Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Matt did n't render to the unwashed room until Sunday good afternoon. Albus and his friend had spent well-nigh of the weekend doing homework and playing daily round of Exploding snapshot. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really think about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his friends did n't get a chance to say lustrelessness about what Kaden told Malfoy while he was in the hospital fender because it had been very crowded that weekend. Apparently, quite a few students had decided to practice their dueling for the approaching match while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused Madam Pomfrey to cause an awful lot to do. She looked very frazzled when Albus and the others visited Matt on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the vulgar way with the others, doing prep, when lustrelessness returned from the hospital backstage. He still looked a bit tired and the cutting on his boldness were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much ripe than he had on Thursday. Albus closed his book and glanced at his friends when lusterlessness came through the portrait hole.

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

`` We 've, er, got to narrate you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the Room. '' Albus got up and left the common room. His friends all followed, not saying a word. Albus led them down the seventh floor corridor until they reached the house painting of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three times in front of it and opened the door that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his booster asked for a place where they could be alone. There were a few squishy armchairs and couch, a open fireplace, and it was decorated in scarlet and gold.

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

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

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

`` Well, we 're obviously not going to tell you that, '' Albus gave a half-hearted laugh as he sat down on a chair. Rose, John, and Amanda sat down as well.

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

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

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

Albus sighed, `` I do n't really know the substantially way to say this. Kaden, er, for some reason was talking to Scorpio Malfoy- ''

`` Malfoy ? ! '' matt interrupted with a look of cushion on his face.

`` It gets worsened, '' Albus continued, `` You know how I told Kaden that you get sick every once in a while, so he would keep out up last month ? ``

`` Yeah ... ''

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

lustrelessness sank back into his chair and his face went chalk White. Albus was glad Rose told him to sit down, because if he had n't induce been sitting he probably would have got fainted. Albus watched as lustrelessness processed the info. After a few moments he asked very quietly, `` What did he say Malfoy ? ``

`` That you 've got some kind of wizard disease that Madam Pomfrey ca n't cure, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't chit-chat your regorge gran. ``

`` Oh, no, '' Matt closed his eyes and started rubbing his head, `` This is n't unspoiled. Malfoy ca n't happen out, he just ca n't. ``

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

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

`` Maybe he 'll be too lazy to vex, '' Amanda suggested.

`` There 's another matter, '' Albus started, `` Kaden may have also told him about the Whomping willow tree. ``

`` No, he ca n't ingest, he just ca n't, '' matt whispered.

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

Matt nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and William Tell anyone, luck are I 'll let to exit. ``

`` No, you wo n't, '' pink wine assured him.

`` How do you know ? ``

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

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

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

`` But he 's your first cousin, '' Matt said.

`` Energy n't matter, '' Albus assured him, `` I hardly saw him at all until he started coming here. I told him not to severalise anyone and he did, so I ca n't intrust him anymore. And no one 's going to convince me to apologize this time. ``

`` All right, '' Matt replied. `` Let 's hitch here for a patch. I think if I saw Kaden right now I 'd make to hex him. ``

Rose groaned, `` What is with boys ? Do you always have to hex citizenry to solve your problems ? ``

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

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

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

******

The weekend before Halloween was a very exciting one for the students at Hogwarts. There was the first Hogsmeade visit on Saturday, which the older students were very agitate about. Albus, of track, was n't allowed to go since he was a second year. James made sure to lord this over him at every import possible during the week preceding the visit. James would be going on his initiative Hogsmeade visit, and Albus was sure enough that Hogwarts would be treated to a assortment of clowning following. When James II and his friends returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the vulgar room with their purse bulging with what could only be Weasley 's merchandise, and quickly stowed it all in their dormitory. Sure enough, at dinner that dark, the student dead body was treated to a very entertaining meal. Somehow, James and his Quaker had managed to sneak a potion into the Slytherins'food that caused their hair and fingernails to turn orange red and gold. The rest of the schooltime laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to figure out how to turn their hair and nails back to normal.

`` zippo will switch it, '' James informed the Gryffindor table in between fits of laugh, `` Uncle George told me it will wear off within 24 hour, though. ``

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

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

`` I ca n't blame you, '' Albus grinned. He looked up at the staff table and saw his dad trying to stifle his laughter, but he was n't succeeding. The other phallus of the staff were smiling slightly, except for Slughorn, who was looking a bit distraught at the sight of his house decked out in Gryffindor colors.

The next day was the first dueling tournament for the junior dueling ball club. The older student had already had their first tourney the former weekend. Albus 's full cousin Henry M. Stanley 's team had won. The tournament was to take place immediately following dejeuner, at one o'clock, and the second, tertiary, and 4th years were filled with excitement about it.

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

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

`` Me, too, '' matte agreed.

`` I almost wish first years could join the dueling nightclub, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't listen beating him in battlefront of the entire school day. ``

`` I 'm probably just going to lose, no topic who I duel, '' Amanda sighed, `` The only thing I can do is demilitarise somebody, and I 'm not even that unspoiled at that. ``

`` Sure you are, '' Albus assured her, `` And if you duel a second year, or even a third gear class, you 'll have a chance at winning. Fourth years, on the other hand, I 'm not surely any of us have got a opportunity at winning a affaire d'honneur with one of them. They probably know all form of spells we do n't. ``

`` Albus, '' Rose began, `` Remember that the teams have citizenry from all years on them. I do n't recollect any team has an advantage over another. ``

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

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

`` We wind up exercise dueling with each former every group meeting, '' Albus explained, `` And neither of us has really won any of them. ``

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

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

`` Attention ! '' prof Kendrick stood up, `` The Junior dueling tournament will commence shortly. Please make your way to the dueling chamber. ``

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

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of educatee filing into the dueling bedroom near the Great mansion. They found Kate at one of the table that had been set up for each team to waitress at. Their team figure, The Dueling dragon, was written on a piece of parchment that was stuck to the board. There was a realistic looking dragon breathing flame drawn on it. Scorpio Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the table, his hair still bright vermilion and gold. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the opposite end. A few minutes later, once everyone on their team had arrived, Kate began to address.

`` care ! '' she shouted and the table became unruffled, `` Thanks. The tournament will embark on in a couple arcminute. I 'm sure as shooting we 'll do not bad. Everyone remember what you 've learned within the preceding calendar month and you 'll do fine. Just do your advantageously and even if you do n't win today, there 's still adjacent time. I know this inter-house squad thing is hard, but I think everyone here has really come together to work as a team, and I 'm proud of all of you for that. So, with that, near circumstances ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the other quartern years on the team.

A minute later, Professor Kendrick stood up at the front of the room and raised his hands for tranquilize. The room fell tacit and he began to speak. `` Welcome to the first Dueling tournament for the Jnr Dueling Club. This is the first of six qualifying tournament of the yr. At the end of the year, the top two squad will face off in a final tournament. There will be two duel going on simultaneously, with Professors thrower and Longbottom presiding over them. Every student will duel twice today. The winner of each duel will be awarded one head. At the end of the tournament, the team with the most power point will be declared the winner. The points will role over to each tourney, after the sixth tournament, the two teams with the most point will face off in the final examination. Now, each captain was given a lean of duels for today, so I will give you a few minutes to get organized and for the sea captain to inform their teams of the docket. practiced chance to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the schedule with her team. Albus 's first affaire d'honneur was about halfway down the list and his second gear was the tertiary to endure. The solely thing he could do now was wait until his round came. Albus was growing steadily more nervous as clip wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him inhabit that down. Albus watched the inaugural couplet of duels while talking with Amanda. After a few affaire d'honneur, James II 's turn came and he lost to a Ravenclaw 4th year. Rose was up next and she easily beat her third twelvemonth Slytherin opposition. Quite a few of Albus 's mate had dueled by now and nigh of them had won. Before long, Amanda 's turn was up. Albus wished her luck and she went nervously to the dueling halo that Neville was watching over.

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

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

`` Thanks, '' Amanda grinned.

Matt was up adjacent against a Slytherin one-quarter class. The duel hardly lasted two transactions before the Slytherin used an advanced turn that caused mat to slam into the bulwark behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. professor Cedonia took Matt to the hospital wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a dyad detentions.

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

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

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

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

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

Malfoy scowled and turned away from Albus. A moment later his name was called and he was off to duel a familiar Slytherin. It was a very fast pace duel. Both of them were excellent duelers, but Malfoy won in the end. Albus was not sure whether to be happy about this or not. He did n't consume long to brood on it, though, because a second later, he was called.

Albus walked nervously to the dueling ring where Neville was and he faced his Ravenclaw adversary. He was dueling Jimmy Carter Eubert, a companion second class.

`` Both of you know the dominion, '' Neville said to them, `` You can start when I let out red sparks. ``

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

`` Point goes to Potter, '' Neville announced. Albus and James Earl Carter Jr. shook helping hand and went back to their teams.

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

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` That was amazing dueling, Albus, '' Amanda greeted him, `` James Earl Carter 's near, too, but that tickling matter was keen. He could hardly move. ``

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

The good afternoon wore on and Albus found himself getting a bit blase with watching the dueling. It was taking all afternoon. John dueled Albus 's full cousin, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an excellent dueler. Rose and Malfoy each won their secondly affaire d'honneur, while john and Amanda lost theirs. lusterlessness returned from the hospital offstage in time for his arcsecond affaire d'honneur, but wound up losing to his third gear twelvemonth Ravenclaw opposite. Albus dueled a tertiary yr Gryffindor in his secondly duel and narrowly won. His opponent did not calculate happy about this. Malfoy also won his second duel, which was against a third or fourth year Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't sure which.

Eventually, all the duels finished and professor Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a tremendous job. Now, to declare the winner. I am pleased to announce that the Flying Phoenixes, captained by Barty heath of Slytherin have come in first place with 23 breaker point ! Thank you, everyone. The next tourney will take place at the end of November or kickoff of December. Your maitre d'hotel will be informed of the take day of the month as it comes closer. ``

`` We 'll win next clip, '' Kate assured her team as they got up. `` See everyone at pattern on Wednesday. ``

Albus and Amanda made their way out of the room, but realized they would never get their friends in the crowd. `` We 'll contact them in the common room, '' Albus said as they started up the stairs.

When they got to the common elbow room, it was already full with scholar rehashing parts of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to Saint James 's history of his duels. James had won his arcsecond duel and appeared to be very majestic of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found John and matte sitting at their usual table. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few moments later were joined by Rose, who was glowing.

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

`` Thanks, '' Rose replied, `` I was n't certainly we were going to win. Heath is n't the greatest captain. I think we just have naturally good duelist on our squad. carter is vex, although not as skillful as you, Albus. ``

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

`` Glad I 'm not on his team, '' John muttered, `` Ca n't trust I lost both my duel. ``

`` You 'll do expert next time, '' Albus assured him.

`` At to the lowest degree you did n't wind up in the hospital wing, '' Matt commented, `` I 'm the only one that did. Figures. ``

lavatory laughed a bit at this, `` I think you 've got some kind of attraction for that place. ``

`` Oh shut it, '' lusterlessness replied.

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

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

`` Oh, yeah, I 'm fine, '' lustrelessness assured him, `` dame Pomfrey healed my arm in an instant, but she was fretting over me as usual. prof Cedonia convinced her to let me go back for my second duel. ``

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

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

`` And no exams ! '' John grinned. Albus liked this as well. So far, the only ground level they had in that year were from essays they had been assigned as homework. Cedonia had not given them a unity in class test.

`` I 'm not indisputable I like that, '' Rose sighed. The four other scholarly person looked at her like she was mental.

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

`` How is she supposed to get it on if we 've mastered the charms if she does n't try us ? ''

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

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

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

`` Those are three years away ! '' John sighed.

`` Two and a half, '' Rose corrected him, `` And it 's better to depart preparing early. ``

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

`` Well, I 'm going to ask her about it on Tuesday, '' Rose replied.

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the Same time. Albus liked Cedonia 's style of education and he did n't want her to start giving them exams like the other teachers did. Without spell exams, Albus had less to vex about. Hopefully, Cedonia would ignore Rose 's supplication for exams and persist in the way she had been.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some Cucurbita pepo succus when the Charles William Post arrived on Tuesday morning. He looked up and noticed a lowly browned owl flying towards him. He immediately recognized it as Victoire 's owl. `` Victoire 's sent me something, '' Albus announced as the owl landed side by side to his dental plate. Albus took the letter and gave the owl a piece of goner before it flew off.

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

Albus turned the envelope over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a dyad letters so far this year, to the highest degree of them sent along with Amy 's letters to mat. These usually arrived a couple daylight after the full moon moon, as Amy always wanted to have sex how Matt was. Since the wide lunar month had been a few week ago, Albus was curious as to what Victoire had to tell them. He opened the letter and began to study it. rose, matte, John, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

Dear Albus, mat, blush wine, John, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying course and not making too
often trouble. congratulation on your successes in the dueling tournament,
especially you, Rose. I hope there are many great victories to get. Good
luck in your first Quidditch match, Albus. We hope to be able to look, but
it depends on work and healer education schedules.

grooming has been going well. We 've been attending classes in the morning
and training at St. Mungo 's in the afternoon, like always. Teddy has been
very busy with Auror education as well.

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

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

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

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

Love,
Victoire, Teddy, and Amy

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` It explains why Professor Potter is n't here, '' Matt commented.

Albus looked up at the stave tabular array and noticed that his Church Father was missing. `` Guess so. ``

`` Do n't occupy, '' Rose said, `` I mean, it 's kind of good that soul spotted him. Before they had no leads, and now they sort of know where he is. ``

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

`` Could I see the oracle ? '' pink wine asked one of the older pupil who was sitting across from her. The little girl nodded and handed her the paper. `` Let 's come up the clause. '' pink wine scanned the front Page and found a short article on the left over side of the varlet. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle town, Hythe, in Southern England early yesterday morning. A thaumaturge who prefers not to be named in this clause saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror department since his fire on brain Auror and Defense Against the Dark liberal arts teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry ceramicist, last bounce. Five underage Hogwarts scholar were also attacked. Willinson, along with his founding father, Jaret Willinson, and the former Charms prof, Jameson Washburn, attacked Potter and the five educatee on the yard. Potter declined commentary for this clause. The mind Auror has informed the wizarding public that all three men are unsafe and not to attempt to campaign them. If any of them are seen, the great unwashed are requested to inform the Ministry immediately. Ministry Aurors responded to the sighting and are currently investigating .'''

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

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

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

`` Well, hopefully prof ceramist will charm them before they get the chance, '' Matt replied, `` Anyway, I hope Amy and Victoire come to the Quidditch peer. I have n't seen Amy in eld. ``

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

`` Yeah, '' Matt gave a halfhearted smile.

`` We 'd better get to Charms, '' rose announced. The five s years got up from the tabular array and made their way out of the Great Hall. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting next to Jesse James, talking animatedly about something. King James I did n't appear too happy about this and had the look of someone pretending to hear, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about Henry James having to apportion with Kaden, but not bad enough to reach up with his cousin.

professor Cedonia spent the first one-half of course of instruction teaching the good luck charm for tying shoes, and during the s half, the class practiced. Unlike conclusion class, Albus thoroughly enjoyed hardheaded lessons in magic spell. prof Cedonia did not heed them talking with each early as they practiced, and although she watched their procession, she did n't hover like Washburn had done.

`` excuse me, Professor ? '' Rose announced shortly after she succeeded in charming her shoes to tie themselves.

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

`` Yes, rosiness ? '' Cedonia walked over to her desk and immediately spotted her perfectly tied shoes. `` Oh, wonderful job ! ``

`` Thank you, Professor, '' rosiness replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to make any exams in this class ? ``

Everyone in the entire room stopped what they were doing and looked over at pink wine. well-nigh of them looked appall, but a few appeared to also be wondering if they would have any exams. Since they had Charms with the Ravenclaws, this did n't really storm Albus.

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the other teachers at this schooltime, do not believe in testing bookman in the ceremonious way. I prefer to impute essays that are done outside of form, where you are exempt to use your Scripture, to assess your noesis of theory. As far as virtual exam go, I prefer to appraise your onward motion in social class. If I have any feeling that you are not mastering the task at hand, I will make you extra avail until you can master it. However, in accordance of rights with Hogwarts tradition, there will be a practical exam at the end of the semester. The theory exam will be an essay that you can discharge using your book, in class. ``

`` Oh, '' Rose said. She looked a bit stunned. `` All rightfield. ``

`` If you 'd like an exam, I will create one for you, but no one else will have to take it unless they want to, '' Cedonia announced.

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

`` Excellent. I assure you, rosiness, that you will have a utter understanding of endorsement year spell by the time the class is up, and you will be in excellent SHAPE to displace on to tertiary twelvemonth. ``

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

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

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

`` Me, neither, '' King John said.

Albus nodded. All of his teacher in basal shoal had been like the unity at Hogwarts, with established exams and homework. `` I went to a Muggle school and all of the teacher gave us examination. Rose went to the same one. ``

`` Same here, '' Gospel According to John replied, `` normal Muggle shoal. ``

`` Not me, '' lusterlessness announced, `` I was home-schooled. You can probably opine why. Amy went to Muggle school, though. ``

`` All the teachers were like Cedonia at my school, '' Amanda turned around to spill the beans to the boys. `` We did n't sustain exams or gradation or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to school. Except when I made unusual material happen. People thought I was weird. Turns out I was, but in a dependable way, '' she laughed.

`` I suppose this will shape, '' rose sighed, `` She is assessing us, just in a dissimilar way. At least she 's nice. Everyone seems to like her. ``

`` We do n't really receive any mean teacher this year, '' Albus commented.

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

`` Who knows about adjacent year, though, '' lusterlessness replied, `` We 'll pop out new subjects and who knows what those teachers will be like. ``

`` Hagrid teaches precaution of Magical tool and he 's bully, '' Albus told them.

`` What variety of sorcerous wight ? '' can grinned at Matt.

`` Do n't even go there, '' Matt grinned back. `` Amy says the antediluvian rune teacher is nice. ``

`` Trelawney 's variety of strange, but skillful enough, '' Albus commented. `` She teaches soothsaying. ''

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

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

`` Well, goodness, '' Albus replied, `` But we 've got months before we have to settle what new subjects we 'll aim. ``

`` I wish I could take them all, '' Rose sighed.

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't reckon it would turn out well. '' Albus and Rose shared a laugh that the others did n't really understand. Albus saw their confused faces and decided to state them about Hermione 's 3rd year schedule sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in time for Albus 's demurrer class on Th. Harry called Albus up to his desk after family. Albus had been anxiously waiting the whole class to see if Harry managed to overtake Quinton Willinson. Albus had a notion he had n't because there was n't any honorable mention of it in the seer that dawn.

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

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

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

`` Well, did you take hold of him ? '' Albus asked. The suspense was killing him and he did n't desire to look any longer.

Harry sighed again and put his handwriting around his son 's shoulder. `` I 'm distressing, Al. He got away. We got some more leading, though. Talked to a few Muggles and a wizard who were around when Quinton showed up. I still have n't heard anything about Quinton 's father or Washburn. But we 're still searching and it 's only a matter of clip. ``

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

`` I 'm not going to abnegate it. They probably will derive back here. But there is a large quantity of protection around the schooltime. Last class, it was promiscuous for them to be on the grounds since Washburn was a prof and Quinton was a bookman here. They do n't make that going for them now. And I do n't think any of them could step foot in Hogsmeade without individual alerting me or the Ministry. ``

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

`` Not unless one of them is seen, '' Harry explained, `` The former Aurors have it under control condition. ``

`` Good, '' Albus smiled. He felt a lot better knowing his dad was at the school.

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

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

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the common elbow room the next week completely tired out from Quidditch pattern. The first catch, against Slytherin, was on Saturday and Georgia was having them practice every eventide. It had been a drizzly evening and Albus 's robes were soaked. He went up to his residence hall to put away his Scots heather and change. Once he was done, he grabbed his books and went back to the mutual room to do his homework. When he got there, he could n't find his champion anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dormitory, Albus had just been up there.

Albus squeezed his way through the crowd unwashed room until he found Bilius and Ethan studying at a nearby mesa. `` Have you seen John and lusterlessness anywhere ? '' Albus asked.

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

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus gave a hackneyed grin, `` They 're pathetic. ``

`` Excellent, '' Bilius replied, `` I think John and mat left an 60 minutes or so ago. I 'm not certain where. ``

`` Yeah, '' Ethan agreed, `` pink wine and Amanda were with them. matte did n't look so commodity. Maybe they went to the hospital wing. ``

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the full lunar month was the side by side night. They must hold gone to the Room of necessity. Albus had also momentarily forgotten about the room due to the fact that Kaden was always hanging around them, and they did not want him to experience about the Room.

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

Albus walked down the corridor as fast as he could without actually running. He slowed down as he reached the portraiture of Barnabas the Barmy, as there was a prefect roaming nearby. Albus loitered until the prefect turned a niche and then he started pacing in strawman of the wall. Three paces later, the door appeared and Albus walked in.

`` There you are ! '' Albus announced after he shut the room access. `` I thought you 'd be in the commons way. ``

blush wine, John, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on pieces of parchment and they looked up as Albus came in. matte was sleeping on a nearby chairperson and did n't notice Albus.

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

`` Sounds salutary, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a chair and sat down next to St. John the Apostle. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

`` metamorphosis, '' John groaned, `` eight inch essay due tomorrow. I 've got four column inch so far. ``

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

`` I finished those a while ago, '' Rose commented, `` Now I 'm doing Herbology. ``

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

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

`` Why would Malfoy do it at night ? '' Albus asked, `` He 'll get in more fuss if he 's out preceding curfew. ``

`` That 's what we told him, '' rose wine explained without looking up from her al-Qur'an. `` I think he gets form of delirious and does n't recall straight at this time of the month. ``

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

`` No, not really, '' Rose sighed.

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

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

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

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

`` Oh, serious, '' Rose smiled. `` I really do n't think he 's going to inquire that tree. ``

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

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

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

Albus was relieved that Malfoy was n't currently trying to get into the Whomping Willow, but he did agree with John that Malfoy would eventually try. The thing was, what were the chances of it happening while Albus was looking at the map ? Not very highschool. And what would Albus do if he did see Malfoy near the tree ? Albus had no thought. He sighed as he whispered, `` Mischief managed. '' Albus watched as all the ink disappeared from the map. He still did n't desire to do his homework, but he had to. He started to put the map back in his bag, but the heap of a small-scale cross on one of the niche made him stop.

Albus slowly lifted the map back out of his bag and stared at the recession. He had never seen any marks on the map after he wiped it fairly before. But this mark was so belittled it could have easily been missed. He peered at the tiny marking until he noticed what it was. It was four paw prints. A Hugo Wolf, dog, stag, and rat print. It obviously meant the predator. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to stare at the paw mark, wracking his brain to try and call up why it seemed so familiar.

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

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

Rose, john, and Amanda all leaned in to see at the home run. Rose furrowed her supercilium and tilted her nous as she looked at it. `` Why did the marauder have this matter stoppage on the map ? All the former ink disappears. Now it 's just a random part of lambskin with these paw photographic print on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw photographic print before. The piece of sheepskin that fell out of the photo album in the garret of Grimmauld shoes ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the course of the schooling year. The symbolization were exactly the Lapplander. They must mean something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his nates. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the dome at my theatre, trick ? ``

John nodded his head. `` Yeah ... ''

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

realization dawned on whoremaster 's face. `` Oh ! I 'd forgotten about that ! Do you still cause it ? ``

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



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

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

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as potterfan89, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Luke, and Moonylupin for their reviews !

Be on the picket for my fresh story, Life Is trade good, which is a prequel to arcanum Within that chronicles how Albus, rose, Matt, St. John, and Amanda received their Hogwarts letters. I 'm hoping to put up the first chapter sometime next week, as I have Spring Break.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus ran all the way to the Gryffindor common room, narrowly avoiding another prefect. He went to his dorm, dug through his trunk, and found the lambskin. He was so gladiola he had n't left it in the bean. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the common way, ignoring the foreign stares he was receiving from his fellow schoolfellow. When he got back to the room, John was in the appendage of explaining to Rose and Amanda about what they had found in the noggin. `` I 've got it ! '' Albus shouted. He ran back to the table and spread the sheepskin out on the table.

`` You 're correct ! '' rose wine grinned, `` Exactly the Saami print. ``

`` But it 's just a blank composition of parchment, '' Amanda reminded him.

`` I know, but there 's definitely something mysterious about it. Why would the vulture put this symbol on it if it meant nothing ? ''

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

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

Albus thought for a import. That kind of made sense. The predator frequented Hogsmeade quite a bit, during their full Moon outing. Maybe they wanted a map of the village as well. `` There 's only one way to detect out, '' he grabbed his wand and tapped the piece of parchment, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

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

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would wish to congratulate you, as you have obviously found the Marauder 's Map and figured out how to use it. However, he assures you that the vulture would not use the Saame incantation for this particular item .'
Albus and rosiness burst out laughing. This part of parchment was kind of like the map ! There was something magical about it, but it obviously was n't the same as the map. toilet smirked and shook his head.

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

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's illusion. The vulture either found or invented some sort of magic spell that enabled the Marauder 's Map to transmit with multitude who try to use it and they 've done the same thing with this. '' Albus pulled the vulture 's Map in front of him and tapped his scepter to it, `` Watch this. I, Albus Severus Potter, demand you to show yourself. ``

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

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

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

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would like to add that Mr. Potter 's centre gens has got to be the most scandalous figure he has ever heard.

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

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

`` I did n't know Kendrick 's first name was Albus, '' Amanda commented.

`` It 's not, '' Albus explained, `` When the marauder were in schoolhouse, Albus Dumbledore was schoolmaster. And the vulture hated Snape, so they always insult my epithet. Except my grandpa, he 's never able to manage it. ``

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

`` You know, '' Rose began, `` If the marauder did n't desire anyone else reading that map, they would sustain just put a magical spell on it that prevented anyone except themselves to learn it. I reckon they hoped someone would eventually feel out how to read it. ``

Albus contemplated that for a moment. rosebush was probably in good order. The Marauders were always pranksters, and they would probably require others to discover the map and use it for mischief.

`` But, '' Rose continued, `` Do you call back they might have wanted another item that only they could take ? ``

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

`` That other piece of parchment. Maybe it 's something that the Marauders did n't desire anyone to be capable to read. ``

`` But then we could n't read it, '' Albus sighed. It did kind of make sense that the Marauders wanted something to be private. But then why did they put the same mark on both lambskin ?

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

`` We do n't even get it on if Rose is right, '' Amanda argued.

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

`` I 'm not sure, '' rosebush replied, `` I mean, there 's probably some kind of magic that only enables a few people to read it. Kind of like a Fidelius Charm for books or something. ``

Albus grabbed the parchment and pointed his scepter at it. The only way to find out if something would reveal it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to take a crap hassle. '' cypher happened. `` I want to micturate mischief. I am going to pull a prank on someone. I promise I will make hassle. '' Albus tried many different variations on the incantation for the vulture 's Map, but nix worked.

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

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

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

`` That 's it ! '' Albus shouted. He had been thinking the incantation was like the Marauder 's Map, but it must be something that would leaven you 're a Marauder. `` I solemnly swear that I am a predator. '' Nothing happened. Albus sighed. He had been so sure that that would have worked.

`` Maybe you have to say which marauder you are, '' bathroom suggested.

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

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

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

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

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

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs .'
`` Falco columbarius, '' Albus sighed. It had n't worked. The sheepskin could recognize different people.

`` hold, '' pink wine pointed at the sheepskin. `` It 's not done. ``

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

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

`` Either it 's a prank or a highly advanced wizard object, '' rosebush remarked. The four admirer continued to watch over as more writing appeared.

'When four son, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendly relationship and mischief, they may present themselves as the succeeding generation of marauder .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the parchment. The side by side generation of piranha ? What had his gramps and his friend done ?

`` This is unbelievable, '' rosiness whispered.

'These four friends must each represent one of the Marauders, for if even one is missing, this map will not ferment. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the closed book of the Marauders. Prove that you know, and you may proceed along the path of discovery .'

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

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

'Then I pay my regard on the phrasing to Mr. Moony .'

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

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

'The piranha compliments you good hazard .'

The ink disappeared from the lambskin and Albus looked up at his friends. `` What in the name of Falco columbarius is this ? ``

`` I think it 's something the Marauders invented to ensure that they would never be gone from this school, '' rosiness said in awe, `` It 's astonishing. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Amanda grinned, `` Probably the easily wizardly thing I 've seen yet. ``

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

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

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

`` We already know their bountiful secrets, '' pink wine said, `` But how would we turn up it to a art object of parchment. ``

`` I 've got no estimation, '' Albus told her, `` I mean, I doubt we can just tell apart the lambskin. ``

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

`` Seems too uncomplicated, '' Rose said.

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

Albus did n't think it would wreak, but he did n't imagine it could really harm anything either. `` Worth a scene. '' Albus picked up the lambskin and stared at it. This seemed really silly when he thought about it. He was about to talk to a patch of lambskin. `` Here goes nothing. Let 's see, Moony is a loup-garou. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a stag, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat. ``

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

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

`` We 'll just have to cogitate on it, '' Albus replied. He had no idea how they were to prove to the new map that they knew the Marauders'enigma, but he had to find out. This sheepskin was perhaps even more interesting and magical than the Marauder 's Map, and he was going to figure it out.

`` What are you lot doing ? '' flatness sat up and was looking around with a confused look on his face. `` What time is it ? ``

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

Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda spent the side by side few minutes explaining about the new map to mat. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbolic representation on the piranha 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to present the writing, and how they had to prove that they knew the Marauders'secrets. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is brilliant, '' Matt commented.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's font fell as he realized that someone was going to have to represent Wormtail. nobody was going to want to be him.

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

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

`` He 's Padfoot, '' Matt yawned, `` He 's got to be. He 's loyal like a dog. Remember that detention last-place year in the trophy way, when he yelled at Washburn ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` right now, we 've got to chance a Wormtail, '' Amanda said. `` Who else are you three good champion with ? ``

`` No one, really. Just Bilius and Ethan, '' whoremaster explained, `` And whomever is Wormtail is going to find out about matte. ``

The friends all looked at lustrelessness, whose case had paled at hearing this. Albus had n't thought about that. He did n't desire anyone who resembled St. Peter the Apostle Pettigrew finding out about Matt. If that 's what it took to find out the secrets of this map, then the map would just stay on secret.

`` We 're not doing it, '' John the Evangelist said adamantly, `` No one like Wormtail is going to find out that lustrelessness is werewolf. ``

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

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

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

Albus thought about this. It could work. But could they really find someone they could trust enough to discover Matt 's secret ? Or, did they even have to reveal it ? Was it potential to do this without telling the fourth person ? `` Let 's just keep our centre out for soul who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll think about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them have intercourse about Matt, at least not for a while. Is that all right, lustrelessness ? ``

lustrelessness had fallen asleep again and jerked his head up when he heard his name. `` Huh ? Oh, yeah, that 's all rightfulness. ``

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

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

Albus and the others left the Room and walked back to Gryffindor tower. Albus thought about the new map and what it could possibly hold. It was obviously a more regard map than the piranha 's Map. Albus could only imagine what was actually on it. The prognosis of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even detect out. What were the probability of them finding someone who would be leave to be Wormtail ? And if they did find that someone, could they picture out the map without telling that person that Matt was a loup-garou ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



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

The prequel to mystery Within, life-time Is Good, has been posted and the maiden chapter is up. I 'll be updating it weekly, most likely on Tuesdays.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the next few days, Albus constantly thought about the new map. He kept it in his bag all the meter and found himself looking at it whenever he got the chance. He read the hint again and again, hoping to get something he missed before that would tell him how to show that he knew the Marauders'secret. Albus found that he could n't really centralize on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions test on Friday because he had so lots trouble settling down to learn the night before.

His school study was n't the only thing agony, either. Albus was also having a difficult time paying aid during Quidditch pattern. Seeing as the match against Slytherin was on Sabbatum, this could n't have happened at a worse meter. Georgia had to yell at him at to the lowest degree five times during drill on Friday, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' Georgia said once practice was over and everyone was starting to go back to the castle, `` Stay here for a second gear, I need to talk to you. ``

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

`` Albus, '' Georgia began, `` I know you 're a rattling chaser. That is why I chose you to be on the squad. It was not because you are my cousin. If one of the early mass who tried out played estimable than you, they would feature gotten in. You know perfectly well that I do not play front-runner. ``

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

`` You play wonderfully with Fred and Heather, which is why I chose you. You 've had experience working with them, and I thought that would help us. I think I know why your playacting has declined over the past few day, '' Sakartvelo softened her regard, `` You 're nervous. ``

Albus glanced up when his cousin said this. To order the truth, Albus had n't even thought about being nervous. But he was more than willing to blame his direful playing on heart. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely nervous during my offset match as well. But you are going to do fine. We 're going to crush Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll prove all those citizenry wrong who thought I was favoring my family, '' Georgia grinned.

Albus gave a half-hearted smiling. He had to stop thinking about that map, if only just for tomorrow. If not, it could be him his shoes on the team. `` Thanks. I 'll try to tranquilize down a bit. ``

`` good, '' Georgia replied, `` Now let 's get back to the rook. ``

******

Despite Albus 's deficiency of nerves the preceding few Clarence Shepard Day Jr., he was certainly making up for it on Sat aurora. He woke up with butterfly stroke in his stomach and could n't manage to eat anything for breakfast. uncollectible yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to concentrate on this friction match. His stead on the squad rested on it.

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

`` Yeah, just flighty, '' Albus mumbled. He had n't told any of his friends about Sakartvelo 's talk lastly night.

`` Well, you 'd meliorate win, '' Gabe Bourne, the fourth-year who Albus had beat during try-outs was glaring at him. `` If not, Georgia made a big mistake in choosing one of her cousin over me. ``

`` Shove off, bourne, '' Bradley sat down across from Albus and glared at Gabe. Gabe turned to glare at Bradley and then stalked off to the other end of the table. `` Do n't occupy about him. He thinks he 's best at everything. We 'll picture him. ``

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

Soon enough, Georgia announced that the team needed to go to the changing room. Albus 's friends wished him luck as he left with the team. The majority of the Gryffindor board cheered as they left, with Bourne and one of his friends glaring at Albus, but not clapping. Albus changed into his Quidditch robe in silence while the rest of the team talked animatedly around him. It seemed like Albus was the merely one who was nervous about this lucifer.

`` prison term to go, everyone ! '' Georgia announced.

Albus grabbed his broom and followed the balance of the squad out onto the delivery, with his warmness pounding fast. He gazed up at the crowd, never realizing before how many people actually attended Hogwarts. It was one matter to act as Quidditch during drill, but in front of everyone ? Albus was sure enough he 'd fall off his ling and humiliate the total team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor team ! '' Albus heard the familiar vox of Todd Smith booming over the pitch shot. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus thrower, King James I Potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Peach State Weasley, and Heather Weasley ! Georgia is the new police chief this twelvemonth, and Albus Potter has replaced Samantha Meyers as Chaser. Will he be able to populate up to her legacy ? Only meter will separate. ``

Albus gulped when he heard that. Why did Sweeney Todd have to say that ? Albus felt as if every eye in the stadium was focused on him. Albus stood next to Henry James as they waited for the Slytherin team to come onto the field. James I sent him a supportive grin that Albus returned nervously.

`` And here are the Slytherins ! Ferris Fielding, Talan Flint, fishgig Goyle, Peyton James Langston Hughes, Garth Octavius, Hailey Odele, and Jackson Naiser ! The Slytherins have replaced their quester since live twelvemonth. Garth Octavius is the new Seeker. ``

Albus remembered Sakartvelo telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin Seeker from last year, had been utterly incapable of catching the stoolpigeon. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as inept, but he doubted it.

`` mount your Scots heather, '' Professor Oteski announced, `` Ready, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's whistle. He took a few late breathing spell to clear his foreland and tried to block out the crowd 's cheering and booing. He glanced around the sales talk and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the other side of the field in order to get away from Odele, who was flying right next to him. With his faster Scots heather, he was away from her in no clip. He could do this, Albus thought.

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

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

`` sexual conquest ! Slytherin scores the first end of the secret plan, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Todd announced.

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

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

`` Albus ceramicist is really flying now ! He 's got that brilliant Firebolt 2000 that GA has. I believe they are the merely two in the school to have one, '' Smith called out.

Albus ignored David Smith 's commentary and continued flying. He passed James, who gave him a thumbs up. Henry Fielding was hot on his buttocks now. Albus looked around, he needed to pass the Quaffle. Heather was open and Albus gave the Quaffle a concentrated pass. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin goal spot. She threw it at the midsection basketball hoop and it sailed through.

`` grievance ! '' Smith announced, `` Heather Weasley has scored, making the game tied with 10 detail each. ``

Albus grinned at heather mixture and flew to the Slytherin destination posts. He waited for Goyle to put away the Quaffle back out, and let his mind wander to the map. Albus had n't really thought about it at all so far, which was soundly. Who could they get to map Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the meter. Every person he passed in the halls made Albus marvel, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never find anyone. Albus, lavatory, and Matt were destined to just be a group of three friends, and that was n't going to bring for the new map. Why would n't it just accept rose or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of form, neither girl would gibe to representing the traitor that was Peter Pettigrew anyway.

`` Albus ! '' A loud articulation jerked Albus back into the catch. He looked up and saw that Heather was glaring at him. He shook his head word and started flying again.

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

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

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

`` Albus ! '' Georgia shouted, `` You can do this ! Just concentrate ! ``

Albus nodded and sped down the pitch. He could do this. He just had to get his intellect off the map. There would be plenty of time to compute it out later. Quidditch, Quaffle, scoring goals, that was what he had to suppose about now. Fred passed him the Quaffle and he continued flying towards Goyle. Henry Fielding was on his tail again and he passed the Quaffle to Calluna vulgaris, who was open.

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

`` Potter has caught the fink ! '' Smith announced happily, `` Gryffindor wins with 230 points ! ``

Cheers erupted in the stand, with the Gryffindors storming the pitch. Albus landed happily next to Saint James the Apostle. It was over, his firstly Quidditch match was over. He breathed a suspiration of relief. They had won, Albus was not going to be kicked off the team. He stood there grinning with the eternal sleep of the team as their fellow Gryffindors clapped them on the book binding and high-fived them. Albus had never been a fan of this sort of affair before, but he did n't really mind it right now.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John broke through the crowd, followed by Matt, Rose, and Amanda.

`` Excellent, '' lustrelessness grinned.

`` You were awesome, '' Rose agreed.

`` goodness mate, '' Amanda added.

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

`` Department of Energy n't matter, '' Matt replied, `` You had quite a few assists, and we won so it 's all trade good. ``

`` Party in the green room ! '' one of the sometime students shouted. Everyone else cheered and the crowd started to make a motion slowly to the castle.

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

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

`` Of course you will. The maiden catch is always the most nerve-wracking, '' Harry replied.

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

`` well, I 've got to owl mum and let her acknowledge you 're all right, '' Harry laughed, `` She gets so worried about Quidditch. ``

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

Albus walked to the green elbow room with his Friend and when they got there the green way was already filling up. Everyone congratulated Albus as he entered, telling him what a bang-up job he did that day. Albus smiled at them and thanked them, but he broke into a huge grin when he saw Victoire and Amy sitting at one of the tables.

`` You made it ! '' Albus shouted over the noise. `` Did you see the peer ? ``

`` Sure did ! '' Victoire replied. `` You were an excellent chaser. ``

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` goodness, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're able to heal tyke excision and bruises right now, although about of the clobber we 've learned is theoretical. It 's all quite charm, though. ``

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

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

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

`` That is mad, '' John shook his header, `` Why would anyone desire to be in school that long ? ``

`` I would n't listen, '' rose wine grinned.

`` Of course you would n't, '' John laughed.

`` We 've learned a bit of Muggle medicine, '' Victoire told them, `` Just in case we ever have to do by Muggles. wizardly healing does n't have much of an result on them. ``

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

`` If Muggles use phonograph needle, then I agree, '' King John said.

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

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

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

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

`` What are stitches ? '' John asked.

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

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

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

`` Albus ! '' Saint James the Apostle walked over to their board with a butterbeer in his hand. `` Great first mates ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` fantabulous taking into custody. ``

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

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

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

Albus was startled by the alteration in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the past few days. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not want to be around him anymore and found his own booster. Albus had not really paid a great deal attention to his footling first cousin since he told Malfoy that lusterlessness gets sick every month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

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

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

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

`` Er, '' Albus looked at matte and then back at James, `` He variety of told soul something that I told him to save tranquil about. ``

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

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

`` Be friends with him again ! ''

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

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

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

`` Kaden, '' Albus replied.

`` full job on the match. ``

`` Thanks. ``

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

`` Did n't think he 'd commence annoying James River, '' Rose commented.

`` brand mother wit, though, '' Albus said.

`` I take it you 're not going to excuse ? '' Matt asked.

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

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

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

******

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

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

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

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

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

`` Well, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old schoolhouse and my old Friend. piddling did I know that I would get along to be intimate this place even more and make even in force friends. ``

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

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

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

`` Well, he 's very pestering, to say the least. He thinks everything about the witching world is fantastic and that magic can solve everything, '' Albus explained.

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

`` Yeah, but he did n't appear to empathise, '' Albus replied, `` Anyway, he latched himself onto me and started following us around everywhere. It got very irritating, but we tolerated it. Then, the day of the first total moon, Kaden got cat and Madam Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really astonish him and he came back to the mutual room praising madam Pomfrey and her potions. He came over to where we were sitting and he noticed how ill Matt looked. ``

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

`` Yeah, he insisted that Matt go see brothel keeper Pomfrey. I tried to explicate that magic could n't fix everything, but he just would n't take heed. We told him to stop going on and on about healing potions, but he would n't. Matt left because he had to go to the hospital Wing, and I yelled at Kaden. However, the fighting did n't finale long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't know about Matt, therefore he had no estimation that what he said was hurtful. I explained to Kaden once again that there were things that legerdemain could n't resolve, and that Matt had a disease that trick could n't solve- ''

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

`` Of grade not, '' matte assured her, `` He 's still got no melodic theme. ``

`` goodness. ``

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

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the exact Sami time. Amy 's face lost all color as she stared at Albus.

`` He did. We were lying around the ground after Quidditch praxis and Kaden wanted to investigate it. We told him legion times not to, but he did anyway. He got hit a couple times, but eventually he wound up inside the tunnel. ``

Amy turned to her buddy with a look of awe on her nerve. `` Did he follow it ? '' she whispered.

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

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

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

`` Oh, Falco columbarius, '' Victoire sighed, `` I 'm guessing he told somebody ? ``

`` You 're decent, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some strange intellect, known only to my dullard full cousin, he decided to evidence Scorpius Malfoy that Matt gets fed up every once and a spell, and tell him about the Whomping willow ! ``

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

`` And Malfoy has been trying to ascertain out where I go every month and now he 's got more cue. Up until now we 've been telling him that I have to visit my sick nan, but that wo n't work anymore, '' mat explained. `` It 's only a matter of time before he finds out. ``

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

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

`` Not secure, this is not good, '' Amy started pacing, `` Have you told any of the teachers ? ``

`` No, '' Matt answered.

`` You 've got to. He ca n't go exploring that tree diagram, he just ca n't, '' Amy told them. `` We 'll go tell Kendrick now. come in on, lustrelessness. ``

flatness stood up, his face as picket as Amy 's. `` All right. '' He reluctantly followed his sister out of the Room.

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

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

They all sat in silence for a few moments, all lost in their own intellection. Albus had n't really given Kaden much thought the past times few daytime. He 'd been much too busy thinking about the map. But now, the incident with Kaden was back in the strawman of his nous. What was Kendrick going to do about Malfoy ? What if he decided that Matt could n't delay in school anymore now that mass knew about the tunnel ? Albus shuddered at the cerebration of his friend being kicked out of school because of what Kaden had done.

`` Albus, '' Victoire said quietly, `` I know what Kaden did was horrible. Hell, I 'm mad at him now and I do n't really be intimate him. But I really think there is More to this than meets the eye. I do n't know why he told Malfoy, but I do n't think he just randomly decided to tell Malfoy. I really think you ought to remember about forgiving him, or at least asking him why he told Malfoy. ``

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

`` I kind of agree with Victoire, '' Rose whispered, `` I do n't think he really meant to cave in Malfoy clew about matt 's lycanthropy. ``

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

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

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` fine, '' Rose snapped.

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

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

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

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

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



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his friends sat around the Room of requisite for the next half hour, waiting for Matt to fall back. Nobody said much, but Albus could tell that they were all worried about what was going to materialise. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the door to the room open. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

lusterlessness ran over to his friends with a smile on his face. `` Not a good deal. ``

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

`` Nope ! '' flatness grinned. `` Kendrick said he 'd accept attention of it and no one 's going to be able-bodied to get into the passage anymore. ``

`` That 's great ! '' Albus replied. He was very relieved. It would not have been reasonable for matte to ingest to give Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's foolishness.

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

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

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

`` Good, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' John said tentatively, `` nobody can get into the passageway now ? ``

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

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

matt turned and glared at him, `` Are you harebrained ? There 's no way I 'd take you into the Shrieking hut. ``

`` It could have been like our own plebeian elbow room, '' Saint John the Apostle continued.

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

`` All rightfield, fine, '' trick sighed, `` Would 've been cool, though. ``

******

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

`` Who 's that old dame up there ? '' Amanda pointed to the staff board. There was a brusk old witch with a patched and frayed hat sitting where Professor Longbottom usually sat.

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He looked up towards the roof as the Emily Price Post owls started to arrive. Rose 's mob owl made a beeline for her and stood waiting for her to take the missive off.

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

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

`` You know, I never really remember about the teachers having household, '' Matt commented.

`` Well, we met professor Longbottom 's wife at the Leaky Cauldron over the summer, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, but I do n't really think of her that well, '' Matt explained, `` I did n't sense too great that day. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' lavatory remembered, `` And professor Potter obviously has a family. '' can grinned at Albus.

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

Matt laughed, `` I wonder about the early instructor, though. ``

`` I think Patil is married, '' Rose told them, `` Slughorn is n't, but I 'm not trusted about the others. ``

`` May I have your attention ? '' Kendrick stood up and banged his spoonful against his goblet. `` Thank you. I have two announcement this morn. The first gear one is that it has come to my attending that a few of you have not heeded my warnings about staying away from the Whomping Willow. I must tell you again how dangerous it is. ``

Albus stole a coup d'oeil at Kaden, who was steadily turning more pink. Albus glared at him and this made him turn a brilliantly shade of red.

`` As an added safeguard, I have put a few wards around it that will inform me when soul disregard my principle. There will be severe punishment for anyone who is caught around the tree, '' Kendrick said sternly.

`` On a unaccented tone, I 'm sure you all have noticed that prof Longbottom is not here today. ``

Most of the other scholarly person started whispering among themselves, no doubt wondering why this could be considered a 'lighter short letter'.

`` Yes, yes, no need to worry. Professor Longbottom 's married woman has had a babe girl and he will be gone for a few calendar week. Professor Sprout, who taught here yr ago has offered to lease his lieu until he returns, '' Kendrick gestured to the honest-to-goodness witch.

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

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

`` I hope Sprout is Nice, '' matte said as he and the others wandered around the curtilage after breakfast. It was a very mild day for November and to the highest degree of the students were outside enjoying the weather.

`` She is, '' Albus assured him. `` My parents had her. So did most of my aunts and uncles. ``

`` Mine, too, '' lav said.

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

`` goodness, '' Matt smiled, `` It seems like we have n't got any bastardly instructor this year. ``

The grouping spent the morning wandering around the evidence, putting off the preparation they should have been doing. They talked some more about the map, but nobody had any musical theme as to how to get it to work or who could represent Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to question if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a unanimous lot easy than trying to head off him, like he had been doing the retiring month and a half.

`` I do n't think we 're going to be able to neglect Kaden forever, '' Albus announced as they were laying underneath a beechwood tree diagram near the lake.

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

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

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

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

`` I still do n't care him, '' John said adamantly, `` I mean, maybe if he 'd get a line how to shut his oral fissure, I 'd like him salutary. ``

`` Maybe there 's some kind of spell we can use to get him not to verbalise about thing he 's not supposed to, '' Amanda laughed.

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

`` We probably should, '' flatness replied quietly. `` No one can get into the Tree now, and Malfoy 's going to incur out eventually, '' he sighed, `` It 's only a matter of time. He 'll get hold out whether Kaden gives him hint or not. He 's wise. Kaden wo n't picture it out until mortal tells him, but Malfoy will find out on his own. It 's only a subject of when. ``

Albus stared at his acquaintance. Albus did not believe Matt would ever be friendly with Kaden again, but what he said actually made sense. Malfoy was going to find out. `` It 's all right with you if I forgive him ? ``

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

Albus sighed. He knew the properly thing to do was to just forgive Kaden. Albus knew that as soon as he made up with Kaden, Kaden would start hovering around them again. He just wished Kaden would find his own Quaker. But it did n't look like that was going to happen anytime soon. Every meter Albus saw Kaden, he was either alone or with Henry James.

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

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've got to find Slughorn, '' rose announced as she stood up. `` I need to talk to him about that final essay. Want to total, Amanda ? '' Amanda nodded and the two girls took off for the castle.

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

`` Probably, '' Albus grinned as the three male child started walking back to the rook. They joined the vauntingly mathematical group of scholarly person now running towards the castling as it got darker outside.

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

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

`` Sounds good, maybe we can figure out how to work the new map, '' Albus said. `` After all, once I talk to Kaden, we wo n't be able to sneak off there without him wondering where we are. ``

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

`` I 've got to, John, '' Albus sighed. `` He 's my cousin-german. ``

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

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

The boy continued their journeying up to the one-seventh floor corridor. They were halfway down the sixth base corridor, heading towards the stairs, when Matt stopped in his lead. Albus stared at him quizzically, wondering why he had stopped. `` What 's wrongfulness ? '' he whispered.

Matt said naught but pulled his two friends into a nearby empty schoolroom. He shut the room access and turned to face his friends. `` There 's people whispering just around the corner. ``

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

`` Are you mad ? '' John stared at him, `` We were the only 1 out there. ``

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

`` No you 're not, '' lav laughed, `` I 'm supposed to be Dog Star. You 're Remus. ``

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

`` Oh, rightfield, '' Albus replied, remembering that lycanthrope did sustain superior earshot. `` Well, what was it ? ``

`` There 's at least two masses out there and one sounds scared, '' Matt explained.

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

`` Yeah, definitely scholar. ``

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

`` Let 's go investigate, '' Saint John said mischievously.

Albus was undecided if he wanted to go see who was whispering around the corner or not. He was definitely curious, but he did n't require to get hexed. Eventually, his oddity beat out his fear. `` All right. ``

`` Hold out your wands, '' Matt instructed as he opened the door. The male child crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the street corner. As they got closer, Albus could start to make out bit of conversation.

`` Come on ! '' an icy vox seethed, `` You know to a greater extent. Just recite us and we wo n't hex you. ``

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

Albus quickened his stride. soul was going to hex person. He had to cease them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the voices, but he could n't quite place them.

The boys rounded the recess and Albus saw why he recognized the articulation. Scorpius Malfoy and Felix Willinson were standing with their sceptre pointed at Kaden, who was leaning on the wall, his hand shakily holding his wand out in front of him. Albus stopped in his rails, and John and Matt did the Same. Neither Malfoy, Willinson, or Kaden had noticed them yet.

`` Just tell me what 's beyond the burrow, Dursley, '' Willinson snarled.

`` I do n't have a go at it ! '' Kaden repeated.

`` prevaricator, '' Malfoy raised his wand a little higher.

That was it. Albus could n't bear to take in Malfoy interrogating his full cousin like that. All his bitter thoughts toward Kaden flew out the window the moment Albus saw Kaden 's terrify typeface. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's scepter sailed out of his deal and landed on the floor a few fundament down the corridor. John ran forward and grabbed it.

Albus and lusterlessness stepped forward as Malfoy and Willinson turned around. `` Well, if it is n't ceramist, '' Malfoy spat. `` What can you possibly want ? ``

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

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

Albus did n't give out eye middleman with Malfoy, but he knew Matt had gone tweed following to him. `` Why would you mean I know where it goes ? ``

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

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

At the same sentence, John shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' and Willinson 's baton sailed neatly into King John 's hand.

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

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

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

`` Fine, '' Malfoy smirked, `` gauge your cousin-german will get hexed. ``

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

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

`` Dueling in the corridors, '' a heaving part behind them said. `` That 's against the rule. ``

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

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

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

`` If I 've learned anything over the old age, '' Filch growled, `` It 's that Slytherins are never inexperienced person. ``

Albus stifled a laugh as he followed Filch down the hallway. Nobody said anything as Filch led them into his cramped spot. It was very difficult for the six male child to fit within and everyone was too close for consolation.

Filch went through his usual routine of filling out forms and filing them in the adjust cabinet. He smirked as he filed Albus 's mannequin. `` Seems you 'll accept a file nearly as big as your father and granddaddy 's by the clock time you graduate. ``

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

Albus did n't accept to be asked twice. He was the offset one out the door, followed quickly by Matt, John Lackland, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the dungeons, Albus began to chair his acquaintance up the step. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor Tower. Kaden stuck to them like individual had affixed a permanent sticking charm on him, but Albus did n't mind. He needed to talk to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the reason he told Malfoy about the passageway in the Whomping willow ?

When they got to the common room, it was packed. There was hardly any way for them. Albus wordlessly lead them up to his dorm and shut the door behind them. toilet and Matt sat down on Matt 's bed, but Albus and Kaden remained standing.

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

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

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

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

`` Kaden, this one was n't your fault, '' Albus insisted, `` It was Malfoy and Willinson 's flaw. speech production of them, want to tell us what 's been going on ? '' Albus had n't paid an ounce of attention to his full cousin since their big combat over a month ago, but Albus was trusted that this was n't an isolated incident with the Slytherins.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Kaden, sometimes you do things that I just do n't understand, '' Albus explained, `` But I 'll always care about you. You 're my cousin and zippo can change that. ``

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

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

Kaden nodded, tears starting to spill out of his oculus. `` You 're not mad at me anymore ? ``

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

Kaden nodded and turned to John and flatness. `` Are you two still mad at me ? ``

can and Matt looked at each other and then shook their heads. `` No, we 've been mad at you long enough, '' mat told him.

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

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

`` Did n't believe so, '' Kaden replied, `` But it was worth a shot. Anyway, I have n't had a probability to state you, but I still think football is comfortably than Quidditch. ``

`` Are you mad ? ! '' St. John the Apostle and Matt shouted at the Lapp metre. Both of them had look of disgust on their faces.

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

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

`` We 'll convey him to the Cup, '' Matt decided, `` No matter where it is. We 'll go and prove to him that Quidditch is honorable. ``

`` It wo n't change my psyche, '' Kaden replied.

`` Once you see the carom play, you 'll alter your mind, '' Matt told him as he stood up.

`` The cannon ? '' whoremonger laughed and walked over to the room access, `` Are you the harebrained one now ? ``

`` Not at the moment, no, '' Matt smirked. John and Albus burst out laughing at John 's choice of run-in and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

`` Another thing I do n't get to know ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yup, '' the three early boy said at the Saami time.

`` Anyway, '' John continued as they left the way, `` The Cannons are the uncollectible squad, you do n't want to see them playact. It 's not like they 'll make it to the league Cup. ``

lustrelessness punched him playfully in the arm, `` Do n't insult my team like that. It 's not same Puddlemre United is doing often better. ``

This time it was John the Evangelist 's turn to punch matt in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the Cannons can ever desire to be. ``

lavatory and Matt continued their argument all the way down into the common room, with Kaden paying rapt attention. Albus smiled as he watched them. Maybe Kaden could fit in with their mathematical group after all.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't direct long for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's group of friends. By the end of the week, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their common act of doing homework in the vernacular room after dinner. Of grade, that did not start until after the boys served their detention with Filch. The caretaker had them clean almost every lav in the entire castle. This was a tense affair due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the detention alongside them. Albus was quite happy when the detention was over.

All in all, school was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his year and Quidditch and the Dueling order were going well, too. Albus managed to shove aside his view of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased Georgia greatly. The downside to having Kaden back was that Albus and his other Quaker could n't really pilfer off to the room of Requirement anymore, unless they wanted to get Kaden. They all liked Kaden well enough, but none of them really wanted the new boy to know about the room yet. That, and they did n't require Kaden to know about the map. He did n't even know about the regular predator 's Map. So, Albus had no pick but to just think about the map, rather than mess around with it.

As November turned into December, snow fell upon the grounds and students of all ages flocked to them to suffer snow ball fights. Albus and his admirer took percentage in quite a few, usually being crushed by the older students. Albus enjoyed these fights immensely, but thoughts of the new map were always in the cover of his mind. He just wished they could have some fourth dimension away from Kaden to investigate it some more. The opportunity to do just that arose one day in the beginning of Dec. Kaden was not doing too well in Transfiguration and one of the older Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few former first twelvemonth in the library.

Albus immediately shut his charm account book after Kaden left the uncouth room. `` All right, he 's gone. Let 's go to the way. ``

`` You 're awfully aegir for him to pull up stakes, '' John smirked, `` I thought you did n't mind him so much now. ``

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

`` Do you remember you know how to work it ? '' Matt asked.

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

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

The group left the crowded common room and followed the intimate path to the Room. Once there, they took their common seats and waited for Albus tell apart them his idea.

`` wellspring, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and spread it out on the board. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, think of what I tried to tell the map in conclusion meter ? I think I should compose that on the map. ``

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

matte and Amanda stared at Albus in daze, but rosebush did n't appear fazed at all.

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

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

`` Have you got any undecomposed melodic theme ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, no, but- ''

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

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

`` Thank you, Rose. ``

`` At least write it really pocket-size, '' Matt suggested, `` That way if it is n't the correct way, it wo n't mess up it up. ``

Albus nodded. That made sense. `` All right. '' He took a deep breathing time. `` Here it goes. I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The associate ink appeared on the parchment, telling Albus that he needed to prove he knew all the Marauders'closed book. He looked up at his acquaintance, who were all wearing looks of expectancy. Albus grabbed a quill and an ink pot. He poised his shaft over the lambskin and wrote in very petite letters,

'Moony is a werewolf. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a stag, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat .'
Albus put the quill down and stared at the parchment. Everyone watched in complete silence. The ink disappeared into the map and Amanda let out a pant. A few present moment later, new words appeared.

'Close, but not quite .'

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

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

`` Department of Energy n't matter anyway, we do n't have a Wormtail, '' lustrelessness pointed out.

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

`` How do we subtly tell a piece of parchment that we know the Marauders'secrets ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

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

`` dear point in time, '' John Lackland said.

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

Albus had n't thought of that. Of course the Marauders would n't get just had them write something on the map. It was too well-situated. `` right hand, so they liked getting in fuss. They would probably need us to do something that might get us in trouble. ``

`` And most likely unsafe, '' pink wine added.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. The marauder spent their Hogwarts vocation causing difficulty and doing unsafe things. They obviously would want people just as daring to be the next Marauders.

`` How can it be life-threatening to try out that we know their secrets ? '' John asked.

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

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

`` We could draw paw prints on it, '' privy laughed.

blush wine 's face lit up. `` John, that 's it ! ``

`` Drawing paw photographic print ? '' John stared at her, `` How 's that dangerous ? ``

`` No, not that. But the paw photographic print idea, '' rose grinned mischievously, `` We 've got to get a lycanthrope, hart, dog, and rat paw print onto the map. ``

The idea sounded ridiculous to Albus, but it did appear like the sort of thing the Marauders would do. It would definitely be grievous to get the paw prints, and hard as well. Not many masses would actually be able to get them all. It was insidious as well. No one would have any idea what the paw mark would mean unless they knew the Marauders'secret. The solitary affair he did n't like about it was the melodic theme of a bunch of animals trampling the map.

They all stared at Rose, who was looking quite happy with the mind. Eventually, Albus spoke. `` Are you sure as shooting ? ``

`` Not positive, '' Rose answered, `` There 's only one way to find out. What do you lot believe ? ``

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

`` Is that a word ? '' Rose laughed.

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

`` trade good idea, blush wine, '' John agreed.

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

`` Makes sensation, '' Matt replied.

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

`` delay, '' Albus said, `` I really do n't like the theme of creature stepping on the map. What if it gets ripped accidentally. ``

`` skillful point, '' Rose sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few moments, then Rose had another idea. `` What if we use unlike while of parchment and then use a transference appeal to put them on the map ? ``

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

They all stared at each early and rock their heads. `` Er, that might be a trouble, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm pretty trusted that charm is well past O.W.L. ``

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

`` We 're lucky you 're such a book louse, rosebush, '' John laughed.

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

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

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

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

`` Christmas ? '' John Lackland sighed, `` I thought we 'd throw it done before that. ``

`` It might take me a while to figure out the charm anyway, '' rose wine commented.

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

`` Great, Slytherin territory, '' John the Evangelist groaned.

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

Albus glanced around at his friends. He was n't real fond of rat and would prefer not to receive to persuade one around in his bag all day.

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

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

`` Good, '' Albus said, `` We 've got the dog and the rat covered. Next is the stag. That 'll be a bit more unmanageable. ``

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

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

`` We do n't have to go to the Forbidden Forest, '' rosiness announced, `` We 've just got to go to a forest. I live right near a woods, Albus and I can try and get the print over Christmastime. ``

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

`` The werewolf one, '' matt whispered. Albus and the others turned to search at Matt. He had been very hushed over the yesteryear few minutes and Albus noticed that he was paler than usual. Albus could empathize why. The werewolf paw photographic print could possibly be the most dangerous one to get.

`` You know, '' rosiness said quietly, `` This is why the paw photographic print affair makes so often common sense to me. I highly doubt a steady wolf print is going to make for. And if this really is the way to get the map to work, the only way to get a werewolf paw photographic print would be if a werewolf was at Hogwarts. ``

Albus thought about this and it made consummate sense. This would be one way for the predator to make sure that the new Marauders would hold at least one similarity to the originals. `` But how do we get it ? We obviously ca n't go into the Shrieking shack the night of the full phase of the moon moon. ``

The room fell quiet as everyone tried to intend of a way that they could safely get a werewolf 's paw print. Albus had no mind. They could n't exactly try and stun Matt while he was transformed like they were planning on doing with the rat and the stag.

`` All right, '' Matt sighed after a few min. `` I 've got an melodic theme. ``

Albus and the rest period of his admirer said nothing but watched as they waited for lusterlessness to enlarge. Albus could tell that flatness really did n't desire to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to influence ?

`` We go down to the screaming shack a couple days before the full lunar month and stick a few pieces of self-inking parchment to the flooring. Hopefully I 'll step on one of them and we 'll have a paw mark, '' Matt explained quietly.

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

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

`` We 'll get caught, '' blush wine said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Oh, right. ``

`` When 's the succeeding full moonlight ? '' Albus asked.

`` Next workweek, '' Matt sighed, `` Are we doing it that soon ? ``

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

`` Perfect, '' Rose grinned, `` And I 'll start searching the subroutine library for the spell. Hopefully we 'll let it figured out right after Christmastide. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus replied. He was excited. They were stopping point to figuring this out ; he could feel it.

`` fountainhead, I 've got preparation to do, '' Rose announced as she pulled out a few Good Book from her bag.

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

The radical worked silently on their homework for a while, only talking when they needed to ask questions about it. Albus tried his estimable to concentrate on his Transfiguration essay, but his mind kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw prints faster. Albus was very uneasy to observe out what this map had in memory for them. Of course, they still had to find soul to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to bear on that cerebration from his mind.

`` It 's so quiet down, '' lavatory said, tapping his quill on his book.

`` Nice, is n't it ? '' Rose smiled.

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

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

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

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

That 's it ! Albus dropped his quill and stared at Rose. Of course of study ! Why had n't he realized it before ? Kaden did succeed them around and practically worship the flat coat they walked on. Kaden was Wormtail.

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

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

`` Who ? '' John asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? ! '' whoremaster, Matt, pink wine, and Amanda shouted at once.

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

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

`` Not really, '' trick said.

`` Just listen, '' Albus sighed. `` First, we 've got to call back what the map said when I told it I was Prongs. It said 'four Gryffindors connected by friendly relationship and mischief'. The three of us are obviously connected through both. '' Albus gestured to toilet and Matt. `` But we need a quartern someone. Since they have to be somehow connected through us, we ca n't just pick a random student. Can you think of anyone besides Kaden that we have gotten in trouble with ? ``

`` Not really, '' John the Evangelist said after a few second muteness.

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

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

Albus looked at his Quaker for a moment before responding. Albus talked the least about Wormtail than all the other vulture. Obviously, Albus felt a deep hatred for Simon Peter Pettigrew, and this resulted in him not wanting to speak about him. So Albus 's booster really did n't fuck a whole lot about him. Just the theatrical role that had to do with him betraying Albus 's grandparents. `` Well, we 've got to commend that when the vulture made this map they were friends with Wormtail. He had n't betrayed them yet. He did get good lineament, as much as I hate saying that, '' Albus said grimly.

`` So what are these qualities ? '' John asked skeptically.

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

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

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

`` Sounds like Kaden, '' mat agreed.

`` Definitely, '' bathroom replied.

`` You know, '' rosebush began, `` Wormtail obviously caved under threats and Kaden did, too. ``

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

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

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

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' rose said, `` I think he wo n't listen as long as he gets to be a part of this. ``

`` The map 's not the only thing we 're going to have to recite him, is it ? '' mat said quietly, `` He 's going to get out what I am. ``

This was the share that Albus had tried to avoid thinking about ever since he first realized what they had to do to play the new map. Whoever was going to stand for Wormtail was going to bump out that Matt was a werewolf, there was no avoiding it. It was section of the reason that Albus had n't really thought about who would be Wormtail. Albus knew flatness did n't want anyone else to find out. He never even really narrate Albus and the others. They had found out on their own. Albus knew Kaden would never recover out on his own ; he was just too oblivious. He needed to have it away, though, if he was going to be a part of this. Otherwise, he could n't really be one of the new Marauders. Albus just had a gut feeling about that. But was it worth it to secern him ? Especially when he already told Malfoy everything Albus had told him to preserve enigma ? Albus sighed, `` I think so. If we 're going to do this, Kaden will have to know. ``

`` We ca n't do it then, '' Matt said adamantly, `` I ca n't tell him. I just ca n't. He 'll secernate Malfoy and then the unit of Slytherin will know and then soon the whole school will know and they 'll order their parents and they 'll complain and Kendrick will have to kick me out. But then it wo n't count anyway because all of Wizarding Britain will hump and no one will want to be around me or my crime syndicate again and it will be just like Australia- ''

`` Matt, '' Albus cut him off. He was getting hysterical. `` Calm down, that 's not going to happen. ``

`` How do you know ? '' mat whispered in a rickety voice.

`` Because Kaden wo n't distinguish anyone, '' Rose interjected.

`` Not if I do n't secernate him, '' mat replied, `` And I 'm not going to order him. You lot ca n't either, you promised. ``

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

`` I do n't, '' Matt said in a slightly trashy voice.

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

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

`` Yes. I vaguely remember reading about it in a Quran. I 'm for sure if I went to the library I could find it, '' Rose explained. `` I 'll just expect for it when I 'm researching the transference charm. ``

Albus 's promise soared high again, `` first-class ! Would you be willing to differentiate him if rosiness found this while ? ``

Albus held his breathing place as he watched flatness think about it. `` I, '' matt paused, `` Suppose that could work .... But, only if we try out the spell with a less of import secret first. ``

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

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could feel it. They would unlock the enigma of this new sheepskin. Albus was so shiver with the prospect of finally discovering what the new map held, he could hardly kip that Night. He was n't the only one, either. Albus heard matt and John tossing and turning all dark, over the strait of Ethan and Bilius 's snoring. Although, Albus suspected matt 's sleepless night was more due to boldness than excitement. Judging by the look on his look as they went back to the common room that evening, he was still loth to let Kaden in on his large secret.



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



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the succeeding sunup, he found that he was overcome with nerves about stealing his father 's invisibility Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the excitement about the map the Nox before that he had n't really given it a bit thought. But now that the approximation had simmered overnight, he realized that the plan might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the Invisibility Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the previous year. Of course of instruction, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to sneak it back right after he was done with his late night stroll to the Shrieking Shack, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even likely ? Albus had no idea how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't have much use for it at Hogwarts because teachers could drift around wherever and whenever they wanted.

Albus did n't even know where his Father kept the cloak. He was planning on just trying a summoning magic spell as King James I had done to retrieve the Marauder 's Map. Albus just hoped that the cloak attempt would go just as smoothly. Harry still had n't noticed that the Map was missing. Either that or he knew James took it and was just letting him keep it. As Albus 's thought process went to the pilot Marauder 's Map, he remembered that he still had n't given it back to James.

Albus remained distracted throughout his morning course and by the clock time dejeuner came, he was almost as nervous as he had been for the maiden Quidditch match. Nobody said much as Albus picked at his food, well nobody except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his morning classes until he had to allow for Potions a little while later. Once he was gone, Albus was barren to utter about their plan. `` I 'm not certain if this is going to work. ``

`` It worked for the marauder 's Map, '' rosiness reminded him.

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

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

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

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

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

`` But we 'll get caught by Filch if we try to filch out at night without the cloak, '' matte whispered.

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

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

`` faith me, Albus, '' rosiness said, `` It 'll work. We 'll sneak the cloak back before Uncle Harry even knows it 's gone. ``

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the staff board, `` We 'll just wait a yoke to a greater extent minutes. ``

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

`` Good melodic theme, '' flatness agreed, `` No one will imagine anything of it if the two of you go into his agency. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the best way to do it. If all five of them went, prospect are they would establish decent haphazardness to pull in another instructor. Albus was relieved that Rose was going to go, though. She was much honorable at summoning charms than Albus was.

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

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

Albus and pink wine had lingered long enough at the tabular array that the corridors were practically hollow, economize for a few sprawling students who were much more intent on making it to socio-economic class than giving Albus and blush wine a endorsement glance. They quietly made their way to Harry 's office, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom. Judging from the tacky war cry that were emitted from the bathroom, Peeves had just finished making fun of poor Myrtle.

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

rose wine did n't search in phased in the to the lowest degree. `` Just use Alohamora. ``

Albus looked at her skeptically. Why would Harry bother to lock his door with a good luck charm that anyone could open ?

`` Just do it, '' Rose insisted, `` He 's got a charm on there that recognizes his magical signature tune. Yours will be close enough to his that it 'll open for you, too. It worked with James conclusion twelvemonth. It wo n't work with me, though. I tried. King James thought it was incredibly risible. ``

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

Harry 's office looked much like it had the lastly prison term Albus had been in it. sheepskin, books, and other miscellaneous objective were strewn around all over the plaza, cluttering up the desk, sofa, and chairperson. The bedroom door had been left overt and Albus could see that that way was just as messy, with robe laying on the bed and transcript of the Prophet on the floor.

`` Does he ever clean up ? '' Rose asked disgustedly, `` I mean, really. This is worsened than James IV 's room. ``

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

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

rosebush must experience been thinking the same thing. She wrenched the trunk open and pointed her wand at it. `` Accio Invisibility Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

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

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

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

`` We 'll do it the heavily way, '' Rose sighed, `` You take the closet, I 'll learn the trunk. ''

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

`` Got it ! '' rosiness announced, `` Bottom of the trunk ! ``

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

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

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

Relief washed over Albus when he made it into the Room a few minutes later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's heart still beat dissolute with adrenaline as he ran into the elbow room and grinned at his friends. The frisson of what he and Rose had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the invisibleness Cloak. It was the first Marauder-like matter he had done. He knew this was exactly what the marauder had wanted him to do. To break linguistic rule and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' lav ran over with a glimmer of upheaval in his center. mat and Amanda were right behind him sporting very grins on their faces.

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

`` It was incredibly well-heeled, '' blush wine laughed. `` I found it right in Uncle Harry 's trunk. ``

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

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

mat put the cloak on and disappeared from horizon. He reappeared a few seconds later. `` That is so cool. ``

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

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

Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Amanda. john and Matt stood future to him as he threw the cloak over their headland. Albus had been under the cloak with King James I, Lily, and his cousins before, so he was used to how cramped it was, but his admirer weren't.

`` Watch it, '' privy snapped as Matt stepped on his foot.

`` Sorry, '' Matt muttered. `` This is going to be difficult. ``

`` Can you see us ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nope, '' rosebush said, `` Walk around the room a few times. ``

The boy walked slowly around the room, making sure not to queer any of their limbs. John and Matt started to get the hang of it after a few minutes of practice and they were soon able to go a minuscule faster.

`` perfective tense, '' Amanda announced after the fourth time they circled the elbow room. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What Night should we do this ? '' John Lackland asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Saturday because I 've got Quidditch pattern that morning and I 'm going to have to get some sleep Friday night or Georgia will expend the whole prison term yelling at me to wake up, '' Albus explained, `` That secure with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' John agreed. lusterlessness nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Saturday nighttime, we sneak into the Shrieking shanty. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the worry maker, Albus, '' blush wine laughed, `` The Marauders would be majestic. ``

******

The future day rosiness decided to begin her research on the transference charm. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't bring long to find the mightily volume. rose wine found it in a copy of Advanced appealingness and after she read a bit about the appealingness she decided that it was going to be difficult but not out of the question for her to do. She decided to get the hang that appeal before trying to find the appealingness to keep Kaden tranquillity. That one was going to be harder to find since they did n't even know the epithet of it. Rose checked out the Advanced Charms book under the menacing brilliance of Madam Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to involve what they were up to and traverse them the book of account. But, she could n't since the Koran was n't in the Restricted Section.

rose spent the next few solar day trying to figure the charm out. There was n't much Albus could do to help her, so he just did his homework and watched her. Albus thought the charm looked incredibly complicated and he was glad that Rose had volunteered to memorize it. blush wine was having a bit of trouble mastering the appeal, though. By the clock time Saturday Night rolled around, she still had n't managed to reproduce much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The charm was well beyond the O.W.L. level and it stood to reason that it would be hard for her. This did not suit of clothes rosiness well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one matter that drove Rose mad, it was having trouble learning something.

`` Why do n't you contain a intermission ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the common room on Saturday nighttime. `` You 've been at it for solar day. ``

`` Maybe you 're right, '' rose wine sighed. She had been trying for the past tense 60 minutes to multiply her name onto another bit of parchment. `` I 'll just slack for a patch. '' She pulled out her August 6 book and opened it to one of the later chapters.

`` I do n't know how you can believe that relaxing, '' Saint John screwed up his look in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` Extra credit charms homework, '' rose lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that blush wine would postulate extra credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' blush wine explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're impertinent. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' rose wine smiled at him.

Albus had no doubt that pink wine would figure the charm out eventually. It was just taking her longer than she expected. Albus was in no rushing because the appeal would be useless until they got all the paw photographic print they needed. That would n't happen until after Christmas. John had n't managed to observe a rat in Potions on Friday, but he was keeping his eyes peeled.

The group stayed in the commons room for another couple hours, waiting until it was completely empty. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his fatigue and went up to his dormitory. Eventually, Albus and his friends were the just unity left.

`` Ready ? '' Albus asked. John and matt nodded. Albus rummaged in his bag and pulled out the cloak. `` I 've got the parchment in my robe. I think we 're set. ``

`` Let 's do it, '' whoremaster stood up.

`` Good luck, '' Amanda said as the three son pulled the cloak around themselves. `` We 'll be waiting. ``

`` See you in a bit, '' Rose told them as she held the portrait open for them to pull up stakes. `` Do n't get caught. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus assured her. `` I 've got the Map. '' Albus was n't nearly as nervous about sneaking out of the castle as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking More rules this evening than he had the other day. He figured it had something to do with the fact that stealing the cloak was something his Father would be disappointed in, whereas sneaking out would just get him in bother with another teacher.

Whatever the grounds, Albus felt almost excited about this evening. The lonesome clip he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his first Occlumency aspiration the previous year. Tonight 's adventure was a much better circumstance. Besides, Albus was a bit excited about following the tunnel to the Whomping willow and seeing the inside of the scream hutch. He felt sort of guilty about this because he knew Matt did n't want them to and was only agreeing to this for the saki of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to stop before they started down the stairs. He took out the Map and scanned it for a couple minutes. Filch was currently striding along the one-third trading floor corridor. They would stimulate to be heedful about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a schoolroom on the fourth level, no doubt wreaking havoc for one of the teachers to fix in the morning. Luckily, all of the instructor were in their spot. All they had to interest about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, john, and Matt continued their cautious trek down to the Entrance Hall, with Albus glancing at the Map every few moment. The boy made it down to the tierce floor corridor without hassle, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about insolent children. Albus gave his friends a upset look as they quietly moved towards the nigh stair case. Albus held his breathing spell as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three unseeable boy. Albus was very glad when they made it onto the second floor and even happy when they got to the figurehead doorway and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one thing that could have gone damage with their design. heighten had tried to teach him a few Thomas More building complex unlocking spells but he was n't very near at them and was hoping he would n't demand to use them.

`` Made it ! '' lav let out a huge breath once the castle doors were shut.

`` Not quite, '' mat replied.

`` Yeah, but at to the lowest degree we can talk now. I wish this cloak would cover up noise, too. Reckon we can conduct the cloak off ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered immediately. `` What if one of the teacher is looking out the window ? Or if Hagrid is wandering around ? '' Albus loved Hagrid, but he would n't want to have to explain why he was sneaking down to the Whomping willow in the dead of Nox if the lovable half-giant caught them.

The three boys continued along the path that lead them through the grounds. There was about six inches of snow on the terra firma and the air was bitingly cold. Albus was gladiola he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to check the Map every duet of min, but so far the grounds were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be able-bodied to walk faster once they were on the dry land, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to stay concealed under the cloak and it was even heavily now because flatness was slowing down. `` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked after the cloak almost slipped off of him.

`` amercement, '' he panted. `` Just the lunation. Let 's stay fresh going. ``

Albus looked from his friend 's tired face to the sky. The almost fully moon was shining down on the background, illuminating it enough that Albus had n't bothered to light his wand. `` We should have done this earlier in the week, '' Albus commented, remembering the black custody with Filch the other month.

`` No, I 'm delicately, '' Matt assured him, `` It wo n't be entire until Tuesday. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and Saint John slowed down their footstep to match Matt 's, although Albus thought it would be honest for them to speed up in fiat to touch the Tree faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping willow. The three boys paused just beyond the ambit of the arm and Albus and John the Divine looked to lustrelessness for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able to get into the hole wearing the cloak, '' lusterlessness explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his gown. `` All right field, '' lustrelessness continued, pulling out his wand. `` I 'll just disenable the wards. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his wand at the Tree. Albus strained to listen to the patch but he could n't hear it.

`` Now what ? '' trick asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

matte walked around to the other side of the tree with Albus and John following. mat bent over, searched through the snow, and picked up a long spliff, stumbling and shivering a little as he stood up. He pressed his script to his head, wincing a little. `` concern, '' he answered to Albus and John the Evangelist 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the tree 's branches and stuck the longsighted stick into the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree 's torso. The branches immediately froze and the Whomping Willow looked just as chasten as any of the other Tree on the grounds. `` Quick, before they start again, '' mat stumbled towards the tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the tunnel once, gestured for John Lackland to go first. Albus followed his supporter and made it into the pickle just as the branch started flailing again. Albus and King John lit their wands and looked around the cramped tunnel while Matt put the Montgomery Ward back up.

`` Let 's go, '' Matt announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly pretty cool, '' John said in awe as they started down the passageway, `` Kinda spooky, but cool. '' mat sent him a dirty face. `` I mean, besides the unscathed werewolf thing, '' John replied quickly.

Albus could see what toilet meant. It was kind of a swell tunnel, although very dark and sorting of damp. The good affair was that it was slightly heater than outside. The roof was low and Albus had to crouch down a footling in lodge to walk. There were rocks and rootage along the path, but the whole standard pressure was quite excite. Albus loved wandering through privy passageways and this one was n't any different. He was excited about finally being able to follow it. His dad had told him about this tunnel and the Shrieking hutch numerous times, but always said no when Albus asked if he could go explore it. Now he was finally getting to do it. Granted, he was breaking about a dozen school formula to do it, but it was Charles Frederick Worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt like at to the lowest degree a one-half time of day. The chill of it was beginning to hold out off as Albus got colder. The month of December was not a convenient time to be doing this. By the time they reached the screech Shack, Albus was set to crawl into his warm four-poster bed and go to sleep. John the Divine 's excitement had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the long, chilly walk. lusterlessness, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the moonlight, did n't count much intimately than he had earlier. He looked incredibly exhausted and was breathing as heavily as if he 'd just run a marathon.

`` How do you possibly make it here before the full moon ? '' whoremaster asked, out of breathing place. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the prison term you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' Matt replied in between breaths, `` brothel keeper Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` well, future clip I ca n't sleep I 'll just walk up and down this a few times, '' lav joked.

`` In. Here, '' matte panted as he opened an old looking threshold that creaked as he opened it. Albus and can quietly followed him through it, into a very decrepit looking room.

Albus was shocked at what he saw. Broken furniture lay everywhere, a lot of it covered in dried blood. There was n't anything that remained unbroken. art object of board, president, and lounge were all over the place with snack marks on them. There was a stairway nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on numerous times. Albus swallowed as he realized that his friend was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' John Lackland asked slowly.

matt glared at him. `` Use your brain, '' he snapped.

whoremonger looked from him to the discontinue article of furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all right, '' mat sighed and sat down on the story near the fireplace. He leaned his chief against the wall. `` See why I did n't really require you to come here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and can nodded.

`` It 's one thing for you to know what I am, '' Matt continued, `` But another to see what I actually do, what I could do ... '' his vox trailed off.

Albus knew what he wanted to say, but could n't. What he could do if he was n't in the shrieking Shack during the full-of-the-moon synodic month. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the beast. ``

`` I guess, '' Matt said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' St. John the Apostle replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and matte shouted at the like metre.

`` Become Animagi, '' John repeated, `` If we 're trying to become the next predator, we might as well do it properly. ``



A/N : Bit of a cliffy ! But I had to start a new chapter somewhere. Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, Denas, myself, and Luke for their critique !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to take the mentation did track his mind every once in a spell. But really, it was n't very naturalistic. Yes, the predator had done it, but they were favourable it had worked out all right. There was a reason that hardly anyone could get an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only 2d years. The predator had n't done it until their twenty percent year. They were exceptionally smart, too. Well, three of them were. Albus did n't think he was anywhere near good enough at Transfiguration to commit it off. rose was probably the exclusively one of them who had a chance at succeeding. And even though blush wine did not waffle to split rules when she needed to, there was no way she would agree to this. `` Oh ejaculate on, John, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' lavatory asked, `` The predator did it. ``

`` They were really bright, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smartness. And what did you get on your net transfiguration test ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' John corrected him, `` And we 'd figure it out. rise up could facilitate us. ``

`` But this is n't as unproblematic as figuring out a trance for course of instruction ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's dangerous. What if we ca n't change back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? rose wine does n't cognise everything. Even she would have trouble with this. ``

`` It 's worth the risk, '' John said adamantly, `` I do n't manage if I mess up a few prison term. I 'll just try again. ``

`` That 's the thing. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the chance to try again. My dad explained this all to me over the summer. He talked to me about becoming an Animagus as soon as schooltime was over last year because he knew the thought would hybridise my judgement. He 'll know if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd consider trying when we 're older, but definitely not right now. ``

John sighed, `` It would be great if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new Marauders then. Imagine if we could even modify into the same animals the Marauders were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that John seemed to accept the fact that Albus was n't going to budge on the issue. `` I do n't sleep together if I 'd be a stag, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' John asked, grinning.

Albus smirked, `` Not really. He 'd probably be one of those yappy dogs, not a big poise dog like you 'd be, but a tiny chihuahua or something that 's always barking and jumping. ``

`` Definitely, '' trick laughed, `` It could n't suffer to research Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for extra credit. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` Does n't matter, '' Matt said quietly. He had been exceptionally placidity ever since John had first mentioned the estimate. `` You ca n't become Animagi with me on the to the full moon. ``

`` Why ? '' John asked. `` We know it 's dangerous. I do n't care. ``

`` It 's not that. You think I have n't thought about you lot becoming Animagi ? That my parents have n't thought about doing it ? Amy ? They have. My parents have ever since we found out Wolfsbane did n't work for me. Amy has ever since she first saw me after a transformation. My parents actually started working on it. But then they decided to make me do the wolfbane study instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the full moon, I wo n't wound myself and it 'll appear like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up the study big time. My parents decided it would be better for me to find a potion that would knead than to have to rely on other multitude 's Animagus ability. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very happy. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a fiddling relieved. He did n't require to become an Animagus behind his dad 's back. It was one thing to slip the invisibleness Cloak for a couple Clarence Shepard Day Jr., but to sneak around as an animal every wide-cut moon ? That was just too secretive for Albus 's liking. He hoped that John would kick in up on the melodic theme now.

`` But if the study ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't stop you from trying. ``

`` speech sound fair, '' John replied, `` How long does the discipline go ? ``

`` No melodic theme. Probably at least another two years. It all depends on how many different forms of Wolfsbane multitude come up with, '' Matt closed his centre and leaned his head against the wall again.

`` head ache still there ? '' Albus asked. flatness nodded without opening his eyes. `` Let 's hurriedness up, then. Where should we put the lambskin ? ``

`` Room behind the stairs, '' Matt shakily stood up. `` That way lady Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' John gently pushed his booster back onto the flooring. `` How much sheepskin should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you bring ? ``

`` About a half axial rotation, '' Albus pulled a partially used paradiddle of sheepskin out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. chance are near of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the stairs with privy following and saw the modest room Matt was talking about. It was also filled with various broken pieces of furniture. `` We should n't have done this tonight. I did n't even think about the moon. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his head as he bent down to move some of the furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the time with the custody. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can slumber all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped slice off the cast of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' John yawned. `` Was n't expecting the tunnel to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a long way from the grounds to Hogsmeade, so it makes sense. ``

Albus finished ripping the parchment and the two male child each took a stack to affix to the base. It took them a few minutes and once they were done, the room was covered in pieces of parchment.

`` I can see why he did n't need ma'am Pomfrey to see, '' John the Divine laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely conjure up some questions, '' Albus lit his own scepter. `` Let 's just go for this works. I ca n't see any former way to safely get a werewolf 's paw mark. ``

The two son took one more than flavor at the lambskin coated way and then went back to the large main room. flatness was decent where they left him, leaning against a partially broken professorship. Albus nudged him awaken.

`` Finished ? '' Matt yawned.

`` Yup, let 's get back to the rook, '' Albus helped his friend up and the three of them left the shack.

The misstep back through the tunnel took a lot longer than when they were going to the hutch. All three boys were incredibly tired and the thrill had worn off for Albus and St. John the Apostle. Albus glanced at his watch as they neared the end of the burrow and saw that it was nearly 1:30. He was very glad they had done this on a weekend.

`` It 's gruelling getting out than getting in, '' matte said tiredly as he removed the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth. `` Whoever goes first has to dodge the branches and then push the knot on the luggage compartment for the other two. ``

Albus and John looked at each other, for both of them knew matte was too exhausted to be able to dodge the branches properly. `` I 'll do it, '' Albus told him, `` I 'm making you get the rat. '' Albus climbed up the rampart and crawled out of the hole. He was immediately hit in the shoulder with one of the flailing branches. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the trunk for the knot. His hand made touch with it and the offshoot immediately froze. `` You can come out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the invisibility Cloak out of his cloak. Matt appeared out of the trap first and shuddered as the moonlight hit him. toilet was right behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once lusterlessness re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' John asked Albus once they were back on the path leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the shoulder joint, '' Albus replied. His shoulder joint stung and he could find some rakehell dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see lady Pomfrey. She would screw immediately what gave him the combat injury and would no doubtfulness assert on knowing what they were up to.

The boys trudged along through the cold dark air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that dense swarm were moving in. It would probably pull the wool over someone's eyes soon. Of course of study, Albus would be much too tired the next day to enjoy it, so it did n't a lot topic. It was Worth it, though. Within a few Clarence Day they would ingest one of the four paw prints needed to unlock the arcanum of the new map.

A little while later they reached the castle threshold. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the one-sixth base and Peeves was in Moaning Myrtle 's john. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the handle of the doorway and pushed. It did not budge. He tried again, but no circumstances. `` Filch must 've remembered to engage it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those spells Rose taught you, '' John suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his wand at the handle. He muttered a spell but the door remained locked. He tried a few more, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a panicked tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' John the Evangelist questioned and pushed the room access himself, `` What do we do now ? ``

`` What do you mean we 're locked out ? '' Matt groaned, `` It was just unlocked a couple time of day ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't persist out here all nighttime ! '' Matt 's vocalism cracked, `` We 'll freeze ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as scare filled his body. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the castle and into the burrow without getting caught that the thought of being locked out had n't even crossed his psyche. I mean, what were the fortune of the doors being unlocked when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't stay out here, it was freezing and would lead by the nose soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any luck either of you knows how to conjure a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the alone way he knew to contact Rose and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' john asked. `` We 're only second years. ``

`` Well, have you got any smart musical theme on how to narrate rose and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

whoremaster thought for a minute before answering, `` You could break into the broom shed and steal a heather. Then fly it up to Gryffindor Tower. ``

`` Now you 're mad. I 'll get seen by person. What if one of the professor is looking out their window ? Or one of the students ? ``

`` Wear the invisibleness Cloak, '' trick replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then Rose and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, rightfulness, '' John sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in trouble, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't think of something else soon, they would accept to go to Hagrid's.

`` Well, we 've got to think of something soon. He 's got to get away from the moon, '' John gestured to Matt who was leaning against the door and breathing heavily.

`` The lunar month 's almost covered by swarm, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll have to vex about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' John groaned. `` Maybe we can curl up up in tidy sum of coke like wolves do and sustain warm that way. ``

`` Very funny, '' Albus said flatly. He was really starting to get worried now. What would pass off if they did go to Hagrid 's ? They 'd surely get in bother, but how much ? Would they just get detention or would it be regretful ? Points would be taken away for for sure, and that would not go over well with the other Gryffindors.

`` Hey, wait ! '' john 's boldness brightened a bit, `` What about the screaming shanty ? We could just go back there and expend the night. Then we 'll sneak back in tomorrow morning after Filch has unlocked the doors again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a minute. `` Not actually a bad melodic theme. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

John grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked Matt in the side.

`` What ? '' lusterlessness opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the Shack, '' John explained.

`` Great, '' lustrelessness said sarcastically, `` I get to drop another night there. You two could n't come up with a different idea ? ``

`` Nope, '' John answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty brilliant myself, so unless you 've got a better one, we 're going. ``

Matt sighed, `` Oh, all right. But we 're not making a habit of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' John laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' mat groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't help but finger a tiny bit excited about spending the night in the hut. It would definitely be the worst thing he had ever done, as far as breaking rules was concerned. He also felt anxious about it. What if they did get caught ? What if Rose and Amanda started to get worried and told mortal about their program ? Albus pushed that thought out of his psyche. rosiness would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in trouble. But they were n't in that big of worry. The three of them would spend the night in the shack and that would be that. When sunup came they would sneak back into the castling and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be kind of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit serious. Something the Marauders would have done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The tripper back to the shack, though exhausting, was uneventful. John, like Albus, had a look of excitement in his eyes when the three of them entered the shack once more. flatness looked like he did n't care where they were, as long as there was some place he could sleep.

`` This is pretty cool, '' John grinned, `` Spending the night in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be cold, though, '' Matt shivered, `` There are n't any heating magical spell in here. ``

`` Warmer than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his gown. `` Are there any lights in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' Matt replied. `` We 'll just have to keep our baton lit. ``

`` What do you want to do now ? '' John asked with a look of deviltry on his face, `` So many opening in this station .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' Matt suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the night in the shack, was extremely tired and all he wanted to do was sleep. `` Are there any beds here ? ``

`` One, '' Matt answered. He led Albus and John up the steps and into the solitary bedchamber. There was one prominent bed and a wardrobe, both surprisingly still intact. `` They 're charmed to be indestructible, '' Matt answered Albus 's questioning look.

John hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is fantabulous for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' flatness joined him on the bed and started jump as well. `` You 're good, it is quite a courteous for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was trade good for jumping. Even meliorate than James River 's. Epistle of James, Albus, and Lily had spent many 60 minutes jumping on James 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their mother. The boys continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a couple minutes. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a story his aunty Hermione had told him about monkeys jumping on a bed.

`` What 's so funny ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` Just wondering who 'll be the number one to fall off and break his fountainhead, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' privy asked and lustrelessness started to express joy as well.

`` It 's a Muggle story, '' Albus explained and proceeded to tell John the write up of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for level, '' John shook his psyche and jumped off the bed, landing on his substructure like a cat. `` I do n't think any of us are going to ruin our heads. ``

`` Mine feels like it 's broken, '' Matt announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't land as gracefully as john and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down next to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt pointed his lit wand at his arm. `` No blood. ``

`` Good, '' whoremonger replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can pussyfoot back in before a lot of people wake up. ``

`` There 's more than blankets in the wardrobe, '' Matt yawned as he got back on the bed and curled up beneath the blanket that was already on the bed.

Albus and King John each grabbed a couple blankets and got into the bed alongside lusterlessness. It was a good matter the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much bigger than the four-poster beds in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already gone, '' privy commented as he lay down.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his head ache will go away. Good night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the next morning to slivers of light shining through the boarded up windowpane. Boarded up windows ? There were n't boarded up window in the hall. Albus 's eye shot open and he glanced around at his surroundings. Oh, the right way. The memories of the previous night flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the Shrieking hut. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more fag this morning than he had the former night. One feeling at his watch told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four hours of sleep. Just as well, Albus thought. They had to get back to the castle quickly anyway, if they wanted to creep back in without anyone noticing.

Albus nudged John the Divine awake and winced. He pulled up the sleeve of his gown and saw that the cut from the Whomping willow tree looked thoroughly disgusting. It was probably taint and would demand a trip to the hospital wing. Albus shook John with his uninjured arm. `` John, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me eternal sleep, '' John Lackland groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't care, '' John the Divine murmured.

`` I 'll push you out of bed, '' Albus warned. John muttered something incoherent and did n't motivate. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled John over to the bound of the bed. He gave him one last jog and St. John fell off the edge of the bed with a cheap thump.

`` What the sin ? '' John shouted, sitting up with a dazed look on his face.

`` I told you to get up, '' Albus leaned over the bed and laughed. `` We 've got to get back to the castle or someone 's going to see us come out of the tree. ``

`` Oh, fine, '' bathroom grumbled, `` But I 'm going back to bed once we get back. ``

`` You and me both, '' Albus agreed and got out of bed. He picked up the spare blankets and stowed them back in the press so Madam Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to agitate him off the bed too ? '' John the Evangelist pointed to flatness 's sleeping descriptor as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the DoJ ? '' John muttered.

Albus grinned and shook Matt awake. `` We 've got to get back to the castle. We 'll sleep Sir Thomas More there. ``

Matt groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just stay here. ``

`` I would n't indicate it, '' trick responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you believe that ? ``

matte laughed and looked from St. John to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The son left the shack quickly and started the tenacious journey back to the Whomping Willow. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very happy that he did n't have any course of instruction today. He had homework, but he was n't even going to think about that until he got at least another six 60 minutes of sleep. One quick check of the map told him that the coast was clear before they emerged from the tree.

The three of them donned the Invisibility Cloak as soon as lustrelessness was finished warding the tree and they set off for the rook. Since it was still early, the only one on the background was Hagrid. There were various More inches of snow and by the time they boys were back at the castle threshold, their gown were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the castle, it had started sowing again.

`` Rose and Amanda are in the Great Hall, '' Albus pointed to their two dots on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the incoming Hall, so I think we 're just. '' Albus pushed the doors open and the three invisible boys slipped inside. Albus immediately pulled the wet cloak off of them and hid it in his gown. `` We should probably go lecture to Rose and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see gentlewoman Pomfrey sometime, '' mat told them, `` My arm still hurts, spirit. '' He pulled the sleeve of his robes up and showed them his black and bluing arm. `` I do n't believe it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My shoulder still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll have to go, too. ``

At that here and now, blush wine and Amanda left the Great Hall and stopped a partner off groundwork away from the boys. John pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both lady friend had a combination of relief and anger on their faces. rose wine was fuming by the time she stomped over to Albus. `` Where. Were. You, '' she demanded.

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled. He never liked being on the receiving end of his cousin-german 's anger.

`` room, now, '' Rose seethed and stalked off towards the stairs with Amanda at her side.

Albus, John, and Matt followed wordlessly. All ideas of going to the infirmary offstage were driven from Albus 's brain. Of grade, after seeing Rose, he would much rather have been bombarded with questions about his shoulder than going to the way with his cousin.

Nobody said a word until they were in the Room. Albus, John, and Matt sat incline by English on the couch, but Rose and Amanda remained standing in front of them. `` Explain yourselves ! '' Rose shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

rosebush cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll recite you about our Night first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the Shack in the midriff of the night, but it had to be done. What early choice did we receive ? It was safe than the alternative. How else were you going to get the paw print ? I thought the plan would work. We had it all set. You three would sneak down there and put the parchment on the floor and then sneak back up. Simple. '' Rose stopped and began to tempo around the room.

`` There were all form of affair that could 've gone incorrectly, '' Amanda picked up where Rose left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the teachers. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the cause ? There are all sort of animals wandering around at night. Not to mention the Whomping Willow itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to think when you three never showed up ? ! '' rose raised her vocalism even higher, if that was possible. `` If you had been caught by Filch or a teacher, you would 've came back to Gryffindor eventually ! BUT YOU NEVER DID ! ``

`` But Rose- '' can pleaded. Albus sent him a warning look. He knew it was never good to disturb rose wine when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, John ! We thought some form of beast had you ! Or even worse, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and kidnapped you or something ! Then you sneak back into the castle this morning, looking like you 've just been at a party or something !

`` You kept us up all night bedevilment, when you probably just decided to have some fun last Night. You know I was this tight to telling Uncle Harry this sunrise. I wanted to last night, but Amanda convinced me to wait until morning time. Of course now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a mates detentions would teach you not to stay out all night ! ``

`` rose wine, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us excuse. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' blush wine glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did last night was n't just stupidity. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The doors to the castle were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the castle. I tried all the appealingness you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to expend the night in the Shrieking Shack. And you 're aright, it was sort of fun. ``

rose wine and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a word for the succeeding bit. Albus and the other male child did n't dare say a Bible either. `` Well, '' blush wine said quietly, `` Er, that does explain things. I 'm, uh, dismal I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' rosiness began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a quick note telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at to the lowest degree love what was going on. ``

Albus, John Lackland, and mat turned to wait at each early. Albus felt his brass turning red. Of course ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The only means of communicating Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the resolution was there all along, a wide-eyed owl. He could have got just made a quick tripper to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're moron, '' John muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our idiots, '' Rose laughed. `` Now, are you going to tell us about your trivial adventure ? ``

Albus, john, and Matt spent the following half hour relaying every detail of their trip-up to the Shrieking hovel the premature night. rosebush and Amanda both found it very entertaining, especially the share about Albus pushing bathroom off the bed.

After they were done telling the floor, all five of them went to the hospital wing so Albus and Matt could get their lesion healed. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the ward was completely deserted of former patient role. She took one look at the Gryffindors and came bustling out from behind the desk. `` You lot again ? What have you gotten yourselves into this sentence ? ``

`` Just these two, '' Saint John pointed at Albus and Matt.

Madam Pomfrey took one hard look at lusterlessness and announced, `` You were outside last night. Was soul giving you hold ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

brothel keeper Pomfrey looked at him for a few mo longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and mat sat down on one of the beds and Madam Pomfrey returned a few import later with a tray laden with potions. She told mat to drink them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' Matt pulled up his arm, `` I tripped over a book. ``

lady Pomfrey clucked her tongue and pulled out her wand. She had his arm healed in an wink. `` I trust you 'll get some sleep today ? Or do I have to hold you bide here ? ``

`` I 'll sleep, I promise, '' lustrelessness replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nurse turned to Albus.

`` Hurt my shoulder, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the study. He pulled up his sleeve to reveal his injured shoulder.

Madam Pomfrey studied it for a moment, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nurse looked at the injury for a little while thirster and she looked from Albus to matte and back again. `` I know how you got that, '' she replied.

`` Er, '' Albus stuttered. Great, after all that, they were still going to get in trouble.

`` Whatever you boys did net night, do n't do it again, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then matt in the eye, `` I wo n't recite prof Longbottom this sentence, or your male parent, '' she said to Albus, `` But following fourth dimension I will. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of assuagement as ma'am Pomfrey healed his shoulder with one swift waving of her baton. He 'd have no problem keeping his Logos to the nurse. There was no way that he was going to repeat terminal night. well, unless they needed to for the map. But he 'd try hard not to get hit by the Whomping willow following time.

`` You 're all set, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some sleep, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would have no trouble doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The chemical group went back to the unwashed way and the son immediately headed for their dormitory. Albus changed into his pyjama and climbed into his strong four-poster bed, feeling very satisfied that they had n't been caught at all.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the time Albus woke up it was already dinner party sentence, which was ripe because he was starving. John and lusterlessness woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling a lot better now that they 'd find a decent amount of sleep.

`` make to do that again ? '' John asked as he was putting on his shoes.

Despite the fact that Albus did take fun on their adventure last night, he did not want to repeat it. `` Are you mental ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' St. John laughed.

`` You do realize that we 'll hold to go get the paw print, '' Matt reminded them.

Albus and John looked at each former. The truth was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just get with you back to the castle ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious, '' Matt replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped lustrelessness would be able to get the paw print. What were the prospect that they 'd be capable to sneak down to the shack again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't draw a blank to engage the doors twice. Plus, what would befall if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a flash voice shouted as soon as Albus, Saint John the Apostle, and flatness descended into the common room. Kaden came running over to them with his usual look of exhilaration in his eyes.

`` Hey, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` We 're just going to dinner. ``

`` Me, too. I 'll go with you, '' Kaden fell into step alongside Albus. `` Where have you lot been all day anyway ? ``

`` Uh, sleeping upstairs, '' Albus replied.

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked skeptically, `` Because I asked Rose if you were in your dormitory and she said you were n't. ``

`` I assure you we were, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hmm, well, I wonder why she told me you were n't. ``

`` Who knows ? She 's a girl, they do strange things, '' Gospel According to John said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' lustrelessness answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up late doing homework lowest night, '' privy lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after number 1 year. They bombard you with even more homework. ``

`` surmise I 've got that to wait forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The boys did spend their integral evening doing all the homework they had n't done the Night before. Kaden stared at them the all time, no dubiousness mentation of next yr, when he would have to expend his whole weekend doing prep. Albus felt kind of bad that they told him that and he was now kind of dreading his endorsement year, but he 'd determine out soon enough that that was n't on-key. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a word about the new map until rose wine found the appealingness to sustain him quiet about it.

******

The day of the full synodic month came quickly and Albus could n't concentrate on any of his family. He could only think about the map, and how they would be one step closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon know if another trip to the shack was going to be necessary. Of course of action, it may be that more than one more than trip would be needed, if they did n't get the footmark tonight. There was the possibility that all the parchment would be destroyed. Albus did n't desire to think about that, though. He just clung to the idea that they would be able to get a paw photographic print tonight and that Matt would be able to add it back the adjacent morning.

Matt skipped his afternoon category and spend the time sleeping in the Room of prerequisite. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner party and snuck out of the Great anteroom before Kaden noticed, they went up to the elbow room. They did n't make much time before mat had to go to the hospital wing and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how long that burrow is, I feel even distressing for him, '' John Lackland said quietly on their way to the common room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't know how he does it. He could barely get to the hospital wing. ``

`` Hi, Guy ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the coarse elbow room. Albus, John, rosebush, and Amanda went over to the table Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with sheepskin and book, and sat down. `` Where 's Matt ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the hospital wing, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Because of that disease I was n't supposed to tell anyone about ? ``

`` right, '' Albus confirmed. His cousin could be so dense sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his books and tried to concentrate on his homework. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the next day, which he was very excited about. Albus tried to tune him out, but he could n't. Albus had a impression even if Kaden was n't running a streaming commentary about his potions course of study he still would n't be able to pore. His whole mind was consumed with opinion about the map. He sighed and closed his Word. None of his homework was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really feel like doing preparation tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' John muttered and continued writing his DADA essay that was due the next day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an idea that would invade both his and Kaden 's even. `` Ever played chess game ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum taught me. ``

`` Ever played thaumaturge 's Chess ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's face lit up, `` adept have their own cheat ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll teach you. Be right field back. '' Albus ran up to his dorm and rummaged around in his proboscis until he found a cheat board, his chessmen, and an old set of chess piece for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more excited than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Play Bromus secalinus. It 's pretty much like Muggle chess, but with some differences. You think how to play Muggle chess game ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` wellspring, with adept 's Chess everyone has their own chess piece. These are mine, '' Albus held up his bloodless chessmen. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this spare set. I think it used to belong to my Uncle Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of black chessmen.

`` Are you any good at chess ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all right. Not as proficient as James, and not nearly as beneficial as Rose. My Uncle Ron, Rose 's dad, is the honorable at it. No one 's ever capable to dumbfound him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like normal ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own part. `` White goes first. Oh, and you do n't move your objet d'art. Just separate the pieces which space to move to. ``

`` narrate them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you signify, tell them ? ``

`` Just sentry, '' Albus put down his final exam piece and muttered instructions for his cat's-paw to travel two second power ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the Andrew Dickson White pawn moved by itself. `` They 'll do that if I tell them, too ? ``

`` They 're supposed to. But they might not want to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his pawns to affect forward two second power and it did so without reluctance. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than veritable chess. ``

The game continued for a few more than instant and then one of Kaden 's pawn wound up in the way of Albus 's castle. Albus commanded the castle forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the common room turned around to look at him. `` Your castle killed my pawn ! That 's mental ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a magic spell to doctor them, '' Albus explained.

`` Will my pieces pop yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few turns later, Kaden got the chance to club one of his pieces to kill one of Albus 's. Kaden 's face was full moon of gloat as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's pawns. The game continued and Albus started to get the feeling that Kaden just liked watching the pieces destroy each other. This became especially apparent when Kaden only had his king, a knight, his castles, and three pawns left. Albus was only missing one castle, both bishops, and five or so pawns. Kaden 's chess piece were not very happy about this and his queen and knight actually got into what appeared to be a heated tilt about whether or not they were going to continue to listen to Kaden. Eventually, his king flat out refused to move and Albus won by default. Nevertheless, it was one of the most amusing plot of cheat Ablus had ever played. John, Amanda, and even rose wine gave up on their homework and watched the death piece of the game.

`` I think you need your own chess piece, '' Albus told Kaden as he repaired the interrupt spell. `` I 'm not sure enough if these will be willing to mind to you anymore. ``

`` Well it 's no wonder, '' Rose commented, `` All he did was tell them to walk right into death traps. ``

`` It 's funny to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe next time you 'll actually try and win, '' rosiness smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chessman for Christmas. ``

`` That would be a soundly idea, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them better than these ones. ``

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that Nox and he was very tired the succeeding dayspring. All he could think about was the paw print and whether or not their programme worked. Luckily Albus only had two classes that day and then he would be able to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the hospital wing after this, right ? '' St. John whispered to Albus during a thinker numbing chronicle of Magic lesson. Binns was currently droning on about the story of the captivity of House Elves. rosebush was the only one paying attention, although Albus had no estimate why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the history of House elf, having been lectured about it by rose wine 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you want lunch first ? ``

`` Of course I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's realize it fast. ``

`` I should n't cause bothered asking, '' Albus laughed.

`` How practically farseeing until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in strawman of him and John, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his picket. `` fifteen minutes. But it 'll feel like thirty. ``

`` Why do we demand to get laid about menage Elves anyway ? '' John asked

`` They 're an of import theatrical role of wizarding account ! '' Rose replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's slow, though, '' John responded and flicked a piece of lambskin at the Hufflepuff seance at the desk succeeding to him. `` We should pick up about something more exciting. Like the Giant warfare. ``

`` Binns 'll make even that drilling, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's practiced than this. ``

`` Even the history of caldron and their effects on wizarding society ? '' Amanda laughed. That lesson, which had taken station the late year, had been the worst one yet. Albus was for certain everyone, including rose, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never thinker, '' St. John the Apostle groaned. `` I do n't even desire to recall about that one. Or the 14 inch essay we had to write on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and Miss Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd wish to share with the class ? ``

`` No, sir, '' lavatory replied.

`` Good, adept, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, British House Elves started to have liaison with the American house extremely low frequency, which resulted in a kind of sign of the zodiac Elf unity .... ''

`` Kill me now, '' John muttered.

`` Five more minutes ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this House Elf material, '' Amanda whispered.

John the Evangelist snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes chronicle. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is worse than math in Muggle school, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate maths, '' St. John agreed, `` I 'm happy we do n't throw to consider them here. Mum taught me some and it was horrible. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy future class, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that class either.

`` No way, '' John shook his brain, `` I 'll bet Kaden would care it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this class. ``

`` He does. He told me the other day, '' Amanda announced.

`` like everything except Quidditch, '' John sighed, `` There 's something unseasonable with that kid. ``

`` Twelve column inch essay about the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare for side by side stratum, '' Binns droned a moment before the class was over.

The moment the bell rang, Albus and his friends shot up out of their chairperson and ran out the threshold. `` This 'll be cake, '' Albus laughed, `` An essay on Spew ! ``

`` It 's S.P.E.W. ! '' Rose laughed as she caught up with him.

`` Good, you can do mine ! '' privy told him.

`` Sorry, one boring essay per Night, yours would put me over my boundary, '' Albus faked an apologetic look. `` Oh, come on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd wish to spend my sentence. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see Matt. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of educatee that were flooding into the Great Charles Francis Hall. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor table and Albus and the others were able to shovel down food at the opposite end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their hasten dejeuner, they ran up to the hospital annex. `` I hope he was able to get the paw photographic print, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't fancy walking through that burrow again, '' john agreed.

The curtain were pulled around Matt 's usual bed at the far end of the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth. cypher was in any of the early beds. brothel keeper Pomfrey was occupy preparing potions when the mathematical group of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to recognise them. `` Oh, it 's you lot. I figured you 'd be showing up soon. He 's sleeping right now, I 'm afraid you 'll have to wait. ``

`` Please, Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't stay long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be quiet, too, '' john commented, `` You can throw us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the rules, '' the nurse replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to come back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a hoarse representative came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' ma'am Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the curtains, `` You know he needs to rest ! ``

`` wellspring, he 's awake now, so we can persist, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` Fine, '' Madam Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a short piece. '' She left them alone and went back to her potions.

`` Sorry for waking you up, '' Albus said as he closed the pall again. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right wing, '' Matt replied. He looked much like he usually did after a full Moon, with various bandage all over. `` You did n't stir up me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' rosebush asked.

`` You 'll never approximate who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he follow to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go sojourn matte unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't think. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in class and he and Kaden got covered in it. Willinson got the brunt of it and while Kaden was waiting for his turn to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. madam Pomfrey would n't tell him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here live on Night. gentlewoman Pomfrey came to contribute me potion while they were here and Kaden saw me. Then he asked if he could see me, so I pretended to be asleep. ``

`` So Willinson knew you were here ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he 's going to distinguish Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in Transfiguration this morning, '' rosiness pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't matter then. ``

Albus was just itching to know if flatness had managed to get the paw print. He had thought Matt would bring in it up right away, but the Kaden affair must 've made him blank out about it. `` Did you get the print ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in luck, '' Matt smiled, `` I did manage to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's powerful there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather lacerate bit of sheepskin. But in the eye was a very tumid paw mark consisting of a potpourri of ink, mud, and profligate. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And form of utter, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` perfect. ``

`` One down, three to go, '' John commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the former three are a bit sluttish. '' Albus was feeling very good about their plan now. The severe paw print was done and soon they would give the early three.

`` And the charm is working much better now, '' Rose announced, `` I started to get the hang of it finis night. I 'll probably have it done before Christmas. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can start looking for that charm to keep Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow evening or Friday dawn, probably, '' matt told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to skip astronomy. ``

`` What a disgrace, '' John faked a look of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an time of day looking at ace. ''

`` We 'll be sure to get all the prep for you, '' rose told him.

`` Oh do n't worry about it, '' matt laughed. `` What did I miss in class yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not a lot, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted mandrakes again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoons into forks in metamorphosis. And we learned all about the story of theater Elves in History of conjuring trick. It was one of the most boring year yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' lustrelessness agreed.

`` Was not, '' rosiness argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling practice, '' Amanda said. `` The following duel is Saturday. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely forgotten about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the lycanthrope print for the map that the dueling club had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, rosebush, '' Saint John the Apostle grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' blush wine smirked, `` Ca n't blank out him. ``

`` You should challenge him to a chess compeer, '' toilet decided, `` It 'll be fun to look out. ``

`` I 'll outsmart him in two minutes flat, '' Rose laughed.

`` Kaden plays ace 's chess ? '' Matt asked.

`` Albus taught him last dark. You 've got to ascertain it sometime. It 's hilarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to keep an eye on the pieces get smashed so by the end of the biz, his pieces refused to listen to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' Rose changed the discipline, `` shoot back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't have to cabbage back into the shack. ``

Albus really did n't desire to give back the cloak. He liked it. But he knew he had to. `` I guess. ``

`` We 'll do it after we get kicked out of here, '' toilet suggested.

`` Which is the right way now, '' Madam Pomfrey pulled back the curtain and set a tray of potions down on the bedside board. `` Time for you four to will. He needs to log Z's. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' Matt waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' Rose whispered as soon as they 'd shut out the room access to the hospital wing.

Albus nodded and started to walk to his dad 's business office. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few scholar wandering around, but no one paid much aid as Albus unlocked the room access to Harry 's business office and lead his Quaker inside.

`` Looks like my house, '' King John, who had never been in Harry 's part before, announced, `` A fill out muss. My totally family unit is messy. ``

`` My mum 's a slap-up freak. She 'd experience a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' John gave Amanda a weird look.

`` Guess it 's a Muggle expression. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the assorted stuff and nonsense and went over to the chamber doorway. He pushed it give and went inside, with his champion following. The tree trunk was just where it had been the hebdomad before and Albus lifted the lid. He pulled the cloak out of his bag and looked at it one more than time before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd line up it. `` Well, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' John replied as he gazed around the way. `` Wonder what else we could find in here ? ``

`` Saint John the Apostle ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` Look at this ! '' John leaped over a muckle of books and picked up a picture that was sitting on top of the wardrobe. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle bambino. ``

Albus grabbed the word-painting out of John 's helping hand and looked at it. Sure enough, it was a picture of Albus, King James, and Lily, right after Lily was born. James I, who must have been three or four, was holding a tiny baby with a large amount of money of red whisker. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's deal and making her wave.

`` You were an adorable trivial kid, Albus, '' John smirked. `` So was James. ``

`` I 'm for certain you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the picture back. `` Now let 's get out of here before my dad gets back. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, St. Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the follow-up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Saturday was soon upon them and with it came a howling snow storm. Albus was very well-chosen that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch couple. He had played Quidditch in snow before, but never in conditions that prevented him from seeing his own work force in straw man of him. Today 's storm was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going extraneous, but he need n't have bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the outset place.

After lunch, half the school migrated into the dueling elbow room and waited for the tournament to begin. Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their booster and sat down at the tabular array they had been at the previous tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the only when remaining stern, which happened to be future to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a seat next to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` ceramist, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tourney commenced much as it had the premature clip, only this prison term everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around fourth dimension and Albus was very glad that Amanda was on his team so he had someone to lecture to. So far, there were still stress between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's plan to have everyone get along was not working.

After about a half 60 minutes, it was finally Albus 's crook to duel. Malfoy had just completed his first duel and beat his Ravenclaw opponent. Albus congratulated him as he went up to the dueling area. He was up against a Hufflepuff third year. Albus and the other boy bowed and the two of them started dueling. The Hufflepuff sent two jinxes at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a trip-up jinx and then disarmed him. The unhurt thing took about a minute.

`` Point to putter ! '' Neville announced.

`` dear job, Albus ! '' Kate and Amanda said in unison once Albus returned to his seat.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Hardly counts, '' Malfoy commented, `` You dueled a bloody Hufflepuff. A first year could 've beat that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the same affair. ``

`` Your short protagonist is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling area that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that matte was about to duel one of the other Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't see that good. ``

Albus personally thought Matt looked all rightfulness, considering he had just gotten out of the Hospital Wing the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was throw up. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your stupid cousin told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't call him dazed. And the Hat knows sound than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't tell Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would give birth been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your cousin 's got anymore selective information that I 'd like to know. ``

`` Do n't go near my cousin, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In fount you have n't realized by now, you 're on the Same team. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to watch the residue of lustrelessness 's affaire d'honneur. It took him a while, but lustrelessness did eventually beat the Hufflepuff. He looked worn out, but glad. `` Told you he could drum him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky stroke, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't verbalize to each other for the rest of the tournament. Both male child won their next duel, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her initiatory duel and won her second base. whoremonger won his firstly and lost his second. lustrelessness lost his arcsecond one and rosiness managed to win both of hers. But despite their estimable efforts, none of their teams won the tournament. It did n't really count though because the points were so stopping point. The last tournament was still very up in the air and any of the teams had a luck of making it.

******

The remaining days until the end of term went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Christmastime holiday this year because it meant that Albus and his friends would acquire two more of the paw photographic print needed for the map. rose wine had just perfected the transference appeal and had already started searching for the appeal to keep Kaden quiet. After Christmas, the only thing left to do would be to get the rat print. Albus thought it was quite funny remark that the smallest and theoretically comfortable print to get was taking the retentive. Saint John the Apostle had yet to make do to see a rat during potions class and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every time I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' Gospel According to John vented the evening before their live day of classes. The mathematical group of Gryffindors were in the way of Requirement, enjoying some peace and subdued while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with cheese or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just bedaze it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' John muttered, `` I 'd been trying to stupefy them across the way. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would observe that ? '' Rose said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, blush wine. ``

`` well, you 've got plenty of metre to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the stag prints. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' rosebush replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the stag, Albus. You can follow over to my house after we leave the tunnel. ``

`` auditory sensation good, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the burrow the whole holiday anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Rose smirked, `` grannie and Granddad are going on vacation together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really care to recollect about, Rose, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few years after Xmas and spend new yr 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the holiday ? ``

`` The common, '' bathroom said immediately, `` All my cousin coming over at assorted times. Should be disturbed as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your family sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your cousins are mad, but I really do n't call back your family is as insane as mine is. ``

`` I 'm trusted it is. My great-great granddad is coming this year. He 's hilarious, especially after he 's had a couple firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great grandad drinks firewhiskey ? '' matte laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling ludicrous narrative about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should swipe him up with aunt Muriel, eh blush wine ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the funniest thing ever, '' Rose grinned.

`` Your great-great grandad sound like our Auntie Muriel. She 's 127 and loves to gossip, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad relatives, '' Amanda commented, `` My fellowship sounds pretty normal compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Feast of Lights, so that makes up for it, '' John replied, `` I mean, who would n't like eight mean solar day of present ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the best thing ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle friend who celebrates both. But she does n't get presents on every night of Hannukah, '' Matt told them.

`` I get humble present tense each Nox and then one big one on the last night, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still cool, '' St. John the Apostle said, `` So, Matt, do you stimulate to go visit your grandparents this year ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't cue me, '' lusterlessness groaned, `` Of path I do. But only for five days this twelvemonth. We 're leaving right before new year 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few days before terminal figure head start. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus smiled. `` At least you do n't cause to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The only thing to do down there is preparation or read. It 's not like I can play Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can come over to Rose 's household with me. Then we can run Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should come too, john and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm sure my parents will let me, '' Saint John replied.

`` I can probably only stay a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Chanukah is late this year and starts on Christmas, so it 'll still be going on on the 28th. I 'll have to be home by the evening. ``

`` That 'll work. Maybe we can all get the stag print together, '' Albus said.

`` Good melodic theme, '' John grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably tell you now, just in lawsuit I do n't get to go to Rose 's house, '' lusterlessness began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the railroad train with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his friend, who was looking a little forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the beginning of the condition. The full synodic month 's on the 9th and someone has to observe me once I start taking it a few days before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the morning after and stay a yoke days. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really surely what to say. He wished more than ever that individual would just discover a potion that would work for him.

`` Look on the burnished slope, '' trick said, `` At least you do n't have to transmute at your grandparents house again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never have to do that again, '' Matt shook his psyche, `` But let 's verbalise about something else. Did you see in the prophet that the cannon almost won that plot against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American team they were playing for practice. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 points ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's finish ! '' mat grinned, `` They 're making a comeback, I just know it ! ``

`` fountainhead, with a name like 'Finches', what do you expect ? It would n't have surprised me if the Cannons beat them, '' John laughed, `` Well, maybe a trivial. But seriously, who names a team the 'Finches'? ``

******

The condition ended the next day with a bang, literally. James IV and a few of his friends thought it would be comic to put a few Weasley fireworks into the suits of armor and influence them to go off at certain times during the day. After the tenth blowup the teacher gave up trying to teach anything and just let their bookman do what they wanted during grade, within reason of class. Unfortunately for James and his friends, Professor Cedonia spotted them refilling the armor on the second floor corridor with fresh fireworks and gave them one of her uncommon detention. For this one, they had to clean every unity courtship of armor on the second gear floor corridor that evening. James said it was worth it, though.

`` We really ought to make out up with a few good pranks, '' John decided as they were traveling through the hills on the geartrain. `` That 's what the Marauders did, was prank masses, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very good at coming up with prank. That was St. James the Apostle 's area of expertise. Plus, if the final result of such trick was cleaning suits of armor, Albus really did n't need to pull a whole lot of pranks. `` Maybe a few minor ones, that do n't get us in huge trouble. ``

`` I 'm sure we could do some of those. There 's loads of stuff we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one James did before the kickoff dueling tournament, '' mat laughed.

The rest of the train drive went quickly and soon Albus and his supporter found themselves at King 's crisscross. Albus climbed off the train and saw his parents standing with rose wine 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, John grabbed his arm and steered him in another focal point. `` C'mon, you can meet my great-great grandpa ! ``

Albus saw a very frail, completely bald, old man with a tenacious white face fungus standing next to John 's parents. whoremonger lead their group over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave John a tight hug, `` How 're affair at that school ? How is professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died eld ago, granddaddy, like I told you over the summer. Like I tell you every summer, '' John stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new teacher, a lot of young'ins I bet ! spine in my day none of the instructor were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new headmasters .... ''

`` Grandpa, '' John shook his head, `` The teacher are okay. But I want you to meet my admirer. This is matt Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` thrower ! ? '' John 's great-great granddad peered into Albus 's eye and grinned, `` Albus Potter ? Well I 'll be. If it is n't Harry Potter 's son ! I remember back in the days of You-know-who and nobody thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes trivial Harry Potter and poof ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should happen again ? Harry Potter makes 'im disappear again and for good this sentence ! ``

Albus, who was used to this variety of tending but not someone shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to dismiss the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, nice to foregather you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these daughter ? Have you got yourself two girlfriends, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't commend it. I did it once and wound up with no girlfriends after they found out ! ``

`` No, Grandpa, '' whoremonger laughed, `` They 're just friend. Amanda Tagger and rosebush Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the redhead. Just wait trough you 're elderly. ``

`` Just friends, Grandpa, '' John 's buttock turned red.

`` He 's like the manlike adaptation of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' Saint John the Apostle 's gramps shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the elderly man would be capable to get word him. `` I used to know a Muriel ! Went to school with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in decennary ! ``

Albus looked at Rose. What a coincidence. `` Er, Albus and I have an aunt Muriel Weasley, '' rosiness giggled.

`` Well I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm sure she 'd love that, '' rosebush smiled.

`` We 're going to get to go now, '' John 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' Saint John waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` Tell your dad I said hi ! '' John 's great-great grandpa shouted.

******

Albus spent the next few daytime hanging around Grimmauld Place with James and the rest of his family. Lily was thrilled to induce both her brothers and her dad home and she had been demanding to know everything that had gone on the by full term.

`` That way I 'll know everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Christmas Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to severalize you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a ice of juice, `` It 's a surprisal. ``

`` That 's not honest, '' Lily whined.

`` Nobody told me or Al how we got sorted, so how is it not fair for you not to know ? '' St. James asked.

`` I 'm the immature. I should know everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few years ! And then all the Muggle-born kids will ask me questions and I 'll be able to answer them. ``

`` You 'll find out soon enough, Lily, '' Ginny assured her.

`` How much longer ? '' Lily asked excitedly.

`` There 's still 9 months. ``

`` That 's forever ! ``

`` She 's going to be a nightmare this summer, '' James whispered to Albus.

`` good morning, everyone ! '' Harry descended the steps into the kitchen and pulled up a chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the vaticinator, `` Have you seen the predator 's Map ? ``

James choked on his juice and sprayed it across the board at Albus, as he turned lustrous red.

`` Ew, determine it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, Saint James ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` Fine. The clause on the front of the paper, it 's, er, shocking, '' James blushed some more and pointed to the front of the Prophet, which was facing him.

`` Witch endeavor to Decrease Size of Her auricle, Charms Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. multitude ought to be more careful ! '' James sputtered. He gave Albus a spirit that Albus interpreted to mean 'meet me upstairs'. James excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No estimate, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go alteration, '' Albus jumped up and followed King James I. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to cause to give it back. Albus was going to drop it, but it would only be a matter of metre before he had the other one working.

`` Albus ! '' Saint James pulled him into the drawing way and shut the doorway. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I kind of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to possess to filch it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` wait, Albus ! '' James grabbed his arm, `` The thing is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from foot to foot looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't find it ! '' Saint James the Apostle whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't own lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not funny ! '' James insisted.

`` You did n't recede it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you months ago and did n't want to give it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' James shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd lost it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't matter now. We 've got to founder it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` wellspring you stole it from Dad in the starting time place, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of problem ! ``

He had a point there. If Albus had n't ingest been in Kendrick 's office the previous class, James never would experience taken the map in the first off spot. `` All right. I 'll just go furtive it into his room. Maybe he 'll think he just forgot to bring it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's hope so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his chamber. He knew his dad would want the map back eventually, he just had n't given it much thought. At least he had n't noticed it was missing at school. Albus threw open air his trunk and rifled through his school material. He still had n't take out everything or packed a bag for his stay at the tunnel. The map was inside the photo album Albus found over the summer, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't take the Marauder 's Map to decipher the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'elbow room. He shoved the map under a pile of defensive magic playscript and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' James I asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a stack of Good Book, with one corner sticking out. ``

`` perfect tense. You might want to go transfer your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus looked down at his juice splattered t-shirt, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No problem, '' St. James the Apostle laughed, `` Come to me for all your succus spraying needs. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his eyes as he left the room to commute his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their limited review !