Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On Christmas Eve the thrower went to Godric 's holler, like usual. It was completely dark by the prison term they Apparated to the Burrow, but there was plenty of low-cal streaming out of the improbable house 's window. As they walked closer to the place, Albus could learn the roars of laughter coming from inside.

`` Harry ! '' the doorway to the Burrow flew open and George IV stood in the doorway to greet them, a mug of eggnog in his hand. `` How are ya, mate ? ``

`` I 'm great, George VI. I see you 're already tope, '' Harry grinned at him.

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

Albus smiled to himself as he saw the usual topsy-turvydom that was Christmas Eve at his grandparents'star sign. 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 couple biscuits from the nearby board and went to witness Rose. She was sitting on the trading floor near the fireplace with Hugo, Victoire, and Teddy.

`` Albus ! '' she shouted over the stochasticity, `` 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 III, Uncle Bill, and Uncle Charlie are drunkard. My dad 's on his way and so is aunty Alicia. ``

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

`` grandma 's been refilling the biscuit disc and talking with my mum and aunty Fleur. I think she 's about to put on Celestina Warbeck, '' Rose gestured to the nearby wireless that Molly, Hermione, and Fleur were looking at. Fleur threw her handwriting up in the air and glared at mollie. `` Yup, here comes Celestina. ``

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

Sure enough, Fleur poured herself a turgid mug of eggnog as Molly settled down to listen to the wireless. She was the only one hearing, though. Albus could hear routine and slice of a heated Quidditch word going on between his Uncle Charlie, Uncle George, Aunt Alicia, and Calluna vulgaris. Harry was making his way over to them now. It amazed Albus that his uncles and aunty could carry on a fully understandable Quidditch discussion while drunk.

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

`` Just until after Christmas. I 've got to get back to St. Mungo 's in a twin daytime. But I 've been here since yesterday when Amy left for Australia. I did n't desire to be alone in the apartment, it would 've gotten awfully bore. ``

`` You would n't cause had to be alone, '' Teddy winked, `` And it would n't suffer been boring. ``

Victoire playfully slapped him. `` Teddy ! Do n't let Mum listen you say that. ``

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

`` Ok. Great, we can make for Quidditch ! ``

`` Quidditch ? '' Victor-Marie Hugo snapped his head away from his coffee toad frog bill, `` Can I play ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

`` It 's all right if I go to Rose 's house on the 28th, right ? And stick around a duet daylight ? ``

`` That would be exquisitely, '' Harry said, `` But we 're actually going to Dudley 's house for New Year '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, `` Aunt petunia and Uncle Vernon will be there as well .... ''

`` What ? ! ''

`` Dudley thought it would be a soundly idea, considering that Kaden is a wizard, '' Harry explained.

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

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

`` Well, at least I can come over for a few solar day, '' Albus said.

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

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

`` I 'm sure it 'll be ok, '' rose assured him. `` Plus, Kaden will be there. ``

`` That 'll earn it even more worry, '' Albus grinned.

`` You know, he 'd fit right in with this lot, '' rose gestured to the loud and rumbustious Weasley family unit around them. `` Except without the red hair. ``

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

`` Neither do I, '' Victoire agreed.

`` I do, '' Teddy laughed as he changed his pilus from its common blue air to red.

`` You 're not technically a Weasley, '' blush wine commented.

`` close enough. And anyway, who knows what 'll bump in the future few years, '' Teddy winked at Victoire, who giggled. teddy threw his arms around Victoire and kissed her.

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

`` Always a stickler for the regulation, huh Rosie ? '' Teddy laughed and lengthened his haircloth until it was the perfect replica of Rose's.

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

slip shortened his hair again and turned to Albus. `` Really ? ``

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

`` This I 've got to pick up. ``

`` Maybe another time, '' Albus glanced at rosebush. Albus had n't really decided whether or not to separate Teddy about the new map. Most of pink wine 's and Albus 's most late rule breakage was done in parliamentary law to decode it. Albus knew he was n't going to say his cousin-german about it, but he was n't sure about Teddy and Epistle of James. One division of him thought they deserved to have it away, considering that their father and grandfather were both marauder, but on the early hand he kind of liked keeping it a secret.

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

`` Another clock time, '' Rose said adamantly.

`` Oh, mulct, '' teddy bear huffed, `` But I will find out. ``

Albus spent the rest of the evening talking and playing games with Rose, Teddy, and Victoire. He was really enjoying the time off from school and getting to expend time with his entire family at once. By the clock time he climbed up to the loft sleeping accommodation that he shared with James and a few of their cousins, he was tired and stuffed from all the cookie.

******

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

`` Hi Lily, '' Albus yawned.

`` Good, you 're up ! Epistle of James ! Get up ! ``

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

`` We 've got presents, Epistle of James ! '' Lily grinned.

`` Right ! '' James said excitedly and Albus heard him crawling to the end of the top built in bed to his pile of presents.

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

After Lily 's betimes wake-up claim, everyone in Albus 's room was up. Albus settled down to spread his own pile of presents with the former male child. The foremost few boxes were filled with sweets and various Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes production. The next was this twelvemonth 's Weasley jumper. It had a red quaffle stitched onto the figurehead with a navy blue scope. `` Opened your jumper yet, St. James ? ``

`` Sure did, '' James replied, `` Red with a light-green flying lizard on it. ``

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

`` Excellent. ``

Albus opened the next few present, which consisted of numerous Scripture and other clothing items. He also got a Broomstick Servicing Kit, which would be utile since his Firebolt 2000 had a few branchlet that needed to be plucked. Albus saved the present from his parents for last-place and was about to unfold it when James I 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 cousin. `` What ? '' he asked.

James had a huge smiling on his face as he held up a blank musical composition of lambskin. `` search what I got. ``

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

`` He sure did ! '' Henry James shouted.

`` This is perfect ! '' Cedric exclaimed.

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

`` That 's great, James, '' Albus smiled, `` But why you and not me ? '' Albus could n't help but feel a minuscule left out, even though he now had his own Marauder 's Map that would potentially be better than the master copy. But his dad did n't hump about that, so why did he afford the Map to Jesse James ?

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

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

What he saw made his mouth fall open in cushion. This would explain why Saint James got the Map ! Sitting in the middle of the pluck 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 brilliant ! ``

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

James laughed, `` We gave it back only for him to give it to me. I think we ought to share them. ``

`` That 's a skilful mind, '' Albus agreed, not mentioning that hopefully he would experience his own map working soon.

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

`` Of line we will, '' 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 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 funny that he passed Eddie on the stair and Eddie did n't even notice him. He pushed open the door to the room that Rose shared with Victoire, Georgia, Gabriella, and heather mixture and waited for the missy'reactions.

Calluna vulgaris jumped when she heard the door spread out and saw that no one was there. Victoire and Gabriella laughed and then shrugged. rosebush got up from her bed and walked cautiously over to the door.

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

All five little girl 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 amazement. `` Wow, that is really great. ``

`` I just ca n't believe he gave you that, '' Rose grinned, `` I 'll bet James is jealous. ``

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

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

`` That 's the plan, '' 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 cogitate Harry would ever give it up. The best part was that he was now even more like his grandfather had been at Hogwarts. Albus was even Sir Thomas More of a marauder now that he had the Cloak.

Albus continued down the stairs and into the kitchen of the tunnel. A few of his cousin-german, aunts, and uncles were already up and starting to eat breakfast. Harry and Ginny were there as well, along with Lily. His granny was tending to multiple cauldron at once, while simultaneously bringing various items to the tabular array. Albus watched them all for a few consequence before pulling the Cloak off and shouting, `` well-chosen Christmas ! ``

banker's bill choked on his umber and spat it across the board at George II, 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 unresolved. molly dropped the bowl of rolled oats she had been bringing to the board. Everyone else looked at Albus with assorted looks of shock absorber and amusement.

`` Albus ! '' Molly shrieked as she cleaned up the spill oatmeal with a wave of her wand, `` Do n't do that ! ``

`` You gave him the Cloak ? '' George 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, `` Thanks ! ``

`` You 're welcome, '' Harry smiled, `` I figured you should be able-bodied 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 tree with it only two weeks ago. `` James and I are going to share it. Same with the Map. ``

`` delay, you gave him the marauder 's Map, too ? '' George stared at Harry.

`` No, Epistle of James got that. ``

`` I did n't think you 'd ever give that away, '' George 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 deny them the fun of it. ``

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

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

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

`` How could I forget ? Sometimes, you just have to conduct risks in order of magnitude to go a trivial. I trust the male child enough to know they wo n't go wandering around late at night very often. And if you see anything suspicious on the Map, '' Harry turned to Albus, `` recount me about it right away. ``

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

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

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

`` Hello, Weasleys ! '' teddy strolled into the room, his hair half light-green and half red. He sat down following to Albus and pulled a platter of egg towards him. `` felicitous Christmastide. ``

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

`` It 's festive, '' shimmy grinned. `` You want me to charm yours to be red and green, too ? Just learned some first-class charms for that sort of affair in training. Not that I 'll need them. ``

`` No thanks, '' James River had a tone of disgust on his look. `` I 'll keep back the plain red. ``

`` Is that ... '' shift looked at the parchment King James I was holding, `` The piranha 's Map ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! Sure is ! '' Saint James handed it to Teddy, `` Got it for Christmas ! ``

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

`` I got the Cloak. ``

slip turned to Albus, `` Really ? That 's great, too ! wishing I had an Invisibility Cloak. ``

`` But you can shake off those disillusionment magical spell, '' Albus pointed out.

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

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

`` Aw, derive on, '' James groaned.

`` If you do n't I 'll just steal them, '' Lily smirked, `` And hide them in my residence hall, which you two wo n't be capable to get into. ``

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

`` We 'll part, '' Albus assured them. He would n't mind sharing with Lily, just as long as she kept the Cloak mystery. The last thing they needed was the total castle knowing about it.

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

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

******

Albus spent most of the day playing Quidditch outside with his family. Eventually they all had to come in because they were too stale to play any longer. Plus, it started snowing pretty punishing and nobody wanted to lose the sneak. Albus spent the ease of the day with rosebush and reading a few of his new books. The Cloak was passed around between his cousins, and most of them were amazed Harry had given it to him, and a little overjealous as well. James passed the Map around and everyone had fun watching the few dots that were left in the castle.

Christmas dinner came and went in its common chaotic res publica. It was loud and amusing and Albus enjoyed every instant of it. He went to bed feeling very full and very content. The next day Albus 's aunty, uncles, and cousins all started to go forth. Albus and rosiness 's class stayed for a couple more daytime, but they soon had to get out so Albus 's grandparents could go on holiday for New year 's. Albus was actually excited to leave because he would be going to Rose 's theatre and hopefully getting the stag print.

Albus landed in Rose 's keep elbow room after Flooing from the Burrow. His Uncle Ron, rosebush, and Hugo had already arrived and his Aunt Hermione was powerful behind him. There was an owl waiting next to the windowpane and Hermione ran over to let it in.

`` That 's Matt 's owl, '' Albus announced as he and rose wine went over to retrieve the missive. Albus opened the envelope and scanned the letter, `` He can fall, but only for tomorrow. We 're supposed to take on him at the Leaky Cauldron at eleven. ``

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

Albus found a quill and quickly scribbled a response on the backbone of the alphabetic character and sent it off with the owl. He and rosiness ran up the step and into pink wine 's room to talk about plan for getting the print.

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

`` Of course I do, '' rose grinned. `` We 'll severalise my parents that we 're going to go exploring in the woodland and we 'll expect for a stag while we 're in there. Once we find one, we 'll all try and stun it- ''

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

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

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

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

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

`` Me, too. But we do take in a copulate days. You 'll be here until the 31st, so that 's four daylight to get it. ``

`` Yeah, but lav and Matt want to help, too. ``

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

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

`` Yup, '' Rose grinned.

`` Now we 've just got to find out the magical spell to keep Kaden quiet, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah, you definitely ca n't, '' rose wine agreed.

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


A/N : J.K. Rowling did state in an interview that Harry was n't going to founder the map and the cloak to James & Al, but it fits the plot so I 'm just ignoring that for this serial. Thanks to my 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 take on Matt and Amanda, who was also being dropped off there. John the Evangelist had arrived earlier by Floo and went with them as well. When they got there, both matte and Amanda were already there.

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

`` Hi Albus, '' Matt grinned, `` How was your Christmas ? ''

`` It was brilliant, '' Albus replied, `` time lag till you see what I got. ``

`` What ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Ca n't show 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 goodbye to his aunty and turned back to the Floo. Within seconds he was back in rose wine 's survive room. A few min later all his acquaintance were back as well.

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

`` Yeah, '' flatness agreed, `` Kind of looks 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.

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

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

`` And to mean we stole it just a few weeks ago, '' John the Evangelist snorted.

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

`` Oh, sorry. ``

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

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

`` He did. ``

`` You two are so golden, '' matt 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 parchment with a paw print on it that was slightly smaller than the werewolf print.

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

`` I hope it 'll work. Newton would n't remain still and the lambskin is sort of wrinkled. ``

`` I 'm sure it will play, '' Albus said.

`` Good matter we did n't own the prints go directly on the map, '' matte replied.

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

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 musical theme of making giant sandwiches and were soon eating alongside Ron. Albus thought John the Divine 's sandwich looked disgusting because it was piled senior high school with Meleagris gallopavo, fix, and monkey nut butter. Rose shuddered as she saw him seize with teeth into it, but he thought it tasted delicious.

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

`` It was good, '' he shrugged.

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

`` All rightfield. Have fun. But try and be back by three. shimmy 's coming over and so are William James and your dad. We 're all going to bet 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 lunch, pink wine and Albus led the way outside and over to the forest. The forest was situated next to the prominent open force field that was side by side to the house. Albus and Rose went exploring in it quite a bit and knew their way around it well. The group crunched across the nose candy laden theatre of operations until they came to the forest 's border. Rose found the way they usually took and lead the group down it. `` Keep your eyes pealed for a stag, '' she told everyone.

`` This reminds me of the forest near my old house in Australia, '' Matt commented after a few transactions of walking.

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

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

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

`` Do n't cogitate so. Mum and Dad do n't really want to. Plus they want to go visit my Uncle jack in New 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 wine announced that it would be punter if they sat completely still and waited for a stag to walk by. She said their movement would daunt the creature away. Albus sat down in the snow behind a bush with his friends and watched and listened for fauna. After a half hour of waiting, Albus was bored. How long was it going to remove for a stag to get over their path ? He would much rather just walk around to find one. Rose seemed perfectly subject matter to sit still, as did Matt. St. John had made a vauntingly big money of blow balls, along with a coke hotshot. Amanda was busy creating a snow witch to go along with his wizard.

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

`` I do n't have a go at it, '' Rose 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 see one soon, we 'll have to go back. '' He stared into the woods and willed a hart to get along. Albus was getting frustrated by this point. They needed that stag print for the map ! There was no place else to feel one. What if they could n't find a hart before the end of the holiday ? They would have to wait until the summertime to search again. Albus could n't hold off that long. He wanted the map now.

`` Wait, '' matt stood up and turned around, `` I think I hear something over there. '' He pointed to a clustering of bushes a twain meters away.

`` I do n't get word it, '' John replied.

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

Matt started slowly making his way towards the cluster of George H.W. Bush. Albus and the others followed behind, nonentity saying a parole. `` Wands gear up, '' lusterlessness whispered.

Albus pulled out his wand and pointed it towards the Dubya, his creative thinker racing with excitement as he went. This was it ! They were going to get the stag print ! Part of Albus 's judgment knew that this was n't necessarily a stag, but he did n't pay attention to that. What else could it be ? nigh of the creature in the forest were too pocket-sized to be rustling the bushes this much. As Albus got closer to it, he could distinctly hear the step of the animal, and they were much too gimcrack to be a rabbit or a squirrel. There were n't many large animals 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 metrical foot away from the bushes. Everyone had their wand pointed at them, waiting for the fauna to lay down its visual aspect. The moment Albus saw the parting piece, he shouted, `` Stupefy ! ``

`` Stupefy ! '' rosebush, John, Matt, and Amanda all shouted at once.

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

It was Teddy. The noise lusterlessness had heard in the bushes was teddy. Albus lowered his wand and sighed. So much for finding a stag. Now that Teddy was with them, they would no longer be able-bodied to look. Albus turned to his friends and saw them all put their wands away.

Teddy fully emerged from the bush and walked over to where Albus was with a nonplus look on his font. `` Do I even want to recognize what you 're up to ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, trying to think up an excuse fast.

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

`` Shriek, maybe ? '' shift gave them a lopsided smiling, `` But not set on me. ``

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

`` A bit, yeah, '' shift 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 advantageously prevaricator than he was.

`` It 's kind of common cold to be going for a raise, '' Teddy commented, `` But Ron said you were here, so I figured I 'd see if I could discover you. '' He eyed John 's pile of snowballs and grinned, `` Planning on having a lead by the nose testis fight ? ``

slip did n't wait for an answer and picked up a few of lavatory 's sweet sand verbena. He threw one at Albus and the early at Rose.

`` Watch it ! '' Albus shouted as the snowball made contact with his face. He spat out the C. P. Snow and bent down to relieve oneself his own snow ball. He aimed it at Teddy but Teddy jumped out of the way and it hit flatness instead.

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

A few import later, a huge snowball fight broke out. It was every man for himself for a while and Albus was getting pummeled by Teddy 's snowballs. He tried to get Teddy back, but teddy 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 Teddy. Rose eventually joined Albus in his attempt to get Matt, while Amanda evened out the odds by joining Matt 's slope. John, who seemed to be the only one with enough science to hit slip, was having a one-on-one fight with the blue haired boy and was actually doing well.

The six of them were completely soaked by the prison term the fight ended. Matt and Amanda surrendered to Rose and Albus after the cousins decided to create about twenty sweet sand verbena and lob them constantly at their two friends. can surrendered to Teddy a few minutes later, once Teddy decided to charm a pile of C to turn itself into snowballs, resulting in a never-ending supply of ammunition for Teddy. King John did n't know that patch and was stuck hand making his snow balls while shift continuously sent snowballs at him.

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

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

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

A little while later, Albus found himself back at Rose 's house, where everyone was waiting for the Quidditch catch to start out. Albus, along with his ally, ran upstairs to dry off and transfer quickly.

`` Ready ? '' teddy jumped up from the chair he was sitting on once Albus and his supporter descended the stairs. `` Who has n't got a heather with them ? ``

`` Me, '' Amanda said. She was the lonesome one. John the Divine and Matt, who both had broom, had brought them knowing they would play Quidditch.

`` We 've got spare part, '' Ron announced, holding a couple brooms in his hand.

Once everyone had a heather to use, slip started to take boot of creating squad. `` All right. Let 's see, we 've got Me, Harry, Ron, Epistle of James, Albus, John, Matt, Amanda, Victor-Marie Hugo, and rosebush, are you playing ? ``

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

`` goodness, then we 've got ten players. That 's five per team. So each team will have a Seeker, a beater, a Keeper, and two pursuer, that 'll work. I 'll be one of the seeker, '' he turned to Harry and King James, `` Which one of you will be the early ? ``

`` You can, Saint James the Apostle, '' 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 searcher, Ron as Keeper, Hugo as the only Beater, and Matt and himself as the two chaser. On the former team, St. James was searcher, Amanda was Keeper, John was the Beater, and Rose and Harry as Chasers.

The two teams trooped outside into the cold winter day. It was just starting to snow a little, but Albus did n't mind. He would hold back warm while he was playing anyway. Harry and Ron conjured goal hoops and everyone flew into the air. Hermione released the lump ( only one Bludger, since there were only two beaters ) and threw the Quaffle into the air, then conjured herself a chair to watch.

The match was nothing like the ones at Hogwarts. It was much more informal, and in a way, Albus enjoyed it more. There was only friendly rival between the two squad and no one got wild when someone dropped the Quaffle, which happened a lot. The two teams were pretty evenly matched in terms of Chasing accomplishment. Albus, who was the only very Chaser on either team, was easily the easily. Harry was a decent Chaser, but it was clear that Seeking was his veridical science. Rose was absolutely dreadful and was the number 1 to admit it. She was n't a big fan of flying in the world-class place and did n't wish to take away her workforce off her broom in order to enamor and have the Quaffle. lusterlessness was meliorate than Rose, but dropped the Quaffle numerous times. Albus and Matt scored more points than Harry and blush wine did.

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

After about an hour of playacting, during which Albus was sure both Teddy and James had seen the Snitch but ignored it in rescript to draw the biz on recollective, both searcher flew directly up into the air. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch. A few seconds later, they both came flying back down and William James had the sneak clutched in his hand.

`` I got it ! '' he shouted.

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

`` Yes ! '' King James I exclaimed, landing on the ground. Albus and the balance of the musician landed after him and congratulated him and his squad for winning. `` Ha ! I beat you at Quidditch, teddy bear ! '' King James I gloated.

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

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

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

Despite the fact that his team did n't win, Albus was felicitous. He loved playing Quidditch with his family, even more than playing on his House squad. It was even better with his friends there, too. He walked back into the house with his friends and family, frigid but very capacity. Hermione had made a plate of sandwiches for them, which everyone ate enthusiastically once they had dried off.

After all the intellectual nourishment had been eaten, Gospel According to John Flooed back to his house and Albus, blush wine, and Hermione went with matt and Amanda back to the Leaky caldron to meet their kinsperson. It had been a unforesightful visit, but a fun one nonetheless. Albus only wished that they had managed to get the hart print. He and blush wine were planning on trying again the future day, and the adjacent if it was necessary. They had three more years to do it and Albus was determined to succeed.

******

Albus and rose spent as much meter as they could in the timber looking for stags the adjacent day. When they were n't in the forest, they spent their time in the library in pink wine 's house, looking for a charm to stay fresh Kaden quiet.

`` There 's books in here that are n't in the school subroutine library, '' rosiness announced as they walked into the room after a particularly cold jaunt in the forest.

`` I 'm still not surely we should subscribe a disruption from looking for a stag, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's too cold out there now. Plus there 's a storm coming and it wo n't do us any practiced if we get lost out there. '' Rose went over to a script shelf and Albus followed. He had been in this elbow room plenty of clip before, just never to look for a particular charm.

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

`` That 's what this is for, '' Rose slammed a heavy book of account down on the table close to the shelf she pulled it off of.

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

`` Yes, '' rose wine confirmed as she opened the cover, `` It 's a rather ingenious estimation, really. All I 've got to do is acquire my wand, point it at the book, and say'I need a magic spell to save someone quiet'and it will flip to the ripe page. ``

`` That would certainly speed thing along, '' Albus replied. `` Try it. ``

`` All rightfield, '' rosiness pointed her baton at the book, `` I need a charm to keep mortal quiet. '' The book 's Sir Frederick Handley Page immediately started turning until they stopped about a quarter of the way into the book. Rose peered at it and then shook her foreland. `` Nope, that 's not it. This one 's just a silencing magic spell. ``

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

blush wine nodded. `` I need a charm to foreclose someone from talking about something. '' The Sir Frederick Handley Page started turning again and stopped a few seconds later. spring up sighed after she read the verbal description. `` This one charms a person 's mouth shut. ``

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

`` citizenry might notice, though, '' rose wine smirked, `` Although it does have it 's reward. I 'll try something else. ``

`` I think you 'd better assure the book exactly what we need the good luck charm to do. narrate it that Kaden has to not talk about a specific matter. ``

`` Good thought, '' blush wine poised her baton above the book, `` I need to go on Kaden Durlsey from revealing arcanum about lusterlessness Eckerton and about a map. He must only be able-bodied to speak about these secrets with five other people and not cite them to anyone else. He should be able to converse normally about other subject. ``

`` That ought to be specific enough. '' Albus watched as the Scripture hesitated for a few mo and then become its pages to one of the final stage ones. Both Rose and Albus leaned over the book while Rose read aloud.

`` 'The Sileo Altus Charm is the most composite and intricate of the silencing charms. This charm has the ability to hold on a soul from revealing one particular composition of selective information to others, unlike other silencing charm which prevent a person from speaking at all. The charm also has the ability to involve others, which will result in the person the charm is cast on to be able to discourse about the secret with those specific people. When done correctly, this charm will last forever or until the counter spell is performed. The Sileo Altus Charm keeps a individual 's secret safe much like the Fidelius Charm keeps a person 's location secret and is said to be just as secure .'

`` Then there 's a whole crew of magical spell that are required, '' rose scanned the remainder of the incoming. `` There 's a turn that has to be performed on each person who is involved, one on Kaden, one on the secret-keeper- ''

`` There 's a enigma keeper ? '' Albus asked.

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

Albus glanced at the accounting entry, `` Oh, it says there 's to a greater extent information in appeal of auspices by Natalia Journo. ``

`` You 're right, I had n't noticed that, '' blush wine leaned over the leger again and interpret the deed of the recommended script. `` I think we might actually have that one. '' rose jumped up from her seat and ran across the elbow room. Albus sat back and watched her. He had no idea how she could possibly recognise if she had that book or not. The stallion room was filled with shelves and ledge of ledger. Albus would n't even make out where to look to receive the Word of God they needed.

pink wine returned a few minutes later with a account book in her arms and a smile on her fount. `` We do have it ! This was sluttish than I thought it would be. ``

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

Rose shrugged, `` I think I can figure it out within a few workweek. '' She sat back down and opened the book.

Albus watched as his cousin flipped through the pages of the ledger until she found the appealingness they were looking for. He was very felicitous that Rose was so bore to learn new magical spell. It certainly helped that she was expert at it, too. Albus had made a lot of progress in charms ever since prof Cedonia arrived, but he was still intermediate. Rose was easily the skillful in their course of study. That and her avidity to learn would certainly help if she was going to master this charm.

Rose read in muteness for a few second and then turned to Albus. `` All right. This explains it pretty well. First, of course of study, we 've got to secern Kaden the secret. Then we 've got to pick the mystery custodian. I 'm thinking that I 'll take in to be the orphic keeper since the hidden keeper is the one to execute the magic spell. ``

Albus nodded, `` I 'm fine with that. We 've just got to make sure Matt is. What does the secret steward do ? ``

`` Just perform the charms. And the unavowed steward is the only one who can perform the return charm on Kaden. Normally the secret keeper would be the merely one the mortal could speak about the secret with as well. But we 'll use another charm to ensure that Kaden can verbalise about the arcanum with you, John, Matt, and Amanda as well. ``

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

`` Well, the secluded custodian performs a charm on themselves, which turns them into the secret custodian. Then they perform a charm on Kaden. Then Kaden will itemize the closed book in detail. After that, the confidential custodian performs another charm on Kaden. Then charms are performed on the rest of the people involved. Then a concluding waterproofing spell on everyone, including Kaden and the secret keeper, and it 's done. ``

The idea of all those unlike magic spell made Albus 's brain hurt. `` Wow, that 's a lot of charms. We 've never done unity that are a combining of multiple charms. ``

`` The transference appealingness is one of those, but it only uses two. This one is five. ``

`` What 's the tabulator appealingness involve ? '' Albus asked, thinking that maybe there would be a sentence when Kaden would mature and they would n't have to swear on magic to keep him from spilling secrets to Malfoy.

`` Erm, it seems pretty a great deal like the actual charm, '' rose wine looked back at the Holy Scripture, `` You pretty a lot go backwards, using unlike charms. ``

`` brand gumption. ``

`` I 'll startle practicing as soon as we 're back at schoolhouse, '' blush wine shut the book and got up. `` I 'll bestow the book. Mum 'll never know, she 's got way too many to keep back track of. ``

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

`` It 's going to possess to wait until tomorrow, Albus, '' blush wine pointed to the window. It was white with swirling blow and the wind was howling. `` Mum and Dad 'll never let us out in that. ``

******

Albus was getting quite fed up with the hart search by the metre late afternoon arrived the following day. He and mount spent the entire break of the day in the forest, taking a break for luncheon, and then returning in the afternoon. Albus looked at his watch and saw that they would give to be starting to come back to the sign soon. `` We 're never going to retrieve a stag ! '' he groaned.

rose, who had brought the magical spell book they had found the previous day, looked up. `` You 've just got to be patient. I told you one wo n't total if we 're noisy. ``

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

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

Albus sighed and stared out into the timber. So far Albus had seen no less than ten hare and four owls, but no stags. He was getting very cold sitting in the snow and his cloak had prospicient 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 maiden, to stun a stag in the forest and get its footprint. This was not supposed to be the strong mark to get. Looking back, even the wolfman one seemed light. for sure, they got locked out of Hogwarts, but they never got in trouble for it. The dog print had been the easiest, since Amanda had a dog. The rat would be easy, too, once John managed to catch one.

Albus pulled out his wand and started to pound at the lead by the nose genius he had constructed earlier. The wand melted muddle into the snow adept until it started to resemble a piece of snow Swiss cheese. Albus was just beginning to do the same to the snow hippogriff that had been formed after the ace when Rose poked him and hissed, `` Albus, look ! ``

Albus raised his head and looked in the centering Rose was pointing. Directly in forepart of them was a imperial looking doe, standing completely still and staring just to the leftfield of where the two cousin-german were sitting. `` It 's just a doe, '' Albus whispered back, `` It wo n't work. ``

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

Albus sat completely still with his wand facing towards the doe. stand up did the like and the two of them did n't actuate for a honorable five minutes. The doe inched slowly ahead, walking to the left of Albus and rose. Then Albus heard a whisper behind the doe and excitement washed over him as he saw a huge stag appear from behind a cluster of tree. `` This is it, '' he whispered to rose. She nodded but did n't say anything. The stag walked towards the doe, who had turned around to look at her mate. `` On the count of three. One ... two ... three. Stupefy ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Stupefy ! '' pink wine shouted at the Lapp time.

The doe shot off like a garden rocket as soon as the cousins shouted the go. The stag started to follow but was hit by Albus 's stunner. blush wine 's spell hit a nearby Tree and burned a small gob into the bark.

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

`` Thanks. ``

`` Let 's hurriedness. We wo n't have much prison term before he wakes up, '' Rose reached into her robe and pulled out a slice of sheepskin, a feeding bottle of ink, and a paint brush.

The stag was even cock-a-hoop 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 arrant hoof print appeared on the parchment. `` This one 's good, '' Albus showed it to Rose.

`` good, '' she put the stopper on her ink and stowed both it and the brush back in her cloak, `` Now let 's go. He wo n't be felicitous when he wakes up. ``

Albus did n't need telling twice. He blew onto the parchment a few multiplication to dry the ink and then put it in his cloak. The two cousins ran through the Tree and back to the house. It only took them a few proceedings as they were n't very far. Albus was thrilled that they had actually managed to get the print. The simply print left was the rat one and then they would be able to try out the map.


A/N : extra long chapter and an early update ! Just to let everyone know, I 'll be away at a Harry ceramicist formula from tomorrow ( hence the early update ) until Lord's Day and although I 'll sustain my laptop with me, I might not have a opportunity to answer to your limited review. I 'll get to them afterwards, though.

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


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


Albus 's sept came to pick him up from pink wine 's house the succeeding afternoon. They were all dressed in Muggle article of clothing, although Harry looked a little uncomfortable in his Muggle lawsuit. Probably due to the tie, Albus thought. He could never see why Muggles wore those.

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied. He had to include that he was a bit uneasy about this dinner, but there was nothing he could do about it now. `` See you at school day, rosiness. ``

`` Bye, '' pink wine smiled.

The residuum of the thrower and Weasleys said good-by to each other and then Albus disapparated with his house. They appeared in a benighted alley near a deserted street. Harry motioned for them to follow him and the family line started down the street. They made a few to a greater extent turns until they came upon a vicinity of norm sized houses. The theatre all looked dissimilar, but seemed to be well cared for. It was a very quiet neighborhood with few people out and about. There were a twin multitude outside shoveling the newly fallen snow off their private road, but none of them seemed to notice Albus and his folk.

Eventually, Harry led them up a drive towards a gray planetary house Albus recognized as Kaden 's. Before they could even pass on the door, it was thrown exposed 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 day. 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 wearisome without, '' Kaden whispered in Albus 's ear, `` Magic. ``

Albus stifled a gag and followed Kaden into the house. Kaden led them to the livelihood room, where Dudley was fidgeting with his tie. Christina was setting out bowlful of grapes and nuts and Bethany was helping.

`` Get anything good for Christmas Day ? '' Kaden asked Albus once they sat down on the sofa. `` I got a few new games for my Wii, a new football, a skateboard, and a bunch of clothes. ``

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

`` telecasting game arrangement, '' Kaden explained, `` It 's really fun. I 'll show you sometime. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus nodded, `` I got some apparel, books, a load of sweet, stuff and nonsense from my Uncle George 's shop, and my dad 's Invisibility Cloak. ``

Kaden 's mouth fell unfold, `` 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 magnificent ! '' Kaden threw the cloak around himself, `` wait, 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 kind of sorcerous 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 mean, Dudley ? '' Harry asked nervously.

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

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

`` Well, I was sort of hoping you would all make up, '' Dudley mumbled.

Harry shook his head and looked back at Ginny, who looked vex. 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 James II. Albus could only ever recall seeing his Uncle Vernon once. Albus was only five or six at the clock time and the only matter he remembered was Vernon asking Harry if Albus was'a junkie like you are'. Albus had no desire to ever see the man again, and now he had to pass the evening with him.

The vocalization of Dudley greeting his parents started to become louder as they came into the animation room. Albus got up from the sofa and stood next to James I, 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 pandemonium broke out amongst the adult. Vernon 's aspect turned various nuance of red and purple as he tried to grasp what was happening. genus Petunia clung to her husband with a fuse flavour of disfavour and fear on her face.

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

Once Vernon regained his power to speak 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 grandfather 's shouting. Albus, James, Lily, and Kaden glanced around at the adults, paying rapt attending to the unfolding arguing, but not saying a word. Ginny pursed her lips and watched her hubby with a disapproving look. Albus had to accommodate that his Uncle Vernon was a bit shuddery right now and Albus had no desire to cross route with him. Dudley looked anxious as he tried to make pacification between his relative. His vox was drowned out amongst Vernon and Harry 's yelling, and petunia 's shrieking.

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

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

`` Kaden 's a wizard, Dad, so Harry 's a part of his life now. You know he 's one of Kaden 's instructor. ``

Vernon 's boldness turned from ghostly white to a deep shade of purpleness. `` What could he possibly learn ? Abnormalness ? ``

`` Magic, Dad, it 's called magic, '' Dudley sighed.

Vernon 's eye narrowed and he glared at Harry. `` You 're filling his top dog with all that junk you learned as a child ! 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 whiz and you 're just going to experience to go with it, '' Dudley replied.

`` naught serious will occur of this, Dudley ! I assure you of that ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` Vernon, '' Petunia put her handwriting on her hubby 's arm, `` Let it go. ``

`` You do clear that this sort of abnormality is what got your babe killed ! ``

`` I 'm fully cognisant of what happened to my sister, '' Petunia snapped. `` This does n't throw 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 drinks ! '' Christina announced eagerly. She rushed into the kitchen and came back with a bottle of brandy, a bottle of wine-coloured, and a some glasses, along with fizzy drinks for the nipper.

Vernon and Petunia regained their calm and Petunia gave Dudley a os crunching hug and smothered him with kisses. She then moved on and did the same with both her grandchildren, making sure to completely ignore Albus, Henry James, and Lily. Albus sat down on the couch and to his disfavour, Vernon chose to sit future to him. After a few moments of ill at ease silence, Vernon turned to Albus. `` So, '' he began, causing Albus to jump, `` You go to this, school day, too ? ``

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

`` Look at me when I 'm talking to you, '' Vernon spat, `` I see fashion are n't high on their anteriority leaning. What classes do you take there ? ``

Albus forced himself to see at Vernon. `` I 'm taking Transfiguration of Jesus, magical spell, Potions, Herbology, uranology, History of legerdemain, and defense Against the Dark artistic production, '' 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 feature just stayed at rose wine 's business firm instead of coming here. Why was Vernon questioning him ? Why not James or Kaden ?

`` What subject does your father teach ? '' Vernon barked.

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

`` And what is that, exactly ? ``

`` Defensive charm, dueling, stuff you use to defeat Dark wizards like Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, and Professor thrower 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 great teacher, granddaddy ! I love my new school. It 's much better than Muggle school, '' Kaden grinned. `` I 'll be right back. '' He ran up the stairs and came back a few seconds later with his wand. `` Look at this ! ``

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

`` Of course I do ! '' Kaden laughed, `` I wish I could show you some magical, though. I ca n't do it external schooltime. Hey, Professor ceramicist can exhibit you ! ``

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

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

Kaden looked disappointed. `` Sorry, Kaden, '' Harry with an apologetic spirit, `` Maybe another day. ``

`` Or never, '' Vernon muttered.

Nobody said much after that. Albus preferred it that way. He was very happy that Uncle Vernon appeared to have given up his doubt and result session. Christina announced that dinner party was ready a few minutes later, and everyone eagerly went into the dining elbow room. Albus made sure that he was n't sitting succeeding to Vernon and relaxed a footling as he began to eat.

The Dursleys dominated most of the dinner party conversation, with Vernon and Petunia asking Dudley and Christina about what was new in their lives. They wanted to make out every last contingent, down to what grade Bethany had gotten on her recent al-Qur'an report in school. Eventually they had exhausted this matter and the table descended into an awkward silence before Vernon started drilling Harry about his life.

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

`` I 'm the forefront of the Auror department at the Ministry of conjuring trick, '' Harry smiled.

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

`` A dark hotshot backstop, '' Harry explained.

`` Oh, like a policeman. Would n't take in guessed you 'd be in law enforcement, what with all the trouble you caused as a child. ``

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

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

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

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

That had to be the most ludicrous thing Albus had ever heard. A star could not turn a Muggle into a wizard. If they could, there would n't be any Squibs in the reality, and there would certainly be to a greater extent wizards.

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

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

`` Uncle Vernon, listen to me, '' Harry announced, `` You ca n't change by reversal somebody into a mavin, it just does n't process. Kaden was born a wizard, which does n't storm me at all. There is magic in his blood, the Lapplander magic that was in my mother 's and is in mine. ``

`` Wonderful, '' Vernon spat, `` And I suppose you 're going to state me that Bethany will be abnormal, too ? ``

`` There 's a opportunity she 'll be a witch, yes, '' Harry told him.

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

`` Vernon, there 's nothing we can do ! '' genus Petunia shrieked, `` I do n't wish it either, but the boy did not do this ! ``

`` How do you get it on ? ``

`` Because my lusus naturae of a Sister told me it 's not potential, that 's how ! ``

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

Petunia ignored him. `` I asked her, when I was an arrogant baby. I asked her if mortal could work me into a beldam before I knew any advantageously. She said no. There is not one thing we can do to alter Kaden. We just have to go for that he 's going to be sassy than my baby was and not get killed just out of school. ``

`` amercement, '' 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 fight was over. He realized now how a great deal Uncle Vernon and auntie Petunia hated magic now. The two of them were still going on about how Albus 's grandmother had been killed, thirty-some geezerhood later. Albus was still amazed that Vernon had actually blamed Harry for Kaden being a wizard. Albus knew Vernon disliked Harry, but he did n't believe Vernon would still blame Harry for things he did n't like, this many old age later.

`` You 'd be better off just keeping him out of that school, '' Vernon announced after a few minutes of secretiveness. `` 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 ridiculous, '' Vernon muttered, `` delay till Marge hears about it. ``

`` I hate Aunt Marge, '' Kaden said loudly, causing Albus to snort into his juice. `` All she talks about is breeding dogs. ``

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

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

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

`` Of line I have n't ! '' Vernon raised his vocalism, `` Can you think what she is going to think ? That soul, like, like you is actually related to her ? She takes quilt in the fact that you are n't actually related to her ! But to have Kaden be one of your lot, she 'll be horrified ! And I should recall so after you blew her up years ago ! ``

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

`` That was n't his fracture ! '' Ginny came to Harry 's defense, `` He could n't insure 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, blew her up ? '' Kaden asked.

`` His parents were retard 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 founder so angry before. `` They were working against Voldemort. ``

`` Another one of your lot who went on a vote out violent disorder ! '' Vernon yelled.

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

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

`` Can someone please separate me how Aunt oleomargarine got blown up ? ! '' Kaden shouted again.

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

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

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

`` Oh, from those dementy affair ? They would n't suffer 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 prophylactic 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 creatures that suck out your soul. ``

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

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

Kaden shuddered, `` They sound flaming ugly. Professor ceramicist saved Dad from one ? ``

`` Yeah, when they were 15. There 's a charm, the Patronus appeal, that drives them away. It 's really gain ground magic not taught until seventh class, but Dad learned in his thirdly year. ``

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

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

`` We would let been all right without those weirdie '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 keep out it ! '' The five adults who were arguing turned to the source of the new vocalism that rang out forte than theirs. It was Christina. Everyone stopped arguing and stared at her. `` Thank you. Now I only understand function of this row, but everything you 're rowing about has happened in the past times. Ca n't you just put it behind you and try to get along ? Look at you, you 're standing there arguing about stuff you ca n't change, in front man of your children. What kind of example are you setting ? Put aside your dispute, if not for yourselves, do it for the youngster. ``

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

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

`` Fine, '' Vernon spat, `` I 'll put up the boy. But you are making a grave accent mistake with Kaden, Dudley. ``

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

The rest of the dinner was much more gratifying. Harry quickly told the story of when he blew up Marge to souse Kaden and Bethany 's curiosity, but there was no more mention of conjuring trick throughout the sleep of the meal. The conversation centered on theme that could be equally congener to Muggles and hotshot, such as the weather. Albus did n't say anything, choosing instead to quietly eat his pudding while listening to the adult'strive conversations. He was just glad that they were no longer arguing with each former.

After dinner, Albus, James, and Kaden escaped to Kaden 's bedroom, which he was eager to show off. The stallion thing was decorated with diverse football paraphernalia, with a lot of stress on Manchester United. James found this highly entertain and spent quite a few hour laughing at the posters, in which the actor remained completely still. Kaden spent a while showing off his Yule presents to Albus and James and soon wanted to show them how to play his Wii.

Kaden led Albus and James back downstairs, where the adult were discussing cars over coffee. Albus was very happy that he did not accept to sit through that discussion. Albus followed as Kaden went down another flight of stairs and they descended into the basement. The cellar was clearly the playroom of the house, as it was cluttered with all sorts of Muggle toys. Lily and Bethany were playing with Bethany 's Barbies in one recession and neither of them paid much attention as the boy entered the room.

The Wii was set up in the middle of the room and attached to a telly that was against the rampart. Albus had never played a Wii before and was kind of rummy about it. James was as well, although he got sidetracked by a remote ascendency car. He drove it all over the way, completely amazed at how the car seemed to go by magic.

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

Kaden spent the next hour teaching James and Albus how to dally the Wii. They started with Kaden 's new racing game, which was actually pretty complicated. It took Albus the skilful part of an hour to figure out how to wreak it. William James caught on a bit faster, but neither of them could top Kaden in skill. Albus found that the game was incredibly fun and almost wished he had one at his house. Once they successfully learned the racing game, Kaden went on to teach them how to fiddle a couple more secret plan. Lily eventually wandered over and wanted to pick up, too. By the clock time midnight came around, all five of them were taking turns playing games and Albus was having a great time.

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

Shortly after they rang in the new yr, Albus 's parents decided it was time to forget. Albus had no arguments against this because he was tired and did n't really want to spend any longer sentence in the same planetary house as Uncle Vernon. Harry politely shook men with Vernon, said goodbye to Petunia, and told Dudley he would owl him soon. Vernon form of flinched at the cite of the password 'owl .'Albus completely ignored Vernon and Petunia, and told Kaden he would see him on the train ride back to school. Once the obligatory goodby were said, Albus and his fellowship left the theatre, only to Apparate back to Grimmauld shoes a few streets away.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Miguel, Moonylupin, Denas, Ginny, Saint Luke, and drownzer for their limited review !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit that he was well-chosen to be going back to Hogwarts. After the nearly disastrous dinner with the Dursleys, Albus spent his meter working on homework or goofing off with King James and Lily. By the end of the vacation he was actually kind of bored and felicitous to be seeing his friends again. Plus, the sooner he got back to school day, the Sooner he could try out the new map.

The Potters met the Weasleys and the Dursleys at top executive 's mark and entered weapons platform 9 3/4 together. Both syndicate were running late again and Albus, pink wine, Jesse James, and Kaden only just made it onto the train before it left. James immediately left to find his friends while Albus, blush wine, and Kaden wandered around trying to retrieve their friends.

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

`` Hey ! '' St. John the Apostle greeted them.

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus laughed and sat down adjacent to her. He wished more than anything that Kaden would leave so he could differentiate St. John the Apostle and Amanda that he and Rose managed to get the stag mark. All the photographic print were currently residing in Albus 's bag, just waiting to be transferred onto the map.

`` So how was your family dinner ? '' can grinned and looked from Albus to Kaden.

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

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

`` What happened ? '' John asked eagerly.

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

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

`` wellspring, they kind of did n't know 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 work Kaden into a thaumaturge, '' Albus explained.

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

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

`` And my grandma of all people told him it was n't potential, '' Kaden laughed. `` Apparently she wanted to be a beldam when she was a kid. But the best part was when Grandpa brought up Aunt marge. ``

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

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

John and Amanda started howling with laughter. `` That is absolutely brilliant ! '' John Lackland shouted.

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

Albus smiled at them and told the story of his auntie Marge. John and Amanda laughed even harder when they had heard the unanimous thing.

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

`` well, we went down to the basement and played with Kaden 's Muggle video biz, 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. Grandpa tried to win over Dad to not let me go back to Hogwarts. He thought Dad would be more likely to fit in without you lot there. Dad told him to stop 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 menage following, '' Kaden grinned, `` I want to see a sensation mansion. ``

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

`` 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, therapist 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 matter 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 keep away from Malfoy and Willinson. ``

`` good, '' Albus said.

******

Over the adjacent few days, Albus kept trying to find some time to differentiate John and Amanda about the hart print, but it was laborious to escape from Kaden off. It seemed the only times they were away from him was when they were in course or in their dormitory at Nox. Neither were good opportunities to peach about the map.

In the meantime, Malfoy was trying to count on out why flatness was n't in schooling. The full moon was n't until the following week, so Albus was going to have to endure Malfoy 's questioning for a spell longer. Nothing seemed to fulfil him. Albus was also preoccupied with what was going to happen this replete Sun Myung Moon. He was variety of worried about mat taking the new wolfsbane potion.

All the bookman and instructor seemed to be falling into their common routines. Dueling and Quidditch practices started up again. Both Kate and Georgia were working their teams hard and Albus was feeling the gist. Between that and the increased sum of prep the teacher were purport on assigning, he had hardly any time for anything else.

A couple days into the full term, Kaden finally had one of his tutoring academic term. Albus and his friends seized the chance and ran to the way of necessity as soon as Kaden left the common room.

`` Finally ! '' King John 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 sluttish once Rose figures out the spell to keep him quiet, '' Albus replied.

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

`` Sure did, '' Rose grinned and pulled the book of charms from her house out of her bag. She opened it to the proper page and handed it to St. John and Amanda.

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

`` precondition a bit of practice, sure, '' rosiness replied. `` We just have to make indisputable Matt agrees to it. ``

`` I 'm sure he will, '' bathroom said, `` I mean, this good luck charm will definitely keep on Kaden from telling anyone. ``

`` I 'll start working on it now, '' rosebush took the book back, `` I have n't started yet because I do n't want anyone to ask why I 'm trying to learn it. ``

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

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

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

`` We should wait for Matt, '' Albus told him, `` He 's a section of this as lots as we are. ``

`` Oh, yeah, that 's a respectable mind, '' Saint John set the prints down on a nearby tabular array. `` You know, I think this is the first time we 've been in here without him. ``

`` I think you 're properly, '' Albus commented. It was kind of strange, really. All the other clip they had been in the elbow room, Matt had been the one to ask for it. nobody said anything for a few minutes. Albus could tell that everyone was thinking the same matter he was, what would happen with lustrelessness 's new potion.

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

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

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, but he could n't serve but think the new potion would n't work any well than the old one. Why should it ? If flatness was repellent to Wolfsbane potion, why should a unlike potpourri of it work ?

The four of them spent the oddment of the eve in the room. Rose worked steadily on figuring out the charm, but did n't really get anywhere. It was an extremely difficult charm, after all. Albus, John, and Amanda worked on their homework and talked about what they thought the new map would have on it.

******

Albus became more and more anxious as the full moon moon approached. His Quaker seemed to as well, and John the Divine especially developed a very suddenly fuse. Kaden seemed to get the brunt of this but he took it in stride. The night of the genuine full moon, Albus had Quidditch practice. He became so cark during it that Georgia called for a disruption during practice and demanded to know why Albus was dropping so many Quaffles. He lied and told her he was worried about a Transfiguration of Jesus exam the succeeding day. Luckily she seemed to accept this and wished him luck on his exam. Albus tried excess hard during the second half of exercise but still missed a lot of loose passes.

Albus entered the common room after practice tactual sensation incredibly sore but not at all tired. He had been hit with numerous bludgers due to his deficiency of absorption. Normally Albus would give been exhausted after such a practice but he was too nervous to be tired tonight.

His friends were sitting at their common table which was covered in homework. Not that much of it was being done. Kaden was the exclusively one feverishly working away at an essay. Saint John the Apostle, Amanda, and even Rose were staring off into zero with their untouched homework in front of them. Albus quickly stowed his Calluna vulgaris in his dorm and joined his admirer at the table.

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

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

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

Even at a time like this, Albus could n't help but laugh at Kaden 's cluelessness. `` Hi, Kaden. ``

`` How was practice ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not that great. I got hit with a couple bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' Kaden winced.

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

`` Just go see dame Pomfrey, '' Rose suggested, `` Your arm looks filthy. ``

Albus glanced at his arm. It had turned a lovely purplish blue angel color in the clip since he had received the blow. `` All right hand, '' he stood up. `` I 'll see you in a bit. ``

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

Albus did n't feel like telling Kaden not to irritate, so he nodded and Kaden followed him out of the common room. Albus did n't mouth much on the way to the hospital fender, but Kaden kept up a streaming commentary about what went on in his classes that day. Kaden must consume felt the need to percentage it even though nothing particularly exciting had happened that day. The corridors were utterly deserted and Kaden 's voice seemed awfully trashy. Albus glanced at his watch and saw that it was almost curfew. He wished he had brought his Invisibility Cloak. Of course of study, none of the teacher could give him detainment for being out of his common room in order to go see lady Pomfrey, could they ?

Albus pushed the room access to the infirmary wing give slowly and saw that brothel keeper Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, writing something, and glancing out the windowpane every few irregular. The moonlight was streaming through and illuminating one of the beds. There were n't any patients in the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth, which Albus thought was kind of strange. Albus rarely ever saw the berth empty. He walked quietly up to dame Pomfrey and Kaden followed. The nurse did n't even seem to accept noticed them descend in.

`` Er, excuse me, dame Pomfrey ? '' Albus said once he was a couple feet in front line of the desk.

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

It suddenly occurred to Albus that gentlewoman Pomfrey was probably thinking about mat as well, since she usually took care of him after the full moon moonshine. `` I got hit with a couple bludgers at practice tonight. I was, er, kind of distracted. ``

Madam Pomfrey stood up and gave him a appealing look. `` I understand. Let me see. ``

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

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` No problem. Anywhere else ? ``

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

Madam Pomfrey looked at Albus 's binding and performed the same 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 I 'll be seeing you soon. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah, that was it. ``

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

`` learn it ! '' a cold articulation shouted and shoved Albus aside.

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

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

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

`` None of your business. ``

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

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

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

Malfoy ignored him and continued to glare at Kaden. `` Maybe you know where Eckerton is these twenty-four hour period ? ``

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

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

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

Albus jumped in fear and turned around to see professor Patil. Great, he thought, now they were going to wind up in detention. Why did they always wind up in detention 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 annoy, Mr. Maloy, '' Patil cut him off. `` Whatever lie you come up with is not going to convert me. '' She turned to Albus and Kaden, `` I 'm assuming you were not out for a amble with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Willinson ? ``

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

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

`` Yes, lady, '' Kaden replied quietly.

`` We were there, too, prof ! '' 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 confirm all your stories. ``

Any colouring that had been in Malfoy 's face drained. The four boys quietly followed Professor Patil to the hospital wing. Albus was very ease. madam Pomfrey would tell apart Patil that he and Kaden had been there, and then she would n't give them detention.

Patil opened the door to the infirmary flank, but Madam Pomfrey was no longer there. Patil motioned for the boy to stay on there and she strode over to the nurse 's authority. She knocked lightly and waited for Madam Pomfrey to appear.

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

`` Not at all, Padma, '' Madam Pomfrey smiled, `` I was n't at rest. 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. ``

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

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

`` Not a job, '' the suck replied.

`` I 'll charter you two back to your park elbow room, '' Patil said to Albus and Kaden. `` As for you, '' she glared at Malfoy and Willinson, `` You will come back to my office and we shall arrange for detention. ``

Malfoy and Willinson sulked and muttered under their breathing space as the five of them exited the ward. Albus laughed to himself on their way back to Gryffindor pillar. Malfoy and Willinson were glaring daggers at Albus and Kaden the whole way back, but Albus just smirked at them. They could n't do anything now anyway, not with Patil around. But surely they would blame Albus and Kaden for their detainment and Albus would have to view out the succeeding few days.

******

Albus did n't log Z's very well that night, despite his fatigue from Quidditch practice. He fell asleep in the wee 60 minutes of the good morning and woke up only a few hr later. John was just as exhausted and the two of them stumbled down into the common room, only to find Rose slumped over a book of account at their usual table.

`` blush wine ! '' Albus shook his cousin 's shoulder, `` ignite up ! ``

rose slowly lifted her drumhead and then jumped at the batch of Albus and lavatory. `` Wha-what are you two doing ? ``

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

`` Oh ! '' rose wine jumped up and pushed her shaggy-coated hair out of her nerve.

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

`` No, could n't sleep, '' Rose 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 high level charm, rose wine. You know it 's going to take you a while, '' Albus reminded her.

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

A few minutes later, Albus and his friends walked to the Great dormitory. Albus noticed Malfoy and Willinson at the Slytherin table as they walked by and both of the Slytherins were shooting sticker at Albus.

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

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

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

`` Wonder when his custody is ? '' Kaden asked.

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

Kaden began to talk about some potion he was going to be brewing that day, but Albus tuned him out. All Albus seemed to be able to cerebrate about at the moment was whether the new potion lusterlessness had taken worked.

As if on cue, a large brown owl flew down and landed neatly adjacent to Albus 's plate.

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

`` I know, '' Albus rolled his eyes and pulled the missive off the owl 's leg. He gave the owl a few bits of toast and the with child shuttlecock flew off.

rosebush, who was on Albus 's former incline, looked over his shoulder as he looked at the envelope. John Lackland and Amanda were leaning over the mesa and Kaden was leaning over Albus 's other shoulder.

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

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

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

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

`` well, we 'd better be off to Transfiguration, '' Albus said and gave Rose a important glance.

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

`` Are n't you going to open 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 open that letter in front of Kaden. rose, toilet, and Amanda got up as well and followed Albus out of the Great Charles Francis Hall. Kaden was right behind him, but Albus did n't dare give it yet. Kaden stalled in the entrance Hall, but eventually gave up and headed down to the donjon for Potions.

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

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

`` We 'll just understand it after chronicle of conjuring trick, '' Rose said as they climbed the stairs, `` We 've got the whole afternoon off. ``

The morning dragged by at an extremely slow pace, in Albus 's popular opinion. Transfiguration was n't too bad, since it was a practical example. Malfoy descended upon Albus and the others after the course of instruction was over, wanting to lie with where flatness was. Albus lied and told him lusterlessness was having a late vacation with his grandparents and then took off for account of Magic, ignoring Malfoy 's complaints about detention that followed.

History of trick was as boring as usual. Albus thought he saw the clock 's manus go backwards at one stage. He passed notes with John and Amanda while rosiness took notes. She seemed to induce inherited her mother 's ability to continue awake during that form. John nodded off at one point and Albus had to poke at him wake up with his quill. prof Binns did n't even seem to notice.

After story of conjuration finally ended, Albus and his friends went to the Great anteroom to snap up a quick luncheon. Kaden was there when they arrived and immediately launched into an explanation of the potion he had just brewed. Apparently it was so impressive that Slughorn gave him a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate and an invitation to the adjacent Slug Club meeting.

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

`` Yup, '' Kaden grinned. `` The side by side meeting 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 Slug ball club meetings. Albus had n't even gone to any since the previous class. He just told Slughorn he had Quidditch practice session or too much preparation to go. Slughorn had n't even had his Christmas party this year. Albus was n't trusted why, but he was guessing it was because he had n't been able to line up anyone famous to attend.

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

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

`` Please ? '' Kaden pleaded.

`` Fine, '' Albus sighed. It could n't be that bad now that Quinton Willinson was gone. And it was just one meeting. `` 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 future form, Albus and his champion went straight for the elbow room of Requirement. Albus and rosiness sat on one of the couches while John and Amanda sat on the antonym one. Albus reached into his bag and found the letter.

`` Here it goes, '' Albus whispered.

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

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

Dear Albus, Rose, John, and Amanda,

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

`` Damn ! '' Gospel According to John shouted.

flatness will explain more when he gets back to
Hogwarts. I 'll just say that it 's not worse
than usual. He 's at St. Mungo 's right now so
the healer can watch the after affects of
the potion and the transformation.

He only has to stay in St. Mungo 's nightlong
and then tomorrow he 'll be back at home. I 'm
pretty sure he 'll be back at Hogwarts on
Lord's Day, 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 alphabetic character and looked at his friends. `` Well, I guess that 's it, then. ``

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

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed.

cipher said anything for a few minutes. Albus felt very disappointed that the potion had n't worked, but he was sure it did n't even come close to what lusterlessness was feeling.

`` Maybe he 'll let us turn Animagi now, '' John suggested.

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

`` wellspring, it would still be nerveless to go an Animagus. ``

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

`` Albus 's grandfather did it. ``

`` When he was in fifth part class, '' rosiness reminded him.

`` mulct, three More years then, '' John shrugged.

Rose sighed, `` Matt wo n't let you join him on the full lunation, though. And I would n't paint a picture doing it behind his dorsum. ``

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

`` Definitely, '' Rose agreed.

Albus and his Quaker spent the just portion of the adjacent 60 minutes talking about what they would do if they could transform into beast. They all agreed that listening in on people 's conversations and sneaking up on mass like Malfoy would be top on the list of stuff to do. Eventually, pink wine insisted that they all start their homework, which took them about of the even to complete.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that Quinton Willinson was no longer at Hogwarts, Albus still dreaded the poke guild 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 early hand, spent the days leading up to Sabbatum talking non-stop about the biff gild meeting. Albus had already explained in detail what they involved, but that did n't terminate Kaden from constantly wondering aloud about what the meeting would be like.

Saturday arrived quickly and Albus was still without an excuse to not attend the meeting. Georgia had not called for Quidditch practice that day, mainly due to the fact that the Ravenclaws booked the pitch all sunrise and the Slytherins had it all afternoon. The two mansion were scheduled to play each other the undermentioned Saturday.

`` It 's time for the bullet Club merging, Albus ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly a few minutes before eleven.

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

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

`` See you later, '' Amanda grinned.

Albus, Kaden, and rose, who had also decided to go, set off for the dungeon. Albus hoped he would only have to stay for a little while, maybe an hour 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 pupil were milling about when Albus, rosebush, and Kaden walked into the room. Albus recognized to the highest degree of them from net year 's meetings. A few of his cousins were there as well, but not all of them. King James I was n't there, but Albus knew he had dueling practice session that day. Albus was also happy to mark that Felix Willinson was not there. Of course, after what happened with Quinton and his male parent, Albus guessed he should n't be surprised that Quinton 's full cousin would n't be invited to the Slug Club.

There was a table full of nutrient along one of the side walls and nearly everyone was crowding around it trying to get some dejeuner. Slughorn had a photographic plate of food in front of him and was sitting at a large mesa in the presence of the room.

Albus led pink wine and Kaden over to the table and picked up a plate.

`` What is this stuff ? '' Kaden pointed to a platter of some form of meat.

`` Pheasant, '' Albus replied. Slughorn always served pheasant at his meeting. Albus tried it last year 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 tabular array 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 Rose ! I 'm very well-chosen that you two decided to fare ! 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 cousin and is turning out to be quite the Potions brewer ! Lily 's gene must be coming out in you ! ``

Kaden grinned, `` Potions is fun. Loads better than Transfiguration Day. ``

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 large bite of pheasant. Albus watched him as he did so, wondering if he 'd like it. Kaden chewed for a few moments before a big smile appeared on his face.

`` This stuff is excellent ! ``

`` I 'm gladiola you like it ! '' Slughorn said.

Albus chuckled to himself. Of course Kaden liked the pheasant. If there was one thing 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 lengthy account of what he did over his vacation and who he had spent clock time with. ( `` Barry Ryan used to play for Ireland, you know. '' ) Albus found the entirely thing rather boring but he noticed that Kaden seemed to pay heed on Slughorn 's every discussion. Rose seemed to be paying attending 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 hours, they could be having the map working. wellspring, if they could filch away to the way of demand, that is. Albus hoped rose wine would own that spell working soon. Then they could just do all of this with Kaden. It would make it a whole lot easier. Of class, flatness still had n't said that he agreed to tell Kaden even with the good luck charm. Albus kept forgetting about that office. But why would n't he agree ? The appeal seemed like it would work well.

Albus, Kaden, and rose wound up staying until the end of the group meeting. Kaden was enthralled by the intact affair and Albus knew he would refuse to allow early. Albus was incredibly bored by the time the affair was over and Rose looked as bored as Albus felt. Once the meeting was finally over, the three of them said good-by to Slughorn and left the dungeons.

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

`` boring 's Thomas More like it, '' Albus replied.

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

`` reliance me, it gets old after a piece, '' Albus said.

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

Albus looked at rosebush. She did n't attend like she wanted to go to the following one either. `` Er, well, I might have Quidditch pattern. ``

`` And I 'll probably deliver too much homework, '' Rose explained.

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

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

Albus laughed as Rose launched into a discussion about how important meter management is and how prep should always arrive first. The three of them were nearly to the common way by the time rose finished and Kaden was wearing a blank look on his typeface, much like the one Albus had worn during the Slug baseball club meeting.

******

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

`` No idea, '' Albus shrugged.

Albus, John, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda were all sitting around their common mesa in the common room. blush wine and Kaden were playing chess game and it was patent that Rose was going easy on Kaden. The two of them had been playing the Sami plot for XV minute. If blush wine wanted to, she probably could have beat Kaden in five minutes. John and Amanda were both working on the Transfiguration essay that was due the following day. Albus had already finished that particular essay and was watching Rose and Kaden 's cheat match.

`` female monarch to D3, '' Kaden said. The world-beater gave Kaden a menacing glower and then reluctantly moved to the square.

`` Bishop to D3. '' Rose 's bishop smashed Kaden 's queen to part. `` mate, '' Rose grinned.

`` crap, '' Kaden muttered as his magnate dropped its sword in defeat.

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

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

`` Yeah. Empire State of the South managed to reserve the sales talk for an hour after dinner. 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 shipment of homework to make up, '' Kaden announced.

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

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

`` Yeah, yeah. I 've got the first base paragraph done, '' John grumbled.

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

`` Want to play again, rose ? '' Kaden asked.

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

Rose and Kaden set up their composition and started to play again. Albus watched them. It was pretty funny to watch the two of them diddle chess. Kaden would sit there forever figuring out what movement to ready and once he made it, Rose would smile and move one of her own while within seconds. Rose 's moves usually involved killing one of Kaden 's pieces.

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

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

`` Hi Albus, '' mat grinned back. He looked bore, but felicitous. There was still a yellowish bruise on his forehead, but other than that he looked fine.

John, rosebush, Amanda, and Kaden all looked up from what they were doing and greeted matt as well. Matt grabbed a electric chair from a nearby table and sat down next to Albus.

`` How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` All right wing, '' Matt shrugged.

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

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

`` Well, it would probably be a expert estimation for him to go see all the teachers now about it. So, we 'll all go with him to do that, since we 're in his classes. We 'll aid. You can outride here since you 'd probably be bored. ``

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

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` John ? Amanda, rosebush ? 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 think of an excuse for Kaden to stay there while we went to the Room. ``

`` commodity, '' Gospel According to John said, `` I do n't really require to go collect your homework with you. ``

`` You wo n't bear to. I 've already gotten it. They owled it to me over the holiday. I 've already finished it all, '' mat explained.

`` You 're farther along than John Lackland, then, '' Rose laughed.

`` Shut it, pink wine, '' St. John said.

The five friends continued their walk of life to the Room of demand, which manifested itself in its usual form for them. They walked into the room and settled onto the usual scarlet and atomic number 79 furniture.

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

`` Well, it did n't act upon the way it was supposed to, but Amy already told you that, '' flatness said.

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

`` Nope. ``

`` And you 'll still have to keep taking it ? '' St. John asked.

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

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

`` They were n't really unsafe side effects. It just made me really tired. ``

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

`` I know, but the potion made it unfit. Usually I can at least go to aurora classes on the day of the broad synodic month but with the new potion I 'll just catch some Z's right through them. It makes me tired as soon as I start taking it, which is a week before the full moon, just like the veritable wolf's bane was. ``

`` So you 'll be tired for an stallion hebdomad ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' flatness shrugged, `` The Healers are trying to find a potion to subvert the fatigue, but I doubt they 'll have one in time for next calendar month. ``

`` I do n't get why you have to keep taking it if it does n't even exploit, '' John shook his head.

`` Because they have to make sure it was n't just a fluke or something. That 's the thing about these studies, they have to do multiple visitation to analyze the burden and stuff. ``

`` There 's a chance it might make succeeding month ? '' Amanda asked confusedly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` magnificent ! '' mat exclaimed.

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

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

`` I 'm working on it ! '' John replied, `` It 's gruelling than you 'd think to make out a rat during Potions. ``

`` Well, we 've got stunt man Potions tomorrow, so try then. Slughorn 'll be having us brew the whole class probably, so just hold on your eye out, '' Albus told him.

`` I will. I 'll pay Sir Thomas More attention to potential rats than to my potion, '' whoremonger grinned.

`` I would n't suggest that, '' rosebush 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 print, '' lavatory shrugged.

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

`` Just guess, this prison term tomorrow, we may take the map workings, '' Matt commented, `` That would be awesome. ``

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

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

Albus had been thinking this for a few mean solar day now. They had had an incredibly well-heeled time getting the prints. Almost too easy a clip. pawl, hart, and dirty dog were quite uncouth and anyone who could vomit up a simple Petrificus Totalus magical spell could get those photographic print. The exclusively one that would be difficult for the medium wiz to get was the loup-garou print. Even so, Albus did n't think the Marauders would make it this well-heeled to memory access the map.

`` I 've been thinking the same affair, '' Rose agreed.

bathroom 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 predator could deliver done so far. We got a bunch of paw mark. Anyone can do that. ``

`` Not anyone could get a wolfman print, '' John pointed out.

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

`` speech production of the Marauders, '' Saint John the Apostle turned to rosebush, `` How 's the Sileo Altus appealingness coming ? ``

`` The what ? '' Matt asked.

`` Oh, yeah, we 've got to severalise you about that, '' Saint John the Apostle said. `` Want to explicate it, Rose ? ``

`` Sure, '' pink wine shrugged, `` It 's a charm I found in a book at my house. It 's a way to relieve oneself sure enough someone keeps something a secret. Kind of like the Fidelius magic spell, only it 's for verbal secrets, not places. Whomever performs the charm is the closed book Keeper and only that somebody can undo the spell. After the charm is performed, the person ca n't talk about the mysterious with anyone except the Secret Keeper and anyone else who was involved in the charm performing. It 's a way to stay fresh Kaden from telling anyone that you 're a werewolf. ``

Albus held his breath as Rose explained and hoped that Matt would think it was a good idea. Albus watched as Matt thought about what rosiness had said. Albus could n't really tell what he thought. Matt looked a bit surprised, almost like he did n't opine pink wine would have ever found a charm to do that.

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

`` I 'm not sure, '' Matt said quietly, `` bequeath it really act upon ? ``

`` I 'm pretty sure it will, '' Rose said, `` The only thing that will sweep over it is Veritaserum. ``

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

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

`` I do n't recognise, '' Matt 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 eye of the Great Hall or something ? ``

`` I doubt he 's ever going to imbibe any Veritaserum, '' rosiness said,"And even if he did, someone would make to ask him if you were a wolfman. He would n't just randomly start telling people."

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

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

`` See ? Hardly any chance of Kaden boozing any, '' John the Divine said.

`` Yeah, but still ... I do n't fuck ... '' lusterlessness groaned, `` I just do n't really need to enjoin him. ``

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

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

`` No, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm not sure when we 'll necessitate him. The map just said we had to be like the Marauders, which means we 'll need someone to be Wormtail at some point. ``

`` And I want to essay that charm out before we use it on Kaden, '' lusterlessness said.

`` We will, '' pink wine assured him, `` I 've got to practice it anyway. ``

`` So, anyone got any secrets we can practice with ? '' St. John the Apostle grinned mischievously.

******

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

Albus turned around in his arse. He had been talking to John the Evangelist, who was sitting behind him next to Goyle. Albus was sitting next to Limbert and flatness was looking thoroughly hapless succeeding to Maloy in the next row over at the front. Slughorn was still plowing forward with his inter-house partners in class, but Albus did n't cerebrate it was helping to decrease the antagonism between Gryffindor and Slytherin. So far, the best that had happened was silent loathing during virtual moral and jinxing and hexing at worst. Based on the little duel between Ethan and Garth Octavius the old week, it was only a matter of sentence before matter really got out of hand.

`` Thank you, '' Slughorn said once everyone was paying aid, `` Today you 'll be brewing the discombobulation Potion I taught you about on Friday. He waved his scepter at the blackboard, `` focusing are on the board. You have the stallion class. ``

`` Light the attack, '' 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 collect factor while Albus lit the flack and unpacked all the several scales and knife. Then, Albus would prepare the factor while Limbert added them and stirred the caldron. Albus was hunky-dory with this since Limbert was a better Potions brewer than he was.

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

Albus listened to everyone else in the class as he chopped up ingredients. He thought it was especially amusing to listen to whoremonger and Goyle.

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

`` Oh. ``

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

Albus stifled a jest and glanced to his left hand, where Rose and Vivien Leigh Montague were having a standardized conversation.

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

`` They look fine to me, '' Leigh snapped.

`` No, they wo n't shape like that. Let me do it, '' Rose grabbed a tongue and started mincing the shrivelfig.

`` fine. You do the entirely thing if you 're so smart, '' Leigh huffed.

`` You can shift the caldron. Clockwise, '' pink wine replied.

Albus was n't close enough 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 sass were moving. Malfoy appeared to be yelling at Matt for something, but Albus could n't quite make out what it was. Matt got up from the table with a trough full 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 Thomas More 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 picture he was listening to John and Goyle, too.

`` hold inspiration CLOCKWISE for another minute, '' John said slowly and clearly, `` Then switch to COUNTERCLOCKWISE. I 've got to go get something. Do n't do anything besides the stirring. ``

Goyle grunted and Albus heard John get up. Albus felt a prodding in his side and looked up to see John standing next to him. `` What ? '' Albus whispered.

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

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

Albus tried to focus on his shrivelfig, but he could n't kibosh glancing up at John. He was almost to the cupboard now, and the rat still had n't moved. Albus watched as John pointed his wand at the rat, but he could n't hear what spell Saint John was using due to the noise in the room. Luckily everyone was concentrating on their potions and not paying an ounce of attention to John. Albus grimaced as John picked up the rat and shoved it inside his robes. Albus was incredibly happy that Saint John the Apostle was willing to do the rat print. The view of putting a rat in his robes creeped Albus out.

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

`` Got it, '' Gospel According to John whispered to Albus on his way back to his desk.

`` Excellent, '' Albus said.

Suddenly there was a trashy explosion from somewhere behind Albus and he felt a hot liquidness land on his psyche and drip down the rachis of his robes.

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

`` Boody Hell ! '' John exclaimed as the Orange potion landed on the front of his robes.

pandemonium erupted in the classroom. 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 the Evangelist and Goyle 's cauldron. Goyle was wearing a stupefied formulation on his human face and was staring into blank while holding his ladle in the air. His face was covered with potion as well as his robe. His hair was singed and there was a low ardor on his table.

Albus could feel the potion burning down his back and it hurt like hell. It felt like his skin was on flame. He got up from his professorship and felt his back. His robe were burnt straight through. John '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 rima oris, '' Slughorn shook his headland. `` Hospital offstage. Who else got hit ? ``

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

`` hospital backstage, all of you, '' Slughorn replied, `` If one of you could please make trusted Mr. Goyle arrives there, that would be appreciated. ``

Limbert immediately dragged Goyle out of the way with Celeste following. Albus and John walked a slight way behind them and Karina behind them.

`` Idiot, '' John muttered as they climbed the stair out of the dungeons.

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

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

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

`` Well, he 's mute than a troll, '' John groaned, `` Merlin this stuff and nonsense 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, '' John laughed and then lowered his voice, `` Hey, it was worth it since I got the rat. ``

`` That thing '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, '' St. John said as they followed Goyle and Limbert into the Hospital Wing.

Madam Pomfrey was already busy taking concern of a miss who had gotten bitten by something in Care of Magical tool and told them they would have to hold back. Once she had finished healing the female child, she moved on to Goyle, since he was n't capable to sit still and was wandering around the room tripping over things. She took guardianship of Limbert, Celeste, and Karina, and then moved on to the bed Albus and Gospel According to John were sitting on.

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

`` Well, matt, rosebush, 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 gramps and his acquaintance, '' Madam Pomfrey shook her headway as she handed Albus a potion.

john, 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. fountainhead, Albus thought, that was the general idea of the map.

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

Madam Pomfrey applied some sort of balm to their Burns and a few minutes later they were allowed to allow. The nurse told them to go directly to their student residence to get new gown and that she did n't want to see them in the Hospital Wing for the following few weeks.

`` Fat chance that 'll pass off, '' John smirked as they started back to Gryffindor Tower.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. It seemed like one of them was always winding up in the hospital annex. Albus himself had already been there twice since returning to schoolhouse after the Christmastide holiday.

`` Next Quidditch match is what, in three hebdomad ? '' John asked.

`` Just about, '' Albus said.

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

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` I did n't land myself there last match. ``


A/N : Extra long chapter ! Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, Miguel, invisiblecloak, potterfan296, 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 common room. pink wine, Amanda, and Matt were standing just behind Kaden with smirks on their faces.

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

`` The potion did, '' trick replied, `` And it was completely Goyle 's break, really. I gave him charge 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 rightfield ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah. Madam 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 dorm door.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had been planning on grabbing a quick dinner with his ally after he changed gown, and then school principal to the Room to try out the new map. They had all the paw mark ( John had gone up to the dormitory ahead of Albus with the rat and got the print from it. Albus did n't want to know what happened to the rat afterwards ) now, so Albus was impatient to try it out. But they would n't be able to if Kaden was around.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

Kaden spent the integral eve with Albus and his Friend. Normally, this really would n't have bothered Albus, but that nighttime his cousin was driving him mad. All Albus wanted to do was try out the map, but he could n't think up a good alibi for them to go somewhere and not let Kaden follow. So they spent the eve in the common room, working on homework.

Albus and his booster were far too busy the next few days to try out the new map. Albus had Quidditch practice on Tuesday and Th and dueling practice on Wednesday. rosiness had dueling practice on Friday. John normally had his practice session on Sabbatum, but due to the Quidditch match, it had been rescheduled for Sunday. Any bit of clock time where neither Albus or his friends had any praxis, Kaden was around. It was n't until Saturday, following Slytherin 's spectacular expiration to Ravenclaw, that they were finally able to try out the map. Kaden had been recruited to tutor a fellow first year in Potions and was going to be spending a few hours in the dungeon after the Quidditch match.

`` seed on, let 's go try it now, '' Albus whispered to his friend after Kaden left the usual room.

`` Got the print ? '' Matt asked.

Albus nodded and grabbed his bag. They quickly left the green elbow room and ran for the Room of prerequisite. They almost bumped into a Ravenclaw prefect, but luckily he was feeling generous ( most likely due to the Quidditch win ) and did n't chew up them for running in the corridors.

matte paced three times 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 board and everyone crowded around it. Albus pulled out all four photographic print and the map.

`` All right, '' Albus unfolded the map, `` rose, you 're proficient with the charm, right ? ``

pink wine nodded, `` I 've practiced it and it works every time. ``

`` goodness, '' Albus stared at the map, unsure of how to start, `` Er, maybe I should do what I did lastly time to get it to say us we 've got to prove we know the predator ? ``

`` Probably, '' blush wine agreed.

`` wait ! '' John shouted, `` Can I do it this time ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus shrugged and handed John the map.

`` Excellent, '' Gospel According to John grinned and pointed his scepter 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 the Evangelist shouted, `` But it worked stopping point prison term ! ``

Albus 's hopes plummeted. Why was n't it working now ? Was it on some kind of a timer ? Like it could only lick on a certain day of the calendar month ? He had been so stir about getting the new map to work, and now it would n't even tell them to turn up they knew the Marauders.

`` Let me try, '' matte 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 sucks, '' John muttered, `` It worked last time. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to be Albus, '' Rose suggested.

Albus wordlessly grabbed the map and pointed his own verge at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The ink he had been expecting to appear rose to the surface of the parchment and formed the familiar spirit words.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the Marauder 's Map, second base edition .'

`` Ha ! '' Albus grinned in excitement, `` There it is ! ``

`` But why did n't it work for us ? '' John asked dejectedly. `` Does that mean value we ca n't be Padfoot and Moony ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus sighed. He really hoped his ally would be able to be Padfoot and Moony. Who else could be Padfoot and Moony ? The map would n't even ferment without someone 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 second Prongs .'

`` See ? Why did n't it say 'However, you could be the second Padfoot'when I did it ? ``

'When four male child, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and maleficence, they may present themselves as the adjacent contemporaries of piranha. These four friends must each represent one of the Marauders, for if even one is missing, this map will not figure out. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the secret of the marauder. Prove that you know, and you may cover along the path of uncovering .'

'The course of find ? I never knew you were so poetic, Mr. Prongs .'

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

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

'Mr. Moony advises that whomever is reading this ignore Mr. Prongs and Mr. Padfoot and bulge 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 vulture are, that they quit while they 're ahead .'

'The marauder wish you effective fortune .'

`` well, now what ? '' King John asked.

`` I guess we 've just got to transfer the paw prints, '' Albus said tentatively.

rose wine picked up the paw print and the map, setting them down in front line of her. She pulled out her wand and muttered an incantation at the wolfman print. Then she muttered another incantation at the map. The lycanthrope print appeared on the map, just as it had been on the other bit of parchment.

`` That, was bally amazing, '' whoremonger said in awe.

Albus agreed. He was forever thankful that his cousin was so brainy. Albus did n't cogitate he 'd ever be able-bodied to deplumate off something like that. At least not until he was at to the lowest degree in fifth part year.

rosiness repeated the process with the dog, stag, and rat prints, positioning them in the exact same way that the lilliputian home run 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 seconds, waiting for something to bechance. The paw prints were n't doing anything and neither was the map. No new ink had appeared and the paw photographic print were n't disappearing or anything.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Maybe I 've got to tell the map that we know the Marauders ? ``

`` Worth a shot, '' John shrugged.

Albus pulled the map over to him and tapped his sceptre to it, `` I, Albus Severus thrower, the second Prongs, know the piranha. ``

The paw prints quickly faded until there was null left hand but a blank parchment. Albus glanced up and looked at his friends before returning his regard to the new map.

'Prongs agrees that you do know the piranha, and is especially impressed that you managed to get a wolfman paw print .'

`` It worked ! '' Albus shouted happily.

'Due to your obvious knowledge of the Marauders'secrets, we shall now tell you Sir Thomas More about this map. When the predator were one-seventh year, they realized that within a few dead months, they would be gone from Hogwarts, and the school would be left without their headman mischief makers.

'Prongs suggested-'

'Do you always talk about yourself in the third person, Prongs ?'

'Only when I have a stroke of genius, 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 rightfield. Anyway, I ( happy now, Padfoot ? ) had a fortuity of brilliance that the Marauders could find a way to ascertain 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 witness a way to put themselves into a map, in gild to help the succeeding generation of shenanigan Divine. That is what this map is about.

'However, not just anyone would be able to sustain admission to the map .'

'Yeah, we would n't want any old bonehead stumbling upon it .'

'Right, Padfoot. Or even spoiled, having Slytherins get their vile paws on it .'

'I shudder at that thought, Moony. Anyway, the marauder had to visualise out a way to ensure that only those worthy would be able to approach this map. The marauder 's Map is actually quite dewy-eyed to image out, compared to this one. All you have to do to open that is say a certain phrase. For this map, you have to be a sure person to spread it.

'You may or may not have figured out that in ordination to get the first bit of information out of this map, you have to be a stemma relative of one of the piranha. However, not everyone representing the piranha must be related. Because, you know, we might not all have kidskin .'

'Yeah, you would n't desire to be passing along any factor, Prongs .'

'Better mine than yours, Padfoot .'

`` That 's why only Albus could do it ! '' John shouted.

Albus felt immense relief from this. john and Matt would be able to represent Padfoot and Moony.

`` So really, only James, Lily, shift, my dad, and I could get it open, '' Albus said.

'The eternal rest of you must be Gryffindor son, because we want you to be like us .'

'Lily wo n't like that, Prongs .'

'I know, Moony, but Lily does n't recognize about this. I do n't project on telling her, either .'

`` Guess that counts out my sis, '' Albus commented.

'So, now you 've proven that you know the Marauders. Your adjacent step is to prove that you are the next predator .'

The ink slowly faded once again until the parchment was as lacuna 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 work yet. He had been so surely that all they 'd have to do was prove they knew the predator. But now they had yet another thing to do. They had to shew that they were the next marauder. How were they going to do that ?

`` That was weird, '' John said.

`` I 'll say, '' lusterlessness agreed, `` They did n't even really tell us what it was a map of. ``

`` Yeah, they just said they wanted to puddle sure they 'd never leave Hogwarts. Like the map is a part of them, '' Saint John replied.

`` To be honest, it sounds a bit like a Horcrux, '' rosiness commented.

`` Yeah, but it 's not like they put their souls in there, Rose, '' Albus pointed out. `` It 's like the Marauder 's Map. It 's just enchanted. ``

`` I still wish we knew what it was a map of, '' whoremaster muttered, `` I mean, this is n't fair ! We spend hebdomad getting those paw mark and we still have n't figured the map out. ``

`` I knew you 'd induce to do something like this, '' Rose said, `` Otherwise it would n't weigh if there were four of you to represent the marauder. If it was just this, Albus could take in done the unhurt matter himself. ``

She made a proficient pointedness. Albus had n't really thought about that, but it was true. They had to do something that required each of them to represent one of the Marauders.

`` I guess we 've got to establish we are the predator, then, '' Albus said, `` inquire what that involves. ``

`` Maybe we 've got to do something the predator would have done, '' matt suggested.

`` Like become illegal Animagi ? '' bathroom grinned mischievously.

`` No ! '' Matt sighed, `` I told you, you 're not doing that ! ``

`` I do n't think that 's it, '' Rose began, `` How would you go about proving to a piece of paper that you 're illegal Animagi ? ``

`` Maybe we 've got to get out a huge antic or something, '' Albus said.

`` Again, how would you prove that to the map ? '' Rose asked.

`` Well, does anyone have any former idea ? '' Albus asked.

`` We 'll think of something, '' Amanda said, `` I mean, there 's got to be a way. ``

`` Of grade their is ! '' Rose said, `` We 've just got to go to the 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 want to get some pattern. Anyone want to be my tester ? ``

`` I will ! '' John shouted and jumped up out of his chair.

`` Ok, arrive here, '' rose got up and went to the former side of the room.

Albus watched as the two of them worked. First, they had to recollect up a secret, which took a good bit of time. King John finally suggested that the mystical be 'Filch likes to dance in the moonlight with a foresighted handle mop with Frank Sinatra euphony playing in the background knowledge .'

Albus burst out laughing at that. `` Filch ? Dancing ? ``

`` Yes, '' can said in a grave tone, `` I saw him once. He was rubbing the mop head to his face and had on a look of pure joy. ``

`` And soon you wo n't be able to secern anyone about it, '' Amanda grinned. `` What a shame. ``

`` Yes, it is, is n't it ? '' John laughed. `` You lot can still spread it around, though. ``

`` Ok, John, let 's try it, '' Rose said.

rose wine pointed her wand at herself and recited the charm that would make her the secret keeper. Then, she pointed her scepter at John and said a slightly dissimilar charm.

`` Now you say the secret, Saint John. ``

`` Filch likes to dance in the Moon with a long handle mop with Frank Sinatra euphony acting in the background, '' John smirked.

`` Good, '' Rose replied and then performed another charm on St. John the Apostle. `` I 'm not set up to try including other people yet, so John will only be able to talk about Filch 's trivial wont to me. ``

Rose waved her wand around in an intricate pattern and then said one end incantation. She lowered her sceptre and stared at whoremaster. Then she turned to face Albus.

`` There. Now you can try asking him about it, Albus. ``

Albus grinned, `` All right. So, privy, heard anything interesting about Filch lately ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' St. John shouted, `` Actually, just the early Night I saw him and he was- '' John 's mouth continued moving but no speech sound was coming out of it.

Albus and Amanda burst out laughing. John looked like a fish out of water system. `` I think it worked ! '' Albus shouted.

rose wine was staring at John with a slight look of disappointment. `` Not quite. He was n't even supposed to be capable to move his sass. You know, in case multitude can understand lips. I guess it 's a showtime, though. ``

`` Definitely. I mean, this is a really advanced charm. You ca n't have expected to get it on the first try, '' Albus pointed out. Although, he did form of think Rose expected to get it on the firstly try.

`` I suppose, '' rosebush sighed, `` I 'll just undo it. ``

Rose waved her wand around and muttered some more conjuration. `` Ok, he should be able to verbalise about it now. ``

`` Heard anything funny about Filch recently ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he likes to dance with a foresightful handle mop by moonlight while wienerwurst Sinatra plays in the background, '' John the Divine 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 year at least. ``

`` Yeah, but it 's lucky for St. John that it worked, '' Albus grinned, `` Otherwise he would n't be able to share Filch 's arcanum joys of life. ``

******

Over the next few daytime, St. John actually did contribution that Filch liked to dance with a foresighted grip mop by the moonlight with wiener Sinatra acting in the background. All he had to do was mention it to a few other Gryffindors at meal times and the bit of tittle-tattle was soon spreading throughout the schoolhouse. The reactions from bookman ranged from hysterical laugh to raised eyebrows to exclamations of 'Who the inferno is weenie Sinatra ?'Albus could n't serve but smirk every time he heard his bloke students mentioning the story.

Filch, on the other mitt, was actively trying to receive the culprit. There was n't really any full point, since he would n't be able to find who started it, but he tried. He spent the daytime prowling the halls and listening in on students'conversations, trying to determine out any variety of entropy regarding the false story. Whenever the educatee noticed him, they would bristle out laughing, which would have Filch to start muttering about 'rotten pupil'and 'ought to whip them all'.

Filch 's briny defendant was Kaden, which Albus found kind of funny. Kaden of course of instruction had laughed the brassy when he heard the story. Since Filch had developed an intense dislike for Kaden since their detention calendar month ago, he gave Kaden forbidding stares every time Kaden passed him in the corridors. Kaden just found this funny remark, since he knew John had invented the story.

The tale about Filch provided a squeamish break from the intense studying that all the students were occupied with. Like usual, the teachers had increased the homework after the holidays. Albus was happy it was n't yet his O.W.L. class and he could n't imagine how he would cope to cope with that in three curt years. Along with homework, Albus also had Quidditch and dueling practice session. Both Empire State of the South and Kate had increased practice clock time in order to prepare for the upcoming equal and tournament. The third dueling tourney was to take billet the first weekend of February and Quidditch on the followers weekend. Albus now had Quidditch practice on Mon, Tuesdays, Thursday, and Sabbatum. Dueling practice session were as usual, not mandatory, but were now not only on Wednesdays, but on Fridays as well. The only when day Albus had off was Sunday, which did n't founder much time for him to try and cipher out how to prove he was like the Marauders to the new map.

The morning of the Dueling tourney was low temperature, snowy, and blustery. Albus was very happy the Quidditch friction match was n't that day. He got up a few hours before the tournament started and went down to breakfast with his friends.

`` I ca n't expect until I can duel next year, '' Kaden said in between morsel of egg.

`` It 's not really as cool as it 's made out to be, '' John commented, `` A lot of waiting around time during tournament. ``

`` That 's because there 's so many of us, '' pink wine explained, `` In the veritable Dueling Club, the one that you can only be in if you 're fifth class or above, not everyone gets on the teams. It 's like Quidditch and you have to try out. ``

`` That sounds better, '' John Lackland said, `` But I do n't bonk if I 'd make the team. ``

`` I know I would n't, '' Amanda replied.

`` You 're getting intimately, '' Albus assured her, `` You might get to it by the sentence you 're a fifth year. ``

`` Yeah, that 's the point of the junior 's lodge, '' Rose said, `` So you can get better. They do n't have a bun in the oven us all to be skillful duelers. ``

`` Albus is, '' Amanda grinned, `` He 's bright. ``

Albus felt his nerve turning red, `` Well, I 'm not that great ... I mean, there are loads of the great unwashed who are better than me. ``

`` Not on our squad, '' Amanda continued, `` He 's stick almost everyone on the team. ``

`` Yeah, everyone except Malfoy, '' Albus muttered. He still had n't managed to tucker Malfoy during their practice duels.

`` That 's good, though ! '' Rose sighed, `` You 're both first-class duelers, so you 've got a safe squad ! ``

Albus shrugged. He form of would rather just be able-bodied to wash up Malfoy than beat the early team, but he did n't mention anything about it.

Albus and his friends continued their talking about dueling throughout breakfast and as they sat around the common room afterwards. Soon, it was meter for them to go down to the dueling bedchamber for the tournament.

They passed Filch on their way down the stair, and he was muttering to himself as usual.

`` Damn kids ... better when Umbridge was around ... wonderment if she 'll come back ... she 'd let me blister them ... ''

`` I swear he 's gotten more mad over the class, '' St. John muttered to Albus as they passed him.

`` Dad says he 's getting senile, '' Albus whispered back.

The dueling chamber was packed with students, just like the past two tournament. Albus and Amanda squeezed their way through the crowd to their common table, where their squad was sitting.

`` Hi Albus, Amanda, '' Kate greeted them. `` ready to win ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned.

The tournament got under way a few instant later. It was much like the retiring two tournament, with a lot of sitting around time. Albus was happy that he and Amanda were on the same squad so they were able to talk to each other in between duel.

Albus won both of his duel, just like the hold up two tournament. So did Malfoy and once again, Albus found that he was form of well-chosen and form of angry about that. Amanda won one of her affaire d'honneur, which Albus was very happy about. He knew one-half her dueling issues were from nervus and the fact that she thought she would n't do well.

Rose, Saint John, and matt each won one of their duel as well. Albus clapped for them even though they were on other teams, which earned him brilliance from Malfoy. Albus did n't care, though. Malfoy could brood as long as he wanted, it was n't going to stop Albus from cheering for his friends.

The points were tallied after the last-place duel and toilet 's team was declared the winner. Albus was slightly foiled, but there were still three more tournament before the terminal. Harry announced the compass point totals for the total year and Rose 's team was in first home so far. In second was the team led by Hufflepuff Paul the Apostle Galivant and in third was John the Divine 's squad, led by Albus 's cousin Bradley.

Albus did n't recollect that the inter-house dueling was decreasing the rivalry between houses. Albus was n't anymore fond of the Slytherins than he had been in the source of the year. None of the Slytherins really got along with the Gryffindors on his team, and vice versa. He was n't exactly trusted how it was working with the habitue dueling nightclub, but he had overheard Stanley complaining about how uncooperative the Slytherins on his team were. But that was months ago and he did n't know what had been going on with it recently.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan296, Miguel, Saint Luke, and mischiefmaker09 for their brushup !

I wrote my commencement Marauders Era story, slope effects May Include Gratitude and belief of Well Being, which is a one-shot from brothel keeper Pomfrey 's stop of view. It 's on my author page, if you 're interested. I 'd love it if you read and reviewed it !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Matt 's birthday was a few mean solar day after the Dueling tournament. Albus and his admirer did n't throw off him a political party like they had last class. That had mostly been done to cheer him up since he had been in the hospital Wing at the time. This year they went down to the kitchens and got a cake, and then ate it in their dorm room. Kaden went with him and was amazed by the kitchens, with all the house-elves around. His chemical reaction was funnier to watch than Amanda 's the previous twelvemonth. He stood there with his mouth half open and then ran around grabbing as much food as possible.

By the fourth dimension the Quidditch mate arrived the following Saturday, Albus was utterly exhausted. Between Quidditch practice and homework, he hardly had anytime to catch some Z's. Throw in a trip down to the kitchens for flatness 's birthday after Quidditch practice the early night, and Albus was ready to sleep through an intact day.

Albus yawned, got out of bed, and looked out the window. He had been hoping that the raging blizzard would suffer let up, but it had n't. fantastic, he thought, St. James would n't be catching the Snitch quickly in this weather.

A few hour later, Albus bade his Friend goodbye and headed down to the changing rooms at the Quidditch lurch. His friends had bundled themselves up in as much scarlet and gold clothing as they owned and were ready to huddle against the howling hint for a few time of day of Quidditch. John, Matt, and Amanda did n't appear to bear in mind the weather at all and were excited about the match. Rose, on the former hand, clearly would feature rather spent the good afternoon in the castle studying. Kaden still liked football better than Quidditch and Albus had a belief he would n't receive minded the violent storm if he was watching a football game.

`` Ok ! '' Georgia shouted a few minutes after Albus entered the changing suite, `` Everyone cum over here ! ``

`` I know the weather is n't ideal, '' Georgia began once everyone was gathered around her, `` But we 've played in worse than this ! ``

`` Yeah, if you count that flood we played in during third year, '' Fred muttered, `` But other than that .... ''

Empire State of the South glared at Fred, `` Anyway, we 're playing Hufflepuff, so we 'll win. harpist 's still captain, but it 's her last year, so she 'll be utter set on getting the Cup. That means she 'll birth trained her team even harder. They 've got a new Keeper, though. Someone named tanner Royce. He 's a fifth year. Other than him, the team 's the Saami as last class. So, with that, get out there and complain some Badger ass ! ``

Albus grinned to himself as he picked up his broom and started to walk to the doorway. GA was a great senior pilot, but was n't often for long winded speeches.

`` Albus, '' Georgia whispered and put her hand on his shoulder.

`` Yeah ? ``

`` You 're, er, less nervous this equal, right ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus smiled, remembering how he had told her he was extremely nervous the cobbler's last peer. In reality, he 'd been too preoccupied with the new map. sure as shooting, he 'd been a little spooky, but not as much as Georgia thought he had been. This match, however, he was n't nearly as distracted, although he still was a bit nervous. `` I 'm a bit nervous, 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 emphatic winds that were prevailing.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff compeer ! '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd Kate Smith 's articulation sounded over the pitch. It sounded faint and kind of far away in the wind. `` It 's bloody cold out here so let 's fix it quick !

`` Here are the Gryffindors ! chieftain Georgia Weasley, followed by Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James IV Potter, Thomas Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, and Calluna vulgaris Weasley !

`` And the Hufflepuffs ! Captain Jessica harper, followed by Shawn Ames, Lisa Galivant, Andy Kaper, Stacey Sir Patrick Manson, Anna Reilly, and tanner Royce ! ``

prof Oteski motioned for Georgia and harpist to judder hands and as soon as they did so, Albus and the rest of the histrion rose into the air. Oteski released the formal and ling immediately took possession of the Quaffle.

`` And Heather 's got the Quaffle ! She passes to Fred, then back to Heather, and to Albus. ``

Albus caught the Quaffle and started flying towards the Hufflepuff finish. He was amazed that he had actually caught it since the atmospheric condition was so awful. He could hardly see two feet in straw man of him. His gown were already soaked with snow and ice and he was frigidly cold. Nevertheless, he kept flying towards the finish until he had to stop poor and toss the Quaffle back to Heather, since he almost flew straight into an oncoming Hufflepuff chaser.

heather mixture 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.

`` destination ! Ten-zero Gryffindor ! Now hurry up and catch that stoolie, James ! I 'm freezing my bloody- ''

`` Smith ! '' Patil shouted, `` Watch your language ! ``

`` Sorry, Professor. ``

The Quaffle was now back in child's play and was in Hufflepuff self-command. Albus was n't even sure which Chaser had it, but he knew it was a Hufflepuff. Whichever Hufflepuff had the Quaffle managed to charter it to the Gryffindor goals, but Georgia saved it.

Fred took the Quaffle and flew it back to the other end of the pitch, scoring another goal for Gryffindor.

The secret plan continued this way for the following half hr. Hufflepuff managed to rack up 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 basketball hoop. Royce tried to save it, but he was n't warm enough.

`` finish ! Albus Potter has scored against Hufflepuff ! The score is now 90-20 Gryffindor ! ``

Albus was ecstatic. That was the commencement end 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 grade another goal and Heather scored two more in the side by side half 60 minutes of the lucifer. Hufflepuff scored a few more destination, but were still far behind. By now, Albus was for certain he had turned into an icicle and was getting a bit sick of flying around in the common cold. He was even getting a bit of a headache from it. Albus was n't even sure if he 'd know if James II or Galivant caught the Snitch, due to the increasingly bad visibility and snowfall. The blizzard seemed to be getting worse by the instant. If Hogwarts actually called off Quidditch, they would let called it off a piece ago.

A few minutes later, cheers broke out in the tie-up and Albus was surely soul must have caught the Snitch. He was very happy to land his broom and knew he 'd be even happier when he finally got into the ardent common room.

The residue of his team was shouting in glee and were surrounding Saint James the Apostle. He must have caught the Snitch, Albus thought. The residuum of the Gryffindors were swarming the pitch and soon James was lifted onto a few multitude 's shoulder joint. Albus joined the throngs of his house and started his way back to the castle.

On his way back to the common elbow room, legion masses stopped him in ordering to congratulate him on the win. Albus was thrilled that they had won, but all he really wanted to do was ascertain his ally and get into some affectionate robes. St. James loved the attention he got after winning a Quidditch match, but Albus could take it or allow for it. Right now, he could go away it since his headache was getting worse.

The political party in the vulgar room was just getting started when Albus entered a few minutes later. Someone must accept snuck down to the kitchens because there was an entire table filled with food. Someone else had obviously gotten into Hogsmeade because just about everyone had a butterbeer in their hand.

person shoved a butterbeer into Albus 's hired 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 goal posts. Galivant was on the other end of the lurch, so I knew she had no Hope ... '' James was saying to a couplet of giggling girls.

The balance of the team 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 stair to his residence hall.

Albus quickly changed out of his coldness, 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 pitch and the party was in full swing.

Albus found his protagonist sitting at their common table and they all seemed to be enjoying the party.

`` Albus ! '' St. John shouted as Albus sat down, `` glorious acting ! ``

`` Definitely, '' Matt agreed.

`` You 're quite a safe chaser, Albus, '' pink wine said, `` Although I honestly do n't know why they did n't cancel the peer with this blizzard ... ''

`` cancel the match ? '' Gospel According to John stared at her, `` Never ! ``

`` If it was football, it would 've been canceled, '' Kaden commented.

`` Yeah, because you would n't be able to run around in two substructure of Charles Percy Snow, '' John laughed, `` But Quidditch is in the air, so it does n't matter. ``

`` Will you two just quit arguing about football game ? '' rosiness sighed.

`` Just trying to turn Kaden into a proper wizard, '' John shrugged.

`` Quidditch is hardly the definition of a right magician, '' Rose said, `` I believe potion brewing is a bit more important and I 'm surely Kaden could teach you a thing about it, Mr. Exploding Potions. ``

`` That was Goyle 's demerit, '' John muttered.

`` Why do n't all three of you just take leave arguing ? '' Albus snapped. His headland was pounding and listening to his friends'contention was not helping.

`` What 's with you ? '' John asked, `` We 're not fighting anymore than normal. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to do that he 's been flying around in a blizzard for the retiring two hours ? '' Rose suggested, `` If they 'd just accept canceled the match- ''

`` They do n't set off Quidditch ! '' John shouted and then turned to Matt, `` You understand this, do n't you ? ``

`` It 's true, '' matt agreed, `` Quidditch is n't ever canceled for trivial thing like blizzards. ``

`` I think the weather just makes it more interesting, '' Amanda commented.

`` Not you too ! '' rosebush groaned.

`` Football 's only played in the strong months anyway, '' Kaden said, `` They would n't even schedule an outdoor football game mates in the winter. ``

`` Well that 's boring, '' John replied.

Albus leaned his psyche on his manus and closed his eyes while trying to drown out his friends conversation. Gospel According to John, rosebush, and Kaden continued to argue about the merit of Quidditch and football. mat and Amanda stayed out of it for the most division and seemed sort of amused with the entire matter. Albus was n't, though. He wished they 'd just shut up. Albus 's head was steadily feeling spoilt, 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 decent sport if it were played on brooms, '' John said.

`` Oh come on, John ! '' blush wine sighed, `` Be severe ! You ca n't play football on Scots heather. How would you kick the testicle ? ``

`` Not to observe that Muggles play football game ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Muggles ca n't fly ! ``

`` I 'm not saying that Muggles should bring football game on brooms. I meant if football were ever played by thaumaturge, it should be done on broom. ``

Football on Scots heather, Albus thought, what an insane mind. His friends were now trying to immix football and Quidditch.

`` Albus, are you all right ? '' Matt asked.

Albus opened his centre and lifted his headway off his hand. `` I dunno. ``

`` You do n't look that swell, '' Matt said concernedly.

John, pink wine, and Kaden stopped arguing and looked at Albus.

`` Yeah, you look unsound than Matt does when he gets grisly, '' Kaden said loudly.

`` Thanks, '' Matt muttered.

`` Matt 's right, '' Rose said, `` You do look awful, Albus. ``

`` I 've got a headache, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You should go see madam Pomfrey, '' Kaden told him.

`` I think I 'll just go to bed, '' Albus got up from his chairwoman, `` I have n't really slept much the past few Night. 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 moment later.

******

Albus awoke with a starting line and he was n't sure how a good deal time had passed since he went to sleep. He still felt extremely tired and his brain still hurt. He groaned and closed his heart again, wanting only to slumber for a few days straight.

Right when he was about to drift off again, someone threw the drape back and Albus 's bed was flooded in light.

`` Ugh, '' Albus groaned and covered his eyes with his manus. `` What was that for ? ``

`` You 've slept almost an entire day, '' somebody said.

Albus moved his hands and slowly opened his centre. John was standing over his bed with a flavor of business on his font.

`` And I 'd care to catch some Z's a bit more if you do n't listen, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You slept through dinner party last Nox, and breakfast and dejeuner today. Are n't you hungry ? ``

`` Not really. ``

`` Are you sure you 're ok ? '' John asked, `` Rose sent me up here to check on you. ``

Honestly, Albus was n't sure as shooting he was ok. He could n't think the last time he had slept an full day. But right now all he wanted was for John Lackland 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 John.

`` If you 're surely, '' John said quietly and closed the curtains.

It did n't take Albus long to fall back asleep. He had some strange dream that involved teddy telling him his ling broke and he 'd consume to wreak Quidditch without it by running around on the background. Then, instead of a Quaffle, the friction match was played with a football.

Albus woke up briefly after one of these dreams, only to find that the dormitory was dark. He could hear Ethan 's smother snoring and an owl hooting outside. Unfortunately, he did n't feel any better than he had when John woke him up. In fact, he now felt worse. Every one of his muscleman were aching, like he had fallen from his broom during the mates. But Albus could n't think falling from his ling. When had the compeer been anyway ? Yesterday or the day before ? Albus could n't even recall and he did n't even know what day it was currently.

`` Albus ! '' Someone 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 arrest smacking me with that beater 's bat. ``

`` Beater 's bat ? '' they repeated, `` That 's it, I 'm getting Professor Potter. ``

`` I 'll go, '' someone else said, `` You stay here with him. ``

Whoever had been hitting Albus with the bat had stopped, and he was grateful. Georgia had taken the bat away and was now yelling at its owner. Then she announced that they would be playing football game instead of Quidditch. James II complained loudly, since there were n't any Seekers in football.

`` Albus, wake up ! ``

`` I think Kaden said you 'll induce to bring defending team, James, '' Albus mumbled in his sleep. `` There is n't a Snitch in football. ``

`` bent on, Albus, John 's getting your dad. ``

`` My dad ? He 'll have to play defense, too. ``

`` What 's wrongly ? '' someone new shouted.

`` He 's been sleeping since after the friction match, professor ceramist. I think he 's sick. ``

`` 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 arms. He rested his head on their articulatio humeri and shivered as his blanket fell back onto the bed. Albus fell back into a mystifying sleep and next woke up as he was being laid down on another bed.

Albus heard citizenry talking all around him, but he could n't make out what they were saying. person poured a few disgusting potions down his throat and forced him to accept them. There was more grumble around him, but Albus soon drifted off to catch some Z's again.

The room was quieter when Albus next woke up. He opened his eyes and looked around. Where was he ? Albus was sure he had fallen asleep in his dorm room, but now it looked as if he was in the Hospital flank. The place was nearly deserted, save for Madam Pomfrey sitting at her desk. Albus yawned and tried to sit up, but he was still dizzy. The good thing was that his head felt much improve. However, his body 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, '' Madam Pomfrey said as she poured one of the potions into a cup, `` You gave us all quite a fearfulness. ``

`` What time 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 nozzle, `` Drink that. ``

Albus downed the potion quickly, `` Yuck. It 's really Monday ? I 've missed class ? ``

`` I 'd say so. ``

`` Er, what exactly happened ? I mean, I went to bed in my dorm and now I 'm here ... ''

`` You 're ill, '' Madam Pomfrey said, `` You 've caught the flu. Your booster told me you slept for almost two days and then they went to get your father since you were n't getting any better and had started becoming excited. You 've been here since around lunch time. ``

`` Oh. wellspring, how tenacious do I have to continue ? ``

`` Another two days, probably, '' lady Pomfrey told him. `` Now I want you to drink these other two potions and eat that arena of soup. ``

Albus nodded and brothel keeper 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 foggy storage. The last thing he could really remember well was the Quidditch match. He was very happy he had n't fallen ill before the match.

No sooner had Albus drank the first potion that the doors to the hospital flank swung open and John, Matt, rosiness, and Amanda came bursting through. madam Pomfrey got up quickly from her desk and met them halfway.

`` Is Albus awake ? '' Rose 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 Merlin you 're all correct ! ``

`` How are you ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Doing better ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

`` Well, '' lusterlessness said with a half smile on his pale brass, `` This is a switch. ``

Albus grinned at him, `` Yeah, ca n't really call back a meter 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 exhaust as before. ``

`` I would hope so, '' John smirked, `` You slept two days. ``

`` I 'll probably catch some Z's another two, '' Albus said, `` Pomfrey said I 've got to stay another two days. ``

`` We 'll be here together, then, '' lustrelessness replied.

Albus looked at his friend, who was looking a bit exhausted himself. `` When 's the wax moon again ? ``

`` Tomorrow, '' Matt sighed.

`` Did you take that new potion ? '' Albus asked.

flatness nodded, `` Yeah, and I 'm more knackered than usual. ``

`` He fell asleep in history of Magic and almost fell asleep in Potions, '' John said.

`` well, you did n't sleep through two unharmed daytime like I did, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I 've done it before. I 've slept through more than two twenty-four hour period actually. I think four is my book. ``

`` All right ! '' Madam Pomfrey announced, `` sentence for you lot to be off to bed, especially you, lustrelessness. And Albus needs to rest. ``

`` See you tomorrow, '' Albus said as his friends left the room.

`` Sure will, '' mat replied.

Albus slept on and off throughout the Night and the next aurora. He was still tired, but felt much better when he woke up late the adjacent morning. His dad had stopped by earlier before social class, but Albus fell back asleep after he left.

Madam Pomfrey was fussing over him and giving him numerous potions to drink. Albus was the only patient in the entire ward, so the nurse 's fussing was all focused on him.

The nursemaid had been giving Albus what must throw been his ten percent glass of water that morning when the door to the ward opened. Matt stumbled inside and walked shakily over to the bed next to Albus 's. He collapsed onto it and winced in pain.

Madam Pomfrey immediately put down the pee hurler and descended upon Matt.

`` You 're here before than common, '' she said as she felt his point, `` And you 're burning up. ``

`` Why are you here earlier ? '' Albus asked once Madam Pomfrey had gone to get another potion.

`` Tired, '' flatness mumbled, `` felled seam asleep in United States Department of Defense and your dad told me to follow here. ``

`` Is it the new potion ? ``

`` Yeah, it does n't exactly aid much, does it ? ``

`` I thought you said they were going to get something to counteract the portion of it that makes you tired, '' Albus said.

`` They are, they just have n't found it yet. ``

`` Oh. ``

Madam Pomfrey returned a moment later and gave flatness a few potions. He drank them and was asleep mo later. Albus was n't really wear upon, but he fell asleep anyway out of lack of anything else to do.

Saint John the Apostle, pink wine, and Amanda stopped by after dinner to see Albus and flatness, but gentlewoman Pomfrey did n't let them appease long. Matt had been asleep anyway. Shortly after their friends left, brothel keeper Pomfrey woke Matt up and took him down to the Whomping Wilow.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Moonylupin, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and Denas for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus awoke the side by side sunup, he felt much better. In fact, he felt mostly pattern. He was n't achy anymore and his promontory felt better as well. He hungrily ate all the breakfast Madam Pomfrey provided.

The like could n't be said for Matt, who was looking practically worse than the previous day. He was either at rest or unconscious, Albus was betting on the latter, and he had numerous cuts and scratch 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 kind of spell on Matt.

`` Later today, most belike, '' she said after she 'd finished her incantation.

Albus sighed. He had been hoping he 'd be able to pass on that morning. He was starting to palpate incredibly bored with the Hospital flank, although not bored enough to bulge the homework blush wine had brought the previous evening.

Albus spent the remainder of the sunrise drifting in and out of sopor out of lack of anything else to do. Madam Pomfrey gave him a few more foul taste potions and lunch, which Albus ate ravenously. After going two sidereal day without solid food, he was starving.

The doors to the hospital Wing opened just as Albus was finishing his lunch. John, rose, and Amanda walked inside and immediately headed for Albus 's bed. Madam Pomfrey was in her office and did n't seem to notice the visitors.

`` Hey, how are you ? '' Rose asked.

`` Bored, '' Albus replied.

`` That 's estimable, '' rosiness grinned.

`` Are you effective now ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Pretty lots. gentlewoman Pomfrey wo n't let me leave until later, though. wishing she 'd let me get out now. ``

`` She just wants to make sure as shooting you 're completely better, '' blush wine said, `` And it 's not like you 're missing course of instruction since this is our afternoon off. ``

`` Exactly ! '' John the Divine sighed, `` He could be doing a great deal well 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 ? '' john asked.

`` Go to the library, '' Albus replied, `` We 've got to look for room of proving who we are. ``

St. John groaned, `` And I doubt there will just be a playscript titled Prove Who You Are to a composition of Parchment. ``

`` Probably not, '' Rose laughed. `` But we 'll find out somehow. ``

`` Making anymore onward motion on the charm for Kaden ? '' Albus asked.

`` A bit, yeah. I tried it again last night on John and this clock time he could n't even move his mouth like last time. Now I 've just got to figure out how to involve other people in the secret. ``

`` And then all we 've got to do is convert Matt that the spell is foolproof, '' lavatory said.

Everyone glanced over at Matt 's bed, where he was still sleeping.

`` He been deceased 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, '' trick said, `` Just about that charm for Kaden. We 're going to get working on the map once you two are out of here. Got to determine some way to prove to it that we 're like the piranha. ``

`` strait secure, '' lusterlessness yawned.

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked, `` Albus is leaving later today. ``

`` No idea, '' matte said, `` Not until at least tomorrow night. power be out in fourth dimension for Astronomy. ``

`` Ca n't you not be outside when the moon is close to wide-cut ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Only when it 's waxing. When it 's waning I 'm fine. ``

`` So, we 'll project on working on the map this weekend, then, '' Albus said. `` Unless any of you catch what I had. ``

`` promise not, '' John said. `` Maybe Malfoy will overtake it, '' he added gleefully.

`` whoremonger, that 's not risible, '' Rose scolded, `` He 'd be really sick. ``

`` He 'd get in effect. Albus is fine now. ``

Albus heard a threshold open and Madam Pomfrey came strolling out of her office. She looked up and saw the gang around Albus and Matt 's beds and made a beeline for them.

`` What are you lot doing here ? '' she demanded.

`` Visiting Albus and Matt, '' blush wine answered.

`` Oh, you 're wake ! '' the nanny exclaimed and went over to Matt 's bed, apparently forgetting that Rose, John Lackland, and Amanda had burst in without her permit. `` How do you feel ? ``

`` Awful, '' Matt replied. `` My head injury and so does pretty often everything else. ``

`` You must have hit your head much worse than common last Nox, '' madam Pomfrey sighed, `` You had quite the concussion earlier. I 'll go get some painfulness potions. ``

She returned a moment later with a potion for mat, who drank it in one gulp.

`` Now, you three have to go away, '' Madam Pomfrey said to rose wine, John, and Matt, `` Albus will be out later and you can see him then. ``

tedium set in for Albus shortly after his friends left. Matt had fallen back asleep quickly after he took his pain potion. Albus could n't even slumber anymore because he had already slept so practically that day.

******

`` What are we supposed to be looking for anyway ? '' John sighed as he slammed a Scripture shut.

Albus, John, Matt, pink wine, and Amanda were all crowded around a secluded table in the subroutine library. It was covered in books that covered all form of issue. The five of them had spent the last hour searching for ways to rise to the new map that they were like the Marauders. So far, nonentity had found anything useful.

`` I do n't experience, '' Albus replied, `` Anything that might prove that we 're like the vulture. ``

`` That 's not very particular, '' St. John muttered, `` I really do n't want to spend an total Saturday here. ``

`` It 'll do you some commodity, '' blush wine said.

`` wishing we could just use that account book that you used to find the former charm, '' Albus said to rose wine, thinking of Flitwick 's book.

`` Me too, but it 's in the Restricted section, '' Rose said.

`` Why ca n't we just get Professor thrower to throw us a note ? Bet he would, '' John said.

`` Bet he would n't, '' Albus disagreed, `` He 'd know we 're up to something. ``

`` Besides, '' Rose interjected, `` It might not be a Charm we 're looking for. ``

`` We 're just going to hold to restrain looking, '' Albus said as he opened another account book. `` But I 've got Quidditch pattern in a one-half 60 minutes. ``

`` We 'll just look every meter we can get away from Kaden, '' matt suggested.

`` Where is he anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. do to think of it, he had n't seen Kaden since breakfast. It was variety of unknown since Kaden spent every waking moment of his day ( when he was n't in course of instruction ) no less than four feet away from Albus.

`` There he is, '' flatness pointed to somewhere behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw his cousin running through the library with a clipboard in his hand.

`` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' Madam Pince shouted even louder, `` Or I 'll fuddle you all out ! ``

`` Albus, '' Kaden said more quietly as he sat down in an empty hot seat at their table.

Albus eyed Kaden 's clipboard but he could n't read what it said. `` Hi Kaden. ``

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied, `` Will you sign my petition ? ``

`` request ? '' Albus asked, `` What in the epithet of Merlin are you petitioning for ? ``

`` TVs in the green elbow room, '' Kaden grinned.

`` What ? ! '' John and Matt shouted.

`` subdued ! '' Madam Pince screeched.

Rose laughed, `` What on worldly concern for ? ``

`` I would n't heed having a TV in the commons elbow room, '' Amanda commented.

`` Exactly, '' Kaden said, `` It 's hard enough for us Muggle-borns to align to Hogwarts and if we had TVs, it would lay down it easier. ``

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' toilet laughed.

`` Nope, not kidding, '' Kaden said, `` I 've got piles of signatures already. I 'm not really sure how many I 'll ask, though. I figure I 'll try and get as many as I can in a few days and then give it to Professor Longbottom. ``

Albus tried to suppress his grinning, but he could n't. The idea of Kaden trying to get television put into the common suite was just too risible. There would be no way any of the teachers would agree to it even if everyone in Hogwarts signed the petition.

`` So will you sign it ? '' Kaden asked, `` If this goes through, I 'll try for figurer next. ``

`` computing machine, '' Matt laughed, `` You 're mad. ``

`` I 'll signal, '' Amanda grabbed the clipboard and quill.

`` Sure, why not ? '' Albus shrugged. It could n't injure to signalise the affair, and he was sure enough Kaden would n't end bugging them unless they did.

Saint John and matte signed as well, although they were laughing the whole time. rosebush signed a bit reluctantly, but she eventually gave in.

`` So what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked after rose finished signing.

`` prep, '' Albus replied automatically.

Kaden stared at the large pile of book, `` Second year must be bloody insane. ``

`` Oh, it is, '' John said, `` You wo n't have any time to watch any TV. ``

`` I 'll make time, '' Kaden said as he stood up, `` Well, I 'm going to get more signatures. ``

Albus watched as his cousin went from tabular array 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 screwball. Eventually, Madam Pince found out what he was doing and threw him out of the library.

`` Your first cousin is the weirdest bloke I 've ever met, '' can said after Kaden was kicked out.

`` Yeah, he is a bit strange, '' Albus agreed and closed the al-Qur'an he was reading, `` Well, I 'm off to drill. I 'll see you lot later. ``

After pattern, Albus went to the common room and found his friends sitting around their usual table doing homework. Unfortunately, none of them had found anything that would help them to prove that they were like the predator. Albus was beginning to enquire if they 'd ever get that map working. Even if they did discover a way to prove they were like the Marauders, what would they have to do next ? How many things would they possess to do before they would actually be able to see the map ? Albus had no idea, but he knew the Marauders were n't going to attain this easy.

******

The eternal sleep of February passed quickly. Albus and his friends continued to scour the library for any kind of magic spell, magical spell, or potion that would aid them in their quest to let on the map. None of them found anything. Kaden thought they were all doing homework as they searched the books every weekend. Rose was making progress with the Sileo Altus charm, but it was n't quite perfected enough to use yet. Rose was sure she 'd throw it learned by the end of the calendar month. Matt never said much when the good luck charm was brought up and Albus was hoping he would still agree to tell Kaden once Rose perfected the spell.

Kaden 's petition to give birth TV put into the common room was rejected shortly after he gave it to Neville. Kaden did n't appear in the least bit discourage by this. He insisted it was rejected due to lack of convincing grounds as to how the telecasting would benefit the scholar. He was planning on resubmitting it along with a detailed essay on the subject later on in the term.

`` You know, Kaden, '' blush wine said at dinner one dark, `` Even if the instructor accepted your orison, the television receiver would n't even work here. There 's too practically magic. ``

`` Oh, I 'm sure there 's a spell that would counteract that, '' Kaden said.

`` It wo n't work, '' lustrelessness said, `` trick just does n't agree with electronics. This one time when we were visiting my Uncle Jack in the United DoS, Amy accidentally broke one of the metallic element sensing element at the airport. It was n't her fault or anything, the conjuring trick just interrupted it or something. The thing started beeping and would n't block off until they turned it off. ``

lavatory laughed, `` That would 've been hilarious to see. ``

`` Amy did n't retrieve so. She was mortified, '' Matt said, `` It was a patch ago, before we even moved here. I think she was fourteen. ``

`` Well, I still say they could get a way, '' Kaden said.

`` Hey, face, '' Albus pointed to the straits table. Professor Kendrick was standing up.

`` Wonder what he 's got to say ? '' privy asked.

`` Leslie Townes Hope it 's nothing bad, '' blush wine said.

`` He looks happy enough, '' Amanda commented.

`` May I have your attention ! '' Kendrick announced. The way fell silent. `` Thank you. Do n't concern, I 'm not giving out bad news. In fact, I think you 'll find this declaration most exciting. ``

There was a cosmopolitan cardiac murmur of exhilaration throughout the Great vestibule at this. Kendrick waited for everyone to stop talking before he continued.

`` If you 'll call up at the beginning of the twelvemonth, when I announced the changes for the Dueling order, that that would only be one part of the firm unity effort. I am announcing today that the other professors and I have organized another I issue. It will be a scavenger hunt, with inter-house teams, of class. ``

Albus groaned. A pack rat 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 general groaning throughout.

`` I know you do n't like it, but the school needs to be unified. Now, I will explain the issue. It will not be like a regular pack rat hunt. It will take aim place on the adjacent three Saturdays. This Sabbatum will be for the 1st and second class. The following will be for third and fourth years. The last will be for fifth, sixth, and one-seventh years.

`` The other prof and I will be organizing the team, which will comprise of members of other years and other houses. Each team will possess about ten members. You will have one hour to dispatch the labor given.

`` You will receive a tilt of item to prevail before this time of day is up. There are rules, of course. Some of these particular will be required to obtain without magic trick. We will be performing magic spell on these items and if we find that any of them were spelled, transfigured, conjured, charmed, etc. within the hour they will be disqualified.

`` However, the scavenger Richard Morris Hunt will not only include a listing of items to rule. You will also welcome multiple triviality sheets. These will let in both genius and Muggle trivia.

`` Finally, each team will encounter a riddle, which if they deceiver correctly, will lead them on a pursuance throughout the castle and basis. 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 decimal point fillip. However, there is also a false trail that will go you to worthless data. If that is brought back, you 'll receive no bonus.

`` I will give you a more detailed list of linguistic rule on the day of the event. Until then, keep your mental capacity sharp and do n't get rid of anything you would otherwise deem useless, '' Kendrick smiled and returned to his seat.

Albus turned to his friends, `` This sounds, er, interesting. ``

`` It 's really an excellent idea, '' Rose grinned, `` I mean, there 's no way a single soul would be able to achieve all of it alone. It 's a great melodic theme for House 1. ``

`` It 'd be better if we did n't have to team up with Slytherins, '' St. John muttered.

`` But what if there 's something on that list that 's in the Slytherin common way or something ? '' rose pointed out.

John groaned, `` I guess you 're aright. ``

`` Sounds fun, though, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah. Wonder what we get if we win ? '' matt asked.

`` Hopefully some coupon to get out of preparation or something, '' John said.

`` Since when have they given away those ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Now 's the perfective time for them to pop, '' King 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 material on that list and if there was anyone in the school that had gobs of random stuff, it was Kaden.

******

The next few Day seemed to drag on forever for Albus and the repose of the first and second old age. Everyone was getting excited about the scavenger hunt and the teachers were getting a bit pissed that nobody was paying attending in class.

Soon enough, Saturday arrived and Kendrick announced at lunch for all the number one and second years to continue seated after they were done eating. Once all the elderly pupil left, Kendrick got to his feet once more.

`` Now, the moment you 've all been waiting for, '' Kendrick said, `` The Scavenger Hunt will begin shortly. showtime, I have a few more rules to go over.

`` As I said earlier in the calendar week, there are token on this list that are not allowed to be created using illusion. You may not bring up, transfigure, while, or magic spell any of those items. Asking an older educatee to do so is also against the rules. We have patch that will detect if any item was magicked during the hour of the scavenger hunt.

`` The items must be found within the schooling and curtilage. Hogsmeade, the Forbidden forest, the Whomping willow tree, and Hagrid 's hut are all out of bounds and you may not search for point in or around them. You may not ask older students or instructor for supporter, nor may you owl family appendage or early people. However, you may ask erstwhile educatee if they have any of the item on the inclination. It is up to them if they let you borrow them or not. Do not steal anything from anyone or there will be penalisation. You are permitted to use the subroutine library for helper with the trivia. ``

blush wine 's face lit up at that and Albus knew she would be the official subroutine library researcher for her team.

`` There are going to be eight team of approximately ten students each. Your sign prefects have your team appointment. Teams one and two are to meet at the Hufflepuff table, one at each end. Teams three and four at the Gryffindor board, five and six at Ravenclaw, and seven and eight at Slytherin. You will be given a few bit to get organized in your team and then the early professor will hand out the allow cloth. Each team is given one set of stuff, no more. If you lose it, tough destiny. Now please see your prefects. ``

Albus got up from the table and looked around until he spotted Georgia. He and his friends wound their way through the crowd until they managed to get to her.

`` Hey, Albus ! '' GA grinned and looked at her clipboard, `` Ready ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm on a good squad, right ? ``

`` wellspring, 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 friend to get their team assignments.

Georgia scanned her clipboard again, `` Let 's see, Rose is on Team One, whoremonger is on Team Four, mat '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 hope Malfoy was n't on his team.

`` Amanda 's on Team quaternity, 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 friends, `` surmise we 'll see you after. Good portion. ``

Albus and lustrelessness worked their way through the crew to the Hufflepuff mesa along with pink wine. Albus was a bit thwarted that Kaden was n't on his squad, but there was n't anything he could do about that. The fortune were n't great that he would have two of his acquaintance on his same team. He was just favourable he had one of his ally on the same team.

The Hufflepuff table was already filling with people from team one and two. team Two was gathering at the half closest to the staff board, so Albus and flatness made their way there.

There seemed to be a fairly tied figure of each theatre at the tabular array. Besides Albus and matte, there was one other Gryffindor, a first year girl Albus had seen but did n't get laid her name. There were also two Ravenclaws Albus did n't have intercourse, three Hufflepuffs, and two Slytherins. Albus groaned when he saw who the Slytherins were, Felix Willinson and Leigh Montague. Leigh was Rose 's potions partner and not the keen quill in the box.

Felix Willinson narrowed his eyes when he saw Albus and flatness coming over. Albus found seats far away from him and sat down, waiting for the scavenger hunt to begin.

One of the Ravenclaws stood up a few seconds later, `` Hi, I 'm Rachel underbrush and I 've been assigned as squad captain. ``

Everyone muttered hello to her and Rachel had everyone introduce themselves. So far, Willinson and Montague did n't seem enthused about their team, but Rachel did n't pay any care to their animosity.

professor Patil came over a little while later with a fistful of parchment. Albus assumed they were the tilt of stuff to look for and the trivia.

`` The Hunt will start in one minute of arc ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professor will move over you your tilt as soon as I say go. You 'll hold one time of day to be back here with as much stuff you can possibly get. ``

A mo later, Kendrick shot out a shower of blue angel glint from his wand and Patil handed the great deal of sheepskin to Rachel.

`` All right ! '' Rachel shouted as she leafed through the parchment, `` We need someone to trace the riddle and run around to get the fillip points. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' the early Ravenclaw volunteered. Rachel nodded and handed him the parchment. He ran out of the Great Asaph Hall while reading the riddle.

`` Ok, here 's the trivium, '' Rachel continued, `` We 've got celebrated witch and Wizards, Famous Muggles, What Not To Do While Interacting With Muggles, What Do You Know About Quidditch, and What Do You have it off About Football. ``

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 able-bodied to do it. Willinson had n't taken any of the triviality 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 find out, '' Rachel announced to the remaining team members, which were Albus, mat, Willinson, and one of the Hufflepuffs. `` You four get started while I work on the trivia. Oh, but I 'll take in care of the costumes. You 'll just have to fag out them. ``

Albus nodded and took the sheepskin from her. Costumes ? He hoped he would n't sustain to outwear anything too humiliating. He set it down on the table and began to read it, with everyone else looking over his shoulder.

point Are To Be Gathered Without deception

-holly wand
-five puking flavored Bertie Botts Beans
-Slytherin wearing Gryffindor robes
-Gryffindor wearing Slytherin robe
-light saber
-Dumbledore chocolate frog add-in
-twenty shoelaces tied together
-Quaffle signed by Joseph Oliver Wood
-Shooting champion broomstick
-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 peg
-silver goblet
-Chudley Cannons New Jersey
-six Extendable spike
-Muggle playing posting
-receipt from Madam Malkins
-Argus Filch 's autograph
-the names of five Hogwarts House Elves
-rubber duck
-copy of Hogwarts, A history
-sneakoscope
-foe glass
-tea cozy
-Hogwarts graduation film
-band economic aid
-green abandon potions bottle
-Beatles CD
-purple gloves
-Hershey 's chocolate bar
-My Little Hippogriff
-pet toad
-purple parchment
-two barrage fire
-tortilla chips

Albus looked up from the list and waited for everyone else to eat up reading.

`` What the bloody the pits is a CD ? '' Willinson asked.

`` Muggle way of listening to music, '' Albus explained, `` One of my cousin might own 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 hooey ? ``

Everyone nodded.

`` Let 's go get the stuff we know we 've got and then meet back here, '' Albus said as he got up. `` Then we can run on the stuff we do n't. ``

The other three boys agreed and Albus ran out of the Great foyer with Matt. The two of them ran as fast as they could up to Gryffindor Tower.


A/N : I ca n't subscribe credit entry for the pack rat hunt melodic theme. There is a hangout in Penn called Woodloch pine tree that I go to every summer and they have scavenger Hunt like the one in this chapter. Complete with costumes, trifle, and the riddle. 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 limited review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or the idea for the scavenger hunt.


`` Willinson is acting civic, '' Albus commented as they were running up a flight of stairs.

`` Yeah, '' matte agreed, `` Kind 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 Matt ran into the common room completely out of breath. `` magpie hunt, '' Albus muttered to his cousins Ben and Cedric as he ran by.

`` Excellent, '' Ben grinned, `` Ca n't wait until our turn next Sat. ``

Bilius was also in their dormitory collecting token when Albus and matte entered. They nodded to each early, but did n't say anything.

Albus wrenched undefendable his automobile trunk and started rifling through it. He found a bag of Bertie Botts attic, a Dumbledore chocolate toad frog card, his copy of Hogwarts, A account, one extendible Ear, and the photo record album he found in the Ionic dialect of his firm. The graduation picture show in the back would work for the Hogwarts graduation picture.

`` What have you got ? '' he asked matt once he emerged from his trunk.

`` My wand 's holly, a muggle pen, striation assistance, Chudley shank jersey, and a Nintendo DS, although I 'm not sure as shooting why I still bother to get it since it does n't work here. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Let 's get back to the Great foyer. ``

When Albus and matte got back to the Hufflepuff table, Willinson and Rodner had already returned. There was a galvanic pile of stuff on the mesa 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 calling card, and a sneakoscope.

`` All right, we 've got a good first, '' Albus said as he added his and matt 's stuff to the cumulus. `` I guess we 'll have to ask the onetime scholarly person to borrow the rest.

`` Rodner, '' Albus began, `` You see if you can get a light sabre, a Quaffle signed by King Oliver Wood, a Shooting hotshot broomstick, drumfish marijuana cigarette, a receipt from gentlewoman Malkin 's, foe crank, 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 chalice, tortilla chips, a tea tea cosy, the names of five menage Elves, and a Hershey bar. ``

`` Why should I ? '' Willinson grumbled, `` Who put you in kick ? ``

`` Someone 's got to do it, '' Albus told him.

`` Make Eckerton do it. ``

`` Him and I are getting the remainder, '' Albus replied, `` If you want to win, you 'll get the hooey. ``

`` Fine, '' Willinson muttered and left the Great Hall.

`` Ok, that leaves the shoe lacing, empty greenish potions bottle, purple mitt, a My Little Hippogriff, a frog, purple sheepskin, a natural rubber duck, two batteries, and five Sir Thomas More Extendable auricle. Oh, and Filch 's autograph. ``

`` We 'll do that one end, '' Matt shuddered. `` We can probably just go back to the common way and ask if anyone 's got this hooey. ``

`` Good idea, '' Albus agreed.

The two boys set off at a run back to their common room. Luckily it was still packed with students and some of them grinned as Albus and Matt entered.

`` How 's it going ? '' Ben asked.

`` commodity, '' Albus grinned back, `` But we 've got a bunch of poppycock to find. Listen up everyone ! '' he shouted.

The entire vernacular room 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 pack rat hunt and require some stuff. Has anyone got a My Little Hippogriff, purple glove, a toad, purple parchment, a safety duck, batteries, or Extandable spike ? Also, we need twenty skid lace. I promise we 'll retort it all once we 're done. ``

About half the scholarly person got up and went up to their dormitory. A few moment later they came back down with various particular for Albus. He managed to borrow a gum elastic duck, purple parchment, and a few Extendable ear. Plus he got at least 20 shoe laces.

`` That worked well, '' Albus said as he and lustrelessness left the room.

`` I 'd say so, '' Matt agreed, `` Now Filch 's John Hancock. This ought to be fun. ``

Albus smacked his bridge player to his forehead, `` I should have grabbed the map ! ``

Albus groaned and ran back to the common room. Everyone laughed as he ran up to his dormitory and back down to the mutual room. Albus ignored them and pointed his wand to the map. A few indorsement later he saw that Filch was lurking near the library.

Albus and Matt took off for the library and spotted Filch a few yards away from the door.

`` How are we supposed to ask him ? '' Albus whispered.

`` No idea, '' flatness 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. `` Potter. Up to no good again ? In need of another detention, 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 promote Inter sign single and we have to rule all this hooey throughout the rook and- ''

`` We need your autograph, '' matte interrupted, holding a art object of parchment 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 get at ... bookman never do anything for me ... ''

Nevertheless, Filch took the pen and scribbled his name onto the purple parchment. He thrust it wordlessly back into Matt 's hand and shuffled off down the corridor.

`` That went better than expected, '' lustrelessness 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 cheating, but Kendrick never said anything. `` That 's superb ! ``

The two of them set off for the way, but when they got there, there was a Hufflepuff prefect milling around right in strawman of the Room. Albus slowly walked back and Forth in front of it, keeping an eye on the prefect.

He was about to make his third gear pass, when the prefect stopped him. `` Sorry, '' he said, `` You ca n't go in there if you 're in the scavenger hunt. Kendrick 's normal. ``

Albus sighed, `` All rightfield. ``

`` Of trend, '' Matt muttered as they left, `` Kendrick could n't declare that formula because then everyone would find out about the Room. Oh, well. What have we got left ? ``

Albus handed matt the lean and he looked it over for a few indorsement. `` Hey, I know Madam Pomfrey 's got super C potions bottles. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Albus said, `` We 'd better hurriedness, there 's only fifteen min left. ``

They made it to the Hospital Wing in record clock time. Albus pushed the door capable and walked in, followed by Matt.

`` I 've got patient to run to ! '' Madam Pomfrey was shouting at a Ravenclaw first yr, `` I have n't got time for this magpie hunt gimcrack ! You 're the fifth person I 've had come in here looking for potions feeding bottle and band AIDS ! I have n't got any ! ``

The girl nodded and ran quickly out of the elbow room, completely ignoring Albus and flatness 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 lustrelessness over to the nurse, who was bent over one of the beds.

`` hi, madam Pomfrey, '' Matt greeted her.

dame Pomfrey turned around and her irritated face softened immediately when she saw Matt.

`` howdy, lusterlessness, dear. Are you all right ? You look a bit flushed, '' Madam Pomfrey said and put her hand to his forehead.

`` I 'm fine, '' matte assured her, `` I 've just been running around working on the magpie hunt. ``

`` Not you, too, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey sighed and then noticed Albus, `` Oh and Albus as well. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` We were just wondering if you might possess an empty-bellied green potions bottle. ``

The nursemaid sighed and walked over to her potions cabinet. `` I suppose. Just be for certain to return it. ``

Albus watched in jounce as she returned with the exact item they were looking for. Matt grinned at Albus and took the bottle.

`` Thanks, '' Matt smiled.

Madam Pomfrey shook her head teacher, `` No trouble. Have fun, boys. ``

`` We will, '' Matt said as he turned to entrust the room.

Albus followed him out the threshold, still in stupor that the nurse had actually given them the bottle when she had yelled at that first year only minutes ago.

`` You 're certainly on her near side, '' Albus muttered after they left the room.

`` One of the few perks of being there once a month, '' lusterlessness said dryly.

`` We 'd better get back to the Great Hall, '' Albus said as he looked at his watch.

Albus and matt ran as fast as they could back to where their team was. The ease of the team was working hard to finish the remaining triviality. Rachel herself was dressed up as Godric Gryffindor, complete with a false byssus. Rodner was dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff.

However, neither was as funny as what Willinson was wearing. He was decked out in Gryffindor finest, with robes, a scarf joint, and a 'Loyal Gryffindor'hat. Albus could hardly stifle his laughter.

`` Do n't say a news, Potter, '' Willinson growled.

`` Albus ! '' Rachel shouted, `` You 've got to dress up as a Slytherin ! The robe I 've got are too big for matte 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 joint, and 'Slytherins Are Best'hat. It would only be for a few minutes and if it helped them win ....

Albus did find a bit strange in the Slytherin gown. He could n't serve but mean 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 robe all the clock time. He might ingest even been Thomas More friendly with Malfoy at first. He probably would n't have really befriended John, lustrelessness, or Amanda if he 'd been in Slytherin. Albus shook the thought from his head and concentrated on the fact that he was just wearing the robes to help his team win.

Rachel took stock of the items on the list as Matt tied all the shoe lace together. It turns out that the alone affair they were missing were the light saber, Quaffle signed by Oliver wood, shot wizard broomstick, foe glassful, Hershey 's bar, toad, and one battery. Rachel thought that was pretty good.

The other Ravenclaw returned a second later and told everyone that he had finished the riddle quest and had managed to get the bonus points.

`` fourth dimension is up ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professor will be around soon to turn back your lists. They will also collect your trifle flat solid which will be marked later today. The success will be announced at dinner party tonight. ``

Patil came over to Albus 's team a few minute later and looked over their list. She took a picture of the four people who were dressed up, much to Albus 's alarm. Now there would be perm grounds of his Slytherin present moment. As soon as the picture was taken, Albus took off the robes and he noticed Willinson doing the same.

`` Ok, '' Patil announced as she gathered up the spell of parchment, `` You can leave. Please refund anything you borrowed. ``

Albus and lustrelessness gathered up their stuff as well as everything they 'd borrowed from various Gryffindors. They stopped by the hospital backstage to return the bottle and then headed back to their plebeian room.

The two of them passed out everyone 's stuff and then went to sit down at their common board. Rose, trick, 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 good, '' John said, `` I caught a coup d'oeil of him in the Gryffindor robes. Priceless. ``

`` Yeah, I thought so. Until I had to put on the Slytherin ones, '' Albus replied.

St. John 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 dress up ? '' Albus asked.

`` I was Helga Hufflepuff, '' John Lackland said.

`` And I was Godric Gryffindor, '' Amanda added.

`` How did everyone do on the tilt of stuff to find ? '' Matt asked.

`` I 'm jolly sure my squad was the lone one with a illume saber ! '' Kaden said excitedly, `` I 'm so glad I decided to bring it. ``

`` We did all right, '' pink wine shrugged, `` Missed a lot of poppycock, but I think we did well in the trifle. ``

`` Of course you did, '' John grinned. `` Hey, did anyone manage to find the potions bottle ? Slughorn did n't give any green ace and madam Pomfrey looked fix to hex me when I asked her. It 's not really reasonable that Kendrick put something on there that was inconceivable to get. ``

Albus grinned at Matt, who grinned back.

`` What ? '' john asked.

`` We got it, '' flatness told him.

`` How ? '' Kaden asked, `` gentlewoman Pomfrey was downright scary when I asked her. May have been because she was busy fixing someone 's confused arm, but still .... ''

`` matt asked her and she gave him one, '' Albus explained.

lustrelessness shrugged, `` Simple, really. ``

John sighed, `` Well, you 're probably the exclusively one in the school who could get it. She 'd probably give you whatever you asked for. ``

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

`` Sorry, not telling, '' John replied.

Kaden sighed, `` Oh, part of that whole secret I ca n't know about ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John said and then changed the matter, `` Hey, did any of you do the conundrum thing ? ``

`` I did, '' rosiness said, `` Want to discover it ? ``

`` Of course, '' John said.

`` Ok, I 'll see if you can get it. I thought it was a bit mere, really, '' Rose said. She pulled a patch of sheepskin out of her robes and learn off of it.

'' 'In an effect known by wizards worldwide
Where practiced and evil are forced to collide
A painful force can now no longer reside.
A place where just one part of Voldemort died .'''

Albus looked at privy, lustrelessness, and Amanda and shrugged. He did n't think it was simple, but Rose was good at those kind of things.

`` No estimation, '' King John announced.

`` Dunno, '' lustrelessness shrugged.

`` Hmm, '' Amanda muttered.

`` Do n't await at me, '' Kaden said.

`` The Great Hall ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the office where Voldemort died.

`` Nope, '' Rose grinned, `` That was the prank contribution. It 's actually that monument outside, where professor Longbottom killed Voldemort 's Hydra. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus groaned, `` Of course ! Did n't even recall of that. ``

`` How long did it withdraw you to see it out ? '' Matt asked.

`` Not long, '' rosiness smiled, `` But then I had to follow the clues to rule the bit of information to collapse professor Kendrick. ``

`` And where was that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` depository library, '' Rose grinned, `` Herbology subdivision. ``

`` Wonder how many teams got it, '' Albus thought aloud.

`` Well, my squad did, obviously, '' blush wine said, `` And you said your team did, Albus. What about you two ? ``

`` We did n't, '' John sighed and Amanda shook her head.

`` We did, '' Kaden put in.

`` Guess we 'll find out tonight how everyone did, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed, `` But I 'm not going to recall about it now. Might as well get some homework done. ``

Albus managed to get half an essay done before dinner. Rose wrote an entire essay and did a set of preparation interrogation. Matt helped Amanda with her Astronomy and still got his Herbology done. John and Kaden on the other hired man, spent he quietus of the afternoon goofing off and playing chess.

The hullabaloo was running high in the Great Hall during dinner that evening. Everyone was comparing what they managed to ascertain during the Scavenger Hunt. Albus kept glancing up to the staff mesa to see when Kendrick would make the announcement, but he seemed to be waiting until the last minute to do so.

After what seemed like forever, Kendrick got to his base. `` undecomposed evening, everyone. I hope all the low gear and irregular years enjoyed the Scavenger William Holman Hunt. It was certainly a success and I 'm sure the older students will look forward to their turns.

`` And, without any further waiting, I shall declare the results. The first, second, and third stead teams will all be awarded palm.

`` In third base place, with 572 dot, squad Two ! '' Kendrick announced, `` Will the members of Team Two please descend up here. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up, `` Third place, that 's not bad ! ``

`` Yeah, I 'd say that 's pretty practiced, '' Matt grinned and followed Albus up to the staff table.

Albus and lustrelessness joined the rest of their team in social movement of the staff table. Kendrick put a bronze palm over each of their neck opening and pulled out a camera. He took a few mental picture and then told them to return to their seats.

Rose, Amanda, John, and Kaden congratulated Albus and Matt as they sat back down. A few of Albus 's full cousin patted him on the back and told him upright job.

`` Excellent, Albus, '' James grinned, `` But my team will get firstly piazza next week. ``

`` I 'll believe it when I see it, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` And in arcsecond billet, with 580 dot, is team Seven ! '' Kendrick announced.

The phallus of Team Seven ran up to the faculty table to get their silver medals and have their video taken.

`` And in initiatory place, with 673 spot, is Team Six ! '' Kendrick shouted. `` congratulations to the winning squad ! ``

`` Woohoo ! '' Kaden stood up and started jumping up and down as he ran up to the faculty mesa, `` Yes ! ``

`` Wow, who would 've thought that, '' rosiness grinned, `` Kaden 's team won. ``

`` Well, he does throw a very magnanimous amount of random stuff in his dormitory, '' Albus commented.

`` I 'll bet it was the illumine saber that put his team over the edge, '' St. John shook his head, `` 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 gold decoration a few minutes later.

`` Congratulations, '' Albus grinned, `` At least one of us got first place. ``

`` We were so finale to sec, '' Matt groaned, `` octonary measly points ! ``

`` well, third 's good, '' John muttered, `` Better than not getting a medal at all. ``

`` Oh, John the Evangelist, it 's just a game, '' Amanda said, `` The power point is that we all had fun. ``

`` Congratulations to our winning teams and everyone else that participated, '' Kendrick said, `` I will be looking forward to the next round of golf, third and 4th years, a week from today ! ``

Albus hung his bronze decoration from his bed post before he went to bed that nighttime. He crawled beneath the screening feeling very message with third situation. He had n't really been expecting to win at all. The Scavenger James Henry Leigh Hunt had been a lot of fun, and Albus hoped Kendrick would harbour 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 pink wine about the Sileo Altus charm the next day. They would birth to secern Kaden about everything soon if they wanted to make anymore progression on the map. Plus, they 'd have to research more about how to prove to the map that they really were like the Marauders.


A/N : Bit of a shorter chapter, but the previous one was longer, so it evens out. Kaden has proved that it never hurts to have a light saber, a lesson that my crony agrees with since he brought his lighter cavalry sword to LeakyCon and quite a few hoi polloi told him they wished they 'd brought theirs.

I have created a website for my fan fic, where you can find reference visibility and a web log about news program and updates about my writing. The link is on my profile page here. I 'd love for you to check it out and get out comments in the news program and Update section.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, who had to dress up as the Tin Man in last summertime 's scavenger Holman Hunt. Big thanks to my friend, Rose, for coming up with the riddle. Thanks as well to EvilChaos, XDNLxtlz99, St. Luke, mischiefmaker92, drownzer, Moonylupin, Miguel, Denas, and Tonks for their review article !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Throughout the ease of the calendar month, Rose continued to make onward motion on the Sileo Altus charm, and by the time April rolled around, she was confident in her ability to perform it. Albus wished the same could be said for the onward motion with finding out how to prove to the map that he and his supporter were like the Marauders. Albus spent every waking consequence that he was n't doing homework, attending Quidditch pattern, or dueling practice, in the program library trying to find out a spell or charm that would work. His efforts were fruitless, though, because he still had n't found anything promising.

Albus also had another successful dueling tournament. 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 next Quidditch compeer 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 hard to severalise who had the better team, Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Albus pushed thoughts of the map from his head 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 mates, they 'd be in the final. If Ravenclaw got lupus erythematosus than 180 points, then Ravenclaw might not make it to the terminal. Georgia did n't particularly deal who they played in the terminal, just so long as they won.

The catch went smoothly, in Albus 's opinion. Much better than the previous match, in which Albus got cat partway through. The atmospheric condition was right for this equal as well. Albus managed to go on from thinking about the map, which was commodity since it was a very high-scoring friction match for both sides and Albus was constantly being thrown the Quaffle. After only an time of day of manoeuvre, James went into a dive and caught the sneaker, right out from under one of the Ravenclaw beater 's broom.

The usual party in the common elbow room ensued after the students returned to the castle, but Albus was n't really interested in it. Now that the match was over, all he could conceive about was trying out the Sileo Altus appeal on Kaden. Albus figured the best time to do it would be in the evening and the dependable place would be the Room.

Shortly after Rose had succeeded in performing the magic spell on trick, Matt had reluctantly given into trying it with Kaden. His entirely consideration was first trying it with a harmless mystery, and if that worked, to act onto the full-grown one.

`` Are we doing it tonight ? '' John asked as he sipped his butterbeer.

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back, `` After dinner party. ``

The rest period of the afternoon and dinner seemed to go by at an alarmingly irksome pace. metre seemed to go by much like it did in History of Magic.

`` Kaden, '' Albus said after they had finished eating, `` We 're not going to the commons elbow room now. We 're going to testify you a different room in the castle, one you 've never seen. ``

`` Excellent, '' Kaden grinned, `` What sort of way ? ``

`` You 'll see when we get there, '' Albus replied. `` Let 's go. ``

Kaden followed Albus and his champion through the castle, with a constant stream of enquiry that Albus ignored.

`` Are you sure this is going to work ? '' mat whispered nervously as they stopped in front of the white space of wall where the Room of Requirement was.

`` Yes, '' Rose assured him, `` It will puzzle out. ``

Matt nodded and started pacing in front end of the wall.

`` Why did we stop ? '' Kaden asked, and then his centre 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 topographic point ? '' Kaden asked in awe.

`` Room of Requirement, '' Albus told him, `` way that gives you what you need. ``

`` I ca n't trust you did n't show me this yet ! ''

`` Well, it 's not something we want you to tell anyone about. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said, `` So it 'll give me anything I ask it for ? I think I want an entire patty .... ''

`` It does n't do food, '' pink wine explained.

`` Oh, well, it 's still brilliant. ``

`` Kaden, total sit down, '' Albus told his cousin.

`` You 're all so restrained, '' Kaden said as he took a seat on the couch next to Albus, `` What 's going on ? ``

`` Well, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to essay something. pink wine found a magic spell that 's supposed to do individual not be able to tell other mass 's mystery. If it works, we 're going to tell you a gang of hooey and you wo n't be capable to tell anyone. ``

`` What are you going to tell me ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` We have to micturate sure the spell works first, '' Albus sighed, `` Which is why we 're here. Rose is going to do the good luck charm, using your cognition of this elbow room as the closed book. If you have n't told anyone by side by side Saturday, we 'll tell you the rest of it. ``

`` Fine, '' Kaden sighed, `` I ca n't believe you wo n't tell me without this charm. ``

`` Um, Kaden, you 've told Malfoy stuff I told you not to tell apart anyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` That was n't my fault ! ``

`` I know, but we 're not risking this. If you want to know the secrets, you 'll have got to have Rose do the charm. ``

`` Ok, ok, I 'll do it, '' Kaden said.

`` Good, '' rose smiled, `` Now let 's get started. ``

It took rose about ten transactions to perform the good luck charm. Kaden was thoroughly amazed by the appealingness and rose wine 's ability to perform it.

`` Let 's mental testing it, '' Rose decided once they left the room. She pointed to a girl who was walking towards them. `` Go tell her about the Room. ``

Kaden shrugged and ran up to the missy, 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 girl. `` Anyway, at this plaza, you can- ''

`` What 's wrong with you ? '' the girl asked, trying to cover up her giggling. `` Are you ok ? ``

`` Fine, mulct, '' Kaden muttered, `` Never nous. ``

Kaden ran back to Albus and the others, blushing furiously. `` It worked, but now everyone 's going to think I 'm an idiot. ``

Albus laughed, `` No they wo n't. But that 's good that it worked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Kaden grinned, `` Definitely Worth it. ``

******

Albus kept a close eye on Kaden throughout the side by side week. As far as he could differentiate, his cousin did n't tell anyone about the Room of Requirement. They tested the appealingness a few to a greater extent times, telling Kaden to assure someone about it, but Kaden was never able-bodied to. Albus was fully convinced that the Sileo Altus charm was a succeeder.

Kaden was positively beaming by the time Sabbatum arrived. Albus was kind of excited as well, because they would officially have Wormtail in their group of new vulture. John, blush wine, and Amanda were excited as well. The but matter left to do after this would be to detect a way to evidence to the map that they were like the Marauders. mat did n't seem excited at all. He was clearly nervous about telling Kaden that he was a werewolf. It probably did n't help that the full phase of the moon Moon was only a few daytime away. Albus could n't really blame Matt for his nervousness, but Albus was certain the charm would continue to work.

After dinner, Albus led his friends back to the room of prerequisite, with the new Map in his robes.

`` Ok, what 's the cloak-and-dagger ? '' Kaden said as he bounced around the way once they were inside.

`` You 've got to sit down first, '' Albus told him. `` And matt 's going to tell you the first one. ``

`` Oh ! '' A look of inclusion appeared on Kaden 's fount. `` Is this about how you get sick every month ? ``

`` Yes, '' Matt sighed.

`` And this is what you do n't want Malfoy to roll in the hay about ? ``

`` Yes, '' matte said shortly, `` Now just let me evidence you what it is. ``

`` Sorry, '' Kaden muttered.

`` It 's ok, '' Matt said, `` First, you ca n't tell anyone this. I mean, do n't even try to test the appealingness like we 've been doing all workweek. You ca n't even try to recount anyone this. Never mention it to anyone except us. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said.

`` good. Now, you know that werewolves are actual, right ? ``

Kaden nodded, `` What does that have to do with you getting sick ? ``

`` Everything, '' lustrelessness said quietly, `` I am a werewolf. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That is the coolheaded thing ever ! ``

`` No it 's not, '' lusterlessness sighed, `` You do n't even really know what happens when I turn into a werewolf. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I 've seen picture show. ``

`` It 's not like that, '' lusterlessness told him, `` I get regorge a few daytime before the replete moon, and then the night of the wide-cut moon, I turn into a savage and bite myself because there 's naught else for me to bite. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden deflated, `` So where do you go when you turn into a wolf ? ``

`` A shanty in Hogsmeade. ``

`` The Shrieking hovel ? ``

`` 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 meter, '' Kaden said.

`` Most of my life-time, '' lustrelessness explained, `` It 's horrible, really. ``

`` And that 's the big enigma ? '' Kaden asked, `` Why ca n't anyone know that ? ``

`` Because most wizards do n't like werewolf, '' Matt explained.

`` Well that 's pillock. ``

`` 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 ? ``

`` legerdemain does n't fix everything, '' lustrelessness 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 wolfbane Potion, that 's supposed to ca-ca it so you keep your man mind when you turn into a brute. So you do n't require to attack anyone or yourself. ``

`` Why do n't you look at that ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do, '' Matt told him, `` Actually, I take a different variety than almost wolfman take. For some reason, Aconitum lycoctonum does n't work for me. I 'm in this study at St. Mungo 's to figure out why and right now they 've got me taking a new kind of wolfbane. ``

`` Does it ferment ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' mat replied, `` That 's kind of why I still bite myself every wax moon. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. `` So someday they might find a potion that will function ? ``

lustrelessness 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 bit of silence.

`` Yes, '' Albus replied, pulling the new map out of his robe, `` And about this. ``

Albus spent the following half hour showing Kaden the new map. Kaden thought it was the practiced thing he had seen yet at Hogwarts and could n't waitress for it to completely work.

`` So we need you to make up Peter Pettigrew, '' Albus said after he 'd finished explaining about the map.

`` Peter Pettigrew ? '' Kaden raised his brow, `` That evil chap who betrayed your grandparents ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' Albus sighed.

`` You know my mum wanted to name me St. Peter, but Dad said no because he did n't want me to have the same name as that half-wit, '' Kaden commented, `` So it 's my centre name. ``

`` Perfect, '' lav grinned, `` You even sort of share his gens. ``

`` volition 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 exploit. And you are because you 've sorting of got the same name. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I guess. Anyway, when are you going to get the map to influence ? ``

`` Whenever we figure out how to prove to it that we 're like the Marauders. Somehow we 've got to shew the map that we are similar to the vulture, '' Albus explained, `` Which is taking forever. ``

`` Oh, you mean like a finger print ? '' Kaden asked.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` You know, a finger print. Everyone 's is dissimilar, but your finger mark is similar to your relatives. It 's how Muggle cops find multitude and stuff when they 're missing. And how they identify bodies. ``

`` A finger photographic print ! '' pink wine exclaimed, `` That 's it ! I ca n't conceive I did n't think of it ! ``

`` What are you talking about ? '' John asked. `` Kaden just said everyone 's is dissimilar. So how will ours be like the Marauders'? ``

`` Not Muggle finger's breadth mark, '' rosebush said, `` whizz ones. There 's a spell to get your Wizard 's finger's breadth Print. It reveals your public figure, relative, even your personality. ``

`` That 's kind of scary, '' Albus said, `` Anyone can find that clobber out if they 've got your finger print ? ``

`` Yeah, '' blush wine shrugged, `` But I think it will knead for this. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus grinned. He could n't think that Kaden had actually given rosiness an estimate about the map. Kaden had helped with it. If this fingerbreadth print thing worked, they could have the map figured out in no time.

`` We 'll look for it tomorrow, '' Rose stood up and drew her baton, `` Now let 's do the spell. ``

Albus nodded, feeling more activated than he had in months. They were so close, he could just feel it. The map would be working soon. Of course of study, there was a nagging doubt 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 signalize up for ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked as he glanced over the parchment all the bit class had received just a hour earlier.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` What about you, lustrelessness ? ``

`` Care of Magical Creatures, '' lustrelessness replied, `` Not sure what else. ``

`` I 'll do that one, too, '' Albus decided and wrote it down on his parchment. `` Hagrid teaches it, so it 'll be fun. ``

`` sign of the zodiac me up, '' whoremaster said, `` I could use with a fun class. ``

`` You ought to believe about what will be useful in your future tense vocation, '' rose wine told them.

`` But I 've got no melodic theme what I want to do, '' St. John said.

Albus had no idea either. He had n't really thought about it. He thought being an Auror would be a good job, but he was n't for certain 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 Care of Magical animal, too. ``

`` I 'm taking Muggle Studies, '' Rose announced, `` Plus Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. ``

`` All three ? '' John asked, `` But we only have to take two. ``

`` Yeah, but I want to take all of them. I 'd really like to take guardianship of Magical wight, too, but there 's not plenty time. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do divination, '' john shrugged.

Rose snorted, `` prophecy ? Mum says that should n't even be a subject. There 's no real acquisition involved. ``

`` But is it light ? '' John asked.

`` Uncle Ron said all you 've got to do is make up predictions about your end if you 've got Trelawney, '' Albus explained.

`` Excellent, '' John Lackland scribbled onto his parchment, `` I 'll take that and hope I 've got Trelawney. ``

`` I 'm taking that, too, '' Amanda said, `` It actually sounds matter to. ``

`` amercement, '' Rose sighed, `` But I still say it 's not really a subject area. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do Ancient Runes, '' Albus thought aloud, `` I think it 's easy than Arithmancy. What about you, matte ? What else do you think you 'll take ? ``

`` ancient runic letter sounds good, '' Matt yawned, `` I guess I 'll take that. Amy took it. She hated it in Australia, but she said it 's better here. ``

`` I 'd train everything, '' Kaden announced, `` I could n't decide. ``

`` You ca n't take everything, '' rose wine laughed, `` You 'd have to be in two lieu at once. ``

`` Oh, well I 'm pretty certainly that 's out of the question, '' 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 form you can remove is three, '' rosiness explained.

`` Then I 'll require three, '' Kaden decided.

`` Are you lot done choosing course ? '' rosiness asked as she stood up, `` We 'd ameliorate get to Transfiguration Day. ``

Albus spent the entire Transfiguration class trying to deform his plateful into a bowl, and had almost managed to do it by the prison term the class was over. rose wine, of grade, did it within ten second and spent the residue of the class helping Albus and the rest of their friends.

History of Magic was as boring as ever. Matt slept the stallion grade, and Albus felt himself nod off a few prison term. Matt had seemed very tired in Transfiguration and probably would have fallen asleep in that division if it were n't for the fact that it was a practical lesson. This was n't surprising considering the fact that the broad lunation was the next day. The therapist still had n't found something to countercheck the position effect of extreme point fatigue of the new wolf's bane that Matt was on.

Double Potions was after dejeuner, and Albus felt drowsy as soon as he walked into the room. This was odd since he had felt finely a moment before. He did n't seem to be the only one who felt this either. Both John the Evangelist and Amanda yawned as soon as they sat down, and even Rose 's eyes drooped a bit as she pulled out her lambskin. flatness laid his oral sex down on the desk and fell asleep immediately.

`` right afternoon, everyone ! '' Slughorn said, `` Now, I 'm sure enough you 're all feeling a bit tired, which is perfectly normal.

`` This, '' Slughorn gestured to a smoke cauldron on his desk, `` Is drowsiness Potion. All it takes is one puff of air of this potion to put you into a state of matter of fatigue. If you drink it, you 'll fall into an almost sleep-like State Department for about a half 60 minutes. Of course, you 'd know this if you did the interpretation that was due today. ``

Albus remembered being assigned the reading, but he had n't done it. He had just been too busy with Quidditch practice, dueling practice, and all his early homework.

`` 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 complete it. Instructions are on the plug-in. lick with your common partners. ``

Albus yawned and got up from his table. He joined Limbert at his board and lit the fire under the cauldron while Limbert collected ingredients.

The total form was moving at a slower rate than usual, and everyone was yawning every few hour. It was kind of strange. nonentity was arguing with their partners either. Albus wondered if Slughorn had picked this particular potion for a cause. The past week, a affaire d'honneur had broken out between lav and Goyle, resulting in both of them being sent to the Hospital Wing for burns and then being assigned a hebdomad 's worth of detention.

Limbert returned wit the ingredients and he and Albus started to prepare them, without exchanging any conversation. No different than usual.

Albus dumped some ingredients into the cauldron and began to stir it. He watched matte and Malfoy as he did so. Malfoy had returned with component and was prodding Matt with his wand to get him to wake 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 up those cherry roots, '' Malfoy instructed. Albus was surprised with how quieten Malfoy seemed.

Matt nodded and picked up his knife. Albus went back to stirring his potion.

`` prof ! '' Malfoy said after a few minute of arc. `` He keeps falling asleep. ``

Albus looked up from the beetle eyes he was mincing. lusterlessness was once again asleep on the table.

`` Ah, '' Slughorn waddled over to lusterlessness and Malfoy 's tabular array, `` The somnolence Potion affects everyone differently. '' Slughorn shook mat 's shoulder. `` dearest boy, you might require to go to the Hospital Wing. I do n't think the fume 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 sure Mr. Limbert can plow your potion. ``

`` All right hand, '' Albus laid down his knife and went over to where mat was standing.

Albus grabbed his arm and led him out of the room. Albus felt immediately better as soon as they shut the threshold. The drowsiness went away completely.

`` I 've got to sit down, '' lusterlessness mumbled and sat down on the floor.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked, sitting down following to him.

`` I dunno, '' flatness shrugged, `` I 'm guessing that that potion just made me even more wear than I already am. ``

`` Do you feel better now ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' lusterlessness replied.

`` Then you 'd better get to the infirmary Wing. ``

`` Yeah, I suppose. ``

Madam Pomfrey wanted matt to ride out for the rest period of the afternoon. Albus was n't even for certain if she 'd let him leave at all before the full-of-the-moon lunar month. Knowing the nanny, she probably wouldn't.

Matt never came back from the Hospital Wing that night, so Albus assumed Madam Pomfrey was keeping him there until after the full Moon. Albus and the rest of his supporter decided that as soon as Matt was out of the Hospital backstage, they would start looking for the Wizard 's finger's breadth mark charm. rosiness was reasonably indisputable she had seen it in the subroutine library somewhere, but she could n't think of where. That meant that they would spend hours scouring the entire library for it. This was in increase to all the extra perusal they had to do now that the end of terminal figure exams were less than two months away. Albus just hoped they 'd be capable to compute out the map before school was over. It would be pointless to image 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, St. Luke, and tranc3rooney for their reviews !