Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On Christmas Eve the ceramist went to Godric 's Hollow, like usual. It was completely dark-skinned by the time they Apparated to the Burrow, but there was plentitude of light streaming out of the tall house 's Windows. As they walked closer to the property, Albus could get word the roar of laughter coming from inside.

`` Harry ! '' the room access to the Burrow flew open air and St. George stood in the doorway to recognise them, a mug of eggnog in his deal. `` How are ya, mate ? ``

`` I 'm not bad, George. I see you 're already drunk, '' Harry grinned at him.

`` A drunkness only Mum 's eggnog can get, '' George went back into the sign and Albus and his family followed.

Albus smiled to himself as he saw the usual chaos that was Christmas Eve at his grandparents'mansion. His sea of redheaded cousins were milling around eating and laughing with each former. This was what Albus loved about Christmas at the burrow. He grabbed a mates biscuits from the nearby mesa and went to find out blush wine. She was sitting on the floor near the fireplace with Hugo, Victoire, and Teddy.

`` Albus ! '' she shouted over the interference, `` Over here ! ``

Albus pushed his way past Georgia and Gabriella who were laughing at something Fred was saying. `` Hi Rose ! What 's been going on ? ``

`` Not much. Uncle George I, Uncle Bill, and Uncle Charlie are drunk. My dad 's on his way and so is auntie Alicia. ``

`` Would n't be Yuletide Eve if they were n't, '' Albus laughed.

`` Gran 's been refilling the biscuit phonograph record and talking with my mum and aunt Fleur. I think she 's about to put on Celestina Warbeck, '' rose wine gestured to the nearby radio that Molly, Hermione, and Fleur were looking at. Fleur threw her hand up in the air and glared at Molly. `` Yup, here comes Celestina. ``

`` Mum hates her, '' Victoire shook her head, `` She 'll be heading for the eggnog now. ``

Sure enough, Fleur poured herself a large mug of eggnog as Molly settled down to hear to the wireless. She was the entirely one listening, though. Albus could hear bits and firearm of a ignite Quidditch discourse going on between his Uncle Charlie, Uncle George, Aunt Alicia, and Heather. Harry was making his way over to them now. It amazed Albus that his uncles and aunt could carry on a fully understandable Quidditch discussion while drunk.

`` How long are you staying, Victoire ? '' Albus asked.

`` Just until after Xmas. I 've got to get back to St. Mungo 's in a couplet 24-hour interval. But I 've been here since yesterday when Amy left for Australia. I did n't want to be alone in the apartment, it would 've gotten awfully boring. ``

`` You would n't deliver had to be alone, '' teddy winked, `` And it would n't have been boring. ``

Victoire playfully slapped him. `` shift ! Do n't let Mum get word you say that. ``

`` Oh, Albus, '' Rose began, `` Both John and Amanda can come up to my sign on the 28th. Well, they can only fare over for the day, but that should be enough time. mat 's still not sure. He said he wo n't know until after he gets back from Australia. ``

`` Ok. Great, we can play Quidditch ! ``

`` Quidditch ? '' Hugo snapped his brain away from his chocolate frog scorecard, `` Can I play ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus replied.

`` The 28th ? '' shimmy commented, `` I 'll come in over, too. I do n't have to be back at the Ministry until the 29th. I 'm up for some Quidditch. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` We can get a real game going. I 'll just tell my dad I 'm going home with you. '' Albus looked around the elbow room and saw Harry in the midst of a Quidditch treatment. `` Hey, Dad ! ``

`` What is it, Al ? '' Harry got up and squeezed his way through the crew over to Albus.

`` It 's all right wing if I go to Rose 's business firm on the 28th, right ? And stay a duet days ? ``

`` That would be fine, '' Harry said, `` But we 're actually going to Dudley 's house for New yr 's Eve, so we 'll come get you on the 31st before we leave. ``

`` We 're going to Dudley 's ? '' Albus stared at his dad.

`` Er, yeah, '' Harry gave Albus a half smile, `` auntie Petunia and Uncle Vernon will be there as well .... ''

`` What ? ! ''

`` Dudley thought it would be a good musical theme, considering that Kaden is a wizard, '' Harry explained.

`` All right, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't really need to see Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon, but he did n't really suffer a choice.

`` I 'm sure they 'll be ... civilized, at least, '' Harry gave Albus a hug before leaving to rejoin his Quidditch discussion.

`` well, at least I can total over for a few days, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but you 've got to go see the Dursleys, '' Teddy screwed up his face in disgust.

`` It 's definitely going to be an occupy day, '' Albus replied.

`` I 'm certainly it 'll be all right, '' Rose assured him. `` Plus, Kaden will be there. ``

`` That 'll make it even more interesting, '' Albus grinned.

`` You know, he 'd fit flop in with this lot, '' Rose gestured to the loud and boisterous Weasley family around them. `` Except without the red fuzz. ``

`` Hey, I have n't got red hair ! ''

`` Neither do I, '' Victoire agreed.

`` I do, '' shift laughed as he changed his whisker from its common blue to red.

`` You 're not technically a Weasley, '' Rose commented.

`` Close sufficiency. And anyway, who knows what 'll materialize in the next few years, '' chemise winked at Victoire, who giggled. teddy threw his weapons system around Victoire and kissed her.

`` Better not let Gran see you doing that, '' Rose warned.

`` Always a stickler for the linguistic rule, huh Rosie ? '' teddy laughed and lengthened his hairsbreadth until it was the sodding replica of Rose's.

`` Do n't do that ! '' rosiness groaned, `` And I do break rules. Just ask Albus. ``

Teddy shortened his hair's-breadth again and turned to Albus. `` Really ? ``

`` She does, '' Albus confirmed, `` Quite a few times, actually. ``

`` This I 've got to discover. ``

`` Maybe another fourth dimension, '' Albus glanced at Rose. Albus had n't really decided whether or not to narrate Teddy about the new map. almost of Rose 's and Albus 's most Holocene rule breaking was done in ordination to decipher it. Albus knew he was n't going to recount his cousins about it, but he was n't sure as shooting about Teddy and James. One part of him thought they deserved to know, considering that their father and grandfather were both Marauders, but on the former helping hand he kind of liked keeping it a secret.

`` Aw, come on, order me. ``

`` Another time, '' Rose said adamantly.

`` Oh, fine, '' teddy bear huffed, `` But I will recover out. ``

Albus spent the rest of the even talking and playing games with Rose, shift, and Victoire. He was really enjoying the time off from shoal and getting to drop time with his total family at once. By the fourth dimension he climbed up to the attic bedroom that he shared with James River and a few of their cousin, he was tired and stuffed from all the cookie.

******

`` James ! Albus ! '' Albus snapped his middle open at the sound of his name the next dayspring. He immediately recognized the part as belonging to Lily. He heard her footsteps bounding into the elbow room. `` Albus, James ! It 's Christmas ! Wake up ! ``

`` Hi Lily, '' Albus yawned.

`` good, you 're up ! James ! Get up ! ``

`` I 'm up, I 'm up ! '' James River mumbled.

`` We 've got present, James ! '' Lily grinned.

`` Right ! '' James said excitedly and Albus heard him crawling to the end of the top hogwash to his hatful of presents.

`` I 'm going to open mine ! '' Lily shouted as she ran out of the room.

After Lily 's early wake-up phone call, everyone in Albus 's room was up. Albus settled down to open his own lot of presents with the early male child. The first base few loge were filled with sweets and various Weasley 's superstar Wheezes products. The next was this year 's Weasley sweater. It had a red quaffle stitched onto the battlefront with a Navy blueness background. `` Opened your jumper yet, James ? ``

`` Sure did, '' James replied, `` Red with a Green River Draco on it. ``

`` Mine 's blue with a red quaffle. ``

`` Excellent. ``

Albus opened the future few present tense, which consisted of legion books and early vesture token. He also got a broom handle Servicing Kit, which would be useful since his Firebolt 2000 had a few twigs that needed to be plucked. Albus saved the present from his parents for last and was about to open it when Epistle of James gave an excited shout from the bed above.

`` Whoa ! ``

`` What is it ? '' Cedric asked and jumped off his bed. Ben followed and the two of them ran over to James 's bed.

Albus crawled out of his bed and joined his cousins. `` What ? '' he asked.

James had a huge grin on his face as he held up a white piece of parchment. `` Look what I got. ``

Albus stared at the parchment. `` You 're kidding ! Dad gave you the predator 's Map ? ``

`` He sure did ! '' James shouted.

`` This is sodding ! '' Cedric exclaimed.

`` I ca n't consider he gave it to you, '' Ben grinned.

`` That 's smashing, James IV, '' Albus smiled, `` But why you and not me ? '' Albus could n't avail but finger a little left out, even though he now had his own Marauder 's Map that would potentially be better than the pilot. But his dad did n't sleep with about that, so why did he have the Map to James ?

`` Dunno, '' James II shrugged. `` What did they get you ? ``

`` Have n't opened it yet, '' Albus picked up the package from his parents and tore off the wrapping.

What he saw made his mouth fall assailable in jar. This would explain why St. James got the Map ! Sitting in the middle of the shoot wrapping, was the Invisibility Cloak. `` He, he gave me the Cloak, '' Albus whispered.

`` Well, that 's why you did n't get the map, '' Saint James the Apostle replied, `` This is vivid ! ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, pulling the cloak out of the wrapper. He laughed to himself as he thought of how he and Rose went through all that trouble of stealing it earlier in the month and now he got it for Christmas. `` Guess this is why Dad wanted the Map back. ``

St. James the Apostle laughed, `` We gave it back only for him to reach it to me. I think we ought to percentage them. ``

`` That 's a honorable idea, '' Albus agreed, not mentioning that hopefully he would suffer his own map working soon.

`` And parcel them with us, too, '' Cedric gestured to himself and Ben.

`` Of course we will, '' St. James assured them. `` We just have to be sneaky about it. We ca n't let all of Hogwarts know we 've got these. ``

`` I 'm going to go William Tell blush wine, '' Albus wrapped the Cloak around himself and left the room. He had never worn the Cloak at the Burrow before and he thought it was really comic that he passed Eddie on the step and Eddie did n't even note him. He pushed open the room access to the room that Rose shared with Victoire, Georgia, Gabriella, and heather mixture and waited for the young lady'reactions.

heather mixture jumped when she heard the door open and saw that no one was there. Victoire and Gabriella laughed and then shrugged. Rose got up from her bed and walked cautiously over to the door.

`` Boo, '' Albus pulled the Cloak off and grinned.

All five girls shrieked as they saw Albus emerge from the Cloak, then they all started laughing. `` Where did you get that ? '' rose demanded.

`` Dad gave it to me ! ''

`` He did ? '' Victoire stared in astonishment. `` Wow, that is really majuscule. ``

`` I just ca n't conceive he gave you that, '' rosebush grinned, `` I 'll bet James River is jealous. ``

`` He got the marauder 's Map, so he 's fine. ``

`` Wow ! '' Rose shouted, `` That 's incredible. And you can share them. ``

`` That 's the program, '' Albus grinned. `` Well, I 'll see you lot downstairs. '' He wrapped the Cloak around himself once more and left the room. Albus could n't believe that his dad had actually given him the Cloak ! He did n't think Harry would ever kick in it up. The full role was that he was now even more like his gramps had been at Hogwarts. Albus was even More of a Marauder now that he had the Cloak.

Albus continued down the stairs and into the kitchen of the Burrow. A few of his cousins, aunts, and uncles were already up and starting to eat breakfast. Harry and Ginny were there as well, along with Lily. His grannie was tending to multiple cauldrons at once, while simultaneously bringing diverse item to the board. Albus watched them all for a few moments before pulling the Cloak off and yelling, `` felicitous Christmas ! ``

Bill choked on his coffee and spat it across the table at George I, who had started laughing. Harry, who had probably been expecting this, grinned and looked at Ginny, who was smiling back. Lily was staring at Albus with her mouth wide-cut exposed. mollie dropped the arena of rolled oats she had been bringing to the table. Everyone else looked at Albus with various looks of shock and amusement.

`` Albus ! '' Molly shrieked as she cleaned up the spilled burgoo with a wave of her sceptre, `` Do n't do that ! ``

`` You gave him the Cloak ? '' George II asked.

`` Yep, '' Harry replied, `` I take it you 're enjoying it, Al ? ``

`` Sure am ! '' Albus went over to where his parents were sitting and gave them each a huge hug, `` give thanks ! ``

`` You 're welcome, '' Harry smiled, `` I figured you should be able to enjoy it while you 're at Hogwarts, like I did. Although I expect you to use it more responsibly than I did. ``

`` I 'll try, '' Albus said, thinking of when he snuck down to the Whomping Willow with it only two weeks ago. `` St. James the Apostle and I are going to percentage it. Same with the Map. ``

`` wait, you gave him the Marauder 's Map, too ? '' George I stared at Harry.

`` No, James got that. ``

`` I did n't think you 'd ever give that away, '' George V laughed.

`` Well, I can wander the castle whenever I want and it wo n't matter who 's around, '' Harry explained, `` The boys ca n't. Plus, I did n't want to abnegate them the fun of it. ``

`` Are you sure that 's good, Harry ? '' Molly asked anxiously.

`` The castling is perfectly safe, even at Nox. I 'm not saying I approve of you wandering around at nighttime, '' Harry gave Albus a butt gaze, `` But there are more than enchantments than ever protecting it. ``

`` That wo n't protect them from sorcerer already in the castle ! '' Molly commented, `` Remember that Willinson kid last year ? ``

`` How could I forget ? Sometimes, you just have to drive peril in order to live a small. I trust the boys enough to get laid they wo n't go wandering around late at night very often. And if you see anything fishy on the Map, '' Harry turned to Albus, `` Tell me about it right away. ``

Albus nodded. `` Sure. '' He took a seat at the table, with the Cloak on his lap, just as Saint James the Apostle ran into the way holding the Map in his hands.

`` Thanks, Dad ! '' James shouted, `` This is superb ! ``

`` I 'll tell you what I told Al. Do n't use that to break too many principle and if you see anything abnormal on it, tell apart me right away. ``

`` howdy, Weasleys ! '' teddy bear strolled into the room, his hair half green and half red. He sat down side by side to Albus and pulled a disk of testis towards him. `` well-chosen Christmas. ``

`` I know your hair is Christmas colored, but those two colors just should n't be paired together, '' James shuddered as he noticed teddy 's hair. `` I mean, Gryffindor and Slytherin at the Saame time ? ``

`` It 's festal, '' teddy grinned. `` You want me to catch yours to be red and dark-green, too ? Just learned some first-class spell for that variety of thing in training. Not that I 'll need them. ``

`` No thanks, '' James had a expression of disgust on his face. `` I 'll celebrate the knit red. ``

`` Is that ... '' Teddy looked at the parchment James was holding, `` The Marauder 's Map ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! surely is ! '' Saint James the Apostle handed it to shift, `` Got it for Christmastide ! ``

`` That 's great ! '' Teddy grinned. `` What did you get Albus ? Do n't guess Harry could top that. ``

`` I got the Cloak. ``

Teddy turned to Albus, `` Really ? That 's outstanding, too ! compliments I had an Invisibility Cloak. ``

`` But you can drop those disillusionment good luck charm, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Not nearly as fun as that Cloak, though, '' Teddy commented.

`` Oh, boys, '' Harry began, `` You 're going to hold to share those with Lily once she gets to Hogwarts. ``

`` Aw, come on, '' James IV groaned.

`` If you do n't I 'll just slip them, '' Lily smirked, `` And hide them in my dormitory, which you two wo n't be able-bodied to get into. ``

`` She 's got a point, '' Ginny grinned.

`` We 'll part, '' Albus assured them. He would n't listen sharing with Lily, just as long as she kept the Cloak secret. The final thing they needed was the entire rook knowing about it.

`` commodity, '' Harry smiled, `` Now who 's up for a little winter Quidditch ? ``

`` Me ! '' Albus, James, shift, and mostly everyone else shouted at the same time.

******

Albus spent nearly of the day playing Quidditch outside with his family. Eventually they all had to come in because they were too cold to diddle any foresightful. Plus, it started snowing pretty hard and nobody wanted to mislay the Snitch. Albus spent the rest of the day with Rose and reading a few of his new books. The Cloak was passed around between his cousins, and nearly of them were amazed Harry had given it to him, and a little jealous as well. William James passed the Map around and everyone had fun watching the few dots that were left in the castle.

Christmas Day dinner came and went in its usual chaotic state. It was flashy and funny and Albus enjoyed every minute of it. He went to bed feeling very full and very contented. The succeeding day Albus 's aunt, uncles, and cousins all started to leave. Albus and Rose 's kin stayed for a mates More days, but they soon had to leave so Albus 's grandparents could go on holiday for New twelvemonth 's. Albus was actually excited to leave because he would be going to Rose 's house and hopefully getting the stag print.

Albus landed in rosiness 's living room after Flooing from the tunnel. His Uncle Ron, rose wine, and Hugo had already arrived and his aunt Hermione was right behind him. There was an owl waiting next to the window and Hermione ran over to let it in.

`` That 's Matt 's owl, '' Albus announced as he and Rose went over to regain the letter. Albus opened the gasbag and scanned the letter, `` He can come, but only for tomorrow. We 're supposed to meet him at the Leaky cauldron at eleven. ``

`` Sure, '' Hermione smiled, `` Tell him that will work. ``

Albus found a quill and quickly scribbled a response on the back of the letter and sent it off with the owl. He and Rose ran up the step and into rosebush 's room to talk about plans for getting the print.

`` I hope you 've got some melodic theme, '' Albus said as he shut blush wine 's door.

`` Of trend I do, '' Rose grinned. `` We 'll tell apart my parents that we 're going to go exploring in the forest and we 'll await for a stag while we 're in there. Once we find one, we 'll all try and sandbag it- ''

`` What about the underage magic natural law ? '' Albus definitely did n't want soul from the Ministry showing up shortly after they stunned a stag. The final affair he wanted to do was explicate why he had done it.

rose laughed, `` Have n't you figured it out yet ? They ca n't tell who 's done the magic, only that magic trick 's been done. The Ministry has no way to say if it was us or my parents who performed the magic. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. All last summertime he could have done thaumaturgy and the Ministry would n't have found out. `` Really ? ``

`` Yes, really. The Ministry just relies on parents to not let their Thomas Kyd use magic outside schooling. So I would n't suggest doing it a lot. I 'm sure we 'd get in big problem with our parents. I would n't even be suggesting we do this if there was another way to get the photographic print. ``

Albus nodded. He did n't really want to break the law either, but what could they do ? There was no way to get a stag photographic print if the hart was n't stunned. `` I just hope we actually find one tomorrow. ``

`` Me, too. But we do have a twosome mean solar day. You 'll be here until the 31st, so that 's four day to get it. ``

`` Yeah, but John and Matt want to serve, too. ``

`` I know and we 'll try. Hey, I 'll bet Amanda 's gotten the dog mark by now ! ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus said excitedly, `` So we 're pretty much halfway there. ``

`` Yup, '' Rose grinned.

`` Now we 've just got to discover the appeal to keep Kaden calm, '' Albus replied.

`` You 're going to differentiate him everything after I find that charm ? '' Rose asked.

`` I think so. I mean, as long as the charm works he ca n't distinguish anyone about it. It 's obvious now that he 's Wormtail, although I 'm sure he 'll be a undecomposed one. But it 's up to mat whether he wants to assure Kaden he 's a werewolf. ``

`` Is n't it kind of necessary for this ? ``

`` Probably, but I ca n't exactly tell Kaden that. ``

`` Yeah, you definitely ca n't, '' Rose agreed.

`` Let 's just try and get the stag print first, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we 'll figure out the Kaden affair. ``


A/N : J.K. Rowling did State in an interview that Harry was n't going to chip in the map and the cloak to St. James the Apostle & Al, but it fits the plot so I 'm just ignoring that for this series. Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Miguel, Johanne, Luke, Slytherinlover, wolverine83, Moonylupin, XDNLxtlz99, maraudersfan a w, and Jen for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus, rose, and Hermione went to the Leaky cauldron the next day to fulfil Matt and Amanda, who was also being dropped off there. St. John the Apostle had arrived earlier by Floo and went with them as well. When they got there, both mat and Amanda were already there.

`` Hi ! '' Albus greeted them as he stepped out of the Floo.

`` Hi Albus, '' flatness grinned, `` How was your Yuletide ? ''

`` It was splendid, '' Albus replied, `` Wait money box you see what I got. ``

`` What ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Ca n't designate you here, '' Albus whispered. `` I 'll show you when we get back. ``

`` Let 's go now, '' Matt said impatiently.

`` You kids go ahead, '' Hermione told them, `` I 've got a bit of shopping to do. ``

Albus bade good day to his auntie and turned back to the Floo. Within seconds he was back in Rose 's endure room. A few minutes later all his admirer were back as well.

mat and Amanda stared around the elbow room. `` Nice house, '' Amanda smiled.

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed, `` Kind of feeling like mine. ``

`` Thanks, '' Rose replied.

`` So, Albus, what did you get for Christmas ? '' Matt asked.

`` This, '' Albus pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak pocket. He had been carrying it around with him ever since Christmas.

lustrelessness let out a gasp. `` Whoa ! You really got the Cloak ? That 's completely amazing ! ``

`` I love that cloak, '' Amanda grinned.

`` And to intend we steal it just a few week ago, '' John snorted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus hissed, `` Uncle Ron and Hugo are here. ``

`` Oh, sorry. ``

`` But this is n't all, '' Albus continued, `` Jesse James got the Marauder 's Map. ``

`` He did n't ! '' can shouted.

`` He did. ``

`` You two are so lucky, '' mat replied.

`` But we 'll have our own Map soon anyway, '' Amanda pointed out as she dug around in the bag she brought. She produced a crumpled piece of lambskin with a paw photographic print on it that was slightly modest than the wolfman print.

`` You got it ! '' Albus took it from her. `` We 're halfway there now. ``

`` I hope it 'll sour. Sir Isaac Newton would n't stay still and the parchment is form of wrinkle. ``

`` I 'm sure enough it will solve, '' Albus said.

`` honest thing we did n't have the print go directly on the map, '' matt replied.

`` So today we get the stag print, '' Albus announced. `` Right after luncheon. ''

Everyone agreed and headed into the kitchen to scrounge up some food. Ron had already created an enormous sandwich and was eating it when Albus and the others walked in. They all liked the idea of making giant sandwiches and were soon eating alongside Ron. Albus thought John 's sandwich looked disgusting because it was piled high with Republic of Turkey, pickles, and peanut butter. Rose shuddered as she saw him sting into it, but he thought it tasted delicious.

`` I ca n't believe you ate that entire matter, '' rose screwed up her face in disgust after John ate the utmost bite of his lunch.

`` It was good, '' he shrugged.

`` Hey, Uncle Ron, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to go explore the forest. ``

`` All right. Have fun. But try and be back by three. shimmy 's coming over and so are James and your dad. We 're all going to meet Quidditch. ``

`` Sure, we 'll be back by then, '' Albus was excited about playing Quidditch. It was always better when teddy was there.

Once they were all done with luncheon, Rose and Albus led the way outside and over to the wood. The forest was situated next to the large open field that was next to the house. Albus and Rose went exploring in it quite a bit and knew their way around it well. The grouping crunched across the snow load theater of operations until they came to the woodland 's edge. rosebush found the path they usually took and lead the mathematical group down it. `` Keep your eyes pealed for a hart, '' she told everyone.

`` This reminds me of the woodland near my old house in Commonwealth of Australia, '' matt commented after a few minutes of walking.

`` How was Australia this year ? '' Albus asked, remembering that his friend just returned to Great Britain the previous day.

`` It was all good. No dissimilar than common. It was boring of course, and my nanna kept telling us how we should visit more often. ``

`` You 're not going to, are you ? '' John asked.

`` Do n't think so. Mum and Dad do n't really want to. Plus they want to go chaffer my Uncle Jack in New House of York this summer. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Amanda replied.

`` Yeah, I hope we get to go. ``

The group continued walking into the forest until Rose announced that it would be better if they sat completely still and waited for a stag to take the air by. She said their movement would frighten off the creatures away. Albus sat down in the C. P. Snow behind a shrub with his friends and watched and listened for animals. After a one-half minute of waiting, Albus was bored. How long was it going to take for a hart to queer their course ? He would much rather just take the air around to find one. Rose seemed perfectly contentedness to sit still, as did mat. John had made a orotund batch of snow balls, along with a bamboozle thaumaturge. Amanda was interfering creating a snow beldam to go along with his wizard.

`` I 'm bored, '' King John sighed as he made yet another snow ball. `` How long is this going to take ? ``

`` I do n't make love, '' rosebush shrugged, `` We do n't see stag that often in here, so it might be a while. ``

Albus glanced at his watch, `` Well it 's just after two, so if we do n't find out one soon, we 'll sustain to go back. '' He stared into the timberland and willed a stag to come. Albus was getting frustrated by this breaker point. They needed that stag print for the map ! There was no place else to detect one. What if they could n't rule a stag before the end of the holiday ? They would have to await until the summer to search again. Albus could n't wait that tenacious. He wanted the map now.

`` Wait, '' Matt stood up and turned around, `` I think I hear something over there. '' He pointed to a cluster of bushes a couple metre away.

`` I do n't hear it, '' John Lackland replied.

`` Shush ! '' matt whispered, `` You know I can hear matter you ca n't. ``

matt started slowly making his way towards the cluster of George W. Bush. Albus and the others followed behind, cypher saying a word. `` wand ready, '' Matt whispered.

Albus pulled out his wand and pointed it towards the bushes, his mind racing with exhilaration as he went. This was it ! They were going to get the stag print ! parting of Albus 's mind knew that this was n't necessarily a hart, but he did n't pay aid to that. What else could it be ? Most of the animate being in the forest were too small to be rustling the bushes this much. As Albus got closer to it, he could distinctly hear the footprints of the fauna, and they were much too gimcrack to be a cony or a squirrel. There were n't many large fauna in the forest, stags being some of the few. It could be a doe, but Albus hoped it wasn't.

The chemical group was now only a couple animal foot away from the bushes. Everyone had their scepter pointed at them, waiting for the beast to make its appearance. The moment Albus saw the parting part, he shouted, `` Stupefy ! ``

`` Stupefy ! '' rose wine, John, flatness, and Amanda all shouted at once.

Whatever was in the bushes jumped to the English and missed all five stunning spells. `` Whoa ! What the bloody hell do you lot think you 're doing ! ''

It was chemise. The noise Matt had heard in the bushes was shimmy. Albus lowered his wand and sighed. So very much for finding a hart. Now that Teddy was with them, they would no longer be able to seem. Albus turned to his admirer and saw them all put their wands away.

Teddy fully emerged from the George Walker Bush and walked over to where Albus was with a bewildered look on his side. `` Do I even want to screw what you 're up to ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, trying to cogitate up an apology fast.

`` We 're just taking a walk in the forest and you scared us ! '' Rose announced, `` Sneaking up on us like that, what did you think we 'd do ? ``

`` scream, maybe ? '' slip gave them a wonky smile, `` But not attack me. ``

`` So you were trying to scare us ? '' Rose said exasperatingly

`` A bit, yeah, '' Teddy laughed. `` Worked, did n't it ? ``

`` I 'll say, '' Rose muttered. Albus listened to the two of them but did n't add anything. He was forever grateful that his cousin was a better liar than he was.

`` It 's kind of low temperature to be going for a hike, '' Teddy commented, `` But Ron said you were here, so I figured I 'd see if I could find you. '' He eyed John 's mint of snowballs and grinned, `` Planning on having a pull the wool over someone's eyes glob conflict ? ``

Teddy did n't hold off for an solution and picked up a few of John 's snowballs. He threw one at Albus and the other at rose wine.

`` Watch it ! '' Albus shouted as the snowball made touch with his face. He spat out the snowfall and turn down to take a leak his own snow orb. He aimed it at Teddy but Teddy jumped out of the way and it hit matt instead.

`` Hey ! '' Matt shouted as he picked up one of John 's snowball and threw it at Albus. It landed square on Albus 's chest.

A few present moment later, a huge Abronia elliptica battle broke out. It was every man for himself for a spell and Albus was getting pummeled by Teddy 's Abronia elliptica. He tried to get teddy bear back, but shimmy was too quick for him. Instead, Albus decided to focus on Matt, who was trying to get Albus back for the snowball that had hit him instead of shift. rosiness eventually joined Albus in his effort to get matt, while Amanda evened out the odds by joining Matt 's side. whoremonger, who seemed to be the merely one with enough science to hit Teddy, was having a one-on-one engagement with the blue air haired boy and was actually doing well.

The six of them were completely soaked by the clock time the fight ended. lustrelessness and Amanda surrendered to Rose and Albus after the first cousin decided to make about XX snowballs and lob them constantly at their two acquaintance. John surrendered to Teddy a few minute of arc later, once chemise decided to fascinate a batch of snow to change state itself into snowballs, resulting in a ceaseless supply of ammo for Teddy. whoremaster did n't do it that spell and was stuck hand making his snow formal while Teddy continuously sent snowballs at him.

`` Who 's up for Quidditch ? '' slip asked as they were walking back through the forest to Rose 's house.

`` M-maybe after I d-dry off, '' Albus shivered. The Charles Percy Snow had completely penetrated his cloak and was now freezing it into an icicle. His supporter nodded in agreement.

`` auditory sensation good, '' Teddy replied, `` Harry and James should be at the star sign by now.

A little while later, Albus found himself back at rosiness 's house, where everyone was waiting for the Quidditch match to get. Albus, along with his friends, ran upstairs to dry off and change quickly.

`` cook ? '' slip jumped up from the chairwoman he was sitting on once Albus and his Friend descended the stairs. `` Who has n't got a broom with them ? ``

`` Me, '' Amanda said. She was the only when one. John and mat, who both had ling, had brought them knowing they would recreate Quidditch.

`` We 've got fifth wheel, '' Ron announced, holding a couple Calluna vulgaris in his hand.

Once everyone had a broom to use, Teddy started to bring complaint of creating teams. `` All right. Let 's see, we 've got Me, Harry, Ron, Jesse James, Albus, John, matte, Amanda, Hugo, and blush wine, are you playing ? ``

`` Sure, why not ? '' rose wine shrugged.

`` Good, then we 've got ten participant. That 's five per team. So each team will have a seeker, a beater, a Keeper, and two chasers, that 'll forge. I 'll be one of the Seekers, '' he turned to Harry and James, `` Which one of you will be the other ? ``

`` You can, Jesse James, '' Harry offered, `` I 'll do whatever is needed. ``

After a few minutes of organizing, the two teams were created. Albus 's squad consisted of shift as Seeker, Ron as Keeper, Victor-Marie Hugo as the only Beater, and matte and himself as the two Chasers. On the other team, James was Seeker, Amanda was steward, whoremaster was the Beater, and Rose and Harry as Chasers.

The two squad trooped outside into the cold-blooded winter day. It was just starting to play false a minuscule, but Albus did n't beware. He would keep warm while he was playing anyway. Harry and Ron conjured finish basketball game and everyone flew into the air. Hermione released the balls ( only one Bludger, since there were only two beaters ) and threw the Quaffle into the air, then conjured herself a chairman to watch.

The match was nothing like the ones at Hogwarts. It was much more loose, and in a way, Albus enjoyed it more. There was only friendly competition between the two team and no one got raging when someone dropped the Quaffle, which happened a lot. The two teams were pretty evenly matched in terminus of Chasing skills. Albus, who was the only literal pursuer on either team, was easily the best. Harry was a comely chaser, but it was gain that Seeking was his real skill. pink wine was absolutely dreadful and was the first to accommodate it. She was n't a big fan of flying in the number one seat and did n't like to accept her hand off her heather in order to catch and throw the Quaffle. lusterlessness was substantially than Rose, but dropped the Quaffle legion prison term. Albus and Matt scored Thomas More points than Harry and Rose did.

Ron, of course, was a very secure Keeper and Amanda was as well. Albus was kind of surprised at this, because she never really played Quidditch before. Maybe she could try out for the Gryffindor squad once Georgia left. John was an astonish Beater and Albus already knew that he 'd be trying out for the squad after Bradley and Ryan left. Victor-Marie Hugo was also a very commodity Beater and it was obvious he had received all the Quidditch gene in his family. Then, of line, there were the searcher. Both Teddy and James were amazing Seekers and by far the two intimately players on either team.

After about an minute of playing, during which Albus was sure both Teddy and James had seen the sneak but ignored it in guild to drag the game on longer, both searcher flew directly up into the air. Everyone stopped what they were doing to follow. A few seconds later, they both came flying back down and King James I had the Snitch clutched in his hand.

`` I got it ! '' he shouted.

`` That puts your squad ahead, '' Hermione announced, `` You won 270 to 210. ``

`` Yes ! '' James exclaimed, landing on the basis. Albus and the eternal rest of the actor landed after him and congratulated him and his team for winning. `` Ha ! I beat you at Quidditch, slip ! '' James gloated.

`` Yeah, yeah, good job, '' Teddy sighed, `` Knew I should n't have trained you that well. ``

`` You 'll be saying otherwise when we win the Cup this year ! '' William James grinned, `` We already beat Slytherin. ``

`` I know, I was there, '' slip laughed, `` Anyway, I 'm just joking. ``

Despite the fact that his squad did n't win, Albus was happy. He loved playing Quidditch with his family unit, even more than playing on his star sign team. It was even better with his friends there, too. He walked back into the home with his protagonist and family unit, cold-blooded but very content. Hermione had made a scale of sandwiches for them, which everyone ate enthusiastically once they had dried off.

After all the solid food had been eaten, St. John the Apostle Flooed back to his business firm and Albus, rosiness, and Hermione went with flatness and Amanda back to the Leaky Cauldron to meet their families. It had been a short visit, but a fun one nonetheless. Albus only wished that they had managed to get the hart print. He and Rose were planning on trying again the future day, and the next if it was essential. They had three more day to do it and Albus was determined to succeed.

******

Albus and Rose spent as a great deal time as they could in the forest looking for stags the next day. When they were n't in the forest, they spent their meter in the library in Rose 's sign, looking for a appealingness to save Kaden quiet.

`` There 's books in here that are n't in the schoolhouse library, '' blush wine announced as they walked into the elbow room after a particularly frigid junket in the forest.

`` I 'm still not sure we should subscribe to a gap from looking for a hart, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's too low temperature out there now. Plus there 's a storm coming and it wo n't do us any good if we get lost out there. '' Rose went over to a record book shelf and Albus followed. He had been in this room plenty of times before, just never to look for a specific charm.

`` How are we supposed to find one magic spell hidden in all these book ? '' Albus sighed, `` We do n't even know what it 's called. ``

`` That 's what this is for, '' blush wine slammed a heavy book down on the tabular array nigh to the shelf she pulled it off of.

Albus looked at the book, `` An Encyclopedia of Charms by Filius Flitwick. That 's who Mum and Dad had for Charms, is n't it ? ``

`` Yes, '' Rose confirmed as she opened the cover, `` It 's a rather ingenious estimate, really. All I 've got to do is ask my wand, point it at the book, and say'I need a charm to keep someone quiet'and it will tack to the ripe pageboy. ``

`` That would certainly cannonball along things along, '' Albus replied. `` Try it. ``

`` All right hand, '' blush wine pointed her verge at the book, `` I need a appeal to restrain someone serenity. '' The Koran 's pages immediately started turning until they stopped about a quarter of the way into the Good Book. Rose peered at it and then shook her head. `` Nope, that 's not it. This one 's just a hush up appeal. ``

`` Maybe you 've got to be more specific, '' Albus suggested.

Rose nodded. `` I need a charm to prevent someone from talking about something. '' The pages started turning again and stopped a few second later. turn out sighed after she read the description. `` This one charms a soul 's mouth shut. ``

Albus laughed, `` Well that would definitely keep Kaden from talking about the map ! ``

`` People might notice, though, '' rosiness smirked, `` Although it does consume it 's advantages. I 'll try something else. ``

`` I think you 'd better tell the al-Qur'an exactly what we need the appeal to do. severalize it that Kaden has to not let the cat out of the bag about a specific thing. ``

`` good idea, '' Rose poised her scepter above the book, `` I need to go along Kaden Durlsey from revealing secrets about Matt Eckerton and about a map. He must only be capable to talk about these secrets with five other mass and not mention them to anyone else. He should be able to discourse normally about other topic. ``

`` That ought to be specific enough. '' Albus watched as the Scripture hesitated for a few moments and then change state its pages to one of the finish ace. Both Rose and Albus leaned over the Bible while rosebush read aloud.

`` 'The Sileo Altus appealingness is the most complex and intricate of the silencing magic spell. This charm has the power to hold a someone from revealing one particular piece of info to others, unlike former silencing magic spell which prevent a person from speaking at all. The appealingness also has the ability to involve others, which will result in the someone the spell is cast on to be able to discourse about the secluded with those particular people. When done correctly, this charm will end forever or until the riposte good luck charm is performed. The Sileo Altus Charm keeps a person 's unavowed safe much like the Fidelius magical spell keeps a individual 's emplacement secret and is said to be just as safe .'

`` Then there 's a unharmed bunch of spells that are required, '' Rose scanned the remainder of the entry. `` There 's a charm that has to be performed on each mortal who is involved, one on Kaden, one on the secret-keeper- ''

`` There 's a secret steward ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, I guess so. Then there 's the overall charm, '' Rose continued, `` It sounds perplex. But I 'm up for it. This does n't really tell me how to do it, though. There 's just a list of spells. ``

Albus glanced at the entranceway, `` Oh, it says there 's more information in Charms of trade protection by Natalia Journo. ``

`` You 're right, I had n't noticed that, '' rosebush leaned over the book again and scan the title of the advocate Word of God. `` I think we might actually own that one. '' rosebush jumped up from her tail end and ran across the room. Albus sat back and watched her. He had no mind how she could possibly do it if she had that account book or not. The full room was filled with shelves and shelves of books. Albus would n't even know where to look to incur the book they needed.

pink wine returned a few arcminute later with a book in her arms and a smile on her nerve. `` We do have it ! This was well-heeled than I thought it would be. ``

`` I think doing the actual charm is going to off-set the relaxation of finding it, '' Albus pointed out.

rose shrugged, `` I think I can reckon it out within a few weeks. '' She sat back down and opened the book.

Albus watched as his cousin flipped through the pages of the book until she found the charm they were looking for. He was very felicitous that rose wine was so eager to learn new spell. It certainly helped that she was good at it, too. Albus had made a lot of progress in charms ever since prof Cedonia arrived, but he was still average out. pink wine was easily the comfortably in their family. That and her forwardness to study would certainly help if she was going to master this charm.

Rose read in silence for a few instant and then turned to Albus. `` All right. This explains it pretty well. First, of course, we 've got to severalise Kaden the secret. Then we 've got to pick the secret custodian. I 'm thinking that I 'll have to be the secret steward since the secret keeper is the one to perform the charms. ``

Albus nodded, `` I 'm o.k. with that. We 've just got to spend a penny sure Matt is. What does the secret steward do ? ``

`` Just perform the magic spell. And the secret custodian is the only one who can execute the comeback appeal on Kaden. Normally the mystical keeper would be the only one the individual could talk about the mysterious with as well. But we 'll use another charm to see to it that Kaden can mouth about the secrets with you, Saint John, Matt, and Amanda as well. ``

`` That sounds good, '' Albus replied. `` What else ? ``

`` wellspring, the secret keeper performs a charm on themselves, which turns them into the private keeper. Then they perform a spell on Kaden. Then Kaden will itemise the secrets in particular. After that, the secret steward performs another magical spell on Kaden. Then charm are performed on the rest of the people involved. Then a final exam sealing charm on everyone, including Kaden and the secret keeper, and it 's done. ``

The idea of all those different trance made Albus 's mastermind hurt. `` Wow, that 's a lot of charms. We 've never done one that are a combining of multiple charms. ``

`` The transfer good luck charm is one of those, but it only uses two. This one is five. ``

`` What 's the return charm involve ? '' Albus asked, thinking that maybe there would be a time when Kaden would mature and they would n't have to bank on magic to keep on him from spilling secret to Malfoy.

`` Erm, it seems pretty much like the actual charm, '' Rose looked back at the book, `` You pretty much go backwards, using different magical spell. ``

`` Makes sense. ``

`` I 'll start practicing as soon as we 're back at schooltime, '' Rose shut the book and got up. `` I 'll make for the book. Mum 'll never know, she 's got way too many to maintain running of. ``

`` All right, '' Albus got up and followed her to the door, `` Now we 've just got to find that hart. ``

`` It 's going to have to wait until tomorrow, Albus, '' Rose pointed to the window. It was albumen with swirling Charles Percy Snow and the flatus was howling. `` Mum and Dad 'll never let us out in that. ``

******

Albus was getting quite fed up with the stag search by the time former afternoon arrived the next day. He and prove spent the entire morning in the timberland, taking a break for lunch, and then returning in the afternoon. Albus looked at his picket and saw that they would experience to be starting to turn back to the house soon. `` We 're never going to ascertain a stag ! '' he groaned.

rosebush, who had brought the good luck charm book they had found the late day, looked up. `` You 've just got to be patient. I told you one wo n't come if we 're noisy. ``

`` We 've been quietly for the past two hours, '' Albus said flatly.

`` You 're not being tranquillize now, '' Rose whispered and returned to her book.

Albus sighed and stared out into the forest. So far Albus had seen no to a lesser extent than ten rabbits and four owls, but no hart. He was getting very frigidness sitting in the Baron Snow of Leicester and his cloak had longsighted since soaked through. Albus was determined, however, and refused to go back to Rose 's house until they found a stag.

It had seemed so simple at first, to stun a stag in the forest and get its step. This was not supposed to be the hardest print to get. Looking back, even the werewolf one seemed leisurely. sure as shooting, they got locked out of Hogwarts, but they never got in trouble for it. The dog photographic print had been the easiest, since Amanda had a dog. The rat would be easy, too, once Saint John managed to catch one.

Albus pulled out his wand and started to poke at the snow wizard he had constructed earlier. The wand melted yap into the snow wizard until it started to resemble a piece of snow Swiss Malva sylvestris. Albus was just beginning to do the Saami to the snow hippogriff that had been formed after the maven when pink wine poked him and hissed, `` Albus, look ! ``

Albus raised his header and looked in the direction Rose was pointing. Directly in figurehead of them was a majestic looking doe, standing completely still and staring just to the left of where the two first cousin were sitting. `` It 's just a doe, '' Albus whispered back, `` It wo n't work. ``

`` I know, but there 's usually a hart around when there 's a doe. ``

Albus sat completely still with his verge facing towards the doe. Rose did the same and the two of them did n't move for a good five minutes. The doe inched slowly ahead, walking to the left of Albus and Rose. Then Albus heard a rustling behind the doe and turmoil washed over him as he saw a immense stag appear from behind a cluster of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. `` This is it, '' he whispered to Rose. She nodded but did n't say anything. The hart walked towards the doe, who had turned around to take care at her match. `` On the count of three. One ... two ... three. Stupefy ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Stupefy ! '' Rose shouted at the like time.

The doe shot off like a rocket as soon as the cousins shouted the while. The stag started to abide by but was hit by Albus 's stunner. Rose 's spell hit a nearby tree and burned a little hole into the bark.

`` Excellent shot, Albus ! '' rosebush grinned at him as they ran towards the stag.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Let 's rushing. We wo n't have much clock time before he wakes up, '' rosebush reached into her robes and pulled out a small-arm of lambskin, a feeding bottle of ink, and a paint brush.

The stag was even swelled up close. Its eyes darted around nervously as Rose painted the ink onto its front hoof. Albus quickly pressed the parchment onto the hoof and pulled it away. A perfect hoof print appeared on the parchment. `` This one 's good, '' Albus showed it to Rose.

`` commodity, '' she put the stopper on her ink and stowed both it and the copse back in her cloak, `` Now let 's go. He wo n't be well-chosen when he wakes up. ``

Albus did n't ask telling twice. He blew onto the parchment a few times to dry the ink and then put it in his cloak. The two cousin-german ran through the trees and back to the house. It only took them a few hour as they were n't very far. Albus was thrilled that they had actually managed to get the print. The sole mark left was the rat one and then they would be able-bodied to try out the map.


A/N : supernumerary long chapter and an early update ! Just to let everyone roll in the hay, I 'll be away at a Harry Potter normal from tomorrow ( hence the other update ) until William Ashley Sunday and although I 'll have my laptop with me, I might not have a chance to respond to your reviews. I 'll get to them afterwards, though.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, Saint Luke, sinwillys822, Slytherinlover, maraudersfan a w, Miguel, Moonylupin, and drownzer for the reveiws !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter, Barbie, or Wii.


Albus 's family came to pick him up from pink wine 's house the next afternoon. They were all dressed in Muggle clothing, although Harry looked a lilliputian uncomfortable in his Muggle courting. Probably due to the tie, Albus thought. He could never empathise why Muggles wore those.

`` Ready, Al ? '' Harry asked after a few minutes of visiting with Rose 's family.

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied. He had to admit that he was a bit neural about this dinner, but there was nil he could do about it now. `` See you at school, Rose. ``

`` Bye, '' Rose smiled.

The rest of the potter and Weasleys said goodbye to each other and then Albus disapparated with his mob. They appeared in a gloomy alleyway near a forsake street. Harry motioned for them to keep abreast him and the family started down the street. They made a few more turns until they came upon a region of average size houses. The houses all looked different, but seemed to be well cared for. It was a very tranquilize region with few the great unwashed out and about. There were a couple multitude outside shoveling the newly fallen snow off their private road, but none of them seemed to mark Albus and his family.

Eventually, Harry led them up a driveway towards a grey house Albus recognized as Kaden 's. Before they could even progress to the doorway, it was thrown open and Kaden came running out. `` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` How are you ? ``

`` Great ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't tell you how much I 've missed school. It seems so boring here compared to shoal. ``

`` I have n't missed it. I like being on holiday, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but it 's so drilling without, '' Kaden whispered in Albus 's ear, `` Magic. ``

Albus stifled a gag and followed Kaden into the house. Kaden led them to the living elbow room, where Dudley was fidgeting with his tie. Christina was setting out bowls of grapeshot and junky and Bethany was helping.

`` Get anything unspoilt for Yuletide ? '' Kaden asked Albus once they sat down on the couch. `` I got a few new games for my Wii, a new football, a skateboard, and a bunch of dress. ``

`` What 's a Wii ? '' Albus asked.

`` Video game scheme, '' Kaden explained, `` It 's really fun. I 'll shew you sometime. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus nodded, `` I got some clothes, rule book, a load of dessert, hooey from my Uncle George 's workshop, and my dad 's Invisibility Cloak. ``

Kaden 's mouth fell clear, `` He gave it to you ? ! ``

`` Yup, '' Albus grinned. He had told Kaden about the Cloak a while ago, although Kaden had never seen it. He pulled it out of his bag and handed it to Kaden.

`` Whoa, that 's brilliant ! '' Kaden threw the cloak around himself, `` await, I 'm invisible ! ``

All the adults looked over at him. `` Albus, you 'd better put that away before Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia get here, '' Harry warned. Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Kaden. He knew Uncle Vernon would be less than enthusiastic about any sort of witching object.

`` Er, speaking of my parents, '' Dudley shifted uncomfortably, `` They do n't, well, they are n't aware that you 're, er, here tonight. ``

Albus watched as his parents looked at each other and then back at Dudley. `` What do you stand for, Dudley ? '' Harry asked nervously.

`` I knew they would n't come if they knew you were here, so I did n't tell them, '' Dudley confessed.

Harry groaned, `` Dudley ... You know this could go horribly wrong. ``

`` Well, I was kind of hoping you would all form up, '' Dudley mumbled.

Harry shook his headspring and looked back at Ginny, who looked distressed. Then the doorbell rang and Harry turned to Dudley. Dudley gave him a small smile and turned to get the door.

Albus gulped and looked at Saint James. Albus could only ever recall seeing his Uncle Vernon once. Albus was only five or six at the time and the exclusively thing he remembered was Vernon asking Harry if Albus was'a freak like you are'. Albus had no desire to ever see the man again, and now he had to spend the evening with him.

The vocalization of Dudley greeting his parents started to become louder as they came into the life elbow room. Albus got up from the lounge and stood succeeding to St. James, who was hiding behind Harry. Vernon and petunia followed Dudley into the room and their faces visibly paled as they saw the Potters.

`` Wha-wha, Dudley ? '' Vernon gaped at Harry and then looked at his son.

Albus watched as bedlam broke out amongst the adults. Vernon 's face turned various shades of red and purple as he tried to grasp what was happening. petunia clung to her hubby with a combined look of dislike and fear on her face.

`` Vernon, Vernon ! Did you know they would be here ? '' Petunia asked shrilly.

Once Vernon regained his ability to talk coherently, he started yelling at Harry, who yelled back.

`` You ! '' Vernon pointed at Harry, `` Why are you here, boy ? ``

Christina stood near the entrance to the kitchen, looking uncomfortable. Bethany clung to her leg and hid her face, clearly afraid of her granddad 's shouting. Albus, James River, Lily, and Kaden glanced around at the adults, paying rapt care to the unfolding contention, but not saying a word. Ginny pursed her mouth and watched her husband with a disapproving look. Albus had to admit that his Uncle Vernon was a bit scary right now and Albus had no desire to cross track with him. Dudley looked skittish as he tried to make peace between his congener. His representative was drowned out amongst Vernon and Harry 's yelling, and Petunia 's shrieking.

`` Mum, Dad, '' Dudley stood in front of his parents, `` I invited them here, so we could all get reacquainted. ``

`` Why would you do that ? '' Vernon demanded.

`` Kaden 's a magician, Dad, so Harry 's a part of his animation now. You know he 's one of Kaden 's teachers. ``

Vernon 's face turned from ghostly Edward D. White to a deep shade of purple. `` What could he possibly learn ? Abnormalness ? ``

`` legerdemain, Dad, it 's called conjuration, '' Dudley sighed.

Vernon 's eyes narrowed and he glared at Harry. `` You 're filling his head with all that junk you learned as a minor ! Do n't stand for it, Dudley ! He 's got you tricked or something ! Send him to Smeltings ! ``

`` Dad, Harry did n't trick me. Kaden 's a wizard and you 're just going to stimulate to go with it, '' Dudley replied.

`` Nothing estimable will get along of this, Dudley ! I assure you of that ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` Vernon, '' petunia put her hand on her husband 's arm, `` Let it go. ``

`` You do clear that this kind of abnormality is what got your sister killed ! ``

`` I 'm fully mindful of what happened to my sister, '' Petunia snapped. `` This does n't have anything to do with that. It 's about accepting your grandson for who he is. '' Vernon continued glaring at Harry, but he did n't say anything.

`` Let 's all sit down, '' Dudley suggested.

`` And I 'll get us some beverage ! '' Christina announced eagerly. She rushed into the kitchen and came back with a bottleful of brandy, a bottle of wine, and a some deoxyephedrine, along with fizzing drinks for the kids.

Vernon and genus Petunia regained their composure and genus Petunia gave Dudley a pearl crunching hug and smothered him with kisses. She then moved on and did the Lapp with both her grandchildren, making certain to completely ignore Albus, James IV, and Lily. Albus sat down on the lounge and to his disfavour, Vernon chose to sit next to him. After a few import of awkward silence, Vernon turned to Albus. `` So, '' he began, causing Albus to derail, `` You go to this, school, too ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied quickly, not looking at Vernon.

`` facial expression at me when I 'm talking to you, '' Vernon spat, `` I see manners are n't luxuriously on their priority lean. What classes do you postulate there ? ``

Albus forced himself to face at Vernon. `` I 'm taking Transfiguration Day, spell, Potions, Herbology, uranology, account of illusion, and Defense Against the Dark Arts, '' he mumbled quietly.

Vernon seemed to flinch at the sound of those names. `` I see. And are you any good at them ? ``

`` Um, I guess so, '' Albus replied. He was wishing more and more that he could birth just stayed at Rose 's house instead of coming here. Why was Vernon questioning him ? Why not James or Kaden ?

`` What subject does your beginner Blackbeard ? '' Vernon barked.

`` Defense Against the dark Arts, '' Albus muttered.

`` And what is that, exactly ? ``

`` defensive spells, dueling, stuff you use to shoot down wickedness whiz like Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, and Professor Potter defeated Voldemort ! '' Kaden interrupted and for once Albus was grateful for his cousin 's big mouth.

`` So I 've heard, '' Vernon replied.

`` He 's a heavy instructor, grandpa ! I love my new schooling. It 's much skillful than Muggle school, '' Kaden grinned. `` I 'll be correctly back. '' He ran up the stairs and came back a few seconds later with his wand. `` count at this ! ``

Vernon narrowed his center and gazed at his grandson. `` You 've got one, too. ``

`` Of course I do ! '' Kaden laughed, `` I wish I could render you some conjuration, though. I ca n't do it out-of-door schooling. Hey, prof Potter can indicate you ! ``

`` No ! I ruddy hell think not ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` No thanks ! '' Petunia shouted at the Saame time.

Kaden looked disappoint. `` Sorry, Kaden, '' Harry with an apologetic feel, `` Maybe another day. ``

`` Or never, '' Vernon muttered.

Nobody said much after that. Albus preferred it that way. He was very felicitous that Uncle Vernon appeared to deliver given up his head and result session. Christina announced that dinner was ready a few minutes later, and everyone eagerly went into the dining room. Albus made sure as shooting that he was n't sitting next to Vernon and relaxed a fiddling as he began to eat.

The Dursleys dominated near of the dinner conversation, with Vernon and genus Petunia asking Dudley and Christina about what was new in their lives. They wanted to make out every last item, down to what grade Bethany had gotten on her tardy volume report in school day. Eventually they had exhausted this theme and the board descended into an bunglesome silence before Vernon started drilling Harry about his life.

`` So, boy, what exactly do you do for a support ? '' Vernon barked.

`` I 'm the read/write head of the Auror department at the Ministry of Magic, '' Harry smiled.

`` Auror ? '' Vernon repeated, `` What would that be ? ``

`` A dark wizard catcher, '' Harry explained.

`` Oh, like a policeman. Would n't stimulate guessed you 'd be in law enforcement, what with all the fuss you caused as a small fry. ``

Harry sighed, `` You know virtually of that was n't my fault. ``

`` Like hell it was n't. It was all due to your irregularity, '' Vernon replied.

`` Dad, ca n't you just send packing it ? '' Dudley asked.

`` No, Duddy, I wo n't ! Vernon slammed his fist on the table, `` He 's obviously done something to Kaden to relieve oneself him abnormal ! ``

That had to be the most laughable thing Albus had ever heard. A wizard could not turn a Muggle into a genius. If they could, there would n't be any Squibs in the world, and there would certainly be Thomas More wizards.

`` Oh come off it, Dad ! '' Dudley shouted. `` Harry did n't do this ! Kaden was born a hotshot ! ``

`` No he was n't ! '' Vernon yelled, his nerve turning purpleness again. `` And I want the boy to change him back ! ``

`` Uncle Vernon, listen to me, '' Harry announced, `` You ca n't sour someone into a wizard, it just does n't go. Kaden was born a wizard, which does n't surprise me at all. There is witching in his blood, the Lapp magic trick that was in my mother 's and is in mine. ``

`` Wonderful, '' Vernon tiff, `` And I suppose you 're going to tell apart me that Bethany will be unnatural, too ? ``

`` There 's a chance she 'll be a crone, yes, '' Harry told him.

`` I am not going to stand for anymore abonormalness in this mob ! '' Vernon roared.

`` Vernon, there 's nil we can do ! '' Petunia shrieked, `` I do n't wish it either, but the boy did not do this ! ``

`` How do you know ? ``

`` Because my junkie of a sister told me it 's not possible, that 's how ! ``

`` Do n't call her a freak ! '' Harry glared at both of them.

petunia ignored him. `` I asked her, when I was an arrogant small fry. I asked her if individual could bend me into a witch before I knew any effective. She said no. There is not one thing we can do to change Kaden. We just have to hope that he 's going to be bright than my sister was and not get killed just out of school. ``

`` fine, '' Vernon snapped, `` But I do n't like it. I do n't like it one bit. ``

`` Neither do I, neither do I, '' petunia agree.

Albus glanced nervously from one adult to the next, hoping that the combat was over. He realized now how much Uncle Vernon and aunt Petunia hated magic now. The two of them were still going on about how Albus 's grandmother had been killed, thirty-some years later. Albus was still amazed that Vernon had actually blamed Harry for Kaden being a necromancer. Albus knew Vernon disliked Harry, but he did n't think Vernon would still blame Harry for matter he did n't like, this many years later.

`` You 'd be secure off just keeping him out of that school day, '' Vernon announced after a few minutes of silence. `` There 's no law requiring him to go, is there ? ``

`` No, '' Dudley replied. `` But he likes it there, so he 's staying. ``

`` This is utterly farcical, '' Vernon muttered, `` postponement money box Marge hears about it. ``

`` I hate Aunt Marge, '' Kaden said loudly, causing Albus to huff into his juice. `` All she talk of the town about is breeding dogs. ``

`` Do n't say that about your auntie, '' Vernon scolded.

`` What ? '' Kaden shrugged, `` Professor Potter must not like her either. ``

Harry, who had been laughing behind his glass, immediately stopped and looked at Kaden. `` Really, Kaden, it 's not nice to say you hate masses. '' He turned to Vernon, `` You have n't told her ? ``

`` Of course of study I have n't ! '' Vernon raised his vocalization, `` Can you imagine what she is going to intend ? That someone, like, like you is actually related to her ? She takes comfort in the fact that you are n't actually related to her ! But to ingest Kaden be one of your lot, she 'll be horrified ! And I should think so after you blew her up years ago ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden and Bethany shouted at the Lapp clock time. Kaden spat his juice out and started choking. Albus slapped him on the spine, trying to command his own laughter. Harry told them this floor a long clock time ago and just thinking about it made Albus laugh.

`` That was n't his fault ! '' Ginny came to Harry 's demurrer, `` He could n't check it ! What your sister said about his parents was absolutely rotten and you know it ! ``

`` It was the truth ! '' Vernon shouted, rising to his feet.

`` No it was n't ! '' Ginny stood up as well.

`` What do you mean, botch her up ? '' Kaden asked.

`` His parents were moron and that 's why they were killed ! '' Vernon continued.

`` No they were n't ! '' Harry stood and stared at his uncle. Albus had rarely ever seen his father so wild before. `` They were working against Voldemort. ``

`` Another one of your lot who went on a pour down rampage ! '' Vernon yelled.

`` They should sustain just ignored him and minded their own business, '' Petunia announced. Albus did n't really think she should be telling individual to mind their own business, when she thrived off of gossip.

`` You could n't snub Voldemort ! '' Harry and Ginny said at the same time.

`` Can someone please tell apart me how auntie Marge got blown up ? ! '' Kaden shouted again.

`` Dad, just forget about it, all right ? Harry 's parents were n't lazy, '' Dudley pleaded.

`` Leave this to me, Dudley. You 're obviously under a bad influence right now. ``

Dudley heaved a vast sigh, `` Dad ... You 're forgetting that Harry saved my life once ! ``

`` Oh, from those dementy things ? They would n't accept even been around if it were n't for the boy ! ``

`` The point is that they were ! And Harry saved me from them ! He also kept us all safety while he was hunting down that Voldemort bloke. He did n't have to do that, you know. ``

`` What 's a dementy thing ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Dementors, '' Albus corrected, `` They 're these cloaked puppet that suck out your soul. ``

Kaden stared at Albus, `` They what ? ``

`` suck out your soul, '' Albus repeated, `` They feed on happy persuasion, until you 're only left with the sad ones. ``

Kaden shuddered, `` They sound all-fired ugly. Professor ceramicist saved Dad from one ? ``

`` Yeah, when they were 15. There 's a appealingness, the Patronus Charm, that drives them away. It 's really set ahead magic not taught until one-seventh year, but Dad learned in his tierce twelvemonth. ``

`` Wow, your dad 's brilliant, '' Kaden grinned. `` But I do n't visualise running into one of those dementors. Have you ever seen one ? ``

`` No and I hope never to, '' Albus replied.

`` We would have been OK without those weirdy 'protecting'us ! '' Vernon raged.

`` No we would n't ! We 'd all be dead ! '' Dudley insisted.

`` What would that Voldemort bloke have wanted with us anyway ? '' Vernon bellowed, `` It 's not like we 're weirdos like him. ``

`` Do n't you get it ? '' Harry sighed, `` He did n't care about anyone ! He would 've killed anyone to get to me, including you. ``

`` Everybody, just shut it ! '' The five adults who were arguing turned to the source of the new voice that rang out garish than theirs. It was Christina. Everyone stopped arguing and stared at her. `` Thank you. Now I only understand constituent of this row, but everything you 're rowing about has happened in the past tense. Ca n't you just put it behind you and try to get along ? attend at you, you 're standing there arguing about stuff you ca n't alter, in front of your children. What kind of model are you setting ? Put aside your conflict, if not for yourselves, do it for the kids. ``

The adults said nada for a few moments while Christina glared at every one of them. Eventually, Harry spoke, `` She 's right. We should just try and get along. '' Ginny nodded in agreement.

`` That 's what I was trying to say you, '' Dudley commented.

`` fine, '' Vernon spat, `` I 'll support the boy. But you are making a grave misapprehension with Kaden, Dudley. ``

`` trade good, '' Christina replied and stood up. `` I 'll go get the pud. ``

The rest of the dinner was much more enjoyable. Harry quickly told the account of when he blew up Marge to douse Kaden and Bethany 's rarity, but there was no More mention of magic throughout the ease of the meal. The conversation centered on topic that could be equally relative to Muggles and maven, such as the weather. Albus did n't say anything, choosing instead to quietly eat his pudding while listening to the adults'filter conversations. He was just happy that they were no longer arguing with each early.

After dinner, Albus, James IV, and Kaden escaped to Kaden 's bedroom, which he was eager to show off. The entire thing was decorated with assorted football paraphernalia, with a lot of emphasis on Manchester United. James I found this highly entertaining and dog-tired quite a few proceedings laughing at the posters, in which the players remained completely still. Kaden spent a while showing off his Christmas presents to Albus and James and soon wanted to show them how to make for his Wii.

Kaden led Albus and James back downstairs, where the grownup were discussing cars over deep brown. Albus was very happy that he did not sustain to sit through that word. Albus followed as Kaden went down another flight of stairs and they descended into the cellar. The cellar was clearly the playroom of the business firm, as it was cluttered with all sorts of Muggle toys. Lily and Bethany were playing with Bethany 's Barbies in one corner and neither of them paid much attention as the boys entered the room.

The Wii was set up in the midriff of the room and attached to a television that was against the paries. Albus had never played a Wii before and was kind of curious about it. James was as well, although he got sidetracked by a outside command car. He drove it all over the room, completely amazed at how the car seemed to proceed by magic.

`` The matter Muggles come up with, '' James grinned as he joined Albus and Kaden in front of the television.

Kaden spent the succeeding hour teaching James and Albus how to play the Wii. They started with Kaden 's new racing game, which was actually pretty complicated. It took Albus the better function of an 60 minutes to figure out how to play it. James I caught on a bit faster, but neither of them could top Kaden in skill. Albus found that the biz was incredibly fun and almost wished he had one at his theatre. Once they successfully learned the racing biz, Kaden went on to instruct them how to play a couple more games. Lily eventually wandered over and wanted to find out, too. By the fourth dimension midnight came around, all five of them were taking act playing game and Albus was having a expectant time.

Albus was variety of defeated when his dad called them back upstairs to look down to the new year and hoped that everyone was still acting civilly. They were, as Albus found when he entered the living room. It did n't really see like the adults were enjoying themselves, but they were at least acting polite, which was trade good enough for Albus.

Shortly after they rang in the new yr, Albus 's parents decided it was time to allow for. Albus had no arguments against this because he was tired and did n't really need to drop any longer meter in the Lapplander home as Uncle Vernon. Harry politely shook script with Vernon, said goodbye to Petunia, and told Dudley he would owl him soon. Vernon kind of flinched at the mention of the give-and-take 'owl .'Albus completely ignored Vernon and genus Petunia, and told Kaden he would see him on the train ride back to school. Once the obligatory goodbyes were said, Albus and his kinfolk left the house, only to Apparate back to Grimmauld Place a few streets away.


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


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to take that he was happy to be going back to Hogwarts. After the nearly black dinner with the Dursleys, Albus spent his time working on homework or goofing off with James IV and Lily. By the end of the holiday he was actually kind of bored and happy to be seeing his acquaintance again. Plus, the sooner he got back to school, the sooner he could try out the new map.

The potter met the Weasleys and the Dursleys at world-beater 's crossbreeding and entered chopine 9 3/4 together. Both syndicate were running late again and Albus, blush wine, James, and Kaden only just made it onto the train before it left. St. James immediately left to discover his friends while Albus, Rose, and Kaden wandered around trying to find their friends.

John and Amanda were sitting in one of the compartments in the center of the train. Albus opened the door and walked in, followed by Rose and Kaden.

`` Hey ! '' John greeted them.

`` There you are, '' Amanda smirked, `` Almost miss the geartrain again ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus laughed and sat down next to her. He wished more than anything that Kaden would leave so he could assure toilet and Amanda that he and resurrect managed to get the hart print. All the prints were currently residing in Albus 's bag, just waiting to be transferred onto the map.

`` So how was your syndicate dinner party ? '' John grinned and looked from Albus to Kaden.

Albus and Kaden exchanged glances. rose wine stifled a laughter. She had already heard about the dinner party shortly after it happened.

`` It was ... consequential, '' Albus said. `` Not something I want to do again. ``

`` What happened ? '' John the Evangelist asked eagerly.

`` My grandad went mad, '' Kaden shook his headspring. `` And my grandma sort of did. ``

`` What did they do ? '' Amanda asked.

`` wellspring, they kind of did n't get laid we were coming, '' Albus began, `` So they started off by yelling about that. ``

`` Then they started shouting about how my dad should n't let me go to school here, '' Kaden continued.

`` And Uncle Vernon wound up claiming that Dad had somehow used a charm to bend Kaden into a champion, '' Albus explained.

John and Amanda burst out laughing. `` You 're kidding ! '' John the Evangelist exclaimed. `` He actually thought that ? ! ``

`` Sure did, '' Albus grinned. Now that the dinner was behind him, he was able to laugh about it. Looking back, his Uncle Vernon did seem mad, and not nearly as scary as Albus first thought.

`` And my granny of all people told him it was n't possible, '' Kaden laughed. `` Apparently she wanted to be a witch when she was a kid. But the best part was when granddad brought up aunty oleomargarine. ``

`` Who 's that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` My gramps 's sister, '' Kaden explained, `` I ca n't stomach her. But apparently professor Potter blew her up when he was 13 ! ``

John and Amanda started howling with laugh. `` That is absolutely brilliant ! '' Saint John shouted.

`` This I 've got to hear ! '' Amanda grinned.

Albus smiled at them and told the story of his auntie oleo. St. John the Apostle and Amanda laughed even harder when they had heard the whole thing.

`` What happened adjacent ? '' John asked once he had calmed down.

`` Well, we went down to the basement and played with Kaden 's Muggle telecasting plot, which was a lot of fun. ``

`` And the adults stayed upstairs, '' Kaden added. `` Which was probably bloody awkward. ``

`` Then we left shortly after midnight, '' Albus told them. `` Hey, Kaden, what happened after we left ? ``

`` Oh, yeah. granddad tried to convince Dad to not let me go back to Hogwarts. He thought Dad would be more in all likelihood to agree without you lot there. Dad told him to arrest and eventually he gave up and left. ``

`` You going to do that again anytime soon ? '' bathroom asked.

`` Hopefully not, '' Albus replied.

`` Let 's do it at your house adjacent, '' Kaden grinned, `` I want to see a wiz house. ``

`` I doubt Dad will let Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia in the theater, '' Albus told him, `` But you 're welcome to come. ``

`` Over the summer, then, '' Kaden said.

`` We 'll come, too, '' Rose announced. John and Amanda nodded. `` And Matt. ``

Kaden looked around the compartment and then back at Albus. `` Where is he, anyway ? ``

`` Er, he had some, er, healer appointments, '' Albus said quickly. Hopefully that would satisfy Kaden 's curiosity.

`` Oh, for that disease he 's got ? ``

`` Yeah, the one you ca n't say a thing about to anybody, '' Albus glared at him, `` And that includes this. Do n't tell anyone where he is. ``

Kaden nodded. `` I wo n't. I 'll preserve away from Malfoy and Willinson. ``

`` good, '' Albus said.

******

Over the next few twenty-four hour period, Albus kept trying to encounter some prison term to tell trick and Amanda about the hart print, but it was hard to shake off Kaden off. It seemed the only times they were away from him was when they were in course or in their dormitory at night. Neither were good opportunities to talk about the map.

In the meantime, Malfoy was trying to picture out why lusterlessness was n't in school day. The full moon was n't until the keep an eye on week, so Albus was going to have to endure Malfoy 's questioning for a patch longer. Nothing seemed to satisfy him. Albus was also preoccupied with what was going to happen this fully moon. He was kind of occupy about Matt taking the new wolf's bane potion.

All the students and instructor seemed to be falling into their usual routines. Dueling and Quidditch recitation started up again. Both Kate and Georgia were working their team hard and Albus was feeling the effects. Between that and the increase amount of homework the teachers were design on assigning, he had hardly any clock time for anything else.

A couple days into the terminus, Kaden finally had one of his tutoring sessions. Albus and his friends seized the opportunity and ran to the Room of Requirement as soon as Kaden left the common room.

`` Finally ! '' John the Divine exclaimed as he threw himself onto one of the couches in the room. `` I thought I was going to die of curiosity ! ``

`` I never thought we 'd get away from him ! '' Amanda said as she sat down next to him.

`` It 'll be gentle once Rose figures out the charm to celebrate him quiet, '' Albus replied.

`` You found one ! '' John sat up and stared at Rose.

`` Sure did, '' Rose grinned and pulled the Word of good luck charm from her business firm out of her bag. She opened it to the right page and handed it to John and Amanda.

The two of them read it for a few minutes. `` This is incredible, '' Amanda smiled, `` You think you can do it ? ``

`` given a bit of practice session, for sure, '' rosebush replied. `` We just have to crap sure Matt agrees to it. ``

`` I 'm sure he will, '' privy said, `` I mean, this charm will definitely restrain Kaden from telling anyone. ``

`` I 'll set forth working on it now, '' Rose took the book back, `` I have n't started yet because I do n't require anyone to ask why I 'm trying to pick up it. ``

`` So, did you get the stag print ? '' can asked eagerly.

`` Sure did ! '' Albus reached into his bag and pulled out the three mark. `` We just need the rat now. ``

John picked them up and looked at him. `` Excellent ! I 'll try and get the rat soon. Then we can transfer them. ``

`` We should look for Matt, '' Albus told him, `` He 's a part of this as much as we are. ``

`` Oh, yeah, that 's a good thought, '' lav set the prints down on a nearby table. `` You know, I think this is the first sentence we 've been in here without him. ``

`` I think you 're right, '' Albus commented. It was sort of strange, really. All the other times they had been in the room, flatness had been the one to ask for it. Nobody said anything for a few minutes. Albus could recite that everyone was thinking the same thing he was, what would happen with Matt 's new potion.

`` fountainhead, he 'll be back soon, '' St. John said after a while.

`` As long as nothing goes unseasonable, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Yeah, but just intend if this potion works. That would be great, would n't it ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, but he could n't facilitate but call up the new potion would n't mold any better than the old one. Why should it ? If matt was resistant to Aconitum lycoctonum potion, why should a unlike variety of it mould ?

The four of them spent the remainder of the evening in the Room. Rose worked steadily on figuring out the magical spell, but did n't really get anywhere. It was an extremely difficult charm, after all. Albus, John, and Amanda worked on their preparation and talked about what they thought the new map would make on it.

******

Albus became more and more anxious as the full moon approached. His champion seemed to as well, and John especially developed a very short-circuit fuse. Kaden seemed to get the brunt of this but he took it in footstep. The Nox of the actual full moon, Albus had Quidditch practice. He became so distracted during it that Empire State of the South called for a break during practice and demanded to lie with why Albus was dropping so many Quaffles. He lied and told her he was worried about a Transfiguration of Jesus exam the adjacent day. Luckily she seemed to take over this and wished him luck on his exam. Albus tried surplus hard during the second half of practice but still missed a lot of slowly passes.

Albus entered the unwashed way after practice smell incredibly sore but not at all jade. He had been hit with numerous bludgers due to his lack of concentration. Normally Albus would have been exhausted after such a practice but he was too anxious to be tired tonight.

His admirer were sitting at their usual mesa which was covered in homework. Not that much of it was being done. Kaden was the just one feverishly working away at an essay. lavatory, Amanda, and even blush wine were staring off into nothing with their untouched homework in nominal head of them. Albus quickly stowed his Calluna vulgaris in his dormitory and joined his protagonist at the table.

`` Hey, '' Albus said as he sat down future to Rose.

`` Hi, '' Rose mumbled. John and Amanda gave equally unenthusiastic greetings.

`` Hi Albus ! '' Kaden looked up, `` I 'm gladiola you 're back. This lot has been incredibly leaden. ``

Even at a sentence like this, Albus could n't serve but laughter at Kaden 's cluelessness. `` Hi, Kaden. ``

`` How was exercise ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not that slap-up. I got hit with a couple bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' Kaden winced.

`` Yeah, my arm hurts pretty bad, '' Albus commented.

`` Just go see Madam Pomfrey, '' blush wine suggested, `` Your arm looks cruddy. ``

Albus glanced at his arm. It had turned a lovely purplish blueness color in the metre since he had received the coke. `` All right, '' he stood up. `` I 'll see you in a bit. ``

Kaden stood up as well. `` I 'll come in with you. ``

Albus did n't feel like telling Kaden not to get to, so he nodded and Kaden followed him out of the common room. Albus did n't talk much on the way to the hospital wing, but Kaden kept up a cyclosis comment about what went on in his classes that day. Kaden must have felt the motivation to percentage it even though nothing particularly exciting had happened that day. The corridors were utterly deserted and Kaden 's voice seemed awfully loud. Albus glanced at his watch and saw that it was almost curfew. He wished he had brought his invisibleness Cloak. Of course, none of the teachers could give him detention for being out of his vulgar room in order to go see Madam Pomfrey, could they ?

Albus pushed the door to the hospital wing open slowly and saw that dame Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, writing something, and glancing out the window every few second base. The moonlight was streaming through and illuminating one of the bed. There were n't any patient in the ward, which Albus thought was sort of strange. Albus rarely ever saw the place empty. He walked quietly up to lady Pomfrey and Kaden followed. The nanny did n't even seem to sustain noticed them come in.

`` Er, excuse me, lady Pomfrey ? '' Albus said once he was a couple fundament in forepart of the desk.

The nanny jumped and looked up, clutching her eye. `` Oh, Albus ! You scared me. What are you doing here ? ``

It suddenly occurred to Albus that Madam Pomfrey was probably thinking about Matt as well, since she usually took tending of him after the wide moon. `` I got hit with a couplet bludgers at practice tonight. I was, er, form of distracted. ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey stood up and gave him a sympathetic look. `` I understand. Let me see. ``

Albus held out his arm and Madam Pomfrey clucked her knife as she inspected it. She pulled out her wand and touched it to his arm, muttering a while as she did so. Albus 's arm felt fond and tingly, and then normal again. The pain was gone.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` No problem. Anywhere else ? ``

`` I got hit on my back too and it kind of hurts. I 've got no idea if it 's bruised or not. ``

Madam Pomfrey looked at Albus 's back and performed the Saami healing charm. It felt immensely better.

`` I think that 's it, '' Albus said once she was done.

`` You 'd better be off to bed, then, '' she said. `` I 'm sure enough I 'll be seeing you soon. ``

Albus nodded and turned to leave. He and Kaden were soon back in the empty corridor.

`` Why were you distracted during practice ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Shush, '' Albus hissed, `` Transfiguration exam tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, that 's probably why John, Rose, and Amanda were so quiet. ``

`` Yeah, that was it. ``

The two of them continued their trek to the park room until they practically bumped into two other people as they turned a corner.

`` Watch it ! '' a moth-eaten spokesperson shouted and shoved Albus aside.

Albus pulled out his baton and lit it, shoving the Light in the faces of the two strangers. They were Malfoy and Willinson. `` You watch it, '' Albus muttered.

`` Get your wand out of my face, '' Malfoy seethed. `` What are you doing here anyway ? ``

`` What are you doing here ? '' Albus asked.

`` None of your business. ``

`` You just reply your own question, then. ``

Malfoy turned to Kaden. `` Ah, it 's the Mudblood cousin. ``

`` Do n't call him that ! '' Albus shouted.

Malfoy ignored him and continued to glare at Kaden. `` Maybe you know where Eckerton is these sidereal day ? ``

Kaden glanced nervously at Albus before answering. `` Uh, no, I do n't. ``

`` Fine, '' Malfoy snapped. `` I know you wo n't say anything with Potter around anyway. I 'll just wait until you 're alone. C'mon, Willinson, we 're leaving. ``

`` You 'll do no such affair, Mr. Malfoy, '' someone said from behind Albus.

Albus jumped in fright and turned around to see Professor Patil. Great, he thought, now they were going to wreathe up in detention. Why did they always wind up in custody with Malfoy ?

`` What are you four doing out of bed ? '' Patil asked briskly, `` You know you 're not allowed to be wandering around after hours. ``

`` Uh, '' Malfoy stammered, `` We were, er, uh, well we just wanted to, um- ''

`` Do n't nettle, Mr. Maloy, '' Patil cut him off. `` Whatever lie you come up with is not going to convince me. '' She turned to Albus and Kaden, `` I 'm assuming you were not out for a stroll with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Willinson ? ``

`` No, '' Albus confirmed, `` I was actually just in the hospital fender. I got hurt at Quidditch exercise. Kaden was with me. ``

Patil looked at Kaden. `` Is that true, Mr. Dursley ? ``

`` Yes, ma'am, '' Kaden replied quietly.

`` We were there, too, Professor ! '' Malfoy shouted out, `` Willinson stabbed himself with his quill pen while we were doing homework. ``

Patil glanced at him skeptically. `` Well, we 'll just go see Madam Pomfrey and corroborate all your stories. ``

Any semblance that had been in Malfoy 's look drained. The four male child quietly followed Professor Patil to the hospital backstage. Albus was very relieved. Madam Pomfrey would differentiate Patil that he and Kaden had been there, and then she would n't sacrifice them detention.

Patil opened the doors to the infirmary flank, but Madam Pomfrey was no foresightful there. Patil motioned for the son to stay there and she strode over to the nurse 's office. She knocked lightly and waited for madam Pomfrey to appear.

`` I hope I 'm not bothering you, '' Patil said once Madam Pomfrey came out.

`` Not at all, Padma, '' ma'am Pomfrey smiled, `` I was n't asleep. Is there something you need ? ``

`` I was wondering if any of these four boys, '' she gestured to Albus, Kaden, and the two Slytherins, `` Were here recently ? I caught them all out of bed and all of them insist they were here. ``

Madam Pomfrey gazed at the male child. `` Well, Albus and Kaden were here about fifteen minutes ago, but I have n't seen the other two in quite a piece. ``

`` That 's what I thought, '' Patil nodded, `` Thank you. ``

`` Not a trouble, '' the nurse replied.

`` I 'll take you two back to your vernacular way, '' Patil said to Albus and Kaden. `` As for you, '' she glared at Malfoy and Willinson, `` You will derive back to my office and we shall arrange for detention. ``

Malfoy and Willinson sulked and muttered under their breath as the five of them exited the ward. Albus laughed to himself on their way back to Gryffindor Tower. Malfoy and Willinson were glaring sticker at Albus and Kaden the solid way back, but Albus just smirked at them. They could n't do anything now anyway, not with Patil around. But surely they would fault Albus and Kaden for their detention and Albus would have to watch out the side by side few days.

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that night, despite his tiredness from Quidditch exercise. He fell asleep in the wee minute of the good morning and woke up only a few hour later. John was just as exhausted and the two of them stumbled down into the common elbow room, only to come up rose slumped over a book at their usual table.

`` Rose ! '' Albus shook his cousin 's shoulder, `` come alive up ! ``

pink wine slowly lifted her head and then jumped at the sight of Albus and John the Evangelist. `` Wha-what are you two doing ? ``

`` Uh, it 's morning, pink wine, '' Albus explained, `` We 've got to get to Transfiguration in an time of day. ``

`` Oh ! '' Rose jumped up and pushed her bushy hair's-breadth out of her face.

`` What were you doing down here ? Did you ever go to bed ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, could n't sleep, '' rosiness shrugged, `` So I came back down and worked on the Sileo Altus Charm. I just ca n't figure it out. It 's driving me mad ! ``

`` That 's a really senior high school level charm, blush wine. You know it 's going to take you a piece, '' Albus reminded her.

`` I know, I know. I 'll get it eventually, '' pink wine sighed, `` I guess I 'll go alteration and find Amanda. Then we can go down to breakfast. ``

A few minutes later, Albus and his friends walked to the Great manor hall. Albus noticed Malfoy and Willinson at the Slytherin board as they walked by and both of the Slytherins were shooting daggers at Albus.

Kaden was already at the Gryffindor table and immediately hailed Albus and the others to sit near him.

`` Did you see Malfoy this cockcrow ? '' Kaden asked once Albus had sat down.

`` Yeah, he 's not too felicitous. ``

`` wonderment when his hold is ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Who knows, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't particularly care when Malfoy and Willinson were going to serve well detention.

Kaden began to sing about some potion he was going to be brewing that day, but Albus tuned him out. All Albus seemed to be able to suppose about at the here and now was whether the new potion matte had taken worked.

As if on cue, a large John Brown owl flew down and landed neatly following to Albus 's plate.

`` You 've got a letter ! '' Kaden shouted eagerly.

`` I know, '' Albus rolled his centre and pulled the letter off the owl 's leg. He gave the owl a few bits of toast and the large bird flew off.

rose wine, who was on Albus 's other side, looked over his shoulder as he looked at the gasbag. John and Amanda were leaning over the mesa and Kaden was leaning over Albus 's early shoulder.

`` wonderment who it 's from, '' Kaden said.

`` It 's from mat, '' Albus told him. `` That was his owl. ``

`` Maybe he 's telling you when he 's coming back ! '' Kaden shouted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus, John, rosiness, and Amanda said at once.

`` wellspring, we 'd better be off to Transfiguration, '' Albus said and gave pink wine a significant glance.

`` Yes, we 'd better, '' Rose stood up.

`` Are n't you going to afford it ? '' Kaden asked.

`` On the way, '' Albus told him.

`` I 'll come, too ! ``

Albus sighed and got up from the table. He could n't give that letter in forepart of Kaden. Rose, John the Divine, and Amanda got up as well and followed Albus out of the Great Radclyffe Hall. Kaden was right behind him, but Albus did n't dare spread it yet. Kaden stalled in the Entrance Hall, but eventually gave up and headed down to the dungeons for Potions.

`` fountainhead, now we have n't got meter to take it, '' Albus groaned and glanced at his watch. `` Why could n't he have left sooner ? ``

`` 'Cause he 's Kaden, '' John shook his head.

`` We 'll just study it after History of conjuring trick, '' rosiness said as they climbed the stairs, `` We 've got the whole afternoon off. ``

The morning dragged by at an extremely slow rate, in Albus 's vox populi. Transfiguration was n't too bad, since it was a practical lesson. Malfoy descended upon Albus and the others after the family was over, wanting to live where Matt was. Albus lied and told him matte was having a latterly holiday with his grandparents and then took off for History of deception, ignoring Malfoy 's ill about custody that followed.

History of magic was as boring as usual. Albus thought he saw the clock 's hands go backwards at one point. He passed notes with whoremaster and Amanda while Rose took eminence. She seemed to have got inherited her mother 's ability to stay on awake during that class. toilet nodded off at one level and Albus had to prod him awake with his quill. Professor Binns did n't even seem to notice.

After story of Magic finally ended, Albus and his friends went to the Great Hall to grab a quick lunch. Kaden was there when they arrived and immediately launched into an explanation of the potion he had just brewed. Apparently it was so telling that Slughorn gave him a bar of Honeyduke 's coffee and an invitation to the next Slug Club meeting.

`` What ? ! '' Albus choked on his pumpkin juice.

`` Yup, '' Kaden grinned. `` The succeeding merging is this Saturday. He told me that a lot of your cousins go. ``

`` Er, yeah, they do, '' Albus coughed. He had not been expecting Kaden to get invited to any lick Club merging. Albus had n't even gone to any since the old year. He just told Slughorn he had Quidditch recitation or too much homework to go. Slughorn had n't even had his Christmas party this year. Albus was n't sure as shooting why, but he was guessing it was because he had n't been able-bodied to find anyone famous to attend.

`` But he said you 're always too busy to go, '' Kaden said, `` Will you go to this one ? ``

Albus groaned inwardly, `` Oh, I do n't bonk .... ''

`` Please ? '' Kaden pleaded.

`` Fine, '' Albus sighed. It could n't be that bad now that Quinton Willinson was gone. And it was just one encounter. `` But just this once. And if Georgia calls for Quidditch practice, I wo n't go to the meeting. ``

`` Yay ! '' Kaden shouted.

Once Kaden left for his next class, Albus and his supporter went straight for the elbow room of requisite. Albus and rose sat on one of the couch while lavatory and Amanda sat on the opposite word one. Albus reached into his bag and found the letter.

`` Here it goes, '' Albus whispered.

`` That potion better have worked, '' whoremaster said.

Albus tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter. He read it aloud.

Dear Albus, Rose, John, and Amanda,

Last night Matt told me to write you
and tell you what happened if he couldn't.
Since he ca n't, you have probably guessed
that the potion did not work.

`` tinker's damn ! '' John shouted.

Matt will excuse more when he gets back to
Hogwarts. I 'll just say that it 's not worse
than common. He 's at St. Mungo 's right now so
the therapist can observe the after affects of
the potion and the transformation.

He only has to stay in St. Mungo 's overnight
and then tomorrow he 'll be back at home. I 'm
pretty sure he 'll be back at Hogwarts on
Sunday, but we 're not exactly sure.

Hope you are all doing well. I 'll see you
soon, maybe at the next Gryffindor
Quidditch match.

From,
Amy

Albus folded up the letter and looked at his friends. `` well, I guess that 's it, then. ``

`` At least it was n't any worse, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed.

Nobody said anything for a few minutes. Albus felt very discomfited that the potion had n't worked, but he was for certain it did n't even add up close to what Matt was feeling.

`` Maybe he 'll let us become Animagi now, '' whoremonger suggested.

blush wine glared at him, `` He wo n't. He 's still in that study, which means he 's still got to ask that potion for the next two twelvemonth or so. Then there 'll probably be another one for him to test. And maybe that one will work. ``

`` well, it would still be cool to become an Animagus. ``

`` Then you can do it when you 're one-time, '' Rose said, `` You could n't do it now anyway, it 's too advanced. ``

`` Albus 's grandfather did it. ``

`` When he was in fifth year, '' rose wine reminded him.

`` amercement, three more years then, '' John shrugged.

rose wine sighed, `` Matt wo n't let you join him on the entire moon, though. And I would n't suggest doing it behind his back. ``

`` I wo n't, '' King John assured her, `` I just think it would be a fun thing to do, be an Animagus. ``

`` Definitely, '' rosebush agreed.

Albus and his friends spent the wagerer office of the next hour talking about what they would do if they could transform into creature. They all agreed that listening in on people 's conversations and sneaking up on people like Malfoy would be top on the listing of stuff to do. Eventually, rosebush insisted that they all start their homework, which took them most of the evening to complete.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Denas, Moonylupin, phoenixy friend, drownzer, and potterfan296 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that Quinton Willinson was no longer at Hogwarts, Albus still dreaded the slug clubhouse meeting on Saturday. His rational side told him that it would n't be nearly as bad with Willinson gone, but Albus still was n't looking forward to it.

Kaden, on the other handwriting, spent the days leading up to Saturday talking non-stop about the Slug lodge meeting. Albus had already explained in point what they involved, but that did n't stop Kaden from constantly wondering aloud about what the meeting would be like.

Saturday arrived quickly and Albus was still without an excuse to not look the group meeting. Georgia had not called for Quidditch exercise that day, mainly due to the fact that the Ravenclaws booked the auction pitch all morning and the Slytherins had it all afternoon. The two houses were scheduled to encounter each other the surveil Saturday.

`` It 's time for the Slug order meeting, Albus ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly a few second before eleven.

Albus sighed and got up out of his chair in the common room. `` See you lot in a short while, '' he said to John and Amanda.

`` Have payload of fun ! '' John laughed.

`` See you later, '' Amanda grinned.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose, who had also decided to go, set off for the dungeons. Albus hoped he would only have to bide for a little while, maybe an hr at most. Just long enough for Kaden to see what the meetings were like.

The encounter was held in the Potions classroom and a few educatee were milling about when Albus, blush wine, and Kaden walked into the way. Albus recognized about of them from last year 's get together. A few of his cousin were there as well, but not all of them. James was n't there, but Albus knew he had dueling praxis that day. Albus was also happy to note that Felix Willinson was not there. Of grade, after what happened with Quinton and his father, Albus guessed he should n't be surprised that Quinton 's cousin would n't be invited to the bullet Club.

There was a tabulate to the full of food for thought along one of the slope wall and most everyone was crowding around it trying to get some luncheon. Slughorn had a plate of food in straw man of him and was sitting at a heavy table in the front of the room.

Albus led blush wine and Kaden over to the mesa and picked up a plate.

`` What is this poppycock ? '' Kaden pointed to a platter of some sorting of meat.

`` Pheasant, '' Albus replied. Slughorn always served pheasant at his confluence. Albus tried it last class and hated it.

Kaden shrugged and piled the pheasant onto his plate. Once Albus and his friends had gotten enough food, they sat down at the table across from Slughorn. Shortly after, everyone else had sat down at the table as well.

`` Good to see you all again ! '' Slughorn greeted them and then turned to Albus. `` And Albus and blush wine ! I 'm very happy that you two decided to make out ! How have classes been going ? ``

`` Good, '' Albus replied.

`` Excellent, excellent, '' Slughorn nodded, `` We also have someone new here today. This is Kaden Dursley, '' Slughorn gestured to Kaden. `` He 's Albus 's full cousin and is turning out to be quite the Potions brewer ! Lily 's cistron must be coming out in you ! ``

Kaden grinned, `` Potions is fun. Loads honorable than Transfiguration. ``

Slughorn laughed, `` Do n't let professor Patil hear you say that. But I daresay I agree with you. ``

Kaden laughed as well and then took a expectant bite of pheasant. Albus watched him as he did so, wondering if he 'd wish it. Kaden chewed for a few moments before a big smiling appeared on his face.

`` This stuff is excellent ! ``

`` I 'm sword lily you like it ! '' Slughorn said.

Albus chuckled to himself. Of course Kaden liked the pheasant. If there was one matter Albus had learned about his cousin over the past six calendar month, it was that he 'd eat pretty much anything. This was obviously something he had inherited from his father.

Slughorn soon launched into a drawn-out account of what he did over his holiday and who he had spent clock time with. ( `` Barry Ryan used to fiddle for Emerald Isle, you know. '' ) Albus found the all thing rather boring but he noticed that Kaden seemed to hang on Slughorn 's every word. Rose seemed to be paying aid as well, but probably only out of courtesy.

Albus let his mind wander as Slughorn continued talking about his dinner with Barry Ryan. Matt was supposed to return to Hogwarts the next day, which meant that in as little as twenty-four hr, they could be having the map working. wellspring, if they could sneak away to the Room of necessary, that is. Albus hoped blush wine would ingest that charm working soon. Then they could just do all of this with Kaden. It would make it a wholly lot easier. Of course, Matt still had n't said that he agreed to tell apart Kaden even with the good luck charm. Albus kept forgetting about that parting. But why would n't he agree ? The magic spell seemed like it would forge well.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose wound up staying until the end of the confluence. Kaden was enthralled by the full thing and Albus knew he would refuse to leave early. Albus was incredibly bored by the metre the thing was over and blush wine looked as bored as Albus felt. Once the merging was finally over, the three of them said goodbye to Slughorn and left the dungeons.

`` That was so aplomb, '' Kaden grinned.

`` oil production 's to a greater extent like it, '' Albus replied.

`` How can you think it was boring ? '' Kaden stared at Albus, `` Slughorn knows so many notable people. ``

`` Trust me, it gets old after a while, '' Albus said.

`` Well, are you two going to the next one ? ''

Albus looked at Rose. She did n't front like she wanted to go to the side by side one either. `` Er, well, I might have Quidditch exercise. ``

`` And I 'll probably have too much homework, '' rose explained.

`` I 'd go even if I did have too much homework, '' Kaden told them.

`` That really is n't a in effect mind, '' Rose warned him. `` You 'll get behind. ``

Albus laughed as Rose launched into a word about how important time management is and how homework should always follow first. The three of them were nearly to the common room by the fourth dimension pink wine finished and Kaden was wearing a blank smell on his grimace, much like the one Albus had worn during the Slug Club meeting.

******

`` Got any thought what time he 's coming back ? '' John asked shortly after lunch the next day in the commons room.

`` No idea, '' Albus shrugged.

Albus, John, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda were all sitting around their usual tabular array in the common way. rose and Kaden were playing chess and it was apparent that rose wine was going easy on Kaden. The two of them had been playing the same game for xv minutes. If blush wine wanted to, she probably could sustain beat Kaden in five moment. John and Amanda were both working on the Transfiguration essay that was due the next day. Albus had already finished that picky essay and was watching Rose and Kaden 's chess game match.

`` pansy to D3, '' Kaden said. The faggot gave Kaden a menacing blaze and then reluctantly moved to the square.

`` Bishop to D3. '' Rose 's bishop smashed Kaden 's queen to pieces. `` mate, '' rose wine grinned.

`` shit, '' Kaden muttered as his Billie Jean Moffitt King dropped its sword in defeat.

`` You 're getting a bit better, '' rosiness said as she repaired all the pieces with a wave of her wand.

`` Do you have Quidditch pattern today, Albus ? '' John Lackland asked.

`` Yeah. GA managed to reserve the pitch for an time of day after dinner party. The Hufflepuffs were n't too felicitous, but Georgia got it first. ``

`` I hope Matt gets back before you leave, '' Amanda said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed. `` But Amy did n't say when he 'd be coming back. ``

`` He 's going to have a warhead of homework to make up, '' Kaden announced.

`` That sounds like something you 'd say, blush wine, '' John laughed.

`` How 's your essay coming, John ? '' Rose smirked.

`` Yeah, yeah. I 've got the showtime paragraph done, '' King John grumbled.

`` I 've only got one More to go, '' Amanda said.

`` Want to play again, pink wine ? '' Kaden asked.

Rose shrugged. `` Sure, why not. ``

Rose and Kaden set up their firearm and started to play again. Albus watched them. It was pretty funny to catch the two of them flirt chess. Kaden would sit there forever figuring out what move to make and once he made it, Rose would smile and move one of her own pieces within minute. rose 's motion usually involved killing one of Kaden 's pieces.

The portrayal hole to the common room opened a few proceedings later and Albus looked up. Matt was just climbing through and headed straight person for Albus 's table once he noticed them.

`` Hey, Matt ! '' Albus grinned, `` Welcome back ! ``

`` Hi Albus, '' Matt grinned back. He looked pall, but glad. There was still a yellow bruise on his brow, but former than that he looked fine.

John, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden all looked up from what they were doing and greeted flatness as well. mat grabbed a president from a nearby table and sat down adjacent to Albus.

`` How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` All rightfulness, '' Matt shrugged.

`` Er, Kaden, '' Albus began, `` You know how you said Matt 's got a lot of homework to make up ? ``

`` Uh-huh, '' Kaden nodded as Rose declared checkmate once again, `` poop ! ``

`` wellspring, it would probably be a salutary approximation for him to go see all the teacher now about it. So, we 'll all go with him to do that, since we 're in his classes. We 'll help. You can stay here since you 'd probably be bored. ``

`` Ok, I 've got my own homework to start on anyway. ``

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` John ? Amanda, Rose ? You can come with us. ``

`` Sure, anything to put off finishing this essay, '' bathroom closed his book and stood up.

Once they were out of the common room and into the corridor, Matt turned around and looked at Albus. `` You 're not really making me go collect all my homework are you ? ``

Albus laughed, `` No. Just had to guess of an self-justification for Kaden to stay there while we went to the way. ``

`` Good, '' John said, `` I do n't really want to go collect your homework with you. ``

`` You wo n't accept to. I 've already gotten it. They owled it to me over the vacation. I 've already finished it all, '' matt explained.

`` You 're farther along than St. John, then, '' pink wine laughed.

`` Shut it, rose, '' John said.

The five friends continued their walk to the Room of Requirement, which manifested itself in its usual form for them. They walked into the Room and settled onto the usual scarlet and gold furniture.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened with this new potion ? ``

`` well, it did n't work the way it was supposed to, but Amy already told you that, '' Matt said.

`` Did it help at all ? '' rosiness asked.

`` Nope. ``

`` And you 'll still sustain to stay fresh taking it ? '' can asked.

`` Yeah, that 's what stinks, '' lustrelessness sighed. `` It did n't act the way it was supposed to, but it did other stuff. ``

`` I thought it was n't going to hold any bad effects, '' Albus said.

`` They were n't really dangerous face effects. It just made me really tired. ``

`` But you 're always tired before the full lunation, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, but the potion made it worse. Usually I can at least go to morning course of study on the day of the replete synodic month but with the new potion I 'll just sleep right through them. It makes me sap as soon as I start taking it, which is a hebdomad before the full-of-the-moon moon, just like the even Wolfsbane was. ``

`` So you 'll be tired for an entire week ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' matte shrugged, `` The therapist are trying to find a potion to sabotage the fatigue, but I doubt they 'll possess one in time for adjacent month. ``

`` I do n't get why you have to continue taking it if it does n't even work, '' can shook his head.

`` Because they have to micturate trusted it was n't just a fluke or something. That 's the thing about these subject area, they have to do multiple tribulation to psychoanalyse the result and stuff. ``

`` There 's a hazard it might exercise next month ? '' Amanda asked confusedly.

`` I suppose, but I doubt it. ``

`` You do n't seem that upset or anything, '' Rose commented.

`` I honestly did n't guess it was going to figure out. My parents told me not to get my hope up about any of these observational potions. Plus, this was only the first one I 've tried. They 'll get up with others. ``

`` I just hope one of them actually works, '' privy replied.

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed, `` You 've got no estimate how much I wish that.

`` Let 's not talk about it anymore now, though. You 've got to severalise me if you got the stag print ! It 's been driving me mad for week now. ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus grinned. He had almost forgotten about that. Almost being the key give-and-take. The new map was always on Albus 's thinker now. `` We got it. rose wine and I did. ``

`` Brilliant ! '' flatness exclaimed.

`` And I 've got the transference good luck charm all worked out, '' rosebush told him.

`` whoremaster 's just got to get the rat print, '' Albus said.

`` I 'm working on it ! '' John replied, `` It 's difficult than you 'd recall to spy a rat during Potions. ``

`` well, we 've got double Potions tomorrow, so try then. Slughorn 'll be having us brew the whole year probably, so just keep your eye out, '' Albus told him.

`` I will. I 'll pay More attention to potential bum than to my potion, '' John grinned.

`` I would n't suggest that, '' Rose smirked. `` It 'll explode or something, since you 've got Goyle as a partner. ``

`` Eh, I 'll take one failing grade if I can get the rat mark, '' John shrugged.

`` wellspring, try to get the rat without destroying your potion, '' Rose sighed.

`` Just think, this time tomorrow, we may have the map working, '' Matt commented, `` That would be awesome. ``

`` We 'll feature to get away from Kaden first, '' Amanda pointed out.

`` And I 'm not entirely for certain the map will work after we do this, '' Albus said, `` It almost seems too dim-witted. ``

Albus had been thinking this for a few days now. They had had an incredibly well-situated time getting the print. Almost too easy a meter. Dogs, stag, and betrayer were quite green and anyone who could contrive a round-eyed Petrificus Totalus appeal could get those prints. The only one that would be difficult for the fair wizard to get was the werewolf print. Even so, Albus did n't think the marauder would make it this light to approach the map.

`` I 've been thinking the Lapplander thing, '' rose wine agreed.

John groaned, `` That would suck. ``

`` We 'll get it eventually, '' Albus assured him. `` Plus, the map said we had to be like the Marauders. We have n't done anything that only the Marauders could take in done so far. We got a bunch of paw photographic print. Anyone can do that. ``

`` Not anyone could get a werewolf print, '' St. John the Apostle pointed out.

`` I know. But it 's not something only the vulture could consume done, '' Albus told him.

`` speech production of the predator, '' Saint John turned to Rose, `` How 's the Sileo Altus charm coming ? ``

`` The what ? '' flatness asked.

`` Oh, yeah, we 've got to tell you about that, '' John the Evangelist said. `` Want to explicate it, pink wine ? ``

`` Sure, '' Rose shrugged, `` It 's a charm I found in a record at my house. It 's a way to wee-wee trusted someone keeps something a secret. kind of like the Fidelius Charm, only it 's for verbal closed book, not billet. Whomever performs the charm is the Secret keeper and only that person can untie the charm. After the charm is performed, the person ca n't mouth about the secret with anyone except the Secret Keeper and anyone else who was involved in the charm playing. It 's a way to keep Kaden from telling anyone that you 're a werewolf. ``

Albus held his breathing spell as rosiness explained and hoped that Matt would think it was a good idea. Albus watched as Matt thought about what rosebush had said. Albus could n't really severalise what he thought. Matt looked a bit surprise, almost like he did n't think pink wine would birth ever found a appeal to do that.

`` Well, what do you remember ? '' Albus asked after a few moments silence.

`` I 'm not sure, '' Matt said quietly, `` will it really work ? ``

`` I 'm moderately sure it will, '' Rose said, `` The lonesome affair that will overcome it is Veritaserum. ``

`` And what if Kaden drinks Veritaserum ? '' mat asked.

`` When would he pledge that ? '' Saint John raised his eyebrows.

`` I do n't cognize, '' flatness sighed, `` But he could. ``

`` I really do n't think he would. ``

`` What if he did ? What if he spewed all about me in the centre of the Great vestibule or something ? ``

`` I doubt he 's ever going to drink any Veritaserum, '' rose said,"And even if he did, somebody would have to ask him if you were a wolfman. He would n't just randomly offset telling people."

`` Is there even any of that in the castle ? '' Amanda asked.

`` There 's some in Slughorn 's buck private Potions cupboard, but that 's it, '' Albus answered, `` But that 's locked anyway. ``

`` See ? Hardly any fortune of Kaden imbibition any, '' John said.

`` Yeah, but still ... I do n't recognise ... '' Matt groaned, `` I just do n't really need to tell him. ``

`` I know. Just think about it, ok ? '' Albus gave Matt a half smile.

`` All right, '' Matt sighed, `` We do n't need Kaden yet, do we ? ``

`` No, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm not for certain when we 'll require him. The map just said we had to be like the vulture, which means we 'll need someone to be Wormtail at some full stop. ``

`` And I want to test that spell out before we use it on Kaden, '' Matt said.

`` We will, '' Rose assured him, `` I 've got to pattern it anyway. ``

`` So, anyone got any secrets we can exercise with ? '' privy grinned mischievously.

******

`` settee down, settle down, '' Slughorn barked at his class.

Albus turned around in his rear. He had been talking to John, who was sitting behind him next to Goyle. Albus was sitting next to Limbert and Matt was looking thoroughly poor following to Maloy in the next row over at the figurehead. Slughorn was still plowing forward with his inter-house partners in class, but Albus did n't think it was helping to minify the hostility between Gryffindor and Slytherin. So far, the best that had happened was silent execration during practical deterrent example and jinxing and hexing at sorry. Based on the little affaire d'honneur between Ethan and Garth Octavius the previous week, it was only a matter of time before things really got out of hand.

`` Thank you, '' Slughorn said once everyone was paying attention, `` Today you 'll be brewing the discombobulation Potion I taught you about on Fri. He waved his verge at the blackboard, `` centering are on the board. You have the entire family. ``

`` Light the fire, '' Limbert grunted as he got up from his chair.

Albus nodded and pulled out his wand. Albus and Limbert had come to an unspoken agreement with brewing potions. Limbert would gather up ingredients while Albus lit the fire and unpacked all the various scales and knives. Then, Albus would ready the element while Limbert added them and stirred the caldron. Albus was fine with this since Limbert was a meliorate Potions beer maker than he was.

Limbert returned with the ingredients and Albus started chopping them. He never said anything to Limbert while they worked and Limbert never said anything to Albus besides the occasional 'pass the asphodel'or something of the like.

Albus listened to everyone else in the class as he chopped up constituent. He thought it was especially amusing to hear to Saint John the Apostle and Goyle.

`` No, that 's not clockwise, '' John the Divine groaned, `` You 're stirring counter-clockwise. ``

`` Oh. ``

`` stir it the other way ! '' John shouted.

Albus stifled a gag and glanced to his left hand, where Rose and Leigh Montague were having a like conversation.

`` They 've got to be chopped ok than that. It says minced, not diced, '' Rose instructed.

`` They look ticket to me, '' Vivien Leigh snapped.

`` No, they wo n't sour like that. Let me do it, '' rose grabbed a knife and started mincing the shrivelfig.

`` fine. You do the unhurt thing if you 're so bright, '' Leigh huffed.

`` You can shake up the cauldron. Clockwise, '' Rose replied.

Albus was n't close adequate to either Amanda or Matt to hear what was going on at their tables. It looked like Amanda and Dalila Avish were working much the same way Albus and Limbert were, since neither of their mouths were moving. Malfoy appeared to be yelling at matte for something, but Albus could n't quite realise out what it was. matt got up from the table with a bowl fully of something and then emptied it in the bin. When he returned to his table, he started carefully chopping something up. Albus was guessing it was to a greater extent of whatever he had thrown away.

Albus continued mincing his shrivelfig and listened mostly to John and Goyle. Limbert kept smirking every so often, which gave Albus the impression he was listening to John and Goyle, too.

`` livelihood stirring CLOCKWISE for another mo, '' Saint John the Apostle said slowly and clearly, `` Then change over to COUNTERCLOCKWISE. I 've got to go get something. Do n't do anything besides the inspiration. ``

Goyle grunted and Albus heard John get up. Albus felt a prod in his English and looked up to see John standing following to him. `` What ? '' Albus whispered.

John pointed to a box of the room, near the cupboard of component. There was a turgid rat sitting there. Albus shuddered and looked back at John.

`` I 'll be back, '' trick winked at him.

Albus tried to centre on his shrivelfig, but he could n't block off glancing up at John. He was almost to the cupboard now, and the rat still had n't moved. Albus watched as St. John pointed his baton at the rat, but he could n't hear what write John was using due to the racket in the room. Luckily everyone was concentrating on their potions and not paying an ounce of tending to Gospel According to John. Albus grimaced as John the Evangelist picked up the rat and shoved it inside his robe. Albus was incredibly happy that John was willing to do the rat print. The thought of putting a rat in his robes creeped Albus out.

John went into the cupboard for a few moments and came back out carrying a jar of something. Probably a cover story, Albus thought.

`` Got it, '' whoremonger whispered to Albus on his way back to his desk.

`` Excellent, '' Albus said.

Suddenly there was a loud detonation from somewhere behind Albus and he felt a hot liquid soil on his head and drop down the back of his robes.

`` Ouch ! '' he and Limbert shouted at the same time.

`` Boody Hell ! '' can exclaimed as the orange potion landed on the forepart of his robes.

Pandemonium erupted in the schoolroom. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at the exploded potion. Albus turned around and saw that the explosion had come from John and Goyle 's caldron. Goyle was wearing a perplex expression on his expression and was staring into space while holding his ladle in the air. His face was covered with potion as well as his robes. His hair was singed and there was a small flame on his table.

Albus could feel the potion burning down his vertebral column and it hurt like hell. It felt like his skin was on flak. He got up from his chairwoman and felt his back. His robe were burnt straight through. St. John the Apostle 's and Limbert 's were as well.

`` What did you do ? '' Slughorn asked as he strode to John and Goyle 's table.

`` Uh ..., '' Goyle stared up at the ceiling.

`` You must 've gotten potion in your mouth, '' Slughorn shook his straits. `` infirmary Wing. Who else got hit ? ``

`` I did, '' Albus, whoremaster, Limbert, as well as Karina and Celeste Yeardly ( who had been sitting behind John and Goyle ) said at the same time.

`` Hospital wing, all of you, '' Slughorn replied, `` If one of you could please lay down sure Mr. Goyle arrives there, that would be appreciated. ``

Limbert immediately dragged Goyle out of the elbow room with Celeste following. Albus and John walked a little manner behind them and Karina behind them.

`` moron, '' John muttered as they climbed the step out of the dungeons.

`` What did he do ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not a clue, '' Saint John shrugged, `` Not what I told him to do. ``

`` I heard you talking to him. It seemed pretty straightforward. ``

`` Well, he 's dense than a troll, '' lavatory groaned, `` merlin this stuff burns. ``

`` At to the lowest degree we did n't eat any of it, '' Albus pointed to Goyle, who was stumbling down the corridor like he was drunk.

`` True, '' toilet laughed and then lowered his voice, `` Hey, it was worth it since I got the rat. ``

`` That affair 's not still in your robes, is it ? '' Albus glanced warily at John.

`` Er, yeah, have n't had a chance to take it out. ``

`` I just hope it stays stunned. ``

`` It should, '' John said as they followed Goyle and Limbert into the infirmary Wing.

Madam Pomfrey was already busy taking precaution of a fille who had gotten bitten by something in caution of Magical creature and told them they would experience to wait. Once she had finished healing the girl, she moved on to Goyle, since he was n't capable to sit still and was wandering around the elbow room tripping over affair. She took care of Limbert, Celeste, and Karina, and then moved on to the bed Albus and lav were sitting on.

`` You lot again ? '' she sighed, `` I 'm surprised it 's only the two of you. ``

`` Well, lustrelessness, rose, and Amanda were all too far away to be hit by the potion, '' Albus explained.

`` I swear the lot of you are exactly like your grandfather and his acquaintance, '' Madam Pomfrey shook her head as she handed Albus a potion.

lav, who had just started drinking his own potion, choked and coughed the potion up onto the bed. He turned and grinned at Albus, who grinned back. Well, Albus thought, that was the universal musical theme of the map.

gentlewoman Pomfrey sighed and with a wave of her wand the potion was cleaned up. `` pledge the rest of it, '' she instructed them.

brothel keeper Pomfrey applied some sorting of balm to their George Burns and a few minutes later they were allowed to leave. The nurse told them to go directly to their dormitory to get new robes and that she did n't want to see them in the hospital backstage for the following few weeks.

`` Fat chance that 'll happen, '' St. John the Apostle smirked as they started back to Gryffindor Tower.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. It seemed like one of them was always winding up in the infirmary Wing. Albus himself had already been there twice since returning to school after the Noel holiday.

`` Next Quidditch mates is what, in three week ? '' John asked.

`` Just about, '' Albus said.

`` Then you might be back there soon, '' Saint John joked.

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` I did n't put down myself there cobbler's last match. ``


A/N : Extra long chapter ! Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, Miguel, invisiblecloak, potterfan296, Gospel of Luke, and drownzer for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or Frank Sinatra.


Albus and John were immediately bombarded by Kaden when they entered the unwashed elbow room. rosiness, Amanda, and Matt were standing just behind Kaden with smirks on their faces.

`` Did your cauldron really explode ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` The potion did, '' John replied, `` And it was completely Goyle 's fault, really. I gave him focal point as to what to do and he screwed it up. ``

`` You know, '' Rose said, `` You 're not exactly the best potion brewer either, whoremaster. ``

`` Are you two all right ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah. brothel keeper Pomfrey sorted everything out, '' Albus assured her.

`` So what are you doing tonight, Albus ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he followed Albus and John to the dormitory door.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had been planning on grabbing a spry dinner with his friends after he changed robe, and then school principal to the way to try out the new map. They had all the paw print ( St. John had gone up to the dormitory ahead of Albus with the rat and got the print from it. Albus did n't desire to live what happened to the rat afterwards ) now, so Albus was impatient to try it out. But they would n't be able-bodied to if Kaden was around.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

Kaden spent the integral evening with Albus and his Friend. Normally, this really would n't give bothered Albus, but that dark his cousin was driving him mad. All Albus wanted to do was try out the map, but he could n't suppose up a good excuse for them to go somewhere and not let Kaden keep up. So they spent the evening in the common room, working on homework.

Albus and his protagonist were far too meddlesome the next few days to try out the new map. Albus had Quidditch drill on Tues and Thursday and dueling practice on Wednesday. Rose had dueling practice on Fri. John normally had his praxis on Saturday, but due to the Quidditch match, it had been rescheduled for Billy Sunday. Any bit of prison term where neither Albus or his friend had any exercise, Kaden was around. It was n't until Sabbatum, following Slytherin 's prominent release to Ravenclaw, that they were finally able to try out the map. Kaden had been recruited to tutor a swain first yr in Potions and was going to be spending a few minute in the dungeons after the Quidditch match.

`` Come on, let 's go try it now, '' Albus whispered to his friends after Kaden left the uncouth room.

`` Got the photographic print ? '' Matt asked.

Albus nodded and grabbed his bag. They quickly left the usual room and ran for the Room of Requirement. They almost bumped into a Ravenclaw prefect, but luckily he was feeling generous ( most likely due to the Quidditch win ) and did n't scold them for running in the corridors.

Matt paced three prison term in front of the empty wall and as soon as the door appeared, the five friends ran inside. Albus set his bag down on the table and everyone crowded around it. Albus pulled out all four mark and the map.

`` All rightfield, '' Albus unfolded the map, `` blush wine, you 're ripe with the spell, right ? ``

rosebush nodded, `` I 've practiced it and it works every sentence. ``

`` goodness, '' Albus stared at the map, unsure of how to get down, `` Er, maybe I should do what I did finale prison term to get it to separate us we 've got to raise we know the predator ? ``

`` Probably, '' pink wine agreed.

`` wait ! '' John shouted, `` Can I do it this sentence ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus shrugged and handed John the map.

`` Excellent, '' John grinned and pointed his verge at the map, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Padfoot. ``

Ink appeared on the map, but not nearly as much as when Albus had done it earlier in the year.

'No, you 're not .'

The ink disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

`` What ? '' John shouted, `` But it worked last time ! ``

Albus 's hopes plummeted. Why was n't it working now ? Was it on some kind of a timer ? Like it could only work on a certain day of the month ? He had been so excited about getting the new map to operate, and now it would n't even tell them to prove they knew the Marauders.

`` Let me try, '' Matt grabbed the parchment and pointed his wand at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Moony. ``

'No, you 're not .'The map said once again.

`` This sucking, '' John Lackland muttered, `` It worked net clip. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to be Albus, '' rose suggested.

Albus wordlessly grabbed the map and pointed his own wand at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The ink he had been expecting to appear rose to the airfoil of the parchment and formed the familiar words.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the marauder 's Map, indorsement Edition .'

`` Ha ! '' Albus grinned in hullabaloo, `` There it is ! ``

`` But why did n't it work for us ? '' John Lackland asked dejectedly. `` Does that mean we ca n't be Padfoot and Moony ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus sighed. He really hoped his friends would be able to be Padfoot and Moony. Who else could be Padfoot and Moony ? The map would n't even work without person to be Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail. Albus could n't do it alone.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs. However, you could be the mo Prongs .'

`` See ? Why did n't it say 'However, you could be the second Padfoot'when I did it ? ``

'When four boys, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendly relationship and rascality, they may present themselves as the next genesis of predator. These four champion must each symbolise one of the piranha, for if even one is missing, this map will not run. Before this goes any further, you must leaven that you know the mystery of the Marauders. shew that you know, and you may continue along the path of discovery .'

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

'Oh, think me, Mr. Padfoot, I am not. Mr. Moony came up with that wholly thing .'

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

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

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

'The Marauders wish you estimable chance .'

`` fountainhead, now what ? '' privy asked.

`` I guess we 've just got to transfer the paw mark, '' Albus said tentatively.

pink wine picked up the paw prints and the map, setting them down in front of her. She pulled out her sceptre and muttered an incantation at the werewolf print. Then she muttered another incantation at the map. The werewolf mark appeared on the map, just as it had been on the former piece of parchment.

`` That, was blinking perplex, '' whoremonger said in awe.

Albus agreed. He was forever grateful that his cousin was so magnificent. Albus did n't cogitate he 'd ever be able to tear off something like that. At least not until he was at least in fifth year.

Rose repeated the procedure with the dog, stag, and rat prints, positioning them in the take Same way that the little mark that the Marauders had put on the map.

`` There, '' she said once she was done.

The five friends stared at the map for a few second, waiting for something to occur. The paw prints were n't doing anything and neither was the map. No new ink had appeared and the paw prints were n't disappearing or anything.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Maybe I 've got to state the map that we know the marauder ? ``

`` Worth a shot, '' John shrugged.

Albus pulled the map over to him and tapped his wand to it, `` I, Albus Severus ceramicist, the sec Prongs, know the piranha. ``

The paw print quickly faded until there was zippo leftfield but a blank lambskin. Albus glanced up and looked at his acquaintance before returning his gaze to the new map.

'Prongs agrees that you do have it away the predator, and is especially impressed that you managed to get a wolfman paw print .'

`` It worked ! '' Albus shouted happily.

'Due to your obvious noesis of the Marauders'enigma, we shall now tell you to a greater extent about this map. When the piranha were one-seventh twelvemonth, they realized that within a few short months, they would be gone from Hogwarts, and the schoolhouse would be left without their head mischief makers.

'Prongs suggested-'

'Do you always talk about yourself in the third person, Prongs ?'

'Only when I have a chance event of splendour, Padfoot .'

'Not too often then, right ?'

'Oh, get on with the explanation, Prongs .'

'Calm yourself, Moony. You 're letting your furry self show .'

'Shut it, Prongs .'

'All right field. Anyway, I ( felicitous now, Padfoot ? ) had a stroke of brilliance that the Marauders could find a way to control that they would never be gone from Hogwarts .'

`` I knew it ! '' Rose shouted in glee, `` I knew that was what this was about ! ``

'The Marauders decided to create another map. The first map was only the beginning. The Marauders wanted to rule a way to put themselves into a map, in monastic order to facilitate the succeeding generation of mischief makers. That is what this map is about.

'However, not just anyone would be able to have access to the map .'

'Yeah, we would n't need any old dunderhead stumbling upon it .'

'Right, Padfoot. Or even speculative, having Slytherins get their slimy paws on it .'

'I shudder at that thought, Moony. Anyway, the predator had to work out out a way to ensure that only those worthy would be able to access this map. The Marauder 's Map is actually quite dewy-eyed to estimate out, compared to this one. All you have to do to open that is say a sealed phrasal idiom. For this map, you have to be a certain person to open it.

'You may or may not induce figured out that in order to get the first of all bit of selective information out of this map, you have to be a blood line congener of one of the Marauders. However, not everyone representing the vulture must be related. Because, you know, we might not all have fry .'

'Yeah, you would n't want to be passing along any gene, Prongs .'

'Better mine than yours, Padfoot .'

`` That 's why only Albus could do it ! '' John shouted.

Albus felt immense reliever from this. lav and mat would be able to represent Padfoot and Moony.

`` So really, only James, Lily, Teddy, my dad, and I could get it open, '' Albus said.

'The rest period of you must be Gryffindor boys, because we want you to be like us .'

'Lily wo n't like that, Prongs .'

'I know, Moony, but Lily does n't sleep with about this. I do n't plan on telling her, either .'

`` hypothesis that counts out my sister, '' Albus commented.

'So, now you 've proven that you know the piranha. Your side by side stone's throw is to prove that you are the next predator .'

The ink slowly faded once again until the parchment was as blank shell as before.

Albus stared at it for a few moments, thinking about what he had just found out. The map was n't going to influence yet. He had been so sure that all they 'd have to do was prove they knew the Marauders. But now they had yet another thing to do. They had to prove that they were the next vulture. How were they going to do that ?

`` That was weird, '' John said.

`` I 'll say, '' lusterlessness agreed, `` They did n't even really tell apart us what it was a map of. ``

`` Yeah, they just said they wanted to make sure they 'd never go forth Hogwarts. Like the map is a part of them, '' Saint John replied.

`` To be reliable, it sounds a bit like a Horcrux, '' rose commented.

`` Yeah, but it 's not like they put their psyche in there, Rose, '' Albus pointed out. `` It 's like the predator 's Map. It 's just enchanted. ``

`` I still wish we knew what it was a map of, '' John muttered, `` I mean, this is n't fair ! We spend hebdomad getting those paw prints and we still have n't figured the map out. ``

`` I knew you 'd ingest to do something like this, '' blush wine said, `` Otherwise it would n't matter if there were four of you to represent the marauder. If it was just this, Albus could have done the unanimous thing himself. ``

She made a good point. Albus had n't really thought about that, but it was true. They had to do something that required each of them to stand for one of the Marauders.

`` I guess we 've got to prove we are the Marauders, then, '' Albus said, `` wonder what that involves. ``

`` Maybe we 've got to do something the predator would consume done, '' Matt suggested.

`` Like become illegal Animagi ? '' toilet grinned mischievously.

`` No ! '' matte sighed, `` I told you, you 're not doing that ! ``

`` I do n't conceive that 's it, '' Rose began, `` How would you go about proving to a firearm of report that you 're illegal Animagi ? ``

`` Maybe we 've got to get out a Brobdingnagian prank or something, '' Albus said.

`` Again, how would you prove that to the map ? '' rosiness asked.

`` Well, does anyone have any early ideas ? '' Albus asked.

`` We 'll imagine of something, '' Amanda said, `` I mean, there 's got to be a way. ``

`` Of course their is ! '' Rose said, `` We 've just got to go to the depository library and see if we can find anything there. ``

`` We ca n't do anything anyway until you 've got that Sileo Altus charm down, Rose, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Right, '' Rose replied, `` It 's coming along well. I just need to get some praxis. Anyone want to be my tester ? ``

`` I will ! '' lav shouted and jumped up out of his chair.

`` Ok, follow here, '' Rose got up and went to the early English of the room.

Albus watched as the two of them worked. number one, they had to think up a secret, which took a skilful bit of metre. John finally suggested that the secret be 'Filch likes to dance in the Moon with a long handle mop with Frank Sinatra music performing in the background .'

Albus burst out laughing at that. `` Filch ? Dancing ? ``

`` Yes, '' John said in a severe tone, `` I saw him once. He was rubbing the mop oral sex to his face and had on a look of pure joy. ``

`` And soon you wo n't be capable to tell anyone about it, '' Amanda grinned. `` What a ignominy. ``

`` Yes, it is, is n't it ? '' John laughed. `` You lot can still disseminate it around, though. ``

`` Ok, bathroom, let 's try it, '' Rose said.

Rose pointed her wand at herself and recited the good luck charm that would take her the secret keeper. Then, she pointed her wand at trick and said a slightly different charm.

`` Now you say the secret, John. ``

`` Filch likes to dance in the moonlight with a long grip mop with Frank Frank Sinatra music playing in the background signal, '' John smirked.

`` good, '' Rose replied and then performed another charm on trick. `` I 'm not set up to try including other people yet, so John will only be able to talk about Filch 's piddling habit to me. ``

Rose waved her wand around in an intricate pattern and then said one net incantation. She lowered her verge and stared at John. Then she turned to face Albus.

`` There. Now you can try asking him about it, Albus. ``

Albus grinned, `` All rightfulness. So, John, heard anything interesting about Filch lately ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' whoremaster shouted, `` Actually, just the early night I saw him and he was- '' John 's oral cavity continued moving but no sound was coming out of it.

Albus and Amanda burst out laughing. john looked like a fish out of H2O. `` I think it worked ! '' Albus shouted.

rose wine was staring at John with a slight expression of disappointment. `` Not quite. He was n't even supposed to be able to move his oral fissure. You know, in case people can take sass. I guess it 's a starting time, though. ``

`` Definitely. I mean, this is a really bring forward charm. You ca n't have expected to get it on the offset try, '' Albus pointed out. Although, he did kind of think rose expected to get it on the maiden try.

`` I suppose, '' Rose sighed, `` I 'll just undo it. ``

Rose waved her wand around and muttered some more incantations. `` Ok, he should be able to talk about it now. ``

`` Heard anything fishy about Filch recently ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he likes to trip the light fantastic with a long hold mop by moonshine while hot dog Sinatra plays in the background, '' whoremaster told her.

`` Looks like the countercharm worked, '' Albus said.

`` But that 's not even what we 'll need, '' rose pointed out, `` We 're not going to execute the countercharm on Kaden. Not for another few years at least. ``

`` Yeah, but it 's lucky for King John that it worked, '' Albus grinned, `` Otherwise he would n't be able to share Filch 's secret joys of life history. ``

******

Over the future few 24-hour interval, lav actually did percentage that Filch liked to dance with a long hold mop by the moonlight with Frank Sinatra playing in the screen background. All he had to do was mention it to a few former Gryffindors at meal multiplication and the bit of gossip was soon spreading throughout the school. The response from educatee ranged from hysterical laughter to raised supercilium to exclamations of 'Who the hell is frank Sinatra ?'Albus could n't help but smirk every time he heard his fellow pupil mentioning the story.

Filch, on the other paw, was actively trying to regain the culprit. There was n't really any point, since he would n't be able to line up who started it, but he tried. He spent the days prowling the foyer and listening in on students'conversations, trying to see out any sort of data regarding the false storey. Whenever the students noticed him, they would burst out laughing, which would cause Filch to start muttering about 'rotten students'and 'ought to whip them all'.

Filch 's principal suspect was Kaden, which Albus found kind of funny. Kaden of course had laughed the loudest when he heard the history. Since Filch had developed an acute dislike for Kaden since their detainment month ago, he gave Kaden ominous stares every metre Kaden passed him in the corridors. Kaden just found this funny, since he knew St. John had invented the story.

The level about Filch provided a nice disruption from the intense studying that all the students were occupied with. Like common, the teachers had increased the prep after the holiday. Albus was happy it was n't yet his O.W.L. year and he could n't envisage how he would manage to make do with that in three forgetful long time. Along with homework, Albus also had Quidditch and dueling practice session. Both Georgia and Kate had increased practice times in order to set for the upcoming match and tournament. The third dueling tourney was to take place the first weekend of February and Quidditch on the pursual weekend. Albus now had Quidditch practice session on Monday, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat. Dueling recitation were as usual, not mandatory, but were now not only on Midweek, but on Fri as well. The merely day Albus had off was Sun, which did n't pay often time for him to try and figure out how to show he was like the Marauders to the new map.

The morning of the Dueling Tournament was cold, snowy, and blustery. Albus was very happy the Quidditch compeer was n't that day. He got up a few hour before the tourney started and went down to breakfast with his friends.

`` I ca n't wait until I can duel next year, '' Kaden said in between sharpness of egg.

`` It 's not really as cool as it 's made out to be, '' John commented, `` A lot of waiting around metre during tournaments. ``

`` That 's because there 's so many of us, '' rose explained, `` In the veritable Dueling Club, the one that you can only be in if you 're one-fifth year or above, not everyone gets on the teams. It 's like Quidditch and you have to try out. ``

`` That sounds better, '' John said, `` But I do n't have intercourse if I 'd make the team. ``

`` I know I would n't, '' Amanda replied.

`` You 're getting better, '' Albus assured her, `` You might make it by the time you 're a fifth year. ``

`` Yeah, that 's the breaker point of the Jr 's golf club, '' Rose said, `` So you can get expert. They do n't expect us all to be practiced duelist. ``

`` Albus is, '' Amanda grinned, `` He 's brilliant. ``

Albus felt his cheek tour red, `` Well, I 'm not that great ... I mean, there are loads of people who are better than me. ``

`` Not on our team, '' Amanda continued, `` He 's wash up almost everyone on the team. ``

`` Yeah, everyone except Malfoy, '' Albus muttered. He still had n't managed to ticktack Malfoy during their practice duels.

`` That 's ripe, though ! '' rosiness sighed, `` You 're both excellent duellist, so you 've got a good team ! ``

Albus shrugged. He sort of would rather just be capable to beat Malfoy than beat the early team, but he did n't mention anything about it.

Albus and his Friend continued their talk about dueling throughout breakfast and as they sat around the park room afterwards. Soon, it was time for them to go down to the dueling sleeping accommodation for the tournament.

They passed Filch on their way down the stairs, and he was muttering to himself as usual.

`` darn child ... better when Umbridge was around ... wonder if she 'll come back ... she 'd let me welt them ... ''

`` I swear he 's gotten more mad over the yr, '' John muttered to Albus as they passed him.

`` Dad says he 's getting senile, '' Albus whispered back.

The dueling chamber was packed with bookman, just like the past two tourney. Albus and Amanda squeezed their way through the gang to their common table, where their team was sitting.

`` Hi Albus, Amanda, '' Kate greeted them. `` Ready to win ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned.

The tourney got under way a few minutes later. It was much like the past two tourney, with a lot of sitting around metre. Albus was happy that he and Amanda were on the same team so they were capable to peach to each former in between duel.

Albus won both of his duels, just like the last two tourney. So did Malfoy and once again, Albus found that he was variety of felicitous and kind of angry about that. Amanda won one of her affaire d'honneur, which Albus was very glad about. He knew half her dueling topic were from nerve and the fact that she thought she would n't do well.

Rose, John, and flatness each won one of their affaire d'honneur as well. Albus clapped for them even though they were on other team, which earned him glares from Malfoy. Albus did n't care, though. Malfoy could brood as long as he wanted, it was n't going to stop over Albus from cheering for his friends.

The pointedness were tallied after the death duel and John 's squad was declared the winner. Albus was slightly disappointed, but there were still three more tournament before the final. Harry announced the point sum for the entire twelvemonth and Rose 's team was in first property so far. In mo was the squad led by Hufflepuff Paul Galivant and in third was John the Evangelist 's team, led by Albus 's cousin Bradley.

Albus did n't think that the inter-house dueling was decreasing the rivalry between star sign. Albus was n't anymore fond of the Slytherins than he had been in the beginning of the year. None of the Slytherins really got along with the Gryffindors on his team, and vice versa. He was n't exactly sure how it was working with the regular dueling order, but he had overheard John Rowlands complaining about how uncooperative the Slytherins on his team were. But that was calendar month ago and he did n't cognize what had been going on with it recently.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and mischiefmaker09 for their revaluation !

I wrote my foremost piranha Era story, English effects May Include Gratitude and belief of Well Being, which is a one-shot from Madam Pomfrey 's point of view. It 's on my author page, if you 're concerned. I 'd love it if you read and reviewed it !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


mat 's birthday was a few days after the Dueling tournament. Albus and his friends did n't thrust him a political party like they had last twelvemonth. That had mostly been done to embolden him up since he had been in the Hospital backstage at the fourth dimension. This class they went down to the kitchens and got a patty, and then ate it in their dormitory. Kaden went with him and was amazed by the kitchens, with all the house-elves around. His reaction was funnier to watch than Amanda 's the premature year. He stood there with his backtalk half unresolved and then ran around grabbing as much food as possible.

By the prison term the Quidditch equal arrived the following Sat, Albus was utterly exhausted. Between Quidditch practice and homework, he hardly had anytime to slumber. have in a trip down to the kitchens for mat 's birthday after Quidditch practice the other Night, and Albus was ready to sleep through an entire day.

Albus yawned, got out of bed, and looked out the window. He had been hoping that the raging rash would have let up, but it had n't. Wonderful, he thought, William James would n't be catching the sneak quickly in this weather.

A few hours later, Albus bade his friends goodbye and headed down to the changing rooms at the Quidditch pitch. His booster had bundled themselves up in as much scarlet and gold habiliment as they owned and were ready to huddle against the howl wind for a few 60 minutes of Quidditch. John, Matt, and Amanda did n't appear to beware the weather at all and were excited about the match. Rose, on the former hand, clearly would let rather spent the afternoon in the castle studying. Kaden still liked football game better than Quidditch and Albus had a feeling he would n't have minded the tempest if he was watching a football game.

`` Ok ! '' Sakartvelo shouted a few moment after Albus entered the changing rooms, `` Everyone come over here ! ``

`` I know the weather is n't paragon, '' GA began once everyone was gathered around her, `` But we 've played in worsened than this ! ``

`` Yeah, if you count that flood tide we played in during third year, '' Fred muttered, `` But former than that .... ''

Sakartvelo glared at Fred, `` Anyway, we 're playing Hufflepuff, so we 'll win. harper 's still captain, but it 's her live on class, so she 'll be dead set on getting the Cup. That means she 'll have got trained her team even harder. They 've got a new Keeper, though. Someone named tanner Royce. He 's a fifth year. early than him, the team 's the Lapplander as hold up year. So, with that, get out there and kick some Wisconsinite ass ! ``

Albus grinned to himself as he picked up his heather and started to walk to the door. Georgia was a great maitre d'hotel, but was n't much for long nose manner of speaking.

`` Albus, '' Georgia whispered and put her hand on his shoulder.

`` Yeah ? ``

`` You 're, er, less nervous this match, right ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus smiled, remembering how he had told her he was extremely nervous the last match. In world, he 'd been too preoccupied with the new map. sure, he 'd been a little nervous, but not as often as Sakartvelo thought he had been. This match, however, he was n't nearly as distrait, although he still was a bit nervous. `` I 'm a bit uneasy, but not as lots. ``

`` Good, '' Georgia grinned and walked out the door and onto the pitch.

Albus followed his cousin onto the pitch and was immediately hit by the forceful winds that were prevailing.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff match ! '' Todd David Roland Smith 's vocalization sounded over the pitch. It sounded swoon and form of far away in the wind. `` It 's bloody cold out here so let 's make it prompt !

`` Here are the Gryffindors ! Captain Sakartvelo Weasley, followed by Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, and Scots heather Weasley !

`` And the Hufflepuffs ! Captain Jessica harpist, followed by Shawn Ames, Lisa Galivant, Andy Kaper, Stacey Manson, Anna Reilly, and Tanner Royce ! ``

prof Oteski motioned for Peach State and harper to shake hands and as soon as they did so, Albus and the residue of the participant rose into the air. Oteski released the balls and broom immediately took ownership of the Quaffle.

`` And heather 's got the Quaffle ! She passes to Fred, then back to ling, and to Albus. ``

Albus caught the Quaffle and started flying towards the Hufflepuff goals. He was amazed that he had actually caught it since the conditions was so awful. He could hardly see two feet in presence of him. His robe were already soaked with snow and ice and he was frigidly common cold. Nevertheless, he kept flying towards the finish until he had to arrest short and toss the Quaffle back to heather, since he almost flew straight into an oncoming Hufflepuff chaser.

Heather caught the Quaffle and flew it the rest of the way to the destination. She threw it in and it easily went past Hufflepuff 's new Keeper.

`` goal ! Ten-zero Gryffindor ! Now hurry up and arrest that Snitch, James ! I 'm freezing my bloody- ''

`` Smith ! '' Patil shouted, `` look on your language ! ``

`` Sorry, Professor. ``

The Quaffle was now back in play and was in Hufflepuff possession. Albus was n't even certainly which Chaser had it, but he knew it was a Hufflepuff. Whichever Hufflepuff had the Quaffle managed to film it to the Gryffindor end, but GA saved it.

Fred took the Quaffle and flew it back to the other end of the pitch, scoring another end for Gryffindor.

The game continued this way for the adjacent half hour. Hufflepuff managed to score two goals, but Gryffindor scored about eight. Albus currently had the Quaffle and was flying straight at the Hufflepuff goals.

He narrowly avoided a bludger and both Hufflepuff beaters, but soon he was within throwing space of the goals. He faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle at the left hoop. Royce tried to save it, but he was n't warm enough.

`` Goal ! Albus thrower has scored against Hufflepuff ! The musical score is now 90-20 Gryffindor ! ``

Albus was rapt. That was the firstly destination he had ever scored in a Quidditch match. Up until now, all he 'd done were assists. Albus took a victory lap around the pitch and then caught the Quaffle from Heather.

Albus managed to mark another end and Heather scored two more in the future half 60 minutes of the couple. Hufflepuff scored a few more end, but were still far behind. By now, Albus was for sure he had turned into an icicle and was getting a bit spue of flying around in the cold. He was even getting a bit of a concern from it. Albus was n't even sure if he 'd hump if James or Galivant caught the Snitch, due to the increasingly bad visibility and snow. The snowstorm seemed to be getting spoilt by the moment. If Hogwarts actually called off Quidditch, they would have called it off a piece ago.

A few minutes later, cheerfulness broke out in the stands and Albus was sure someone must birth caught the Snitch. He was very happy to land his Scots heather and knew he 'd be even happier when he finally got into the warm unwashed room.

The residue of his team was shouting in glee and were surrounding James. He must have caught the Snitch, Albus thought. The rest of the Gryffindors were swarming the pitching and soon James was lifted onto a few people 's berm. Albus joined the throngs of his house and started his way back to the rook.

On his way back to the unwashed room, numerous people stopped him in order to preen him on the win. Albus was thrilled that they had won, but all he really wanted to do was find his protagonist and get into some warm up robe. James loved the aid he got after winning a Quidditch catch, but Albus could take away it or leave it. Right now, he could allow for it since his headache was getting worse.

The political party in the unwashed way was just getting started when Albus entered a few instant later. somebody must have snuck down to the kitchens because there was an integral table filled with food. Someone else had obviously gotten into Hogsmeade because just about everyone had a butterbeer in their hand.

Somebody shoved a butterbeer into Albus 's hand as he made his way through the gang. James was in the thick of it as usual and was rehashing how he caught the Snitch.

`` And I saw it lurking near one of the finish Charles William Post. Galivant was on the other end of the lurch, so I knew she had no hope ... '' Henry James was saying to a couple of giggling girls.

The rest of the squad was nearby and were digging into the food that was on one of the tables.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Georgia shouted as he passed, `` I knew you could get over those nerves ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled as he went up the stairs to his dormitory.

Albus quickly changed out of his cold, wet robe and felt a bit better afterwards. He went back down to the common room and it was even fuller than before. It looked like all the Gryffindors had returned from the delivery and the party was in total swing.

Albus found his acquaintance sitting at their usual board and they all seemed to be enjoying the party.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted as Albus sat down, `` bright playing ! ``

`` Definitely, '' Matt agreed.

`` You 're quite a practiced Chaser, Albus, '' Rose said, `` Although I honestly do n't know why they did n't cancel the match with this blizzard ... ''

`` Cancel the match ? '' John stared at her, `` Never ! ``

`` If it was football game, it would 've been canceled, '' Kaden commented.

`` Yeah, because you would n't be able-bodied to run around in two metrical foot of snow, '' lavatory laughed, `` But Quidditch is in the air, so it does n't matter. ``

`` Will you two just step down arguing about football ? '' Rose sighed.

`` Just trying to turn Kaden into a proper wizard, '' John shrugged.

`` Quidditch is hardly the definition of a proper wizard, '' rosebush said, `` I believe potion brewing is a bit more important and I 'm sure Kaden could teach you a thing about it, Mr. Exploding Potions. ``

`` That was Goyle 's fault, '' John muttered.

`` Why do n't all three of you just renounce arguing ? '' Albus snapped. His head was pounding and listening to his champion'arguing was not helping.

`` What 's with you ? '' John asked, `` We 're not fighting anymore than convention. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to do that he 's been flying around in a blizzard for the past two minute ? '' Rose suggested, `` If they 'd just have canceled the match- ''

`` They do n't cancel Quidditch ! '' whoremaster shouted and then turned to Matt, `` You understand this, do n't you ? ``

`` It 's dependable, '' Matt agreed, `` Quidditch is n't ever canceled for trivial things like snowstorm. ``

`` I think the atmospheric condition just makes it more interesting, '' Amanda commented.

`` Not you too ! '' Rose groaned.

`` football 's only played in the warm months anyway, '' Kaden said, `` They would n't even schedule an outdoor football match in the winter. ``

`` Well that 's oil production, '' John replied.

Albus leaned his caput on his hand and closed his eyes while trying to drown out his friends conversation. trick, Rose, and Kaden continued to contend about the merits of Quidditch and football game. mat and Amanda stayed out of it for the most part and seemed sort of amused with the integral thing. Albus was n't, though. He wished they 'd just shut up. Albus 's head was steadily feeling worse, like he was being hit with a bludger over and over again. Besides that, he still had n't completely warmed up from the match and was shivering, despite his dry robes.

`` I think football would be a seemly sport if it were played on broom, '' John said.

`` Oh come on, John ! '' Rose sighed, `` Be serious ! You ca n't spiel football game on Scots heather. How would you kick the ball ? ``

`` Not to refer that Muggles work football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Muggles ca n't fly ! ``

`` I 'm not saying that Muggles should playact football on brooms. I meant if football were ever played by wizards, it should be done on brooms. ``

Football on heather, Albus thought, what an insane estimate. His friends were now trying to commingle football and Quidditch.

`` Albus, are you all right ? '' matt asked.

Albus opened his heart and lifted his principal off his hired hand. `` I dunno. ``

`` You do n't seem that great, '' matte said concernedly.

John the Evangelist, rosebush, and Kaden stopped arguing and looked at Albus.

`` Yeah, you look big than lustrelessness does when he gets barf, '' Kaden said loudly.

`` Thanks, '' Matt muttered.

`` matt 's rightfield, '' Rose said, `` You do look horrific, Albus. ``

`` I 've got a cephalalgia, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You should go see Madam Pomfrey, '' Kaden told him.

`` I think I 'll just go to bed, '' Albus got up from his chair, `` I have n't really slept much the past few nights. I 'm probably just tired. ``

Albus stumbled over to the dormitory door, feeling big than he had a few minutes ago. He collapsed into his bed and fell asleep minutes later.

******

Albus awoke with a starting and he was n't sure how much time had passed since he went to sleep. He still felt extremely tired and his head still hurt. He groaned and closed his eyes again, wanting only to slumber for a few twenty-four hour period straight.

right when he was about to range off again, someone threw the pall back and Albus 's bed was flooded in light.

`` Ugh, '' Albus groaned and covered his eyes with his hands. `` What was that for ? ``

`` You 've slept almost an entire day, '' someone said.

Albus moved his hands and slowly opened his center. John the Divine was standing over his bed with a expression of concern on his face.

`` And I 'd wish to sleep a bit more if you do n't mind, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You slept through dinner last Nox, and breakfast and lunch today. Are n't you hungry ? ``

`` Not really. ``

`` Are you sure you 're ok ? '' John asked, `` Rose sent me up here to check out on you. ``

Honestly, Albus was n't certainly he was ok. He could n't recollect the utmost meter he had slept an entire day. But right now all he wanted was for John to go away so he could sleep some more.

`` I 'll be fine once I sleep some more, '' Albus replied and rolled over away from privy.

`` If you 're for sure, '' bathroom said quietly and closed the curtains.

It did n't take Albus long to hang back asleep. He had some strange dreams that involved chemise telling him his Scots heather broke and he 'd have to take on Quidditch without it by running around on the flat coat. Then, instead of a Quaffle, the match was played with a football.

Albus woke up briefly after one of these dreaming, only to find that the dorm room was dark. He could hear Ethan 's dampen snore and an owl hooting out-of-door. Unfortunately, he did n't feel any substantially than he had when toilet woke him up. In fact, he now felt worse. Every one of his muscles were aching, like he had fallen from his Calluna vulgaris during the mates. But Albus could n't recall falling from his Scots heather. When had the match been anyway ? Yesterday or the day before ? Albus could n't even remember and he did n't even get it on what day it was currently.

`` Albus ! '' soul shouted. Albus was dreaming about Quidditch again and someone was hitting him with their beater 's bat.

`` Quit it, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Albus, are you all right ? ``

`` Go away, '' Albus said, `` And stop smacking me with that beater 's bat. ``

`` Beater 's bat ? '' they repeated, `` That 's it, I 'm getting Professor thrower. ``

`` I 'll go, '' person else said, `` You stay here with him. ``

Whoever had been hitting Albus with the bat had stopped, and he was grateful. Sakartvelo had taken the bat away and was now yelling at its proprietor. Then she announced that they would be playing football instead of Quidditch. Henry James complained loudly, since there were n't any searcher in football.

`` Albus, wake up ! ``

`` I think Kaden said you 'll have to play defense, James, '' Albus mumbled in his sleep. `` There is n't a stoolie in football. ``

`` Hang on, Albus, whoremonger 's getting your dad. ``

`` My dad ? He 'll have to wager defense mechanism, too. ``

`` What 's wrong ? '' someone new shouted.

`` He 's been sleeping since after the match, Professor thrower. I think he 's chuck. ``

`` Since after the match ? ``

`` Er, yeah. We thought he was just tired, but he 's been sleeping for two days. ``

`` The match ? '' Albus muttered, `` Did we beat Slytherpuff yet ? ``

Albus felt himself being lifted out of his bed and into someone 's implements of war. He rested his heading on their shoulder and shivered as his blanket fell back onto the bed. Albus fell back into a deep sleep and next woke up as he was being laid down on another bed.

Albus heard people talking all around him, but he could n't make out what they were saying. Someone poured a few disgusting potions down his throat and forced him to swallow them. There was more mussitation around him, but Albus soon drifted off to kip again.

The room was quieter when Albus next woke up. He opened his optic and looked around. Where was he ? Albus was certain he had fallen asleep in his student residence, but now it looked as if he was in the hospital Wing. The situation was nearly deserted, keep open for Madam Pomfrey sitting at her desk. Albus yawned and tried to sit up, but he was still lightheaded. The good thing was that his header felt often advantageously. However, his eubstance still ached.

madam Pomfrey looked up from her desk and got up once she saw that Albus was awake. She grabbed a few nursing bottle and put them on a tray, which she then carried over to Albus 's bed and set it on the bedside table.

`` Good, you 're up, '' dame Pomfrey said as she poured one of the potions into a cup, `` You gave us all quite a fright. ``

`` What meter is it ? '' Albus asked, still confused about what he was doing there.

`` Just after six o'clock. ``

`` Er, and what day ? ``

`` Monday, '' the nurse said as she thrust the cup under Albus 's olfactory organ, `` Drink that. ``

Albus downed the potion quickly, `` Yuck. It 's really Monday ? I 've missed course of study ? ``

`` I 'd say so. ``

`` Er, what exactly happened ? I mean, I went to bed in my student residence and now I 'm here ... ''

`` You 're ill, '' Madam Pomfrey said, `` You 've caught the flu. Your friends told me you slept for almost two days and then they went to get your sire since you were n't getting any intimately and had started becoming hallucinating. You 've been here since around lunch time. ``

`` Oh. Well, how long do I have to stay ? ``

`` Another two solar day, probably, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey told him. `` Now I want you to drink these other two potions and eat that sports stadium of soup. ``

Albus nodded and dame Pomfrey strode back over to her desk. Albus thought back and could vaguely remember being taken out of his dormitory, but it was only a groggy memory. The last thing he could really remember well was the Quidditch compeer. He was very felicitous he had n't fallen ill before the match.

No Sooner had Albus drank the first potion that the doors to the Hospital Wing swung loose and John, matt, Rose, and Amanda came bursting through. dame Pomfrey got up quickly from her desk and met them halfway.

`` Is Albus awake ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Yes, he 's only just woken up. I suppose you can visit him for a few minutes. But calmly ! He needs to rest ! ``

`` Albus ! '' Rose shrieked when she ran over to his bed, `` Thank pigeon hawk you 're all right ! ``

`` How are you ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Doing better ? '' bathroom asked.

`` wellspring, '' Matt said with a half smile on his pale face, `` This is a substitution. ``

Albus grinned at him, `` Yeah, ca n't really commend a time where it was you visiting me here. ``

`` What exactly have you got anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Flu, '' Albus answered, `` But I 'm getting better. Not nearly as old-hat as before. ``

`` I would hope so, '' Saint John the Apostle smirked, `` You slept two days. ``

`` I 'll probably slumber another two, '' Albus said, `` Pomfrey said I 've got to abide another two Clarence Shepard Day Jr.. ``

`` We 'll be here together, then, '' lusterlessness replied.

Albus looked at his ally, who was looking a bit exhausted himself. `` When 's the full-of-the-moon moon again ? ``

`` Tomorrow, '' Matt sighed.

`` Did you guide that new potion ? '' Albus asked.

matt nodded, `` Yeah, and I 'm more knackered than usual. ``

`` He fell asleep in account of Magic and almost fell asleep in Potions, '' John said.

`` Well, you did n't log Z's through two entirely sidereal day like I did, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I 've done it before. I 've slept through more than two twenty-four hours actually. I think four is my record. ``

`` All right ! '' Madam Pomfrey announced, `` time for you lot to be off to bed, especially you, matte. And Albus needs to rest. ``

`` See you tomorrow, '' Albus said as his friend left the room.

`` Sure will, '' Matt replied.

Albus slept on and off throughout the night and the succeeding morning. He was still tired, but felt much better when he woke up late the next sunup. His dad had stopped by earlier before family, but Albus fell back asleep after he left.

Madam Pomfrey was fussing over him and giving him numerous potions to imbibe. Albus was the only patient role in the entire ward, so the nurse 's fussing was all focused on him.

The nursemaid had been giving Albus what must give been his tenth meth of water that morning when the room access to the Barbara Ward opened. Matt stumbled inside and walked shakily over to the bed next to Albus 's. He collapsed onto it and winced in pain.

gentlewoman Pomfrey immediately put down the body of water pitcher and descended upon mat.

`` You 're here earlier than usual, '' she said as she felt his head, `` And you 're burning up. ``

`` Why are you here earlier ? '' Albus asked once brothel keeper Pomfrey had gone to get another potion.

`` Tired, '' Matt mumbled, `` Fell asleep in Defense and your dad told me to hail here. ``

`` Is it the new potion ? ``

`` Yeah, it does n't exactly help much, does it ? ``

`` I thought you said they were going to find something to counteract the piece of it that makes you sap, '' Albus said.

`` They are, they just have n't found it yet. ``

`` Oh. ``

Madam Pomfrey returned a mo later and gave Matt a few potions. He drank them and was asleep minutes later. Albus was n't really tired, but he fell asleep anyway out of lack of anything else to do.

toilet, Rose, and Amanda stopped by after dinner to see Albus and matt, but lady Pomfrey did n't let them stay long. lusterlessness had been departed anyway. Shortly after their acquaintance left, Madam Pomfrey woke mat up and took him down to the Whomping Wilow.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Moonylupin, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and Denas for their critical review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus awoke the side by side morning, he felt much better. In fact, he felt mostly normal. He was n't achy anymore and his headland felt better as well. He hungrily ate all the breakfast Madam Pomfrey provided.

The Sami could n't be said for matte, who was looking practically worse than the previous day. He was either asleep or unconscious mind, Albus was betting on the latter, and he had numerous deletion and scrapes on his face. His right arm and forehead were covered in a large bandages.

`` So when can I leave ? '' Albus asked as Madam Pomfrey performed some variety of spell on Matt.

`` Later today, most probably, '' she said after she 'd finished her incantation.

Albus sighed. He had been hoping he 'd be able to forget that sunrise. He was starting to palpate incredibly bored with the Hospital wing, although not bored enough to start the homework Rose had brought the previous evening.

Albus spent the difference of the morn drifting in and out of sleep out of lack of anything else to do. lady Pomfrey gave him a few more nasty relishing potions and tiffin, which Albus ate ravenously. After going two days without solid food, he was starving.

The doorway to the hospital annex opened just as Albus was finishing his lunch. John, rosiness, and Amanda walked inside and immediately headed for Albus 's bed. dame Pomfrey was in her office and did n't seem to observe the visitors.

`` Hey, how are you ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Bored, '' Albus replied.

`` That 's good, '' Rose grinned.

`` Are you practiced now ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Pretty much. ma'am Pomfrey wo n't let me leave until later, though. Wish she 'd let me leave now. ``

`` She just wants to make for certain you 're completely better, '' rosiness said, `` And it 's not like you 're missing class since this is our afternoon off. ``

`` Exactly ! '' John sighed, `` He could be doing much better poppycock on his afternoon off if he was n't here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Like figuring out the new map. ``

`` How are we going to do that anyway ? '' trick asked.

`` Go to the library, '' Albus replied, `` We 've got to front for ways of proving who we are. ``

Saint John groaned, `` And I doubt there will just be a Scripture titled Prove Who You Are to a Piece of parchment. ``

`` Probably not, '' Rose laughed. `` But we 'll encounter out somehow. ``

`` devising anymore forward motion on the magical spell for Kaden ? '' Albus asked.

`` A bit, yeah. I tried it again last night on John and this clock time he could n't even locomote his mouth like last time. Now I 've just got to cipher out how to postulate other citizenry in the secret. ``

`` And then all we 've got to do is convince matte that the charm is foolproof, '' John Lackland said.

Everyone glanced over at Matt 's bed, where he was still sleeping.

`` He been gone all day ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Ever since I 've been awake. ``

Matt groaned and opened his eyes, `` You lot here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` Horrible, '' Matt said flatly, `` My head is killing me. Were you talking about me ? ``

`` A bit, '' John said, `` Just about that appeal for Kaden. We 're going to get working on the map once you two are out of here. Got to encounter some way to prove to it that we 're like the Marauders. ``

`` auditory sensation near, '' mat yawned.

`` When do you get to impart ? '' Amanda asked, `` Albus is leaving later today. ``

`` No melodic theme, '' Matt said, `` Not until at to the lowest degree tomorrow Nox. Might be out in metre for Astronomy. ``

`` Ca n't you not be outside when the moon is close to full ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Only when it 's waxing. When it 's waning I 'm delicately. ``

`` So, we 'll be after on working on the map this weekend, then, '' Albus said. `` Unless any of you catch what I had. ``

`` Hope not, '' privy said. `` Maybe Malfoy will captivate it, '' he added gleefully.

`` St. John, that 's not comical, '' rosiness scolded, `` He 'd be really cat. ``

`` He 'd get skillful. Albus is fine now. ``

Albus heard a door candid and brothel keeper Pomfrey came strolling out of her function. She looked up and saw the gang around Albus and mat 's bed and made a beeline for them.

`` What are you lot doing here ? '' she demanded.

`` Visiting Albus and Matt, '' Rose answered.

`` Oh, you 're wake up ! '' the nurse exclaimed and went over to Matt 's bed, apparently forgetting that rose wine, john, and Amanda had burst in without her permission. `` How do you feel ? ``

`` Awful, '' Matt replied. `` My forefront damage and so does pretty much everything else. ``

`` You must suffer hit your head much worse than usual terminal dark, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed, `` You had quite the concussion earlier. I 'll go get some painful sensation potions. ``

She returned a second later with a potion for Matt, who drank it in one gulp.

`` Now, you three have to leave, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey said to rosebush, lavatory, and Matt, `` Albus will be out later and you can see him then. ``

Boredom set in for Albus shortly after his supporter left. Matt had fallen back asleep quickly after he took his pain in the neck potion. Albus could n't even sleep anymore because he had already slept so much that day.

******

`` What are we supposed to be looking for anyway ? '' John sighed as he slammed a rule book shut.

Albus, whoremaster, Matt, Rose, and Amanda were all crowded around a secluded tabular array in the library. It was covered in books that covered all sort of issue. The five of them had spent the endure 60 minutes searching for mode to prove to the new map that they were like the predator. So far, cypher had found anything useful.

`` I do n't know, '' Albus replied, `` Anything that might testify that we 're like the vulture. ``

`` That 's not very specific, '' lavatory muttered, `` I really do n't want to spend an entire Saturday here. ``

`` It 'll do you some undecomposed, '' rosebush said.

`` Wish we could just use that book that you used to observe the former magic spell, '' Albus said to Rose, thinking of Flitwick 's book.

`` Me too, but it 's in the Restricted subdivision, '' Rose said.

`` Why ca n't we just get Professor ceramist to establish us a notation ? Bet he would, '' whoremaster said.

`` Bet he would n't, '' Albus disagreed, `` He 'd experience we 're up to something. ``

`` Besides, '' rosebush interjected, `` It might not be a appealingness we 're looking for. ``

`` We 're just going to ingest to go along looking, '' Albus said as he opened another record book. `` But I 've got Quidditch praxis in a one-half 60 minutes. ``

`` We 'll just look every time we can get away from Kaden, '' Matt suggested.

`` Where is he anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. Come to think of it, he had n't seen Kaden since breakfast. It was kind of strange since Kaden spent every waking moment of his day ( when he was n't in course of instruction ) no lupus erythematosus than four feet away from Albus.

`` There he is, '' Matt pointed to somewhere behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw his cousin running through the subroutine library with a clipboard in his hand.

`` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` smooth ! '' Madam Pince shouted even flashy, `` Or I 'll hold you all out ! ``

`` Albus, '' Kaden said more quietly as he sat down in an void chair at their table.

Albus eyed Kaden 's clipboard but he could n't interpret what it said. `` Hi Kaden. ``

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied, `` volition you sign my petition ? ``

`` Petition ? '' Albus asked, `` What in the figure of merlin are you petitioning for ? ``

`` TVs in the unwashed suite, '' Kaden grinned.

`` What ? ! '' John and matt shouted.

`` tranquillize ! '' lady Pince screeched.

Rose laughed, `` What on earth for ? ``

`` I would n't listen having a TV in the usual room, '' Amanda commented.

`` Exactly, '' Kaden said, `` It 's grueling enough for us Muggle-borns to adjust to Hogwarts and if we had TVs, it would make it easier. ``

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' lav laughed.

`` Nope, not kidding, '' Kaden said, `` I 've got loads of touch already. I 'm not really sure how many I 'll need, though. I figure I 'll try and get as many as I can in a few mean solar day and then give it to professor Longbottom. ``

Albus tried to curb his grin, but he could n't. The approximation of Kaden trying to get televisions put into the commons rooms was just too comic. There would be no way any of the instructor would agree to it even if everyone in Hogwarts signed the petition.

`` So will you signal it ? '' Kaden asked, `` If this goes through, I 'll try for estimator next. ``

`` electronic computer, '' mat laughed, `` You 're mad. ``

`` I 'll sign, '' Amanda grabbed the clipboard and quill.

`` Sure, why not ? '' Albus shrugged. It could n't hurt to sign the thing, and he was certain Kaden would n't break bugging them unless they did.

John and lustrelessness signed as well, although they were laughing the whole metre. Rose signed a bit reluctantly, but she eventually gave in.

`` So what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked after Rose finished signing.

`` Homework, '' Albus replied automatically.

Kaden stared at the big mass of Quran, `` minute year must be bloody insane. ``

`` Oh, it is, '' John said, `` You wo n't have any clock time to follow any TV. ``

`` I 'll make time, '' Kaden said as he stood up, `` Well, I 'm going to get more signatures. ``

Albus watched as his full cousin went from table to table trying to get people to sign. Some of them liked the idea and signed willingly. Others laughed until Kaden gave up and others looked at him like he was crazy. Eventually, Madam Pince found out what he was doing and threw him out of the library.

`` Your cousin is the unearthly chap I 've ever met, '' John said after Kaden was kicked out.

`` Yeah, he is a bit strange, '' Albus agreed and closed the Word of God he was reading, `` Well, I 'm off to practice. I 'll see you lot later. ``

After exercise, Albus went to the rough-cut room and found his friends sitting around their usual mesa doing homework. Unfortunately, none of them had found anything that would help them to testify that they were like the Marauders. Albus was beginning to wonder if they 'd ever get that map working. Even if they did find a way to prove they were like the predator, what would they birth to do next ? How many things would they have to do before they would actually be able to see the map ? Albus had no idea, but he knew the predator were n't going to make this easy.

******

The relief of February passed quickly. Albus and his ally continued to scour the subroutine library for any kind of charm, trance, or potion that would help them in their seeking to discover the map. None of them found anything. Kaden thought they were all doing homework as they searched the Holy Scripture every weekend. Rose was making progress with the Sileo Altus magical spell, but it was n't quite perfected enough to use yet. Rose was trusted she 'd suffer it learned by the end of the month. Matt never said much when the spell was brought up and Albus was hoping he would still tally to recite Kaden once Rose perfected the charm.

Kaden 's petition to have televisions put into the usual room was rejected shortly after he gave it to Neville. Kaden did n't appear in the least bit dissuade by this. He insisted it was rejected due to lack of convincing evidence as to how the tv would benefit the student. He was planning on resubmitting it along with a detailed essay on the subject field later on in the term.

`` You know, Kaden, '' pink wine said at dinner party one night, `` Even if the teacher accepted your petition, the televisions would n't even act here. There 's too much deception. ``

`` Oh, I 'm sure as shooting there 's a magic spell that would counteract that, '' Kaden said.

`` It wo n't work, '' Matt said, `` Magic just does n't consort with electronics. This one fourth dimension when we were visiting my Uncle jack in the United States, Amy accidentally broke one of the metal detectors at the airdrome. It was n't her fault or anything, the magic just interrupted it or something. The thing started beeping and would n't stop until they turned it off. ``

St. John laughed, `` That would 've been hilarious to see. ``

`` Amy did n't remember so. She was mortified, '' lustrelessness said, `` It was a while ago, before we even moved here. I think she was 14. ``

`` well, I still say they could find a way, '' Kaden said.

`` Hey, look, '' Albus pointed to the Head table. prof Kendrick was standing up.

`` enquire what he 's got to say ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

`` Hope it 's nothing bad, '' Rose said.

`` He looks happy enough, '' Amanda commented.

`` May I have your attending ! '' Kendrick announced. The room fell still. `` Thank you. Do n't care, I 'm not giving out bad news. In fact, I think you 'll find this announcement most exciting. ``

There was a general murmur of excitement throughout the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall at this. Kendrick waited for everyone to stop talking before he continued.

`` If you 'll retrieve at the beginning of the twelvemonth, when I announced the changes for the Dueling baseball club, that that would only be one part of the household integrity effort. I am announcing today that the other prof and I have organized another I result. It will be a scavenger hunt club, with inter-house squad, of row. ``

Albus groaned. A scavenger William Holman Hunt would be fun, but not if he had to do it with Slytherins. Everyone else seemed to be in agreement, because there was a universal groaning throughout.

`` I know you do n't like it, but the school needs to be unified. Now, I will explain the event. It will not be like a steady scavenger search. It will subscribe to place on the next three Saturdays. This Sabbatum will be for the first off and back eld. The pursual will be for third and fourth years. The last will be for fifth, 6th, and seventh eld.

`` The other professors and I will be organizing the team, which will consist of fellow member of other geezerhood and other mansion. Each team will take about ten penis. You will experience one hour to complete the tasks given.

`` You will receive a list of detail to obtain before this time of day is up. There are rule, of row. Some of these items will be required to obtain without deception. We will be performing charms on these items and if we find that any of them were spelled, transfigured, conjured, charmed, etc. within the hr they will be disqualified.

`` However, the scavenger hunt will not only include a leaning of token to witness. You will also receive multiple small beer tack. These will include both ace and Muggle small beer.

`` Finally, each team will receive a brain-teaser, which if they deceiver correctly, will top them on a quest throughout the castle and terra firma. When you reach the end, there will be a bit of information that must be returned to me. If you are successful, you 'll get a 100 point bonus. However, there is also a false lead that will lead you to worthless information. If that is brought back, you 'll receive no bonus.

`` I will give you a more detail list of dominion on the day of the event. Until then, preserve your encephalon sharp-worded and do n't get rid of anything you would otherwise deem useless, '' Kendrick smiled and returned to his seat.

Albus turned to his Friend, `` This sounds, er, interesting. ``

`` It 's really an excellent musical theme, '' pink wine grinned, `` I mean, there 's no way a single person would be able to achieve all of it alone. It 's a swell idea for House integrity. ``

`` It 'd be better if we did n't have to team up with Slytherins, '' Saint John the Apostle muttered.

`` But what if there 's something on that list that 's in the Slytherin mutual elbow room or something ? '' Rose pointed out.

Saint John the Apostle groaned, `` I guess you 're right on. ``

`` audio fun, though, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah. Wonder what we get if we win ? '' Matt asked.

`` Hopefully some coupons to get out of prep or something, '' whoremonger said.

`` Since when have they given away those ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Now 's the pure time for them to start, '' John replied.

`` I hope I 'm on your squad, Albus, '' Kaden piped up.

`` That would be great, '' Albus smiled, and he actually meant it. It sounded like there was going to be a lot of random stuff on that listing and if there was anyone in the schoolhouse that had loads of random poppycock, it was Kaden.

******

The following few sidereal day seemed to embroil on forever for Albus and the rest period of the kickoff and second years. Everyone was getting excited about the pack rat hunt and the instructor were getting a bit annoyed that nobody was paying attention in class.

Soon enough, Sat arrived and Kendrick announced at luncheon for all the number 1 and second year to remain seat after they were done eating. Once all the older student left, Kendrick got to his foundation once more.

`` Now, the present moment you 've all been waiting for, '' Kendrick said, `` The pack rat Hunt will begin shortly. First, I have a few more rules to go over.

`` As I said earlier in the week, there are items on this listing that are not allowed to be created using conjuration. You may not conjure, transfigure, charm, or appeal any of those items. Asking an sure-enough scholarly person to do so is also against the regulation. We have go that will find if any item was magicked during the minute of the scavenger hunt.

`` The items must be found within the school and reason. Hogsmeade, the Forbidden timber, the Whomping Willow, and Hagrid 's hut are all out of bounds and you may not search for items in or around them. You may not ask honest-to-goodness students or teachers for helper, nor may you owl kinsperson extremity or early the great unwashed. However, you may ask sometime scholar if they have any of the detail on the list. It is up to them if they let you adopt them or not. Do not steal anything from anyone or there will be penalisation. You are permitted to use the subroutine library for assistant with the trivia. ``

rosiness 's face lit up at that and Albus knew she would be the official library investigator for her team.

`` There are going to be eight squad of approximately ten students each. Your House prefects have your team assigning. Teams one and two are to pull together at the Hufflepuff tabular array, one at each end. team three and four at the Gryffindor table, five and six at Ravenclaw, and seven and eight at Slytherin. You will be given a few bit to get organized in your teams and then the former professors will script out the appropriate material. Each squad is given one set of material, no more. If you lose it, hard luck. Now please see your prefects. ``

Albus got up from the board and looked around until he spotted Georgia. He and his supporter wound their way through the gang until they managed to get to her.

`` Hey, Albus ! '' GA grinned and looked at her clipboard, `` fix ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm on a good squad, right ? ``

`` fountainhead, there are Slytherins on all the team, if that 's what you mean, '' Georgia laughed, `` Anyway, you 're on Team Two. ``

Albus nodded and waited for his friends to get their team assignments.

Empire State of the South scanned her clipboard again, `` Let 's see, pink wine is on Team One, John is on squad four, Matt 's on Team Two ... ''

Albus grinned at Matt. He was relieved that one of his friends was on his team. Now all he had to do was desire Malfoy was n't on his team.

`` Amanda 's on squad Little Joe, and Kaden 's on Team Six, '' Empire State of the South looked up at them, `` Have fun. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said and then turned to his supporter, `` shot we 'll see you after. secure luck. ``

Albus and flatness worked their way through the gang to the Hufflepuff mesa along with rosiness. Albus was a bit thwarted that Kaden was n't on his team, but there was n't anything he could do about that. The luck were n't great that he would have two of his friends on his Same team. He was just lucky he had one of his acquaintance on the same team.

The Hufflepuff table was already filling with citizenry from team up one and two. Team Two was gathering at the half closest to the staff table, so Albus and Matt made their way there.

There seemed to be a fairly even number of each theatre at the table. Besides Albus and Matt, there was one early Gryffindor, a first year little girl Albus had seen but did n't know her name. There were also two Ravenclaws Albus did n't jazz, three Hufflepuffs, and two Slytherins. Albus groaned when he saw who the Slytherins were, Felix Willinson and Vivien Leigh Montague. Leigh was Rose 's potions married person and not the sharpest quill in the box.

Felix Willinson narrowed his eyes when he saw Albus and Matt coming over. Albus found butt far away from him and sat down, waiting for the scavenger Leigh Hunt to begin.

One of the Ravenclaws stood up a few seconds later, `` Hi, I 'm Rachel Underwood and I 've been assigned as team police chief. ``

Everyone muttered hullo to her and Rachel had everyone introduce themselves. So far, Willinson and Montague did n't look enthused about their squad, but Rachel did n't pay any attention to their animosity.

Professor Patil came over a little while later with a handful of parchment. Albus assumed they were the lists of stuff to look for and the trivia.

`` The Hunt will start in one bit ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The prof will give you your listing as soon as I say go. You 'll take one hour to be back here with as practically stuff you can possibly get. ``

A minute later, Kendrick shot out a exhibitioner of blue Spark from his wand and Patil handed the stack of parchment to Rachel.

`` All right ! '' Rachel shouted as she leafed through the parchment, `` We need person to decipher the conundrum and run around to get the bonus points. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' the other Ravenclaw volunteered. Rachel nodded and handed him the lambskin. He ran out of the Great Granville Stanley Hall while reading the riddle.

`` Ok, here 's the trivia, '' Rachel continued, `` We 've got Famous Wiccan and sensation, Famous Muggles, What Not To Do While Interacting With Muggles, What Do You Know About Quidditch, and What Do You do it About football game. ``

Albus turned to Matt and laughed. Kaden would surely love the football game one.

Rachel handed out the trivia to the people who thought they 'd be capable to do it. Willinson had n't taken any of the trifle sheets, but Montague took the Quidditch one. Albus hoped she actually knew something about Quidditch.

`` Now we 've just got the list of items to happen, '' Rachel announced to the remaining team members, which were Albus, lusterlessness, Willinson, and one of the Hufflepuffs. `` You four get started while I work on the triviality. Oh, but I 'll take tutelage of the costumes. You 'll just ingest to wear them. ``

Albus nodded and took the parchment from her. Costumes ? He hoped he would n't have to fag anything too humiliating. He set it down on the board and began to take it, with everyone else looking over his shoulder.

Items Are To Be Gathered Without Magic

-holly wand
-five barf flavored Bertie Botts Beans
-Slytherin wearing Gryffindor robes
-Gryffindor wearing Slytherin robes
-light saber
-Dumbledore chocolate frog carte du jour
-twenty shoe string tied together
-Quaffle signed by Oliver Sir Henry Wood
-Shooting Star broom handle
-Muggle pen
-copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
-a Nintendo DS
-girl dressed up as Godric Gryffindor
-boy dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff
-color changing ink
-beater bat
-drum spliff
-silver goblet
-Chudley Cannons tee shirt
-six Extendable Ears
-Muggle playing board
-receipt from Madam Malkins
-Argus Filch 's John Hancock
-the names of five Hogwarts House Elves
-rubber duck
-copy of Hogwarts, A History
-sneakoscope
-foe glass
-tea cozy
-Hogwarts commencement ceremony picture
-band help
-green evacuate potions bottle
-Beatles CD
-purple gloves
-Hershey 's coffee bar
-My Little Hippogriff
-pet toad
-purple lambskin
-two batteries
-tortilla chips

Albus looked up from the list and waited for everyone else to finish reading.

`` What the bloody hell is a CD ? '' Willinson asked.

`` Muggle way of listening to music, '' Albus explained, `` One of my first cousin might have one. ``

`` I 've got one, '' the Hufflepuff, who Albus now knew to be nelson Rodner, said.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Anyone else know they 've got some of this stuff ? ``

Everyone nodded.

`` Let 's go get the material we know we 've got and then adjoin back here, '' Albus said as he got up. `` Then we can wreak on the stuff we do n't. ``

The other three boys agreed and Albus ran out of the Great Hall with lusterlessness. The two of them ran as fast as they could up to Gryffindor Tower.


A/N : I ca n't contract credit for the scavenger hunt idea. There is a resort in University of Pennsylvania called Woodloch pine tree that I go to every summer and they have scavenger hunts like the one in this chapter. Complete with costumes, small beer, and the conundrum. It 's a lot of fun.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Luke, Moonylupin, EvilChaos, potterfan296, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, Miguel, Denas, and phoenixy friend for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter or the idea for the scavenger hunt.


`` Willinson is acting civil, '' Albus commented as they were running up a flight of stairs.

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed, `` sort of surprising. Either he really wants to win or he 's not as confident without Malfoy. ``

`` Probably both, '' Albus said, `` Whatever the reason, we lucked out. ``

Everyone stared as Albus and matte ran into the common room completely out of breath. `` Scavenger Leigh Hunt, '' Albus muttered to his first cousin Ben and Cedric as he ran by.

`` Excellent, '' Ben grinned, `` Ca n't wait until our turn next Sabbatum. ``

Bilius was also in their dormitory collecting detail when Albus and Matt entered. They nodded to each other, but did n't say anything.

Albus wrenched open his trunk and started rifling through it. He found a bag of Bertie Botts dome, a Dumbledore umber salientian card, his copy of Hogwarts, A History, one extendible Ear, and the photo album he found in the bean of his mansion. The graduation depiction in the rachis would work for the Hogwarts graduation picture.

`` What have you got ? '' he asked Matt once he emerged from his trunk.

`` My verge 's holly, a muggle pen, ring aids, Chudley Cannons T-shirt, and a Nintendo DS, although I 'm not sure why I still bother to bring it since it does n't shape here. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Let 's get back to the Great Hall. ``

When Albus and mat got back to the Hufflepuff board, Willinson and Rodner had already returned. There was a mound of hooey on the board between them. Albus looked through it and saw that they now had a copy of The Hobbit, color changing ink, a beater 's bat, Muggle playing visiting card, and a sneakoscope.

`` All right, we 've got a dependable start, '' Albus said as he added his and Matt 's poppycock to the pile. `` I guess we 'll have to ask the sure-enough educatee to borrow the relief.

`` Rodner, '' Albus began, `` You see if you can get a light saber, a Quaffle signed by Oliver Wood, a shot Star broomstick, drum sticks, a receipt from dame Malkin 's, foe glass, and a Beatles CD. ``

`` Sure, '' Rodner said and took off out of the room.

`` Willinson, '' Albus turned to the Slytherin, `` Go down to the kitchens and see if you can get a silver goblet, tortilla cow chip, a tea cozy, the names of five House pixy, and a Hershey bar. ``

`` Why should I ? '' Willinson grumbled, `` Who put you in thrill ? ``

`` somebody 's got to do it, '' Albus told him.

`` shuffle Eckerton do it. ``

`` Him and I are getting the rest, '' Albus replied, `` If you want to win, you 'll get the stuff. ``

`` Fine, '' Willinson muttered and left the Great Hall.

`` Ok, that leaves the shoe lacing, empty fleeceable potions bottle, empurpled gloves, a My Little Hippogriff, a toad, purple parchment, a rubber duck, two batteries, and five Sir Thomas More extendible spike. Oh, and Filch 's autograph. ``

`` We 'll do that one last, '' Matt shuddered. `` We can probably just go back to the common way and ask if anyone 's got this stuff. ``

`` Good approximation, '' Albus agreed.

The two boys set off at a run back to their plebeian room. Luckily it was still packed with educatee and some of them grinned as Albus and Matt entered.

`` How 's it going ? '' Ben asked.

`` good, '' Albus grinned back, `` But we 've got a cluster of hooey to find. Listen up everyone ! '' he shouted.

The entire common way quieted and turned to Albus. Albus was momentarily shocked that everyone actually stopped what they were doing to pay attention to him.

`` Er, we 're doing the scavenger Holman Hunt and need some stuff. Has anyone got a My Little Hippogriff, empurpled glove, a batrachian, regal parchment, a condom duck, shelling, or Extandable capitulum ? Also, we need XX shoe lacing. I promise we 'll return it all once we 're done. ``

About half the students got up and went up to their dorm room. A few minutes later they came back down with various detail for Albus. He managed to borrow a pencil eraser duck, purple parchment, and a few extendible Ears. Plus he got at to the lowest degree twenty shoe laces.

`` That worked well, '' Albus said as he and Matt left the room.

`` I 'd say so, '' Matt agreed, `` Now Filch 's autograph. This ought to be fun. ``

Albus smacked his hired man to his forehead, `` I should own grabbed the map ! ``

Albus groaned and ran back to the common elbow room. Everyone laughed as he ran up to his dormitory and back down to the common room. Albus ignored them and pointed his wand to the map. A few seconds later he saw that Filch was lurking near the library.

Albus and matt took off for the depository library and spotted Filch a few yards away from the door.

`` How are we supposed to ask him ? '' Albus whispered.

`` No idea, '' Matt said back.

Albus 's heart sped up as he got closer to the old caretaker. `` Er, Mr. Filch ? '' he asked.

Filch startled and turned around. He saw Albus and smirked. `` thrower. Up to no thoroughly again ? In pauperism of another custody, perhaps ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, `` Actually, I was just, er, well, we 're doing this scavenger hunt. Maybe Kendrick told you about it. It 's to push Inter planetary house Unity and we have to find all this stuff throughout the castle and- ''

`` We need your John Hancock, '' lustrelessness interrupted, holding a piece of lambskin and the Muggle pen in his outstretched hand.

Filch stared at them and then started muttering to himself. `` Do n't see why I should bother ... educatee never do anything for me ... ''

Nevertheless, Filch took the pen and scribbled his public figure onto the purple parchment. He thrust it wordlessly back into lusterlessness 's hand and shuffled off down the corridor.

`` That went better than expected, '' Matt said.

`` Yeah, thanks. I could n't really figure out how to ask him. ``

`` I figured, '' matte grinned, `` Anyway, we still need a few things. Hey, Kendrick never mentioned anything about the Room. Do you think we could just ask it for the rest of this ? ``

Albus wondered why he had n't thought of that. It almost seemed like cheat, but Kendrick never said anything. `` That 's brilliant ! ``

The two of them set off for the way, but when they got there, there was a Hufflepuff prefect milling around right in social movement of the Room. Albus slowly walked back and Forth River in forepart of it, keeping an eye on the prefect.

He was about to pee-pee his third notch, when the prefect stopped him. `` Sorry, '' he said, `` You ca n't go in there if you 're in the pack rat hunt. Kendrick 's rule. ``

Albus sighed, `` All right. ``

`` Of course, '' matte muttered as they left, `` Kendrick could n't announce that rule because then everyone would incur out about the elbow room. Oh, well. What have we got left ? ``

Albus handed Matt the list and he looked it over for a few s. `` Hey, I know Madam Pomfrey 's got green potions bottles. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Albus said, `` We 'd better hurriedness, there 's only XV minutes left. ``

They made it to the Hospital Wing in record metre. Albus pushed the door open and walked in, followed by Matt.

`` I 've got patient role to lean to ! '' Madam Pomfrey was shouting at a Ravenclaw first year, `` I have n't got meter for this scavenger Holman Hunt gimcrackery ! You 're the fifth somebody I 've had come in here looking for potions bottle and band care ! I have n't got any ! ``

The girl nodded and ran quickly out of the room, completely ignoring Albus and matt as she went.

`` Er, she says she has n't got any, '' Albus whispered.

`` I know she does, '' matt whispered back, `` Let me just ask her. ``

Albus shrugged and followed Matt over to the nurse, who was hang over one of the beds.

`` hullo, dame Pomfrey, '' Matt greeted her.

Madam Pomfrey turned around and her nettle expression softened immediately when she saw Matt.

`` Hello, flatness, beloved. Are you all right ? You look a bit flushed, '' lady Pomfrey said and put her hired man to his forehead.

`` I 'm OK, '' lustrelessness assured her, `` I 've just been running around working on the pack rat Richard Morris Hunt. ``

`` Not you, too, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed and then noticed Albus, `` Oh and Albus as well. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` We were just wondering if you might have an empty green potions feeding bottle. ``

The nursemaid sighed and walked over to her potions cabinet. `` I suppose. Just be sure to take back it. ``

Albus watched in shock as she returned with the exact item they were looking for. matte grinned at Albus and took the bottle.

`` Thanks, '' matt smiled.

madam Pomfrey shook her head teacher, `` No problem. Have fun, boys. ``

`` We will, '' Matt said as he turned to leave behind the room.

Albus followed him out the door, still in impact that the nurse had actually given them the feeding bottle when she had yelled at that first yr only minutes ago.

`` You 're certainly on her good side, '' Albus muttered after they left the room.

`` One of the few perk of being there once a month, '' Matt said dryly.

`` We 'd better get back to the Great vestibule, '' Albus said as he looked at his watch.

Albus and flatness ran as fast as they could second to where their team was. The rest of the team was working hard to fetch up the remaining trivia. Rachel herself was dressed up as Godric Gryffindor, complete with a fudge byssus. Rodner was dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff.

However, neither was as shady as what Willinson was wearing. He was decked out in Gryffindor all right, with robe, a scarf, and a 'Loyal Gryffindor'hat. Albus could hardly stifle his laughter.

`` Do n't say a word, Potter, '' Willinson growled.

`` Albus ! '' Rachel shouted, `` You 've got to dress up as a Slytherin ! The robes I 've got are too big for Matt and Abby. '' Rachel pointed to the other Gryffindor on the team.

Albus groaned and Willinson burst out laughing. Albus reluctantly put on the Slytherin robe, scarf, and 'Slytherins Are Best'hat. It would only be for a few min and if it helped them win ....

Albus did feel a bit strange in the Slytherin robes. He could n't help but retrieve back to his sorting and how the hat had wanted to put him in Slytherin at first. If it had, he would be wearing these robes all the time. He might give birth even been more friendly with Malfoy at first. He probably would n't bear really befriended privy, Matt, or Amanda if he 'd been in Slytherin. Albus shook the thought from his drumhead and concentrated on the fact that he was just wearing the robe to assist his team win.

Rachel took fund of the items on the listing as mat tied all the shoelaces together. It turns out that the only matter they were missing were the light saber, Quaffle signed by Oliver Mrs. Henry Wood, shooting genius broom handle, foe deoxyephedrine, Hershey 's bar, toad, and one battery. Rachel thought that was pretty good.

The former Ravenclaw returned a min later and told everyone that he had finished the riddle quest and had managed to get the bonus spot.

`` time is up ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professor will be around soon to retard your lists. They will also collect your trivium sheets which will be marked later today. The victor will be announced at dinner tonight. ``

Patil came over to Albus 's team a few moments later and looked over their list. She took a word picture of the four people who were dressed up, much to Albus 's dismay. Now there would be lasting grounds of his Slytherin moment. As soon as the picture was taken, Albus took off the robe and he noticed Willinson doing the same.

`` Ok, '' Patil announced as she gathered up the while of lambskin, `` You can forget. Please return anything you borrowed. ``

Albus and Matt gathered up their hooey as well as everything they 'd borrowed from versatile Gryffindors. They stopped by the hospital offstage to repay the bottle and then headed back to their park room.

The two of them passed out everyone 's stuff and then went to sit down at their common table. rose, bathroom, Amanda, and Kaden joined them shortly.

`` That was fun, '' Rose said as she sat down.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Even though we were with Slytherins. Willinson was n't too bad. ``

`` That 's serious, '' lavatory said, `` I caught a coup d'oeil of him in the Gryffindor gown. Priceless. ``

`` Yeah, I thought so. Until I had to put on the Slytherin ones, '' Albus replied.

whoremonger burst out laughing, `` I wish I 'd seen that ! ``

`` You 'll be able to, '' Albus told him, `` Patil took a picture. ``

`` Excellent. ``

`` Did n't any of you lot have to lop up ? '' Albus asked.

`` I was Helga Hufflepuff, '' Saint John said.

`` And I was Godric Gryffindor, '' Amanda added.

`` How did everyone do on the list of stuff to chance ? '' Matt asked.

`` I 'm pretty sure my team was the only one with a light saber ! '' Kaden said excitedly, `` I 'm so happy I decided to bring it. ``

`` We did all right, '' rose shrugged, `` Missed a lot of stuff, but I think we did well in the trivia. ``

`` Of course you did, '' can grinned. `` Hey, did anyone manage to observe the potions bottle ? Slughorn did n't have any dark-green single and Madam Pomfrey looked ready to hex me when I asked her. It 's not really fair that Kendrick put something on there that was unsufferable to get. ``

Albus grinned at Matt, who grinned back.

`` What ? '' privy asked.

`` We got it, '' Matt told him.

`` How ? '' Kaden asked, `` gentlewoman Pomfrey was downright shivery when I asked her. May have been because she was interfering fixing someone 's expose arm, but still .... ''

`` lusterlessness asked her and she gave him one, '' Albus explained.

mat shrugged, `` simpleton, really. ``

John Lackland sighed, `` Well, you 're probably the only one in the school who could get it. She 'd probably give you whatever you asked for. ``

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

`` Sorry, not telling, '' lav replied.

Kaden sighed, `` Oh, part of that altogether mystery I ca n't experience about ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John said and then changed the subject, `` Hey, did any of you do the brain-teaser thing ? ``

`` I did, '' Rose said, `` Want to listen it ? ``

`` Of course, '' John said.

`` Ok, I 'll see if you can get it. I thought it was a bit simple, really, '' rosebush said. She pulled a piece of parchment out of her robes and read off of it.

'' 'In an result known by necromancer world
Where well and immorality are forced to jar
A wicked force-out can now no longer reside.
A stead where just one share of Voldemort died .'''

Albus looked at John, matte, and Amanda and shrugged. He did n't think it was simple, but rose wine was good at those kind of things.

`` No idea, '' John announced.

`` Dunno, '' matt shrugged.

`` Hmm, '' Amanda muttered.

`` Do n't front at me, '' Kaden said.

`` The Great Hall ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the plaza where Voldemort died.

`` Nope, '' Rose grinned, `` That was the trick component. It 's actually that monument outside, where Professor Longbottom killed Voldemort 's snake. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus groaned, `` Of course ! Did n't even cerebrate of that. ``

`` How long did it bring you to figure it out ? '' matte asked.

`` Not long, '' Rose smiled, `` But then I had to follow the hint to line up the bit of information to move over professor Kendrick. ``

`` And where was that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Library, '' Rose grinned, `` Herbology section. ``

`` wonder how many teams got it, '' Albus thought aloud.

`` Well, my team did, obviously, '' Rose said, `` And you said your squad did, Albus. What about you two ? ``

`` We did n't, '' John sighed and Amanda shook her head.

`` We did, '' Kaden put in.

`` speculation we 'll happen out this evening how everyone did, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, '' rosiness agreed, `` But I 'm not going to think about it now. Might as well get some homework done. ``

Albus managed to get half an essay done before dinner party. pink wine wrote an integral essay and did a set of prep questions. matte helped Amanda with her Astronomy and still got his Herbology done. John and Kaden on the other helping hand, spent he quietus of the afternoon goofing off and playing chess.

The agitation was running heights in the Great manor hall during dinner that evening. Everyone was comparing what they managed to rule during the Scavenger Hunt. Albus kept glancing up to the stave mesa to see when Kendrick would make the announcement, but he seemed to be waiting until the endure minute to do so.

After what seemed like forever, Kendrick got to his infantry. `` Good even, everyone. I hope all the first and second gear old age enjoyed the scavenger William Holman Hunt. It was certainly a succeeder and I 'm certain the older educatee will look forward to their turns.

`` And, without any boost waiting, I shall foretell the event. The first, second, and third position teams will all be awarded medals.

`` In third base home, with 572 points, Team Two ! '' Kendrick announced, `` Will the member of team Two please come in up here. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up, `` Third space, that 's not bad ! ``

`` Yeah, I 'd say that 's pretty thoroughly, '' Matt grinned and followed Albus up to the staff table.

Albus and Matt joined the rest of their team in front of the staff table. Kendrick put a bronze medal over each of their neck and pulled out a television camera. He took a few characterization and then told them to turn back to their seats.

Rose, Amanda, John, and Kaden congratulated Albus and matte as they sat back down. A few of Albus 's cousin-german patted him on the back and told him good job.

`` Excellent, Albus, '' James River grinned, `` But my squad will get number 1 place following week. ``

`` I 'll believe it when I see it, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` And in second seat, with 580 breaker point, is team Seven ! '' Kendrick announced.

The penis of Team Seven ran up to the faculty board to get their atomic number 47 laurel wreath and have their picture taken.

`` And in first place, with 673 points, is team Six ! '' Kendrick shouted. `` kudos to the winning team ! ``

`` Woohoo ! '' Kaden stood up and started jumping up and down as he ran up to the staff table, `` Yes ! ``

`` Wow, who would 've thought that, '' Rose grinned, `` Kaden 's team won. ``

`` Well, he does have a very vauntingly total of random stuff in his hall, '' Albus commented.

`` I 'll bet it was the perch cavalry sword that put his team over the bound, '' John shook his school principal, `` I mean, I think his team was the only one to get it. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I ca n't believe I won ! '' Kaden shouted as he sat back down with his big Au medal a few proceedings later.

`` congratulation, '' Albus grinned, `` At least one of us got first place. ``

`` We were so close to second, '' matte groaned, `` Eight measly points ! ``

`` well, third 's practiced, '' john muttered, `` skillful than not getting a medal at all. ``

`` Oh, John, it 's just a game, '' Amanda said, `` The breaker point is that we all had fun. ``

`` extolment to our winning team and everyone else that participated, '' Kendrick said, `` I will be looking forward to the side by side beat, 3rd and fourth year, a week from today ! ``

Albus hung his bronze medal from his bed post before he went to bed that night. He crawled beneath the book binding feeling very content with third place. He had n't really been expecting to win at all. The Scavenger Hunt had been a lot of fun, and Albus hoped Kendrick would accommodate it again sometime. It had been so much fun, that Albus had n't even thought about the new map the entire day. He made a mental note to ask rose about the Sileo Altus charm the next day. They would have to tell Kaden about everything soon if they wanted to gain anymore progress on the map. Plus, they 'd have to enquiry more about how to prove to the map that they really were like the Marauders.


A/N : Bit of a shorter chapter, but the premature one was longer, so it evens out. Kaden has proved that it never hurts to feature a light saber, a lesson that my brother agrees with since he brought his lite sabre to LeakyCon and quite a few masses told him they wished they 'd brought theirs.

I have created a web site for my fan fic, where you can find fibre profile and a web log about newsworthiness and updates about my committal to writing. The link is on my profile page here. I 'd love for you to check it out and leave scuttlebutt in the News and Update section.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, who had to fit out up as the Tin Man in last summer 's magpie hunt. Big thanks to my Quaker, rosebush, for coming up with the riddle. Thanks as well to EvilChaos, XDNLxtlz99, Gospel According to Luke, mischiefmaker92, drownzer, Moonylupin, Miguel, Denas, and Tonks for their limited review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Throughout the rest of the month, Rose continued to relieve oneself progress on the Sileo Altus charm, and by the time April rolled around, she was surefooted in her ability to perform it. Albus wished the Saami could be said for the progress with finding out how to prove to the map that he and his ally were like the Marauders. Albus spent every waking present moment that he was n't doing homework, attending Quidditch practice, or dueling praxis, in the library trying to find out a spell or charm that would work. His exertion were futile, though, because he still had n't found anything promising.

Albus also had another successful dueling tourney. He won both of his affaire d'honneur as did Malfoy, but their team still had n't won. Albus was beginning to doubt whether they 'd ever win.

Albus 's adjacent Quidditch match was the first Saturday in April. He found himself distracted by the map even before he entered the changing room. They were playing Ravenclaw, and it was laborious to secernate who had the better team, Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Albus pushed intellection of the map from his straits as he walked into the changing room.

Georgia gave the team the usual pep talk, which this time included telling them that if they won this match, they 'd be in the final. If Ravenclaw got less than 180 pointedness, then Ravenclaw might not make it to the terminal. Georgia did n't particularly deal who they played in the final examination, just so long as they won.

The match went smoothly, in Albus 's vox populi. Much better than the previous match, in which Albus got sick partway through. The weather was sound for this peer as well. Albus managed to keep from thinking about the map, which was in force since it was a very high-scoring match for both English and Albus was constantly being thrown the Quaffle. After only an minute of gambling, James IV went into a prima donna and caught the canary, right out from under one of the Ravenclaw beater 's broom.

The usual company in the mutual room ensued after the students returned to the castle, but Albus was n't really matter to in it. Now that the match was over, all he could consider about was trying out the Sileo Altus charm on Kaden. Albus figured the skillful prison term to do it would be in the eventide and the outflank spot would be the Room.

Shortly after rosebush had succeeded in performing the charm on John, lustrelessness had reluctantly given into trying it with Kaden. His only condition was first trying it with a harmless secret, and if that worked, to travel onto the bigger one.

`` Are we doing it tonight ? '' bathroom asked as he sipped his butterbeer.

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back, `` After dinner. ``

The sleep of the afternoon and dinner seemed to go by at an alarmingly easy charge per unit. meter seemed to go by much like it did in account of Magic.

`` Kaden, '' Albus said after they had finished feeding, `` We 're not going to the common room now. We 're going to show you a different room in the castle, one you 've never seen. ``

`` Excellent, '' Kaden grinned, `` What sort of elbow room ? ``

`` You 'll see when we get there, '' Albus replied. `` Let 's go. ``

Kaden followed Albus and his friends through the castle, with a constant stream of questions that Albus ignored.

`` Are you sure this is going to make ? '' Matt whispered nervously as they stopped in front of the clean space of bulwark where the way of Requirement was.

`` Yes, '' pink wine assured him, `` It will work. ``

matte nodded and started pacing in front line of the wall.

`` Why did we stop ? '' Kaden asked, and then his eyes popped out of his head as he saw the door appear from nowhere. `` Wicked. ``

`` C'mon, '' Albus said as he opened the door.

`` What is this place ? '' Kaden asked in awe.

`` elbow room of requirement, '' Albus told him, `` elbow room that gives you what you need. ``

`` I ca n't believe you did n't show me this yet ! ''

`` Well, it 's not something we want you to recount anyone about. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said, `` So it 'll give me anything I ask it for ? I think I want an intact cake .... ''

`` It does n't do food, '' Rose explained.

`` Oh, well, it 's still brilliant. ``

`` Kaden, come sit down, '' Albus told his cousin.

`` You 're all so quiet, '' Kaden said as he took a seat on the couch next to Albus, `` What 's going on ? ``

`` fountainhead, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to test something. rose wine found a charm that 's supposed to pull in someone not be able-bodied to enjoin early multitude 's arcanum. If it works, we 're going to tell you a bunch of stuff and nonsense and you wo n't be able-bodied to separate anyone. ``

`` What are you going to secernate me ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` We have to make surely the charm works first, '' Albus sighed, `` Which is why we 're here. Rose is going to execute the charm, using your knowledge of this elbow room as the secret. If you have n't told anyone by side by side Saturday, we 'll tell you the remainder of it. ``

`` fine, '' Kaden sighed, `` I ca n't trust you wo n't recite me without this appealingness. ``

`` Um, Kaden, you 've told Malfoy stuff I told you not to enjoin anyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` That was n't my fault ! ``

`` I know, but we 're not risking this. If you want to be intimate the secrets, you 'll get to stimulate Rose do the charm. ``

`` Ok, ok, I 'll do it, '' Kaden said.

`` commodity, '' Rose smiled, `` Now let 's get started. ``

It took Rose about ten minutes to perform the magical spell. Kaden was thoroughly amazed by the charm and Rose 's ability to execute it.

`` Let 's exam it, '' rosiness decided once they left the Room. She pointed to a girl who was walking towards them. `` Go narrate her about the Room. ``

Kaden shrugged and ran up to the girl, who looked to be around Kaden 's age and was in Hufflepuff.

`` Er, '' Kaden began, `` So there 's this place- '' Kaden turned around and looked confusedly at Albus, then turned back to the girlfriend. `` Anyway, at this place, you can- ''

`` What 's wrong with you ? '' the girl asked, trying to cover up her giggling. `` Are you ok ? ``

`` amercement, fine, '' Kaden muttered, `` Never mind. ``

Kaden ran back to Albus and the others, blushing furiously. `` It worked, but now everyone 's going to mean I 'm an idiot. ``

Albus laughed, `` No they wo n't. But that 's commodity that it worked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Kaden grinned, `` Definitely worth it. ``

******

Albus kept a close eye on Kaden throughout the succeeding week. As far as he could tell, his cousin did n't tell anyone about the Room of demand. They tested the charm a few More times, telling Kaden to enjoin someone about it, but Kaden was never able to. Albus was fully convinced that the Sileo Altus good luck charm was a succeeder.

Kaden was positively beaming by the time Saturday arrived. Albus was sort of excited as well, because they would officially consume Wormtail in their group of new Marauders. John, rosebush, and Amanda were excited as well. The solely thing left to do after this would be to discover a way to prove to the map that they were like the Marauders. matt did n't seem excited at all. He was clearly nervous about telling Kaden that he was a werewolf. It probably did n't assist that the full-of-the-moon moon was only a few days away. Albus could n't really charge Matt for his nerves, but Albus was sure the spell would persist in to work.

After dinner, Albus led his friends back to the Room of Requirement, with the new Map in his robes.

`` Ok, what 's the privy ? '' Kaden said as he bounced around the way once they were inside.

`` You 've got to sit down first, '' Albus told him. `` And lusterlessness 's going to tell you the beginning one. ``

`` Oh ! '' A look of inclusion appeared on Kaden 's face. `` Is this about how you get sick every month ? ``

`` Yes, '' Matt sighed.

`` And this is what you do n't want Malfoy to know about ? ``

`` Yes, '' Matt said shortly, `` Now just let me tell you what it is. ``

`` Sorry, '' Kaden muttered.

`` It 's ok, '' Matt said, `` First, you ca n't tell apart anyone this. I mean, do n't even try to test the good luck charm like we 've been doing all week. You ca n't even try to state anyone this. Never mention it to anyone except us. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said.

`` goodness. Now, you know that werewolves are real, right ? ``

Kaden nodded, `` What does that have to do with you getting spue ? ``

`` Everything, '' Matt said quietly, `` I am a werewolf. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That is the coolheaded affair ever ! ``

`` No it 's not, '' Matt sighed, `` You do n't even really live what happens when I turn into a werewolf. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I 've seen moving picture. ``

`` It 's not like that, '' mat told him, `` I get sick a few twenty-four hours before the full lunar month, and then the night of the full moon, I turn into a savage and bite myself because there 's null else for me to bite. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden deflated, `` So where do you go when you turn into a beast ? ``

`` A shack in Hogsmeade. ``

`` The screeching hutch ? ``

`` Yes, that, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm the one who does the shrieking. ``

`` Now that is cool, '' Kaden grinned. `` How long have you been a werewolf ? ``

`` Since I was five. ``

`` That 's a long time, '' Kaden said.

`` most of my life, '' flatness explained, `` It 's horrible, really. ``

`` And that 's the big mystery ? '' Kaden asked, `` Why ca n't anyone know that ? ``

`` Because near wizards do n't like werewolf, '' matte explained.

`` wellspring that 's stupid. ``

`` Yeah, it is, but it 's reality. ``

`` But why is n't there a spell to make you not a werewolf anymore ? Or a potion ? ``

`` magic does n't fix everything, '' mat sighed.

`` Yeah, that 's what I 've been trying Tell you for the whole year, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But why ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` But there is a potion, called the wolfsbane Potion, that 's supposed to make it so you keep your human head when you turn into a wolf. So you do n't need to attack anyone or yourself. ``

`` Why do n't you take that ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do, '' Matt told him, `` Actually, I take a different form than about werewolf take. For some reason, wolf's bane does n't work for me. I 'm in this study at St. Mungo 's to calculate out why and right now they 've got me taking a new form of wolfsbane. ``

`` Does it work ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Matt replied, `` That 's sort of why I still bite myself every full Sun Myung Moon. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. `` So someday they might find a potion that will knead ? ``

matte shrugged, `` Maybe. But I 'm not getting my hopes up. ``

`` So I 'll be charmed not to say anything about this ? '' Kaden asked after a few present moment of silence.

`` Yes, '' Albus replied, pulling the new map out of his robe, `` And about this. ``

Albus spent the succeeding half hour showing Kaden the new map. Kaden thought it was the best matter he had seen yet at Hogwarts and could n't wait for it to completely work.

`` So we need you to represent putz Pettigrew, '' Albus said after he 'd finished explaining about the map.

`` Saint Peter Pettigrew ? '' Kaden raised his eyebrows, `` That evil bloke who betrayed your grandparents ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' Albus sighed.

`` You know my mum wanted to cite me Peter, but Dad said no because he did n't require me to have the Lapp figure as that idiot, '' Kaden commented, `` So it 's my centre name. ``

`` perfective, '' John grinned, `` You even form of share his name. ``

`` Will you do it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I guess so, '' Kaden said slowly, `` I mean, it 's not like I 'm going to be like Pettigrew now. ``

`` No, '' Albus agreed, `` But you have to be sort of like him for it to forge. And you are because you 've sort of got the same epithet. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I guess. Anyway, when are you going to get the map to work ? ``

`` Whenever we figure out how to turn out to it that we 're like the Marauders. Somehow we 've got to express the map that we are similar to the Marauders, '' Albus explained, `` Which is taking forever. ``

`` Oh, you mean like a fingerbreadth print ? '' Kaden asked.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` You know, a finger print. Everyone 's is unlike, but your digit photographic print is similar to your relatives. It 's how Muggle cops find masses and stuff when they 're missing. And how they identify torso. ``

`` A finger print ! '' Rose exclaimed, `` That 's it ! I ca n't think I did n't think of it ! ``

`` What are you talking about ? '' can asked. `` Kaden just said everyone 's is unlike. So how will ours be like the vulture'? ``

`` Not Muggle fingerbreadth prints, '' rosebush said, `` mavin ones. There 's a spell to get your Wizard 's finger Print. It reveals your name, congeneric, even your personality. ``

`` That 's kind of scary, '' Albus said, `` Anyone can receive that stuff out if they 've got your fingerbreadth print ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Rose shrugged, `` But I think it will figure out for this. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus grinned. He could n't believe that Kaden had actually given Rose an approximation about the map. Kaden had helped with it. If this finger print thing worked, they could throw the map figured out in no time.

`` We 'll bet for it tomorrow, '' Rose stood up and drew her wand, `` Now let 's do the charm. ``

Albus nodded, feeling more shake than he had in month. They were so close, he could just feel it. The map would be working soon. Of grade, there was a hen-peck incertitude in Albus 's gut that was telling him that there would be something to figure out even after the finger mark thing.

******

`` What are you going to sign up for ? '' Saint John asked as he glanced over the parchment all the second days had received just a mo earlier.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` What about you, lustrelessness ? ``

`` Care of Magical creature, '' lusterlessness replied, `` Not sure what else. ``

`` I 'll do that one, too, '' Albus decided and wrote it down on his parchment. `` Hagrid Teach it, so it 'll be fun. ``

`` polarity me up, '' John said, `` I could use with a fun class. ``

`` You ought to believe about what will be utilitarian in your future calling, '' Rose told them.

`` But I 've got no idea what I want to do, '' Gospel According to John said.

Albus had no idea either. He had n't really thought about it. He thought being an Auror would be a honest job, but he was n't sure that that was what he wanted to do. He still had five years at Hogwarts anyway, why decide now ?

`` Me either, '' Amanda agreed, `` I think I 'll do upkeep of Magical Creatures, too. ``

`` I 'm taking Muggle subject area, '' Rose announced, `` Plus Arithmancy and Ancient rune. ``

`` All three ? '' John asked, `` But we only have to contract two. ``

`` Yeah, but I want to subscribe to all of them. I 'd really like to take charge of Magical animal, too, but there 's not decent fourth dimension. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do Divination, '' lavatory shrugged.

Rose snorted, `` soothsaying ? Mum says that should n't even be a field. There 's no rattling learning involved. ``

`` But is it leisurely ? '' John asked.

`` Uncle Ron said all you 've got to do is make up prognostication about your death if you 've got Trelawney, '' Albus explained.

`` Excellent, '' John scribbled onto his parchment, `` I 'll postulate that and hope I 've got Trelawney. ``

`` I 'm taking that, too, '' Amanda said, `` It actually sounds occupy. ``

`` Fine, '' rosebush sighed, `` But I still say it 's not really a matter. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do Ancient Runes, '' Albus thought aloud, `` I think it 's sluttish than Arithmancy. What about you, lustrelessness ? What else do you think you 'll take ? ``

`` antediluvian rune sounds good, '' Matt yawned, `` I guess I 'll take that. Amy took it. She hated it in Commonwealth of Australia, but she said it 's best here. ``

`` I 'd read everything, '' Kaden announced, `` I could n't decide. ``

`` You ca n't take everything, '' Rose laughed, `` You 'd have to be in two piazza at once. ``

`` Oh, well I 'm reasonably indisputable that 's impossible, '' Kaden sighed.

Albus turned and grinned at Rose, who grinned back. Albus could only imagine Kaden 's chemical reaction to a time-turner.

`` Yeah, the most stratum you can assume is three, '' pink wine explained.

`` Then I 'll demand three, '' Kaden decided.

`` Are you lot done choosing stratum ? '' rose asked as she stood up, `` We 'd meliorate get to transfiguration. ``

Albus spent the entire transfiguration class trying to plough his plate into a bowl, and had almost managed to do it by the clip the class was over. Rose, of course, did it within ten minute of arc and spent the end of the class helping Albus and the rest period of their friends.

History of Magic was as boring as ever. Matt slept the intact social class, and Albus felt himself nod off a few times. Matt had seemed very tire out in transfiguration and probably would give birth fallen asleep in that family if it were n't for the fact that it was a practical example. This was n't surprising considering the fact that the full moon was the adjacent day. The Healers still had n't found something to counteract the face issue of extreme point tiredness of the new Wolfsbane that Matt was on.

Double Potions was after lunch, and Albus felt drowsy as soon as he walked into the elbow room. This was odd since he had felt alright a instant before. He did n't seem to be the lonesome one who felt this either. Both bathroom and Amanda yawned as soon as they sat down, and even rosiness 's eyes drooped a bit as she pulled out her parchment. mat laid his head down on the desk and fell asleep immediately.

`` Good afternoon, everyone ! '' Slughorn said, `` Now, I 'm sure you 're all feeling a bit jade, which is perfectly normal.

`` This, '' Slughorn gestured to a smoking caldron on his desk, `` Is somnolence Potion. All it takes is one whiff of this potion to put you into a state of tiredness. If you drink it, you 'll shine into an almost sleep-like state for about a half time of day. Of course, you 'd do it this if you did the reading that was due today. ``

Albus remembered being assigned the reading material, but he had n't done it. He had just been too fussy with Quidditch practice, dueling practice session, and all his other prep.

`` You will be trying to brew this today, but you will only do half of it, '' Slughorn announced, `` It needs to simmer for about a week before you can dispatch it. pedagogy are on the board. crop with your usual partners. ``

Albus yawned and got up from his table. He joined Limbert at his mesa and lit the fire under the cauldron while Limbert collected ingredients.

The full class was moving at a slower pace than usual, and everyone was yawning every few minutes. It was kind of strange. Nobody was arguing with their spouse either. Albus wondered if Slughorn had picked this fussy potion for a grounds. The retiring week, a affaire d'honneur had broken out between St. John the Apostle and Goyle, resulting in both of them being sent to the Hospital Wing for burns and then being assigned a workweek 's Worth of detention.

Limbert returned wit the fixings and he and Albus started to cook them, without exchanging any conversation. No different than usual.

Albus dumped some fixings into the cauldron and began to stir it. He watched Matt and Malfoy as he did so. Malfoy had returned with element and was prodding lustrelessness with his sceptre to get him to arouse up.

`` What are you doing ? '' Albus whispered to Malfoy.

`` Waking him up, '' Malfoy said.

`` Wha-what 's going on ? '' Matt lifted up his head.

`` chop shot up those cherry theme, '' Malfoy instructed. Albus was surprised with how serene Malfoy seemed.

Matt nodded and picked up his knife. Albus went back to stirring his potion.

`` professor ! '' Malfoy said after a few mo. `` He keeps falling asleep. ``

Albus looked up from the beetling heart he was mincing. Matt was once again asleep on the table.

`` Ah, '' Slughorn waddled over to lusterlessness and Malfoy 's table, `` The Drowsiness Potion affects everyone differently. '' Slughorn shook Matt 's berm. `` Dear boy, you might want to go to the hospital flank. I do n't cerebrate the fumes from this potion are agreeing with you. They 're not supposed to put you into a deep sleep. ``

Matt nodded and stood up. He stumbled and leaned back onto the desk.

`` Albus, '' Slughorn turned to Albus, `` Perhaps you could escort him. I 'm certainly Mr. Limbert can handle your potion. ``

`` All right, '' Albus laid down his tongue and went over to where lusterlessness was standing.

Albus grabbed his arm and led him out of the elbow room. Albus felt immediately better as soon as they shut the doorway. The somnolence went away completely.

`` I 've got to sit down, '' flatness mumbled and sat down on the floor.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked, sitting down following to him.

`` I dunno, '' matt shrugged, `` I 'm guessing that that potion just made me even more old-hat than I already am. ``

`` Do you find better now ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' matte replied.

`` Then you 'd better get to the hospital flank. ``

`` Yeah, I suppose. ``

dame Pomfrey wanted lusterlessness to stay for the rest of the afternoon. Albus was n't even sure if she 'd let him leave at all before the full moon. Knowing the nurse, she probably wouldn't.

matt never came back from the hospital annexe that night, so Albus assumed madam Pomfrey was keeping him there until after the full moon. Albus and the ease of his friends decided that as soon as matte was out of the hospital Wing, they would pop out looking for the whiz 's Finger mark charm. Rose was pretty for certain she had seen it in the program library somewhere, but she could n't remember where. That meant that they would spend hour scouring the intact library for it. This was in increase to all the surplus poring over they had to do now that the end of terminal figure exams were to a lesser extent than two calendar month away. Albus just hoped they 'd be able to figure out the map before school was over. It would be pointless to project it out during the summer, when they would n't even be able to use it.


A/N : I hope everyone has enjoyed Half-Blood Prince or do enjoy it if you have n't seen it yet ! Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, EvilChaos, phoenixy friend, XDNLxtlz99, Tears of a Phoenix, Denas, Miguel, Saint Luke, and tranc3rooney for their reviews !