Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus spent most of the day preceding Yule at Rose 's business firm. King James I was determined to use all of his spare sentence for Quidditch practice, and he had to go to rosiness 's house for that. Albus usually went with him and he and Hugo would help James practice while rosiness read.

Harry had to practically sort Saint James from his broom by magic on Christmas Day Eve so they could go to Godric 's hole. St. James wanted to delay at Rose 's sign of the zodiac and keep practicing, but Harry refused to let him. The trip was quiet since Henry James was rather sullen the full time.

"professor Patil says I 'm a born at August 6,"Lily bragged to Albus as they walked towards the burrow afterwards.

"That 's good,"Albus replied.

"Yeah, so I 'm going to become an Animagus eventually. I want to be a cat."

"You do n't get to prefer what kind of animal you transform into,"Albus told her.

"Oh,"Lily said,"But I think I 'll turn a cat."

Albus nodded as Lily began to describe in great detail what kind of cat she would transform into.

Everyone else was already at the burrow and Albus felt an quick warmth come over him as he stepped inside. It had nix to do with the fact that it was so cold and snow-white outside, either. There was something so comforting about being at the tunnel surrounded by all his family. He was able to bury all the outlet with the Quidditch tourney and Professor Killigan. All he could reckon about was how rapacious he was and how good some of his grandmother 's cooking would be in good order about then.

blush wine sat down next to Albus as he tucked into a large bowl of onion soup with a English of homemade bread.

"Uncle Charlie and aunty Katherine are going back to Romania this summer,"rosiness announced.

"To tame Thomas More dragons ?"Albus asked. His uncle and aunt had n't done that since Sir Henry Morton Stanley started Hogwarts, but they often talked about how they wanted to go back.

"Yeah,"blush wine nodded,"They might stay even after the summer 's over, but heather and Mark will come back to go to Hogwarts."

"They get to go, too ?"

"Yup. Stanley and Eddie are going, too. Stanley 's quitting his job for it. He 's definitely staying in Romania after the summer 's over. He wants to get into flying lizard training."

"Wow,"Albus replied,"They 're lucky. I guess it 's good that John Rowlands decided what he wants to do."

John Rowlands had been working at the Magical Menagerie since he finished Hogwarts, but knew he did n't want to do that his whole life. He just did n't get laid what he did want to do.

"I wish our parents would take us to some early country,"Albus sighed.

"Me, too,"Rose agreed,"Imagine the history we could learn."

Albus personally had sufficiency of History from Professor Binns, but he supposed learning history by traveling would be fun.

"Christmas Quidditch tomorrow ?"Teddy asked as he sat down adjacent to Rose.

"Definitely,"Albus grinned.

"I would n't count on it, Teddy,"Molly said as she handed Albus another hunk of bread,"We 're supposed to get the snowstorm of the decade tomorrow. The Muggle electricity is already out in town."

"Is it really ?"Arthur popped his drumhead into the room,"Fascinating ! I may have to go see it tomorrow !"

"You 'll do no such thing !"Molly shouted,"It 's nigh impossible to Appparate during such a storm. Not to refer the fact that it 's Christmas and you should be here."

"We do n't need electricity to play Quidditch !"Teddy exclaimed,"It 'll be perfect training conditions ! If you can catch a snitch in the middle of a blizzard, you can catch one in any weather. It 's not like Kendrick ever calls off Quidditch because of snow."

"We 'll see tomorrow, shift,"Molly sighed.

Albus finished his soup and he and rise went into the den, where they were greeted by a loud chorus of 'Odo the fighter', sung by George, Alicia, Charlie, and Ron. placard and Fleur were laughing while Hermione shook her mind. Albus had a feeling the alone reason why Fleur approved was because the singing was drowning out Celestina Warbeck.

"So then I said, I 'm not paying seven Sickles for that !"Percy said to Katherine, who was only sort of paying attention,"And the bloke looked at me like I was mad. I say he 's mad, charging that lots for a go of a questionably historic old building. There really should be rule on such thing. It 's one thing I 'll interchange if I 'm ever Minister."

Albus stifled a laugh. His Uncle Percy had been talking about running for parson for the past ten years, but still had n't done it. well-nigh of his uncles and aunts got sick of hearing him talk about what he would and would not change.

"Hey, Albus, Rose,"Victoire waved at him from across the room.

"Hi Victoire,"Albus made his way over to her,"How is Healer training ?"

"Exhausting,"Victoire sighed,"And I have to project out which piece of the hospital I want to do the rest of my education in by September. We 've been rotating throughout all the floors, but now we have to pick one. I 'm nowhere near decided."

"You have until September,"Albus shrugged. It seemed like a long clip to him.

"I know,"Victoire replied,"But Amy 's known where she wants to finish education since we were in fourth year."

"You 're not in Amy 's position,"Teddy appeared and put his arm around her,"And I think you 'll do groovy anyplace you decide."

"Thanks, Teddy,"Victoire smiled,"I 'm thinking either the Maternity ward or Spell Damage."

"There 's a busy Montgomery Ward,"Teddy grinned,"trance damage. You 'll get all the funny injuries there."

"That 's not a practiced intellect to pick a specialty,"Victoire groaned.

"trade good a reason as any,"teddy shrugged.

The time grew later and after Albus played numerous rounds of Exploding snap with his cousin, his granny announced that it was time for bed. Everyone argued, but there was really no breaker point. Everyone, including the other adult, knew that arguing with Molly Weasley was useless.

Albus trudged up the stairs to the mellow bedroom that he shared with James, Ben, and Cedric. He climbed into bed and then realized just how big this impending rash was. The wind was howling louder than he 'd ever try before.

The twist was so powerful that Albus could sense it through the gaps in the window. Every once in a while, the house would creak and shake. Albus sighed and put his pillow over his ears to try and overwhelm out the howling.

Albus did n't manage to stray off to kip until after Cedric got out of bed, swore loudly, and disregarded the no magic outside of shoal normal to put a silencing spell on the room.

******

Albus was awoken by his annual Yuletide wake-up call, Lily. She breezed through the door shouting about how they all needed to inflame up and open their present.

"And there 's three feet of C outside,"Lily said as she left the elbow room,"I checked."

"Merlin !"James jumped off the top bunk and looked out the window,"There is ! And it 's still coming !"

"Whoa, you ca n't see anything !"Cedric added.

"We could ramp up the globe 's biggest snow genius later,"Ben suggested.

"We could construct an full Charles Percy Snow wizard army,"Albus said.

"nowadays first,"James said as he located his pile of presents.

Albus descended upon his own pile of presents and began opening them. There were the usual sweet and Weasleys'product from his aunts and uncles. Another Weasley sweater, this one vermilion and amber striped. He pulled it on over his pajamas and opened the residual of the nowadays from his aunts and uncles. His aunty Hermione had gotten him a few script he 'd probably never understand, including one about the chronicle of theater elves at Hogwarts.

Albus saved his parents'present for last, although he doubted they could top last yr 's. There really was n't anything in the existence that was better than the invisibility Cloak.

"Al, did you give Mum and Dad 's yet ?"James shouted.

"I 'm opening it now,"Albus said as he ripped the paper off the belittled box.

"You 'll never guess what they got us !"

Albus opened the box and saw two slate. Two ticket for the Quidditch human race Cup that was taking property this summer !

"Whoa !"Albus shouted,"domain Cup ticket !"

"I did n't even do it they were on cut-rate sale this early !"James said.

"You two get the intimately nowadays,"Cedric said.

"Hey, I got two tickets,"James replied.

"Yeah, two,"Ben sighed,"You can only pick one of us to go."

Albus suddenly realized he had the Lapplander trouble. Two tickets. Five friend he would want to hire. Who was he going to choose ? Not rosebush. They may give been friends since they were babe, but she just did n't have a cacoethes for Quidditch. Neither did Kaden. He was another to get across off the list. John the Evangelist and matt were the Quidditch rooter. He 'd have to choose between them. Amanda liked Quidditch well enough, but she did n't trace a team or anything.

"Those are restrict edition tag,"Ben said,"They do n't know who 's playing yet, so they do n't deal very many tickets ahead of time."

"They 're for the top box, too,"St. James said in awe.

Lily burst into the room with a big grin on her aspect. She was holding two tag as well."Did you get Quidditch tag ?"

"Yeah,"Albus and James IV said at the Saami time.

"This is going to be smart as a whip,"Lily said and then ran out of the room.

Albus 's parents were already in the kitchen by the time Albus went downstairs. They were sitting at the table eating breakfast. Albus gave them each a huge hug and then sat down.

"How did you get the ticket ?"he asked.

"They were a gift from the minister of religion,"Harry replied,"The Cup is in Canada this year and he 's estimable friends with their minister. Got him a lot of free people tickets."

Albus grinned as he began to eat breakfast. Somehow his parents had come close to topping lowest twelvemonth 's gift. Now not only was he going to get to see the World Cup, he would get to jaunt to a different country.

Rose came downstairs a little while later and was impressed with the just the ticket. She had no desire to go to the Cup and had no hint on how Albus was going to prefer between John and Matt.

"Anyone up for Quidditch later ?"teddy announced as he sauntered into the kitchen.

"Not under my scout !"molly shouted,"You ca n't see a foot in strawman of you out there ! And it must be close to 15 below !"

"Maybe after lunch, then,"chemise shrugged.

molly shook her oral sex and sighed as she set a few more platters of eggs and toast onto the table.

There was a knock on the door that could only just be heard over the ululation idle words. Molly glanced at Arthur, who shrugged and got up to see who it was. Albus followed, very queer to see who would visit on Christmas dayspring in the midriff of a vast blizzard.

"Xeno, is that you ?"Arthur shouted outside.

"Yes !"Xenophilius Lovegood shouted back. Chester A. Arthur stood aside as the man walked in and then shut the door behind him."Quite the storm we 're having ! Just thought I 'd intercept by and see if this seat was still standing."

"Quite the violent storm, yes,"King Arthur agreed,"I heard the Muggles lost electricity. Fascinating. I wonder what they do without it. But yes, the house is still standing."

"Good, but if you feel it 's too rickety, just let me cognize and I 'll go get some of my Jutispy industrial plant. The leaves do admiration on old edifice. Makes them like new. I just put a bunch into my situation and it 's a good thing, too. Of grade, they tend to draw Nargles ..."Xenophilius 's voice trailed off.

"I 'll keep that in mind,"Chester A. Arthur smiled,"Are you spending the vacation alone ?"

"Yes, yes,"he replied,"Luna and Rolf are with his home this Christmas."

"Then you must stay here a while. Molly 's fix far too much food, like common,"Arthur tip Xeno into the kitchen.

Albus followed them. He always found Xenophilius Lovegood to be an interesting wizard, if not a short mad. Always going on about Nargles or Nom-Noms or something.

Molly was more than happy to provide Xenophilius with a enceinte platter of breakfast and he settled down to discuss the violent storm with the adults.

Albus spent nigh of the daybreak playing Exploding snapshot, Wizard 's chess game, and Gobstones with his full cousin. They tried to bring skin and go look for, but the sign of the zodiac was too crowded to trifle it properly.

teddy and James kept looking out the windowpane, willing it to stop snowing. Both of them were just itching to go play Quidditch. Albus would have gladly gone and played if it would stop snowing so much. He was dedicated to the game, but not enough to bring in this violent storm.

lunchtime came and the coke was still falling. George went outside to value it and came back with the news that it was three and a half base.

Teddy went upstairs after tiffin and came back decked out in three pinny, a duncish cloak, and a pair of boots. Under one arm was his Calluna vulgaris and under the former was a box of Quidditch balls. Saint James the Apostle was right behind him, dressed the same.

"Theodore Remus Lupin !"Molly shouted,"I suppose I ca n't block off you from going out there and catching decease of a cold, but I will not let you drag William James with you !"

"He 's not dragging me, Grandma,"Jesse James rolled his eyes,"I want to go !"

"Just let them, Molly,"Harry said,"They 'll get cold soon enough and come back inside."

"fine,"molly replied and went back into the kitchen.

"Excellent,"shimmy grinned,"Anyone tending to join us ?"

Georgia, Fred, and Heather suited up in warm clothes and joined Teddy and Saint James the Apostle. Albus decided against it. Quidditch was fun, but he did n't want to freeze when he could stay inside and be warm.

The Christmastime Quidditch lasted a half an minute. teddy bear, James, Empire State of the South, Scots heather, and Fred all stumbled back into the house shivering with their faces red and covered in snow and ice. mollie immediately descended upon them with sucker of hot coffee and dry clothes.

"Told you, Molly,"Harry grinned.

"C-ca n't determine the Sn-Snitch,"shimmy muttered.

Harry laughed."That does n't surprise me. You 'll find it when the storm calms down. You put the good luck charm on it to rest in the yard, right ?"

"Y-yeah,"shift replied.

Yule dinner came and went in its usual Chaos. Xenophilius stayed for it and James snuck sneezing pulverisation into his soup, which he found incredibly funny. mollie was not as move and gave James quite the chiding. How she found out it was James I was beyond Albus.

The tempest continued throughout the night and Cedric had to put the silencing charm back on their room in order of magnitude for any of them to get any sleep.

******

Nobody left the tunnel until two Clarence Day after Christmas. That was when the Charles Percy Snow finally let up. It topped out at around four and a one-half groundwork, which was a new track record for Albus 's life-time. The Burrow 's M had been decorated by heaps of snow witches and wizards, along with hippogriffs, owls, and a change of other magical creatures.

When Albus found out what his class was doing after they left the Burrow, he wished the nose candy would have kept coming. They were going shopping for apparel gown for the New Year 's party.

"Why ca n't I just wear my old attire robes ?"James whined as they walked down Diagon Alley towards madam Malkin's.

"Because they 're five inch too inadequate,"Ginny replied,"They 're even too small for Al."

"Yeah, Victor Hugo 's the lucky one,"James II muttered. Victor-Marie Hugo was wearing James River 's old attire robes to the party and therefore did not experience to go shopping.

"mummy, I want purple robes,"Lily announced.

"If they have any,"Ginny replied.

Albus wanted to buy the first pair of dress robes he found, so long as they were n't pink or purpurate. The Sooner they were done robes shopping the better.

Rose and Lily made a beeline for the little girl wearing apparel robes as soon as they walked in the door. Albus stood awkwardly succeeding to James while their mother found versatile robes for them.

"Here, try these on, Al,"Ginny handed him a distich of emerald green robes.

"Very Slytherin,"James snickered.

"Shut it, James,"Albus muttered.

"They 'll bring out your eyes, Al,"Ginny told him,"Now go try them on."

Albus reluctantly tried on the Slytherin colored robe and then left the dressing way for his mother to see.

"Too short,"she announced,"But the color is perfect. I 'll retrieve a vainglorious size."

William James wound up with a navy blue duo of robes, which Albus would take preferred. Lily found her purple robe and Rose got a sky gamey pair.

"Next time you 're getting green robes,"Albus muttered to James, who was still making fun of the coloring material of Albus 's robes.

"No I wo n't. I do n't have green optic,"James grinned.

"Then we 'll get you a nice red set,"Ginny said,"They 'll jar horribly with your hair."

"I do n't care. They 'd be Gryffindor colored,"James laughed.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the amazing hoi polloi who have read and reviewed this ! Also, for anyone who read In Moon 's shadow, the first-class honours degree chapter of the continuation, Beyond the tincture, is now up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The political party was at the rector 's manse, the house where all the Ministers of Magic had lived. Albus had been there a few prison term before, but not in a couple eld. Usually all the parties the minister of religion held were while Albus was at Hogwarts.

A few hours before the political party, Ginny made Albus, Henry James, and Lily all take exhibitioner and comb their hair properly. She spent a secure fifteen minutes trying to get James 's fuzz to lie flat and another fifteen proceedings putting Lily 's up in some sorting of work out bun character thing. Albus was very well-chosen his own pilus was far too short for that sort of thing.

Before they left, Albus 's parents sat him, Saint James the Apostle, and Lily down on the couch and proceeded to tell them the regulation for the evening.

"Absolutely no making trouble !"Ginny stared at James as she said this,"None at all ! This is the Minister 's business firm ! I will not have you wreaking havoc in it."

"We 're trusting you to keep yourselves occupied during this. I 'm going to sustain to mingle with everyone and we wo n't be able to observe you every moment,"Harry added,"You 're all at Hogwarts now. You 're old enough to not be glued to us for the evening."

"Do n't interest,"Henry James said,"I know when mischief is n't appropriate."

"Let 's promise so,"Ginny sighed.

Albus and his family Apparated to the Minister 's family, which meant side-along Apparition for Albus. He hated side-along phantasma. It felt like he could n't breath. It was worse when the person who was Apparating him was also Apparating another person, which was always the case in his family. It was the swearword of being the middle tyke. He was either with James or Lily. This clip it was with Lily and Harry was Apparating them.

When Albus had regained his power to breath properly, he looked around at where they had landed. He was standing on the straw man lawn of what was the most extravagant residence he had ever seen. It could n't be considered a firm ; it was just too monstrous.

A long and winding sidewalk, framed with pubic hair and visible radiation on either side, lead up to the breast room access. Albus 's parents started walking up and Albus followed.

The residence seemed to get openhanded as they got closer. It was painted brown with a black roof and reminded Albus of a rook. It was n't nearly as big as Hogwarts, of course, but it was still huge.

Harry rang the bell when they arrived at the door and it was answered by the Minister himself."Harry !"he shouted,"seminal fluid in !"

Minister Langston Hartwell was the third government minister since the autumn of Lord Voldemort. He was a tall, corpulent man with very little pilus left on his head. He did romp a rather large mustache, which caused Albus to think of him as a much taller version of prof Slughorn.

Hartwell was one of those very educated sensation who spoke using very large row that Albus could n't really understand. He was long-winded and to the highest degree of his speeches could be condensed down into a few sentences, according to Harry, that is. He was a very gracious man, though.

"Right this way,"Hartwell motioned for them to follow him.

Hartwell lead them through the house, which was just as speckless as Albus remembered, and into what could only be described as a grand dance hall. It was the Sami dance hall all the political party Albus had been to were held.

The room was decorated with silver and Shirley Temple Black and was already filling up with mass. Albus spotted Rose and Matt in the back of the room and left his family in the room access to go see them.

"Some berth, huh ?"Albus said once he reached them.

"This is the self-aggrandizing house I 've ever seen,"pink wine agreed,"I see you 're wearing your Slytherin robes."

Albus rolled his eye."Shut it."

"What do you think, flatness ?"Rose turned to matt,"His mum says they match his eyes, but Saint James the Apostle says they 're Slytherin robes."

"Slytherin,"lustrelessness said immediately.

"Then yours are Ravenclaw,"Albus pointed out, gesturing to Matt 's gentle robes.

"I do n't care,"lusterlessness shrugged,"So, did you just get here ?"

"Yeah,"Albus replied.

"I 've been here for two hours already,"Matt said,"We were the first ones here. Dad keeps introducing me to people and they all think I 'm a number one year."

"Bet that 's fun,"Albus laughed,"Do you roll in the hay most of these people ?"

"Some,"mat said,"That 's the feller Dad 's taking over for,"he gestured to a very tumid whizz,"McVicar."

"Right,"Albus said,"I 've heard of him. Dad 's always said he would never retire."

"Dad never thought he would either,"lusterlessness laughed,"Then we 've got your Uncle Harry Hotspur, I think you probably know him. Those masses are a few of Dad 's colleague,"Matt gestured to a few more witch and wizards,"Then there 's a clump of people from early departments, but I do n't remember any of their names."

"Looks like it 's going to be a fun night,"Albus said sarcastically.

"Oh, it will be,"matte grinned,"When I was really slight, we went to company like this a few times a calendar month. You make your own fun."

"Like what ?"Albus asked.

"Charming alcohol out of the vino and champagne. It 'll still taste exactly the same,"matt grinned mischievously,"By the clock time midnight peal around, everyone will be wondering why they 're not pledge. It 'll be funny."

"You 've done this before ?"Rose raised an eyebrow.

"Amy has,"lusterlessness said,"She 's here somewhere and she 's going to do it soon."

"I have to admit, that 's really originative,"Rose giggled,"What else ?"

"Mostly stuff with the food for thought. Charm the burnt umber to sample like vanilla extract, charm the service of process utensils to displace every time you go to cull them up, that variety of stuff,"Matt explained.

"My parents gave us this speech about how we ca n't work pranks here,"Albus said,"She was saying it mostly for James, but I think she should 've given it to you."

"My parents never say that stuff to me,"Matt laughed,"They never suspect me of anything. The minute they find out the alcohol 's been charmed out of the drinks, they 'll get Amy."

"She is the one who 's going to do it,"rose wine pointed out.

"It was my idea, though. She was n't originally going to do it at this party,"Matt explained.

"Alcohol 's gone,"Amy said quietly as she came up behind lusterlessness,"This is going to be interesting."

"What exactly happens when you use this appealingness ?"Rose asked.

"Oh, it 's large,"Amy grinned,"start, only a couple up people notice and they make a very hush mention to another soul and then that person agrees that there 's something haywire with the drinks. Then it just snowballs from there until it 's all they 're talking about. Then someone will essay the drinks, disclose the inebriant 's been charmed away, replace it, and then everyone will cheer. But some of them will act sot because they think there 's alcohol in the drinks."

"Are n't your parents going to be upset ?"Rose asked.

"They might separate me they wish I had n't done it, but there 's not lots they can do,"Amy shrugged,"That 's why I 'm doing it and not Matt."

"I could n't see your parents yelling at you anyway,"Albus laughed.

"You never know,"Matt shrugged.

"I bet James and Cedric are going to do something,"Albus said as he scanned the crowd. William James and Cedric were sitting at one of the tables, top dog close together like they were plotting something.

"I 'd be shocked if they did n't,"rosiness smirked,"Aunt Ginny has no hope of stopping James."

"And I 'd bet my net Galleon that Georgia and Thomas Bradley are talking about Quidditch,"Albus gestured to his early two cousins, who were standing near the buffet.

"That 's all they talk about,"rosebush said,"And Lily looks bored. Five Sickles says she 's over here in about ten minutes or so."

"I would n't bet against that,"Albus said,"And Samantha and Lindy will pinch out of the room the adjacent time aunt Corrine looks away."

Albus 's auntie Corrine was talking with two witches Albus did n't know and his counterpart cousins were chasing each other around the room.

"Are any of your former cousin-german coming ?"Amy asked.

"Nope,"Albus shook his headway,"None of my other aunts and uncles work for the Ministry."

"Let 's go get something to eat,"Matt said.

Albus and Rose agreed. Amy left to go talk to somebody else and the three ally walked over to the buffet. There was already a humble queue in front man of it.

"There go Samantha and lindy hop,"rosebush said as they waited. The Gemini ran out one of the doors and Corrine quickly followed.

The queue moved quickly and soon Albus was in front. He grabbed a plate and piled it high with just about everything. There was always the best food for thought at this sort of party.

They found an empty-bellied tabular array far enough away from James and Cedric. Albus did n't want to be anywhere near them when they did whatever they were planning on doing.

"I do n't even know what half this stuff is,"matt said as he began eating,"But it 's good."

more than and more people arrived as Albus ate his dinner. He recognized a few of them, but did n't call back any names. He also noticed that nobody was acting strangely due to Amy 's charm. They were all acting perfectly normal for adults who had had a few drinks.

Albus, matt, and Rose wandered around the room once they finished their food. A few adult stopped to promulgate how big they 'd induce and to wonder what year they were at Hogwarts. Lily joined them because she did n't want to be associated with William James and Cedric 's mischief.

"howdy, everyone !"Minister Hartwell shouted from the ambo at the front of the room.

Everyone quieted down and turned to watch him. Albus, pink wine, and lustrelessness were somewhat close to the podium.

"Thank you,"he smiled,"I assume you all know why I 've thrown this party, and it 's not just to drop off the large total of wine I was given for Yuletide !"

The adults all chuckled at Hartwell 's attempt at a joke and then quieted down once again.

"Yes, yes, well, this party is in honor of none other than Walter Eckerton, whom I have appointed to the spatial relation of Head of the department of Regulation and Control of Magical puppet. There is no one else whom I would trust with such a job ...."

Hartwell 's speech communication soon descended into one of his common speeches, which Albus could not empathize. It was long, drawn-out, and Albus could 've sworn he saw his dad yawn at one point.

Albus clapped loudly when Hartwell finally finished and turned the pulpit over to McVicar.

"Thank you, Minister,"McVicar began,"That was quite an interesting delivery. I, too, would care to felicitate Bruno Walter Eckerton on his promotion.

"I am certainly at least half of you were quite surprised to hear that I was retiring. I myself was surprised. In fact, I probably would n't throw done it if it were n't for the fact that my married woman has been begging me to for the past ten eld.

"However, the master reason for my lack of an earlier retreat was because there was not a single person employed in the Ministry whom I would have trusted with this job. Nobody had the capacity to comport out this stance in the way I would like. Like they always say, if you want something done right, do it yourself. That was my motto up until five years ago, that is.

"A trivial over five old age ago, a man came into the Ministry looking for a job in the Department of the regularisation and Control of Magical animal. He applied for a job in werewolf funding help, a position that had been open for well over a yr. I was set up to hire anyone who walked through the door at that pointedness, but I had no idea what was to come when I hired Bruno Walter Eckerton.

"Some of you may know that Walter has experience in this field. He was the psyche of the department of Regulation and ascendency of Magical fauna in Australia for three years before leaving the position in order to move to England.

"Walter revolutionized Werewolf Support serving as soon as he started. The estimate he had were ones that even I had n't thought of. In five short years, he has bettered aliveness for those plagued with lycanthropy more than anyone else in the section have in their entire careers.

"It took only six calendar month for me to make that I wanted Walter to adopt over for me when I retired. Not only does he have the experience and intelligence for the job, but he also has dedication that I have never seen before. I even have to allow that his dedication surpasses my own. I have never seen anyone fight as hard for werewolf rights as he has.

"The only affair left for me to do was convert myself it was time to retire,"McVicar chuckled,"And yes, it did read the wagerer part of five twelvemonth to do that. But now, I feel very convinced as I hired man the reins over to Walter."

Everyone clapped as McVicar stepped away and lusterlessness 's dad took the stump."That was quite the words,"Albus muttered to Matt.

"I 'll say,"Matt agreed,"And McVicar does n't usually praise hoi polloi like that."

"wellspring,"matt 's dad began,"Thanks for your vote of confidence, Rob. I certainly hope I can survive up to your expectations.

"I have to start by saying how unexpected this was. I really had no intentions of becoming the head of the entire department again, no matter which body politic I was living in. Werewolf Support services has been such a great place to operate these past few years. It truly is my passion.

"However, when Langston and Rob approached me about taking over when Rob retired, I found it difficult to say no. In the end, I said yes because I want to make more of a dispute.

"Of course, I could not induce gotten to this place without the service of my wife, Julie,"he gestured to flatness 's mum, who was standing near the soapbox,"And my girl, Amy, and my son, Matt.

"I 'm not one for long talking to, so I 'll just say that I look forward to starting the job and I truly go for I can be at least half of the caput of the department Rob has been."

"I just hope none of them find out why my dad 's so devote,"Matt whispered.

"They 're too booze to think much on it,"Rose smirked.

"They 're not really drunk,"Albus reminded her.

"They 're certainly acting like they are,"Rose pointed out.

A good portion of the grownup were acting very drunk. In fact, if Albus had n't known about Amy 's charm, he would say they all really were rummy. The weird thing was that everybody was acting drunk. There did n't seem to be anyone who was thinking there was something wrongfulness with the drinks.

"Let 's go ask Amy about it,"Matt suggested.

Amy was standing nearby, so Albus, Matt, and rosebush squeezed their way through the crowd to get to her.

"Amy,"Matt whispered,"Why 's everyone acting normal ?

"I do n't experience,"she whispered back,"Let 's go look at the drinks."

St. James the Apostle and Cedric were also standing near the potable tabular array, looking nearly as confused as Albus felt about this charm. That was kind of strange.

Amy grabbed a meth of vino and tried it."Well, it tastes amercement, but it 's supposed to."

"You 'll feature to drink a lot more than that to get properly rummy,"lusterlessness grinned.

"I 'm not doing that,"Amy rolled her eyes.

"Actually,"James grinned mischievously,"That might get you drunk."

"What did you do ?"Albus groaned.

"Cedric and I added some extra intoxicant to that wine-colored,"St. James the Apostle whispered.

Albus, pink wine, lusterlessness, and Amy burst out laughing. Albus could not think it. All of their pranks had backfired. The vino was now perfectly normal.

"What 's so funny ?"Cedric asked.

"Amy pulled a harlequinade, too,"Albus said.

"I put a charm on all the wine to polish off the alcohol, while keeping the taste,"Amy explained,"I did it rightfield when the company started."

"So much for that harlequinade,"James groaned.

"Now you wo n't get in trouble,"Albus pointed out,"Mum 's been watching you two."

"I know,"St. James the Apostle muttered,"That 's why we ca n't do it again."

"What do you want to do now ?"Albus asked as St. James, Cedric, and Amy left.

"need to explore the parson 's residence ?"matte suggested.

"Is that allowed ?"pink wine asked skeptically.

"I do n't see why not, I mean, this is my dad 's political party,"flatness pointed out,"Plus, we 'd just be walking around."

"Let 's go,"Albus said and top them out of the ballroom.

It was lots quieter in the ease of the house. They started wandering through any rooms that had overt doors.

"This place is so bloody fancy,"Albus said.

"It reminds me of my grandparents'house,"Matt said.

"Their mansion is this big ?"Rose asked.

"Nearly,"Matt replied,"They 've got a dance hall and everything."

The three ally wound up in a very large living elbow room filled with old-hat furniture. There was an oriental carpeting on the ground and oak tables and bookshelves around the perimeter. Atop the board were fancy vases of blossom and crystal sculptures.

"We 'd better be deliberate in here,"Rose said as she walked into the room,"If we break any of this stuff and nonsense, our parents would murder us."

"Cinda 's got one of these,"flatness pointed to a quartz swan.

"Do n't concern it !"Rose hissed.

"I was n't,"matte assured her,"I broke Cinda 's once, but Mum fixed it."

"aspect at all these books,"Albus gazed up at one of the bookcases,"brothel keeper Pince would love to get her manpower on these."

"They 're all about politics, though,"Matt pointed out,"Pretty boring."

"Mum would like them,"rosebush said

"I wonder how old this piece of furniture is,"Matt said as he looked at a rather uncomfortable looking armchair.

"Probably older than Aberforth Dumbledore,"Albus replied.

"Hey, Albus, Matt, add up here,"blush wine said as she looked out the window.

Albus and Matt walked over to the windowpane and leaned over the table that was in front of it.

"What is it ?"Albus asked.

"Look, there's-"

Matt leaned farther over the mesa and knocked one of the quartz carving off. rosiness gasped and managed to catch it before it crashed onto the floor.

"Falco columbarius,"rose wine whispered as she set it back on the tabular array,"Be careful."

"Sorry,"mat replied,"What were you saying ?"

"There 's someone sneaking around out there,"rose wine said.

Albus peered out the window into the swarthiness. He could just barely make out a shadow lurking around the bushes. It did n't look like the mortal was walking up towards the house to go to the party. Plus, why would he show up three hours late ?

"There 's definitely individual out there,"lustrelessness said.

"Let 's go detect out who it is,"Albus said. He did n't consume a clue as to who it was, but he wanted to find out. There was no reason for someone to be sneaking around the Minister 's hall at this clip of night.

"Albus Severus ceramist, are you bloody insane ?"rosiness exclaimed,"I think you are !"

"flavor, I just want to go see if we can find out who it is. I 'm not saying we should go duel them. Plus, there 's a whole elbow room full of Ministry officials in guinea pig whoever is out there is individual bad,"Albus said.

"That 's a good point,"Matt replied,"Why would someone sneak around a planetary house that 's full of Ministry officials, especially when the two top Aurors are inside ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus said,"But I want to witness out who it is."

rosiness reluctantly agreed and followed Albus and matte, muttering under her breath. They found the nearest doorway and went out into the cold night, drawing their sceptre as they did so.

"If we are n't killed, we 'll freeze to Death,"rose wine muttered.

Albus ignored her and started looking around. He stayed close to the home and tried to keep himself concealed in the pubic hair as he looked for the figure of speech. However, he could n't see or pick up anything.

"Do you hear anything ?"he whispered to Matt.

"No,"mat replied,"It 's like they disapparated or something."

"Good,"rosiness muttered,"Now let 's go back inside."

"They could 've just moved,"Albus pointed out,"Let 's keep going."

Albus continued creeping around the house, with his scepter out in front of him. His heart was beating fast and his hands were sweaty despite the cold. He did n't desire to stop, though. Figuring out who this bloke was was exciting and nerve wracking at the Lapp time.

"Do n't move !"someone shouted and all of a sudden there was a bright luminousness in Albus 's eye. Wand light.

Rose screamed and grabbed keep of Albus 's arm. Albus held up his own wand, his hand shaking.

"Who are you ?"the soul shouted.

"Wh-who are y-you ?"Albus stammered.

"He sounds intimate,"Matt whispered,"hang on. Bloody hell, that 's prof Balladanis !"

Albus thought for a second and the voice did sound a lot like Balladanis. But why would he be sneaking around the Minister 's residence ?

"Albus potter, is that you ?"the man shouted.

"Er, yes,"Albus replied.

The wand lightness lowered and Albus heard the man footmark through the snow towards him. Albus saw that he was indeed Professor Balladanis. He breathed a sigh of relief as rose let go of his arm.

"Mr. Potter,"Balladanis said and then waved his wand around,"And miss Weasley, Mr. Eckerton. Oh, I suppose this party is for your father, Mr. Eckerton ?"

"Y-yes, sir,"mat replied.

"What are the three of you doing sneaking around outside in the dead of night ? I thought I 'd taught you better than that. You 're just asking for trouble,"Balladanis said sternly.

"Told you,"rose whispered to Albus.

"Er,"Albus began,"We saw someone lurking around out here and went to investigate. I guess that individual was you ...."

"And you 're lucky it was me,"Balladanis barked,"The three of you could have been numb if that person had been a dark wizard. Now, I 'm taking all three of you back inside."

Albus nodded and followed Balladanis through the snowfall and towards the door."Sir,"Albus said,"If you do n't mind my asking, what were you doing exterior ?"

"If you must screw, the minister asked me to hold back the grounds in order to cause surely nobody was lurking around,"Balladanis replied.

That did nothing but glint Albus 's curiosity even more. He knew easily than to press further, though. Balladanis was not one to explain his motives.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


It was nearing midnight when Albus, Matt, and Rose re-entered the building, escorted by prof Balladanis. Albus had been hoping the prof would just see them to the door and then retain his search of the perimeter, but instead he went back to the ballroom with them and marched them right up to Harry.

"ceramicist,"Balladanis interrupted the conversation Harry had been having with some wizard Albus did n't recognise,"I found your son, your niece, and their ally wandering around outside."

"Albus,"Harry groaned,"I thought we made it clear that you were to stay inside."

"I 'll impart them with you,"Balldanis said,"Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year,"Harry replied,"And thanks."

Balladanis disappeared into the bunch and Albus shifted uncomfortably as his dad stared at him for a few moments.

"attention to excuse ?"Harry raised an eyebrow.

"We were just, er, exploring,"Albus muttered.

"Do n't do it again,"Harry sighed.

"We wo n't,"Albus assured him.

Harry went back to his conversation and Albus lead his friend back to the buffet.

"I hope you 've learned your lesson,"Rose muttered,"I am not doing that again."

"We wo n't do it again. Not tonight, that is,"Albus grinned.

"10 !"someone shouted.

Albus looked at the nighest clock and saw that it was almost midnight. Everyone else joined in the countdown, holding their glasses of champagne in the air. Amy joined Albus, Rose, and Matt.

"3, 2, 1, Happy New year !"Albus shouted along with everyone else.

The bunch began to melt off out a little while later. about of the the great unwashed Albus did n't know left, along with his Uncle Percy, Aunt Corrine, and his cousin-german. Albus 's parents did n't await like they were in any hurry to leave, so he got a dental plate of the leftover afters and at them with his friends.

Rose 's family and Amy left, and then it was just the Potters, Matt, his parents, the curate, and his married woman left. All the grownup were talking, James was teasing Lily about something, and Albus and Matt were finishing off the last of the desserts.

"Do you think there 's any way for Hogwarts to win the Quidditch tournament ?"mat asked as he polished off a art object of hot chocolate cake.

"Only if Linda 's chuck the day of one of the matches,"Albus sighed.

"Maybe that 'll occur,"flatness said,"You never know."

"Al, we 've got to go,"Ginny tapped him on the shoulder.

"Ok, Mum,"Albus replied and then turned back to matte,"I 'll see you soon."

"Yeah, see you on the train,"Matt said.

Albus waved au revoir and then joined his mum, dad, James, and Lily. They all said kudos to matte 's dad and then left the Minister 's hall. Albus peered into the President George W. Bush as he left, but there was no sign of prof Balladanis.

******

The remainder of the Christmas holiday went by very slow for Albus. He did all his homework, which was quite dull, and there was nothing to do after that. rosebush was visiting her former grandparents and James was at Nathan 's house. Even Kaden was busy visiting his grandparents ( Vernon and Petunia ). He sent Albus a varsity letter complaining about it, since the visit was also with auntie marge. Albus was very grateful that he did n't have to go. Neither of his parents had mentioned anything about visiting with Vernon and Petunia again.

Finally the day to come back to school arrived and the Potters made it to Platform 9 ¾ just in sentence. Albus found all his friends in one of the compartments and once they kicked Lily, Ashtyn, and Hugo out, they told each other about their holidays.

"Aunt oleo has got to be the most horrible auntie in the total cosmos,"Kaden fumed,"My dad told her about illusion a few months ago and she 's been awful ever since. I mean, she was always kind of horrible, but now she 's speculative. She just hates magic so much. She 's spoilt than my grandparents."

"Wow,"Albus replied,"Glad I 've never met her."

"Consider yourself favourable,"Kaden muttered,"I 'm guessing you lot had intimately holiday ?"

"We found Professor Balladanis lurking around the Minister 's sign,"Albus announced.

"What ?"King John, Kaden, and Amanda shouted at the same time.

"I saw individual sneaking around outdoors and Albus insisted we go investigate,"Rose said,"Turns out it was Balladanis and the diplomatic minister had apparently asked him to hold in the ground for trouble."

"Did he get you ?"trick asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"He was n't to happy either."

"Told us we could 've been killed,"matte explained.

"Well, we could 've,"blush wine muttered.

"Wyrd though,"John Lackland said,"Why would the pastor think soul would be hiding around his house ?"

"Does n't he birth guards around anyway ?"Amanda asked,"The Muggle Minister does."

"Again, that 's why it 's eldritch,"John replied,"He does have guards."

"Why would he ask Balladanis anyway ?"Matt asked,"Why not ask an Auror ? Balladanis is a professor."

"He has n't always been,"Albus pointed out,"He had some sort of cryptical job before."

"Again, weird,"John the Divine said.

"Yeah, there were a clump of Aurors at the party, not to bring up Albus 's dad,"Matt pointed out.

"That settles it,"John announced,"Albus, you 've got to observe out what he did before he started teaching Defense ?"

"Why me ?"Albus asked.

"Because you 've got those special dueling example with him. He likes you for some understanding. Of course, he also likes Malfoy. But that 's probably just because Malfoy 's a good dueler, too,"John explained.

"I 'll try,"Albus sighed,"But I really do n't think he 'll tell me."

"You never know,"whoremonger said.

******

"tranquillity, quiet !"Balladanis shouted the following Tuesday, their for the first time day of Defense after the holiday.

Albus immediately stopped talking to mat and John and turned to face Balladanis. He was really hoping that the prof would say cipher about what happened at the party and so far Balladanis was showing no recollection of it.

"I trust you all had superb holidays,"Balladanis said,"But the holidays are over and although I am certainly none of you thought a bit about defensive magic during said holidays, it is now time to embark on that thinking once again.

"beginning, I 'll say that there is no sentence to not be thinking about defensive magic, as the dark arts do not rent breaks for trivial matter such as holidays.

"Second, in this term we will get to explore animate being far more dangerous than hinkypunks and kappas. In this full term we shall learn about those terrifying creatures such as acromantulas, basilisks, werewolves, dragons, and vampires."

Albus could n't help oneself but glance at Linda when Balladanis said vampires. Balladanis had glanced at her as well, and he also glanced at Matt when he said wolfman. Of course, he had looked at Albus when he said basilisks, so it did n't necessarily intend anything, but Albus had a notion it did.

"As the headmaster would find it highly inappropriate for a flying dragon to manifest itself in this schoolroom, we shall not be using the anamatek as often this term,"Balladanis continued,"But we will be using it a few times. You will determine that there are to a greater extent lectures in this terminus, much to my disfavor. There is nothing I would like wagerer than to learn you about acromantulas and wolfman with practical moral, but there are both laws and school convention that prevent such lessons."

Albus and Matt glanced at each other. It was official. Professor Balladanis was insane. What variety of teacher would want to teach about dragons with live dragons ? well, Hagrid would, but he was n't the Same as Balladanis.

"Take out some parchment,"Balladanis said,"We 're going to begin learning about acromantulas today ...."

The residue of the day went by relatively quickly. Albus actually did not have Quiditch drill that night, so everyone went to the Marauder 's Den after dinner.

"prophecy is such a joke,"Saint John said as he tossed his bag onto the floor and collapsed onto a couch,"We started crystal ball gazing today. All I saw was a incumbrance of fog."

"I told you not to necessitate it,"rose said as she pulled a plenty of books out of her own bag.

"I did n't think it would be this bad,"John groaned,"There is no way anyone could see anything in a crystal ball."

"Palmistry was better,"Amanda said,"And Trelawney makes the whole thing worse."

"Trelawney could make defence mechanism bad,"Albus replied.

"Balladanis told us that he wished he could teach us about dark creatures using the anamatek,"Rose said,"Seriously, he wanted a basilisk to appear in the midriff of the classroom."

"That would be stupid,"Kaden said as he unwrapped a deep brown salientian,"Those can kill you with their eyes."

"I know,"rose wine said,"Balladanis is insane."

"Do you believe that anamatek could turn into a loup-garou if the moon was n't full ?"John asked.

"Probably not,"matte answered,"It would just be a wolf. I think it would just be a wolf any other time of the month, too, because there 's no way it could turn soul into a werewolf by biting them."

"That 's commodity,"Albus said,"Because he did say that he 'd use the anamatek a few prison term this term. marvel if he 'll get it release into a vampire."

"No need,"John laughed,"We 've got Linda."

"If you think of it that way, there 's no point to have it turn into a fake wolfman either,"Rose pointed out.

"commodity item, I guess,"John muttered.

******

The respite of the week went by quickly. Albus had Quidditch practice Thursday evening, and woodwind informed the hale team that they 'd come rusty over the holiday. He also told them that the succeeding compeer was in two weeks and they 'd be playing New York. If they won, they 'd be in second place.

Albus had a dueling lesson with Balladanis the following eventide and he had absolutely no idea how he was going to ask what Balladanis 's former job had been.

Albus arrived at Balladanis 's room before Malfoy and entered to find Balladanis clearing all of the desks from the middle of the room.

"Mr. Potter,"Balladanis turned around and greeted Albus,"Is it rubber to strike that you did not go wandering about late at night alone after New year 's ?"

"Yes, sir,"Albus muttered as he felt his face play red. He was quite beaming Malfoy was n't there yet.

"Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis said as Malfoy walked into the room,"Now we may begin. I have decided that your understanding of the Protego appeal is satisfactory so we are going to move on to something else.

"This fussy charm, when performed correctly, manages to demilitarize and disorientate a individual at the Same sentence. The sensation is often described as dizziness. Can either of you tell me what why this charm would be more useful than a monetary standard disarming magical spell ?"

"Because it 's leisurely to duel mortal who 's lightheaded than soul who is n't,"Malfoy said.

"More specifically than that,"Balladanis said,"Mr. Potter ?"

"Er, because you can get the person tied up while they 're disoriented ? If they 're a dark wizard you 're trying to trance,"Albus replied.

"Another good ground, but not the one I was thinking of,"Balladanis began to walk slowly around the room,"Wizards who are expecting to have to duel other sensation often keep multiple wands on their mortal. There are spells that can be performed on these baton to keep back them attached to your robes or your genuine body, spells that Expelliarmus wo n't get the better of easily. However, these while require constant tightness.

"If a thaumaturgist is hit with the charm I am about to learn you, they will recede the density necessary to save their extra baton affixed. Then, you can use Expelliarmus to get the excess wands."

"Can you teach us that charm to keep supererogatory verge in our robes ?"Malfoy asked.

"Perhaps towards the end of the year. It takes immense concentration and charming energy to simultaneously perform that charm while dueling soul,"Balladanis explained,"For now, you will find out the charm to disarm and disorient a person at the like time.

"The incantation is 'Confundo-Expelliarmus'. A combination of Confundus and Expelliarmus. Mr. Malfoy, you will go first. When I say so, execute the charm against Mr. ceramist. Mr. thrower, you may try and contain him using the Protego good luck charm I taught you earlier."

Albus nodded, wishing he had been chosen to execute the new spell first, and faced Malfoy. He held his scepter up and muttered 'Protego'under his hint. He focused all of his assiduity on holding the shield up.

"Now, Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis muttered.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted.

Albus felt the charm hit his shield, but it did n't relegate through. He gripped his sceptre harder and stared at Malfoy.

"hold going,"Balladanis said to Malfoy.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted again.

The magic spell hit Albus 's shield a trivial harder this clip. Albus could feel beading of sweat forming on his forehead.

Malfoy kept going and it took him five times to break through Albus 's shield. When it happened, Albus felt his wand leave his mitt and was overcome by a wave of dizziness at the Lapplander time. He felt exactly like he had when he had gotten the flu the previous year, only without the fever.

Albus did n't pay any attention to what Malfoy and Balladanis were doing. He felt like he was going to give out and he had to sit down. He sat down right on the level and was vaguely cognizant of Balladanis standing over him.

Then, all of a sudden, the dizziness was gone. Albus shook his nous and then looked up and saw Balladanis and Malfoy standing in front line of him. Malfoy looked impressed and Balladanis looked like he always did.

"You did quite well with that shield,"Balladanis said as Albus stood up,"And I think it 's prophylactic to wear that you could n't have held compactness for any enchantment after Mr. Malfoy succeeded in breaking your shield."

"No, sir,"Albus shook his head.

"Normally the spell 's burden would ingest lasted longer, but I performed the counter-curse because it looked like you were gear up to pass out,"Balladanis explained,"When you 're ready, you can try the charm."

"I 'm gear up,"Albus said as he took his wand back from Malfoy.

Balladanis gave Malfoy a few minute to get his shield up and then nodded at Albus to perform the charm.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted. As he expected, the charm did not break Malfoy 's buckler.

Much to Albus 's delight, he managed to separate the shield on the fourth try. One lupus erythematosus try than Malfoy had needed for Albus.

The spell hit Malfoy in the bureau and his wand soared towards Albus. Albus caught it and watched as Malfoy bent over and fell to the ground, much like Albus himself had done.

Balladanis gave Albus one of his rare smiles and then pulled out his own sceptre. He waved it at Malfoy and Malfoy looked up.

"That was weird,"Malfoy muttered.

"It 's supposed to be,"Balladanis said,"Now get up and we 'll do it again."

Balladanis kept them at it for the better part of an hour, past times when Albus would accept liked to quit. It was exhausting to be hit with that spell time after time while trying to take hold up a shell magic spell. Malfoy did n't appear to be faring much just and Albus thought he was even going to ask Balladanis to give up after a half hour, but Malfoy closed his oral cavity, obviously thinking better of it.

The praxis was n't for zero, though. Albus managed to moderate Malfoy off long and longer each time and although Malfoy was getting best at the screen appealingness as well, Albus broke through it a few more times.

"That 's enough for tonight,"Balladanis finally said after he performed the countercurse on Albus for what must experience been the one-tenth sentence that nighttime,"I 'll see you in class on Tuesday."

Malfoy made a beeline for the doorway, but Albus turned to Balladanis instead. He might as well just get it over with. There was no good way to ask Balladanis what his previous job had been. He just had to do it.

"Er, Sir,"Albus began,"I was just wondering, what did you do before you began teaching here ?"

Balladanis gave Albus the strangest look he had ever seen. It was a mixture of anger, sorrowfulness, and even regret. For a moment, Albus wished he had n't asked. It was too personal. He should take in just told John they would n't be capable to find out.

"Now is not the clip,"Balladanis said quietly,"All in honest sentence, I will tell you."

Albus was taken aback. That was Thomas More than he had expected. He had thought Balladanis would bear told him to beware his own occupation and get back to Gryffindor column before curfew. Albus was going to find out, he was just going to receive to be patient role.

Albus left the room as quickly as he could in his exhausted State, before Balladanis could transfer his brain about eventually telling Albus about his previous career. The pass back to Gryffindor pillar seemed farseeing than usual and all Albus wanted to do was collapse into bed when he finally got there.

Instead, he was ambushed by all of his Quaker. All five of them looked aghast and Amanda looked like she was going to be sick. He looked around the mutual room and saw that to the highest degree the great unwashed looked appalled and everyone was subdued. There was no joking around going on. Even James II was quietly sitting at one of the tables.

"What happened ?"Albus whispered as he followed them back to their usual table.

pink wine opened her mouth to verbalise and then closed her heart, unable to do so. Albus turned to John and raised his eyebrows.

"You know that feller who owns Dervish and Banges ?"trick asked quietly.

Albus nodded, having seen the man on numerous social occasion when he was in Hogsmeade. He was slightly erstwhile than Albus 's parents, with greying hair and a very acute personality. He never hesitated to make his opinions known

"mortal killed him,"trick said in barely more than a whisper.

"Wh-what ?"Albus turned to look at all his Friend in turn. Matt nodded ever so slightly and then put his head on his hands.

"must 've just happened,"St. John the Apostle said,"They just found him. ma'am Rosmerta heard a commotion and Flooed here, to get the Auror on obligation. By the time they got back, his shop was a complete mess inside and he was laying beat on the floor. Avada Kedavra. They 're searching Hogsmeade, the forest, the grounds, and the school. cipher 's allowed out of their common rooms and dormitories."

"We thought Balladanis would contribute you back here when it happened,"pink wine said.

"nobody even came in to tell us,"Albus replied, still in shock.

people were n't just randomly killed in Hogsmeade. That sort of thing just did n't happen anymore. Not since Voldemort had been defeated. fountainhead, prof Torro had been killed back before his first yr and then that one enchantress from the Ministry had been killed over Christmas, but their killers had never been found and aught had happened since.

"Why would anyone kill him ?"matte wondered aloud.

"Why would anyone kill anyone ?"blush wine replied.

The portrait hole opened and all the whispering stopped. Everyone looked to see who came in. It was prof Longbottom, looking worse for the wearable. His gown were disheveled and his tie was askew.

"Aurors are still searching the castle and the grounds,"he told them,"I suggest you all try and get some rest. The search will be long over by sunup, so you will be liberate to leave the coarse room then."

Albus and his Quaker looked at each other after Longbottom left. They wordlessly went up to their hall, Kaden going with Albus instead of to the second days'dorm. Nobody said anything as he curled up on the floor with one of Albus 's spare blankets. Albus got into bed and stared at the ceiling. He had been so washed-out earlier, but now there was no way he 'd get a great deal sleep that night.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awing lector and reviewers !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


dejeuner was very subdued the side by side day. Most people had slept quite late since it was a Sat. Every student of Hogwarts had their nose in a copy of the prophesier, be it their own or a friend 's. The staff table looked the same, with every professor either reading the Prophet or whispering with another professor, no doubt about what they 'd read.

Albus was reading Georgia 's vaticinator as she had finished with it and made a mental note to start up subscribing himself. All of his friends were peering over his shoulders. Even Linda was hovering around them, a fundament or so away.

HOGSMEADE tradesman MURDERED

A folie in Dervish and Banges late
yesterday evening that sent one Hogsmeade
resident to Hogwarts to line up the Auror on
duty booster cable to the discovery of the death
of a shopkeeper.

Leroy Wisander, 42, the ten-year proprietor of
Dervish and Banges was pronounced numb
on the scene by Ministry Aurors yesterday
evening. His shop had been broken into
and it showed signs of a conflict.
Wisander was discovered in the midriff of
destroyed merchandise with his sceptre
laying a few feet away. Aurors confirmed
that he was killed with the killing curse.

An broad search of Hogsmeade, the
forest, Hogwarts, and its grounds turned
up nothing despite the hours Aurors spent
searching. No fingerprint were found on
the scene.

Aurors will be devoting time to finding
Wisander 's killer and a possible motive.

Leroy Wisander had owned Dervish and Banges
for a trivial over ten eld, when he
purchased the shop from its previous owner
who retired. However, Wisander is more
known for the scathing editorial he writes
for this very newspaper.

Anyone who knew Wisander knew he was a man
of very strong opinion and did not hesitate
to let others experience his persuasion. His nearly
recent editorials have explored the study
of werewolf, vampire, and early so called
'half-breeds'rightfulness. Aurors have declined
comment on whether they believe Wisander 's
editorial are a possible motive for his
murder. Wisander 's obituary can be found
on page five.

Albus set the paper down and his friend all resumed their seats. Nobody said a Book for a few instant. Albus did n't know what to suppose. The article certainly made it seem like Wisander was killed because of his beliefs. However, it did n't exactly say what his impression were. Albus had n't ever read any of his editorials, so he could n't say either.

"What form of editorial did he write ?"flatness asked quietly.

"I have no melodic theme,"Albus replied, looking at his friend whose face was quite pale,"neediness to go to the room ?"

"Yeah,"matt nodded,"I 'm not really hungry."

Albus got up and was followed by all of his booster. John and Kaden each grabbed a passel of toast before leaving. Even Rose and Amanda went with them instead of going off to study with Linda.

"Have any of you record his column ?"Matt asked as soon as they were in the piranha 's Den.

Nobody had read them. Not even rose. Matt sighed and collapsed onto one of the sofa."I 've got to find out what they were about. I do n't even make love which would be better, him being for or against werewolf rightfulness. If he 's for them, that means some bloke is on the liberate killing the great unwashed for wanting lycanthrope rights."

matte did n't even induce to continue for Albus to have it off why that worried him. Matt 's dad was possibly the with child proponent of werewolf right field in all of UK and everyone knew it. If somebody had been killed just for writing about loup-garou rightfulness, what would materialise to someone who was actually passing laws for them ?

"That might not be why Wisander was killed,"pink wine pointed out.

"Why else would someone get killed him ?"Matt asked,"He was just a shop proprietor in Hogsmeade."

"Why did someone kill Professor Torro ?"John replied,"He was n't even writing any editorials or anything."

"To frighten off hoi polloi,"Albus said quietly,"The vindication teacher position used to be cursed, back when our parents were in school."

"wellspring, I do n't think you should worry until you find out what the newspaper column are about,"rose said to Matt.

"The early alternative is n't very much better,"matt muttered,"If he did n't spell newspaper column for werewolf rights, then he wrote them against them."

Albus thought lustrelessness had a degree, but he kept his rima oris shut. Any way you looked at it, this murder pointed to the fact that things were changing. Aurors had been patrolling Hogwarts for months, but Albus had quickly adjusted to that and did n't really mean much about it, but maybe there was more come about outside of Hogwarts than Albus was aware of.

"Let 's go to the program library,"blush wine said as she stood up,"They 'll take in old copies of the Prophet there."

Everyone agreed with this and they set off to the library. When they arrived, they were surprised to bump how crowded it was. Usually Saturday were the day everyone put off their homework and then Sundays were spent in the library.

Once they stepped inside, Albus saw that everyone was looking through old copies of the prophesier. Nearly every table had a few newspaper publisher on it and a few bookman poring over them. Madam Pince was bustling about, no incertitude worrying about whether the students would rip her valued newspapers.

"might not be any will,"John muttered.

"This is trade good,"Albus replied,"Now it wo n't bet suspicious for us to be investigating."

lav was almost right on. There was a very small wad of newspapers left. Albus grabbed them all and then they went to a secluded table towards the cover of the depository library. Albus, Matt, and rose wine each took a newsprint while lavatory, Kaden, and Amanda played tit-tat-toe on a spare bit of parchment.

Albus leafed through his paper, which was about two eld old, until he got to the editorial part. In the very middle, in the biggest fount, was an newspaper column by Leroy Wisander.

healer, beer maker TO BLAME, NOT MINISTRY official

As I was locking up my shop finis night,
I noticed that it was a full phase of the moon moon. I
could not help but think of the wretched
multitude plagued with lycanthropy
currently shut up while attacking
themselves.

Now, I know what you all are thinking.
Aconitum lycoctonum. The stuff works miracles
if taken correctly. However, it does
no good if it 's sitting in St. Mungo 's
and not being used by beldam and
genius with lycanthropy.

The stuff is expensive. I myself did
the calculations and discovered that
it would be extremely difficult for
anyone with a low income to give it.

And what kind of Job are lycanthropes
often stuck with ? Menial, low-paying
one. The line where they make hardly
enough money to pay the snag and buy
food for thought, let unparalleled purchase a potion that
could alter their life-time for the better.

I am absolutely scandalize that therapist
and potion beer maker charge for this
significant potion. They must be making
a nice gain. They can use the profits
to take extravagant holidays while the
pitiful witches and superstar who buy it
battle to afford it.

There is only so a lot Ministry officials
can do. question of Werewolf support Services,
Bruno Walter Eckerton, says he would love to
give away devoid Wolfsbane, but there just
is n't room for it in the budget.

What do I aim ? I propose that Healers
and potion brewers give it away for free.
They have the abilities to brew it, not
the Ministry. Most therapist claim to screw
helping people, but often it is those who
need it most, such as those with lycanthropy,
are often forced to go without, all because
those with the abilities to brew it like
to throw a little surplus expenditure money.

"aught in this one,"rose wine said as she shoved hers aside.

"This one 's got one about vampire,"Matt said as he set his theme on top of Rose's.

"Read this,"Albus handed matt his paper,"Wisander even mentions your dad."

Matt took the newspaper publisher and he and rosebush began to read it. whoremonger, Amanda, and Kaden peered over as well. Albus sat and waited while they read.

"Let 's go back to the room,"Matt said as soon as he 'd finished reading it.

Albus nodded and they returned the newsprint and walked as fast as they could back to the marauder 's Den.

"Bloody Hell, that bloke must have had so many opposition !"John shouted as soon as they were back.

"I know,"Albus agreed,"And that one 's from two years ago. Imagine what he 's written recently."

"Why did he have to refer my dad ?"lustrelessness groaned,"He made it sound like my dad agrees with that editorial and he definitely doesn't."

"He was just trying to evoke something up,"rosiness replied,"And count where it got him."

"therapist are n't like that. near of the ones I 've met would give away innocent wolfbane, but it 's more elaborate that that. The constituent are expensive and it takes forever to brew. Not to name how difficult it is. There are n't many Healers who can brew it and even almost brewers ca n't brew it,"lustrelessness explained.

"That bloke did n't roll in the hay the half of it,"can agreed,"My dad 's a therapist and he 'd love to give away free potions. It just does n't puzzle out that way."

"My dad 's linked with that bloke,"mat said quietly,"And now that he 's head of the entire department, he 'll be passing more legal philosophy. Whoever killed Wisander 's not going to be happy."

"Your dad 's a really good thaumaturge, though,"Albus pointed out to his disturbed friend,"Plus he works at the Ministry, where there are burden of Aurors milling about. And your family is more protect than any other house I 've seen, well, except the rector 's Mansion."

"I know, but it 's still not good,"matte sighed.

Albus could n't fence with that. Something was going on outside of Hogwarts. Something far more important than the Quidditch tournament and the dueling tournament.

******

Albus and his Friend scoured the Daily Prophet every good morning the following hebdomad. Every day there was an article about Wisander, the investigation, or both. So far the investigation had turned up nothing. The Aurors had questioned quite a few people, namely those very free-spoken against loup-garou and vampire right hand, but the search had proved fruitless.

The article about Wisander were far more occupy. It seemed that his newspaper column about Wolfsbane Potion was one of the tamer ones. Each day minuscule while of his several editorials were being published. In one, he stated the reasons why werewolves should n't be locked up on full-of-the-moon moons. The reasons were quite ridiculous, but the Prophet had printed it anyway. Another editorial talked about why vampires should be allowed accession to humans to bite. He suggested using prisoner and allowing vampire to suck up them dry. Thus helping lamia and reducing prison price at the same time.

"I reckon this feller was off his rocker,"toilet announced at breakfast the followers Sunday. He had just finished reading an clause about how Wisander spent a year living with a lamia federation of tribes in joker when he was Danton True Young. They were some of the few mass actually up at an early hour, as Albus had Quidditch practice and John had a morning detention with Filch for putting dungbombs in the toilets in Moaning Myrtle 's lav the previous day.

"That 's a nice way of putting it,"Albus said as he served himself more eggs.

"What are you doing after Quidditch practice session ?"can asked.

"After Quidditch ?"Albus laughed,"You mean, I 'm going to get to impart eventually ? wood wo n't make us drill for the next week ? I thought he was going to go on going until the actual match on Saturday."

"He 's got to let you out for class,"St. John grinned.

"What a shame,"Albus rolled his eyes,"Anyway, I 'll probably have to do homework, since practice will go until late. How about you ? Any plans for after detention ?"

"Thought I might earn another hold,"whoremaster grinned,"But Kaden 's busy with Bromus secalinus club this afternoon-"

"Wait,"Albus nearly choked on his juice,"Kaden joined the chess club ? Kaden ? Kaden Dursley ?"

"Know any early Kadens ?"Saint John laughed,"pink wine said they want to teach him how to play properly, you know, like a challenge of sorts."

"I 'll enjoin rose wine upright luck with that,"Albus said.

"Yeah, so both Kaden and rose wine will be officious with that. Not that rosiness would need to earn custody with me anyway. And Amanda 's doing something with Linda today, homework, I think. And I doubt lusterlessness will be up for doing anything,"toilet continued.

"Right,"Albus said, remembering that the full moon was that Night,"But you did the dungbombs on your own."

"But it 's not as fun,"privy sighed,"I guess I 'll just flow around the den with flatness. I can have a nice one-sided conversation."

"You can do your prep,"Albus told him.

"Nope, I 'm waiting until you get back for that,"John said.

"wellspring, have fun in your detainment. I 've got to get to practice,"Albus said as he got up.

There were a few choice Bible Albus had for recitation that day. Long, grueling, and intense. wood was in his all right pattern as he ordered the team to do drills time of day after time of day. He seemed to get more than and to a greater extent stressed as the day wore on.

James did a lot of one-on-one training with slip and Albus was more than a little envious. Teddy was a much more patient maitre d' than Sir Henry Joseph Wood was and yelled a whole lot less. Tyler expressway mostly helped Wood.

Wood let them experience a short break for lunch, making sure they knew to come back afterwards. Albus heard the Slytherins on the squad talking about skipping out of the rest of recitation, but they were back on the pitch at the fourth dimension Mrs. Henry Wood told them to be.

The good afternoon was very similar to the morning and Albus found that he could tune out Grant Wood 's yelling quite easily. It was similar to tuning out his mum 's yelling.

exercise finally ended at three, when the New York team walked onto the pitch and demanded they leave, because they had booked the pitch for three o'clock that day.

"Remember, exercise Tuesday evening !"forest shouted as the whole team rushed to get off the pitch.

Albus trudged back to the castle tired and shivering. He went straight to Gryffindor Tower and took a very long, hot shower and then set off to get his friends.

Rose, Amanda, and Linda were in the park room, but the male child were n't. Albus figured they were in the piranha 's Den and set off to seem for them after saying a quick how-do-you-do to the girls.

whoremaster and Kaden were in the middle of a heated biz of Exploding Snap when Albus walked into the Marauder 's Den a few minutes later. privy 's human face was full moon of ash, but Kaden 's was quite an white. There was also a big grin on his font which contrasted the scowl on lavatory 's aspect. Matt was laying on the frame facing them, like he had been watching the game, but he was sound asleep.

"Albus !"Kaden shouted,"How was practice ?"

"Grueling. Wood 's ten times unsound than Georgia. Five hours we were out there. Five blooming 60 minutes in the cold !"Albus groaned as he collapsed onto the other couch.

"bettor than scrubbing Moaning myrtle 's bathroom with a toothbrush,"John muttered,"I do n't roll in the hay what was worse, the scrubbing or listening to Myrtle."

"All three of you are so cheery today,"Kaden said,"So many complaints."

"Can you blame us ?"Albus muttered.

"No, not really,"Kaden shrugged.

"How was chess ?"Albus asked.

"I got beaten by every individual someone in the chess game golf club,"Kaden shook his headland,"But they think I have potential."

"Albus,"John said as the cards blew up in his face again,"Have you done that defensive structure assay ?

"No,"Albus groaned.

"I need your help,"whoremaster said as he got up and started digging around in his bag.

Albus groaned again and fished around in his own bag for his Defense book. Balladanis wanted a foot long essay about basilisks, which were the current coloured fauna of the calendar week.

John sat down at the mesa while Albus lay on the couch. He just could n't bring himself to get up and do his essay. Instead, he mumbled solution to John whenever he asked a question.

"Do you hatch the volaille egg under a salientian or a toad ?"lav asked.

"Toad,"Albus mumbled.

"You know, I could pull a blush wine and tell you to do your essay,"lavatory replied.

"Do n't even bother,"Albus said. Even Rose would n't be able-bodied to get him off the couch.

"Quidditch seems less grueling than football,"Kaden commented,"I mean, you fly, you do n't run."

Albus lifted his oral sex up and glared at Kaden."Wood had us doing push-ups and running laps."

"Really ?"Kaden sounded surprised,"Why ?"

"To get us into bod after the holiday,"Albus answered,"So yes, Quidditch is a lot of work."

"Ok, ok,"Kaden muttered as he located some of his own homework.

Albus managed to get in a somewhat comfortable position on the couch and wrote his essay with his book and parchment perched on his knee joint. It beat sitting at the mesa ; at least he was able to classify of lie down.

A few time of day later both Albus and trick had their essays completed. Kaden was still scribbling furiously on whatever homework he was working on.

"We should probably wake him up,"Albus gestured to mat, who had not moved one muscle since Albus had came back from practice.

bathroom got up and began to nudge Matt 's arm. It took a good two bit for Matt to afford his eyes.

"It 's nearly six,"John the Evangelist told him.

"Then I should probably go,"matt mumbled,"Oh, Albus, you 're back from practice."

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"It was really long, though."

"I 'll go with you to the hospital fender,"John the Divine said and Matt did not object. Albus assured him they 'd chatter him the following day and then they left, leaving Albus and Kaden alone in the room.

John returned a short while later and the three of them went down to dinner. They returned to the piranha 's Den afterwards and King John and Kaden continued working on their prep while Albus slept on the couch.

******

"Albus, get up !"

Albus mumbled something incoherently and rolled over in his bed. It felt far too betimes to wake up.

"Albus !"Whoever was shouting was now prodding him in the side.

Albus opened his optic and saw Teddy standing over his bed. A glance at the clock told him that, yes, it was far too early to waken up. It was six in the break of day. On a Saturday. Yes, it was the day of the Quidditch match against New House of York, but that was n't until one o'clock and Albus was only a reticence player anyway.

"Albus, you 'd better get up now. Wood 's in the common room,"slip whispered.

That got Albus 's attention. His centre shot back open and he sat up."What ?"

"Fielding 's sick,"slip told him,"You 're playing today."

Now Albus was wide awake."Seriously ? What about O'delle ?"Hailey O'delle was the early backlog Chaser, a seventh year Slytherin.

"She 's sick, too,"shift explained,"The two of them are going out, so it does n't storm me."

Albus took that to mean that Teddy thought they were snogging and one got the early sick.

"I 'll be down in two min,"Albus muttered.

shimmy nodded and left. Albus threw on a tee shirt and a pair of jeans before running down to the rough-cut room, where he found Oliver Grant Wood pacing in presence of the hollow fire.

"Albus,"he said as soon as Albus stepped into the unwashed elbow room,"You 're playing Chaser today."

Albus nodded and sat down for what was sure to be a very recollective speech. Wood paused and then launched into an explanation of manoeuvre, which Albus had already heard during practice that week. He could n't envision out why he had to be woken up at six to be told he was playing. Wood could have accomplished the Same thing at ten.

wood and slip left after Wood finished lecturing Albus and Albus considered going back to bed, but as he was wide awake, it would be pointless.

section of Wood 's lecture had been on the atmospheric condition, which was dusty and slightly snowy. Could be worse, Albus thought. At least there was n't a blizzard. The conditions were very similar to those they had been practicing in all week.

Albus sat in the common room reading a leger he found laying around until his protagonist got up around ten.

"There you are,"matte, who was looking significantly better than he had a few days ago, said,"What time did you get up ?"

"Six,"Albus muttered,"teddy got me up. Wood had to recite me I 'm playing chaser today."

"What ?"flatness shouted,"That 's magnificent !"

"This is great, Albus !"John grinned,"But why ?"

"Henry Fielding 's sick and so is the other reserve pursuer,"Albus explained,"I 'm just gladiolus we 're playing New York and not Australia."

Albus went to the Great Granville Stanley Hall to eat lunch with his friends, but he was n't really thirsty. He did n't think he had ever been more nervous for a Quidditch mates. This was a really important mate, as Wood had pointed out legion times. If they won by a wide enough margin, they 'd be in second place.

Word of God had gotten around that Albus was playing in the compeer and numerous masses came over to the Gryffindor table to wish Albus circumstances.

"Al,"Harry sat down side by side to Albus.

"Dad,"Albus smiled. He had n't been sure enough if his dad was coming to the match or not.

"I 'll be watching the whole time. I 'm sure you 're going to do gravid. Just think of it as a match against another house. Ravenclaw, I guess, since their robes are blue,"Harry grinned,"good luck."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus left with the rest of the Hogwarts squad a few minutes later. All his supporter wished him good fate as he left the Hall.

Nobody talked much as they changed into their robe. Everyone sat down afterwards, ready for Natalie Wood 's pre-match speech.

However, Wood seemed to be all speeched out. He merely said that they 'd trained well and to give it their all. Albus was a little shocked by the shortness of the speech, but quickly got over it as he walked out onto the pitch.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome mass who have read and reviewed this !

Also, I wrote a new song fic ! It 's from Snape 's period of view, as I wanted to try something dissimilar. It 's on my writer Thomas Nelson Page if you want to control it out !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Ten proceedings into the match, Albus decided there were four type of Quidditch in the world. nonchalant Quidditch, like what he played with his cousin ; schooling Quidditch ; professional Quidditch ; and then there was the type of Quidditch he was playing now.

It was a combination of school Quidditch and professional Quidditch. The crowd was louder, the role player more determined, and the stakes were eminent than a pattern schoolhouse Quidditch mate.

Albus dodged one of the New York Chasers and flew up to catch the Quaffle, which had been dropped by Waverly as he had been hit by a bludger. As soon as Albus had the Quaffle, he was flanked by the other two New House of York Chasers.

Albus pushed his broom to fly faster and held the Quaffle tighter to his pectus. Then he plunged down to the undercoat, where nobody else was flying. He was back up high up two bit later when he had reached the New York end posts. After dodging a Bludger, he threw the Quaffle into the left field goal post. The Keeper was too slowly and the Quaffle soared through.

"Potter of Hogwarts has scored !"Todd Smith shouted,"40-30 Hogwarts !"

James grinned at Albus as he flew past. Albus smiled to himself and joined Waverly and Reilly, who were waiting for New York 's steward to throw the Quaffle out. That had been his first end of the match.

The Quaffle continued to exchange script quickly as the match went on. An hour later there was still no sign of the snitcher and both squad were neck in neck as far as points went. New York was up by ten.

Albus scored a few more end and he began to relax a slight. The match began to finger more like a schooling match and less like a professional mates, even though the stakes were still high.

woods had repeated over and over again that they had to be up by at least fifty points when James caught the snitch, or they would n't be capable to overtake New House of York as far as overall points went.

"New York 's Seeker has seen the Snitch !"Smith announced.

Albus, who had been following one of New York 's Chasers ( the one who had the Quaffle ), turned around and saw that their Seeker was making a beeline for the top of Hogwarts'middle goal.

James noticed as well and flew straight at the ring. He had been significantly closer than New York 's Seeker and flew away from the basket with the struggling fink in his hand.

The crowd roared and Saint James held the stool pigeon high above his read/write head. Both team flew to the footing and Albus saw the pained look on Ellen Price Wood 's side. They had n't won by plenty to be in second place overall.

"I had no choice !"James River shouted to him,"She was going to get it !"

woodwind nodded in agreement, but he still looked disappointed. Albus chose to ignore this and helped the ease of the team to hoist James onto all of their shoulders.

"To update everyone on the full point, the Australian School of black magic is in first place. New York and Hogwarts are currently tied for second. The side by side match will contract place at the end of February !"metalworker told the crowd.

Albus did n't play up with his friends until they were back in the common room. Teddy had gone to Hogsmeade and a political party was currently underway in the Gryffindor common elbow room. teddy bear informed everyone that the three other houses were hosting parties as well. The scholarly person from New York who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including their seeker, were sulking in a corner.

"I think that was your salutary match yet,"privy said to Albus as they settled down at their common table.

"I think so, too,"Albus agreed,"I sort of regard I could toy in the following match."

"Maybe Fielding will still be sick,"trick said.

"doubt it,"Albus replied,"asset, I 'm certain O'delle will get kickoff dibs on the next match if any of the former Chasers get sick."

"At least you got to play in one peer,"Rose pointed out.

"Anyway, the next match you 'll probably be playing Australia,"Matt said.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"If we win that one, it 'll be a miracle. But we 're not even playing in the next one. Next equal is New York versus Australia."

The party continued until dinner party metre, when mass began to leave as nobody had snuck down to the kitchens to get food. Harry came in to plume Albus and James shortly before Albus and his friends left for dinner. He was also scheduled to police the shoal for the remainder of the weekend and wanted to let his kids know.

******

Life at Hogwarts returned to normal shortly after the Quidditch compeer. The Prophet printed few and fewer article about Wisander until there were none at all. Everyone seemed to block about his death. Everyone except Matt, that is, who was still worried about his dad.

However, the students at Hogwarts were reminded again of the unsolved slaying when the next Hogsmeade trip-up arrived two daylight after Valentine 's Day. A portion of the students were too lovesick to remark the boarded up shop of Dervish and Banges as they made their way to madam Puddifoot's.

Neither Albus, John, or mat were too preoccupied to point out the empty building, though. The three of them stopped to look at it for a patch despite the biting steer. rosebush and Amanda were spending the day with Linda.

"Who owns it now ?"trick asked as they looked at the empty-bellied building.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"The Prophet never mentioned any family."

"It 's probably still component part of the investigating,"Matt pointed out,"Plus, who would want a building that someone was killed in ? I do n't even want to go in it."

Albus did n't think it was a good time to cue flatness that Severus Snape had been murdered inside of the screeching Shack.

"trade good point,"Albus said,"But so far they have n't found anything."

"They wo n't receive who it was,"can said quietly,"They never found out who killed Torro."

"I really hope they find who it was,"Matt replied.

"They will,"Albus said,"They 're still focused on it."

Albus, Matt, and whoremaster went to the 3 broom handle a little while later because all three of them were frozen. They warmed up with Butterbeer and were just thinking about heading back to the castle when Albus heard someone whisper his name behind him.

"Albus,"they said again.

Albus turned around, but no one was there. The vocalism sounded familiar, though. Albus slowly reached his bridge player out and it touched something hearty, but it looked like no one was there.

"Kaden,"Albus groaned,"Is that you ?"

"Yeah,"Kaden whispered back,"I stole your cloak."

Albus immediately stood up and motioned for Matt and John, who were both looking confused, to keep abreast him. He assumed Kaden would follow as well. Albus lead them up senior high school Street until they reached the Shrieking hut. cypher was hanging around it that day.

"Kaden !"Albus seethed,"You do realize how stupid this was."

"Yes,"Kaden replied as he took off the cloak.

"Bloody Hell !"John shouted.

"You stole the cloak ?"mat asked.

"Kaden, you idiot !"Albus shouted,"I know I first told you this would be a near time, but there was a cause I changed my nous and told you not to lift in today. nigh of the teachers come to Hogsmeade for the February trip-up. My cousins told me. They want to make certainly no one does anything poor fish because they 're in erotic love or whatever."

"Er,"Kaden muttered.

"How did you get in ?"Matt asked.

"One-eyed witch statue,"Kaden replied,"pencil lead right into Honeyduke's."

"Kaden, do you experience how hard it 's going to be to get you back unnoticed ?"

Kaden 's grimace turned white and his mouth dropped outdoors. Albus turned around to see what he was looking at and was met face to look with professor Balladanis.

"Quite difficult, I 'd expect,"Balladanis replied,"semen with me, all of you."

Albus groaned inwardly as he followed Balladanis down the street. They had gone all year without Kaden getting them into trouble, but Albus should accept known in force than to think they could go the whole year.

cipher spoke until they were shut in Balladanis 's study. Balladanis sat down in his president and looked at Kaden.

"Explain,"Balladanis said.

"They had nil to do with it,"Kaden said quickly,"Albus was just telling me how stupid I was."

"Then it would seem that Mr. Potter and I agree on something,"Balladanis replied,"Where 'd you get that cloak ?"

"It 's Albus 's,"Kaden said quietly,"I took it. He did n't grant it to me to sneak in or anything."

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. potter, Mr. Eckerton, and Mr. Brickston, you may devolve to your park room. Mr. Dursley will link up you after I arrange his detention."

Albus, Matt, and John could not get out of there quickly enough. They walked straight back to the common room, talking about how lucky they had been. It must have looked like all three of them had helped Kaden creep into Hogsmeade. Good thing Balladanis believed Kaden.

Kaden returned fifteen minutes later, looking quite infelicitous. He collapsed onto a chairman and stared mutinously at the table.

"Detention every Saturday for the side by side month,"Kaden muttered,"Plus he gave me a lecturing about how serious it was for me to sneak out and if I did it again I 'd get a big punishment than detention. Did n't rarify on that, though."

"He 'd probably get you kicked out,"can commented.

"Did he say what you have to do for detainment ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Kaden said,"Guess it 'll be a surprise."

******

Kaden discovered what his detention was that nighttime. Balladanis decided to have him alphabetize his secret program library, which was quite wide. Kaden returned to the predator 's Den ranting about the sum of money of books Balladanis had.

"He 's got more al-Qur'an on night creatures than your dad 's got,"Kaden said to Matt.

"That 's impressive,"Matt replied.

"Wish he had less,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden spent all four of his detainment alphabetizing those Koran. He almost did n't superintend to terminate and if that had been the case, Balladanis would have given him a fifth part detention.

The future full-of-the-moon moonlight came and went, as did the following Quidditch mates. Albus was beginning to suspect that the replete moons were becoming worse for lustrelessness, although he did n't know why.

New York lost miserably to Australia in the Quidditch couple. They had been doing pretty well until Linda caught the snitcher a one-half 60 minutes in. Natalie Wood insisted that this was a respectable matter, though. It meant that if Hogwarts managed to score a good amount of goals before Linda caught the Snitch in their following couple, they would give birth more overall item than New York. Wood seemed to get lost any hope that James could get Linda in quest, something St. James the Apostle fumed about on a near daily basis.

March arrived and with it a three day rain down storm that left the grounds completely flooded. Both Herbology and Care of Magical wight had to take berth inside, which resulted in incredibly boring lessons. forest continued to hold Quiditch practice and Albus returned to the castling completely soaked and covered in mud after each one.

All of the teacher were piling on the homework and Professor Patil had even gone so far as to refer the O.W.L.s even though they were a whole two yr away. The just teacher who was n't talking about the end of term exams was professor Balladanis.

Balladanis conducted his lessons as if end of term exams did not exist. He changed cipher about his lessons except the dark puppet they were learning about.

"We 're starting vampires next hebdomad,"Balladanis announced at the end of social class on Th,"Please read the chapter on them by Monday."

Albus could n't facilitate but appear at Linda before he began packing up his things. He wondered if Balladanis would be teaching them enough about identifying vampire for anyone to cypher out that Linda was one.

"So,"St. John said as he flipped through his Defense book the observe eventide. Albus, Matt, John, and Kaden were in the Marauder 's Den and John the Evangelist was just finishing the chapter on vampires."flavour what 's after vampires.

Albus looked through his own book."Werewolves,"he said quietly and then looked at Matt.

"Yeah,"lustrelessness muttered,"It was bound to encounter eventually."

"I wonder if Balladanis is going to piddle you go in for extra help during that unit,"whoremonger grinned,"I 'm sure you 'll involve oodles of additional help in identifying werewolves."

Matt rolled his eyes."He amend. It 'll front suspicious if I do n't go in for superfluous service. oral presentation of extra help, we 're due to go in for it in fifteen minutes."

"We 'd better go then,"privy said,"See you two later."

Albus managed to finish his Herbology homework while John and Matt were gone. Then it was time for him to go in for his dueling lessons.

The desks were n't pushed to the slope of the classroom when Albus entered. Balladanis was seated behind his desk and there was a stone basin sitting on it. Balladanis was pulling silver strings of something out of his head and placing them in the basin.

It was a pensieve and the chain were memories, Albus realized. For a moment, he thought that maybe Balladanis had cancelled dueling and neglected to say him.

"Sir ?"Albus asked hesitantly.

"Mr. Potter,"Balladanis said quietly,"Come in."

Albus stood awkwardly next to one of the front end tables while he waited for Malfoy. Balladanis stared into the pensieve and acted like Albus was n't there. When Malfoy arrived, he looked up and stared at the two boys for a few arcminute before speaking.

"We 're not dueling today,"he said,"Instead, I am going to show you something."He motioned for them to join him at his desk.

Albus glanced nervously at Malfoy. Balladanis was n't one for explanations, but Albus would take appreciated one right then.

"This is a pensieve,"Balladanis said,"It is used to search retention. That is exactly what we 're going to do. Albus, angle forward and put your head into the pensieve. Your body will survey. Scorpius, you will keep an eye on. I will occur after you."

Albus 's pulse sped up a little bit as he leaned over the pensieve. Was this a stupid idea ? He did n't even know what he was getting into. But it was just a computer storage. Nothing could bruise him in a memory board, right ?

Albus took a deep breath and plunged his typeface into the pensieve. He had never been in one before. He landed on the hard sens and looked around.

It was dusk and very serenity. There was a small house in the distance, atop of a rocky hill. In fact, the whole area was mostly rocky. Albus had landed on the one lone piece of grass in the wholly home. It did n't look like any place in Britain.

He stood up as Malfoy landed following to him, followed quickly by Balladanis. Balladanis landed on his feet and they waited for Malfoy to get up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis said quietly.

Albus did so, but he still felt like he deserved an account. Where were they ? Why were they there ? Whose memory was this ? What did it ingest to do with dueling ?

"Excuse me, Sir,"Malfoy said,"Where are we ?"

"Greece,"Balladanis replied.

This did nothing but increase Albus 's wonder. Why were they in Greece of all home ? But he did n't ask. It did n't appear like Balladanis was in an explaining mood, judging by his short, one Word solution to Malfoy.

They walked quietly towards the small home. The only randomness was their footstep. There were n't even any owls hooting or dogs barking. It struck Albus as very odd.

The sign must have been their name and address. Balladanis stopped when they arrived at the broken down wooden fence surrounding it. The house reminded Albus of the scream Shack, only smaller. It was form of infract down and did n't calculate like a place that would be good to live in.

Someone lived there, though. A luminosity was on upstairs. It remained on for a few Thomas More transactions and then someone turned it off.

Balladanis made no relocation towards the house. Instead, he seemed focused on the forest that lay just beyond it. Albus decided the woods was as upright a billet as any to watch.

They watched the forest for a half an 60 minutes before anything happened. Then five hooded figures practically flew out of the forest. They were at the theatre before Albus even realized it. He looked at Balladanis. His typeface was hardened.

All was tranquil for two minute. The anatomy entered the house, but did not turn on any Inner Light. Then the howler started. Albus jumped at the auditory sensation of the showtime one.

They were agonizing, foresighted wow. Albus wanted nothing more than to go in and help whoever was screaming, but he knew he could n't. It was naught more than a memory. Instead, he looked again at Balladanis.

His professor 's face showed nothing. Nothing but the Sami hardened look he had seen on it so many prison term. Malfoy on the other hand, looked horrified. He looked exactly how Albus felt.

The shriek was coming from two different hoi polloi. There was a high one that must sustain been coming from a cleaning lady, and a lower one that must have been coming from a man.

Then, they stopped. commencement the woman, then the man. The hooded design left the household as quickly as they had entered and returned to the forest.

Balladanis, however, made no move to lead. Instead he stared at the house. Two proceedings later, someone fled from it.

They ran from the house, towards Albus, Malfoy, and Balladanis. As they drew closer, Albus could see that the soul was a boy who looked no older than Albus himself. His face was etched with a sadness Albus had never seen before. It was too disconsolate to tell, but Albus was sure there were tears running down his face.

The boy obviously did n't mark the three people watching him. He ran right past them, up the rocky pitcher's mound in the distance. It occurred to Albus after he passed that the boy looked somewhat familiar spirit. There was something about his brass that Albus recognized, but he could n't quite billet it.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all of the amazing people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


professor Balladanis did n't say anything for a prospicient meter after he, Albus, and Malfoy returned to the Defense classroom. Albus landed next to Malfoy, still confused as to how he managed to get out of the pensieve, in social movement of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis landed behind his desk, facing the wall, and did n't turn around for a few minutes.

Albus glanced nervously at his prof as he thought of enquiry he was just burning to ask. In fact, there was nothing about the scene he had just witnessed that did n't make Albus curious. Everything about it had been confusing.

Malfoy looked just as confused. They kept looking at each other and it was kind of strange. They were on the Same side of meat. Both of them wanted Balladanis to explicate.

Balladanis finally turned around and looked at them. He put his hands on his desk and leaned forward, looking both Albus and Malfoy in the eye.

It happened in a divide sec. Albus looked at his professor and immediately thought back to the aspect of the boy in the scene. That was why he looked associate. The boy was Balladanis. Then, Balladanis shifted slightly and the likeness was gone. But Albus knew it. That scene had been from Balladanis 's childhood.

"Sit down,"Balladanis said.

Albus and Malfoy sat down quickly at the table in front of Balladanis 's desk. They were sitting right adjacent to each other and Albus did n't care. At the moment, finding out what that scene was was more of import than staying away from Malfoy.

"A few calendar week ago you asked me what I did before I started teaching here, Mr. thrower,"Balladanis began,"I have always had the intent of telling you, of telling both of you. I was merely waiting for the right second. I feel that that moment is now."

Balladanis paused and walked around to the front of his desk. He began to pace in front of it.

"There is a intellect why I am telling you this now. Why I am not explaining to all of my year what I did before education. The rationality is that you two are incredible duelers. Both of you have skills beyond your years that I have never seen before, and conceive me, I have seen plenty of exceptional duelers in my fourth dimension. This may be a good clock time to recite you how rarified it is to experience two such skilled dueler in the same year at Hogwarts."

Albus turned to front at Malfoy. What was Balladanis getting at ? It sounded like the showtime of some sort of house I speech or something.

"I know the two of you are n't the advantageously of champion,"Balladanis continued,"But I must say how print I am that you seem to put the bad blood behind you when you step into my classroom for your lessons."

The sole cause for that, at least for Albus, was because of Balladanis himself. Albus doubted he would endure Albus and Malfoy bickering with each early during lessons.

"cover to what I was going to tell you,"Balladanis said,"That scene that I just showed you, in case you have not figured it out yet, took place while I was a boy of only thirteen. It was the summer before my third year at school.

"I grew up in Greece, in that very star sign we just saw. My parents, although they loved me deeply, were very pitiful and could barely give to put food on the table. I think they were grateful when I went away to schooltime, the only reason being that they would n't cause to worry about me getting enough to eat.

"I had two blissfully destitute and fun long time at the Grecian School of Magic. I returned home during summers full of stories about my Friend and all the mischief we 'd puzzle into."

Albus found it difficult to ideate Balladanis getting into trouble at school or doing anything fun in general.

"Everything changed the summer before my third year. It changed on the nighttime you just witnessed. A coven of vampires entered my house that dark. They attacked my parents and wassail them dry. I hid in a wardrobe, too scared to do anything. Then, once the vampires left, I fled. I ran until I could not run anymore. I wound up at the sign of the zodiac of one of my friends. His parents took me in, but thing were obviously never the same. I changed on that night."

Balladanis stopped talking and Albus sat in sodding jounce. Balladanis 's parents had been murdered by vampire ? That was one thing that had never crossed Albus 's mind.

"I returned to schoolhouse that Sept hardened. Nothing was fun anymore. cipher was funny. It was then that I decided to devote my life to ridding the humans of such evils. vampire, dark sensation, loup-garou, anyone and anything that murder viciously."

Albus could n't help but glare at Balladanis when he mentioned lycanthrope. Balladanis seemed to acknowledge this and gave Albus the thin of smiles.

"However, I did recognise that not all vampires, werewolves, giant star, and early existence are inherently evil. Not all of them want to kill. It was for this intellect that I did not care to be employed by the Greek Ministry. The Greek Ministry prefers to treat with magical wight as a whole and not distinguish between them. Perhaps this is because Greece has a very large universe of vampires.

"Thus, becoming an Auror was out of the question. Instead, I chose to inscribe a more close profession. One that you will not chance booklet on when you get career advice from your heads of house. One that no one except me is going to propose to you. Yet it is one that I believe the two of you are quite suited for."

Albus 's heart sped up at this. Balladanis was going to give them career advice ? They were only thirteen. But at the Same time, Albus felt excited. Balladanis thought he was a trade good enough dueler for this career, whatever it was.

"I am a Presuler,"Balladanis said,"I am sure neither of you have heard of one. A Presuler is somewhat like an Auror, in that we seek out dark sensation and gloomy magic. However, we not only seek out dark wizards and dark magic, we seek out dark and severe creatures as well.

"The biggest difference is that Presulers are not employed by the Ministry. There are very few Presulers in the world and we are often sought out by versatile Ministries and hired on an as-needed basis. We travel from commonwealth to country, whenever we are needed. It is quite secretive. I suppose Presulers are a combination of Aurors and individual investigators."

Balladanis was right in that Albus had never heard of a Presuler before. The approximation intrigued him, though. A closemouthed kind of Auror who did not puzzle out for the Ministry.

"I never caught the vampire who killed my parents. I have met one vampire who knew them, but she is not like them. I am still searching for them, however."

Balladanis stopped pacing and leaned up against the front of his desk. He looked at Albus and Malfoy, but did not say anything else.

"Why are you teaching here, then ?"Malfoy asked.

"That is one thing that is between myself and Professor Kendrick,"Balladanis replied.

"Are you coming back next year ?"Malfoy asked.

"As of right wing now, I have no melodic theme,"Balladanis answered,"It is getting late. I 've kept you here much longer than pattern. If you think of anymore interrogation, do not pause to see me. I 'll walk you back to your common rooms."

Albus walked alongside Balladanis in silence on his way back to the Gryffindor Tower. His mind was racing with what he just learned. He did n't know what to make of it. It was just so much information at once.

The common elbow room was nearly vacuous when Albus climbed through the portraiture mess. It must throw been really recently, since it was Friday night. Albus really did n't know what metre it was.

"There you are !"rose shouted,"Merlin, you 've been gone for hours !"

"What did he have got you doing ?"lusterlessness asked.

"I 'll tell you tomorrow,"Albus muttered, realizing that all he wanted to do was lay in his bed and reckon about what Balladanis had just said.

Albus was vaguely aware of his friends sigh of disappointment as he went up to his dormitory, but he did n't feel like talking about it right then. He was tired and his mind was racing at the Sami time.

Albus tossed and turned the entire night. He alternated thinking about what he had seen in the pensieve and about becoming a Presuler himself. Then he wound up thinking about Linda and what Balladanis persuasion of her. He had said he did n't hold a score against vampire that did n't kill people, but who knew what he really thought.

Was Linda the vampire he had met who knew the vampire who killed his parents ? It was possible since vampires never aged. Or maybe she was a completely dissimilar vampire. Albus wondered how many vampires Balladanis knew.

Eventually Albus fell into a uneasy sleep, but his dreams were plagued by what he had seen in the pensieve.

******

"Merlin, Albus, get up !"

Albus rolled over in his bed and put his pillow over his oral sex. After waking up drenched in sweat at four in the dayspring after a nightmare in which his altogether folk had been killed by vampires, he had finally drifted off into a somewhat decent sleep. One that he wished he was still in.

"It 's nearly one o'clock."

"He 's like you are after full moons."

"Shut it. Seriously, Albus, get up."

"Yeah, we want to make out what happened cobbler's last night."

Someone pulled the pall clear and took the pillow off Albus 's head. He looked up and saw King John and Matt.

"Did you lose to Malfoy or something ?"Gospel According to John asked,"Because that would make believe me want to hole out up in bed for the day."

"No, it 's not that,"Albus muttered,"I 'll enjoin you, but I 'm only explaining it once, so one of you better observe blush wine, Amanda, and Kaden. And I 'll differentiate you in the vulture 's Den because there is no way Linda can be around to take heed this."

The lady friend and Kaden met them in the Marauder 's Den after Albus, Gospel According to John, and lustrelessness had lunch. St. John kept pestering Albus all through lunch, wanting to make love why Linda could n't get word about it, but Albus said nothing. He was n't even sure if he was allowed to tell his acquaintance about this, but Balladanis had n't really verboten him.

"Albus, what in the name of Merlin happened hold up Nox ?"blush wine asked as soon as they were all in the marauder 's Den.

"Balladanis told us what he did before he started teaching at Hogwarts,"Albus said quietly.

"And you neglected to tell us until now ?"St. John gaped,"I 've been wanting to know for the integral class !"

"I know, whoremaster,"Albus snapped,"But it 's not anything what you 'd think."

"Sorry,"Gospel According to John muttered.

"Balladanis took us into a pensieve last Night,"Albus began.

"Really ?"Rose looked impressed,"What was that like ?"

"Not that dandy, to be dependable,"Albus said,"Probably would have been punter if it was a punter retentiveness.

"Anyway, he took us without any explanation of what we were going to see. He took us to this really old broken down menage in Greece. form of looked like a smaller more derelict version of the Shrieking Shack."

"In Ellas ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"We watched the star sign for what seemed like time of day and then these pattern broke into it and we heard this nasty screaming. Then the figures left. Then this cuss who was about our age came running out with this horrible frighten look on his human face. Then we left."

"What does that have anything to do with what Balladanis does for a keep ?"St. John the Apostle asked.

"Everything,"Albus sighed,"That had been his sign. The howler were his parents. The boy was him. He told us this after. His parents were killed by a coven of vampires."

Nobody said anything for a hanker time. Albus looked at his friends and they all wore equal facial expression of shock.

"And you watched it ?"flatness asked.

"From a distance,"Albus replied.

"merlin, no wonder Balladanis is so bloody insane,"John let out a low whistle.

"He decided to consecrate his lifespan to ridding the universe of evil, whether it be lamia, dark wizards, or other dark creatures,"Albus continued.

"So he 's an Auror ?"pink wine asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head,"He 's a Presuler."

"What is that ?"Kaden asked.

"It 's like an Auror, only they go after darkness creatures, too. And they are n't employed by the Ministry. They 're hired by Ministries all around the world. They 're research worker as well. Apparently it 's all very secretive,"Albus explained.

"Wow,"John the Evangelist said,"I thought he was an Auror or something."

"Me, too,"mat agreed,"Instead he just hunts down lamia. And, werewolves."

"Only unity that kill people,"Albus assured his lycanthropic friend.

"All werewolf have the capacity of killing people, Albus,"Matt said quietly.

"So does everyone,"Albus replied.

"Whatever his thought on vampires and loup-garou truly is, it 's going to be worry to see how he teaches us about them,"pink wine mused.

"Guess this is why you did n't want Linda to hear about this,"John said.

"Yeah,"Albus replied,"Apparently he still has n't found the vampires who killed his parents, but he knows a vampire who knows them. That vampire does n't kill hoi polloi. I wonder if it 's Linda."

"Who knows ?"Rose shrugged,"I doubt we 'll ever see out."

"Oh, I 've got to tell you what he said after he told us all of this,"Albus took a deep breath,"He thinks Malfoy and I should get Presulers."

"Seriously ?"flatness asked.

"Yeah, because we 're soundly duelers,"Albus explained,"But I do n't know."

"You do n't give birth to know. You 're only thirteen. And Albus, do n't decide anything until you 've read about this. Do n't just go on what Balladanis is saying. I think we 've finally discovered why he 's so passionate about fighting the iniquity arts, but it might cloud his assessment sometimes,"Rose warned.

"I know, that 's what I do n't get,"Albus said,"Why is he telling us this now ?"

"Maybe because he does n't contrive on staying,"mat replied,"Why would he intercept searching for the lamia who killed his parents to teach here anyway ?"

"Malfoy asked,"Albus told him,"But he would n't tell us. He said it 's between him and Kendrick."

"Because that 's not suspicious or anything,"John rolled his centre,"There 's still something funny about Balladanis."

"What are you going to do, Albus ?"mat asked.

"I 'm not deciding anything now,"Albus replied,"I 'm just not going to think about it."

******

Not thinking about Presulers and what happened to Balladanis 's parents proved to be light said than done, especially since defence reaction category was soon devoted to learning about vampires. Balladanis seemed to teach that especial unit with very much Thomas More enthusiasm than usual, a exploit that cipher thought possible. Everyone speculated as to why Balladanis was more enthusiastic than usual, but most just attributed it to the fact that he was blooming insane.

A lot of what Balladanis taught about vampire was stuff Albus already knew due to what flatness had told them earlier in the school class. It was still fairly interesting, though. Albus found that the more grave the beast they were learning about, the more interest it was. Not to mention the fact that they did n't use the anamatek anymore, a fact that nearly every scholar was grateful for.

However, partway through their second week devoted to vampire, the anamatek 's trunk reappeared in the defense classroom. There was an audible groan from every student who stepped into the room.

"If that thing turns into a lamia, I think I 'm going to get up and leave,"trick seethed as they took their seats.

"Maybe we 're moving onto another creature,"Albus suggested even though he knew the chances were slim to none.

"That would n't be any dependable. We 're doing werewolves next,"John reminded him,"And Matt said that thing could n't turn into an existent werewolf. speechmaking of matte, he 's prosperous he 's missing this."

"I think he 'd say otherwise,"Albus replied. The wide lunar month had been the late Nox.

"Quiet,"Balladanis said,"We 'll be continuing our lamia lesson today. Today I wish to show up you what a vampire looks like, which is why I have brought back the anamatek. However, you will not be fighting it. None of you have the skills necessary to fight a vampire."

"He 's genial,"John muttered.

Balladanis drew his verge and pointed it at the trunk. It snapped open and out stepped a very pallid man with rip off feature of speech. He did n't move, but merely stared out at all the students.

"Vampires are the perfect predator,"Balladanis announced,"They 're incredibly fast,"he pointed his wand at the lamia and it disappeared.

It reappeared in the cover of the schoolroom, but it had not Apparated. The lamia had moved so fast that Albus had missed it in the blink of an eye.

"They 're agile,"Balladanis continued,"They 're good looking. They attract you in. Then they kill, they suck you dry until you are dead. The option is not big, either. From the instant their teeth break your skin, you begin to metamorphose into a vampire as well. You will become one if they do not suck you dry. There is no way to check it, no potion to neutralize it.

"lamia hunting at night when their vision is still excellent, but when human imagination is compromised. However, that is not the only reason. Does anyone cognize the early ?"

Rose raised her mitt. Linda did not.

"Yes, Miss Weasley ?"Balladanis said.

"lamia are in meat allergic to the sun,"pink wine explained,"When the sunlight hits them, it hurts them. The sun gives them headaches and makes them experience sick."

"Precisely,"Balladanis gave her a rarefied grinning,"There is no potion to counteract the effects of the sun on vampires. Therefore they tend to dwell arena that see less sun and domain of dense woodland, such as the Northwestern and Northeastern United States, parts of Canada, and parts of Russian Federation. However there is also a pregnant vampire population in Greece."

Balladanis pointed his wand at the vampire again and it retreated back into the body. Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. The moral continued until the bell shape rang. Balladanis made no mention of moving onto the following whole, nor had he assigned the usual end of the unit essay.

Albus and his ally went to visit Matt late that Night after Albus got out of Quidditch practice. They only had a half hour or so until curfew, but they had n't visited at all yet.

"You missed an excellent defence reaction lesson today,"John said once madam Pomfrey had gone back into her study after leaving to see who had entered her ward.

"Was it any different from the common ones ?"lustrelessness asked tiredly. He looked gear up to pass asleep at any moment.

"Balladanis brought back the anamatek,"Albus told him.

"He what ?"Matt shouted, although since his voice was gruff it was n't very loud,"We 're still doing vampires, are n't we ?"

"Yeah, he had it turn into a vampire,"bathroom said,"We did n't have to oppose it. He just used it to demonstrate how fast lamia were and what they looked like."

"That is weird,"Matt replied,"He assign the lamia essay yet ?"

"Nope,"John shook his head,"I think we 're in for a few more than twenty-four hour period of vampires."

"Well, the longer we spend on vampires, the more than clock time we have before we start loup-garou,"matte said quietly,"I really hope he does n't pass as much time on them as he has on vampires."

"I do n't suppose he will,"Albus said,"His parents were n't killed by werewolves."

"Thank merlin for that,"matte yawned.

"You 're tired,"Rose said,"We should leave."

"We 'll be back tomorrow after dejeuner,"Albus told him,"beneficial night."

"'Night,"mat said.

They left the hospital ward just as Madam Pomfrey was coming out of her field, presumably to recite them to pass on and give Matt more potions. Albus and his friends headed straight for the common elbow room, where they got started on all the preparation that had been piled on them that day.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome the great unwashed who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



A few of Albus 's cousins had begun to convey up wager on how foresighted Balladanis was going to spend teaching the 3rd years about vampires. Fred was certain he 'd spend the oddment of condition, but Bradley was convinced he 'd move onto the next unit partway through Apr. None of the tertiary years were actually participating in these bet because they were all afraid Balladanis would witness out.

The vampire unit was still well underway when the next Quidditch match came along. This one was the endorse Hogwarts versus Australian schooltime of black magic catch, which meant Sir Henry Wood was in his prime when it came to practice. Albus considered just moving his bed to the changing suite since he spent More of his clock time on the Quidditch tar than in the Gryffindor vulgar room.

Albus awoke the day of the equal to John 's meretricious swearing instead of Teddy, which told him that he did not have to work during that equal. He could n't serve but sense slightly disappointed. Figuring there was no point in going back to sleep, he got up and asked John what happened.

"Tripped over Matt 's bloody cauldron,"John muttered, holding onto his mighty metrical foot,"Why ca n't he just put that pillock thing away ?"

"Like you always do ?"Albus smirked and gestured to whoremonger 's own cauldron, which was sitting only a few feet away from Matt's.

John muttered something indistinguishable and shoved his cauldron under his bed. He went into the bathroom while Albus woke matt up. The three of them met Kaden in the usual way a little while later and then went down to the Great Hall to get something to eat.

A few hours later the son were in the Quidditch stands, waiting for the equal to start. rose and Amanda were with them.

"wonderment how long it 'll postulate Linda to find the sneaker this time,"Albus mused.

"I 'm betting on ten minutes,"trick said,"Hey, remember that time we eavesdropped on Killigan ?"

"Yeah,"Albus replied,"Was n't Linda supposed to part flying slower after that ?"

"That 's what I thought,"John shrugged,"But she did n't during the last match."

"She probably wo n't this time, either,"Matt put in,"I mean, think about it, if Henry James could fly that fast, would he really slow down to a normal f number ?"

"Definitely not,"Albus sighed.

Matt 's prediction proved even up. Linda did not slow down in the slightest. She flew at her usual abnormally fast upper, beating Saint James the Apostle to the Snitch by a few 1000. Luckily for Hogwarts, they had been ahead of Australia at that level and only wound up losing by forty points.

This put Hogwarts quite a bit ahead of New House of York as far as Quidditch points went. Australia was still in the track, but they were not faring so well in the dueling tourney. As of the most recent tournament, Hogwarts was winning. Australia was in last place and New York was somewhere in between. Albus was pretty sure that if the Quidditch and dueling tournament points were added up, Hogwarts and Australia would be neck in neck opening. Whatever the effect of the remaining modification tournaments and catch, the finals for both were going to determine the winner of the rivalry. The points were just too close.

Although there was obviously no solemnization in the Gryffindor common room after the match, cypher was particularly depressed either. Albus figured this was because nobody had really expected Hogwarts to win anyway.

******

Two weeks into April, Bradley along with quite a few other older Gryffindors, were able to cash in on their bets about Balladanis. Fred and a few others grumbled loudly about it as they handed over Galleons to the winners.

Balladanis had assigned the long awaited essay on vampires on Thursday, officially making the vampire social unit the longest unit they had done. They had spent an entire calendar month and a half on it. The essay seemed to match this length, as Balladanis wanted it to be two and a half feet.

Albus, Matt, and John saved their essays for the end potential hour, settling down to work on them the day before they were due. It was n't a particularly hard essay because Balladanis had given them so much information on the subject. It was just a very long essay to write. Rose and Amanda had done theirs over the weekend, presumably with Linda. Albus could n't help but be slightly envious of them because doing the essay with an actual vampire would make it the easiest essay ever.

"Bet Linda 's glad this unit 's over,"Albus said as they worked on their essays in the Marauder 's Den Monday evening.

"She is,"rose wine answered,"She hated every minute of those moral. Ca n't say I blame her."

"How long is your essay, Rose ?"John asked as he measured his own essay.

"Three human foot,"Rose answered.

Saint John the Apostle groaned."Do you think Balladanis will notice if mine 's three in short ?"

"Yes,"blush wine said,"If there 's any essay he 'll be extremely picky about, it 'll be this one."

"Maybe if we do n't finish up it we can just skitter class tomorrow,"Matt muttered,"After all, I would n't want to establish up in class without the essay done."

"But it 'll be worse when you finally do go to class,"Rose pointed out.

"I still do n't particularly want to go to category tomorrow,"Matt said,"Whether I 've finished the essay or not."

"You 're going to end up it,"pink wine told him,"You 've got two in left."

"Finished,"Albus announced.

"Excellent,"John said as he grabbed Albus 's essay,"I 'll copy number of yours."

"You know,"Albus said quietly,"cipher found out about Linda being a vampire even after we 've spent a month and a one-half on them. I do n't think anyone 's going to find out you 're a werewolf just because we 're learning about them."

"I know, I 've just got a bad feeling about it,"mat sighed.

"Look on the undimmed side,"Kaden put in,"When you get assigned the wolfman essay, you 're certain to get a 100."

"I do n't really care about the essay,"Matt said flatly.

Both mat and John managed to finish their essays before curfew and they returned to Gryffindor column, and they soon went to bed. Albus did n't mean Matt slept much, though. He heard him tossing and turning all night.

Albus, Matt, and whoremaster got a late startle since John had misplaced his lamia essay. After finding it under his bed ( no one was certain how it go there ), the three boys rushed down to the Great student residence to grab man of goner before running to Defense.

They walked into the room right on sentence and barely had a opportunity to grab their breathing space before Balladanis asked for everyone to manus in their vampire essays. Albus passed his essay up and pulled out parchment and a quill.

"well, our unit on lamia is over,"Balladanis said once everyone had handed in their essays,"I trust you have all read the chapter on lycanthrope for today ? If you had for some reason decided not to do that, I highly suggest doing it tonight."

Balladanis began his usual pacing in front of the classroom. He stopped in front of Rose and Linda 's table and then stared out at the class.

"I thought I would begin with lycanthrope account,"he announced,"Nobody is for certain when the first werewolf came about, but they have existed in nearly every wizarding polish. Not only that, but even antediluvian Muggle cultures have lycanthropy in their histories.

"Hundreds of long time ago, before the Muggle field of operation of psychology came about and long before Muggles had any understanding of the human judgment, they tried to make signified of the great unwashed whom they deemed 'insane'.

"One way they did this was to assign the insanity to the Sun Myung Moon. Over the years, the myth of wolfman came about. Thus, werewolves have had a meaning role in Muggle stories. In realism, the mass Muggles accused of having lycanthropy were merely suffering from schizophrenic disorder or bouts of insanity."

Albus frantically tried to spell everything down. He knew absolutely nothing about the Muggle prospect of lycanthropy. He glanced at Matt and saw that he was n't writing anything down, but his hand was shaking.

"Muggles of path know nada about real werewolves,"Balladanis continued,"And their Hollywood created werewolves have picayune in plebeian with the substantial thing.

"werewolf are plagued with the illness lycanthropy. Does anyone know what that means ?"

rose was the only one who raised her hired hand. Balladanis nodded to her."It comes from the Greek news 'lykos'and 'anthropos',"Rose explained,"Lykos means wolf and anthropos means man."

"Very salutary,"Balladanis replied,"Lycanthropy refers to the disease and those who have it are called lycanthropes.

"Lycanthropes have been shunned by wizarding society for as long as history has told us about them. In recent yr, there has been much speculation about whether this is necessity or even a in force idea. However, it is hard to shift the minds of the majority when we have been taught to avoid lycanthropes and banish them from wizarding society for so long.

"It has not been for no reason that this universal prejudice has came about. When in wolf form, lycanthrope can not control their actions and thus attack helpless multitude. This has long been construed as lycanthropes wanting to attack people, wanting to taint them with the horrifying disease.

"This can not be farther from the case when it comes to most werewolves. virtually do not bid to snipe others. Within the preceding hundred years, lycanthropes have begun locking themselves up on the wide-cut synodic month in order to quash attacking others. However, there is one important drawback to this for the lycanthrope. Does anyone cognize this ?"Balladanis 's oculus rested on lustrelessness, but he continued staring down at his empty parchment.

Rose and Linda raised their workforce. This time Balladanis called on Linda."When werewolves do n't have anybody to assault, they attack themselves,"Linda said,"They do n't have a choice and they often wind up really injured because of it."

Balladanis took Linda 's thought further, but Albus did n't hear what he said because Matt had knocked over Albus 's ink. He looked incredibly aflutter and Albus was happy that the class was almost over. He quickly cleaned up the ink and tried to pay tending to the relief of the lecture.

"We 'll beak up next division with what happens before, during, and after wide Moon for a individual with lycanthropy,"Balladanis announced shortly before the bell rang,"If you have not read the werewolf chapter, please do so for next time. Mr. Eckerton, if you could please arrive see me."

Matt looked, if it was possible, even more flighty at this prospect. The respite of the class left and Albus tried to put away his things as slowly as possible, but Balladanis shooed him, along with John, out of the room.

Malfoy was standing outside the classroom when Albus and lavatory left. He had a slight smirk on his face.

"Interesting lesson, Potter,"Malfoy said quietly,"Very occupy indeed."

"What do you want, Malfoy ?"Albus asked, knowing perfectly well what he wanted.

"Oh, zip. Just a very illuminating moral. I 've learned so much,"Malfoy replied and then sauntered off down the corridor.

"Falco columbarius,"can muttered,"He knows."

"If he does n't yet, he 'll acknowledge after next lesson. He 's onto it, that 's for for certain,"Albus said.

"Onto it ?"John replied,"That 's a prissy way of putting it. The unit school 's going to sleep together in two days, after the next class."

"What are we going to do ?"Albus groaned,"If we tell him what Malfoy said, he 's going to be too scared to do anything. I mean, did you see him during this lesson ?"

"Yeah,"toilet nodded,"We ca n't tell him. Whatever Malfoy 's going to do, he 's going to do it whether Matt knows about it or not."

"I agree,"Albus nodded,"We wo n't tell."

"What are you two talking about ?"Matt appeared behind them, looking no honest than he had before.

"aught,"Gospel According to John said,"What did Balladanis want ?"

"Told me I did n't have to go to the extra help during this unit unless I wanted to,"lustrelessness told them.

"What are you going to do ?"John asked.

"I do n't bang,"Matt said as they began walking to Herbology,"I know it 'll look suspicious if I do n't, but I really ca n't assume many more moral like that. Merlin, Th 's example is going to be awful."

Albus saw no point in denying that. lusterlessness did n't have a clue as to how fearsome it would be. They said nothing more about it the whole way to Herbology.

******

Albus had never been so felicitous about having ridiculously long Quidditch practice session as he was Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. He was perfectly happy to spend all his liberal metre on the Quidditch sales pitch and then be too wear to do much of anything else afterwards.

It was just so difficult for him to keep what Malfoy said away from mat. He wanted nothing more than to warn his friend about it, even though he knew that would fulfil null. All it would do was make lusterlessness worry even more and then act even more anxious during Defense.

Quidditch also kept Albus 's judgment off of what would happen after Malfoy 's suspicions were confirmed. It would n't be anything like when Albus found out or even when Kaden found out. No, Malfoy was going to use this to his advantage. Albus was nearly one hundred percent sure Malfoy would herald it to all of Slytherin. Then, tidings would spread and the intact school day would incur out. pigeon hawk only knew what would pass off when students'parents found out.

Albus knew that werewolf rights had come a long way since Teddy 's dad was in school, but he also knew that most people would not be glad if their children were going to schooling with a werewolf, especially one that did not look at Wolfsbane. Not to mention the landing field day the jam would have with it. Matt 's dad had just become Head of the department for the rule and Control of Magical Creatures for Merlin 's sake. It would be a repeat of what had happened when Matt and his family had lived in Australia.

Not to note what it would do to Matt himself. Albus remembered when there had been a thin chance that Malfoy found out about the passage under the Whomping willow tree. He had nearly had a terror attack. What would happen if Malfoy found out he was a werewolf ?

It did not help that the full moon moonlight was that Fri. Matt barely spoke during the brief meter that Albus was not occupied on the Quidditch slant. He sat in the Marauder 's Den with everyone else, but he stared off into space or slept.

Yes, Sir Henry Joseph Wood 's long Quidditch practices took Albus 's mind off of all of that, but they did not stop Thursday from arriving and sooner than Albus would have liked he found himself sitting in Balladanis 's classroom.

Albus and John exchanged uneasy glances as Malfoy walked in with a very smug look on his case. Albus was so focused on Malfoy that he nearly missed the fact that the anamatek 's trunk was back in front of Balladanis 's desk. Once he noticed it, he poked whoremonger in the side.

"What ?"lav seethed. Albus gestured to the bole."Merlin 's beard,"John exclaimed,"I do n't even want to know what he 's going to do with that."

"silence down,"Balladanis said,"We 'll continue our werewolf discussion today by talking about what happens to a loup-garou when the Moon waxes.

"Werewolves, in a exchangeable way to vampires, are somewhat allergic to the moonlight when the synodic month waxes. For the few nighttime before the genuine full lunation, when exposed to moonlight lycanthropes will find ill. The Moon gives them head ache and when exposed long enough, causes them to lose consciousness."

Albus did n't bother writing any of this down, as he knew first paw what happened when a werewolf was exposed to too a good deal moonlight shortly before the wide Moon. Instead he stole speedy glances at Malfoy and lusterlessness. Malfoy was furiously writing down everything Balladanis said and stealing quick glances at lustrelessness himself. Matt was staring down at his sheepskin and Albus was sure he was trying to ignore everything Balladanis said. He was picket and ill, but Albus was n't indisputable if that was because of the deterrent example or because the full lunar month was the next day.

"loup-garou are often too ill to go about their daily activities the day of the broad moonshine and occasionally the day before as well. Before I describe the existent transformation, I wish to show you what a soul with lycanthropy tone like the day of the full moon."

For a brief arcsecond, Albus thought Balladanis was going to call Matt to the front of the room, but then realized that as a professor, Balladanis must have promised Kendrick that he would n't do anything like that.

Balladanis pointed his wand at the trunk and a small man stepped out of it. His pallor looked exactly like Matt 's and he looked just as ill. In fact, the two of them looked incredibly alike. Both of their faces calibre scars and had a sickly look to them.

Balladanis began to talk about what the anamatek looked like, but Albus paid no attention. Instead he looked to Malfoy. Malfoy stared at the anamatek for a minute of arc or so with shock and then he glanced at Matt. Finally, he met Albus 's gaze and Albus saw the biggest smirk he had ever seen on the Slytherin 's look. That was it. Albus knew it. Malfoy had made the connection.

The remnant of the lesson passed by in a sort of fog for Albus. He and John had exchanged glimpse and the flavor on John 's face told him he had noticed Malfoy 's actualization as well. Albus heard Balladanis 's lecture, but he did n't action it.

The moral seemed to draw on and speed by at the same prison term. Albus wanted it to be over so he could get out of there, but at the Same time he did not need to have sex what was going to happen after.

"Next example will focus on Wolfsbane Potion and the event it has had on loup-garou right field,"Balladanis announced at the end of the lesson,"Class dismissed."

Albus and John looked at each other. Albus did n't know what to do. Should he confront Malfoy ? Or should he severalize lusterlessness what happened ? matte seemed unmindful to the unanimous thing.

They silently decided just to leave the classroom and determine what to do after. pink wine and Amanda had left with Linda with absolutely no estimate what had happened.

Malfoy was waiting for them outside the room and Albus was not sure if this was a good or a bad matter. He had the sudden urge just to hex Malfoy justly then and there.

"Another enlightening lesson,"Malfoy smirked,"Oh, Eckerton, feeling a bit ill ?"

"None of your patronage,"matte muttered. Albus and King John both stepped a bit closer to him and Albus clenched his bridge player around his wand.

"Bet you 'll be feeling even worse tomorrow,"Malfoy replied,"It 's about that time of the month, is n't it ? Tomorrow night ?"

That got Matt 's tending. His head snapped up and he glared at Malfoy. Then he turned around and looked from Albus to John with the most terrified aspect on his face Albus had ever seen.

"It 's going to be a fun fully moon, is n't it ?"Malfoy whispered, just loud enough for Matt, Albus and toilet to hear.

Matt did n't say anything. He shook his head and then ran. He pushed through the bunch, much to the disfavor of the bookman who were trying to get to course of instruction, and disappeared in a matter of seconds.

Albus suddenly felt more hatred for Malfoy than ever. Not only had he worked out Matt 's mystical, but he had used it to frighten away him. In essence, Malfoy had threatened him with it. That was one of the worst matter he could have done.

Ignoring all the other scholarly person who were going to class, Albus pulled out his baton and had it against Malfoy 's chest in two seconds.

"If you tell anyone,"Albus growled,"I will personally cook sure you 're so indistinguishable that even your own parents wo n't recognize you."

"Is that a threat, Potter ?"Malfoy pulled out his own wand.

"You need me to spell it out for you ?"Albus asked,"I think we 're about to find oneself out just how much ripe I am at dueling than you are."

"Rictumsempra !"Malfoy shouted.

"Protego !"Albus shouted at the same time.

"Expelliarmus !"St. John shouted.

The gang moved away so that there was a band of onlookers surrounding the duel. Albus ignored them. It was just him, John, and Malfoy. And Malfoy was outnumbered.

Malfoy deflected John 's disarming spell and shot another magic spell at Albus. It bounced off Albus 's carapace and hit a nearby portrait. The portrayal 's occupant shouted in disgust and moved into her neighbor 's frame.

Albus concentrated on his carapace charm and glared at Malfoy."Petrificus Totalus !"he shouted through his shield.

Grateful for Balladanis 's dueling lessons, Albus watched as his shield held up while the hex shot at Malfoy. Unfortunately, Malfoy dodged it and sent a titillation whammy at John.

This one hit John and he collapsed onto the floor in a fit of giggles. Albus shot another hex at Malfoy and this one collided with his face. Malfoy 's nose started bleeding and he rounded on Albus.

"What is going on out here ?"Balladanis shouted.

Albus did n't lower his sceptre and neither did Malfoy, but they did n't fire off anymore hex either. Albus let his shield down and noticed that the bunch had dispersed. can was still rolling around on the ground.

Balladanis pointed his wand at John and John immediately stopped giggling and stood up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis growled.

All three boys followed Balladanis into his study. Albus looked nervously at Gospel According to John. Of all the professor to catch them dueling, it had to be Balladanis. Of grade, the one good thing about this was that Malfoy could n't announce matt 's lycanthropy to the entire school day while Balladanis was lecturing them.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome masses who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and Gospel According to John sat as far away as potential from Malfoy in Balladanis 's study. Balladanis just stared at them before speaking.

"I can not begin to tell you how let down I am in all of you,"Balladanis began,"Especially you, Mr. ceramicist and Mr. Malfoy. I am for sure I taught you better than this. The two of you especially should acknowledge how uncalled for that was. You are well mindful of your dueling skills and what sorting of responsibility lies with them. I have half a idea to discontinue our breeding sessions. However, I am leave to listen all incline of this story before laying out any sort of punishment. You may go first, Mr. Malfoy."

"I was just walking to category and Potter pulled out his verge and attacked me. Then Brickston joined in. I was outnumbered, sir. I had to defend myself,"Malfoy said.

Albus had to try hard not to snort. He and bathroom looked at each other and John rolled his eyes.

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. Potter, if you please."

Albus took a inscrutable breather. He was going to tell the storey. The whole story."Malfoy was threatening matt, sir,"Albus began.

"Mr. Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked,"I did not see him anywhere."

"He left after Malfoy threatened him,"Albus continued,"You see, Malfoy has figured something out about lusterlessness, after listening to your lectures on werewolves."

Balladanis 's eyes widened and he looked at Malfoy."Is that avowedly, Mr. Malfoy ?"

"Yes,"Malfoy muttered,"And I was n't threatening him. I was asking him about it. I think I have the rightfulness to know if I 'm in school with a werewolf."

Malfoy said 'werewolf'with disgust and it made Albus want to hex him once more.

"Mr. Eckerton has the right to keep his medical exam issues to himself,"Balladanis replied,"His wellness is none of your business whatsoever. Please continue, Mr. Potter."

"After Matt left, I wanted to be certainly Malfoy was n't going to go tell the hale schooltime about Matt 's lycanthropy,"Albus explained,"And I guess we just wound up dueling."

"Just wound up dueling ?"Malfoy scoffed,"You had your verge on me."

"You sent the first hex,"Albus muttered.

"Do you have anything to add, Mr. Brickston ?"Balladanis asked.

"No,"John replied,"Albus is telling the truth."

"Very well,"Balladanis replied,"I see this subject goes much further than a duel. All three of you will receive four nights'detention starting tonight at eight. Each of you have lost ten points from your several houses.

"However, I am taking all three of you to see the headmaster. There are things more authoritative to discuss than detentions,"Balladanis said as he stood up.

Albus knew full well what Balladanis was insinuating. He and john said nothing as they followed Balladanis to Kendrick 's subject. Malfoy walked a few feet behind them.

Albus had n't been to Kendrick 's study since his first gear year, when he went to talk to Dumbledore 's portrait. The plaza had n't changed in the slightest. Everything seemed to be in the exact same seat. Both Dumbledore and Snape were wake up and in their portraits.

Kendrick was behind his desk writing something when they entered. He looked up curiously at them. Albus, John, and Malfoy stood near the door while Balladanis strode forward.

"We have a problem,"Balladanis said,"These three have been dueling."

"I trust you to hand out detentions, Tethys,"Kendrick replied,"I am busy at the moment."

"It 's not the dueling,"Balladanis said,"It 's what they were dueling about."

"And what would that be ?"Kendrick asked.

"Mr. Malfoy has discovered that Matt Eckerton is a werewolf,"Balladanis answered,"And I believe Mr. Potter and Mr. Brickston have known for quite some time."

Kendrick dropped his quill and looked up."I 'll take on this from here. I believe you have a deterrent example to teach."

"I believe I do,"Balladanis replied and left the room.

Kendrick conjured a few hot seat and gestured for the three son to join him at his desk. Albus sat down in the mediate chairman and waited for Kendrick to begin. He noticed that both Dumbledore and Snape were paying rapt attention.

"wellspring, well,"Snape said,"Deja vu."

"Not now, Severus,"Kendrick said,"Mr. Potter, perhaps you can tell me if anyone else knows about matte 's lycanthropy ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus replied,"Rose Weasley, Amanda Tagger, and Kaden Dursley."

"I knew that Dursley kid knew something,"Malfoy muttered.

"Not now, Mr. Malfoy,"Kendrick said,"I 'll require to speak with them, as well as Matt. I imagine they 're all in class."

"Sir,"Albus interrupted,"I do n't think lusterlessness 's in class."

"You may be correctly,"Kendrick sighed,"Do you have any approximation where he might be ?"

"Yes,"Albus answered.

"Very well. Please go find him,"Kendrick said,"And Mr. Brickston, please go find the others."

Albus nodded and he and John left the cogitation. Albus went straight to the Marauder 's Den while toilet went to the donjon as Rose and Amanda would be in potions.

matte was sitting on his bed in the marauder 's Den, staring at the wall and not moving a muscle.

"I suppose Malfoy 's told everyone,"Matt said without turning to expect at Albus. His voice was hollow.

"No,"Albus replied,"He has n't had the luck. John and I dueled him after you left. Balladanis gave us all four night of detainment and took points away."

"He 'll separate everyone soon,"Matt replied,"I should probably go pack. You know, I really thought I 'd get to finish school. That 's not even the worst part. It 's going to be all over the Prophet. My dad 's going to fall behind his job again. We 'll probably have to act to New York."

He finally turned around and looked at Albus. He no longer looked unquiet. He looked absolutely terrified, yet sad at the Lapplander time.

"Why did Balladanis accept to be such a good teacher ?"matte groaned and laid back on the bed,"If he had been some variety of awful instructor then maybe Malfoy would n't have found out. He 's just so thorough ! He left nil out ! Even the way he described the transformation. It was so, it was just so, realistic.

"And that stupid anamatek !"Matt sat up and looked at Albus,"That affair looked just like me, only older. No wonder Malfoy found out."

"You 're not going to get kicked out,"Albus assured him.

"How do you cognize ?"Matt shouted,"How do you really cognise ? I know teddy 's dad got to rest after Snape found out, but this is unlike. That was when Dumbledore was here ! Everyone says Dumbledore was barking mad. Kendrick is n't. Kendrick 's perfectly sane and he 's not going to require to take with this."

Albus did n't really know what to say to that. Everything Matt said was on-key. Kendrick was not Dumbledore. nonentity could compare to Dumbledore.

"Kendrick wants to see you,"Albus said,"He 's got Malfoy up in his study. He wants to sing to all of us. Me, trick, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden."

"I do n't desire to go up there,"lusterlessness said,"I never want to see Malfoy again. I just want to continue here. Merlin, my head is killing me."

"I think you have to go,"Albus said quietly.

"I know,"Matt groaned and got up off the bed,"This just is n't mediocre. I hate it. I hate this unit matter. I do n't require to be a blinking werewolf anymore."

"I know,"Albus said, knowing just how measly Matt was at that moment. Albus had never once heard him complain about being a werewolf. Not when he was too tired to do anything because of the full moon or when he was laid up in the infirmary extension for sidereal day afterwards.

They walked quietly back to Kendrick 's subject field. Albus muttered the password, that he had catch Balladanis say, to the gargoyle and they ascended into the study.

Everyone else was already there and they all turned to Albus and Matt when they walked in. Matt froze in place and Albus stopped and looked at him. He was staring directly at Malfoy.

"remove a arse,"Kendrick gestured to the two vacate chairs, one of which was next to Malfoy's.

Albus took the rump next to Malfoy 's, but did n't look at him. mat took the early one.

"get-go, I want to assure you that you do not get to provide Hogwarts,"Kendrick said to Matt,"cypher else will be finding out about your lycanthropy."

lustrelessness did n't look reassured by this. Malfoy looked mutinous.

"My father wo n't agree with that,"Malfoy muttered.

"Your father has no say whatsoever in which students I admit to this school,"Kendrick replied,"He works in the Ministry, and may I point out that his position is not very high."

"mat,"Kendrick turned away from Malfoy,"doe anyone else jazz ?"Matt shook his head word."And did you severalise the others, besides Mr. Malfoy, willingly ?"Kendrick continued. lustrelessness nodded.

"Very well,"Kendrick said,"And how long have they known ?"

Matt seemed unable to speak. After a few moments of quiet, Kendrick turned to Albus."How yearn have you known, Mr. thrower ?"

"Two years,"Albus answered.

Kendrick repeated this question with Rose, trick, and Amanda, who all gave the Saami response as Albus. Then he moved onto Kaden and Albus suddenly remembered the Sileo Altus good luck charm. He shared one horrified glimpse with blush wine and waited for Kaden 's reply.

Kaden looked at Kendrick and then turned to Albus. His mouth was love feast and he looked a little panicked.

"Are you all right, Mr. Dursley ?"Kendrick asked.

"Fine,"Kaden answered,"It 's just, well ...."

"professor, Sir,"rosiness began,"We sort of put this spell on Kaden, so he would n't order anyone. He can only talk about it with us. He wo n't be able to say a thing about it around you or Malfoy."

Albus braced himself for Kendrick 's response, but before the headmaster could say a Scripture, Dumbledore chuckled in his frame.

"The Sileo Altus appeal,"Dumbledore smiled,"Ingenious. Who performed it ?"

"I did,"rose wine answered.

"Remarkable,"Dumbledore said,"You must be an incredible Wiccan, Miss Weasley."

"Too smart for her own good, more like it,"Snape muttered.

"That is indeed quite the stupefy feat, Miss Weasley,"Kendrick said,"Can you tell me how foresighted Mr. Dursley has known ?"

"About a year,"Rose said.

"Thank you,"Kendrick replied,"Now I have some things to talk over with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Eckerton in secret. The balance of you may go to the Great Hall. I believe there is still a half time of day or so left of lunch."

Albus did n't really want to leave without finding out what was going to happen to Malfoy, but he knew Matt would tell him.

Matt never showed up in the Great Hall for dejeuner, nor did he go to Ancient rune or Charms. Albus could not concentrate on either of those course and was very glad when Charms was over and he was able-bodied to leave.

Mrs. Henry Wood was not very happy that Albus had acquired four custody. In fact, he was livid. He spent twenty second telling Albus how he should n't be picking fights with former pupil so close to the next Quidditch match, especially in front of instructor'schoolroom. The lecture had only ended when Albus told him he was late for Charms. Albus had run into woodwind instrument in in between antediluvian runic letter and Charms.

"What do you hypothesize Balladanis is going to pee-pee us do ?"lavatory asked as they walked towards the vulture 's Den.

"Have n't a clue,"Albus replied,"But whatever it is, it 's going to be bad since we have to do it with Malfoy."

"True,"John agreed.

Rose, Kaden, and Amanda were with them. Albus wanted to go discover Matt before they went to dinner. They had to hold off a patch for the corridor to sack up out before they were actually able to get into the room, though.

Matt was fast asleep on the lounge when they entered."Good thing he does n't have detention tonight,"lav pointed out.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

Saint John gently shook lusterlessness 's shoulder until he cracked his eyes open."Wake up,"John said,"Or you 'll miss dinner."

"I 'm not thirsty,"flatness muttered.

"What 's Kendrick doing about Malfoy ?"Albus asked as he sat down on the early end of the couch.

"He should put that charm on him,"Kaden announced,"The one you lot put on me."

"I wish he would,"Matt sighed,"All he did was narrate Malfoy how authoritative it was not to mention anything. He said telling his father would do zilch. Then he told him that if he ever did tell anyone, he would face expulsion for revealing another bookman 's medical information. But that 's it ! I mean, Malfoy did promise he would n't say anything, but who really knows ? Sure, if he tells, he 'll be expelled, but that wo n't admit it back. I 'd still have to leave."

"As much as a git as he is,"Albus began,"I do n't think he 's going to tell anyone if it meant he 'd be expelled. That would be the ultimate ignominy in the Malfoy family, besides being a Squib or marrying a Muggle or something, getting expelled and not being a fully qualified wizard. Malfoy wo n't need that."

"I guess you 're rectify,"mat sighed,"It 's just so foreign, knowing that he knows."

"I know,"Albus said,"Do you want to go eat dinner ?"

"No,"Matt shook his head,"You guys go on ahead. I 've got to send an owl to my parents, let them know about this."

Albus nodded."We 'll see you later, then. John and I have got detainment tonight."

"Oh, right. Good lot with that,"mat replied.

******

Balladanis 's detainment was a bit anticlimactical. Albus had been expecting him to think up some really originative and taxing detention, but instead he assigned them lines. Lines were possibly the most wearisome hold ever thought up, but they were preferable to cleaning the bathrooms or something.

"Potter, Malfoy,"Balladanis said after they 'd been writing for ten minutes,"Your dueling lesson is canceled for tomorrow night due to your hold. Detention will be at nine, after my surplus help session, something I 'll expect you to be attending, Brickston."

Balladanis said nothing more and began grading essays at his desk. He completely ignored the three son, which Albus did n't really mind. He just wanted to get his credit line done and get out of there.

"Where does he go ?"Malfoy hissed at Albus.

"What ?"Albus whispered.

"You know, on full-of-the-moon Moon, where does he go ?"Malfoy elaborated.

"I 'm not telling you that,"Albus muttered.

"My dad said a werewolf used to teach here, and he got fired when everyone found out,"Malfoy drawled.

"He quit,"Albus corrected him,"He was n't fired. He was the easily Defense teacher any of our parents ever had."

"silence !"Balladanis shouted,"I did n't say you could talk."

Albus was grateful for Balladanis 's scolding. Malfoy stopped asking inquiry and went back to his tune. Albus sighed and went back to his own. How far was Malfoy going to go ? Why could n't he just be satisfied with having worked out Matt 's mystery ?

A half hour into their line committal to writing, when Albus was contemplating switching paw despite the fact that he wrote horribly with his right hand, there was a knock on the door. Albus looked up and saw Professor Kendrick standing in the doorway, along with none other than Matt 's dad. Albus set down his quill and turned to John. Saint John had set down his own quill.

"Who 's that ?"Malfoy asked.

"Shush !"Albus hissed. The last thing they needed was for Balladanis to remember they were there and recite them to get out so he could suffer whatever conversation he was about to have in private.

"Tethys,"Kendrick said quietly,"This is Walter Eckerton."

"We 've met,"Balladanis muttered.

Albus turned again to John. Matt 's dad knew Balladanis ? How ? Matt had never mentioned that before.

"That 's his dad ?"Malfoy whispered.

"Shush !"Albus said again.

"I wish to speak to you about what happened earlier today,"Matt 's dad said quietly.

"What about it, Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked.

"My son told me about your lessons,"Mr. Eckerton said,"How, informative they are."

"I teach my scholarly person what they 'll require to know in order to fend for themselves,"Balladanis replied.

"I think you go too far with that,"Mr. Eckerton disagreed,"merlin, showing them exactly what a wolfman looks like before a transformation with an anamatek ? Do you make how dangerous those are ?"

"Of course,"Balladanis said, raising his vocalism a bit,"You 're not the only expert on magical puppet. I have perfect control over my anamatek."

"Nobody has complete control over an anamatek !"Mr. Eckerton said.

"The schoolmaster has already told me I 'm not allowed to use it anymore, so you really do n't need to be lecturing me about this,"Balladanis seethed.

"Oh, it 's not only that,"Mr. Eckerton stepped a bit closer to Balladanis,"It 's how a lot you taught the third years about werewolves. The details about their transformations, how to pick one out of the general population, what happens before, during, and after translation. Your deterrent example was far more detailed than a third year school text book."

"You 'd find that all my lesson are like that,"Balladanis replied,"Text books do not give adequate details."

"I think giving enough particular about identifying a loup-garou so that a third year would be able to run out that mortal not even in their Same sign is one is going too far,"Mr. Eckerton seethed,"You knew about my son. You should have been a bit more cautious with your lesson."

"withholding information from an entire class because of one student is not a good method of teaching,"Balladanis countered.

"It is when it could be dangerous for that one scholar,"Mr. Eckerton said,"Fan of the large trade good for the greatest turn, are we ?"

"There are times when that is a thoroughly philosophy,"Balladanis replied.

"We 'll correspond to disagree, then,"Mr. Eckerton said,"But if I find that your deterrent example are putting my son in peril anymore, you may find that the Ministry is inquiring into your teaching practices."

"I 'll learn however I like,"Balladanis muttered.

Mr. Eckerton ignored this and turned to the three boys, none of whom were writing lines any longer."Is that him ?"he asked.

"The one who found out ?"Kendrick replied,"Yes."

Mr. Eckerton strode over to the table Albus, toilet, and Malfoy were working at. He nodded hi to Albus and John Lackland before turning to Malfoy.

"I realize the headmaster has already gone over this with you,"Mr. Eckerton began,"But I feel the pauperization to repeat that there will be import if you make public my son 's condition."

Malfoy nodded."I know,"he muttered.

"Good,"Mr. Eckerton replied and returned to where Kendrick was standing. He turned once again to Balladanis."I 'll be returning to the rook tomorrow to search your study and classroom for the anamatek. If it is still here, I will bring it into custody."

Balladanis muttered something under his breath as Matt 's dad left the way with Professor Kendrick. Albus exchanged a glance with John. He wanted nothing more than to leave alone, so he could mouth about what had just happened.

"That 's sufficiency for tonight,"Balladanis barked,"Get out. Be back here tomorrow Night at nine."

Albus nearly spilled his ink in his rush to get up. He ran out of the room as fast as he could with John Lackland following. Malfoy made no motion to try and talk to them again, so they headed straight to the vulture 's Den.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the lovely people who have read and reviewed this ! You bozo are awesome !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John burst into the Marauder 's Den a little while later to find that flatness and Kaden were the only ones there. matte 's face was covered in ash and Kaden was grinning. They were in the centre of a plot of Exploding Snap.

"And that makes four wins for me and none for you,"Kaden announced as he collected the scorecard,"Oh, Albus, John ! How was your detention ? Want to act ?"

"Not now,"Albus said hurriedly as he sat down adjacent to Matt,"Matt, did you have sex your dad was just here ?"

"Yeah,"lusterlessness nodded,"When he got my owl, he wanted to go talk to Kendrick. I went with him."

"Well, do you have it away where he went after ?"John asked.

"Home, I guess,"matt shrugged,"Why ?"

"He and Kendrick turned up in our detention,"Saint John said.

"He what ?"Matt replied.

"Yeah, it was really odd,"Albus said,"He came in with Kendrick and Kendrick introduced him to Balladanis. Only Balladanis said 'we 've met'. You never told us your dad knew Balladanis."

"I never knew,"Matt shrugged,"Then what happened ?"

"Your dad was really tempestuous,"Albus continued,"He thinks Balladanis taught us too much about how to figure out if someone 's a werewolf and that 's why Malfoy found out. Then he told him how serious it was for him to use that anamatek in class-"

"Oh, yeah,"matt said,"I told my dad about the anamatek and that 's one of the reasons he came here, to state Kendrick about it. Kendrick 's making him get rid of it."

"Yeah, that 's what your dad said,"Albus replied,"He 's coming back to inspect Balladanis 's elbow room tomorrow to make sure he got rid of it. He also said that if any of Balladanis 's instruction puts you in danger again, the Ministry 's going to investigate him."

"It 's really not a near idea to get on my dad 's bad face,"Matt said,"What did Balladanis do during this ?"

"He kept saying that he was going to teach however he wanted,"Albus explained,"Honestly, he did not look happy that your dad was there. I think something happened between the two of them."

"But what ?"Matt asked,"Dad 's never mentioned him before."

"Think he 'd recount you if you asked ?"John wondered.

"Probably,"matte said,"I 'll owl him about it."

"Oh, and then your dad told Malfoy he 'd better not severalise anyone you 're a werewolf,"bathroom said,"He looked pretty chilling, too. I do n't think Malfoy 's going to tell anyone."

******

It did not direct very long for word to spread that Balladanis had gotten in fuss for having an anamatek. Galleons exchanged hands the next morning at breakfast, as a few erstwhile students had bet on how long he would have it. Somehow everyone knew that flatness 's dad had showed up at Hogwarts the previous night and informed Kendrick about it.

Kaden had Defense that morning time and reported to Albus at lunch that Balladanis was even stricter than usual and seemed incredibly furious. That did not portend well for Albus 's detention that evening.

"He 's downright chilling,"Kaden said as he piled steak and kidney pie onto his plate,"Yelled at one of the Ravenclaws in my category for spilling her ink. She was nearly in tears. But I 'd hate to be in your course of study, Albus, he 's going to be beastly. I mean, it 's pretty much because of matte that he got in trouble."

lusterlessness had gone up to the piranha 's Den after they got out of Herbology since he felt ill and was n't in lunch. Albus knew that Kaden was veracious. Balladanis was going to make this out on mat, and possibly Malfoy as well.

"I do n't know why he cares so very much,"John the Evangelist shrugged,"I mean, the Ministry could take in just taken that thing away. He 's golden he just had to carry it back to his house or whatever."

"I do n't call up he likes the administration,"Albus said,"That 's the feeling I got after listening to him talk about what he did before educational activity here. I think that 's why he did that, instead of becoming an Auror."

"fountainhead, I think it 's a secure musical theme for the Ministry to stool him take that matter home,"lavatory said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"I mean, he could 've turned it into a manticore next."

Kaden went to class after lunch while Albus and John went up to the Marauder 's Den with Rose and Amanda.

"Think he 's owled his dad yet ?"John asked as he gestured to Matt, who was asleep in his bed.

"Doubt it,"Albus said,"He 's probably been asleep since he got up here."

"Merlin, I just want to get it on what happened between his dad and Balladanis,"John groaned.

"You 're so impatient,"rose wine commented,"Just let him sleep."

"I was n't going to come alive him up,"John muttered.

The balance of the afternoon passed by quickly. Albus was dreading his detention later and King John complained loudly about how he had to go to the extra assistance sitting about werewolf when he already knew so much about them.

Albus woke matte up shortly before dinner party and he looked much worse than he usually did the day of full moonlight. They all escorted him to the infirmary annexe, where madam Pomfrey rushed him into bed.

Just as they were about to impart the hospital wing, the threshold opened and in walked Matt 's dad. Albus assumed he was there to check if Balladanis had gotten rid of his anamatek.

King John nudged Albus."We should ask him about Balladanis,"john whispered.

"He 's not going to tell us now,"Albus muttered back,"looking at him."

Mr. Eckerton looked tired out and incredibly worried. He nodded to Albus and the others before rushing over to mat 's bed and talking to brothel keeper Pomfrey in hushed whispers.

As it turned out, Albus had been worrying about the custody for zilch. He entered the room before Malfoy and trick was already doing his line of merchandise. Balladanis said absolutely nothing to Albus as he handed him sheepskin. Malfoy arrived a little while later and still Balladanis said nothing.

Malfoy did not talk either. He did not ask anything about mat and did n't even comment that the full moon was that night.

Balladanis let them leave at one-half past tense ten. Albus and Gospel According to John found Kaden in the Marauder 's Den and spent the remaining fourth dimension left until Astronomy playing Exploding child's play and Wizard 's Chess.

"Why, why do we have to have got this class with the Slytherins ?"John groaned as they made their way to the uranology column,"If Malfoy does n't pretend a ace comment about the full moonlight, I 'll eat an total cauldron."

"I 'm going to have you to that,"Albus laughed,"But I do n't call back you 'll take in to."

Malfoy went so far as to actually set his scope up next to Albus 's. Professor Polo spent ten min telling them that they were to diagram the view of Mars, Venus, the moon, and a handful of stars before turning them lose to actually do so.

"The moonshine is so bright,"Malfoy whispered,"And big and ... full ...."

Albus looked at trick."Looks like I wo n't be eating my cauldron tonight,"whoremaster muttered.

"Just shut it, Malfoy,"Albus said.

"Is n't his dad the school principal of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical fauna ? Yeah, he must be, because he 's the one who made Balladanis get rid of the anamatek. Ca n't say I 'm really upset about that,"Malfoy said quietly,"But how ironic."

"Just stop talking about it,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, get along on, thrower. Even you have to apprize the irony,"Malfoy said.

"volition you just shut up,"Albus seethed.

"Quiet over there,"Polo said.

Malfoy smirked at Albus one more time before going back to his telescope. The rest of the lesson passed without anymore comment from Malfoy and Albus was quite happy when he was able-bodied to take back to his dormitory.

******

"It 's like back in first year,"Albus sighed,"Remember when Madam Pomfrey locked the hospital wing ?"

"That 's why this is bad !"Rose said.

"Well, she did n't shut up us out this fourth dimension,"John pointed out.

"She did n't exactly let us in either,"Kaden said.

Albus and his protagonist had slept late on Saturday morning and after grabbing a straightaway bite to eat, had gone to visit Matt in the hospital wing. ma'am Pomfrey had n't let them in. They were currently in the vulture 's Den, trying to cipher out why.

"She always lets us in,"trick groaned.

"He obviously had a really bad night,"Albus said quietly.

"Yeah, but why ?"rosiness wondered.

"Have n't you noticed that the full moons have been risky the yesteryear few months ?"Albus asked,"He 's been taking longer to recover."

"I wish he 'd just let us become Animagi,"John muttered.

"John, I honestly do n't think you could become an Animagus,"rose replied,"You 'd meander up with a permanent seat affixed to your arse."

"That would n't be that bad,"John grinned,"Always thought it would be cool down to let a tail."

"You 're not helping,"Albus sighed,"What are we going to do ?"

"I think all we can do is just keep going back to the infirmary wing,"Saint John shrugged,"Until Madam Pomfrey lets us in."

Their cause proved fruitless, though. They went to the hospital wing twice that afternoon and then right before Albus and John had to go to detention. Madam Pomfrey told them 'no'each time.

Sunday, the cobbler's last day of Albus and John 's detention, was the same. dame Pomfrey was quite bloodless when they showed up for the third fourth dimension that day.

"Nothing 's changed !"she shouted,"seed back tomorrow eventide ! I 'll break the lot of you detention if you come back any earlier than that !"

With that, she strode back into the hospital ward and slammed the door."Can she even give detention ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged,"I would n't put it past her."

Albus and John broke away from the chemical group to finish their last detention. Balladanis gave them lines, just like he had the yesteryear three dark. Albus sat quietly completing them, very grateful for the fact that Malfoy had n't said two words to him since Astronomy.

"You may intercept,"Balladanis said quietly after they 'd been writing for about an 60 minutes and a half.

Albus threw his quill down and leaned back in his chair. Finally, it was over.

"I hope you learned something,"Balladanis said, which shocked Albus. He had been expecting Balladanis to continue his silence."If I catch any of you dueling in the corridors again, the consequence will be much more terrible than detention and lost points.

"Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy, I have given with child thought to whether I should go on giving you extra object lesson. I have decided to give you one more chance. example will continue this Friday at their normal fourth dimension. However, if either of you disregard my rules again, I will no longer hold up them. You may go. I 'll see all three of you in class on Tuesday."

"Merlin, I 'm sword lily that 's over,"John muttered to Albus once they were on their way to Gryffindor Tower.

"Me too,"Albus agreed,"He 's going to be amazing in course, though."

"Yeah, ca n't say I 'm looking forward to that,"John said.

Albus could n't decoct at all in his division the next day. All he wanted to do was go to the hospital wing and observe out how Matt was, but Madam Pomfrey insisted that they wait until evening.

rosiness and Amanda ate dinner with Linda, but they met Albus, John, and Kaden near the infirmary wing afterwards. They had all eaten a very rushed dinner party due to Albus 's Quidditch practice at seven.

Albus cautiously opened the door to the infirmary wing, half expecting brothel keeper Pomfrey to scream at them again. He walked quietly inside, followed the the others. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk and she visibly sighed when she noticed them.

"Go ahead,"she gestured to the just occupied bed, which had the mantle pulled around it.

Albus rushed over to the bed and yanked the drape back. Matt looked exhausted and there was a rather prominent bandage wrapped around his head.

"I was wondering when you 'd come visit me,"Matt gave them a half smile.

"We 've been trying !"John said,"Madam Pomfrey has n't let us !"

"I know,"Matt smirked,"I 've heard her yell at you. It 's kind of amusing."

"Well, we 're here now,"Albus said,"How are you ? Why did n't Madam Pomfrey let us amount visit ?"

"Because I did n't ignite up until yesterday afternoon,"Matt answered.

"But that was-"John the Divine began.

"Nearly two days later ?"Matt cut him off,"I know."

"But why ?"rose wine asked.

"A bunch of affair, really,"Matt sighed,"first base, I was worried about Malfoy telling everyone and it 's always spoilt when I 'm apprehensive about something. irregular, I hit my mind really hard at some level that night. It still hurts. Third, the translation in universal are getting worse, because I 'm getting older."

That thought certainly had n't crossed Albus 's psyche. Albus and all his booster were obviously getting older and that brought plenty of changes, but he had n't even thought about how the wolf would change when lusterlessness got older.

"So, are all of the full moons going to be this bad now ?"Kaden asked.

"No,"Matt shook his head and then winced,"I mean, I do n't really know what 'll happen in the future, but this one was just a combination of bad things."

"That 's good, I guess,"Albus shrugged,"When do you get to leave ?"

"Tomorrow night at the early,"matt sighed,"Although that means I 'll miss Defense."

"Wish I could miss Defense,"toilet muttered,"speaking of Defense, did you owl your dad yet ?"

"Saint John, he just woke up yesterday,"rosebush pointed out.

"I did n't owl him,"Matt said,"But he came to see me earlier and I asked him."

"Brilliant,"John grinned,"And ?"

"And,"Matt said,"He told me all about it. He told me Balladanis was a Presuler and was really surprised that I already knew.

"Apparently, back when my dad had just been appointed header of the department for the regulating and controller of Magical Creatures in Commonwealth of Australia, he hired Balladanis to catch a stripe of vampires who were attacking Muggles on the outback. Balladanis caught them, but he thought Dad went too easy on them."

"What did he do to them ?"whoremaster asked.

"Sent them to prison. I think they got 20 years. Balladanis thought they should let gotten life time. Dad and Balladanis got into this huge statement at the Ministry about it and Balladanis stormed out. The Aboriginal Australian Ministry did n't hire him after that,"Matt explained,"Although, I 'll bet Balladanis and Lubar would harmonize on penalisation. I wonder if he 's hired Balladanis."

"That explains a lot,"Albus said,"Did your dad say anything else about him ?"

"No, not really,"lustrelessness replied,"Just that he 's got a lot of payoff. Oh, and he wanted me to warn you not to listen to everything Balladanis says during those dueling object lesson you 've got."

"I 'm not going to,"Albus assured him,"I think we 've all seen a different side of Balladanis during the past week."

******

Tuesday morning dawned quickly and Albus trudged to Defense with John the Divine. Neither of them really knew what class would be like, but judging from what he heard about Holocene Defense classes in the common way, it would n't be fun.

Malfoy was back to his smug self now that detention was over. He sat next to Goyle wearing a smirk on his brass. Albus ignored him and went to his usual table.

Balladanis stormed into the room a few minutes later. He waved his wand at the door and it slammed shut with a eruption garish enough that it caused the Jordan-Bell Gemini, who had been sitting unaired to it, to jump.

"bye your homework interrogation forward,"he growled.

Albus handed his preparation to the board in movement of him and waited for Balladanis to take in it. He paused in front of the table in front of Albus's.

"potter,"he began,"You can tell Eckerton that his homework is late and therefore I will not accept it. If he wished to get deferred payment for it, he could stimulate graced us with his presence."

Malfoy snorted at this, earning him spotlight from both Albus and Balladanis. Balaldanis tossed the preparation unceremoniously onto his desk and then turned back to his students.

"Wolfsbane potion,"he barked,"Was created by a man by the epithet of Oliver Belby. He finished the creation in 1991. For almost wolfman, the potion was a life belt. Who can explain what it does ?"

Nobody, not even Rose and Linda, raised their hired man. Albus stared down at his desk, hoping that Balladanis would n't foretell on him.

"Nobody ?"he said,"ruth. Wolfsbane potion renders a lycanthrope harmless during fully Moon. The werewolf turns into a wolf, but a harmless one. One that will just kip until the moon sets and will not have the urge to bite and kill.

"The potion is a lifeguard to those plagued with lycanthropy. I had been hoping to indicate you what a werewolf would look like on Wolfsbane potion, but my anamatek has been banned from the castling,"Balladanis said with malice,"Therefore you will have to go without the visual. It seems that certain parents, Ministry official, and the headmaster do not okay of my method acting of teaching. Unfortunately, it is all of you who are suffering for it."

"I would n't call it suffering,"John muttered.

"serenity, Brickston !"Balladanis shouted,"Unless you have something to lend to the class."

"No, sir,"John replied.

"good,"Balladanis muttered,"Anyway, the anamatek will not be making anymore appearances in this schoolroom and your education is going to meet for it. zippo, and I repeat nothing can supercede hands on training."

Albus usually agreed with that, but he drew the line at having what was in essence a hot mantichora in front of him. There were some time when reading sufficed.

The lesson continued with Balladanis talking about Wolfsbane. He spoke about how the potion does n't work for all werewolf and Albus found his mind drifting. All in all, the object lesson had n't been as bad as he 'd been expecting. Besides his brief rant about his anamatek being banned from the palace, he had been pretty rule. convention for Balladanis, that is.

"Next lesson will be the cobbler's last on werewolf,"Balladanis announced at the end of class,"We will acquire about lycanthropy 's consequence on children."

Albus groaned inwardly. Matt would be out of the hospital annex by then. Why could n't Balladanis just complete the werewolf unit already ?

"He wo n't be back side by side year,"John muttered as they walked to Herbology.

"I do n't doubt that,"Albus replied,"I just wonder who we 're going to get instead."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all the lovely people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"position your bets here !"Fred shouted the next day as he walked around the mutual room.

Albus had just climbed through the portrait hollow with Peach State and James after a particularly hard Quidditch pattern. Wood was getting them prepared for the match against New York, which was to admit place in a little over a week.

"Georgia, James, Albus !"Fred greeted them,"maintenance to localize a bet ?"

"What are you taking bets about ?"Georgia asked tiredly,"And if you keep betting on stuff, your mum is bound to discover out."

"She wo n't care,"Fred shrugged. He was probably right wing. Albus 's Aunt Alicia was the to the lowest degree strict out of all of his aunt. She 'd probably place a bet with Fred.

"You 'd just better hope Grandma does n't get out,"Georgia smirked.

Fred looked momentarily horrorstruck and Albus could n't blame him. Molly Weasley would probably send him a belly laugh if she knew he was gambling.

"She wo n't unless you tell her,"Fred muttered,"And Heather and I are taking stakes on how a lot longer Balladanis is going to live. Care to claim a supposition ?"

"I suppose,"Sakartvelo said as she pulled out some gold,"Two Galleons says he 's gone in a week. I heard he had three first years in binge today."

"He nearly had half of my class in tears,"Fred said as he took Georgia 's gold,"St. James, Al ?"

"Three Galleons says he 's gone in two weeks,"King James I said as he tossed Fred some Au and then left to go incur his friends.

"Nope,"Albus shook his head.

"suit yourself,"Fred shrugged and continued his walk around the common elbow room,"Bets here, range your bet !"

Albus found his friend crowded around their usual tabular array in the common room. Linda was with them. All three female child were working on prep. John and Kaden were trading burnt umber frog cards.

"Fred 's going to get himself in hassle,"rose wine muttered as Albus sat down,"You did n't bet anything, did you ?"

"No,"Albus shook his headspring,"How about you lot ?"

"I bet ten Sickles he wo n't last the year,"John Lackland said.

"You should roll in the hay exactly when he 'll leave, what with your taking fortune telling,"Rose smirked.

"Divination 's a jape,"john muttered,"I ca n't hold back to shake off it after fifth part year."

"Told you so,"Rose grinned,"Sick of making up clobber ?"

"It 's just so senseless,"trick groaned,"We 're still doing crystal balls. I just evidence her that I see myself dying anytime she asks and it keeps her happy."

"That 's why I 'm not taking Divination,"Kaden announced,"Bloody permissive waste of a class."

Kaden had chosen his course of instruction for next year a few sidereal day prior. He decided on forethought of Magical beast, Ancient rune, and Arithmancy.

"Easy homework, though,"John sighed,"I just keep reminding myself about that."

"What 's got well-fixed prep ?"Matt asked as he sat down in the professorship following to John 's. He looked a bit better than he had the previous day, but still worn out.

"Pomfrey finally let you out ?"lavatory asked,"And we 're talking about Divination."

"Yeah, just in time for demurrer tomorrow,"Matt groaned,"I 'm entice to use a Fainting fantasy to get out of it."

"I think half the firstly years are going to do that on Friday,"Kaden said,"I overheard them talking. Apparently Balladanis completely flipped out on one of them today, all over one uncomplete homework enquiry. Made her cry."

"That 's what GA was saying,"Albus replied,"Makes me want to use a Fainting phantasy. Two calendar week. I know I did n't bet on it, but that 's really all I 'd give him."

******

John filled his air pocket with Puking Pastilles before he set off to Defense the next morning. Albus did n't bother. His oddment always trumped his disfavour for sure classes. He 'd rather be there and know exactly what Balladanis was doing.

"wolfman,"Balladanis said as soon as the Vanessa Bell rang,"When the term is used, most multitude conjure up images of lonesome adult, condemned to a miserable life that revolves around the moon.

"However, there is a whole group of werewolves that are mostly overlooked. tike. Ah, yes, tyke do get attacked by werewolves. Very few survive. Found by their parents when it is too latterly. Even fewer survive the initial transmutation. wolfman transformations, as you have learned, are incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. Very few children are hard enough to make it through."

Balladanis paused and began to pace the room."Parents are faced with a conclusion after their child is bitten. They have three choices. issue one, they can deal out with it. lot with the monthly transformations and try and make biography as convention as possible for the kid. identification number two, they can desert their child. violence them to live with a gaga pack of werewolves, to raise up to belt down. However, there is a thirdly option. Does anyone care to hazard as to what it is ?"

Nobody raised their hand. Balladanis looked at his class until his oculus rested on lustrelessness. A very creepy smirk appeared on his face.

"Mr. Eckerton, care to tell us ?"Balladanis asked.

Albus, who had been trying hard not to look at matt throughout the lesson, stole a quick glance at him. He was staring at the desk, pinion in hand, shaking slightly.

"N-no,"flatness stuttered.

"Very well,"Balladanis smirked,"The third gear option is to put the kid down. Not a pleasant option, but one that a few parents select anyway. This option used to be readily suggested by Healers, but has now become quite controversial. It is not suggested very often anymore.

"Parents who choose the low gear option, to cover to raise their small fry, are in for a very tough spirit. werewolf children are difficult to conjure up. It is a Brobdingnagian modification for parents and siblings if there are any. The bite affects the whole family line. It changes lives, it can rip families apart."

Balladanis continued droning on and on about how lycanthropy affects fry and Albus looked again at mat. His hired hand was shaking even harder and his face was as white as it had been when he had dressed up as a ghost.

Albus shared a look with john and Saint John the Apostle reached into his pocket. He slid a emesis cough drop across the table towards Albus and then slid one to lusterlessness. Albus quietly unwrapped it and then waited until Balladanis had looked away to squeeze it into his mouth. John and lusterlessness did the Same. Albus clutched his stomach as the afters began to take affect.

"Lycanthropic children rarely, if ever, get to attend school,"Balladanis droned.

"Sir !"Saint John shouted,"I do n't feel so well. May I go to the hospital Wing ?"

"I do n't palpate too well either,"Albus added.

"Shut it, you two,"Balladanis shouted,"And no you may not go to the-"

Balladanis was cut off by the auditory sensation of all three boys vomiting at the Lapplander time. Albus leaned over his table and vomited right onto the floor. The class erupted into yell and Balladanis tried to keep order.

"Fine !"he seethed,"Get to the Hospital Wing, all three of you !"

Albus resisted the urge to purge again as he ran for the doorway. mat and King John followed. All three of them shoved the orange end of the sweets into their mouths as soon as they shut the door behind them. The affect was instantaneous. Albus immediately felt better.

"The man 's evil !"whoremaster shouted,"How could he teach that ?"

"Not here,"matt muttered and took off down the corridor.

None of them said anything else until they reached the marauder 's Den."As I was saying,"Saint John the Apostle began,"What is wrong with that chap ?"

"I think a lot of matter,"Albus muttered,"He 's a raving lunatic."

"He 's only doing it because you 're in the social class,"John the Evangelist said to lusterlessness as he paced around the elbow room,"None of what he said today is actually in the account book. I mean, did you scan the book ? There 's not much in there that Balladanis has actually taught !"

"He hates me because my dad made him get rid of his stupid anamatek,"lusterlessness muttered.

"But it started before that,"Albus pointed out,"He wants to take you miserable because of what your dad did with those lamia eld ago."

"It 's just not fair,"flatness groaned,"I mean, did you take heed to what he was talking about ?"

"It was hard not to,"Albus sighed,"Is it reliable ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quietly,"And before you ask, one of the Healers did suggest that to my parents."

Albus suddenly felt more throw up than he had when he ate the vomit Pastille. How could a healer, someone whose job it was to take a shit people healthy, actually suggest that to a youngster 's parents ?

"Seriously ?"John asked,"What happened after they asked ?"

"My dad and my Uncle Jack hexed him at the like time,"matt gave them a half-smile,"Put him in his own hospital bed for two days."

"You know, I 'd really like to meet your Uncle Jack,"John grinned,"He sounds like a great bloke."

"He is,"matte smiled,"He would 've hexed Balladanis quite a while ago if he were here."

"But he 's not,"John sighed,"So what are we going to do about this ?"

"I 'm sending an owl to my dad,"matt said as he stood up,"You two are n't going to accept to do anything."

"triplet sidereal day,"John said after Matt left,"I give Balladanis three more than days."

******

"Your dad certainly does n't waste any prison term,"Rose said to flatness as she unfolded her copy of the prophesier the next morning at breakfast.

Albus leaned over and read the report over pink wine 's shoulder.

HOGWARTS professor TO BE INVESTIGATED BY MINISTRY
The Department of Magical Education received an inquiry
late yesterday good afternoon, requesting an investigation
of Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts professor,
Tethys Balladanis. The question was submitted by none
former than the newly appointed Head of the department
for the regularisation and restraint of Magical Creatures,
Walter Eckerton, whose fourteen-year-old son currently
attends Hogwarts.

Professor Tethys Balladanis has been teaching defence mechanism at
the school day since September, when he replaced headspring Auror
Harry Potter. thrower had taught the subject for two
years and wished to concentre solely on his Auror career,
resulting in his resignation at the end of last schoolhouse
year.

The impendent investigation comes as hardly a surprise.
Earlier this week Bruno Walter Eckerton visited Hogwarts
after receiving a tip that Balladanis was holding an
anamatek in his schoolroom. This proved to be genuine and
Eckerton ordered him to remove it. The anamatek was
legally in Balladanis 's self-control, so all he had to
do was remove it from school day assumption. Eckerton told
reporter that Balladanis complied.

However, Eckerton has claimed that the professor
repeatedly put bookman in danger and humiliated them
in nominal head of their classmates.

'It 's not just the anamatek ,'Eckerton told reporters,
'I 'm filing this query as a parent, not as a Ministry
official. first and foremost, I wish to protect my son .'

The investigation will begin today and be carried out
by officials from the department of Magical Education,
a section that was set up for this purpose after
the downfall of noble Voldemort. Officials will visit
the schoolhouse and audience both bookman and staff as
a persona of their investigation.

Tethys Balladanis will continue to instruct defending team Against
the Dark Arts during this time.

"He 's still going to teach ?"toilet said incredulously after he finished reading the article.

"I 'm not going to defense lawyers anymore,"Matt said,"Not until he 's gone."

"They ca n't contain him from teaching until they do the investigating,"Rose explained,"Only Kendrick can hold back him from teaching at the moment."

"Then why does n't Kendrick do that ?"Albus asked as he looked up at the staff table.

Kendrick was talking with Neville and there was a transcript of the Prophet egg laying between them. Balladanis was not present.

"I do n't know,"Rose said quietly,"But Defense is just going to get worse."

"Which is why I 'm not going,"Matt said adamantly.

For once, rose did not castigate him about skipping class. Albus could n't pick him. He himself was half tempted to decamp, but he knew his curiosity would get the comfortably of him.

"Somehow, I do n't think you 'll have the chance to skip,"Rose muttered,"We do n't have United States Department of Defense until Tuesday."

"Excellent,"John grinned,"Now I wo n't have to do that loup-garou essay."

"I never said that,"Rose replied,"You still ought to do it, just in case."

"face, Kendrick 's getting up,"Kaden pointed to the staff table.

"May I have your attention !"Kendrick shouted and the chatter in the hall immediately ceased,"Thank you. I trust by now that you 've all either read or learn about the clause on the straw man Sir Frederick Handley Page of the Prophet.

"Ministry functionary will be visiting the school today and tomorrow to conduct their investigation. They will be selecting students to interview. If you are selected, I advise you to answer their interrogation truthfully.

"As of right wing now, professor Balladanis is still your teacher, therefore you need to treat him with respect and attend his grade. This is, at the instant, an probe and nothing more. Now, you 'd best be off to class."

"Albus,"rosiness whispered as they made their way out of the Great Hall to History of Magic,"You 're not going to that dueling lesson tonight, are you ?"

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it until then.

"I do n't think you should,"Rose told him.

Albus nodded. He did n't want to go, but he also did n't want to find out what Balladanis would do when Albus did n't picture up that evening.

nobody fell asleep during History of Magic. It must take in been a new record, one that was previously set back when Binns was still alive. However, the deficiency of fatigue was not due to Binns 's lecture. No, that was just as boring as usual. The students remained awake because they were talking about Balladanis. The classroom was filled with the hushed whispers of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw third years and Binns droned on without seeming to notice.

There were only six scholarly person in the castle who knew the specific reason why Matt 's dad had submitted that inquiry. Albus, rose, Saint John, Amanda, Kaden, and matt himself. Seven, if you counted Malfoy, but even Malfoy did not jazz that it had been Balladanis 's lecture on lycanthropic children that pushed Mr. Eckerton to submit the inquiry.

Everyone else speculated. About half the schooling put the blame on the anamatek, even though matt 's dad had come out and said that was n't the existent reason. The oracle had only glazed over the understanding, not getting into specifics. The Hogwarts student wanted specifics. They wanted to know what had pushed Matt 's dad to put in an inquiry when none of their parents seemed fazed.

The grounds the educatee fabricated ranged from plausible to outrageous. A few seventh years, mainly Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, speculated that Balladanis had gotten a bit overenthusiastic with his extra avail seance and perhaps used matte as an example of individual who did not possess the skills to defeat drear sorcerer. unite that with an overprotective parent ( what the one-seventh years claimed Matt 's dad to be, which was not actually an overstatement ), and the investigating was born. They believed that the probe would muck up over and within two weeks everything would be back to normal, with Balladanis still teaching.

A few overexcited offset twelvemonth were the on the opposite side of the spectrum. They believed that Balladanis had let a Chimaera loose in his schoolroom while teaching the Gryffindor and Slytherin thirdly days. Apparently they overlooked the fact that cypher had turned up injured after course and the fact that Balladanis would have been sacked immediately if that had actually been the case.

Matt had become somewhat of a celebrity inside the Hogwarts walls. There was n't a single person, living, ghost, or portrait, who did n't make out it was his dad who launched the inquiry. He was stopped no less than six prison term on the way from History of Magic to Herbology by people wanting to know the details of the inquiry. It was something Albus could state Matt was extremely uncomfortable with.

"Merlin, when will they hear that I do n't want to mouth about it !"Matt groaned as they made their way back to the castle after Herbology. Two Ravenclaw second years had just run up to Matt, demanding to know why his dad wanted to get Balladanis sacked. Apparently they actually liked him.

"You should just tolerate up on the Gryffindor tabular array and give an announcement during lunch,"John suggested.

"Definitely not,"Matt said,"I 'm just glad we do n't throw course of study this afternoon."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"Hey, look, I bet those are the investigators."Albus pointed to three official looking people striding up towards the castle. There were two witches and a wizard.

"Probably,"St. John said,"I wonder who they 're going to interview ?"

"Ten Galleons says they interview me,"Matt replied,"And probably Albus since he 's had all those private lessons."

"Let 's just Bob Hope they do n't interview those two Ravenclaws,"John said.

Albus, mat, and lav continued their trek to the Great Hall, where they ate a very quick tiffin. None of them wanted to delay very long since everyone was still asking flatness about the question. After they finished, the boys went to Gryffindor towboat to stick their bags before going to the Marauder 's Den to put off their homework.

The common room was mostly empty when they arrived, but Albus spotted Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn sitting around one of the tables.

"Do n't you three have course of study now ?"Albus asked, feeling very much like Rose.

"Yes,"Lily muttered,"We 've got denial and we 're skipping. Do n't say anything about it. There 's aught you can do to give me go, so do n't even try."

"I was n't going to,"Albus assured her,"Was n't it your course of study where Balladanis made person cry ?"

"That 's why we 're not going,"Ashtyn replied,"And we do n't care if we get detention either. Oh, and John, you 'd improve not distinguish Mum."

"I wo n't,"John said,"The three of us used Puking cough drop to get out of demurrer yesterday."

"You should have just skipped from the showtime,"Ashtyn told them.

"wellspring, you three enjoy your skipping,"Albus said as he continued to his dormitory.

"Oh, conceive me, we will,"Lily grinned.

The boy quickly stowed their suitcase in their residence hall and set off for the Maruader 's Den. Albus climbed out of the portrait hole and ran straight into Gabriella.

"There you are, Al !"Gabriella exclaimed,"I 've been looking for you. Kendrick wants to see you in his study. Oh, hang on."Gabriella consulted the piece of parchment she was holding."He wants to see lustrelessness, too."

"face like you two are getting interviewed,"whoremonger said as Gabriella went into the park room.

"surmise so,"Albus shrugged. He really was n't surprised. Even if he had n't been receiving private deterrent example with Balladanis, he probably would have been interviewed. It was one of those matter that happened when your father was the most famous wizard in Britain.

"I 'll see you two later, then,"King John replied,"Have fun."

"Oh, yeah,"Albus rolled his eyes,"Loads."

Albus and lusterlessness left for Kendrick 's study while John the Evangelist continued towards the predator 's Den. Albus had no idea what he was going to do while they were gone, but he would bet that John would be bored within fifteen minutes.


A/N : I hope you all enjoyed HPFF 's April Fool 's Day Prank ! The staff really outdid themselves this twelvemonth. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, and everyone who has read and reviewed this story !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was another Prefect standing next to the gargoyle that concealed the entry to Kendrick 's study. It was apparently his job to mutter the countersign to the gargoyle to allow all the students being interviewed in. He looked incredibly bored.

Albus and Matt ascended into the study and found three other bookman waiting in front of Kendrick 's closed threshold. A very bored looking Hufflepuff, who was probably in one-sixth or seventh year, Scorpio Malfoy, and much to Albus 's dismay, one of those Ravenclaws they had encountered on the grounds earlier.

Albus was not at all surprised to see Scorpius Malfoy there. After all, he had private lessons with Balladanis as well. However, he chose to ignore Malfoy 's presence and leaned against the wall to get down the retentive wait.

What had been the point in sending them all to Kendrick 's field at the same time ? They were obviously only interviewing one person at a meter. Why could n't they bear just summoned Albus later, when there were less people waiting ?

Kendrick 's door opened and a pale-faced Gryffindor beginning year walked out. She hurried out of the study and one of the Ministry functionary motioned for the Ravenclaw to enter.

The Ravenclaw was in Kendrick 's study for about XV transactions. Then it was Malfoy 's turn. He took a bit more clip, but finally came out and left without so much as a glance towards Albus and Matt.

In the mean time, two more student had entered. One Albus recognized as Peyton Haines, one of the pursuer from the Slytherin Quidditch squad. The other was a young Hufflepuff Albus did n't recognize.

Finally, after what must own been at least an hour, Albus was finally called into the room.

Kendrick was not in his field. Only the three police detective were. Albus was now able to see them up close. The one who had called him into the room was quite tall and wore a menacing glare. Her robe were perfectly pressed, without a single line, and her tomentum was pulled into a mean bun. She reminded Albus of Minerva McGonagall.

The other witch was the complete opposite. She was short and quite a bit overweight. Her frizzy embrown hair stuck up at all sorts of odd Angle and she had a little yoke of glasses perched on her nose.

The remaining tec was a necromancer and he was seated behind Kendrick 's desk, a quill in handwriting. He looked a bit bored by the entire thing. He was gazing about the elbow room and had the look of person who was n't quite paying attention.

Two hoi polloi who were paying rapturous attention, or should he say portrait, were Dumbledore and Snape. Both were sitting straight up and looking straight at the investigators.

The tall witch gestured for Albus to admit a seat in front of the desk. Albus did so.

"My name is Katherine Torenzo and this is Lorraine Smyth,"the tall enchantress gestured to the short beldam,"And that is herbaceous plant Cletus. He 'll be transcribing our interview."

No wonder he was so bored, Albus thought. He did n't even get to ask any of the questions.

"Please state your good epithet, age, year, and house for the record book,"Torenzo said briskly.

Albus raised his eyebrows. Would n't they already know all of that information ?

"It 's communications protocol, dear,"Smyth told him.

"Albus Severus Potter, thirteen, third year, Gryffindor,"Albus answered.

"Excellent,"Torenzo replied,"Now, perhaps you can distinguish us what goes on in an average out lesson with Professor Balladanis, in your own words."

"Er, all right,"Albus said,"Well, he comes in and tells us all to stop talking. Then he 'll compile the homework. Oh, and you have to get the prep in on time, no issue what. He does n't fill late workplace, even if you 've got a unspoilt excuse. You could be sick in the hospital offstage and he would n't make recent homework.

"Then he 'll teach us a new spell or about some new puppet. Then we 'll take to perform the spell."

"What happens if you do n't do it properly ?"Smyth asked.

"He makes you do it again, and again, until you get it,"Albus answered,"If you do n't get it, he makes you go to extra help sessions."

"Has this caused distress to any of the students in your class ?"Smyth asked.

"Not in my class, but I 've heard of former bookman crying because of it,"Albus answered.

"have you attended any spear carrier help seance ?"Torenzo asked.

"No,"Albus shook his heading,"Professor Balladanis has never told me I had to."

"I understand you have been given dueling lessons by him, however,"Torenzo said,"Can you tell us a bit about them ? What do they consist of ?"

"Most times he just teach me new spells, tour that are strong than the ones we learn in class. Scorpius Malfoy is there, too, and we duel each other with the spell,"Albus explained.

"You said 'most'multiplication,"Smyth said,"What else does he have you do ?"

"Er,"Albus shifted uncomfortably in his chairman,"One clip he had us go into his pensieve."

"Did he,"Torenzo muttered,"Please elaborate."

"We watched his parents be murdered by vampire,"Albus said after a brief hesitation. He doubted Balladanis would be well-chosen about this, but Kendrick had said to be truthful.

Both Torenzo and Smyth looked horrified. Cletus was writing away furiously on the parchment. Snape was smirking and Dumbledore 's look had seemed to harden.

"We did n't actually see it,"Albus said quickly,"We stood outside the star sign as it happened. Balladanis 's parents were in the house. Then we watched Balladanis, in the memory board, run away from the family. He was thirteen."

"And then what ?"Torenzo prodded.

"We left the pensieve. Balladanis explained what we had seen-"

"He did n't tell you ahead of metre ?"Smyth asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head,"He just told us to go in the pensieve."

"Did he explain why he wanted you to see this ?"Torenzo asked.

"Yeah. He wanted to shew us why he became a Presuler,"Albus said.

"He told you he 's a Presuler ?"Torenzo raised her eyebrow.

"Yes, he thinks me and Malfoy should become Presulers,"Albus explained.

"Very well,"Torenzo said as she walked towards Albus,"I have one final question. Would you feel well-situated if prof Balladanis continued to instruct here ?"

Albus thought about it for a bit. Balladanis was certainly a motivated teacher and one Albus could learn a lot from. But on the early bridge player, he was n't the kind of sensation Albus felt comfortable around.

"No,"Albus said quietly,"I guess not."

Torenzo nodded."Please return to your common room. You are not to mouth of this audience to anyone until after the probe is completed."

Albus got up from the chair and Torenzo followed him out of the room. She called matte in as Albus left. Albus muttered a quiet 'good luck'to him before descending from the room.

******

"Why ca n't you just tell us ?"whoremaster lamented as the boys sat around the Marauder 's Den after dinner party. Rose and Amanda were currently in the female child'dormitory with Linda, who had recently been interviewed.

"I 've told you a million prison term,"Albus said,"The Ministry witch said we could n't talk about the interview."

"But how would they know ?"John asked,"It 's not like I 'm going to go telling the whole school about it."

"Neither will I,"Kaden added.

Albus snorted."I 'll tell you about it after Balladanis is sacked, or is n't sacked. I do n't believe it 's going to subscribe to long for them to decide."

"He 's going to be sacked,"mat said adamantly and then turned to King John,"You 're not going to his excess help session tonight, are you ?"

"Not if I was paid twenty Galleons,"trick replied,"well, ok, maybe if I was paid twenty Galleons, but not for less than ten. What about you, Albus ? Going to go to your dueling example ?"

Albus shrugged. He still had n't decided. What he really wanted to know was whether Malfoy was going, but he could n't very well waltz down to the keep, hoy into the Slytherin common room, and ask.

"No estimation,"Albus sighed.

"Do n't go,"mat said,"If you go, I 'm going to start worrying about your sanity."

"Why would you want to go ?"John gave Albus a foreign look.

"I might find oneself out something about how the investigating is going, or something,"Albus muttered.

Gospel According to John opened his mouth to reply, but instead turned to the door. A cheap squawking racket had seemed to emit from it.

"Did you hear that ?"privy asked.

Albus nodded and got up from his seat. He walked over to the door and paused next to it. The squawking stochasticity was repeated.

One thing Albus loved about the marauder 's Den was that it was always very pipe down. No noises could be heard from the corridor while he was inside. Albus rarely ever heard dissonance from the corridor, let alone squawking noises.

Albus cautiously opened the door and instead of the bizarre snort he had expected to see, Rose was standing there with her wand out.

"Finally !"she groaned,"I thought you 'd never come to the door."

"Rose ?"Albus asked,"What is it ? Was that squawking you ?"

"Yes,"rosebush said hurriedly,"I had to get you to come out of there. Uncle Harry 's looking for you. He 's waiting in the common elbow room. I told him I 'd find you."

Albus turned around and told matte, John, and Kaden, all of whom had followed him out of the elbow room, that he would be back soon. He had no theme what his dad wanted, but it must accept been important for him to go to the castling on a day he did n't have to patrol it.

Harry was sitting in one of the squashy armchairs in front of the fire when Albus arrived. Georgia and Fred were both talking with him, almost likely about Quidditch judging by their excessive use of hand gestures, but stopped abruptly when Albus entered. Harry got up and met Albus near the portrait hole.

"Let 's talk outside,"Harry said. Albus followed him out of the portrayal hollow and down the corridor a slight ways.

"What were you up to just now ?"Harry asked, grinning a bit.

"nil,"Albus shrugged truthfully.

"Well, I 'm no longer a teacher here, so I wo n't say a Holy Scripture about you causing hassle, if that 's what you were doing,"Harry told him,"But anyway, what I wanted to ask you is whether you were planning on going to Professor Balladanis 's dueling lesson tonight ?"

That seemed to be the question of the evening, Albus thought."I dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"I realize that the decisiveness is completely up to you,"Harry said quietly,"But I would rede you not to go. Professor Balladanis is under a considerable amount of stress, of which you do n't know the half of. I 'd say the chances are high that he may exact out this tension on you and Scorpius."

"Do you jazz if Malfoy 's going ?"Albus asked.

"I really have no idea,"Harry answered,"But I tend to believe he won't."

"I do n't think I will either,"Albus said.

"A Wise conclusion,"Harry smiled.

Harry said unspoilt night to Albus and then Albus went back to the predator 's Den. Kaden was in the middle of showing Matt and King John how to build a right paper airplane.

"What did your dad want ?"John asked without looking up from the parchment he was folding.

"To tell me it was n't a practiced idea to go to Balladanis 's deterrent example tonight,"Albus said as he flopped down onto the empty couch.

"And ?"Matt asked.

"I 'm not going,"Albus answered.

"good,"Matt replied.

"You know what was weird, though ?"Albus began,"My dad said Balladanis was under a lot of stress, well-nigh of which I do n't have a go at it about. So I 'm guessing it 's not only the investigation."

"Wyrd,"Kaden shook his heading,"I 'll be happy when he 's sacked."

"We do n't know for sure as shooting that he 'll be sacked,"Albus pointed out,"I just bid I knew what else he was stressed about."

"Maybe he 's got to battle a beautiful woman,"John smirked,"Remember his boggart ?"

"His boggart !"Albus shouted,"I ca n't think I did n't put that together sooner. It was n't a beautiful woman ; it was a lamia. It 's so obvious now that we know what happened to his parents, too."

"Yeah, that does seem fairly obvious,"Matt agreed,"But what 's that got to do with his stress ?"

"Probably nothing,"Albus shrugged,"I just realized it."

"You know,"Saint John began,"This is the first Friday we 've had to ourselves."

"You 're compensate,"Albus said,"What should we do ?"

"Let 's go down to the kitchens,"Kaden said.

"And drop the nighttime here,"mat added,"We hardly ever do that."

They did just that. The boy snuck down to the kitchens and were given as many sweet and puddings as they could conduct by the house elves. Then they stayed up late eating all of it and playing versatile games. Albus was even capable to draw a blank about Balladanis for a patch, something that had not happened in quite a while.

******

The Ministry officials remained a permanent wave mending at Hogwarts throughout the oddment of the weekend. Albus overheard a lot of students mentioning that they 'd been interviewed, including lavatory 's cousin Isabelle, one of the pursuer on the Ravenclaw Quidditch squad, and Gabriella.

Professor Balladanis did not show up at a individual meal. In fact, he was n't seen at all throughout the weekend. cipher saw him, which raised the question of whether he was even still in the castle.

Albus was hoping he ran for it. Got out before the Ministry had a chance to fix their conclusion. Albus was to a greater extent than a little nervous about going to Defense on Tues and hearing what Balladanis had to say about Albus 's absence from their dueling lesson.

It was on Mon dawning that all the Hogwarts student knew a verdict had been reached. professor Kendrick rose partway through the repast, something that only happened when something significant happened. He was flanked by the two witches from the Ministry. The wizard was no longer there.

The Granville Stanley Hall immediately quieted, without Kendrick even having to ask. Albus was slightly taken aback by Kendrick 's impendent announcement, since there had not been a 1 mention of Balladanis in that break of day 's Prophet.

"A decision has been reached about prof Balladanis,"Kendrick announced,"Madam Torenzo will inform you of it. The Prophet has kindly agreed not to publish the clause about it just yet, as I wished to inform you of it first."

"He 's sacked,"John muttered,"Otherwise he 'd be at breakfast."

"goodness point,"Albus said.

Torenzo stood up and gazed out at the scholar with a neutral smell on her human face."Upon all-inclusive investigation of Professor Balladanis 's precept methods and thoroughgoing interviews of take educatee, the Ministry has seen it fit to take him from his teaching position here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and genius. professor Balladanis packed his things late lowest night and no longer resides in the castle. prof Kendrick will inform you about what will bump with Defense year for the end of the year. I would like to thank all of you for your cooperation during this time."

Torenzo sat back down and go on eating her breakfast like nil had happened. The Great Hall immediately erupted into rustle, but they were quickly stopped by Kendrick.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts stratum will not take place until further notice. I will try and procure a worthy replacement for professor Balladanis as quickly as potential. Until then, please use the time to study for your upcoming test,"Kendrick said and then resumed his seat. He began to sing with Torenzo and the students voices rose in the Hall.

"I knew it !"flatness exclaimed,"Best news I 've heard this month !"

"Yes !"Peach State shouted and then turned to Fred,"Pay up !"

"Merlin !"Epistle of James groaned,"Why 'd they have to do that investigation so quickly ?"

Money began to exchange hands throughout the Gryffindor table as Fred collected and handed out Galleons.

"Do you think Kendrick 'll regain a replacement ?"John asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"No one really wanted that job to begin with."

"Glad I did n't do that werewolf essay,"John grinned.

"Maybe Kendrick wo n't observe a substitute,"Kaden said,"Then we 'd bear one to a lesser extent exam."

"That would be glorious,"St. John the Apostle replied.

The atmosphere in the palace for the rest of the day was incredibly upbeat. Hardly anyone seemed at all sad that Balladanis had left. Quite a few students asked matte to thank his dad for them. It seemed that the simply students upset by it were those who had lost bet because of it.

Argus Filch was another who was unhappy. The oecumenical excitement of the castle caused him more work. Peeves destroyed the Defense classroom in celebration ( Balladanis never liked Peeves ), St. James and his protagonist set off a few Weasley pyrotechnic, and then there was the general mess that was associated with students celebrating by playing outside in the muddy grass. Plus, Moaning myrtle flooded her bathroom when a few pupil told her that even she ought to be excited about it. Apparently she did not agree. For some odd rationality it reminded her of her death.

One soul who seemed incredibly excited was Linda. Linda who rarely showed any emotion whatsoever walked around the rook with a big smiling on her face. Albus could only attribute this to the fact that Balladanis had taught so extensively about vampires. But he never taunted her the way he 'd taunted Matt. Perhaps that was because his biggest fear was vampires.

There was even a political party in the Gryffindor park elbow room that night. Rose thought it was a picayune ridiculous, to lionize the sacking of a instructor, but everyone else, including Linda, thought it was an excellent affair to celebrate.

"Just believe,"john said,"We do n't ever induce to take heed to him go on and on about how bad the dark arts are. I mean, we all know they 're bad. We all know about Voldemort and what he did."

"And that bloody anamatek,"Matt added,"I could 've gone my unscathed life without seeing one of those."

"What do you think he 's doing now ?"Rose mused.

"Maybe some Ministry hired him,"Albus said quietly,"I hope it 's some place far, like Madagascar or somewhere."

"Yeah,"Matt agreed,"I bet he 's not even in Britain anymore."

"I do n't see why he 'd put out to stick around,"Albus replied,"I mean, he snuck out in the night to avoid anyone seeing him."

"wishing we could 've seen him leave,"bathroom grinned mischievously,"Would 've been nice to open him a proper send off."

"I 'm just glad it 's over,"Rose muttered,"Maybe now you lot can decoct on exam. And maybe the castle will get back to normal."

"rule ?"Albus raised his eyebrows,"This place will never be normal. Plus, we 've got Quidditch on Saturday. It 's the last match before the final."

"When 's the last ?"Rose asked.

"rootage of June, I think,"Albus answered,"Australia 's already so far ahead that they 'll be in it."

Albus, John, Matt, and Kaden all sent scathing looks at Linda, who looked down at the table.

"But if we beat New York in this match,"Albus continued,"We 'll be in it, too. So Wood is in full physical body this week. I 'm practicing every night starting tomorrow."

"Oliver Wood is mad,"rose wine muttered.

"Insane, but brilliant on the Quidditch pitch,"John grinned,"I would love to get yelled at by him during a Quidditch practice."

"Excellent,"Albus said,"You can take my place."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that he did not cause Defense Against the night artistry the succeeding morning time, Albus was down in the Great Hall bright and early because he wanted to read rose wine 's Daily vaticinator. Having Kendrick announce Balladanis 's sacking was one thing, reading it in the Prophet was entirely different.

Rose was already there when Albus, matt, and John sat down at the Gryffindor table. Amanda and Linda were on either side of her and all three miss were reading the article. Albus drummed his fingers impatiently on the table while he waited for them to be finished. Finally, Rose handed him the paper without saying a discussion and Albus read it, with Matt and toilet looking over his shoulder.

HOGWARATS TEACHER REMOVED FROM location BY MINISTRY

In an effect that causes much of the wizarding public to retrieve
back to Voldemort 's sovereignty, Hogwarts defense force Against the dark
artistry instructor, Tethys Balladanis, has been removed from his
position by the Ministry of Magic 's department of Magical
Education.

During Voldemort 's sovereignty, defence mechanism teachers rarely lasted more
than a twelvemonth at the school, a whodunit that abruptly ended when
Voldemort was defeated on May 2, 1998. Up until two years
ago, Hogwarts had had only one Defense teacher since that
fateful May day.

Professor Torro taught at Hogwarts for twelvemonth until he was
mysteriously murdered nearly three years ago. He was
replaced by Head Auror, Harry Potter, who is rumored to
have only taken the position after cipher else agreed to
fill it.

Harry ceramist left the locating this past times autumn and it was filled
by Balladanis.

Balladanis taught until two days ago, when he was removed
from his attitude. Approximately a week and a one-half ago, a
charge was lodged by brain of the Department for the
ordinance and controller of Magical Creatures, Walter Eckerton,
whose fourteen-year-old son currently attends Hogwarts.

The complaint included harsh teaching method, the use of an
anamatek as a teaching tool, singling educatee out for lack of
acquirement, and embarrassing educatee in front of their peer.

An investigating by Ministry official ensued and included
the interviewing of blue-ribbon pupil and staff. The department
concluded their investigating late Sunday evening and inform
both Balladanis and Headmaster Fabius Kendrick of their decision.
Balladanis left the castle willingly and will not be appealing the
conclusion. When asked for a statement on the subject, both Kendrick
and Balladanis declined.

Upon hearing the intelligence, Walter Eckerton said ,'I am very happy
with the conclusion and that the investigation was concluded in
a timely mode. I am not glad that it came to this, but I
feel that zippo should be put ahead of children 's safety .'

Hogwarts scholarly person will not attend defence force classes until a replacement
is found. As of right now, one has not been found.

"I knew they 'd dumbfound your dad in there somehow,"John the Evangelist announced once they 'd finished reading.

"There was n't anything in there that we did n't already lie with,"Albus muttered,"I was hoping Balladanis would 've said something or we 'd find out what happened when he left the castle."

"Maybe he really did go quietly,"flatness shrugged,"Maybe he wanted to get back to his anamatek."

"I wonder where he lives,"Amanda mused,"Think he lives in England ?"

"dubiety it,"rosebush answered,"Even if he did before I doubt he does now."

******

lifetime soon returned to normal for the Hogwarts students, as it often does after something wind up happens. Everyone talked about Balladanis the day the article was published, but soon there was nothing left to say and the student focused on the approaching Quidditch friction match, which was bare Clarence Shepard Day Jr. away.

Albus had an well-fixed sentence forgetting about Balladanis due to Quidditch practice. He was out on the tar every eventide and was soon hearing forest 's mastery in his head as he fell asleep, which was something that certainly could n't be deemed normal. Albus was almost glad that the yr was drawing to an end because once the tournament was over, he would n't have to deal with Wood anymore. Thinking about that made Albus realize that Gryffindor would have a new master the next twelvemonth since Georgia was graduating. Albus was certainly it would be either Fred or Heather, but he was n't sure which.

Albus trudged into the Great dorm on Thursday dawn sorely wishing that John had n't woken him up. They did n't have a socio-economic class first-class honours degree thing, so why 'd he inconvenience oneself doing that ? Albus was already running on petty sleep.

"I 'm going to wake you up at five in the morning this Saturday,"Albus muttered to John as he poured himself some pumpkin juice.

"No you wo n't, you 'll still be asleep,"John grinned,"I need you to help me polish off that Herbology essay that 's due today."

"That 's the understanding for you waking me up ?"Albus groaned,"Why ca n't Rose assistance you ?"

"She 's a bit sore with me right now,"John muttered.

"What did you do ?"Albus asked.

"I may or may not have accidentally set fire to her Potions notation last night,"John said.

"And I should take to hurt because of that ?"Albus replied,"How did you care that anyway ?"

"It was n't an accident,"mat put in,"John the Evangelist and Kaden were tinkering with those topnotch forcefulness dung bombs last night in the marauder 's Den. They stupidly decided to do this at the table right where rose 's note of hand were. The droppings bomb calorimeter exploded and Rose 's bank note caught fire."

"See, an accident !"John exclaimed.

"No, imbecility,"Matt said,"You should 've done it somewhere else. Oh, Albus, I would n't advise going in the Marauder 's Den anytime soon. It smells."

"I would n't possess time to anyway,"Albus muttered,"Quidditch practice again tonight."

"Oi, Albus !"James shouted.

"What ?"Albus said.

"Is Dad patrolling here this week ?"James I asked.

"I do n't know, why ?"Albus replied.

"He 's here,"King James I pointed to the staff table.

Albus looked up and saw that his dad was talking with Neville. Except he was n't wearing his Auror gown, he was just wearing normal robe. Albus glanced back at King James who shrugged.

"May I have your care ?"Kendrick announced,"Thank you. I just care to inform you all that Harry thrower has kindly agreed to necessitate over Defense classes for the remainder of term. Because of this, Defense classes will resume today."

"good thing I woke you up,"John the Divine grinned.

"Guess you wo n't be capable to finish that essay,"Albus shot back.

"merlin,"John muttered.

Albus was n't that surprise, nor did he care that much. He 'd already had his dad Thatch for two age and it had n't been bad at all. Plus, his dad was a far better teacher than Balladanis.

Albus walked with matt and John Lackland to Defense. Rose was still not speaking to John and she walked with Amanda and Linda a little ways ahead. Albus seriously hoped that this would n't rick into what happened earlier in the year.

The intact stratum erupted in applause as soon as Harry entered the room and Albus noticed that this caused him to blush. Even Malfoy was clapping, albeit half-heartedly, but he was clapping nonetheless.

"Thanks,"Harry muttered,"Well, I did not think I 'd be back here. I do induce to continue with the curriculum, so I must ask that you complete the lycanthrope essay for side by side Thursday. However, it only has to be one foot of parchment."

There was a collective groan from the full class."Great,"John muttered,"I was hoping to get out of it."

"It wo n't be that laborious,"Matt rolled his eyes.

"But it 'll be time consuming,"St. John the Apostle replied.

"I know, I know,"Harry smirked,"But there is a month and a half of term left and I ca n't just let you make this clock time to mess around."

The class was the most gratifying defense division the thirdly years had had in quite a patch. Harry lectured for the entirety of the class, but it was n't oil production. Albus did not bear in mind in the slightest that his dad was going to be finishing out the term.

******

By the time Sabbatum arrived, virtually no one in the castle was talking about professor Balladanis. Quidditch was on the forefront of everybody 's thinker and the tensions ran high-pitched than they had all year. The consequence of this match would find who played Australia in the final.

Albus himself was not particularly worried. Hogwarts had already beaten New York once and they could easily do it again. The entire team was in expert health and none of the alternates were needed. Albus was perfectly content to sit in the standstill with his friend and just watch the match, rather than have to play in it.

It was a warm up spring day with a cold-shoulder wind and cloud concealment, perfect performing experimental condition. Wood had spoke of the weather during the previous night 's practice, telling the team that a large storm had been predicted for that day. Luckily it had not appeared yet.

The peer commenced with a lot of shouting and cheering from the crowd. Hogwarts scored five end within the first XV minutes of the peer and New York scored two. The squad remained cervix in neck for the balance of the match, until Saint James pulled out of a dive clutching the fortunate snitcher in his allow hand.

The gang erupted into cheers and James was soon hoisted onto the shoulders of some of the elder students.

"I have an announcement to make !"professor Kendrick shouted over the crew,"Due to Hogwarts 's win, they will be competing against Australia in the final Quidditch match, scheduled to admit spot on the first of June !"

The usual after Quidditch party ensued in the park elbow room and everyone rehashed their preferred voice of the mates. No one talked about the final examination match, although Albus was sure it was in the rachis of everyone 's thinker. Australia seemed impossible to beat.

Once the excitement from another Quidditch win abated, the Hogwarts student seemed to earn that exams were quite go up. The library soon became a popular situation to be and fifth and seventh years in particular could be seen there all minute of the day.

As the middle of May arrived, Gabriella demanded a quiet common room in the evenings, much like her babe had two twelvemonth prior. Albus and his friends spent more time in the Marauder 's Den after that, usually without Rose, Amanda, and Linda. The three girlfriend seemed to like the quietness of the commons room.

Rose did forgive John for messing up her notes, but she became more tense up and snappish as test drew nearer. It was n't something that surprised Albus or anyone else because it had become a sort of end of condition tradition with Rose.

Defense lessons took a drastic turn for the in effect. Albus and all of his friends got sodding marks on their werewolf essays, to the surprise of no one. After that, the stratum bared no resemblance to Balladanis 's.

"Aw, Falco columbarius !"John shouted at breakfast one Friday in the middle of May. He had been reading the Prophet.

"What is it ?"Albus asked, thinking Balladanis had been reinstated as defence mechanism teacher or something.

"England did n't make it into the World Cup final,"John sighed,"They were so close."

"Who did create it ?"Albus grabbed the report from lav, suddenly remembering the tag he 'd catch for Xmas. He had n't picked who he was going to invite to go with him. Actually, he had n't even say his Quaker about the tickets.

"Portugal and Soviet Russia,"john groaned,"Russia ! They 've got a wish-wash Quidditch squad !"

"Obviously not,"rosebush smirked,"Albus, did you foot who you 're going to need when you go to the Cup ?"

"Wait, what ?"trick gaped at Albus,"You got tag ?"

"Er, yeah, for Christmas Day,"Albus said.

"And you did n't order me !"John the Evangelist exclaimed.

"wellspring, I only got one extra and I did n't roll in the hay how to pick. I had it narrowed down to you and Matt. Mind you, if you hate Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, I 'll just pick lusterlessness,"Albus smirked.

"No, no, I did n't say I hate Russia,"John said quickly,"They 've just got a bad team."

"How am I supposed to foot then ?"Albus asked.

"You do n't give birth to,"Matt said as he sat down future to Albus.

"Nice to see you awake,"john grinned. Albus and John had attempted to ignite matte up before they went down to the Great Hall and had no lot. The good lunation was the succeeding day, so Albus had n't even been sure if Matt was going to go to class.

"Why, is the Cup a bad clock time of the month ?"Albus whispered.

"No,"Matt shook his read/write head,"It 's just that my dad got slate, so you can just grant your extra one to John."

"Oh,"Albus grinned,"That makes things easy."

"Where is the Cup ?"Amanda asked.

"Canada,"Rose replied.

"How are we getting there, Albus ?"John asked,"Are we going to necessitate a Muggle plane ?"John looked excited at that prospect.

"No idea,"Albus shrugged,"Dad might get a Portkey."

"That 's boring,"privy said.

"regard I could go,"Kaden sighed.

"Why, do n't you not like Quidditch ?"John asked.

"It 's ok,"Kaden shrugged,"I just want to try out a Portkey."

"You 're unearthly, Kaden,"bathroom laughed.

"So are you. Airplanes are boring,"Kaden argued.

"I 'm with Kaden on this one,"lusterlessness said,"I 'd consume a Portkey any day."

******

Between studying for exams and Quidditch practice, Albus had no clip for anything else. He managed to twitch in time to visit Matt in the infirmary wing on Sunday, but only briefly before he went to Wood 's day long Quidditch practice.

The fall out weekend was the final examination match of the Junior 's Dueling golf-club, something Albus had been forced to neglect due to Quidditch practice. After begging Wood and a bit of help from Teddy, Albus was able-bodied to attend the final. Albus 's squad won, much to the delight of both Albus and Malfoy.

Albus had not spoken to Malfoy since the incident with prof Balladanis. Nor had Malfoy said a give-and-take to Albus, or any of his ally. Malfoy remained mysteriously quiet around the full moon, not saying anything about it to either Albus or mat. It was strange, but not something any of the boys were going to kick about it.

Three days before the Quidditch final, the Great student residence was filled with whispering voices that reminded Albus of the day Balladanis had been sacked. transcript of the oracle were being passed back and Forth and quite a few scholarly person looked extremely scared.

"What 's happened ?"Albus asked Rose as he sat down.

"Willinson has broken out of Azkaban,"rose wine whispered, her case completely white.

"What ? !"Albus shouted as he grabbed the nearest written matter of the Prophet. mat and John crowded around him as he read it.

AZKABAN BREAKOUT

functionary have reported that three prisoners
broke out of Azkaban late last night. It is
still unknown how it happened. Azkaban guards
have refused to speak with reporters, and the
Ministry does not wish to let out information
at this time.

The names of the escaped prisoners have been
released and anyone with information reguarding
any of them are asked to contact the Ministry.

The prophet then gave detailed info about all three of the turn tail prisoners. Albus only recognized Willinson. The former two had been imprisoned for more petty crimes.

"How did he get out ?"Albus wondered,"He 's an idiot !"

"I think everyone 's confused about that,"Rose said.

Any Hope Albus had of getting prep done that week was gone. He was lucky he was able to centralise on Quidditch drill. Willinson was out of Azkaban. He was galavanting about England, doing whatever he pleased. That in itself was not necessarily that bad, due to Willinson 's stupidity. If he somehow met up with his Padre and Washburn, then it could be quite bad.

What worried Albus the most was the fact that he would be after the Hallows, all of which still resided somewhere in or around Hogwarts. Willinson was bound to make out back, especially now that he was out of prison.

******

Before Albus knew it, the night before the Quidditch final arrived and Wood called the team into the changing room after ending recitation.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to manage this team,"Wood said as he began to tempo in front of them,"There were difficulties in the root,"he paused and looked at the two Slytherins on the team,"But I am proud to say that you came together as a team wonderfully.

"It still amazes me that a group of scholarly person from all four business firm can come together and flirt together on the Same squad. I am not sure this could have been done when I was in Hogwarts.

"You have all come a retentive way over the twelvemonth. You 've all made vast advance in your skill. Quite a few of you are seventh eld and I am very well-chosen to tell you that there will be scouts from a dyad Quidditch squad watching tomorrow 's match. I have high Bob Hope for the lot of you, when it comes to Quidditch.

"I can not say whether we will win tomorrow. Australia is good, there is no denying that. However, I have faith in all of you. Tomorrow, go out there and give it your best. Now, I think you should all bend in early and eat a proper breakfast tomorrow before the match. Teddy, President Tyler, anything to add ?"Ellen Price Wood turned to the boys.

Teddy and Tyler both shook their heads and forest turned back to the squad."I 'll see you all down here tomorrow. Good night."

Wood, teddy bear, and Tyler stayed behind to discuss tactics while the team left. Albus and James were the last two to allow for. Georgia had left with the early seventh years, excitedly discussing the prospect of scouts.

"You think Empire State of the South 's going to signalize with one of the professional squad ?"Albus asked James II as they walked back to the castle.

"I 'd be surprised if she did n't,"James said,"I just hope it does n't pain her fortune when we lose."

"We might not lose,"Albus pointed out.

"We 're going to miss,"James muttered,"Linda 's too good of a Seeker."

Albus said nothing. He wished he could just tell James that Linda was a lamia. It would be so much easier.

They kept walking, each lost in their own persuasion. Albus stopped abruptly when he heard a loud wisecrack in the forest.

"What was that ?"he asked anxiously.

"Probably just a leg breaking,"James answered.

"It was too loudly,"Albus said as he looked into the woods,"It sounded like someone Apparating in there."

"I do n't cogitate you can Apparate in the forest,"James pointed out,"And it did n't sound that loud. You 're just tired from all the Quidditch practice."

"I guess,"Albus said as he and King James kept walking,"But what if it was somebody Apparating ? What if it was Willinson ?"

"You worry too much, Al,"James groaned,"This property is filled with Aurors and Dad 's here full time now. You 'd give to be mad to Apparate here if you 're wanted by the Ministry."

"But Willinson is stupid enough to do that,"Albus replied.

"That 's just it,"James laughed,"If he 's stupid enough to do that, he 's going to get caught and sent back to Azkaban."

Albus nodded but he was n't reassured. Willinson may be stupid, but he did manage to kidnap Kaden the previous outflow, and he had been on the run for a year prior to that. He may be a applesauce dueler, but he was certainly just at not getting caught for the most part.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the wonderfully awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atmosphere in the Great Hall the next break of day was unlike anything Albus had seen before. The Hogwarts team was sitting together at the Ravenclaw board, surrounded by pupil from all four houses. teddy and Tyler seemed to be in the midst of it and were loudly discussing manoeuvre.

The Australian team was sitting together at the Hufflepuff mesa, with a large distance between them and the Hufflepuffs. A small crowd of Australian had congregated around them.

Albus decided not to join the rest of the Hogwarts team at the Ravenclaw table. cipher was unable to play that day, so Albus 's days on the team were pretty a lot over. To be honest, he was kind of relieved. There was just so lots pressure.

"I think this tournament has been good for Hogwarts,"Rose mused,"Look at everyone. cipher seems to care who 's in what house."

"It 'll all go back to normal once the match is over,"Albus pointed out.

"Maybe not,"Rose shrugged,"You never know."

"I do n't know, pink wine,"Matt said,"I do n't recollect one twelvemonth can change centuries of tradition."

"It 's worth a try,"rosebush said,"I think we should all try and get along."

"I do n't recollect this has helped international witching cooperation,"John gestured to the Australian team. The Hufflepuffs sitting nearby were glaring at them.

"contender rarely does that,"Rose muttered.

"Well, they 'll all be going home soon,"Matt said cheerfully.

rose shot him a dirty looking at and then looked up at the stave table. Albus 's gaze followed. The staff table was quite overcrowded that first light. There were scouts from Quidditch teams, Ministry officials including Albus 's Uncle Hotspur, and a miscellanea of people from Commonwealth of Australia and New York.

"feeling at that crone,"whoremonger pointed to a very tall, beautiful witch with pale blanched tegument and recollective dark hair.

"She 's Linda 's mother,"Rose told them.

"Is she-"John began.

"Yes,"Rose whispered,"She 's one, too."

"I thought so,"john said without taking his eyes off the witch.

There was a forte cheer from the Ravenclaw table and the Hogwarts team began to pass on the Hall. Their entourage followed until they reached the door and then they went to sit back down at various tables.

The Australian team followed shortly. The inflammation only seemed to increase now that the teams had gone down to the changing rooms.

A few second later citizenry began to leave for the sales talk. The crowd at the staff table left first and the student followed.

"Albus,"St. John the Apostle said as they got up from the table,"I 've got a few span of omnioculars in my trunk. I want to see it up close when Linda catches that Snitch."

"Let 's go get them, then,"Albus replied.

Rose rolled her eyes."meet us down at the pitch."She and Amanda turned towards the door as the son ran up the grand staircase.

"Why did n't you just bring them to breakfast ?"lustrelessness asked.

"Forgot,"whoremonger said.

The rook was absolutely deserted as they made their way back to Gryffindor Tower. Albus had n't seen it that empty during the day. It was almost disconcerting.

John had to evacuate out his entire torso in order to come up the omnioculars. He had four couplet and handed one to each of the boys.

"Let 's go,"Albus said,"We 're going to miss the start of the match."

Albus completely ignored the no running in the corridors formula as he made his way through the castle. There was n't anyone to lambaste him anyway. The footstep behind him told him his admirer were n't far behind.

Albus turned a recess and ran smack into something. He fell down onto his back and looked up, only to see that it was mortal. Not just anyone either. Albus had collided with Matt 's boggart.

Only, it could n't be a boggart because if it had been a boggart, it would have manifested itself into what Albus was most afraid of. At that moment, it probably would have been Willinson.

The man sneered down at Albus and then smiled creepily. Albus scrambled up and turned back to look at his friends.

flatness had turned white and looked far more afraid than Albus had ever seen him before, including when he had faced the boggart and when Malfoy had found out about his lycanthropy. John was looking from Matt to the man, an obvious repugnance on his look. Kaden was looking extremely confused.

Albus turned and grabbed all three of his friends, pulling them into the nearest classroom. He slammed the door and pulled out his baton, putting every locking charm he knew onto the knob.

Matt collapsed onto the nearest chair and put his head in his work force."Th-th-that's-"

"We know,"Albus whispered.

"What the hell is he doing here ?"Saint John the Apostle ranted,"He 's got no business here !"

"Why 's he in the castle anyway ?"Albus began to pace around the elbow room,"If he 's here to view the Quidditch match, then why is n't he down there ?"

"What if he 's not here to watch out the Quidditch ?"John said darkly.

"Who the bloody snake pit is he ?"Kaden asked loudly.

Albus glanced at Matt before looking at Kaden. Matt did n't appear to receive heard Kaden 's question.

"His name 's Lubar. He 's the principal of the Department for the regulating and ascendency of Magical Creatures in Commonwealth of Australia,"Albus explained,"He 's the reason why Matt had to impress here, amongst former things."

"He 's a upchuck and deform evil git,"John muttered,"What are we going to do ?"

Albus walked over to the door and peered out the pocket-size window at the top. Lubar was no longer in sight.

"I 've g-got to go to the Ministry,"Matt said,"I 've got to t-tell my dad. L-Lubar, he ca n't be here."

Albus paced back and Forth River in battlefront of the door. The Ministry. How would they get there ? Brooms ? No, that would occupy too long. They 'd have to use the Floo net, but none of the fireplaces at Hogwarts were hooked up, as far as Albus knew.

"We 're going to have to get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said,"You wait here. I 'll get my Cloak and the map. Then we 'll sneak into Hogsmeade and Floo to the Ministry."

lustrelessness nodded."You guys do n't have to come. You can go to the match."

"Are you mental ?"lavatory exclaimed,"That bloke out there is probably worse than Willinson. We 're not letting you do this alone."

Albus nodded in agreement before waving his wand and undoing the locking charms. He cautiously looked out into the corridor before leaving. It was empty.

Much to Albus 's relief, both the Cloak and the map were right where he 'd left them. He shoved them into his robes and ran back to the classroom. mat, trick, and Kaden were all talking quietly. Matt did n't look any lupus erythematosus scared, but at to the lowest degree he did n't seem to be in shock anymore.

"We 're not all going to fit underneath it,"Albus said as he unfolded the cloak.

"You three get under it,"John said immediately,"I 'm tallest so I 'll call for up the most room anyway. Plus, if we meet up with Lubar again, I 'm the best liar."

Albus could n't argue there. Both he and matt were horrible prevaricator and Kaden still had n't gotten over his inability to continue secrets.

"You take the map, then,"Albus handed the map to John,"We 've got to get to the one-eyed witch statue on the third floor.

Albus threw the Cloak over himself, lusterlessness, and Kaden, and the three of them followed King John out of the room. The corridor was still empty, lots to Albus 's relief.

John set a very flying rate and he was soon quite a bit ahead of Albus and the others. Albus could n't say anything, though, as it would afford away his front. Instead he tried to run as fast as he could while making the least amount of dissonance possible.

The boys made it down the two flights of stairs necessary to get to the third floor and arrived at the statue without seeing anyone. Albus pulled the Cloak off of them and stuffed it into his pocket. With a fast tap of his scepter, he statue 's hump opened and the boys climbed inside.

Albus lit his wand and took off down the small passageway. matt, Gospel According to John, and Kaden followed suit.

"Why did Kendrick let him in ?"St. John asked as they ran,"Does n't he recognize what he did ?"

"Yes,"Matt answered,"I do n't think Kendrick knows he 's here."

"What did he do ?"Kaden asked.

"You do n't think he came here to see you ?"Albus asked Matt,"I mean, remember when Killigan saw us that one time and he seemed so concerned in finding you ?"

"Of form I do,"Matt muttered,"And it really would n't storm me if that 's why he 's here. But I 'm betting there 's another reason."

"What did he do ?"Kaden repeated, a bit louder.

"Why else would he be here ?"Albus asked,"The mates ?"

"Maybe, but I 'm betting it 's got something to do with Linda,"Matt replied,"I do n't know for surely, but it seems too simultaneous for him to be here just to see me."

"What did he do ?"Kaden shouted,"Why would he desire to see you ?"

Matt stopped running and wheeled around to look at Kaden."It 's a foresightful story. Lubar 's got a grudge against my dad, one that he obviously still has even though we have n't lived in Commonwealth of Australia for six years,"matte paused,"He passed a bunch of laws against loup-garou and I wound up having to translate with a bunch of former loup-garou. It was bad."

lustrelessness resumed walking and did n't flesh out on the subject. Kaden did n't ask him to.

"What 's your dad going to do about it ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"matte shrugged,"Maybe talk to Kendrick or something."

There was no doubt in Albus 's mind that Matt 's dad would be able to get Lubar to leave Hogwarts, possibly even leave the nation. Albus had known little about Mr. Eckerton prior to this yr, but now he knew that you did not want to be on his bad side. When it came down to it, Mr. Eckerton was the one who had Balladanis sacked.

The passage finally began to rise until it came to an abrupt full point at a knotty wooden threshold. Albus pressed his ear to the room access, but heard aught. He carefully pushed it open, wincing as it creaked.

eyesight nobody in the depot room beyond, Albus beckoned his friends forward. The room was dimly lit, enough for Albus to see a huge amount of corner littering the floor. On the far wall he could see a fireplace.

The boys climbed over the various boxwood and stood in front of the open fireplace. Albus located a small sack of Floo Powder and then lit a fire. He turned to his friends.

"You ca n't Floo directly into individual 's study at the Ministry. We 're going to hold to go to the Atrium,"Albus told them,"I 'll go first, you follow."Albus took a handful of powder and then handed the bag to Matt.

He tossed the powder into the fire and stepped inside, shouting"The Ministry of Magic !"

Albus stumbled out of a dissimilar fireplace seconds later. The Atrium was nearly deserted, save for a few genius striding towards the elevation, clearly too busy to notice Albus.

matt landed rather ungracefully on the story. He picked himself up, brushing stray ash off his robes.

"Place is deserted,"mat said as he looked around.

"It 's a Saturday,"Albus pointed out,"Does your dad study Saturdays ?"

"Yeah,"matte nodded,"At least mornings."

lav was following to step out of the firing, doing so more elegantly than Matt had. He stood in strawman of the firing, staring around at the Atrium. His optic rested on the spring of Magical Brethren.

"This is more fancy than I imagined,"John said.

"Bloody pit !"Kaden shouted as he fell out of the fire,"This is the Ministry ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quickly,"But we have n't got time to explore. Let 's go."

Albus followed matt towards the desk in the presence of the Atrium. There was an old wizard leafing through a transcript of the caviller, oblivious to his environs. Albus almost thought they 'd be able to snarf around him, but he looked up just as they were about to pass.

"Where do you intend you 're going ?"he asked and then his optic rested on Albus,"Albus Severus Potter. Why are n't you in school ?"

"Er,"Albus began, a little unnerved that the man knew who he was.

matte stepped in social movement of Albus."We need to go see my dad. He 's the headspring of the section for the Regulation and restraint of Magical Creatures. It 's variety of an emergency."

"Very well,"the man looked at them oddly,"Put your wands up here."

Albus did as he was told and the others followed suit of clothes. They waited impatiently as the old adept tested their wands and then handed them back. He waved them on towards the lifts.

"What 's the point of that ?"Kaden asked as they waited for a lift.

"So if you murder anyone, they can tell whose sceptre did it,"Albus said bluntly.

"That 's cheerful,"Kaden replied.

Once the ski lift arrived, the son piled in and mat pushed the turn four. Nobody said anything as the lift creaked its way to the one-quarter floor.

Matt took off at a run down the corridor after they left the lift. Albus had never been to this particular story. It looked rather similar to the Magical Law Enforcement 's story, with characterless Set of duplicate doors on one side.

Matt skidded to a halt in front of the only door that was single and banged his hired man loudly on it. When there was no answer after a few seconds, he banged again.

"custody your hippogriffs !"called a voice from the inside,"I 'm coming, I'm-"Matt 's dad said as he opened the door.

Mr. Eckerton seemed to freeze at the sight of his son and the other three boys. He gaped at them for a 2nd before shaking his head.

"flatness ?"he asked and rubbed his eye, as if he thought he was seeing a hallucination,"But, why are n't you in schooling ? How did you get here ? Why are you here ? Albus ? What are you- and John Lackland, Kaden ?"

His eyes rested on flatness again."lusterlessness ? What 's wrong ?"

Mr. Eckerton stepped aside and let the boys into his cogitation. He shut the door quietly behind them.

The field reminded Albus of his dad 's. There were great window on the side opposite the threshold, although the scene exterior was not rattling, nor was the gentle rain that was pattering onto it.

There was a large leather covered chair behind the huge oak desk and a few smaller chairs in social movement of it. Along the other two rampart were shelves with wads of Book. Most of them were about various magical creatures.

Albus, Matt, and privy took the seats that were in front of the desk while Kaden wandered around the study looking at matter. Mr. Eckerton leaned against the front of his desk and looked at his son.

"What 's happened ?"he asked quietly.

"L-Lubar,"flatness said in barely more than a whisper,"He-he 's at Hogwarts."

"What ? !"Mr. Eckerton exclaimed.

"We were on our way to the Quidditch final,"flatness said,"A-and we saw him."

"Bloody Inferno !"Mr. Eckerton stood up and slammed his fist loudly against his desk,"Did Professor Kendrick allow this ?"

"I do n't live,"mat replied,"B-but everyone else was at the match and he was just lurking about the castle."

Mr. Eckerton 's face hardened. He looked just like he had when he talked with Professor Balladanis earlier in the terminal figure."Let 's go, boys,"he said darkly,"I 've got to stimulate a word with Professor Kendrick."

Albus followed Mr. Eckerton out of his study and down towards the aerodynamic lift. St. John 's walking speed was nothing compared to matt 's dad 's. The boys had to run to keep up.

"Where did you Floo from ?"Mr. Eckerton asked once they were in the lift.

"Honeyduke 's,"Albus answered.

"We 'll Floo there now,"Mr. Eckerton replied.

The wizard at the welcome desk looked at them curiously as they rushed towards the fireplace, but did n't say anything.

Mr. Eckerton handed Albus a bit of Floo Powder and gestured for him to go first. Albus stepped into the fire and shouted,"Honeyduke 's !"

Albus began to twirl faster and faster. He saw glance of people 's houses, shops in Diagon Alley, and a miscellany of other billet he did not recognize. Then, out of one of the fireplaces, came a hand. Everything seemed to slow down, but Albus was n't sure as shooting if it actually did or not.

The hand grabbed him. Albus fought against it, but it was too strong. All of a sudden he was laying on a stale wooden trading floor, one that was not at all like the one in Honeyduke's.

Albus coughed and stood up. His fondness was beating fast. What had happened ? Why was n't he in Honeyduke 's ? Where was he ? Whose hand was that ?

Albus grappled for his wand and shakily held it up. He lit it and looked around the room, seeing no one.

"Nice to see you, thrower,"a cold vocalisation said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. There, crouching side by side to the fireplace with his hand inside of it, was Lubar. He looked even more creepy in the dank room than he did in Hogwarts.

The fireplace glowed putting green and Lubar yanked his arm out of it. Gospel According to John came tumbling out of the fire and scrambled too his metrical unit, looking about.

Lubar muttered something underneath his breather and stuck his paw in the flame again.

"What the ?"John whispered to Albus,"Where are we ? Is that ? Bloody Hell !"

"Shut up !"Lubar shouted.

Albus gazed around the way. It looked vaguely familiar, but Albus could n't put his fingerbreadth on it. The windows were boarded up, but it was definitely not the screeching Shack. Albus doubted that was connected to the Floo Network anyway.

The fireplace glowed jet yet again, this prison term sending Kaden onto the base. This earned another call from Lubar, who stuck his mitt in the fire again.

Kaden gaped and then got to his invertebrate foot and stood adjacent to Albus. He looked absolutely terrified, even before he laid centre on Lubar.

Albus wanted goose egg more than to run from the way, but he did not know where the building was even located. Plus, Lubar would probably sandbag him or something.

commons light filled the room as the fireplace glowed once more. Albus knew even before it happened that Matt would be the one to next fall out of the flame. Mere seconds later, that intuition was confirmed.

mat coughed and scrambled to his feet. He gasped when he saw Lubar and ran over to Albus.

Lubar, finally satisfied, doused the firing and lit his sceptre, which illuminated his sinister face. He began to pace slowly in front of them.

"wellspring, well, you went crying to Daddy just as I expected,"Lubar grinned manically,"I do bed when things work out the way I expect them to."

Albus could feel mat shaking next to him. He gripped his baton hard, debating whether to try and disarm Lubar.

"Any idea where you are ?"Lubar asked,"Dervish and Banges. lovely shop, pity about the owner. Yes, a very shame."

Lubar did n't seem at all upset about what happened to the shop possessor. Albus looked around the shop again and now he recognized it.

"well, let 's not waste our sentence here,"Lubar said,"There 's a few people who 've been dying to see you."Lubar snapped his digit three times and Albus heard footsteps on the stairs.

trine whizz descended the steps and strode into the room. They lit their sceptre at the same time and Albus gasped when the light showed their faces. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, along with Washburn. Three masses Albus hoped never to see again.

Albus swallowed hard. He could see no way out of this. As good a dueler he was, he was up against four fully measure up sensation. Three of them did not possess the skills to duel, but Albus had no idea what Lubar was able of.

"Ah, yes,"Lubar smirked,"What a adorable reunion. Unfortunately we have n't got clock time to chat."

Before Albus knew it, Washburn had him in a headlock with his wand pointed at his neck. Quinton Willinson had Kaden and his father had John. matte, seeing his acquaintance restrained, made a run for the dear window.

"Not so fast, offspring loup-garou,"Lubar caught him by the rear of his robe and wrapped one of his blazonry around his middle.

Lubar reached into his gown with his unloosen handwriting and pulled out an old tea tympani. He held it out to the other three men and each one put a disembarrass paw on it. Albus knew what was going to go on right before it did. He shared a frightened glance with Matt before feeling a jerked meat behind his belly button.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist.
A/N : I decided to do part of this chapter from Harry 's spot of view. It begins in his point of view and then switches back to Albus 's. Asterisks indicate where the point of thought switches.


"Spectacular save by Georgia Weasley !"the reviewer shouted.

Harry grinned as his niece threw the Quaffle back into play. It was immediately taken into monomania by Hogwarts, and all three chaser threw it back and Forth as they flew to the Australian end of the pitch.

"grade ! Hogwarts has scored against Australia, bringing the number to 50-20 Hogwarts !"

Harry stood up and shouted as loud as the educatee. One thing he loved about the Quidditch tournament was that he did n't have to try and hold back his excitement when Hogwarts scored. During theatre match, he had to try and pretend he was neutral, even though he obviously supported Gryffindor.

As happy as Harry was about the Hogwarts pursuer being very skilled, he did not have hope that Hogwarts would actually win. Australia 's seeker, Linda Morales, was the best Seeker Harry had ever seen outside of pro Quidditch. He knew that his son, James, was good, but he was n't delusional. Linda was brilliant.

There was something odd about her, though, and Harry could n't put his fingerbreadth on it. Her amphetamine on a heather just did n't appear natural. professional person Quidditch players would wipe out for her speed.

"I 'm surprised she has n't found the Snitch yet,"Neville muttered to Harry.

"Yeah,"Harry nodded as he watched Linda slowly circling above the pitch. James was doing the same,"It 'll be soon, though."

Harry turned his gaze to the rest period of the staff who were sitting around him. most of them were quite reserved. Nobody seemed to be showing the enthusiasm Harry was. He did n't deal. Harry did n't parcel their opinion that teacher could n't get overly excited about Quidditch.

A few prof stood up and then sat back down again as mortal squeezed their way past them. Harry craned his head and was surprised to see Walter Eckerton.

Harry did n't experience the man well. They 'd met on occasion at the Ministry, although Harry had a look he 'd be seeing more of him now that he was head of the department for the regulating and ascendence of Magical Creatures.

What Harry mostly knew about Walter Eckerton was more on a personal than professional floor. Harry had never met a father who was more protective of his son than Walter Eckerton, although he did have got goodness reason. Never a more devoted sire, either.

Walter continued his way past the other professor until he stopped in straw man of Harry. Harry was even Sir Thomas More shocked to see the reflection on his face. Worry was etched in every part of his human face, bringing out the wrinkles, but there was wrath in his eyes.

"Bruno Walter,"Harry shook his hand as he stood up,"What 's going on ?"

"Not here,"Walter muttered,"I need a word in private."

Harry told Neville he 'd be powerful back and he followed Walter out of the standstill. They continued walking until they were a short aloofness away from the pitch and then Bruno Walter stopped.

"The boys have just been to see me at the Ministry,"Walter said as soon as he 'd stopped.

"wait, what ?"Harry asked,"You mean Albus and lustrelessness ?"

"Yes, and the early two as well,"Walter said quickly,"You 've heard of Ralph Lubar, the fountainhead of the department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures in Commonwealth of Australia ?"

Harry nodded, slightly confused at the change of subject."Yes, not a very tolerant chap, is he ?"

Walter 's font hardened."That 's a courteous way of putting it. The chap is sick and flex and he 's got a grudge against me. Very longsighted story and I have n't got time to tell it. Short translation is that when matt was eight, Lubar passed a law that required him to transform in a edifice with other lycanthrope, Old werewolves. Nearly killed him. It was right before we moved. For whatever rationality, Lubar decided to visit Hogwarts today, possibly under the pretense of attending the Quidditch match.

"The boy saw him and Flooed to the Ministry from Honeyduke 's. matte 's absolutely terrified of him, which is why they came to me. I came back with them. They Flooed before I did, but when I arrived at Honeyduke 's they were n't there. I 've already spoken with the owner of the workshop as well as a few early Hogsmeade residents. No one 's seen them. We 've got to receive them."

Harry 's heart sank."You do n't think Lubar 's got them, do you ? He 's not dangerous, is he ?"

"To matte, yes, but I have n't the slightest idea as to why he 'd require the early boys,"Walter said.

"Even if he did only want Matt, he 'd stimulate to get Albus as well because I know Albus would n't let him take matte sitting down,"Harry replied, and started walking briskly towards Hogsmeade,"Let 's go. I 'll get every uncommitted Auror on this."

******

Albus tried as hard as he could to free himself from Washburn 's grasp as he was Portkeying to who knows where. All Albus knew about the positioning was that it must be far away. Portkeying is usually mostly instant, but this time there was a important lag. Albus had time to try and get away, not that it did anything.

The second clue that their destination was far away was the fact that it was very dark when Albus finally landed on the ground. Not gloomy like an impending storm either. Dark as in night.

Washburn had let go of Albus as they landed and Albus hastened to get to his foot. Loud thumps around him told him that his friends had landed as well.

The ground was break and gruelling and the leafage around them was dense. Albus assumed they were in some sorting of wood. He gazed around and saw a lot of unfamiliar trees that seemed to stretch towards the starry sky.

There was no Moon to illuminate the woodland. Lubar, the Willinsons, and Washburn had walked a few G away from the son and were whispering to each other. All four had lit their wands, but it was n't enough wand light to give Albus a good purview of his surroundings.

lustrelessness, St. John, and Kaden had all scrambled over to where Albus was and were standing quite close to him, their wands out. Albus pulled his own out as well, but did n't dare spark it.

"Why is it night ?"Kaden whispered.

"Where the nether region are we ?"John asked.

"We 're in Commonwealth of Australia,"matt said in awe, as if he was just coming to terms with that fact.

"We Portkeyed across an ocean ?"Kaden gasped.

When Albus thought about it, it made sentiency. Lubar was from Commonwealth of Australia, so why should n't he take them there ? It was quite far away from anyone who would be looking for them.

What did n't piddle sense was why Lubar was with Washburn and the Willinsons. As far as he could tell, the four wizards seemed to be working together, but why ? Lubar lived halfway across the public. How had he met the Willinsons ?

"Is this anywhere near your old star sign ?"John the Evangelist asked.

"How should I acknowledge ?"matte snapped,"Commonwealth of Australia 's a huge land !"

"I just thought if we were near it, we could hide there,"trick muttered.

"You would n't want to,"Matt said,"My stunned cousin owns it now."

"You have a cousin ?"Albus asked.

"Not important,"lusterlessness said quickly.

Albus nodded."How are we going to get out of this ?"

"They 're not paying attention,"John the Divine whispered, gesturing to where the four mavin stood huddled in a circle,"Maybe if we run for it."

"The Portkey 's rightfield there,"Matt pointed to the tea kettle, which was a few feet away,"If we can just get to it."

"All right,"Albus whispered,"On the count of three. One ... two ... three."

Albus ran as quietly as he could towards the Porkey. He was about to pluck it up when it soared up into the air. Albus looked up and saw Lubar sneering at him, with the Portkey in his hand.

"That wo n't do,"Lubar said as he stowed the Porkey in his cloak. He turned to the early three men."They 're trying to get away."

"What do you expect ?"Jarrett said rudely,"There 's four of them ! Do you substantiate how a great deal more difficult this is going to be now ? We only needed ceramicist ! But no, you had to go and insist on bringing that loup-garou kid as well."

"You would n't even get managed this if it were n't for me !"Lubar growled,"So do n't go telling me what I should and should n't sustain done."

"Well, now we 've wound up with two extra ones as well,"Jarret muttered.

"They 're kids, how much trouble can they be ?"Lubar smirked.

"You do n't know this lot,"Washburn replied,"They 're the reason we have n't had luck before."

"I thought that was because of your incredible stupidity,"Lubar said.

Albus was very intrigued. Lubar was arguing with them as if he knew them well. Had Lubar really been working with them all along ?

What did they need him for anyway ? What had Willinson meant when he said 'we only needed Potter'?

"Shut it, Lubar,"Jarrett said.

"I 'll say what I like,"Lubar replied,"This is my bush, not yours."

"You own the forest now ?"Jarrett asked.

"As a affair of fact, I do,"Lubar snapped.

"Ministry must be paying you well."

"Indeed they are,"Lubar said and turned to Matt,"So many long time have passed. Tell me, what is it like pretending to be something you 're not ?"

To Albus 's surprisal, it was St. John and not Matt who went flying at Lubar. Lubar disarmed john with a lazy wave of his wand, leaving whoremaster stunned in front of him. It appeared that Lubar was a significantly better dueler than either of the Willinsons or Washburn.

Pocketing John 's wand, Lubar turned back to Matt, who was shakily holding his wand up.

"It does n't matter what country you 're in,"Lubar seethed,"You 're the Lapp thing no matter where you live. The laws do n't vary what you are. Pretend as much as you like, but it wo n't change a thing."

Now Albus wanted to go after Lubar. The ire was boiling up inside of him and he did n't remember he had ever felt more angry in his entire life, and that included every encounter he had had with Scorpio Malfoy. Malfoy was like a flossy kitten compared to Lubar.

However, Albus held himself back. John was already wandless. It would do them no skilful if Albus got disarmed as well. Something told him to expect, to wait until he could enamor them off guard.

"What about your sire ? I hear he 's the head of the section in Britain now,"Lubar smirked,"Guess it 's just a matter of time until the same thing happens. You 'll have to fly again."

lustrelessness was visibly trembling now. Albus wracked his nous, trying to envision out what to do. What could they do ?

"Oh, for Merlin 's saki !"Jarrett strode forward,"How is this helping things ? Did we really risk Portkeying a cluster of kids to Australia just to waste clock time taunting one of them ?"

"Quiet !"Lubar shouted,"I 'll do what I like !"

"Excuse me !"Kaden said loudly, turning to Lubar,"But how in the name of Merlin do you get laid them ?"He gestured to the Willinsons and Washburn.

Albus held his breath, waiting for Lubar to put some sort of whammy or curse on Kaden. Sometimes his full cousin was quite dense. It seemed obvious to Albus that this was a time not to ask questions.

To Albus 's surprise, Lubar smiled. It was a twisted sort of smiling, but a smile nonetheless.

"I think that 's a sightly doubtfulness,"Lubar said."My cousin married this cretin,"Lubar pointed at Jarrett.

"You 're married ?"Kaden gaped at Jarrett, causing Albus to groan. Why would n't Kaden just shut up ?

"Not for much longer,"Jarrett muttered,"Can we delight just get on with this ?"

"solitaire, cousin,"Lubar said as he began to walk slowly around the other three,"We mus n't do this hastily. Haste is the reason you three have failed prior to tonight."

Fail at what ? What were they going to do ? The solitary affair Albus could imagine of was getting the Hallows, but all three Hallows were in England. If that was their plan, they would n't have taken them to Australia.

Albus glanced nervously at matte, who still looked scared out of his mind. Something was still telling Albus not to try and duel the men. Lubar seemed smart, a good deal smarter than the other three, and that scared Albus more than than anything else. There was a big difference between dueling somebody who was smarting and dueling someone who was an idiot.

******

The Ministry seemed deserted when Harry and Walter Flooed there a short piece later. Harry had briefly questioned the proprietor of Honeyduke 's, but they had not seen any of the boys.

Harry and Walter ran towards the lifts at top speed, not pausing to answering the questioning stare of the feller at the welcome desk. The lifts could not go fast enough for the two men. Harry nearly pulled the doors open when they finally arrived at Magical Law Enforcement 's floor.

The Auror business office was slightly more lively than the rest of the Ministry, but not much. Three Aurors were inside, two of whom hastily shoved away a mass of Exploding Snap cards and stood up upon seeing Harry arrive. The early Auror, a rather short but stocky witch, shoved the account book she was reading in the drawer, and joined the other two.

"ceramist, sir !"the witch said,"We thought you were at Hogwarts today !"

"I was,"Harry said in darkness and explained the situation.

The three Aurors looked downcast as they waited for Harry to make them teaching.

"Dabney,"Harry turned to the taller of the thaumaturge,"Brighton,"he looked at the witch,"Get started with an extensive search of Hogsmeade. I 'm calling in everyone who is n't busy with anything else. Tiburon and Oswald are on responsibility in Hogsmeade today, inform them of the situation."

Dabney and Brighton nodded before dashing out of the room. Harry turned to the remaining Auror."Lewster, you will be searching the Forbidden timber as soon as someone else arrives."

Harry pulled out his baton and muttered a turn. An enormous silvery stag flew out of his baton and Harry whispered to it. The Patronus glided out of the way and Harry leaned against the nearest desk.

It was n't long before Harry heard footsteps in the corridor. He looked up at the doorway just as Ron was running through, followed by half a 12 other Aurors.

"Harry, what 's going on ?"Ron said in a worried tone.

Harry rehashed the entire situation again. Ron 's face paled."What about Rose, was she with them ?"

"No,"Walter shook his head,"It was just the boys."

"Thank Merlin,"Ron whispered,"But Harry, what about Willinson ? D'you think he 's got anything to do with this ?"

"It 's crossed my thinker,"Harry muttered,"But I have n't got a hint as to how Lubar would know him."

"With sorry wizards, you just never know,"Ron pointed out.

"I know,"Harry nodded,"Ron, lead the hunting of the Forbidden timber. Lewster 's going with you. And study Daniels and David Smith with you."

Ron nodded and left the room, followed by Lewster and two other wizard. The remaining four Aurors looked to Harry.

"The rest of you can search the castle and evidence. Be discrete. I do not wish to interrupt the Quidditch match unless it is absolutely requirement,"Harry instructed.

The Aurors left the room and Harry turned to Walter. He slowly shook his fountainhead. Why was it always Albus ? This was the third class he had gotten into fuss. Albus 's geezerhood at Hogwarts were reminding Harry dangerously of his own.

"I 'd break go Floo home and tell apart Julie what 's going on,"Bruno Walter sighed,"She 's going to fall apart."

Harry nodded as Walter left the way. Ginny. Harry snapped his head up. She was going to be watching the friction match, but was going to be late. She 's probably there now, Harry thought. She 'd be looking for him.

Harry slowly left the elbow room. How was he going to evidence his wife that Albus had been kidnapped and he did n't have a clue as to where he was ?

******

"You 're just too afraid to do it !"Jarrett shouted at Lubar,"What could possibly go wrong ? We 're halfway across the world from the Aurors that are looking for this lot !"

"Once again you have proved your stupidity,"Lubar replied,"Do you realize who we 've taken halfway across the existence ? Harry potter 's son ! You have n't a clue as to how affair work in the Ministry !

"I can assure you that at this very instant, the entire Auror Department is looking for them. Harry Potter 's probably got every Auror on this case. It wo n't take them long to substantiate that we 're not in England.

"And this one,"Lubar gestured to matte,"He 's got the most meddling parents in the domain. They 'd sooner kill everyone in the macrocosm before letting something happen to him. Very irritating. They wo n't rest until they find him. Not to mention the fact that he 's the son of a Ministry functionary. We 've got two Thomas Kid of two of the most spectacular Ministry officials of UK. Think, Jarrett, think ! We 've got to be careful !"

"well, you 're the one who wanted to lease the werewolf, too,"Jarrett growled.

"And you 're the one who insisted we take Potter 's son !"Lubar shouted,"Why do we even need him ?"

"We just do !"Jarrett shouted back.

"If both of you half-wit had n't wanted to make for the kids, we could 've done this whole affair without the Ministry finding out,"Washburn cut in.

"Shut up !"Lubar and Jarrett said at the Same time.

Maybe if they kept arguing, they would n't throw a chance to do whatever it was they wanted to do before the Aurors found them, Albus thought. He could only hope that the wizards would induce enough to indicate about.

"Are we going to do it here ?"Jarrett asked,"Or go to the house ?"

"Have you learned cypher ?"Lubar shouted,"When they find out that we 're here, the first stead they 'll look is the house."

"Got any expert ideas ?"Jarrett seethed,"Have you got a confidential minuscule hutch somewhere in this nation ?"

"No,"Lubar snapped,"We 're taking them to the outback. Plenty of places to hide, not very inhabited. perfective place."

Before Albus could even mull running away, Jarrett had his arm in a frailty grip again. matt was once again in the grip of Lubar, and bathroom and Kaden were both caught by the Willinsons.

Albus knew very slight about the Australian outback, just that it was n't suitable for lots human being inhabitation. However, the one piece of information he did know about it was that it was where about of the dementors that used to guard Azkaban had gone. That, and it was a somewhat democratic situation for vampires.

Lubar and Jarrett had stopped bickering. Albus had two moment to recognise what was happening before he felt the intimate but unpleasant sensation of side-along Apparition.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all of the awe-inspiring people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapter, this one goes back and forth between Albus 's and Harry 's perspectives.


Albus stumbled as he landed, breaking release of Jarrett 's reach. He tripped over a rock and landed face first in the sand. Spitting the grittiness out of his mouth, he stood up and glanced around.

It was still far too dingy to see anything but the precis of mountains in the distance. The outback seemed very empty and very tranquilize. There was a very small clump of George W. Bush and Tree nearby, but besides that, Albus did not see much else in the way of plant life.

Albus immediately knew why Lubar had taken them there. He had never been in such a abandon station in his life. There was absolutely nothing around them. Even if Albus had decided to run away, he would n't take in gotten very far. As dangerous as staying with Lubar was, Albus knew he would feature no luck of surviving if he ran off into the outback.

Lubar seemed to know that Albus and the others would n't run away. He neglected to use any sort of forget me drug to tie them up or put any piece around them. Instead, he walked a short distance in the direction of the lot and gestured for the Willinsons and Washburn to stick with them.

"What are we going to do ?"John seethed,"Has anyone got any idea where we are ?"

"The outback 's huge,"flatness replied,"I bet we 're properly in the middle of it. The good culture 's probably miles away."

"So we 're done for,"John groaned,"What do they even want with us anyway ?"

"No idea,"Albus said,"But if they keep arguing, we might not have got to find out."

"Do you really think your papa are going to be able-bodied to find us ?"John asked skeptically.

"Lubar 's right,"Albus said,"The whole Ministry 's going to be looking. I think they 'll find us."

"Energy Department pig out like this happen every year ?"Kaden asked,"I mean, last year I got kidnapped by Willinson and now we all were. What 'll pass future yr ?"

"Hopefully nothing,"Albus said.

"If there is a next twelvemonth,"Saint John the Apostle muttered.

"Shut up over there !"Lubar shouted as he walked back over to the male child,"I did n't tell you to talk !"

"Lubar !"Jarrett seethed as he pointed to someplace in the length,"There 's people gathering over there ! We 've got to go somewhere else !"

Albus looked towards where Jarrett was pointing and his heart leapt a bit. There was a small-scale gathering of anatomy a few yards away. Could his dad have found them already ?

"Calm down,"Lubar said,"They 're just vampire. They wo n't bother us. I know that coven. They know dependable than to mess with me. I 'll take life pretty miserable for them if they do."

"Cutting mountain with lamia now ?"Jarrett asked.

"Proving to be helpful, is n't it ?"Lubar answered.

Albus 's hopes sank once again. Lubar seemed more confusing than ever. He cut deals for vampires but passed restrictive laws on werewolves ? It did n't build sense.

The men lowered their voices again and Albus wished he had a few extendible spike with him. He did n't dare talk to his friend, just sent them uneasy glimpse every now and then.

A cold wind blew over them and Albus shivered. It was the kind of cold that chilled him to the off-white. Hoping that it was n't going to rain, or C. P. Snow ( was n't it winter in Australia ? ), he looked to the sky. There were no swarm, but what Albus saw was much big than clouds.

Five or six cloaked figures were slowly circling above them. Although he had never before seen one, Albus recognized them as dementors immediately. Despite the night, Albus could clearly make out their configuration. As they got closer, he could even see their rattling breath.

The world in front of him began to swim. He felt like he was going to conk out, but he knew it was just the dementors sucking all the happiness out of him. Albus was left with all his dysphoric thoughts.

His dad was n't going to find them. They would be stuck on the Australian outback until Lubar and the others did what they were going to do. Then who knew what would happen ?

"No, no, no !"lusterlessness shouted.

Albus squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them, forcing himself to appear towards his friend. flatness was kneeling on the ground, shaking violently. Both john and Kaden were looking at him anxiously, neither seeming to be that affected by the dementors.

Of course the dementors would affect Matt the worst. He had gone through affair that Albus, John, and Kaden could n't even imagine. It probably did n't help that Lubar was actually present, either.

Without even thinking, Albus pulled his verge out of his gown. He 'd heard the incantation for the Patronus charm before and figured it was Worth a barb. What else could he do besides try ?

"Expecto Patronum !"Albus shouted, pointing his wand at the sky. naught happened.

A happy thought ! How could he give forgotten that ? It was difficult to think of one with dementors flying over heard and listening to matte shouting on the ground.

When the sort Hat put him in Gryffindor ! Albus pointed his verge to the sky again."Expecto Patronum ! Expecto Patronum !"

Albus kept shouting the conjuration while using versatile happy computer storage. Nothing was happening, but Matt 's shouting was decreasing. Then it stopped. Albus stopped and looked towards the primer. It looked like matte had passed out.

cerebration of the day Balladanis had been sacked, Albus pointed his verge at the dementors once again."Expecto Patronum !"he shouted.

A silvery blob exploded from his wand and went after the dementors. Albus stood shocked for a few seconds. He had variety of done a Patronus good luck charm !

"Bloody infernal region,"privy whispered.

"Expecto Patronum !"someone shouted from the distance.

Albus looked up and saw Lubar run at them with his baton pointed at the dementors. A silvery squirrel was floating ahead of him and the dementors scattered as it reached them.

Albus 's foggy brain immediately cleared and the felicity returned. He quickly stowed his verge in his gown before Lubar thought to disarm him.

"farewell him,"Lubar growled at trick and Kaden, who were set to the terra firma trying to get matt to wake up.

"Dementors !"Washburn shouted sarcastically,"This was a fucking splendid situation to come."

Lubar paid no attention to Washburn 's comment. His eyes were focused on Albus and he was giving him a very rummy facial expression. Albus took a aflutter step back, but Lubar did not avert his gaze. Albus immediately closed his mind.

******

"Potter, sir !"

Harry, who had been walking up high Street in Hogsmeade with Ginny, turned around and saw Lewster striding towards him. Harry stopped, hoping he had some good news.

"What is it, Lewster ?"Harry asked.

"Just talked to a few of the centaurs,"Lewster said,"They saw three wizards in the forest a few hours ago. They recognized one of them as Washburn."

"I 'd bet my stopping point Galleon the other two were the Willinsons,"Harry replied,"Did the centaur know anything else ?"

"Just that Washburn and the others were looking for something. Apparently they were scouring the forest base for something,"Lewster answered.

Harry nodded. That did n't storm him. The Resurrection I. F. Stone was someplace in the forest."Did you see anything ?"

"No,"Lewster shook his caput,"And the centaurs are pretty sure they 've left."

"Very well,"Harry said,"See what else you can chance out."

Lewster left and Harry turned to Ginny, who looked afraid.

"Harry, you do n't remember that Washburn is with Lubar, do you ?"Ginny asked.

"There 's no doubt in my nous,"Harry answered,"It 's just a matter of finding them. take heed, I 've got to go search Dervish and Banges. I 've got this intuition about the place. Seems like the sodding property for Washburn to take them."

Ginny nodded."I 'll go catch the end of the match. I wo n't bring up anything to Saint James the Apostle and Lily yet."

"trade good,"Harry said,"I 'll be in touch soon."He kissed her lightly on the forehead."We 're going to encounter him."

"I know,"Ginny replied softly,"check safe."

Ginny turned around to walk back to the Hogwarts grounds while Harry picked up the yard and walked the unretentive distance to Dervish and Banges.

The building looked utterly abandoned. The windows were still boarded up, the grass overgrown around it. It certainly did n't look like anyone was hiding inside, but Harry had to check.

Pulling out his wand, he crept cautiously to the threshold. He carefully pulled the boards off of it and quietly wrenched the door undefended. Without lighting his wand, he walked inside.

The place had the flavour of a recent fervor in the hearth. Someone had been there. However, there was not a sound from anywhere in the edifice. Harry lit his wand and saw that it was deserted.

After a thorough confirmation of the total construction, in which Harry found no bread and butter beast, he returned to the independent room. The fireplace was filled with nearly beat ember and there was a low good deal of Floo powder spilled out onto the floor.

The Floo had been used recently. Harry bent down and muttered an incantation that would tell him where the in conclusion person to use the fireplace had Flooed from. He waited for the incantation to work, his heart pound.

Soft red Mary Jane emitted from his wand, curling together to organize the words 'Ministry of Magic .'Harry breathed a sigh of moderation. He was getting somewhere. Without hardly a doubt, Harry knew that Albus and the former boys had wound up in Dervish and Banges after going to the Ministry. The only head was, where had they gone after that ?

******

"How old are you, ceramist ?"Lubar asked.

"Thirteen,"Albus replied, still a bit nervous as to why Lubar was looking at him like that. It reminded him of how Balladanis had looked at him during the second dueling tournament.

"And they teach the Patronus spell to thirteen-year-olds at Hogwarts ?"Lubar replied.

"No,"Albus shook his header, although when he thought about it, Balladanis may possess taught him and Malfoy Patronuses if he had n't gotten sacked."That was the world-class time I 'd tried it."

"Very intriguing,"Lubar said as he turned to the other three men,"This lot did n't tell me you were skilled at defensive attitude magic."

"You never asked,"Jarrett muttered,"But is ceramicist 's aptitude for Patronuses really relevant to what we 're doing ?"

"It matters if they decide to try and hex us !"Lubar snapped,"I think it might be effective if they 're all wandless."

Albus gulped and clenched his wand harder. He glanced at Matt, who was still unconscious. Gospel According to John did n't have got his wand. Kaden was n't very good at dueling. It would be up to him, to Albus, if this came to a duel.

"The only one who 's got any skill is Potter,"Jarrett said,"The other three are n't going to be difficult."

"mulct,"Lubar muttered,"We 'll get started, but I need to talk to you three away from them first."

Jarrett nodded and the men walked a few yards away and began whispering too quietly for Albus to hear.

Albus bent down to where Matt had collapsed, wishing he knew a healing patch or two."lusterlessness, lustrelessness,"he whispered,"Wake up."

After a instant or two, matt 's eyes fluttered open and he sat up."What happened ?"he asked, looking around confusedly.

"You passed out,"Albus told him,"When the dementors were here."

"But Albus cast a Patronus !"John said excitedly.

"You what ?"Matt gaped at him.

"It was just silvery mist,"Albus told him,"Lubar 's actually the one who got rid of them."

"Probably just for his interest,"matt shuddered,"Did anyone else pass out ?"The former three boys shook their school principal."soma,"Matt muttered.

"You need some chocolate or something,"Albus said,"Anyone got some ?"

"mightiness,"Kaden began fishing around in his pocket. He produced a burnt umber frog and handed it to Matt, who took it without saying a word.

"Listen,"Albus said,"Whatever it is that they want to do here, they 're doing it soon. Do you suppose you can get up ?"

matte nodded and Albus helped him to his feet. Lubar and the others were walking towards them again. Albus slowly pulled his sceptre out of his robe and held it to his side, hiding it partially behind his back.

Lubar conjured a wad of Grant Wood and set attack to it, illuminating himself, Washburn, the Willinsons, and the male child. Albus was now clearly capable to see the misrepresented look on Lubar 's face.

"Are you mad ?"Jarrett seethed,"fervor 's going to draw attention !"

Lubar laughed."flack 's going to ensure that those lamia stay away and we 've got to see what we 're doing !"

Albus glanced towards where the lamia had been congregating. They were currently walking farther away from Albus and the others. Thinking back to Linda 's boggart, he remembered that vampires are destroyed by flame. Albus turned back to the men.

Jarrett was holding something out in his hand, but Albus could n't make out what it was. Jarrett, along with Quinton and Washburn, looked quite excited. Lubar looked mildly annoyed and impatient.

"Do you know what this is, ceramicist ?"Jarrett asked gleefully.

"No,"Albus said, trying not to sound too nervous.

"It 's the Resurrection Stone,"Jarrett answered.

Albus could hardly hold back his pant as he peered tightlipped at Jarrett 's outstretched hand. There was a very pocket-sized Harlan Fiske Stone sitting in it. The Resurrection Stone. One of the Deathly Hallows. Jarrett had finally succeeded in getting one of the three objects he had been after for years. But how ?

"How ?"Albus asked, trying to vocalise confident.

"Ancient magic trick is a beautiful thing, thrower,"Jarrett answered,"There are long forgotten spells, spells that piece of work very nicely with retentive block wizard aim such as this Stone. It was merely a matter of finding the correct spell, getting to the Forbidden woods, and putting it to use. Quite simple now that I look back on it."

"Only because you did n't do any of the work,"Lubar muttered,"It was I who found the spell !"

"The former Hallows will prove to be easily to prevail with the help of this,"Jarrett went on, ignoring Lubar 's mutterings.

Albus did not like the speech sound of that. The stone itself did one matter and that was bring back the flavour of people who had passed on. How would that help Jarrett get the former Hallows ?

The invisibility Cloak. Albus 's stomach plummeted. It was still in his gown. He really hoped Jarrett would n't gain that.

"Another affair that I thought of !"Lubar seethed.

"You think this lot attention who did what ?"Jarrett laughed.

"Oh, just get on with it,"Washburn rolled his eyes.

Jarrett sidestepped past the firing and strode closer to Albus. Albus took a step back as his warmheartedness started beating faster. He had a very bad feeling about what Jarrett was going to do with that Stone.

"Ah, yes, potter. You should be afraid,"Jarrett 's gaze swept over all four boys,"You should all be afraid."

"Quit taunting them and just do it,"Washburn said impatiently.

"With this I. F. Stone,"Jarrett said a bit louder,"I will play back Lord Voldemort."

******

Harry burst out of Dervish and Banges, not caring that he had blasted the door completely off its flexible joint as he did so. He had to find Walter. He had to find Bruno Walter and then go to the Ministry. The hearth did not testify foretoken that it had been used to Floo away from the abandoned shop. That left either spectre or a Portkey, both of which would have left traces that he 'd need the Department of Magical Transportation for.

Harry rounded a corner as he ran towards Honeyduke 's and nearly ran headlong into a witch. He stepped back and saw it was Ginny. She wore a unknown tone of mix-up and shock, assorted with mingled fear.

"Ginny,"Harry said,"Sorry."

"Not a job,"she said quickly,"Have you found anything ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"Is the match over ? How badly did we lose by ?"

"Only a hundred points,"Ginny said,"But we might not birth actually lost. Listen, did you know Australia 's Seeker is a vampire ?"

"hold, what ?"Harry gaped at her, trying to wrap his judgment around that fact while still focusing his mind on Albus.

"I 'll explain after we 've found Albus,"Ginny said.

"right wing,"Harry agreed,"I 've got a hint. person was in Dervish and Banges. They Flooed there from the Ministry ; I 'm sure it was Al and the others. I 've got to find Walter and go to the Ministry. I 'm not sure where that will lead us, but I might not be back for a while."

"Just be careful,"Ginny said as she gave him a osculation,"And bring him back."

"I will,"Harry said as he kissed her back,"I 'll see you soon."

"Harry !"

Harry turned and saw Walter striding out of Honeyduke 's. With one lastly look at Ginny, Harry met Bruno Walter half-way.

"We 've got to get to the Ministry,"Harry said immediately, and explained about what he had found at Dervish and Banges and what Lewster had learned from the centaurs.

Walter nodded and the two men Disapparated on the daub. They reappeared a little piece later in a pocket-sized apparition chamber in the Ministry.

Passing the bewildered looking protection precaution for the third clip that day, Harry and Bruno Walter ran to the rise. Neither of them said a password as the facelift clattered to the Department of Magical Transportation.

The section was nearly deserted, make unnecessary for one very bored looking witch sitting at a desk.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton !"she exclaimed as she took her ft off the desk,"Something I can do for you ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"I need to have intercourse if anyone 's Disapparated from Dervish and Banges in Hogsmeade. Or used a Portkey from that same location. And if you 're able-bodied to, I need to make love where they went."

"Of course, Mr. ceramist, of course,"the witch said as she got up. She disappeared into another room, shutting the door behind her.

Harry sighed and sat down on the approximate chair. Walter sat down in the adjacent one, looking thoroughly miserable.

"We 'll find them,"Harry said quietly.

"I do n't doubt that,"Walter replied,"However, that is not the solely thing I am disturbed about. The last time Matt had an altercation with Ralph Lubar, he wound up in therapy for month afterwards."

Harry was not expecting that. He did not recognize much about therapy, except that virtuoso did not normally use it. Whatever had happened, it must deliver been bad.

"Do you mind if I ask what happened ?"Harry asked, not for sure if he was overstepping some form of boundary.

Walter did not speak for several minute."It 's ok,"Harry said,"You do n't have to explain."

"I will,"Walter said quietly,"Shortly after mat was bitten, I became the promontory of the department for the Regulation and control condition of Magical beast in Commonwealth of Australia. cipher outside of the department knew about his consideration, of course of instruction. Ralph Lubar was given my quondam berth of Head of the Werewolf Control unit, and was quite covetous that I was given the headland stead. He could not get over the fact that I was given it, even when my own son had lycanthropy.

"It was a grudge he held against me for many years, until the day finally came when he cracked and let it slip that Matt was a lycanthrope. A bit of legislation had been passed that required all shoes of transformation be inspected by the Ministry. Lubar inspected mat 's and it failed on a technicality. Ministry heart were set up for werewolf to transform in, together. Matt was required by law to transform there since his safety elbow room did not notch. I refused to deliver him transform there. The written document were all over it. I lost my job. Lubar was appointed to the point position.

"More lawmaking was passed. A law that stated that Ministry functionary could physically storm werewolf into the transformation centers. On the day of the full lunation, Lubar Flooed into our star sign and took mat to the center. By the clock time I figured out which gist it was, the moon had risen. It was too late.

"Matt spent weeks in St. Mungo 's. By that time we were nearly set up to move here. He was so traumatized, it took month for him to get over it. To be reliable, I do n't think he 's fully over it.

"The just reason Lubar did it was to try and get to me. That 's why he 's so sick and worm,"Walter finished as he put his head in his bridge player,"I swore I 'd never let him near Matt again. Swore I 'd drink down him if he went near lusterlessness again.

Walter gave an odd sort of jest."Listen to me, I 'm telling the nous of the Auror section that I 'd commit murder."

"Just so long as you do n't actually do it when we go save the boy,"Harry said, still processing what Walter had told him. It certainly explained a lot- why they were so loath to let Matt out of their sight, why they were n't on the Floo Network.

One thing that Harry could tell was that Walter blamed himself for everything that had happened. Honestly, Harry was n't surprised. If something like that had happened to James, Albus, or Lily, he would 've blamed himself, too.

"That was n't your fault,"Harry said quietly,"And this is n't either."

"If I had just Flooed ahead of the boys-"

"It would n't bear mattered,"Harry interrupted,"And it 'll do no good to dwell on it now. It 's in the past."

"That 's exactly what my brother said when Matt was in St. Mungo 's,"Walter said wryly.

"Mr. Potter !"the witch came bustling out of the elbow room she had gone into, brandishing a piece of parchment, which she handed to Harry.

Harry stood up as she handed them the lambskin. His eye scanned the sheepskin. Portkeys. Four Portkeys had left Dervish and Banges a few short hours ago. That in itself did not shock Harry, especially compared to where the Portkeys had gone.

"Commonwealth of Australia,"Harry read as he turned to Walter, who had visibly paled at the password,"They 're in Australia."


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awesome people who have read and left such endearing reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the old chapters, this one is also split between Albus and Harry 's perspectives.


Never had Albus wished so grueling that he could Apparate. Why did you stimulate to be seventeen to get your Apparition license anyway ? If he ever worked in the department of Magical Department of Transportation, he would change that law. specter would 've enabled him to get out of Australia, away from Jarrett Willinson, who was trying to bring back Lord Voldemort with the Christ's Resurrection Stone.

Albus could not remember being more than scared in his biography. This was far regretful than when he had dueled Washburn on the Hogwarts grounds two years ago, far risky than when Quinton kidnapped Kaden the previous class. Lord Voldemort was far scarier than Lubar, Washburn, and the Willinsons combined.

What would Voldemort look like when Jarrett brought him back ? Harry had said the Harlan Stone could n't actually get citizenry back to life. Albus guessed he 'd be more like a ghost. But would he be capable to do magic, to execute the bane and hexes he did when he was alive ?

Albus held his breath as he watched Jarrett twist the stone over in his hands. Albus had no theme how it worked, but judging by how quiet all of the adults were, Jarrett was trying to use it.

Over and over again Jarrett turned the stone. He did it for so foresighted that Albus had to let out his breathing space. The excited gleam on Jarrett 's face slowly dissipated until it was replaced by frustration.

"Why wo n't it function ?"Jarrett shouted,"Are you positive this is the right Stone ?"

"Of course I am !"Lubar shouted as he grabbed the Lucy Stone,"The spell said it was !"

"Well, it 's not working now, is it ?"Jarrett mocked.

Albus breathed a suspiration of moderation. Either they had the haywire stone or for whatever reason, Voldemort could n't be brought back with it. Albus was hoping for the former.

Lubar turned the stone over in his bridge player. On the third base turn, a strange sort of mist appeared in front man of him. Albus 's heart sped up. It had worked.

The mist began to clear and a figure was standing in front of Lubar. The design was not Lord Voldemort, though. Albus had no musical theme who had been resurrected, but it certainly was not Voldemort. This someone was a woman, and a short one at that.

Washburn and the Willinsons were exchanging curious glances. Lubar, however, was staring directly at the figure, his face contorted with something Albus could only take up was sadness.

"M-mother ?"Lubar said as he stepped near to the woman.

"You idiot !"Jarrett shouted,"That 's not Voldemort !"

"I know that !"Lubar snapped and the looked back to the charwoman, who was apparently his mother,"Mum."

"Ralphy,"the charwoman replied.

"I-it 's been so long,"Lubar whispered.

Albus turned to his Friend, who were all staring in confusion at Lubar. Matt in specific was giving Lubar a very unusual look. Apparently the Isidor Feinstein Stone was the Christ's Resurrection Stone and it did indeed employment, just not in the way Jarrett had been planning.

"Very long,"Lubar 's mother agreed,"But you 've done well. I 'm very proud of you, son."

Albus had to wrap up his mouth to conceal his snicker. What sort of mother could be gallant of what Lubar had done ?

"I 've tried,"Lubar said,"I swore I would after, after what happened."

"You have,"Lubar 's mum replied,"You 've done me proud."

"Oh for Merlin 's sake !"Jarrett shouted as he ran towards Lubar.

Lubar seemed to give forgotten that there were other people around. He jumped as Jarrett advanced and Jarrett grabbed the Oliver Stone out of his hand.

Lubar 's mother began to fade as soon as Jarrett took the stone. Running towards her, Lubar held out his hands trying to observe her there.

"No !"he shouted,"Mum !"

Mere seconds after Lubar 's mother completely disappeared, Lubar had his baton out and was holding it up at Jarrett. Jarrett had taken out his own wand, but neither man was hurling jinxes. Washburn and Quinton had taken a few footprint back.

"You arse !"Lubar shouted,"That was my mother !"

"I know !"Jarrett replied,"That 's why I did it ! We 're trying to bring back Voldemort here, not your messed up mum !"

"Do not diss my mother,"Lubar seethed and flicked his scepter.

Jarrett fell to the terra firma, completely ineffectual to travel. Lubar stood over him with his sceptre directed at his chest.

"My mother was a lovely person,"Lubar growled,"You 're tired of to be speaking ill of the dead like that."

Albus did n't really reckon Lubar should be talking about who is sick and who is n't. Nor did he call up his mother was particularly lovely. Never before had Albus thought he 'd agree with Jarrett Willinson on anything, but when it came to Lubar 's female parent, he did.

"better they hex each other than us, right ?"Saint John muttered.

"Good full stop,"Albus replied.

"Can we please just get back to bringing back Voldemort ?"Washburn drawled loudly,"I was under the impression that that 's what we were here for, not to insult each early 's mothers."

Lubar turned his wand on Washburn."Have you anything to say about my female parent ? wellspring, do you ?"

Washburn hastily pulled out his own wand."Er, no, she seemed quite lovely."

"Good,"Lubar said manically,"Keep it that way, or you 'll end up like him."Lubar gestured to Jarrett, who was still laying paralyzed on the ground, his eyes darting about nervously.

******

"Australia,"Bruno Walter said weakly,"Bloody hell."

"I 'll need you to double that Portkey,"Harry said to the witch, who nodded and left the room again.

"Bruno Walter,"Harry began,"I am nearly one hundred percent sure that Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, as well as Jameson Washburn are working with Lubar. I am nearly positive that they are with the son in Australia."

"Right,"Walter agreed,"The evidence surely points that way."

"There is something about that investigating that hardly anyone in the Ministry knows,"Harry lowered his voice,"Nearly a class ago, after Quinton was sent to Azkaban, the Ministry decided that the Auror section needed some help with capturing the other two. The rector hired a Presuler."

Bruno Walter let out a low pennywhistle and then realization dawned on his face."Wait, you do n't mean-"

"Tethys Balladanis,"Harry said quietly,"Yes, he was the Presuler the Ministry hired. Stationed at Hogwarts under the pretense of teaching Defense Against the dark Arts."

"Bad idea on the rector 's part,"Walter muttered.

"It was my idea to station him at Hogwarts,"Harry replied,"But I did not screw that he would be such an terribly teacher."

"I wo n't hold it against you,"Bruno Walter said.

"I appreciate that,"Harry said,"However, since Balladanis is a character of this investigation, I have to contact him and he will have to go with us to Australia. I understand that you have had your difference, but-"

"If he helps to chance Matt, I will forgive him for everything he 's done,"Walter interrupted.

"Here you are, Mr. potter, Mr. Eckerton,"the beldame returned holding a deformed credit card container, which she handed to Harry."If I can be of anymore assistance, let me know."

"That 's it for now,"Harry said as he took the container,"Thanks."

******

Albus stood frozen as the four men dueled each other. Completely unsure of what to do, yet very happy that they seemed to hold momentarily forgotten about the son, Albus just stood there watching. mat, St. John, and Kaden did the Lapplander, although John looked Sir Thomas More than a bit apprehensive, most probable due to his want of a wand.

Washburn had attempted to take up the Oliver Stone from Lubar, who had taken it back from Jarrett, shortly after Lubar had stunned Jarrett. Apparently Lubar did not admit kindly to this and hexed Washburn. In the think of prison term, the Stunner had worn off Jarrett and he attempted to hex Lubar.

All four men were running around, throwing hexes at each other while dodging the fire. Albus was kind of hoping one of them would slip and burn their arms or something. Or even practiced, maybe one or to a greater extent of them would throw their wand into the fire.

Washburn and the Willinsons were definitely worse for clothing. All three of them were sporting accidental injury. Both Willinsons were limping and Washburn 's left arm was being held at an odd angle.

Lubar seemed ticket and even though it appeared that the other three were siding against him, he was coming off better. Albus had to include that he was very skilled at dueling.

Lubar shot a jet of red light at Washburn, who went flying over the fire and landed with a sickening clunk in front of the son. He did not affect. Albus looked down and saw a pocket-size stone next to Washburn 's question. He bent and picked it up. It was the Resurrection Stone.

Albus stood up and jumped back. Lubar, Jarrett, and Quinton had all encourage towards him. Three wand were pointed at his chest, being held by three people with maniacal gleams in their eyes.

Albus gulped and held up his own verge, his arm quiver slightly. Matt and Kaden had done the same. Gospel According to John tried to hide behind Matt, but was stillborn since he was a adept question taller than him.

"script it over, Potter,"Lubar growled.

With a defiant tone at Lubar, Albus hastily shoved the Stone into the pouch of his robe and held his wand up gamey.

******

"Balladanis."

"Eckerton."

Harry watched as the two men stared at each other. Balladanis had Flooed to the Ministry shortly after receiving Harry 's Patronus. Harry had filled him in on what was going on, but the man had n't taken his centre off of Walter the entire time.

"We have n't got time for this,"Harry muttered and held out the plastic container,"Let 's just go."

Bruno Walter agreed immediately and laid his bridge player on the Portkey. Balladanis did so as well, with a little hesitation.

With a familiar dork behind his naval, Harry disappeared from the Ministry. The Portkey trip was a bit farseeing than ones Harry was used to, but it did n't surprise him since he knew they were going to Australia.

Harry landed softly on his base and held out his verge as he adjusted to the environment. It was pitch black and after he lit his baton, Harry knew they were in the midriff of a forest.

The timberland was disappointingly quieten. The only phone were those of fauna and the episodic rustle of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, brought about by the wind. Not a bingle speech sound caused Harry to believe that there were multitude about, let alone his son.

"spread head out and search,"Harry announced. The place may appear deserted, but Albus and the others had been there at some point. They had Portkeyed there.

None of the wizards said a parole as they combed the region. Harry left no Oliver Stone unturned as he looked for the smallest trace of evidence of where his son had gone. If only it was n't Night. Wands did n't cater nearly enough light.

There seemed to be not a ghost of anything that showed anyone had been in that orbit of the forest, let alone where they had gone afterwards. Ralph Lubar was good at this, that was for certain. Harry swore as he returned to the Sami place he had started from.

Walter returned a few mo later, looking even more uneasy than he did before."aught,"he muttered,"Not a rip bit of cloak or a single Canute. They did n't stay here long."

Harry groaned and scuffed the reason with his shoe. He and Walter stood quietly as they waited for Balladanis to return.

Balladanis came running towards Harry holding a low alloy musical instrument in his hand and an strange variety of excited smirk on his aspect. He skidded to a halt in front of Harry, holding out the instrument. Harry recognized it as an spectre detector. They were quite rare. The British Ministry only owned one, for the entire Ministry.

"They 've Disapparated,"Balladanis said hurriedly.

"Obviously,"Bruno Walter muttered,"Any melodic theme where ?"

"A superior general idea, yes,"Balladanis replied, ignoring Walter 's sarcastic feeling,"They 're on the outback."

"The outback ?"Bruno Walter gasped,"Dammit, there 's dementors out there !"

"I am aware,"Balladanis said.

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said, placing one of his hands on the metal instrument. It would be able-bodied to guide them to the relative orbit they needed to go.

Walter put his hand on the instrument as well and with an exceptionally loud cracking, all three men Disapparated.

They landed on terrain that was very unfamiliar to Harry. The land was dusty and sandy and there was hardly any industrial plant lifespan in sight. In the aloofness there were improbable mountains and cloaked figures floated above them. Harry suppressed a shiver and gripped his verge tighter. Dementors.

What looked like a roaring bonfire blazed in the distance. Harry glanced at it suspiciously and then looked back to Walter and Balladanis, both of whom were more associate with the area.

"Only vampire and dementors ever venture out here,"Balladanis said quietly,"Neither of whom would set a fire."

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said and began to lead the small chemical group towards the flickering lights in the distance.

******

"manus it over, potter,"Lubar repeated.

Albus gulped and tried to throw his sceptre more firm. His wand arm was shaking uncontrollably and Albus did n't seem to be able to keep back it regular. His spunk was thumping hard in his chest. Albus was sure everyone was able to hear it. However, he did not want to return up the Stone. That was one thing he was sure as shooting of. The alone way Lubar would be getting it is if he killed Albus first. Which actually, was n't something Albus would put yesteryear him.

"Maybe you should just open it to him,"John the Divine whispered,"I mean, it did n't work to get Voldemort back."

"No,"Albus seethed, surprised that John the Divine had suggested it. He probably would n't experience if he still had his wand.

"Do you really want to ingest to duel me, Potter ?"Lubar stepped a bit closer,"There 's three of us and four of you, one of which does n't experience a scepter. Not good odds, if you ask me."

"And do you realize that those two are atrocious duelers ?"Albus replied.

"I have noticed,"Lubar smirked,"But they 're fully qualified ; you are not. I 'm going to get that Oliver Stone, one way or another."

Lubar flicked his wand and sent a jet of orange light at Albus. Albus jumped back and threw up a carapace charm, concentrating on making it big enough to shield him and his friends. It worked and the orange light bounced harmlessly off the carapace and hit the ground.

"Stay behind me, St. John,"Albus muttered,"matt and Kaden, spread out and hit them with whatever enchantment you know."

Albus concentrated on keeping his shell up while casting former magical spell, like he had done in Balladanis 's dueling object lesson. So far it was working, but Albus never managed to keep the shell up very long.

Lubar was momentarily stunned when he saw Albus 's buckler, but he quickly recovered and began sending hex after hex, nonverbally, at Albus and John. Concentrating hard, Albus sent a sweetheart at Lubar, but he flicked his baton and it shot off into the distance, hitting one of the lone George Herbert Walker Bush, which promptly caught fire.

Albus chanced a glimpse at matt and Kaden. matte was dueling with Jarrett and it looked like they were pretty equally matched, which was kind of pathetic as far as Jarrett was concerned. It made Albus feel better though. Quinton and Kaden just seemed to be sending Expelliarmus magical spell at each early and missing every time.

The shield emitting from Albus 's wand faltered and faded a bit. Albus renewed his concentration, but the shield was still infirm than it had been before. There was no way he 'd be able to station any spells through the shell now.

"Your shield is weakening, thrower,"Lubar smirked as he sent another Stunner at Albus, which shook the shield.

"merlin !"Quinton shouted to the right of them. He was hopping on one foot and Kaden was laughing hysterically. Albus grinned. Kaden had actually managed to do some sort of hex, although Albus was n't sure what one it was.

Lubar turned to Quinton and flicked his wand at Kaden. Kaden promptly froze and fell to the ground. Albus gasped and his shield disappeared.

"Albus !"John Lackland shouted.

Albus turned back to Lubar, but did n't get the shield back up before Lubar shot a hex at lav, who fell to the ground like Kaden had.

"Would n't it be easygoing just to give me the gemstone ?"Lubar asked as he sent a smasher at Albus.

Albus deflected it."Not really."

Jarrett and flatness were still dueling. Both were sporting a few injuries, but nothing too life-threatening. Neither seemed to have noticed that Gospel According to John and Kaden were Stunned.

Albus managed to hit Lubar with a trip jinx, which gave him a few seconds to catch his breathing time while Lubar righted himself. Unfortunately this only angered him and he was now sporting a gash across his left cheek.

"Expelliarmus !"Lubar shouted.

Albus jumped to the side and the tour hit a nearby sway. Lubar resumed his nonverbal go and Albus continued deflecting them and dodging them, too exhausted to try and hit Lubar with any other jinxes.

"You ca n't maintain dodging them forever, ceramicist !"Lubar grinned manically.

"Watch me,"Albus said defiantly.

Albus of course of study knew that Lubar was right. The odds had not really changed. John and Kaden were both out of the engagement and while toilet was easily the best dueler after Albus, his absence did not put Albus greatly behind. Washburn was out as well and both Willinsons were injured. Quinton was currently on his knees panting, not in any shape to keep dueling. mat was holding his own against Jarrett, something Albus was both amaze and delighted by.

No, Albus was not trying to get over Lubar. He knew that would n't be possible. Albus was merely biding for time. He tried to envision out how long they 'd been gone as he dodged go. It must have been at least three or four minute, although the dark Australian sky had not changed a bit. Albus wished the moon had been out so he could have monitored its trip-up across the sky.

How long would it take his dad to come up them ? Longer than normal, Albus thought. They were in the midriff of a alien country, nowhere near anyplace Harry would be looking.

"I 'm getting annoyed, potter, and you do n't want to see me when I 'm gravel !"Lubar shouted, sending another jet of red light at Albus.

Before Albus even had time to record what sort of hex it was, matte gave a shrieking of pain sensation to Albus 's rightfulness and collapsed to the dry land. Jarrett wasted no sentence and pointed his wand at Albus.

Albus took a fraction of a second to digest the fact that he was now utterly alone, facing two fully grown wizards. The two wizards shot identical squirt of blue ignitor at Albus and he managed to pull up a infirm shield.

The military group hit him like a 12 Bludgers to the venter. He lost his footing and landed flat on his back, his head hitting a particularly penetrating rock.

"I told you not to fight, thrower,"Lubar sneered as he loomed over Albus.

"You 're not getting the rock,"Albus said, forcing away the giddiness. He reached into his robes and pulled out the Stone.

"I disagree,"Lubar said as he made to snap up the Stone.

With all the effect Albus could muster, he threw the rock as far as he could to the right. In the darkness, it disappeared in a split second and Albus did n't even get a line it land.

"No !"Lubar shouted,"You 'll pay for that !"

"Wands where I can see them !"someone shouted from behind Lubar.

Lubar and Jarrett whipped around as fast as they could. Albus lifted his fountainhead slightly and caught a glimpse of his dad, along with a few early superstar. He breathed a sigh of relief. They were saved.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the adorable multitude who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus managed to sit up the right way before the curse started flying. Realizing that he dropped his wand when Lubar and Jarrett hexed him, he groped about for it on the basis. Not finding it, he crawled behind a nearby George H.W. Bush and watched.

Jarrett did n't hold fast around long. He sent one pathetic lulu at Harry, who easily deflected it, and disappeared on the spot. Harry immediately disarmed Lubar before he could do the Lapplander.

Once Lubar was defenseless, Albus left the safety of the George W. Bush and shakily stood up. He reached the fire and was able to see who the other two mavin next to Harry were. What he saw made him dizzy with blow all over again.

The shorter of the two was lustrelessness 's dad. He was staring stony faced at Lubar. Albus had never seen anyone public eye at anyone else with such hatred and loathing as Matt 's dad glared at Lubar. And that included when his Uncle Ron talked about the Malfoys, or his mum when somebody mentioned Vernon and Petunia Dursley.

It was the early wizard that nearly caused Albus to pass by out in stupor. He was none former than Professor Balladanis. What in the name of Merlin was he doing there ? It looked like he was actually with Harry and Matt 's dad. But why ? Did n't Matt 's dad hate Balladanis ?

"Eckerton, what a pleasant surprise,"Lubar smirked.

"Lubar, if we were n't in the presence of an Auror and a Presuler I 'd rip you limb from arm, Muggle expressive style,"Mr. Eckerton growled.

Albus was slightly stunned by Mr. Eckerton 's choice of words, but remembering what matte had told him at the origin of the year, all surprisal left him.

"Lucky for me Potter and Balladanis are here, then,"Lubar replied and snatched Washburn 's wand off the ground.

Harry, Mr. Eckerton, and Balladanis all sent unlike spells at Lubar at the same time, but it was too late. He was already gone. Mr. Eckerton swore loudly.

"Two ai n't bad,"Balladanis muttered as he gestured to Washburn and Quinton, the latter of whom was still conscious but not completely mindful of his surroundings.

"That 's the glaring difference between you and I,"Mr. Eckerton muttered as he moved swiftly past Quinton and Washburn to accomplish Matt.

"Dad !"Albus shouted.

Harry looked up from Kaden 's unconscious form and raced towards Albus. Albus threw his arms around his dad and the two of them hugged each other tightly.

"Al, thank Merlin,"Harry said.

"Dad, what 's Balladanis doing here ?"Albus asked immediately,"And Lubar, what 's going to go on to him ? And Willinson ?"

"I 'll explain it all once we get you back to Hogwarts,"Harry assured him.

Balladanis had a house handgrip on both Washburn and Quinton and was fiddling with a broken plastic cup. A few seconds later, all three of them disappeared.

Harry turned to Mr. Eckerton, who was standing up with matt in his arms."Can you hold Gospel According to John, too ? I 'll get Kaden and Al will descend with me."

Mr. Eckerton nodded and grabbed hold of John the Evangelist 's arm before pulling his own broken plastic cup out of his pocket. They disappeared.

Harry pulled Kaden up and took Albus 's arm. Albus was still thoroughly confused, but did not have time to ask his dad anymore inquiry before feeling the familiar jerk behind his naval that signified he was traveling by Portkey.

Albus landed with a thud in the heart of the Hospital backstage. The enquiry of how they managed to Portkey inside the Hogwarts grounds was the least pressing question on his mind.

Looking around, Albus saw that the others had arrived as well. Mr. Eckerton was laying both Matt and John on the near beds while ma'am Pomfrey was shouting and gathering potions.

"feeling at the state of them !"the nurse exclaimed,"Always this lot, too ! You 're a bad influence on them, Harry, I swear !"

Harry looked slightly sheepish as he set Kaden down on the bed next to Matt 's and then turned to Albus.

"I 've got to talk with prof Kendrick and go to the Ministry-"he began.

"But Dad !"Albus interrupted,"What was Balladanis doing there ?"

"I promise I 'll recite you all of that and More,"Harry replied,"But I need to recount everyone you and the others are ok. When I get back, I 'm going to need you to tell me everything that happened."

"But-"

"No buts !"Madam Pomfrey cut in,"Bed, Albus, bed ! You need rest !"

Albus, who had barely registered the fact that his caput was bleeding and he was still quite empty-headed, felt that the last thing he needed was relief. He needed to know what was going on.

"I 'll explicate once you 've gotten some sleep,"Harry assured him.

Albus muttered under his breathing place and got into bed. Once ma'am Pomfrey had given him a Sleeping Draught, Harry left, leaving Albus to unsuccessfully try to fight off the sleep he knew was coming.

******

The ward was quiet when Albus woke up. It was completely sour outside, although Albus did n't deliver the tenuous clue as to what day it was. toilet, Matt, and Kaden were either still unconscious or well-grounded asleep. Albus was betting on the latter since Madam Pomfrey was no where to be seen.

Mr. Eckerton was still there and he had been joined by his married woman. Both of them were nodding off in chairs next to Matt 's bed. It did n't await like Mr. Eckerton had even left. He was wearing the Lapp Ministry robes he had been wearing before.

Albus sat up and put his hired man to his foreland. There was a patch on the back of it. Another bandage was wrapped around his flop arm, although he could n't recall when he had injured it. Besides that, he just felt tucker.

The threshold to the Ward opened, letting in a small deluge of lighting from the corridor. A shape stepped inside and began walking towards Albus 's bed.

"Hey, Al,"they said.

"Dad,"Albus replied, recognizing his sire,"Are you going to say me about Balladanis now ?"

"Yes,"Harry chuckled,"Perhaps we ought to go to the Room of Requirement."

Albus shook his head, remembering something he had been debating for the past year. He had waited long enough. It was time.

"No,"Albus said,"I know somewhere better."

Without saying a watchword, Albus got out of bed and lead his dad out the room access and up to the 5th flooring corridor. Harry did not ask a single interrogation as Albus pulled the arm down on the capture horse and turned to face the opposition wall.

Albus located the paw prints and touched his hand to them, turning it into a doorknob. He opened the door and stepped inside. Harry followed, letting out a pant as he did.

"Remember that map from end year ?"Albus asked as he shut the door.

Harry nodded, apparently at a loss for words.

"There was more to it. pedagogy on how to get into this room. It was theirs, the vulture'. Their secret park room,"Albus said quietly.

Harry did n't respond. Instead he walked slowly around the room. Albus stood near the doorway and waited. He was n't sure as shooting how long he stood there, watching as his dad investigated the way that had once belonged to his grandfather.

"This,"Harry began,"This is just incredible, Al. How long have you known about it ?"

"About a year,"Albus said quietly.

"And you spend time here ?"Harry asked.

"Probably more than we do in the common elbow room,"Albus answered.

"Then it is the perfect place to utter,"Harry said as he sat down on one of the couches.

Albus sat down next to him."So why was Balladanis there ?"

"I 'll secernate you that,"Harry said,"But commencement I want you to excuse to me what happened."

Albus took a deep breath and told his dad everything. Starting with when they saw Lubar in the castle and ending with throwing the resurrection Isidor Feinstein Stone into the Outback. He explained how they had first gone to a forest in Australia, how they had Portkeyed to the Outback, the dementors, the almost Patronus he had managed to pass water, the duel, the fact that the resurrection Harlan Stone did n't go to bring Voldemort back.

"Why did n't it work ?"Albus asked,"I mean, I 'm gladiola it did n't, but why ?"

Harry thought for a few minutes and then looked at Albus."There are a few reasons that might explain it. The Resurrection Stone brings back people we love, but it does not institute them back completely. It 's almost as if their soulfulness is coming back."

"Like a ghost ?"

"Not exactly,"Harry said,"But similar. It 's possible that since Voldemort split his someone so many metre, he ca n't be brought back with the Edward Durell Stone. The Stone may need the soul to be integral to work."

Albus nodded."That makes sense."

"It could also be that only loved one can be brought back with the Harlan Stone. Washburn and the Willinsons did not roll in the hay Voldemort ; they did not know him. They wanted to land him back for their own agenda,"Harry explained.

"Is there any way to regain out which it is ?"Albus asked.

"No, I do n't think so,"Harry said,"Especially now that the Stone is once again gone. Which is something I 'm very grateful that you did."

"well, I figured you left it out in the Forbidden Forest for a reason,"Albus shrugged.

"Yes, yes I did,"Harry replied,"I think it best if cipher had that Stone."

Albus nodded."Yeah, that makes horse sense. But what was Balladanis doing there ?"

Harry laughed."You 're not going to let that go, are you ?"

"Nope, you said you 'd secernate me,"Albus said.

"I will,"Harry replied,"Albus, do you bang what a Presuler is ?"

"Yes,"Albus nodded,"And I know that Balladanis is one."

"You do ?"Harry looked impressed.

"He told me during one of those dueling example he gave me,"Albus explained.

"Well, that makes my account easier,"Harry said,"A slight over a yr ago, shortly after Quinton kidnapped Kaden, the Ministry decided to hire a Presuler to help oneself find Washburn and Jarrett Willinson."

"Seriously ?"Albus gaped at him.

"Yes,"Harry muttered,"The Minister believed the Aurors needed some help."

Albus thought he heard bit of contempt in his dad 's voice.

"When I realized that Washburn and the Willinsons were most likely working with Ralph Lubar, I had to contact Balladanis and let him be intimate. He came with us, and I have to admit that he was very helpful. We would not birth found you as fast if he was n't there,"Harry explained.

"But why was he teaching here ?"Albus asked.

"The curate, Professor Kendrick, and I believed it would be good strategy to have him stationed at Hogwarts, where we all believed Washburn and the Willinsons would return to. Balladanis agreed,"Harry said,"Of course, none of us realized that Balladanis would not be able to cover teaching.

"This is all quite secretive, Al. I 'd prefer you did n't differentiate anyone. I will be telling matt, John, and Kaden, because I feel they have the right wing to cognize, but I do n't want anyone else knowing about it."

"What about Rose and Amanda ?"Albus asked.

"I suppose I 'll evidence them as well, otherwise Kaden is sure to tell them,"Harry said.

"What 's going to happen to Lubar ?"Albus asked,"Is Balladanis going to be after him now ?"

"No,"Harry shook his promontory,"That 's going to be tricky billet. Lubar is n't a British citizen. We ca n't do a thing while he 's in Commonwealth of Australia. It 's up to the Australian Ministry to either put him on tryout or throw him to us to put on trial. And since he 's one of their officials, we 're not sure as shooting they 'll do either."

"But that 's not sightly !"Albus stood up angrily,"aspect what he did ! reckon what he 's done !"

"I know,"Harry sighed,"I 'd like cypher more than than to dedicate him a life-long stint in Azkaban, but unfortunately the law of nature do n't figure out that way."

"He and Balladanis get along anyway,"Albus said,"Balladanis probably would n't want to go after him."

"I do n't know about that,"Harry said,"Balladanis likes masses to pay for what they 've done. However, being a Presuler and having no Ministry affiliation, he does not have to select a case if he 's offered it."

"He told me I 'd make a good Presuler,"Albus said quietly as I sat back down,"Malfoy, too."

Harry sighed."What do you think about that ?"

"I do n't cognise,"Albus shrugged,"I mean, I like dueling, but I do n't really want to decide what I want to do right now."

"You do n't feature to,"Harry replied,"And I do n't desire to narrate you what to do, but I am going to tell you something.

"Being a Presuler is a intemperately job and often a unfrequented one. You have no coworkers. You work with various Ministries, but rarely get to know anyone. You travel a lot, which can make it difficult to stimulate a family. It 's not an easy itinerary to go down. Not one I 'd opt for myself."

Albus had n't even thought about that. He did n't consider he 'd want to rarely ever see his admirer and family.

"There 's plenty of former things you could do that would put your dueling accomplishment to use,"Harry told him,"And you 're only 13 so no need to resolve now."

"I know, I do n't contrive to,"Albus replied.

"wellspring, you should probably get back to the Hospital annex before gentlewoman Pomfrey notices you 're gone,"Harry smirked,"And thanks again for showing me the room."

Harry stood up and gave his son a hug. They left the room and walked back to the infirmary offstage, both lost in their thoughts.

******

As it turned out, gentlewoman Pomfrey had already noticed that Albus was missing. When he returned to the hospital Wing with his dad, she was running about the ward shouting at the top of her lungs. mat, King John, and Kaden were all awake, staring at her.

"There you are !"she shrieked,"Where have you been ?"

"Er,"Albus began.

"I had to spill the beans to him in private,"Harry answered for him.

"You should have asked me first !"Madam Pomfrey exclaimed as she ushered Albus back into bed,"He needs rest !"

"I 'm his father,"Harry said incredulously.

"I do n't care if you 're the parson of Magic !"Madam Pomfrey replied,"I 'm the one with the breast feeding degree !"

"How long has she been shouting ?"Albus whispered to flatness as he got back in bed.

"Fifteen minutes or so,"Matt answered.

gentlewoman Pomfrey returned to her desk and Harry strode over to where the Eckertons were sitting.

"Could I have a word in private ?"Harry asked Mr. Eckerton and then turned to gentlewoman Pomfrey."Do I need your permit for that ?"he grinned.

"Very amusing,"Madam Pomfrey muttered.

Albus drifted back to slumber a little while later and when he next woke up it was light out and Madam Pomfrey was bringing them all breakfast trays.

"Er, what day is it ?"Albus asked as Madam Pomfrey set his tray down.

"It 's Lord's Day, dear, but it 's afternoon,"Madam Pomfrey replied,"I figured you 'd prefer to have breakfast."

"Only Sunday ?"Albus asked. It felt like it had been far more than two dozen minute since he had met up with Lubar before the Quidditch match.

"Time zone changes are difficult to adjust to,"Madam Pomfrey explained,"Australia 's quite a few hours ahead of us."

Albus nodded and dug into his breakfast. Suddenly he was ravenous. When he thought about it, it must have been at least a day since he 'd eat up anything.

"I wonder how the Quidditch match went,"Kaden mused as he shoved toast in his mouth.

Albus choked on his egg. He 'd block about the match !"I doubt we won,"he sighed.

"Is your dad going to tell us why Balladanis was with him when he came to save us ?"Saint John asked,"I mean, he 's had plenty of time."

"He will,"Albus said,"He already told me. You lot were asleep."

The doorway to the Hospital flank banged clear and Rose and Amanda came running in. dame Pomfrey made a move to get up from her desk, but then sat back down, shaking her head.

"Tell us what happened !"Rose demanded as she skidded to a stop in front of Albus 's bed,"When did you get back ? Where did you go ?"

"Who won the Quidditch match ?"Albus asked.

"Quidditch ? Quidditch ?"rosiness groaned,"I 'm not saying a word about Quidditch until the four of you tell me what in the name of merlin 's saggy left-"

"Miss Weasley !"Madam Pomfrey shouted,"If you do n't lower your voice, you 'll have to leave !"

"Sorry,"rosiness turned back to Albus,"But you lot have got to secernate us what happened !"

Albus launched into the full fib, which took the better part of a half hour to assure. Neither Rose or Amanda interrupted once during the unit affair. Both of them looked absolutely shocked by the time Albus concluded.

"But, but why was Balladanis there ?"Rose asked.

"My dad 's going to tell you,"Albus said,"He 's already told me. He 'll probably evidence the rest of you today."

"Merlin, Albus,"blush wine sighed,"How much difficulty can you get into ?"

"It 's not my fault,"Albus shrugged,"Now can you tell us about the match ?"

Rose exchanged glances with Amanda, who sighed."It was quite the match, let me tell you,"Amanda said.

"Nobody won, Al,"pink wine said.

"What ?"John the Evangelist interrupted,"How can nobody win ?"

"About xlv minutes into the match, Fred and Heather ran onto the pitch-"

"The mate lasted that long ?"Matt asked.

"Yes,"Rose said,"I do n't hump why. Anyway, Fred and Heather ran right up to Ludo bagman and started talking to him. Nobody could see what they were saying. Then Bagman blew his whistle and they went into a time-out.

"commercial traveler left the rake and had a really foresighted talk with all the headmasters and captains. Then Kendrick announced that the match was called off and told everyone to deliver to their common rooms.

"Everyone was really furious of course of study. Amanda and I were already worried because you lot had n't shown up yet. We thought something bad had happened and that was why they called it off."

"Why did they call it off ?"bathroom asked.

"I 'm getting to that,"rose said,"We got back up to Gryffindor and everyone was gathered around Fred and ling. Linda was n't there, and neither were any of her teammates who were Gryffindors.

"We pushed our way to the strawman of the gang and listen what Fred and Heather were talking about. They were claiming that Australia had been cheating the whole time-"

"Well, they were,"Matt muttered.

"I know,"blush wine agreed,"And apparently so did Fred and Scots heather. I 'm sure they figured it out just recently or else they would 've told soul sooner. They found out Linda 's a lamia and now the total school knows."

"How did they image it out ?"Albus asked, completely shocked. Linda hid her secret quite well. Fred and Heather were sixth geezerhood, they would n't have heard Balladanis 's vampire lecture."

"They 've been trying to figure it out all twelvemonth,"blush wine explained,"And since they 're smart, they figured it out."

"But what about the match ?"Albus asked.

"I think they 're going to scratch the tournament, Albus,"Rose said quietly.

"natural the tournament ?"Albus gasped,"cancel the tournament ? ! They ca n't do that ! We 've spent the whole twelvemonth on that tournament ! Do you know how much time I 've spent on the Quidditch pitch this year ? Sir Thomas More sentence than I 've spent in class, probably ! And now they 're going to cancel the bloody tourney ?"

"I do n't know, Al,"Rose said shortly,"And if they do it 's not my fault."

"Sorry,"Albus mumbled,"It 's just a piddling aggravating."

"I know,"rosiness replied.

"Where 's Linda ?"Matt asked.

"Gone,"pink wine sighed,"Without a word. I have n't seen her or any of the Australian since the catch. Killigan 's gone, too."

"Wow,"lustrelessness replied,"Ca n't say I blame her, though."

"I guess,"rosebush said,"Anyway, they 'll probably make an annunciation about the tourney at dinner."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awesome masses who have read and reviewed this ! There is only one More chapter left !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Harry returned to tell everyone else about Balladanis later on in the good afternoon. Madam Pomfrey flat out refused to let any of them leave the hospital Wing, so she agreed to operate the threshold and go to her survey while Harry explained. Matt 's dad was there as well.

Harry told them everything he had told Albus, although he left out the division about why it was not all that advisable to become a Presuler. Everyone was completely shocked to learn that Balladanis had been hired to help capture Washburn and the Willinsons.

Unfortunately, Harry also brought news of Lubar. News that was not all that welcome.

"As of right hand now, he 's completely disengage and in the clear,"Harry sighed,"The Aussie Ministry refuses to extradite him, and they wo n't prosecute him in Commonwealth of Australia either. To them, it 's like nothing 's happened."

Albus noticed that Mr. Eckerton looked positively tempestuous with this. Harry looked quite angry as well, but it did not come close to how Mr. Eckerton looked.

"We 're not going to give up,"Harry said,"We 'll keep negotiating with them."

Mr. Eckerton had also apparently been told about the Hallows. When Harry had spoken with him the previous Night, it had been about the Hallows. Albus remembered back to his offset year, when Matt had told them about his dad 's young grownup dream of locating the Hallows. Harry must 've trusted him now.

Albus reached over to his bedside table, where brothel keeper Pomfrey had placed the Invisibility Cloak the old night. He wordlessly handed it to Mr. Eckerton, who carefully took it with a flavor of awe on his face.

"merlin 's beard,"he muttered,"It 's the Cloak."

"That it is,"Harry said quietly.

"Unbelievable,"Mr. Eckerton whispered as he fingered it.

He spent a few minutes trying the Cloak on before handing it back to Albus."I can not conceive I 've finally solved the guinea pig of the Hallows,"he said to Harry,"This is amazing. I would love to contribution the narration with my buddy. Perhaps I could precede you to him at the World Cup this summer."

Harry nodded."That would be fine. Perhaps I will eventually tell apart him as well."

******

Albus wanted nothing more than to be allowed out of the infirmary Wing in meter to go to dinner that night. He was sure Professor Kendrick would make some sort of announcement about the tournament and he did not want to miss it.

After a full ten transactions of begging on his part ( helped out by Matt, John, and Kaden ), Madam Pomfrey told him he was in no fit state to entrust the Aaron Montgomery Ward. Albus thought this was ludicrous because he felt fine. So what if his arm was still bandaged and in a catapult ? That should n't quit him from eating dinner party with the rest of the school.

Instead, Albus was forced to eat a quiet repast in the Hospital backstage and wait anxiously for Rose and Amanda to tell him what Kendrick said.

The girlfriend showed up right after dinner ended. Albus immediately asked them what Kendrick had said.

"tourney 's canceled,"pink wine sighed as she sat down on the end of Albus 's bed,"The kids from New York are staying to finish out the year, but the tourney 's canceled. I expect it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

"Merlin !"Albus shouted,"Why 'd they have to scratch it ? Could n't they just disqualify Australia ?"

"No,"Rose shook her head,"To do that Hogwarts would have to play New House of York in another final."

"Why do n't they do that ?"King John asked.

"Too close to exams,"rose wine shrugged,"It 'll mess up everyone 's studying."

"That 's dolt,"Albus fumed.

"If it makes you find better, I 'm pretty sure Hogwarts would 've won if Australia had n't birth been here,"rose pointed out,"And Kendrick gave one hundred house points to everyone who was on the Quidditch and dueling teams."

"Yeah, well, all the houses had people on the squad, so that does n't really facilitate,"Albus muttered.

"fountainhead,"Rose grinned,"I know one thing that 'll cheer you up."

"What ?"Albus asked, even though there was nothing that could cheer him up.

"There were Quidditch talent scout at that match,"rosiness told him,"And even though the match was disastrous, they did find person they wanted to draft."

"Who ?"Albus asked, slightly intrigued.

"Sakartvelo !"rosebush exclaimed,"She 's been drafted to play for Kenmare Kestrals as soon as she graduates !"

"That 's brilliant !"Albus replied. Rose had been right, that did root on him up. There was no one he thought who belonged on a professional person Quidditch team more than Georgia.

"Yup, she 's their newest reserve Keeper,"rosebush said,"She says Uncle Percy 's not shanghai. He wanted her to work at the Ministry. She does n't care what he thinks, though."

"Uncle Walker Percy 's got plenty of other kids to work at the Ministry,"Albus shrugged. He could never see Peach State working in government.

"Kenmare ?"Saint John the Apostle said incredulously.

"Yeah, seriously ?"Matt grimaced.

"They 're nearly as bad as the cannon,"John the Divine groaned.

"She 's just happy to be on a team,"Rose shrugged,"She 's always supported Puddlemere, but she thinks if she 's on any team, she 'll be able to work her way up to a better one."

"Merlin, I hope so,"Saint John the Apostle shrugged.

"Is she the only one who got drafted ?"Albus asked.

"Only one I know for for sure of,"rose said,"I heard a rumor that Anna Reilly got taken on by the Balycastle at-bat, but I do n't know for sure."

Albus nodded, feeling slightly better about the tournament. It was n't pointless now that he knew his cousin-german had been taken on by a pro Quidditch team because of it. However, that did n't get hold of all the disappointment away.

******

Madam Pomfrey reluctantly let the son leave the next day after breakfast. She did n't really experience a choice since exams began that day. Albus felt perfectly fine and was quite happy to leave the place.

Rose handed him a copy of the prophesier as soon as he and the former boys reached the coarse elbow room. Albus took it, felicitous that he had a few second before his low exam to say the article that was inevitably there.

Australian SCHOOL CHEATS- TOURNAMENT CANCELED

After a startling discovery made by two Hogwarts
students, the Quidditch and Dueling tournament
involving Hogwarts, the Adirondack Academy of
Magic, and the Australian School of Sorcery
has been canceled.

The tourney 's final Quidditch peer was
interrupted this past tense Saturday by two Hogwarts
6th class, Fred Weasley and Heather Weasley,
both 17, who claimed that the Aboriginal Australian team
had been cheating throughout the total
tournament.

A few month ago, allegations were brought upon
the Aboriginal Australian squad after their Seeker, Linda
esprit de corps, 14, flew at an exceptionally libertine speed.
An investigating found goose egg. The tournament
continued.

Fred and heather mixture Weasley accused Linda esprit de corps
of being a vampire. Vampires are outlawed
from playing on professional Quidditch squad due
to the unfair advantage they have.

The couple was immediately stopped while all three
master questioned the Weasleys and Morales.

Headmaster Addiar Killigan of the Aussie
school of Sorcery admitted to allowing esprit de corps
to be the quester of his squad in rules of order to win the
tournament. The Australian team was immediately
disqualified from the tournament.

Killigan, morale, and the rest of the Australian
participating in the tournament left Hogwarts late
on Sat, declining to speak with any of our
reporters.

tourney officials as well as the early two
headmaster have decided to cancel the tournament,
and not declaring a winner.

'It is too bad that the tournament turned out
this way ,'Fabius Kendrick told reporter, 'Perhaps
we can try it again in a few class .'

"Killigan is an cretin,"Albus said.

"feeling at the future article,"Rose replied.

QUINTON WILLINSON BACK IN AZKABAN, JOINED BY WASHBURN

While the final Quidditch match was ending in calamity
at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry
potter 's middle minor, Albus, 13, was dealing with his
own battle.

Albus Potter, as well as cousin Kaden Dursley, 12, and
friends Matthew Eckerton and John Brickston, both 14,
were kidnapped by Quinton and Jarrett Willinson, and
Jameson Washburn. The three yard bird were helped by
Ralph Lubar, oral sex of the section of the regularization
and control of Magical Creatures in Australia.

The four Hogwarts students were taken to Australia
where Harry Potter and Walter Eckerton found them.
It is unclear what the inmate were after, as well as
why Lubar was involved.

Quinton Willinson and Jameson Washburn were caught and
sent to Azkaban. Lubar and Jarrett Willinson escaped.
Aurors are currently looking for Willinson and the
Ministry is negotiating with the Australian Ministry
about what to do with Lubar.

All four boys have recovered from the ordeal and are
currently taking their end of the year scrutiny
at Hogwarts. Harry Potter has declined comment.

"Well, that 's not a very informative article,"Albus said as he tossed the paper onto a nearby table.

"I do n't opine they can report much,"Rose said,"The Aboriginal Australian Ministry may be asking them to keep quiet about Lubar in return key for giving him some sort of punishment.

"It wo n't matter,"mat said,"They 're not going to do anything to him."

Albus was forced to push Lubar into the back of his creative thinker as exams began. They were all significantly harder than the previous year 's had been, but he was sure he at least passed all of them.

There were unretentive articles in the Prophet about Lubar everyday, but they all said the same matter. Australia refused to extradite him. Matt was not at all surprised by this, but it infuriated Albus to no end.

The week after exams was a foreign one for Albus. There was null left for them to do. No studying, no homework, no Quidditch. Rose and Amanda went back to spending all their time with the boy, like it had been before Linda had arrived.

Things were different, though. Both Rose and Amanda were a lot tranquil than they used to be. Albus was for sure they missed Linda, and he had no theme whether she had said goodbye to them, or even if she 'd had the luck.

Matt was lost in his own thought about of the meter, rendering him quieter than ever. He often went stallion eve without saying two row to anyone, something that usually only happened around full moon. However, the next wide-cut moonlight was n't until after they left Hogwarts.

Albus was sure this was because of what had happened in Commonwealth of Australia. He never talked about it, but Albus knew that getting kidnapped by Lubar again had scared the daylights out of him.

can and Kaden remained as robustious as ever and did not look to be fazed by what had happened in Commonwealth of Australia. They spent their week pulling prank and playing eternal secret plan of Exploding ginger snap that Albus occasionally joined in on.

Albus himself was quieter. His head was racing with thoughts of Lubar and Balladanis. None of the articles ever mentioned Balladanis, but he knew that was because Balladanis 's job had to remain a closed book. He wished more than anything that Lubar would get thrown in prison, whether it was Azkaban or Australia 's prison.

******

The string ride back to London was subdued, the only noise being trick and Kaden 's Exploding elasticity cards. Albus and Matt both gazed out the windowpane, mesmerized by the passing landscape.

"Linda sent me a letter last-place Night,"Rose said, breaking the silence.

Albus lifted his header up and looked at her."What about ?"

"She told us she was sorry, and wanted me to tell you that she was gloomy about the tournament,"Rose told him,"She 's on the run with her mum now. They 're thinking of moving to a dissimilar country."

"To go to schooling ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Rose shook her head,"She 's been through schooling a pair off times already. She was n't even a student at the Australian school. Killigan pretty much forced her into playing Seeker for them. He 's a really awful feller. They have to get out now, though, because everyone knows."

"Where will they go ?"Albus asked, surprised that he was actually feeling sorry for Linda.

"No approximation,"rose shrugged,"She said she 'd owl me when they find out."

"This unscathed year has been so messed up,"John sighed,"I hope next year 's better."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed.

"We 've got the public Cup to look forward to, though,"Albus smiled.

"Oh, yeah !"John grinned,"Owl me as soon as you find out when we 're leaving for it."

"Definitely,"Albus said,"Your babe 's going, too. Lily told me she 'd invited her. Victor Hugo 's not really happy about that."

"Neither am I,"toilet muttered,"I do n't require Ashtyn going."

"Well, I 'd prefer Lily not go, but it 's the Cup ! Nothing can really smash it,"Albus said.

"Good point,"John Lackland agreed.

"Let me know when the Cup is,"Kaden said.

"Why ? So you can convince your parents to take you ?"Saint John smirked.

"No,"Kaden laughed,"So I can know when to invite you lot to my mansion. My dad said he 'd lead us camping."

"Excellent !"John grinned,"Camping like Muggles ?"

"Yep,"Kaden replied,"sustenance in tents, no electrical energy, no deception either since we 're all underage."

"There is no way my parents will let me go,"mat said quietly.

"Why not ?"Kaden asked.

"I went camping when I was five,"Matt answered,"That was the time I got bitten."

"Oh,"Kaden looked a little taken aback,"Sorry."

"It 's ok,"mat shrugged,"Just do n't go during a full synodic month. I do n't want any of you having to join me in the Shrieking Shack next year."

"I 'll go,"Albus said. He 'd never been camping before, let alone camping like a Muggle. He did experience bad that Matt would n't get to go, but he kind of sentiment flatness would n't want to go anyway.

The residue of the trip was spent arguing about Quidditch and Albus felt like things were kind of returning to normal. It was almost nice to hear John and Matt arguing about the shank again and Kaden arguing about football.

The train arrived in Jack London and Albus found his parents waiting for him on the weapons platform. After saying au revoir to his protagonist, Albus left the station with his kin feeling that just maybe sprightliness would be normal from then on. Well, maybe the summer would be at least be normal. Albus could n't get his hopes up too high.


A/N : Hard to think it 's finished ! Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing and thanks to all of the amazing citizenry who have read and reviewed this ! You guy rope are so lovely and amazing !

I am working on the fourth story but it 'll be a patch before the first chapter is up. I 'm thinking I 'll update every early week at first, alternating weeks with Beyond the fantasm. In the mean clip, if you want something new to read, I suggest checking out Remember the cannon, which is a collab I worked on last class and is now currently being updated. It 's all about the Chudley Cannons and their precipitation. It 's under the username The Golden sneaker and is also in my favorite stories so you can retrieve it that way.