses the course of instruction, I 'll run to Uncle Harry and order him it was really me who caused the distraction. ``

`` But I do n't desire you to get in trouble, either, '' Albus told her.

`` It 's ok. I have hardly been in fuss at all this year. Anyway, all we need is the distraction. ``

`` I 've got it, '' James announced, `` One of Uncle George 's fireworks. I 've got a all provision up in my dormitory. ``

`` Excellent ! '' pink wine said excitedly, `` And I 'll just tell Uncle Harry that it went off accidentally. I 'll probably just end up with lines or something for having a banned physical object in my possession. ``

`` Perfect, '' Albus smiled, finally satisfied that no one would get in huge trouble.

`` I think we ought to wait a few hebdomad to do it, since you just got a detainment from Washburn, Albus, '' Rose told them.

`` Ok, just let us sleep with when you think we ought to do it, '' James responded.

`` I will, '' Rose assured him, `` We 'd better be off to class. See you later. ``

`` Bye, '' Albus said to James as he followed Rose to Potions. He was excited and nervous at the Same clock time at the prospect of talking with Dumbledore about the Hallows. Would he finally learn what was being kept from him ? Only time would tell.

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A/N : I 've done it again ! I merged 2 chapters, due to the curtness of each. This resulted in the retentive chapter yet. Hope you enjoyed it !

Thanks as always to my beta and babe, Dancer of Starlight. She has been especially helpful in coming up with characters for Albus 's third year. Thanks as well to my brother and other babe, and to inkheart for the review !

Disclaimer- As usual, I do not own Harry potter

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The relief of the week flew by in a flurry of classes and homework. Albus and his friends found that they had no time to do anything former than homework during their bare fourth dimension. They had not even found clock time to visit lustrelessness, but they did n't even bang if he was awake yet. rose was already freaking out over the end of term test, which were still over four calendar month away, and was using every waking mo to study. Albus was not yet worried about examination and was more concerned about just completing all the assigned homework.

Quinton Willinson had not bothered Albus or any of his admirer since Albus had left the Hospital Wing. Albus was not for sure whether this was due to Willinson 's coming N.E.W.T. exams, the gravid amount of detentions he received, or reverence of what Harry would do if he continued tormenting Albus. Albus did not wish which one it was, he was just glad Willinson had given up for the meter being. However, the same could not be said about Scorpius Malfoy. Malfoy continued to pester Albus, Rose, lavatory, and Amanda about what was wrong with Matt whenever they were in social class together. Albus found this more annoying than anything else, because Malfoy rarely ever brought out his scepter during these confrontations. Malfoy kind of reminded Albus of his Great aunty Petunia because she was also very nosy. Malfoy stood no chance of ever finding out about Matt from Albus or the others, but Albus did care about what would chance if Malfoy found out on his own.

Albus slept late on Sat break of day and woke up with just sufficiency metre to seize a bite to eat in the Great Hall before rushing off to his detention with Washburn. As much as Albus hated these custody, he had become variety of immune to them. Albus had been upset about the first-class honours degree few, but lately he had started to take them in stride. As long as it was just bank line, Albus did n't vex about them too much.

When Albus arrived in the appealingness classroom at noon, prof Washburn was sitting at his desk with the usual scowl on his face. `` Sit down, thrower, '' he barked.

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus responded quietly while taking a seat at the front table.

`` Get out your parchment and ink. Write'I will not misconduct in Charms'until I tell you to stop. ``

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus repeated as he took out a drum roll of parchment and a quill. He started to write. Washburn never told Albus how many sentence he would get to publish the line. He supposed Washburn liked to hold on Albus there until he looked sufficiently tired and uncomfortable. Washburn had no way of knowing how many lines that would take. However, he never kept Albus in custody for less than an hour. Albus kept repeating the line on his parchment while trying hard not to face at the clock. He found that looking at the clock just made the time go by slower. Eventually, Albus stole a glance at the clock and found that it had only been 45 hour. He sighed.

`` You say something ? '' Washburn growled.

`` No, sir, '' Albus said without looking up from his paper. He wrote a few Thomas More business and was startled when he heard footsteps come into the elbow room. He glanced up to see that a tall man he did n't recognize walking towards Washburn. The man was wearing a black cloak and had shortsighted browned hair. It reminded Albus of the kind of haircut Muggles in the United States Army had. Washburn got up from his posterior when the man approached.

Washburn turned to Albus, `` Do n't go anywhere. If you do, I 'll have you in detention for the respite of condition. ``

Albus nodded, but did n't say a word. The strange man followed Washburn into his position and shut out the door behind them. There was silence for a moment and then Albus was able to hear rear articulation coming from the office. They had forgotten to cast Muffliato before they started talking. It sounded like they were arguing about something, but Albus could n't make out what it was. He wished they 'd argue a bit louder. Albus put down his quill and strained to hear what they were saying. The two men stayed in the office for about xv transactions before Washburn stormed out of it, looking quite furious, followed by the former man who seemed rather calm. Albus quickly picked up his quill pen and continued his lines.

Washburn returned to his desk while the strange man walked over to the door. He turned around to bet at Washburn and said icily, `` Remember, this is your job, no one else 's. And I expect you to complete it soon. '' Then the man left, shutting the doorway behind him.

Washburn stared at the spinal column of the door for a few min, before turning and glaring at Albus. `` You 're done. Get back to your common room, '' he seethed.

Albus did not waver. He got up quickly and ran out of the way. Today 's detention had been much curt than others. Albus suspected that this was due to whatever Washburn and the former wizard were talking about. Washburn was definitely up to something. Apparently he had a job to do. But what could it be ? Albus could n't help but wonder if the Charms prof was involved with something iniquity. He ran all the way to the common room to tell his admirer what he had overheard.

When Albus rushed through the portrait mess, he immediately spotted his friends at one of the board. He grabbed a professorship and sat down next to Rose.

`` That was short, '' rose commented.

`` I know, I lucked out today, '' Albus responded, `` But I 've got to separate you about Washburn. ``

`` What about him ? '' trick asked, looking up from his book.

`` In the middle of my detention, some unusual adept came barging into the room, '' Albus told them.

`` Who was he ? '' rosiness asked.

`` I dunno, that 's the thing. I 'd never seen him before. ``

`` What did he look like ? '' Amanda asked. Albus described the man, but none of his friends recognized the verbal description either.

`` Maybe he was a parent of one of the educatee, '' rosiness suggested.

`` Who knows ? '' Albus said, `` But he got into a huge parameter with Washburn. ``

`` Well, that 's not difficult, '' Saint John the Apostle laughed, `` Anything will set him off. ``

`` What did they argue about ? '' Rose asked.

`` I 'm not sure. They were in Washburn 's office. I could n't make out what they were saying, but they were definitely rowing about something. And then, right before the guy left, he said 'remember, this is your job to do and I want it done soon'to Washburn. Or something like that. ``

Rose, John, and Amanda stared at Albus for a moment before Rose replied, `` That 's so foreign. So Washburn 's doing something for this wizard ? ``

`` Yeah, I think so. He 's definitely up to something. And I do n't think it 's anything good, '' Albus informed them.

`` You think they 're doing something evil ? '' toilet asked skeptically.

`` Maybe, but I do n't really know. ``

`` I dunno, '' lav said warily, `` I mean, Washburn 's horrible to you and James, and all the Gryffindors, really. But I do n't bonk if he 's really into the wickedness artwork or anything. ``

`` Yeah, '' rosiness agreed, `` That 'job'could be anything. It does n't have to be something bad. ``

`` But Washburn seemed so mad about it. Just seems uncanny to me. ``

`` It 's definitely shady, but I do n't think we should derail to conclusions, '' Rose replied, `` I mean, look at Snape. Uncle Harry thought he was evil, but he was n't. ``

`` I suppose, '' Albus sighed.

`` Anyone want to go see if we can jaw flatness ? '' John asked a few minutes later.

`` commodity idea, '' Albus agreed, `` I hope gentlewoman Pomfrey lets us. ``

`` I hope he 's awake, '' Rose closed her Holy Writ and put them away in her bag.

`` We can at least try to win over Madam Pomfrey to let us visit him on his birthday if she does n't let us today, '' John reasoned.

The four friends packed up their Holy Writ and put them away in their dorm. A few instant later, they found themselves walking to the Hospital Wing. They walked in silence the unit way there, each one knowing what the other was thinking about. All four of them were hoping lustrelessness was wake up and worrying about him. Albus had been worrying ever since the aurora he found out Matt was a werewolf. But at the same time, Albus felt a bit angry that lusterlessness would n't trust him with his secret. Albus 's rational side of meat knew why Matt was n't very believe, but could n't help wishing that Matt would confide in him. Albus supposed that character of this was due to his dad not trusting him with knowing what the 'Hallows'were. He wished more people would trust him.

When they reached the hospital Wing, they noticed that the doors were still shut, and when John tried to afford them, they found out that they were still locked as well.

`` This is n't a respectable sign, '' John sighed.

Rose banged on the door and shouted, `` Madam Pomfrey ! ``

A minute later, ma'am Pomfrey opened the door a fracture and stuck her caput out. `` What do you need ? ``

`` Is mat awake ? '' rosebush whispered.

`` Yes, he woke up final Night. ''

`` Well, can we see him ? '' rose asked hopefully.

`` No, I 'm sorry, but he really ca n't take in visitor right now, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed.

`` Is he all right ? '' John interrupted.

`` He 'll be alright in a couple of weeks or so. ``

`` Can we come in visit him on his birthday ? It 's future Wednesday. please ? '' Albus pleaded.

madam Pomfrey 's expression softened, `` I think that would be all rightfield. Not before Wed, though. I 'll see you then. ``

`` Great ! Thanks, brothel keeper Pomfrey, '' Albus smiled as she closed the door to the ward.

`` I 'm happy he 's awake now, '' Rose said as they walked back to the uncouth room, `` And we get to see him on his natal day. ``

`` Yeah, and we did n't even want Amy to convert her ! '' bathroom grinned.

`` Ca n't wait until Wednesday, '' Albus said.

`` Definitely, '' Amanda agreed.

`` Boo ! '' a interpreter said from behind them. Amanda shrieked and they all turned around. Omar Nelson Bradley and Mark were laughing.

`` Gotcha ! '' Bradley shouted.

`` We got your stuff from Hogsmeade, '' Mark told them. He handed them two bagful filled with butterbeer and sweets.

`` Awesome, '' Albus took the bags.

`` And here 's the Chudley Cannons Jersey. Although, what he sees in them ... '' Bradley shook his headland as he handed John the jersey.

`` Thanks, guys, '' Albus said to his cousins.

`` No problem, '' Bradley said, `` I remember the mean solar day of not being able to go to Hogsmeade. We always got Stanley and Heather to get our stuff for us. sword lily those days are over now. ``

`` I ca n't wait to go to Hogsmeade, '' can announced, `` Think of all the pranking stuff we 'll be able to buy. There 's only so much you can fit in your trunk and bring from home. ``

`` Endless possibilities, mate, '' Mark told Saint John, `` Well, we 'd better be off. We 've put off the homework long enough. Play first, oeuvre later. That 's our slogan. ''

`` Bad motto, if you ask me, '' rosebush whispered as her first cousin took off for the common room.

`` They 'll exist, '' Albus assured her, `` Have n't failed a form yet, have they ? ``

`` No, they have n't, '' rose agreed, `` We 'd better go, too. ''

`` Yeah, I 've still got to pen that unit essay for Potions, '' Amanda sighed.

Albus groaned, `` I 'd forgotten about that. Have n't even started. ``

Albus, blush wine, Gospel According to John, and Amanda continued walking to the green way. Once they were there, they spent the remainder of the afternoon writing essays about the properties of moonstone.

******

During the next few mean solar day, Albus and his friend debated about whether they should ask Matt how he wound up in the Hospital Wing when they went to see him on his birthday. Albus thought they should avoid the topic altogether, still believing that lusterlessness would tell them when he was set up. However, rosebush thought it would appear wary if they did n't ask what happened, because if your friend gets injured, you would want to know what happened. As it stood right now, the only people in the castle who knew what really happened were the instructor, Amy, Albus, blush wine, whoremonger, and Amanda. Of course, no one knew that Albus and his friends knew what happened. Despite this, many people asked them what happened. Albus just told them he had no melodic theme and after a few days, they gave up asking. Albus had heard quite a few ridiculous rumors about it. He overheard a few second year Hufflepuffs telling a couple Ravenclaws that flatness had been attacked by a thestral. This Saami story had been repeated throughout the castle, only with a different animate being being substituted each meter, including a Hippogriff and a Centaurus. The centaur storey was especially preposterous and Albus was for certain the centaur would not be felicitous if that history reached their ears.

In the end, Albus and his friends decided that they would ask matte what happened, but they would not dwell on the content. Albus was sure that mat, or maybe even Amy, had come up with some kind of floor to cover up what happened. Despite this, Amy was not telling anyone the story. She just ignored anyone who brought it up. Her friends, including Victoire, stayed close by her at all clock time and would n't let anyone advertise the matter. Albus suspected that Victoire had already been fed the fake story, but he did n't ask her about it.

After dinner on February sixth, Albus, pink wine, John, and Amanda found themselves walking to the Hospital Wing armed with political party supply and a enwrapped present.

blush wine was the first to reach the door and when she went to rap, everyone was surprised to receive that the doorway pushed out-of-doors. `` It 's unbarred ! '' blush wine gasped.

`` That must entail Matt 's doing better ! '' Albus said excitedly.

`` Let 's go, then ! '' John the Evangelist pushed past Albus and Rose and walked into the room. Amanda followed him and then Albus and rosebush walked in. Albus spotted Matt 's bed, but the curtains were pulled around it. He did n't see madam Pomfrey anywhere.

`` Madam Pomfrey ! '' Rose shouted, `` Are you here ? ``

Madam Pomfrey peeked her head out from behind the curtain and smiled at them. `` wax ! You can visit as soon as I 'm done giving him his evening potions. ''
`` Ok, thanks, lady Pomfrey, '' rose responded.

A few hour later, the nurse came back out and walked over to where Albus and his friends were standing. `` What do you hold in those bags ? '' she eyed their packages suspiciously.

`` Oh, just some Honeydukes hooey, Butterbeer, and a represent, '' Albus told her.

`` But none of it 's Weasley production, is it ? ''

`` No. ``

Madam Pomfrey relaxed, `` Ok, good. The last thing I need is to own this place destroyed while you have your party ! You can go see him now. ``

Albus ran to the bed, followed by his friend, and pulled back the mantle. Amy was sitting in a chair next to the bed and whispering to Matt. She stopped abruptly when the curtain opened.

`` Hey, Matt ! '' Albus grinned and sat down at the end of the bed. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right, '' mat replied hoarsely, `` But I 've been better. ``

`` gladiolus to see you 're awake, mate, '' John sat down next to Albus and set the bag of party stuff on the floor.

Rose and Amanda smiled and sat in chairwoman that Amy had conjured after they came in. rose wine pulled the curtains closed and handed Matt his present. `` happy Birthday ! '' everyone shouted.

`` Thanks, guys ! '' Matt grinned and tore spread the wrapping. `` Wow ! A Chudley canon island of Jersey ! This is brilliant ! ``

`` I 'm gladiolus you like it, '' Albus said, `` My cousins picked it up in Hogsmeade for us. They also got us butterbeers and sweets. ``

`` Excellent ! '' flatness replied excitedly.

John picked up the bag and passed out butterbeer and jelly slugs. `` So, '' he began once everyone started eating, `` What exactly happened to you ? We 've heard the wild rumors. You did n't really get attacked by a herd of thestrals, did you ? ``

matte started choking on his butterbeer and Amy slapped him on the dorsum. He gave her a worried smell and then looked back at John. `` Really ? '' he sputtered.

It was a bit hard to believe that matt had been attacked by thestrals, when Hagrid had the school thestrals very well trail. But on the early hired man, flatness did look like he 'd been attacked by a large creature. He had partially healed cuts, insect bite, and scratches all over all his physical structure. His arms and peg were covered in bandages and just about all of his dead body was bruised. Albus could see how someone would surmise he was attacked by a thestral.

`` Well, that 's what the Hufflepuffs are saying, '' can told him.

`` The Ravenclaws think it was a Hippogriff, '' Amanda chimed in.

matte sighed and glanced at Amy, who gave him a look. `` It was n't either, '' lustrelessness began, `` I got a bit too close to the Whomping willow. ``

`` What ? ! '' John exclaimed, `` Really ?

`` Er, yeah, '' mat said.

Albus was debating about whether to ask Matt to expatiate or not when he continued.

`` I spent the night here when Albus took me that one dark. Then I left in the morning and went for a walk on the grounds. I was n't paying attention to where I was going and the tree gave me quite a trouncing. ``

`` Wow, '' Albus responded, `` I 'm glad you 're ok. ''

`` Yeah, '' privy said, `` But when do you get to leave here ? ``

`` I 'm not really sure, '' matte told them, `` Not for at least another week. gentlewoman Pomfrey wants the cut healed and the bruises faded before I leave. And I ca n't really walk that wellspring. ``

`` A altogether week ? '' pink wine exclaimed.

`` At least, '' Matt responded, `` I hope it 's not more. I 'm getting so bored. What 's been going on in the rest of the castle ? ``

`` well, did you see that article Rita Skeeter wrote last workweek ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, I read it yesterday. But Amy told me there was n't anything to interest about. ``

`` She 's veracious. But the whole rook 's talking about it. Dad thinks it 'll screw up over when the following Quidditch match arrives. ``

`` He 's probably right, '' Rose agreed.

`` I hope I get to leave here before the adjacent lucifer. I do n't desire to lose it, '' matt said.

`` I hope so too, '' John took a sip of butterbeer, `` cipher uncollectible than missing Quidditch. ``

`` I can cerebrate of no less than ten things, '' blush wine muttered.

`` I think we might accept a opportunity of winning the cup, '' Albus said excitedly.

`` That would be so poise ! '' Amanda shouted, `` I love Quidditch. I was never into Muggle sports, but Quidditch is awesome. ``

`` Definitely, '' toilet agreed, `` I never saw the dot of Muggle sportswoman, but I guess if you ca n't play Quidditch ... ''

They spent the adjacent hour talking about Quidditch and everything else that was going on in the rook. Albus told lustrelessness about how Xavier Goyle had melted his cauldron in potions the other day. The potion had spread across the floor and burned through Scorpius Malfoy and his friend, Jackson Limbert 's, horseshoe. The Gryffindors had thought this was very laughable, especially when they found out that the potion had turned both boy metrical foot pink. Other than that, zero too energise had happened in class during Matt 's absence seizure. Washburn had continued being horrible to Albus and the other Gryffindors. In Transfiguration, they had started transfiguring Muggle pencils into quill. Rose, John, and a couple of the Ravenclaws were the solely ones who had managed to do it.

After they had exhausted the issue of moral, the conversation turned back to Quidditch. Professional Quidditch this time. No one seemed to think the Chudley Canons had any Hope of ever making it to the Cup. Even Matt seemed to jibe. No one had any theme who would be playing in the Cup this year, but it did n't count much because it had already been decided that the Cup would require post in Russia and none of them would get to go anyway.

Amy spent the entire sojourn sitting next to Matt, so Albus was ineffectual to share the contents of his newest dream or what had happened in hold the previous Sabbatum. Albus found out that Amy spent well-nigh of her supernumerary meter visiting Matt. He had never seen such a commit sister before. Albus had thought his older cousins were protective, but they were cypher compared to Amy.

Eventually, Madam Pomfrey came back to tell them that they had stayed long enough and it was sentence for them to leave.

`` Well, I hope you can go forth soon, '' Albus said as he stood up.

`` 'Night, matte, '' John cleaned up the remnant intellectual nourishment and put it back in the bag.

`` See you soon, '' Rose told him.

`` Bye, '' Amanda stood up and followed everyone out from behind the curtains.

`` Bye, guys, '' Matt yawned as they left.

`` He does n't look unspoiled, '' Albus whispered once they had left the room.

`` No, he does n't, '' Rose agreed, `` But at to the lowest degree he 's awake. ``

`` Good distributor point, but I can see why Madam Pomfrey wo n't let him allow for yet. Everyone would barrage him with questions about what happened, '' Saint John pointed out.

`` I do n't think he knows you were in the Hospital Wing that dark, Albus, '' Amanda said, `` He says he spent the night in the hospital Wing, but you know he did n't. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` And they brought him back there so early, there would n't sustain been any clip for him to wind the grounds. ``

`` Do n't luff it out, though, '' rosebush warned him.

`` I wo n't, '' Albus assured her, `` We agreed that we would n't say anything about what happened now that we 've heard the account. ``

`` He 'll induce to severalise us eventually, '' John the Divine reasoned.

`` I know. I hope it 's soon, '' Albus said.

`` I bet it will be soon, '' pink wine told them, `` How many stories can he get along up with about what happens every full moon ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` I just hope it 's not worse side by side calendar month. ``

No one said anything else the quietus of the way to the mutual room. Albus knew that everyone else was thinking what he was thinking. That it was very much a possibility that next calendar month would be worse.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, and thanks to my other sister and my chum. Thanks to inkheart for the recap.

You may have noticed that I lost practically all my brushup for this story during the site clangour. I had around 40 and lost all but 8. So please read and review !

I thought I 'd share that I 've finished the sequel to this ! Albus Potter and the Tracks They Left hind end, which is about Albus 's 2nd year, will be posted as soon as I 've posted all of this one.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist

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As February progressed, the castle grounds were blanketed in even more C. P. Snow. The students found themselves going remote for sweet sand verbena fights during a lot of their loose time. These biz started out as loose fun, but soon groups of people formed large teams that eventually led to each mansion having their own team. On social function, half the school would be out-of-door participating. The games usually resulted in a few bookman going to the hospital wing. The students also tracked quite a bit of snow and mud into the castling and Filch was not happy about it. He spent his time lurking near the straw man door, waiting to scream at anyone who came inside with muddy shoes. Albus and his friends participated in a few sweet sand verbena fights, but soon found that the sr. educatee were capable to bewitch sweet sand verbena and it was hard for them to keep open up. It was fun nonetheless, and even pink wine took breaks from studying to join in.

They also made sure to travel to Matt every night. They told him the belated tidings of the castling and helped him with his preparation. No one mentioned his injuries beyond a elementary 'how are you ?'and Albus could separate that Matt wanted to avoid the issue. Eventually, after a full three calendar week in the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey finally let him pass on. His bruise had faded, cuts had healed, and was looking almost normal. By now, the entire castle had heard the Whomping willow chronicle, and Albus hoped that no one would ask any query about it.

`` I am so glad to be out of there, '' Matt said as he set his books down on a table in the mutual room the Nox he left the hospital wing.

`` I 'm glad you are, too, '' Albus sat down and took out his transfiguration book.

`` We all are, '' rose wine grinned, but did n't sit down. She walked over to Albus and whispered in his ear, `` I 've got to talk to you, alone. James, too. We 'll go up to your residence hall. Bilius and Ethan are down here, so it 'll be empty. ``

`` We 'll be correct back, '' Albus told matte, lavatory, and Amanda as he got up. He went up to his dormitory and sat on the bed, waiting for his brother and cousin.

A few mo later, blush wine came into the room followed by a bemused looking St. James. `` What is it ? '' St. James asked.

`` I think it 's meter for our plan, you know, about getting Albus to verbalize to Dumbledore, '' Rose told them.

`` Now ? '' Albus asked in a appal tint. The more he had thought about that plan, the more nervous he became. It could go legal injury in so many ways.

`` Yes, I think so, '' pink wine replied adamantly, `` I 've given up the depository library inquiry. ``

`` Really ? ! '' James I laughed, `` I 'd better hollo the Prophet ! ``

`` Shut it, St. James, '' Rose said. `` Tomorrow, during spell, I 'll set off the fireworks and you 'll get sent to Kendrick 's office staff. And then maybe we 'll finally get some answers. ``

`` All right field, '' Albus sighed. His curiosity trumped his desire to not have anymore trouble in Washburn 's class.

`` We 'll let you know how it goes, James, '' rose wine told her cousin.

Epistle of James grinned, `` Somehow, I think I 'm going to hear about it before I see you. This is magnificent, setting off fireworks in Washburn 's class .... ''

`` I 'm not talking about that ! '' rosebush sighed, `` I 'm talking about the stuff with Dumbledore. ``

`` I know, but still. Blimey, I wish I 'd be there to see the flavor on Washburn 's face .... ''

`` No, you do n't, '' Albus replied, `` He 's going to be livid. ``

`` Yeah, but that 's what we 're hoping for, '' pink wine said, `` It 's the exclusively way to get into Kendrick 's position. ``

`` I know, I just wish there was a better way, '' Albus sighed.

`` Me, too, '' Rose said softly.

******

Albus hardly slept at all that dark. He tossed and turned while worrying about the adjacent day 's magic spell class. He finally gave up sleeping around six in the morning and got up. Once John and Matt were up, the three of them headed down to breakfast.

Albus sat next to Rose, who was already there, and served himself some toast. However, Albus was too nervous to eat it. He just kept glancing up at the staff table, where Washburn was doing his usual dayspring glare at the students.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' Matt asked, `` You do n't look too well. ``

`` I 'm just tired, I guess, '' Albus said quietly while glancing at rosiness. She gave him a appealing look, but did n't say anything. Amanda, can, and Matt had no idea what would be happening in magic spell, of course, so they just thought Albus was sick.

`` Maybe you should go to the Hospital Wing, '' matt suggested while stuffing ballock in his mouth.

`` No, I 'll be hunky-dory, '' Albus assured him.

Albus could n't pay attention during DADA. Harry lectured during the whole class, but Albus spent the whole clip worrying about Charms. The class seemed to go by twice as fast as normal and before Albus knew it, it was over.

Albus walked to Charms with rose, who told him that everything was set. The Weasley fireworks were in her bag, and ready to be set off. She did n't enjoin him when it would be happening, but Albus assumed it would be during the hard-nosed part of the class.

Washburn stormed into the room in his usual salvo of wildness. He went to his desk and took attendance. When he got to Matt 's name, a strange grin appeared on his face.

`` Nice of you to finally join us in class, Eckerton, '' he sneered, `` What 's it been ? Three weeks ? I certainly hope you 've been studying Charms while you skipped class. ``

Albus glanced over at Matt, who was turning red and slouching down in his seat.

Washburn continued the attendance and when he was done, he started lecturing. Albus 's heart was pounding loudly now and he could n't take a crap out a countersign Washburn said. All he noticed was that Washburn was calling on Matt to serve every unmarried query he asked. Matt had no idea what any of the answers were and was looking more execrable each second. Eventually, Washburn announced that they would be charming newspaper publisher birds to fly. He said that this appealingness was much like levitation, and if one was capable of levitating a paper bird, they 'd be subject of making one fly.

Albus groaned as he pulled out his wand. Levitation never ended well in this grade, and he knew for a fact it would n't end well today. He glanced down at Rose 's bag, which was sitting in between them on the storey. Once Washburn settled down to place preparation at his desk, Albus noticed rose wine twist her wand from her paper bird and towards her bag, which had been emptied of everything except the pyrotechnic earlier. She gave Albus a aflutter smell and muttered an incantation.

A loud blowup erupted from the bag and a heavy hippogriff made of fervidness floated towards the cap. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at it. A few people screamed. Albus put on a mortified face while Rose tried her comfortably to look surprised.

`` Potter ! '' Washburn ran out from behind his desk and was in front of Albus within five seconds. Albus had never heard him scream so loud. `` What on earthly concern are you doing ? ! mustiness you always disrupt my class like this ? ! Never have I seen such a strident disruption ! '' He was shouting so loud now that Albus was sure everyone in the castling had heard him.

`` I 'll have you expelled from this castling ! '' Washburn continued, `` I 'll make certainly you- ''

`` What is going on in here ? '' professor Patil came charging into the room and interrupted Washburn 's philippic. She saw the firework and pointed her verge at it. It disappeared immediately.

`` potter has disrupted my course of instruction yet again ! He set off a firework while I was trying to teach ! '' Washburn informed her, `` And I will make certainly there is some penalization ! He has gotten away with far too a lot. ``

`` wellspring, I think this is a affair that is dependable taken up with the Headmaster, '' Professor Patil replied, `` Come along, Potter. ``

Albus nodded and got up from the table. So far, so good. The program was going as well as it could be. He was going to make up it to the schoolmaster 's spot. He followed Patil out into the hallway. Washburn glared at him as he left, his mouth opening and shutting, but no words were coming out.

Professor Patil did not say a word the hale way to the master 's post. She led him up a few flights of stairs and stopped in front of a stone gargoyle.

`` I 'm in the middle of teaching a class, so I 'll pull up stakes you here to see the Headmaster, '' she informed him. `` safe duck, '' she said to the gargoyle.

The gargoyle opened to reveal a broadside stairway. Albus stepped inside and climbed up. His marrow was pounding as he stepped off the last stair and came into a flyer room. It was adorned with the portrayal of past headmaster. There were all variety of silver instrumental role on every surface, along with bookcases overflowing with script. In the back was a desk with a comfy looking chair behind it. Behind the chair was Professor Dumbledore 's portrait. Albus glanced around and noticed that he was alone in the room. Luckily, professor Kendrick was not there. Albus breathed a sigh of assuagement. That was the one thing that could own gone haywire with the plan. If Kendrick was there, then Albus would not induce a chance to spill the beans to Dumbledore.

Albus ran to Dumbledore 's portrait, bore to get this over with, as Kendrick could revert any minute. As he approached Dumbledore, he passed the only other portrait that was currently awake. It was a portrait of a greasy haired, hooked nose man. `` Getting into trouble, ceramicist ? Just like your father, '' the man said. It was professor Snape.

Albus chose to ignore him as he reached Dumbledore. `` Um, excuse me, Sir, '' he started.

`` hullo, Albus, '' Dumbledore smiled, `` I wondered when I 'd be seeing you. But I must ask, what form of difficulty did you induce to be sent here ? ``

`` I, um, er, well, it was n't me, exactly. It was Rose. But we assumed, hoped rather, that I 'd get blamed for it, '' Albus stammered.

`` Ah, you 've been wanting to talk to me ? '' Dumbledore asked.

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus replied.

`` I will be glad to help you, but first I really must love what you and originate did, '' Dumbledore insisted, `` I am rather curious. ``

`` wellspring, Rose set off a Weasley firework in professor Washburn 's class, '' Albus confessed.

`` Interesting. I seem to remember her mother doing the Saame in my class once, although I never could prove it, '' Snape commented.

`` That 's certainly a creative way of getting to sing to me, '' Dumbledore replied, `` But I must evidence you that a better way would be to send word with another portrait and I 'd be able to meet you in the uncouth room. ``

Albus slapped his head, `` I ca n't believe I did n't think of that ! Too late now. Anyway, what I want to talk about is private. ``

`` Oh, I understand. Ask away. ``

`` Um, well, over Christmastime, Rose, James, and I, and a few other of our cousins overheard our parents talking, '' Albus paused, waiting for the reprimand for listening in on a conversation.

`` Perfectly understandable. I do conceive that if adults do n't want tyke hearing their conversations, they ought to use the right charms against eavesdropping. ``

Albus grinned, `` That 's what I thought, but Grandma was pretty mad. She took away all of James 's Extendable spike. ``

`` What a ignominy. I always thought those were ingenious. I wish they had been invented when I was your age. ``

`` Anyway, we overheard that they are keeping something from us. A mystical, I guess. We always thought they told us everything about Voldemort, the horcruxes, and the battle at Hogwarts. But now we 're not so trusted. They were talking about figuring out when to tell us something. Something they do n't want us to spread around, '' Albus informed him.

`` I see, '' Dumbledore replied with a thoughtful look on his face, `` Go on. ``

`` fountainhead, Professor, we think we sort of know what it is. fountainhead, I heard them say one word and the same intelligence was mentioned in these weird dreaming I 've been having. I 've been having dreams due to soul doing Legilimency on me. I 'm learning Occlumency, though. ``

`` That 's good, '' Dumbledore said, `` I hope it 's going well. ``

`` Mine is, but James is n't doing so well with his. ``

`` Who 's education you ? '' Snape interrupted, `` It 's not your father, is it ? '' Snape laughed at the very thought.

`` No, '' Albus replied coldly, `` But he could if he wanted to. ``

`` No, he could n't, '' Snape replied, `` I tried to teach him, and he is incapable of the task. ``

`` He 's doing better now, '' Albus said defensively.

`` Who is teaching you, then ? '' Snape pressed.

`` My Aunt Hermione. ``

`` Well, as lots of a know it all she was, she 's probably a competent teacher, '' Snape approved.

`` Thank you, Severus, '' Dumbledore said, `` Now, continue, Albus. ``

`` Um, right. Anyway, I guess I was wondering if you could tell me anything about the Hallows, '' Albus held his breath, waiting for Dumbledore 's reaction.

Dumbledore sighed, `` I was afraid that 's what you were going to ask. What do you be intimate about them ? ``

`` Not much. My parents have n't told me anything, but I 'm reasonably sure that 's what they 're keeping from us. Rose, Saint James, and I have been researching in the library about them, but we have n't found anything. All I know is that they are objects and I learned that from my aspiration. ``

`` Be measured not to believe everything those dreams tell you, '' Snape warned, `` That was one of your Father of the Church 's job. ``

`` Severus, '' Dumbledore said warningly and turned back to Albus. `` You will not regain any selective information about the Hallows in the history books about Voldemort. And this is because there are few who know about their grandness in the concluding battle. Many of those who do, do not believe it. ``

`` So, they do take to do with the battle ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, they do, '' Dumbledore confirmed.

`` Will you tell me what they are ? ''

Dumbledore sighed again, `` I am afraid that it is not my home to tell you. That responsibleness remains with your Father. I will tell you that they played an important purpose in defeating Voldemort, but beyond that, you 'll take in to await until your father is prepare to tell you. ``

Albus groaned, `` But why ? Why wo n't he recite me ? ``

`` grownup have a habit of keeping things from children because they think they are protecting them. This is not always the case, as I have learned on many occasion. I made the same fault numerous times, most of them involving Harry and the information about his past times. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus responded, `` Do you make love when he 'll tell me ? ``

`` No, although I do think it will be soon. Perhaps within the next few months, '' Dumbledore revealed.

`` Months ? ! '' Albus shouted, `` I ca n't wait that long ! ``

`` longanimity is a mighty virtue, Albus, '' Dumbledore said, `` I know it 's concentrated to hold off that hanker. Which is why I will contribute you a lilliputian hint. ``

`` A hint ? Like where we can find out about the Hallows without asking my dad ? '' Albus asked hopefully.

`` Not exactly. But before I get to that, I sense there is something else troubling you. ``

Albus thought for a consequence before responding. `` Well, I guess there is one thing ... '' he paused, wondering if he should tell Dumbledore about Matt.

Dumbledore smiled, but did n't say anything.

Albus sighed. `` Ok, it 's my friend flatness. He gets sick a lot, once a month to be demand. And I just found out he 's a loup-garou. Not that that subject or anything. I still want to be friends with him, '' Albus said quickly.

`` Ah, yes, Saint Matthew the Apostle Eckerton, '' Dumbledore replied.

`` You know him ? ''

`` Yes, he voiced a few concerns to me before the shoal year started. He and his parents had a get together with professor Kendrick. ``

`` That was speedy, Potter. I must say that I am pleasantly surprised that you found out so quickly. Your father never was able to put the clues together to figure out that Lupin was a lycanthrope. Miss granger told him, '' Snape interjected.

Albus averted his eyes from Snape and mumbled, `` Er, Rose is the one who really found out. I just confirmed it when I was in the hospital Wing the Saame time as mat. ``

`` Of course, '' Snape said flatly.

`` Severus, '' Dumbledore warned, `` Continue, Albus. ``

`` It 's just, matte has n't told us yet. He 's still trying to hide it from us. I just wish he 'd swear me. It just form of tactile property like no one trusts me. lustrelessness wo n't severalise me he 's a wolfman and my dad wo n't tell me about the Hallows. Why wo n't anyone swear me ? '' Albus told Dumbledore.

`` I understand, '' Dumbledore responded, `` But I do conceive it 's more complicated than you not being trustworthy. You, I believe, are very trustworthy. As far as matte trusting you, I will order you that he had a very rough childhood. He 's been through horror you ca n't even imagine. I do think he trusts you, but I do n't think he tells many people about his lycanthropy. I know that he is very afraid about what will happen if people find out- ''

`` But it does n't count to me ! Or John the Divine or pink wine or Amanda ! '' Albus interrupted.

`` I know. But past experiences have caused lusterlessness to be loth to tell anyone. Although I do mean he will intrust in you eventually. ``

`` So you agree that I should n't order him that I know ? '' Albus asked.

`` As long as he does n't know that you know, I think that would be a fresh choice. ``

`` No, I do n't think he has any estimate that I know, '' Albus said.

`` goodness, '' Dumbledore continued, `` Now, I believe trust is a two-way street. You want matt to confide in you, but can you think of anything that you are keeping from him, and John, and Amanda as well ? ``

Albus wracked his brain, `` fountainhead, just the Hallows, but I do n't even bonk what they are. ``

`` The Hallows, that 's exactly what I suspected you were keeping secret. But why ? ``

`` Um, I guess I 'm not certain. It just seems like something that I should keep to myself. Since my parents have n't even recite anyone, '' Albus reasoned.

`` Ah, but you wish your parents would severalise you about them ? ``

`` Yes, but- ''

`` It might be wise to recite your supporter, Albus. Just because your parents have n't told anyone, does n't signify you have to retain it to yourself. ``

`` Really ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, and that is my hint to you. secern your friends what you know about the Hallows. They just might be able to help you, '' Dumbledore told him.

`` You think they would know to a greater extent than we could get from books ? '' Albus asked skeptically.

`` There 's only one way to find out, '' Dumbledore winked.

`` All right, if you 're indisputable, '' Albus responded.

`` proficient luck with that, ceramist, '' Snape smirked.

Albus heard a door open behind him and he jumped. He had momentarily forgotten what he had done to get to Kendrick 's place. As he remembered the bedlam in Washburn 's form, apprehension consumed him once more. What was going to happen ? Albus turned around and saw professor Kendrick standing in the doorway.

`` Sit down, Albus, '' Kendrick said as he walked towards his desk.

Albus sat down in the chair in front line of the desk while Kendrick sat down in his chair.

`` prof Patil told me what happened. Before we start discussing, I 'm going to ask professor Washburn to get along in. Along with your dad. Hopefully we 'll be able to get to the fundament of this, '' Kendrick got up from the desk and went over to the fireplace. He threw a handful of floo powder in and pierce his head into the emerald flames.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early sister and my crony. Thanks to Moonylupin for the critique !
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower

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`` Now, do n't expect to create much more than a wisp of silvery fog on your foremost attempt, '' Harry told his class of eager 7th years, `` Patronuses are difficult for even the unspoilt sorcerer to conspire. ``

`` But my mum and dad said you managed it in your 3rd year, '' Christina Davy interrupted.

`` Well, yes, I did, '' Harry told his class, `` But I had terrific teacher and the motivation I needed to wield it at such a Brigham Young age. Now, everyone think of a felicitous retentivity, just as we discussed- ''

`` Excuse me, Harry ? '' The flames in the classroom hearth turned a bright emerald green and the headmaster 's grimace appeared in it. The completely class turned to look towards the fireplace and were shocked to see prof Kendrick 's head.

`` Yes, Professor ? '' Harry answered in a confused tone. fireplace had been installed in all the classroom during the rebuilding of Hogwarts after the Battle in order for the teachers to put across faster in the outcome of an hand brake. Harry had never used his fireplace before and was a bit worried when he saw Kendrick in it.

`` Your son caused a hoo-ha in good luck charm just now- ''

`` What did James do this prison term ? '' Harry sighed.

`` No, not James. It was Albus, '' Kendrick told Harry.

`` What ? ! '' Harry was baffled. He never imagined Albus would cause adequate trouble to be sent to the headmaster 's office. Even James I had avoided that so far.

`` Yes, it was Albus. He 's in my business office right now and I 'd like to hash out it with you and Professor Washburn, '' Kendrick said

`` All right. I 'll meet you in your office in a few minutes. ``

`` I 'll see you then, '' Kendrick 's school principal disappeared and the flames returned to their usual orange.

The seventh eld all turned their heads back to Harry, with face of shock on their faces.

`` What did Albus do ? '' Victoire asked, `` I ca n't ideate him getting in trouble. ``

`` I really do n't know what happened, Victoire, '' Harry answered.

`` Were his booster in on this, too ? '' Amy asked anxiously. Harry could severalize she was worried about her brother getting in trouble.

`` I 'm not indisputable. I just heard about this now, '' Harry responded, `` I 've got to go. I 'm dismissing class now. I trust you 'll all use this time responsibly, '' Harry grinned, knowing they 'd all use the time to drop the ball off. `` We 'll proceed with Patronuses following family. ``

Harry left the classroom as his pupil were packing up. He made it to Kendrick 's spot in record time, gave the word, and entered the room. Kendrick was sitting behind his desk, with Albus and Washburn sitting in front of it. There was an void chair between them. nobody was saying a word. Both Dumbledore and Snape 's portraiture seemed to be paying closing attention. Harry walked over to the empty chairperson and he noticed that Albus was shaking and he looked extremely scared.

`` Hi, Al, '' Harry whispered and gave his son a quick hug before taking the eye seat. Albus remained quiet and he was staring straight at Dumbledore 's portrait.

`` Daddy wo n't be able to write you this metre, Potter, '' Washburn sneered.

`` That 's enough, Jameson, '' Kendrick said calmly, `` Now that Harry is here, could you please explain to both of us what happened ? ``

`` I was trying to instruct and all of a sudden, there was an explosion and a firework emerged from the tabular array he was sitting at, '' Washburn spat, `` He set it off to cause a disruption. He 's been doing it ever since the commencement of the twelvemonth. ``

`` Is this true, Albus ? '' Kendrick asked. All three adults turned to expect at Albus, who was sinking broken in his buns. He did not say a word.

`` Of course it 's true ! '' Washburn growled after a few minute of silence.

A forte banging disrupted their discussion. Harry turned away from Albus and looked at the office door. `` Do you want me to get that ? ``

`` Yes, I suppose, '' Kendrick replied.

Harry got up and went over to the door. He opened it and Rose came bursting in. She was out of intimation and looked flushed. `` Do n't. rout out. Him. '' she panted.

`` What ? ! '' Kendrick said, `` I was n't planning on expelling Albus. ``

`` You should ! '' Washburn stood up and glared at Kendrick.

`` Sit down, '' Kendrick responded, `` You have to respect my decisiveness. I will not rout Albus, but there will be a penalisation. ``

`` No ! '' Rose shouted. She walked towards Kendrick 's desk and stood in front of it. Harry followed and stood behind Albus 's chair. `` It was n't him ! '' she announced.

`` What do you mean ? ! '' Washburn exclaimed, `` Of course it was him ! I saw him ! ``

`` No, you did n't. You saw it came from our table, there was no way you could distinguish who actually did it. Saint John, Matt, and I were also sitting at that table, '' Rose explained.

`` What are you getting at, Rose ? '' Harry asked. Now he was thoroughly confused about the solid event.

`` It was me, '' Rose said simply, `` It was my firework. ``

`` You set off a firework during a class ? '' Harry was mystified. If there was anyone who was less potential than Albus to get trouble during class, it was rose. Rose did love causing fuss, but she never did it during classes.

`` Well, not really, '' Rose glanced shiftily at Washburn and then returned her gaze to Harry. `` Not intentionally, that is. It was one of those new firework that Uncle George is working on. They 're still in the testing stage. The ones that are supposed to actually disappear if you vanish them, but then reappear an hour or so later. Only right now they permanently disappear. ``

`` That 's good, '' Harry breathed a sigh of relief. There were lots worse observational product that could have accidentally gotten set off.

`` Anyway, they 're very precarious right now and they go off if there 's a lot of magic around, and we were practicing charming newspaper birds, '' Rose told him.

`` Why did you have got it ? '' Harry asked.

`` I, um, took it during Xmas break, '' Rose mumbled while looking at her feet.

`` What ? ! '' Harry exclaimed.

`` I found it at the burrow and did n't realize it was one of the experimental ones. I just realized that the former day. ``

`` And why was it in your bag ? ``

`` I was meaning to give it to you during DADA, but I forgot, '' pink wine confessed.

Harry sighed, `` All right. I guess that mystery is solved. ``

`` What about punishment ! They need to be punished ! '' Washburn shouted while glaring at Rose.

`` rosiness will get air, but seeing as Albus was n't actually involved, I ca n't punish him, '' Kendrick explained.

`` But, but, '' Washburn sputtered.

`` And that is final, Jameson, '' Kendrick said firmly, `` Now, Albus and blush wine, you should get going to your next class. Rose, you can do your lines with Professor Washburn tomorrow night at seven. ``

Albus and Rose nodded. Albus got up and gave Harry a hug before he followed rosebush out of the elbow room. He still did n't say anything, but he looked a bit less daunt than he had earlier and he had stopped shaking.

Kendrick stood up, `` I 'm beaming we got this all straightened out. I shall see both of you later. ''

Washburn glared at Harry and stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Harry turned to give as well, but stopped when he heard a familiar articulation. `` Harry, I would like to talk over something with you, if you have prison term. ''

Harry turned around and saw the fellow face of Albus Dumbledore looking at him. `` Yeah, I 've got time. ``

`` I 'll leave you to your conversation, then, '' Kendrick said as he left his office.

Harry walked over to Dumbledore 's portrayal, `` What is it, Professor ? ``

`` I had an interesting conversation with Albus earlier. ``

`` Really ? '' Harry was very odd as to what the two of them would make talked about.

`` Oh, yes, '' Dumbledore continued, `` He has been wondering about the Hallows. ``

`` The, the, Hallows ? '' Harry stammered. He did n't think his kids had ever even heard of the Hallows.

`` The Hallows. He overheard you talking about them over Christmas holiday. He, Henry James, and pink wine have been attempting to enquiry them in the depository library ever since. ``

`` They have ? ''

`` That 's what Albus told me. Naturally, they did not find any answers, '' Dumbledore went on, `` So, Albus asked me what I knew about them. ``

`` And did you tell him ? '' Harry asked anxiously.

`` I told him I do bonk about them, but that I could not give him the resolution he wanted. I believe that is your duty, Harry, '' Dumbledore responded.

Harry breathed a sigh of moderation, `` Thank you. ``

`` Why have n't you tell apart them, Harry ? ``

Harry stopped to think. Dumbledore gazed at him while waiting patiently. `` well, I guess because I do n't want a whole lot of mass knowing about them. The cobbler's last thing we need is to suffer soul seeking them out. ``

`` But you fear that is what 's happening. ``

`` Yes, I do. I 'm afraid that 's what the dreams mean value, '' Harry told him.

`` Are you afraid the kids will recount the whole school ? ``

`` I guess I am, '' Harry confessed, `` Especially James. He 's always so eager to tell everyone he meets stories about me. ``

`` He is proud of being your son, '' Dumbledore said, `` And I think if you expressed your concern about others knowing about the Hallows, they would keep the secret. ``

`` You 're probably mighty, '' Harry sighed, `` But I 'm also afraid about whoever 's doing the Legilimency finding out about them. If I tell the shaver, then whoever wants the Hallows will be able to find out where they are. ``

`` Perhaps. It is a toughened Call. But I 'm sure you 'll always do the mightily decision in the end, '' Dumbledore replied, `` Were you ever planning on telling them ? ``

`` Yes, I was. ``

`` When ? ``

`` I 'm not sure, I guess, '' Harry responded, `` When they were a bit old, I suppose. But I was waiting for the right moment. ``

`` And that moment might be approaching earlier then you thought, '' Dumbledore replied, `` Albus thinks you do n't trust him. ``

`` He does ? '' Harry sighed. This was getting more complicated by the moment.

`` Yes, he told me. He is a bit upset about it. But it is aided by the fact that you are n't the only one keeping a big secret from him. ``

Harry paused to think. Who else was keeping secrets from his son ? `` Oh, his friend, Matt, right ? He has n't told Albus yet, has he ? ``

`` No, he has n't. But Albus and Rose have figured it out on their own. I do n't think he fully understands why Matt has n't told him. He just sees it as the multitude he loves are n't trusting him. ``

`` Oh, no, it 's so much more complicated than that, '' Harry responded.

`` That 's what I told him. But that is an issue that 's between him and matte and there is n't a great deal you can do about it. What you can do is reconsider when you are going to tell your children about the Hallows. ``

`` Yeah, I guess I will. I just do n't want to festinate into it. Maybe at the end of term would be just. That way they can process the melodic theme over the summertime at place where they wo n't be tempted to assure others about it. ``

`` That would be wise, '' Dumbledore smiled.

`` Thanks for telling me, prof. I should probably get going, '' Harry said.

`` I shall see you soon, Harry. ``

`` Bye, '' Harry turned around and left the office. He thought about what Dumbledore said on his way to the Great Hall for lunch. What Dumbledore said made common sense, but he was still reluctant about telling his kids about the Hallows.

******

`` That was an telling lie the Weasley girl told, '' Snape said curtly to Dumbledore after Harry left.

`` Yes, it was, '' Dumbledore agreed.

`` But you did n't narrate ceramicist about it. ``

`` No, I did not find it was necessity. I do n't think anymore punishment would have accomplished anything. I ca n't conceive of Albus or pink wine will do anything like that again in the near future, '' Dumbledore explained.

`` They did lie, though. They lied to the schoolmaster. That deserves punishment, '' Snape responded.

`` Perhaps, perhaps, '' Dumbledore said calmly, `` But, Severus, you did not tell Harry either. ``

******

`` That was mad, '' Albus shouted after he left the headmaster 's office with rosebush. As soon as the gargoyle closed behind them, James appeared in figurehead of them.

`` Well, are you in huge trouble, Albus ? '' he asked anxiously.

`` Luckily, no, '' Albus told his brother.

`` What happened, then ? '' St. James pushed, `` Are you going to tell apart us about your talk with Dumbledore ? ``

`` Of course ! '' Albus said, `` Just not here. What if someone heard us ? ``

`` There 's still an hour until our next family, why do n't we go up to the uncouth elbow room ? It might be vacuous now, '' Rose suggested.

`` Good idea, '' Albus agreed. He started walking towards Gryffindor Tower. St. James the Apostle and rose followed, neither of them saying a countersign.

The common way was empty. Albus, St. James, and pink wine hurried inside and snagged the good armchairs near the fire. James and rosebush looked at Albus expectantly, waiting for him to begin.

Albus launched into a drawn-out explanation about his conversation with Dumbledore. King James and Rose sat quietly and did n't cut off him. Albus told them every bit of the conversation, except for the parting about Matt. Albus would differentiate rear about that later, after James left.

`` So, Dumbledore knows ? '' James said after Albus finished.

`` Yes, he does, but he wo n't secernate me much, '' Albus explained, `` Just told me to ask my friend. ``

`` That 's so strange, '' rosebush furrowed her brow, `` Why would they sleep with anything about the Hallows if we do n't ? ``

`` Dunno, '' James commented, `` He was a bit mad, though. ``

`` Yeah, but he was bright. He has n't been wrongfulness about a good deal, '' Albus reminded them.

`` So, you think we should tell our Quaker ? '' rosiness asked.

`` I 'm not really sure, '' Albus confided, `` I 'd be willing to try anything right now to figure out what the Hallows are, but what if Dad 's mad that we told hoi polloi ? ``

`` He ca n't be mad if we do n't even jazz what they are, '' Henry James reasoned, `` As far as he knows, we 've never even heard the word 'Hallows'. ``

`` That 's lawful, '' Rose said.

`` fountainhead, Dumbledore seems to think that Dad 's going to severalise us soon, possibly this year, '' Albus reminded them.

`` Maybe we should devote it another month or so ? '' rosebush suggested, `` Maybe something will grow up in the depository library. ``

`` Dumbledore said we wo n't find out anything in the library. The Hallows do have to do with Voldemort 's fall. He told me that much. And hardly anyone knows about that part, of trend. ``

`` I guess we could render it a trivial while longer, to see if he tells us about them, '' James sighed.

`` Ok, then, we 'll expect a bit longer, '' Albus agreed, `` Anyway, if Dad wo n't tell us, he certainly wo n't want our admirer to recognize. ``

`` Yeah, '' Jesse James said, `` Oh, what punishment did you wind up with ? ``

`` I got detention tomorrow night, '' Rose told him.

`` I got nothing, '' Albus grinned.

`` What ? ! '' James shouted, `` Nothing ? ``

`` Nope, nothing. ``

`` I convinced them it was me. well, I convinced them the firework went off accidentally, '' rosiness explained the story she told about the experimental firework.

`` That 's awe-inspiring, '' King James I grinned, `` You must be an splendid liar. ``

Rose blushed and suppressed a smile.

`` speechmaking of amazing, '' Albus started, `` How did you find out where Kendrick 's office is ? ``

`` That would be all me, '' James IV continued smiling, `` All my brilliance. ``

`` What did you do ? '' Albus asked suspiciously.

`` fountainhead, I expected to come up Uncle Harry in his post after form, but he was n't there. I was so disquieted you 'd get expelled before I was capable to explain. So I went to find William James so we could cipher out what to do- ''

`` Let me tell him, Rose, '' Jesse James interrupted, `` We ran back to Dad 's power and that 's when I thought of how we could rule the authority. Mind you, I wish I 'd thought of it earlier and then you would n't sustain had to do the unscathed firework thing. ``

`` Well, what was it ? '' Albus asked impatiently.

James II reached into his gown and pulled a rather old looking bit of parchment out. `` The Marauder 's Map. ``

Albus stared at it and smacked his forehead. `` Of course of instruction ! Why did n't we intend of it before ? ``

`` I dunno, but the thought just popped into my head. I 'm so beaming Dad told us how it worked. We were able-bodied to find Kendrick 's bureau, but of course the room access was closed and we did n't cognize the password. But then we looked at the map and the slight dot labeled 'Rose Weasley'had a address bubble that said 'Rubber duck'. So Rose said that and she was in. Easy as that. ``

Albus continued to stare in awe at the map. `` So now you 've got the map ? You 're going to be in huge trouble. What if Dad 's using it ? ``

`` I do n't believe he is. It was n't sitting out or anything. We were n't even sure enough it was there, thought he might have left it at home plate. I summoned it. It came flying out of the freighter of a trunk that was shoved in the rachis of the memory closet, '' Henry James explained.

`` Are you going to keep it ? '' Albus asked.

`` For now, '' James told him, `` At least until I hear anything about Dad wondering where it is. ``

`` I hope you do n't get in difficulty, King James I, '' Rose warned, `` Be thrifty. ``

`` I will, do n't concern. I 'd just like to get some mischief-making in, '' James grinned.

`` Be careful about who sees it, too, '' Rose insisted.

`` I 'm just letting Nathan and Omar Nelson Bradley see it. And Cedric and Ben, of class. They know all about it. And they keep asking when I 'd manage to snick it. ``

pink wine sighed, `` amercement. well, we 'd best get going to category. '' She stood up and walked towards the portrait hole.

Albus got up and followed Rose, `` See ya later, Epistle of James. ``

`` Bye, '' James II waved.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other baby and my Brother. Thanks also to inkheart, Moonylupin, and Peter for their reviews !
Please read and review !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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As the week progressed, Albus fell back into his usual Hogwarts routine. His homework drove near of the thoughts about the Hallows out of his drumhead. He occasionally thought about telling John, Matt, and Amanda about them, but he decided not to. James II, who was even Thomas More meddlesome than Albus, did not seem to be lingering on thoughts of the Hallows either. Between homework, Quidditch practice, and Occlumency lesson, he hardly had any leisure fourth dimension at all. Albus had yet to hear about any amazing antic that James had been able to pull off with the help of the Marauder 's Map.

Towards the end of the workweek, Albus and his supporter had something else to vex about that succeeded in Albus momentarily forgetting about the Hallows all together. The full synodic month. It fell on a Mon this calendar month. The Sunday before it, Albus and his friends were enjoying a snowball fight on the grounds.

SMACK ! John had sent a snowball at the backbone of Albus 's head and the strength caused him to descend face first into the deep Baron Snow of Leicester. `` I 'll get you ! '' Albus shouted as he stood back up and formed a large snowball. He sent it flying across the nearly empty-bellied Quidditch Pitch towards John. But john was too agile. He jumped aside and the Abronia elliptica hit Matt instead.

`` Ha, ha ! '' John Lackland shouted gleefully. They were having a squad nose candy clump fight. It was bathroom and Rose versus Albus, matt, and Amanda. John seemed delighted that Albus had hit one of his own mate instead. John rolled another snow ball and threw it at Amanda. It hit her square in the back. She in turn quickly made a snowball and threw it at Rose. Rose jumped aside and the snowball sailed into the ground behind her. Despite the fact that Albus 's team had three the great unwashed and John and Rose were only two, trick and Rose seemed to be doing much better. King John had a estimable arm and very good aim and was keen at dodging snowballs.

Albus quickly made another sweet sand verbena and was about to throw it, but he noticed that lustrelessness still had n't gotten up. He dropped his sweet sand verbena and ran over to lustrelessness and was hit in the head by a Abronia elliptica sent by John.

`` Stop the game ! '' Albus shouted and pointed to Matt. John, Rose, and Amanda glanced over and immediately dropped their snowballs.

`` Matt, are you all right ? '' Albus poked flatness 's arm, but he did n't respond.

`` matte ? '' John Lackland rolled him over onto his backbone. Matt groaned. John the Divine pulled him up into a seat spatial relation. `` We should probably go inside, '' John said to Albus.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed Matt 's early arm and he and john pulled Matt to his feet. `` I 'm bad, I did n't call back I threw it that hard. ``

`` I did n't suppose you did either, '' John agreed. They walked back towards the rook, supporting matte between them.

`` Maybe we should go to the infirmary Wing, '' rose suggested.

`` No, no Hospital Wing, '' Matt whispered, `` I 'm fine. I 've just got to lie down. ``

`` Are you sure ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, I 'll be finely. Let 's just go back to Gryffindor, '' Matt said.

They walked slowly back to Gryffindor tower. By the clip they were at the common room, Matt was able to walk unsupported, although he still did n't depend sound. Once they were in the way, Matt made a beeline for the dormitory. Albus and John went with him so they could deck their wet cloaks and scarves.

`` Are you going to rest up here ? '' Albus asked Matt.

`` I think so, '' Matt said as he climbed into his bed.

`` Ok, well I hope you 're feeling better, '' Albus replied.

`` Me, too, '' bathroom said. But by the meter the two boy left the room, Matt had already fallen asleep.

Albus and John headed back down the broadsheet stairway and back into the common elbow room. The room was packed and very noisy. Rose and Amanda had already settled themselves to doing homework at a small reclusive table in a street corner of the elbow room. Albus and John sat down across from the girl and took out their books.

`` So, '' Albus whispered, `` Is the full moon sometime soon ? ``

`` Yep, '' rosiness told him without looking up from her homework, `` It 's tomorrow. ``

`` D'you think it 'll be as bad as lastly time ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I dunno, '' Rose answered, `` I really do n't know why his transformations are so bad. ``

`` I think he 's office of that study Uncle Bill was talking about, '' Albus told them, `` When I was in the Hospital Wing last month, the Healer mentioned a survey, but Madam Pomfrey shushed him before he elaborated. ``

`` Then that might explain it. But why would he be in the study if it 's just making things high-risk ? '' John asked.

`` Who knows what it was like before it, though, '' Rose commented.

`` Good stop, '' whoremaster responded. The four friends sank into their persuasion and continued working on their preparation in silence for a half hour. The noise in the common room made it difficult to carry on a conversation. Albus managed to stop his good luck charm homework, but it took him recollective than usual since he was distracted by worrying about Matt.

Albus closed his Charms book and put it back into his bag. When he looked up, he was surprised to see Matt coming over towards them. Albus sat back up and poked John the Divine, who was still working diligently on his Herbology essay that was due the next day. John looked up as Matt sat down next to Rose.

`` What are you poke fun talking about ? '' matte asked.

`` Not much, really, we 're just doing homework, '' whoremaster told him, `` I guess I 'll have to finish this after dinner. '' He closed his Herbology book and stuffed it in his bag.

`` You coming to dinner ? '' Albus asked matt, `` We were n't sure if you 'd be up. ``

A look of affright flashed across flatness 's face, `` Why would you suppose that ? '' he asked quickly.

Albus glanced shiftily at St. John the Apostle, `` Er, just because you did n't expect too good after getting hit by that sweet sand verbena. ``

Matt visibly relaxed, `` Oh, um, I 'm feeling better now. ``

`` That 's respectable, '' Albus answered. mat did look a bit better, although he was still a lot paler than usual. `` Let 's go eat, then. I 'm starved. ``

Rose and Amanda packed up their work and the group headed down to the Great antechamber. Even though Matt went to dinner, Albus noticed that he did n't eat much. After dinner, they headed back up to the common room to cease their prep.

`` I 'm still three inches short, '' John announced after he worked for another twenty minutes on his Herbology essay.

`` Let me see it, '' rosiness reached over and took John 's essay. She read it silently for a few minutes. `` You can exposit on the uses of Devil 's noose in Potions. ``

`` daimon 's Snare has US in Potions ? '' John asked.

`` Yes, in more set ahead Potions. It 's in the Holy Writ, '' rose told him. Saint John flipped through his book and began working on his essay again.

Albus had finished his Herbology essay the old day and was currently working on a dadaism essay that was also due the side by side day. `` Have you guys all finished the DADA essay ? '' he asked.

`` Yes, '' pink wine responded without glancing up from her book.

`` Yeah, '' Amanda answered while working furiously on her star chart.

`` Huh ? '' matt picked his head up from his Good Book. He had fallen asleep in his DADA book.

`` Have you finished the DADA essay ? '' Albus repeated.

`` Oh, no, but I 'll get it done, '' Matt said tiredly and put his mind back down on his book.

Albus glanced at blush wine, who gave him a worried tone. Albus had a notion that lusterlessness would not be getting the essay done. They both went back to their work without saying a word. A few minutes later, somebody tapped Albus on the shoulder.

`` Hey, '' someone said from behind him.

Albus turned around and saw Victoire standing behind his chair. `` Oh, hi, Victoire. What 's up ? ``

`` Not much, '' Victoire sat down in the chair next to Albus. `` Amy and I just have to secernate you something. '' Amy had sat down next to Matt and was trying to arouse him up.

`` What is it ? '' Albus asked. John, Rose, and Amanda had all looked up from their body of work and were waiting for Victoire to get on with it.

`` Quinton Willinson has finished his detention, '' Victoire told him.

`` Oh, great, '' Albus groaned.

`` I just thought you should know, '' Victoire said.

`` Do you think he 's going to incommode me anymore ? '' Albus asked.

`` He might. hold certainly deterred him for a month, but who knows what could happen now that he 's done with detention. I 'd just watch out, if I were you. All of you. ``

They all nodded, except for Matt, who was sleepily paying care to something Amy was whispering in his ear.

`` Well, I 've got studying to do, '' Victoire stood up, `` You coming, Amy ? I still have n't finished that Arithmancy stuff. ``

Amy stopped whispering to Matt and looked at Victoire. `` Uh, yeah, I have n't finished it either. '' She said something else to matte and then stood up and left with Victoire, while glancing once more than at her brother.

`` fountainhead, this could be bad, '' rose wine said once they left.

`` I know. He 's going to be livid after having detention for a month, '' Albus replied.

`` You 've got to be careful. He 's going to want revenge again, '' trick said.

`` Yeah, he will, '' Albus agreed.

`` Has Slughorn mentioned anymore company ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` No, surprisingly not. But I 'm not going to any even if he does. ``

`` I think that 's a commodity estimate. I wo n't either. We should try and avoid Willinson, '' Rose responded.

They worked on their homework for another hour before going to bed. lusterlessness had fallen asleep again shortly after Amy and Victoire left, and Albus had to poke him rather hard to wake him up. Once they got up to the dorm room, Matt collapsed onto his bed and was asleep within minutes.

Albus lay awake for a piece before he managed to return asleep. He was worried about matt and about what Willinson was going to do now that he was loose from hold. Albus tried to assoil his nous, but there were so many thing worrying him that he found it impossible. His sleep was filled with unusual dreams, involving Willinson, along with the usual incubus about the Hallows.

Albus went down to breakfast the next morning with John and lustrelessness. They were running late because it had taken privy and Albus a piece to wake mat up. By the time they made it to the Great Hall, blush wine and Amanda had already finished breakfast and were getting gear up to go to DADA.

`` There you are ! '' pink wine said when Albus sat down next to her, `` You 'd better eat fast. We 've got to go to class in five minutes. ``

`` I know, it took us forever to get him up, '' Albus gestured to mat, who was leaning his straits on his arm and not eating anything. Rose nodded and glanced at matte sympathetically.

Albus and John shoved a few slice of toast into their mouths and then the grouping was off to DADA. They managed to run into the room before the bell rang, but they were the lowest ace there. There was only one table useable, the one in forepart, which happened to be right in front of the table Scorpio Malfoy and his friends sat at. Albus groaned silently and sat down at the mesa, hoping Malfoy would n't mention Matt 's fatigue.

`` I 'll collect your essays now, '' Harry announced once he 'd finished taking attendance. He got up and went around the room to collect the essays.

Albus handed his dad his essay and Harry moved on to matte. Matt was laying his fountainhead on his ledger and seemed to be asleep. Harry lightly tapped him on the shoulder. `` Huh ? '' lusterlessness glanced up.

Malfoy snorted loudly behind them and Albus turned around and glared at him.

`` Do you have the essay done ? '' Harry asked quietly.

`` Oh, no. I 'm sorry, Professor, '' Matt whispered, `` I tried to get it done net dark, but I just ... '' his part trailed off.

`` It 's all right, '' Harry replied, `` Try to birth it done by succeeding calendar week. I know I did n't pass you a great deal prison term, since I just assigned it Friday. ``

Matt nodded and put his head back down on the table. Harry went back to his desk and started the day 's public lecture. `` Today we are going to continue- ''

`` Sir, '' Malfoy interrupted, `` Sir, why does he get spare metre for his essay ? '' Malfoy pointed at Matt.

Harry sighed, `` I do not intend that is any of your concern, Mr. Malfoy. ``

`` But it 's not very bazaar, is it ? Why ca n't I have extra time ? ``

`` You handed in your essay today, did n't you ? '' Harry asked.

`` Yes, why ? ``

`` Well, then, you obviously are in no demand of extra sentence. If you ever think you need extra time for an assignment, just recite me why and I may grant it to you. ``

`` But- ''

`` That 's the end of this discussion, Mr. Malfoy, '' Harry cut him off, `` Now, back to the moral .... ''

Harry lectured for the entire class. Throughout the first half of class, Malfoy repeatedly poked Matt with his wand to try and wake him up. Albus turned around and glared at him numerous time but Malfoy kept doing it. Eventually, Harry noticed and threatened Malfoy with detention if it continued. Albus was relieved when class was over, but they still had to make it through good luck charm with the Slytherins. Although Albus knew even Malfoy would n't nose anyone with his sceptre in Washburn 's class.

`` So, first you get special intervention from Madam Pomfrey and now from prof ceramist, too ? '' Malfoy glared icily at Matt after they left the DADA room.

`` Just leave him alone, '' Albus growled.

`` I will find out why, you can consider on it, '' Malfoy stared at flatness, who had gone as blanch as a ghost when Malfoy said this.

`` Is there a problem ? '' Harry had just left the schoolroom and was standing behind Malfoy.

Malfoy jumped as he heard Harry 's voice, `` No, prof. '' He gave Matt one more brilliance before taking off for the Charms classroom.

`` I 'll see you later, Al, '' Harry gave Albus a hug before going back into the classroom.

`` Bye, Dad, '' Albus hugged him back. Albus and matte started to take the air to Charms. Saint John, Rose, and Amanda had gone on ahead, but Albus was staying behind to walk with Matt, who was walking considerably slower.

`` Late again, Potter, Eckerton, '' Washburn growled as they walked into the room. They headed for their usual back table and passed Malfoy on the way. He was smiling smugly at them, noticeably happy that they were late. The course went by in its usual agony. Washburn seemed to hold increased his hatred for Albus since the firework incident, if that was possible. He called on Albus for every question, even though Albus never raised his hand. The only times he did n't do this was when he chose to foretell on lusterlessness, which was every fourth dimension he fell asleep.

Much to Albus 's surprisal, mat made it through double Herbology without going to the hospital fender. Albus was trusted that Neville would give birth made him go after he tripped over a pot and banged his arm on the workbench. But Neville just asked if he was all right and continued teaching.

After dinner, Albus and his protagonist found themselves taking a much needed break from studying. They had all finished the homework that was due the future day and were relaxing at their usual table. Albus was losing horribly at Wizard 's Chess to Rose, whose knight was currently beating up Albus 's fairy. John and Amanda were playing a rather loud game of Exploding Snap.

`` You want to play, flatness ? '' john asked as he was dealing bill of fare for the next round.

`` No, '' matte groaned. He was curled up in an armchair near the table and was wincing every few minutes.

`` All right, '' John gave him a worried look, `` Do you want me to go with you to the Hospital Wing ? ``

`` Not right now, '' Matt whispered and closed his centre again.

Albus glanced up and looked at his friends. They all had worried aspect on their faces. Albus watched matte Fall back asleep, which only took two minutes.

`` Queen to D4, '' Rose announced, `` And checkmate. '' Rose 's queen mole rat moved to the second power, vex up Albus 's remaining bishop, and won the game. `` salutary game. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Have you ever lost ? ``

`` I 've lost to my dad quite a few sentence, '' Rose said as she put her chessman away.

Albus put his chessmen back in their case and folded up the board. He looked up once he was done and saw Amy coming over. She walked over to lustrelessness and started gently shaking him awake.

`` Hi, Amy, '' Albus said.

Amy looked over at Albus, `` Oh, hi, Albus, '' she said quietly and went back to waking lusterlessness up. mat opened his eyes and groaned.

`` C'mon, it 's time to go, '' Albus heard Amy whisper. Albus looked at rose, St. John the Apostle, and Amanda. They were all watching Amy, too.

`` Ugh, no, '' Matt whispered. But he sat up and winced.

`` It 's ok, get on, '' Amy grabbed lusterlessness 's arm and pulled him gently out of the chair. Matt got up and let Amy lead him out of the rough-cut room.

`` Has she ever taken him to the Hospital wing before ? '' Albus asked once they left.

`` No, I do n't cerebrate so, '' Rose said.

`` She must think it 's going to be bad this time, '' John said glumly.

`` Guess so, '' Albus responded quietly.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other sis, and my blood brother. Thanks as well to inkheart and Moonylupin for their recap !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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The four champion were very subdued the rest of the eventide. They all joined in a game of Exploding Snap, but none of them were very into it. Although they did n't talk about Matt the rest period of the evening, Albus knew they were all thinking about him. Eventually, they just decided to go to bed.

Albus climbed into his four-poster bed and tried to devolve asleep. He tossed and turned for 60 minutes, but sleep would n't derive to him. He was too disquieted about Matt.

`` Are you awake, John ? '' Albus asked once he was sure Bilius and Ethan were asleep.

Albus heard the bed to his right field creak as John turned over. `` Yeah, ca n't sleep. ``

`` Me neither. ``

`` Maybe this month wo n't be as bad, '' Saint John the Apostle suggested.

`` Hope so, '' Albus said, `` But even if it is n't as bad, he wo n't be in class tomorrow. ``

`` Which means that Malfoy 's going to say something, '' john groaned.

`` Yeah, we 've got to do something about that, '' Albus decided.

`` We could hex him, '' toilet suggested.

`` That 'd be soundly, but I do n't mean like that. I mean something that 'll bedevil him off the trail. We ca n't let him witness out, '' Albus explained.

`` Oh, right, '' Saint John the Apostle thought for a moment, `` How about, since lusterlessness wo n't lie about where he is, we 'll do it for him. ``

`` That 's what I was thinking, too, '' Albus said, `` I know, if someone asks, we 'll just narrate them flatness 's visiting his sick nan. ``

`` trade good idea, '' Saint John the Apostle agreed.

Albus yawned, `` Well, I suppose we should try and get some sleep. ``

`` Probably. Good nighttime, then. ``

`` 'Night. '' After another hour of laying awake, Albus finally fell asleep.

Albus woke up feeling very wear down, after only a few hours sleep. He went down to breakfast with John and met rosiness and Amanda there, who were looking worried and not eating much.

`` Have you heard anything yet ? '' Rose asked once Albus sat down.

`` No, have you ? ''

`` No. I have n't seen Amy at all and have n't had time to go to the hospital Wing. ``

`` We could try and go during lunch, '' John suggested.

Everyone agreed to that plan and managed to eat a bit of breakfast before heading off to Potions. By the time they got there, Slughorn was ready to get going class, which meant Malfoy did n't have any clock time to ask where Matt was. Since it was just a I time period, Slughorn lectured during the entire course of study and Albus had a voiceless time staying awake. He managed to take a few notation, but by the time the class was over, he felt in need of a nap.

`` Hey, there, Potter, '' Malfoy ran up beside Albus just outside the door of the Potions classroom.

`` Malfoy, '' Albus mumbled and kept walking.

`` Could n't help oneself but acknowledge that Eckerton was n't in class today. You gon na distinguish me where he is ? ``

`` Visiting his granny. She 's not doing too well, '' Albus lied.

`` Really ? That 's interesting, '' Malfoy raised his supercilium, `` After seeing him yesterday, I 'd take guessed he was the one who 's ill. ''

`` Maybe he 's just worried about his granny, '' john said shortly, before turning down the corridor towards the Transfiguration elbow room, `` Now we 've got to go to grade. ``

`` See you, then, '' Albus said to Malfoy as he followed John to transfiguration. Malfoy turned around and left without saying a word. `` I hope that worked. ``

`` Me, too, '' St. John the Apostle agreed.

After Transfiguration, Albus and his champion ate a hurried lunch and went to the infirmary Wing. When they got there, Albus noticed that the doors were open. `` Well, that 's a good sign. ``

`` Definitely, '' Rose agreed and walked inside. Albus, John, and Amanda followed her. The bed at the far end of the ward had the curtains drawn and all the other seam were empty. `` He must be in there, '' Rose pointed to the curtained bed.

`` Where 's madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus whispered. The nursemaid did n't come out to be in the room.

John pointed to the curtains, which started to rustle, `` She must be back there. ``

A gap appeared in the curtains and Madam Pomfrey came out from behind them. She was carrying an empty crank and a clipboard. When she noticed the group of Gryffindor first years, she came rushing over to them. `` I thought I 'd be seeing you lot here. ``

`` Is Matt all right ? '' blush wine whispered anxiously.

`` Yes, he should be fine in a couple days, '' lady Pomfrey smiled.

`` So, it 's not nearly as bad as endure time ? '' Albus asked.

`` Oh, no, he 's much better this month, '' ma'am Pomfrey set the empty spyglass down on a board and started writing on the clipboard.

`` Well, can we see him ? '' John the Evangelist asked tentatively.

`` Sorry, but no. He 's sleeping right now. And I do n't conceive he wants visitors. He has n't told you yet, has he ? ``

`` No, '' toilet answered.

Madam Pomfrey sighed, `` Of line. well, I do hope he tells you soon. I have a flavour this totally thing would be wanton on him if he was n't keeping it to himself. ``

`` I guess we 'll just see him when he leaves, then, '' Albus said.

`` I think that would be best. He should be ready to pass on on Th or Friday. You 'd best be off to class, '' Madam Pomfrey picked up the void meth and strode into her office.

As Albus walked to the common room to collect his account book, he thought about what Matt was going to do when he found out that they knew about his secret. matte seemed so keen on keeping it from everyone. He did n't even desire his friends to gossip him in the Hospital backstage. Yet, he had n't done a very right job at hiding it. Or had they found out so easily just because Rose knew so very much about werewolf ? Albus was n't sure he would have figured it out without her. But even so, if Albus had found out so quickly, how long would it be until Malfoy found out ?

******

`` Hey, pot, '' a cold spokesperson from behind Albus said. It was Friday Night and Albus, Rose, can, and Amanda were eating dinner while wondering when Matt would make out back. Albus turned around at the representative and choked on his autumn pumpkin succus when he saw who it was.

`` Willinson, '' Albus coughed.

`` What do you want ? '' John said shortly as he slapped Albus on the back.

`` Oh, not very much, '' Willinson replied, `` Have n't seen you much since our picayune duel lowest month, potty. ``

`` Yeah, I hear you 've been quite occupied with detention, '' Albus laughed.

`` Laugh now, but the hold is over. I 'll deliver peck of time on my hands now. ``

`` And what are you going to do ? You could n't even hex me. Your supporter did it. ``

`` Does n't count. I 'm not the one who wound up in the Hospital Wing, am I ? '' Willinson snorted.

`` And I suppose you 're proud that a first year could disarm you ? '' Albus grinned, `` Because if I were you, I 'd be a bit embarrassed. ``

`` Shut it, can, I planned that. ``

`` No, you did n't. Quite the look of jolt on your face after I did it, '' Albus responded. Willinson glared at him.

`` What 's going on here ? '' someone from behind Albus asked.

`` N-nothing, Professor, '' Willinson said quickly.

`` Then I 'd suggest returning to the Slytherin table, Mr. Willinson, '' Neville replied. Willinson turned on the spot and headed to the Slytherin tabular array without saying another word.

`` He was n't bothering you, was he ? '' Neville asked once Willinson left.

`` Not really, '' Albus told Neville.

`` Good. If he 's causing difficulty, just let me know. I think the hold may feature set him heterosexual, though. He 's not nearly as smug when he 's in the forest, '' Neville responded and left for the stave table.

Albus laughed, `` I guess he 's not as brave as we thought he was. ``

`` Course he 's not ! '' King John exclaimed, `` He 's a Slytherin, not a Gryffindor. ``

`` Yeah, we 're the brave ones ! '' Albus agreed.

After dinner party, Albus and his friends went to the vulgar room to expend the evening. The room was quite a bit empty-bellied than usual. There was a big dueling nightspot meeting and well-nigh of the Gryffindors were attending it. First years were not allowed to join the dueling cabaret, so all of them were in the rough-cut elbow room, along with some older students who were n't contribution of the club. Since it was so empty, Albus and his friends were able to snag a few of the good armchairs in front line of the blast. They were all putting off homework, except for Rose who was reading a Quran, since it was the weekend.

`` You going to join the dueling guild next twelvemonth ? '' Albus asked, while sorting through his chocolate Frog cards. `` I ca n't wait to join. James says it 's awesome. ``

`` Of class ! '' bathroom shouted, `` Hey, have you got any Snape placard ? ``

`` Yeah, I 've got quite a few, '' Albus shifted his pack of cards of cards and pulled out five Snapes, `` Want one ? ``

`` Yeah, I still have n't gotten any, '' Saint John told him. Albus handed him one of his cards.

`` Is it normal to get offend badly in the dueling nightspot ? '' Amanda asked.

`` It 's possible, but it does n't usually happen, '' Albus told her. `` The teacher make sure zip bad happens. ``

`` Then I might join. How about you, climb ? '' Amanda said.

`` Sure, probably, '' rosiness responded absentmindedly.

`` Are you ok ? You 're awfully repose, '' Amanda commented.

`` I 'm all right, '' rose wine answered, `` I 'm just thinking about Matt. Madam Pomfrey said he was supposed to be back today. ``

`` I 've been thinking about that, too, '' Albus told her, `` I hope he 's ok. ''

`` well, even if he does n't hail back until tomorrow, it 's still better than live month, '' John whispered, `` But I wonder when he 's going to tell us. ``

`` Why do n't we go up to the dormitory and talk about it, '' Albus suggested, `` It 's too quiet in here, person 's going to find out us. And Bilius and Ethan are down here anyway. '' Albus pointed to a table to their left, where the other two Gryffindor low gear twelvemonth male child were sitting playing gobstones.

`` commodity idea, '' blush wine agreed and closed her book. The group got up from their chairs and followed Albus to the boys'dormitory.

When they got up to the dormitory, Albus sat down on his bed. Rose and Amanda looked around a bit before sitting down next to him.

`` I ca n't lease it anymore, we 've got to assure him ! '' John shouted and started pacing around the way, `` I 'm not sure he 's ever going to assure us ! ``

`` He will, we 've just got to yield him some Sir Thomas More time ! '' Albus insisted.

`` I 'm not so sure as shooting, Albus. He has n't told us yet, what makes you so certainly he 'll ever do it ? '' John questioned.

`` I do n't have sex, I just think he will. ``

`` Well, I do n't. And I 'm not so certain I can keep open feigning I have no clue why he leaves every month. I mean, how long has it been since we 've known ? And we 've known him since September. Is n't that enough prison term for him to intrust us ? '' whoremonger stormed over to his bed and threw himself on it.

`` Honestly, John, that 's really not a long time. September was n't even six month ago, '' Rose reasoned.

`` So you 're on Albus 's side, then ? You think we should just pretend we 're clueless about his disappearance ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` Yes, I do. I think he will tell us, once he realizes he can trust us, '' rose told him.

`` wellspring, what more do we throw to do ? '' can huffed.

`` It 's not that simple ! '' Albus shouted, remembering his conversation with Dumbledore. `` Do you cognise how heavily it must be for him ? He 's probably had mass abandoning him because of this his unanimous life story ! ``

`` And I suppose you know More about it than I do ? death I checked, you were n't a wolfman, '' John shouted.

`` Yeah, I do know Thomas More than you ! '' Albus shouted back, getting up from the bed and walk towards John.

`` Really, and how would that be ? '' John got up and stood in front of Albus, staring at him.

`` Because Teddy 's dad was a lycanthrope ! I 've told you that ! And my dad 's told me all about what he went through ! You know he was n't even going to be allowed to amount to Hogwarts, but then Dumbledore became headmaster and let him ! And then he could n't even keep a job because no one wanted to hire a wolfman ! So, yeah, I do know a bit more than you do ! ``

`` mulct, so you know more about it than me, but how do you bed that Matt will secern us ? ``

`` I just do, ok ? '' Albus insisted, thinking of what Dumbledore had said.

`` Well, I think that it might be easier if we just told him we know. Then he could just talk to us about it and we could stop keeping mystery ! '' lav shouted.

`` Albus, '' blush wine said from behind Albus and started tugging on his robes.

`` Not now, rose, '' Albus pushed her hand away, `` It probably would be easier, but it 's his arcanum, so let 's just let him secern us ! ``

`` But what if he does n't ! '' john threw his hands up in the air. `` Are we just going to go our all seven eld at Hogwarts pretending we do n't sleep together ? ``

Rose poked Albus more persistently and Albus pushed her mitt away again. `` Of course of instruction not, because he 'll tell us soon ! ``

`` Albus ! '' Rose shouted louder and pointed to the doorway.

Albus turned his head away from John and glanced at the room access. Matt was standing there, looking tired and run down, with a shocked face on his look. He stared at Albus for a few minute before turning and running back down the stairs.

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A/N : I know it 's scant than usual, but I wanted the cliffhanger. The side by side chapter will be quite a bit longer, as I 'm planning on combining two chapters again.

Thanks to my sis and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other sister, and my brother. Thanks as well to inkheart and Moonylupin for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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Albus turned back to lav and they stared at each other. `` How long had he been standing there ? '' Albus asked quietly.

Rose sighed, `` Since right after you finished talking about shift 's dad. ``

`` So he definitely knows we know, '' Albus responded.

`` I 'd say so, '' Rose agreed.

Albus and john looked at each former again, and with their argument forgotten they both turned and ran out of the dormitory to follow Matt. Albus did n't look back, but the sound of footsteps told him that rose and Amanda were n't far behind. Albus did n't bonk what he was going to say to Matt when they found him, he just knew he had to do something. This was not how Albus imagined Matt telling them about his lycanthropy. And he was sure that it was not what Dumbledore had in mind. But what 's done is done, and Albus could only hope that Matt was n't too mad at them.

When they reached the common room, it was packed. Albus realized that dueling night club drill must make just let out. He glanced quickly around the room, thinking they 'd never bump lustrelessness amongst all the other Gryffindors. John elbowed Albus in the slope and pointed towards the Fat peeress 's portraiture. It was opening, and then it closed again, but they did n't see anyone enter or leave. Someone suddenly must possess left. Albus knew it was mat. He motioned for his booster to postdate. They pushed their way through the throngs of older pupil and eventually made it to the portrait. The group scrambled through the trap and landed in the 7th floor corridor.

`` Where is he ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus said, glancing around. Matt was no where in quite a little. `` I wish we had the piranha 's Map. ``

`` The what ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` The piranha 's Map. It 's that map of Hogwarts my grandpa and his acquaintance made. Remember ? I told you about it. ``

`` Oh, yeah. ``

`` well, we do n't have it. But we 'd amend get going if we have any hopes of finding him, '' rose wine started running down the corridor.

Albus, lavatory, and Amanda followed Rose down the corridor. After a minute or so, Albus spotted Matt. `` There he is ! '' he whispered to his ally. They continued running and it did n't take yearn to catch up to Matt. Since it was right after a replete moon, Matt was going obtuse than usual.

Albus and his friend stopped a few meters in presence of him. `` lustrelessness ? '' Albus asked tentatively.

flatness turned around and walked slowly towards his friends, past a tapestry of
Barnabas the Barmy trying to teach trolling to trip the light fantastic toe concert dance, and stopped a few pes in front of Albus. `` So, you know ? '' he asked in a phonation so cushy, Albus could hardly hear it. He stared at the ground.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus answered in an equally restrained voice.

flatness did n't look up and turned around and paced slowly down the hallway. He seemed to be thinking hard. When he got just past the tapestry, he stopped and walked back towards Albus. Albus knew he was trying to think of something to say. Albus glanced at his champion and all of them looked very uncomfortable. They stood completely still, not saying a word, while matt continued pacing up and down the hallway.

On his third or fourth metre returning to Albus, Albus was n't sure as he had lost count, Matt finally looked up at him with a scared aspect on his face. Matt opened his mouth and was about to say something when he stopped. He turned and looked at the wall facing the tapestry.

Albus turned to see what Matt was staring at. When his gaze reached the rampart, his sassing fell unresolved. A room access was sitting upon the bulwark, where there had n't been a threshold before. Albus turned around and looked at Rose. Albus had a tactile sensation he knew where the door came from, and Rose 's knowing look of awe confirmed it. St. John the Apostle was staring at it as if he had been stupefied. Amanda was blinking and rubbing her eye, as if the door was just a figment of her imagination.

mat glanced at Albus and then he walked towards the door. When he reached it, he grasped the handle and opened it. He walked slowly inside, leaving the room access open behind him. Once Matt was inside, Albus nodded to his friends and walked inside. whoremaster, Rose, and Amanda followed.

When Albus got into the room, he gazed around in awe. The entire room was decorated in Gryffindor scarlet and gold. The high cap was painted gold and the walls were covered in scarlet drape. The level was covered in scarlet and gold patterned carpet. In the cover of the room was a large fireplace gross with a crackling flack. In front of the fervor, were three large comfy looking scarlet armchairs and a big Au sofa.

`` What is this shoes ? '' Amanda asked as she walked around the room.

`` I think it 's the Room of requirement, '' Albus told her, `` It 's also called the Come and Go Room. It only appears when you 're in need of it. And it changes according to your need. ``

`` Dad 's told me about this before, but he would n't say me where it was or how to discover it, '' Saint John the Apostle told them.

`` Same with me, '' Rose said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's incredible ! '' Amanda grinned, `` Looks just like the Gryffindor common room. ``

`` Only better, '' John responded, `` We can sit near the fervor. ``

`` It looks like it was made for us, '' Albus commented.

`` It does, '' rose agreed, `` mat, did you ... request this ? ``

`` Yeah, '' matte sighed.

`` So, you knew about the way ? '' toilet asked.

`` Yes, '' lusterlessness answered, `` Amy told me about it before I came to Hogwarts. She thought, it well, might be useful, for me. '' He sighed, `` Sometimes I come here after I get out of the Hospital wing, if I want to just be alone and sleep. ``

`` And does it look like this then ? '' Amanda asked.

`` No, usually it 's got a four-poster bed and the fireplace, and that 's it. ``

`` So, it 'll give you whatever you ask for ? '' Amanda responded.

`` Er, I think so, within reason, '' Matt told her, `` Like, if you wanted a room full of Galleons, I do n't retrieve it would be able to do it. And it ca n't ease up you solid food. Something about the laws of Transfiguration of Jesus or something. ``

`` Is this where you 've been all day ? '' John asked as he wandered around the room. `` Because we went to see you on Tuesday and gentlewoman Pomfrey said you 'd get to leave Thursday or today. ``

Matt sighed and slowly walked towards one of the armchairs and sat down in it. Albus followed and sat down on the lounge. Rose sat down adjacent to him while John and Amanda took the remaining hot seat. `` Yeah, I was here, '' lustrelessness said quietly after a few second of silence. `` I was just so tired and I could n't confront going to Charms and dealing with Washburn and Malfoy. ``

Albus could understand that. Looking back on the previous months, he realized that Washburn did tend to visit on flatness more right after he got back from the Hospital Wing.

`` You were still tired ? Even after spending three sidereal day in the infirmary flank ? Why ? '' John asked while he pulled a chocolate anuran out of his pocket and opened it. `` Oh, look, Albus. Now I 've got Snape ! ``

`` I dunno. That 's just how it is, '' lustrelessness mumbled.

The group sat in silence for a few bit. Saint John pulled out a few more frogs and offered them around. Albus, rosebush, and Amanda each took one and ate them. Albus got Minerva McGonagall, which he gave to Amanda since he already had about seven of her.

`` You guys have to promise me something, '' matt broke the silence, `` Do n't tell anyone. ``

Albus stared at him. `` Of course we wo n't, '' he said solemnly. privy, rosiness, and Amanda nodded their heads in agreement.

`` Thanks, '' lustrelessness whispered, and got up from his chair.

`` Where are you going ? '' Albus asked.

`` I dunno. I just figured you would n't want to hang out with me anymore, '' Matt looked nervously at Albus.

`` What ? ! '' Albus shouted, `` Of course of action we still want to hang out with you ! ``

`` Really ? '' Matt asked, while a grin slowly crept up on his face.

`` Definitely ! '' lavatory assured him.

`` Of course, '' Amanda smiled.

`` We wo n't abandon you, '' rosebush said adamantly.

Matt visibly relaxed and sat back down in his chair. `` I guess I just thought that you would n't. Since, well, everyone I 've ever been friends with blockade talking to me once they found out. ``

`` That wo n't pass with us, '' Albus assured him.

`` But does n't it frighten away you, just a bit ? '' Matt asked tentatively.

`` Nope, '' Albus replied, grinning. He glanced at rosebush, who grinned back.

`` What 's so comic ? '' mat looked from Albus to Rose.

`` Did professor Kendrick tell you that you are n't the first werewolf to attend Hogwarts ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah ... '' Matt responded warily, `` He said there was one early, a couple decades ago. ``

`` And I 'm guessing he never told you who that was ? '' Rose replied.

`` Er, no, he did n't, '' Matt answered, `` But Amy told me that teddy bear 's dad was a lycanthrope and he went here, so I assumed it was him. ``

`` Exactly, '' Albus grinned, `` And my dad 's Teddy 's godfather. ``

`` Really ? '' matte asked.

`` Yup, '' rose wine said. `` I 'll let Albus separate you the rest. ``

`` You mean, there 's to a greater extent ? '' Matt stared in awe at Albus.

`` Yup, you want to know why my dad 's Teddy 's godfather, do n't you ? ``

`` Of course of instruction ! ``

`` Well, here it goes. My granddad, the one who was killed by Voldemort, went to Hogwarts the same time Remus Lupin did. Along with Sirius blackamoor and Peter Pettigrew. They all became pretty good friends. Remus Lupin tried to keep the fact that he was a lycanthrope secret, but eventually, my granddad, Sirius, and prick found out. And they did n't abandon him. In fact, they all became illegal animagi and spent the full synodic month with him. ``

`` Really ? '' Matt glanced around at his friends.

`` Really, '' Albus continued, `` They stayed friends the right way up until Pettigrew betrayed my grandparents. And you know that write up. Then, Remus met Nymphadora Tonks, who was somehow related to Sothis, I think she was his cousin 's daughter. Anyway, they got conjoin and had a son, Teddy, right in the height of Voldemort 's sovereignty. They both were killed in the Battle. But Remus had made my dad Teddy 's godfather, so he 's form of like a blood brother. So, you can see that no way would I abandon you. ``

`` Wow, '' Matt grinned at Albus, `` But what about the rest of you ? ``

`` Nope, you do n't cause to worry about me, '' Rose answered, `` Teddy 's like my cousin. ``

`` I 'm not related to any lycanthrope, heck, you 're the first one I 've met. But do n't worry. You 're my friend and zero can change that, '' privy replied.

`` Honestly, it scared me a bit when I first found out, '' Amanda admitted, `` But I 'm Muggle-born, so the only approximation of werewolves I 'd had were in Muggle fairy tales. ``

Matt looked at her and the smile on his face disappeared. He glanced nervously at Albus.

`` But I 'm OK with it now. Rose taught me a lot. I know now that very werewolves are n't anything like the ones in fairy taradiddle. And besides, just because you get furred once a month does n't mean you 're a different person the respite of the month. I was friends with you before I knew and I 'll stay admirer with you now, '' Amanda assured him.

Matt relaxed, `` Thanks, guys. I 've never had better friends. But how long have you known ? ``

`` Well, Rose figured it out in Nov, but we were n't positive until I wound up in the hospital Wing at the same clip as you concluding month. ``

`` What ? ! '' lusterlessness 's rima oris fell open, `` How did that happen ? ``

Albus explained the duel with Quinton Willinson and how he had overheard madam Pomfrey and the healer talking early the next morning.

`` Why did n't you assure me you knew ? '' mat asked quietly.

`` I thought it would be break for you to tell us when you 're fix, but I guess that did n't pass, '' Albus answered.

`` Guess not, but thanks anyway, for the mentation, '' mat replied. Everyone sat quietly for a few import, before Albus broke the silence.

`` Could we, er, ask you query about it ? '' Albus asked tentatively.

Matt sighed, `` indisputable, I guess. ``

`` If you do n't want to- '' Albus started.

`` No, it 's fine, it 's just I 've never actually told anyone about it. It 's always been my parents or Amy. But yeah, ask whatever you want, '' flatness told them.

`` All right, if you 're sure, '' Albus paused, `` Well, when did it happen ? ``

Matt took a deep hint. `` When I was five. We were Muggle camping at the clock time. My mum 's Muggle-born, and she had gone camping when she was a kid, and she wanted me and Amy to get the experience. You guys do know what Muggles do when they camp, right ? ``

`` That 's when they live in those cramped, tiny tents that are just big enough to sleep in, right ? And they do n't use electricity or any of that hooey they use instead of magic ? '' John asked.

Amanda stifled a giggle at his verbal description of camping. `` well, that 's the world-wide idea, I suppose, but it 's usually a lot funner than you describe it. ``

`` Right, '' matt said, `` Well, that 's what my mum wanted to do. So Dad agreed because he thought it sounded crazy enough to be fun. And it was, at first. We did n't use any conjuration. I do n't remember a whole lot, but I do think back Dad playing with matches trying to get the campfire lit. It took him a half hour. Amy says that after that foremost campfire, Mum lit all the rest of them.

`` We were going to encamp for three nighttime, I think. The indorsement night was a full lunar month. It was a blue lunar month. You know, when there are two moons in a month, they call the second one a blue synodic month. They do n't encounter often. Only every 2 or 3 age. It was the end of Dec, remember that the time of year are opposite in Australia, so it was warm. We were all in one tent, and in the midriff of the Night I had to go to the bathroom. There was a long walking to the bathroom, through the Mrs. Henry Wood. I was halfway there when I heard this deep growl. The finally matter I remember is a Brobdingnagian animal pouncing on me and a searing infliction in my back, and then I blacked out. ``

Albus listened but did n't say anything. He heard Amanda gasped. Albus sort of felt sick to his stomach. Ever since he found out that Matt was a werewolf, he knew he must experience been bit, but he never really thought about the particular. Now, hearing about it, he felt awful that his acquaintance had been through it.

`` And then what happened ? '' Saint John the Apostle whispered.

`` well, my parents told me what happened a while after I woke up. Amy is a really abstemious sleeper goby and she heard the growling and my screaming. She woke up my parents and my dad went noticed that I was gone and he ran out of the collapsible shelter with his wand. There were a bunch of Muggles who had woken up and were running around screaming. They told my parents that a kid was being attacked by a wolf. That kid of course, was me. My parents kept running towards the growl until they found me. Dad saw what was happening and started shooting off all sort of spells that somehow had heavy effect on the werewolf. Then my mum started trying to sandbag the wolfman, too. After a few while, the wolfman was stunned. ``

`` Muggles saw it ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yeah, '' Matt continued, `` My mum institutionalise word to the Ministry and they sent Obliviators and congresswoman from the werewolf ascendence Unit. Dad was mind of that department at the time. None of the Muggles remember anything from it of course, but it was in the report, so all the hotshot and Wiccan found out about it. But they did n't know it was me who got attacked. The law prevents the names of minor werewolves from being released. ``

`` Wow, '' Albus said, `` I guess that 's near that no one knew it was you. ``

`` It did n't really help, though, '' flatness replied bitterly. `` But there 's more before I get to that. After the Ministry people showed up, my dad Apparated with me to Eastworth, that 's one of the hospitals in Australia. I spent nearly a month there. right up until the adjacent entire Sun Myung Moon. I woke up two weeks after it happened. Spent the next two hebdomad waiting for all the harm to mend, but they did n't heal all the way. That took a pair months. Anyway, the firstly full moon was awful. I hardly remember any of it. Just the painful sensation and malady in the few years before it and the two workweek it took to heal after it. ``

`` But what about the Wolfsbane Potion ? '' rose asked tentatively.

mat sighed, `` The thing is, that does n't work for me. The healer have n't been capable to figure out why yet. I took it during the low gear few full moonlight and it had no result on me at all, so my parents stopped giving it to me. ``

Albus could n't guess of what to say. He now knew the story. lustrelessness had told them the whole thing. It seemed wish once he started, he just did n't stop. Maybe it felt good to finally tell somebody about it ? Albus figured that was it. He could n't conceive of carrying around a secret like that for twelve years. Then Albus remembered something lustrelessness had told him on the train. `` Um, Matt ? Why did your class move to here ? '' Albus had the feeling that had something to do with his being a loup-garou. lusterlessness had n't mentioned a good deal about moving to England, and when he talked about it on the train, he changed the subject quickly.

`` Um, well, because of me, '' matte replied glumly, `` I never told you before, but my parents were really long-familiar in Australia. Not really illustrious like your family is, Albus, but just kind of upper class types. Both of them were. My dad comes from a long line of pure bloods. But not the kinds who despise Muggles and Muggle-borns. They were just always involved in the Ministry and had a load of gold, that kind of thing.

`` And my mum, her family is really full-bodied. They were always involved in all variety of famous person case poppycock. They knew all sorts of famed hoi polloi and hosted fancy parties and things like that. Then my mum got her missive telling her she was a witch. My grandparents were horrified and excited at the Lapplander clock time. They obviously could n't tell any of their protagonist about it, and they had a heavily time keeping it a confidential.

`` My parents met in schooling and got married a few geezerhood later. Put together, they were the ideal magical duo. My dad got a job at the Ministry in the loup-garou Control Unit. Eventually, shortly after I was born, he worked his way up to Head. Then, a few months after I was bitten, he became point of the intact section for the Control and Regulation of Magical Creatures. Kind of ironic, is n't it ? ``

`` That 's how he knew how to stun the werewolf, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, and it 's a good thing he did, '' Matt said, `` Anyway, my family was involved in all kind of fancy result and committees, both wizard and Muggle. My parents were living the utter liveliness. Then, I got bit. ``

`` And it all had to block, did n't it ? '' Albus said softly.

`` Yes, and slowly it did. First, they stopped doing the Muggle things. Muggles do n't bed werewolves are real, so they could n't do much Muggle clobber anymore. The Muggles would ask what was wrong with me and my parents could n't enjoin them. If they lied and said it was some sort of Muggle disease, it would give been all over their news. So, my parents just told everyone that they were going to slacken and raise their phratry away from all the fame.

`` The magic stuff was a little more complicate. Everyone who worked in my dad 's office knew that I had been bit and they kept it a secret for a foresightful prison term. For over two year, no one knew it happened. Then, there were more than werewolf flack down there. So citizenry started drafting anti-werewolf legislation. My dad immediately rejected all of it. People got suspicious, and one of his colleague got pretty fired up about it. He was all for more than restriction. So, he leaked that I was a werewolf to other parts of the Ministry. Of course, they could n't really fire him for me being a werewolf. But right before that happened, the Ministry managed to take place a law requiring all places of transformation to be separate edifice. The department overruled Dad 's veto and the minister signed it into law. Dad refused to abide by and got fired for breaking the law. ``

John let out a low pennywhistle, `` Matt, I 'm so drab, did you imagine it was your faulting ? ``

`` Yeah, I did, actually, '' matt said darkly, `` Mum and Dad kept telling me it was n't and not to think that way, but I could n't help it.

`` But it was just all downhill from there. My parents had already sent a alphabetic character to Amy 's school day, the Australian schooling of Sorcery, to see if I could still hang. They would n't let me. So they were planning on moving anyway. ``

`` They would n't ? ! '' John shouted, `` But why ? ``

`` Said it was too dangerous. I was really depressed after that. The transmutation got tough. I always held out hope that I 'd be able to go to schooling. Amy would come abode with history and I looked forward to when I 'd get to go. So, just to seek out the options, my parents sent letters to a few other schooling. The Salem hag Institute in MA, Hogwarts, and the Adirondack Academy of conjuring trick in New York State. And a couple others that I do n't remember the names. Hogwarts, Salem, and Adirondack both said I could still attend. Adirondack had never had any werewolves attend, but they said they would act it out. Salem turned out to be a really bad estimate. My parents and Amy did n't like it.

`` By then, my parents were definitely uncoerced to propel so I could go to school. They were debating which school I should go to when they read about a subject St. Mungo 's was doing. It would try to estimate out why wolfsbane would n't work for some people. That was the determinative divisor. They decided on Hogwarts and signed me up for the sketch. We moved that summer. ``

Albus sat and thought. He now knew what Dumbledore had meant by 'true repulsion in his past'. It was n't just being bit by a werewolf and becoming one himself. It was the fact that matte 's home 's whole life was drastically changed because of what had happened. They moved halfway across the world because of it. `` What about Amy ? She had already been at schooltime in Australia for a few years, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, she had. She was 14 when we moved, going into her quarter year. And she was n't too happy about it. I know you guys just see her as a protective older sister, but she was n't always, '' Matt paused, `` She was really disturb when my parents told her that we had to move. She did n't want to leave her booster. She blamed me. ``

`` But she 's always looking out for you ! '' blush wine replied, `` I ca n't imagine her being mad at you. ``

`` I know, '' matt said, `` But it 's straight. You see, my parents did n't let her be anywhere near me when I transformed. She stayed with my grandparents every full Sun Myung Moon that she was n't in school. She stayed with them for a few Clarence Day after the wide-cut moon, too. By the metre she got back, I was mostly intimately. ``

`` Oh, '' rosebush said, `` But what happened ? ``

`` fountainhead, once we moved, she could n't go stay with my grandparents every full moon anymore. We moved in June, right after the to the full moon. There were two more full moon Sun Myung Moon before she started school. Dad still had connections with the Ministry in Commonwealth of Australia, so he managed to set up portkeys for her to take to my grandparents'sign of the zodiac, even after we moved. She was still mad at me when she left for schoolhouse and it made me feel horrible. But after a few weeks, she settled into Hogwarts and made new friends, including Victoire.

`` Then the summer came and my parents had to confront that she would be there during full synodic month. Something happened and Dad could n't get portkeys to Australia anymore. By then I 'd been a werewolf for over three eld and she still had n't been there. She was 15, then, so my parents figured she was old enough anyway. Anyway, the night came and I, er, went to the place where I transform when I 'm home. In the morning, my parents always came and got me really early on, so they could take me to my bed and leave me my potions and stuff. Well, apparently that night Amy had n't slept at all. She told me later that she could n't once she hear my shriek and howling. She stayed awake all night, waiting for the moon to set, and once it did, she went and got me even before my parents did.

`` Well, once she saw me, she realized what I was going through. That morning, she saw me unconscious, with offend pearl, and covered in origin and cutting. It made her realize how bad it really is. She told me later that once she saw me, she started crying and she started trying to heal my cuts. Then my parents came and found her. They started crying with her and let her help them do everything they do after a transformation. When I woke up, we had a long talk, all four of us. Amy completely forgave me for moving here and she 's been very protective ever since, especially when it comes to someone being rude about my precondition. ``

`` Oh, Matt, '' rose wine whispered, `` I 'm so glad that Amy is n't mad at you anymore. I just ca n't believe you have to go through all this. ``

`` It 's all right, I 'll outlive, '' lusterlessness assured her.

`` I know, it just does n't seem fair, '' Rose said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Do you recognize what happened to the werewolf that bit you ? ``

`` My dad told me, '' matt answered, `` He got in a lode of difficulty, because of what did take place and what could have happened. He could accept attacked some of the Muggles that were there, instead of me. It was only by prospect that it happened to be me, a ace, he bit. We were probably the sole wizards anywhere near that campsite, but there were loading of Muggles around. Anyway, he got sentenced to ten years in prison. ``

`` So he 's still there ? '' John asked.

`` Yup, '' Matt replied. He paused for a few minute, watching his friends. `` So, now you know the whole story. ``

`` Were you really planning on keeping it a secret the wholly time you were at Hogwarts ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, I 'm not sure. I guess so. That 's what my parents told me to do anyway. They told me not to say anyone, and I did n't want to evidence anyone either. I did n't really think anyone would feel out. ``

`` blush wine is jolly impertinent, though, '' Albus said, `` I would n't have figured it out without her, well, until I wound up in the Hospital Wing with you finish month. ``

`` I guess I would n't sustain been capable to go all through school without anyone finding out. ``

`` So who does know ? '' Albus asked.

`` Hardly anyone. The instructor, of course. Most of them have been really nice about it, especially your dad, Albus, '' Matt answered.

Albus grinned, `` Yeah, like that essay that was due the former day. ``

`` Oh, yeah, I 'd forgotten about that, '' lustrelessness groaned, `` I 'll give to do it this weekend. Washburn 's been pretty rude, but he 's rude to every Gryffindor. Amy had warned me about that. ``

`` What about over Yule holiday, did you really fall out of a tree, or was that just another cover-up story ? '' Albus asked, suddenly remembering that.

lusterlessness blushed, `` Er, yeah, it was. There was a full moonshine over the holiday. The irregular one of Dec to be precise. It was a blue moonshine. Only the second one since the one when I got bit. The inaugural one was when I was 8 and it was unspeakable. Much worse than the even full phase of the moon moons. And the one in December was just as fearful. Plus, I had to metamorphose at my grandparents family. In their Classical Greek, which my dad sound proofed and strengthened the walls with thaumaturgy. So, yeah, those injuries were from the full moon, not falling out of a tree. ``

`` I had a touch about that, '' Albus commented, `` So, no other student know ? ``

`` Nope, '' lustrelessness answered, `` You 're the only ones, besides Amy. She 's not allowed to distinguish her protagonist. She has n't even tell apart Victoire. ``

`` Thanks for telling us the whole story, '' rosebush said.

`` You know, it feels good to finally tell someone. Kind of like I can relax now. I was always afraid you 'd find out and tell someone and I 'd have to leave. ``

`` We 'd never do that, '' Albus assured him.

`` Thanks, '' Matt smiled.

Just then the door to the room explosion assailable and Amy came running in, out of breath. `` There you are ! '' she shouted and ran towards Matt.

`` How 'd you get in here ? '' John asked. `` We 're already using the way. ``

`` I made all the requests for it and I always request that Amy be able to find me, but to save everyone else out, '' Matt answered.

`` And it 's a undecomposed affair, too ! It 's one-half past midnight ! I was worried disturbed ! brothel keeper Pomfrey said you left ages ago, but I have n't seen you all day, '' Amy gave him a hug.

`` Ouch ! '' lustrelessness winced.

`` Oh, sorry ! '' Amy released her grip, `` Have you been here all day ? ``

`` Pretty a good deal. ``

`` You skipped course of instruction ? Are you certainly you 're better ? '' Amy asked in a worried tone.

`` I 'm just tired and I did n't require to look Washburn today. He always calls on me when I 'm old-hat, he does it on intention, '' Matt yawned.

`` Oh, he 's such a git, '' Amy replied, `` But are you sure you 're ok ? I could take you back to the infirmary wing. ``

`` I 'm hunky-dory, honestly, '' Matt said adamantly.

`` How did they know how to get in here ? '' Amy glanced around at Albus, toilet, Rose, and Amanda, and then leaned over and whispered something in lusterlessness 's ear.

`` It 's all right, Amy, '' Matt sighed, `` They know. I told them. I told them everything. ``

`` What ? ! '' Amy opened her optic encompassing and stared at Matt. `` Mum and Dad told you not to ! ``

`` I know, but it 's all right. They figured it out months ago and were just waiting until I was ready to differentiate them. ``

`` They 'd better not narrate, '' Amy glanced around at Albus and the others.

`` Do n't worry, they wo n't, '' lusterlessness assured her, `` Albus 's dad is shimmy 's godfather. So, they definitely wo n't distinguish. Albus 's grandpa was really good friends with shift 's dad. ``

`` I knew that, '' Amy said, `` Guess I just never really put it together. ``

`` Yup, and you know, I 'm really glad I told them everything. I can loosen a little bit. ``

`` Just be certainly no one else finds out, '' Amy warned.

`` I know, I 'll be deliberate, '' Matt said, `` But you know, you could separate Victoire, if you want. I do n't recall she 'd tell anyone, do you, Albus ? ``

`` No, she would n't severalize anyone, '' Albus assured them.

`` Yeah, I know she would n't. I 've been tempted to tell her ever since she told me that her dad was attacked by Fenrir Greyback, '' Amy revealed, `` But Mum and Dad do n't want me to assure anyone. ``

`` I know, they did n't want me to say anyone either, but that did n't work out, '' mat replied, `` I just wanted you to live that I would n't heed if you told Victoire. ``

`` Ok, I 'll intend about it. But thanks for telling me that. It 's hard keeping it a secret. Sometimes I just want to let the cat out of the bag about it. ``

`` Me, too. That 's why I 'm kinda relieved they know now, '' Matt gestured to his friends.

`` I guess you should let Mum and Dad know that you told them. ``

`` I will, I 'll send them a letter this weekend, '' Matt yawned.

`` You really ought to go to bed, '' Amy suggested.

`` That 'd probably be a practiced estimate, '' Albus agreed, `` Quidditch is tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, yeah, I 'd forgotten ! '' mat said excitedly.

`` Should be a undecomposed game, '' John commented.

`` Ravenclaw will probably win, '' Amanda predicted.

Albus and his protagonist walked back to Gryffindor Tower with Amy, and the common room was practically deserted by the metre they got back. Victoire was there, along with Samantha Meyers, and a match other seventh years who Albus vaguely recognized. Amy bid them goodnight and went to sit with her booster. When Albus, John, and Matt went up to their dormitory room, Bilius and Ethan were already asleep. Albus climbed into his bed feeling very content. He was felicitous that lusterlessness had finally opened up to them, but still felt a bit worried about what Matt was going through. Albus was also quite thrilled with the musical theme of having the Room of demand available to them. He did n't think he 'd manage to find that until he was much older, but now he would be capable to use it during all his yr at Hogwarts. With that and the Marauder 's Map, if James let him borrow it, Albus and his supporter would certainly be able to make some fun. If only he had the invisibleness Cloak. And with idea of his dad actually giving him the Cloak, Albus fell into a surprisingly restful sleep.

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A/N : So, there it is ! The chapter you 've been waiting for ! I really hope you liked it. I wound up re-writing a bunch of it, since parts had contradicted my other story. It was originally two chapters, but I combined them to pass water up for the last chapter which was quite dead !

oral presentation of my other storey, I will be posting it very soon ! It 's called In Moonlight 's tincture and it 's basically the product of me having too much background story about flatness to possibly put into a story that focuses on Albus. The story goes into great detail about why matt and his family moved to England. It 's done in first person, from Amy 's decimal point of view. I have xxx chapters written so far. I hope you 'll all retard it out once I post it !

Thanks as common to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other Sister, and my sidekick. Thanks as well to inkheart, Moonylupin, and mamaykay for the recap !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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Albus woke up late the next morning, but he was still up before John or Matt were. Bilius and Ethan 's beds were empty, so they were already up. Albus was surprised that John was n't up yet. He rarely ever missed breakfast, even on the weekends. The Quidditch match was n't for another two time of day, so Albus quietly got preen and read a bit of his Quidditch in the Twentieth Century book. He had been reading for a half hour when he heard soul come into the room.

`` Albus ? '' a articulation called out, `` Are n't you up yet ? ``

Albus looked up from his book, `` Oh, hi rosiness, Amanda. I 've been up for a while, but those two are still asleep. '' He jerked his oral sex towards Saint John the Apostle and Matt 's beds.

`` I do n't think I 've ever seen John miss breakfast before, '' pink wine commented while looking at his sleeping form.

`` Me neither. But we did remain up pretty late last Night, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah. We 've been up for a while, doing homework, '' pink wine responded.

`` Still have loads more to do, though, '' Amanda sighed, `` I have n't made much progress on my phases of the moon essay for Astronomy. ``

`` Bet flatness could have that done in fifteen instant, '' Albus commented, `` He could probably assist you. ``

`` Good estimation, I 'll ask him after the compeer, '' Amanda decided, `` We should probably get them up, though. ``

Albus agreed and pulled back the drapery on Matt 's bed while Rose and Amanda prodded Gospel According to John awake. Albus looked down at matte, who was sleeping soundly. Albus almost felt bad waking him up, but he knew Matt wanted to take in the match and would be mad if no one woke him up in clip. Albus pulled back the blanket and gently poked his arm.

`` Wha 's going on ? '' flatness mumbled. He sat up and rubbed his eyes.

`` We almost slept through Quidditch, '' john replied sleepily as he got up out of bed and headed to the bathroom.

`` Oh, right ! '' mat yawned and got up immediately.

XV minutes later, Albus headed down to the Great Hall with his acquaintance to have luncheon before the equal. The usual excitement that accompanied a Quidditch match was in the air when they walked into the room. Harry had been right when he said that Quidditch would take people 's minds off Rita Skeeter 's article. Albus had n't heard anyone cite it in days. It seemed as if everyone had finally forgotten about it.

`` Why ca n't the conditions be like this when we play ? '' James groaned as he sat down future to Albus.

The weather condition was unusually good. It was still bitterly cold, but it was relatively sunny.

`` wellspring, it does n't matter, because our team can bring in any atmospheric condition ! '' Samantha Meyers announced. `` The Hufflepuffs on the other paw .... ''

`` They 're near than the Slytherins this class, '' Henry James commented.

`` True, but the Slytherins have n't totally fall behind the Cup yet. Ravenclaw only beat them by 30 points in their match. Now, if they lose to Hufflepuff in the succeeding match, they 'll be out of the running, '' Samantha explained.

After lunch, everyone made their way to the Quidditch lurch. Albus and his friend managed to get good tush, but none of them really knew which team to root for. The catch lasted almost two hours before the Ravenclaw Seeker finally caught the stool pigeon. Both Seekers spent nearly of the match hovering above the other players, neither of them managing to see the stool pigeon. James was sitting a few butt down from Albus and Albus heard him shouting to the Seekers on numerous occasions because he had seen the Snitch. In the end, the Ravenclaw Seeker saw it hovering near the Hufflepuff goal station, caught it, and won the game.

Albus and his friends spent the remainder of the day working on their homework. Matt was able-bodied to help Amanda finish her essay, and everyone helped him catch up on all the work he had missed the previous week.

******

`` Fifteen transactions left ! '' Professor Slughorn announced during double potions one March afternoon, a few weeks later. `` lend a sample of your potion up to my desk for grading and strip up, delight ! ``

Albus poured a bit of his boil-cure potion into a ampule and took it up to prof Slughorn while John cleaned out their cauldron.

`` Albus, m'boy ! '' Slughorn grinned at him and took his potion. He held it up to the light and shook it. `` Near perfect, I think ! Could bear done with a few Thomas More porcupine quills, but very good.

`` Now, I am planning on having another little meeting this Sunday evening, '' Slughorn went on, as he put Albus 's potion on his desk with the others. `` I was hoping you and Miss Weasley would be able to attend. ``

Albus inwardly groaned. He did not want to go to another Slug Club meeting. The cerebration of being that close to Quinton Willinson again made him throb. `` Er, well, actually, I 've got deterrent example with my auntie Hermione every Sunday. Rose does, too. ``

`` Oh, what a shame, '' Slughorn replied, `` Maybe next prison term, then ? ``

`` Er, maybe, '' Albus shifted nervously. He had no intentions of ever going to another Slug Club meeting. At least not while Willinson was still at Hogwarts.

Albus went back to his tabular array, got his bag, and left the room with his friends. As they walked up the steps to the Entrance Marguerite Radclyffe Hall, Albus told them about the sluggard order meeting.

`` You 're not going, are you, Albus ? '' John questioned.

`` Definitely not, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` Plus, I 've got Occlumency that night anyway. ``

`` I 'm glad he made the coming together for a Sunday, then, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, me too. But he wo n't do it again, though. Now that he knows we have lessons that dark. I guess side by side prison term I 'll just have to say I 've got too lots homework or something, '' Albus said.

`` Or use a vomiting Pastille or fever Fudge or something, '' John Lackland suggested.

`` That could play, '' Albus replied as they emerged into the entryway G. Stanley Hall. They started to cross towards the Great Asaph Hall when Albus noticed someone walk towards them. He grabbed the spinal column of pink wine and Matt 's gown and stopped them.

`` What ? '' Matt turned around and looked quizzically at Albus.

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered, `` Come here. '' Albus lead them over to a broom closet and pulled them inside it.

`` What are we doing in here ? '' John asked loudly.

`` Shush ! '' Albus said again and opened the doorway a chap. `` Look at that man. He 's who I saw arguing with Washburn ! ``

Rose, John, lusterlessness, and Amanda each took a bit peering out the threshold to look at the thaumaturgist. `` Are you sure ? '' Rose asked.

`` Positive, '' Albus replied.

`` delay, you saw him arguing with Washburn ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Oh, right, you were in the infirmary extension then, '' Albus remembered. He quickly rehashed what he had overheard while doing detention for Washburn.

`` So Washburn 's doing some kind of job for that wizard ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` And I think they 're up to something. I say we follow him. ``

`` But it 's time for supper ! '' John whined.

`` Exactly. Which means no one will be around to question what we 're up to, '' Albus reasoned. `` Plus, we 'll get supper after. ``

Saint John sighed, `` Fine. Where do you retrieve they went ? ``

`` Probably Washburn 's business office. ``

pink wine opened the room access. `` Let 's go then. ``

Albus followed Rose out the doorway and they crept up the stairs towards Washburn 's office, with St. John the Apostle, Matt, and Amanda following. The corridors were hollow since everyone was in the Great Hall. They reached the Charms classroom and Albus peeked inside. Washburn and the other wizard were standing near his desk, arguing in shut up articulation. Albus motioned for his champion to be active closer and the five of them huddled near the open door, being deliberate not to make too very much noise.

`` You have n't done it yet, '' the strange man hissed, `` Why have n't you done it ? ``

`` I 'm sorry ! '' Washburn replied, `` I have n't been able to yet ! ``

`` fountainhead, why not ? It does n't look that difficult to me. ``

`` It 's strong than you 'd think ! I do n't know where they are ! '' Washburn answered.

`` I 've told you how to recover out ! ``

`` I know and I 've been trying. I have, really ! '' Washburn moaned.

Albus looked quizzically at his friends. He had never seen Washburn like this before. Usually, it was Washburn who was doing the intimidation, not the other way around. But this man was obviously angry that Washburn had n't finished whatever he wanted him to do.

`` Well, hurry up then. Try harder ! '' the strange wizard insisted.

`` I will, I will. ``

`` You know we can not proceed without them. I 'm positive I know where one of them is, but it will prove very unmanageable to get. Once we find out where the others are, we 'll do them first. They 're the more important one anyway. So, you must do it soon. Just find out where they are. I 'll retrieve them. You 've obviously had difficulties with even doing the unproblematic task of finding them, let alone retrieving them, '' the wizard growled.

`` Yes, I know. I will try harder, I will. It 's just ..., '' Washburn trailed off.

`` What ? ! '' the wizard demanded.

Albus leaned his brain closer to the doorway, but Washburn remained mute. Then Albus felt a wet physical object collide with his head. `` Argh ! '' he screamed and turned around.

`` Ickle firsties ! '' Peeves was bobbing up and down in the air, cackling madly. `` Spying on teachers ? Very naughty !

`` Peeves ! '' Rose shouted as the poltergeist heaved a water balloon at her head. Peeves cackled and threw another water balloon at Albus.

`` What is going on out here ? ! '' Washburn appeared in the room access, his part returning to the usual rage that Albus was used to.

`` Firsties spying on your confluence, Professor, Sir ! '' Peeves saluted Washburn and flew down the hallway, laughing hysterically.

`` Potter ! '' Washburn spat, glaring at Albus. Albus stood trembling and soaking wet, waiting for whatever was coming following. At the time, spying on Washburn seemed like a with child estimate. But now that he thought about it, it was inevitable that they would be caught.

The unusual wizard came sauntering out of the room with a smug look on his face. `` I think that concludes our give-and-take. I shall be speaking with you shortly. '' He walked down the corridor and disappeared around a corner.

Washburn watched him bequeath and once he was gone, Washburn turned back to Albus. `` Just what, do you lot, think you were doing ? '' he seethed.

Albus stood still, but said nil. rose wine, John, Matt, and Amanda remained silent as well. Washburn looked at each of them in bout and returned his gaze to Albus. `` 100 points from Gryffindor. And custody, this Monday at 7 pm, all of you. I 'll have you polishing the trophies, '' he spat.

Albus nodded. 100 points, that was the most Washburn had ever taken from them before. The custody was no big deal, but the full stop would set Gryffindor quite a ways back in the running play for the House Cup.

`` Um, Professor, '' Matt whispered, `` Is there any chance we could do it this weekend, maybe, instead of Monday ? ``

Washburn turned to glare at Matt, looking livid. `` NO ! I 've got former detentions scheduled for the weekend ! You 'll meet me in the trophy way at 7 pm on Monday, or I 'll cover you to the headmaster ! '' He gave Matt one Thomas More piercing stare and went back into his way, slamming the door behind him.

Albus turned and looked at his friends. They all had shocked formulation on their faces and lustrelessness looked quite occupy. Rose 's hair was dripping with water.

`` Told you we should have gone to supper instead, '' John commented, as they started walking down the corridor.

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` We may have gotten detention, but we did learn some useful information. ``

`` He 's got a stage, '' Rose said, `` Washburn 's definitely up to something. That man wants him to bump something out, find out where something is, and then they 're going to try to steal it. ``

`` I guess, but we do n't even know what they 're trying to find out. We ca n't really do anything about it, '' John responded.

`` And Washburn 's even more raging with us, '' Matt said dryly.

`` Yeah, but he already hates me so much that it does n't matter, '' Albus pointed out, `` By the way, why did you want the hold switched ? That 's not the, you know, is it ? '' Albus asked, not wanting to say 'full moon'out loud, in case anyone was lurking around.

`` No, '' Matt whispered, `` But it 's two Nox after the detainment, so I 'll already be feeling scurvy. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus said, remembering how tired mat always was in the days preceding the full moon. `` Maybe you could talk to my dad or professor Longbottom ? They 'd pretend Washburn interchange it. ``

`` I know they would, but then word would get around to Malfoy. The hold up thing I need is him wondering why I can prefer when I have my detentions. You know Washburn would somehow mention it in class. ``

`` Yeah, he would, '' Albus said darkly.

`` We 'll just polish your trophies for you, '' Gospel According to John assured him, `` Just earn it front like you 're doing something and we 'll cover for you. ``

lustrelessness smiled weakly, `` Thanks. ``

`` So, we going to go eat supper or not ? '' John turned towards the stairs.

`` You guys go ahead, '' Albus answered, `` I 've got to go change out of these wet gown. '' He gave Rose a meaningful glance.

`` I 've got to commute, too, '' pink wine told them and gestured to her soaking robes.

`` All right, '' John said, and started down the stairs with Matt and Amanda.

Albus and rosebush set off for Gryffindor Tower. Once they entered the deserted common room, rosiness turned to look at Albus. `` You thought of the Hallows when you heard Washburn talking, did n't you ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Did you ? ``

Rose nodded, `` It does seem fishy. ``

`` It 's got to be him. It fits. That 's why he hates me. He thought I 'd experience where the Hallows are, but I do n't. ``

`` I dunno. I mean, it does fit, but still, Washburn 's a teacher. ``

`` So what ? Teachers can be night superstar, too. ``

`` I know, but we do n't have any proof ! We did n't even learn him say 'Hallows', '' rose reasoned.

`` I know, so I do n't call up we should secernate my dad yet, we ca n't get him in difficulty, but it 's a start. And we learned more about the Hallows, '' Albus pointed out, `` They already know where one of them is, but it 's going to be severely to get. Maybe it 's heavily guarded ? ``

`` Probably. Anyway, I think we 'll probably have to call for Dumbledore 's advice and talk of the town to John, Matt, and Amanda about it. We 've got to happen out what they are. ``

`` Yeah, we should. We 'll do it soon, '' Albus assured her.

`` Albus, do you think that Washburn, or whoever is trying to get the Hallows, will be able to wreak back Voldemort ? '' pink wine asked quietly.

`` I do n't call back so. I mean, he 's short, right ? So how could he come back ? Plus, in my dream, the wizard said he was going to get about Voldemort 's 'ideals'. ``

`` Well, his 'ideals'are pretty scary, '' rose shuddered, `` And the idea of a second Voldemort 's almost as scary as the first one. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Which is why we 've got to keep Washburn from getting the Hallows. ``

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other baby, and my brother. Also, thanks to Moonylupin, XXEveryinchXX, and TheNobleHouseofPotter for their reviews !

I 've posted my next story, In moonlight 's Shadow. Please check it out on my author page !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist

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Holy Writ cattle ranch like wildfire that a group of first eld had lost Gryffindor 100 pointedness in one night. Quite a few old scholarly person were very angry about this, especially since the red of points placed them below both Slytherin and Hufflepuff in the running game for the House Cup. After classes the next day, Albus and his friends were bombarded by a couple fifth years, including his cousins Georgia and Gabriella, demanding to know why the percentage point were taking away. Albus quickly explained what had happened with Washburn, and silence fell around the common room. After a few import, soul started clapping. Soon after, a distich More masses joined in and eventually the entire unwashed room was cheering and slapping Albus and his protagonist on the vertebral column. Albus stared quizzically at everyone, wondering why they were all cheering that he had lost them so many points.

`` Why 's everyone hand clapping ? '' Albus asked James.

James River grinned, `` Because you made Washburn so angry ! Everyone hates him ! No one 's had the nerve to spy on him before. It 's vivid, really. I 've heard citizenry have been trying to get him to step down since he first started teaching when Victoire was a first yr. You 've done so very much stuff to him this twelvemonth. outset you set him on fire- ''

`` That was a complete fortuity ! ``

`` Does n't matter, the full point is, he 's atrocious to everyone, except the Slytherins. And you 're rebelling against him. Honestly, you 've got more nerve than I thought, '' King James stared in awe at his brother.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled at James. Albus had felt horrifying about losing so many degree, but if the other Gryffindors were n't going to care, than maybe it was n't so bad after all.

For the side by side few Day, whenever Albus and his friends were in the common room, the former Gryffindors would ask Albus for assistant in planning pranks to rend on Washburn. Apparently, the other Gryffindors saw Albus 's spotting as inspiration to picture out their own shipway to drive the appealingness professor weirdo. Albus, however, wanted nothing to do with it. He was far too interest about the musical theme of Washburn and that other wizard trying to find the Hallows and use them to complete Voldemort 's plans. He spent the weekend trying to do homework, but always wound up thinking about the Hallows and trying to guess of something that was heavily guarded that could be used to gain power.

By the time Monday arrived, Albus had exhausted every potential powerful object and could n't recall of anymore. Monday meant that it was time for their detention with Washburn. After dinner, Albus and his friends walked slowly to the trophy room. Albus was not looking forward to being in closemouthed neighbourhood with the soul who was most in all probability performing Legilimency on him.

`` Are you all right, lustrelessness ? '' Rose asked, jolting Albus out of his mentation. He turned around to look at Matt, who was lagging behind the rest of them, even though they were all walking slow.

`` Yeah, '' Matt yawned, `` Just tired, no big deal. ``

`` You should go to lady Pomfrey. She 'll make Washburn reschedule the detention, '' Rose suggested.

`` And have Malfoy find out ? No. Plus, if I do it another time, I 'll have to do it alone, '' Matt shuddered at the persuasion of being alone with Washburn.

No one said another word the rest period of the way to the trophy room. When they got there, Washburn was already there, looking murderous, and standing future to a great bucket of cleaning supplies.

`` It 's 7:05. You 're late, '' he growled.

`` Sorry, sir, '' lustrelessness mumbled, `` It was my geological fault. ``

`` I do n't care who 's fault it was. It just means you 'll be here later, '' Washburn barked, `` You 'll be staying until every one of these prize is spotless. No magic, of course. ``

Washburn strode over to a with child armchair that was sitting near the door, sat down in it, and started his usual glaring. Albus picked up a bottle of shine and a rag and wandered over to a trophy for the Gobstones gild. John and Matt started polishing prize on either English of Albus, while rosiness and Amanda started on the other side of the room. The trophy room was quite large and Albus guessed it would fill them at least two minute, perhaps more, to polish all the trophies and event. They polished in silence for a half minute, moving along the paries of trophies as they went on. Albus was polishing a Wizard 's cheat patronage trophy from 1922 when he felt a sharp poking in his side. He turned to his right and saw whoremaster, who had stopped polishing his trophy. `` What ? '' Albus whispered.

John the Evangelist silently pointed to Albus 's other face and Albus turned to look. Matt was standing with his fountainhead slumped up against the trophy fount. He was fast at peace. Albus glanced nervously back at whoremaster. Albus did n't want to know what Washburn would do to Matt if he discovered that he was n't awake.

`` matte, '' Albus prodded his supporter gently, `` ignite up. ``

matt groaned a little and lifted his top dog off the methamphetamine hydrochloride. Albus glanced nervously at Washburn. Luckily he was currently pointing out a spot of dirt that rose wine had missed on a Quidditch trophy. Albus poked lusterlessness again, a picayune harder this time.

`` Ouch ! '' mat winced and opened his middle. He glanced around with a confused looking at on his face.

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered. `` You fell asleep. keep shining. ``

`` Oh, right, '' flatness picked up his rag that had fallen on the floor when he drifted off and went back to polishing.

The three son continued polishing in silence for the following hour. Occasionally, either Albus or John would cause to rouse mat up. Matt was not getting a totally lot of polishing done, but since he was working right adjacent to Albus and John, Washburn did n't seem to notice.

`` Albus, '' John whispered a while later.

`` What ? '' Albus looked over at whoremaster. John pointed at the trophy he was polishing. Albus looked at it and saw that it was a brass of everyone who received an accolade for special help to the school.

bathroom pointed at two epithet on it, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. `` What did they do ? '' he whispered.

`` Saved my mum from Voldemort and a basilisk in the Chamber of enigma, '' Albus whispered back. `` And discovered that it was Voldemort attacking students in the first spot. He possessed my mum through a diary he wrote when he was 16. ``

John stared wide-eyed at Albus. `` Whoa. I think I remember my parents telling me about that. They were n't in Hogwarts yet when that happened. ``

`` quiet back there, '' Washburn growled.

matt jerked awake at the audio of Washburn 's representative. `` Wha 's going on ? '' he said a niggling too loudly.

`` Oh, wake up, Eckerton ! It 's only 9 pm ! '' Washburn shouted, `` The sooner you finish, the Oklahoman you can go to bed. ``

`` Sorry, sir, '' Matt replied and went back to polishing a prize.

As Albus continued polishing, he thought about the honour his dad had gotten all those twelvemonth ago. He had been a hero every year he had been in school. He still was a hero. 'Will I ever do anything like that ?'Albus thought. 'Will I ever live up to what citizenry think I will do ? Everyone thinks I 'll do great things just because my dad did, but what if I ca n't ?'Albus doubted that he would ever get an award for special servicing to the school.

`` Eckerton ! '' Washburn shouted, causing Albus to come out of his persuasion. `` Why ca n't you stay awake ? ! Get up ! ``

Albus looked over at flatness. He was slumped yet again on one of the chicken feed showing sheath, looking very wan. He opened his eyes and started slowly dragging his rag along the glass with his eyes drooping.

`` Why do n't you lay off him already ? '' John Lackland shouted disgustedly. `` You know perfectly well why he 's exhaust. ``

Washburn got up from his chairwoman and started towards can. Albus glanced nervously from one to the other. rosebush and Amanda both stopped polishing and were paying shut attention. Matt had fallen asleep on the glass again. `` What did you say ? '' Washburn spat once he was within two feet of John.

St. John stared at him, not breaking eye contact. `` I said, why do n't you leave him alone ? You knew he 'd be tired today and you still made him do detention ! Just let him slumber and we 'll cease the cleaning. We 're almost done anyway. ``

Washburn 's typeface turned a shade of purpleness that Albus had only seen on his great-uncle Vernon. He stepped unaired to John, but John did n't look away. `` 50 more than spot from Gryffindor for talking back. And another detainment, I think. Tomorrow Night. Lines. My office. But just you. Sleeping stunner will be even regretful tomorrow and as much as I 'd lie with to feed to a greater extent detention to ceramist, Weasley, and Tagger, they have n't done anything. This was all you. Go on, get out of here ! '' He shouted stormed out of the room.

Albus stared in electric shock as he left. He glanced around at Saint John the Apostle, who was still glaring at the threshold, his face as red with anger as Rose 's hair. `` C'mon, let 's go, '' he said quietly as he prodded mat awake.

`` Huh ? '' lusterlessness mumbled.

`` Detention 's over, '' Albus told him as he walked towards the door.

`` Oh, ok, '' Matt yawned and followed the quietus of them out of the door.

`` He 's kept us past curfew, '' blush wine commented as they made their way through the corridors.

`` Figures, '' St. John the Apostle grunted.

`` That was brilliant, by the way, '' Albus said.

`` What was magnificent ? '' Matt asked.

`` John flipped out on Washburn while you were asleep, '' Albus told him.

`` What did you do ? '' matte asked John in an astonished phonation. `` Why do I always miss the sound clobber ? ``

John was still too tempestuous to say much, so Albus explained. `` He told Washburn off for yelling at you. It was after Washburn woke you up that second meter. And you had just fallen asleep again. St. John started yelling at him about how he should n't have shouted at you when he knew why you were tired and how he should n't have assigned you detention for today. ``

`` What ? ! '' flatness shouted, `` Are you mad ? What did he do to you ? ``

`` Detention tomorrow Night. And l head lost, '' whoremaster replied.

`` You are mad, '' Matt said quietly, `` You did n't make to do that. I do n't require you getting in trouble for me. ``

`` Yes, I did, '' John said, `` It 's not fair what he did. He should have made the detention over the weekend, like you suggested. He 's deliberately trying to run you down. It 's just not fair. ``

`` Yeah, well, life 's not bonny. I found that out six days ago, '' matte said bluntly.

`` Yeah, but it does n't mean it 's okay for people to care for you like dung, '' John replied softly.

******

By the time St. John trudged back into the usual room after his detainment the adjacent Night, most of the rest of the Gryffindors had gone to bed. There were a few fifth years huddled up at one table, studying for their O.W.L.s, and Victoire and Amy were up talking quietly while studying for their N.E.W.T.s. Albus and his friends had managed to get the good armchairs near the firing once the fourthly year occupying them had gone to bed. Rose was reading a book while Albus and Amanda played gobstones. Matt was reasoned asleep in his chair.

`` How 'd it go ? '' Albus asked as John collapsed in one of the chairs.

`` It was bloody scummy, '' John groaned, `` He stared at me the solid clip. Had me write'I will prize my elders and not talk back'about 300 times. ``

`` Yeah, that 's what he does. I 've gotten used to it, but it drove me mad during the first few custody, '' Albus told him.

`` He 's an vicious git, '' John growled.

`` I know, '' Albus agreed.

`` wellspring, I do n't desire to mouth about him anymore. I just spent two hours with him. Anyway, what have you been up to ? '' privy asked.

`` Not very much. We finished all our homework a while ago. We 've just been sitting around waiting for you, '' Albus said.

`` When did he fall asleep ? '' Saint John jerked his head towards Matt.

`` About an hour ago, '' Amanda answered.

John sighed, `` You know, it 's almost like he expects everyone to be ill-bred to him. ``

`` I 'm pretty certainly he does, '' Albus whispered.

`` well, it 's probably because most people have, '' Rose commented, `` I mean, most hoi polloi are n't exactly nice to, well, people like him. ''

`` I know, but he should n't just accept it. I 'm going to nonplus up for him, '' John the Evangelist said.

`` We will, too, '' rose wine agreed, `` But he 's just not used to it. ``

`` I guess, but I 'm not going to let anyone cover him badly. Especially not person like Washburn, '' John replied.

`` Me neither, '' Albus said.

`` Definitely, '' Amanda replied.

`` We should probably go to bed, '' Albus said after glancing at his watch, `` We 've got Astronomy tomorrow. ``

Amanda groaned, `` Oh, yeah. Should be a miserable night. ``

`` Yours wo n't be as miserable as his will be, '' can pointed to Matt.

******

The next day went by fast for Albus. Charms was thoroughly miserable for Albus and all his friends. King John had made it onto the inclination of people Washburn clearly disliked More than the others. Now, the only one of Albus 's protagonist who was n't, was Amanda. However, Washburn did dislike her More than the other Gryffindors, just because she was booster with Albus. Washburn spent the unharmed class lecturing and shouting at Matt whenever he fell asleep. Albus could tell that John was trying hard to behave himself whenever this happened. It did n't avail that Malfoy spent the hale grade with a self-satisfied look on his human face, clearly enjoying that Washburn was shouting at Matt every five minutes.

`` Evil git. We ought to sneak a few disgorgement pastilles in his pumpkin vine juice, '' lav muttered under his breath after Washburn woke matte up for the fourth time.

`` What did you say, Brickston ? '' Washburn shouted.

`` Nothing, sir, '' John answered.

`` Did n't sound like nothing, '' Washburn growled, `` Ten breaker point from Gryffindor. ``

Matt wound up skipping Potions because he could n't present a indorse class with Malfoy that day. Malfoy interrogated Albus again as to where Matt was, and Albus told him that Matt had left after luncheon to visit his brainsick grandmother.

After dinner, Albus and his friends decided to see if lustrelessness was in the Room of demand. He never showed up at dinner. When they arrived in the elbow room, Amy was already there, trying to wake lustrelessness up.

`` Hey, Amy, '' Albus said quietly.

Amy turned around, `` Oh, hi, Albus. ``

`` Are you going to the infirmary Wing now ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yeah, I 'll see you guys tomorrow, I guess, '' matte yawned as Amy helped him out of the bed.

`` All right hand, '' Albus replied.

`` Bye, '' Saint John, Rose, and Amanda said quietly.

`` Bye, '' lustrelessness winced as he followed his sister out of the room.

Albus and his friends spent the rest of the eventide in the elbow room, working on their homework. After a few hours, in which Albus managed to get the tardy Potions homework done, it was time for Astronomy.

professor Polo announced that they would be finishing their March star charts that night. Albus, Saint John the Apostle, Rose, and Amanda set up their telescope and got to work.

`` This is the world-class full moon on a Wednesday, is n't it ? '' Albus whispered to Rose after a few minutes.

`` Yeah, I think so, '' rosebush said, `` I 'm just glad we do n't feature this with the Slytherins.

`` Where 's your friend, matte ? '' Jackie Pierce, the Hufflepuff on Albus 's early side asked.

`` He 's visiting his sick grannie, '' Albus said automatically.

`` Oh, I hope she 's better soon, '' Jackie replied.

Albus focused his telescope and marked down a few stars. He moved his telescope and pointed it towards the moon. He sighed as he thought about how something as beautiful as the moon could control individual 's life as much as it controlled Matt's.

Albus managed to finish his star chart just as the stratum was ending. privy and Rose were able to end theirs as well.

`` I hope he does n't strike off a unanimous lot of points for not getting all the stars, '' Amanda sighed as they climbed into the portrait hole.

`` If you only forgot a couple, I do n't think you 'll loose that many points, '' rose assured her.

Albus sat down in one of the armchairs in front of the empty fireplace. `` Are any of you tired ? ``

John sat down next to Albus, `` No, not really. ``

Rose and Amanda shook their chief and sat down. `` Let 's last out up. We can go see matte in the morning time, '' rose suggested.

`` goodness idea, '' Albus agreed. The friends played out much of the Night playing numerous games of chess, Exploding Snap, and Gobstones. Eventually, the sun started to rise and morning came.

`` Should we go, then ? '' St. John asked once they finished their game of Exploding Snap.

`` Yeah, it 's probably a good clock time, '' rosiness said. `` But maybe you should go get the map, Albus. I do n't fancy running into Filch. ``

Albus agreed and ran up to James 's dorm room. King James and the rest of the second yr son were all sound asleep. Albus ran to James 's trunk and rummaged around in it until he found the Marauder 's Map. He left a spry distinction to James IV telling him that he took the map, quickly left the room, and went back to the common room.

Albus spread the map out on the trading floor and tapped it with his wand, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no honorable. ``

`` Blimey, that is brainy !, '' John grinned as the writing appeared on the map. Albus had told his Friend about the map before, but he had never showed it to them.

`` Wow ! '' Amanda stared in awe at the map. `` That is awing. ``

`` Let 's see, '' Albus scanned the map, `` Filch is still in his function. ``

`` What about Washburn ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` Hmm, '' Albus looked back at the map.

`` There he is ! '' blush wine pointed at the map, `` He 's in his power, too. ``

`` Good, '' toilet said in a sticking voice, `` Oh, and there 's madam Pomfrey. She 's walking through the entry residence. ``

`` Let 's go, then, '' Albus stood up, `` Mischief Managed. '' He stuffed the map into his robe scoop and left the room, with Rose, Saint John, and Amanda following.

When they arrived at the infirmary annexe, it was completely deserted. Albus and his ally settled themselves on the bed next to the one matt usually stayed in. The doorway opened a few minutes later, but it was n't Madam Pomfrey who came through. It was Amy, followed by Victoire.

`` What are you doing here ? '' Amy asked when she saw Albus and the others.

`` We had Astronomy lastly Night and were n't tired, so we just stayed up and figured we 'd come see Matt, '' Albus told her.

`` Oh, all right, '' Amy replied. She walked over to the bed where Albus and his ally were sitting and Victoire followed. `` I told her, '' Amy said to Albus, `` about lustrelessness. ``

`` I still ca n't think you keep back this from me all these years, '' Victoire said.

`` You 're not mad, are you ? '' Amy asked quietly.

`` No, of form not, '' Victoire assured her and sat down next to stand up on the bed. `` It just must throw been so intemperate to keep that a underground. ``

Amy sat down following to Victoire, `` It was. But I did n't really have a choice. My parents forbid me from telling anyone. ``

`` Well, I 'm sword lily you told me now. Your parents are n't going to be mad, are they ? ``

`` No, I asked them a distich weeks ago and they said it would be all powerful if I told you, '' Amy answered.

`` Good, '' Victoire said and turned to Albus, `` How long have you guys known ? ``

`` Since January. Well, Rose put the clew together in November, but we did n't have it off for certain until Jan. But we did n't sing to Matt about it until net calendar month, '' Albus responded.

The grouping sat in silence for a few present moment, before Victoire asked, `` When 's he coming back ? ``

`` Should be any time, '' Amy stood up and glanced at the door. `` But just to let you blackguard do it, he 's not going to be in any shape to verbalize to you. ``

`` We know, we just want to be here for him, '' trick replied.

`` I honestly do n't even know if he 's going to want you here. He never likes anyone seeing him right after a transformation. ``

`` We do n't care what he looks like, '' John said adamantly.

`` I know you do n't, but I think he 's still afraid you 're going to empty him. He 's never had such supportive Quaker before. The few friends he had went running in the other direction once they found out, '' Amy explained.

`` Gits, '' Saint John muttered under his breath.

The doorway to the Hospital flank opened and Albus looked up. Madam Pomfrey came bustling through while using her sceptre to float a stretcher through the door. lusterlessness was laying upon it, covered in a midst green blanket. Amy immediately rushed over to them. `` How is he ? '' she asked anxiously.

`` Not that bad, actually, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey replied, `` A few better castanets and a reasonable bit of undercut and bruises, but not as bad as preceding months. ``

`` Oh, good, '' Amy replied.

madam Pomfrey directed the coping stone towards the bed next to the one Albus and his friends were sitting on. `` What are you lot doing here ? '' she asked briskly once she noticed them.

`` We, er, just wanted to see if Matt was okay, '' Albus answered nervously. He suddenly was n't sure enough if they should have gone to the hospital offstage after all.

`` He knows you know, then ? '' Madam Pomfrey asked.

`` Yeah, and he explained everything last month, '' Albus told her.

`` And you know, too ? '' Madam Pomfrey gestured to Victoire.

`` Yes, I do, '' Victoire answered.

madam Pomfrey smiled, `` salutary. It 's about time he had some firm booster. Now, I 've got to mend him up a bit and then if he 's awake, you can see him. '' She pulled the curtains closed behind her and Amy. A minute of arc later, she came out, went to her office, and came back with numerous potions and bandage. Albus watched as she went back through the curtain and listened to the various healing magical spell she was performing.

Victoire, Albus, and his ally all sat on the bed, no one saying a Son. Albus was still a bit worried about matte 's response to them being there. He had n't thought about it before, but now he realized that Amy was decently and Matt probably did n't want them to see him like this. He glanced at his friends, who were also looking a bit nervous. They did n't have long to brood on it, though, because a little while later, ma'am Pomfrey and Amy appeared from behind the curtains.

`` He 's awake, '' lady Pomfrey told them, `` You can see him for a few hour, but not very long. He needs rest. ``

Albus glanced at his Friend and they stood up. He walked through the pall, with blush wine, toilet, and Amanda following. lusterlessness was laying on the bed, looking thoroughly execrable. His brass was covered in snub and there was a big bruise on his left impertinence. Both of his arms were heavily bandaged and he looked very tired.

`` What are you guy rope doing here ? '' he asked hoarsely when he saw Albus and the others.

`` We wanted to come see you. Are you all right ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' lusterlessness answered bluntly.

`` I hope you do n't mind that we came, '' Rose said softly.

`` It 's all right wing, '' flatness sighed, `` I just thought you would n't have wanted to. ``

`` 'Course we do, '' John said, `` You 're our friend. ``

Matt grinned tiredly at them. `` Oh, did you tell Victoire ? '' he asked Amy, who had just come back through the curtains with Victoire.

`` Yeah, I told her this morning, '' Amy replied.

`` And it does n't nettle me in the least, '' Victoire assured him. lusterlessness yawned and smiled at her.

gentlewoman Pomfrey came back with another steaming potion in a goblet. `` Time for you lot to go, '' she told them, `` He needs to kip. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus said, `` Bye, Matt. promise you feel better. ``

`` We 'll get see you tonight, '' rose told him.

`` Ok, have fun in class, '' flatness yawned. Gospel According to John and Amanda waved as the group left. Amy and Victoire followed behind them, whispering to each other.

Albus walked to the Great Radclyffe Hall for breakfast with his friends. He was feeling quite tired after staying up the whole night. Albus was glad that Matt did n't appear to beware them coming to see him so soon after the full moon, but he could tell that lustrelessness still was n't completely comfortable with them knowing his secret. Albus figured that after a couple week or so Matt would gradually relax about it. Now, all Albus had to do was resolve when to tell his friends about the Hallows. He had been putting it off, but decided to take Dumbledore 's advice and see if they knew anything about them. It was the only clue he had, and if he was going to hold on Washburn from getting the Hallows, he he had to use it.
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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my chum. Thanks also to inkheart, Moonylupin, and Mamaykay for their reexamination !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or any of The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

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Albus did not feature a probability to ask John, Matt, and Amanda about the Hallows until after the Easter holiday. lusterlessness spent the rest of the week in the Hospital Wing, and Albus did n't want to talk about the Hallows there. He preferred to do it in private. The easter vacation began the day after flatness left the Hospital Wing. Neither Albus nor his supporter stayed at the castle over the holiday. Albus quite enjoyed the break and spent much of it playing Quidditch with James. blush wine and her folk came to delay for a few mean solar day, but Albus did n't see the rest of his extended family. Albus, blush wine, and James IV did spend a bit of prison term sneaking around Grimmauld Place, looking for clues that would lead them to finding out what the Hallows were, but they did n't find oneself anything useful.

By the time Albus was back at Hogwarts, the snow had melted and it was relatively affectionate. April was upon them, which meant that the end of term exams were only two months away. The teachers made sure to prompt them of this during every class. Albus had not thought it potential, but they were being assigned even more preparation than before. Of course, no one was feeling the pressure more than the fifth and seventh years, who were preparing for their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s. All of them could be seen studying in the uncouth way and program library until lately at night. A few of them were already cracking under the imperativeness. Albus was glad that his O.W.L.s were still four long time away, but he was not looking forward to them. Even Victoire was becoming nervous about the examination and had started threatening younger students with detentions if they were too loud in the vulgar way. Usually Victoire was very level headed and not much bothered her, but she was afraid she would n't have adequate N.E.W.T.s to get her into the healer program.

`` I am not looking forward to my O.W.L.s, '' John sighed as he watched as a fifth year nodded off while reading her notes.

`` Me neither, '' Matt agreed.

`` You 'll be fine if you study, '' rosebush assured them.

`` That 's the parting I 'm not looking forward to, '' John laughed, `` I 'm having enough fuss studying for this class 's test. ``

`` Have you finished your Herbology ? '' Albus asked John.

`` I 'm working on it now, '' St. John told him.

`` I have n't even started it, '' Amanda commented. Matt was helping her refinement this workweek 's uranology assignment.

`` Well, it 's not due until day after tomorrow, '' Albus told them.

`` estimable thing ! '' lav shouted and threw down his quill, `` I need a intermission from all this ! ``

`` Shush ! '' Victoire came storming over to their tabular array. She looked very weary. `` This is study time ! ``

`` Sorry, Victoire, '' John said, `` I 'm just sick of studying. ``

`` Just delay until one-seventh yr ... '' Victoire muttered as she went back to the table she was sharing with Amy.

`` Want to go to the elbow room ? '' Albus whispered.

`` Yeah, let 's go, '' Matt replied and got up. Albus, pink wine, Amanda, and John all picked up their Quran and followed matt out of the common room. They walked to the Room and mat paced three times in nominal head of it. The threshold appeared and they all walked inside. The way looked just as it did when lustrelessness told them about the night he was bit.

Albus walked inside and sat down on one of the chairs. His friend followed and they all resumed their perusal, except for John, who was wandering around the Room.

`` I 've got to tell you guys something, '' Albus said quietly after a few proceedings. Everyone looked up from their record and John came over to the blast and sat down on the put next to Matt.

`` Are you going to tell us where you disappear to with rose and your chum ? '' John asked.

`` Er, yeah, you noticed that ? '' Albus asked nervously.

`` Yes, we all did, '' Amanda told him.

`` fountainhead, I 'm going to tell you why, '' Albus said. `` I guess first I 've got to tell apart you that this past tense summer, I thought my dad had told me everything about the defeat of Voldemort. ``

`` You mean, he did n't ? '' John asked.

`` No, I do n't think he did, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Over Christmas, Rose, St. James the Apostle, and I, and a couple of our cousin, overheard mine and blush wine 's parents whispering about something in the kitchen. They were talking about whether or not to tell us something, something they 've been hiding from us. I do n't experience what it was. I just heard them say one parole, 'Hallows'. James, blush wine, and I researched in the library to try and find out what 'Hallows'were. But we did n't notice anything. The lone thing we had to go on was the fact that I heard the give-and-take 'Hallows'in those Legilimency dreams I have. Someone wants to find the Hallows and steal them, whatever they are.

`` blush wine came up with the idea that I should mouth to Dumbledore 's portrait about it. We figured that the Hallows had something to do with Voldemort 's downfall because they seem to be something just our parents know about. Since Dumbledore told my dad about the Horcruxes, we figured he 'd have a go at it something about the Hallows. So, rosebush came up with the unanimous mind to set off a firework in Washburn 's class in order to get me into the Headmaster 's office so I could talk to Dumbledore. ``

`` postponement, you did that on use ? '' toilet asked in awe.

`` Yeah, we did, '' Rose grinned.

`` That 's, that 's vivid, but unintelligent ! '' John laughed.

`` We know, '' Albus said grimly, `` It could stimulate gone a good deal worse. Anyway, Dumbledore did know about the Hallows, but he would n't tell us about them. He said it was something my dad had to tell me. But he did give me a clue. He told me to ask you about them, '' Albus said.

`` He thinks we 'd know what they are ? '' Amanda asked.

`` wellspring, yeah, that 's what he said. He said to specifically ask John and matte about them, '' Albus replied.

`` He got that right, I 've never heard of Hallows before, '' Amanda responded.

`` You have n't heard of them, feature you ? '' Albus turned to John and Matt.

John Lackland and Matt looked at each other and then glanced at Albus. `` fountainhead, I 've never heard of them, '' John said.

`` I have, my dad told me about them once, '' lusterlessness commented.

`` You know what they are ? '' Albus asked in blow. He looked at rose wine. She looked as clueless as Albus did.

`` Yeah, I do, '' Matt repeated, `` Have n't you two ever heard The fib of Beedle the Bard ? ``

`` Of course, '' Albus nodded.

`` The what ? '' Amanda looked quizzically at Matt.

`` The Tales of Beedle the Bard, '' he repeated, `` A book of sensation fag tales. The Warlock 's Hairy Heart, Babbity Rabbity and Her Cackling stump, The Wizard and the Hopping Pot, The Fountain of Fair Fortune- ''

`` My parents read me those when I was fiddling. Mum 's actually got the master copy copy ! '' Rose interrupted excitedly.

`` Does she really ? '' flatness stared at her in awe.

`` Yeah, Dumbledore left it to her in his will, '' rosebush told him. `` But what do a bunch of fairy tarradiddle have to do with 'Hallows'? ``

`` You did n't let me land up. There 's one More. The Tale of the tierce Brothers, '' mat told them. `` And that has everything to do with the Hallows. ``

Albus and Rose glanced at each former. Like Rose, Albus had been read those pansy tales when he was short, and he remembered The Tale of the Three crony. He remembered his aunty Hermione reading it to him from the original copy. He had n't been able to say a word of it, since it was written in Runes, but he definitely remembered the story.

`` But I do n't remember anything about any Hallows in that tarradiddle, '' rosebush commented.

`` You would n't, '' Matt told her, `` The tarradiddle does n't observe the parole Hallows, but the write up itself is about the Hallows. ``

`` That does n't make sensation, '' King John announced.

`` Could someone explain this story, please ? '' Amanda asked with a look of confusion on her face.

`` Sure, '' Matt leaned back on the lounge and gazed around the room. `` This would be leisurely if I had the account book. I have n't heard it in ages. '' Matt got up from the couch and walked over to a book shelf that was behind Albus 's chair. `` utter ! Here 's one, '' Matt picked a book of account up off the shelf, walked back over to the couch and sat down.

`` 'There were once three brothers who were traveling along a lonely, winding road at twilight, '' lusterlessness began. He read the unanimous story straight through. It was just as Albus remembered, with no credit of the give-and-take Hallows.

`` 'And then he greeted end as an old friend, and went with him gladly, and, as match, they departed this life .''' Matt looked up at Amanda and closed the account book. `` That 's the story. ``

Amanda stared at him, `` That 's quite a bit different than Muggle fag tales. Although I 'm still confused. ``

`` So am I. What 's that got anything to do with 'Hallows'? '' Albus asked.

`` Everything, '' Matt sighed, `` Just let me explain it. The Hallows, or the Deathly Hallows as they 're really known as, are the invisibleness Cloak, the Resurrection of Christ Stone, and the elderberry bush sceptre. Some hoi polloi believe that the story tells of the creation of the Deathly Hallows, but most people think it 's just a story.

`` My dad told me about it ages ago. He 's one of the few people who think they actually exist. When he was younger, before he got hook up with, he actually tried to find them. Looked in cargo of Quran all over the world, trying to trace where they might be. My Uncle Jack went with them, too. They kept searching even after my parents got married. Mum went with them. He gave up his hunt after he and Mum wanted to start a family. They never did find out anything about the Hallows that would tell him where they were. Uncle squat kept looking for age afterwards, but eventually settled in New York. He still thinks they 're out there, someplace, and has n't truly given up. ``

`` You mean, those three objects actually exist ? '' pink wine asked skeptically.

`` I dunno, '' matt replied, `` My dad seems to suppose so. And he 's met a few other people who think so. ``

`` But if they do n't survive, why would my dad want to keep me from knowing about them ? '' Albus asked quietly. Albus was not sure what to cogitate about what lustrelessness had said about the Hallows. It was a far-fetched theme, but there was one affair Albus knew might try out their existence. His founder 's invisibility Cloak. Albus had not really connected The story of the 3 Brothers to his dad 's Cloak, but now that he thought about it, the connecter made sense.

`` Oh, fare on, Albus, you ca n't honestly be thinking that they exist ? '' pink wine said exasperatingly.

`` We already know one of them exists ! '' Albus told her, `` What about Dad 's Invisibility Cloak ? ``

`` Your dad 's got an invisibility Cloak ? '' Matt asked. `` Really ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus told him.

`` But that does n't think it 's the one from the floor, '' John said, `` I mean, there are lashings of invisibility Cloaks out there. One of my uncles used to have one. But it wore out and he never got another. ``

`` Exactly !, '' Albus said excitedly, `` My dad 's Cloak is dissimilar from all other invisibleness Cloaks. It does n't break out ! I know most invisibleness Cloaks just have a charm or something put on them and it wears off eventually. That must have been the variety your uncle had, John. But my grandpa had that cloak before my dad did, and my dad still has it. It still works as good now as it ever has. ``

`` Whoa, '' Matt stared at Albus with a glint of excitation in his middle, `` Then that could be the Cloak from the write up ! ``

`` But what about the former Hallows ? '' pink wine asked. `` I do n't think they exist. ``

`` They might, '' John said, `` I know I 've heard of super wands being passed from thaumaturgist to wizard centuries ago. ``

`` Ok, '' Rose began, `` Say there is a 'super baton'out there, and Uncle Harry 's cloak is 'The invisibility Cloak'. But how on terra firma would a 'Resurrection Stone'work ? ``

Albus could n't resolve that, but he did conceive that the Deathly Hallows existed. Why else would his dad have kept all this secret ? The Deathly Hallows had something to do with Voldemort 's downfall, and Albus was going to come up out what. `` Well, if these three objects are the 'Hallows'that I heard mentioned in my dream, than soul is trying to recover them, '' Albus realized.

`` That ca n't be adept, '' toilet said, `` Whoever 's been doing that Legilimency wants to continue what Voldemort was doing, right ? ``

`` right hand, '' Albus confirmed, `` Do you make out if anything special happens if you 've got all three Hallows ? ``

`` Dad said that if one person unites all three, they will be the maestro of Death, '' matte answered.

`` lord of Death ? '' Albus repeated, `` Well, I can imagine that Voldemort would have loved to take them, then. Especially that wand. ``

`` That 's a scary thought, '' privy said, `` Voldemort with an invincible wand. ``

Albus silently agreed. `` Anyone evil with that baton would be shivery. call up that clock time we spied on Washburn ? ``

lustrelessness shuddered, `` How could I not ? That resulted in one of the bad detentions ever. ``

`` I know, and I 'm gloomy about that, '' Albus said quietly. He still felt a bit guilty about causing all his admirer to end up in detention with Washburn. `` But that strange wizard was yelling at Washburn because he had n't found out where something was. ``

`` And we did n't even get wind what it was he had to incur, '' lustrelessness interrupted.

`` But I think I know what it is. I think that Washburn is trying to see out where the Hallows are, '' Albus told them.

`` What ? ! '' St. John shouted, `` I know he 's horrible, but you think he is trying to unite the Hallows and keep what Voldemort wanted to do ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus said.

`` I told him it was ridiculous, '' rose wine sighed, `` But he still thinks it 's Washburn. ``

`` It makes sentience, Rose ! '' Albus shouted.

`` It does fit, but still, he 's a teacher, '' Rose replied.

`` So what ? He makes it clear that he hates me and James, and you, and Matt. He 's been giving lusterlessness a tough prison term since the first of the year ! And now he hates John, too. ``

`` I know, but maybe he just does n't care Gryffindors. He was a Slytherin, you know, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, I know that. But what if he hates us because he was on Voldemort 's side ? '' Albus suggested.

`` But do you really think he 'd do this right under your dad 's nose, Albus ? I mean, come on ! Your dad 's head Auror ! '' John argued.

Albus shrugged. He really had n't thought of that. `` Dunno. Maybe he 's just stupid ? Or maybe that bloke he was arguing with is threatening him or something and he has n't got a choice ? ``

`` Well, I suppose it could be that, but still ... '' lavatory replied.

`` Ok, so what if it is Washburn ? '' Matt said, `` What do we do about it ? ``

`` I dunno. I do n't think we have adequate proof to state anyone, '' Albus answered. `` We 've just got to trust that he does n't find out where the Hallows are. I only know where the Invisibility Cloak is, Dad 's got it in his spot somewhere, and Washburn probably already knows where that is, if he 's the one doing the Legilimency. ``

`` All rightfield, '' matt replied, `` But this is mad, I never thought I 'd actually find out the Hallows existed, let alone bed where they are ! Do you guess you could indicate me the Cloak sometime ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus told him, `` But please do n't tell your dad about this. Not yet. I know he 'd want to recognize, but I think you ought to wait until after my dad Tell me their meaning in the war. ``

`` All right wing, '' Matt sighed, `` I wo n't tell him yet. ``

`` Swear you wo n't ? ``

`` I swear, '' Matt said, `` I 'll keep it secret. I 've got years of experience keeping things secret. Do n't worry. ``

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A/N : Thanks to my Sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, and my other baby and my brother. Thanks as well to XXEveryinchXX, Moonylupin, inkheart, and leezdz for their followup !
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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Over the following few workweek, Albus thought a lot about the Hallows. He found it backbreaking to concentrate on his homework, and rose would often berate him for not spending adequate time studying. He continued having his strange pipe dream almost every night, but he did n't think that Washburn had found out anything new about the Hallows. Washburn continued to yell at Albus during every Charms year and give him at least a detention a week. With detention, prep, and Occlumency lessons, Albus had hardly any meter for anything else. animation at Hogwarts was just as chaotic as ever. Albus did manage to bump time to evidence King James about what matt had told him about the Hallows, but James did n't stimulate any idea as to where the early Hallows could be either. He did fit with Albus that it was highly possible that Washburn was the one trying to unite them.

Before Albus knew it, exams were upon them. The night before they began was very tense. well-nigh all the Gryffindors were either in the common room, studying, or in the depository library doing the Saami. Albus and his friends were studying at a put off next to the one Victoire and Amy were at. Both the seventh year miss were extremely unquiet, and Victoire insisted on inviolable quiet in the common way. Albus did not heed this, because he needed to take anyway. Their first exam was magic spell, and Albus was particularly nervous about this exam.

`` I 'm not sure I 've passed, '' Albus groaned as he walked out of the room with rosebush, John the Evangelist, flatness, and Amanda after the charm exam.

`` I 'm sure enough I 've failed, '' Matt replied, `` Washburn was breathing down my neck during one-half of it. ``

`` I hate when teachers do that, '' John said.

`` Me, too, '' Amanda agreed.

`` Well, I think I passed, but- '' rose started.

`` Of form you passed, '' John interrupted, `` You 've been preparing for test since September. ``

Albus thought the respite of the examination went fairly well. He thought he at to the lowest degree passed Potions. Herbology and papa went extremely well, and Albus thought he got decorous mark in uranology, metamorphosis, and History of magic. However, even though test were over, O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s were still going on, and Victoire was still mandating a quiet vulgar room in the evening. The night of their last examination, Albus and his friends decided to just go to the room of Requirement and celebrate.

`` What a relievo ! '' John the Evangelist shouted as he flopped down onto the couch, `` No more exams until next year ! ``

`` Yep, a report free summertime ! '' lusterlessness grinned as he pulled a burnt umber frog out of his pocket.

`` You 've got homework, you know, '' Rose laughed.

`` I know, but I 'll save it for the last minute, '' Matt replied, `` So, anyone got plans for the summertime ? ``

`` I 'm going to Republic of Ireland with my household, '' Amanda told them, `` For two workweek. I ca n't wait ! ``

`` Are you going on an airplane ? '' John asked, excitedly.

Amanda laughed, `` Yeah. ``

`` Brilliant ! '' whoremonger shouted, `` Maybe I can win over my parents to take us on an airplane. ``

`` It 's not that gravid, '' Matt commented. `` Are you doing anything ? ``

`` Erm, not certain. We usually visit all my cousins, '' John the Evangelist said.

`` well, you 've all got to derive stoppage at my theatre, '' Albus told them. `` rose and I always have a big birthday party at the tunnel. ``

`` My natal day 's at the end of August and Albus 's is the end of this month, '' blush wine said. `` So we always have a party together. But usually it 's just our syndicate. And our parents'friends and their kids. ``

`` 'Course I 'll get ! '' John Lackland smiled, `` I want to see your business firm and the Burrow. ``

`` My parents should let me number. We 're not going to Ireland until the middle of August, '' Amanda answered, `` As long as they meet your parents first. ``

`` They can meet at King 's Cross, '' blush wine replied.

`` Can you come, lusterlessness ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, I dunno, '' Matt said slowly, `` My parents have never let me stay over at mortal 's planetary house before. Not that anyone would has ever wanted me to remain over at their house before. Do you be intimate when it will be ? ``

Albus looked at blush wine, who shrugged. `` I 'm not indisputable. I do n't think our parents have planned it yet. But we 'll make trusted it 's not around the full moon. ``

`` Then I might be able to go, '' Matt smiled.

`` Great ! '' Albus said, `` We 'll take loads of fun ! We can play Quidditch. ``

`` I ca n't conceive this year is almost over, '' rosebush began.

`` Yeah, I mean, a year ago, I did n't even sleep with I was a witch, '' Amanda laughed, `` Going to be strange to go back dwelling house. ``

`` And end year, I never even knew about the Hallows, and now Washburn 's trying to steal them, '' Albus said quietly.

`` wellspring, at least over the summertime you wo n't be anywhere near Washburn, '' Rose said, `` And maybe Uncle Harry will separate us the whole story. ``

`` And then you can tell it to us ! '' John replied. `` And to stay on subject, this fourth dimension conclusion twelvemonth, I was about the same as I am now. '' Everyone laughed.

`` Well, this time net year, I did n't ingest any acquaintance, '' flatness said quietly.

`` But you do now, '' John the Evangelist pointed out.

flatness grinned, `` Yeah, I do. Never thought I would, though. It 's been a great year. ``

`` I have n't showed you the piranha 's Map, have I ? '' Albus asked Matt.

`` No, I do n't think so, '' Matt answered.

`` It 's glorious, '' John grinned, `` Saw it a couple months ago. ``

`` Yeah, you were in the Hospital Wing, '' Albus remembered, `` But I 've got it now. '' Albus pulled the Map out of his robe pocket.

`` You have n't given it back to St. James the Apostle yet ? '' Rose asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus laughed, `` I do n't really want to give it back. Maybe we 'll just share it. '' Albus got up from his chair and set the Map down on the table.

`` feeling just like a even opus of parchment, '' Matt commented.

`` That 's what 's so great about it ! '' Albus grinned, `` Anyway, this is the map that my grandpa, Peter Pettigrew, Dog Star blackness, and of trend, slip 's dad made, when they were at Hogwarts. ``

`` Yeah, I remember you telling me that, '' matt replied.

`` Here it is, '' Albus tapped his wand on the parchment and said, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

Ink spread head across the map while Matt stared in awe at it. `` That 's magnificent ! '' He stared at the map and all the labeled dots milling around it. His oculus stopped on the Whomping Willow. `` This shows the passageway to the Shrieking Shack ? '' he asked nervously.

`` Sure does, '' Albus said, `` It shows all the passageway out of the school day. But do n't care, hardly anyone knows about the Map. Just us, James, my parents, Rose 's parents, my Uncle George II, and probably some of my cousins. But none of them, except my parents and pink wine 's parents, know how to get in the tunnel. ``

`` Do you know how to get into the burrow ? '' Matt asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus answered. Harry had told him all about the passageways, but had n't told him how to get into them. Harry had told Albus that he did n't want to smash all the fun of discovering affair for himself.

`` Good, '' matte breathed a suspiration of relief and went back to inspecting the map. `` Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, '' he murmured. `` Are those, their nickname ? ``

`` Yup, '' Albus confirmed, `` Moony was- ''

`` teddy 's dad, I figured that one out, '' mat said, `` But what about the others ? ``

`` Wormtail was Pettigrew, he was a rat in more ways than one, '' Albus said grimly, `` And Padfoot was Sirius, because he was a big shaggy dog. And Prongs was my granddad because he was a hart. ``

`` Wow, '' lusterlessness said softly, `` This is dumbfound. ``

`` See ? '' Albus began, `` Moony had awesome friends, well most of them were, '' Albus said, thinking of Pettigrew. `` And they did n't dessert him. We wo n't dessert you. ``

`` Yeah, you 're our Moony, '' John agreed.

Matt smiled at them, `` Thanks, guys. I know you wo n't, now. ``

The group quietly watched the map for a few minutes, noting that all the fifth and seventh years were still cooped up in the subroutine library, studying for their exams. `` Who 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a dot that was lingering near the forest.

pink wine leaned in finisher and read, `` Jarett Willinson. Never heard of him. ``

`` Willinson. Do you suppose he 's related to Quinton Willinson ? '' Albus asked.

`` Probably, '' John said, `` But Quinton does n't have any sibling at school. ``

`` What 's that bloke doing here, then ? '' Albus wondered.

`` Look ! '' Matt pointed at a dot that was traveling from the castle towards Jarret Willinson. `` It 's Washburn ! ``

Albus looked at the dot, and trusted enough, it was Washburn. He was heading towards Jarett Willinson. `` What are they doing ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Matt answered.

`` What if they 're going to try and recover the Hallows ? '' Albus asked. `` We should go see what they 're up to. ``

`` What ? ! '' lustrelessness shouted, `` Last time we went to see what Washburn was up to, we wound up in detainment. ``

`` But what if he is trying to steal the Hallows ? If he is, then we wo n't get in difficulty from him. He 'll get fired, '' Albus pointed out.

lusterlessness sighed, `` I guess. Let 's go before they leave. ``

`` Are you coming, rosiness ? '' Albus asked.

`` I suppose, '' rosiness said. She looked at Amanda and the two of them stood up.

`` Let 's go, then ! '' bathroom grinned. He was clearly excited about spying on Washburn again.

Albus and his acquaintance left the way and set off towards the straw man door. They saw hardly anyone on their way down the stair. Peeves was lurking on the endorse floor corridor, but luckily he did n't notice the maiden years sneaking off.

`` Are they still there ? '' Rose whispered as they walked onto the grounds.

Albus checked the map. `` Yeah, they 're there. They must be talking or something. ``

`` You ought to wipe it pick before we meet up with them, '' Rose suggested.

`` trade good thought, '' Albus agreed, `` deviltry managed. ``

Albus walked slowly towards the bound of the wood, where he could just make out two masked physique. The sun was setting and it was nearly dark. Once Albus was a couple on feet away from the two wizards, he recognized who Jarret Willinson was, and stopped abruptly.

`` Ouch ! '' Amanda shouted as she ran into Albus.

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered, and he pulled his friends behind a tree.

`` What is it ? '' blush wine asked.

`` That hotshot ! Jarett Willinson ! He 's the bloke that was arguing with Washburn when we spied on him ! And the time I had custody and they argued in Washburn 's field of study. I 'm for certain of it. ``

`` That means- '' blush wine replied.

`` That they 're going after the Hallows. Remember, when we spied on them, that Jarett Willinson told Washburn that he would derive and they would steal the Hallows together, '' Albus said.

`` We 've got to blockade them, '' John replied.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Let 's go. '' Albus walked out from behind the tree, with his friends following. They slowly approached Washburn and Jarett Willinson. They were soon close adequate to get wind what the two virtuoso were saying.

`` You 've discovered the localisation of one of the Hallows ? '' Jarett asked.

`` I believe so. Potter finally cracked. I 'd heard that his Occlumency skills were unfathomable, but I did n't think it would pick out me this retentive. The two small fry do n't bonk a thing about the Hallows, '' Washburn stated.

Jarett laughed, `` They will soon. Which one did you discover ? ``

`` The resurrection rock, '' Washburn said.

`` Perfect. And where is it ? ``

`` In here, '' Washburn pointed to the woods. `` But I do n't make out where. ``

`` How are we supposed to determine it ? ! '' Jarett shouted angrily.

`` Do n't ask me ! '' Washburn shouted back.

`` It was your job to recover out where it is, '' Jarett said icily and took a step closer to Washburn. `` And you have n't found the exact place. ``

`` Sorry, but potter did n't sleep with either, '' Washburn answered nervously. `` Should n't we just start searching ? ``

`` We will, but I 've told Quinton he could total with us, and he 's not here yet, '' Jarett answered. `` And we 've got another job to do tonight, anyway. ``

`` And what is that ? '' Washburn asked.

`` kill Potter, '' Jarett said.

Albus let out a gasp. They were going to kill his dad ? But why ? Albus turned around and looked at his friends. They were all standing bloodline still and wearing looks of complete fear on their faces.

`` I do n't think we 're alone anymore, '' Washburn informed Jarett and a grin appeared across his face.

Albus turned back around to face the two whiz and backed up. Jarett and Washburn turned towards Albus and started walking towards him and his friends.

`` I believe you are right, '' Jarett responded, `` Mr. Potter, how gracious of you to join us. ``

`` What are we going to do with them ? '' Washburn asked while glaring at the five fist years.

`` Oh, I do n't recognise, what do you opine ? '' Jarett replied.

`` well, Potter seems incapable of doing the wide-eyed charms. The Weasley miss is a right hand know-all. Eckerton is numb half the time, so I doubt he 's capable of doing very much deception. Brickston does n't know when to hold his rima oris shut. And the other girl does n't appear too bright either, '' Washburn said, `` I say we just let them fall around and if they interfere, I 'll read care of them. '' He stared Albus in the eye, with a looking of complete loathing.

`` Very well, '' Jarett agreed, `` You know them just than I do. Now, let 's get back to business organization. ``

`` right. Now, why do we have to kill ceramist ? Is n't he the one who knows where all the Hallows are ? '' Washburn asked.

`` I know that ! '' Jarett shouted, `` But he 's the one who 's got the elderberry bush Wand ! And if we want it, we 've got to down him. ``

`` Oh, right hand, '' Washburn responded.

Albus watched the two wizards and glanced nervously at his friends. He had no mind what he was going to do next. Albus had been right, Washburn and this other wizard were after the Hallows. Albus heard footfall behind him and turned around, pulling out his scepter at the Same time.

`` Quinton, '' Jarett said, `` You 're latterly. ``

`` Sorry, Father, '' Quinton mumbled, `` Filch was lurking around. I had to wait for him to impart. ``

Jarett Willinson was Quinton 's dad. As Albus watched them, he only hoped that Jarett was as hopeless at dueling as his son was.

`` Put your scepter away, Potter ! '' Washburn growled at Albus.

`` go out it out, Al, '' a voice said from behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw his dad pulling off the Invisibility Cloak. Albus let out a sigh of relief. His dad was there, everything would be okay.

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A/N : Thanks to my sis and beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks to my early babe and my blood brother, too. And thanks to inkheart, TheNobleHouseofPotter, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, and Moonylupin for their limited review !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist

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`` Nice of you to join us, Potter, '' Jarett stepped towards Harry. `` How did you incur us ? ``

Harry drew his wand and stared at Jarett. `` Followed your son. scholarly person are n't supposed to be out of their usual suite after hours. ``

`` I do n't think it matters what he does now, '' Jarett replied icily. `` Once we have the Hallows, we will have power you know nil of. ``

`` So it 's you, '' Harry said, `` You 've been after the Hallows. And you 've been doing the Legilimency, Washburn ? ``

`` Yes, I have, '' Washburn confirmed. `` Only your sons do n't know anything about the Hallows, so it proved pointless. You, however, provided us with a cracking deal of info. ``

`` No, I have n't told them about the Hallows yet. But I suppose I 'll have to after tonight, '' Harry said.

`` I do n't think you 'll take the chance, Potter, '' Jarett growled.

`` You 've found out where the Hallows are, then ? '' Harry asked.

Washburn nodded, `` The Resurrection Isidor Feinstein Stone is in the woodland. I managed to break through your poor Occlumency. The invisibility Cloak is in your hand. And you 've got the elder Wand, we already knew that. ``

Harry held up his wand, `` I 'm afraid I do n't. ``

`` What ? ! '' Jarett shouted and looked at Harry 's baton, `` But you had it ! That 's how you defeated Voldemort ! ``

`` Maybe so, '' Harry began, `` But I have n't got it now, have I ? ``

`` You 've got it somewhere ! '' Jarett growled. `` Enough talk ! Give me the Cloak ! ``

`` Do n't think so, '' Harry shoved the Cloak into his sack and raised his sceptre eminent. `` We 'll duel if you want, but if you come with me now, you 'll have LE time in Azkaban. ``

`` I do n't care about Azkaban ! '' Jarett shouted. `` Crucio ! ``

`` Protego ! '' Harry shouted at the Lapp fourth dimension. A shield formed in front of Harry, protecting him, Albus, and Albus 's friends from Jarett 's spell.

Washburn and Quinton ran from behind Jarett, holding their wand out. Harry stepped towards Jarett and Jarett stepped closer to Harry. Albus watched them, his heart beating fast. Jarett sent more while towards Harry, but Harry blocked each of them. Albus smiled a little as he saw how much better at dueling his dad was than Jarett.

Jets of light flew out of both Harry and Jarett 's sceptre, lighting up the night around them. Harry sent a spell towards Jarett and he flew back and landed on the solid ground. Jarett stumbled back to his feet and sent a stupefy charm at Harry.

`` Just distinguish me where the verge is ! '' Jarett shouted as he dodged Harry 's curse.

`` No ! '' Harry shouted back and leaped out of the way of another peach. The two ace continued dueling, each one sending trance and curses towards the other. Albus stared at them. He had never seen dueling like this before. Neither wizard seemed to be slowing down. Harry was noticeably faster and dodged magic spell more easily than Jarett, but Jarett did n't appear to be giving up anytime soon.

`` What do we do ? '' Rose whispered to Albus.

Albus turned away from the duel. `` I dunno ! '' Albus heard footsteps behind him again and turned to see Quinton standing with his scepter facing Albus.

`` So, we duel again, Potter, '' Quinton smirked. `` Impedimenta ! ``

Albus dodged the spell easily, but did n't acknowledge what to do next. He had n't learned many dueling enchantment yet. He held his scepter up mellow and watched Quinton.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Quinton shouted. Albus jumped to the side and dodged the new spell.

`` Ahh ! '' someone screamed behind Albus. He turned around and saw John, pink wine, and matt standing around Amanda, who was laying rigid on the flat coat. The spell meant for Albus had hit Amanda lame in the chest.

Quinton laughed. `` One down, four to go ! ``

`` Watch out ! '' Albus shouted to his champion. They held up their scepter and stood next to Albus.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Quinton shouted again. Albus and his friends darted to one side and Quinton 's spell hit a nearby bush.

Albus regained his balance and turned to Quinton. He raised his verge and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Quinton dodged the spell and smirked at Albus, `` Think that 'll work again ? Petrificus Totalus ! ``

Albus and his friends dodged the go yet again. `` Do n't you know any other patch ? '' John laughed.

`` Shut it ! '' Quinton shouted, breathing heavily.

Albus whispered to Rose, `` We 'll all unarm him at once. On the count of three. Tell them. '' Albus waited until rosiness had passed the countersign on to john and mat and began to count. `` One ... ''

`` What are you doing ? '' Quinton asked nervously.

`` Two ... Three ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' All four first years screamed the spell before Quinton realized what was going on. He was knocked off his substructure and his wand flew out of his script and sailed through the air, landing near Matt. Matt picked it up and stowed it in his robe.

`` Urgh, '' Quinton picked his header up off the ground.

`` Let me take it from here, '' Washburn stormed over to where Quinton was laying. `` Pathetic ... ''

Albus 's heart started beating even faster. He had never seen Washburn affaire d'honneur before. It would surely be a totally lot harder to unarm him than it was to demilitarize Quinton. Albus had no desire whatsoever to start dueling with one of his teachers.

`` So you four, well five, if you count Tagger, '' Washburn began, `` Decided to find out what I was doing. thinking that it was a soundly approximation to meddle in my business organisation ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Do n't traverse it, potter ! '' Washburn shouted. `` You came here this evening ! You spied on me month ago ! ``

`` If you 're going to vote down my dad, than it is my business ! '' Albus shouted.

`` You could see it that way, if you 'd like. But if it 's your business, and you get in the way, we 'll kill you, too, '' Washburn growled at Albus.

Albus 's tum churned with care and he looked over to where Harry was dueling Jarett. Harry had just sent a spell at Jarett that had completely knocked him off his infantry. Harry looked over to Albus while Jarett was trying to get up. `` Do n't do anything to my son, Washburn ! '' Harry shouted. `` Protego ! '' He sent a buckler magic spell in between where Albus and Washburn were standing. `` You 'll regret it ! ``

`` I do n't think I will, putter around ! '' Washburn shouted back, aimed his wand at Harry, and sent a silent jinx towards him. Harry easily dodged it.

`` Crucio ! '' Jarett had regained his balance and was pointing his wand at Harry. Harry turned back and ran out of the way of the unforgivable curse just in time. He returned to his duel with Jarett, sending Thomas More cat valium of light at him.

`` Are you Death Eaters ? '' John asked once Washburn returned his gaze to the group of first years.

Washburn smirked at whoremonger. `` You still have n't learned to keep out your mouth, have you ? No, we 're not destruction eater. Although Jarett 's father was. He 's in Azkaban now. Albus 's bloody father captured him ! ``

`` So, what are you going to do ? If you were planning on killing us, you would 've done it by now, '' john replied.

Washburn stepped unaired to toilet, `` Maybe I like to tangle it out. But enough of that. potter ! '' He looked at Albus and pointed his sceptre at Albus 's chest. `` I do n't guess you know if your Father-God has any unembellished wands laying around ? One that might be the elderberry bush verge ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus whispered, `` I do n't think so. ``

`` 'Course not, '' Washburn growled, `` And you probably would n't secern me if you did. ``

`` Do n't believe so, '' Albus said.

`` Now, I think you four would be a wholly lot well-off to deal with if you did n't have your wands, '' Washburn seethed. `` Expelliarmus ! '' he pointed his baton at matte. Harry 's cuticle charm had worn off and disappeared moments before.

Albus looked over to where Matt was. lustrelessness collapsed to the dry land when the magic spell hit his thorax, and his scepter and Willinson 's wand flew through the air, landing adjacent to Washburn. Albus darted over to where Matt was laying to see if he was ok.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted at Washburn after he realized that matte was knocked out cold. `` What did you do to him ? ! ``

Washburn deflected the while and picked up the two wand. `` I just disarmed him, that usually does n't knock you out unless there are multiple citizenry casting it. Always knew he was faint, '' Washburn sneered.

`` Shut it ! '' John shouted as he bent down to try and wake Matt up, `` Why do n't you ever leave him alone ? ! ``

`` Ahh, looks like you 'll be next, '' Washburn pointed his wand at John, `` Expelliarmus ! '' John 's wand sailed out of his hand and Washburn caught it. `` Now for the Weasley fille. Expelliarmus ! '' rose 's wand left her hand and landed in between Washburn and Albus.

Albus ran forward to find fault up rosiness 's wand. `` I do n't think so, Potter, '' Washburn reached the verge first and picked it up. `` You 're next. Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his wand leave his hand and saw Washburn catch it. He glanced nervously at his acquaintance. They were n't doing too well. No wands, and two of them were unconscious. Albus looked at Washburn, who had started pacing in a circle around them.

`` Defenseless students, '' he smirked, `` I think you 'll be much more volition to do what I say now. Time to go into the forest, we 're going on a petty scavenger search. ``

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` We 're not. ``

`` You 're not in a stead to negotiate, Potter. You 'll help me incur the Resurrection Oliver Stone, '' Washburn barked, `` Now, follow me ! '' Washburn started to walk towards the afforest, but Albus did not follow. `` Let 's go, potter ! ``

`` We 're not going, '' rose said, crossing her weaponry across her chest.

`` You 'll regret that, '' Washburn said icily. He walked back to where Albus, Rose, and john were standing. `` Crucio ! '' he shouted at Rose.

Rose screamed and jumped to the incline, just missing the curse. Washburn started sending curse word towards all three of them. Albus jumped behind a tree to avoid a jinx that wound up hitting the tree. He looked over to where Harry and Jarett were dueling. As far as Albus could tell, Harry was winning. Jarett appeared to be slowing down, but Albus noticed that his dad was limping a bit as he dodged Jarett 's spells.

`` What are we going to do ? '' rosiness asked anxiously.

`` I do n't know ! '' Albus shouted back. He peeked his head out from behind the tree and saw john running towards them. Washburn pointed his wand at John 's back and hit him with a Trip jinx. john fell forward and he landed on the ground with a sickening compaction. `` John ! '' Albus shouted and ran out from behind the tree.

`` Just you and the Weasley little girl now, Potter, '' Washburn growled. `` Sectumsempra ! '' he shouted at Rose.

`` No ! '' Albus shouted as the curse hit one of her arms. She sank down onto the ground, screaming in pain. Albus could see blood seeping out of her robes. `` stop over it ! '' Albus shouted again. Albus glanced over to his dad again. Both of the wizards were slowing down. Willinson was definitely the worse off, he was leaning against a Tree, trying to hold up his wand with a broken arm. `` Dad ! Help ! ``

Harry turned away from his affaire d'honneur and came limping over when he heard Albus 's cry. `` Expelliarmus ! '' he shouted at Washburn, and all five scepter the Charms teacher was holding sailed out of his deal. Washburn turned away from Rose and looked at Harry. `` Do n't go near my niece, '' Harry growled at Washburn.

`` Let 's go, '' Washburn lifted Quinton onto his feet, `` You all right ? ``

`` amercement, '' Quinton grunted. The two of them took one look at Harry and ran off into the Night. Albus saw them disapparate just as they left the Hogwarts grounds.

Albus glanced over to where Jarett had been minute before. He was gone. `` Are n't you going to go after them, Dad ? ``

`` Ca n't, '' Harry lifted his robe and revealed a filthy cut on his leg, `` Took all my durability to get over here and save you. '' Harry sank down onto the priming, breathing heavily. `` Are you all right ? ``

`` Yeah, I 'm fine, '' Albus sat down next to his dad and leaned up against him. `` But I want to bang the unanimous account about the Hallows. ``

`` I know, and I will tell you, '' Harry sighed, `` After we get back to the castle. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus whispered. He looked over to where pink wine had collapsed and saw her getting up. She walked slowly over to Albus and Harry and sank down on Harry 's other side.

`` Uncle Harry ? Can we go back to the castle now ? '' she asked quietly. Her articulation was shaking. She was holding one of her men down over her arm, stopping the bleeding that Washburn 's curse had caused.

`` I think that would be a adept idea, '' Harry replied.

`` Harry ? '' a new vocalisation said from behind them. `` What happened ? ``

Albus, Harry, and pink wine turned around. Neville was standing behind them. `` Bit of a awful duel, '' Harry answered, and went on to explicate the entire evening.

Neville shook his headway, `` Blimey, Washburn 's always been a petty coldness, but I 'd never have expected that. What was he after ? ``

`` I 'll explain that later, '' Harry said, while trying to resist up, `` But right now we 've got to get back to the castling. ``

`` Right, '' Neville agreed, `` sacrifice me your hand. '' Harry extended his arm and Neville helped him up. Albus and Rose got up after him.

Harry leaned on Neville and Neville helped him walk over to where John the Divine was laying. Neville conjured a capstone and with a flick of his wand, John was laying upon it. He did the same with Matt and Amanda. `` What happened to them ? '' Harry asked quietly.

`` John got hit by a trip jinx and hit his head on a rock, Amanda got a full-body-bind curse, and matt just got hit by Expelliarmus, '' Albus explained.

`` That 's nothing dame Pomfrey ca n't fix, then, '' Harry replied. `` Let 's go. ``

The chemical group slowly made their way back to the castle. It took them quite a while. Albus was fine, except for a few cuts and being completely worn out. The hemorrhage on Rose 's arm seemed to have slowed down, but it would need to be magically healed or else it would surely unfold up again. Harry was walking quite slowly, and Albus could say by the way he winced every time they went up the stairs, that he was in a great lot of pain. Eventually, they made it up to the infirmary Wing. When they got into the ward, Madam Pomfrey was already bustling around, and when she saw them come in, she immediately descended upon them.

`` There you are, Harry ! '' the nursemaid shouted, `` I 've been trying to contact you all evening. James got into a nasty duel with a couple Slytherins and he 's been unconscious ever since. '' She gestured to one of the bed at the far end of the room and looked back at Harry. She gazed upon the mathematical group and her mouth fell open air. `` What in the name of Falco columbarius happened to you lot ? ''

`` Quinton Willinson 's father, Jarett Willinson, tried to kill me, '' Harry said simply. `` Had quite the affaire d'honneur with him down near the forest. Him, along with Quinton, plus Professor Washburn. ``

lady Pomfrey 's eyes became gravid with shock. `` professor Washburn ? And where are they now ? '' she asked quietly.

`` They took off, disapparated once they left the grounds, '' Harry told her, `` I could n't take hold of them with this nasty cut on my leg. ``

`` Well, follow on, then, '' the nurse said, `` Harry, you go in bed one, since it 's closest. Albus, bed two, and rosebush, bed three. '' brothel keeper Pomfrey gestured to the layer and then approached the stretchers that Neville was holding up with his wand. `` And let 's see, Neville, subscribe to them to beds four, five, and seven, since James II is in bed six. ``

Neville nodded and directed the stretchers to the empty layer. Albus walked over to the arcsecond bed and lay down. He stared at the ceiling, thinking about what had happened. Washburn thought Harry had the Elder verge, but Harry did n't. Where was it ? Who had it ? And why did Washburn intend that Harry had it ? At to the lowest degree Harry said that he would tell Albus everything. It was only a subject of time before Albus knew the whole story about the Hallows.

gentlewoman Pomfrey came bustling over to Albus 's bed. `` Here, drink this, '' she handed him a potion. `` Dreamless rest. '' gentlewoman Pomfrey turned away from Albus and strode across the way to one of her locker. She rummaged around inside. `` All the thrower in the hospital fender at once, it was bound to chance Sooner or later ... '' she muttered.

Albus gratefully took the potion, and a few minute later, he fell into a relaxing sleep.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight and my other Sister and brother. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, inkheart, Moonylupin, and MiZzPrInCeZz for their critical review !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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When Albus awoke the sun was shining into the window next to his bed. He sat up and peered at the clock on the bulwark. It was two o'clock. Albus looked over at pink wine 's bed ; she was still asleep.

Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the curtains around one of the seam. She walked over to Albus once she noticed he was awake. `` How are you, dear ? ``

`` I 'm fine, '' Albus told her, while trying to peek at the other seam, to see how everyone else was.

`` Are you sure ? '' Madam Pomfrey asked, `` zero hurts ? ``

`` No, I 'm ticket, '' Albus answered truthfully, `` But what about everyone else ? Where 's my dad ? ``

`` They 're all alright, too, '' Madam Pomfrey assured him, `` They 're asleep. And your dad left a few hour ago. He had to take care of some things at the Ministry. He said he 'd be back later. Now, do you want something to eat ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said, suddenly realizing how thirsty he was. Madam Pomfrey left the way for a few minutes and came back with a tray filled with sandwiches and pumpkin juice. She set it down on Albus 's bedside table and Albus started eating. Rose and James woke up a few minutes later, and they joined Albus in his tiffin. James immediately asked them what had happened last Nox. Albus and Rose explained the whole thing.

`` Blimey, '' James River said quietly, once they had finished, `` I always knew Washburn was evil. ``

`` Explains why he hates us so much, '' Albus replied, `` We knew nothing about the Hallows, and he thought he 'd be able to rule out where they were by reading our thinker. ``

`` guesswork so, '' James agreed. `` So, Dad said he 'd evidence us about the Hallows ? ``

`` Yeah, he did, '' Albus told him, `` I guess he will when he gets back from the Ministry. ``

bathroom, matt, and Amanda woke up an hr later, and Albus and Rose told them the residuum of what had happened the previous night. They were all happy that Washburn, Jarett, and Quinton had n't gotten any of the Hallows, but were worried that they had gotten away. They spent much of the afternoon discussing what would happen next.

Albus was sure that, somehow, the eternal sleep of the school already knew what had happened the Nox before. They had no approximation what Washburn, Quinton, and Jarett were after, but they knew about the affaire d'honneur that had taken billet on the priming. Madam Pomfrey spent a lot of sentence keeping curious students out of the hospital Wing, and eventually she locked the door. Victoire and Amy were the first unity to visit Albus and the others in the Hospital Wing, followed by the rest of Albus 's full cousin. They all wanted to hump what went on, and Albus told them well-nigh of the news report. He left out the part about the Hallows, since none of Albus 's cousin knew about them. Amanda, John, and lustrelessness 's parents showed up for a few minute each and were all relieved that their tiddler were ok.

Once evening arrived, brothel keeper Pomfrey made all of Albus 's first cousin and Amy leave, and she gave Albus and the others a great platter of food for their dinner. After they finished eating, Albus heard someone trying to get into the room.

`` Bloody Inferno, I think she locked it ! '' a voice shouted out.

`` Oh, Ron, honestly. Just knock, '' a female interpreter said. Albus heard a loud knock, and Madam Pomfrey came running out of her office. She flung the door open and Ron and Hermione came running in. `` Rose ! '' Hermione shouted and descended upon her girl. She wrapped Rose in a big hug. `` Are you all right ? ``

`` Yes, Mum, '' rose hugged Hermione back. Ron sat down on the bed and wrapped his blazon around rose wine as well.

`` Where 's Harry ? '' Madam Pomfrey asked, `` I thought he was coming with you ? ``

`` He was behind us, '' Ron glanced at the door.

`` I 'm here, '' Harry appeared in the door and limped over to Albus 's bed. He sank down on it and gave Albus a hug.

`` I told you not to take the air on that leg yet, '' Madam Pomfrey scolded.

`` Did n't possess much of a option. I had to alarm the Ministry. I 've got Aurors looking for Washburn and both Willinsons rightfulness now, '' Harry explained.

`` Good, '' Madam Pomfrey handed Harry a goblet of potion, `` Drink that. ''

Harry took the potion and downed it in one mouthful. `` Disgusting. ``

`` Dad ? '' Albus asked tentatively, `` Are you going to narrate us about the Hallows now ? ``

Harry sighed, `` I suppose. ``

`` You 've got to let John, Matt, and Amanda listen to, '' Albus insisted.

`` I know, they 've got to know what happened, too, '' Harry agreed, `` We just need some place individual. ``

`` How about the room of Requirement ? '' Albus suggested.

`` You 've found that already ? '' Harry grinned.

`` Well, Matt showed it to us, '' Albus explained.

`` Oh, '' Harry replied, `` Well, that would be the consummate berth. '' Harry stood up. `` Poppy, I 've got a bit of explaining to do to the kids. ``

`` Ca n't you do it here ? '' Madam Pomfrey asked, `` It really would be best for them all to stay here a while longer. ``

`` I promise we 'll all come back once I 'm done, '' Harry said.

`` Really, Harry, they need rest ! '' gentlewoman Pomfrey insisted.

`` I owe them an explanation, Poppy, '' Harry said quietly.

`` Oh, amercement ! '' Madam Pomfrey threw her hands up in disgust, `` But do n't have them out too long. ``

Harry grinned. Albus got up out of the bed. James, rose wine, John, Matt, and Amanda all got up as well. They followed Harry, Ron, and Hermione to the door.

`` I 'm getting too old for this, '' madam Pomfrey muttered as they left.

`` You 're not pass on, are you ? '' Matt asked nervously.

lady Pomfrey smiled, `` Of course of study not, love. Do n't you worry. ``

The group made their way slowly to the seventh floor. Once they reached the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy, Harry started pacing. After a few second, a door appeared where it had n't been previously. Harry opened it and everyone followed him inside. The way looked a lot like it did when lusterlessness asked for it. The only noticeable difference was that this time there were more armchairs and another couch.

Harry sat down on one of the couches. Albus and James sat on either side of him. Ron, Hermione, and pink wine took the early couch, while John, Matt, and Amanda took the chairs.

`` Dad, '' Albus began, `` We already know about the Hallows. ``

`` You do ? '' Harry asked.

`` Er, yeah, we know about the joining to the Tale of the terzetto Brothers, and we know that the Deathly Hallows are the Elder Wand, Resurrection stone, and the invisibleness Cloak. We just do n't eff why you 've kept it a secret. ``

Harry sighed, `` How long have you known ? ``

`` A few months now. Since April. matte told us about them. ``

`` Really ? '' Harry looked at Matt, `` You knew about them ? ``

`` Yeah, my dad told me, '' Matt answered, `` But I was n't certainly if I believed they existed or not, until Albus told me about the Cloak. ``

`` Not many citizenry think they 're substantial, '' Harry replied, `` I first heard the Tale of the ternion Brothers when I was 17. It was the year that Ron, Hermione, and I were hunting Horcruxes. When Dumbledore was killed, he left each of us something in his will. You already know that he left Hermione the master copy written matter of The narrative of Beedle the Bard, written completely in ancient rune. Ron got the Deluminator, and I got the offset snitch I ever caught.

`` Hermione decoded the runic letter and noticed a symbol in a drawing that went with the taradiddle of the Three Brothers. '' Harry pulled a objet d'art of parchment and a quill out of his pocket. He drew a trilateral, with a rophy inside it, and a line connecting the top of the Triangulum to the bottom. `` This was the symbol. We recognized it because at account and Fleur 's wedding, Xenophilius Lovegood was wearing it on his robes. Viktor Krum approached him about it because this symbol is also Grindelwald 's symbolisation. ``

`` Grindelwald, that evil sorcerer Dumbledore defeated ? '' flatness asked.

`` Yes, '' Harry continued, `` But at one point, Dumbledore and Grindelwald were friends- ''

`` What ? ! '' lusterlessness shouted.

`` They were, '' Harry said. Albus already knew this parting of the narration, but it must have had relevancy to the Hallows, if Harry was telling it again. `` They were friends, who were obsessed with uniting the Hallows. That symbolization is the symbolization of the Hallows. The triangle is the Cloak, the circle, the I. F. Stone, and the line, the Elder Wand. Grindelwald and Dumbledore 's friendly relationship fell apart after Dumbledore 's sister was killed. Eventually, Dumbledore had to face up Grindelwald and defeat him. Grindelwald had the Elder Wand, and when Dumbledore defeated him, the scepter changed its allegiance, and Dumbledore became the new master. ``

`` Dumbledore had the elderberry bush sceptre ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, he did, '' Harry said, `` Now, after Hermione decoded the storey, we went to see Xenophilius Lovegood, and he explained the Hallows to us. We were skeptical, but we knew that the Cloak existed. You may have already guessed this, but Voldemort found out about the elder Wand and he wanted to get it, because he believed it would enable him to kill me. That is why he wanted person to defeat Dumbledore. However, before Snape killed Dumbledore, Draco Malfoy disarmed him. The Wand changed fealty once again. You see, the elderberry bush wand does n't change allegiance when a whiz kills the sensation it belongs to. That wizard just needs to be defeated. licking does n't always equalize death. Since Snape killed Dumbledore, Voldemort assumed that the wand had shifted its allegiance to Snape, but in actuality, it belonged to Draco.

`` When we got captured and taken to the Malfoy Manor, I disarmed Draco. I defeated him. Even though he did not have the Elder Wand in his possession at the sentence, it was still his wand. But when I disarmed him, it became mine. The Elder Wand had been buried with Dumbledore, but Voldemort stole it. Voldemort assumed that the wand had fealty to Snape, so Voldemort used his snake to bolt down Snape.

`` After Snape died, I viewed his memories in the Pensieve, and found out that I was a Horcrux and I would have to die in order for Voldemort to die. As I was walking into the forest, I tried once again to spread out the stoolie that had failed to open earlier in the year. It opened, and inside was the Resurrection Stone. In the forest, Voldemort tried once again to kill me, but he only succeeded in killing the Horcrux inside me. When I came back, Voldemort and I had one final duel. He had the senior Wand, but it 's dedication belonged to me. He tried to kill me with a sceptre that was mine. A scepter will not work properly against its rightful owner. So, when we dueled, Voldemort 's killing hex bounced off my disarming piece, and hit him. ``

Albus stared at his dad, `` But what about the fact that Voldemort used your blood to come back to life ? Is n't that why you survived ? ``

`` That 's part of it, Al, '' Harry told him.

Albus did n't know what to say. He finally had the answers he had been looking for. This was why no one else knew about them. The Hallows did have to do with Voldemort 's fall, a big part.

`` Where 's the elderberry bush Wand now ? '' Saint James the Apostle asked, `` Do you have it ? ``

`` No, '' Harry answered, `` That baton is too practically problem. It 's back with Dumbledore. And if I die a cancel death, it will deliver no loyalty. ``

`` Oh, '' St. James replied, `` Would 've been cool, though, having an unbeatable wand. ``

`` And the Stone ? '' Albus asked, `` Is it really somewhere in the forest ? ``

`` Yes, '' Harry answered, `` And I have no estimate where. The only Hallow I 've got is the invisibility Cloak. ``

`` But you did unite them, the Hallows ? '' Albus asked.

`` For a little while, yes, '' Harry said. `` I was the sea captain of death. ``

`` That 's what Washburn and the Willinsons wanted to do, right ? ''

`` Yes, that was their plan, '' Harry answered. `` But they did not follow. ``

`` Do you think they 'll try again ? '' Albus asked quietly.

`` Yes, Albus, they probably will, '' Harry replied, `` But I 'm hoping that they will be in Azkaban soon. There are Aurors looking for them right now. ``

`` I hope they 're caught, '' Albus said.

`` Me, too, '' Harry agreed, `` I 'll do everything I can to constitute certainly that they are. ``

Albus sat quietly, thinking about everything his dad had said. Harry had united the Hallows, he had been the 'Master of end'. Albus was relieved that he finally knew the whole story, but he still had more questions. Had his dad ever used the Resurrection Stone ? How did it wind up in the forest ? But Albus decided to ask the question that had been pulling at him since he first heard 'Hallows'mentioned month ago. `` Dad, why did n't you severalise us ? ``

Harry sighed, `` It was a error not telling you sooner. I want you to know that. I should have told you final summer, when I told you everything else. But at the same time, I did n't want you to tell anyone about it. I wanted to wait until you were Old and more mature. ``

`` So you did n't trust me ? '' Albus asked. He hated it when people told him he was n't old enough to do something, or have intercourse about something.

`` Not exactly. I did n't want you to be tempted to differentiate people about the Hallows. If word of honor got out that there is an unbeatable verge out there, especially one that is on the Hogwarts grounds, the result could be bad. Look at what Washburn and the two Willinsons did. And they are just three people. envisage if half the schooling was going after that wand ? I 'm not saying everyone would need to use the verge for immorality, but if a lot of people were going after it we could have a disaster on our hands. The idea of power, whether one is going to use it for well or evil, does brainsick things to hoi polloi. And that is why I did n't secernate you. I did n't want a lot of people to bonk about it. But that did n't work at all. Now, more than multitude than just you and James and blush wine know about it.

`` Which brings me to my succeeding compass point, '' Harry said in a more serious flavour, `` None of you can differentiate anyone anything I have told you tonight. You ca n't assure anyone that the Hallows exist, and that they are all currently residing somewhere in or around Hogwarts. A lot of hoi polloi know about my Cloak, but without knowledge of the resurrection Harlan F. Stone or the Elder baton, they wo n't think anything of it. ``

`` I ca n't even evidence our first cousin ? '' James asked.

`` No, I 'm bad, but you ca n't, '' Harry replied

`` I wo n't tell, '' Albus assured Harry. Rose, John, and Amanda all nodded.

`` wish well I could tell my dad, '' lusterlessness said, `` He 'd love to hear about it. ``

`` Is he interested in the Hallows ? '' Harry asked.

`` Yeah, he was. He went all over the macrocosm researching them when he was younger. Never found out where they were. Gave up after he and my mum decided to start a family, though. He still believes they exist, '' Matt replied.

`` Maybe I 'll tell him, someday, '' Harry answered, `` But for now, please do n't tell him. ``

`` All right, '' flatness agreed.

`` Well, then, I think we ought to get back to the Hospital Wing, '' Harry stood up, `` Madam Pomfrey will have my top dog if I keep you up much later. ``

******

Madam Pomfrey let Albus and the others leave the Hospital Wing two twenty-four hours later. Albus was quite happy about this, as he was getting bored with the hospital annex. Albus and his protagonist spent much of the days following talking or playing games in the common way or on the grounds. Shortly after they were released, O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s finished, and the park room returned to its usual noisy state. A few students asked Albus and his friends about what had happened with Washburn and the Willinsons, but Albus did n't tell them anything. The pupil'attention was soon plow towards the Quidditch concluding. Just as Albus and Harry had predicted a few months prior, it would be Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and my other babe and my brother. Thanks as well to inkheart, smirkyhaha, and harshabc for their recapitulation !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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`` You 're going to be finely, James, '' Albus assured his chum at breakfast a few mornings later. James was sitting across from him, but was n't eating anything. With the exception of James II, everyone else at the Gryffindor table was in luxuriously spirits. Exams were over, and it was the last Quidditch match of the class. The only one besides James who was n't eating anything was Matt, and considering that the full moonlight was that night, it was n't surprising.

`` King James I, you 've got to eat something, '' Samantha Meyers had appeared behind Jesse James and was pouring him a glass of pumpkin juice, `` At least fuddle this. '' James nodded and took the chalice, but he only drank a few sips. He glanced nervously at Albus, and then looked up at the staff table.

Albus turned and looked as well. Harry was n't there. The past times few daylight, Harry had been away from Hogwarts more than he had been there. He had been spending a lot of time at the Ministry, organizing the search for Washburn and both Willinsons. `` He 'll be there, William James. He said he would. You know he would n't lack the lucifer for the domain. ``

`` Ok, squad, let 's go ! '' Samantha stood up and beckoned her team to keep up her. Jesse James followed the repose of the squad, with one last-place coup d'oeil at the faculty board. As they left, the full Gryffindor table stood up and cheered.

A few arcminute later, Albus and his friends walked down to the pitch. `` Last Quidditch match of the class, '' Albus sighed.

`` Yeah, just hope we win ! '' John shouted.

`` Hope so, too. But Ravenclaw will be voiceless to bunk. They 've got a good team, '' Albus replied.

`` At least the weather 's good, '' St. John the Apostle pointed out, `` I do n't think we 've played in better conditions than this the solid twelvemonth. '' King John was compensate about that. It was warm, hardly windy at all, and there was just enough cloud cover to mask the glare from the sun.

`` I hope it 's a quick friction match, '' flatness yawned as they climbed into the stands.

`` It probably wo n't be, '' Albus said, `` We 're moderately evenly matched with Ravenclaw. ``

matte groaned, `` Maybe James will blob the Snitch early. ``

`` Would n't look on it, '' Albus responded, `` King James told me that in edict to win the Cup, we 've got to be at least 40 pointedness up before he catches the stoolpigeon. Otherwise, we 'll win the match, but Ravenclaw will get the Cup. And Samantha has made it clear she wants the Cup. It 's her only chance. She 's only been captain for this year. Before her, it was shimmy. ``

`` Maybe you should 've stayed in the castle, '' Rose said sympathetically.

`` And neglect Quidditch ? '' Matt stared at her like she had three heads.

rose wine sighed. `` I do n't have it off what 's with you guys and Quidditch, '' she muttered.

`` It 's a good plot ! '' Amanda grinned, `` Way bettor than football. ``

`` Does n't take a lot for something to be more interesting than football, '' whoremonger laughed, `` I mean, honestly, what were the Muggles thinking ? How can a game be exciting with one ball ? ``

Albus laughed. He had to agree. He had been to one football match before. It was a community league, and Harry had taken him and James to see if they had been interesting in playing it. Throughout the whole match, both Albus and Saint James the Apostle had commented on how a good deal serious Quidditch was.

Albus watched the standstill fill up, hoping to enamor a glimpse of his dad. He looked at the part of the stands where the staff sat, but the arse next to Neville that Harry usually occupied during Quidditch matches remained abandon. Where was he ? The match was about to start. He promised James that he would be there.

`` Welcome, Hogwarts students and staff to the Quidditch final ! '' Todd Bessie Smith 's voice boomed over the crowd. `` Today 's match is between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw ! And here come the teams !

`` low gear is Ravenclaw. Captain Tyler freeway, followed by Dan Burke, Natalie Cable, Allie Sir Humphrey Davy, Damien Waverly, Kate Waverly, and Zack Valentino ! '' Seven histrion in bluish robes walked out onto the subject, with their brooms over their shoulders.

`` Next we have Gryffindor ! Captain Samantha Meyers, followed by Ryan O'Malley, James Potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Georgia Weasley, and Heather Weasley ! '' The Gryffindor team marched onto the field and stopped in front end of the Ravneclaws.

`` Professor Oteski steps onto the airfield. Captains Meyers and Pike didder hands, and the teams are off ! ``

Albus watched as both teams soared into the air. ling immediately took ascendence of the Quaffle, passing it back and Forth River between Fred and Samantha. They flew down the sales talk, dodging Bludgers sent by Valentino and Davies.

`` Gryffindor scores the world-class destination of the game ! '' Todd shouted out, once Heather managed to get the Quaffle by Kate Waverly. `` Ravenclaw in possession now. Waverly passes to Burke, and then back to Waverly. ``

`` Hi, Al. ``

Albus turned around at the speech sound of his epithet. Harry had appeared behind him and was climbing over the buns in order to sit down. Albus moved over so Harry could sit in between him and matt. `` Dad, you made it ! ``

`` 'Course I did ! I said I would, '' Harry replied as he sat down, `` Did I miss anything ? ``

`` ling just scored the first end of the biz, '' Albus grinned.

`` Awesome ! She 's got some arm, let me distinguish you. Even as a baby. I remember once, she threw one of her plaything at me. devote me a shameful eye, '' Harry laughed.

`` Why are you sitting here ? '' Albus asked, `` You usually sit with the sleep of the faculty. ``

`` To be honest, it 's more than fun sitting here, '' Harry grinned, `` I do n't have to operate my excitement when Gryffindor scores. ``

At that moment, Samantha scored a end, and all the Gryffindors jumped up, screaming and hollering with joy. Harry screamed the brassy of them all.

`` See what I mean ? '' Harry grinned, `` The staff always has to contain their hullabaloo, in monastic order not to play favorites. ``

For the adjacent 60 minutes, the game continued with both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw scoring goal after goal. After the first gear initial goal, Ravenclaw caught up quickly and tied the match. Both team showed exceptional accomplishment, and there had still not been any glimpse of the Snitch.

`` Now, this is Quidditch, '' Harry grinned and looked at Albus. `` This could be another for the disc books. ``

Albus agreed, `` Yeah, we 've just got to hope that we can somehow get 40 compass point ahead. ``

`` That could take a piece, '' Harry said.

`` cable's length of Ravenclaw has scored ! '' Todd shouted, `` 110-100 Ravenclaw ! ``

`` Falco columbarius ! '' Albus shouted. Albus looked out over the pitch. Heather was in self-control of the Quaffle again. Valentino was flying directly behind her and hit a Bludger towards her head. Luckily, she ducked at that very moment and the Bludger wound up hitting Damien Waverly instead. Waverly slipped off his broom, but managed to hold on with one deal. He got back on the broom and sent a nasty look towards Valentino. In the meantime, heather managed to score another goal.

It became clear within the next half hour of the game, that the Damien Waverly had been injured by the Bludger. His coordination was all off, and he was having trouble catching the Quaffle. This, of course, worked to Gryffindor 's advantage, and soon enough the mark was 120-150 Gryffindor.

`` Just one more finish, '' Albus said, `` One more and James can catch the canary. ``

`` It 'll be punishing to celebrate up that 40 point lead, though, '' Harry pointed out. `` He 'll have to rule the Snitch soon after the goal is scored. ``

`` I hope he does, '' rosebush said, `` I do n't reckon mat can take much more of this. ``

Albus looked over at his friend and felt bad that he had become so absorbed in the secret plan, that he had n't noticed how bad Matt looked. mat appeared to have fallen asleep and was leaning his oral sex on Harry 's berm. He was wincing every once and a while, much like he had been during the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin game. Why did they always schedule Quidditch matches around the full lunation ?

Harry nudged lustrelessness gently until he woke up, `` Wha 's going on ? '' flatness asked sleepily.

`` You fell asleep, '' Harry said gently, `` You 're welcome to be given on me, but I was n't sure if you wanted to escape the match. ``

`` I do n't, thanks, '' Matt replied, blushing a little, `` It 's bad enough having Malfoy see me pass asleep in class, but during Quidditch .... ''

`` I do n't think he can see you here, '' Albus said quietly, `` He 's on the other English of the stands. ``

`` Good, '' Matt responded. `` But I still do n't want to miss the friction match. ``

Albus turned his attention back to the match. It seemed to be getting harder and harder for Ravenclaw to to make goals with only two chaser. Damien Waverly was flying more erratically by the minute and his teammates had yearn since stopped trying to cast him the Quaffle. However, despite the difficulties, Ravenclaw was putting up a good fight. Their other two chasers were superb.

`` Martha Jane Burke scores ! '' Todd shouted out over the crowd, `` Making the score 130-150 Gryffindor ! C'mon, you can do it, Gryffindor ! Just two more destination and catch the fink ! ``

`` patch, '' Albus sighed, `` So often for one more than goal. ``

`` It 's all properly, Al, two goals wo n't be hard, '' Harry shifted awkwardly to wrick towards his son. lustrelessness had fallen asleep on his articulatio humeri again. `` dame Pomfrey did n't even require him to go to the catch, '' Harry gestured to matt. `` But I convinced her to let him. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` He did n't want to miss it, even if he is asleep during half of it. ``

`` Well, brothel keeper Pomfrey worries a lot, '' Harry told him, `` Frankly, she was n't too keen on James playing, either. Said he 'd just recovered from his duel with those Slytherins and he ought to be resting. But I insisted that he could encounter. ``

`` He seems to be doing fine, '' Albus said as he glanced out over the auction pitch. Saint James the Apostle was currently circling above the relief of the player. The Ravenclaw Seeker, Tyler Pike, was doing the same.

`` He is, '' Harry agreed, `` Staying out of the way, that 's the best strategy for a quester. ``

`` Gryffindor scores ! '' Todd exclaimed, `` Captain Meyers has scored ! ``

`` See, Al, now it 's just one more goal, again, '' Harry said.

The game was now entering it 's thirdly 60 minutes. There was still no sign of the sneak, which was good for Gryffindor, since they still needed to score one more end before St. James the Apostle could charm it. About ten minutes after Samantha scored, heather managed to score as well.

`` Yes ! '' Albus jumped up in his seat and shouted out in upheaval. Now, William James could catch the canary.

`` As long as Gryffindor can keep their 40 point jumper cable, and take in the sneak, they will win the Cup ! '' Lord Todd shouted.

Albus watched as James started picking up speed and fly around the pitch, looking for the Snitch. But in the meantime, Dan Burke was once again storming up the pitch with the Quaffle. He flew straight towards the Gryffindor finish and managed to score another goal.

`` Damn ! '' Todd shouted.

`` Language, John Smith ! '' Patil shouted next to him.

`` Sorry, prof, '' Lord Todd said, `` Now, Gryffindor must score another finish in order to gain back the forty distributor point lead. And they might be doing that now ! Fred Weasley has gained possession of the Quaffle. He passes to Meyers and then Meyers passes it back. Fred aims the Quaffle, and score ! Gryffindor has the forty point lead again ! ``

The Gryffindors were all on their fundament now, shouting in upheaval and chanting 'Go, Epistle of James, go ! All of them except lusterlessness and Harry. Somehow, lustrelessness was managing to sleep through everything, and Harry continued to let him lean on his shoulder. Luckily, no one seemed to notice, besides Albus, whoremonger, blush wine, and Amanda. They kept glancing worried looks at lustrelessness, but eventually, they got sucked up into the emotion of the game and watched Saint James 's lookup for the Snitch.

`` And I think he 's seen it ! '' Todd screamed, `` Yes, Potter has seen the Snitch ! He 's flying directly towards the reason. motorway has noticed it as well, but he is all the way at the other end of the pitch shot. I do n't think he 'll get there in fourth dimension. No, he definitely wo n't ! ``

Albus watched as James IV flew closer and closer to the ground. Albus was trusted he would crash into it, and watched nervously as James finally pulled out of the nose dive, just in fourth dimension. He flew back up a few feet, holding the struggling Snitch in his helping hand. Albus turned to his dad. `` We 've won ! We 've got the Cup ! ``

`` Gryffindor wins ! With 320 gunpoint, Gryffindor has not only won the match, but they 've won the Cup as well ! Congratulations, Gryffindor ! '' Lord Todd 's voice rang out over the crowd.

`` matt, wake up ! '' John nudged his Friend awake, `` We 've won, wake up ! ``

`` Wha'? '' lustrelessness slowly lifted his head off Harry 's shoulder and looked at all the excitement around him. `` Oh, right. Awesome ! ``

Harry stood up, grinning, `` I 'm going to go plume James. I 'll see you later. I 'll probably halt by the uncouth elbow room, for the party. ``

Albus gave his dad a hug before he left, `` All right wing. See you later. ``

`` Let 's get back to the green elbow room, '' Rose suggested as she watched Matt rub his psyche, `` We 'll see James there. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus agreed. He knew Matt had no desire to link up the mob of Gryffindors currently storming the pitch.

Despite their slow walk back to the palace and up to the 7th story, Albus and his supporter made it back to the plebeian room before most of the former Gryffindors. In fact, the only other people there were a few erstwhile educatee Albus did n't know, Amy, Victoire, and mortal Albus definitely did n't bear to see.

`` Teddy ! '' Albus shouted as he spotted teddy bear sitting next to Victoire on one of the lounge. `` What are you doing here ? ``

`` Came to see the match. Jesse James did brilliantly ! They could n't give birth found a better Seeker to replace me, '' he grinned, `` And came to see Vicky 's graduation, of course. '' He smiled at Victoire and giggled.

`` Oh, right, '' Albus grinned, `` glad you came ! ``

`` Yeah, it 's dandy to be back here, '' Teddy grinned, `` Well, I think I might go to Hogsmeade and plunk up some provision for the political party. ``

`` Great ! '' Albus said, `` See you in a bit. ``

`` You, too, '' Teddy stood up. He gave Victoire a quickly kiss and exited the park room. It was really starting to fill up now, although the team had yet to arrive.

`` Are you going to appease for the party ? '' Albus quietly asked flatness.

`` I do n't recall so, '' lusterlessness yawned, `` Think I might necessitate a nap. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus responded. Matt left the group and made his way through the gang to the dormitories.

`` It 's so unfair, '' rosebush said softly as he left. Albus, Saint John, and Amanda nodded in correspondence, but no one said anything else on the subject.

The group found stern at their usual table and shortly after they sat down, William James and the rest of the team came into the room.

`` We 've got it ! '' Samantha Meyers was the firstly to burst into the room, holding the Quidditch Cup above her top dog. `` We did it ! '' She was positively beaming. The rest of the team climbed in behind her, all of them grinning from ear to ear. The entire common room burst into applause as soon as they were all inside.

`` Thank you, everyone ! '' Samantha shouted over the crowd, `` I just want to say a few password. '' She waited until everyone was silent. `` First, I just want to give thanks the whole team. We could n't ingest done this without any of you. We 've got a marvellous team here, and I 'm definitely going to leave out all of you next year. I especially want to preen James, '' she turned to James, who was clearly basking in the glory, `` You have done an outstanding job this whole class. Coming in as searcher, right after Teddy Lupin, who was one of the best quester this sign has ever had. That, and being expected to live up to your dad 's report. Well, all I can say is you have lived up to that expected value. And I think you are definitely going to match teddy as far as seeking skill goes- ''

`` Ah, Samantha ! '' Teddy came bursting back into the vernacular room, `` Am I missing you rambling on about my brilliance on the Quidditch pitch ? ``

`` Actually, no, teddy, '' Samantha laughed, `` I was just saying how James could give you a run for your money when it comes to seeking. ``

`` Well, that 's no surprise, since it was Yours Truly who trained him, '' teddy bear joked.

`` Oh, shut it, shift ! '' Samantha replied.

`` And I get no credit at all ? '' Harry had come into the common room and was standing behind Teddy.

`` Harry ! '' Teddy turned around, grinning, `` glad you could follow to the party ! I 've just gotten back from getting supplies. ``

`` Good, '' Samantha grinned, grabbing one of the purse and pulling out Butterbeers, `` Then let 's get this party started ! ``

The party proceeded much like the one following the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match had, only even more boisterous. Teddy had not only bought stuff from Honeydukes, but from Weasley 's sensation Wheezes as well. shimmy treated everyone to a showing of Everlasting pyrotechnic, which took the shape of Gryffindor lions, snitcher, and broomsticks. Albus and his acquaintance quite enjoyed it, and they also played round of golf after round of Exploding elasticity. Just like the premature political party, no one left for dinner. chemise had bought enough food that no one needed to. Even Harry stayed well into the evening.

`` You know, Rose, '' John said after what must have been their ten percent secret plan of Exploding Snap, `` I do n't think I 've ever seen you without a book before. ``

Albus looked over at Rose, who was indeed without any sort of book. `` wellspring, exams are over now, '' Rose laughed, `` I do look at a break from studying every once and a patch. ``

`` It 's just form of shocking, '' King John grinned, `` Rose without a record. ``

`` Do n't worry, '' Albus laughed, `` I guarantee you she 'll be back to studying within two calendar week of going back habitation. ``

`` Oh, shut it, Albus, '' Rose grinned.

`` Hey, guy wire, '' King James was standing adjacent to their table, his smile still as big as when he first came into the room.

`` Oh, hi, James River ! '' Albus replied, `` Congratulations on the match ! You did brilliantly. ``

`` Yeah, it was amazing ! '' bathroom agreed.

`` Great job ! '' Amanda said.

`` It was bang-up !, '' rosebush said.

`` Thanks, '' James replied, `` You 're trying out adjacent year, aright Albus ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely, '' Albus answered, `` But I do n't know if I 'll make it. I mean, the only position open will be Samantha 's. ``

`` I 'm certainly you 'll make it, '' St. James assured him, `` You 're a great Chaser. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said quietly, his cheeks turning a bit crimson.

`` Great political party, huh ? '' Henry James said, `` But where 's Matt ? ``

`` He, er, does n't feel good. He 's in the dormitory, sleeping, '' Albus answered.

`` Oh, I hope he feels better soon. He did n't see too soundly this morning, '' King James responded, `` Well, I 'd amend get back to the team. See you later. ``

Albus waved as St. James left and was absorbed back into the huge gang in the elbow room. It seemed as if every Gryffindor was in the usual room. With Harry and Teddy there as well, there was hardly room to make a motion. Albus kind of liked it though. He was n't a vast fan of large gang of people, but as long as everyone was n't focusing on him, he was ok with it. And now, the attention was definitely on St. James the Apostle and the residual of the Quidditch squad. Albus glanced around the room and saw that the entire squad was right at the nitty-gritty of things, along with Teddy and Harry.

`` Oh, hi, flatness, '' rose wine said quietly. Albus turned his psyche away from the Quidditch squad and saw that flatness had come down from the dormitory. He was leaning on the table and looking very tired.

`` Hi, '' he mumbled quietly, `` I 've got to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, probably. ``

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' Albus agreed. During the preceding few month, Albus and the others had started visiting Matt the day after every full moon. Ever since the offset time they had done that, flatness had started getting more and more comfortable with the idea of his booster seeing him so soon after a transformation. But Albus and the others had not visited him so early in the morning since. They now visited in the late good afternoon, after class were done for the day.

`` privation me to go with you ? '' John asked.

`` No, it 's ok, Amy 's going to, '' lusterlessness replied

`` Ready ? '' Amy appeared next to Matt.

`` Yeah, I guess, let 's go, '' Matt turned and started to walk towards the portrait golf hole. Amy followed closely behind.

`` Last one here, until September, '' rose commented after they 'd left.

`` admiration what it 's like at home plate ? '' Gospel According to John mused.

`` Dunno, but I do n't think we should ask, '' Albus said quietly.

`` No, probably not, '' toilet agreed.

Albus and his friends stayed up late into the night, playing games of chess and Exploding snap. Harry spent nigh of the evening in the plebeian room, but he left around 9 pm. However, the party continued well into the wee time of day of the morning. It probably would have lasted much longer, but Neville came in around 1 am, and told them they had to go to bed. Apparently, the dissonance had carried into other piece of the castle and some of the other professors wanted to get some sleep. After Neville left, Albus dragged himself up to his student residence. He was completely exhausted from staying up so late and fell asleep the moment his promontory hit the pillow.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sis and my Brother. Thanks also to BKL8008, inkheart, Moonylupin, and XDNLxtlz99 for their reviews ! There are only a few chapters left in this tale, just to let everyone know.

Chapter 38 : graduation

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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`` May I have your attention, please, '' professor Kendrick stood up and announced at the End of year fiesta the a couple days later. Albus stopped talking to John and turned to front the Headmaster.

`` Thank you, '' Kendrick continued once the Great vestibule was quietly, `` What a year, what a year. It is hard to believe that it is now June. The year has ended with quite a jolt. I know that you all know by now what transpired on the grounds this past times week. ``

Albus glanced around at his colleague pupil and saw that they were all turning to stare at him. He sunk down in his tail a little bit and tried to avoid their gaze.

`` I want to check you all that the Aurors are looking for both prof Washburn and Jarett Willinson, as well as Quinton Willinson. Whether this was an isolated onset, I am not sure. But whether there are more onslaught to number or not, I am sure we will all stand strong, and stand as one. Whatever is coming, we will lot with it. We have dealt with evil in the past times and opportunity are we will deal with it in the future. '' professor Kendrick paused and looked out at his students. Everyone had returned their gaze to him, and were no longer staring at Albus and his friends.

`` Now, onto lighter thing. I have a few declaration, then the House Cup needs awarding. First, O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. results will be mailed partway through the summer, as common. instant, the graduation ceremony will shoot stead tomorrow, at ten o'clock. And lastly, as common, I must prompt you of the fact that using conjuring trick is prohibited while you are not in school over the summer.

`` And now, the House Cup. In last piazza, Hufflepuff with 376 points. '' Kendrick announced. Albus clapped politely along with everyone else in the hall. `` following, Gryffindor with 413 points. '' Albus groaned, as did everyone else sitting at the Gryffindor table. No doubt that the many points Washburn took from all of them helped assure that they did not get the menage Cup. `` In second place, with 452 points, Slytherin. '' There was a bit more civil applause, but none of it from the Gryffindor board. `` And in first place, Ravenclaw with 563 pointedness ! Congratulations, Ravenclaw ! '' Kendrick waved his wand and the palm transformed from their usual Hogwarts coloration into the Ravenclaw blue.

Albus clapped his hands, while looking glumly at his plateful. Oh, well, there was always side by side twelvemonth. At least they 'd bring forth the Quidditch Cup.

`` I think that is all that needs to be announced, '' Kendrick said once the applause died down, `` And with that, revel the feast ! '' Kendrick waved his baton once again and food appeared on all the plates.

`` We 'll win it following twelvemonth, '' John Lackland announced as he heaped his plate high with poulet, `` But you know what, I 'm going to lose this food over the summer .... ''

`` 'Course we 'll win it future year, '' Albus agreed, `` Washburn wo n't be here anymore to take off unfair points. ``

`` You do n't screw who Kendrick 'll get to replace him, though, '' Rose warned.

`` proficient point, '' Matt said as he buttered a piece of staff of life. He was still recovering from the full moon and was n't that hungry. Normally, he would n't even be out of the hospital wing yet, but he had convinced brothel keeper Pomfrey to let him attend the feast. `` Do you eff if your dad will be teaching DADA again next year ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it before, but Harry had come to instruct pappa at a second 's placard, and maybe Kendrick really did n't hold time to get anyone else. But now he 'd have the whole summer.

`` Leslie Townes Hope he does, '' Matt replied, `` Otherwise, we 'll be getting two new instructor, and what are the chance that both of them will be dainty ? ``

`` Not senior high school, '' Rose said. `` I like having Uncle Harry Edward Thatch here. I hope he comes back. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed. John and Amanda nodded.

`` Just hope our next Charms teacher is dainty, '' Amanda said, `` Of course, it wo n't take up a lot, will it ? ``

`` Nope, '' Rose replied, `` Wo n't take much at all. ``

******

Albus awoke the side by side daybreak with just enough time to fascinate a quick breakfast in the Great foyer before making his way to the grounds for the graduation.

`` We 'll see you after, when we 're getting on the train, '' rose said to john and Amanda as she got up from the table.

`` Bye, '' whoremaster mumbled, his mouth wide of toast.

`` wealthy person fun, '' Amanda waved.

Albus and Matt waved as they followed Rose out of the way. `` trade good thing it 's sunny today, '' Albus commented, `` Remember Teddy 's ? Last class ? ``

rose wine laughed, `` Oh, yeah, how could I forget that ? ``

`` What happened ? '' Matt asked.

`` Worst thunderstorm of the whole year, '' Albus grinned, `` It 's funny looking back on it, but it was n't then. We got soaked, despite the collapsible shelter Kendrick put up. Not to mention the wind, thunder, and lightning. Scared Lily out of her intellect. Mum had to take her into the castle partway through. ``

`` sword lily it 's not like that this class, '' Matt agreed. The three of them walked onto the grounds and over towards the professorship that had been set up by the lake. the great unwashed were already milling about and finding seats. Albus spotted his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, all taking up practically half the seats.

`` There 's my mum and dad, '' Matt pointed to two people sitting down near where Albus 's Aunt Fleur and Uncle neb were, `` Want to meet them ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and Rose nodded.

mat started walking towards them, but once they noticed him, they came running towards the three of them and met them halfway. `` Oh, Matthew ! How are you ? Are you feeling ok ? '' A tall blond woman with an Australian accent enveloped Matt in a tight hug.

`` Mum ! '' matte said, his cheeks turn red, `` I 'm fine ! Really, I am. ``

`` Are you sure ? You look a bit pale. Did you sleep well last night ? '' the blond char asked anxiously, with her weapons system still wrapped around her son.

`` I 'm sure ! I slept fine, really, '' Matt assured her.

`` Julie, I think he 's hunky-dory. '' The man, who Albus guessed was Matt 's dad, pulled the woman off of matte. He also had an Aboriginal Australian accent and was tall, with graying hair.

`` Oh, all rightfield, '' the woman sighed, `` I just worry. ``

`` I know, so do I, '' the man said quietly, then turned to mat, `` How was the end of condition ? ``

`` Great, really. Well, with the exception of what happened with Washburn, '' matte told them.

`` And you wonder why I worry so much, '' the woman said to the man, `` I 'm gladiola everything else was okay. ``

`` Oh, these are my admirer, '' lusterlessness gestured to Albus and rose wine, `` Well, two of them anyway. Albus Potter and Rose Weasley. They 're both Victoire 's full cousin, like I told you in my missive. Albus, Rose, this is my mum and dad. ``

`` Pleased to run into you, '' Rose smiled and shook their hands.

`` Hi, '' Albus shook their manpower after Rose.

`` hello, dears, '' the woman gave them a warm smile.

`` So you 're the ones who set off firework in prof Washburn 's class ? '' Mr. Eckerton asked.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus answered nervously.

matt 's dad just laughed, `` That sounds like something I 'd have done in shoal. Of course, I did flock of other stuff .... '' Mrs. Eckerton gave him a tush flavour. `` Not that I 'm saying you should pull caper like that, of course. You should behave yourself in school, son, '' Mr. Eckerton said quickly to Matt.

Albus stifled a jest and noticed his own parents, followed by his Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione walking over towards him. `` Hi, Mum and Dad ! ``

blush wine grinned and greeted her parents as well, `` Hello, Mum, Dad. ``

`` Albus ! '' Ginny let go of Lily 's hand and wrapped her son in a big hug.

`` Hi, Mum, '' Albus replied and rolled his centre and Ginny finally let him go. He looked over and saw that Rose 's parents were doing the same thing with her.

Albus gestured to Matt and his parents, `` This is our admirer, Matt. Well, you already know him, Dad, '' Albus laughed, `` But anyway, these are his parents. And lusterlessness, Mr. Eckerton, Mrs. Eckerton, those are my parents, and my Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione, who are Rose 's parents. And my lilliputian sister Lily and pink wine 's little Brother, Victor-Marie Hugo. ''

`` Nice to contact you, '' matt 's dad stuck out his deal. `` Bruno Walter Eckerton. And my wife, Julie. '' The adults spent a few bit exchanging hired hand shakes and pleasantries, while Albus and Rose introduced lustrelessness to Lily and Hugo.

`` How 'd you get those cuts ? '' Victor Hugo asked Matt loudly, gesturing to the partially healed gash on Matt 's arm. Since the full-of-the-moon moonlight was only a couple years ago, they still had n't completely healed. `` Didja get 'em from that duel with prof Washburn ? '' Hugo said excitedly, `` 'Cause that was awesome. bid I 'd been there. I woulda blasted him all the way from here to Hagrid 's Hut ! ``

`` Er, yeah, they 're from the duel, '' Matt replied quickly.

`` Wicked ! '' Hugo grinned. `` Ca n't wait until I can occur here. ``

`` Just another year, Hugo, '' Albus smiled at his cousin. `` But do n't reckon on getting to duel with evil instructor. I 'd rather not have had to do that. ``

`` Me and Lily acted out the affaire d'honneur, did n't we, Lily ? '' Victor Hugo told them. Lily nodded her head word. Victor Hugo continued, `` I got to be Washburn, only I won. Lily ran away. ``

`` Did not ! '' Lily shouted.

`` Did too ! '' Hugo shouted back.

`` tike, calm down, '' Ginny said sternly.

`` Mum, can Matt do stay with us over the summer ? John, too, but he 's in the castle. They can come for mine and blush wine 's birthday party, '' Albus asked.

`` I do n't see why not, '' Ginny smiled, `` As long as it 's ok with his parents. ``

`` Can I go bide with Albus ? '' matt asked his parents, `` delight ? ``

`` I do n't sleep together ... '' Mrs Eckerton looked worriedly at her husband.

Mr. Eckerton glanced at his wife and replied, `` We 'll have to think about it. ``

`` Oh, come on ! Please ? '' Matt pleaded, `` I 'll be exquisitely. Albus even said they 'd have the company at, a, salutary meter. ``

Harry seemed to pick up onto what the Eckertons were worried about and gave them a meaningful gaze, `` I understand your concern, but I 'm sure matt will be fine if he stays with us for a few 24-hour interval. And we will schedule the party at a good time. ``

The Eckertons still did n't expect convinced, but Matt 's dad said, `` He probably will, but I 'd still wish to talk it over with Julie. We 'll get back to you, all right ? ``

`` That 's fine, '' Harry replied.

lusterlessness groaned, `` You worry too a good deal. ``

`` Sometimes we have to care, '' Matt 's mum told him, `` You know that. ``

`` I know, '' Matt sighed.

`` I think the ceremonial 's starting now, '' Harry announced. `` We 'll be in rival with the particular of the party. ``

`` speech sound good, '' Mrs. Eckerton replied.

`` See you after, Matt, '' Albus waved. He and blush wine followed their families to the chairs that were set up on the lawn. Albus sat down in between rosebush and Harry and waited for the ceremony to begin.

There was a large microscope stage set up in front of the chairs, with a tall podium embossed with the Hogwarts crest. Next to the ambo was a table piled with Hogwarts sheepskin. All the seventh class sat in the first few rows of chairs, dressed in their Shirley Temple Black Hogwarts robe and a magician 's hat.

After a few bit, in which everyone who had been milling around and talking came and sat down, Professor Kendrick strode up to the stump and began to speak. `` Welcome, champion and fellowship, to the graduation ceremony of the Hogwarts Class of 2017. I remember the low gear prison term these students stepped foot into Hogwarts. Many were excited and just as many were pit and nervous. Some thought they knew all of Hogwarts 's closed book, and others hardly knew anything about the Wizarding humankind at all. But that did not issue. Because now, they all stand as one, equally prepared to involve on the world around them. I believe that great thing will befall to the multitude in this socio-economic class and that they will do great affair.

`` This class is a special one to me. Every class at Hogwarts is special, but the year I became Headmaster was the year this stratum came to Hogwarts. I think that I was just as queasy as they were, if not more so. '' Kendrick paused as the audience laughed. `` And I remember each one of their sortings. I remember President Tyler Pike tripping over his own feet as he made his way to the faecal matter. He 's certainly number a long way from that, becoming captain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. I also remember Olivia Kaden 's smile as she was sorted into Hufflepuff and ran to join her babe at that board. And who could forget the meretricious vociferation of glee from Teddy lupin as Victoire Weasley was sorted into Gryffindor. ``

Professor Kendrick continued his words for another ten minutes. After he was done, each of the Heads of theater went up to the stump and gave a speech as well. Albus liked Neville 's speech the best. He talked about how lofty he was of each and every Gryffindor that was graduating that day, and what made them particular. Albus found it a bit difficult to pay care to prof Patil 's speech about the Ravenclaws because she used such big wrangle that Albus hardly knew what she was saying. He assumed it all meant that prof Patil knew that all the Ravenclaws would scent up making groovy part to the Wizarding earth in the discovery of various things. Professor Marco Polo gave a good talking to about the Hufflepuffs, and then Slughorn gave one, but it did n't focus much on the Slytherins. His speech mainly consisted of itemization who he had taught at Hogwarts, and how noted they are now. He spent a just fate of it talking about how he had taught Harry. Albus saw his dad face as Slughorn mentioned what a marvelous potions brewer he had been. Albus had to muffle a laugh at that, because he knew the story of Snape 's potions book and how Harry had wound up with it in his sixth year.

prof Kendrick took the podium once Slughorn had finished, `` Thank you, Professors Longbottom, Patil, Polo, and Slughorn. Now, two outstanding bookman shall address on behalf of their grade. start, drumhead Boy President Tyler motorway. And then, top dog missy Victoire Weasley. ``

President Tyler state highway took the rostrum and began his speech. It was a long-winded spoken language full phase of the moon of to a greater extent Bible Albus did n't understand, much like Professor Patil 's had been. mustiness be a Ravenclaw thing, he thought. Albus glanced at Rose and noticed she was paying ecstatic attention. Maybe she should have been in Ravenclaw.

Once Tyler concluded his manner of speaking, Victoire stepped up to the podium. She waited for the gang to stop their clapping for Tyler 's speech and then she began. `` Wow, what a sick seven years it 's been ! '' she paused and smiled at the interview. `` I remember our first day here. I was scared, we were all scared. Short low gear years, lost in a sea of older pupil, and now we 're at the top. Over the past seven years we have not only gotten an education that will dish out us throughout our intact lives, but we have forged friendship and memories that will final a lifetime. Memories. In the end, that 's all we 've got. I know I speak for us all in saying that the memory board we 've made here at Hogwarts are some of the ripe we have. It has n't always been slowly and not all the memories are secure ones. We 've all lost the House Cup at least once in the past seven class, we 've lost Quidditch compeer, failed tests, and had fights with Friend. But now is n't the meter to dwell on those memories. Right now we should remember the dependable times. The times we did win the House Cup, the spectacular wins in Quidditch, the tests we 've aced, and the fact that our friendly relationship are strong enough to stand firm a few rows.

`` I 'm sure enough we all have mixed feelings about leaving Hogwarts. I know I do. This castle has been our home away from home for the yesteryear seven old age. A full serving of our animation have been spent here. It will be sad to leave Hogwarts behind, but this second is what we 've been working towards ever since we stepped off the geartrain when we were 11. Hogwarts has prepared us, not only academically, but socially, for the world before us. We are ready, we can go into the existence and make something of ourselves. When you look out at the class behind me, do n't just take care at us as the Hogwarts Class of 2017. Look at us as the future Healers, Aurors, investigator, and who knows, maybe even the future Minister of Magic. So, in conclusion, we are set to look the existence. Whatever it has in store for us, we will be able to take it on. Using our dissimilar endowment, we as a chemical group will be capable to convey whatever the world has to drop at us. ''

The hearing broke out into loud applause. Albus clapped along with them. He thought Victoire 's speech had been much better than Tyler 's and judging by the hand clapping, everyone else thought so, too. The applause died down as Victoire went back to her seat and Kendrick took up the podium once again.

`` Thank you, Tyler and Victoire, '' he nodded his head in their direction, `` Now it is time to present the diplomas. '' Kendrick waved his wand and the podium moved to the incline, while the table with the diplomas moved to the centerfield of the stage. The four heads of houses got up and stood following to the table. Kendrick stood on the other face and picked up the first diploma. `` Katelyn Isabelle Asterly, '' he called out.

A tall, red haired Hufflepuff stood up and walked over to the headmaster. She took her diploma and shook Kendrick 's hand. Then she shook all the heads of menage'manpower and walked off the stage. She walked the short-change aloofness to the lake. Albus watched her and noticed that Hagrid was standing there. The boats they had crossed the lake on earlier in the year were sitting on the calm water.

The headmaster continued to call off gens. Albus recognized a few of them, but to the highest degree of them were people he had just seen occasionally.

`` Amy Marie Eckerton, '' Kendrick called out a light piece later. Albus and Rose clapped loudly as matte 's sister accepted her diploma and walked over to the growing group of 7th years near the lake.

Albus watched as Kendrick called out more names. He recognized the two Slytherins that had hexed him earlier in the twelvemonth. Neither he or Rose clapped for them. They politely clapped for everyone else. Albus also recognized the Quidditch captain, Samantha Meyers and clapped a bit louder for her.

The crowd of one-seventh years on the stage diminished until there were only two left. `` Victoire Fleur Weasley, '' Kendrick announced. Albus and Rose clapped louder than they had for anyone else as their cousin-german shook Kendrick 's hand. Albus heard Teddy whistle and give a cheap outcry of 'Go Victoire !'as she shook Neville 's hand. Professor Patil shot him a stern look and he quieted down. Albus had to stifle a gag. Even after you graduate, you still have to listen to the professors, he thought.

`` Cameron Alexander Zabino, '' Kendrick called once Victoire had crossed the stage. A burly looking Slytherin accepted his sheepskin and joined his class by the lake.

Kendrick waved his verge and the mesa disappeared. The podium moved back to the sum of the microscope stage and Kendrick stood behind it. `` In the past seven old age, the student in this category have learned a great passel about magic and life in general. These accomplishment will help oneself them as they pursue the careers and ambition of their choosing. It is time for them to travel from Hogwarts, on the Lapplander boats they arrived her on seven yr ago. The first fourth dimension they crossed this lake, they were both excited and scared about what Hogwarts had in depot for them. As they cross the lake once more, they are more confident, but still excited and a bit frighten away about what the earth has in storehouse for them. I know I speak for us all when I say I 'm sure they will do great things. ''

Kendrick nodded his head towards the group of seventh class. The students climbed into the boats and Hagrid got into the one in presence. He brandished his pink umbrella and bellowed, `` Forward ! '' The boats all started moving, taking the 7th years away from Hogwarts and towards the new adventures that awaited them as adults.

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A/N : Thanks to my babe and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other sister, and my brother. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, ladymblack, sinwillys822, and XDNLxtlz99 for their followup !

Also, if anyone picked up on the fact that this took plaza in 2016/2017, whereas the Harry Potter dictionary indicates that Albus 's first class would have been 2017/2018, I figured out the dates differently than the Lexicon did. I used Victoire 's birthday ( May 2, 1999 ) and figured out that her 7th year would hvae been 2016/2017. I know the Lexicon figured it out differently, but I 'm sticking with my own calculations.

There 's only one chapter left ! I 'll put up it next week and then look for the sequel, which I 'll put up sometime after Xmas !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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The audience stood up and applauded as the gravy boat left. A few masses cheered and whistled. Albus could hear Teddy 's cheering over everyone else 's. After a few arcminute, people started to leave behind.

Albus and rosiness said a flying auf wiedersehen to their folk before heading off to the horseless carriages that would look at them to Hogsmeade post. They got into a carriage with lusterlessness and the carriage lurched forwards to take them to the wagon train.

`` John and Amanda must already be on, '' Albus said as they walked down the corridor in the train.

`` Probably, we 're some of the last ones on, '' rosiness pointed out. They continued to look into the compartments before they found the one that their champion were in.

`` How was the graduation ? '' John Lackland asked once the compartment doorway was shut once again.

`` Really good, '' Rose said.

`` Yeah, Teddy kept shouting and whistling and Professor Patil was glaring at him, '' Albus laughed.

`` And Victoire 's speech was really upright, '' Matt told them, `` Much better than Tyler Pike 's speech. ``

`` I could hardly understand a word of it, '' Albus commented.

`` I thought it was a estimable talking to, '' blush wine responded, `` It was all about how the family needs to use their talents and skills to promote improvement the Wizarding World. ``

`` fountainhead, he could cause just said that, '' Albus huffed, `` He did n't have to draw it so bally confusing. ``

`` I got told off by him once, I could n't read anything he was telling me, '' John laughed.

`` He 's just got a big mental lexicon, '' Rose insisted, `` Anyway, the graduation was really good. ``

`` Yeah, but it 'll be weird adjacent yr when Victoire 's gone. She 's starting training to be a Healer next year, '' Albus told them and turned to matte, `` What 's Amy doing ? ``

`` She 's going to be a therapist, too, '' Matt told them, `` She 's going to puzzle out with Healer Sterling this summer, actually. She, er, wants to get involved with the study I 'm in and stuff. ``

`` Oh, is that the healer who 's in charge of it ? He 's the one who Albus saw in the hospital Wing a couple calendar month ago ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah, '' mat told them, `` Amy 's wanted to be a Healer and oeuvre on the wolfsbane Potion ever since she saw me after the full moon for the first time, '' he said quietly.

`` That 's right, '' Amanda said, `` Maybe she 'll actually find a cure. ``

`` Maybe, but probably not, '' lusterlessness replied sullenly.

`` So, what are you doing in Ireland, Amanda ? '' Rose asked after a import of uneasy silence.

`` Mainly just sight seeing and material, '' Amanda answered, `` It 's going to be really fun. I 've always wanted to go there. ``

`` There 's all kinds of story there, '' Rose told her, `` There 's a cluster of wizarding Greenwich Village there, too. I 'd love to go and chaffer them. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I think we 're sticking with the Muggle material. ``

`` Oh, right, '' pink wine said, `` Well, if I ever go to Emerald Isle, you can come with me and we 'll reckon around all the wizarding small town. ``

`` I wish I was going to Ireland over the summer, '' John announced, `` We 're not doing anything. Just staying home. ``

`` Us, too, '' Albus said, `` conclusion year we went to Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault. ``

`` That was wads of fun ! '' Rose grinned, `` I want to go back. ``

`` The rum part was watching James try and talk French to all the French people hoi polloi, '' Albus laughed. `` But this class we 're just staying abode. ``

`` We never go anywhere, '' flatness told them. `` Well, we did go see my uncle in America a couple years ago. I was eight. But we have n't been back since. It 's really expensive to ride on Muggle plane, and we always go to Australia every Christmas, '' he sighed. `` I 'd rather just chatter my uncle than my grandparents. ``

`` I 've never been to America, '' John told him, `` What 's it like ? ``

`` Different. The Muggles drive on the legal injury side of the road, '' lusterlessness said, `` But it was load of fun when we went. I think we might be going next year. ``

`` wellspring, you can all come visit me and rose for a little spell, '' Albus told them, `` We usually have our birthday political party at the tunnel, but you can make out stop at my house before it. ``

`` That would be awesome ! '' John grinned, `` I 'll just Floo to your place. ``

`` Yeah, that would work, '' Albus agreed, `` And hopefully your parents will let you get, lustrelessness. ``

`` I think they will, '' matt responded, `` But we 're not connected to the Floo web. ``

`` You 're not ? '' Albus asked, `` Why ? ``

`` Basically, because of what happened in Commonwealth of Australia with the Ministry and everyone finding out about me. My parents just want to lay low here, and if we 're not on the Network, that 's one LE way of the Ministry tracking us down. Of form, my dad works for the Ministry, so I 'm not exactly sure what my parents'logical system is. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus said, `` Do you just Apparate everywhere ? ``

`` Pretty lots. Well, I Side-Along Apparate, of course. But that works to get where we 're going. My parents will just Apparate me to your planetary house, '' mat told them.

`` That 'll operate. ``

`` And you can total stay at my menage, '' Rose told Amanda.

`` Ok, but I ca n't do any kind of Apparition or Floo, '' Amanda said.

`` It 's all rightfield, my parents can drive. We 'll come get you, '' Rose assured her.

`` Great. I ca n't wait to see your sign of the zodiac. I bet it 's a lot different from mine. I 've never been in a sorcerer household before, '' Amanda said.

`` So, is your completely family going to be at the burrow ? '' lavatory asked.

`` Pretty much. We usually have a few parties there during the summer. A few of our first cousin have summer birthday, too, so there are a few other birthday parties. Rose and me always have a shared one, though, since we 're the same age. Samantha and Lindy 's birthday is in the kickoff of July, so they get a company. Fred, Tom Bradley, and Gabriella are all born in August, like rosiness, so they all have parties, too. But theirs are usually at their own home. Then there 's the end of summer party, that 's always at the end of August, '' Albus told him.

`` Excellent. There 'll be some awesome Quidditch matches, then ! '' John grinned.

`` Oh, yeah, Quidditch can get pretty exciting during the summer, '' Albus responded, `` There 's usually so many people that we can get a real number tournament going. ``

`` That 'll be loads of fun, then. And my dad said he 'd get me a broom this year, '' John the Divine told them.

`` Great ! You can bring it with you. I 'm asking for one for my birthday, '' Albus said.

`` I 've got a heather at home, '' mat said, `` I 'll convey it, too. ``

`` I obviously do n't have one, '' Amanda sighed, `` Maybe I can convince my parents to get me one, but I doubt it. As much as they 've grown customary to magic, the idea of flying still freaks them out. ``

`` It 's all right, '' blush wine said, `` There are mess of brooms in our family, mortal will let you borrow theirs. ``

`` Speaking of Quidditch, I think the Chudley shank are going to make a real come-back next time of year, '' Matt grinned.

`` Ugh ! '' Albus groaned, `` You 're kidding, right ? There 's no way they could ever make a come back ! ``

`` Yeah they can ! '' lustrelessness insisted, `` And someday, they 'll make it to the league Cup and I 'll go and affirm them ! ``

`` The day the Chudley carom make it to the conference Cup is the day Gryffindors and Slytherins get along, '' Saint John laughed.

`` You 'll see, they 'll get to the League Cup. And then they 'll win it ! '' matte said excitedly, `` I want to go to the future one, even if the Cannons are n't in it, though. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've been to the World Cup once, '' mat went on, `` When I was four. I can hardly think back it, but Amy says we had really good seats. It was in Australia, I think it 's one of the only times it 's been there. It was the New Zealand Kiwis versus Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault. France won. ``

`` That must have been awesome, '' John grinned.

`` Yeah, I 've been to even matches, but not the World Cup, '' Albus said.

`` well, I hardly remember any of it. I mostly remember France 's celebrating afterwards, '' lusterlessness said, `` Just like I 'll be celebrating when the Cannons win. ``

Everyone else groaned. The radical kept talking about Quidditch for a while, and they all agreed that they wanted to go to the next Cup. No one knew where it would be, but they wanted to go even if it was far away.

Once they 'd exhausted the issue of Quidditch, they played a couple rung of genius 's Chess and Exploding cinch. Rose won all the game of chess and while they each won at least one rung of Exploding Snap, rosiness won almost of them as well. When the trolley came around, they bought a bit of everything and had fun eating Bertie Botts bean and trading Chocolate Frog circuit board. Albus had most of the scorecard by now, but he was still did n't have McGonagall.

Towards the end of the trip, everyone quieted down a bit. come up dug out a record book and started meter reading, Amanda doodled on a art object of parchment, John and Albus started up the Quidditch give-and-take again, and flatness fell asleep. Albus and John were just beginning to discuss the chances of Puddlemere United making it into the next League Cup when the compartment door opened. Victoire and Amy walked into the compartment, both sporting immense grins.

`` So, how 's it find to possess graduated ? '' blush wine asked, putting down here book.

`` Brilliant ! '' Victoire said, `` We 've been celebrating with everyone else, but thought we 'd come see you. What have you been up to ? ``

`` Not a great deal, just talking about Quidditch, '' Albus said.

Victoire sat down following to Rose and Amy sat down side by side to her sleeping brother. `` Of row. That 's one affair I 'll definitely pretermit next year, '' Victoire sighed, `` I 've never been very beneficial at Quidditch, but I love watching it. ``

`` You can fare back to picket, '' Albus told her, `` You 've got to. I 'm going to try out for pursuer next class and if I make it, I want you to issue forth to the matches. ``

`` I will, at least some of them, '' Victoire assured him, `` But I 'll be pretty interfering following year. Healer grooming is jolly intense. ``

`` You 'll be good at it, though, '' rosebush said, `` Both of you will be. ``

`` I hope so, '' Amy said quietly as she looked at Matt, `` It 'd be great to discover a better version of that potion .... ''

`` If anyone can do it, you can, '' Victoire told her, `` You 've always been the unspoiled at Potions in our year. I 've just barely squeaked by. I really hope I got at least an E on my N.E.W.T. If not, I ca n't become a Healer. ``

Amy blushed, `` Well, I 'm not that groovy at it. I 'm for certain you got an E on your N.E.W.T. ``

`` Where do you train to be a healer ? '' Amanda asked, `` Is there a university or something ? ``

`` There are some stratum, of course, but it 's not like a Muggle university. And there 's to a lesser extent schooling than Muggle Dr. need. We do a yoke yr of classes and interning at St. Mungo 's, '' Amy told her.

`` Yeah, we 're going to get a flat in London sometime this summertime and split the rent during the breeding, '' Victoire added.

`` Can I go visit you ? I want to see your flat, '' Albus asked.

Victoire laughed, `` Of row you can. ``

Amy stretched her arms and got up, `` Well, we 're almost there, so I think I 'll go get my poppycock cook. You coming, Victoire ? ``

`` Sure, we could probably get in a bit more keep before we 're in London, '' Victoire grinned. `` See you guys in a little spell. ``

Albus waved as his cousin and Amy left the compartment. The residue of the journey was uneventful. Albus played another turn of Exploding gingersnap with John and Amanda and then he dozed off for a bit. The side by side thing he knew, John was shaking him awake when they were in London. Albus yawned and started putting all his matter back in his bag. He joined the crew of students heading out of the geartrain and walked onto the platform with his ally.

`` There 's my parents, '' matt pointed to the left and Albus saw the Eckertons talking to his Uncle Bill and aunt Fleur, `` I guess I 'll probably see you blackguard this summer, if my parents let me fall. ``

`` They will, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` They 'd better, '' St. John laughed.

`` I hope so, '' flatness responded quietly, `` Well, I 'll let you love if I can, Albus. See you soon, I hope. ``

`` Definitely, this summer will be awesome ! '' Albus grinned, `` Bye, matte ! '' John, rosiness, and Amanda all said bye as well.

`` Bye, guys ! '' mat waved and walked over to his parents. Albus watched as Mrs. Eckerton pulled him into a tight hug. She reminded Albus a lot of his grandmother.

`` You should see your parents so they can meet ours, '' Albus told John and Amanda.

`` Good thought, '' whoremaster looked out among the crowd, `` Oh, they 're over there. Hey, Mum ! Dad ! '' he shouted.

A man and fair sex walked over to John, the woman shaking her head and the man laughing. Three little girls followed them. `` moldiness you be so loud, dear ? '' the fair sex asked.

`` Mum, what a way to recognise me after you have n't seen me in months, '' Gospel According to John grinned.

`` Oh, come here, Johnny, '' the woman smiled and wrapped John in a hug.

`` Mum ! '' John 's brass reddened and he pulled away. `` Hi, Dad. ``

`` how-do-you-do, John, how was the sleep of terminus ? ''

`` Great ! ``

`` Albus ! rosebush ! '' Harry said from behind Albus.

Albus turned around, `` Hey, Dad ! Hi, Mum, Lily, Hugo, Aunt Hermione, Uncle Ron. '' Albus and Rose exchanged salutation with their parents and siblings while lav continued to tell his parents about school. Lily and Hugo seemed to hit it off with one of John Lackland 's baby and they were running around the weapons platform, trying to get each other to eat the disgusting feeling of Bertie Bott's.

Amanda had meanwhile found her parents and brought them over to the group. They both looked a bit uncomfortable among all the witches and wizards, but seemed to want to meet Albus and the others.

pink wine seemed to occupy charge of all the intro. `` Ok, Mum, Dad. These are mine and Albus 's friends, whoremonger and Amanda. '' The following few minutes were spent with all the adults shaking hands and introducing themselves. pink wine and Albus told John and Amanda 's parents about their birthday company and it seemed like both trick and Amanda would be able to go. After a few hour of discussing details, St. John, Amanda, and their household said goodbye to the ceramicist and the Weasleys and headed back into London.

`` Ready to go, James ? '' Harry shouted to his oldest son who was standing a few meters away, talking to Nathan.

`` Yeah, Dad, just a second, '' Saint James the Apostle shouted back. He said something else to Nathan and then walked over to his family.

Albus and the respite of the Potters walked back out of the place with Rose and her family. Albus was tired from the journeying home and did not say much. He was thinking about the past yr. It had been large. sure, the whole altercation with Washburn had been shivery, but that was over now, and his dad was taking care of that at the Ministry. He was happy he had made a few near friends and was very gladiola that Matt trusted them with his closed book. Albus was looking forward to the summer and having whoremaster and Matt visit him at Grimmauld billet, but in all honesty, he was looking forward about going back in Sept. He had only been at Hogwarts for a year, but it already felt like a moment home to Albus.


~Fin~


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A/N : Well, there it is, the last chapter ! It 's a woody nightshade moment to finish posting this here. I 've been working on this story for over a year, and even though I finished it last April, I 've been editing it as I 've posted it here.

Thanks go out to my wonderful beta and youngest Sister, Dancer of Starlight. She 's been reading this and betaing it ever since I started writing it in September of 2007. I 've bounced mind off of her and she tells me whether they 're good or they 're awful. My other sister and my brother have also been extremely helpful. Thanks to them as well !

Thanks as well to all my close reviewers. XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Moonylupin, and ginnyweasleypotter87, you guys are awful !

Albus 's story is far from over, though ! Be on the outlook for the continuation, Albus Potter and the data track They Left nates, sometime shortly after Christmas ! It chronicles Albus 's second year at Hogwarts and is filled with new characters and plot of land ! It is completely finished, so updates will be on a steady groundwork. I 'm currently working on the nameless story of Albus 's third year.

I 'll leave you with that rather farseeing bit of author 's line. I hope everyone has a Happy Channukkah, Merry Christmas Day, and Happy other vacation !