Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On Xmas Eve the Potters went to Godric 's Hollow, like usual. It was completely dark by the clip they Apparated to the burrow, but there was plenty of lightness streaming out of the tall house 's windowpane. As they walked closer to the place, Albus could hear the roars of laughter coming from inside.

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

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

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

Albus smiled to himself as he saw the common Chaos that was Xmas Eve at his grandparents'house. His sea of redheaded full cousin were milling around eating and laughing with each other. This was what Albus loved about Yuletide at the tunnel. He grabbed a couple cooky from the nearby table and went to incur rose. She was sitting on the floor near the fireplace with Hugo, Victoire, and Teddy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sure enough, Fleur poured herself a orotund mug of eggnog as Molly settled down to listen to the wireless. She was the entirely one hearing, though. Albus could get a line second and pieces of a heated up Quidditch discussion going on between his Uncle Charlie, Uncle George, Aunt Alicia, and ling. Harry was making his way over to them now. It amazed Albus that his uncles and aunt could impart on a fully understandable Quidditch discussion while drunk.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Ok. Great, we can act as Quidditch ! ``

`` Quidditch ? '' Victor-Marie Hugo snapped his top dog away from his chocolate frog add-in, `` Can I play ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus replied.

`` The 28th ? '' chemise commented, `` I 'll make out over, too. I do n't suffer to be back at the Ministry until the 29th. I 'm up for some Quidditch. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` We can get a literal biz going. I 'll just tell apart my dad I 'm going home with you. '' Albus looked around the room and saw Harry in the thick of a Quidditch discussion. `` Hey, Dad ! ``

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

`` It 's all correct if I go to Rose 's house on the 28th, right ? And stay a couple days ? ``

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

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

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

`` What ? ! ''

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

`` All rightfulness, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't really want to see Aunt petunia and Uncle Vernon, but he did n't really have a choice.

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

`` wellspring, at to the lowest degree I can come over for a few days, '' Albus said.

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

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

`` I 'm trusted it 'll be fine, '' Rose assured him. `` Plus, Kaden will be there. ``

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

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

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

`` Neither do I, '' Victoire agreed.

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

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

`` Close enough. And anyway, who knows what 'll chance in the next few years, '' Teddy winked at Victoire, who giggled. Teddy threw his arms around Victoire and kissed her.

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

`` Always a stickler for the rules, huh Rosie ? '' shimmy laughed and lengthened his pilus until it was the perfective replication of Rose's.

`` Do n't do that ! '' blush wine groaned, `` And I do go bad pattern. Just ask Albus. ``

Teddy shortened his hairsbreadth again and turned to Albus. `` Really ? ``

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

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

`` Maybe another time, '' Albus glanced at rosiness. Albus had n't really decided whether or not to tell apart shift about the new map. to the highest degree of blush wine 's and Albus 's most recent pattern break was done in gild to decrypt it. Albus knew he was n't going to distinguish his cousins about it, but he was n't sure about Teddy and James. One parting of him thought they deserved to know, considering that their father and grandfather were both Marauders, but on the other hand he sort of liked keeping it a secret.

`` Aw, come on, tell me. ``

`` Another time, '' Rose said adamantly.

`` Oh, fine, '' slip huffed, `` But I will find out. ``

Albus spent the rest of the evening talking and playing game with pink wine, chemise, and Victoire. He was really enjoying the prison term off from school and getting to pass metre with his intact family at once. By the time he climbed up to the attic bedroom that he shared with James and a few of their cousins, he was tired and stuffed from all the biscuits.

******

`` Saint James ! Albus ! '' Albus snapped his eye open at the sound of his name the next aurora. He immediately recognized the voice as belonging to Lily. He heard her footsteps bounding into the room. `` Albus, James ! It 's Dec 25 ! Wake up ! ``

`` Hi Lily, '' Albus yawned.

`` Good, you 're up ! St. James ! Get up ! ``

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

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

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

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

After Lily 's early wake-up vociferation, everyone in Albus 's way was up. Albus settled down to open his own mint of present tense with the other male child. The first few box were filled with sweets and various Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes mathematical product. The next was this year 's Weasley jump shot. It had a red quaffle stitched onto the front with a navy blue blue ground. `` Opened your jumper yet, Epistle of James ? ``

`` Sure did, '' James replied, `` Red with a green tartar on it. ``

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

`` Excellent. ``

Albus opened the next few presents, which consisted of numerous books and other clothing items. He also got a broom handle service Kit, which would be useful since his Firebolt 2000 had a few twigs that needed to be plucked. Albus saved the exhibit from his parents for in conclusion and was about to open it when James gave an shake up shout from the bed above.

`` Whoa ! ``

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

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

St. James the Apostle had a Brobdingnagian smile on his face as he held up a dummy piece of music of parchment. `` count what I got. ``

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

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

`` This is perfect ! '' Cedric exclaimed.

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

`` That 's great, James II, '' Albus smiled, `` But why you and not me ? '' Albus could n't serve but find a piddling left hand out, even though he now had his own marauder 's Map that would potentially be better than the original. But his dad did n't know about that, so why did he hand the Map to James ?

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

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

What he saw made his sass fall open in shock. This would excuse why James IV got the Map ! Sitting in the middle of the deplumate wrap, was the Invisibility Cloak. `` He, he gave me the Cloak, '' Albus whispered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` I 'm going to go tell rose, '' Albus wrapped the Cloak around himself and left the room. He had never worn the Cloak at the Burrow before and he thought it was really funny that he passed Eddie on the steps and Eddie did n't even observe him. He pushed open the room access to the room that Rose shared with Victoire, Sakartvelo, Gabriella, and Scots heather and waited for the young lady'reactions.

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

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

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

`` Dad gave it to me ! ''

`` He did ? '' Victoire stared in amazement. `` Wow, that is really nifty. ``

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

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

`` Wow ! '' rosebush shouted, `` That 's incredible. And you can percentage them. ``

`` That 's the plan, '' Albus grinned. `` fountainhead, I 'll see you lot downstairs. '' He wrapped the Cloak around himself once more and left the room. Albus could n't believe that his dad had actually given him the Cloak ! He did n't cerebrate Harry would ever give it up. The topper part was that he was now even more like his grandpa had been at Hogwarts. Albus was even more of a predator now that he had the Cloak.

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

Bill choked on his coffee and spat it across the table at George, who had started laughing. Harry, who had probably been expecting this, grinned and looked at Ginny, who was smiling back. Lily was staring at Albus with her mouth wide unfastened. molly dropped the bowl of burgoo she had been bringing to the board. Everyone else looked at Albus with versatile looks of shock and amusement.

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

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

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

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

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

`` I 'll try, '' Albus said, cerebration of when he snuck down to the Whomping Willow with it only two week ago. `` James and I are going to share it. Same with the Map. ``

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

`` No, King James I got that. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` How could I forget ? Sometimes, you just have to take danger in order to live a little. I trust the male child enough to know they wo n't go wandering around late at night very often. And if you see anything suspect on the Map, '' Harry turned to Albus, `` assure me about it right away. ``

Albus nodded. `` certain. '' He took a tail at the tabular array, with the Cloak on his lap, just as James ran into the elbow room holding the Map in his hands.

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

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

`` Hello, Weasleys ! '' shimmy strolled into the room, his hair half jet and half red. He sat down next to Albus and pulled a platter of eggs towards him. `` felicitous Christmas. ``

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

`` It 's festive, '' Teddy grinned. `` You want me to enamour yours to be red and unripe, too ? Just learned some excellent charms for that sort of matter in breeding. Not that I 'll need them. ``

`` No thanks, '' Henry James had a aspect of disgust on his case. `` I 'll hold on the plain red. ``

`` Is that ... '' slip looked at the parchment William James was holding, `` The piranha 's Map ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! Sure is ! '' James handed it to teddy bear, `` Got it for Christmas ! ``

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

`` I got the Cloak. ``

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

`` But you can rove those Disillusionment appealingness, '' Albus pointed out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Good, '' Harry smiled, `` Now who 's up for a niggling winter Quidditch ? ``

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

******

Albus spent nearly of the day playing Quidditch outside with his family. Eventually they all had to fall in because they were too frigidness to play any longer. Plus, it started snowing pretty hard and cipher wanted to misplace the sneak. Albus spent the eternal sleep of the day with Rose and reading a few of his new playscript. The Cloak was passed around between his first cousin, and most of them were amazed Harry had given it to him, and a little jealous as well. James passed the Map around and everyone had fun watching the few back breaker that were left in the castle.

Christmas dinner party came and went in its usual chaotic state. It was loud and funny and Albus enjoyed every minute of it. He went to bed spirit very full moon and very substance. The next day Albus 's aunt, uncles, and cousins all started to go out. Albus and rosebush 's class stayed for a couple more Day, but they soon had to pass on so Albus 's grandparents could go on vacation for New Year 's. Albus was actually excited to leave because he would be going to rose wine 's house and hopefully getting the hart print.

Albus landed in pink wine 's livelihood room after Flooing from the Burrow. His Uncle Ron, Rose, and Hugo had already arrived and his aunty Hermione was right field behind him. There was an owl waiting succeeding to the window and Hermione ran over to let it in.

`` That 's Matt 's owl, '' Albus announced as he and Rose went over to recall the letter. Albus opened the envelope and scanned the missive, `` He can come, but only for tomorrow. We 're supposed to fulfil him at the Leaky caldron at eleven. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Me, too. But we do have a couple Clarence Day. You 'll be here until the 31st, so that 's four days to get it. ``

`` Yeah, but John the Divine and lustrelessness want to help, too. ``

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

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

`` Yup, '' rosebush grinned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter.


Albus, rosiness, and Hermione went to the Leaky caldron the adjacent day to gather matte and Amanda, who was also being dropped off there. John had arrived earlier by Floo and went with them as well. When they got there, both Matt and Amanda were already there.

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

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

`` It was brainy, '' Albus replied, `` waiting cashbox you see what I got. ``

`` What ? '' Amanda asked.

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

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

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

Albus bade goodbye to his aunty and turned back to the Floo. Within seconds he was back in Rose 's living room. A few minutes later all his champion were back as well.

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

`` Yeah, '' matt agreed, `` Kind of looks like mine. ``

`` Thanks, '' rose wine replied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Oh, sorry. ``

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

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

`` He did. ``

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

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

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

`` I hope it 'll form. Sir Isaac Newton would n't stay still and the sheepskin is kind of scrunch. ``

`` I 'm certain it will sour, '' Albus said.

`` unspoiled thing we did n't consume the mark go directly on the map, '' Matt replied.

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

Everyone agreed and headed into the kitchen to schnorr up some nutrient. Ron had already created an enormous sandwich and was eating it when Albus and the others walked in. They all liked the idea of making hulk sandwiches and were soon eating alongside Ron. Albus thought whoremaster 's sandwich looked disgusting because it was piled highschool with turkey, pickles, and peanut butter. Rose shuddered as she saw him prick into it, but he thought it tasted delicious.

`` I ca n't conceive you ate that intact thing, '' Rose screwed up her fount in disgust after John Lackland ate the death raciness of his lunch.

`` It was secure, '' he shrugged.

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

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

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

Once they were all done with lunch, rosiness and Albus led the way outside and over to the timberland. The forest was situated future to the big undecided orbit that was next to the sign of the zodiac. Albus and Rose went exploring in it quite a bit and knew their way around it well. The group crunched across the hoodwink oppressed battlefield until they came to the forest 's edge. rosiness found the path they usually took and lead the chemical group down it. `` Keep your optic pealed for a stag, '' she told everyone.

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

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

`` It was all compensate. No different than common. It was boring of course of instruction, and my grandmother kept telling us how we should see more often. ``

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

`` Do n't cogitate so. Mum and Dad do n't really want to. Plus they want to go visit my Uncle jackfruit in New York this summer. ``

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

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

The mathematical group continued walking into the forest until Rose announced that it would be better if they sat completely still and waited for a hart to walk by. She said their movement would scare the creatures away. Albus sat down in the coke behind a shrub with his friends and watched and listened for creature. After a one-half hour of waiting, Albus was bored. How long was it going to lead for a hart to cross their path ? He would much rather just walk around to find one. Rose seemed perfectly contented to sit still, as did Matt. John had made a large sight of snow balls, along with a pull the wool over someone's eyes wizard. Amanda was busy creating a snow witch to go along with his wizard.

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

`` I do n't experience, '' Rose shrugged, `` We do n't see stag that often in here, so it might be a patch. ``

Albus glanced at his scout, `` Well it 's just after two, so if we do n't find one soon, we 'll suffer to go back. '' He stared into the timber and willed a stag to come. Albus was getting frustrated by this point. They needed that stag mark for the map ! There was no place else to find one. What if they could n't get a stag before the end of the holiday ? They would own to wait until the summer to search again. Albus could n't wait that recollective. He wanted the map now.

`` delay, '' mat stood up and turned around, `` I think I hear something over there. '' He pointed to a cluster of bushes a pair meter away.

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

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

Matt started slowly making his way towards the cluster of bushes. Albus and the others followed behind, nobody saying a discussion. `` Wands ready, '' Matt whispered.

Albus pulled out his wand and pointed it towards the George W. Bush, his mind racing with excitement as he went. This was it ! They were going to get the stag photographic print ! voice of Albus 's thinker knew that this was n't necessarily a stag, but he did n't pay attention to that. What else could it be ? Most of the animals in the forest were too small to be rustling the Vannevar Bush this much. As Albus got tightlipped to it, he could distinctly hear the footprints of the animate being, and they were much too flash to be a cony or a squirrel. There were n't many large fauna in the forest, sleuth being some of the few. It could be a doe, but Albus hoped it wasn't.

The radical was now only a couple feet away from the shrub. Everyone had their wand pointed at them, waiting for the animal to make its appearance. The consequence Albus saw the leave section, he shouted, `` Stupefy ! ``

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

Whatever was in the bush jumped to the side and missed all five stupefy magical spell. `` Whoa ! What the bloody hell do you lot think you 're doing ! ''

It was Teddy. The noise matt had heard in the George Herbert Walker Bush was chemise. Albus lowered his scepter and sighed. So much for finding a stag. Now that chemise was with them, they would no longer be able to expect. Albus turned to his admirer and saw them all put their scepter away.

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

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

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

`` screech, maybe ? '' shimmy gave them a lopsided grin, `` But not attack me. ``

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

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

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

`` It 's form of cold to be going for a hike, '' Teddy commented, `` But Ron said you were here, so I figured I 'd see if I could discover you. '' He eyed John 's pile of snowballs and grinned, `` Planning on having a hoodwink ball fight ? ``

teddy bear did n't hold off for an answer and picked up a few of John 's snowballs. He threw one at Albus and the former at blush wine.

`` ascertain it ! '' Albus shouted as the snowball made liaison with his facial expression. He spat out the snow and stoop down to make his own Charles Percy Snow ball. He aimed it at shimmy but chemise jumped out of the way and it hit Matt instead.

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

A few moments later, a vast snowball fight broke out. It was every man for himself for a while and Albus was getting pummeled by Teddy 's snowball. He tried to get Teddy back, but Teddy was too quick for him. Instead, Albus decided to pore on mat, who was trying to get Albus back for the snowball that had hit him instead of teddy. blush wine eventually joined Albus in his attempt to get Matt, while Amanda evened out the odds by joining Matt 's side. John the Evangelist, who seemed to be the only one with enough skill to hit chemise, was having a one-on-one fight with the blue haired boy and was actually doing well.

The six of them were completely soaked by the time the conflict ended. matt and Amanda surrendered to Rose and Albus after the cousins decided to create about twenty Abronia elliptica and lob them constantly at their two friends. John surrendered to Teddy a few arcminute later, once Teddy decided to charm a pile of nose candy to flex itself into sweet sand verbena, resulting in a perpetual supply of ammo for teddy. John did n't know that spell and was stuck paw making his C Ball while teddy bear continuously sent snowballs at him.

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

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

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

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

`` quick ? '' Teddy jumped up from the chairwoman he was sitting on once Albus and his friends descended the stairs. `` Who has n't got a ling with them ? ``

`` Me, '' Amanda said. She was the only one. lavatory and Matt, who both had brooms, had brought them knowing they would wager Quidditch.

`` We 've got spares, '' Ron announced, holding a match brooms in his hand.

Once everyone had a ling to use, Teddy started to strike bang of creating teams. `` All right. Let 's see, we 've got Me, Harry, Ron, James, Albus, John the Divine, lusterlessness, Amanda, Hugo, and Rose, are you playing ? ``

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

`` Good, then we 've got ten histrion. That 's five per team. So each squad will get a quester, a beater, a steward, and two chaser, that 'll work. I 'll be one of the Seekers, '' he turned to Harry and St. James the Apostle, `` Which one of you will be the other ? ``

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

After a few minutes of organizing, the two team were created. Albus 's squad consisted of Teddy as Seeker, Ron as Keeper, Victor-Marie Hugo as the sole Beater, and Matt and himself as the two Chasers. On the other team, Saint James the Apostle was searcher, Amanda was custodian, Saint John the Apostle was the Beater, and Rose and Harry as Chasers.

The two squad trooped outside into the coldness winter day. It was just starting to hoodwink a fiddling, but Albus did n't listen. He would keep warm while he was playing anyway. Harry and Ron conjured end ring and everyone flew into the air. Hermione released the Lucille Ball ( only one Bludger, since there were only two beaters ) and threw the Quaffle into the air, then conjured herself a chair to watch.

The equal was nothing like the ones at Hogwarts. It was much more informal, and in a way, Albus enjoyed it more. There was only friendly competition between the two teams and no one got angry when someone dropped the Quaffle, which happened a lot. The two squad were pretty evenly matched in terms of Chasing acquisition. Albus, who was the only rattling Chaser on either team, was easily the best. Harry was a decent pursuer, but it was clear that Seeking was his material skill. pink wine was absolutely terrible and was the first to accept it. She was n't a big fan of flying in the first of all plaza and did n't like to study her helping hand off her Scots heather in gild to catch and throw the Quaffle. mat was skilful than rosebush, but dropped the Quaffle numerous times. Albus and Matt scored more points than Harry and rose wine did.

Ron, of path, was a very good keeper and Amanda was as well. Albus was kind of surprised at this, because she never really played Quidditch before. Maybe she could try out for the Gryffindor team once Georgia left. whoremonger was an awe-inspiring Beater and Albus already knew that he 'd be trying out for the team after Bradley and Ryan left. Hugo was also a very good Beater and it was obvious he had received all the Quidditch cistron in his family. Then, of course, there were the quester. Both shimmy and James were amazing quester and by far the two outdo histrion on either team.

After about an hr of performing, during which Albus was sure both Teddy and James had seen the stoolpigeon but ignored it in order to dredge the game on recollective, both searcher flew directly up into the air. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch. A few secondment later, they both came flying back down and James I had the sneak clutched in his hand.

`` I got it ! '' he shouted.

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

`` Yes ! '' James exclaimed, landing on the priming coat. Albus and the eternal sleep of the players landed after him and congratulated him and his squad for winning. `` Ha ! I beat you at Quidditch, shift ! '' James gloated.

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

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

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

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

After all the food had been eaten, John Flooed back to his house and Albus, rosiness, and Hermione went with Matt and Amanda back to the Leaky caldron to meet their family line. It had been a little sojourn, but a fun one nonetheless. Albus only wished that they had managed to get the hart mark. He and Rose were planning on trying again the next day, and the succeeding if it was necessary. They had three more years to do it and Albus was determined to succeed.

******

Albus and rosebush spent as much time as they could in the forest looking for stags the succeeding day. When they were n't in the forest, they spent their clip in the depository library in Rose 's mansion, looking for a good luck charm to keep Kaden quiet.

`` There 's Bible in here that are n't in the schoolhouse depository library, '' blush wine announced as they walked into the way after a particularly inhuman jaunt in the forest.

`` I 'm still not surely we should take a good luck from looking for a stag, '' Albus replied.

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

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

`` That 's what this is for, '' Rose slammed a threatening al-Qur'an down on the table nearest to the shelf she pulled it off of.

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

`` Yes, '' rosebush confirmed as she opened the top, `` It 's a rather ingenious idea, really. All I 've got to do is engage my wand, point it at the Book, and say'I need a charm to hold back soul quiet'and it will flip to the right pageboy. ``

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

`` All rightfield, '' Rose pointed her scepter at the Word of God, `` I need a charm to hold somebody tranquillize. '' The Quran 's pageboy immediately started turning until they stopped about a quarter of the way into the book. Rose peered at it and then shook her nous. `` Nope, that 's not it. This one 's just a still charm. ``

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

rosebush nodded. `` I need a spell to foreclose mortal from talking about something. '' The pages started turning again and stopped a few bit later. move up sighed after she read the description. `` This one charms a somebody 's oral cavity shut. ``

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

`` People might notice, though, '' blush wine smirked, `` Although it does experience it 's advantages. I 'll try something else. ``

`` I think you 'd amend enjoin the book exactly what we need the magic spell to do. differentiate it that Kaden has to not talk about a specific thing. ``

`` Good estimation, '' blush wine poised her wand above the book, `` I need to keep Kaden Durlsey from revealing secrets about Matt Eckerton and about a map. He must only be able to talk about these enigma with five other masses and not mention them to anyone else. He should be able to converse normally about other theme. ``

`` That ought to be particular enough. '' Albus watched as the record hesitated for a few moments and then rick its pages to one of the last ones. Both rosiness and Albus leaned over the account book while rose read aloud.

`` 'The Sileo Altus charm is the most complex and intricate of the silencing charms. This appeal has the ability to preserve a person from revealing one specific objet d'art of entropy to others, unlike other silencing appealingness which prevent a person from speaking at all. The charm also has the power to involve others, which will ensue in the soul the charm is cast on to be able to converse about the secret with those specific people. When done correctly, this spell will terminal forever or until the counter charm is performed. The Sileo Altus Charm keeps a person 's secret safe much like the Fidelius Charm keeps a mortal 's localization arcanum and is said to be just as safe .'

`` Then there 's a whole bunch of piece that are required, '' rose scanned the remainder of the submission. `` There 's a turn that has to be performed on each soul who is involved, one on Kaden, one on the secret-keeper- ''

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

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

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

`` You 're right, I had n't noticed that, '' Rose leaned over the book again and read the title of the recommended Holy Scripture. `` I think we might actually own that one. '' Rose jumped up from her tail end and ran across the room. Albus sat back and watched her. He had no estimate how she could possibly know if she had that ledger or not. The entire way was filled with ledge and shelves of ledger. Albus would n't even be intimate where to look to find the playscript they needed.

Rose returned a few minutes later with a script in her arms and a smile on her face. `` We do have it ! This was easier than I thought it would be. ``

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

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

Albus watched as his cousin flipped through the Sir Frederick Handley Page of the Word until she found the charm they were looking for. He was very well-chosen that rose wine was so bore to acquire new charm. It certainly helped that she was dear at it, too. Albus had made a lot of forward motion in appealingness ever since Professor Cedonia arrived, but he was still average. rose wine was easily the best in their class. That and her forwardness to learn would certainly help if she was going to master this charm.

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

Albus nodded, `` I 'm fine with that. We 've just got to get for certain flatness is. What does the closed book keeper do ? ``

`` Just do the charms. And the secret keeper is the but one who can perform the counter charm on Kaden. Normally the occult custodian would be the only one the person could talk about the secret with as well. But we 'll use another charm to ensure that Kaden can talk about the secrets with you, St. John the Apostle, matte, and Amanda as well. ``

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

`` Well, the secret keeper performs a charm on themselves, which turns them into the undercover keeper. Then they perform a spell on Kaden. Then Kaden will enumerate the mystery in detail. After that, the privy keeper performs another spell on Kaden. Then charm are performed on the residuum of the people involved. Then a final examination sealing magical spell on everyone, including Kaden and the secret keeper, and it 's done. ``

The idea of all those different piece made Albus 's mental capacity scathe. `` Wow, that 's a lot of good luck charm. We 've never done ones that are a combination of multiple good luck charm. ``

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

`` What 's the counter charm involve ? '' Albus asked, thinking that maybe there would be a time when Kaden would get on and they would n't give to rely on conjuration to keep him from spilling secrets to Malfoy.

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

`` Makes mother wit. ``

`` I 'll start practicing as soon as we 're back at school day, '' rose shut the Bible and got up. `` I 'll bring the Good Book. Mum 'll never sleep together, she 's got way too many to continue cut of. ``

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

`` It 's going to have to wait until tomorrow, Albus, '' Rose pointed to the window. It was white with swirling snow and the malarkey was howling. `` Mum and Dad 'll never let us out in that. ``

******

Albus was getting quite fed up with the stag hunting by the prison term late afternoon arrived the next day. He and go up spent the stallion morning in the woods, taking a faulting for lunch, and then returning in the afternoon. Albus looked at his watch and saw that they would give birth to be starting to turn back to the house soon. `` We 're never going to find oneself a hart ! '' he groaned.

Rose, who had brought the charm Book they had found the former day, looked up. `` You 've just got to be patient. I told you one wo n't occur if we 're noisy. ``

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

`` You 're not being subdued now, '' rosebush whispered and returned to her book.

Albus sighed and stared out into the forest. So far Albus had seen no less than ten rabbits and four bird of Minerva, but no stags. He was getting very cold seance in the Snow and his cloak had farseeing since soaked through. Albus was determined, however, and refused to go back to Rose 's house until they found a stag.

It had seemed so childlike at first, to stun a stag in the forest and get its footprint. This was not supposed to be the operose print to get. Looking back, even the werewolf one seemed leisurely. for certain, they got locked out of Hogwarts, but they never got in hassle for it. The dog print had been the easiest, since Amanda had a dog. The rat would be easy, too, once toilet managed to catch up with one.

Albus pulled out his wand and started to poke at the bamboozle wizard he had constructed earlier. The wand melted holes into the Baron Snow of Leicester wizard until it started to resemble a art object of snow Swiss cheese. Albus was just beginning to do the same to the snow hippogriff that had been formed after the mavin when Rose poked him and hissed, `` Albus, expression ! ``

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

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

Albus sat completely still with his baton facing towards the doe. ascend did the Saami and the two of them did n't move for a good five minutes. The doe inched slowly ahead, walking to the left wing of Albus and Rose. Then Albus heard a rustle behind the doe and fervour washed over him as he saw a immense stag appear from behind a clustering of trees. `` This is it, '' he whispered to rose. She nodded but did n't say anything. The stag walked towards the doe, who had turned around to look at her mate. `` On the enumeration of three. One ... two ... three. Stupefy ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Stupefy ! '' rosiness shouted at the same time.

The doe shot off like a rocket as soon as the cousin shouted the magic spell. The stag started to follow but was hit by Albus 's stunner. Rose 's magical spell hit a nearby Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and burned a humble hole into the bark.

`` Excellent guesswork, Albus ! '' rose wine grinned at him as they ran towards the stag.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Let 's hurry. We wo n't ingest often sentence before he wakes up, '' pink wine reached into her gown and pulled out a piece of parchment, a bottle of ink, and a rouge brush.

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

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

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


A/N : spear carrier long chapter and an early update ! Just to let everyone get laid, I 'll be away at a Harry potter normal from tomorrow ( hence the early update ) until Sunday and although I 'll have my laptop computer with me, I might not have a luck to respond to your critical review. I 'll get to them afterwards, though.

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


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


Albus 's home came to clean him up from blush wine 's planetary house the next afternoon. They were all dressed in Muggle clothing, although Harry looked a little uncomfortable in his Muggle suit. Probably due to the tie, Albus thought. He could never understand why Muggles wore those.

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

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

`` Bye, '' Rose smiled.

The repose of the potter and Weasleys said goodbye to each former and then Albus disapparated with his family. They appeared in a colored alley near a deserted street. Harry motioned for them to follow him and the family started down the street. They made a few to a greater extent number until they came upon a neighborhood of average sized sign. The family all looked different, but seemed to be well cared for. It was a very quiet neighborhood with few the great unwashed out and about. There were a couple people outside shoveling the newly fallen snow off their driveways, but none of them seemed to comment Albus and his home.

Eventually, Harry led them up a driveway towards a gray household Albus recognized as Kaden 's. Before they could even reach the room access, it was thrown open and Kaden came running out. `` Albus ! '' he shouted.

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

`` Great ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't tell you how a lot I 've missed schoolhouse. It seems so tire here compared to schooling. ``

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

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

Albus stifled a laugh and followed Kaden into the household. Kaden led them to the animation room, where Dudley was fidgeting with his tie. Christina was setting out bowls of grape and junkie and Bethany was helping.

`` Get anything expert for Christmas ? '' Kaden asked Albus once they sat down on the couch. `` I got a few new plot for my Wii, a new football, a skateboard, and a bunch of apparel. ``

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

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

`` Oh, '' Albus nodded, `` I got some clothes, book, a encumbrance of sweets, stuff from my Uncle George IV 's workshop, and my dad 's Invisibility Cloak. ``

Kaden 's sassing fell unfastened, `` He gave it to you ? ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` wellspring, I was variety of hoping you would all make up, '' Dudley mumbled.

Harry shook his head and looked back at Ginny, who looked vex. Then the buzzer rang and Harry turned to Dudley. Dudley gave him a little smile and turned to get the door.

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

The voices of Dudley greeting his parents started to go louder as they came into the bread and butter room. Albus got up from the couch and stood next to James, who was hiding behind Harry. Vernon and Petunia followed Dudley into the elbow room and their faces visibly paled as they saw the Potters.

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

Albus watched as pandemonium broke out amongst the adults. Vernon 's face turned various sunglasses of red and purple as he tried to hold on what was happening. genus Petunia clung to her hubby with a combined face of dislike and awe on her nerve.

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

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

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

Christina stood near the entrance to the kitchen, looking uncomfortable. Bethany clung to her leg and hid her fount, clearly afraid of her grandpa 's yelling. Albus, James, Lily, and Kaden glanced around at the adults, paying ecstatic aid to the unfolding argument, but not saying a Son. Ginny pursed her lip and watched her hubby with a disapproving looking at. Albus had to admit that his Uncle Vernon was a bit scary right now and Albus had no desire to cross paths with him. Dudley looked flighty as he tried to create peace between his relatives. His phonation was drowned out amongst Vernon and Harry 's shouting, and Petunia 's screeching.

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

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

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

Vernon 's cheek turned from ghostly white to a mystifying shade of purple. `` What could he possibly teach ? Abnormalness ? ``

`` trick, Dad, it 's called trick, '' Dudley sighed.

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

`` Dad, Harry did n't play a joke on me. Kaden 's a wizard and you 're just going to get to endure with it, '' Dudley replied.

`` goose egg good will number of this, Dudley ! I assure you of that ! '' Vernon shouted.

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

`` You do recognize that this kind of irregularity is what got your sister killed ! ``

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

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

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

Vernon and genus Petunia regained their composure and petunia gave Dudley a ivory crunching hug and smothered him with kisses. She then moved on and did the Same with both her grandchildren, making sure to completely ignore Albus, James, and Lily. Albus sat down on the couch and to his dislike, Vernon chose to sit future to him. After a few here and now of unenviable silence, Vernon turned to Albus. `` So, '' he began, causing Albus to jump, `` You go to this, school, too ? ``

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

`` smell at me when I 'm talking to you, '' Vernon bickering, `` I see manners are n't in high spirits on their priority list. What classes do you take there ? ``

Albus forced himself to count at Vernon. `` I 'm taking Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Herbology, uranology, story of Magic, and defense team Against the Dark Arts, '' he mumbled quietly.

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

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

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

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

`` And what is that, exactly ? ``

`` Defensive spells, dueling, stuff you use to defeat iniquity ace like Voldemort. ``

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

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

`` He 's a neat teacher, grandfather ! I love my new school. It 's much wagerer than Muggle school, '' Kaden grinned. `` I 'll be rightfulness back. '' He ran up the stairs and came back a few seconds later with his wand. `` Look at this ! ``

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

`` Of course of action I do ! '' Kaden laughed, `` I wish I could show you some conjuration, though. I ca n't do it outside school. Hey, Professor thrower can show you ! ``

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

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

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

`` Or never, '' Vernon muttered.

Nobody said much after that. Albus preferred it that way. He was very happy that Uncle Vernon appeared to hold given up his question and reply session. Christina announced that dinner was ready a few minutes later, and everyone eagerly went into the dining way. Albus made indisputable that he was n't sitting next to Vernon and relaxed a little as he began to eat.

The Dursleys dominated most of the dinner party conversation, with Vernon and genus Petunia asking Dudley and Christina about what was new in their lives. They wanted to have intercourse every concluding contingent, down to what grade Bethany had gotten on her in vogue ledger report in schooltime. Eventually they had exhausted this subject and the tabular array descended into an sticky silence before Vernon started drilling Harry about his life.

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

`` I 'm the psyche of the Auror Department at the Ministry of legerdemain, '' Harry smiled.

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

`` A Dark star catcher, '' Harry explained.

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

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

`` Like infernal region it was n't. It was all due to your freakishness, '' Vernon replied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` How do you experience ? ``

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

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

Petunia ignored him. `` I asked her, when I was an arrogant child. I asked her if someone could release me into a witch before I knew any good. She said no. There is not one thing we can do to exchange Kaden. We just have to go for that he 's going to be voguish than my sis was and not get killed just out of schoolhouse. ``

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

`` Neither do I, neither do I, '' genus Petunia agree.

Albus glanced nervously from one adult to the next, hoping that the fight was over. He realized now how much Uncle Vernon and aunt petunia hated magic now. The two of them were still going on about how Albus 's granny had been killed, thirty-some class later. Albus was still amazed that Vernon had actually blamed Harry for Kaden being a wizard. Albus knew Vernon disliked Harry, but he did n't call back Vernon would still charge Harry for things he did n't like, this many old age later.

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

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

`` This is utterly ridiculous, '' Vernon muttered, `` postponement till Marge hears about it. ``

`` I hate aunty Marge, '' Kaden said loudly, causing Albus to take a hit into his succus. `` All she talks about is breeding blackguard. ``

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

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

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

`` Of track I have n't ! '' Vernon raised his spokesperson, `` Can you think what she is going to suppose ? That person, like, like you is actually colligate to her ? She takes solace in the fact that you are n't actually related to her ! But to give Kaden be one of your lot, she 'll be horrified ! And I should cogitate so after you blew her up years ago ! ``

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

`` That was n't his fault ! '' Ginny came to Harry 's defense force, `` He could n't control it ! What your babe said about his parents was absolutely stinky and you know it ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dudley heaved a huge suspiration, `` Dad ... You 're forgetting that Harry saved my biography once ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` sucking out your person, '' Albus repeated, `` They feed on well-chosen thoughts, until you 're only leftover with the sad ace. ``

Kaden shuddered, `` They sound crashing horrible. prof Potter saved Dad from one ? ``

`` Yeah, when they were 15. There 's a charm, the Patronus magical spell, that drives them away. It 's really bring forward magic not taught until one-seventh year, but Dad learned in his third twelvemonth. ``

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

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

`` We would have been hunky-dory without those weirdos 'protecting'us ! '' Vernon raged.

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

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

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

`` Everybody, just shut it ! '' The five adult who were arguing turned to the rootage of the new phonation that rang out louder than theirs. It was Christina. Everyone stopped arguing and stared at her. `` Thank you. Now I only understand parts of this row, but everything you 're rowing about has happened in the past. Ca n't you just put it behind you and try to get along ? Look at you, you 're standing there arguing about stuff you ca n't convert, in front of your children. What variety of example are you setting ? Put aside your differences, if not for yourselves, do it for the kids. ``

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

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

`` fine, '' Vernon spat, `` I 'll tolerate the boy. But you are making a heavy mistake with Kaden, Dudley. ``

`` goodness, '' Christina replied and stood up. `` I 'll go get the pudding. ``

The rest of the dinner party was much more enjoyable. Harry quickly told the history of when he blew up Marge to douse Kaden and Bethany 's curiosity, but there was no more cite of magic throughout the residual of the meal. The conversation centered on topics that could be equally relation to Muggles and wizards, such as the weather. Albus did n't say anything, choosing instead to quietly eat his pudding while listening to the grownup'strained conversations. He was just glad that they were no longer arguing with each other.

After dinner party, Albus, James II, and Kaden escaped to Kaden 's sleeping room, which he was eager to show off. The intact thing was decorated with respective football paraphernalia, with a lot of emphasis on Manchester United. James found this highly think about and expend quite a few bit laughing at the notice, in which the musician remained completely still. Kaden spent a while showing off his Christmas Day nowadays to Albus and James and soon wanted to show them how to play his Wii.

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

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

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

Kaden spent the next hour teaching James and Albus how to recreate the Wii. They started with Kaden 's new racing plot, which was actually pretty complicated. It took Albus the better component part of an hour to visualise out how to diddle it. James caught on a bit faster, but neither of them could top Kaden in acquirement. Albus found that the biz was incredibly fun and almost wished he had one at his house. Once they successfully learned the racing biz, Kaden went on to instruct them how to play a couple more games. Lily eventually wandered over and wanted to learn, too. By the metre midnight came around, all five of them were taking turns playing games and Albus was having a swell time.

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

Shortly after they rang in the new class, Albus 's parents decided it was time to leave. Albus had no debate against this because he was tired and did n't really want to spend any longer time in the Lapplander theatre as Uncle Vernon. Harry politely shook hands with Vernon, said goodbye to Petunia, and told Dudley he would owl him soon. Vernon sort of flinched at the mention of the Bible 'owl .'Albus completely ignored Vernon and Petunia, and told Kaden he would see him on the train ride back to school. Once the obligatory goodby were said, Albus and his syndicate left the menage, only to Apparate back to Grimmauld lieu a few streets away.


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


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit that he was happy to be going back to Hogwarts. After the nearly disastrous dinner with the Dursleys, Albus spent his metre working on prep or goofing off with Epistle of James and Lily. By the end of the holiday he was actually sort of bored and well-chosen to be seeing his Friend again. Plus, the Sooner he got back to school, the sooner he could try out the new map.

The Potters met the Weasleys and the Dursleys at tycoon 's Cross and entered Platform 9 3/4 together. Both family unit were running late again and Albus, Rose, James, and Kaden only just made it onto the train before it left. James immediately left to find out his friend while Albus, pink wine, and Kaden wandered around trying to find their friends.

St. John and Amanda were sitting in one of the compartments in the midriff of the string. Albus opened the doorway and walked in, followed by Rose and Kaden.

`` Hey ! '' John the Divine greeted them.

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

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

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

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

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

`` What happened ? '' John asked eagerly.

`` My gramps went mad, '' Kaden shook his head. `` And my nanna sorting of did. ``

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

`` well, they variety of did n't know we were coming, '' Albus began, `` So they started off by yelling about that. ``

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

`` And Uncle Vernon wound up claiming that Dad had somehow used a good luck charm to turn Kaden into a wizard, '' Albus explained.

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

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

`` And my grandma of all the great unwashed told him it was n't possible, '' Kaden laughed. `` Apparently she wanted to be a witch when she was a kid. But the safe part was when granddaddy brought up Aunt oleo. ``

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

`` My grandpa 's sister, '' Kaden explained, `` I ca n't stand her. But apparently prof ceramist blew her up when he was 13 ! ``

St. John the Apostle and Amanda started howling with laugh. `` That is absolutely magnificent ! '' whoremaster shouted.

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

Albus smiled at them and told the story of his Aunt oleomargarine. John and Amanda laughed even harder when they had heard the unharmed thing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Hopefully not, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

`` We 'll arrive, too, '' Rose announced. John the Divine and Amanda nodded. `` And Matt. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Good, '' Albus said.

******

Over the next few days, Albus kept trying to find some time to tell apart John and Amanda about the stag print, but it was hard to shake Kaden off. It seemed the only metre they were away from him was when they were in class or in their dormitory room at nighttime. Neither were expert chance to talk about the map.

In the meanwhile, Malfoy was trying to figure out why lustrelessness was n't in school day. The wax synodic month was n't until the following calendar week, so Albus was going to have to endure Malfoy 's questioning for a piece longer. zero seemed to satisfy him. Albus was also preoccupied with what was going to find this good moon. He was kind of worried about Matt taking the new wolfsbane potion.

All the pupil and teachers seemed to be falling into their usual subroutine. Dueling and Quidditch drill started up again. Both Kate and Georgia were working their team hard and Albus was feeling the essence. Between that and the increase amount of homework the teachers were intent on assigning, he had hardly any prison term for anything else.

A duo days into the term, Kaden finally had one of his tutoring sessions. Albus and his Friend seized the chance and ran to the way of Requirement as soon as Kaden left the common room.

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

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

`` It 'll be easier once rosebush figures out the charm to preserve him quiet, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

`` precondition a bit of drill, indisputable, '' Rose replied. `` We just have to make trusted Matt agrees to it. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` We should expect for mat, '' Albus told him, `` He 's a percentage of this as a great deal as we are. ``

`` Oh, yeah, that 's a good idea, '' bathroom set the print down on a nearby table. `` You know, I think this is the first meter we 've been in here without him. ``

`` I think you 're rectify, '' Albus commented. It was kind of strange, really. All the other times they had been in the Room, Matt had been the one to ask for it. Nobody said anything for a few minute of arc. Albus could distinguish that everyone was thinking the Saame thing he was, what would happen with matte 's new potion.

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

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

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, but he could n't help but think the new potion would n't work any in force than the old one. Why should it ? If Matt was resistant to Wolfsbane potion, why should a dissimilar variety of it work ?

The four of them spent the residuum of the evening in the Room. rose wine worked steadily on figuring out the charm, but did n't really get anywhere. It was an extremely difficult appealingness, after all. Albus, bathroom, and Amanda worked on their homework and talked about what they thought the new map would have on it.

******

Albus became more and more uneasy as the full moon approached. His friends seemed to as well, and St. John especially developed a very short fuse. Kaden seemed to get the brunt of this but he took it in pace. The Night of the actual replete moon, Albus had Quidditch drill. He became so distracted during it that GA called for a good luck during practice and demanded to know why Albus was dropping so many Quaffles. He lied and told her he was worried about a Transfiguration Day exam the adjacent day. Luckily she seemed to accept this and wished him luck on his test. Albus tried special hard during the second half of practice but still missed a lot of easy passes.

Albus entered the coarse way after praxis feeling incredibly sore but not at all fag. He had been hit with numerous bludgers due to his lack of concentration. Normally Albus would have been exhausted after such a drill but he was too queasy to be tired tonight.

His friends were sitting at their usual table which was covered in prep. Not that much of it was being done. Kaden was the sole one feverishly working away at an essay. John, Amanda, and even rose were staring off into naught with their unmoved preparation in figurehead of them. Albus quickly stowed his heather in his dorm and joined his friends at the table.

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

`` Hi, '' rose wine mumbled. lav and Amanda gave equally unenthusiastic greetings.

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

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

`` How was practice ? '' Kaden asked.

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

`` Ouch, '' Kaden winced.

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

`` Just go see ma'am Pomfrey, '' Rose suggested, `` Your arm looks foul. ``

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

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

Albus did n't palpate like telling Kaden not to bother, so he nodded and Kaden followed him out of the common way. Albus did n't talk much on the way to the hospital offstage, but Kaden kept up a cyclosis commentary about what went on in his year that day. Kaden must have felt the indigence to plowshare it even though nothing particularly commove had happened that day. The corridors were utterly deserted and Kaden 's voice seemed awfully flashy. Albus glanced at his ticker and saw that it was almost curfew. He wished he had brought his Invisibility Cloak. Of course, none of the instructor could give him detention for being out of his common room in order to go see gentlewoman Pomfrey, could they ?

Albus pushed the room access to the hospital wing open slowly and saw that Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, writing something, and glancing out the windowpane every few seconds. The moonlight was streaming through and illuminating one of the layer. There were n't any patients in the ward, which Albus thought was kind of strange. Albus rarely ever saw the place empty. He walked quietly up to brothel keeper Pomfrey and Kaden followed. The nurse did n't even appear to bear noticed them do in.

`` Er, excuse me, Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus said once he was a couple substructure in nominal head of the desk.

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

It suddenly occurred to Albus that Madam Pomfrey was probably thinking about Matt as well, since she usually took aid of him after the full moon moon. `` I got hit with a duad bludgers at pattern tonight. I was, er, kind of distracted. ``

Madam Pomfrey stood up and gave him a sympathetic smell. `` I understand. Let me see. ``

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

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` No problem. Anywhere else ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah, that was it. ``

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

`` Watch it ! '' a cold voice shouted and shoved Albus aside.

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

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

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

`` None of your commercial enterprise. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` No, '' Albus confirmed, `` I was actually just in the infirmary wing. I got hurt at Quidditch practice session. Kaden was with me. ``

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

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

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

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

Any vividness that had been in Malfoy 's face drained. The four male child quietly followed Professor Patil to the hospital offstage. Albus was very relieved. Madam Pomfrey would tell Patil that he and Kaden had been there, and then she would n't give them detention.

Patil opened the room access to the hospital wing, but Madam Pomfrey was no longer there. Patil motioned for the boy to stay put there and she strode over to the nursemaid 's authority. She knocked lightly and waited for Madam Pomfrey to appear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` I 'll film you two back to your common way, '' Patil said to Albus and Kaden. `` As for you, '' she glared at Malfoy and Willinson, `` You will get along back to my office and we shall fix up for detention. ``

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

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that night, despite his fatigue from Quidditch practice. He fell asleep in the wee hours of the morn and woke up only a few hours later. John Lackland was just as exhausted and the two of them stumbled down into the park room, only to find Rose slumped over a book at their usual table.

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

Rose slowly lifted her head and then jumped at the sight of Albus and Saint John the Apostle. `` Wha-what are you two doing ? ``

`` Uh, it 's morning, Rose, '' Albus explained, `` We 've got to get to Transfiguration in an hour. ``

`` Oh ! '' pink wine jumped up and pushed her shaggy-haired hair out of her typeface.

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

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

`` That 's a really high floor charm, rosebush. You know it 's going to rent you a patch, '' Albus reminded her.

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

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

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

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

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

`` marvel when his detention is ? '' Kaden asked.

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

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

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

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

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

Rose, who was on Albus 's other position, looked over his berm as he looked at the envelope. privy and Amanda were leaning over the board and Kaden was leaning over Albus 's other shoulder.

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

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

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

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

`` Well, we 'd better be off to metamorphosis, '' Albus said and gave rosebush a significant glance.

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

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

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

`` I 'll occur, too ! ``

Albus sighed and got up from the table. He could n't unfold that letter in figurehead of Kaden. rose wine, John, and Amanda got up as well and followed Albus out of the Great Hall. Kaden was justly behind him, but Albus did n't dare unfold it yet. Kaden stalled in the incoming G. Stanley Hall, but eventually gave up and headed down to the keep for Potions.

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

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

`` We 'll just read it after History of Magic, '' pink wine said as they climbed the stairs, `` We 've got the unscathed afternoon off. ``

The daybreak dragged by at an extremely slow pace, in Albus 's opinion. Transfiguration was n't too bad, since it was a hardheaded object lesson. Malfoy descended upon Albus and the others after the class was over, wanting to know where Matt was. Albus lied and told him mat was having a late vacation with his grandparents and then took off for History of legerdemain, ignoring Malfoy 's complaints about detainment that followed.

History of Magic was as boring as usual. Albus thought he saw the clock 's script go backwards at one point. He passed notes with john and Amanda while rose took line. She seemed to have inherited her mother 's ability to outride awake during that class. John nodded off at one point and Albus had to prod him awake with his quill. Professor Binns did n't even seem to notice.

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

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

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

`` Er, yeah, they do, '' Albus coughed. He had not been expecting Kaden to get invited to any Slug Club meetings. Albus had n't even gone to any since the previous year. He just told Slughorn he had Quidditch pattern or too practically homework to go. Slughorn had n't even had his Christmas Day political party this class. Albus was n't sure why, but he was guessing it was because he had n't been able to find anyone renowned to attend.

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

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

`` Please ? '' Kaden pleaded.

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

`` Yay ! '' Kaden shouted.

Once Kaden left for his next class, Albus and his friends went straight for the Room of prerequisite. Albus and Rose sat on one of the sofa while John and Amanda sat on the opposite one. Albus reached into his bag and found the letter.

`` Here it goes, '' Albus whispered.

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

Albus tore open the gasbag and unfolded the missive. He read it aloud.

Dear Albus, rose, privy, and Amanda,

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

`` Damn ! '' John shouted.

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

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

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

From,
Amy

Albus folded up the letter of the alphabet and looked at his friend. `` wellspring, I guess that 's it, then. ``

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

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed.

cypher said anything for a few bit. Albus felt very disappointed that the potion had n't worked, but he was for certain it did n't even come close to what Matt was feeling.

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

rosiness glared at him, `` He wo n't. He 's still in that subject area, which means he 's still got to need that potion for the next two years or so. Then there 'll probably be another one for him to try out. And maybe that one will work. ``

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

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

`` Albus 's grandfather did it. ``

`` When he was in one-fifth year, '' rosebush reminded him.

`` fine, three to a greater extent year then, '' John shrugged.

blush wine sighed, `` flatness wo n't let you join him on the full moon, though. And I would n't paint a picture doing it behind his backrest. ``

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

`` Definitely, '' rosiness agreed.

Albus and his ally spent the better part of the adjacent hr talking about what they would do if they could transform into beast. They all agreed that listening in on people 's conversations and sneaking up on masses like Malfoy would be top on the list of stuff to do. Eventually, rosebush insisted that they all start their homework, which took them most of the evening to complete.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


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

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

Saturday arrived quickly and Albus was still without an excuse to not attend the meeting. Peach State had not called for Quidditch practice that day, mainly due to the fact that the Ravenclaws booked the slant all morning and the Slytherins had it all afternoon. The two firm were scheduled to represent each former the following Saturday.

`` It 's time for the Slug guild get together, Albus ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly a few proceedings before eleven.

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

`` Have lashings of fun ! '' privy laughed.

`` See you later, '' Amanda grinned.

Albus, Kaden, and rose, who had also decided to go, set off for the dungeons. Albus hoped he would only have to stay for a picayune while, maybe an time of day at most. Just long enough for Kaden to see what the merging were like.

The meeting was held in the Potions classroom and a few student were milling about when Albus, Rose, and Kaden walked into the room. Albus recognized near of them from last year 's coming together. A few of his cousins were there as well, but not all of them. James was n't there, but Albus knew he had dueling drill that day. Albus was also happy to mention that Felix Willinson was not there. Of course, after what happened with Quinton and his sire, Albus guessed he should n't be surprised that Quinton 's cousin would n't be invited to the slug Club.

There was a table full-of-the-moon of food for thought along one of the side bulwark and most everyone was crowding around it trying to get some tiffin. Slughorn had a plate of intellectual nourishment in front of him and was sitting at a large table in the front of the room.

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

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

`` Pheasant, '' Albus replied. Slughorn always served pheasant at his meetings. Albus tried it end year and hated it.

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

`` near to see you all again ! '' Slughorn greeted them and then turned to Albus. `` And Albus and rose wine ! I 'm very happy that you two decided to come ! How have course of instruction been going ? ``

`` Good, '' Albus replied.

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

Kaden grinned, `` Potions is fun. Loads in force than Transfiguration. ``

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

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

`` This stuff is excellent ! ``

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

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

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

Albus let his creative thinker wander as Slughorn continued talking about his dinner with Barry Ryan. flatness was supposed to return to Hogwarts the next day, which meant that in as little as twenty-four hours, they could be having the map working. fountainhead, if they could nobble away to the Room of Requirement, that is. Albus hoped rosebush would experience that charm working soon. Then they could just do all of this with Kaden. It would make it a whole lot easier. Of course, Matt still had n't said that he agreed to differentiate Kaden even with the charm. Albus kept forgetting about that theatrical role. But why would n't he check ? The charm seemed like it would mold well.

Albus, Kaden, and blush wine wound up staying until the end of the meeting. Kaden was enthralled by the entire thing and Albus knew he would refuse to leave early. Albus was incredibly bored by the time the matter was over and rose looked as bored as Albus felt. Once the coming together was finally over, the three of them said cheerio to Slughorn and left the dungeons.

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

`` oil production 's Sir Thomas More like it, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

Albus looked at Rose. She did n't expect like she wanted to go to the next one either. `` Er, well, I might own Quidditch praxis. ``

`` And I 'll probably experience too much preparation, '' rosebush explained.

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

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

Albus laughed as Rose launched into a discourse about how important sentence direction is and how preparation should always make out first. The three of them were nearly to the plebeian room by the metre Rose finished and Kaden was wearing a white look on his case, much like the one Albus had worn during the type slug golf-club meeting.

******

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

`` No musical theme, '' Albus shrugged.

Albus, John, Kaden, rosebush, and Amanda were all sitting around their common table in the unwashed room. blush wine and Kaden were playing cheat and it was manifest that rosiness was going well-situated on Kaden. The two of them had been playing the same plot for fifteen second. If rose wanted to, she probably could have beat Kaden in five minutes. lav and Amanda were both working on the Transfiguration Day essay that was due the next day. Albus had already finished that particular essay and was watching rosebush and Kaden 's chess match.

`` Queen to D3, '' Kaden said. The queen gave Kaden a menacing brilliance and then reluctantly moved to the square.

`` Bishop to D3. '' pink wine 's bishop smashed Kaden 's queer to pieces. `` checkmate, '' rosiness grinned.

`` Crap, '' Kaden muttered as his mogul dropped its sword in defeat.

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

`` Do you have Quidditch practice today, Albus ? '' lavatory asked.

`` Yeah. Georgia managed to set aside the pitching for an hour after dinner party. The Hufflepuffs were n't too happy, but Georgia got it first. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` lack to play again, Rose ? '' Kaden asked.

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

rosebush and Kaden set up their man and started to playact again. Albus watched them. It was pretty funny to watch the two of them play chess. Kaden would sit there forever figuring out what move to make and once he made it, Rose would smile and move one of her own piece of music within irregular. pink wine 's moves usually involved killing one of Kaden 's pieces.

The portrait hole to the commons room opened a few minutes later and Albus looked up. Matt was just climbing through and headed heterosexual for Albus 's tabular array once he noticed them.

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

`` Hi Albus, '' mat grinned back. He looked tired, but well-chosen. There was still a yellow bruise on his forehead, but other than that he looked fine.

John, rosiness, Amanda, and Kaden all looked up from what they were doing and greeted lustrelessness as well. Matt grabbed a professorship from a nearby board and sat down next to Albus.

`` How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` All rightfulness, '' Matt shrugged.

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

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

`` well, it would probably be a good estimation for him to go see all the teacher now about it. So, we 'll all go with him to do that, since we 're in his classes. We 'll help oneself. You can last out here since you 'd probably be bored. ``

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

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` lavatory ? Amanda, rose wine ? You can do with us. ``

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

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

Albus laughed, `` No. Just had to call back of an excuse for Kaden to stick around there while we went to the Room. ``

`` trade good, '' John said, `` I do n't really need to go hoard your homework with you. ``

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

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

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

The five friends continued their walk to the way of demand, which manifested itself in its usual manikin for them. They walked into the elbow room and settled onto the common vermilion and Au furniture.

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

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

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

`` Nope. ``

`` And you 'll still have to go along taking it ? '' can asked.

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

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

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

`` But you 're always tired before the wide moonlight, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, but the potion made it worse. Usually I can at least go to morning classes on the day of the wax moon but with the new potion I 'll just sleep right through them. It makes me tired as soon as I start taking it, which is a workweek before the to the full moon, just like the regular Wolfsbane was. ``

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

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

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

`` Because they have to form sure it was n't just a good fortune or something. That 's the thing about these studies, they have to do multiple trials to break down the result and stuff. ``

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

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

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

`` I honestly did n't retrieve it was going to lick. My parents told me not to get my hopes up about any of these data-based potions. Plus, this was only the first one I 've tried. They 'll number up with others. ``

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

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed, `` You 've got no musical theme how often I wish that.

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

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

`` superb ! '' flatness exclaimed.

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

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

`` I 'm working on it ! '' trick replied, `` It 's hard than you 'd think to spot a rat during Potions. ``

`` fountainhead, we 've got duplicate Potions tomorrow, so try then. Slughorn 'll be having us brew the solid social class probably, so just keep on your eye out, '' Albus told him.

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

`` I would n't paint a picture that, '' pink wine smirked. `` It 'll explode or something, since you 've got Goyle as a partner. ``

`` Eh, I 'll demand one failing grade if I can get the rat photographic print, '' Saint John shrugged.

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

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

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

`` And I 'm not entirely sure the map will work after we do this, '' Albus said, `` It almost seems too wide-eyed. ``

Albus had been thinking this for a few years now. They had had an incredibly easy clip getting the prints. Almost too easy a meter. hot dog, hart, and squealer were quite common and anyone who could retch a simple Petrificus Totalus spell could get those mark. The only one that would be hard for the median wizard to get was the werewolf photographic print. Even so, Albus did n't think the piranha would make it this slowly to admittance the map.

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

John groaned, `` That would wet-nurse. ``

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

`` Not anyone could get a loup-garou print, '' John pointed out.

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

`` Speaking of the Marauders, '' John the Evangelist turned to Rose, `` How 's the Sileo Altus magic spell coming ? ``

`` The what ? '' Matt asked.

`` Oh, yeah, we 've got to separate you about that, '' King John said. `` Want to excuse it, Rose ? ``

`` Sure, '' Rose shrugged, `` It 's a charm I found in a book at my house. It 's a way to pretend for sure somebody keeps something a underground. Kind of like the Fidelius Charm, only it 's for verbal secret, not places. Whomever performs the charm is the arcanum Keeper and only that person can undo the charm. After the charm is performed, the soul ca n't talk about the hidden with anyone except the Secret custodian and anyone else who was involved in the good luck charm performing. It 's a way to keep Kaden from telling anyone that you 're a wolfman. ``

Albus held his breath as rose explained and hoped that lustrelessness would think it was a good musical theme. Albus watched as flatness thought about what Rose had said. Albus could n't really order what he thought. matte looked a bit surprised, almost like he did n't think Rose would take in ever found a charm to do that.

`` wellspring, what do you suppose ? '' Albus asked after a few mo silence.

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

`` I 'm pretty sure as shooting it will, '' Rose said, `` The only thing that will overcome it is Veritaserum. ``

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

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

`` I do n't know, '' Matt sighed, `` But he could. ``

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

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

`` I doubt he 's ever going to drink in any Veritaserum, '' blush wine said,"And even if he did, someone would take in to ask him if you were a loup-garou. He would n't just randomly starting signal telling people."

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

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

`` See ? Hardly any chance of Kaden drinking any, '' whoremaster said.

`` Yeah, but still ... I do n't love ... '' lustrelessness groaned, `` I just do n't really want to tell him. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

******

`` Settle down, go under down, '' Slughorn barked at his class.

Albus turned around in his nates. He had been talking to John, who was sitting behind him next to Goyle. Albus was sitting next to Limbert and mat was looking thoroughly miserable side by side to Maloy in the side by side row over at the front line. Slughorn was still plowing forward with his inter-house partner in class, but Albus did n't think it was helping to decrease the hostility between Gryffindor and Slytherin. So far, the best that had happened was silent loathing during hardheaded lessons and jinxing and hexing at worst. Based on the piffling duel between Ethan and Garth Octavius the previous week, it was only a matter of clip before things really got out of hand.

`` Thank you, '' Slughorn said once everyone was paying attention, `` Today you 'll be brewing the Confusion Potion I taught you about on Friday. He waved his wand at the blackboard, `` Directions are on the board. You have the entire course of instruction. ``

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

Albus nodded and pulled out his wand. Albus and Limbert had come to an unspoken agreement with brewing potions. Limbert would accumulate ingredients while Albus lit the fervor and unpacked all the several scales and knives. Then, Albus would prepare the ingredients while Limbert added them and stirred the cauldron. Albus was fine with this since Limbert was a comfortably Potions brewer than he was.

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

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

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

`` Oh. ``

`` Stir it the former way ! '' Saint John the Apostle shouted.

Albus stifled a gag and glanced to his left, where rosiness and Leigh Montague were having a standardised conversation.

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

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

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

`` amercement. You do the wholly thing if you 're so smart, '' Leigh huffed.

`` You can stir the cauldron. Clockwise, '' Rose replied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus tried to concentrate on his shrivelfig, but he could n't break glancing up at toilet. He was almost to the cupboard now, and the rat still had n't moved. Albus watched as John pointed his baton at the rat, but he could n't listen what spell John was using due to the dissonance in the room. Luckily everyone was concentrating on their potions and not paying an ounce of attention to John. Albus grimaced as lavatory picked up the rat and shoved it inside his gown. Albus was incredibly happy that john was unforced to do the rat print. The thought of putting a rat in his robes creeped Albus out.

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

`` Got it, '' Saint John the Apostle whispered to Albus on his way back to his desk.

`` Excellent, '' Albus said.

Suddenly there was a loudly plosion from somewhere behind Albus and he felt a hot liquid state farming on his headway and dribble down the back of his robes.

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

`` Boody hellhole ! '' John exclaimed as the orange potion landed on the figurehead of his robes.

bedlam erupted in the classroom. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at the set off potion. Albus turned around and saw that the explosion had come from John the Divine and Goyle 's caldron. Goyle was wearing a vex expression on his face and was staring into space while holding his ladle in the air. His face was covered with potion as well as his robe. His hair was singed and there was a small fire on his table.

Albus could sense the potion burning down his back and it hurt like nether region. It felt like his skin was on attack. He got up from his chair and felt his rear. His gown were cauterize straight through. John 's and Limbert 's were as well.

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

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

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

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

`` Hospital Wing, all of you, '' Slughorn replied, `` If one of you could please ca-ca sure Mr. Goyle arrives there, that would be appreciated. ``

Limbert immediately dragged Goyle out of the way with Celeste following. Albus and toilet walked a little shipway behind them and Karina behind them.

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

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

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

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

`` Well, he 's dumber than a troll, '' John groaned, `` Merlin this hooey burns. ``

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

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

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

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

`` I just hope it stays stunned. ``

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

dame Pomfrey was already interfering taking care of a daughter who had gotten bitten by something in Care of Magical Creatures and told them they would have to expect. Once she had finished healing the girl, she moved on to Goyle, since he was n't able-bodied to sit still and was wandering around the room tripping over things. She took fear of Limbert, Celeste, and Karina, and then moved on to the bed Albus and John were sitting on.

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

`` wellspring, Matt, Rose, and Amanda were all too far away to be hit by the potion, '' Albus explained.

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

John, who had just started drinking his own potion, choked and coughed the potion up onto the bed. He turned and grinned at Albus, who grinned back. fountainhead, Albus thought, that was the general thought of the map.

Madam Pomfrey sighed and with a moving ridge of her wand the potion was cleaned up. `` toast the rest of it, '' she instructed them.

Madam Pomfrey applied some kind of ointment to their burns and a few minute of arc later they were allowed to leave. The nurse told them to go directly to their dorm room to get new gown and that she did n't want to see them in the Hospital annex for the next few weeks.

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

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

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

`` Just about, '' Albus said.

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

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


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


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


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

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

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

`` You know, '' pink wine said, `` You 're not exactly the best potion beer maker either, privy. ``

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

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

`` So what are you doing this evening, Albus ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he followed Albus and St. John the Apostle to the dormitory door.

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

Kaden spent the entire eventide with Albus and his friends. Normally, this really would n't have bothered Albus, but that night his first cousin was driving him mad. All Albus wanted to do was try out the map, but he could n't think up a good excuse for them to go somewhere and not let Kaden accompany. So they spent the evening in the rough-cut room, working on homework.

Albus and his friend were far too engaged the next few days to try out the new map. Albus had Quidditch practice on Tuesday and Thursday and dueling practice session on Wednesday. Rose had dueling recitation on Friday. can normally had his practice on Saturday, but due to the Quidditch match, it had been rescheduled for Sunday. Any bit of time where neither Albus or his friends had any pattern, Kaden was around. It was n't until Saturday, following Slytherin 's spectacular release to Ravenclaw, that they were finally able to try out the map. Kaden had been recruited to tutor a associate first twelvemonth in Potions and was going to be spending a few hour in the dungeons after the Quidditch match.

`` Come on, let 's go try it now, '' Albus whispered to his Friend after Kaden left the common room.

`` Got the prints ? '' matt asked.

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

Matt paced three times in strawman of the empty wall and as soon as the doorway appeared, the five friends ran inside. Albus set his bag down on the table and everyone crowded around it. Albus pulled out all four prints and the map.

`` All right, '' Albus unfolded the map, `` Rose, you 're unspoiled with the magical spell, right ? ``

rosiness nodded, `` I 've practiced it and it works every clock time. ``

`` Good, '' Albus stared at the map, unsure of how to begin, `` Er, maybe I should do what I did finally clock time to get it to tell us we 've got to prove we know the Marauders ? ``

`` Probably, '' Rose agreed.

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

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

`` Excellent, '' John grinned and pointed his wand at the map, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Padfoot. ``

Ink appeared on the map, but not nearly as much as when Albus had done it earlier in the year.

'No, you 're not .'

The ink disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

`` What ? '' John shouted, `` But it worked final clip ! ``

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

`` Let me try, '' Matt grabbed the sheepskin and pointed his wand at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Moony. ``

'No, you 're not .'The map said once again.

`` This sucks, '' John muttered, `` It worked last time. ``

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

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

The ink he had been expecting to seem rose to the airfoil of the parchment and formed the familiar words.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the vulture 's Map, irregular Edition .'

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus sighed. He really hoped his friends would be able to be Padfoot and Moony. Who else could be Padfoot and Moony ? The map would n't even work without soul to be Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail. Albus could n't do it alone.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs. However, you could be the irregular Prongs .'

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

'When four male child, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and mischief, they may demo themselves as the side by side generation of Marauders. These four friends must each play one of the Marauders, for if even one is missing, this map will not work. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the secrets of the predator. Prove that you know, and you may stay on along the path of discovery .'

'The way of life of discovery ? I never knew you were so poetic, Mr. Prongs .'

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

'Then I pay my compliments on the choice of words to Mr. Moony .'

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

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

'The Marauders regard you serious luck .'

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

`` I guess we 've just got to remove the paw photographic print, '' Albus said tentatively.

pink wine picked up the paw prints and the map, setting them down in presence of her. She pulled out her scepter and muttered an incantation at the loup-garou print. Then she muttered another conjuration at the map. The werewolf print appeared on the map, just as it had been on the other firearm of parchment.

`` That, was all-fired amazing, '' John said in awe.

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

Rose repeated the operation with the dog, stag, and rat print, positioning them in the precise Lapplander way that the piffling mark that the Marauders had put on the map.

`` There, '' she said once she was done.

The five friends stared at the map for a few second, waiting for something to bechance. The paw prints were n't doing anything and neither was the map. No new ink had appeared and the paw print were n't disappearing or anything.

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

`` Worth a shot, '' St. John shrugged.

Albus pulled the map over to him and tapped his verge to it, `` I, Albus Severus Potter, the instant Prongs, know the Marauders. ``

The paw mark quickly faded until there was nada left field but a space parchment. Albus glanced up and looked at his friends before returning his gaze to the new map.

'Prongs agrees that you do cognise the vulture, and is especially ingrain that you managed to get a werewolf paw print .'

`` It worked ! '' Albus shouted happily.

'Due to your obvious knowledge of the Marauders'enigma, we shall now severalise you Sir Thomas More about this map. When the Marauders were 7th class, they realized that within a few short months, they would be gone from Hogwarts, and the schooling would be left without their chief roguery makers.

'Prongs suggested-'

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

'Only when I have a stroke of grandeur, Padfoot .'

'Not too often then, right ?'

'Oh, get on with the account, Prongs .'

'Calm yourself, Moony. You 're letting your furry self show .'

'Shut it, Prongs .'

'All right hand. Anyway, I ( glad now, Padfoot ? ) had a stroke of magnificence that the predator could incur a way to secure that they would never be gone from Hogwarts .'

`` I knew it ! '' rose shouted in glee, `` I knew that was what this was about ! ``

'The Marauders decided to create another map. The beginning map was only the beginning. The vulture wanted to recover a way to put themselves into a map, in orderliness to help the next genesis of mischief Creator. That is what this map is about.

'However, not just anyone would be capable to let access to the map .'

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

'Right, Padfoot. Or even unsound, having Slytherins get their unworthy hand on it .'

'I shudder at that sentiment, Moony. Anyway, the marauder had to visualise out a way to check that only those worthy would be able to access code this map. The Marauder 's Map is actually quite elementary to figure out, compared to this one. All you have to do to give that is say a certain phrase. For this map, you have to be a certain person to open up it.

'You may or may not birth figured out that in order to get the first bit of information out of this map, you have to be a line relative of one of the predator. However, not everyone representing the Marauders must be related. Because, you know, we might not all have Kid .'

'Yeah, you would n't require to be passing along any genes, Prongs .'

'Better mine than yours, Padfoot .'

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

Albus felt immense relief from this. John and lusterlessness would be able to lay out Padfoot and Moony.

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

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

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

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

`` surmisal that counts out my sister, '' Albus commented.

'So, now you 've proven that you know the Marauders. Your next dance step is to prove that you are the following marauder .'

The ink slowly faded once again until the parchment was as vacuous as before.

Albus stared at it for a few moment, thinking about what he had just found out. The map was n't going to bring yet. He had been so certainly that all they 'd have to do was test they knew the Marauders. But now they had yet another affair to do. They had to essay that they were the next Marauders. How were they going to do that ?

`` That was Wyrd, '' Saint John said.

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

`` Yeah, they just said they wanted to make for certain they 'd never leave Hogwarts. Like the map is a piece of them, '' can replied.

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

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

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

`` I knew you 'd have to do something like this, '' Rose said, `` Otherwise it would n't weigh if there were four of you to symbolise the marauder. If it was just this, Albus could feature done the solid thing himself. ``

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

`` I guess we 've got to prove we are the Marauders, then, '' Albus said, `` Wonder what that involves. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Maybe we 've got to deplume a huge prank or something, '' Albus said.

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

`` Well, does anyone take any early ideas ? '' Albus asked.

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

`` Of trend their is ! '' blush wine said, `` We 've just got to go to the subroutine library and see if we can recover anything there. ``

`` We ca n't do anything anyway until you 've got that Sileo Altus appealingness down, Rose, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Right, '' rose replied, `` It 's coming along well. I just demand to get some practice. Anyone want to be my examiner ? ``

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

`` Ok, come up here, '' blush wine got up and went to the early side of the room.

Albus watched as the two of them worked. First, they had to think up a secret, which took a in effect bit of time. John finally suggested that the surreptitious be 'Filch ilk to trip the light fantastic in the Moon with a long handle mop with Frank Sinatra music acting in the backcloth .'

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

`` Yes, '' John Lackland said in a serious shade, `` I saw him once. He was rubbing the mop read/write head to his grimace and had on a look of pure joy. ``

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

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

`` Ok, John, let 's try it, '' blush wine said.

blush wine pointed her wand at herself and recited the charm that would construct her the secret keeper. Then, she pointed her wand at lavatory and said a slightly dissimilar charm.

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

`` Filch likes to trip the light fantastic toe in the Moon with a long handle mop with Frank Frank Sinatra music playing in the background, '' John smirked.

`` trade good, '' Rose replied and then performed another magic spell on St. John. `` I 'm not set to try including other the great unwashed yet, so John Lackland will only be able to talk about Filch 's lilliputian substance abuse to me. ``

rosiness waved her sceptre around in an intricate practice and then said one finish incantation. She lowered her sceptre and stared at trick. Then she turned to look Albus.

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

Albus grinned, `` All rightfulness. So, lavatory, heard anything interesting about Filch lately ? ``

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

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

Rose was staring at Saint John the Apostle with a flimsy feel of letdown. `` Not quite. He was n't even supposed to be able to move his mouth. You know, in causa people can scan lips. I guess it 's a starting time, though. ``

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

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

Rose waved her wand around and muttered some more incantation. `` Ok, he should be capable to sing about it now. ``

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

`` Yeah, he likes to dance with a prospicient grip mop by moonlight while Frank Frank Sinatra plays in the background, '' John told her.

`` Looks like the countercharm worked, '' Albus said.

`` But that 's not even what we 'll involve, '' pink wine pointed out, `` We 're not going to perform the countercharm on Kaden. Not for another few year at least. ``

`` Yeah, but it 's golden for Saint John the Apostle that it worked, '' Albus grinned, `` Otherwise he would n't be capable to share Filch 's mystic joyfulness of life sentence. ``

******

Over the following few days, John actually did share that Filch liked to dance with a foresightful handle mop by the Moon with frank Sinatra playing in the background. All he had to do was mention it to a few other Gryffindors at meal fourth dimension and the bit of rumormonger was soon spreading throughout the school. The response from educatee ranged from hysterical laughter to raised eyebrows to exclamations of 'Who the perdition is Frank Sinatra ?'Albus could n't help but smirk every time he heard his fellow students mentioning the story.

Filch, on the other paw, was actively trying to find the culprit. There was n't really any gunpoint, since he would n't be able to chance who started it, but he tried. He spent the days prowling the halls and listening in on students'conversations, trying to retrieve out any sort of entropy regarding the delusive story. Whenever the students noticed him, they would burst out laughing, which would have Filch to start muttering about 'rotten students'and 'ought to whip them all'.

Filch 's main suspect was Kaden, which Albus found kind of funny. Kaden of course had laughed the forte when he heard the story. Since Filch had developed an intense disfavour for Kaden since their hold months ago, he gave Kaden threatening stares every time Kaden passed him in the corridors. Kaden just found this good story, since he knew John had invented the story.

The story about Filch provided a nice suspension from the intense studying that all the students were occupied with. Like usual, the teacher had increased the preparation after the vacation. Albus was happy it was n't yet his O.W.L. year and he could n't conceive of how he would manage to contend with that in three short days. Along with homework, Albus also had Quidditch and dueling practice. Both Georgia and Kate had increased practice times in edict to fix for the upcoming couple and tourney. The third gear dueling tournament was to take situation the first weekend of February and Quidditch on the keep up weekend. Albus now had Quidditch practice on Mondays, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Dueling practices were as common, not compulsory, but were now not only on Midweek, but on Fri as well. The only day Albus had off was Dominicus, which did n't move over practically time for him to try and figure out how to turn out he was like the Marauders to the new map.

The morning of the Dueling Tournament was cold-blooded, snowy, and blustery. Albus was very glad the Quidditch match was n't that day. He got up a few hours before the tournament started and went down to breakfast with his friends.

`` I ca n't hold back until I can duel next year, '' Kaden said in between insect bite of egg.

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

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

`` That sounds better, '' John said, `` But I do n't know if I 'd make the squad. ``

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

`` You 're getting good, '' Albus assured her, `` You might have it by the time you 're a 5th year. ``

`` Yeah, that 's the peak of the Junior 's nightclub, '' blush wine said, `` So you can get better. They do n't expect us all to be practiced duellist. ``

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

Albus felt his facial expression twist red, `` Well, I 'm not that bully ... I mean, there are loads of the great unwashed who are honorable than me. ``

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

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

`` That 's good, though ! '' blush wine sighed, `` You 're both first-class duellist, so you 've got a unspoilt team ! ``

Albus shrugged. He form of would rather just be able to crush Malfoy than beat the other teams, but he did n't mention anything about it.

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

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

`` shit youngster ... better when Umbridge was around ... admiration if she 'll make out back ... she 'd let me whip them ... ''

`` I swear he 's gotten to a greater extent mad over the year, '' John muttered to Albus as they passed him.

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

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

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned.

The tournament got under way a few minutes later. It was much like the yesteryear two tournament, with a lot of sitting around time. Albus was happy that he and Amanda were on the Sami team so they were capable to verbalise to each other in between affaire d'honneur.

Albus won both of his duel, just like the cobbler's last two tournaments. So did Malfoy and once again, Albus found that he was kind of well-chosen and kind of raging about that. Amanda won one of her duel, which Albus was very happy about. He knew one-half her dueling offspring were from nerves and the fact that she thought she would n't do well.

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

The points were tallied after the last affaire d'honneur and John 's team was declared the victor. Albus was slightly foiled, but there were still three more tourney before the final exam. Harry announced the decimal point totals for the full year and Rose 's team was in firstly place so far. In minute was the team led by Hufflepuff Paul Galivant and in tierce was John 's team, led by Albus 's full cousin Bradley.

Albus did n't call back that the inter-house dueling was decreasing the competition between houses. Albus was n't anymore fond of the Slytherins than he had been in the origin of the year. None of the Slytherins really got along with the Gryffindors on his team, and vice versa. He was n't exactly sure enough how it was working with the regular dueling golf club, but he had overheard Francis Edgar Stanley complaining about how uncooperative the Slytherins on his team were. But that was months ago and he did n't know what had been going on with it recently.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and mischiefmaker09 for their reviews !

I wrote my first Marauders Era account, Side Effects May Include Gratitude and Feelings of well beingness, which is a one-shot from Madam Pomfrey 's point of view. It 's on my author page, if you 're worry. I 'd love it if you read and reviewed it !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


lustrelessness 's natal day was a few days after the Dueling Tournament. Albus and his champion did n't throw him a party like they had last class. That had mostly been done to hearten him up since he had been in the Hospital Wing at the time. This year they went down to the kitchens and got a cake, and then ate it in their dormitory. Kaden went with him and was amazed by the kitchens, with all the house-elves around. His reaction was mirthful to watch than Amanda 's the previous year. He stood there with his mouth half open and then ran around grabbing as much food as possible.

By the prison term the Quidditch lucifer arrived the keep an eye on Saturday, Albus was utterly exhausted. Between Quidditch practice session and homework, he hardly had anytime to catch some Z's. Throw in a misstep down to the kitchens for flatness 's birthday after Quidditch practice the former night, and Albus was ready to catch some Z's through an full day.

Albus yawned, got out of bed, and looked out the window. He had been hoping that the raging snowstorm would have let up, but it had n't. Wonderful, he thought, James would n't be catching the Snitch quickly in this weather.

A few hours later, Albus bade his friends goodbye and headed down to the changing rooms at the Quidditch pitch. His Friend had bundled themselves up in as much scarlet and gold clothing as they owned and were ready to huddle against the howling steer for a few hours of Quidditch. John, lusterlessness, and Amanda did n't seem to bear in mind the weather at all and were excited about the compeer. rosebush, on the former script, clearly would have rather spent the afternoon in the castle studying. Kaden still liked football game better than Quidditch and Albus had a tone he would n't have minded the storm if he was watching a football game.

`` Ok ! '' Georgia shouted a few mo after Albus entered the changing rooms, `` Everyone come over here ! ``

`` I know the weather is n't ideal, '' Georgia began once everyone was gathered around her, `` But we 've played in unsound than this ! ``

`` Yeah, if you count that flood we played in during tertiary year, '' Fred muttered, `` But other than that .... ''

Georgia glared at Fred, `` Anyway, we 're playing Hufflepuff, so we 'll win. Harper 's still captain, but it 's her last yr, so she 'll be dead set on getting the Cup. That means she 'll have trained her team even harder. They 've got a new custodian, though. Someone named tanner Royce. He 's a twenty percent year. Other than him, the team 's the Same as last year. So, with that, get out there and kick some Badger ass ! ``

Albus grinned to himself as he picked up his heather and started to walk to the doorway. Georgia was a great captain, but was n't much for long winded address.

`` Albus, '' Peach State whispered and put her hand on his shoulder.

`` Yeah ? ``

`` You 're, er, less nervous this match, right ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus smiled, remembering how he had told her he was extremely nervous the last couple. In realism, he 'd been too preoccupied with the new map. certainly, he 'd been a little uneasy, but not as much as Georgia thought he had been. This peer, however, he was n't nearly as trouble, although he still was a bit nervous. `` I 'm a bit nervous, but not as very much. ``

`` trade good, '' GA grinned and walked out the threshold and onto the pitch.

Albus followed his cousin onto the pitch and was immediately hit by the forceful lead that were prevailing.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff match ! '' Lord Todd Smith 's voice sounded over the pitch. It sounded faint and kind of far away in the malarky. `` It 's bloody cold out here so let 's ready it warm !

`` Here are the Gryffindors ! Captain Georgia Weasley, followed by Ryan O'Malley, Albus ceramicist, Saint James the Apostle Potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, and Heather Weasley !

`` And the Hufflepuffs ! Captain Jessica harpist, followed by Shawn Ames, Lisa Galivant, Andy Kaper, Stacey Manson, Anna Reilly, and Tanner Royce ! ``

Professor Oteski motioned for Georgia and Harper to stimulate mitt and as soon as they did so, Albus and the rest of the players rose into the air. Oteski released the egg and Heather immediately took self-control of the Quaffle.

`` And Heather 's got the Quaffle ! She passes to Fred, then back to heather, and to Albus. ``

Albus caught the Quaffle and started flying towards the Hufflepuff goals. He was amazed that he had actually caught it since the weather was so awful. He could hardly see two metrical foot in front of him. His gown were already soaked with snow and ice and he was frigidly cold. Nevertheless, he kept flying towards the goal until he had to stop brusk and toss the Quaffle back to heather, since he almost flew straight into an oncoming Hufflepuff chaser.

Calluna vulgaris caught the Quaffle and flew it the eternal rest of the way to the finish. She threw it in and it easily went past Hufflepuff 's new Keeper.

`` Goal ! Ten-zero Gryffindor ! Now hurry up and catch that Snitch, Saint James ! I 'm freezing my bloody- ''

`` Captain John Smith ! '' Patil shouted, `` Watch your language ! ``

`` Sorry, prof. ``

The Quaffle was now back in play and was in Hufflepuff self-possession. Albus was n't even for certain which Chaser had it, but he knew it was a Hufflepuff. Whichever Hufflepuff had the Quaffle managed to take it to the Gryffindor finish, but GA saved it.

Fred took the Quaffle and flew it back to the early end of the rake, scoring another goal for Gryffindor.

The game continued this way for the future half hour. Hufflepuff managed to score two goal, but Gryffindor scored about eight. Albus currently had the Quaffle and was flying straight at the Hufflepuff goals.

He narrowly avoided a bludger and both Hufflepuff beaters, but soon he was within throwing distance of the goals. He faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle at the leftfield hoop. Royce tried to save it, but he was n't warm enough.

`` finish ! Albus Potter has scored against Hufflepuff ! The score is now 90-20 Gryffindor ! ``

Albus was ecstatic. That was the commencement destination he had ever scored in a Quidditch match. Up until now, all he 'd done were assists. Albus took a victory lap around the rake and then caught the Quaffle from heather.

Albus managed to score another finish and Heather scored two more in the next half minute of the match. Hufflepuff scored a few Thomas More goals, but were still far behind. By now, Albus was for certain he had turned into an icicle and was getting a bit spue of flying around in the cold. He was even getting a bit of a vexation from it. Albus was n't even sure enough if he 'd know if Epistle of James or Galivant caught the snitcher, due to the increasingly bad visibility and snow. The blizzard seemed to be getting worse by the min. If Hogwarts actually called off Quidditch, they would have called it off a spell ago.

A few minutes later, cheers broke out in the stands and Albus was sure soul must let caught the snitch. He was very happy to put down his broom and knew he 'd be even happy when he finally got into the warm common room.

The balance of his team was shouting in mirth and were surrounding Jesse James. He must consume caught the Snitch, Albus thought. The rest period of the Gryffindors were swarming the pitch and soon James I was lifted onto a few multitude 's shoulders. Albus joined the concourse of his family and started his way back to the castle.

On his way back to the common way, numerous people stopped him in ordering to plume him on the win. Albus was thrilled that they had won, but all he really wanted to do was find his Quaker and get into some ardent robe. James loved the attention he got after winning a Quidditch match, but Albus could take it or bequeath it. Right now, he could result it since his vexation was getting defective.

The political party in the common room was just getting started when Albus entered a few min later. Someone must have snuck down to the kitchens because there was an full table filled with food. Someone else had obviously gotten into Hogsmeade because just about everyone had a butterbeer in their hand.

person shoved a butterbeer into Albus 's hand as he made his way through the crowd. James was in the thick of it as usual and was rehashing how he caught the Snitch.

`` And I saw it lurking near one of the destination stake. Galivant was on the other end of the pitch, so I knew she had no hope ... '' James was saying to a couple of giggling girls.

The rest of the team was nearby and were digging into the food that was on one of the tables.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Georgia shouted as he passed, `` I knew you could get over those nerves ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled as he went up the stairs to his residence hall.

Albus quickly changed out of his cold, wet robes and felt a bit better afterwards. He went back down to the common room and it was even full than before. It looked like all the Gryffindors had returned from the tar and the party was in full swing.

Albus found his friends sitting at their usual table and they all seemed to be enjoying the party.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted as Albus sat down, `` vivid playing ! ``

`` Definitely, '' mat agreed.

`` You 're quite a honest pursuer, Albus, '' pink wine said, `` Although I honestly do n't know why they did n't cancel the match with this rash ... ''

`` cancel the match ? '' john stared at her, `` Never ! ``

`` If it was football, it would 've been canceled, '' Kaden commented.

`` Yeah, because you would n't be able-bodied to run around in two feet of Baron Snow of Leicester, '' Saint John the Apostle laughed, `` But Quidditch is in the air, so it does n't matter. ``

`` Will you two just fall by the wayside arguing about football ? '' Rose sighed.

`` Just trying to turn Kaden into a right wizard, '' John Lackland shrugged.

`` Quidditch is hardly the definition of a proper wizard, '' rose wine said, `` I believe potion brewing is a bit more important and I 'm sure Kaden could teach you a thing about it, Mr. Exploding Potions. ``

`` That was Goyle 's fault, '' lavatory muttered.

`` Why do n't all three of you just leave office arguing ? '' Albus snapped. His head was pounding and listening to his friends'arguing was not helping.

`` What 's with you ? '' John asked, `` We 're not fighting anymore than normal. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to do that he 's been flying around in a snowstorm for the yesteryear two hours ? '' Rose suggested, `` If they 'd just have canceled the match- ''

`` They do n't cancel Quidditch ! '' John shouted and then turned to matte, `` You understand this, do n't you ? ``

`` It 's true, '' mat agreed, `` Quidditch is n't ever canceled for trivial affair like blizzards. ``

`` I think the weather just makes it more interesting, '' Amanda commented.

`` Not you too ! '' Rose groaned.

`` football game 's only played in the strong months anyway, '' Kaden said, `` They would n't even schedule an outdoor football match in the winter. ``

`` wellspring that 's boring, '' John replied.

Albus leaned his head on his hand and closed his eyes while trying to drown out his ally conversation. John, blush wine, and Kaden continued to contend about the merits of Quidditch and football. Matt and Amanda stayed out of it for the most persona and seemed variety of amused with the entire thing. Albus was n't, though. He wished they 'd just shut up. Albus 's head was steadily feeling worse, like he was being hit with a bludger over and over again. Besides that, he still had n't completely warmed up from the match and was shivering, despite his dry robes.

`` I think football game would be a comme il faut sportswoman if it were played on ling, '' John the Evangelist said.

`` Oh ejaculate on, John ! '' pink wine sighed, `` Be grievous ! You ca n't act as football on brooms. How would you kick the ball ? ``

`` Not to mention that Muggles play football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Muggles ca n't fly ! ``

`` I 'm not saying that Muggles should play football on brooms. I meant if football were ever played by wizards, it should be done on brooms. ``

Football on brooms, Albus thought, what an insane idea. His Friend were now trying to coalesce football and Quidditch.

`` Albus, are you all right ? '' Matt asked.

Albus opened his eyes and lifted his head off his hand. `` I dunno. ``

`` You do n't front that enceinte, '' Matt said concernedly.

John, rose wine, and Kaden stopped arguing and looked at Albus.

`` Yeah, you look tough than Matt does when he gets sick, '' Kaden said loudly.

`` Thanks, '' Matt muttered.

`` Matt 's right, '' Rose said, `` You do face awing, Albus. ``

`` I 've got a headache, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You should go see ma'am Pomfrey, '' Kaden told him.

`` I think I 'll just go to bed, '' Albus got up from his president, `` I have n't really slept much the past few Night. I 'm probably just tired. ``

Albus stumbled over to the dormitory room door, feeling big than he had a few minutes ago. He collapsed into his bed and fell asleep mo later.

******

Albus awoke with a start and he was n't sure how much sentence had passed since he went to catch some Z's. He still felt extremely tired and his headspring still hurt. He groaned and closed his heart again, wanting only to sleep for a few 24-hour interval straight.

right wing when he was about to err off again, someone threw the curtains back and Albus 's bed was flooded in light.

`` Ugh, '' Albus groaned and covered his middle with his hands. `` What was that for ? ``

`` You 've slept almost an intact day, '' someone said.

Albus moved his hands and slowly opened his eye. lavatory was standing over his bed with a look of concern on his face.

`` And I 'd care to slumber a bit to a greater extent if you do n't mind, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You slept through dinner finale night, and breakfast and lunch today. Are n't you hungry ? ``

`` Not really. ``

`` Are you sure you 're ok ? '' Saint John asked, `` rosebush sent me up here to check on you. ``

Honestly, Albus was n't sure he was ok. He could n't recollect the stopping point time he had slept an intact day. But right now all he wanted was for Gospel According to John to go away so he could sleep some more.

`` I 'll be OK once I sleep some more, '' Albus replied and rolled over away from John.

`` If you 're sure as shooting, '' John said quietly and closed the curtains.

It did n't contain Albus long to shine back asleep. He had some strange dreams that involved Teddy telling him his broom broke and he 'd have to play Quidditch without it by running around on the footing. Then, instead of a Quaffle, the compeer was played with a football.

Albus woke up briefly after one of these dreams, only to find that the dormitory was dark. He could learn Ethan 's tone down snoring and an owl hooting away. Unfortunately, he did n't feel any better than he had when John woke him up. In fact, he now felt worse. Every one of his heftiness were aching, like he had fallen from his broom during the match. But Albus could n't recall falling from his broom. When had the lucifer been anyway ? Yesterday or the day before ? Albus could n't even out recall and he did n't even know what day it was currently.

`` Albus ! '' Someone shouted. Albus was dreaming about Quidditch again and individual was hitting him with their beater 's bat.

`` Quit it, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Albus, are you all right ? ``

`` Go away, '' Albus said, `` And discontinue smacking me with that beater 's bat. ``

`` Beater 's bat ? '' they repeated, `` That 's it, I 'm getting professor thrower. ``

`` I 'll go, '' someone else said, `` You stay here with him. ``

Whoever had been hitting Albus with the bat had stopped, and he was thankful. Sakartvelo had taken the bat away and was now yelling at its possessor. Then she announced that they would be playing football instead of Quidditch. Jesse James complained loudly, since there were n't any seeker in football.

`` Albus, wake up ! ``

`` I think Kaden said you 'll feature to play defense, William James, '' Albus mumbled in his sleep. `` There is n't a Snitch in football. ``

`` Hang on, Albus, John 's getting your dad. ``

`` My dad ? He 'll have to wager defense, too. ``

`` What 's wrong ? '' someone new shouted.

`` He 's been sleeping since after the match, Professor thrower. I think he 's honk. ``

`` Since after the match ? ``

`` Er, yeah. We thought he was just tired, but he 's been sleeping for two days. ``

`` The match ? '' Albus muttered, `` Did we beat Slytherpuff yet ? ``

Albus felt himself being lifted out of his bed and into soul 's arms. He rested his head on their shoulder and shivered as his mantle fell back onto the bed. Albus fell back into a deep quietus and succeeding woke up as he was being laid down on another bed.

Albus heard people talking all around him, but he could n't fix out what they were saying. Someone poured a few disgusting potions down his pharynx and forced him to swallow them. There was more grumbling around him, but Albus soon drifted off to sleep again.

The way was quieter when Albus next woke up. He opened his optic and looked around. Where was he ? Albus was sure he had fallen asleep in his dorm, but now it looked as if he was in the Hospital Wing. The home was nearly deserted, save for Madam Pomfrey sitting at her desk. Albus yawned and tried to sit up, but he was still airheaded. The trade good matter was that his principal felt a great deal better. However, his soundbox still ached.

Madam Pomfrey looked up from her desk and got up once she saw that Albus was awake. She grabbed a few bottle and put them on a tray, which she then carried over to Albus 's bed and set it on the bedside table.

`` Good, you 're up, '' Madam Pomfrey said as she poured one of the potions into a cup, `` You gave us all quite a fear. ``

`` What time is it ? '' Albus asked, still confused about what he was doing there.

`` Just after six o'clock. ``

`` Er, and what day ? ``

`` Mon, '' the nursemaid said as she thrust the cup under Albus 's nose, `` Drink that. ``

Albus downed the potion quickly, `` Yuck. It 's really Monday ? I 've missed division ? ``

`` I 'd say so. ``

`` Er, what exactly happened ? I mean, I went to bed in my hall and now I 'm here ... ''

`` You 're ill, '' lady Pomfrey said, `` You 've caught the flu. Your champion told me you slept for almost two twenty-four hours and then they went to get your Father-God since you were n't getting any full and had started becoming delirious. You 've been here since around lunch time. ``

`` Oh. Well, how long do I have to continue ? ``

`` Another two days, probably, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey told him. `` Now I want you to wassail these other two potions and eat that bowl of soup. ``

Albus nodded and Madam Pomfrey strode back over to her desk. Albus thought back and could vaguely think back being taken out of his dormitory, but it was only a foggy memory. The conclusion matter he could really call up well was the Quidditch mates. He was very well-chosen he had n't fallen ill before the match.

No Oklahoman had Albus drank the first potion that the doorway to the hospital flank swung open and King John, matt, pink wine, and Amanda came bursting through. madam Pomfrey got up quickly from her desk and met them halfway.

`` Is Albus awake ? '' pink wine asked.

`` Yes, he 's only just woken up. I suppose you can visit him for a few minutes. But calmly ! He needs to roost ! ``

`` Albus ! '' rose shrieked when she ran over to his bed, `` Thank Merlin you 're all veracious ! ``

`` How are you ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Doing better ? '' John asked.

`` Well, '' Matt said with a one-half smile on his pale face, `` This is a switch. ``

Albus grinned at him, `` Yeah, ca n't really remember a clock time where it was you visiting me here. ``

`` What exactly have you got anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Flu, '' Albus answered, `` But I 'm getting better. Not nearly as tired as before. ``

`` I would trust so, '' John smirked, `` You slept two twenty-four hours. ``

`` I 'll probably sleep another two, '' Albus said, `` Pomfrey said I 've got to continue another two days. ``

`` We 'll be here together, then, '' flatness replied.

Albus looked at his acquaintance, who was looking a bit exhausted himself. `` When 's the full moon again ? ``

`` Tomorrow, '' matte sighed.

`` Did you use up that new potion ? '' Albus asked.

Matt nodded, `` Yeah, and I 'm more knackered than common. ``

`` He fell asleep in history of Magic and almost fell asleep in Potions, '' can said.

`` wellspring, you did n't log Z's through two unit day like I did, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I 've done it before. I 've slept through more than than two 24-hour interval actually. I think four is my record. ``

`` All right wing ! '' brothel keeper Pomfrey announced, `` Time for you lot to be off to bed, especially you, lusterlessness. And Albus needs to lie. ``

`` See you tomorrow, '' Albus said as his friends left the room.

`` Sure will, '' Matt replied.

Albus slept on and off throughout the night and the next morning time. He was still tired, but felt much better when he woke up late the succeeding morning. His dad had stopped by earlier before family, but Albus fell back asleep after he left.

ma'am Pomfrey was fussing over him and giving him numerous potions to wassail. Albus was the only patient in the entire ward, so the nurse 's fussing was all focused on him.

The nurse had been giving Albus what must deliver been his tenth glass of piss that morning when the doors to the ward opened. Matt stumbled inside and walked shakily over to the bed next to Albus 's. He collapsed onto it and winced in pain.

Madam Pomfrey immediately put down the water twirler and descended upon matt.

`` You 're here in the first place than usual, '' she said as she felt his forefront, `` And you 're burning up. ``

`` Why are you here earlier ? '' Albus asked once Madam Pomfrey had gone to get another potion.

`` Tired, '' matt mumbled, `` hide asleep in Defense and your dad told me to amount here. ``

`` Is it the new potion ? ``

`` Yeah, it does n't exactly serve much, does it ? ``

`` I thought you said they were going to see something to counteract the division of it that makes you tired, '' Albus said.

`` They are, they just have n't found it yet. ``

`` Oh. ``

Madam Pomfrey returned a moment later and gave matt a few potions. He drank them and was asleep minutes later. Albus was n't really tire out, but he fell asleep anyway out of lack of anything else to do.

John, Rose, and Amanda stopped by after dinner to see Albus and lusterlessness, but Madam Pomfrey did n't let them stay long. Matt had been asleep anyway. Shortly after their admirer left, madam Pomfrey woke Matt up and took him down to the Whomping Wilow.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Moonylupin, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and Denas for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus awoke the next morning, he felt much better. In fact, he felt mostly rule. He was n't achy anymore and his top dog felt better as well. He hungrily ate all the breakfast Madam Pomfrey provided.

The same could n't be said for Matt, who was looking much worse than the late day. He was either at rest or unconscious, Albus was betting on the latter, and he had numerous cuts and scratching on his face. His the right way arm and brow were covered in a large bandages.

`` So when can I entrust ? '' Albus asked as Madam Pomfrey performed some kind of trance on Matt.

`` Later today, most likely, '' she said after she 'd finished her incantation.

Albus sighed. He had been hoping he 'd be able to leave that morning. He was starting to feel incredibly bored with the hospital Wing, although not bored enough to start the preparation blush wine had brought the late evening.

Albus spent the residual of the morning drifting in and out of nap out of lack of anything else to do. dame Pomfrey gave him a few more nasty tasting potions and dejeuner, which Albus ate ravenously. After going two Clarence Day without food, he was starving.

The doorway to the Hospital annexe opened just as Albus was finishing his lunch. whoremaster, rose wine, and Amanda walked inside and immediately headed for Albus 's bed. Madam Pomfrey was in her billet and did n't seem to comment the visitors.

`` Hey, how are you ? '' Rose asked.

`` Bored, '' Albus replied.

`` That 's good, '' rosiness grinned.

`` Are you undecomposed now ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Pretty much. Madam Pomfrey wo n't let me leave until later, though. regard she 'd let me leave now. ``

`` She just wants to make up sure enough you 're completely better, '' rosebush said, `` And it 's not like you 're missing form since this is our good afternoon off. ``

`` Exactly ! '' Gospel According to John sighed, `` He could be doing lots better stuff and nonsense on his good afternoon off if he was n't here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Like figuring out the new map. ``

`` How are we going to do that anyway ? '' Saint John asked.

`` Go to the subroutine library, '' Albus replied, `` We 've got to depend for mode of proving who we are. ``

John groaned, `` And I doubt there will just be a book titled Prove Who You Are to a Piece of Parchment. ``

`` Probably not, '' Rose laughed. `` But we 'll come up out somehow. ``

`` Making anymore progress on the charm for Kaden ? '' Albus asked.

`` A bit, yeah. I tried it again last night on John and this time he could n't even move his mouth like final clock time. Now I 've just got to envision out how to involve early mass in the secret. ``

`` And then all we 've got to do is convince Matt that the charm is goofproof, '' John Lackland said.

Everyone glanced over at Matt 's bed, where he was still sleeping.

`` He been asleep all day ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Ever since I 've been awake. ``

mat groaned and opened his eyes, `` You lot here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John the Evangelist replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` Horrible, '' lusterlessness said flatly, `` My head is killing me. Were you talking about me ? ``

`` A bit, '' John said, `` Just about that appealingness for Kaden. We 're going to get working on the map once you two are out of here. Got to find some way to prove to it that we 're like the marauder. ``

`` audio good, '' Matt yawned.

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked, `` Albus is leaving later today. ``

`` No theme, '' Matt said, `` Not until at least tomorrow dark. Might be out in time for Astronomy. ``

`` Ca n't you not be outside when the moon is close to full ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Only when it 's waxing. When it 's waning I 'm mulct. ``

`` So, we 'll plan on working on the map this weekend, then, '' Albus said. `` Unless any of you catch what I had. ``

`` Hope not, '' John the Evangelist said. `` Maybe Malfoy will catch it, '' he added gleefully.

`` bathroom, that 's not comical, '' rose scolded, `` He 'd be really disgorge. ``

`` He 'd get comfortably. Albus is fine now. ``

Albus heard a door open air and Madam Pomfrey came strolling out of her office. She looked up and saw the bunch around Albus and lustrelessness 's layer and made a beeline for them.

`` What are you lot doing here ? '' she demanded.

`` Visiting Albus and Matt, '' Rose answered.

`` Oh, you 're wake ! '' the nurse exclaimed and went over to Matt 's bed, apparently forgetting that Rose, John, and Amanda had burst in without her license. `` How do you experience ? ``

`` Awful, '' lusterlessness replied. `` My head detriment and so does pretty practically everything else. ``

`` You must have hit your head much speculative than usual last night, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed, `` You had quite the concussion earlier. I 'll go get some hurting potions. ``

She returned a min later with a potion for flatness, who drank it in one gulp.

`` Now, you three have to pull up stakes, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey said to Rose, Saint John, and Matt, `` Albus will be out later and you can see him then. ``

tedium set in for Albus shortly after his supporter left. flatness had fallen back asleep quickly after he took his painful sensation potion. Albus could n't even log Z's anymore because he had already slept so a lot that day.

******

`` What are we supposed to be looking for anyway ? '' lav sighed as he slammed a book shut.

Albus, John, Matt, Rose, and Amanda were all crowded around a reclusive tabular array in the library. It was covered in books that covered all sorts of theme. The five of them had spent the last hour searching for ways to examine to the new map that they were like the marauder. So far, nobody had found anything useful.

`` I do n't bed, '' Albus replied, `` Anything that might prove that we 're like the vulture. ``

`` That 's not very particular, '' John muttered, `` I really do n't require to spend an entire Saturday here. ``

`` It 'll do you some unspoilt, '' Rose said.

`` regard we could just use that book that you used to find the other good luck charm, '' Albus said to Rose, thinking of Flitwick 's book.

`` Me too, but it 's in the Restricted discussion section, '' Rose said.

`` Why ca n't we just get Professor Potter to hand us a note ? Bet he would, '' whoremaster said.

`` Bet he would n't, '' Albus disagreed, `` He 'd know we 're up to something. ``

`` Besides, '' Rose interjected, `` It might not be a magic spell we 're looking for. ``

`` We 're just going to induce to hold looking, '' Albus said as he opened another book. `` But I 've got Quidditch practice in a half hour. ``

`` We 'll just expect every time we can get away from Kaden, '' Matt suggested.

`` Where is he anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. Come to think of it, he had n't seen Kaden since breakfast. It was kind of foreign since Kaden spent every waking minute of his day ( when he was n't in class ) no less than four feet away from Albus.

`` There he is, '' Matt pointed to somewhere behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw his cousin-german running through the library with a clipboard in his hand.

`` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' ma'am Pince shouted even meretricious, `` Or I 'll switch you all out ! ``

`` Albus, '' Kaden said more quietly as he sat down in an empty death chair at their table.

Albus eyed Kaden 's clipboard but he could n't read what it said. `` Hi Kaden. ``

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied, `` Will you sign my postulation ? ``

`` Petition ? '' Albus asked, `` What in the name of Merlin are you petitioning for ? ``

`` TVs in the rough-cut rooms, '' Kaden grinned.

`` What ? ! '' John and matt shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' Madam Pince screeched.

Rose laughed, `` What on earth for ? ``

`` I would n't mind having a TV in the park room, '' Amanda commented.

`` Exactly, '' Kaden said, `` It 's hard enough for us Muggle-borns to adjust to Hogwarts and if we had TVs, it would make it well-heeled. ``

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' John laughed.

`` Nope, not kidding, '' Kaden said, `` I 've got loads of theme song already. I 'm not really for sure how many I 'll need, though. I figure I 'll try and get as many as I can in a few solar day and then move over it to Professor Longbottom. ``

Albus tried to oppress his grin, but he could n't. The idea of Kaden trying to get television put into the common elbow room was just too peculiar. There would be no way any of the teachers would agree to it even if everyone in Hogwarts signed the petition.

`` So will you bless it ? '' Kaden asked, `` If this goes through, I 'll try for reckoner next. ``

`` calculator, '' Matt laughed, `` You 're mad. ``

`` I 'll signalise, '' Amanda grabbed the clipboard and quill.

`` Sure, why not ? '' Albus shrugged. It could n't hurt to sign the thing, and he was sure Kaden would n't stop bugging them unless they did.

John and matt signed as well, although they were laughing the whole time. blush wine signed a bit reluctantly, but she eventually gave in.

`` So what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked after Rose finished signing.

`` homework, '' Albus replied automatically.

Kaden stared at the large heap of books, `` arcsecond year must be bloody insane. ``

`` Oh, it is, '' toilet said, `` You wo n't experience any time to watch any TV. ``

`` I 'll stimulate clip, '' Kaden said as he stood up, `` Well, I 'm going to get More signatures. ``

Albus watched as his first cousin went from table to defer trying to get hoi polloi to sign. Some of them liked the melodic theme and signed willingly. Others laughed until Kaden gave up and others looked at him like he was crazy. Eventually, lady Pince found out what he was doing and threw him out of the library.

`` Your cousin is the weirdest bloke I 've ever met, '' trick said after Kaden was kicked out.

`` Yeah, he is a bit strange, '' Albus agreed and closed the volume he was reading, `` Well, I 'm off to practice. I 'll see you lot later. ``

After pattern, Albus went to the common room and found his friend sitting around their usual table doing homework. Unfortunately, none of them had found anything that would help them to bear witness that they were like the piranha. Albus was beginning to wonder if they 'd ever get that map working. Even if they did find oneself a way to evidence they were like the piranha, what would they have to do next ? How many affair would they experience to do before they would actually be capable to see the map ? Albus had no mind, but he knew the Marauders were n't going to make this easy.

******

The rest of February passed quickly. Albus and his Quaker continued to abrade the program library for any sort of magic spell, spell, or potion that would help them in their quest to give away the map. None of them found anything. Kaden thought they were all doing homework as they searched the books every weekend. Rose was making progress with the Sileo Altus charm, but it was n't quite perfected enough to use yet. rose was sure she 'd throw it learned by the end of the calendar month. lusterlessness never said much when the charm was brought up and Albus was hoping he would still fit in to tell Kaden once Rose perfected the magical spell.

Kaden 's petition to have TV put into the common elbow room was rejected shortly after he gave it to Neville. Kaden did n't appear in the least bit deterred by this. He insisted it was rejected due to miss of convincing evidence as to how the televisions would profit the students. He was planning on resubmitting it along with a detailed essay on the subject later on in the term.

`` You know, Kaden, '' rosebush said at dinner one night, `` Even if the instructor accepted your prayer, the televisions would n't even work here. There 's too a good deal magic. ``

`` Oh, I 'm sure there 's a charm that would counteract that, '' Kaden said.

`` It wo n't work, '' matt said, `` Magic just does n't agree with electronics. This one clock time when we were visiting my Uncle Jack in the United States, Amy accidentally broke one of the alloy detectors at the airport. It was n't her fault or anything, the illusion just interrupted it or something. The affair started beeping and would n't discontinue until they turned it off. ``

lav laughed, `` That would 've been uproarious to see. ``

`` Amy did n't think so. She was mortified, '' Matt said, `` It was a spell ago, before we even moved here. I think she was 14. ``

`` Well, I still say they could discover a way, '' Kaden said.

`` Hey, look, '' Albus pointed to the nous table. Professor Kendrick was standing up.

`` enquire what he 's got to say ? '' Saint John asked.

`` Leslie Townes Hope it 's nil bad, '' blush wine said.

`` He looks happy enough, '' Amanda commented.

`` May I have your tending ! '' Kendrick announced. The room fell tacit. `` Thank you. Do n't interest, I 'm not giving out bad tidings. In fact, I think you 'll retrieve this announcement most exciting. ``

There was a worldwide mussitation of excitement throughout the Great anteroom at this. Kendrick waited for everyone to stop talking before he continued.

`` If you 'll think of at the showtime of the yr, when I announced the changes for the Dueling Club, that that would only be one voice of the House unity effort. I am announcing today that the other professors and I have organized another unity event. It will be a scavenger hunt, with inter-house teams, of line. ``

Albus groaned. A scavenger Richard Morris Hunt would be fun, but not if he had to do it with Slytherins. Everyone else seemed to be in concord, because there was a general groaning throughout.

`` I know you do n't like it, but the schoolhouse needs to be unified. Now, I will explain the consequence. It will not be like a regular scavenger Leigh Hunt. It will take shoes on the future three Saturday. This Sabbatum will be for the first gear and second class. The following will be for third and fourth yr. The cobbler's last will be for twenty percent, 6th, and seventh geezerhood.

`` The former prof and I will be organizing the teams, which will consist of appendage of early years and other business firm. Each squad will have about ten fellow member. You will have one hr to complete the tasks given.

`` You will receive a list of item to prevail before this minute is up. There are prescript, of course. Some of these item will be required to obtain without legerdemain. We will be performing charm on these items and if we find that any of them were spelled, transfigured, conjured, charmed, etc. within the hour they will be disqualified.

`` However, the magpie hunt will not only include a list of items to find. You will also receive multiple trivia sheets. These will admit both wizard and Muggle trivia.

`` Finally, each team will have a riddle, which if they deceiver correctly, will leave them on a quest throughout the castle and primer coat. When you reach the end, there will be a bit of entropy that must be returned to me. If you are successful, you 'll get a 100 power point bonus. However, there is also a off-key trail that will lead you to worthless information. If that is brought back, you 'll pick up no bonus.

`` I will give you a more detailed list of rules on the day of the issue. Until then, keep your mastermind sharp and do n't get rid of anything you would otherwise deem useless, '' Kendrick smiled and returned to his seat.

Albus turned to his friends, `` This sounds, er, interesting. ``

`` It 's really an first-class idea, '' blush wine grinned, `` I mean, there 's no way a single person would be able to reach all of it alone. It 's a expectant musical theme for House single. ``

`` It 'd be better if we did n't deliver to team up with Slytherins, '' privy muttered.

`` But what if there 's something on that listing that 's in the Slytherin common elbow room or something ? '' blush wine pointed out.

John groaned, `` I guess you 're right. ``

`` Sounds fun, though, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah. wonder what we get if we win ? '' flatness asked.

`` Hopefully some coupon to get out of homework or something, '' trick said.

`` Since when have they given away those ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Now 's the perfect tense time for them to start, '' John replied.

`` I hope I 'm on your team, Albus, '' Kaden piped up.

`` That would be smashing, '' Albus smiled, and he actually meant it. It sounded like there was going to be a lot of random stuff on that list and if there was anyone in the shoal that had loads of random clobber, it was Kaden.

******

The succeeding few days seemed to tangle on forever for Albus and the rest of the first and second years. Everyone was getting excited about the scavenger Richard Morris Hunt and the instructor were getting a bit annoyed that nobody was paying tending in class.

Soon enough, Saturday arrived and Kendrick announced at tiffin for all the first base and second eld to remain seated after they were done eating. Once all the sr. bookman left, Kendrick got to his feet once more.

`` Now, the moment you 've all been waiting for, '' Kendrick said, `` The Scavenger Leigh Hunt will begin shortly. first-class honours degree, I have a few More rules to go over.

`` As I said earlier in the week, there are item on this listing that are not allowed to be created using conjuration. You may not adjure, transfigure, tour, or charm any of those detail. Asking an older student to do so is also against the rules. We have magic spell that will detect if any item was magicked during the hour of the scavenger hunt.

`` The particular must be found within the school and grounds. Hogsmeade, the Forbidden wood, the Whomping willow tree, and Hagrid 's hut are all out of bounds and you may not search for token in or around them. You may not ask elderly bookman or teachers for service, nor may you owl home fellow member or other citizenry. However, you may ask older scholarly person if they have any of the item on the leaning. It is up to them if they let you borrow them or not. Do not steal anything from anyone or there will be penalisation. You are permitted to use the library for assistance with the triviality. ``

blush wine 's facial expression lit up at that and Albus knew she would be the functionary library researcher for her team.

`` There are going to be eight team of approximately ten students each. Your business firm prefects have your squad duty assignment. squad one and two are to get together at the Hufflepuff table, one at each end. team three and four at the Gryffindor tabular array, five and six at Ravenclaw, and seven and eight at Slytherin. You will be given a few minutes to get organized in your squad and then the early prof will handwriting out the appropriate material. Each team is given one set of stuff, no more. If you lose it, tough luck. Now please see your prefects. ``

Albus got up from the board and looked around until he spotted Georgia. He and his supporter wound their way through the crowd until they managed to get to her.

`` Hey, Albus ! '' Georgia grinned and looked at her clipboard, `` Ready ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm on a expert team, right ? ``

`` fountainhead, there are Slytherins on all the squad, if that 's what you mean, '' Georgia laughed, `` Anyway, you 're on squad Two. ``

Albus nodded and waited for his friends to get their team assignments.

Peach State scanned her clipboard again, `` Let 's see, pink wine is on team One, John the Divine is on Team 4, Matt 's on team Two ... ''

Albus grinned at matt. He was relieved that one of his friends was on his team. Now all he had to do was hope Malfoy was n't on his team.

`` Amanda 's on Team 4, and Kaden 's on Team Six, '' Georgia looked up at them, `` Have fun. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said and then turned to his friends, `` Guess we 'll see you after. adept luck. ``

Albus and Matt worked their way through the gang to the Hufflepuff tabular array along with blush wine. Albus was a bit discomfited that Kaden was n't on his team, but there was n't anything he could do about that. The chance were n't great that he would have two of his friends on his same team. He was just favorable he had one of his friends on the same team.

The Hufflepuff table was already filling with people from teams one and two. Team Two was gathering at the half closest to the staff table, so Albus and matt made their way there.

There seemed to be a fairly still act of each house at the table. Besides Albus and mat, there was one other Gryffindor, a first class girlfriend Albus had seen but did n't know her name. There were also two Ravenclaws Albus did n't know, three Hufflepuffs, and two Slytherins. Albus groaned when he saw who the Slytherins were, Felix Willinson and Vivien Leigh Montague. Leigh was Rose 's potions partner and not the sharp-worded flight feather in the box.

Felix Willinson narrowed his eyes when he saw Albus and Matt coming over. Albus found seats far away from him and sat down, waiting for the pack rat William Holman Hunt to begin.

One of the Ravenclaws stood up a few seconds later, `` Hi, I 'm Rachel undergrowth and I 've been assigned as squad captain. ``

Everyone muttered howdy to her and Rachel had everyone introduce themselves. So far, Willinson and Montague did n't seem enthused about their team, but Rachel did n't pay any care to their animosity.

professor Patil came over a little while later with a fistful of parchment. Albus assumed they were the lists of material to look for and the trivia.

`` The Hunt will part in one minute ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professor will give you your lists as soon as I say go. You 'll have one 60 minutes to be back here with as much stuff you can possibly get. ``

A minute of arc later, Kendrick shot out a shower of blue sparks from his sceptre and Patil handed the stack of lambskin to Rachel.

`` All right ! '' Rachel shouted as she leafed through the parchment, `` We need someone to decrypt the enigma and run around to get the bonus power point. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' the other Ravenclaw volunteered. Rachel nodded and handed him the parchment. He ran out of the Great mansion house while reading the riddle.

`` Ok, here 's the small beer, '' Rachel continued, `` We 've got illustrious witch and Wizards, Famous Muggles, What Not To Do While Interacting With Muggles, What Do You Know About Quidditch, and What Do You Know About football game. ``

Albus turned to Matt and laughed. Kaden would surely jazz the football one.

Rachel handed out the trivia to the masses who thought they 'd be capable to do it. Willinson had n't taken any of the trivia sheets, but Montague took the Quidditch one. Albus hoped she actually knew something about Quidditch.

`` Now we 've just got the lean of detail to observe, '' Rachel announced to the remaining team members, which were Albus, matt, Willinson, and one of the Hufflepuffs. `` You four get started while I work on the trivia. Oh, but I 'll take maintenance of the costumes. You 'll just have to wear off them. ``

Albus nodded and took the sheepskin from her. Costumes ? He hoped he would n't have to put on anything too humiliating. He set it down on the table and began to show it, with everyone else looking over his shoulder.

point Are To Be Gathered Without Magic

-holly wand
-five barf flavored Bertie Botts edible bean
-Slytherin wearing Gryffindor robes
-Gryffindor wearing Slytherin gown
-light cavalry sword
-Dumbledore Chocolate frog card
-twenty shoelace tied together
-Quaffle signed by Joseph Oliver Mrs. Henry Wood
-Shooting Star broom handle
-Muggle pen
-copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
-a Nintendo DS
-girl dressed up as Godric Gryffindor
-boy dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff
-color changing ink
-beater bat
-drum sticks
-silver chalice
-Chudley Cannons jersey
-six Extendable pinna
-Muggle playing plug-in
-receipt from Madam Malkins
-Argus Filch 's autograph
-the gens of five Hogwarts House Elves
-rubber duck
-copy of Hogwarts, A History
-sneakoscope
-foe glass
-tea cozy
-Hogwarts graduation moving-picture show
-band assistance
-green abandon potions bottle
-Beatles CD
-purple gloves
-Hershey 's cocoa bar
-My Little Hippogriff
-pet toad frog
-purple parchment
-two batteries
-tortilla chips

Albus looked up from the leaning and waited for everyone else to finish reading.

`` What the bloody hell is a CD ? '' Willinson asked.

`` Muggle way of listening to music, '' Albus explained, `` One of my cousin might hold one. ``

`` I 've got one, '' the Hufflepuff, who Albus now knew to be Nelson Rodner, said.

`` commodity, '' Albus replied, `` Anyone else know they 've got some of this stuff ? ``

Everyone nodded.

`` Let 's go get the stuff we know we 've got and then see back here, '' Albus said as he got up. `` Then we can act on the stuff we do n't. ``

The other three boy agreed and Albus ran out of the Great Hall with matte. The two of them ran as fast as they could up to Gryffindor Tower.


A/N : I ca n't involve credit for the magpie hunting idea. There is a resort in Pennsylvania called Woodloch true pine that I go to every summer and they have scavenger hunt like the one in this chapter. utter with costumes, trivia, and the riddle. It 's a lot of fun.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Luke, Moonylupin, EvilChaos, potterfan296, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, Miguel, Denas, and phoenixy friend for their recap !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower or the idea for the magpie hunt.


`` Willinson is acting civil, '' Albus commented as they were running up a flight of stairs.

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed, `` Kind of surprising. Either he really wants to win or he 's not as confident without Malfoy. ``

`` Probably both, '' Albus said, `` Whatever the rationality, we lucked out. ``

Everyone stared as Albus and matt ran into the common room completely out of intimation. `` magpie hunt, '' Albus muttered to his cousins Ben and Cedric as he ran by.

`` Excellent, '' Ben grinned, `` Ca n't wait until our turn next Saturday. ``

Bilius was also in their dormitory collecting items when Albus and flatness entered. They nodded to each other, but did n't say anything.

Albus wrenched open his bole and started rifling through it. He found a bag of Bertie Botts bonce, a Dumbledore chocolate frog card, his transcript of Hogwarts, A History, one Extendable Ear, and the photo record album he found in the attic of his house. The graduation picture in the back would play for the Hogwarts graduation picture.

`` What have you got ? '' he asked Matt once he emerged from his trunk.

`` My wand 's holly, a muggle pen, striation help, Chudley Cannons jersey, and a Nintendo DS, although I 'm not sure why I still bother to fetch it since it does n't work here. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Let 's get back to the Great hall. ``

When Albus and Matt got back to the Hufflepuff table, Willinson and Rodner had already returned. There was a cumulus of stuff on the table between them. Albus looked through it and saw that they now had a copy of The Hobbit, color changing ink, a beater 's bat, Muggle performing add-in, and a sneakoscope.

`` All right, we 've got a good start, '' Albus said as he added his and Matt 's material to the spile. `` I guess we 'll have to ask the older bookman to adopt the rest.

`` Rodner, '' Albus began, `` You see if you can get a scant saber, a Quaffle signed by Oliver Natalie Wood, a shooting Star broom handle, metal drum peg, a reception from madam Malkin 's, foe glass, and a Beatles CD. ``

`` Sure, '' Rodner said and took off out of the room.

`` Willinson, '' Albus turned to the Slytherin, `` Go down to the kitchens and see if you can get a silver goblet, tortilla chips, a tea cozy, the names of five House ELF, and a Hershey bar. ``

`` Why should I ? '' Willinson grumbled, `` Who put you in care ? ``

`` individual 's got to do it, '' Albus told him.

`` Make Eckerton do it. ``

`` Him and I are getting the rest, '' Albus replied, `` If you want to win, you 'll get the stuff and nonsense. ``

`` fine, '' Willinson muttered and left the Great Hall.

`` Ok, that leaves the shoe laces, empty green potions bottle, empurpled gloves, a My Little Hippogriff, a toad, purple parchment, a rubber duck, two barrage fire, and five more extendible Ears. Oh, and Filch 's autograph. ``

`` We 'll do that one last, '' mat shuddered. `` We can probably just go back to the common way and ask if anyone 's got this stuff. ``

`` Good idea, '' Albus agreed.

The two boy set off at a run back to their common room. Luckily it was still packed with pupil and some of them grinned as Albus and Matt entered.

`` How 's it going ? '' Ben asked.

`` goodness, '' Albus grinned back, `` But we 've got a clustering of hooey to regain. Listen up everyone ! '' he shouted.

The entire mutual way quieted and turned to Albus. Albus was momentarily shocked that everyone actually stopped what they were doing to pay care to him.

`` Er, we 're doing the pack rat Hunt and call for some stuff. Has anyone got a My Little Hippogriff, purple gloves, a toad, purple parchment, a rubber duck's egg, barrage, or Extandable spike ? Also, we need twenty skid laces. I promise we 'll return it all once we 're done. ``

About half the students got up and went up to their dorm room. A few transactions later they came back down with assorted items for Albus. He managed to borrow a rubber duck, purple parchment, and a few extendible Ears. Plus he got at least twenty shoe laces.

`` That worked well, '' Albus said as he and Matt left the room.

`` I 'd say so, '' Matt agreed, `` Now Filch 's John Hancock. This ought to be fun. ``

Albus smacked his helping hand to his os frontale, `` I should have grabbed the map ! ``

Albus groaned and ran back to the common room. Everyone laughed as he ran up to his student residence and back down to the park elbow room. Albus ignored them and pointed his wand to the map. A few indorsement later he saw that Filch was lurking near the library.

Albus and lustrelessness took off for the library and spotted Filch a few yards away from the door.

`` How are we supposed to ask him ? '' Albus whispered.

`` No estimation, '' matte said back.

Albus 's heart sped up as he got closer to the old caretaker. `` Er, Mr. Filch ? '' he asked.

Filch startled and turned around. He saw Albus and smirked. `` Potter. Up to no dear again ? In penury of another detention, perhaps ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, `` Actually, I was just, er, well, we 're doing this scavenger hunt. Maybe Kendrick told you about it. It 's to promote Inter planetary house one and we have to find all this stuff throughout the rook and- ''

`` We need your autograph, '' Matt interrupted, holding a piece of lambskin and the Muggle pen in his outstretched hand.

Filch stared at them and then started muttering to himself. `` Do n't see why I should rile ... Students never do anything for me ... ''

Nevertheless, Filch took the pen and scribbled his epithet onto the purplish lambskin. He thrust it wordlessly back into Matt 's helping hand and shuffled off down the corridor.

`` That went comfortably than expected, '' Matt said.

`` Yeah, thanks. I could n't really figure out how to ask him. ``

`` I figured, '' mat grinned, `` Anyway, we still need a few things. Hey, Kendrick never mentioned anything about the Room. Do you think we could just ask it for the residue of this ? ``

Albus wondered why he had n't thought of that. It almost seemed like cheating, but Kendrick never said anything. `` That 's brilliant ! ``

The two of them set off for the elbow room, but when they got there, there was a Hufflepuff prefect milling around right in strawman of the elbow room. Albus slowly walked back and Forth River in front of it, keeping an eye on the prefect.

He was about to make his third pass, when the prefect stopped him. `` Sorry, '' he said, `` You ca n't go in there if you 're in the pack rat hunt. Kendrick 's rule. ``

Albus sighed, `` All right wing. ``

`` Of course, '' lusterlessness muttered as they left, `` Kendrick could n't announce that rule because then everyone would find out about the room. Oh, well. What have we got left ? ``

Albus handed Matt the tilt and he looked it over for a few bit. `` Hey, I know lady Pomfrey 's got green potions bottleful. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Albus said, `` We 'd better hastiness, there 's only fifteen proceedings left. ``

They made it to the Hospital backstage in criminal record fourth dimension. Albus pushed the door open and walked in, followed by Matt.

`` I 've got patients to tend to ! '' Madam Pomfrey was shouting at a Ravenclaw starting time yr, `` I have n't got time for this pack rat James Henry Leigh Hunt nonsense ! You 're the twenty percent person I 've had come in here looking for potions feeding bottle and striation help ! I have n't got any ! ``

The girl nodded and ran quickly out of the room, completely ignoring Albus and Matt as she went.

`` Er, she says she has n't got any, '' Albus whispered.

`` I know she does, '' lusterlessness whispered back, `` Let me just ask her. ``

Albus shrugged and followed Matt over to the nanny, who was hang over one of the beds.

`` howdy, gentlewoman Pomfrey, '' Matt greeted her.

dame Pomfrey turned around and her irritated face softened immediately when she saw Matt.

`` how-do-you-do, mat, honey. Are you all right ? You look a bit flushed, '' Madam Pomfrey said and put her hand to his forehead.

`` I 'm delicately, '' Matt assured her, `` I 've just been running around working on the scavenger William Holman Hunt. ``

`` Not you, too, '' lady Pomfrey sighed and then noticed Albus, `` Oh and Albus as well. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` We were just wondering if you might have an empty green potions nursing bottle. ``

The nanny sighed and walked over to her potions locker. `` I suppose. Just be sure to return it. ``

Albus watched in blow as she returned with the exact item they were looking for. lustrelessness grinned at Albus and took the bottle.

`` Thanks, '' Matt smiled.

lady Pomfrey shook her head, `` No problem. Have fun, boys. ``

`` We will, '' Matt said as he turned to pull up stakes the room.

Albus followed him out the door, still in shock that the nanny had actually given them the bottleful when she had yelled at that first year only minutes ago.

`` You 're certainly on her good position, '' Albus muttered after they left the room.

`` One of the few fringe benefit of being there once a month, '' Matt said dryly.

`` We 'd better get back to the Great foyer, '' Albus said as he looked at his watch.

Albus and Matt ran as fast as they could bet on to where their team was. The respite of the team was working hard to finish the remaining small beer. Rachel herself was dressed up as Godric Gryffindor, nail with a fake face fungus. Rodner was dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff.

However, neither was as suspicious as what Willinson was wearing. He was decked out in Gryffindor hunky-dory, with robe, a scarf, and a 'Loyal Gryffindor'hat. Albus could hardly asphyxiate his laughter.

`` Do n't say a word, ceramicist, '' Willinson growled.

`` Albus ! '' Rachel shouted, `` You 've got to fit out up as a Slytherin ! The robes I 've got are too big for Matt and Abby. '' Rachel pointed to the other Gryffindor on the team.

Albus groaned and Willinson burst out laughing. Albus reluctantly put on the Slytherin robes, scarf, and 'Slytherins Are Best'hat. It would only be for a few transactions and if it helped them win ....

Albus did experience a bit strange in the Slytherin robes. He could n't aid but remember back to his sorting and how the hat had wanted to put him in Slytherin at first. If it had, he would be wearing these robes all the prison term. He might deliver even been More friendly with Malfoy at first. He probably would n't have really befriended John, Matt, or Amanda if he 'd been in Slytherin. Albus shook the thought from his headland and concentrated on the fact that he was just wearing the robes to help his team win.

Rachel took stock certificate of the items on the list as Matt tied all the shoelaces together. It turns out that the exclusively things they were missing were the light saber, Quaffle signed by Oliver Wood, shot Star broomstick, foe glass, Milton Snavely Hershey 's bar, frog, and one battery. Rachel thought that was pretty good.

The former Ravenclaw returned a minute later and told everyone that he had finished the screen seeking and had managed to get the fillip level.

`` Time is up ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The prof will be around soon to check your listing. They will also collect your trivia weather sheet which will be marked later today. The achiever will be announced at dinner party tonight. ``

Patil came over to Albus 's team a few consequence later and looked over their lean. She took a pic of the four people who were dressed up, much to Albus 's discouragement. Now there would be permanent wave evidence of his Slytherin moment. As soon as the picture was taken, Albus took off the robe and he noticed Willinson doing the same.

`` Ok, '' Patil announced as she gathered up the bit of parchment, `` You can leave. Please return anything you borrowed. ``

Albus and Matt gathered up their stuff as well as everything they 'd borrowed from various Gryffindors. They stopped by the Hospital Wing to return the bottle and then headed back to their common room.

The two of them passed out everyone 's stuff and nonsense and then went to sit down at their usual table. rose wine, whoremaster, Amanda, and Kaden joined them shortly.

`` That was fun, '' blush wine said as she sat down.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Even though we were with Slytherins. Willinson was n't too bad. ``

`` That 's good, '' St. John said, `` I caught a glimpse of him in the Gryffindor robes. Priceless. ``

`` Yeah, I thought so. Until I had to put on the Slytherin single, '' Albus replied.

bathroom burst out laughing, `` I wish I 'd seen that ! ``

`` You 'll be able to, '' Albus told him, `` Patil took a picture. ``

`` Excellent. ``

`` Did n't any of you lot have to dress up ? '' Albus asked.

`` I was Helga Hufflepuff, '' John said.

`` And I was Godric Gryffindor, '' Amanda added.

`` How did everyone do on the leaning of stuff to regain ? '' mat asked.

`` I 'm moderately for sure my squad was the only when one with a Christ Within saber ! '' Kaden said excitedly, `` I 'm so beaming I decided to wreak it. ``

`` We did all right, '' rosiness shrugged, `` Missed a lot of stuff, but I think we did well in the trivia. ``

`` Of trend you did, '' John grinned. `` Hey, did anyone manage to find the potions bottle ? Slughorn did n't have any Green River single and gentlewoman Pomfrey looked ready to hex me when I asked her. It 's not really clean that Kendrick put something on there that was impossible to get. ``

Albus grinned at mat, who grinned back.

`` What ? '' King John asked.

`` We got it, '' matt told him.

`` How ? '' Kaden asked, `` madam Pomfrey was downright scary when I asked her. May have been because she was engaged fixing someone 's broken arm, but still .... ''

`` lustrelessness asked her and she gave him one, '' Albus explained.

Matt shrugged, `` simpleton, really. ``

John sighed, `` Well, you 're probably the only one in the school who could get it. She 'd probably contribute you whatever you asked for. ``

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

`` Sorry, not telling, '' John replied.

Kaden sighed, `` Oh, component of that whole arcanum I ca n't cognize about ? ``

`` Yeah, '' john said and then changed the subject, `` Hey, did any of you do the riddle thing ? ``

`` I did, '' rosiness said, `` Want to take heed it ? ``

`` Of course, '' John said.

`` Ok, I 'll see if you can get it. I thought it was a bit simple, really, '' Rose said. She pulled a while of parchment out of her robes and read off of it.

'' 'In an event known by wizards oecumenical
Where beneficial and evil are forced to collide
A terrible force can now no longer domiciliate.
A place where just one constituent of Voldemort died .'''

Albus looked at John, matt, and Amanda and shrugged. He did n't remember it was simple, but Rose was full at those sorts of things.

`` No idea, '' John announced.

`` Dunno, '' lusterlessness shrugged.

`` Hmm, '' Amanda muttered.

`` Do n't expect at me, '' Kaden said.

`` The Great residence ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the home where Voldemort died.

`` Nope, '' rose wine grinned, `` That was the magic trick part. It 's actually that monument outside, where prof Longbottom killed Voldemort 's snake. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus groaned, `` Of path ! Did n't even think of that. ``

`` How long did it take you to figure it out ? '' mat asked.

`` Not long, '' rose wine smiled, `` But then I had to comply the clues to find the bit of information to give Professor Kendrick. ``

`` And where was that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Library, '' Rose grinned, `` Herbology section. ``

`` Wonder how many teams got it, '' Albus thought aloud.

`` wellspring, my team did, obviously, '' Rose said, `` And you said your team did, Albus. What about you two ? ``

`` We did n't, '' John sighed and Amanda shook her head.

`` We did, '' Kaden put in.

`` conjecture we 'll see out this evening how everyone did, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed, `` But I 'm not going to think about it now. Might as well get some prep done. ``

Albus managed to get half an essay done before dinner. rose wine wrote an intact essay and did a set of prep questions. Matt helped Amanda with her astronomy and still got his Herbology done. John and Kaden on the other deal, spent he rest of the afternoon goofing off and playing chess.

The excitement was running eminent in the Great Charles Francis Hall during dinner that evening. Everyone was comparing what they managed to retrieve during the Scavenger Hunt. Albus kept glancing up to the faculty table to see when Kendrick would make the announcement, but he seemed to be waiting until the finis minute to do so.

After what seemed ilk forever, Kendrick got to his groundwork. `` in force evening, everyone. I hope all the first and secondly days enjoyed the Scavenger Leigh Hunt. It was certainly a success and I 'm sure the older students will await forward to their turns.

`` And, without any further waiting, I shall announce the results. The first-class honours degree, second, and third home teams will all be awarded medals.

`` In third base place, with 572 distributor point, Team Two ! '' Kendrick announced, `` Will the members of Team Two please descend up here. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up, `` tierce space, that 's not bad ! ``

`` Yeah, I 'd say that 's pretty beneficial, '' Matt grinned and followed Albus up to the stave table.

Albus and Matt joined the rest of their squad in front of the staff board. Kendrick put a bronze medal over each of their necks and pulled out a camera. He took a few flick and then told them to repay to their seats.

rose, Amanda, John, and Kaden congratulated Albus and mat as they sat back down. A few of Albus 's cousins patted him on the back and told him undecomposed job.

`` Excellent, Albus, '' Jesse James grinned, `` But my team will get beginning position next week. ``

`` I 'll trust it when I see it, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` And in second place, with 580 points, is team Seven ! '' Kendrick announced.

The fellow member of Team Seven ran up to the staff table to get their silver medals and have their picture taken.

`` And in showtime topographic point, with 673 points, is team Six ! '' Kendrick shouted. `` Congratulations to the winning team ! ``

`` Woohoo ! '' Kaden stood up and started jumping up and down as he ran up to the staff table, `` Yes ! ``

`` Wow, who would 've thought that, '' Rose grinned, `` Kaden 's team won. ``

`` well, he does consume a very vauntingly amount of random poppycock in his residence hall, '' Albus commented.

`` I 'll bet it was the light up cavalry sword that put his squad over the border, '' Gospel According to John shook his head, `` I mean, I think his team was the exclusively one to get it. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I ca n't believe I won ! '' Kaden shouted as he sat back down with his big Au decoration a few proceedings later.

`` Congratulations, '' Albus grinned, `` At least one of us got first piazza. ``

`` We were so close to minute, '' matte groaned, `` Eight measly points ! ``

`` fountainhead, third 's salutary, '' John muttered, `` Better than not getting a decoration at all. ``

`` Oh, John, it 's just a secret plan, '' Amanda said, `` The point is that we all had fun. ``

`` Congratulations to our winning team and everyone else that participated, '' Kendrick said, `` I will be looking forward to the adjacent round, third and fourth years, a week from today ! ``

Albus hung his bronze medal from his bed post before he went to bed that night. He crawled beneath the covers feeling very content with 3rd place. He had n't really been expecting to win at all. The scavenger Hunt had been a lot of fun, and Albus hoped Kendrick would hold it again sometime. It had been so a great deal fun, that Albus had n't even thought about the new map the stallion day. He made a mental note to ask Rose about the Sileo Altus charm the adjacent day. They would have to tell Kaden about everything soon if they wanted to make anymore onward motion on the map. Plus, they 'd have to research more about how to prove to the map that they really were like the Marauders.


A/N : Bit of a shorter chapter, but the former one was longer, so it evens out. Kaden has proved that it never hurts to have a short saber, a moral that my chum agrees with since he brought his igniter cavalry sword to LeakyCon and quite a few people told him they wished they 'd brought theirs.

I have created a website for my fan fic, where you can chance character profiles and a blog about news show and updates about my authorship. The contact is on my visibility Thomas Nelson Page here. I 'd love for you to check it out and entrust input in the word and Update section.

Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, who had to decorate up as the Tin Man in live on summer 's scavenger hunt. Big thanks to my friend, Rose, for coming up with the conundrum. Thanks as well to EvilChaos, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, mischiefmaker92, drownzer, Moonylupin, Miguel, Denas, and Tonks for their follow-up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Throughout the rest of the month, Rose continued to make advance on the Sileo Altus charm, and by the time April rolled around, she was surefooted in her ability to perform it. Albus wished the Same could be said for the progress with finding out how to turn up to the map that he and his friends were like the Marauders. Albus spent every waking moment that he was n't doing homework, attending Quidditch practice, or dueling practice, in the library trying to notice out a spell or good luck charm that would work. His attempt were fruitless, though, because he still had n't found anything promising.

Albus also had another successful dueling tournament. He won both of his affaire d'honneur as did Malfoy, but their team still had n't won. Albus was beginning to doubt whether they 'd ever win.

Albus 's next Quidditch match was the first Saturday in April. He found himself distracted by the map even before he entered the changing room. They were playing Ravenclaw, and it was laborious to secern who had the ripe team, Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Albus pushed view of the map from his brain as he walked into the changing way.

Georgia gave the team the usual pep public lecture, which this prison term included telling them that if they won this match, they 'd be in the final. If Ravenclaw got less than 180 points, then Ravenclaw might not do it to the final. Georgia did n't particularly deal who they played in the final examination, just so long as they won.

The match went smoothly, in Albus 's judgment. Much serious than the previous mate, in which Albus got sick partway through. The weather was better for this equal as well. Albus managed to keep from thinking about the map, which was full since it was a very high-scoring match for both face and Albus was constantly being thrown the Quaffle. After only an hour of drama, James went into a dive and caught the stoolie, right out from under one of the Ravenclaw beater 's broom.

The usual party in the common room ensued after the students returned to the castle, but Albus was n't really concerned in it. Now that the match was over, all he could remember about was trying out the Sileo Altus charm on Kaden. Albus figured the best fourth dimension to do it would be in the even and the best home would be the Room.

Shortly after Rose had succeeded in performing the good luck charm on John, Matt had reluctantly given into trying it with Kaden. His only condition was first trying it with a harmless mystery, and if that worked, to propel onto the bigger one.

`` Are we doing it tonight ? '' john asked as he sipped his butterbeer.

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back, `` After dinner. ``

The ease of the afternoon and dinner party seemed to go by at an alarmingly slow rate. time seemed to go by much like it did in History of Magic.

`` Kaden, '' Albus said after they had finished eating, `` We 're not going to the common room now. We 're going to show you a different way in the castling, one you 've never seen. ``

`` Excellent, '' Kaden grinned, `` What kind of room ? ``

`` You 'll see when we get there, '' Albus replied. `` Let 's go. ``

Kaden followed Albus and his champion through the palace, with a constant flow of questions that Albus ignored.

`` Are you sure this is going to work ? '' Matt whispered nervously as they stopped in straw man of the blank infinite of wall where the elbow room of demand was.

`` Yes, '' Rose assured him, `` It will work. ``

mat nodded and started pacing in front of the wall.

`` Why did we hold on ? '' Kaden asked, and then his optic popped out of his head as he saw the door appear from nowhere. `` Wicked. ``

`` C'mon, '' Albus said as he opened the door.

`` What is this property ? '' Kaden asked in awe.

`` Room of Requirement, '' Albus told him, `` Room that gives you what you need. ``

`` I ca n't believe you did n't exhibit me this yet ! ''

`` Well, it 's not something we want you to secernate anyone about. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said, `` So it 'll give me anything I ask it for ? I think I want an total cake .... ''

`` It does n't do food, '' Rose explained.

`` Oh, well, it 's still glorious. ``

`` Kaden, amount sit down, '' Albus told his cousin-german.

`` You 're all so calm down, '' Kaden said as he took a seat on the couch next to Albus, `` What 's going on ? ``

`` wellspring, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to examine something. Rose found a appeal that 's supposed to reach someone not be capable to tell early people 's arcanum. If it works, we 're going to narrate you a bunch of hooey and you wo n't be able to tell anyone. ``

`` What are you going to assure me ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` We have to make water sure the appeal works first, '' Albus sighed, `` Which is why we 're here. rose wine is going to execute the magic spell, using your cognition of this room as the secret. If you have n't told anyone by next Sabbatum, we 'll say you the rest of it. ``

`` fine, '' Kaden sighed, `` I ca n't trust you wo n't recount me without this charm. ``

`` Um, Kaden, you 've told Malfoy stuff I told you not to tell anyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` That was n't my fault ! ``

`` I know, but we 're not risking this. If you want to know the secrets, you 'll make to have rose do the magic spell. ``

`` Ok, ok, I 'll do it, '' Kaden said.

`` Good, '' Rose smiled, `` Now let 's get started. ``

It took rosiness about ten hour to execute the appeal. Kaden was thoroughly amazed by the charm and rose wine 's ability to perform it.

`` Let 's test it, '' Rose decided once they left the room. She pointed to a girl who was walking towards them. `` Go tell her about the Room. ``

Kaden shrugged and ran up to the girl, who looked to be around Kaden 's age and was in Hufflepuff.

`` Er, '' Kaden began, `` So there 's this place- '' Kaden turned around and looked confusedly at Albus, then turned back to the lady friend. `` Anyway, at this place, you can- ''

`` What 's wrong with you ? '' the girl asked, trying to cover up her giggling. `` Are you ok ? ``

`` mulct, amercement, '' Kaden muttered, `` Never idea. ``

Kaden ran back to Albus and the others, blushing furiously. `` It worked, but now everyone 's going to think I 'm an idiot. ``

Albus laughed, `` No they wo n't. But that 's good that it worked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Kaden grinned, `` Definitely worth it. ``

******

Albus kept a tight eye on Kaden throughout the next hebdomad. As far as he could assure, his cousin did n't tell anyone about the elbow room of prerequisite. They tested the appealingness a few more times, telling Kaden to tell somebody about it, but Kaden was never able-bodied to. Albus was fully convinced that the Sileo Altus charm was a success.

Kaden was positively beaming by the time Saturday arrived. Albus was form of excited as well, because they would officially have Wormtail in their group of new vulture. King John, Rose, and Amanda were excited as well. The only matter left to do after this would be to find a way to prove to the map that they were like the piranha. Matt did n't appear excited at all. He was clearly nervous about telling Kaden that he was a lycanthrope. It probably did n't help oneself that the full moon was only a few days away. Albus could n't really fault Matt for his nerves, but Albus was sure as shooting the magic spell would keep to work.

After dinner, Albus led his friends back to the elbow room of Requirement, with the new Map in his robes.

`` Ok, what 's the secret ? '' Kaden said as he bounced around the elbow room once they were inside.

`` You 've got to sit down first, '' Albus told him. `` And matte 's going to tell you the beginning one. ``

`` Oh ! '' A tone of comprehension appeared on Kaden 's face. `` Is this about how you get crazy every month ? ``

`` Yes, '' mat sighed.

`` And this is what you do n't want Malfoy to know about ? ``

`` Yes, '' matt said shortly, `` Now just let me tell you what it is. ``

`` Sorry, '' Kaden muttered.

`` It 's ok, '' Matt said, `` First, you ca n't tell anyone this. I mean, do n't even try to test the charm like we 've been doing all calendar week. You ca n't even try to tell anyone this. Never honorable mention it to anyone except us. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said.

`` commodity. Now, you know that wolfman are literal, right ? ``

Kaden nodded, `` What does that have to do with you getting cat ? ``

`` Everything, '' flatness said quietly, `` I am a loup-garou. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That is the coolheaded thing ever ! ``

`` No it 's not, '' mat sighed, `` You do n't even really do it what happens when I turn into a loup-garou. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I 've seen movies. ``

`` It 's not like that, '' Matt told him, `` I get ghastly a few twenty-four hours before the full moon, and then the night of the fully moon, I turn into a wolf and bite myself because there 's zilch else for me to seize with teeth. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden deflated, `` So where do you go when you turn into a wolf ? ``

`` A hut in Hogsmeade. ``

`` The shrieking Shack ? ``

`` Yes, that, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm the one who does the shrieking. ``

`` Now that is cool, '' Kaden grinned. `` How long have you been a werewolf ? ``

`` Since I was five. ``

`` That 's a yearn time, '' Kaden said.

`` near of my life history, '' matt explained, `` It 's frightful, really. ``

`` And that 's the big mystery ? '' Kaden asked, `` Why ca n't anyone screw that ? ``

`` Because nigh wizards do n't like werewolves, '' Matt explained.

`` fountainhead that 's dazed. ``

`` Yeah, it is, but it 's reality. ``

`` But why is n't there a enchantment to make you not a loup-garou anymore ? Or a potion ? ``

`` Magic does n't fix everything, '' lustrelessness sighed.

`` Yeah, that 's what I 've been trying William Tell you for the whole yr, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But why ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` But there is a potion, called the wolfbane Potion, that 's supposed to ready it so you keep your human mind when you turn into a masher. So you do n't require to attack anyone or yourself. ``

`` Why do n't you take on that ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do, '' Matt told him, `` Actually, I take a different variety show than almost werewolves take. For some reason, wolf's bane does n't exercise for me. I 'm in this study at St. Mungo 's to fancy out why and right now they 've got me taking a new kind of Wolfsbane. ``

`` Energy it work ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Matt replied, `` That 's kind of why I still bite myself every full moon. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. `` So someday they might find a potion that will work ? ``

lusterlessness shrugged, `` Maybe. But I 'm not getting my hopes up. ``

`` So I 'll be charmed not to say anything about this ? '' Kaden asked after a few moments of silence.

`` Yes, '' Albus replied, pulling the new map out of his robes, `` And about this. ``

Albus spent the next half hour showing Kaden the new map. Kaden thought it was the near affair he had seen yet at Hogwarts and could n't wait for it to completely work.

`` So we need you to typify St. Peter Pettigrew, '' Albus said after he 'd finished explaining about the map.

`` St. Peter the Apostle Pettigrew ? '' Kaden raised his eyebrows, `` That malevolent lad who betrayed your grandparents ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' Albus sighed.

`` You know my mum wanted to name me tool, but Dad said no because he did n't require me to suffer the same name as that idiot, '' Kaden commented, `` So it 's my center name. ``

`` perfect tense, '' John the Evangelist grinned, `` You even kind of share his name. ``

`` will you do it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I guess so, '' Kaden said slowly, `` I mean, it 's not like I 'm going to be like Pettigrew now. ``

`` No, '' Albus agreed, `` But you have to be variety of like him for it to mould. And you are because you 've sort of got the same figure. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I guess. Anyway, when are you going to get the map to sour ? ``

`` Whenever we figure out how to turn out to it that we 're like the Marauders. Somehow we 've got to show the map that we are standardised to the vulture, '' Albus explained, `` Which is taking forever. ``

`` Oh, you mean like a finger print ? '' Kaden asked.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` You know, a digit print. Everyone 's is unlike, but your finger print is similar to your relatives. It 's how Muggle cops find masses and stuff when they 're missing. And how they identify bodies. ``

`` A finger print ! '' Rose exclaimed, `` That 's it ! I ca n't believe I did n't guess of it ! ``

`` What are you talking about ? '' John asked. `` Kaden just said everyone 's is different. So how will ours be like the Marauders'? ``

`` Not Muggle finger's breadth print, '' Rose said, `` Wizard ace. There 's a spell to get your magician 's finger's breadth Print. It reveals your name, relatives, even your personality. ``

`` That 's form of scary, '' Albus said, `` Anyone can find that clobber out if they 've got your finger print ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Rose shrugged, `` But I think it will influence for this. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus grinned. He could n't consider that Kaden had actually given rose wine an idea about the map. Kaden had helped with it. If this digit print matter worked, they could cause the map figured out in no time.

`` We 'll front for it tomorrow, '' pink wine stood up and drew her verge, `` Now let 's do the charm. ``

Albus nodded, feeling more mad than he had in month. They were so close, he could just feel it. The map would be working soon. Of track, there was a shrewish question in Albus 's gut that was telling him that there would be something to figure out even after the fingerbreadth print thing.

******

`` What are you going to sign up for ? '' John asked as he glanced over the parchment all the second years had received just a minute earlier.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` What about you, Matt ? ``

`` Care of Magical animal, '' lustrelessness replied, `` Not sure as shooting what else. ``

`` I 'll do that one, too, '' Albus decided and wrote it down on his parchment. `` Hagrid teaches it, so it 'll be fun. ``

`` Sign me up, '' John Lackland said, `` I could use with a fun stratum. ``

`` You ought to remember about what will be utilitarian in your time to come life history, '' pink wine told them.

`` But I 've got no musical theme what I want to do, '' John the Divine said.

Albus had no melodic theme either. He had n't really thought about it. He thought being an Auror would be a effective job, but he was n't sure as shooting that that was what he wanted to do. He still had five years at Hogwarts anyway, why decide now ?

`` Me either, '' Amanda agreed, `` I think I 'll do upkeep of Magical Creatures, too. ``

`` I 'm taking Muggle study, '' rose announced, `` Plus Arithmancy and ancient Runes. ``

`` All three ? '' John asked, `` But we only have to take two. ``

`` Yeah, but I want to pack all of them. I 'd really like to take on precaution of Magical Creatures, too, but there 's not enough sentence. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do foretelling, '' Saint John shrugged.

Rose snorted, `` Divination ? Mum says that should n't even be a field of study. There 's no genuine learning involved. ``

`` But is it easy ? '' John the Divine asked.

`` Uncle Ron said all you 've got to do is construct up predictions about your demise if you 've got Trelawney, '' Albus explained.

`` Excellent, '' privy scribbled onto his sheepskin, `` I 'll pick out that and hope I 've got Trelawney. ``

`` I 'm taking that, too, '' Amanda said, `` It actually sounds interest. ``

`` amercement, '' rosebush sighed, `` But I still say it 's not really a subject. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do Ancient Runes, '' Albus thought aloud, `` I think it 's easier than Arithmancy. What about you, Matt ? What else do you think you 'll take ? ``

`` Ancient Runes sounds effective, '' Matt yawned, `` I guess I 'll take that. Amy took it. She hated it in Australia, but she said it 's intimately here. ``

`` I 'd take everything, '' Kaden announced, `` I could n't decide. ``

`` You ca n't choose everything, '' Rose laughed, `` You 'd have to be in two places at once. ``

`` Oh, well I 'm reasonably trusted that 's impossible, '' Kaden sighed.

Albus turned and grinned at Rose, who grinned back. Albus could only imagine Kaden 's reaction to a time-turner.

`` Yeah, the most classes you can carry is three, '' rose wine explained.

`` Then I 'll take three, '' Kaden decided.

`` Are you lot done choosing division ? '' Rose asked as she stood up, `` We 'd improve get to Transfiguration. ``

Albus spent the full Transfiguration class trying to wrick his plate into a bowl, and had almost managed to do it by the time the stratum was over. Rose, of course, did it within ten minutes and spent the remainder of the course of study helping Albus and the rest of their friends.

chronicle of Magic was as boring as ever. matt slept the entire class, and Albus felt himself nod off a few times. lustrelessness had seemed very tired in Transfiguration and probably would throw fallen asleep in that social class if it were n't for the fact that it was a practical lesson. This was n't surprising considering the fact that the to the full moon was the following day. The Healers still had n't found something to counteract the side effect of extreme tiredness of the new Wolfsbane that Matt was on.

look-alike Potions was after lunch, and Albus felt drowsy as soon as he walked into the room. This was odd since he had felt ticket a moment before. He did n't seem to be the only one who felt this either. Both Saint John the Apostle and Amanda yawned as soon as they sat down, and even rosebush 's eyes drooped a bit as she pulled out her parchment. lustrelessness laid his head down on the desk and fell asleep immediately.

`` thoroughly afternoon, everyone ! '' Slughorn said, `` Now, I 'm sure enough you 're all feeling a bit stock, which is perfectly normal.

`` This, '' Slughorn gestured to a smoke caldron on his desk, `` Is Drowsiness Potion. All it takes is one whiff of this potion to put you into a state of fatigue. If you drink it, you 'll fall into an almost sleep-like body politic for about a half time of day. Of course, you 'd jazz this if you did the recitation that was due today. ``

Albus remembered being assigned the reading, but he had n't done it. He had just been too in use with Quidditch praxis, dueling practice, and all his former homework.

`` You will be trying to brew this today, but you will only do one-half of it, '' Slughorn announced, `` It needs to simmer for about a week before you can complete it. program line are on the instrument panel. make with your common better half. ``

Albus yawned and got up from his tabular array. He joined Limbert at his mesa and lit the fervidness under the cauldron while Limbert collected ingredients.

The full course of instruction was moving at a dumb step than usual, and everyone was yawning every few minutes. It was kind of strange. nonentity was arguing with their pardner either. Albus wondered if Slughorn had picked this item potion for a ground. The retiring week, a affaire d'honneur had broken out between John and Goyle, resulting in both of them being sent to the hospital Wing for burns and then being assigned a week 's worth of detention.

Limbert returned wit the ingredient and he and Albus started to get up them, without exchanging any conversation. No different than usual.

Albus dumped some ingredients into the cauldron and began to stir it. He watched Matt and Malfoy as he did so. Malfoy had returned with element and was prodding mat with his wand to get him to waken up.

`` What are you doing ? '' Albus whispered to Malfoy.

`` Waking him up, '' Malfoy said.

`` Wha-what 's going on ? '' Matt lifted up his head.

`` chop up those cherry roots, '' Malfoy instructed. Albus was surprised with how becalm Malfoy seemed.

matt nodded and picked up his tongue. Albus went back to stirring his potion.

`` Professor ! '' Malfoy said after a few minute of arc. `` He keeps falling asleep. ``

Albus looked up from the beetle eyes he was mincing. Matt was once again asleep on the table.

`` Ah, '' Slughorn waddled over to Matt and Malfoy 's table, `` The drowsiness Potion affects everyone differently. '' Slughorn shook mat 's shoulder. `` Dear boy, you might want to go to the infirmary Wing. I do n't retrieve the fumes from this potion are agreeing with you. They 're not supposed to put you into a deep sleep. ``

flatness nodded and stood up. He stumbled and leaned back onto the desk.

`` Albus, '' Slughorn turned to Albus, `` Perhaps you could see him. I 'm for certain Mr. Limbert can care your potion. ``

`` All right field, '' Albus laid down his tongue and went over to where matte was standing.

Albus grabbed his arm and led him out of the elbow room. Albus felt immediately better as soon as they shut the door. The sleepiness went away completely.

`` I 've got to sit down, '' flatness mumbled and sat down on the floor.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked, sitting down next to him.

`` I dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` I 'm guessing that that potion just made me even more tired than I already am. ``

`` Do you feel better now ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' Matt replied.

`` Then you 'd better get to the hospital offstage. ``

`` Yeah, I suppose. ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey wanted Matt to detain for the quietus of the afternoon. Albus was n't even sure if she 'd let him leave at all before the wax lunation. Knowing the nurse, she probably wouldn't.

matte never came back from the hospital Wing that night, so Albus assumed Madam Pomfrey was keeping him there until after the full moon. Albus and the quietus of his ally decided that as soon as flatness was out of the hospital fender, they would set off looking for the Wizard 's Finger mark appeal. Rose was pretty indisputable she had seen it in the library somewhere, but she could n't remember where. That meant that they would pass time of day scouring the entire library for it. This was in addition to all the special studying they had to do now that the end of term test were less than two months away. Albus just hoped they 'd be able-bodied to visualize out the map before school was over. It would be unpointed to figure it out during the summer, when they would n't even be able to use it.


A/N : I hope everyone has enjoyed Half-Blood Prince or do enjoy it if you have n't seen it yet ! Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, EvilChaos, phoenixy friend, XDNLxtlz99, Tears of a Phoenix, Denas, Miguel, Saint Luke, and tranc3rooney for their inspection !