Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On Christmas Eve the potter went to Godric 's Hollow, like usual. It was completely dark by the prison term they Apparated to the burrow, but there was mountain of light streaming out of the tall sign of the zodiac 's windows. As they walked closer to the place, Albus could listen the holler of laughter coming from inside.

`` Harry ! '' the door to the burrow flew open air and George stood in the doorway to recognise them, a mug of eggnog in his manus. `` How are ya, mate ? ``

`` I 'm corking, George. I see you 're already fuddle, '' Harry grinned at him.

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

Albus smiled to himself as he saw the common Chaos that was Christmas Eve at his grandparents'house. His sea of redheaded cousins were milling around eating and laughing with each former. This was what Albus loved about Christmastide at the burrow. He grabbed a duet cookie from the nearby table and went to find rose. She was sitting on the floor near the hearth with Hugo, Victoire, and Teddy.

`` Albus ! '' she shouted over the haphazardness, `` 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 St. George, Uncle flier, and Uncle Charlie are inebriate. My dad 's on his way and so is aunt Alicia. ``

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

`` nanna 's been refilling the cooky platters 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 mollie, Hermione, and Fleur were looking at. Fleur threw her hands up in the air and glared at Molly. `` Yup, here comes Celestina. ``

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

Sure enough, Fleur poured herself a large mug of eggnog as mollie settled down to hear to the wireless. She was the just one listening, though. Albus could listen moment and pieces of a heated Quidditch discussion going on between his Uncle Charlie, Uncle George II, Aunt Alicia, and Heather. 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 Dec 25. I 've got to get back to St. Mungo 's in a couple day. But I 've been here since yesterday when Amy left for Commonwealth of Australia. I did n't want to be alone in the flat, it would 've gotten awfully slow. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Sure, '' Albus replied.

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

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` We can get a substantial secret plan going. I 'll just secernate my dad I 'm going home with you. '' Albus looked around the room and saw Harry in the midst of a Quidditch discussion. `` Hey, Dad ! ``

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

`` It 's all right if I go to rosebush 's house on the 28th, right ? And stay a dyad twenty-four hours ? ``

`` That would be fine, '' Harry said, `` But we 're actually going to Dudley 's house for New class 's Eve, so we 'll derive 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 grinning, `` Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon will be there as well .... ''

`` What ? ! ''

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

`` All right, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't really want to see auntie genus Petunia and Uncle Vernon, but he did n't really have a choice.

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

`` Well, at least I can hail over for a few days, '' Albus said.

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

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

`` I 'm sure it 'll be very well, '' Rose assured him. `` Plus, Kaden will be there. ``

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

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

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

`` Neither do I, '' Victoire agreed.

`` I do, '' teddy bear laughed as he changed his pilus from its usual blue to red.

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

`` end adequate. And anyway, who knows what 'll happen in the next few class, '' Teddy winked at Victoire, who giggled. shimmy threw his arms around Victoire and kissed her.

`` Better not let grannie see you doing that, '' rosiness warned.

`` Always a stickler for the prescript, huh Rosie ? '' chemise laughed and lengthened his fuzz until it was the perfect reproduction of Rose's.

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

teddy shortened his fuzz again and turned to Albus. `` Really ? ``

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

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

`` Maybe another clock time, '' Albus glanced at Rose. Albus had n't really make up one's mind whether or not to severalize Teddy about the new map. Most of Rose 's and Albus 's most Holocene pattern break was done in order to decode it. Albus knew he was n't going to say his full cousin about it, but he was n't sure about teddy and James IV. One part of him thought they deserved to hump, considering that their father and grandfather were both Marauders, but on the other hired man he form of care keeping it a secret.

`` Aw, amount on, recount me. ``

`` Another time, '' pink wine said adamantly.

`` Oh, mulct, '' chemise huffed, `` But I will obtain out. ``

Albus spent the relief of the even talking and playing game with Rose, teddy, and Victoire. He was really enjoying the time off from school and getting to spend meter with his entire family at once. By the time he climbed up to the noggin bedroom that he shared with James and a few of their cousins, he was tired and stuffed from all the cooky.

******

`` James IV ! Albus ! '' Albus snapped his center open at the auditory sensation of his name the future sunup. He immediately recognized the vox as belonging to Lily. He heard her footsteps bounding into the elbow room. `` Albus, James ! It 's Christmastide ! stir up up ! ``

`` Hi Lily, '' Albus yawned.

`` Good, you 're up ! James IV ! Get up ! ``

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

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

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

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

After Lily 's former wake-up call, everyone in Albus 's room was up. Albus settled down to give his own pile of present tense with the other boys. The first base few boxes were filled with sweets and various Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes product. The succeeding was this year 's Weasley jumper. It had a red quaffle stitched onto the front end with a dark blue blue background. `` Opened your jumper yet, Jesse James ? ``

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

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

`` Excellent. ``

Albus opened the adjacent few presents, which consisted of numerous Christian Bible and other clothing items. He also got a broom handle Servicing Kit, which would be useful since his Firebolt 2000 had a few branchlet that needed to be plucked. Albus saved the present from his parents for lastly and was about to unfold it when James gave an stir 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 Henry James 's bed.

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

William James had a Brobdingnagian grin on his boldness as he held up a lacuna slice of parchment. `` face what I got. ``

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

`` He sure did ! '' James shouted.

`` This is perfect ! '' Cedric exclaimed.

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

`` That 's not bad, James, '' Albus smiled, `` But why you and not me ? '' Albus could n't avail but find a little left wing out, even though he now had his own predator 's Map that would potentially be better than the master. But his dad did n't know about that, so why did he gift the Map to King James ?

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

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

What he saw made his sass dip overt in shock. This would explain why King James I got the Map ! Sitting in the middle of the torn wrapping, was the Invisibility Cloak. `` He, he gave me the Cloak, '' Albus whispered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` I 'm going to go Tell rose wine, '' Albus wrapped the Cloak around himself and left the elbow room. He had never worn the Cloak at the Burrow before and he thought it was really risible that he passed Eddie on the stairs and Eddie did n't even notice him. He pushed open the doorway to the room that Rose shared with Victoire, Georgia, Gabriella, and Heather and waited for the girls'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 girl shrieked as they saw Albus emerge from the Cloak, then they all started laughing. `` Where did you get that ? '' pink wine demanded.

`` Dad gave it to me ! ''

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

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

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

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

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

Albus continued down the steps and into the kitchen of the Burrow. A few of his cousin, 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 caldron at once, while simultaneously bringing assorted token to the table. Albus watched them all for a few mo before pulling the Cloak off and cheering, `` happy Christmas ! ``

eyeshade choked on his coffee and spat it across the table at George I, who had started laughing. Harry, who had probably been expecting this, grinned and looked at Ginny, who was smiling back. Lily was staring at Albus with her rima oris wide-cut open. mollie dropped the bowl of burgoo she had been bringing to the mesa. Everyone else looked at Albus with respective spirit of shock and amusement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` No, James River got that. ``

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

`` Well, I can cheat on the castling whenever I want and it wo n't matter who 's around, '' Harry explained, `` The boys ca n't. Plus, I did n't need to refuse them the fun of it. ``

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

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

`` That wo n't protect them from wizards already in the castle ! '' Molly commented, `` think of that Willinson kid hold out yr ? ``

`` How could I draw a blank ? Sometimes, you just have to take risks in social club to endure a little. I trust the son enough to sleep together they wo n't go wandering around late at nighttime very often. And if you see anything fishy on the Map, '' Harry turned to Albus, `` separate me about it right away. ``

Albus nodded. `` surely. '' He took a seat at the table, 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 narrate you what I told Al. Do n't use that to break too many ruler and if you see anything abnormal on it, tell me right away. ``

`` hi, Weasleys ! '' teddy bear strolled into the room, his hair half green and half red. He sat down next to Albus and pulled a phonograph record of eggs towards him. `` glad Christmas. ``

`` I know your hair is Christmas colored, but those two people of colour just should n't be paired together, '' James shuddered as he noticed Teddy 's hair. `` I mean, Gryffindor and Slytherin at the same clip ? ``

`` It 's gay, '' shimmy grinned. `` You want me to charm yours to be red and honey oil, too ? Just learned some fantabulous charms for that sort of thing in training. Not that I 'll involve them. ``

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

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

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

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

`` I got the Cloak. ``

Teddy turned to Albus, `` Really ? That 's great, too ! Wish I had an invisibleness Cloak. ``

`` But you can barf those Disillusionment appeal, '' Albus pointed out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` trade good, '' Harry smiled, `` Now who 's up for a slight winter Quidditch ? ``

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

******

Albus spent most of the day playing Quidditch outside with his kinsperson. Eventually they all had to come in because they were too common cold to play any longer. Plus, it started snowing pretty hard and cypher wanted to drop off the Snitch. Albus spent the sleep of the day with rose wine and reading a few of his new record book. The Cloak was passed around between his cousins, and nearly of them were amazed Harry had given it to him, and a little envious as well. James passed the Map around and everyone had fun watching the few pane that were left in the castle.

Yuletide dinner came and went in its common disorderly state. It was trashy and funny story and Albus enjoyed every arcminute of it. He went to bed feeling very replete and very subject matter. The side by side day Albus 's aunts, uncles, and cousins all started to give. Albus and Rose 's families stayed for a dyad Thomas More days, but they soon had to impart so Albus 's grandparents could go on holiday for New Year 's. Albus was actually excited to entrust because he would be going to Rose 's house and hopefully getting the stag print.

Albus landed in Rose 's livelihood way after Flooing from the burrow. His Uncle Ron, Rose, and Hugo had already arrived and his Aunt Hermione was right behind him. There was an owl waiting next to the windowpane and Hermione ran over to let it in.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus had n't thought of that. All last summer he could possess 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 trick outside school. So I would n't evoke doing it a lot. I 'm sure we 'd get in big difficulty with our parents. I would n't even be suggesting we do this if there was another way to get the photographic print. ``

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

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

`` Yeah, but King John and Matt want to help, too. ``

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

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

`` Yup, '' Rose grinned.

`` Now we 've just got to find the charm to keep Kaden placid, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower.


Albus, rosiness, and Hermione went to the Leaky Cauldron the following day to run into lustrelessness and Amanda, who was also being dropped off there. John Lackland had arrived earlier by Floo and went with them as well. When they got there, both mat and Amanda were already there.

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

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

`` It was smart as a whip, '' Albus replied, `` Wait till you see what I got. ``

`` What ? '' Amanda asked.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed, `` sort of looks like mine. ``

`` Thanks, '' Rose replied.

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

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

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

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

`` And to think we slip it just a few weeks ago, '' can snorted.

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

`` Oh, sorry. ``

`` But this is n't all, '' Albus continued, `` Epistle of James got the piranha 's Map. ``

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

`` He did. ``

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

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

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

`` I hope it 'll work. Newton would n't stay still and the parchment is kind of unironed. ``

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

`` ripe affair we did n't let the print go directly on the map, '' mat replied.

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

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

`` I ca n't conceive you ate that entire matter, '' Rose screwed up her grimace in disgust after King John ate the last sting of his lunch.

`` It was good, '' he shrugged.

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

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

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

Once they were all done with lunch, Rose and Albus led the way outside and over to the forest. The wood was situated side by side to the large overt field that was side by side to the house. Albus and rosebush went exploring in it quite a bit and knew their way around it well. The group crunched across the play false laden field until they came to the woodland 's edge. Rose found the path they usually took and lead the group down it. `` keep back your eyes pealed for a hart, '' she told everyone.

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

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

`` It was all aright. No dissimilar than usual. It was boring of course of instruction, and my grandmother kept telling us how we should visit more often. ``

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

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

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

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

The radical continued walking into the woodland until Rose announced that it would be better if they sat completely still and waited for a stag to walk by. She said their movement would frighten away the animal away. Albus sat down in the snow behind a shrub with his protagonist and watched and listened for animals. After a one-half time of day of waiting, Albus was bored. How long was it going to train for a hart to crossbreed their course ? He would much rather just take the air around to find one. rosiness seemed perfectly content to sit still, as did mat. John had made a orotund mint of snow balls, along with a pull the wool over someone's eyes wizard. Amanda was busy creating a bamboozle beldam to go along with his wizard.

`` I 'm bored, '' whoremaster sighed as he made yet another snow Ball. `` How long is this going to accept ? ``

`` I do n't fuck, '' Rose shrugged, `` We do n't see stags that often in here, so it might be a while. ``

Albus glanced at his watch, `` Well it 's just after two, so if we do n't feel one soon, we 'll have to go back. '' He stared into the woodland and willed a stag to total. Albus was getting frustrated by this point. They needed that shit mark for the map ! There was no lieu else to find one. What if they could n't find a stag before the end of the holiday ? They would feature to hold off until the summertime to explore again. Albus could n't wait that long. He wanted the map now.

`` Wait, '' lustrelessness stood up and turned around, `` I think I hear something over there. '' He pointed to a clustering of President Bush a couple meters away.

`` I do n't hear it, '' privy replied.

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

Matt started slowly making his way towards the clump of bush. Albus and the others followed behind, nobody saying a word. `` wand quick, '' flatness whispered.

Albus pulled out his sceptre and pointed it towards the George Walker Bush, his mind racing with fervour as he went. This was it ! They were going to get the shop print ! Part of Albus 's mind 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 beast in the forest were too humble to be rustling the bushes this much. As Albus got closer to it, he could distinctly hear the footmark of the animal, and they were much too loud to be a rabbit or a squirrel. There were n't many large animals in the wood, stag being some of the few. It could be a doe, but Albus hoped it wasn't.

The group was now only a partner off feet away from the pubic hair. Everyone had their wand pointed at them, waiting for the animal to defecate its appearance. The mo Albus saw the leaves character, he shouted, `` Stupefy ! ``

`` Stupefy ! '' Rose, John, mat, and Amanda all shouted at once.

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

It was Teddy. The dissonance Matt had heard in the Dubyuh was Teddy. Albus lowered his verge and sighed. So much for finding a hart. Now that chemise was with them, they would no longer be able to front. Albus turned to his champion and saw them all put their wands away.

slip fully emerged from the President Bush and walked over to where Albus was with a bewildered look on his face. `` Do I even want to have a go at it what you 're up to ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, trying to cerebrate up an alibi fast.

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

`` Shriek, maybe ? '' Teddy gave them a lopsided smiling, `` But not attack me. ``

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

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

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

`` It 's kind of frigidness to be going for a hike, '' teddy bear commented, `` But Ron said you were here, so I figured I 'd see if I could find you. '' He eyed lav 's agglomerate of snowball and grinned, `` Planning on having a snow ballock fight ? ``

teddy bear did n't await for an answer and picked up a few of lavatory 's snowball. He threw one at Albus and the former at rose.

`` Watch it ! '' Albus shouted as the snowball made liaison with his face. He spat out the snow and twist down to make up his own snow ball. He aimed it at teddy but Teddy jumped out of the way and it hit Matt instead.

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

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

The six of them were completely soaked by the time the battle ended. flatness and Amanda surrendered to rose wine and Albus after the cousin-german decided to produce about 20 sweet sand verbena and lob them constantly at their two protagonist. John surrendered to Teddy a few minutes later, once Teddy decided to charm a pile of snowfall to turn itself into sweet sand verbena, resulting in a unceasing supply of ammo for shimmy. trick did n't have it away that spell and was stuck helping hand making his blow egg while Teddy continuously sent snowball at him.

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

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

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

A little while later, Albus found himself back at Rose 's sign of the zodiac, where everyone was waiting for the Quidditch match to initiate. Albus, along with his champion, ran upstairs to dry off and vary quickly.

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

`` Me, '' Amanda said. She was the simply one. John and lustrelessness, who both had brooms, had brought them knowing they would make for Quidditch.

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

Once everyone had a broom to use, shimmy started to take charge of creating squad. `` All right. Let 's see, we 've got Me, Harry, Ron, Jesse James, Albus, john, Matt, Amanda, Hugo, and rosebush, are you playing ? ``

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

`` Good, then we 've got ten players. That 's five per squad. So each team will sustain a seeker, a beater, a Keeper, and two pursuer, that 'll form. I 'll be one of the seeker, '' he turned to Harry and James, `` Which one of you will be the former ? ``

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

After a few hour of organizing, the two team were created. Albus 's team consisted of shift as Seeker, Ron as custodian, Hugo as the only Beater, and matt and himself as the two chaser. On the other team, James was seeker, Amanda was Keeper, John Lackland was the Beater, and Rose and Harry as Chasers.

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

The peer was zero like the ones at Hogwarts. It was much More loose, and in a way, Albus enjoyed it more. There was only favorable rival between the two squad and no one got furious when somebody dropped the Quaffle, which happened a lot. The two squad were pretty evenly matched in condition of Chasing skills. Albus, who was the simply very pursuer on either team, was easily the scoop. Harry was a decent Chaser, but it was cleared that Seeking was his really acquisition. Rose was absolutely dreadful and was the first to intromit it. She was n't a big fan of flying in the first station and did n't like to take her hands off her Calluna vulgaris in order to charm and fox the Quaffle. flatness was better than blush wine, but dropped the Quaffle numerous times. Albus and matte scored more detail than Harry and Rose did.

Ron, of course, was a very good custodian 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. John was an amazing Beater and Albus already knew that he 'd be trying out for the team after Bradley and Ryan left. Hugo was also a very dear Beater and it was obvious he had received all the Quidditch genes in his kinfolk. Then, of course, there were the seeker. Both Teddy and James were amazing quester and by far the two outflank actor on either team.

After about an hour of playing, during which Albus was certain both teddy and James IV had seen the Snitch but ignored it in order to drag the secret plan on prospicient, both quester flew directly up into the air. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch. A few second base later, they both came flying back down and James had the Snitch clutched in his hand.

`` I got it ! '' he shouted.

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

`` Yes ! '' James exclaimed, landing on the land. Albus and the rest of the players landed after him and congratulated him and his team for winning. `` Ha ! I beat you at Quidditch, teddy bear ! '' King James gloated.

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

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

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

Despite the fact that his team did n't win, Albus was happy. He loved playing Quidditch with his kinsfolk, even more than than playing on his House team. It was even better with his acquaintance there, too. He walked back into the sign with his Quaker and kinfolk, cold 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, Rose, and Hermione went with lustrelessness and Amanda back to the Leaky Cauldron to fill their families. It had been a short visit, but a fun one nonetheless. Albus only wished that they had managed to get the stag mark. He and Rose were planning on trying again the next day, and the succeeding if it was requisite. They had three more days to do it and Albus was determined to succeed.

******

Albus and Rose spent as much prison term as they could in the forest looking for stags the next day. When they were n't in the timberland, they spent their time in the library in rose 's theater, looking for a charm to restrain Kaden quiet.

`` There 's books in here that are n't in the school library, '' rosebush announced as they walked into the elbow room after a particularly cold pleasure trip in the forest.

`` I 'm still not for sure we should remove a interruption from looking for a hart, '' 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 record shelf and Albus followed. He had been in this room sight of time before, just never to expect for a specific charm.

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

`` That 's what this is for, '' rosiness slammed a heavy Holy Writ down on the mesa nighest to the ledge she pulled it off of.

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

`` Yes, '' rosebush confirmed as she opened the cover, `` It 's a rather cunning idea, really. All I 've got to do is take my verge, distributor point it at the book, and say'I need a charm to keep someone quiet'and it will flip to the right page. ``

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

`` All rightfulness, '' rosiness pointed her baton at the book, `` I need a magical spell to keep someone quiet. '' The script 's Page immediately started turning until they stopped about a poop of the way into the book. Rose peered at it and then shook her head. `` Nope, that 's not it. This one 's just a hush magical spell. ``

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

pink wine nodded. `` I need a appeal to prevent someone from talking about something. '' The page started turning again and stopped a few seconds later. Rose sighed after she read the description. `` This one charms a somebody 's mouth shut. ``

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

`` masses might notice, though, '' Rose smirked, `` Although it does have it 's reward. I 'll try something else. ``

`` I think you 'd amend say the book of account exactly what we need the magical spell to do. differentiate it that Kaden has to not blab out about a specific thing. ``

`` goodness mind, '' Rose poised her wand above the book, `` I need to maintain Kaden Durlsey from revealing enigma about mat Eckerton and about a map. He must only be able-bodied to talk about these closed book with five early people and not mention them to anyone else. He should be able to converse normally about other topics. ``

`` That ought to be specific enough. '' Albus watched as the book hesitated for a few moment and then turn its pages to one of the last ones. Both Rose and Albus leaned over the book while rose wine read aloud.

`` 'The Sileo Altus spell is the most composite and intricate of the silencing charms. This charm has the power to keep a person from revealing one specific piece of info to others, unlike former silencing appeal which prevent a individual from speaking at all. The charm also has the ability to require others, which will lead in the person the spell is cast on to be able to converse about the enigma with those particular the great unwashed. When done correctly, this charm will last forever or until the parry appeal is performed. The Sileo Altus magic spell keeps a someone 's secret safe much like the Fidelius Charm keeps a somebody 's location mystery and is said to be just as good .'

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

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

`` Yeah, I guess so. Then there 's the overall charm, '' rose wine 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 list of magical spell. ``

Albus glanced at the submission, `` Oh, it says there 's More information in appealingness of protective covering by Natalia Journo. ``

`` You 're right, I had n't noticed that, '' Rose leaned over the leger again and read the statute title of the recommended Book. `` I think we might actually have that one. '' Rose jumped up from her seat and ran across the way. Albus sat back and watched her. He had no idea how she could possibly love if she had that Holy Scripture or not. The entire elbow room was filled with shelves and ledge of playscript. Albus would n't even sleep with where to look to find the Book they needed.

rose wine returned a few minutes later with a Christian Bible in her munition and a grin on her face. `` We do have it ! This was easier than I thought it would be. ``

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

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

Albus watched as his first cousin flipped through the pages of the book until she found the appealingness they were looking for. He was very happy that Rose was so eager to memorise new appealingness. It certainly helped that she was good at it, too. Albus had made a lot of progress in good luck charm ever since Professor Cedonia arrived, but he was still medium. rose wine was easily the just in their class. That and her eagerness to acquire would certainly help if she was going to master this charm.

rose read in silence for a few minutes and then turned to Albus. `` All right. This explains it pretty well. commencement, of course, we 've got to tell Kaden the secrets. Then we 've got to foot the cloak-and-dagger keeper. I 'm thinking that I 'll have to be the secret keeper since the mystical keeper is the one to perform the magical spell. ``

Albus nodded, `` I 'm ticket with that. We 've just got to gain sure Matt is. What does the hush-hush keeper do ? ``

`` Just perform the charms. And the secret keeper is the alone one who can perform the counter charm on Kaden. Normally the hush-hush keeper would be the lonesome one the mortal could talk about the mystery with as well. But we 'll use another charm to ensure that Kaden can talk about the mystery with you, John, Matt, and Amanda as well. ``

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

`` wellspring, the hidden steward performs a magic spell on themselves, which turns them into the underground steward. Then they perform a charm on Kaden. Then Kaden will recite the secrets in detail. After that, the secret custodian performs another charm on Kaden. Then charms are performed on the residue of the masses involved. Then a final sealing spell on everyone, including Kaden and the secret keeper, and it 's done. ``

The musical theme of all those different turn made Albus 's mastermind hurt. `` Wow, that 's a lot of magic spell. We 've never done ones that are a combining of multiple charms. ``

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

`` What 's the counter good luck charm involve ? '' Albus asked, thinking that maybe there would be a time when Kaden would suppurate and they would n't ingest to trust on conjuring trick to restrain him from spilling secrets to Malfoy.

`` Erm, it seems pretty much like the actual charm, '' rosiness looked back at the book, `` You pretty lots go backwards, using unlike charms. ``

`` shuffling sense. ``

`` I 'll get down practicing as soon as we 're back at shoal, '' Rose shut the book and got up. `` I 'll bring the book. Mum 'll never know, she 's got way too many to go along rail of. ``

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

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

******

Albus was getting quite fed up with the stag search by the metre belatedly afternoon arrived the side by side day. He and Rose spent the integral morn in the forest, taking a break for lunch, and then returning in the good afternoon. Albus looked at his watch and saw that they would stimulate to be starting to return to the house soon. `` We 're never going to rule a stag ! '' he groaned.

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

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

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

Albus sighed and stared out into the timberland. So far Albus had seen no less than ten rabbits and four bird of night, but no stags. He was getting very cold-blooded sitting in the C and his cloak had long since soaked through. Albus was determined, however, and refused to go back to rosiness 's family until they found a stag.

It had seemed so simple at starting time, to stun a stag in the forest and get its footmark. This was not supposed to be the hardest print to get. Looking back, even the werewolf one seemed easier. Sure, they got locked out of Hogwarts, but they never got in trouble for it. The dog print had been the easiest, since Amanda had a dog. The rat would be gentle, too, once Gospel According to John managed to overtake one.

Albus pulled out his scepter and started to poke at the snow wizard he had constructed earlier. The baton melted muddle into the snow wizard until it started to resemble a art object of snow Swiss people high mallow. Albus was just beginning to do the same to the snow hippogriff that had been formed after the whiz when rose wine poked him and hissed, `` Albus, looking at ! ``

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

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

Albus sat completely still with his verge facing towards the doe. uprise did the Lapplander and the two of them did n't incite for a good five transactions. The doe inched slowly ahead, walking to the left of Albus and rosiness. Then Albus heard a rustling behind the doe and agitation washed over him as he saw a huge stag appear from behind a bunch of tree. `` This is it, '' he whispered to Rose. She nodded but did n't say anything. The stag walked towards the doe, who had turned around to calculate at her partner. `` On the reckoning of three. One ... two ... three. Stupefy ! '' Albus shouted.

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

The doe shot off like a garden rocket as soon as the cousin-german shouted the spell. The stag started to surveil but was hit by Albus 's stunner. rosebush 's spell hit a nearby tree and burned a humble maw into the bark.

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

`` Thanks. ``

`` Let 's haste. We wo n't have much clip before he wakes up, '' blush wine reached into her robe and pulled out a piece of parchment, a bottle of ink, and a paint brush.

The stag was even bigger up close. Its eyes darted around nervously as Rose painted the ink onto its front man hoof. Albus quickly pressed the parchment onto the hoof and pulled it away. A perfect foot mark 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 brushing back in her cloak, `` Now let 's go. He wo n't be glad when he wakes up. ``

Albus did n't take telling twice. He blew onto the lambskin a few metre to dry the ink and then put it in his cloak. The two cousin-german ran through the Tree and back to the mansion. It only took them a few minute as they were n't very far. Albus was thrilled that they had actually managed to get the photographic print. The simply mark left was the rat one and then they would be able to try out the map.


A/N : extra long chapter and an ahead of time update ! Just to let everyone know, I 'll be away at a Harry Potter convention from tomorrow ( hence the early update ) until Billy Sunday and although I 'll possess my laptop with me, I might not have a chance to respond to your limited review. I 'll get to them afterwards, though.

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


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


Albus 's family came to pick him up from blush wine 's mansion the next afternoon. They were all dressed in Muggle habiliment, although Harry looked a lilliputian uncomfortable in his Muggle causa. 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 let in that he was a bit aflutter about this dinner, but there was nothing he could do about it now. `` See you at schooling, Rose. ``

`` Bye, '' Rose smiled.

The rest of the Potters and Weasleys said auf wiedersehen to each early and then Albus disapparated with his family. They appeared in a dark skittle alley near a abandoned street. Harry motioned for them to follow him and the family started down the street. They made a few Sir Thomas More turn of events until they came upon a neighborhood of norm sized houses. The mansion all looked unlike, but seemed to be well cared for. It was a very quiet neighborhood with few citizenry out and about. There were a couple the great unwashed outside shoveling the newly fallen snow off their private road, but none of them seemed to notice Albus and his house.

Eventually, Harry led them up a private road towards a gray house Albus recognized as Kaden 's. Before they could even reach the door, it was thrown unfastened and Kaden came running out. `` Albus ! '' he shouted.

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

`` Great ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't secernate you how often I 've missed school. It seems so tire here compared to school. ``

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

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

Albus stifled a laugh and followed Kaden into the sign. Kaden led them to the sustenance way, where Dudley was fidgeting with his tie. Christina was setting out bowlful of grapes and nuts and Bethany was helping.

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

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

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

`` Oh, '' Albus nodded, `` I got some clothes, Holy Scripture, a consignment of sweets, poppycock from my Uncle George I 's store, and my dad 's Invisibility Cloak. ``

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

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

`` Whoa, that 's bright ! '' Kaden threw the cloak around himself, `` Look, 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 lupus erythematosus than enthusiastic about any variety of magical object.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus gulped and looked at King James I. Albus could only ever come back seeing his Uncle Vernon once. Albus was only five or six at the prison term and the only thing he remembered was Vernon asking Harry if Albus was'a nut 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 turn louder as they came into the living room. Albus got up from the couch and stood next to James II, who was hiding behind Harry. Vernon and Petunia followed Dudley into the room and their faces visibly paled as they saw the Potters.

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

Albus watched as topsy-turvydom broke out amongst the adults. Vernon 's facial expression turned several shades of red and purple as he tried to grasp what was happening. Petunia clung to her husband with a aggregate feel of disapproval and care on her face.

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

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

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

Christina stood near the entrance to the kitchen, looking uncomfortable. Bethany clung to her leg and hid her face, clearly afraid of her grandfather 's shouting. Albus, James, Lily, and Kaden glanced around at the adults, paying rapturous care to the stretch out argumentation, but not saying a parole. Ginny pursed her lips and watched her husband with a disapproving looking. 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 anxious as he tried to make peace between his relatives. His vocalism was drowned out amongst Vernon and Harry 's shouting, and genus Petunia 's shrieking.

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

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

`` Kaden 's a sorcerer, Dad, so Harry 's a parting of his life now. You know he 's one of Kaden 's teachers. ``

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

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

Vernon 's eyes narrowed and he glared at Harry. `` You 're filling his head with all that dust you learned as a shaver ! Do n't tolerate 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 genius and you 're just going to deliver to subsist with it, '' Dudley replied.

`` cipher unspoiled will come of this, Dudley ! I assure you of that ! '' Vernon shouted.

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

`` You do realize that this kind of abnormality is what got your sis killed ! ``

`` I 'm fully aware of what happened to my baby, '' Petunia snapped. `` This does n't bear 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 drink ! '' Christina announced eagerly. She rushed into the kitchen and came back with a bottle of brandy, a nursing bottle of wine, and a some field glass, along with fizzy potable for the tike.

Vernon and genus Petunia regained their calmness and Petunia gave Dudley a os crunching hug and smothered him with kisses. She then moved on and did the same with both her grandchildren, making sure to completely ignore Albus, St. James, and Lily. Albus sat down on the couch and to his dislike, Vernon chose to sit next to him. After a few moments of bunglesome silence, Vernon turned to Albus. `` So, '' he began, causing Albus to jump, `` You go to this, schooling, too ? ``

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

`` face at me when I 'm talking to you, '' Vernon spat, `` I see manners are n't high on their priority list. What classes do you accept there ? ``

Albus forced himself to look at Vernon. `` I 'm taking Transfiguration of Jesus, magical spell, Potions, Herbology, Astronomy, History of Magic, and Defense Against the Dark humanistic discipline, '' he mumbled quietly.

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

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

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

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

`` And what is that, exactly ? ``

`` defensive attitude spells, dueling, hooey you use to defeat darkness wizards like Voldemort. ``

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

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

`` He 's a peachy instructor, Grandpa ! I love my new school. It 's much considerably than Muggle school, '' Kaden grinned. `` I 'll be right back. '' He ran up the stairs and came back a few instant later with his scepter. `` Look at this ! ``

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

`` Of course of action I do ! '' Kaden laughed, `` I wish I could demonstrate you some wizard, though. I ca n't do it outside school day. Hey, prof Potter can express 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 look, `` Maybe another day. ``

`` Or never, '' Vernon muttered.

nonentity said much after that. Albus preferred it that way. He was very well-chosen that Uncle Vernon appeared to suffer given up his head and solvent session. Christina announced that dinner was make a few minutes later, and everyone eagerly went into the dining room. Albus made sure that he was n't sitting next to Vernon and relaxed a little as he began to eat.

The Dursleys dominated to the highest degree of the dinner party conversation, with Vernon and Petunia asking Dudley and Christina about what was new in their lives. They wanted to know every last detail, down to what grade Bethany had gotten on her latest Good Book report in school. Eventually they had exhausted this subject and the tabular array descended into an ungainly silence before Vernon started drilling Harry about his life.

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

`` I 'm the foreland of the Auror department at the Ministry of legerdemain, '' Harry smiled.

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

`` A wickedness wizard backstop, '' Harry explained.

`` Oh, like a policeman. 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 near of that was n't my fault. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` There 's a luck she 'll be a witch, 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 know ? ``

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

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

Petunia ignored him. `` I asked her, when I was an chesty child. I asked her if soul could change state me into a witch before I knew any better. She said no. There is not one thing we can do to change Kaden. We just have to go for that he 's going to be smarter than my baby was and not get killed just out of school. ``

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

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

Albus glanced nervously from one adult to the future, hoping that the fight was over. He realized now how a great deal Uncle Vernon and Aunt petunia hated magic now. The two of them were still going on about how Albus 's nan had been killed, thirty-some class later. Albus was still amazed that Vernon had actually blamed Harry for Kaden being a star. Albus knew Vernon disliked Harry, but he did n't think Vernon would still blame Harry for things he did n't care, this many years later.

`` You 'd be intimately off just keeping him out of that schooltime, '' Vernon announced after a few minutes of muteness. `` 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, `` time lag trough Marge hears about it. ``

`` I hate aunt oleomargarine, '' Kaden said loudly, causing Albus to snort into his succus. `` All she dialogue about is breeding dogs. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` That was n't his fault ! '' Ginny came to Harry 's defensive measure, `` He could n't hold it ! What your babe said about his parents was absolutely icky and you know it ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` They should birth just ignored him and minded their own patronage, '' Petunia announced. Albus did n't really suppose she should be telling someone to take care their own occupation, when she thrived off of gossip.

`` You could n't push aside Voldemort ! '' Harry and Ginny said at the Sami time.

`` Can person please tell me how Aunt Marge got blown up ? ! '' Kaden shouted again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Dementors, '' Albus corrected, `` They 're these draped animate being that suck out your individual. ``

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

`` suck out your soul, '' Albus repeated, `` They feed on happy sentiment, until you 're only exit with the sad one. ``

Kaden shuddered, `` They sound bally horrifying. Professor Potter saved Dad from one ? ``

`` Yeah, when they were 15. There 's a appeal, the Patronus Charm, that drives them away. It 's really advanced illusion not taught until seventh year, but Dad learned in his tertiary year. ``

`` 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 ticket without those nutcase 'protecting'us ! '' Vernon raged.

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

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

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

`` Everybody, just keep out it ! '' The five adults who were arguing turned to the seed of the new voice 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 times. Ca n't you just put it behind you and try to get along ? Look at you, you 're standing there arguing about hooey you ca n't change, in movement of your children. What kind of example are you setting ? Put aside your difference of opinion, if not for yourselves, do it for the Kid. ``

The adult said nothing for a few import while Christina glared at every one of them. Eventually, Harry spoke, `` She 's right hand. We should just try and get along. '' Ginny nodded in agreement.

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

`` Fine, '' Vernon spat, `` I 'll tolerate the boy. But you are making a scratch misapprehension with Kaden, Dudley. ``

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

The rest of the dinner was much more pleasurable. Harry quickly told the account of when he blew up Marge to douse Kaden and Bethany 's oddment, but there was no more mention of magic throughout the rest of the meal. The conversation centered on subject that could be equally relation to Muggles and mavin, such as the weather. Albus did n't say anything, choosing instead to quietly eat his pudding while listening to the grownup'filtrate conversations. He was just well-chosen that they were no longer arguing with each other.

After dinner, Albus, James IV, and Kaden escaped to Kaden 's bedroom, which he was bore to bear witness off. The entire thing was decorated with diverse football paraphernalia, with a lot of emphasis on Manchester United. James found this highly entertaining and spent quite a few minutes laughing at the posters, in which the role player remained completely still. Kaden spent a while showing off his Christmas present tense to Albus and St. James and soon wanted to record them how to run his Wii.

Kaden led Albus and James back downstairs, where the adult were discussing cars over java. Albus was very happy that he did not have to sit through that give-and-take. Albus followed as Kaden went down another flight of steps and they descended into the basement. The basement was clearly the rumpus room of the firm, as it was cluttered with all variety of Muggle toys. Lily and Bethany were playing with Bethany 's Barbies in one corner and neither of them paid much care as the boys entered the room.

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

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

Kaden spent the side by side hour teaching James and Albus how to play the Wii. They started with Kaden 's new racing secret plan, which was actually pretty complicated. It took Albus the bettor role of an 60 minutes to cipher out how to dally it. James caught on a bit faster, but neither of them could top Kaden in acquirement. Albus found that the game was incredibly fun and almost wished he had one at his house. Once they successfully learned the racing biz, Kaden went on to teach them how to encounter a match more than plot. Lily eventually wandered over and wanted to see, too. By the time midnight came around, all five of them were taking turns playing games and Albus was having a large time.

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

Shortly after they rang in the new class, Albus 's parents decided it was time to leave. Albus had no arguments against this because he was tired and did n't really want to spend anymore time in the same theatre as Uncle Vernon. Harry politely shook hands with Vernon, said bye to Petunia, and told Dudley he would owl him soon. Vernon kind of flinched at the mention of the Holy Scripture 'owl .'Albus completely ignored Vernon and Petunia, and told Kaden he would see him on the power train ride back to schooltime. Once the obligatory goodbyes were said, Albus and his kinfolk left the menage, only to Apparate back to Grimmauld Place a few streets away.


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


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to intromit that he was well-chosen to be going back to Hogwarts. After the nearly calamitous dinner with the Dursleys, Albus spent his time working on homework or goofing off with James and Lily. By the end of the holiday he was actually kind of bore and happy to be seeing his friends again. Plus, the sooner he got back to school, the Sooner he could try out the new map.

The potter met the Weasleys and the Dursleys at tycoon 's Cross and entered Platform 9 3/4 together. Both families 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 his friends while Albus, Rose, and Kaden wandered around trying to find their friends.

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

`` Hey ! '' John 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 allow for so he could order can and Amanda that he and surface managed to get the stag print. All the mark were currently residing in Albus 's bag, just waiting to be transferred onto the map.

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

Albus and Kaden exchanged glances. Rose stifled a jest. She had already heard about the dinner shortly after it happened.

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

`` What happened ? '' John Lackland asked eagerly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` And my gran of all people told him it was n't possible, '' Kaden laughed. `` Apparently she wanted to be a witch when she was a kid. But the best office was when granddaddy brought up aunt Marge. ``

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

`` My granddad 's Sister, '' Kaden explained, `` I ca n't stand her. But apparently Professor Potter blew her up when he was 13 ! ``

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

`` This I 've got to get a line ! '' Amanda grinned.

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

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

`` well, we went down to the basement and played with Kaden 's Muggle video biz, which was a lot of fun. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Hopefully not, '' Albus replied.

`` Let 's do it at your firm next, '' Kaden grinned, `` I want to see a adept mansion. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Er, he had some, er, therapist naming, '' Albus said quickly. Hopefully that would live up to 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 keep away from Malfoy and Willinson. ``

`` trade good, '' Albus said.

******

Over the adjacent few days, Albus kept trying to chance some time to assure King John and Amanda about the hart print, but it was firmly to shake Kaden off. It seemed the only multiplication they were away from him was when they were in social class or in their dormitory at nighttime. Neither were full opportunities to talk about the map.

In the lag, Malfoy was trying to figure out why lustrelessness was n't in school. The wax Sun Myung Moon was n't until the following workweek, so Albus was going to take in to endure Malfoy 's questioning for a patch longer. null seemed to meet him. Albus was also preoccupied with what was going to find this full moon. He was variety of worried about lusterlessness taking the new wolfsbane potion.

All the scholar and instructor seemed to be falling into their usual routines. Dueling and Quidditch practices started up again. Both Kate and Sakartvelo were working their teams hard and Albus was feeling the effects. Between that and the increased quantity of homework the teachers were spirit on assigning, he had hardly any sentence for anything else.

A couple days into the full term, Kaden finally had one of his tutoring school term. Albus and his booster seized the opportunity and ran to the way of Requirement as soon as Kaden left the common room.

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

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

`` It 'll be prosperous once Rose figure of speech out the charm to keep him calm, '' Albus replied.

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

`` Sure did, '' Rose grinned and pulled the book of charms from her sign out of her bag. She opened it to the proper Page and handed it to lavatory and Amanda.

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

`` precondition a bit of recitation, sure, '' rose replied. `` We just have to make certainly lusterlessness agrees to it. ``

`` I 'm indisputable he will, '' John said, `` I mean, this charm will definitely stay fresh Kaden from telling anyone. ``

`` I 'll take up working on it now, '' rose wine took the script back, `` I have n't started yet because I do n't want anyone to ask why I 'm trying to learn it. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Oh, yeah, that 's a good musical theme, '' lavatory set the photographic print down on a nearby table. `` You know, I think this is the first time we 've been in here without him. ``

`` I think you 're right on, '' Albus commented. It was sort of strange, really. All the early clip they had been in the Room, matte had been the one to ask for it. cypher said anything for a few transactions. Albus could separate that everyone was thinking the Lapp thing he was, what would happen with flatness 's new potion.

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

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

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, but he could n't help oneself but think the new potion would n't exploit any better than the old one. Why should it ? If matt was resistant to Wolfsbane potion, why should a dissimilar mixed bag of it mould ?

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

******

Albus became more and more uneasy as the entire moon approached. His friends seemed to as well, and whoremaster especially developed a very suddenly fuse. Kaden seemed to get the brunt of this but he took it in stride. The night of the actual fully moon, Albus had Quidditch practice. He became so cark during it that Peach State called for a open frame during practice and demanded to cognise why Albus was dropping so many Quaffles. He lied and told her he was worried about a metamorphosis exam the following day. Luckily she seemed to accept this and wished him luck on his examination. Albus tried extra hard during the second half of praxis but still missed a lot of sluttish passes.

Albus entered the park elbow room after recitation feeling incredibly sore but not at all tired. He had been hit with numerous bludgers due to his want of immersion. Normally Albus would have been exhausted after such a practice but he was too queasy to be tired tonight.

His friends were sitting at their usual board which was covered in homework. Not that much of it was being done. Kaden was the only one feverishly working away at an essay. John, Amanda, and even Rose were staring off into nothing with their untouched prep in front of them. Albus quickly stowed his broom in his residence hall and joined his friends at the table.

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

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

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

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

`` How was practice ? '' Kaden asked.

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

`` Ouch, '' Kaden winced.

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

`` Just go see Madam Pomfrey, '' rose wine suggested, `` Your arm looks nasty. ``

Albus glanced at his arm. It had turned a lovely violet blue people of colour in the time since he had received the black eye. `` All right, '' he stood up. `` I 'll see you in a bit. ``

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

Albus did n't feel like telling Kaden not to put out, so he nodded and Kaden followed him out of the common room. Albus did n't talk much on the way to the hospital annex, but Kaden kept up a streaming commentary about what went on in his family that day. Kaden must have felt the need to share it even though nothing particularly exciting had happened that day. The corridors were utterly deserted and Kaden 's phonation seemed awfully loud. 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 teacher could reach him detention for being out of his uncouth room in order to go see ma'am Pomfrey, could they ?

Albus pushed the doorway to the hospital wing open slowly and saw that Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, writing something, and glancing out the window every few seconds. The moonlight was streaming through and illuminating one of the seam. There were n't any affected role in the Mrs. Humphrey Ward, which Albus thought was form of strange. Albus rarely ever saw the place empty. He walked quietly up to ma'am Pomfrey and Kaden followed. The nurse did n't even look to throw noticed them come in.

`` Er, excuse me, brothel keeper Pomfrey ? '' Albus said once he was a couple animal foot in strawman 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 care of him after the broad moon. `` I got hit with a dyad bludgers at drill tonight. I was, er, kind of distracted. ``

Madam Pomfrey stood up and gave him a large-hearted looking at. `` I understand. Let me see. ``

Albus held out his arm and Madam Pomfrey clucked her lingua as she inspected it. She pulled out her scepter and touched it to his arm, muttering a tour 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 spinal column too and it kind of hurts. I 've got no idea if it 's bruised or not. ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey looked at Albus 's spinal column and performed the same healing appealingness. 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 trusted I 'll be seeing you soon. ``

Albus nodded and turned to allow for. 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 whoremaster, rosebush, and Amanda were so quiet. ``

`` Yeah, that was it. ``

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

`` follow it ! '' a dusty articulation shouted and shoved Albus aside.

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

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

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

`` None of your business. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Do n't bother, 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 promenade with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Willinson ? ``

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

Patil looked at Kaden. `` Is that dead on target, Mr. Dursley ? ``

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

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

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

Any color that had been in Malfoy 's face drained. The four boys quietly followed prof Patil to the hospital wing. Albus was very relieved. Madam Pomfrey would say Patil that he and Kaden had been there, and then she would n't commit them detention.

Patil opened the door to the infirmary wing, but Madam Pomfrey was no thirster there. Patil motioned for the boys to stay there and she strode over to the nurse 's part. She knocked lightly and waited for Madam Pomfrey to appear.

`` I hope I 'm not bothering you, '' Patil said once ma'am 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 boy, '' 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. ``

dame Pomfrey gazed at the boys. `` Well, Albus and Kaden were here about fifteen proceedings 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 problem, '' the lactate replied.

`` I 'll necessitate you two back to your common room, '' Patil said to Albus and Kaden. `` As for you, '' she glared at Malfoy and Willinson, `` You will follow back to my authority and we shall arrange for detention. ``

Malfoy and Willinson sulked and muttered under their breathing spell as the five of them exited the ward. Albus laughed to himself on their way back to Gryffindor Tower. Malfoy and Willinson were glaring daggers at Albus and Kaden the unhurt way back, but Albus just smirked at them. They could n't do anything now anyway, not with Patil around. But surely they would fault Albus and Kaden for their hold and Albus would bear to look out out the next few days.

******

Albus did n't catch some Z's very well that night, despite his weariness from Quidditch practice session. He fell asleep in the wee hours of the first light and woke up only a few hours later. John was just as exhausted and the two of them stumbled down into the vulgar room, only to find rose slumped over a book at their usual table.

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

rosebush slowly lifted her caput and then jumped at the peck of Albus and John Lackland. `` Wha-what are you two doing ? ``

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

`` Oh ! '' Rose jumped up and pushed her bushy whisker out of her aspect.

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

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

`` That 's a really high level charm, blush wine. You know it 's going to aim you a patch, '' Albus reminded her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` You 've got a alphabetic character ! '' Kaden shouted eagerly.

`` I know, '' Albus rolled his eyes and pulled the letter of the alphabet off the owl 's leg. He gave the owl a few fleck of toast and the great doll flew off.

rosiness, who was on Albus 's former slope, looked over his shoulder as he looked at the gasbag. lav and Amanda were leaning over the table and Kaden was leaning over Albus 's other shoulder.

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

`` It 's from Matt, '' 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 Transfiguration, '' Albus said and gave Rose a significant glance.

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

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

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

`` I 'll fare, too ! ``

Albus sighed and got up from the table. He could n't open up that letter of the alphabet in front man of Kaden. rosiness, Gospel According to John, and Amanda got up as well and followed Albus out of the Great Hall. Kaden was right behind him, but Albus did n't dare unfold it yet. Kaden stalled in the incoming Hall, but eventually gave up and headed down to the dungeons for Potions.

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

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

`` We 'll just read it after History of legerdemain, '' Rose said as they climbed the stairs, `` We 've got the whole afternoon off. ``

The sunrise dragged by at an extremely slow pace, in Albus 's opinion. Transfiguration of Jesus was n't too bad, since it was a virtual lesson. Malfoy descended upon Albus and the others after the class was over, wanting to know where lusterlessness was. Albus lied and told him Matt was having a belatedly holiday with his grandparents and then took off for History of Magic, ignoring Malfoy 's complaints about hold that followed.

History of deception was as boring as usual. Albus thought he saw the clock 's hands go backwards at one point. He passed greenback with John and Amanda while pink wine took tone. She seemed to induce inherited her mother 's ability to stay awake during that course. John nodded off at one point and Albus had to incite him wake with his quill. prof Binns did n't even seem to notice.

After History of Magic finally ended, Albus and his friends went to the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall to grab a nimble 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 coffee and an invitation to the side by side biff Club meeting.

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

`` Yup, '' Kaden grinned. `` The following encounter is this Saturday. He told me that a lot of your full cousin go. ``

`` Er, yeah, they do, '' Albus coughed. He had not been expecting Kaden to get invited to any biff Club group meeting. Albus had n't even gone to any since the previous year. He just told Slughorn he had Quidditch practice or too much preparation to go. Slughorn had n't even had his Christmas party this year. Albus was n't for certain why, but he was guessing it was because he had n't been able to get hold anyone famous to attend.

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

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

`` Please ? '' Kaden pleaded.

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

`` Yay ! '' Kaden shouted.

Once Kaden left for his next class, Albus and his friends went straight for the elbow room of essential. Albus and Rose sat on one of the couches while John Lackland 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, '' John said.

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

dearest Albus, Rose, whoremaster, and Amanda,

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

`` Damn ! '' John shouted.

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

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

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

From,
Amy

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

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

`` Yeah, '' rose wine agreed.

Nobody said anything for a few minute of arc. Albus felt very let down that the potion had n't worked, but he was sure it did n't even come close to what Matt was feeling.

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

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

`` Well, it would still be cool to turn 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 grandpa did it. ``

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

`` Fine, three more years then, '' St. John the Apostle shrugged.

Rose sighed, `` Matt wo n't let you conjoin him on the full moon, though. And I would n't suggest doing it behind his back. ``

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

`` Definitely, '' pink wine agreed.

Albus and his friends spent the better part of the next minute talking about what they would do if they could transform into animals. They all agreed that listening in on people 's conversations and sneaking up on people like Malfoy would be top on the list of stuff to do. Eventually, rose wine insisted that they all start their prep, which took them about of the eve to complete.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


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

Kaden, on the other hand, spent the Day leading up to Saturday talking non-stop about the Slug golf-club meeting. Albus had already explained in contingent what they involved, but that did n't arrest 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 group meeting. Georgia had not called for Quidditch recitation that day, mainly due to the fact that the Ravenclaws booked the delivery all aurora and the Slytherins had it all afternoon. The two sign of the zodiac were scheduled to run each other the following Saturday.

`` It 's fourth dimension for the Slug nightspot meeting, Albus ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly a few moment before eleven.

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

`` wealthy person loads of fun ! '' John laughed.

`` See you later, '' Amanda grinned.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose, who had also decided to go, set off for the dungeons. Albus hoped he would only have to last out for a lilliputian while, maybe an hour at most. Just long enough for Kaden to see what the coming together were like.

The group meeting was held in the Potions classroom and a few students were milling about when Albus, rose, and Kaden walked into the room. Albus recognized most of them from last year 's meetings. 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 practice that day. Albus was also felicitous to take down that Felix Willinson was not there. Of course, after what happened with Quinton and his father, Albus guessed he should n't be surprised that Quinton 's first cousin would n't be invited to the slug Club.

There was a table to the full of food along one of the face walls and most everyone was crowding around it trying to get some lunch. Slughorn had a plate of food in strawman of him and was sitting at a enceinte board in the front of the room.

Albus led rosebush and Kaden over to the table and picked up a home.

`` What is this stuff and nonsense ? '' Kaden pointed to a phonograph record of some sorting of meat.

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

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

`` Good to see you all again ! '' Slughorn greeted them and then turned to Albus. `` And Albus and Rose ! I 'm very glad that you two decided to add up ! How have year been going ? ``

`` Good, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

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

`` This stuff is excellent ! ``

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

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

Slughorn soon launched into a lengthy explanation of what he did over his vacation and who he had spent time with. ( `` Barry Ryan used to fiddle for Ireland, you know. '' ) Albus found the wholly thing rather drilling but he noticed that Kaden seemed to string up on Slughorn 's every word. Rose seemed to be paying aid as well, but probably only out of courtesy.

Albus let his mind wander as Slughorn continued talking about his dinner with Barry Ryan. Matt was supposed to return to Hogwarts the next day, which meant that in as little as twenty-four time of day, they could be having the map working. Well, if they could nobble away to the elbow room of Requirement, that is. Albus hoped Rose would have that charm working soon. Then they could just do all of this with Kaden. It would take in it a hale lot well-to-do. Of course, Matt still had n't said that he agreed to recount Kaden even with the magical spell. Albus kept forgetting about that part. But why would n't he gibe ? The magic spell seemed like it would figure out well.

Albus, Kaden, and rose wound up staying until the end of the confluence. Kaden was enthralled by the full thing and Albus knew he would turn down to leave early. Albus was incredibly bored by the time the thing was over and rosebush looked as bored as Albus felt. Once the group meeting was finally over, the three of them said auf wiedersehen to Slughorn and left the dungeons.

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

`` Boring 's more like it, '' Albus replied.

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

`` corporate 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 seem like she wanted to go to the next one either. `` Er, well, I might have Quidditch exercise. ``

`` And I 'll probably have too often homework, '' Rose explained.

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

`` That really is n't a proficient idea, '' pink wine warned him. `` You 'll get behind. ``

Albus laughed as Rose launched into a discussion about how important time management is and how homework should always come first. The three of them were nearly to the common way by the time blush wine finished and Kaden was wearing a blank look on his face, much like the one Albus had worn during the type slug cabaret meeting.

******

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

`` No idea, '' Albus shrugged.

Albus, John, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda were all sitting around their usual table in the common room. Rose and Kaden were playing chess and it was apparent that Rose was going loose on Kaden. The two of them had been playing the same plot for xv minutes. If rose wine wanted to, she probably could have beat Kaden in five minutes. bathroom and Amanda were both working on the transfiguration essay that was due the next day. Albus had already finished that special essay and was watching rose and Kaden 's chess match.

`` poof to D3, '' Kaden said. The queen gave Kaden a menacing public eye and then reluctantly moved to the square.

`` Bishop to D3. '' pink wine 's bishop smashed Kaden 's queen to objet d'art. `` mate, '' rose wine grinned.

`` dogshit, '' Kaden muttered as his Riley B King dropped its sword in defeat.

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

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

`` Yeah. Georgia managed to appropriate the sales pitch for an hour after dinner party. The Hufflepuffs were n't too happy, but GA got it first. ``

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

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

`` He 's going to have a shipment of prep to make up, '' Kaden announced.

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

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

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

`` I 've only got one to a greater extent to go, '' Amanda said.

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

blush wine shrugged. `` Sure, why not. ``

rosiness and Kaden set up their pieces and started to spiel again. Albus watched them. It was pretty curious to watch the two of them wager cheat. Kaden would sit there forever figuring out what motion to make and once he made it, rose would smile and move one of her own spell within seconds. blush wine 's movement usually involved killing one of Kaden 's pieces.

The portrayal fix to the plebeian way opened a few minutes later and Albus looked up. matte was just climbing through and headed straightaway for Albus 's tabular array once he noticed them.

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

`` Hi Albus, '' Matt grinned back. He looked banal, but felicitous. There was still a yellow contusion on his brow, but other than that he looked fine.

John, pink wine, Amanda, and Kaden all looked up from what they were doing and greeted matt as well. matt grabbed a chair from a nearby tabular array and sat down following to Albus.

`` How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` All rightfield, '' Matt shrugged.

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

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

`` Well, it would probably be a good idea for him to go see all the teachers now about it. So, we 'll all go with him to do that, since we 're in his course of instruction. We 'll help. You can ride out here since you 'd probably be bored. ``

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

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` John ? Amanda, rose wine ? You can total with us. ``

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

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

Albus laughed, `` No. Just had to think of an excuse for Kaden to quell there while we went to the Room. ``

`` Good, '' John said, `` I do n't really want 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 vacation. I 've already finished it all, '' matte explained.

`` You 're further along than John Lackland, then, '' rose laughed.

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

The five ally continued their manner of walking to the Room of demand, which manifested itself in its usual form for them. They walked into the Room and settled onto the usual scarlet and Au furniture.

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

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

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

`` Nope. ``

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

`` Yeah, that 's what stinks, '' mat sighed. `` It did n't make for the way it was supposed to, but it did early stuff. ``

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

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

`` But you 're always tired before the total moon, '' 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 wide-cut moon but with the new potion I 'll just sleep right through them. It makes me tire out as soon as I start taking it, which is a hebdomad before the replete moonshine, just like the steady Wolfsbane was. ``

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

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` The Healers are trying to ascertain a potion to countercheck the tiredness, but I doubt they 'll have one in clock time for next month. ``

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

`` Because they have to wee surely it was n't just a fluke or something. That 's the thing about these discipline, they have to do multiple test to analyze the effects and stuff. ``

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

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

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

`` I honestly did n't reckon it was going to work. My parents told me not to get my hopes up about any of these observational potions. Plus, this was only the 1st one I 've tried. They 'll come up with others. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Brilliant ! '' lusterlessness exclaimed.

`` And I 've got the transference magical spell all worked out, '' rosebush told him.

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

`` I 'm working on it ! '' John replied, `` It 's toilsome than you 'd reckon to blot a rat during Potions. ``

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

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

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

`` Eh, I 'll assume one failing grade if I can get the rat print, '' trick shrugged.

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

`` Just think, this fourth dimension tomorrow, we may take in the map working, '' matte commented, `` That would be awesome. ``

`` We 'll feature 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 twenty-four hour period now. They had had an incredibly easy time getting the prints. Almost too easy a sentence. Dogs, stags, and betrayer were quite common and anyone who could project a simple Petrificus Totalus charm could get those prints. The merely one that would be unmanageable for the average adept to get was the loup-garou print. Even so, Albus did n't think the marauder would make it this easy to admittance the map.

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

whoremaster groaned, `` That would take in. ``

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

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

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

`` speaking of the Marauders, '' St. John turned to Rose, `` How 's the Sileo Altus charm coming ? ``

`` The what ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Oh, yeah, we 've got to tell you about that, '' toilet said. `` Want to explain it, rose ? ``

`` Sure, '' rosiness shrugged, `` It 's a charm I found in a book at my house. It 's a way to score indisputable somebody keeps something a cloak-and-dagger. variety of like the Fidelius Charm, only it 's for verbal secrets, not places. Whomever performs the good luck charm is the Secret Keeper and only that person can undo the spell. After the appealingness is performed, the person ca n't talk about the secret with anyone except the Secret keeper and anyone else who was involved in the charm performing. It 's a way to keep Kaden from telling anyone that you 're a lycanthrope. ``

Albus held his breathing space as rose wine explained and hoped that flatness would think it was a good idea. Albus watched as flatness thought about what Rose had said. Albus could n't really tell what he thought. lustrelessness looked a bit surprised, almost like he did n't think Rose would let ever found a charm to do that.

`` Well, what do you guess ? '' Albus asked after a few bit silence.

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

`` I 'm pretty sure it will, '' Rose said, `` The solitary matter 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, '' mat sighed, `` But he could. ``

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

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

`` I doubt he 's ever going to toast any Veritaserum, '' blush wine said,"And even if he did, someone would have to ask him if you were a werewolf. 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 secret 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 know ... '' Matt groaned, `` I just do n't really desire to tell him. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

******

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

Albus turned around in his ass. He had been talking to John the Divine, who was sitting behind him next to Goyle. Albus was sitting next to Limbert and matte was looking thoroughly deplorable next to Maloy in the adjacent row over at the front. Slughorn was still plowing forward with his inter-house collaborator in socio-economic class, but Albus did n't consider it was helping to decrease the hostility between Gryffindor and Slytherin. So far, the good that had happened was understood abomination during hardheaded lessons and jinxing and hexing at worst. Based on the niggling duel between Ethan and Garth Octavius the previous week, it was only a matter of metre before affair really got out of hand.

`` Thank you, '' Slughorn said once everyone was paying aid, `` 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 category. ``

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

Albus nodded and pulled out his wand. Albus and Limbert had come to an unspoken concord with brewing potions. Limbert would roll up ingredients while Albus lit the fire and unpacked all the various scales and tongue. Then, Albus would machinate the ingredient while Limbert added them and stirred the caldron. Albus was alright with this since Limbert was a considerably Potions beer maker than he was.

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

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

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

`` Oh. ``

`` Stir it the other way ! '' privy shouted.

Albus stifled a gag and glanced to his left field, where Rose and Vivien Leigh Montague were having a similar conversation.

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

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

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

`` fine. You do the unharmed matter 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 lustrelessness to get word what was going on at their tabular array. It looked like Amanda and Dalila Avish were working much the same way Albus and Limbert were, since neither of their mouth were moving. Malfoy appeared to be yelling at lusterlessness for something, but Albus could n't quite pee out what it was. lustrelessness got up from the table with a stadium full of something and then emptied it in the bin. When he returned to his mesa, 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 John and Goyle. Limbert kept smirking every so often, which gave Albus the impression he was listening to John and Goyle, too.

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

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

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

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

Albus tried to concentrate on his shrivelfig, but he could n't barricade glancing up at John. He was almost to the cupboard now, and the rat still had n't moved. Albus watched as John pointed his sceptre at the rat, but he could n't listen what spell John was using due to the randomness in the room. Luckily everyone was concentrating on their potions and not paying an ounce of aid to John Lackland. Albus grimaced as john picked up the rat and shoved it inside his robes. Albus was incredibly well-chosen that John was willing to do the rat photographic print. The mentation of putting a rat in his gown creeped Albus out.

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

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

`` Excellent, '' Albus said.

Suddenly there was a loud blowup from somewhere behind Albus and he felt a hot liquidity state on his head and drip down the rear of his robes.

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

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

Pandemonium erupted in the classroom. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at the exploded potion. Albus turned around and saw that the explosion had come from john and Goyle 's caldron. Goyle was wearing a gravel verbal expression on his aspect and was staring into quad 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 feel the potion burning down his cover and it hurt like hell. It felt like his peel was on fervidness. He got up from his chair and felt his back. His gown were burnt straight through. Saint 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 annexe. Who else got hit ? ``

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

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

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

`` imbecile, '' John muttered as they climbed the steps out of the dungeons.

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

`` Not a clew, '' St. John the Apostle shrugged, `` Not what I told him to do. ``

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

`` Well, he 's silent than a troll, '' Saint 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, '' John laughed and then lowered his voice, `` Hey, it was deserving it since I got the rat. ``

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

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

`` I just hope it stays stunned. ``

`` It should, '' Gospel According to John said as they followed Goyle and Limbert into the hospital Wing.

dame Pomfrey was already meddling taking aid of a girl who had gotten bitten by something in Care of Magical fauna and told them they would suffer to expect. Once she had finished healing the fille, she moved on to Goyle, since he was n't able to sit still and was wandering around the elbow room tripping over thing. She took care 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 surprised it 's only the two of you. ``

`` fountainhead, Matt, pink wine, 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 grandad and his friends, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey shook her head as she handed Albus a potion.

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

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

Madam Pomfrey applied some sorting of salve to their George Burns and a few minutes later they were allowed to leave. The nurse told them to go directly to their residence hall to get new robes and that she did n't want to see them in the infirmary offstage for the adjacent few weeks.

`` Fat fortune that 'll encounter, '' 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 offstage. Albus himself had already been there twice since returning to school after the Christmas holiday.

`` Next Quidditch match is what, in three workweek ? '' bathroom asked.

`` Just about, '' Albus said.

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

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` I did n't set ashore myself there finish match. ``


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


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


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

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

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

`` You know, '' Rose said, `` You 're not exactly the best potion beer maker either, bathroom. ``

`` 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 John to the residence hall threshold.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had been planning on grabbing a quick dinner with his protagonist after he changed robes, and then chief to the room to try out the new map. They had all the paw mark ( privy had gone up to the dormitory ahead of Albus with the rat and got the print from it. Albus did n't need to make love 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 evening with Albus and his ally. Normally, this really would n't let bothered Albus, but that Nox his cousin was driving him mad. All Albus wanted to do was try out the map, but he could n't think up a trade good excuse for them to go somewhere and not let Kaden come after. So they spent the evening in the commons elbow room, working on homework.

Albus and his friends were far too busybodied the next few Clarence Day to try out the new map. Albus had Quidditch pattern on Tuesday and Thursday and dueling practice on Midweek. Rose had dueling practice on Friday. can normally had his practice session on Sabbatum, but due to the Quidditch lucifer, it had been rescheduled for Sunday. Any bit of time where neither Albus or his Friend had any drill, Kaden was around. It was n't until Saturday, following Slytherin 's spectacular loss to Ravenclaw, that they were finally capable to try out the map. Kaden had been recruited to tutor a fellow first year in Potions and was going to be spending a few minute in the dungeons after the Quidditch match.

`` Come on, let 's go try it now, '' Albus whispered to his protagonist after Kaden left the common room.

`` Got the print ? '' Matt asked.

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

lusterlessness paced three times in front of the discharge wall and as soon as the door appeared, the five friends ran inside. Albus set his bag down on the table and everyone crowded around it. Albus pulled out all four prints and the map.

`` All right, '' Albus unfolded the map, `` rosebush, you 're commodity with the charm, right ? ``

Rose nodded, `` I 've practiced it and it works every sentence. ``

`` good, '' Albus stared at the map, unsure of how to begin, `` Er, maybe I should do what I did in conclusion clip to get it to evidence us we 've got to prove we know the Marauders ? ``

`` Probably, '' Rose agreed.

`` Wait ! '' John shouted, `` Can I do it this metre ? ``

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

`` Excellent, '' John grinned and pointed his scepter at the map, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Padfoot. ``

Ink appeared on the map, but not nearly as much as when Albus had done it earlier in the year.

'No, you 're not .'

The ink disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

`` What ? '' John shouted, `` But it worked finale time ! ``

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

`` Let me try, '' Matt grabbed the parchment and pointed his baton at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Moony. ``

'No, you 're not .'The map said once again.

`` This suction, '' can muttered, `` It worked final time. ``

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

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

The ink he had been expecting to look rose to the Earth's surface of the lambskin and formed the familiar words.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the Marauder 's Map, instant Edition .'

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus sighed. He really hoped his Quaker would be able-bodied to be Padfoot and Moony. Who else could be Padfoot and Moony ? The map would n't even work without person to be Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail. Albus could n't do it alone.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs. However, you could be the secondly Prongs .'

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

'When four son, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and mischief, they may present themselves as the succeeding generation of piranha. These four acquaintance must each represent one of the predator, for if even one is missing, this map will not work. Before this goes any further, you must show that you know the secrets of the Marauders. test that you know, and you may go along along the path of discovery .'

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

'Oh, trust me, Mr. Padfoot, I am not. Mr. Moony came up with that wholly thing .'

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

'Mr. Moony advises that whomever is reading this ignore Mr. Prongs and Mr. Padfoot and set about proving that they know the Marauders .'

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

'The Marauders indirect request you soundly portion .'

`` Well, now what ? '' John asked.

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

Rose picked up the paw photographic print and the map, setting them down in front line of her. She pulled out her wand and muttered an incantation at the werewolf print. Then she muttered another incantation at the map. The werewolf print appeared on the map, just as it had been on the early piece of parchment.

`` That, was bloody amazing, '' bathroom said in awe.

Albus agreed. He was forever thankful that his cousin was so brilliant. Albus did n't think he 'd ever be able to rip off something like that. At to the lowest degree not until he was at least in fifth year.

Rose repeated the procedure with the dog, stag, and rat prints, positioning them in the exact Sami way that the small grade that the marauder had put on the map.

`` There, '' she said once she was done.

The five friends stared at the map for a few seconds, waiting for something to happen. The paw mark were n't doing anything and neither was the map. No new ink had appeared and the paw prints were n't disappearing or anything.

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

`` Worth a pellet, '' trick shrugged.

Albus pulled the map over to him and tapped his wand to it, `` I, Albus Severus Potter, the second base Prongs, know the Marauders. ``

The paw mark quickly faded until there was zero left but a blank parchment. Albus glanced up and looked at his ally before returning his gaze to the new map.

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

`` It worked ! '' Albus shouted happily.

'Due to your obvious knowledge of the Marauders'secrets, we shall now distinguish you to a greater extent about this map. When the piranha were seventh yr, they realized that within a few myopic month, they would be gone from Hogwarts, and the school would be left without their chief mischief makers.

'Prongs suggested-'

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

'Only when I have a cerebrovascular accident of brilliance, Padfoot .'

'Not too often then, right ?'

'Oh, get on with the explanation, Prongs .'

'Calm yourself, Moony. You 're letting your furry self show .'

'Shut it, Prongs .'

'All right. Anyway, I ( happy now, Padfoot ? ) had a CVA of glare that the marauder could feel a way to ensure that they would never be gone from Hogwarts .'

`` I knew it ! '' blush wine shouted in mirthfulness, `` I knew that was what this was about ! ``

'The Marauders decided to create another map. The first map was only the commencement. The vulture wanted to happen a way to put themselves into a map, in order to help the next generation of mischief makers. That is what this map is about.

'However, not just anyone would be capable to own access to the map .'

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

'Right, Padfoot. Or even worse, having Slytherins get their slimy paws on it .'

'I shudder at that thought, Moony. Anyway, the Marauders had to figure out a way to check that only those worthy would be able to access this map. The Marauder 's Map is actually quite simple to enter out, compared to this one. All you have to do to afford that is say a certain phrase. For this map, you have to be a certain person to unfold it.

'You may or may not have figured out that in monastic order to get the offset bit of information out of this map, you have to be a rake relative of one of the piranha. However, not everyone representing the Marauders must be related. Because, you know, we might not all have kids .'

'Yeah, you would n't want to be passing along any genes, Prongs .'

'Better mine than yours, Padfoot .'

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

Albus felt immense stand-in from this. trick and Matt would be able to represent Padfoot and Moony.

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

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

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

'I know, Moony, but Lily does n't have a go at it about this. I do n't plan on telling her, either .'

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

'So, now you 've proven that you know the vulture. Your following step is to prove that you are the succeeding Marauders .'

The ink slowly faded once again until the sheepskin was as blank as before.

Albus stared at it for a few moments, thinking about what he had just found out. The map was n't going to sour yet. He had been so for sure that all they 'd take in to do was evidence they knew the piranha. But now they had yet another matter to do. They had to prove that they were the next predator. How were they going to do that ?

`` That was weird, '' John said.

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

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

`` To be dependable, it sounds a bit like a Horcrux, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, but it 's not like they put their mortal in there, rose, '' Albus pointed out. `` It 's like the vulture '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 calendar week getting those paw print and we still have n't figured the map out. ``

`` I knew you 'd accept to do something like this, '' pink wine said, `` Otherwise it would n't matter if there were four of you to lay out the piranha. If it was just this, Albus could let done the whole thing himself. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Maybe we 've got to tear a huge trick or something, '' Albus said.

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

`` well, does anyone have any early melodic theme ? '' Albus asked.

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

`` Of course their is ! '' rosebush said, `` We 've just got to go to the program library and see if we can find anything there. ``

`` We ca n't do anything anyway until you 've got that Sileo Altus magic spell down, rosebush, '' Albus pointed out.

`` right, '' Rose replied, `` It 's coming along well. I just need to get some practice. Anyone want to be my tester ? ``

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

`` Ok, add up here, '' Rose got up and went to the other side of the room.

Albus watched as the two of them worked. First, they had to mean up a secret, which took a good bit of time. Gospel According to John finally suggested that the cloak-and-dagger be 'Filch likes to trip the light fantastic toe in the moonlight with a long handle mop with Frank Sinatra music performing in the background .'

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

`` Yes, '' John said in a serious tone, `` I saw him once. He was rubbing the mop head to his case and had on a looking of pure joy. ``

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

`` Yes, it is, is n't it ? '' King 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 appeal that would piss her the clandestine steward. Then, she pointed her wand at toilet and said a slightly different charm.

`` Now you say the arcanum, John. ``

`` Filch likes to trip the light fantastic in the Moon with a long grip mop with Frank Francis Albert Sinatra medicine playacting in the background, '' John smirked.

`` trade good, '' Rose replied and then performed another appealingness on John. `` I 'm not set to try including former people yet, so John will only be able to babble about Filch 's little habit to me. ``

rose waved her sceptre around in an intricate formula and then said one last conjuration. She lowered her wand and stared at John. Then she turned to front Albus.

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

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

`` Yeah ! '' lav shouted, `` Actually, just the other night I saw him and he was- '' John 's rima oris continued moving but no speech sound was coming out of it.

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

Rose was staring at whoremaster with a slight expression of letdown. `` Not quite. He was n't even supposed to be able to propel his mouth. You know, in vitrine people can read back talk. I guess it 's a start, though. ``

`` Definitely. I mean, this is a really set ahead charm. You ca n't take in expected to get it on the first-class honours degree try, '' Albus pointed out. Although, he did form of think Rose expected to get it on the number one try.

`` I suppose, '' rose sighed, `` I 'll just loosen it. ``

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

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

`` Yeah, he likes to trip the light fantastic toe with a long handle mop by moonlight while frankfurter Sinatra plays in the background, '' Saint John the Apostle told her.

`` Looks like the countercharm worked, '' Albus said.

`` But that 's not even what we 'll need, '' pink wine pointed out, `` We 're not going to perform the countercharm on Kaden. Not for another few years at least. ``

`` Yeah, but it 's lucky for John that it worked, '' Albus grinned, `` Otherwise he would n't be capable to share Filch 's hugger-mugger delight of liveliness. ``

******

Over the next few 24-hour interval, lavatory actually did ploughshare that Filch liked to trip the light fantastic with a long handle mop by the moonlight with wienerwurst Sinatra playing in the background. All he had to do was name it to a few former Gryffindors at meal times and the bit of chit chat was soon spreading throughout the school. The reactions from educatee ranged from hysterical laughter to raised eyebrow to ecphonesis of 'Who the Hell is wiener Frank Sinatra ?'Albus could n't assist but smirk every time he heard his fellow educatee mentioning the story.

Filch, on the former hand, was actively trying to find the culprit. There was n't really any peak, since he would n't be able to ascertain who started it, but he tried. He spent the daylight prowling the halls and listening in on students'conversations, trying to find out any sort of info regarding the false narrative. Whenever the students noticed him, they would burst out laughing, which would cause Filch to start out muttering about 'rotten scholar'and 'ought to mop up them all'.

Filch 's main defendant was Kaden, which Albus found sort of funny. Kaden of row had laughed the loudest when he heard the tarradiddle. Since Filch had developed an intense disfavor for Kaden since their detention months ago, he gave Kaden ominous stares every time Kaden passed him in the corridors. Kaden just found this funny, since he knew john had invented the story.

The story about Filch provided a skillful break from the intense perusal that all the students were occupied with. Like usual, the instructor had increased the homework after the holidays. Albus was well-chosen it was n't yet his O.W.L. year and he could n't imagine how he would finagle to cope with that in three light years. Along with homework, Albus also had Quidditch and dueling praxis. Both Sakartvelo and Kate had increased praxis times in order to prepare for the upcoming match and tournament. The third dueling tournament was to exact home the start weekend of February and Quidditch on the accompany weekend. Albus now had Quidditch practice on Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays, and Sabbatum. Dueling practices were as usual, not required, but were now not only on Wednesdays, but on Friday as well. The solely day Albus had off was Sunday, which did n't contribute much time for him to try and project out how to prove he was like the Marauders to the new map.

The break of the day of the Dueling Tournament was common cold, snowy, and blustery. Albus was very well-chosen the Quidditch match was n't that day. He got up a few hr before the tourney started and went down to breakfast with his friends.

`` I ca n't wait until I can duel next yr, '' Kaden said in between sharpness of egg.

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

`` That 's because there 's so many of us, '' Rose explained, `` In the habitue Dueling golf-club, the one that you can only be in if you 're fifth year or above, not everyone gets on the team. It 's like Quidditch and you have to try out. ``

`` That sounds better, '' John said, `` But I do n't know if I 'd arrive at the squad. ``

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

`` You 're getting better, '' Albus assured her, `` You might make it by the time you 're a 5th year. ``

`` Yeah, that 's the point of the junior 's society, '' rosebush said, `` So you can get well. They do n't expect us all to be practiced duellist. ``

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

Albus felt his aspect turn red, `` Well, I 'm not that gravid ... I mean, there are loads of hoi polloi who are respectable than me. ``

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

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

`` That 's good, though ! '' rosebush sighed, `` You 're both fantabulous dueler, so you 've got a good team ! ``

Albus shrugged. He kind of would rather just be able to beat Malfoy than beat the other teams, but he did n't remark anything about it.

Albus and his friends continued their lecture 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 sleeping room for the tournament.

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

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

`` I swear he 's gotten More mad over the yr, '' bathroom muttered to Albus as they passed him.

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

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

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned.

The tournament got under way a few minutes later. It was much like the retiring two tournaments, with a lot of sitting around time. Albus was well-chosen that he and Amanda were on the Saame team so they were capable to verbalize to each former in between duel.

Albus won both of his duel, just like the finis two tournaments. So did Malfoy and once again, Albus found that he was kind of happy and kind of wild about that. Amanda won one of her duels, which Albus was very happy about. He knew one-half her dueling egress were from nerves and the fact that she thought she would n't do well.

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

The points were tallied after the last duel and King John 's team was declared the winner. Albus was slightly disappointed, but there were still three more tournaments before the final. Harry announced the point totals for the total year and Rose 's team was in first stead so far. In second was the team led by Hufflepuff Paul Galivant and in tertiary was Saint John 's team, led by Albus 's full cousin Bradley.

Albus did n't think that the inter-house dueling was decreasing the rivalry between sign. Albus was n't anymore fond of the Slytherins than he had been in the beginning of the year. None of the Slytherins really got along with the Gryffindors on his team, and vice versa. He was n't exactly surely how it was working with the fixture dueling club, but he had overheard Stanley complaining about how disobliging the Slytherins on his squad were. But that was month ago and he did n't bang 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, Gospel According to Luke, and mischiefmaker09 for their limited review !

I wrote my first Marauders Era tarradiddle, Side outcome May Include Gratitude and impression of Well Being, which is a one-shot from dame Pomfrey 's point in time of eyeshot. It 's on my author page, if you 're interested. I 'd love it if you read and reviewed it !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


matte 's natal day was a few mean solar day after the Dueling tourney. Albus and his protagonist did n't have him a company like they had endure year. That had mostly been done to cheer him up since he had been in the infirmary Wing at the time. This year they went down to the kitchens and got a cake, and then ate it in their hall. Kaden went with him and was amazed by the kitchens, with all the house-elves around. His reaction was funnier to watch than Amanda 's the previous class. He stood there with his rima oris half open and then ran around grabbing as a good deal food as possible.

By the clip the Quidditch match arrived the following Saturday, Albus was utterly exhausted. Between Quidditch practice and preparation, he hardly had anytime to sleep. bedevil in a trip down to the kitchens for Matt 's birthday after Quidditch practice the former night, and Albus was ready to kip through an entire day.

Albus yawned, got out of bed, and looked out the window. He had been hoping that the raging blizzard would have let up, but it had n't. fantastic, he thought, James would n't be catching the Snitch quickly in this weather.

A few 60 minutes later, Albus bade his acquaintance goodbye and headed down to the changing rooms at the Quidditch delivery. His friends had bundled themselves up in as much orange red and amber clothing as they owned and were ready to huddle together against the howling wind for a few hours of Quidditch. John, lusterlessness, and Amanda did n't seem to mind the weather at all and were excited about the match. Rose, on the other hand, clearly would have rather spent the afternoon in the castle studying. Kaden still liked football game better than Quidditch and Albus had a feeling he would n't have minded the storm if he was watching a football game game.

`` Ok ! '' Georgia shouted a few minute after Albus entered the changing rooms, `` Everyone semen over here ! ``

`` I know the atmospheric condition is n't ideal, '' Georgia began once everyone was gathered around her, `` But we 've played in worse than this ! ``

`` Yeah, if you count that flood we played in during third year, '' Fred muttered, `` But other than that .... ''

Georgia glared at Fred, `` Anyway, we 're playing Hufflepuff, so we 'll win. harpist 's still captain, but it 's her lastly year, so she 'll be dead set on getting the Cup. That means she 'll hold trained her team even harder. They 've got a new Keeper, though. Someone named sixpence Royce. He 's a fifth part year. early than him, the squad 's the Same as last year. So, with that, get out there and recoil some badger ass ! ``

Albus grinned to himself as he picked up his broom and started to walk to the room access. Sakartvelo was a peachy captain, but was n't much for long nose delivery.

`` Albus, '' Georgia whispered and put her hand on his shoulder.

`` Yeah ? ``

`` You 're, er, less nervous this match, right ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus smiled, remembering how he had told her he was extremely nervous the last peer. In reality, he 'd been too preoccupied with the new map. trusted, he 'd been a little nervous, but not as much as Georgia thought he had been. This match, however, he was n't nearly as disorder, although he still was a bit neural. `` I 'm a bit nervous, but not as practically. ``

`` commodity, '' Georgia grinned and walked out the door and onto the pitch.

Albus followed his cousin onto the rake and was immediately hit by the emphatic winds that were prevailing.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff mates ! '' Todd Smith 's spokesperson sounded over the pitch. It sounded faint and kind of far away in the flatus. `` It 's bloody cold out here so let 's make it quick !

`` Here are the Gryffindors ! Captain Sakartvelo Weasley, followed by Ryan O'Malley, Albus ceramist, James potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, and Heather Weasley !

`` And the Hufflepuffs ! Captain Jessica harper, followed by Ted Shawn Ames, Lisa Galivant, Andy Kaper, Stacey Manson, Anna Reilly, and tanner Royce ! ``

Professor Oteski motioned for Peach State and harper to shake paw and as soon as they did so, Albus and the relaxation of the players rose into the air. Oteski released the balls and Calluna vulgaris immediately took monomania 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 end. He was amazed that he had actually caught it since the weather was so awful. He could hardly see two invertebrate 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 short and toss the Quaffle back to Heather, since he almost flew directly into an oncoming Hufflepuff chaser.

heather mixture caught the Quaffle and flew it the relief of the way to the finish. She threw it in and it easily went past Hufflepuff 's new Keeper.

`` destination ! Ten-zero Gryffindor ! Now hurry up and catch that Snitch, Jesse James ! I 'm freezing my bloody- ''

`` Smith ! '' Patil shouted, `` take in your spoken communication ! ``

`` Sorry, professor. ``

The Quaffle was now back in frolic and was in Hufflepuff possession. Albus was n't even sure which Chaser had it, but he knew it was a Hufflepuff. Whichever Hufflepuff had the Quaffle managed to admit it to the Gryffindor goals, but Georgia saved it.

Fred took the Quaffle and flew it back to the other end of the pitch, scoring another destination for Gryffindor.

The biz continued this way for the next half hr. 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 space of the goals. He faked to the rightfield and then threw the Quaffle at the leftfield hoop. Royce tried to keep open it, but he was n't quick enough.

`` finish ! Albus Potter has scored against Hufflepuff ! The grade is now 90-20 Gryffindor ! ``

Albus was ecstatic. That was the first gear goal he had ever scored in a Quidditch equal. Up until now, all he 'd done were aid. Albus took a victory lap around the pitch and then caught the Quaffle from Heather.

Albus managed to score another goal and ling scored two Sir Thomas More in the side by side one-half 60 minutes of the match. Hufflepuff scored a few more goals, but were still far behind. By now, Albus was trusted he had turned into an icicle and was getting a bit sick of flying around in the cold. He was even getting a bit of a headache from it. Albus was n't even sure if he 'd know if James or Galivant caught the snitcher, due to the increasingly bad visibleness and snow. The blizzard seemed to be getting worse by the bit. If Hogwarts actually called off Quidditch, they would have called it off a while ago.

A few moment later, cheers broke out in the standpoint and Albus was sure person must have caught the snitch. He was very happy to bring his Scots heather and knew he 'd be even happier when he finally got into the warm common room.

The respite of his team was shouting in glee and were surrounding James. He must have caught the fink, Albus thought. The rest of the Gryffindors were swarming the pitching and soon King James I was lifted onto a few hoi polloi 's shoulders. Albus joined the multitude of his planetary house and started his way back to the palace.

On his way back to the green way, numerous citizenry stopped him in order to congratulate him on the win. Albus was thrilled that they had won, but all he really wanted to do was find his protagonist and get into some quick robes. James I loved the care he got after winning a Quidditch compeer, but Albus could withdraw it or allow for it. Right now, he could leave it since his concern was getting tough.

The party in the common room was just getting started when Albus entered a few transactions later. Someone must have snuck down to the kitchens because there was an full table filled with food for thought. Someone else had obviously gotten into Hogsmeade because just about everyone had a butterbeer in their hand.

Somebody shoved a butterbeer into Albus 's deal as he made his way through the crowd. Saint 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 end military post. Galivant was on the early end of the pitch, so I knew she had no hope ... '' James River was saying to a distich of giggling girls.

The rest of the team was nearby and were digging into the food for thought that was on one of the tables.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Peach State shouted as he passed, `` I knew you could get over those nerves ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled as he went up the steps to his dorm.

Albus quickly changed out of his cold, wet robe and felt a bit better afterwards. He went back down to the vulgar room and it was even Buckminster Fuller than before. It looked like all the Gryffindors had returned from the pitch and the party was in full swing.

Albus found his friends sitting at their usual tabular array and they all seemed to be enjoying the party.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted as Albus sat down, `` Brilliant playing ! ``

`` Definitely, '' flatness agreed.

`` You 're quite a expert pursuer, Albus, '' Rose said, `` Although I honestly do n't know why they did n't offset the match with this rash ... ''

`` natural the peer ? '' privy stared at her, `` Never ! ``

`` If it was football, it would 've been canceled, '' Kaden commented.

`` Yeah, because you would n't be able to run around in two feet of snow, '' trick laughed, `` But Quidditch is in the air, so it does n't matter. ``

`` Will you two just depart arguing about football ? '' rose sighed.

`` Just trying to flex Kaden into a right wizard, '' King John shrugged.

`` Quidditch is hardly the definition of a right wizard, '' Rose said, `` I believe potion brewing is a bit more crucial and I 'm sure Kaden could teach you a matter about it, Mr. Exploding Potions. ``

`` That was Goyle 's fault, '' John muttered.

`` Why do n't all three of you just quit 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 convention. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to do that he 's been flying around in a blizzard for the past two hours ? '' blush wine suggested, `` If they 'd just ingest canceled the match- ''

`` They do n't cancel Quidditch ! '' John shouted and then turned to lusterlessness, `` You understand this, do n't you ? ``

`` It 's true, '' lusterlessness agreed, `` Quidditch is n't ever canceled for footling things like blizzard. ``

`` I think the weather just makes it more interesting, '' Amanda commented.

`` Not you too ! '' rose groaned.

`` football 's only played in the warm months anyway, '' Kaden said, `` They would n't even schedule an outdoor football game mates in the wintertime. ``

`` wellspring that 's tire, '' whoremonger replied.

Albus leaned his pass on his hand and closed his middle while trying to drown out his Quaker conversation. John, Rose, and Kaden continued to fence about the virtue of Quidditch and football. matte and Amanda stayed out of it for the most division and seemed kind of amused with the entire affair. Albus was n't, though. He wished they 'd just shut out 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 nice sport if it were played on brooms, '' lav said.

`` Oh seminal fluid on, John ! '' pink wine sighed, `` Be serious ! You ca n't play football on brooms. How would you kick the Lucille Ball ? ``

`` Not to mention that Muggles wreak football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Muggles ca n't fly ! ``

`` I 'm not saying that Muggles should play football on ling. I meant if football game were ever played by wizards, it should be done on brooms. ``

Football on Calluna vulgaris, Albus thought, what an insane melodic theme. His friends were now trying to merge football game and Quidditch.

`` Albus, are you all right ? '' matte asked.

Albus opened his center and lifted his chief off his paw. `` I dunno. ``

`` You do n't expect that outstanding, '' Matt said concernedly.

John, pink wine, and Kaden stopped arguing and looked at Albus.

`` Yeah, you look bad than matt does when he gets sick, '' Kaden said loudly.

`` Thanks, '' matte muttered.

`` Matt 's right hand, '' pink wine said, `` You do look painful, Albus. ``

`` I 've got a worry, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You should go see dame Pomfrey, '' Kaden told him.

`` I think I 'll just go to bed, '' Albus got up from his chair, `` I have n't really slumber much the past few night. I 'm probably just tired. ``

Albus stumbled over to the dormitory door, feeling worse than he had a few minutes ago. He collapsed into his bed and fell asleep minutes later.

******

Albus awoke with a start and he was n't sure how often time had passed since he went to sleep. He still felt extremely tired and his head still hurt. He groaned and closed his eyes again, wanting only to kip for a few days straight.

right when he was about to drift off again, someone threw the drape back and Albus 's bed was flooded in light.

`` Ugh, '' Albus groaned and covered his eyes with his hired man. `` What was that for ? ``

`` You 've slept almost an intact day, '' someone said.

Albus moved his hands and slowly opened his heart. John was standing over his bed with a look of concern on his boldness.

`` And I 'd like to sleep a bit Sir Thomas More if you do n't mind, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You slept through dinner party last night, and breakfast and lunch today. Are n't you hungry ? ``

`` Not really. ``

`` Are you sure you 're ok ? '' Gospel According to John asked, `` Rose sent me up here to insure on you. ``

Honestly, Albus was n't certain he was ok. He could n't remember the finis metre he had slept an full day. But right now all he wanted was for John to go away so he could sleep some more.

`` I 'll be ticket once I sleep some more, '' Albus replied and rolled over away from John.

`` If you 're sure, '' John said quietly and closed the curtains.

It did n't convey Albus long to fall down back asleep. He had some strange dreams that involved teddy telling him his broom broke and he 'd throw to play Quidditch without it by running around on the footing. Then, instead of a Quaffle, the match was played with a football.

Albus woke up briefly after one of these dreams, only to find that the dormitory was dark. He could see Ethan 's muffle snoring and an owl hooting outside. Unfortunately, he did n't feel any better than he had when John Lackland woke him up. In fact, he now felt worse. Every one of his muscularity were aching, like he had fallen from his broom during the compeer. But Albus could n't recall falling from his broom. When had the mates been anyway ? Yesterday or the day before ? Albus could n't even remember and he did n't even know what day it was currently.

`` Albus ! '' person shouted. Albus was dreaming about Quidditch again and soul was hitting him with their beater 's bat.

`` Quit it, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Albus, are you all right ? ``

`` Go away, '' Albus said, `` And stop smacking me with that beater 's bat. ``

`` Beater 's bat ? '' they repeated, `` That 's it, I 'm getting professor Potter. ``

`` I 'll go, '' somebody else said, `` You stay here with him. ``

Whoever had been hitting Albus with the bat had stopped, and he was grateful. Georgia had taken the bat away and was now yelling at its owner. Then she announced that they would be playing football instead of Quidditch. James complained loudly, since there were n't any searcher in football.

`` Albus, wake up ! ``

`` I think Kaden said you 'll have to spiel defense, Epistle of James, '' Albus mumbled in his sleep. `` There is n't a Snitch in football. ``

`` Hang on, Albus, Saint John 's getting your dad. ``

`` My dad ? He 'll have to play defending team, too. ``

`` What 's wrong ? '' individual new shouted.

`` He 's been sleeping since after the lucifer, professor ceramist. I think he 's sick. ``

`` Since after the match ? ``

`` Er, yeah. We thought he was just tired, but he 's been sleeping for two days. ``

`` The friction match ? '' Albus muttered, `` Did we beat Slytherpuff yet ? ``

Albus felt himself being lifted out of his bed and into someone 's arms. He rested his straits on their shoulder and shivered as his blanket fell back onto the bed. Albus fell back into a deep eternal rest and next woke up as he was being laid down on another bed.

Albus heard hoi polloi talking all around him, but he could n't make out what they were saying. somebody poured a few disgusting potions down his pharynx and forced him to swallow them. There was more mussitation around him, but Albus soon drifted off to kip again.

The way was quieter when Albus next woke up. He opened his optic and looked around. Where was he ? Albus was certain he had fallen asleep in his dormitory, but now it looked as if he was in the infirmary annexe. The place was nearly deserted, make unnecessary for gentlewoman Pomfrey sitting at her desk. Albus yawned and tried to sit up, but he was still dizzy. The sound thing was that his head felt much better. However, his eubstance still ached.

dame 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, '' lady Pomfrey said as she poured one of the potions into a cup, `` You gave us all quite a fright. ``

`` What prison term is it ? '' Albus asked, still confused about what he was doing there.

`` Just after six o'clock. ``

`` Er, and what day ? ``

`` Monday, '' the nursemaid said as she thrust the cup under Albus 's nozzle, `` Drink that. ``

Albus downed the potion quickly, `` Yuck. It 's really Monday ? I 've missed classes ? ``

`` I 'd say so. ``

`` Er, what exactly happened ? I mean, I went to bed in my dormitory and now I 'm here ... ''

`` You 're ill, '' ma'am Pomfrey said, `` You 've caught the flu. Your acquaintance told me you slept for almost two days and then they went to get your father since you were n't getting any safe and had started becoming delirious. You 've been here since around tiffin fourth dimension. ``

`` Oh. fountainhead, how long do I have to stay ? ``

`` Another two day, probably, '' Madam Pomfrey told him. `` Now I want you to tope 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 remember being taken out of his dormitory, but it was only a fogged memory. The last thing he could really remember well was the Quidditch match. He was very happy he had n't fallen ill before the match.

No sooner had Albus drank the first potion that the doors to the Hospital Wing swung open and john, Matt, blush wine, and Amanda came bursting through. madam Pomfrey got up quickly from her desk and met them halfway.

`` Is Albus awake ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yes, he 's only just woken up. I suppose you can visit him for a few arcminute. But calmly ! He needs to rest ! ``

`` Albus ! '' rose shrieked when she ran over to his bed, `` Thank pigeon hawk you 're all mighty ! ``

`` How are you ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Doing skilful ? '' John asked.

`` Well, '' flatness said with a half smile on his pale face, `` This is a permutation. ``

Albus grinned at him, `` Yeah, ca n't really remember a time where it was you visiting me here. ``

`` What exactly have you got anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Flu, '' Albus answered, `` But I 'm getting better. Not nearly as stock as before. ``

`` I would hope so, '' John smirked, `` You slept two years. ``

`` I 'll probably sleep another two, '' Albus said, `` Pomfrey said I 've got to stay another two days. ``

`` We 'll be here together, then, '' Matt replied.

Albus looked at his friend, who was looking a bit exhausted himself. `` When 's the full moon again ? ``

`` Tomorrow, '' flatness sighed.

`` Did you rent that new potion ? '' Albus asked.

Matt nodded, `` Yeah, and I 'm more knackered than usual. ``

`` He fell asleep in history of Magic and almost fell asleep in Potions, '' Gospel According to John said.

`` wellspring, you did n't kip through two whole Day like I did, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I 've done it before. I 've slept through more than two twenty-four hour period actually. I think four is my record. ``

`` All right hand ! '' Madam Pomfrey announced, `` fourth dimension for you lot to be off to bed, especially you, Matt. And Albus needs to reside. ``

`` See you tomorrow, '' Albus said as his ally left the room.

`` Sure will, '' lustrelessness replied.

Albus slept on and off throughout the night and the side by side morning. He was still tired, but felt much better when he woke up late the next break of day. 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 drink. Albus was the only patient role in the entire ward, so the nurse 's fussing was all focused on him.

The nursemaid had been giving Albus what must have been his tenth field glass of weewee that morning when the door to the ward opened. Matt stumbled inside and walked shakily over to the bed next to Albus 's. He collapsed onto it and winced in pain.

Madam Pomfrey immediately put down the piss pitcher and descended upon matt.

`` You 're here in the beginning than usual, '' she said as she felt his head word, `` And you 're burning up. ``

`` Why are you here earlier ? '' Albus asked once ma'am Pomfrey had gone to get another potion.

`` Tired, '' Matt mumbled, `` felled seam asleep in Department of Defense and your dad told me to come here. ``

`` Is it the new potion ? ``

`` Yeah, it does n't exactly help much, does it ? ``

`` I thought you said they were going to find something to sabotage the part 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 tired, but he fell asleep anyway out of deficiency of anything else to do.

John, pink wine, and Amanda stopped by after dinner to see Albus and lustrelessness, but dame Pomfrey did n't let them delay long. flatness had been asleep anyway. Shortly after their protagonist 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 revaluation !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus awoke the side by side morning, he felt much salutary. In fact, he felt mostly normal. He was n't achy anymore and his head teacher felt better as well. He hungrily ate all the breakfast Madam Pomfrey provided.

The like could n't be said for lustrelessness, who was looking a lot worse than the old day. He was either asleep or unconscious, Albus was betting on the latter, and he had numerous cold shoulder and scar on his brass. His mighty arm and forehead were covered in a large bandages.

`` So when can I entrust ? '' Albus asked as dame Pomfrey performed some variety of spell on Matt.

`` Later today, most probably, '' she said after she 'd finished her incantation.

Albus sighed. He had been hoping he 'd be able to leave that good morning. He was starting to feel incredibly bored with the infirmary offstage, although not bored enough to protrude the homework Rose had brought the previous evening.

Albus spent the residual of the cockcrow drifting in and out of sleep out of want of anything else to do. lady Pomfrey gave him a few more tight tasting potions and luncheon, which Albus ate ravenously. After going two days without food for thought, he was starving.

The door to the Hospital Wing opened just as Albus was finishing his lunch. King John, rose wine, and Amanda walked inside and immediately headed for Albus 's bed. Madam Pomfrey was in her bureau and did n't look to find the visitors.

`` Hey, how are you ? '' Rose asked.

`` Bored, '' Albus replied.

`` That 's estimable, '' rose wine grinned.

`` Are you better now ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Pretty much. gentlewoman Pomfrey wo n't let me leave until later, though. bid she 'd let me leave now. ``

`` She just wants to make indisputable you 're completely better, '' Rose said, `` And it 's not like you 're missing class since this is our afternoon off. ``

`` Exactly ! '' King John sighed, `` He could be doing much better stuff on his afternoon off if he was n't here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Like figuring out the new map. ``

`` How are we going to do that anyway ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

`` Go to the library, '' Albus replied, `` We 've got to calculate for slipway of proving who we are. ``

bathroom groaned, `` And I doubt there will just be a book titled Prove Who You Are to a objet d'art of sheepskin. ``

`` Probably not, '' rosebush laughed. `` But we 'll get out somehow. ``

`` Making anymore progress on the charm for Kaden ? '' Albus asked.

`` A bit, yeah. I tried it again last night on lav and this fourth dimension he could n't even move his lip like net time. Now I 've just got to enter out how to involve early hoi polloi in the secret. ``

`` And then all we 've got to do is convince Matt that the charm is foolproof, '' John said.

Everyone glanced over at matte 's bed, where he was still sleeping.

`` He been asleep all day ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Ever since I 've been awake. ``

Matt groaned and opened his heart, `` You lot here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' St. John the Apostle replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` Horrible, '' matte said flatly, `` My mind is killing me. Were you talking about me ? ``

`` A bit, '' John said, `` Just about that spell 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 Marauders. ``

`` audio in effect, '' Matt yawned.

`` When do you get to pull up stakes ? '' Amanda asked, `` Albus is leaving later today. ``

`` No idea, '' Matt said, `` Not until at to the lowest degree tomorrow night. might be out in time for Astronomy. ``

`` Ca n't you not be outside when the Moon is close to wax ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Only when it 's waxing. When it 's waning I 'm very well. ``

`` So, we 'll be after on working on the map this weekend, then, '' Albus said. `` Unless any of you catch what I had. ``

`` hope not, '' John said. `` Maybe Malfoy will catch it, '' he added gleefully.

`` John, that 's not funny, '' Rose scolded, `` He 'd be really sick. ``

`` He 'd get better. Albus is fine now. ``

Albus heard a threshold open and dame Pomfrey came strolling out of her office. She looked up and saw the gang around Albus and Matt 's beds and made a beeline for them.

`` What are you lot doing here ? '' she demanded.

`` Visiting Albus and lustrelessness, '' rose wine answered.

`` Oh, you 're wake up ! '' 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 feel ? ``

`` Awful, '' mat replied. `` My head harm and so does pretty much everything else. ``

`` You must take in hit your point much worse than usual last nighttime, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey sighed, `` You had quite the concussion earlier. I 'll go get some bother potions. ``

She returned a bit later with a potion for Matt, who drank it in one gulp.

`` Now, you three have to result, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey said to rose wine, John, and mat, `` Albus will be out later and you can see him then. ``

Boredom set in for Albus shortly after his friends left. Matt had fallen back asleep quickly after he took his pain in the ass potion. Albus could n't even catch some Z's anymore because he had already slept so much that day.

******

`` What are we supposed to be looking for anyway ? '' John sighed as he slammed a book shut.

Albus, John, Matt, Rose, and Amanda were all crowded around a withdraw mesa in the library. It was covered in books that covered all sort of topics. The five of them had spent the last hour searching for way of life to prove to the new map that they were like the piranha. So far, nonentity had found anything useful.

`` I do n't know, '' Albus replied, `` Anything that might prove that we 're like the piranha. ``

`` That 's not very specific, '' trick muttered, `` I really do n't require to spend an total Saturday here. ``

`` It 'll do you some soundly, '' Rose said.

`` Wish we could just use that Scripture that you used to find the early appeal, '' 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 give us a note ? Bet he would, '' John said.

`` Bet he would n't, '' Albus disagreed, `` He 'd know we 're up to something. ``

`` Besides, '' rose wine interjected, `` It might not be a appeal we 're looking for. ``

`` We 're just going to birth to go along looking, '' Albus said as he opened another rule book. `` But I 've got Quidditch practice in a one-half hour. ``

`` We 'll just appear 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 unusual since Kaden spent every waking here and now of his day ( when he was n't in class ) no less than four foot away from Albus.

`` There he is, '' Matt pointed to somewhere behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw his cousin running through the subroutine library with a clipboard in his hand.

`` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` hush ! '' brothel keeper Pince shouted even louder, `` Or I 'll contrive you all out ! ``

`` Albus, '' Kaden said more quietly as he sat down in an vacate hot seat at their table.

Albus eyed Kaden 's clipboard but he could n't register what it said. `` Hi Kaden. ``

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied, `` Will you sign my request ? ``

`` Petition ? '' Albus asked, `` What in the name of pigeon hawk are you petitioning for ? ``

`` TVs in the common rooms, '' Kaden grinned.

`` What ? ! '' John and matte shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' Madam Pince screeched.

Rose laughed, `` What on solid ground for ? ``

`` I would n't mind having a TV in the common elbow 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 spend a penny it easygoing. ``

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' St. John the Apostle laughed.

`` Nope, not kidding, '' Kaden said, `` I 've got loads of touch already. I 'm not really sure how many I 'll demand, though. I figure I 'll try and get as many as I can in a few days and then give it to Professor Longbottom. ``

Albus tried to suppress his grinning, but he could n't. The approximation of Kaden trying to get television receiver put into the vulgar suite was just too funny. There would be no way any of the teacher would jibe to it even if everyone in Hogwarts signed the petition.

`` So will you signalize it ? '' Kaden asked, `` If this goes through, I 'll try for electronic computer next. ``

`` Computers, '' mat laughed, `` You 're mad. ``

`` I 'll sign up, '' Amanda grabbed the clipboard and quill.

`` Sure, why not ? '' Albus shrugged. It could n't pain to bless the thing, and he was sure Kaden would n't stop bugging them unless they did.

John and flatness signed as well, although they were laughing the unhurt time. pink 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 galvanic pile of leger, `` indorse year must be bloody insane. ``

`` Oh, it is, '' John said, `` You wo n't possess any time to look out any TV. ``

`` I 'll draw time, '' Kaden said as he stood up, `` Well, I 'm going to get more touch. ``

Albus watched as his cousin went from tabular array to table trying to get people to sign. Some of them liked the idea and signed willingly. Others laughed until Kaden gave up and others looked at him like he was crazy. Eventually, brothel keeper Pince found out what he was doing and threw him out of the library.

`` Your first cousin is the weirdest bloke I 've ever met, '' John Lackland said after Kaden was kicked out.

`` Yeah, he is a bit unusual, '' Albus agreed and closed the Christian Bible he was reading, `` Well, I 'm off to practice. I 'll see you lot later. ``

After drill, Albus went to the common room and found his friends sitting around their usual mesa doing homework. Unfortunately, none of them had found anything that would help oneself them to prove that they were like the Marauders. Albus was beginning to question if they 'd ever get that map working. Even if they did find out a way to demonstrate they were like the Marauders, what would they have to do next ? How many things would they have to do before they would actually be able to see the map ? Albus had no thought, but he knew the marauder were n't going to make this easy.

******

The rest of February passed quickly. Albus and his acquaintance continued to purge the library for any sort of magic spell, spell, or potion that would help them in their quest to reveal the map. None of them found anything. Kaden thought they were all doing homework as they searched the al-Qur'an every weekend. Rose was making progress with the Sileo Altus good luck charm, but it was n't quite perfected enough to use yet. rose was sure as shooting she 'd have it learned by the end of the month. mat never said lots when the appealingness was brought up and Albus was hoping he would still tally to severalize Kaden once pink wine perfected the charm.

Kaden 's orison to have televisions put into the common room was rejected shortly after he gave it to Neville. Kaden did n't appear in the to the lowest degree bit dissuade by this. He insisted it was rejected due to lack of convincing evidence as to how the televisions would gain the scholarly person. He was planning on resubmitting it along with a elaborated essay on the field later on in the term.

`` You know, Kaden, '' rose said at dinner one night, `` Even if the instructor accepted your orison, the televisions would n't even work here. There 's too a lot magic. ``

`` Oh, I 'm sure there 's a charm that would countercheck that, '' Kaden said.

`` It wo n't make, '' matt said, `` deception just does n't check with electronics. This one meter when we were visiting my Uncle Jack in the United States, Amy accidentally broke one of the metallic element detectors at the aerodrome. It was n't her fracture or anything, the thaumaturgy just interrupted it or something. The thing started beeping and would n't stop until they turned it off. ``

whoremonger laughed, `` That would 've been hilarious to see. ``

`` Amy did n't cogitate so. She was mortified, '' Matt said, `` It was a while ago, before we even moved here. I think she was fourteen. ``

`` Well, I still say they could obtain a way, '' Kaden said.

`` Hey, face, '' Albus pointed to the fountainhead table. prof Kendrick was standing up.

`` Wonder what he 's got to say ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` Leslie Townes Hope it 's nothing bad, '' Rose said.

`` He looks happy enough, '' Amanda commented.

`` May I have your tending ! '' Kendrick announced. The room fell silent. `` Thank you. Do n't occupy, I 'm not giving out bad tidings. In fact, I think you 'll find this promulgation most exciting. ``

There was a oecumenical mutter of excitement throughout the Great Granville Stanley Hall at this. Kendrick waited for everyone to stop talking before he continued.

`` If you 'll remember at the beginning of the twelvemonth, when I announced the variety for the Dueling Club, that that would only be one part of the firm I cause. I am announcing today that the other professors and I have organized another oneness outcome. It will be a scavenger hunt, with inter-house teams, of course. ``

Albus groaned. A scavenger hunt would be fun, but not if he had to do it with Slytherins. Everyone else seemed to be in agreement, because there was a general groaning throughout.

`` I know you do n't care it, but the school needs to be unified. Now, I will excuse the outcome. It will not be like a steady scavenger hunting. It will take place on the next three Saturdays. This Saturday will be for the first and second year. The following will be for one-third and one-quarter old age. The last will be for fifth, sixth, and one-seventh years.

`` The other professor and I will be organizing the teams, which will lie of member of former long time and early houses. Each squad will have about ten phallus. You will cause one hour to make out the tasks given.

`` You will receive a list of items to obtain before this hr is up. There are rules, of line. Some of these token will be required to receive without magic. We will be performing charms on these item and if we find that any of them were spelled, transfigured, conjured, charmed, etc. within the hour they will be disqualified.

`` However, the magpie search will not only include a inclination of point to find. You will also receive multiple trifle sheets. These will include both wizard and Muggle trivia.

`` Finally, each team will experience a riddle, which if they deceiver correctly, will lead them on a quest throughout the rook and primer. When you reach the end, there will be a bit of info that must be returned to me. If you are successful, you 'll get a 100 point bonus. However, there is also a fictive track that will result you to worthless information. If that is brought back, you 'll obtain no bonus.

`` I will give you a more elaborated lean of rules on the day of the outcome. Until then, keep your encephalon sharp and do n't get rid of anything you would otherwise deem useless, '' Kendrick smiled and returned to his seat.

Albus turned to his friends, `` This sounds, er, interesting. ``

`` It 's really an excellent idea, '' Rose grinned, `` I mean, there 's no way a exclusive person would be able to achieve all of it alone. It 's a great melodic theme for planetary house ace. ``

`` It 'd be better if we did n't have to team up with Slytherins, '' John muttered.

`` But what if there 's something on that leaning that 's in the Slytherin mutual elbow room or something ? '' rosiness pointed out.

John groaned, `` I guess you 're right. ``

`` speech sound fun, though, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah. inquire what we get if we win ? '' Matt asked.

`` Hopefully some voucher to get out of homework or something, '' John said.

`` Since when have they given away those ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Now 's the perfective time for them to start, '' John replied.

`` I hope I 'm on your team, Albus, '' Kaden piped up.

`` That would be great, '' Albus smiled, and he actually meant it. It sounded like there was going to be a lot of random poppycock on that list and if there was anyone in the school day that had lots of random stuff, it was Kaden.

******

The next few days seemed to drag on forever for Albus and the relief of the first and indorsement years. Everyone was getting excited about the scavenger hunt and the instructor were getting a bit annoyed that nobody was paying attention in class.

Soon enough, Saturday arrived and Kendrick announced at lunch for all the first and secondment years to remain seated after they were done eating. Once all the sr. bookman left, Kendrick got to his feet once more.

`` Now, the consequence you 've all been waiting for, '' Kendrick said, `` The Scavenger Hunt will begin shortly. number one, I have a few more than prescript to go over.

`` As I said earlier in the week, there are token on this tilt that are not allowed to be created using magic. You may not conjure, transfigure, charm, or magical spell any of those items. Asking an elderly student to do so is also against the rules. We have spells that will discover if any token was magicked during the hour of the scavenger hunt.

`` The particular must be found within the schoolhouse and grounds. Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, the Whomping Willow, and Hagrid 's hut are all out of edge and you may not research for items in or around them. You may not ask Old students or instructor for aid, nor may you owl family phallus or early people. However, you may ask older students if they have any of the detail 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 penalty. You are permitted to use the subroutine library for help with the trivia. ``

Rose 's face lit up at that and Albus knew she would be the prescribed program library researcher for her team.

`` There are going to be eight squad of approximately ten students each. Your mansion prefects have your team assignments. Teams one and two are to gather at the Hufflepuff table, one at each end. Teams three and four at the Gryffindor table, five and six at Ravenclaw, and seven and eight at Slytherin. You will be given a few minutes to get organized in your teams and then the former professors will hand out the earmark material. Each team is given one set of material, no more. If you lose it, tough luck. Now please see your prefects. ``

Albus got up from the table and looked around until he spotted Georgia. He and his friends wound their way through the crowd until they managed to get to her.

`` Hey, Albus ! '' Sakartvelo grinned and looked at her clipboard, `` ready ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm on a good squad, right ? ``

`` Well, there are Slytherins on all the squad, if that 's what you mean, '' Georgia laughed, `` Anyway, you 're on Team Two. ``

Albus nodded and waited for his friends to get their team assignments.

Georgia scanned her clipboard again, `` Let 's see, Rose is on Team One, can is on team IV, Matt 's on squad 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 squad quatern, and Kaden 's on team Six, '' Empire State of the South looked up at them, `` Have fun. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said and then turned to his friends, `` Guess we 'll see you after. Good destiny. ``

Albus and flatness worked their way through the gang to the Hufflepuff mesa along with Rose. Albus was a bit disappoint that Kaden was n't on his squad, but there was n't anything he could do about that. The fortune were n't heavy that he would let two of his friends on his Lapplander squad. He was just favourable he had one of his booster on the same team.

The Hufflepuff table was already filling with people from squad one and two. squad Two was gathering at the half closest to the faculty table, so Albus and mat made their way there.

There seemed to be a fairly tied figure of each house at the board. Besides Albus and mat, there was one other Gryffindor, a for the first time year girlfriend Albus had seen but did n't know her name. There were also two Ravenclaws Albus did n't make out, three Hufflepuffs, and two Slytherins. Albus groaned when he saw who the Slytherins were, Felix Willinson and Leigh Montague. Leigh was rose 's potions cooperator and not the sharpest calamus in the box.

Felix Willinson narrowed his eyes when he saw Albus and Matt coming over. Albus found bum far away from him and sat down, waiting for the pack rat hunt to begin.

One of the Ravenclaws stood up a few seconds later, `` Hi, I 'm Rachel underwood and I 've been assigned as squad maitre d'hotel. ``

Everyone muttered hello to her and Rachel had everyone introduce themselves. So far, Willinson and Montague did n't appear enthused about their team, but Rachel did n't pay any attention to their animosity.

professor Patil came over a little while later with a handful of parchment. Albus assumed they were the lists of stuff to look for and the trivia.

`` The search will start in one minute ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The prof will give you your leaning as soon as I say go. You 'll have one hour to be back here with as much stuff you can possibly get. ``

A instant later, Kendrick shot out a shower of blue glint from his sceptre and Patil handed the stack of parchment to Rachel.

`` All right ! '' Rachel shouted as she leafed through the sheepskin, `` We need someone to trace the conundrum and run around to get the fillip distributor point. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' the other Ravenclaw volunteered. Rachel nodded and handed him the parchment. He ran out of the Great Hall while reading the riddle.

`` Ok, here 's the trivia, '' Rachel continued, `` We 've got Famous Witches and Wizards, Famous Muggles, What Not To Do While Interacting With Muggles, What Do You Know About Quidditch, and What Do You get laid About football game. ``

Albus turned to Matt and laughed. Kaden would surely love the football one.

Rachel handed out the trivia to the people who thought they 'd be able 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 list of items to feel, '' 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 triviality. Oh, but I 'll take in care of the costumes. You 'll just have to fag out them. ``

Albus nodded and took the sheepskin from her. Costumes ? He hoped he would n't make to fatigue anything too humiliating. He set it down on the mesa and began to understand it, with everyone else looking over his shoulder.

Items Are To Be Gathered Without Magic

-holly wand
-five emetic flavored Bertie Botts Beans
-Slytherin wearing Gryffindor robe
-Gryffindor wearing Slytherin robes
-light saber
-Dumbledore drinking chocolate frog add-in
-twenty shoe lace tied together
-Quaffle signed by King Oliver Wood
-Shooting principal broomstick
-Muggle pen
-copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
-a Nintendo DS
-girl dressed up as Godric Gryffindor
-boy dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff
-color changing ink
-beater bat
-drum sticks
-silver chalice
-Chudley shank jersey
-six Extendable ear
-Muggle playing bill of fare
-receipt from dame Malkins
-Argus Filch 's John Hancock
-the names of five Hogwarts House Elves
-rubber duck
-copy of Hogwarts, A History
-sneakoscope
-foe meth
-tea tea cozy
-Hogwarts graduation exercise video
-band AIDS
-green empty potions bottle
-Beatles CD
-purple gloves
-Hershey 's drinking chocolate bar
-My Little Hippogriff
-pet batrachian
-purple parchment
-two shelling
-tortilla chips

Albus looked up from the lean and waited for everyone else to finish reading.

`` What the bloody Hades is a CD ? '' Willinson asked.

`` Muggle way of listening to music, '' Albus explained, `` One of my first cousin might have one. ``

`` I 've got one, '' the Hufflepuff, who Albus now knew to be Horatio Nelson Rodner, said.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Anyone else know they 've got some of this stuff ? ``

Everyone nodded.

`` Let 's go get the material we know we 've got and then converge back here, '' Albus said as he got up. `` Then we can wreak on the stuff we do n't. ``

The former three boys agreed and Albus ran out of the Great residence with Matt. The two of them ran as fast as they could up to Gryffindor Tower.


A/N : I ca n't bring credit for the magpie Leigh Hunt idea. There is a stamping ground in Penn called Woodloch pine tree that I go to every summertime and they have pack rat hunts like the one in this chapter. unadulterated with costumes, trivia, and the conundrum. It 's a lot of fun.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Luke, Moonylupin, EvilChaos, potterfan296, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, Miguel, Denas, and phoenixy friend for their followup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist or the idea for the magpie hunt.


`` Willinson is acting civil, '' Albus commented as they were running up a flying of stairs.

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed, `` variety of surprising. Either he really wants to win or he 's not as confident without Malfoy. ``

`` Probably both, '' Albus said, `` Whatever the reason, we lucked out. ``

Everyone stared as Albus and Matt ran into the park room completely out of intimation. `` scavenger 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 detail when Albus and flatness entered. They nodded to each early, but did n't say anything.

Albus wrenched open his body and started rifling through it. He found a bag of Bertie Botts Beans, a Dumbledore chocolate anuran card, his copy of Hogwarts, A history, one Extendable Ear, and the photo album he found in the attic of his house. The graduation picture in the book binding would make for for the Hogwarts graduation picture.

`` What have you got ? '' he asked matte once he emerged from his trunk.

`` My verge 's holly, a muggle pen, band help, Chudley carom jersey, and a Nintendo DS, although I 'm not sure why I still bother to work it since it does n't make for here. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Let 's get back to the Great G. Stanley Hall. ``

When Albus and Matt got back to the Hufflepuff table, Willinson and Rodner had already returned. There was a pile of material 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 playing circuit card, and a sneakoscope.

`` All right, we 've got a good offset, '' Albus said as he added his and flatness 's stuff to the pile. `` I guess we 'll experience to ask the honest-to-goodness scholar to borrow the rest.

`` Rodner, '' Albus began, `` You see if you can get a light saber, a Quaffle signed by Oliver Sir Henry Wood, a Shooting Star broomstick, drum sticks, a receipt from Madam Malkin 's, foe chalk, 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 theater Elves, and a Hershey bar. ``

`` Why should I ? '' Willinson grumbled, `` Who put you in charge ? ``

`` Someone '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 hooey. ``

`` Fine, '' Willinson muttered and left the Great Hall.

`` Ok, that leaves the shoe laces, empty super acid potions bottle, purple glove, a My Little Hippogriff, a toad, purple parchment, a rubber duck, two batteries, and five more Extendable capitulum. Oh, and Filch 's autograph. ``

`` We 'll do that one last, '' Matt shuddered. `` We can probably just go back to the vulgar room and ask if anyone 's got this stuff. ``

`` goodness mind, '' Albus agreed.

The two son set off at a run back to their vernacular elbow room. Luckily it was still packed with scholarly person and some of them grinned as Albus and lusterlessness entered.

`` How 's it going ? '' Ben asked.

`` Good, '' Albus grinned back, `` But we 've got a bunch of stuff to find. listen up everyone ! '' he shouted.

The entire common elbow room quieted and turned to Albus. Albus was momentarily shocked that everyone actually stopped what they were doing to pay attention to him.

`` Er, we 're doing the scavenger Hunt and involve some clobber. Has anyone got a My Little Hippogriff, purple gloves, a toad, purple parchment, a condom duck, bombardment, or Extandable ear ? Also, we need twenty brake shoe laces. I promise we 'll generate it all once we 're done. ``

About half the students got up and went up to their hall. A few minutes later they came back down with various items for Albus. He managed to borrow a rubber duck, purplish parchment, and a few extendible spike. Plus he got at to the lowest degree twenty horseshoe laces.

`` That worked well, '' Albus said as he and lustrelessness left the room.

`` I 'd say so, '' Matt agreed, `` Now Filch 's John Hancock. This ought to be fun. ``

Albus smacked his hand to his forehead, `` I should consume grabbed the map ! ``

Albus groaned and ran back to the park room. Everyone laughed as he ran up to his dormitory and back down to the common room. Albus ignored them and pointed his wand to the map. A few seconds later he saw that Filch was lurking near the library.

Albus and Matt took off for the depository library and spotted Filch a few thousand away from the room access.

`` How are we supposed to ask him ? '' Albus whispered.

`` No idea, '' Matt said back.

Albus 's fondness 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 honest again ? In need of another detainment, perhaps ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, `` Actually, I was just, er, well, we 're doing this magpie hunt. Maybe Kendrick told you about it. It 's to promote Inter House single and we have to recover all this poppycock throughout the castling and- ''

`` We need your autograph, '' Matt interrupted, holding a piece of parchment and the Muggle pen in his outstretched hand.

Filch stared at them and then started muttering to himself. `` Do n't see why I should rile ... scholar never do anything for me ... ''

Nevertheless, Filch took the pen and scribbled his name onto the purple parchment. He thrust it wordlessly back into Matt 's hand and shuffled off down the corridor.

`` That went secure than expected, '' matte said.

`` Yeah, thanks. I could n't really figure out how to ask him. ``

`` I figured, '' matt grinned, `` Anyway, we still need a few affair. Hey, Kendrick never mentioned anything about the room. Do you think we could just ask it for the relief of this ? ``

Albus wondered why he had n't thought of that. It almost seemed like cheating, but Kendrick never said anything. `` That 's bright ! ``

The two of them set off for the Room, but when they got there, there was a Hufflepuff prefect milling around right in front of the Room. Albus slowly walked back and Forth in front of it, keeping an eye on the prefect.

He was about to ca-ca his third pass, when the prefect stopped him. `` Sorry, '' he said, `` You ca n't go in there if you 're in the scavenger hunt. Kendrick 's rule. ``

Albus sighed, `` All right. ``

`` Of course, '' Matt 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 lusterlessness the leaning and he looked it over for a few second base. `` Hey, I know Madam Pomfrey 's got Green River potions bottles. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Albus said, `` We 'd better hurry, there 's only fifteen bit left. ``

They made it to the infirmary offstage in record book time. Albus pushed the door open and walked in, followed by Matt.

`` I 've got patient role to run to ! '' gentlewoman Pomfrey was shouting at a Ravenclaw world-class year, `` I have n't got time for this magpie hunt nonsense ! You 're the fifth someone I 've had come in here looking for potions bottleful and banding aids ! I have n't got any ! ``

The young woman 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, '' flatness whispered back, `` Let me just ask her. ``

Albus shrugged and followed Matt over to the nurse, who was set over one of the beds.

`` hi, brothel keeper Pomfrey, '' matt greeted her.

Madam Pomfrey turned around and her irritated facial expression softened immediately when she saw Matt.

`` Hello, matte, dear. Are you all right ? You look a bit flushed, '' Madam Pomfrey said and put her hand to his forehead.

`` I 'm fine, '' mat assured her, `` I 've just been running around working on the scavenger Holman Hunt. ``

`` Not you, too, '' dame Pomfrey sighed and then noticed Albus, `` Oh and Albus as well. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` We were just wondering if you might bear an empty green potions bottleful. ``

The nurse sighed and walked over to her potions cabinet. `` I suppose. Just be indisputable to return it. ``

Albus watched in jounce as she returned with the exact item they were looking for. lusterlessness grinned at Albus and took the bottle.

`` Thanks, '' Matt smiled.

Madam Pomfrey shook her head, `` No trouble. Have fun, boys. ``

`` We will, '' matte said as he turned to leave the room.

Albus followed him out the door, still in impact that the nurse had actually given them the bottle when she had yelled at that low year only minutes ago.

`` You 're certainly on her good side, '' Albus muttered after they left the room.

`` One of the few perks of being there once a calendar month, '' flatness said dryly.

`` We 'd better get back to the Great Hall, '' Albus said as he looked at his watch.

Albus and mat ran as fast as they could back to where their team was. The respite of the team was working hard to finish the remaining triviality. Rachel herself was dressed up as Godric Gryffindor, complete with a fake beard. Rodner was dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff.

However, neither was as funny as what Willinson was wearing. He was decked out in Gryffindor fine, with robes, a scarf joint, and a 'Loyal Gryffindor'hat. Albus could hardly dampen his laughter.

`` Do n't say a Logos, Potter, '' Willinson growled.

`` Albus ! '' Rachel shouted, `` You 've got to line up up as a Slytherin ! The robes I 've got are too big for matte and Abby. '' Rachel pointed to the early Gryffindor on the team.

Albus groaned and Willinson burst out laughing. Albus reluctantly put on the Slytherin robes, scarf joint, and 'Slytherins Are best'hat. It would only be for a few instant and if it helped them win ....

Albus did feel a bit foreign in the Slytherin robes. He could n't help but reckon 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 have even been more well-disposed with Malfoy at first. He probably would n't take really befriended John, Matt, or Amanda if he 'd been in Slytherin. Albus shook the view from his head and concentrated on the fact that he was just wearing the robes to help his team win.

Rachel took stock of the items on the list as Matt tied all the shoelace together. It turns out that the only things they were missing were the light sabre, Quaffle signed by Joseph Oliver Wood, shot Star broomstick, foe drinking glass, Hershey 's bar, toad, and one stamp battery. Rachel thought that was pretty good.

The other Ravenclaw returned a minute later and told everyone that he had finished the conundrum seeking and had managed to get the bonus points.

`` Time is up ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professors will be around soon to check your leaning. They will also roll up your trifle sheets which will be marked later today. The winner will be announced at dinner tonight. ``

Patil came over to Albus 's team a few present moment later and looked over their inclination. She took a picture of the four people who were dressed up, much to Albus 's disheartenment. Now there would be lasting grounds of his Slytherin moment. As soon as the picture was taken, Albus took off the robes and he noticed Willinson doing the same.

`` Ok, '' Patil announced as she gathered up the firearm of parchment, `` You can leave. Please devolve anything you borrowed. ``

Albus and Matt gathered up their stuff as well as everything they 'd borrowed from various Gryffindors. They stopped by the infirmary Wing to return the bottleful and then headed back to their park room.

The two of them passed out everyone 's stuff and then went to sit down at their usual table. rosebush, John, Amanda, and Kaden joined them shortly.

`` That was fun, '' rosiness said as she sat down.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Even though we were with Slytherins. Willinson was n't too bad. ``

`` That 's adept, '' whoremaster said, `` I caught a glimpse of him in the Gryffindor robes. Priceless. ``

`` Yeah, I thought so. Until I had to put on the Slytherin unity, '' Albus replied.

Gospel According to John burst out laughing, `` I wish I 'd seen that ! ``

`` You 'll be able to, '' Albus told him, `` Patil took a characterisation. ``

`` Excellent. ``

`` Did n't any of you lot have to dress up ? '' Albus asked.

`` I was Helga Hufflepuff, '' John the Divine said.

`` And I was Godric Gryffindor, '' Amanda added.

`` How did everyone do on the leaning of stuff to find ? '' Matt asked.

`` I 'm pretty surely my team was the alone one with a light saber ! '' Kaden said excitedly, `` I 'm so glad I decided to bring it. ``

`` We did all right, '' pink wine shrugged, `` Missed a lot of material, but I think we did well in the trivia. ``

`` Of course of study you did, '' John grinned. `` Hey, did anyone manage to incur the potions bottle ? Slughorn did n't have any immature ones and Madam Pomfrey looked ready to hex me when I asked her. It 's not really fair that Kendrick put something on there that was impossible to get. ``

Albus grinned at Matt, who grinned back.

`` What ? '' privy asked.

`` We got it, '' lusterlessness told him.

`` How ? '' Kaden asked, `` brothel keeper Pomfrey was downright scary when I asked her. May have been because she was busy fixing someone 's broken in arm, but still .... ''

`` Matt asked her and she gave him one, '' Albus explained.

matt shrugged, `` Simple, really. ``

John sighed, `` Well, you 're probably the only one in the school who could get it. She 'd probably throw you whatever you asked for. ``

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

`` Sorry, not telling, '' John replied.

Kaden sighed, `` Oh, function of that entirely closed book I ca n't know about ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John Lackland said and then changed the subject, `` Hey, did any of you do the riddle thing ? ``

`` I did, '' rose said, `` Want to learn it ? ``

`` Of course, '' privy said.

`` Ok, I 'll see if you can get it. I thought it was a bit simple, really, '' Rose said. She pulled a firearm of parchment out of her robes and read off of it.

'' 'In an event known by magician worldwide
Where upright and evilness are forced to collide
A abominable force can now no longer rest.
A seat where just one part of Voldemort died .'''

Albus looked at John, lustrelessness, and Amanda and shrugged. He did n't call up it was unproblematic, but blush wine was honest at those form of things.

`` No idea, '' John announced.

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged.

`` Hmm, '' Amanda muttered.

`` Do n't look at me, '' Kaden said.

`` The Great Hall ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the place where Voldemort died.

`` Nope, '' Rose grinned, `` That was the magic part. It 's actually that repository outside, where prof Longbottom killed Voldemort 's Hydra. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus groaned, `` Of course ! Did n't even guess of that. ``

`` How long did it take you to cipher it out ? '' matt asked.

`` Not long, '' Rose smiled, `` But then I had to observe the clues to line up the bit of entropy to render professor Kendrick. ``

`` And where was that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` subroutine library, '' rosebush grinned, `` Herbology section. ``

`` wonderment how many team got it, '' Albus thought aloud.

`` fountainhead, my team did, obviously, '' pink wine said, `` And you said your team did, Albus. What about you two ? ``

`` We did n't, '' whoremaster sighed and Amanda shook her head.

`` We did, '' Kaden put in.

`` Guess we 'll find out this night how everyone did, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed, `` But I 'm not going to think about it now. mightiness as well get some homework done. ``

Albus managed to get half an essay done before dinner. blush wine wrote an entire essay and did a set of prep query. Matt helped Amanda with her astronomy and still got his Herbology done. John and Kaden on the other hand, spent he remainder of the afternoon goofing off and playing chess.

The excitement was running high in the Great Hall during dinner that evening. Everyone was comparing what they managed to incur during the pack rat William Holman Hunt. Albus kept glancing up to the staff table to see when Kendrick would make the proclamation, but he seemed to be waiting until the last hour to do so.

After what seemed similar forever, Kendrick got to his feet. `` right eventide, everyone. I hope all the number one and second years enjoyed the Scavenger Hunt. It was certainly a success and I 'm sure the older students will look forward to their turns.

`` And, without any encourage waiting, I shall announce the results. The 1st, instant, and third place squad will all be awarded decoration.

`` In third billet, with 572 point, team Two ! '' Kendrick announced, `` Will the members of team Two please fare up here. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up, `` Third place, that 's not bad ! ``

`` Yeah, I 'd say that 's pretty in effect, '' Matt grinned and followed Albus up to the faculty table.

Albus and flatness joined the rest period of their team in front of the staff mesa. Kendrick put a bronze medal over each of their neck and pulled out a camera. He took a few pictures and then told them to return to their seats.

Rose, Amanda, Gospel According to John, and Kaden congratulated Albus and Matt as they sat back down. A few of Albus 's cousin patted him on the spinal column and told him good job.

`` Excellent, Albus, '' James grinned, `` But my team will get get-go place succeeding week. ``

`` I 'll believe it when I see it, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` And in moment spot, with 580 points, is squad Seven ! '' Kendrick announced.

The extremity of Team Seven ran up to the staff board to get their silver medals and have their impression taken.

`` And in first office, with 673 full point, 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 faculty tabular array, `` Yes ! ``

`` Wow, who would 've thought that, '' Rose grinned, `` Kaden 's team won. ``

`` well, he does accept a very turgid amount of random stuff in his dormitory, '' Albus commented.

`` I 'll bet it was the tripping saber that put his team over the edge, '' John shook his header, `` I mean, I think his team was the only one to get it. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I ca n't believe I won ! '' Kaden shouted as he sat back down with his big gold medallion a few minutes later.

`` praise, '' Albus grinned, `` At least one of us got first place. ``

`` We were so close to secondment, '' Matt groaned, `` Eight measly points ! ``

`` Well, third 's proficient, '' John the Divine muttered, `` substantially than not getting a medal at all. ``

`` Oh, John, it 's just a game, '' Amanda said, `` The power point is that we all had fun. ``

`` felicitation to our winning squad and everyone else that participated, '' Kendrick said, `` I will be looking forward to the next round, third and one-fourth old age, a hebdomad from today ! ``

Albus hung his bronze medal from his bed C. W. Post before he went to bed that Night. He crawled beneath the covers feeling very content with 3rd spot. He had n't really been expecting to win at all. The Scavenger hunt club had been a lot of fun, and Albus hoped Kendrick would hold it again sometime. It had been so much fun, that Albus had n't even thought about the new map the full day. He made a mental banker's bill to ask rosiness about the Sileo Altus charm the succeeding day. They would have to tell Kaden about everything soon if they wanted to micturate anymore onward motion on the map. Plus, they 'd experience to research more about how to essay to the map that they really were like the Marauders.


A/N : Bit of a shorter chapter, but the late one was longer, so it evens out. Kaden has proved that it never hurts to stimulate a light sabre, a lesson that my crony agrees with since he brought his abstemious saber to LeakyCon and quite a few people told him they wished they 'd brought theirs.

I have created a internet site for my fan fic, where you can retrieve quality visibility and a blog about news and updates about my writing. The radio link is on my profile page here. I 'd be intimate for you to condition it out and pull up stakes comments in the word and Update section.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, who had to dress up as the Tin Man in last summer 's magpie hunt. Big thanks to my friend, rosebush, for coming up with the riddle. Thanks as well to EvilChaos, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, mischiefmaker92, drownzer, Moonylupin, Miguel, Denas, and Tonks for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Throughout the rest of the month, Rose continued to throw progress on the Sileo Altus charm, and by the meter Apr rolled around, she was convinced in her ability to do it. Albus wished the Sami could be said for the progress with finding out how to prove to the map that he and his friends were like the predator. 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 appeal that would influence. His efforts were fruitless, though, because he still had n't found anything promising.

Albus also had another successful dueling tourney. He won both of his duel as did Malfoy, but their squad still had n't won. Albus was beginning to doubt whether they 'd ever win.

Albus 's future Quidditch match was the first of all Saturday in April. He found himself distracted by the map even before he entered the changing room. They were playing Ravenclaw, and it was hard to secern who had the wagerer team, Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Albus pushed thoughts of the map from his head as he walked into the changing room.

Peach State gave the team the usual pep talk, which this metre included telling them that if they won this mate, they 'd be in the final. If Ravenclaw got to a lesser extent than 180 spot, then Ravenclaw might not take a shit it to the last. Sakartvelo did n't particularly care who they played in the final exam, just so long as they won.

The friction match went smoothly, in Albus 's opinion. Much better than the previous peer, in which Albus got sick partway through. The weather was better for this match as well. Albus managed to keep open from thinking about the map, which was good since it was a very high-scoring friction match for both sides and Albus was constantly being thrown the Quaffle. After only an hr of gambling, Epistle of James went into a dive and caught the snitch, right out from under one of the Ravenclaw beater 's broom.

The usual party in the usual room ensued after the scholar returned to the palace, but Albus was n't really matter to in it. Now that the match was over, all he could recollect about was trying out the Sileo Altus magical spell on Kaden. Albus figured the best clock time to do it would be in the evening and the dear place would be the Room.

Shortly after Rose had succeeded in performing the charm on John, matte had reluctantly given into trying it with Kaden. His only condition was first trying it with a harmless mystery, and if that worked, to move onto the bigger one.

`` Are we doing it tonight ? '' John the Divine 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. metre seemed to go by much like it did in history of Magic.

`` Kaden, '' Albus said after they had finished eating, `` We 're not going to the common room now. We 're going to show you a unlike room in the castle, one you 've never seen. ``

`` Excellent, '' Kaden grinned, `` What form of elbow room ? ``

`` You 'll see when we get there, '' Albus replied. `` Let 's go. ``

Kaden followed Albus and his supporter through the castle, with a constant stream of questions that Albus ignored.

`` Are you sure this is going to work ? '' matt whispered nervously as they stopped in front man of the blank blank of wall where the elbow room of prerequisite was.

`` Yes, '' Rose assured him, `` It will make for. ``

Matt nodded and started pacing in front of the wall.

`` Why did we check ? '' Kaden asked, and then his eyes popped out of his head as he saw the door appear from nowhere. `` Wicked. ``

`` C'mon, '' Albus said as he opened the door.

`` What is this place ? '' Kaden asked in awe.

`` elbow room of Requirement, '' Albus told him, `` Room that gives you what you need. ``

`` I ca n't believe you did n't show me this yet ! ''

`` Well, it 's not something we want you to tell anyone about. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said, `` So it 'll give me anything I ask it for ? I think I want an entire cake .... ''

`` It does n't do food, '' Rose explained.

`` Oh, well, it 's still brilliant. ``

`` Kaden, fall sit down, '' Albus told his cousin.

`` You 're all so quiet, '' Kaden said as he took a seat on the couch next to Albus, `` What 's going on ? ``

`` well, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to quiz something. rosiness found a charm that 's supposed to make someone not be able to severalize early people 's secrets. If it works, we 're going to assure you a crew of clobber and you wo n't be able to enjoin anyone. ``

`` What are you going to tell me ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` We have to pull in for certain the magic spell works first, '' Albus sighed, `` Which is why we 're here. Rose is going to execute the charm, using your knowledge of this room as the enigma. If you have n't told anyone by next Sat, we 'll recite you the rest of it. ``

`` Fine, '' Kaden sighed, `` I ca n't believe you wo n't recount me without this charm. ``

`` Um, Kaden, you 've told Malfoy stuff I told you not to recount anyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` That was n't my mistake ! ``

`` I know, but we 're not risking this. If you want to know the secret, you 'll take to have rosiness do the charm. ``

`` Ok, ok, I 'll do it, '' Kaden said.

`` goodness, '' Rose smiled, `` Now let 's get started. ``

It took Rose about ten minutes to perform the charm. Kaden was thoroughly amazed by the magical spell and Rose 's ability to perform it.

`` Let 's mental testing it, '' pink wine 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 fille. `` Anyway, at this billet, you can- ''

`` What 's wrong with you ? '' the young woman asked, trying to get across up her giggling. `` Are you ok ? ``

`` Fine, fine, '' Kaden muttered, `` Never idea. ``

Kaden ran back to Albus and the others, blushing furiously. `` It worked, but now everyone 's going to mean I 'm an moron. ``

Albus laughed, `` No they wo n't. But that 's near that it worked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Kaden grinned, `` Definitely worth it. ``

******

Albus kept a close eye on Kaden throughout the next hebdomad. As far as he could assure, his cousin-german did n't tell anyone about the way of Requirement. They tested the appeal a few more times, telling Kaden to tell soul about it, but Kaden was never able to. Albus was fully convinced that the Sileo Altus charm was a success.

Kaden was positively beaming by the prison term Saturday arrived. Albus was kind of excited as well, because they would officially give birth Wormtail in their group of new predator. John, Rose, and Amanda were excited as well. The solely thing left to do after this would be to find a way to prove to the map that they were like the piranha. matte did n't appear excited at all. He was clearly skittish about telling Kaden that he was a werewolf. It probably did n't help that the replete moon was only a few 24-hour interval away. Albus could n't really blame mat for his nerves, but Albus was sure the spell would extend 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 room once they were inside.

`` You 've got to sit down first, '' Albus told him. `` And Matt 's going to state you the first one. ``

`` Oh ! '' A smell of comprehension appeared on Kaden 's human face. `` Is this about how you get puke every month ? ``

`` Yes, '' Matt sighed.

`` And this is what you do n't want Malfoy to bang 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 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.

`` Good. Now, you know that werewolf are substantial, right ? ``

Kaden nodded, `` What does that have to do with you getting sick ? ``

`` Everything, '' Matt said quietly, `` I am a werewolf. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That is the nerveless thing ever ! ``

`` No it 's not, '' Matt sighed, `` You do n't even really know what happens when I turn into a wolfman. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I 've seen movies. ``

`` It 's not like that, '' mat told him, `` I get sick a few days before the full moon, and then the night of the full moonlight, I turn into a wildcat and bite myself because there 's nothing else for me to prick. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden deflated, `` So where do you go when you turn into a wolf ? ``

`` A shack in Hogsmeade. ``

`` The Shrieking hovel ? ``

`` Yes, that, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm the one who does the screaming. ``

`` Now that is cool down, '' Kaden grinned. `` How long have you been a werewolf ? ``

`` Since I was five. ``

`` That 's a long time, '' Kaden said.

`` Most of my life, '' Matt explained, `` It 's horrible, really. ``

`` And that 's the big secret ? '' Kaden asked, `` Why ca n't anyone eff that ? ``

`` Because most wizards do n't like werewolf, '' Matt explained.

`` Well that 's stunned. ``

`` Yeah, it is, but it 's reality. ``

`` But why is n't there a spell to piss you not a werewolf anymore ? Or a potion ? ``

`` magic does n't fix everything, '' mat sighed.

`` Yeah, that 's what I 've been trying Tell you for the whole yr, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But why ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` But there is a potion, called the Wolfsbane Potion, that 's supposed to puddle it so you keep your human mind when you turn into a wolf. So you do n't desire to attack anyone or yourself. ``

`` Why do n't you take that ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do, '' lustrelessness told him, `` Actually, I take a different sort than virtually werewolves take. For some cause, Wolfsbane does n't work for me. I 'm in this study at St. Mungo 's to work out out why and right now they 've got me taking a new kind of wolf's bane. ``

`` Does it work ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Matt replied, `` That 's kind of why I still bite myself every full moonshine. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. `` So someday they might discover a potion that will cultivate ? ``

matt shrugged, `` Maybe. But I 'm not getting my Bob Hope 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 gown, `` And about this. ``

Albus spent the following half hour showing Kaden the new map. Kaden thought it was the Best matter he had seen yet at Hogwarts and could n't hold back for it to completely work.

`` So we need you to map Peter Pettigrew, '' Albus said after he 'd finished explaining about the map.

`` Peter Pettigrew ? '' Kaden raised his eyebrow, `` That evil bloke who betrayed your grandparents ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' Albus sighed.

`` You know my mum wanted to appoint me Peter, but Dad said no because he did n't want me to have the same name as that idiot, '' Kaden commented, `` So it 's my midway epithet. ``

`` perfective tense, '' privy grinned, `` You even sort of share his public figure. ``

`` volition you do it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I guess so, '' Kaden said slowly, `` I mean, it 's not like I 'm going to be like Pettigrew now. ``

`` No, '' Albus agreed, `` But you have to be sorting of like him for it to work. And you are because you 've form of got the same name. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I guess. Anyway, when are you going to get the map to crop ? ``

`` Whenever we figure out how to try to it that we 're like the Marauders. Somehow we 've got to read the map that we are similar to the Marauders, '' Albus explained, `` Which is taking forever. ``

`` Oh, you mean like a finger print ? '' Kaden asked.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` You know, a fingerbreadth print. Everyone 's is different, but your finger print is similar to your relation. It 's how Muggle cops find people and stuff and nonsense when they 're missing. And how they identify consistence. ``

`` A finger print ! '' Rose exclaimed, `` That 's it ! I ca n't believe I did n't consider of it ! ``

`` What are you talking about ? '' King John asked. `` Kaden just said everyone 's is dissimilar. So how will ours be like the Marauders'? ``

`` Not Muggle fingerbreadth print, '' rose wine said, `` Wizard ones. There 's a spell to get your Wizard 's finger's breadth Print. It reveals your epithet, relatives, even your personality. ``

`` That 's kind of scary, '' Albus said, `` Anyone can find that stuff out if they 've got your digit print ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Rose shrugged, `` But I think it will work for this. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus grinned. He could n't believe that Kaden had actually given rosiness an idea about the map. Kaden had helped with it. If this finger print matter worked, they could give birth the map figured out in no time.

`` We 'll look for it tomorrow, '' Rose stood up and drew her sceptre, `` Now let 's do the spell. ``

Albus nodded, feeling more excited than he had in month. They were so close, he could just feel it. The map would be working soon. Of course, there was a nagging doubt in Albus 's gut that was telling him that there would be something to figure out even after the finger's breadth print thing.

******

`` What are you going to sign up for ? '' privy asked as he glanced over the parchment all the second years had received just a minute of arc earlier.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` What about you, Matt ? ``

`` Care of Magical Creatures, '' matt replied, `` Not sure as shooting what else. ``

`` I 'll do that one, too, '' Albus decided and wrote it down on his parchment. `` Hagrid Edward Thatch it, so it 'll be fun. ``

`` planetary house me up, '' John said, `` I could use with a fun class. ``

`` You ought to think about what will be utilitarian in your hereafter careers, '' rose wine told them.

`` But I 've got no theme what I want to do, '' King John said.

Albus had no idea either. He had n't really thought about it. He thought being an Auror would be a beneficial job, but he was n't for sure that that was what he wanted to do. He still had five class at Hogwarts anyway, why decide now ?

`` Me either, '' Amanda agreed, `` I think I 'll do Care of Magical Creatures, too. ``

`` I 'm taking Muggle Studies, '' pink wine announced, `` Plus Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. ``

`` All three ? '' lav asked, `` But we only have to take two. ``

`` Yeah, but I want to ingest all of them. I 'd really like to take on tending of Magical animal, too, but there 's not enough time. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do prophecy, '' John shrugged.

Rose snorted, `` soothsaying ? Mum says that should n't even be a case. There 's no really erudition involved. ``

`` But is it promiscuous ? '' King John asked.

`` Uncle Ron said all you 've got to do is make up predictions about your death if you 've got Trelawney, '' Albus explained.

`` Excellent, '' John scribbled onto his lambskin, `` I 'll take that and hope I 've got Trelawney. ``

`` I 'm taking that, too, '' Amanda said, `` It actually sounds matter to. ``

`` Fine, '' 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 comfortable than Arithmancy. What about you, Matt ? What else do you imagine you 'll take ? ``

`` ancient rune sounds goodness, '' matte yawned, `` I guess I 'll take that. Amy took it. She hated it in Commonwealth of Australia, but she said it 's best here. ``

`` I 'd take away everything, '' Kaden announced, `` I could n't decide. ``

`` You ca n't take everything, '' Rose laughed, `` You 'd have to be in two places at once. ``

`` Oh, well I 'm pretty sure that 's impossible, '' Kaden sighed.

Albus turned and grinned at Rose, who grinned back. Albus could only imagine Kaden 's response to a time-turner.

`` Yeah, the most category you can remove is three, '' Rose explained.

`` Then I 'll subscribe three, '' Kaden decided.

`` Are you lot done choosing social class ? '' rosiness asked as she stood up, `` We 'd improve get to August 6. ``

Albus spent the entire Transfiguration class trying to deform his plate into a stadium, and had almost managed to do it by the time the stratum was over. pink wine, of course, did it within ten min and spent the remainder of the course of study helping Albus and the repose of their friends.

History of magic was as boring as ever. lusterlessness slept the entire class, and Albus felt himself nod off a few fourth dimension. lusterlessness had seemed very commonplace in Transfiguration Day and probably would have fallen asleep in that 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 full moon was the side by side day. The Healers still had n't found something to counterbalance the side effect of extreme fatigue duty of the new Aconitum lycoctonum that Matt was on.

Double Potions was after lunch, and Albus felt drowsy as soon as he walked into the room. This was odd since he had felt delicately a bit before. He did n't seem to be the only if one who felt this either. Both John and Amanda yawned as soon as they sat down, and even Rose 's middle drooped a bit as she pulled out her lambskin. flatness laid his head down on the desk and fell asleep immediately.

`` in effect afternoon, everyone ! '' Slughorn said, `` Now, I 'm certain you 're all feeling a bit tired, which is perfectly normal.

`` This, '' Slughorn gestured to a smoking caldron on his desk, `` Is drowsiness Potion. All it takes is one puff of this potion to put you into a state of fatigue. If you drink it, you 'll go down into an almost sleep-like state for about a half hour. Of course, you 'd sleep with this if you did the reading that was due today. ``

Albus remembered being assigned the version, but he had n't done it. He had just been too busy with Quidditch practice, dueling practice, and all his other preparation.

`` You will be trying to brew this today, but you will only do half of it, '' Slughorn announced, `` It needs to simmer for about a workweek before you can complete it. Instructions are on the card. Work with your usual partners. ``

Albus yawned and got up from his tabular array. He joined Limbert at his mesa and lit the fire under the caldron while Limbert collected ingredients.

The total class was moving at a slower pace than usual, and everyone was yawning every few min. It was form of strange. nobody was arguing with their partners either. Albus wondered if Slughorn had picked this particular potion for a grounds. The by week, a duel 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 ingredients and he and Albus started to gear up them, without exchanging any conversation. No different than usual.

Albus dumped some ingredients into the caldron and began to stir it. He watched matte and Malfoy as he did so. Malfoy had returned with ingredients and was prodding lusterlessness with his wand to get him to wake up.

`` What are you doing ? '' Albus whispered to Malfoy.

`` Waking him up, '' Malfoy said.

`` Wha-what 's going on ? '' Matt lifted up his head.

`` chopper up those cherry source, '' Malfoy instructed. Albus was surprised with how tranquillize Malfoy seemed.

mat nodded and picked up his knife. Albus went back to stirring his potion.

`` professor ! '' Malfoy said after a few minutes. `` He keeps falling asleep. ``

Albus looked up from the beetle eyes he was mincing. lusterlessness was once again asleep on the table.

`` Ah, '' Slughorn waddled over to Matt and Malfoy 's table, `` The drowsiness Potion affects everyone differently. '' Slughorn shook Matt 's shoulder. `` honey boy, you might desire to go to the hospital offstage. I do n't call up the fumes from this potion are agreeing with you. They 're not supposed to put you into a deep sleep. ``

Matt nodded and stood up. He stumbled and leaned back onto the desk.

`` Albus, '' Slughorn turned to Albus, `` Perhaps you could escort him. I 'm certain Mr. Limbert can deal your potion. ``

`` All right, '' Albus laid down his knife and went over to where Matt was standing.

Albus grabbed his arm and led him out of the room. Albus felt immediately better as soon as they shut the door. The drowsiness went away completely.

`` I 've got to sit down, '' matte 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 infirmary Wing. ``

`` Yeah, I suppose. ``

brothel keeper Pomfrey wanted Matt to stay for the rest of the afternoon. Albus was n't even sure if she 'd let him get out at all before the fully moon. Knowing the nurse, she probably wouldn't.

Matt never came back from the infirmary flank that night, so Albus assumed Madam Pomfrey was keeping him there until after the full phase of the moon moon. Albus and the rest of his friends decided that as soon as Matt was out of the infirmary offstage, they would get looking for the genius 's Finger photographic print charm. Rose was somewhat sure she had seen it in the library somewhere, but she could n't recall where. That meant that they would drop hours scouring the entire library for it. This was in addition to all the extra studying they had to do now that the end of term exams were less than two months away. Albus just hoped they 'd be able to enter out the map before school was over. It would be pointless to cypher it out during the summertime, 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 genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, EvilChaos, phoenixy friend, XDNLxtlz99, Tears of a Phoenix, Denas, Miguel, Luke, and tranc3rooney for their reviews !