Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower.
Weasley kin Tree is in the Author 's bill at the bottom.


Molly Weasley did n't dare serve dinner until after the Quidditch catch had been completed because even she did n't throw the ability to drag Weasleys away from Quidditch. teddy bear secured a win for his squad by practically stealing the Snitch out Henry James 's grasp and then everyone was off their broom and sitting at the expectant crowd of table in record time. After all, Quidditch was one of the beneficial affair one could do to build up a big appetite. Albus was certainly quite hungry and in a very sound temper as he had been on shimmy 's team.

Albus and Rose sat next to each other in the centre of the group of tables and unfortunately Percy sat directly across from them. Early experience had taught them never to sit near Hotspur due to his habit of talking political sympathies during dinner, something that even bored Rose. The two of them looked at each early as Percy sat down and Albus readied himself for political conversation rather than Quidditch talk.

"I 'm telling you,"Percy said to no one in specific as he served himself some carrots,"something 's going to bechance. I guarantee it. It 's been too quiet in the Ministry lately. Personally I thought matter would get a bit riled up finish yr when Walter Eckerton took over for MacVicar, but I suppose the two of them had like views. More exchangeable than I expected anyway ..."

Leave it to Harry Hotspur to try and find oneself something wrong with the Ministry when all was mulct, Albus thought. He reached over blush wine to grab a steak and kidney pie and served a heaping portion onto his plate.

"What do you think, Harry ?"Percy turned to Albus 's dad, who happened to be sitting side by side to him."Any stirring in the Auror section that I may not have heard about ?"

"Things are somewhat calm, Sir Henry Percy,"Harry replied.

"Of row they are. I would 've heard if they were n't,"Hotspur decided.

Albus was n't exactly sure what his uncle Percy actually did at the Ministry. He knew it had something to do with the minister of religion, but his actual claim was so long and complicated that Albus never bothered to think it.

"fountainhead, it 's an election twelvemonth,"Sir Henry Percy pointed out."Things never stay calm during election geezerhood. Party proclamation come first week of September and after that thing will be chaotic around the Ministry. freight of body of work to do. Let me tell you, when I run for Minister-"

"Oh, here we go again !"Ron said loudly."When Walker Percy runs for diplomatic minister. It 's never gon na happen, Perce. Honestly."

"I would vote for you, Sir Henry Percy,"Molly assured him."You would induce a howling curate. But this dinner is supposed to be about the kids. James I ! And Ben and Cedric ! This is your O.W.L. year ! You three are going to do so wonderfully but you must calm down a bit and study."

"Gran, really,"James muttered."We 're going to be hearing this from the teachers. Uncle Percy, why do n't you separate us more about your running for Minister ?"

"wellspring, as a affair of fact."Walker Percy stood up."I have a rather stimulate annunciation to make and I feel I must tell my family first, before the rest of the Wizarding World."He paused, presumably for dramatic effect."I will be formally announcing on Monday, Sept second that I will be running for Minister for April 's election."

There was right-down silence for about five second before a whole lot of matter happened at once. Ron, George, and Charlie burst out laughing. Hermione raised her eyebrow as far as they could go. Ginny, flier, and King Arthur all shouted loudly"Seriously ? ! ”. Molly shook her head slightly and then jumped up from her chairman, running towards Percy and finally enveloping him in a declamatory hug and kissing him squarely on the forehead.

"Oh, Percy !"she exclaimed."I 'm so proud of you ! You 've been talking about it for geezerhood and I think it 's high up time you actually did it. I always wanted a son who was this successful !"

"Mum !"Ron groaned."It 's not like your other sons have n't done anything. I 'm an Auror for pigeon hawk 's sake !"

"And you 're a fine good one, Ronald, but I ca n't ever see you being minister. You just do n't get the aspiration Percy does,"molly said as she patted him on the shoulder.

Gold was exchanging hands at the other end of the table. Cedric was grinning madly, so Albus assumed he had won some sort of bet involving when Percy would run for minister of religion. That bet must get been in the kit and boodle for years.

Albus was personally stunned. He of row had been on the receiving end of many a Harry Hotspur rant about what he 'd do when he ran for parson, but he had always believed Percy would n't ever do it. If Albus was honest with himself, he did n't really want Sir Henry Percy running. His family was famous enough without having an actual Minister in it.

"Honestly, Mum, do you cogitate he 's really going to win ?"Ron exclaimed."I mean, do n't get me wrong, Percy, I 'll vote for you, but what about the sleep of the wizarding world ?"

"Walker Percy, do you really think you 're cut out for this ?"Harry asked skeptically.

"Why would n't I be ? I 've been involved with the Ministry for decennary !"

"I think what Harry 's trying to say is that you 're all bark and no bite,"Bill pointed out.

"I am not !"Percy shouted."And I would 've expected Sir Thomas More supporting from my own family."

"We are supporting you,"Molly assured him.

"Boys,"Arthur warned."Percy 's right wing. If he wants to run for Minister he can without any of us making it difficult for him. You do n't have to vote for him, but I wo n't receive you arguing during dinner. You 'll discomfit your mum."

Everyone resumed their keister but Albus doubted they stopped talking about Sir Henry Percy running for parson. They just continued to do so in lower voices. For once, Albus was happy he had chosen a seat near Percy.

"Do you do it who else is running ?"Hermione asked.

"Not sure,"Walker Percy replied."Hartwell 's not running again, if that 's what you 're getting at. He 's had enough. But I 've got his support. After all, I am the senior Undersecretary for the draftsmanship and Editing of Laws to the Minister."

So that 's what Percy 's title was, Albus thought. He had no thought if that was a position that had a lot of baron or not, but apparently it was enough to have livelihood for a Minister run.

"Hey, Dad,"Sakartvelo shouted from a little ways down the table."I figure this is as just a prison term as any to tell you that I 'm moving out tomorrow."

Percy choked on whatever he was eating."You 're what ?"

"Moving out. You know, leaving the nuzzle. I 've got a vapid with a friend closer to the pitch. It 'll be more convenient, for work."

"piece of work,"Percy muttered."If Quidditch can be considered work."

"Look, I know how these elections work. You 're going to require to make yourself look like a family man, so you 're not going to want to think me your crazy daughter who only plays Quidditch and has no job. So you 'd break start thought process of me as your daughter who 's the unexampled reserve keeper for the Kenmare Kestrals. It 'll vocalize honest to the press."

Hotspur stared at her with his mouth agape. He shook his head slightly and resumed eating, without another word to Georgia. GA looked smug, so Albus assumed she had won that slight argument.

Albus turned to Rose and grinned. Georgia certainly knew how to make Harry Hotspur 's running for Minister study to her advantage.

"Rose, have you heard from Linda yet ?"Albus asked, deciding not to join the remainder of his household in political conversation.

"Not yet."Rose shook her chief."Her mum might throw wanted her to expect a bit after they settled in Canada, though. Have you heard anything about what the Ministry 's doing about Lubar ?"

"If anything 's changed Dad 's being really quiet about it,"Albus answered.

"It 's so incorrect, though, that he can completely get away with what he did,"pink wine muttered."It 's like I could go to Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault, rob a cant, get back to England, and I 'd get away with it."

"You 're robbing a bank ?"James shouted.

"Of course not,"rose replied."It 's none of your business."

Albus and Rose did n't gamble talking about Lubar for the rest of the eve. Sure, the rest of their family knew about what had happened but neither of them wanted to discuss their theories with any of them.

The eternal rest of the evening was rather out of character for usual Weasley family dinner. All the former years'dinner party had consisted of public lecture of Hogwarts and the grownup exclaiming how big everyone had gotten and how everyone was growing up. Usually whomever was starting Hogwarts for the first time would get a just bit of aid, but this year Angie, who was starting, seemed to be forgotten. Instead all of the aid was focused on Percy. The adult were talking government and Albus 's older cousin-german were placing wager on whether he 'd win or not.

Stanley was the first-class honours degree to leave as he had to go back to Rumania the following morning. Charlie and Katherine had finished their twelvemonth in Romania and had returned to England permanently the previous month. Victoire and chemise left shortly after that since they both had to ferment the next day.

Percy was still discussing cause tactic with Corrine, who was smiling and nodding the way Albus did when his full cousin were pocket-size and he had to dissemble he was concerned in what they were saying, when Albus 's parents decided it was time to leave. For the first base clock time in his life-time, he was actually happy to allow and get back to Grimmauld berth. The before school dinner party was supposed to be about everyone who was at Hogwarts, a time to have fun all together before school day started, and this time it had n't been that. It had been about Percy.
******


By some stroke of luck or miracle that had never descended upon the Potters before, King James I had packed his trunk the Night before they left for schooling. Albus was sure that some form of Apocalypse was going to make it soon because Percy running for Minister and the Potters arriving early for the Hogwarts express mail were two events that nobody ever thought would happen. Albus did n't question it, though. Instead he just used the opportunity to his advantage.

Kaden, who had met Albus at Platform 9 ¾ prior to going through the barrier, was not too soon, so the thrower went through without him. rosiness and her family were already there of trend, so Albus said a quick so long to his parents before getting on the train to find Rose. With any luck his Friend would n't be there yet and he could mouth to spring up alone. Usually there was nothing he would n't babble out to his friends about, but the strange feeling he had had about his crime syndicate was something he only wanted to lecture to Rose about.

Rose was alone in a compartment about halfway down the string, reading one of her new textbooks. It was Arithmancy and Albus did n't have the flimsy theme what any of the symbols in it meant. He chose the place next to her and waited for her to be done Reading whatever it was she was deciphering.

"I 'm witnessing a miracle, apparently,"Rose said after setting her Word down.

"Jesse James packed live on night,"Albus answered.

"Again, I 'm witnessing a miracle."She laughed."Your mum is lucky if James packs earlier than five minutes before you leave."

"It 's definitely odd,"Albus agreed."Listen, do you get the smell things are changing ?"

"Changing ? Like what 's happening with Willinson and Lubar and their lot ? Yeah, I think so. It 's been over three year, Al, and they still have n't gotten all of them in Azkaban at the same time. I know they 're really stupid when it comes to dueling but I think they 're smarter than anyone 's giving them credit for. Things are going to change, Al. The world 's getting scarier,"Rose said quietly.

Albus swallowed hard. That was in the backbone of his mind of course, but he had never voiced it before. Nor was it what he had set out to talk to Rose about.

"I guess,"Albus replied."But I was n't really getting at that. I was thinking about our family."

"Oh,"was all Rose said. Both cousins sat quietly for a instant before she continued."I know what you mean. What was up with that dinner party at Gran and gramps 's ? It was all Percy. O.W.L.s were mentioned once and no one said anything about Angie starting Hogwarts."

"I know. It was odd. It just seems like everything 's changing. There are less of us at Hogwarts now so I guess that 's what 's going to happen-"

"There 's still a lot of us here,"Rose interrupted."And Eddie and the Twin have n't even started yet. Plus it 's not like we even talked about teddy bear, Victoire, Henry M. Stanley, and Empire State of the South. We talked about Percy for Merlin 's sake !"

"What do you imagine will fall out if he wins ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't know. I do n't mean things will change political-wise but I think it 's going to be really weird for Peach State and Thomas Bradley and Cedric. Even the Twin will probably be effected. I mean, having your dad be the most significant someone in the wizarding world has got to be stressful."

"Tell me about it,"Albus muttered."Can you imagine if my dad ran for Minister ?"

"Hotspur would n't remain firm a chance."

"Dad 'll never run, though,"Albus pointed out."I just think that things are already unlike from death year. Everyone 's going to be focused on Uncle Hotspur 's campaign."

"thing never stay the Lapp, Al,"rosiness said.

"What 's not staying the same ?"Gospel According to John asked as he entered the compartment, followed by Kaden."I 'm hoping you 're talking about my foretelling mark, blush wine, because my parents nearly murdered me this retiring summer when they saw it."

"I think we 'll just have to deal with your murder, John, because that Deutschmark is not getting any higher,"pink wine replied.

"Seriously, what were you talking about ?"Kaden asked as he sat down across from Rose.

"zilch,"Rose said quickly.

"I 'll tell you once Matt and Amanda get here,"Albus said, figuring he 'd severalize them about Percy running for Minister.

"This is going to be the best year ever !"Kaden said excitedly as he pulled a spell of parchment out of his bag."Look, it 's my Hogsmeade license slip !"

"Excellent,"John replied."Now I do n't own to buy your dungbombs for you."

"Do you really have to buy dungbombs this year ?"Matt asked as he entered the compartment."They 're so nasty."

"Just for the Slytherin commons room,"John assured him."Our goal is to figure out how to get a few in there."

"Not going to turn,"Amanda said as she entered and sat down on the other face of Rose."You ca n't get into someone else 's common room unnoticed."

"That 's what Albus 's cloak is for,"Kaden said.

"Not if it 's going to smell like dungbomb after,"Albus said.

"Told you we should induce just asked for his cloak without telling him what we were doing with it,"John told Kaden.

Kaden shrugged."All right, everyone 's here. Tell us what you and resurrect were talking about before any of us got here."

"Fine."Albus took a bass breathing space."Well, my Uncle Percy 's track for Minister."

"Seriously ?"St. John the Apostle replied.

"aplomb !"Kaden exclaimed.

"Why ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Is n't he the one who 's been talking about doing that for years ?"Amanda asked.

"Yes,"Albus answered."He 's seriously running, it 's not that poise, I 'm honestly not sure why, and yes he 's been talking about it for years."

"Why does n't your dad run ?"Kaden asked.

Albus and rosiness both burst out laughing."Because that 's the last thing he 'd ever require to do. He would n't need anymore magnate than he 's already got. Whereas Percy, all of my uncles have always said is variety of world power hungry,"Albus replied.

"Do you make love who he 's running against ?"Amanda asked.

"Have n't a clue,"Albus said."They 're supposed to be announcing the candidate on the second."

"What 's that got to do with everything changing ?"Kaden asked.

"It 's our house,"Rose said quietly."Uncle Percy is so focus on the election and it has n't even really started yet. Sakartvelo 's got it all figured out. Hotspur 's going to pretend he 's completely happy with her Quidditch playing just to make himself seem like a phratry man, which he 's really not. He 's always been focused on work."

"That 's stupid,"lav said."Peach State 's not going to like that."

"She 's the one who brought it up,"Rose pointed out.

"He 's mighty, you know,"Amanda said.

"What do you mean, he 's right ?"Albus stared at her. She had a knowing grinning splayed across her face.

"You, Rose, and Matt are n't the only ones of us who have family in political sympathies,"Amanda said.

"But you 're a Muggle,"whoremonger replied.

"I never said the Ministry of Magic, St. John. I meant the Muggle Ministry. My uncle 's the prime minister."

Albus continued to gaze at her. Amanda was always rather quiet and rarely talked about her folk. He always figured that was because she was so quiet and never guessed that it might be because her family was just as influential in the Muggle humankind as his was in the wizarding human beings.

"Michael Smythe, that 's my uncle. He 's my mum 's brother,"Amanda elaborated."Imagine my mum 's surprise when she told him that I was a witch only to incur out that he already knew about the wizarding world."

"So if Percy wins ...,"Albus began, his voice trailing off.

"He 'll encounter my Uncle mike,"Amanda finished."But as I was saying, Peach State does let it all figured out. If word gets out that Percy and her rowed about her Quidditch playing, it 's going to come off wrong in the printing press and misplace him votes. So, he 'll keep back it to himself and will be in the social movement row of every single one of her mates, pretending to be a Brobdingnagian Kenmare Kestrals fan."

"Wow, that seems so amiss,"Rose muttered.

"It 's political relation from the other side. The public wants masses in power to have a sealed image."

"Still, it 's like lying,"rosiness went on."Just another intellect I am not getting into politics."

"My cousin-german Leanne went a little wild at university her get-go year, our first twelvemonth at Hogwarts, and the Ministry hushed it all up. She was out partying and the paparazzi got a photo of her and put it on the cover of some rag, but that was the but one. I know she partied more, but it was all hushed up."

"But it 's not like Georgia 's partying. She 's got Quidditch accomplishment and is using them to make up an honest living,"Rose pointed out.

"I 'm not saying that 's bad. I 'm just saying your uncle wo n't require the public to make out he 's not well-chosen with her vocation option so he 's going to make himself search like a devote father."

"See, everything 's changing."Albus sighed."Sometimes I just wish I had a pattern family."

"It 's not all it 's cracked up to be,"John said. Kaden nodded.

"It 's rightful, Albus,"Matt said."Amanda 's completely aright. It 's the totally grounds why my dad got sacked. The public did n't like that I was a wolfman, which is component of why the Ministry hushed it up. When it got out, nobody wanted him in political relation anymore."

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. He never really thought about that before, but mat was right. Amanda was, too, but he never really put two and two together before Matt mentioned that. And now the same thing was happening with his family. Sir Henry Percy was going to affect and while that did n't really directly effect him, how long would it take aim before the public did n't like the image he and the eternal rest of his cousin-german were presenting ?


A/N : From now on, updates for this will happen on the inaugural of every month and updates for Beyond the Shadow will happen on the 15th. That way they 'll be spread out. Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this !

Here 's the Weasley-Potter Family tree !

Bill-Fleur
Victoire- 20
Gabriella- 18
Ben- 5th yr

Charlie-Katherine ( witch )
Stanley- 19
Heather- 7th year
Mark- 6th year
Eddie- 8

Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Georgia- 18
Bradley- 6th yr
Cedric- 5th year
Samantha & Lindy ( twins ) - 9

George- Alicia Spinnet
Fred- 7th year
Angie- 1st year

Ron-Hermione
Rose- 4th twelvemonth
Hugo- 2nd year

Ginny-Harry
James- 5th year
Albus- 4th yr
Lily- 2nd twelvemonth

*All in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was no mention of politics or Ministers throughout the end of the train trip. Amanda did n't say anything else about her uncle being the prime rector and how it had affected her crime syndicate, but Albus was still really curious about it. How had she managed to sustain that a secret for three eld ? judgment by Rose 's reaction, she did n't even know about it. mat had n't even managed to restrain it a secret that he was a werewolf for a yr. Granted, Albus and the others had figured it out, but still. Maybe Amanda was the near secret custodian in their group.

The talking lightened considerably as they made their way to Hogwarts, soon turning to the familiar subject of Quidditch and then to fantasizing about the new Defense teacher. John was hoping for someone who let them do whatever they wanted whereas Rose wanted person who would actually teach, and not learn like Balladanis had. Albus did n't really worry, so long as the new teacher did n't bid to harm his scholarly person, physically or emotionally.

As the geartrain neared Hogsmeade station, Albus and his friends changed into their gown and prepared to expire the string for the jolty carriage tantalise up to the school. The journey was now so routine that they did so with minuscule chatter and transferred to the pusher with none of the ostentation of the previous two years. They were fourth eld now and Hogwarts was associate territory. As fourth years, they were well on their way to being the sure-enough scholar of the school.

The Great Hall was filled with laughter and excitement as the students found their buttocks at their theater tables. Albus and his friend quickly found seats together at the Gryffindor table and all five glanced up to the faculty mesa to retrieve the new face that would be their demurrer teacher. However, instead of the one unfamiliar face they expected, there were two unfamiliar faces.

"Which one 's the defense teacher ?"Kaden asked.

"Have n't the slim,"Albus replied.

There were two new thaumaturgist sitting at the table. One was deep in conversation with prof Kendrick and the other was glancing around at the room, his eyes never resting on the same matter or person for more than a few endorsement. The late was wearing what looked to be Ministry gown, which made Albus enquire if he was an Auror, but then he noticed one of the Aurors from last twelvemonth standing off to the side in his usual stain. The back new sensation was dressed in unpatterned blackness robes and had nearly no hair atop his head, but instead had a large whiskers and mustache, as if he was trying to even up.

"I think the one talking to Kendrick is from the Ministry,"Albus said.

"That 's not a good mark,"John the Divine replied."What 's the Ministry doing here on the first day ?"

"It 's not necessarily a bad matter,"rosebush pointed out."Maybe they just want to make sure everything is back to normal after the competition shoemaker's last year."

John opened his oral cavity to reply but was silenced by the doorway opening and prof Patil entering with the new offset twelvemonth. They looked pock and lilliputian, far smaller than the late year 's first long time. It was uncanny how they seemed to get smaller every year.

As with the previous twelvemonth, Albus did n't pay any attention to anyone 's sorting unless their last name was Potter or Weasley. This year, of row, there was only Angie entering Hogwarts from Albus 's expectant family. She ran up to the three-legged-stool with as a good deal enthusiasm as the rest of the mob had and jammed the hat onto her head.

It remained there for all of three seconds before shouting"Gryffindor !"Angie ran from the stool to the excited vociferation of the Gryffindors, her brother Fred 's whistling reverberance over the rest. Everyone at Hogwarts would have bet money on Angie being a Gryffindor, but everyone still liked to root on.

For once Albus wished that Kendrick would nominate annunciation before the feast was served just so he could ascertain out why there were two new wiz at the stave table, but like usual, Kendrick waited until after the feast. Thus, the duration of the fete was spent speculating.

"The Ministry 's sent soul to remark,"St. James said confidently."Look at the past three days. Every bingle one at least one of Al and his friends have gotten kidnapped by insane wizards. Clearly the Ministry does n't think the instructor can protect us enough."

"That 's what the Aurors are for,"rose wine pointed out."What 's some Ministry bloke going to do that an Auror ca n't do ? I really do n't recollect that blighter is another Auror."

"I bet he 's here to recruit people for the Ministry,"Fred suggested."You know, spend a class with us seventh twelvemonth and try to convince us that we should learn on boring Ministry jobs. Bet Uncle Percy 's the reason for it. Probably does n't need anymore of his kin to strike up Quidditch professionally."

"That 's preposterous,"a seventh-year girl replied."He 's probably just the new Defense teacher."

"Then who 's that early chap ?"matte gestured to the bald man sitting next to Slughorn.

"Slughorn 's hanker lost twin ?"Kaden suggested."Seriously, shave his face fungus and he 'll look just like Slughorn."

"Maybe Kendrick just wanted to invite someone to the Welcome spread,"Amanda pointed out."It could be as childlike as that."

Albus doubted it. nothing was ever simple when it came to life at Hogwarts. Finally, after what seemed ilk ages, the pudding disappeared and Kendrick stood to give his usual commencement of condition speech.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts. I give a ardent welcome to our new world-class years and hope you have enjoyed your first Hogwarts feast. I 'll remind everyone that the forest is out of edge as well as the Whomping Willow. Those wishing to try out for their House Quidditch squad can give their epithet to their head of menage. Now, you may have noticed that there are two new staff members this year even though only one posture is vacant. The foremost is simple to explain and the second is a little more complicated.

"outset, I would care to welcome prof Elliot offspring to Hogwarts. prof Young is going to be taking over the defense mechanism teacher position."Kendrick gestured to the man with the whiskers, while scattered applause was received from the students and former professors.

"professor antediluvian if you ask me,"John the Divine muttered.

"Many of you may be mindful and quite a lot of you I 'm sure are not aware that this is an election year for the Ministry of conjuration. Tomorrow the candidates running for Minister of legerdemain will get to their speeches announcing their campaigning, which will begin a seven month hunting expedition period. At the beginning of Apr, anyone who is of age will vote and the succeeder shall be announced. The fact that this is an election class is a wonderful educational opportunity and I was n't about to let it clear us by. Therefore I have decided to add another category to the curriculum. It will play once a hebdomad and in it you will memorise the ins and outs of our political system and its history.

"This is prof Richard Embry."Kendrick gestured to the feller sitting next to him, who then stood up."He is from the Ministry and has agreed to teach this new socio-economic class that we have designed. The class will look on your agenda that you will pick up tomorrow. Now, I suggest all of you turn in early as year begin bright and early in the morn. Prefects, please escort the first years to the park rooms."

Kendrick and the Ministry bloke both resumed their buttocks while Albus and his friends rose. The joined the mob of scholarly person making their way out of the Great lobby and towards the principal staircase. The Hufflepuffs and Slytherins broke away from the face pack to descend to their dormitories and then the Ravenclaws left for their tower. Soon, Albus and his friends were only amongst fellow Gryffindors.

The usual elbow room was abuzz with treatment about the new professors when they arrived. Most of the young students had gone to bed, but the elder student were making no move to do so. Fred was posting a sign-up sheet for Quidditch try-outs on the notice circuit board while Heather watched. Albus predicted that the two of them would act more like co-captains since there was no way Scots heather was going to let Fred draw all of the team conclusion this yr.

"So now we have another family,"John muttered as they sat down at a mesa near the flack."to a greater extent homework. More exams."

"It 's only once a workweek,"rose pointed out.

"But still, since when has anyone at Hogwarts had to take a class about government ?"John asked.

"Never,"Albus replied.

"Muggles take classes on political sympathies,"Amanda pointed out."My sister took one lowest twelvemonth and my first cousin have taken them. I really do n't think it 's going to be that difficult."

"Yeah, it 's not like there 's going to be an O.W.L. for it,"Rose said."Can you conceive that we 'll be taking O.W.L.s next year ?"

john groaned."Do we really have to talk about them already ?"

"Seriously,"matte agreed."They 're a long way off."

"Well, I think I 'm going to change state in,"Rose said as she stood up."division start tomorrow."

"You sound like Kendrick,"Albus said, but he was feeling slightly tired himself.

blush wine and Amanda left for the female child'residence hall a little while later. Albus and the former boys stayed up a while longer, but soon realized they were quite tired. They said goodnight to Kaden when they reached the third years'dorm and then continued on to their own. It had been a retentive day and Albus was set up to go to kip, just so he would n't have to think about government or the election anymore.
******


"Well, we 've got one of the new teachers today,"can said at breakfast the abide by dawning."We start off the day with Herbology and then have Defense right hand before lunch."

"When do we have that political science course ?"Matt asked as he scooped a hatful of oatmeal onto his plate.

"Tomorrow, rightfulness before dinner,"whoremaster replied."merlin, that would 've been gratis clock time if we did n't have that bloody class."

"It could be fun, whoremonger,"rose wine said.

"I have n't got it until Fri morning time,"Kaden lamented."I think it will be fun. Muggle politics are boring but magic makes everything better."

"Bad news is we have it with the Slytherins,"Albus said.

"Of course,"matt muttered."Would n't expect anything dissimilar. And we 've probably got potions with them again, right ?"

Albus glanced at his schedule."Yes."They had had potions with the Slytherins every twelvemonth now. Surely that could n't be accidental. Albus would have preferred they have no classes with the Slytherins, especially after what had happened in Department of Defense the former year. The last thing he and Matt needed was more contact with Scorpio Malfoy.

"trade good news is that we 've got Defense with the Hufflepuffs this yr,"Amanda pointed out.

"Bet Kendrick did that on purpose after last year,"whoremonger said."He 'd have to be an idiot to sacrifice us that course with the Slytherins again.

Everyone nodded in understanding. After the scene that had developed between Albus, John, and Scorpius Kendrick would probably never have the three of them in Defense socio-economic class together again. Albus was grateful. He 'd spent the last few weeks of his one-third class avoiding Malfoy and was fully prepared to avoid him for the residual of his Hogwarts vocation. Unfortunately the Slytherin was on his dueling team.

The chemical group hurriedly finished their breakfast and then parted ways with Kaden before heading down to the greenhouses for Herbology. Herbology was one of those predictable classes where they never had to worry about anything terribly happening when it came to capable matter or teachers. Neville was a fairish teacher who made classes interesting. Albus never had to worry about anything odd happening while in the greenhouses, unlike potions and defense mechanism.

Everyone was slightly wary of the new Defense professor and thus the keister in the backbone of the room were in high demand. Unfortunately the Hufflepuffs had had Transfiguration beforehand and had a much shorter walk, so they claimed all of the far tush. Albus, matte, and can had the bad luck of having to sit at one of the front tables and all three boys were on boundary.

The prof ambled into the room just as year was scheduled to start. He had a very large spate of lambskin, which he set on the desk before beginning to call roll.

"I am professor Loretta Young,"he began after he finished with roll."And welcome to fourth year Defense Against the darkness artwork. This year we will concentrate on Dark hex, whammy, and general spells, all of which are detailed out in your textbook. You can acquire your al-Qur'an out now if you have n't already done so."

Albus rummaged in his bag and set his book on the table. Professor Young picked up the stack of lambskin and began passing it out to the educatee. Albus feared that it was a quiz, as he glanced down at its fill-in-the-blank interrogative and unforesightful answer questions.

"Please read the first chapter of your books and complete the worksheet by the end of the class,"Loretta Young said as he walked back to his desk. He said nothing more and began to read what appeared to be a novel while stroking his beard.

Albus glanced at bathroom and Matt, unsure of whether Cy Young would yell at him if he spoke in whispers to his acquaintance. Actually, Loretta Young might not even hear him. He did look to be quite old. But it was just so odd that Cy Young assigned them reading and a worksheet on the first day of division. Would n't a lecture shuffle more sense ? Albus could n't commemorate a time when a professor had n't lectured on the initiatory day of class.

Everyone else seemed thoroughly confused as well. For the succeeding five minutes everyone sent each early disconnected feeling and glances before finally cracking open their school text, having realized that Young was n't going to do anything besides read his novel.

Albus began to read the low gear chapter, which was dreadfully boring. It was about the most workaday of iniquity hexes, if a night hex could be considered mundane. The chapter did n't even remark unforgivable oath, which while horrible, were far more worry than the basic precept of what made a curse Dark.

Albus finished his worksheet a few minutes before Whitney Young put down his novel."Leave your worksheets here on my desk. There is n't any homework."

"That was the unknown class ever,"Albus said once they had left the way."Who gives a worksheet on the first day of class ?"

"somebody who just wants to read their book all day,"John replied."Works for me, since he did n't contribute any homework."

"Still, it was horribly tedious,"Albus replied.

"Honestly, I 'm well-chosen it 's oil production after dealing with Balladanis last year,"lusterlessness said.

"Somehow I do n't think this bloke is going to be bringing any Anamateks to class,"Albus said.

"An Anamatek would probably finish him off,"John replied."I do n't conceive he could handle one."

"Not many people could,"Albus pointed out.

When they arrived in the Great Hall, they were surprised to see Georgia hurrying Bradley and Cedric out of the room.

"What 's wrong ?"Albus asked, extremely confused as to why GA was at Hogwarts.

"Dad wants us there when he makes his big announcement."She rolled her eyes."We 're supposed to be there supporting him or something."

"What metre is it happening ?"Albus asked.

"One,"Peach State replied."Which means we 're already going to be later than Dad wants. It 'll be in the eve Prophet."

"There is no way Sakartvelo 's going to be able to affect everything is fine between her and Uncle Percy for the completely election,"rose wine said once Georgia and her buddy had left."She looked annoyed already and he has n't even announced he 's running yet."

"She probably has to drop pattern for it,"Albus replied."I just want to do it who he 's running against."

"Wish we could go watch,"Rose said."I bet our parents are there."

"Of course they are,"Albus agreed."Matt 's dad is probably there, too."

"He is,"Matt said."Has n't got a cue as to who 's running, though."

"dead reckoning we 'll find out tonight,"Albus said.
******


Albus did n't see Bradley or Cedric until dinner party. He had been hoping to catch one of them in between classes, but either their schedule did n't permit them to cross track or the promulgation had gone until dinner. The noise in the Great Charles Francis Hall was n't any louder than it usually was when Albus arrived, but then again he was n't quite sure how much the rest of the students cared about the election. However at the Gryffindor board, all of Albus 's first cousin were clustered at one end of the tabular array, their heads leaned in to one another.

"tone like a crime syndicate coming together or something,"Albus said.

"We 'll see you in the unwashed room after dinner, then,"Amanda said as she pulled toilet and Kaden towards the former end of the tabular array, Matt following.

Albus followed rose wine to the far end of the table, where everyone else had already gathered. Albus squeezed his way in between Hugo and James while Rose found a seat future to Lily.

"Finally, you 're here,"King James said."Bradley and Cedric wo n't say a word until everyone 's here."

"Otherwise we 'd just throw to recount the story over and over again,"Bradley muttered.

"well, go on,"Fred encouraged.

"It was basically a immense fancy company with a cluster of boring spoken communication,"Bradley began."A bunch of Ministry people and their wife or husbands and Dad was the center of attention, of course. Everyone knew he was running even though he had n't made his functionary announcement yet. It did n't get interesting until Dad and the witch he 's running against made their announcement-"

"Dad 's was pretty dull,"Cedric cut in."Talked about how he 's seen the Ministry through so many change and how we need solid leadership to sustain the wizardly community together and patriotic. Mentioned Uncle Harry and Voldemort, of course. Then everyone clapped politely and the opposition stood up."

"The beldam who 's actually running facial expression like she was a hawk in a former sprightliness. Her nose is as pointy as a nose can get and she 's got this sleek black hair that was done up in a bun. She stood up there with a crowd of citizenry who she introduced as her campaign team,"Tom Bradley said."But it was her lecture that got the gang riled up. She kept putting holes in everything Dad said. Dad mentioned about how the wizarding world was a potent join presence but she talked about how falling out are forming and the Ministry is slipping and change is needed again. She made all these pernicious reference of how the Aurors are n't as on top of affair and how if we do n't do something the magical mankind will fall apart."

"That 's ridiculous !"Fred said."The witching world is fine."

"I thought they were just making their announcements that they were running,"rose said."actor's line do n't start yet."

"Neither of them are going to emaciate an opportunity to get votes,"Scots heather pointed out."So do you two have to make anymore visual aspect ?"

"Yeah,"Tom Bradley answered."Dad wants us all there for his initiative speech this weekend and he said there are going to be some debate here, so we have to sit up movement with Mum at those."

"And the prophet wants to do a huge article on our phratry,"Cedric added."They 're doing one on the Wiccan, too."

"What 's her name ?"pink wine asked."And what does she do in the Ministry ?"

"Patricia Laurentis,"Cedric replied."She 's some sort of adviser to the electric current diplomatic minister. Her title 's just as confusing and long as Dad's."

"Wyrd that both the nominee were working under the stream Minister,"rose said.

"Well the parties chose them."Cedric shrugged."I should get going, though. Have to go see Slughorn about what I missed earlier."

"Me too,"Omar Nelson Bradley said as he stood up."Patil probably wo n't be pleased that I missed the beginning lesson."

Cedric and Omar Nelson Bradley left, leaving the balance of the cousins to spill the beans about what they had just been told. Albus mostly listened while pushing his food around his scale. What he had learned about Patricia Laurentis unnerved him a little and it was mostly because character of him thought she was right. thing were n't as perfect as his Uncle Sir Henry Percy thought. Willinson was still on the light and not to refer the upshot with Lubar was still undetermined.

But Albus 's dad and the other Aurors were doing all they could, were n't they ? What could Patricia Laurentis do if she got elected ? There would still be the same Aurors working at the Ministry.

"Maybe Uncle Percy is the right individual to be Minister,"Heather said quietly."The Ministry has been working the same way since the Final struggle, has n't it ? And there have n't been anymore Voldemorts trying to bring in power."

"But thing ca n't always remain the like,"Rose pointed out.

"Do you really think the Ministry needs to change that much ?"Heather asked.

"I do n't lie with,"rose said quietly."I just do n't call up people are as united as Uncle Percy thinks."

"I 'm going to the common elbow room,"Albus said as he pushed his plate away. He was n't thirsty anymore.

Footsteps behind him told him that Rose was following, just like he hoped she would."What were you getting at ? the great unwashed not being united ?"he asked once they were in an hollow corridor.

"Not everyone agrees on everything, Albus,"blush wine said."Far from it. I think Uncle Percy 's slightly delusional about that. And remember what you told me about that odd blighter who gave your dad a monition at the Quidditch World Cup ?"

"That bloke ?"Albus laughed."He was insane !"

"I 'm not denying that, but he did cause a point. In an election twelvemonth everything subject. Uncle Hotspur 's aligned his notion with the current rector 's, which means if he 's elected he 's going to extend doing things the Sami way. The Ministry has n't caught Willinson for right in the three years they 've been searching and he 's slipped out of their clutches numerous times. It 's not going to be difficult for that Laurentis lady to convince people we need to change tactics, even if her maneuver are n't cracking either."

Albus said null for a few moments."How do you know all of this ?"

"I 've talked to Amanda more than than you have,"rosiness replied."She knows how all of this whole kit, and it 's really not that different in the Muggle world."

"So you think Laurentis is going to win ?"Albus asked.

Rose laughed."I never said that and it 's far too soon to recite. They have n't even debated yet. All I 'm saying is, Uncle Percy needs to spread his eyes a bit."

Albus did n't respond. He knew that his Uncle Percy 's political views were slightly different than the rest of his family 's, but they were still quite standardised. If what Rose was saying was reliable, that meant that his totally class needed to spread out their eyes and Albus was n't sure enough how he felt about that.


A/N : Sorry about the late update. There were some internet site issues. See the forums for more details about that. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and reviewing !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"You know, this government class is taking away from our free periods,"Saint John said the following dayspring at breakfast. He shook his headland as he loaded his plate high with scrambled eggs and bacon.

Albus nodded and waited for Rose 's reply about how they needed to take away advantage of any learning opportunity, even if they meant less free meter, but it did n't number. Albus turned to look at her, thinking she might be ill. She was n't. Instead she was piling her own plate highschool with orchis and toast. Albus raised his brow at her.

"What ?"she demanded."Girls get thirsty, too."

"Not that,"Albus replied."toilet just complained about having another class and you did n't groan and tell him off."

"I kind of agree with him."rosebush shrugged.

"Are you ill ?"Albus asked as he felt her forehead.

rose wine pushed his mitt away."plosive consonant it, Al. I 'm not saying I wo n't enjoy the class. I 'm just saying that we 're quaternary days and O.W.L.s are closer than ever and we need all the time we can get to study. Not that John would use the time to learn, mind you."

"There 's the Rose we all know."toilet grinned as he stuffed his typeface with bacon.

"I think it 'll be a nice modification,"flatness put in."Something different. Notice they gave us chronicle of Magic on two successive mornings. wonder who the retard was who did that."

"Lapplander one who always gives us classes with the Slytherins, I 'll bet,"John the Divine said."Double Potions this cockcrow and I 'd bet my aright arm and both my legs we 'll be with the Slytherins."

"Why not both your blazonry and branch ?"Amanda asked.

"On the off-chance that I 'm wrong, I 'll need some sort of limb to get around with,"John answered.

"I only had one class with the Slytherins hold out yr,"Kaden said."You lot must get terrible fortune. I 'd better be off. Defense this morning."

"commodity luck. That professor is uncanny,"John the Divine said.

"Ca n't be risky than finally year,"Kaden replied as he got up and left.

Albus, Matt, Rose, and Amanda waited for bathroom to end his pile of ball before setting off for the dungeons. When they arrived the room access was already open and Albus saw that they were indeed wit the Slytherins again. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting at one of the front tables, looking rather smug. Albus averted his eyes and continued to the back of the classroom, where he sat down in between lusterlessness and John.

"Wonder what he 's so happy about,"Albus muttered as the quietus of the educatee entered the room.

"I do n't know. But I do n't like it,"John said.

Slughorn chose that moment to waddle into the elbow room so Albus and Gospel According to John could not continue their conversation."Welcome, welcome ! Ahh, my two deary theater together again ! What luck. well, well, welcome to fourth year Potions. This is the year that things get difficult since you 'll be sitting your O.W.L.s following year ..."

"Why is it they 're talking about O.W.L.s this year ?"Albus whispered."They 're still over a year off."

"... Since today is a doubled class I thought we 'd set about brewing the firstly potion in your text edition and see where your skills lie after a summer of lounging about. Unless some of you happened to read your text books over the summer !"

Albus glanced at rose wine, who was sitting succeeding to Amanda at one of the figurehead table. She seemed to sit up eminent in her seat.

"Let 's get started, then. You can work in pairs of your choosing. The couple that produces the easily potion will win a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate."

Gospel According to John set off to put to work with Janie Creevey who lacked a married person while Albus and Matt set up a caldron at their table.

"Remember your gloves,"Slughorn announced."If you touch the finished production your hand will immediately freeze."

"Does it seem odd to you that we have to concoct a freezing root with flaming ?"Matt asked as he stuck his baton under the caldron to get down the flame.

"Very,"Albus agreed."So now that we 've had Slughorn for three years, have you noticed that he always starts the year with a contest ?"

"Yeah. I bet he uses the same curriculum every year,"lusterlessness added."Ca n't imagine that lots variety in footing of potion brewing."

"I bet our parents brewed the same potions,"Albus said.

"I wonder if it 's potential for this potion to explode,"lustrelessness mused as he tossed a few objet d'art of hack Beta vulgaris rubra into the cauldron."

"Well, I suppose we 'll find out,"came a drawling voice from behind them. Albus turned around and saw Malfoy, carrying a few bottles he must have gotten from the provision closet."I 'm sure you two will bring off it, if it 's possible."

"Shut it, Malfoy,"Albus replied.

Malfoy glared at him and then stalked off towards his own board. Albus was slightly storm that he had left so quickly. It was strange.

"Weird of him to leave so soon,"Matt said, as if reading Albus 's mind.

"Yeah, if you ask me, he 's afraid of you now."

mat let out a laugh."Yeah, right. If anything he 's finally realized you 're a better dueler than he is and he 's got to watch out. Speaking of which, you think you 're going to be captain of your dueling team this year ?"

"It 's either going to be me or Malfoy,"Albus said.

With everything else that was going on that year, the last thing Albus needed was to be captain of his dueling team, but he did not want Malfoy as captain either. He 'd involve the extra oeuvre if just to keep Malfoy from being in charge. Malfoy needed power like a blast-ended skrewt needed a flame thrower.

Albus and Matt did not shove off up their potion by the end of the class. In fact, their potion had the Saame consistency that it was supposed to and while it was slightly off-colour, it did manage to freeze the shaft Slughorn stuck in it. Rose and Amanda won the chocolate, which was no surprise to anyone.

Rose and Amanda shared their coffee with the son as they walked up to the Great Hall for luncheon. Albus and Matt told the fille and John about Malfoy 's bizarre behaviour and blush wine told them that they should just be happy he 's backing down, rather than analyze his motives.

The Great Hall was buzzing with activeness when they entered it a few transactions later. Albus sat down at the Gryffindor tabular array and no Sooner had he grabbed a roll did Scots heather thrash a copy of the Prophet onto his home base.

"What 's this ?"Albus asked as he lifted up the paper.

"This break of the day 's oracle. The owls were latterly delivering it. Something about a tempest in Greater London,"Heather explained.

Albus set down his bowl and opened the newspaper publisher. There on the front Sir Frederick Handley Page was a impression of his Uncle Percy, smiling blanket, in expatiate robe, shaking hands with a very tall fair sex, who was also smiling wide and wearing elaborate robes. Above the depiction was the form of address,"prospect for minister of Magic Announced."

By this head pink wine and Matt had crowded on either side of Albus, while Amanda and John hovered behind him, all trying to read the article. Albus 's eyes traveled down the page so he could do the same.

In movement of the stallion Ministry of Magic,
Minister hopefuls Sir Henry Percy Saint Ignatius Weasley and
Patricia Leigh Laurentis announced their
electioneering on September 3rd, 2029. Both
candidates work under Minister Hartwell, yet
are running against each other for opposite
company.

Weasley, Senior Undersecretary for the
Drafting and Editing of law, has been
chosen to run for the Merlinus party,
which is the party that flow curate
Hartwell represents. Laurentis, Senior
Advisor to Law Enforcement and Azkaban
official has been chosen to run for the
Philippus Aureolus Paracelsus Party.

A with child crowd turned out for the proclamation,
which is only the first of many appearances
by both campaigner. The first debate is
scheduled for Sep 8th, at the
Ministry of Magic.

"So that 's who your uncle 's running against,"lusterlessness said.

"guess so,"Albus replied.

"She looks a little like this maths teacher I had before I came to Hogwarts,"Amanda said."She was a scary peeress. I remember once I forgot to do my prep so I spent the full morning in the loo before someone came looking for me."

"You can differentiate they both hate each former,"Matt said as he gestured to the moving-picture show."trusted they 're shaking hands and acting decent but clearly they both want to hex each other."

"It 's just weird that she works for Hartwell if she 's the opposite party he is,"Rose mused."Why would Hartwell give hired her ?"

"Maybe she switched parties ?"Amanda suggested."It happens in the Muggle world."

"Maybe,"Rose said."It just seems fishy. Her switching parties and hinting at all these radical alteration. It just seems like something big is going to happen."

Albus could n't help but have the Saami feeling. But all he could do was hope that his uncle won the election and Laurentis would not have the chance to switch everything.

"Hey, Al, done with that paper ?"James called from down the table.

Albus nodded and passed the Prophet down, then settling in to eat lunch. There was no stop worrying about the election now. It was month away. Plus, the politics class was later that day and Albus was incredibly curious about it.

Transfiguration seemed to drag by since it was the same as it was every year. professor Patil explained about that year 's curriculum and how they needed to start out thinking about O.W.L.s and the increased work load. It was all rather monotonous and all Albus wanted to do was get to politics since it was something new.

Finally Transfiguration was over and Albus and his friends hurried to the one-fifth flooring to the classroom where politics was held. They slowed down when they reached the room as none of them wanted to be the first to enter.

"We better not have this with the Slytherins,"John muttered as they neared the doorway.

Albus peeked in the room access."Nope, Hufflepuffs."

John let out an audible sigh of relief and Albus pushed the threshold spread out as they entered. Only a few Hufflepuffs were there, seated towards the back, and the professor was nowhere in visual modality. rose immediately claimed a desk in the presence and Amanda chose one next to her, while Albus and the other male child headed to the chemical group of Hufflepuffs in the backbone.

"Do you believe there will be homework in this class ?"St. John asked as they sat down.

Albus raised his eyebrows."Is that a serious question ?"

John the Divine shrugged."well it 's not like there will be an O.W.L. We probably wo n't even feature this class next year. So why would there be prep ?"

"Because it 's a course of study and this is Hogwarts,"Albus replied."I guarantee there will be homework."

The relief of the class filed in, filling in the behind that remained in the middle of the classroom. As the bell rang, Professor Embry entered, walking with an air that this class would be all piece of work and no dramatic play.

"Good afternoon,"professor Embry began as he shuffled a few written document on his desk."Welcome to Basic Wizarding political science. I am prof Embry and you will turn to me such."

Embry stepped out from behind his desk and began to stride the length of the classroom."I understand that almost of you know absolutely cypher about politics and assume that the pastor of thaumaturgy is born the Minister and legal philosophy just magically come into cosmos. A select few of you,"his centre rested on Albus, and then on Matt, and on two Hufflepuff little girl,"have parents in the Ministry and may sustain slightly more noesis than the rest, but that would be rather generous of me to assume.

"Hogwarts has not put often stake in political education before now, something that I feel is lacking in today 's breeding and wish to regenerate this year. The course of study will include chronicle of how our government came to be the way it is today as well as how the authorities is currently run."

The class let out a corporate grown at the word history. Albus glanced at Rose, who was on the edge of her seat.

"But sir,"a particularly dauntless Hufflepufff boy announced,"we 've already learned the story. We take History of Magic."

Embry let out a short jape."With Professor Binns ? If I may be frank, that man died before most of the account happened. Along with that, he 'll put a rock to sleep."Embry chuckled. No one in the course of instruction dared to express mirth."I 'm going to give you a proper history of our Bodoni font administration, starting with a brief overview of what the governance was like before the reign of Voldemort and a more comprehensive overview of what it is like today.

"I will also devote a class menses each to the way the administration is run in France, the United States, and Australia. Now, since you were not aware that this social class would use up property, you have not acquired script. Therefore I have purchased them for you. You are to treat them as depository library books and return them to me in similar status at the end of the year. Lest your parents be billed."

Embry flicked his baton and stacks of Holy Writ flew out of a nearby cupboard. They landed softly in front of the scholar. Albus glanced down and read the title of respect. Politics and governing in Modern Wizarding United Kingdom by Beatrice Holden. It looked about as dull as the cupboard it had come out of.

"Very in force. Now, get out sheepskin and quills. I 'm not going to let the rest period of this class period go to wastefulness,"Embry said as he tapped his scepter on the board. Notes immediately appeared on it.

Embry lectured for the oddment of the class about how the first regime was formed in Britain. It was incredibly dry. The only intellect Albus stayed awake was because he had to claim notes. Literally had to. Embry caught a John the Divine not taking banker's bill and threatened him with detention this Saturday if he did n't start.

"That 's all for today,"Embry said after the bell rang."following form we 'll fast forward in time and read about the government activity pre-Voldemort. take the first chapter for homework and occur up with three thoughtful enquiry to pose to the residual of the class. Dismissed."

"How does Hogwarts attract the most bizarre teachers ?"Albus asked once they were out of earshot of the classroom.

"Kendrick must put it on the list of job prerequisite,"John replied."Must be out of your freaking head to take this position."

"I think he 's master,"Rose piped in."It seems like we 'll really get wind stuff."

"Why hassle ?"John asked."It 's not like we 're old enough to have a say in the authorities anyway."

"But we will one day,"Amanda pointed out."And to be honest, I 'd be a bit afraid if everyone our age felt like you do, St. John. Muggles get political relation grade in school. It makes sense that we should, too."

"She 's got a stop, mate,"lusterlessness said."Who has the power in your country thing. If you elect the wrong people, matter can go horribly wrong. Not everyone gets to elect their loss leader, either. We do n't even get to do that fully. The positioning that Albus 's dad has and my dad consume ? In the United DoS, those are elected place. Not here."

"And before Voldemort, we did n't even elect our Minister,"rose said.

"How do you lot even have a go at it this stuff ?"John asked as they drew tightlipped to the Gryffindor green room.

"Parents."Amanda shrugged."It 's amazing what you pick up when your parents think you 're too young to handle to eavesdrop."

"Wait."John stopped in the centre of the corridor and looked at his friends."delay. Now that we know about your uncle, you lot all have family involved with the Ministry, wether it 's the magical ministry or the Muggle ministry."

Albus grinned sheepishly."Guess so."

John groaned."This is insane. Why could n't I have picked normal supporter ?"

"Normal is highly overrated,"Matt said as they reached the Fat Lady.

******


The remainder of the hebdomad went by fairly quickly, in Albus 's opinion. Everyone, students and teachers, fell back into their usual Hogwarts act and by the time Friday arrived Albus had a stack of homework as high as his bed and was more than ready for a few day off. But when he saw the notice board in the uncouth room when he got back from magical spell on Fri afternoon, he knew that would not be entirely possible.

Fred had scheduled Quidditch practice on Saturday at eight in the morning.

"Eight !"Albus exclaimed."In the first light ? Is he thoroughly insane ? It 's the commencement week back ! Even GA was n't disturbed enough to do that."

"tough lot, married person,"John said as he tossed his bag onto a nearby couch."Ashcan School in the morning. Let 's see, I 'll be snuggled up in bed. What about you, lustrelessness ? What will you be doing at eight in the morning time ? Flying through the rainwater ? Trudging through the mud to the pitch ?"

"row not."Matt grinned."I 'll be cozy in bed, having an vex ambition where I 'm playing for the Cannons. In perfect conditions of course."

"The Cannons are the sole squad you 'd ever take in Leslie Townes Hope of playing for,"privy replied.

Albus threw himself down on the couch. Fred was insane. That was all there was to it. Well, he could apply for a professor position once he graduated. He 'd come across the insanity requirement.

"Speak of the devil,"St. John the Apostle said as Fred entered the common room.

"You !"Albus shouted as he got up."Why in the figure of everything Merlin owns did you agenda practice at eight in the dawn on a Saturday ? Not everyone 's a seventh year taking four category. We ca n't all sleep in every bloody day."

Fred shrugged."Had to. Pitch is booked solid state all weekend except for Sat daybreak and evening. All the other houses are having try-outs. We ca n't even obligate our Keeper try-outs until adjacent weekend because of it."

"Why not the evening then ?"

"Bradley 's got to get an appearing at Uncle Percy 's speech."Fred rolled his middle.

"Then why have exercise at all ? We do n't need to train anyone new until we get a new Keeper,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's been a whole summer. We 're hoary. We 've got to set about training early on. I want that Quidditch trophy."

"We 've been playing Quidditch all summer,"Albus said flatly.

"looking, Al, I 'm not changing it. Just deal with it,"Fred said as he continued up to his dormitory.

Albus spent the residue of the eve fuming about practice and cursing Fred under his breath, until Rose suggested they all go to the way after dinner. Albus reluctantly agreed, knowing that if they went to the Room he 'd be up half the night and would only get a few hours'sopor.

In the end he was glad rosiness suggested it. They spent the evening playing Gobstones and Exploding Snap and listening to John and Kaden think up new ways to prank the Slytherins, and more specifically, Scorpio Malfoy. Eventually, Albus decided to call it a night and headed back to his dormitory, leaving his Friend to go along discussing whether it would be honest to turn Malfoy 's whisker red or purple.

Only a few short hours later Albus found himself sneaking quietly out of his student residence at an hour of day that was only meant to be seen on weekdays. He grabbed his broom and went to receive his teammate in the common room.

No one looked glad. James was nodding off on the couch while Ryan attempted to tie his shoes without opening his optic. Heather 's hair was sticking up at odd angles while she tried to tame it into a ponytail. Thomas Bradley was sulking in an armchair. Even Fred looked a lilliputian worse for article of clothing. But they trudged through the rook, only seeing Peeves loosening a few door hinge and Filch 's cat skulking behind a case of armor.

The weather was at least nice and the four hours they spent on the sales pitch went by relatively fast. Albus and his mate landed on the ground as the Slytherin Quidditch team made their way onto the sales talk. Albus glared at them as they passed.

Without going up to his hall to deepen, Albus headed into the Great lobby hoping there would be something undecomposed for lunch. Having skipped breakfast, he was starving. He spotted his friends halfway down the Gryffindor board and after stowing his heather underneath the bench, he sat down and grabbed the nearest dish.

"You could at least shower down first, Al,"Rose said."You stink."

"Too starved,"Albus replied.

"Albus !"Lily called from down the mesa. She got up and headed over to him."Mum and Dad sent this earlier."She handed him a piece of sheepskin."They want us to go to the public debate tonight since it 's the first one and all. We 're expected to Floo from Kendrick 's written report to the Ministry at five."

Albus groaned as he read the letter."That gives me about four hr to slacken and possibly do homework."

"Are you going to have to go to every argumentation ?"Rose asked.

"Leslie Townes Hope not,"Albus replied in between morsel."You do n't own to go ?"

"Have n't gotten anything about it. Dad probably does n't even want to go himself so he wo n't make us. And Mum probably expects that it would just have away from my studies."

"This says I have to wear coiffure gown,"Albus muttered.

"At least you can tell us if anything good happens,"Matt said.

"And what about you ? Your dad 's high-pitched in the Ministry. Why are n't you going ?"Albus asked, desperate to find person else who could keep him company.

"He already told me over the summer that I 'll only let to go to single at Hogwarts. And then whatever company the candidates will throw for the officials. Does n't remember an election should have much consequence on my living,"matt explained.

"Lucky,"Albus replied.

Albus made the to the highest degree of the remainder of the day. He and his champion took homework down to the lake, but it sat ignored under a beechwood tree while they sat by the edge of the lake and dangled their feet in. Kaden swore the goliath Squid tried to eat his foot, but nobody believed him. Rose and Amanda took a walk by themselves along the sharpness of the forest, insisting that none of the boys follow.

Kaden pulled a Fanged Frisbee out of his bag once the girls left and the male child began tossing it around. This was great fun until the Frisbee decided it had had enough of being thrown and took out a section of Kaden 's hair, leaving his mind bleeding rather profusely and Albus, John, and Matt having to rush him to the hospital offstage. By the metre Kaden 's head had been bandaged up and all four had received a lecture on the dangers of Fanged Frisbees ( Madam Pomfrey somehow figured out that that was the cause ) it was prison term for Albus to head back to Gryffindor towboat to get ready for the disputation.


A/N : Sorry for the lack of a May update. School was insane. But I only have a class left ! I 'm now rest home for the summer and am having issues getting my Internet to cooperate with HPFF. Things take a longsighted time to load and I can not respond to reexamine. I will still translate every review, but responses will take a piece since I have to be at the library to reply to them.

Since I last updated I 've had some takings with mass plagiarizing my taradiddle. I really hate that I have to narrate you jest at this, but it is against the convention to take anyone 's stories from here and put them on former sites. It 's also against the pattern to take secret plan, graphic symbol, etc without permission. I do not give my permit for anyone to look at my plots or characters. I 'm really happy that you guys like my story, but please do n't take them.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


If there was one matter Albus hated it was getting dressed up for Ministry events. He had always been slightly uncomfortable with his dad 's celebrity and Ministry stead because he hated the attention. James River had always been the case who would bask in the attention, enjoying when all the Ministry functionary proclaimed how big he was getting and how he was certain to be the whizz of Gryffindor 's Quidditch squad. Lily was rather immaterial towards it. She never really expressed emotion about the attention one way or another. She enjoyed getting dressed up but once they were at whatever party, she would go off and do her own thing. Albus just did not like it. He did not like getting his cheeks pinched by old Lady and did not comparable random the great unwashed telling him how tall he was getting. As he got older, he did not like it any more.

But it was a fact of life and so Albus found himself once again forcing himself into a set of emerald green dress robes. They were wrinkled, but he did n't know any sort of ironing charm so he let them be. It 's not like anyone would be focused on him anyway. This was his Uncle Harry Hotspur 's nighttime and it seemed like this entire year was going to be his Uncle Walker Percy 's year.

Albus tamed his fuzz with a bit of water and then met James, Lily, Bradley, and Cedric in the usual room. James looked suave and perfectly well-situated in his blue dress robe, whereas Bradley and Cedric looked like they were being force fed rotten fish in their matching grayness robe. Lily was wearing a purple garb and as usual, did n't seem to have an opinion about going to the argumentation.

"So you three got roped into this, too ?"Bradley asked as they made their way to Kendrick 's study.

"Yeah, Mum sent us a letter this sunrise,"Lily explained."I guess Dad thinks we should be at the initiatory one."

"At least you do n't accept to go to all of them,"Bradley muttered.

The rest of the trip to Kendrick 's study was silent. When they arrived they saw that Kendrick was in dress robe as well and was apparently escorting them to the Ministry and would delay to check the disputation. He handed them each a bit of Floo powder and let them go first.

Albus stepped into the Floo after Saint James the Apostle and soon found himself in the Ministry of Magic 's entree hall. The piazza was far muted than it was the last time he had been there, the following class, when he went with matte to secernate his dad about Lubar being at Hogwarts.

Kendrick led them to the raise and down to the court rooms."The only blank space big enough to accommodate everyone witnessing the debate. Even still, it 's an invitation only event. It 's being broadcasted over the wireless, however. Kendrick stopped in front of court room ten and opened the door. The elbow room was about half full. Albus spotted his mother 's bright red hair in the first row of seating room. He followed Kendrick down the stairs.

Albus 's Aunt Corrine was sitting with his parents, along with a rather sullen looking Georgia and the twins, who were both reading al-Qur'an. Kendrick began to speak quietly to Harry as Albus and the others filed into the row. James, Omar Bradley, and Cedric immediately began to speak of Quidditch and Albus listened in. They were speculating on who would show up for Keeper try-outs the following weekend. Georgia immediately perked up and began giving the boys advice on who they should keep an eye out for.

It soon became obvious that the forget side of the front row of the seating area was reserved for Percy 's kinfolk. They were joined by all of Albus 's aunt and uncles, as well as Victoire, Teddy, and Sir Henry Morton Stanley. In fact the only one of his older full cousin that was not there was Gabriella. Albus wanted to ask Victoire where she was but she was too far away.

Albus assumed that the first row on the good side was reserved for Laurentis 's family, although Albus did n't recognize a single one of the citizenry in that row. He turned around and focused on the people filing in. He recognized a few of them including Matt 's parents and a few other Ministry functionary he 'd met before. mat 's parents sat down behind Albus 's parents, next to Professor Kendrick. Albus briefly wished that flatness had been forced to go, but quickly erased that thought because what variety of friend would wish well their best acquaintance had to attend to a political debate ?

The chattering in the room immediately subsided when minister of religion Hartwell entered followed by a few of his cheeseparing adviser. Behind them were Percy and Laurentis, both wearing Ministry robe. Hartwell and his advisers sat along a table at the presence of the room while Percy and Laurentis stood behind podiums, also at the battlefront of the room. The Minister spoke with his consultant briefly while Percy and Laurentis smiled and waved at the crowd. Then one of the adviser rose from his seat.

He was a portly man, whose robe stretched very tightly across his middle. He was completely bald and had no face fungus, but a very encompassing mustache. Aiming his wand at his own throat, he muttered a charm and then set his verge down.

"Welcome,"his voice boomed over the interview,"to the commencement public debate of the 2020 election for government minister of Magic. Our two prospect, Percy Ignatius Weasley and Patricia Vivien Leigh Laurentis, connect us tonight for an basic debate on a potpourri of consequence. My gens is Wendell York and I am the foreland of the department of Magical fare and will swear out as moderator for tonight 's argumentation. I will position the topic and each candidate will get five minutes to respond, then two minutes for a rebuttal.

"The 1st theme is how our world is concealed from Muggles. Do you think the current Ministry is doing an equal job ? What changes would you evoke ? Mr. Weasley, you may go first."

Albus yawned. Why could n't it be an stimulate theme like catching night wizards ? Or at to the lowest degree something relevant to his biography, like the lack of near defensive measure professor at Hogwarts. Now that would be a public debate he 'd be interested in. Albus turned towards Percy and realized he had n't even been paying attention to much of his uncle 's response.

"... stream police do a satisfactory job of concealing our world from Muggles. magic sightings by Muggles are low in figure and when they do occur Obliviators do an fantabulous job of altering the remembering of our Muggle neighbors ..."Walker Percy droned on.

Albus turned to James who rolled his eyes. Could they have come up with a more boring topic ? Albus seriously doubted it. Except perhaps cauldron bottom heaviness, which was a write up Hotspur had done when he first started at the Ministry, according to Harry. Albus glanced at his dad. He was paying attention, but in that certain way of paying tending that meant he was really tire but was trying to bullshit it. Even Corrine looked slightly bored.

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Wendell York said."Ms. Laurentis, your turn."

"I disagree with Mr. Weasley,"Laurentis began."One sighting of our kind by Muggles is too many. Each clock time a Muggle catches mint of an act of magic trick puts our total world at risk, and not only U.K. 's wizarding world. We have a responsibility to the world that we keep our magic trick under wrapper. According to last class 's statistic we were in the top five commonwealth in terms of figure of sightings. That 's not good ..."

Laurentis went on and on about various laws that could be enacted to ascertain that Muggles did not see acts of magic until Wendell York cut her off. He then let Sir Henry Percy throw his two minute rebuttal, during which he went on about how it was an impossible goal to try, to achieve no trick sightings by Muggles. Laurentis 's rebuttal was basically just a re-statement of her old argument.

Albus tuned much of the disputation out, focusing instead on what he wanted to do during the current school twelvemonth. He was a fourth year, which meant he was no tenacious one of the younger kids. He 'd been on the Quidditch team for two years and now he was hoping he 'd be able-bodied to sustain some say in how praxis went and how matches were played. Then there was the Dueling night club. Each of the eight squad had a maitre d'hotel and the captains were fourth eld. Professors, mostly Neville, picked the captain. Albus knew it would be down to either him or Scorpio and as much as he did not really want the province of being senior pilot, he did not require Scorpius to have power over him. He would use that to his reward.

The debate wore on and Albus continued to not pay attending until he heard the words 'education'and 'Hogwarts'. That got his attention. It was Laurentis 's turn to go first.

"I think educational reform is the best way to go. Hogwarts has been ran the same way for generations and while no one can abnegate that headmaster Kendrick runs a wonderful shoal, we also can not neglect that modification could be made to benefit the students. The world is a constantly changing place and education want to keep up in ordering for our students to be better develop.

"The course choices for representative. It is my reason that a new class has been added this year about politics, which I think is greatly beneficial to students. But other than that the same classes are offered now as have been offered for decade. New social class need to be phased in while old ones that either no foresighted interest students need to be phased out. Obviously I am not talking about core classes such as Potions and Charms, but electives.

"Teachers also need to be kept up to particular date with Recent epoch findings in their fields. They should not be teaching the Same information I or my opponent learned at Hogwarts. They should be teaching the novel valid information available-"

"Thank you, Ms. Laurentis, but your meter is up. Mr. Weasley."

"My opponent brings up an interesting point, but even she admits that Headmaster Kendrick is running an excellent school. I believe that some authorities regulation is necessary, deterrent example being last yr 's incident with Professor Balladanis, but we as government official do not have the training nor experience needed to properly run a schoolhouse. I, as well as my opposite, would be kidding ourselves if we believed we could do a break job running Hogwarts than Professor Kendrick.

"Just as prof most likely believe it best to leave law making and the running play of the area to those such as my opponent and I, I believe it best to leave the running of Hogwarts to professor Kendrick and the former professors. In finis, I believe that Hogwarts is amercement as is and if the headmaster thought he needed government assist bringing about change in curriculum he would ask."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"the moderator said."Ms. Laurentis, your rebuttal."

"I in no way stated that I am trying to run Hogwarts. Nor do I think I would do a better job of it than Professor Kendrick. I am merely stating that the students would benefit from more government intervention. If the Ministry had been more involve with teacher excerption, for representative, we could have possibly avoided hiring professor Balladanis lastly year."

"Mr. Weasley."

"My adversary is speculating. There is no way for anyone to say whether authorities official would take found Professor Balladanis to be an inappropriate prof during his interview. In fact, I would lean towards the opposite, considering that neither I or my opponent have ever hired a prof before."

Both Percy and Laurentis were red in the brass. Albus was surprised a Ministry sponsor debate could get so heated. He craned his heading and turned around in order to see what Kendrick 's reaction to all this was, but found that Kendrick was hiding his emotions far honest than either Hotspur or Laurentis. It also seemed that everyone in the way was paying rapt care, including Epistle of James and Lily. The only two people who were n't were Samantha and lindy.

There was one final examination interrogation about law making that Albus did n't really realise, nor did he like to sympathise. He was far more interested in the Hogwarts doubtfulness. Percy 's line was far better, in his opinion. Hogwarts was fine the way it was. Why did Laurentis want to interchange everything ? What sort of changes was she talking about, anyway ? He supposed the topic would be explored more specifically at the education themed disputation which was scheduled to take billet at Hogwarts the following month. But one thought that Albus could not get out of his head was that if Laurentis won, what would happen to Hogwarts ?
******


"The sole change I want to see at Hogwarts is to a lesser extent prep and fewer test,"John said as he walked with Albus and the rest of their friends to the Great Hall.

A workweek had passed since the first debate and students were still talking about the possible change to Hogwarts. A very large full page spread had appeared in the Daily vaticinator the day after the argument, proclaiming that Laurentis wished to change Hogwarts. This had both bookman and prof up in arms and affair were only beginning to calm down. The prof had been on boundary the previous week, snapping at students for nada and assigning extra homework. This resulted in the students being very dysphoric. Albus did not quite understand why everyone was letting it affect them so much. It 's not like Laurentis had won. Yet.

It was early on Sat morning and Albus and his friends were heading to the Great Granville Stanley Hall for the first Jnr 's Dueling club group meeting of the year. Albus 's nerves were on end. It was at this showtime meeting that the captains would be announced.

"If Scorpius gets captain I 'm going to murder something,"John Lackland muttered as they entered the Great Hall.

"You 're not even on his squad,"Rose said.

"I am and I could n't stomach it if he won,"Amanda pointed out.

"If he 's chieftain, tournaments are going to be frightful,"John countered."Plus, I 'm Al 's friend."

The Great Hall was in mass chaos, as it always was during the number 1 meeting of the year. Two squad were congregated at each table and much to Albus 's disdain, his squad was holding court of law at the Slytherin table. He weaved his way through the confused indorse twelvemonth who had yet to be assigned a team and stood next to his squad. Scorpius was seated across the table from him.

"well, Potter, ready to be under my captaincy ?"Scorpio greeted him.

"I could say the Sami to you,"Albus replied."What makes you so sure you 'll get it ?"

"I 'm the better duelist, obviously."Scorpio smirked.

"Quiet, subdued everyone !"Neville shouted.

Albus turned away from Scorpius and swallowed the desire to make a ejaculate back and paid attending to Neville instead. professor Patil stood next to him. Albus supposed the new defense lawyers professor had not had a desire to serve with the Dueling Club. Somehow, Albus was not surprised.

"Thank you,"Neville said."starting time I 'd wish to declare that Professor Patil has graciously agreed to facilitate me sponsor this class 's Dueling Club. As a admonisher, all team must get a professor present during recitation and it is up to the team headwaiter to align practice times and settle a professor to sit in. The professor does not accept to be myself or Professor Patil. However, this twelvemonth we are allowing seventh year Dueling Club members to supervise as well. So as an alternative, you may ask a seventh yr to supervise.

"first order of business is this year 's 2d years. I 've already assigned you to teams and shall now scan off the list."

Albus let his head wander while Neville read off the list. The only second gear years he knew were his sis, and she was assigned to mat 's squad, as well as Hugo, who was assigned to Saint John and Kaden 's team. A crop of shy looking second years had congregated at his own team 's spot and he smiled at them, encouraging them to take can next to the older student. There were five of them. Two boys and three girls. Three Ravenclaws, a Slytherin, and a Hufflepuff. No Gryffindors, but Albus could live with that.

"And now, what I am sure all the one-quarter years have been waiting for, captain announcements ! Let me remind you that I, as well as the former professors who have been involved with this night club have been watching you over the past two yr and have chosen not only especial duellist, but exceptional leaders. Without further adieu.

"The captain of squad One is Marina Jordan-Bell."

Cheers erupted for Marina, mostly from the Hufflepuff table, where her team was seated. Albus grinned. Marina was very prissy and would micturate an excellent captain.

"The captain of team Two is Harvey Tucker."

John and Kaden 's team. William Harvey was a Ravenclaw and all Albus knew about him was that he knew every resolution in every individual class.

"The police captain of team Three is shaft Smith."

A Hufflepuff. His begetter had attended school day with Albus 's parents and they had n't liked him much.

"The captain of squad Four is Lydia Thompson."

A rather snobby Slytherin whom was often seen with Scorpio. Scorpius grinned and clapped loudly for her.

"The skipper of Team basketball team is Jace Johnson."

Rose 's squad. Jace was a Hufflepuff who did n't look to ever be not glad. It was variety of bizarre, actually.

"The captain of Team Six is Raisha Sweeney."

A Hufflepuff that Albus did n't have it off well. He swallowed hard. team up Seven was succeeding and that was his team.

"The captain of team Seven is Albus Potter."

whoremonger 's whistling could be heard above everyone 's shouting. Albus grinned. His entire team ( save for Scorpius and his acquaintance ) were clapping hard. He 'd done it. He 'd made senior pilot ! All the uncertainties he 'd had over the summertime about it had disappeared. He, Albus thrower, was the new captain of team Seven.

"The maitre d'hotel of Team Eight is Dayton Coons."

Matt 's team. Dayton was another Ravenclaw who had multiple encyclopedias in his brain.

"That 's all for today. Captains, please figure out a fourth dimension for your first practice, which should guide place during the succeeding two weeks. Once you have a day of the month, delight see me to get a schoolroom. Then find a professor or seventh year to supervise.

Scorpio did not say one password as Albus talked with the remainder of his team and figured out a drill time that did not interpose with four different Quidditch teams, Gobstones guild, and Chess nine. Eventually he settled on the follow Th evening. Neville assigned them to an empty schoolroom on the 6th base. Albus figured he 'd ask a one-seventh twelvemonth to oversee rather than a prof. It was less intimidating for his start practice.

Albus 's friends joined him at the threshold to the Great residence hall. Scorpius brushed past them, but did not say a word. He looked like he was ready to off someone. Albus thought he looked far too angry over a fall back captaincy. It was just the Junior 's Dueling Club anyway.

"Did Malfoy say anything to you ?"John asked on their way back to Gryffindor.

"Not a word,"Albus replied.

"Do n't guess about him,"rosiness said."What 's the decimal point ? You made captain and that 's all that matters."

Albus grinned."nigh of the captains are pretty decent, too. I mean Lydia 's kind of irritating, but the eternal rest are n't bad."

"It 's going to be a ripe twelvemonth for dueling, that 's for sure,"Matt agreed.

The six booster discussed dueling all the way back to the mutual room. When they entered they saw a sign that said 'Congratulations Albus and Marina !'Unopened butterbeers cluttered one of the tables and all of Albus 's first cousin were cracking them unresolved. Marina was surrounded by her champion and Albus was accosted by his cousin as soon as he entered. Someone thrust a butterbeer into his script and patted him on the vertebral column. He smiled as he looked out at the coarse room, at the company that his cousins had thrown together for himself and Marina. Matt was not only properly about the fact that it would be a trade good year for dueling. It was going to be a near year in general.


A/N : So I bet you 're all bemused about the name change ! fountainhead, I 've been doing some thinking and a secret plan alteration was needed. The chapters that are already posted wo n't be affected. The change only affects what I have n't written yet. But the old title was n't going to work with the new plot, so I had to shift it. I like the new one better anyway. And do n't worry, Hotspur will still run for minister. Actually, the new plot focuses more on that.

To serve in advance, because I know this will come up, I wo n't tell what the old game was going to be. I 'd rather people not compare the old plot of ground with the one that will actually be written.

If any of you are on the assembly, you 'll know about the calamity we had last-place calendar week. Liza Potter on the archive ( and lizzacc on the meeting place ) has died. She was a fan of my Albus series and told me once that they were the first stories she ever read on HPFF. She will be missed. I am dedicating this story to you, Liza.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The succeeding day Albus found himself on the Quidditch lurch staring at all of the new Gryffindor custodian hopefuls. There were a lot of them. Try-outs were scheduled to begin in XV minutes, yet the pitch shot had been packed since before tiffin. Albus speculated that some aspirant, including Hugo, had not even taken a break for dejeuner. poor Hugo need n't have bothered skipping his meal since even an extra half hour of exercise would not feature helped him.

scholarly person from second base through seventh year were hoping for a spot on the team, including Janie Creevey. Albus recognized nearly of them, but there were a few senior students whom he did not. Along with the Gryffindors, there were congressman from other squad, surely there to jibe out Gryffindor 's new steward.

Albus stood on the pitch a few meters from the crowd, with his squad. Fred was holding a clipboard and Scots heather was standing succeeding to him, gazing out at the students hoping for a spot. William James, Omar Nelson Bradley, and Ryan were laughing about something.

"quiet, please, everyone !"Fred shouted. The Gryffindors immediately settled down. A few flew back down to the priming and dismounted, some not very gracefully."Thank you. We only need a Keeper this year. And if you ca n't keep open, you 're not going to get on the team. If you 're hoping to get in as Keeper and then admit another 's spot when they graduate, you might as well not waste your time."

Wow, Albus thought to himself, Fred was channeling both Empire State of the South and Samantha Meyers. Usually he would jest around at try-outs, but Albus supposed since he was now in charge, thing had changed.

A few of the younger educatee walked slowly off the pitch and into the stands, looking clearly disappointed.

"All right then, I 'm going to give birth you fly around the sales talk to assess your canonical flying acquisition. If you 're not up to par on that, you 'll be eliminated. Then we 'll move on to guarding the finish posts."

Albus stood back while Fred had the aspirant fly circuit around the rake. Quite a few could not even manage to fly straight or execute number properly. About a stern of them were eliminated during the first ten proceedings. Half of the remaining Gryffindors were eliminated within the first ten minutes of goal keeping, including Hugo. He hung his head as he walked to the stands, Calluna vulgaris trailing behind him. Albus felt bad for him.

The rest of the of the students took longer to annihilate. After about an time of day the sum of money had been narrowed down to ten and they all seemed to be similar in skill.

"I think the only average way to do this is to egest anyone who misses a save. death one standing, er, flying, gets the stain,"Fred announced.

It took another one-half hour to finish the try-outs. To Albus 's surprise, the winner was Janie Creevey. Albus had had no mind that she even played Quidditch until he saw her at the try-outs. She grinned as she dismounted from her heather and accepted the congratulations from the sleep of the team.

"Nice to throw another girl,"broom said."I thought I 'd be the only one after Georgia left."

"I thought your cousin Victor Hugo would get picked,"Ryan replied."Who knew he was the lone Weasley who ca n't play Quidditch ?"

"Have you seen rose wine on a Calluna vulgaris ?"Albus asked.

Janie grinned."I 've played since I was little. So happy to hold won the spot. When 's first pattern ?"

"rightfulness now,"Fred said."We 've got the pitch shot all afternoon."

Albus sighed. Fred was turning into Georgia. But Albus enjoyed Quidditch and it was a bright and cheery day, so it would n't be bad.

recitation lasted a few hours and Albus was thoroughly exhausted by the time it was over. He immediately went back to his dormitory to withdraw a lavish and then set off to settle his friends. Dinner would be served shortly and Albus was starved.

Albus 's Quaker were in the predator 's Den, just where he had predicted when he did n't see them in the Gryffindor uncouth room when he had traipsed through after recitation. Saint John the Apostle and Kaden were playing chess and Kaden was trouncing John the Evangelist, like common. Rose and Amanda were sitting on the couch discussing an essay that Cedonia had assigned the previous week. matte was not there since the full Sun Myung Moon had been the previous night.

"Albus !"trick exclaimed after Al had shut the door."So, who 's the new Gryffindor Keeper ?"

"You 're never gon na believe it, but Janie Creevey,"Albus answered as he collapsed onto a nearby president."Apparently she has been playing Quidditch for ages and was just waiting for the Keeper position to open."

"Seriously ?"John asked."She never mentioned it all these years that we 've been brewing potions together."

"She 's probably too busy making sure you do n't blow anything up,"Rose replied.

"Hey, I 'm better than Al and Matt are,"King John muttered.

"Speaking of Matt, have you lot been to see him today ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, but he was asleep so Madam Pomfrey did n't let us appease. Figured we 'd go after supper,"John answered.

"Let 's get going now,"Albus said, standing up."Should be starting soon."

Everyone nodded in understanding and they set off towards the Great Hall. The corridors were filled with student who had spent the day outdoors and Albus felt very cognitive content walking alongside his friends, despite how every individual one of his muscles ached from practice.

"Shhhh, face !"john seethed as he grabbed the rear of Albus 's shirt and pulled him into a doorway. Kaden, Rose, and Amanda followed, all looking curiously at John.

"What is it ?"rosebush asked.

"Shush !"John whispered."It 's Scorpius and Willinson 's first cousin. What was his gens again ?"

"Felix,"Kaden muttered."Slimy git."

"Who 's that with them ?"Amanda asked.

Albus craned his psyche around the door human body. Scorpius and Felix were standing following to a few lawsuit of armor, headland leaned in towards each other. There was a young lady about a principal unforesightful than Scorpius with them. She and Felix had the same colouration hair, except hers was prospicient and curly.

"She 's a inaugural year. I remember seeing her a the Sorting but I do n't remember her name,"blush wine answered.

"I have half a mind to save her from the two of them,"John muttered."She 'd be better off not getting mixed up with the the like of them."

"She 's a Slytherin,"Amanda pointed out."She could be just like them for all we know."

Scorpio began walking down the corridor and Felix and the girl followed. Albus and his friends watched them until they turned a corner, disappearing out of sight.

"Weird,"Albus said as they began walking to dinner once more."I 've never seen Malfoy befriending first years, except for Willinson when he came here."

"You 're paranoiac,"rose wine said."They were just talking and they 're in the same theatre. Maybe she had a interrogative sentence or something."

"He 's Malfoy,"Albus responded."He 's up to something."

"Oh Merlin."blush wine let out an worsen sigh."Two calendar week into the terminal figure and you 're already picking a row with him."

"Remember last year ?"Albus asked."I 'm only trying to annul something like that again."

"mulct. But I 'm not getting involved,"Rose muttered.

Albus walked in silence the residuum of the way to the Great Hall. rose wine may have been right. Albus may deliver just been being paranoid, but deep down he had a feel that Malfoy and Willinson were n't just talking about homework.
******


matt returned from the infirmary wing two days later and the calendar month wore on in its usual way. The professor were assigning more and Thomas More homework and it took longer and longer to make out.

Once Oct arrived excitement began to brew when the commencement Hogsmeade weekend was announced. The sojourn was scheduled for the Saturday before Allhallows Eve and Kaden in especial was very excited. He never did manage to shit it to Hogsmeade under the invisibleness Cloak the previous yr.

Albus 's first-class honours degree dueling practice had gone particularly well. Albus had been pleasantly surprised. Even Scorpio had cooperated and done what Albus had told him to do, although that may have been solely because professor Cedonia had been present during the practice. His squad was shaping up well and he had high Hope for them winning many tourney. Quidditch had been going equally as well. Janie had fit seamlessly into their team.

Albus wished he could say things were going equally well for the election. Ever since the offset debate diverse clip and radio shows had been latching onto Walker Percy 's statements about education and his lack of willingness to change, as they had put it.

"Dad 's really stressed,"Tom Bradley said one night at dinner party. The Weasleys and Potters were all eating together in orderliness to hash out the election."Does n't write us as much and when he does it 's always about the election."

"Not to remark the five Thomas Nelson Page spread that hotshot magazine publisher is doing about our fellowship,"Cedric muttered as he gnawed on a turkey leg."That 's for sure to fuel the fire."

"When is that ?"Albus asked.

"Tomorrow,"Bradley answered."Only good share is we got permit to overlook all of our classes."

"Is it really going to be five pages ?"James asked."What are they going to put in it ?"

"Dad 's life-time taradiddle,"Cedric answered."Plus a few paragraphs on each of us and Mum about our life history. Just a happy article about how we all love each other and Dad 's a syndicate man. That 's what his campaign manager wants to portray him as seeing that Laurentis does n't make any kids."

"And Uncle Walker Percy has a whole lot,"Saint James pointed out.

"Hey, you lot better scout out. When Dad told us about this he mentioned that they 're going to do another on the entire Weasley-Potter clan,"Cedric announced.

"Did he say when ?"James asked.

"Around Christmas, I think. Adds to the happy kinsfolk atmosphere,"Cedric explained.

"Then they ought to interview Uncle George when he 's had a bit too much eggnog."James laughed.

"When 's the succeeding argumentation, anyway ?"Albus asked."moldiness be coming up soon."

"This weekend, actually,"Bradley replied."At the Ministry again. I think this one 's focus on law macrocosm and enforcement or something equally as boring."

"Do we have to go to it ?"Lily asked.

"I do n't think so,"Saint James answered."Dad said we just had to go to the 1 at Hogwarts from now on."

"Speaking of elections, what does everyone think of that politics class ?"Albus asked.

"professor 's very intense,"James said in between pungency."But it 's not nearly as awful as the other division. There 's no O.W.L. in it so it 's my current favorite."

"Yeah and I think we 're at an advantage,"Cedric said."With our parents being in the Ministry and stuff. A few of my friends have absolutely no estimation about anything to do with the Ministry so they 're having a unvoiced time."

prof Embry seemed to be teaching the class in chronological ordination and thus was currently lecturing on how the Ministry was organized prior to the fall of Voldemort. Albus thought it was a trivial boring but he had a intuitive feeling it would get more interesting once Embry started on the downslope of Voldemort.

"And that 's why the division is necessary,"rose wine said."Think about it. No year like this has been taught before, so where did the current Ministry officials learn the history of the Ministry ? Where did they memorise about political science ? They learned it as they went, but did n't know much when they started. That 's a piffling shuddery. people should experience how their country is run."

Albus thought about what Rose had said as he chewed on his ringlet. She had a practiced compass point. Where had they learned it ? Had his Uncle Percy really known nix about the Ministry when he started ? No, he could n't feature. Walker Percy 's own father had been in the Ministry as well. Still, it was weird to think about.

Albus mostly listened during the remainder of dinner. He always felt slightly unsettled when the election was discussed and he was n't sure why. Nor could he calculate out whether he wanted Harry Hotspur to win or not. Either way, life would be drastically different after Election Day, and Albus liked thing the way they were.
******


"Now she wants to exchange Azkaban ?"Albus asked at breakfast a few days later. The law enforcement debate had taken place the night before and the entire front page of the vaticinator was devoted to it."Is n't changing Hogwarts enough ?"

Ministry hopefuls Percy Weasley and
Patricia Laurentis debated law initiation
and enforcement last night at the Ministry
of deception. Like the previous general debate,
sparks flew in this one, with each prospect
speaking passionately about the issue.

'I 've worked in law creation for years ,'
Weasley began with. 'Since the licking
of Voldemort, I think we can all agree that
things are running smoothly. I intend to
ensure that affair keep going the way they
are, with enforcement of Torah that benefit
the entire wizarding community .'

Laurentis took a more basal stance, in
her reply to Weasley 's opinions.

'Sure, the laws we have now are sufficient.
I 'm not denying that. But I think we need
to subscribe to a good hard expression at how they are
enforced, or rather, not enforced. The
statistics are clear. Far Sir Thomas More criminal
are being acquitted and even more are
being released from Azkaban. In my work
at the prison, I see many outlaw being
released whom I do not retrieve should be.
Not to mention the break-outs. There are
far too many. Law enforcement needs to change .'

Without a doubtfulness, affair are only going to
heating plant up. The campaigner seem to have
completely different legal opinion on everything
from teaching to legal philosophy. The side by side debate,
which will be on didactics, will take place
at Hogwarts on Sat, November the 9th at
two in the afternoon.

"Does n't she run Azkaban ?"mat asked, taking the composition from Albus."So why has n't she changed it already ?"

"Probably does n't ingest the power,"Rose answered."The minister has to sign off on well-nigh things, unless all representatives and functionary disagree with him or her."

"So clearly there 's people who do n't tally with her,"lustrelessness replied.

"Think they 'll ever agree with each other ?"Albus asked.

"Doubt it,"Amanda said."It 's like this in the Muggle elections, too. They 're usually ended opposite. What I do n't understand is how she 's working under Hartwell when he and your uncle agree on everything."

"Me either,"rosebush agreed."dead reckoning we 're watching the future debate."

"Yeah, it 'll be here,"Matt said."Embry will probably make us do an essay on it, too."

"It wo n't be bad,"rose wine said."That will be the disputation that will directly touch on us. The election 's in April which means we 're going to have over three years of Hogwarts under whichever nominee is elected. If it 's Laurentis, all those changes are going to affect us."

Bradley sat down next to Albus and threw a written matter of Wizards magazine onto the table."article 's out."

"That was fast,"Albus said.

"They wanted it to be out powerful around the debate,"Tom Bradley muttered."You really ought to translate it. It 's awful."

"Rita Skeeter did n't do it, did she ?"Albus asked.

Bradley shook his oral sex."This noblewoman 's almost worse. cartel me."

rosebush, Amanda, John, lusterlessness, and Kaden crowded around Albus as he flipped through the cartridge holder. The article was in the eye, with the two page being a fully color exposure of Uncle Walker Percy, Aunt Corrine, and their Thomas Kid. Hotspur and Corrine were sitting on their living room couch, with Peach State in between them. All three were smiling and waving. Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric were leaning on either side of the couch and the twins were sitting in figurehead of it. Albus flipped the Page and saw a very extended article, interspersed with several pictures of his family and box about each of those five full cousin. The article finished up on the watch over page.

Upon entering the home of pastor of deception
candidate Hotspur Weasley 's Southampton home base
I am surprise to see that it does not look
like the home of a Ministry candidate. It is
not filled with chain reactor and piles of report and
Weasley 's drive director is nowhere to be
found. Instead, the floor is cluttered with
toys belonging to the young Weasley children,
nine-year-old Twin, Samantha and lindy hop. A
plate of warm cookie sits upon the coffee berry
table and Weasley 's wife, Corrine, bustles
into the room carrying a tray of tea. Percy
enters as well, followed by the five Weasley
children.

'I prefer to keep the hunting expedition at the Ministry ,'
Percy explains after I ask where his safari
fabric are. 'The movement is workplace. It is my
job. The planetary house is for my menage .'

"Really ?"Rose raised her eyebrow."She should 've seen his survey. That 's where all his campaign stuff is."

The article went on to discuss Percy and his fathering skills. Albus grew Sir Thomas More and more disgusted as it went on. Harry Hotspur had and always would be a workaholic, but the article was painting him to be Father-God of the year. No wonder Bradley had not been pleased when giving Albus the clause.

'I could not be more proud of Georgia ,'
Percy said, speaking of his eldest daughter,
who currently plays as reticence custodian for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I 've been to a
number of her friction match and it is clear
that she could feature a foresightful calling in
Quidditch .'

"What a loading of droppings !"Albus exclaimed."Uncle Percy has never once agreed with Georgia 's Quidditch career."

"Did he actually say that or was that reporter just saying he did ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Oh he said it,"Bradley, who had taken a seat a short ways down the table, answered."Not that he really thinks it."

Albus had had enough of the main article. His eye glanced across the page and rested upon the minor box that discussed Georgia.

GA Weasley, the firstborn daughter
of Sir Henry Percy and Corrine, is 18 and
currently plays Reserve Keeper for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I love
Quidditch ,'Empire State of the South said when the
topic was brought up. 'It 's freeing
and I look forward to playing for
Kenmare as a full Keeper one day .'
Georgia 's dream is to run for England.

Next to Georgia 's box there was one for Bradley.

Omar Nelson Bradley Weasley, the eldest son of
Walker Percy and Corrine, is currently in
his 6th year at Hogwarts. He plays
Beater on Gryffindor 's Quidditch team.
'I like Quiditch, but I do n't require to
play professionally like Georgia. I
want to mould for Gringotts some day .'

Then there was one for Cedric.

Cedric Weasley is in his one-fifth year
at Hogwarts and is the trickster of
the family. 'Every Weasley fellowship
has to have someone who will represent the
jokes. It 's like a pattern or something.
I come up with the considerably approximation when I 'm
with my cousin St. James [ potter ] .'Upon
asking Cedric what he wants to do after
Hogwarts, he replied, 'Have n't got a clue.
I think I 'll sharpen on getting through
my O.W.L.s first .'

The final box was for both Samantha and Lindy.

Samantha and Linda ( Lindy ) Weasley are
nine years old and attend to a local
primary winding school for Muggles. Both Twin Falls
ca n't wait to accede Hogwarts in two
years .'I 'm going to be in Gryffindor,
just like my Sister and brothers ,'says
Samantha .'I do n't care what house I 'm
in, just as long as I can bring Quidditch.
well, okay, I do n't require to be in Slytherin .'

"That,"Albus began as he set down the cartridge clip,"was the worst article I 've ever read in my life."

"I shudder to think what the one about our total family will be like,"Rose muttered.

"Nah,"John said."That one will be better because they wo n't have to micturate as much up. Albus 's dad saved the whole wizarding world. They 'll just play that up."

"It was n't only him,"Albus pointed out."Are masses really going to think all this ?"

Amanda nodded."Yeah, they will. They know zippo about your uncle 's kin. sure as shooting, they know all about your dad, but really, how often do they know about Percy ? Not much. They 're going to want to believe it and why should n't they ? They have no idea Percy does n't approve of Empire State of the South 's Quidditch career. It 's the same as in the Muggle universe.

"It would be nice if people voted on candidates who shared their Lapplander perspective, but it honestly comes down to who presents the outdo cause. People are n't going to want someone in superpower who has effect with his own family."

"That 's dazed,"Kaden replied."gladiolus my family 's not involved with politics."

"My family is your household,"Albus pointed out.

"But I 'm not related to your Uncle Percy."

"You still call him Uncle Hotspur,"Albus said.

"Because he basically is. He 's just not my profligate uncle."

"wellspring, I can honestly say my family line 's not in politics and I 'm very sword lily about that,"St. John said.

Albus could not suppose life without having menage involved with the Ministry, but suddenly he felt slightly green-eyed of can. What would it have been like to have got parents who were n't famed ?


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this story ! You cat are all amazing. Just as another reminder, I ca n't reply to critique while I am home for the summer, but I read every single one. If you have some variety of question that you need answered about my level, please use my Ask the writer page at the assembly or send me a PM there.

I have another chapter ready to go so that should be up shortly after I return from vacation next week. Hope everyone enjoys Deathly Hallows 2 this week !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The following week brought a tempest so long and so intense that Herbology and tending of Magical Creatures had to be canceled for the second half of the calendar week. It was thoroughly impossible to take the air outside without being doubled over by the wind and the youthful students could not walk without being blown away. The rain was also so heavy that one would suit pissed within two moment. The students secretly rejoiced, for the superfluous free geological period were helpful to all.

It remained so showery and windy that even Quidditch recitation had to be canceled on Sat. Not that Fred would have canceled it himself, but Kendrick announced a ban on going out of door until the storm let up. Fred lamented this fact all of Friday eventide and contemplated holding a strategy session in the common room instead, but Heather convinced him just to let it go.

Albus decided to consider the chance to pass the day at the subroutine library, something that john and Kaden reluctantly agreed with. Matt and Amanda joined them as well, for they had plenty of homework as well. pink wine had mentioned something about tutoring a younger bookman and run off shortly after breakfast.

The library was absolutely packed with student, well-nigh likely due to the weather and not a burning desire of the Hogwarts population to canvas, and it took a adept five minutes for Albus and his friends to locate an discharge board. It was a lot tacky than usual and Madam Pince was glaring at each table of students in turn.

Albus set his peck of books down and got to work on a Potions essay that was due the keep an eye on week. He had n't started it, of class, but he had a few Day to do it. He thought he was ahead of the game anyway since he 'd normally be at Quidditch practice and not even thinking about homework.

John and Kaden, as common, were unable to get started on their homework right away and were scolded by ma'am Pince twice before finally opening their books. Amanda immediately set to work on the same essay Albus was working on. matt cracked open air his Charms text but stared at the same Thomas Nelson Page for five minutes before Albus noticed that his optic had glazed over. The Oct full phase of the moon Sun Myung Moon was the followers night, so Albus was not surprised.

"This is dead boring,"whoremaster muttered after they 'd been studying for an time of day."Politics back before Voldemort is pointless. It 's completely unlike now, so why do we need to inconvenience oneself reading it ?"

"So we do n't hold the Lapplander error,"Amanda said without looking up from her parchment."simple, really."

"You 're channeling rose now,"John stated.

"Someone has to when she 's not here,"Amanda said.

"Would you rather do my Divination predictions ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah !"whoremonger exclaimed."Let 's see, how about you get blown away by the wind while you 're ignoring Kendrick 's rule against going remote ?"

"Perfect. That 'd be something I 'd do,"Kaden said as he scrawled it down."And then I can come down with a cruddy cold after being alfresco in the rain so long."

Albus rolled his eyes. The two of them had been mad to get Divination in the beginning billet, but at least they seemed to enjoy making up their forge anticipation. Albus grinned to himself as can and Kaden snorted into their parchment, laughing over some preposterous prediction.

An minute later Albus had finished his essay, as had Amanda. The two of them had moved on to Transfiguration reading. King John and Kaden had given up on homework and were planning an detailed trick that involved a chicken, bird feed, and the Slytherin commons room. matt had been dozing on his Charms book. Albus prodded him awake.

"How 's Charms ?"Albus asked, grinning.

"Oh, er ..."Matt glanced at his book and quickly wiped it with the sleeve of his robes."Great, really. Think I 'll guide to the Den, actually."

Albus nodded."I 'll be there in a bit. Want to get some of this interpretation done."

John and Kaden rose to bring together matte. They 'd been yelled at two Sir Thomas More times and figured they 'd do expert to plan in the Den.

"Wait,"John said when he was only a few feet from the tabular array."Is that rose wine ?"He pointed to a headland of bushy red tomentum at a nearby table."Who 's she with ? Is that-"He walked across the way and hid behind a Word shelf to get a faithful look.

Albus craned his head. rose wine was sitting with a little young woman. John returned a few seconds later.

"I thought so. It 's that miss we saw with Malfoy and Willinson a few week ago."

"Wait, that Slytherin first year ?"Albus asked. He 'd nearly forgotten about her, finally deciding that Scorpius probably was n't up to anything that involved her.

"Yeah, that 's her all right,"Saint John the Apostle said."What 's spring up doing with her ?"

"She 's tutoring somebody. mustiness be her,"Albus pointed out.

"Weird. Tutoring a Slytherin,"privy replied.

"What 's it matter ?"mat snapped."No point in standing here watching them. I 'm going to the Den."He hiked his bag up on his berm and headed for the door, not waiting for John and Kaden.

"What 's with him ?"John the Divine asked.

"You know what 's tomorrow. And honestly, what 's it issue if she 's tutoring that girl ?"Albus asked.

"You thought it meant something that she was with Scorpio but this you do n't care about ?"

"It 's the Hogwarts tutoring course of study. I do n't reckon you get to control who you tutor,"Albus explained.

"I suppose."King John sighed."Well, see you in a bit."

"See you,"Albus said as John Lackland and Kaden left.

Albus and Amanda studied for another 60 minutes before joining their booster in the vulture 's Den. St. John the Apostle and Kaden were having a grave word on how they were going to obtain a chicken and matte was audio asleep on the couch. Albus and Amanda settled down with a deck of Exploding snap fastener and played round after stave while listening to John and Kaden.

"I still say it 'll be leisurely to feature an older student transfigure something into a wimp,"Kaden said a broad XX minute later."I 'll bet one of Albus 's cousin-german will do it."

"Yeah, but I want this to be our prank. We could just go take one of the crybaby from Hagrid 's wimp coop,"John replied.

"Sir Thomas More chance of getting caught. No one 's going to mistrust if one of Al 's cousins is practicing their transfiguration. But sneaking a wimp into the castle ? They 're fairly brassy with their squawking."

"Where 's the fun in no opportunity of getting caught ?"John asked.

"There will be plenty of chance of getting caught when we 're getting into the Slytherin vernacular elbow room. pigeon hawk only knows how we 're going to manage that."

The doorway opened and rosebush walked in."Why are you lot trying to get into the Slytherin park elbow room ?"

"You do n't need to know,"Amanda said."One of their pranks."

Rose rolled her eyes and sat down next to Amanda, picking up a few cards to connect in on the next round.

"How was tutoring ?"lav asked, abandoning the topic of chickens.

"Fine,"Rose answered."Same as always."

"How did you even get into tutoring ?"Gospel According to John replied.

"Why ? You want to tutor ?"Rose smirked.

John laughed."Definitely not. Just curious."

"professor Longbottom contacted me over the summer. Fourth long time and above can be in the tutoring syllabus. The prof match you up with immature students and I 've been tutoring a firstly year for a few weeks now."

"Yeah,"bathroom said as he got up and walked over to where Rose was sitting."We saw you earlier. That girl you 're tutoring ? That 's the same miss that Malfoy and Willinson were talking to a few calendar week ago."

"time lag, that one time that you and Al thought they were up to something ?"

"Yeah that time. I was just wondering who she was."

rose sighed."She 's Willinson 's little sis. Her name 's Elsie. She 's really dainty, actually. Quiet, does n't seem much like a Slytherin to me but her whole fellowship 's been in Slytherin."

"Oh,"John said."Guess that 's why she was with Willinson and Malfoy. What do you tutor her in ?"

"Bit of everything,"Rose answered."You lot need to go to dinner ?"

Everyone, except Matt, who just wanted to sleep, agreed and they headed down to the Great G. Stanley Hall. Rose had been right. naught suspect about Willinson 's sister tagging after him and Scorpius. Albus 's inherent aptitude had been wrong on that occasion.
******


Never in Albus 's liveliness did he ever think there would be a professor who could top prof Binns in terms of boring socio-economic class. But prof Cy Young had done the impossible. Twice a week Albus and his friends traipsed to Edward Young 's classroom to work on a one worksheet. Thomas Young did nothing else, except hand out worksheets. Said worksheets did not even take an entire class full point to complete, resulting in students using the remaining time to catch up on other homework, something that Young neglected to remark. The only salutary part about the class was that youth never assigned homework.

"You think he 'll last the class ?"lustrelessness asked as they were leaving Young 's classroom.

"Do n't see why not,"Albus answered."Unless Laurentis is elected minister and deems him indispose to teach."

"He does n't really instruct,"blush wine pointed out.

"But still, he 's better than Balladanis,"Matt reasoned.

The quietus of Albus 's classes were decently, although most assigned too practically homework for his liking, but that was not anything new. As the end of Oct drew nearer, Albus became very aroused about the commencement Hogsmeade sojourn of the year. It would be the first time that all of Albus 's friends would get to go together and possibly the last, given how busy everyone was this year.

Albus nearly did not get to go to Hogsmeade when the day finally arrived. Fred had sprung an extra Quidditch recitation on that day in order to take a crap up for the missed practice session due to the storm. However, the entire team was outraged and Heather threatened to hex Fred if he did not vacate the exercise. Albus was very relieved as it was a nice day and perfect for Hogsmeade.

"I 've got to get a new pack of dungbombs,"Kaden said as they walked down the path from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade."Used them up historic period ago."

"That the large number I sent you over the summer ?"trick asked.

"Sure is. Did n't shoemaker's last too long."

"I need another Skiving Snackbox,"trick announced."And payload of former poppycock from Weasleys'."

"And we need to go buy bird source if we 're going to do that clowning,"Kaden reminded him.

Albus and Matt exchanged flavor. John and Kaden had finally agreed to ask one of Albus 's older cousins to metamorphose them a chicken that they would then somehow stool pigeon into the Slytherin vernacular room. The birdseed was to break up throughout the place in order to irritate the Slytherins even more.

"You two enjoy that,"Rose said."And do n't come complaining to us when you get a month of detainment, because there 's no potential way you can sneak into the Slytherin vernacular room without getting caught."

"We 'll hold Albus 's cloak, obviously,"Kaden said.

"When are you going to do it ?"Albus asked.

"Around Halloween,"John the Evangelist answered.

"moron,"Rose muttered.

Weasleys'mavin Wheezes was packed with scholar. Being the first Hogsmeade weekend, to the highest degree scholar had a serious lack of pranking products and needed to stock up. George was behind the riposte ringing up purchase after purchase and waved at Albus as he walked in with his friends. They quickly scattered, each heading towards the display that contained what they needed.

Albus wandered towards the Skiving Snackboxes and grabbed two, figuring that he would need to get out of United States Department of Defense at to the lowest degree once and history of Magic a few times a month. John and Kaden each had about five boxes and matt watched with a disgusted look on his face. Since he missed at least a day or two of classes a calendar month due to his lycanthropy, he never understood why anyone would cause themselves ill to do so.

"Should 've gone there last,"John said as he lugged his base to the Three Broomsticks.

"Yeah, must remember that for next clock time,"Kaden agreed."But now, off to deliver a Butterbeer !"

Albus smiled. His cousin had had Butterbeer before when people snuck it back to the Gryffindor green way, but he 'd never had it in Hogsmeade before.

The triad broomstick was crowded, but flatness managed to catch a table in the back. Rose set off to get them all Butterbeers. They had been there for about fifteen minutes before Scorpius showed up, followed by Garth Octavius, Saint Francis Xavier Goyle, Felix Willinson, and Elsie Willinson. Scorpius surveyed the room and his eyes rested upon Albus. Smirking, he sauntered over towards them.

"Potter,"Malfoy greeted him. He nodded to each of Albus 's friends, glaring at Matt, and then turned back to Albus."I expect you lot are set up to duel adjacent weekend."

"track we are,"Albus answered."The team 's plenty prepared. Last practice on Thursday."

"I 'll be there,"Scorpio replied."And I 'll be ready to conduct the squad on Sabbatum since the rest period of our team could n't win a duel against a first year."

"Shut it. Our squad is fine,"Albus said coldly.

"Maybe if they had a the right way captain ..."Scorpius 's voice trailed off."But the professors love anyone whose last public figure is ceramicist or Weasley, just like everyone else in the world."

"They chose based on science,"Albus replied, staring him in the eyes."Not mention. Rose did n't progress to maitre d'hotel and she 's a Weasley."

"But you 're a thrower and you get everything because your dad is the Boy Who Lived,"Scorpius spat, ignoring Albus 's comment."But I 've got news for you. Not everyone in the world likes that your entire family runs the wizarding world and that nothing gets done without one of them signing off on it. Not everyone 's going to vote for your uncle, you know."

"Obviously,"Albus replied."And just so you know my family may be involved with the Ministry but it 's only because they want to help people. And they 're only there because people voted for them."

"No one voted for your dad,"Scorpius muttered. Then he turned to Matt."Or yours."

"People voted for Hartwell, who appointed them,"Albus said."And your dad works in the Ministry, too."

"That 's not the point."Scorpius took a footmark closer to Albus."The pointedness is that your family might not be running this country much longer. So you 'd better watch out."

Scorpius turned to leave and his protagonist followed."My house does n't run the world !"Albus shouted after him.

Albus resumed his seat after Malfoy left, not even realizing that he had rose from it in the 1st place."He 's just so unintelligent !"Albus exclaimed."My family does n't run the country."

"He 's just jealous,"Amanda said."You got made maitre d' of our team and he hates that. Your dad 's famous and he 's envious of that."

"His dad 's celebrated too,"Albus said darkly."Just for the wrong reasons."

"And Scorpius probably wishes his dad was famous for the right hand reasons,"Amanda replied.

"Do n't see why. Having a famous dad is n't always a in force thing,"Albus muttered.

"Just ignore him,"Rose said."He 's just trying to get you angry with him."

"Clearly Kendrick 's threats have worn off,"Matt said quietly."I liked it in Sept when he just form of ignored us."

"It does n't mean he 's going to tell anyone,"rose whispered."He 's just looking for a fight."

"It does n't matter what he 's looking for. One slip of the natural language is all it takes and my life at Hogwarts is done."

"And so would his,"Albus reminded his Quaker."Being at Hogwarts, becoming a license wizard, is everything to a Malfoy. He 'd be cypher more than a Squib if he were expelled."

"I guess."lustrelessness sighed."What do you mean he meant by your family not being in complaint of the wizarding macrocosm much longer ?"

"Probably thinks Laurentis is going to win."Albus shrugged."But that wo n't imply much. My dad will still be in charge of the Auror department."

"No,"pink wine whispered."Have n't you been paying attention in Politics ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said, staring at her."What do you mean ?"

"Okay, I guess Embry has n't really discussed it yet but I read ahead in the book. New minister of religion can appoint new foreland of the departments if they want to. most do n't because so many new people makes for a bad transition geological period, but it 's happened a few times. If Laurentis wins, she could replace Uncle Harry,"rose wine explained.

"Wait, seriously ?"Albus 's mouth fell open.

Rose nodded."Seriously."

"And my dad, too,"lustrelessness said.

"Yeah, yours, too,"Rose replied.

Albus stared at his half-finished Butterbeer. Having a new minister was one matter, but having new heads of all the section ? The Ministry would be run in a completely different way. cypher would stay the same. Nobody would replace Harry ceramicist as principal of the Auror department, though, would they ?

"No."Albus shook his head."No one would replace my dad. He 's a cracking Auror."

"He 's a great Auror, that 's true up,"rosiness agreed,"but great is an opinion. Hartwell thinks he 's a great Auror. Uncle Percy undoubtedly thinks he 's a capital Auror. But if Laurentis gets elected, none of that will count. All that will matter is whether she think he 's a neat Auror. And the question is, does she ?"

Albus swallowed."But that would imply my dad would be out of a job."

"No, he 'd just go back to being a fixture Auror,"blush wine said."Look, you do n't require to worry about it. I 'm sure Uncle Harry knows this."

"They do n't do that in Australia. All the heads have damage like the rector. When their term is up, the flow Minister can replace them or keep on them, but they ca n't get replaced when their term is n't up. Unless there 's a scandal and they have a audition. Like with my dad."

"Energy Department n't seem bazaar,"Albus said.

"It works both slipway. If Uncle Percy wins he 'll get to replace who he wants and he 'll no doubt replace Laurentis,"blush wine pointed out.

"I 'm surprised Hartwell has n't done that,"john said.

"She 's probably kept quiet about her thought so she could keep her status while running,"Amanda replied.

"So why does n't he replace her now ?"bathroom asked.

"It would look bad. Remember, one-half of politics is how you look to the populace,"Amanda said."Which is why according to the Muggle Ministry, I attend a secluded embarkment school in the United States, just in sheath anyone asks why the Minister 's niece disappears for most of the year. Which they have n't. Yet."

Albus shook his header."It 's so confusing. I do n't know how anyone keeps track of it."

"Luckily we do n't possess to,"Kaden said."Let 's go to Honeyduke 's. I think we could all use with some chocolate."


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! Also big thanks to darkladyofslytherin and onestop hpfan18 because this chapter is the result of word wars with them. You two are awing ! HPFF now loads properly on my Internet and I am able to respond to reviews, so I 'm slowly working through them. Keep a tone out for reception !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"I say we do it on Halloween,"Kaden said adamantly while inspecting soul Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor noggin and tossing the nasty ones into a pile on the floor.

"That 's pudden-head,"St. John countered."Everyone 's going to be expecting a trick on Halloween. We should do it the day before."

"Why not Saturday ?"Albus suggested, glancing up from the last minute essay he was working on."Maybe it 'll rattle them enough that they 'll recede the match."

The first Quidditch match of the season, Gryffindor versus Slytherin, was scheduled to take station on Saturday, two 24-hour interval after Allhallows Eve.

"Again, the Prefects and professors will be expecting it,"John said.

"Why ?"Albus asked."We 've never pranked them before a match before, have we ?"

"You know, I really ca n't remember."

"Clearly a sign you 've pranked them too much,"Rose pointed out.

Albus and the rest of his Quaker were in the Marauder 's Den, attempting to decide on a day to put the chickens and chicken feed in the Slytherin common elbow room. They 'd been arguing for a one-half hour and had n't agreed on anything. Albus and Matt, who had been leery on whether to take part in the prank at all, had decided that they would do as look-outs while John and Kaden snuck into the common elbow room.

"I think Wednesday would be a dear option. Wednesday night. We 've got to do it really of late, though. The first years have Astronomy on Wednesdays, so we have to wait until they 're back in their dormitories,"John explained."Night before Halloween-"

"By the time you manage to do it after Astronomy, it 'll technically be Halloween,"Amanda pointed out.

"But not Hallowe'en nighttime,"John said."Pre-Halloween."

"devilment Night,"Amanda said.

"What ?"Albus asked.

Kaden threw another bean onto his pile and started laughing."You 're right !"

"devilment Night,"Amanda repeated."It 's a Muggle thing. It 's when Muggles pull pranks and cause mayhem. It 's traditionally the nighttime before Halloween or the dark before Guy Fawkes Day, so if you pull this on Midweek dark or ahead of time Thursday morning, it 'll be on mischief Night."

John grinned."perfective. genius do n't do that, so no one will be expecting a thing."

"Mostly it 's American English and Canadians who celebrate before Halloween, though,"Amanda explained.

"I 'd rather do it before Halloween,"John said."We have Astronomy on Tues so the night before Guy Fawkes Day would be harder."

Everyone nodded in agreement, except rose, who rolled her heart.

"Do you have everything you need ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Not yet, but we have plan. Tonight I 'm going to lurk by the Slytherin common way under the Invisibility Cloak to hear their password. Wednesday evening we 'll ask Bradley to transmogrify us a few crybaby. Then, Al and flatness will stand guard duty while Kaden and I let them unloose in the common room,"John explained.

"How in the public figure of Merlin are you going to continue the chickens calm while you bring them to the keep ?"Rose asked.

"Stun them, of course,"Kaden answered."By the sentence they wake up, we 'll be foresighted gone."
***


Wednesday brought with it a huge thunderstorm which Albus saw as a rather forbidding Muscat and Oman for performance Slytherin Chickens as the prank had been dubbed. As the day wore on Albus found himself having doubts about the unit thing. Previous put-on had been harmless and had not broken any John Major shoal principle, but this one broke at least ten. This could get them worse than a few detention.

bathroom and Kaden seemed to have no such reservations. Both of them were particularly elated the entire day and John even returned from fortune telling with a grin on his font, which never happened. mat seemed unbiassed to the unharmed thing and acted as common.

"You do realize we 'll be getting three hour of slumber, tops, tonight,"Matt said after dinner, while they were attempting to do preparation in the Marauder 's Den."And that we have History of thaumaturgy tomorrow morning."

John the Evangelist sighed."All right, maybe that was n't the best bit of planning."

"Clearly not,"lusterlessness agreed.

Albus had a very difficult time getting any homework done while they were waiting for the clip to arrive. He found himself drawing awful characterisation of Gallus gallus in the borders on his metamorphosis essay. No one else was having much hazard either. John and Kaden were playing chess and flatness was taking a nap. Rose and Amanda had holed away in the library, neither one wanting to be associated with the son that Night."We need alibis,"she had told Albus earlier."Want to be seen by as many people as potential so there 's no chance anyone will think we were with you."

At one in the morning the boy left the predator 's Den and headed back to the common way, where Thomas Bradley would be waiting for them. They encountered no one on their way back and only two or three lingering students were in the green room. All of them went to bed within fifteen minute of arc and the son were soon alone with Bradley.

Bradley pulled three pillows out from under one of the couches and set them on a table."Three chickens going to be enough ?"

bathroom nodded."I do n't imagine we 'll be capable to handle any more."

"You lot are either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid,"Omar Bradley said as he pulled out his baton."Even James IV has n't gotten into the Slytherin common room."

"According to rose wine, we 're incredibly unintelligent,"John said."But I think it 's brilliant. Has anyone ever gotten into the Slytherin uncouth way ?"

"My dad and Uncle Ron,"Albus said."But not to rend a prank."

John, matt, and Kaden turned to look at Albus."I 'll explain later,"Albus said.

Bradley muttered an incantation and flicked his wand at each of the pillows. All three turned into chicken. One brown one, one white one, and one large lightlessness and brown rooster. The rooster opened its mouth to crow and Bradley immediately silenced all three.

"Figured a rooster would be helpful,"Tom Bradley said."Want me to stun them for you ?"

"Sure,"Albus said.

"Should lowest about a one-half hr and then you 'll have to re-stun them,"Tom Bradley told them."I 'm going to need off. Remember, if you get caught, I did n't get the Gallus gallus for you. Ca n't afford another detention."

"Got it,"Albus assured him. Tom Bradley took off to the dormitories and Albus turned to his friends. John was holding the rooster and Kaden was holding the two chickens."Back to the Den ?"

The boy spent the next two hours in the Marauder 's Den, playing Exploding Snap and re-Stunning the chickens every half minute. Shortly after three in the morning Albus re-stunned the chicken one more sentence and then threw the Invisibility Cloak over all four of them.

It was very difficult for all four son to walk under the invisibleness Cloak.
beingness fourth years, they were all a lot larger than they had been in indorsement class when Albus had first received the Cloak. In fact, Albus could n't even think of the concluding clock time all four of them had gone under it at once. Albus in particular had grown quite a few inches over the summertime and was now as tall as John. The two of them had to walk with their knees bent to see to it their feet would n't show.

The walk was uneventful. The son did not even see Peeves or any of the ghosts out for a night fourth dimension stroll ( or float, which would probably be the more appropriate term ). lusterlessness tripped going down the stairs once and nearly dropped a chicken, but since the corridors were empty, no one heard the sound.

Once they had reached the ingress to the Slytherin common room john and Kaden slipped out from under the Cloak and scurried over to the door. John the Divine whispered the password and it opened. Both boys slipped inside and shut the room access behind them.

Albus and flatness stood against the wall a little manner down the corridor, giving them a view of the stairs as well as the corridor. Neither of them said a Good Book while Saint John the Apostle and Kaden were pulling their buffoonery because Filch 's cat had turned up and was pacing in front of them.

The next five minutes felt like an eternity and Albus was very take over when Saint John and Kaden exited the green room and hurried back under the Cloak. John 's bag, which had contained the chicken feed, was now considerably lighter. Neither boy said a word to Albus and Matt as they walked back to Gryffindor Tower, for veneration that someone would get wind them.

They were walking down the second base corridor when Albus heard stride behind him. He turned and saw Professor Young walking slowly towards them, staring at the ceiling as he went. He appeared to be in cryptic persuasion about something but then stopped and stared right where Albus and his friends were. They were n't being quietly enough.

All four boys froze and looked at each other. Kaden grabbed all three of their jumpers and pulled them through the approximate doorway, while Young happened to be looking the other way. Once inside, Albus noticed that they were in a loo. A girl 's loo. And the floor was soaked.

"Merlin,"Albus muttered."We 're in Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom."

As if on cue, there was a splash and then Albus felt the unpleasant sensation of a ghost floating through him.

"I know you 're there."Myrtle giggled."Harry Potter had one of those cloaks, too. You might as well take it off."

Albus reluctantly took off the Cloak. Whitney Moore Young Jr. would n't be going into a girl 's john anyway.

"Ooo !"Myrtle shrieked."Harry Potter 's son ! What brings you to my toilet ?"She giggled again and batted her eyelashes.

"Er ..."Albus muttered, feeling very uncomfortable.

"We were just leaving,"John announced as he threw the Cloak over all four of them once more.

Thankfully prof Pres Young had left by the clock time they exited the loo. The remainder of the journeying back to Gryffindor was as uneventful as the trek down to Slytherin.

The common room was deserted when they returned under the disapproving glare of the Fat dame, who had not been pleased when they woke her up. whoremaster and Kaden immediately started laughing when they took the Cloak off.

"epic poem !"Kaden exclaimed."There was no one in the common room and we spread the provender and put the chickens each on their own couch and left. The Slytherins are going to have a bad-mannered awakening in a few hours."

"So are we,"Matt said as he looked at his watch."Almost four. We 'll get three and a half hours sleep if we 're lucky."

The son headed back to their dormitory room, but Albus was not tired yet. Adrenaline was still racing through his system of rules. They had n't gotten caught. Yet. Would there be any way to trace the chickens back to the four of them ? Only if individual saw them, but if anyone had seen them they would ingest gotten them in trouble right then and there, would n't they have ? Albus pushed the thought from his forefront. He settled into bed and thought about the chemical reaction from the Slytherins the following morning.

Bilius 's alarm clock woke Albus up at eight the side by side sunup and he rolled over and went back to sleep. He woke up once more with twenty minutes left until History of thaumaturgy and had to skip breakfast. Albus woke Matt and John up and the three of them ran through the corridors in club to make it to form on time.

They arrived with two mo to spare and the room was filled with laughter and yack. The Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors were clearly excited about something and Albus had a feeling he knew what it was.

Albus sat down and Bilius turned around in his seat, grinning at Albus."You three missed breakfast. Too bad. The Slytherins are all trouble, fuming about crybaby and muttering about getting retaliation. Turns out soul snuck a rooster and two chickens into their park way finale dark and spread chicken feed around. Apparently their vernacular elbow room was a mass and it took all of their Prefects to daze the chickens and bring them to Hagrid. wish I knew who pulled it off."

Albus attempted to feign shock and fervor."Seriously ? That 's brilliant. Does anyone recognize who did it ?"

"Nope,"Bilius answered."All they know is that it was n't a Slytherin."

"They 'll never figure it out then. That 's three-quarters of the school to go through."

"And that 's what makes it so brilliant."

prof Binns floated through the chalkboard and began to drone on about some sort of hob rebellion. Albus rested his head on his manus and began to drowse off. Binns would n't even notice.

At lunch, following Transfiguration, everyone was still talking about the poulet. The Slytherins were sullen and were glaring at all the other business firm tables. The teachers did n't seem at all upset about the whole matter, probably because the poulet had n't done that a good deal price. nothing that could n't be easily repaired with the flick of a wand.

"Six in the forenoon !"Albus overheard a Slytherin murmuration as he walked past the Gryffindor table."Can you imagine ? And the aurora after we 'd been on the pitch for three hours."

Albus smirked behind his forkful of stew. If the prank had messed with the Slytherins'preparation docket, all the proficient. Albus had finally begun to relax. It did n't seem like they were going to get in bother after all.

As Albus walked to the dungeon with King John, matt, Rose, and Amanda he realized that his nap in History of Magic was most definitely wearing off. He was feeling the exhaustion and was very well-chosen for the exempt period after potions. But he did n't dare cut potions because he was quite delirious to hear Malfoy talk of the town about the chickens.

During this fussy year they were finishing up an engorgement solution that they had started on Tues. While Shrinking resolution was a rather simple potion that they had learned in their first twelvemonth, its vis-a-vis was more unmanageable and call for simmering for forty-eight hours before the last ingredients could be added.

Albus retrieved all the necessary ingredient while his spouse, Limbert, located their potion in the closet. Limbert, who was usually very casual about everything, was scowling and glared at Albus as he joined him at their mesa.

Just as Albus was beginning to chop his cultivated celery theme, Malfoy appeared in front line of the board. Albus looked up from his industrial plant and looked Malfoy in the eye.

"thrower,"Malfoy muttered."You would n't happen to know which idiot Gryffindor put poulet in our common room, do you ?"

Albus snorted."wimp, Malfoy ? I 'd heard something about that."

"Bloody Bronx cheer,"Limbert muttered as he began to powderize the rat spleen they were supposed to put into their cauldron."Crowing at six in the bloody daybreak. eating chicken feed all over the common room. Getting their plume and other stuff everywhere ...."

"What he said,"Malfoy replied."item is, one of your lot got into our common room and I want to know who."He folded his arms across his chest.

"Was n't any of 'my lot'as you say,"Albus answered, hoping that Malfoy could n't get a line his substance hammering in his chest of drawers."We ca n't get into your common elbow room. Do n't have the password. And even if we did, why would we want to ? It 's probably covered in snake slime."

"fountainhead it was n't a Slytherin if that 's what you 're implying. And I doubt it was a Ravenclaw or a Hufflepuff. A Ravenclaw would n't do something that stupid and a Hufflepuff would n't be capable to figure out how-"

Albus rose from his president."That 's rude. I know plentifulness of Hufflepuffs that are bright than you, Malfoy. And they 're right people, too."

"Boys, get to go now. I believe your potion is overflowing in it 's cauldron, Malfoy,"Slughorn said, gesturing to Matt and Malfoy 's cauldron, which was indeed overflowing. flatness was frantically waving his wand at it, trying to get it to stop.

"Oh for merlin 's sake,"Malfoy muttered and stalked off towards his own table.

Albus breathed a suspiration of relief and continued to chop his celery root. Limbert retrieved another rat spleen, as the one he had been using was now hopelessly destroyed. He did n't talk to Albus for the oddment of the course except for the occasional"pass the knife"or"turn down the flaming ”.

following potions Albus, matt, and John immediately went upstairs to the. predator 's Den to learn a much needed nap. ascend went to Muggle report and Amanda went to the depository library. Albus fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow and did not wake up until John swatted him with a pillow when it was time for dinner.

The Slytherins were still complaining about the chickens during dinner and Albus and his admirer giggled every time they heard something about them. About halfway through dinner party, Professor Kendrick rose from his butt. Albus turned to look at Matt, who shrugged. Kendrick rarely made dinner party spoken communication when it was n't the start or end of term.

"Just a few announcements,"Kendrick said once the Great Hall quieted down."First, I am for sure you are all aware of the prank that took topographic point in the Slytherin common room terminal night. I, nor do any of the teacher, have any idea who is responsible, but if we do line up out, be cognizant that those responsible will be punished. Entering another theatre 's commons room is not tolerated and all students should take this as a warning, in display case they have been inclined to do so themselves. Slytherins, please be advised that your password has been changed. If you are not cognisant of it, delight see a Prefect.

"instant. Next weekend Hogwarts will host a few Ministry official including the minister of religion of conjuration, the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, the Head of the Auror department, the Head of the department for the regularization and Control of Magical Creatures, as well as a few of the diplomatic minister 's close-fitting consultant. In improver, both candidates for Minister will be here as well. They will go far Friday nighttime and stay until Sunday morning. Saturday they will be debating educational activity here in the Great Hall.

"All bookman will have the hazard to look out the debate by a random drawing since we can not fit all of you in improver to the Ministry official and members of the ecumenical population that will be attending. The respite will listen via wireless in a few classroom. All students are required to take heed or watch. More selective information about that, such as how to find out if you 've been selected to watch and what naming you will have on the debate, will be distributed by Professor Young in your government class.

"I expect you all to behave yourselves and demonstrate to our Ministry that this is a place of learning. You are all representing Hogwarts, whether you are students, teachers, or staff. You will not pull in pranks, especially not like the one that was pulled last Night. You will honour the Ministry instance. I will feed you further information next workweek. In the meantime, get-go thinking up a few interrogative sentence to ask our candidates in case they have time to do a question and answer session."Kendrick resumed his fanny.

"Blimey, I 've never seen Kendrick act so serious,"lav said quietly.

"Can you blame him ?"Rose asked."Remember what Laurentis said about Hogwarts ? She all but said he was n't running the school properly. If she wins, opportunity are he 's out of a job. He 's got to put on a practiced appearance side by side calendar week if he 's got any Leslie Townes Hope of staying here if she wins."

"That 's insane !"Albus shouted. A few first years looked over at him and he lowered his spokesperson."I mean, Kendrick took over as master when McGonagall left and even before that he helped rebuild the property. How can she sack someone who helped rebuild Hogwarts ?"

"She ca n't if she 's not elected,"Amanda said."We just have to hope your uncle wins."

"Never thought I 'd say it, but I agree,"Albus replied."Georgia and Bradley and Cedric wo n't be happy but can you opine what Hogwarts would be like if Laurentis won ?"

"I ca n't,"lustrelessness said."No one can because no one knows what she wants to do to change it."

"dead reckoning we 're going to find out following Sat,"Amanda said."Think any of us will get to watch it ?"

"We will,"Albus answered, gesturing to lustrelessness and himself."Our pa are two of the representatives, so I bet we 'll ingest to sit with our families."

"I hope I get to,"Amanda said."It 's really becharm, champion politics. In some ways it 's completely the same as Muggle politics, only with magic involved. Really shows that we 're all people."

"Me too,"blush wine agreed.

"You can have my slate if I get one,"St. John the Apostle told her."It 's going to be harder to drowse off if I 'm in the Sami room."

"Same here,"Kaden said.

Rose rolled her middle."You lot done eating ? Anyone up for spending the even in the library ?"

The son reluctantly agreed. They had neglected their homework the late night due to the prank and had multiple grant due the next day that they had not even started on. Albus thought longingly of his bed in Gryffindor pillar and then resigned himself to the fact that he 'd be in the subroutine library until curfew.


A/N : Thanks to all who have read and reviewed this ! You guy wire are awesome. Big thanks to all my written material friends that I word of honor war with. There are now too many to key individually, but they are awesome.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The day after Halloween dawned with a trigger-happy thunderstorm, one that Albus hoped would pass before Saturday, when he would have to face Slytherin on the Quidditch lurch. Albus was feeling very much better after a comely night 's sopor, although he was dreading having to go to History of thaumaturgy commencement matter in the aurora again. Whose bright idea was it to reach them that grade two mornings in a row ?

The Wiley Post owls arrived as Albus was serving himself some eggs and he scanned the air for his class owl. He did n't see it and resumed piling his crustal plate with solid food. His parents only occasionally sent him post now that he was in quaternary year and no longer needed a varsity letter from them every early day. However, Albus did see his Uncle Percy 's screech owl making a beeline towards Cedric, who was sitting across from Albus. Cedric set his ramification down and untied the varsity letter from the owl 's leg. The owl dipped his beak in Cedric 's juice and then took off.

Albus watched as Cedric read the varsity letter and saw his face go from obscure curiosity to slight repulsion and then finally extreme point disgust. Percy 's letters were always interesting and it seemed as this one was no exception.

"Unbelievable !"Cedric shouted.

"What is it ?"James asked as he snatched the letter out of Cedric 's hands."Is he making you sit following to him while he debates next week ?"

"Worse !"Cedric exclaimed."He thinks I was the one who put the Gallus gallus in the Slytherin common room !"

"Seriously ?"James asked as he settled down to read the letter of the alphabet."Let 's see ... Seriously disappointed in you ... taught you full than this ... stunts like these could hurt my prospect for a win in April ... must learn to think about the consequence of your legal action ... fifth year is for studying for your O.W.L.s ... prison term to farm up ..."

"See ?"Cedric said as he stabbed his Francis Bacon with a bit too lots force."He really believes I did it. And with no evidence !"

"Oh now he 's bringing up your bit from that article. The part where you mentioned that you like pulling buffoonery. Oh and now he 's brought me into it ... Oh time lag, hey ! He 's going to evidence my parents that I was in on it too !"Jesse James slammed the letter down."No way they 'll believe him without proof though."

"Which he has none of. Did you get to the portion where he 's owling Kendrick, too ?"Cedric asked.

"Kendrick ca n't do anything without test copy,"James said.

"Yeah but our records are n't exactly clean,"Cedric pointed out."merlin, I wish I 'd thought up this prank. It was history worthy. I mean getting into the Slytherin rough-cut room ? I 've been dreaming about doing that since before first year."

"I wish we knew who did it. I 'd wish to get some peak,"James added."They 're going to go down as Hogwarts legends."

Albus hoped that his furious blushing was n't noticeable. He could not believe that Sir Henry Percy actually believed Cedric pulled the clowning without any evidence. Cedric could n't get in trouble without grounds, could he ? If he did, Albus would feel horrific. He already felt awful that Sir Henry Percy had even had the brass to criminate Cedric for something that Albus and his admirer did, something Cedric had no part of.

"We 've just got to work out out who did it,"Henry James decided."To crystallise our names."

Cedric nodded."Wo n't be that severe. No buffoonery can be done without evidence left behind. It 's impossible to do in this place. We 'll face for clue around our own common room because I think the Slytherins are right field. It was a Gryffindor."

"We should talk to the ghosts, too,"King James I said."They wander at all hours."

"rightfulness,"Cedric agreed."unspoiled be off to grade now, though.

Albus turned to King John after his brother and cousin had left the table. John and matt had both been sitting close enough to Cedric and James to listen the intact conversation. Both son were paler than common and Albus was sure he was as well.

"Myrtle saw us,"mat whispered."We 'll be identification number one on their fishy list."

"D'you mean your own chum would turn us in ?"privy asked.

Albus laughed."Of course he would. He 's my brother."

"Good point,"whoremaster muttered."What are we going to do ?"

"Hope myrtle does n't say anything,"Albus said.

"That 's it, we 're doomed."Matt sighed.

"On the summation incline, we 'll be Hogwarts legend,"privy said.

"Tell that to my parents,"Matt replied.

Albus thought about James and Cedric 's quest to figure out who pulled the poulet prank during the totality of account of Magic. They had n't left any hint behind except for talking to Vinca minor. And even that only proved that they were out of bed at four in the dawn, not that they 'd left crybaby in the Slytherin common room. Sure, there might throw been random poulet plume in the common room that daybreak but the house elves would have got already cleaned them up. Then there was Bradley.

Omar Bradley. Albus 's abdomen dropped. Would Omar Nelson Bradley rat out Albus in order to save his own Brother from possible problem ? Albus liked to cerebrate not, especially since doing so would criminate Bradley as well. But it was potential that Bradley would request Cedric to leave him out of it when he told Kendrick in return for the selective information in the first place. Albus rubbed his forehead. It was all so perplexing and there were too many theory.

lustrelessness and Saint John looked equally disturbed by the possibility. Both boys were sitting completely still, staring at professor Binns but not looking at him. lusterlessness was absentmindedly doodling in his notebook. John Lackland was twirling his calamus around in his hand and had splattered ink all over himself and his History of trick Holy Writ.

Albus was grateful that they had Care of Magical Creatures next, despite the steady soaker. They would be able to mouth. Hagrid was currently teaching them about unicorns and this particular deterrent example he had an actual unicorn for them to maintain and interact with. Luckily for Albus, privy, and lustrelessness, unicorns did not like boys and thus had an excuse to fall back and talk.

"The only if way they 're going to find out is if they talk to Bradley and Bradley tells them,"Albus said as they pretended to film greenback on the unicorn, which was currently surrounded by the little girl of the class.

"Or if they talk to myrtle and put the clues together,"lustrelessness pointed out.

"What clues ?"St. John asked."We did n't leave alone anything behind."

"Not that you know of. But they were right when they said nothing can be done at Hogwarts without individual knowing about it. For all we know there was another ghost lurking by the Slytherin common way while we were there that we did n't placard,"Matt explained."Or the fact that we were n't in the commons room hold up night-"

"We 're rarely in the common way,"lavatory said."Not since we found the predator 's Den."

"True. They could also talk to Bilius or Ethan and discover out that we got back at four in the break of day. Ethan woke up when we got back and asked what we were up to, recollect ?"matte said.

"That would n't tell them anything more than Myrtle would,"Albus replied as he scrawled a few eminence about how the unicorn was pawing at the ground.

"What if they find feathers or chicken feed or something ?"Matt asked.

"That will have all been cleaned up by now. The theater elves clean everyday,"toilet said."I think Albus is right. The only way they 'll know is if they talk to Omar Bradley. Or if they just assume and ask us about it. Al, are you going to be able to lie to them if they ask you ?"

"Er ..."Albus 's voice trailed off. He knew how lots of a rotten liar he was."To be honest ? Probably not."

nonentity said anything for a few minutes. Each boy pretended to be absorbed in taking musical note on the unicorn.

"There 's nothing we can do, then,"lusterlessness finally said."We ca n't stop them or secern them not to look into because that would seem suspicious. All we can do is wait and hope they do n't figure it out."

Albus nodded. Matt was completely good, of form. But what Albus did n't say was that James IV and Cedric would figure it out. They were the school day cut-up and for the first time they 'd been out-pranked. The two were the school 's prank experts and could easily follow the trail that would lead them right to their own brother and cousin.
******


The trigger-happy thunderstorm that had plagued Hogwarts the day before cleared up by Sat sunrise and the status could not ingest been better for Quidditch. It was sunny, with slight swarm binding and picayune winding. The temperature was mild for November. Weather would not be a factor in this Quidditch match. No, the squad that won would win solely based on their attainment.

The Hogwarts population, both student and professor alike, were very excited for the match. House Quidditch had been suspended the former class in order for the Quidditch and Dueling competitor with the school from New York and Australia, although the concluding match in the Quidditch case had been a disaster. Everyone at Hogwarts was quick for things to go back to normal and that included house Quidditch.

Normal also included the twit that went on between the Gryffindors and Slytherins at breakfast right wing before the mate. Malfoy informed Albus that he needed to follow out else he find himself in the infirmary Wing for twenty-four hours. Albus ignored this because Malfoy was n't even on the Slytherin team and did n't possess sufficiency Quidditch attainment to be on a fry 's team. He tried his effective to ignore the twit from the literal Slytherin team as well, but still found his stomach was a bit too queasy to eat much more than toast.

The team gathered around Fred in the changing elbow room shortly before the mates, ready to hear his first team spoken language.

"I fully believe we can win this,"Fred began."Our practices have gone very smoothly and it feels like Janie has played with us for years rather than only a few weeks. Slytherin plays dirty, though, so look on yourselves. They also have two new role player, a chaser and a Beater, whereas we only have one. The new chaser is a minute year and the new Beater is a third year, so I do n't think we 'll bear a lot issue there. I 've seen them recitation and they still do n't work as a seamless team like we do. Just go out there and play like we did two age ago and we 're sure enough to win."

The team stood up and followed Fred out onto the pitch. The flat coat was easygoing beneath Albus 's feat, but not too muddy up, which would attain for a good kick off. He stood in between Heather and James while Fred went to shake custody with Fielding, Slytherin 's captain.

Oteski shouted his desire for a clean friction match and then the two captains crunched each other 's hands. Oteski released the Bludgers and Snitch and then tossed the Quaffle into the air. Albus kicked off from the ground and flew towards the Quaffle, which had unfortunately been caught by Fielding.

"And they 're off !"Todd David Roland Smith announced."First House match in two year due to the gap last-place year, during the contest with the early school day. Both teams have some new faces this class. Slytherin has a new chaser, second twelvemonth George Marshall Belby, and a new Beater, third yr Devon Wright. Gryffindor has a new Keeper, fourth year Janie Creevey ...."

Albus tore his aid from Smith as the fellow Gryffindor began to announce the names of the rest of the thespian. Leaning forward on his broom, Albus soared to the other side of the pitch, where Fielding was attempting to throw the Quaffle into one of Gryffindor 's goal posts.

"Spectacular make unnecessary by Creevey !"Smith shouted."Looks like she 's going to be an excellent Keeper for Gryffindor. Gryffindor now in possession. Heather Weasley in possession, passes to Albus ceramist ...."

Albus caught the Quaffle, wedged it under his arm, and sped down to the other side of the pitch. He dodged two of Slytherin 's chaser but was hit by a Bludger sent from Orville Wright and dropped the Quaffle. It was intercepted by Peyton Haines.

Albus swore loudly and tailed Haines as he turned around and headed towards Gryffindor. Fred managed to take in the Quaffle after Haines was hit by a Bludger and tossed it back to Albus.

This prison term Albus made it to the Slytherin goal posts and feigned right before sending the Quaffle soaring through the lead hoop.

"Score !"Smith announced."Albus potter scores the first base goal of the match. Ten points to Gryffindor !"

The remainder of the mate continued in the Same fashion, with the Quaffle continuously exchanging hands, rendering it very difficult for Ian Smith to keep up with the comment. Gryffindor maintained a near constant score of twenty points ahead of the Slytherins. Albus scored two more goals and assisted on five to a greater extent. The Slytherin chaser looked more and more disgusted as the match wore on.

An minute and a half into the match Albus saw James abandon his position above the quietus of the thespian and fly towards the ground. huntsman Pucey, Slytherin 's Seeker, followed.

"Looks like Potter has seen the stoolie !"Smith exclaimed.

Albus watched while flying the Quaffle to the Slytherin goal posts. James had his arm outstretched towards a glittering objective when Devonshire Frances Wright slammed her Beater 's bat towards a nearby Bludger. But the Bludger suddenly soared upward, leaving null in between the bat and Jesse James 's leg. Devon 's bat collided with James 's leg, sending him sprawling onto the ground. Albus stopped where he was.

The entire crowd gasped, with the exclusion of the Slytherins, who were cheering. Pucey was flying around the pitch holding the struggling sneak in his outstretched hand. Albus ignored this and flew directly to James, who was hold tight his leg on the reason.

Albus abandoned his ling once he landed and hurried towards James. He was surrounded by madam Pomfrey, Professor Oteski, professor Kendrick, Professor Longbottom, the ease of the Gryffindor team, and surprisingly, Devon.

Albus paused to take care at the girl. She was small, like most second years are, but brawny. Her dirty blonde pilus was in a mussy bun and her face was streaked with tears. As Albus got closer, he could hear that she was whispering"I 'm regretful"over and over again.

"Foul !"Heather shouted."That 's a foul ! I want a rematch !"

"Let 's get James IV to the infirmary extension and then we 'll worry about a replay,"Neville said as Madam Pomfrey conjured a stretcher.

"Finally, mortal with some sensation around here,"Madam Pomfrey muttered."All of you, out of the way !"

The crowd quickly dispersed as gentlewoman Pomfrey guided the stretcher towards the castle, followed by the gathered professors. After a few minutes, Professor Patil ordered the relaxation of the scholarly person to get back to their park suite. Albus walked back to the castle with his team, who were heading straight to the Hospital offstage.

James IV was resting once they got there, his leg bandaged but no longer broken. He no longer looked to be in botheration, but looked like he wanted to hex the intact Slytherin team. Madam Pomfrey appeared in battlefront of them before they could reach King James 's bed.

"Ten arcminute,"she said."That 's all."

"Are we getting a rematch ?"was the outset thing out of James 's mouthpiece."No one will tell me anything."

"They have n't said anything yet,"Fred replied."How 's the leg ?"

"Fine, now. Just a short awful. dame Pomfrey said I can leave tomorrow afternoon,"James told them."We better get a rematch. That was a foul. I was two seconds from catching the Snitch when that new Beater went and hit me with her bat ! Who does she think she is ? Does n't she make out the rules of Quidditch ? Or is that how Slytherin 's training their actor these 24-hour interval ?"

"She was going for a Bludger,"Albus explained."You probably could n't see it because she was behind you, but there had been a Bludger. It flew up at the terminal second and she accidentally got your leg."

"How do they have intercourse that ?"James asked."She might 've made that up."

"Everyone saw it,"Albus said quietly.

"It 's true,"Heather agreed."I do n't have intercourse if they 'll grant us a rematch."

The threshold to the Hospital annex opened, revealing the Beater in question. She walked tentatively inside and stopped when she saw the integral Gryffindor team. Madam Pomfrey greeted her and they spoke in vocalisation too quiet to overhear before she walked slowly over to Saint James the Apostle 's bed.

"I know you probably detest me and I do n't pick you,"she whispered."But I really am sorry. It really was an accident. I swear it. It was my start match."

Albus glanced at the residuum of his team. Their feeling of mental confusion mirrored his own intellection.

"Er, well, thanks for the apology, I guess,"James said.

"Is your leg ok ?"she asked.

"It 's fine now,"James replied.

Devon reached into her robes and pulled out a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate. She handed it to James, her oculus staring at his bed and not meeting his glance the full meter."Here,"she whispered.

"Er, thanks,"William James said as he took the chocolate.

"Um, I 'm going to go now. Bye,"Devonshire said and turned to run from the ward, before any of the Gryffindor team had clock time to respond.

"That was strange,"King James I muttered after the doors had slammed shut."Anyone figure some umber ?"

"She 's got a crush on you,"Ryan announced.

"Does not,"James argued.

"Have we ever had a Slytherin apologize for injuring one of us before, let alone give us chocolate ?"Fred asked."I 'm with Ryan on this one."

"Well clearly some of them have moral sense,"Albus replied."But yeah, she likes you."

"She 's twelve,"King James I said flatly.

"Girls mature faster than blokes."Calluna vulgaris smirked."So, actually, she should be just about aright for you."

"Shut up,"James II muttered."Not sharing my umber anymore."

"Ten minutes are up !"ma'am Pomfrey announced as she returned to King James 's bed bearing a tray that contained a few foul looking potions."And these are for you, James."

Albus and the repose of the team bade James IV goodbye and left the Hospital flank. They walked up to Gryffindor Tower together, but parted once they entered the usual elbow room. Albus found his friends at a table near the threshold to the student residence and sat down to explicate the entire Devon Richard Wright thing.

"So she was actually upset that she had broken James 's leg ?"can asked.

"And she apologized ?"matte added.

"And gave him chocolate ?"Kaden continued.

Albus nodded."Strange, is n't it ?"

"Very,"John the Divine agreed."I 'm surprised she 's on the team. Is n't it a requisite for the Slytherin team to be a fan of vehemence ?"

"She might not be on very much farseeing, aright ?"Matt asked.

"It was an stroke,"Albus said."I already said that. The respite of the team saw it and so did half the professors. So there 's probably not going to be a rematch either."

"That 's not fair,"John muttered.

"It 's only the first couple,"Albus pointed out."plentitude more time to gain those points back. And their Seeker is awful anyway. He could n't have caught that Snitch if James had n't have been hit."

Albus, Matt, and John spent the remnant of the afternoon discussing Quidditch and Gryffindor 's chances of winning the Quidditch Cup. They factored in the skill tier of all the role player on all the houses and the points earned so far, along with the possible atmospheric condition hinderances that were surely to come. Kaden paid attention, but did n't contribute much except for the occasional comment about how something was unlike in football. Amanda did the same, relieve for the football scuttlebutt. spring up sighed and dug a book out of her bag and understand it until they had finished.

prof Oteski was at supper that night, which was a rare natural event due to the fact that he has a married woman and youth children in Hogsmeade and normally was only at the castle for classes and Quidditch matches. Towards the end of the meal he rose, rendering the entire Hall silent.

"The other professors and I have reviewed the events at today 's lucifer,"Oteski began."We 've taken into account a few select scholarly person'observations-"

"He interviewed me,"Fred said.

"-along with the professors'. I have come to the determination that the act of a Slytherin Beater hitting Gryffindor 's searcher with her Beater 's Bat was an unfortunate accident. No disciplinary legal action will be taken against her, nor will a rematch be taking place."He resumed his seat.

All of Gryffindor groaned while Slytherin rejoiced. Albus glanced over at their table and saw that Devonshire Wright was the only Slytherin not shouting in excitement. Instead she had her head on her hand and was picking at her dinner. She was a very odd Slytherin, that was for sure.

"I really did n't remember there 'd be a rematch,"Fred said."But listen, we can still win. Losing the first friction match does n't mean we 'll lose the Cup."

"Someone 's going to have to order James,"Scots heather replied."He wo n't be pleased. I 'm fairly sealed he can reckon the number of metre he has n't caught the Snitch on one hand."

Albus thought back to the time James had lost a equal against Linda the vampire and hid in the screech Shack. Luckily his brother had come a long way from that and would not feel the need to hide after missing the Snitch.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! I 'm back at shoal now, so I wo n't be writing as much. But I have a few chapters saved up, so I 'm hoping to update frequently for the next calendar month at least.

If you are enjoying this taradiddle ( or any of my stories ), head over to the meeting place and put up one for a Dobby award ! Be trusted to translate the rules before posting. : )


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was very ease that he was not given the task of telling James that there would not be a rematch. Fred, being the police captain, took that job for himself and the respite of the team merely went with him. St. James was understandably upset, but did n't consume the news show nearly as badly as Albus would have expected. Perhaps he was maturing, if even a small quantity. On Lord's Day, Jesse James was released from the Hospital Wing and lifetime at Hogwarts returned to rule if only for a few days.

After a double up class of potions and single class of Transfiguration on Tuesday, Albus and his friends had politics and this was the day where they would find out who would get to sit in the Great Granville Stanley Hall during the argumentation on Sat. The Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were understandably more bigmouthed in the minutes before Professor Embry began class. virtually of the scholarly person hoped that they would get to attend the argument, with the exception of John and a few of the Hufflepuffs. Albus and lusterlessness would be attending it either way, so they doubted either of them would be picked. pink wine had also found out that since she was Harry Hotspur 's niece, she would also get to give ear no matter what.

"settle down, adjudicate down,"Embry said once the clock struck three. He smiled and then quickly took attendance."I 'm very happy to see how excited you are for Sabbatum 's debate. It 's very exciting to see young people so concerned in political sympathies. Since I know none of you will pay aid during course of study unless I announce who gets to see before I begin, I will herald them now."

The class immediately began whispering until Embry located a composition of parchment on his desk and cleared his throat."Now, a few of you are able to attend the debate without being chosen. Matt Eckerton and Albus thrower, since both your fathers are headland of departments at the Ministry you will be able to wait on. rose wine Weasley, since you are related to one of the candidates, you may go to as well. And not to interest, everyone else, they will not take away spots from the veritable student body.

"One boy and one girl were picked randomly from each year, for each house. So eight students from each twelvemonth were chosen add. For Hufflepuff the lucky two are Olivia Mary Leontyne Price and Ronald Bones."

"Yes !"Ronald shouted. He was a rather loud, blonde haired boy, who reminded Albus a lot of Kaden. Olivia just smiled. She was quiet, but as one of Hufflepuff 's Beaters, was quite forceful.

"And for Gryffindor we have Ethan Kesse and Marina Jordan-Bell,"Embry continued.

Both let out rapt shout and the rest of the class clapped before everyone settled down. All four winning students were still grinning when Embry began speaking once more.

"Congratulations to all four of you. This will not be the only if debate to take situation at Hogwarts and for the next one, dissimilar scholar will be chosen. Now, on Saturday, you are to report to the Great Hall at ten o'clock in the morning time. The debate will begin at eleven. You will give your name to whichever professor is waiting by the doors and then a Prefect will show you to where you are supposed to sit. Same goes for you, matte, Albus, and Rose."

Embry set the parchment down on his desk and smiled as he walked closer to the table of his student."Now, what prof Kendrick has not told you yet, because it has only just been finalized, is that both nominee will be hosting two spliff dubiousness and answer sessions. These will be for scholar and Hogwarts stave only. The Same student chosen to attend the public debate will be able to attend the enquiry and response session. It will take place at three in the Great Hall. Please arrive at two-thirty.

"Everyone else will be listening to the debate on the wireless. Fourth class Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs will be in the Transfiguration classroom. Please report there by ten-thirty. Everyone, no issue whether they are attending the debate or listening on the radiocommunication are expected to spell a foot long essay on which candidate you thought was more successful in making their point. It will be due at the origin of next week 's class."

The entire socio-economic class groaned at the mention of the essay. Embry ignored this and began his speech. They had finally made it into the 20th hundred, but were still far from learning about how everything in the Ministry changed after Voldemort was defeated.

The balance of the week passed very slowly. The Hogwarts students were getting very excited at the outlook of the candidate arriving for their debate, with the elision of Bradley and Cedric. Even John and Kaden, neither of whom were going to attend the debate, were catching a little bit of fervor. Albus was rather shocked at how the majority of the scholar were getting involved with the election. Being someone who had grown up with political science and the Ministry of magic, he was not quite as thrilled with the prospect, especially when newsperson from the Daily Prophet showed up on Friday morning.

"wishing to take bets on how quickly they find you ?"John asked as they passed two reporters on their way to attention of Magical Creatures.

Albus glanced at the reporters. One was a very tall and lanky man, with messy brownness hair and considerable stubble on his boldness. He was frantically writing down questions that the other newsman, an equally tall woman with huge red lips and black hair, was asking an uncomfortable looking first year.

"Walk faster,"Albus nudged John as they neared the oak room access.

Albus had absolutely no desire to appear in any egress of the Daily prophesier. Neither of his parents liked reporters and that was a trait they had passed down to Albus. He made a mental billet to warn Bradley and Cedric about them the following time he saw his two cousins.

In an effort to avoid the newsperson, Albus, flatness, and John spent their free catamenia after charms in the marauder 's Den. With any luck when the Ministry official arrived the reporters would gift up trying to interview random Hogwarts students. Although Albus knew it was not random at all. At tiffin, after care of Magical fauna, he found out that no less than four of his full cousin, along with Lily, had been interviewed that dawning.

The officials were arriving just as Albus and his friends were heading to the Great vestibule for dinner. They paused on the grand stairway while the blue-robed beldame and wizards entered the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall, gracefully avoiding the newsperson that were standing next to the entrance to the Great Hall. Albus recognized nearly all of them, including his dad, Uncle Percy, and matt 's dad.

The Staff table had been magically elongated enough to volunteer seating area for all of the Ministry officials, who had at sat down and began speaking with the professors. Albus and his acquaintance all found seating room at the Gryffindor table, near all his cousins. Cedric was scowling while reading a letter. He then crumpled it up and then set fire to it with his wand.

"Dad still thinks we pulled that clowning, James,"Cedric muttered."Says he 's going to defecate meter to speak with me before he leaves."

"We 'll find out,"King James I said."We still have n't talked to all the ghosts."

"All except Moaning Myrtle."Cedric shuddered."I do n't visualise talking to her."

"She 's our last hope,"James said."We 're going to find her. After all this disputation stuff and nonsense is over."

Albus let out a suspiration of ministration. He had two more solar day. In all honesty, he 'd nearly forgotten about Cedric and James 's bay to get out who put the chickens in the Slytherin plebeian room. But apparently his brother and cousin-german had not.

Kendrick rose from his stern once the Great Charles Martin Hall was full moon."On behalf of myself, the eternal rest of the Hogwarts stave, and the Hogwarts pupil consistence, I 'd like to welcome our Ministry voice to Hogwarts. Before we eat, I 'd like to enclose everyone.

"first base, our candidates,"Kendrick gestured to Harry Hotspur and Laurentis, who were both sitting immediately to his left."Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."Kendrick then gestured to the tall, rather portly man on his left field."Our current Minister, Langston Hartwell."

The rest of the official were interspersed amongst the professor. Kendrick gestured to a grey haired witch sitting in between prof Patil and Cedonia."forefront of Magical Law Enforcement. Reena Barnes."Next, Kendrick gestured to mat 's dad who was sitting next to Albus 's dad and prof Trelawney."caput of the section for the Control and regularization of Magical Creatures. Walter Eckerton."

Half the Gryffindor tabular array turned and looked at Matt, who gave a grinning and shrugged. Never one to talk about his family, most of Gryffindor was unaware of who Matt 's dad was.

"I 'm sure you all remember Harry ceramicist, head of the Auror section,"Kendrick said as he gestured to Albus 's dad. He received louder applause than anyone else had.

Kendrick then introduced three of Hartwell 's early advisor, who had titles that were just as long and confusing as Percy 's current job deed. Then, finally, Kendrick waved his men and intellectual nourishment appeared on all the table.

During dinner Fred announced that he had reluctantly canceled Quidditch practice for the next day since it was scheduled for the same metre as the dubiousness and answer seance. The rest of dinner was spent figuring out which Gryffindors, besides the large sum of money that were related to Percy, were going to attend the debate. Both lavatory 's fiddling sister, Asthyn, and James 's best admirer, Nathan, were getting to pay heed.

After sweet had been served and consumed, Kendrick reminded everyone of the prison term of the succeeding day 's argumentation and suggested they all turn in early. Albus wondered whether the ministry functionary would be staying in the castle or Apparating back to their own homes for the dark. Cedric took off for the common elbow room as soon as he had finished eating, in order to avoid his father.

Albus and his Friend decided to stay in the common room that night since everyone was so lively and the excitement was catching. privy brought a pack of cards of Exploding Snap down from his automobile trunk and the six friends sat around a table playing for at least an hour. Kaden had just had the cards explode in his face when the door to the common room opened and someone gasped.

Everyone glanced over and the common room went still. Percy was standing in the doorway, looking very awkward and uncomfortable. His eyes landed on Cedric, who had been organizing his fund of Skiving Snackboxes with Saint James the Apostle and Nathan. Cedric went as sick as Moaning Vinca minor.

"Cedric,"Percy said quietly."I need to mouth with you."

"I did n't do it, Dad !"Cedric exclaimed."I swear it !"

Albus shifted uncomfortably in his butt, glancing at his protagonist. Rose was giving him a disapproving spirit while lustrelessness, john, and Kaden looked equally uncomfortable. Amanda had raised her eyebrows. This was ridiculous. Why could n't Percy let it go or believe his son ? Or at least hatful with it privately ? It was unjust of him to ramp into the Gryffindor vulgar room and visit out his own son like that.

Sir Henry Percy shook his head."Cedric, you 've pulled pranks like this ever since you were niggling. This one has you written all over it. You, too, James."

"But Dad-"

"No buts,"Percy said."This is not acceptable. Now I 'd like to speak with you privately."

Cedric did n't agitate. Albus swallowed severely and looked at lustrelessness, John Lackland, and Kaden each in bend. Pranks were all in good fun, but not when devoid people were punished for them. And Albus had no dubiety that Percy would punish Cedric whether he had cogent evidence or not. Cedric 's by betrayed him and Walker Percy was too focused on winning the election to give his son the welfare of the incertitude. Albus did not like his cousin taking the autumn for something he and his friends did. It just was not something he was easy with.

flatness gave a slight nod of his mind. John the Divine and Kaden both shrugged and Albus took that to think of"do what you have to do ”. Albus sighed and stood up."Wait, Uncle Percy."

"Albus, this is none of your care,"Hotspur said."Cedric has to face his consequences."

"But he did n't do it !"Albus exclaimed."It was me. I did it."

James burst out laughing."You, Al ? That 's decent and all of you to try and keep Cedric out of trouble, but really ? You could n't get into the Slytherin coarse room."

"It was n't only him,"John said, standing up."Kaden and I did most of it. Al was just a spirit out."

"I was, too,"lusterlessness announced."It was the four of us."

Fred and a few of his ally suddenly jumped up from their seats and bowed in front of Albus, matte, lavatory, and Kaden."Masters ! You are the kings."

The total common room exploded in applause and tin whistle. Albus could n't help but grin despite the fact that he knew he was going to be in fuss. William James gave Albus an odd aspect before breaking out in a wry grin himself. A few first of all years ran up and high-fived them. Hugo was practically rolling on the trading floor laughing.

"sufficiency, enough !"Sir Henry Percy shouted."Albus, you 'd better come with me. You three as well."He gestured to Matt, John, and Kaden.

Albus and his friends reluctantly followed Harry Hotspur out of the uncouth room to Kendrick 's study. On the way there Albus could n't help but observe that his uncle did n't really walk. He strutted, almost like he owned the topographic point. Albus supposed he was remembering back to his Head Boy Clarence Day. straits Boy was probably now well out of scope for Albus, as was becoming a Prefect. Not like he really wanted to become a Prefect anyway.

Upon entering Kendrick 's report Albus was horrified to see that all of the Ministry official were there, including his own father. lusterlessness had paled considerably on seeing his father as well. This was bad.

Kendrick glanced at the boys and then looked questioningly up at Sir Henry Percy."I think we need a moment of secrecy,"Kendrick said to the officials,"except Harry and Walter."

The rest of the functionary left the room, whispering to themselves as they went. Kendrick then resumed his fundament behind his desk and conjured enough chairs for the remaining the great unwashed. Albus took a seat in between Matt and Kaden.

"What 's going on, Percy ?"Kendrick asked.

"I went to Gryffindor to have a chat with my son about that joke last week and as it turns out he was telling the truth."Albus was pleased to see that Walker Percy looked slightly ashamed."As I was asking Cedric for a private talk, my nephew and his friends announced that they were the pranksters."

"They what ?"Harry exclaimed, looking at Albus."Is this about the Gallus gallus in the Slytherin common room frivolity ?"

"Yes,"Walker Percy confirmed."These four just confessed to it."

Matt 's dad let out a suspire and shook his school principal.

"Is this true, boys ?"Kendrick asked.

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied.

"I 'm very discomfited in you, Albus,"Harry said."This is the sort of matter I expect from St. James, not from you."

"As am I in you, Matthew,"Walter added."You 've never been one to pull pranks."

"It was our idea,"John said, gesturing to himself and Kaden."All they did was sustain a flavour out while we were in their common room."

"Nevertheless,"Kendrick said, folding his hands on his desk."All four of you broke schooltime formula and you will be punished. Fifty decimal point from Gryffindor-"

Kaden gasped.

"-each,"Kendrick finished."And detainment. As much as I 'd like to start your detention tomorrow we have other matter happening in this castle and none of the staff is liberate to supervise. You will embark on your custody on Monday eventide and you will experience it for a week."

"But sir-"Albus and lusterlessness said at once.

"No buts,"Kendrick said."You blatantly broke multiple school rules."

"But Quidditch and dueling ! That 's the week before the number 1 tournament-"

"Your teams will have got to hold practice without you, Mr. thrower,"Kendrick said shortly."You should have thought about that before you participated in this mischief."

"Sir ?"Matt asked quietly.

Kendrick sighed."Yes ?"

"The, er, replete moon is Tuesday,"flatness muttered.

"rightfield,"Kendrick replied."Attend the detention that you can and whichever I you miss can be made up once you are better.

"Thank you,"Walter said,"for being understanding about that."

"Not a trouble. Matt 's position is vastly different from missed Quidditch practice."

Albus felt his cheeks reddening. It had been a valid point for him. Fred would murder him in his slumber when he found out Albus would miss at least two practice for hold. He certainly would n't be applauding and bowing anymore.

"You 'll account to Filch 's office on Monday at seven. He 'll afford you encourage command on what your detention will fee-tail. Now, get back to Gryffindor Tower,"Kendrick said.

Albus rose from his rear. Harry did the same."Al, you realize I 'm going to have to tell your mother about this."

Albus nodded."Yes."

"She wo n't be pleased. But I do want to recite you that I 'm lofty of the way you owned up to this when you realized Cedric was wrongfully accused. As disappointed as I am that you pulled that antic, I am very happy to have got such an honest son. I 'll see you tomorrow. Have a good dark and remember, I always love you,"Harry said and gave Albus a hug.

"sexual love you too,"Albus said quietly.

flatness was having what was surely a alike talk with his own founding father and once they were finished, the four boy left Kendrick 's written report and went immediately back to Gryffindor Tower.

"Seven detentions,"John muttered as they walked up a set of stairs."Seven. This is forged than that time in second yr when we were caught near the Whomping Willow."

"Not to advert the period,"Albus replied.

"And custody with Filch no less,"Matt said."I 'll be doing at least two of them on my own, too."

Kaden shrugged."Still seems worth it."

lavatory grinned."almost definitely worth it."

Albus and flatness gave each other looks that clearly meant they disagreed. No, 200 points from Gryffindor, seven detentions with Filch, and no Quidditch practice for a week was not worth it.
***


In dependable Hogwarts fashion by the next morning at Breakfast the entire schooltime knew that it had been three Gryffindor fourth years and one Gryffindor third year that had managed to pussyfoot into the Slytherin common room and deposit two wimp and a cock, as well as cover the entire office in razz seed. Hufflepuff was especially excited about this because Gryffindor 's loss of 200 points put them in the lead for the menage Cup. Gryffindor was now dead last and the early Gryffindors were torn between their awe of Albus and his friends and their horror that the prank had cost them so many points.

Rose and Amanda had burst out laughing when the male child told them their fate the previous night. They were angry about the red ink of points, though. Rose was especially disgusted by John and Kaden 's lack of remorse.

All the ministry official were at the staff board, whereas the menage tabular array were not nearly as full-of-the-moon as the previous day. It seemed that some students had not heeded Kendrick 's suggestion about going to bed too soon.

There was a whoosh of wings and Albus looked up to see that the post owls had arrived. His heart started beating faster and he swallowed hard upon seeing his mother 's owl holding a red gasbag in its mouth.

"Oh no,"Albus whispered as the owl grew faithful. His friends glanced up and saw the wow just as the owl was preparing for landing. It landed in nominal head of Albus 's denture of eggs and he took the wow in his script before quickly running out of the Great Hall for the nigh bathroom.

The envelope was already hot when he arrived in the thankfully hollow loo. He reluctantly opened it and the room was soon full with Ginny 's highschool pitched shouting.

"ALBUS SEVERUS potter, WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU ? I AM ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED TO HEAR THAT YOU WERE IN THE SLYTHERIN COMMON ROOM AND putting wimp IN THERE NO LESS. I DO NOT CARE THAT YOU WERE ONLY THE LOOK OUT. YOU MAY AS WELL wealthy person BEEN IN THERE YOURSELF. YOU WERE BLATANTLY BREAKING MULTIPLE SCHOOL RULES INCLUDING BEING OUT OF BED AFTER minute.

I AM VERY foiled. THIS IS THE SORT OF THING I EXPECT FROM JAMES, BUT evening Henry James KNOWS WHEN NOT TO CROSS THE LINE. AND YOU DID N'T JUST CROSS THE LINE. YOU JUMPED WAY OVER IT. AND TO have PERCY breakthrough OUT ABOUT THIS WHILE HE IS AT HOGWARTS FOR A DEBATE ? ! YOU KNOW WE HAVE TO KEEP UP visual aspect IN ORDER FOR HIM TO HAVE A CHANCE AT THIS ELECTION AND THIS DOES NOT HELP.

I HIGHLY APPROVE OF THE detainment AND red OF POINTS. I CAN NOT SAY I WOULD BE DISAPPOINTED IF YOUR ENTIRE HOUSE WERE ANGRY WITH YOU OVER THIS. I EXPECT YOU WILL NOT DO THIS AGAIN. IF YOU DO YOU WILL suffer more than THAN JUST PUNISHMENT AT SCHOOL."

The letter exploded with a brief puff of smoke. Albus stood there staring at it for a few seconds. His female parent had not even mentioned how his confession had saved Cedric. There was no mention of how she was majestic about his honesty, like his dad had been.

Albus heard a short laugh from behind him. He turned around and saw none other than Scorpio Malfoy leaning on one of the swallow hole, smirking.

"I knew it was one of you Gryffindors,"Malfoy said."Just did n't gestate it to be you lot. Did n't intend you 'd be smart sufficiency to figure out our password."

"Just shut up, Malfoy,"Albus muttered as he pushed his way past the Slytherin on his way out of the loo.

"Loved the riot, by the way."Malfoy gave another laugh.

Albus groaned inwardly. He hoped Malfoy had n't heard much of it, but highly doubted it. Albus took a trench breath and walked back to the Great Hall. Perhaps with the debate coming in an time of day, the rest of the students would forget about the caper and the loss of points and find something new to discuss.


A/N : Big thanks to my Skype writing grouping. You guys are all awesome ! Thanks for all the amazing limited review ! The new banner was done by violet ephemera at TDA. There 's a piddling under a week left to name level for the Dobby Awards, so if you like this taradiddle, headway over to the assembly and nominate it ! Just remember to read the rules first.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was a long queue of scholar waiting to get into the Great manse after everyone left once breakfast was over. The Great Hall had been completely emptied in fiat for the professors to ready it for the public debate. Albus craned his head in endeavour to see it. As far as he could tell it looked the same except the prospicient house tables had been replaced by rows of seating. He, along with Matt and rosiness, were only a few students away from the front end of the queue.

Once they made it to the front end they gave their names to Professor Longbottom and then were lead inside by one of the Ravenclaw Prefects. grownup were milling about talking with each former and scholar were already seated. The first few rows were cordoned off with rope and the Ravenclaw Prefect trail Albus, Rose, and Matt to the 3rd roped off row. He lifted the rope and told them to file all the way in, to the very end of the untenanted row. Albus sat in between Rose and matte. It appeared that the roped off row were reserved for Ministry officials and their families. Albus noticed that his mum was sitting in the strawman row along with the rest of his aunt and uncles. Georgia was also in the presence row and was handing out coloring rule book and crayon to Samantha and Lindy.

James, Ben, Lily, and Hugo filed in future to turn out a few second later. Albus saw that Cedric and Bradley, who had walked in with his siblings, were being lead to the front row. Fred, Angie, Heather, and Mark finished out their row five minutes later. Albus gazed around the room and spotted Victoire and slip sitting across the aisle. Stanley walked in with Gabriella and took seats next to Victoire and Teddy. Albus had to accept he was surprised to see them there. Last he heard she was in France and he was in Romania.

The elbow room soon became wad with the students who had won rear end as well as early witches and star who had chosen to come. Albus recognized a few who worked in shop in Hogsmeade including ma'am Rosmerta. He turned to the forepart of the room and noticed that the staff table had also disappeared and had been replaced with two podiums and a minuscule table, just like the set up in the courtroom at the Ministry.

At exactly eleven o'clock the threshold to the Great antechamber were shut and multitude began to sit down. Professor Kendrick entered the room from one of its antechambers, followed by the parson, Albus 's dad, lustrelessness 's dad, and the head teacher of Magical Law Enforcement, Reena Barnes. The other Ministry officials were seated in the figurehead row.

Kendrick lead them to the pocket-sized table near the podium. All five, with the elision of Kendrick, sat. Kendrick walked to the strawman of the stump and the audience quieted.

"Welcome to the third public debate. I welcome all of you to Hogwarts school of witchery and Wizardry. Today 's argument will be on education. I 'd like to bring out today 's moderator, the Head of the Department for the dominance and regularisation of Magical Creatures, Walter Eckerton."

The hearing clapped and Albus whispered to Matt, asking him if he knew his dad was moderating. Matt shook his head no and the two looked back to the nominal head.

Kendrick had taken his seat and Matt 's dad had rose."Now I 'd like to welcome our two nominee. Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."

There was more clapping as Percy and Laurentis walked out of the lobby and took their places behind the ambo. Once the clapping subsided, lusterlessness 's dad began to speak.

"Today 's debate will run similarly to past public debate, with five minute response and two second rebuttals. All dubiousness and prompt will be about pedagogy. The debate will run for an hour and a one-half. After it is over, the room will be cleared and then tiffin will be served. After lunch there will be a short respite and then the student question and answer session will acquire office in this Sami room. Without further adieu, the first question. Mr. Weasley, you will respond first.

"How do you finger about the Hogwarts physical environment ? Do you experience it is adequate and contributory to learning or do you find changes should be made ?"

Harry Hotspur took a stone's throw forward and smiled at the audience."I believe that the Hogwarts rook is very contributive to learning. Being in a secluded arena provides little in the way of beguilement to the educatee. Yet the proximity of the castle to Hogsmeade Greenwich Village gives students in third gear class and above a much needed break. The lonesome variety I think need to be made are to update what needs to be updated and furbish up what needs to be repaired."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"lustrelessness 's dad said. He turned to Laurentis."Ms. Laurentis."

"I agree with Mr. Weasley. The Hogwarts castle is very conducive to learning and I see nothing awry with it the way it is. All of Mr. Weasley 's points are very valid."

Albus turned to lusterlessness and shrugged. That was odd. They actually agreed on something. Matt 's dad seemed a little shocked by this as well, because he did not say anything for a few seconds after Laurentis quieted.

"All right. Since you two agree, I see no pauperism for rebuttals. Moving on to the future interrogation. Ms. Laurentis, this time you will go first. How do you find about the flow Hogwarts course of study ? Do you palpate the classes adequately prepare today 's untried people for living in British wizarding order ? What changes, if any, do you find need to be made ?"

"The Hogwarts programme has not been updated in ten. In fact, the lonesome new form that has been introduced is this year 's category on politics. syllabus is something that needs to switch with the multiplication and be re-evaluated at least every other year. The world is a constantly changing place and what students learn motive to switch with it. New category should be offered and outdated category should be removed. curriculum for classes that are kept needs to change in edict to hold on up with today 's research. Potions, for example, should not be taught the same way now as it was forty eld ago, but unfortunately, that seems to be the case."

"Thank you. Mr. Weasley."

"The core programme of Hogwarts is similar to that of magical schools all over the earthly concern. The division taught here offer BASIC and supercharge instruction in subject that whiz need in order to routine in beau monde. We can not stand here and advocate getting rid of Charms or Transfiguration Day in favour of some new subject that may or may not teach our scholarly person anything. Yes, the domain is constantly changing, but the basic magical spell remain the Lapplander. student forty years ago used 'Alohomora'to afford doors and the while remains the like today,"Walker Percy argued.

"Your rebuttal, Ms. Laurentis."

"I am in no way insinuating that we should get rid of Charms or Transfiguration."She looked offended at Percy 's accusation."All I am saying is that we need to await at the elective course that are offered. The basic substance year should obviously be kept, although they should be updated. Today 's professors are using the same textbooks they used thirty year ago, which is ridiculous considering how practically has changed in their fields-"

"Your time is up. Mr. Weasley."

Hotspur seemed to blow up out his chest a bit."Those text still teach the basics ! How is a text written last class going to be any upright at teaching a student how to stir a cauldron ? Additionally, older textbooks have to a greater extent secondhand copy uncommitted making it more affordable for students from lower income household to purchase their books."

It seemed to Albus that they had gotten slightly off matter from the proposed question, but neither candidate seemed to notice or care.

"Next doubtfulness. How do you feel about the way that teacher survival and evaluation is handled at Hogwarts ? Do you find any changes are needed ?"Mr. Eckerton asked."You may go first, Mr. Weasley."

"Traditionally, the Ministry has taken a very hands-off approach to teacher survival and I believe this has worked well. Ministry official do not take the expertise to choose instructor and leaving this up to the Hogwarts staff has resulted in a very educated and all-round staff at Hogwarts. Following the reign of Voldemort, a modest education section was founded in the Ministry to oversee things and while it is still very hands-off, I believe the pocket-sized amount of money of regulation has served Hogwarts well,"Sir Henry Percy explained.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Laurentis smirked and then began."Teacher selection, along with course of study changes, is the the aspect of Hogwarts that needs the most root change, in my opinion. While professor Kendrick is a fine schoolmaster, I think more than counsel is needed when it comes to choosing professors. For the past four years, Hogwarts has been ineffectual to assure a DoD Against the wickedness artistic production professor for to a greater extent than two years. One only lasted a year. Other professors have been here for decades and yet others have remained even beyond their own expiry. There is nothing wrong, of course, with sure-enough teachers, but Hogwarts appears to sustain no way of evaluating these faculty members. They remain here, teaching, year after year, whether or not they are actually successful in providing students with an education."

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

Walker Percy 's expression had gained some color that was not always there."I hardly think it is appropriate to find fault prof Kendrick for the fate of old refutation prof. Upon interviewing them he had no way of knowing what would pass off in the end. As for the other professors, if you would reckon at the statistics of the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. results of the yesteryear few days you 'll see that the absolute majority of educatee are passing. power I add that those are regulated by the Ministry."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"I would jibe that the Headmaster should not be held responsible for one or two professors who should not feature been hired in the first place, but Hogwarts has seen to a greater extent than its evenhandedly contribution of inadequate prof in the past few class. Clearly something is wrongfulness. More people need to be involved with curriculum and instructor selection."

"Next interrogative,"Mr. Eckerton said."Do you sense that the protection at Hogwarts is decent ? If not, what should be changed ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

If Albus was not mistaken, he could have sworn he saw Laurentis sigh and give a slender eye roll before beginning."Let 's just phone it what it is, why do n't we ? lack of security at Hogwarts ! The security here, if you can hollo it that, is sorely lacking. power I bring up the fact that for the preceding three years there had been a dangerous breach in security here ? Three geezerhood ago, a mathematical group of starting time class dueled the appeal prof, a seventh class, and that seventh year 's sire on the curtilage for a substantial stop of clock time before the professors stepped in. The next yr, another first class was kidnapped by that Lapplander seventh twelvemonth, who had then graduated. Last year, those same scholar were kidnapped and taken to Australia of all places ! I think we could forgive one incident, but three-"

"Your time is up,"matte 's dad said."Mr. Weasley."

Percy was looking More and more disgruntled. His face now resembled his fuzz."mightiness I remind my opposition that following the incident three years ago, Aurors were stationed at Hogwarts and none of the following incidents resulted in any go terms to any of the educatee. Last class, the Aurors were slightly preoccupied by the calamitous competitor that took place here. Hogwarts is protected by many enchantments and all the professors are subject of protecting the scholar. Last year 's incident was an extremely inauspicious accident-"

"One that nearly resulted in student deaths !"Laurentis shouted.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Albus felt like the entire room was staring at himself and Matt. Glancing around, he saw that this was unfeigned.

Laurentis ignored Mr. Eckerton."I remind the wizarding community that the Aurors have yet to capture the brainiac of that incident. Which by the way was not the only if incident go year. terminal year 's Defense Against the wickedness artistic production professor kept a highly severe animal in the palace for months before anything was done. And by the prison term it was discovered, it took Bruno Walter Eckerton stepping in to suffer it removed ! Then, the professor was allowed to persist, despite the fact that later on it was discovered that he had been terrorizing and humiliating students in his course of instruction all year, not to note the fact that his curricula were not appropriate. Following that unspeakable rear of barrel in security department, regarding the animal, the like professor proceeded to divulge information that could compromise the life of another student-"

"That is enough, Ms. Laurentis !"Mr. Eckerton shouted."You are speaking out of turn."

Albus was incertain whether lustrelessness 's dad was cutting her off because her time was up or because she was getting dangerously close to talking about flatness. Come to think of it, how did she even know about that ? She could n't possibly experience about Matt 's stipulation, could she ? Albus glanced at Matt, who was looking extremely pale.

"I believe we are out of clock time,"Mr. Eckerton continued. He looked quite flustered."Please expiration the room while lunch is set up. You may bring back in a one-half hour."

Albus stood and waited for his bend to leave the way. The intact crowd was whispering amongst themselves and pointing at Albus and Matt every so often. He was tempted to bound off luncheon all together, except he was extremely hungry.
***


Albus managed to avoid speaking to any reporters before and during tiffin, which proved difficult because they seemed to accept multiplied during the debate. All seemed exquisite on interviewing him, mat, John, and Kaden in specific due to their having been kidnapped the previous June. Albus was quite relieved when the nutrient in forepart of them vanished and the majority of the hoi polloi in the elbow room left in ordination for the dubiousness and answer sitting to take place.

Both campaigner seemed to have regained their calmness during the meal because Percy 's face was no yearner beet red and Laurentis had fixed her hair's-breadth and was wearing a grinning. The newsperson had been banned from the elbow room for the length of the academic session, much to their alarm. Matt 's dad also looked better and was standing in the figurehead of the elbow room in front of the podiums, waiting for everyone to sit down.

The way was a lot emptier now, considering that only the educatee chosen to take heed to the argument and the prof were allowed in the elbow room. Albus and Matt managed to get a few posterior in the front row. James and Lily joined them.

Once the doors had been shut and everyone had sat down, Mr. Eckerton stepped forward."Welcome to the question and resolution school term. It will run for an minute and the campaigner will answer as many questions as they can during that clip. Please raise your bridge player if you have a question."Nothing about the burst during the debate was mentioned.

Albus could not think of anything to ask. He had absolutely no desire to verbalise to Laurentis and anything that he would want to ask Sir Henry Percy he could just ask at Christmas Day or direct him an owl. Not that he really had any questions for his uncle, either.

A tall Ravenclaw boy raised his manus and Mr. Eckerton pointed to him."This question is for Ms. Laurentis,"the boy began."How exactly do you advise to pee Hogwarts More secure ? I 'm nearly positive that the most gain piece are already used."

"That is very rightful,"Laurentis answered."I believe that we need to look outside the human beings of spells and give prof canonic training in defense against interloper. I think a program, similar to very basic Auror training, would benefit all faculty greatly."

A Hufflepuff in pigtails had a question for both campaigner next."Would either of you change the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams if you were elected ?"

"Only to fit better with any possible curriculum modification,"Laurentis replied."The changes would come later. Not for at least two years."

"well-nigh likely, no,"Percy said."The statistics prove that they work well as they are."

The question and answer school term continued in the same way, proving itself very unlike from the argument. It was quite the opposite, actually. Albus found himself very bored towards the end, his mind drifting towards what both candidate had said during the disputation. He was very queer about what the prophet would say about it the next day.

"We have sentence for one more interrogative sentence,"Mr. Eckerton finally said.

Albus let out a suspiration of easing. A glance at flatness told him that his considerably booster was feeling the same way, since he was leaning back in his death chair, his eyes nearly closed.

Mr. Eckerton pointed to a girl sitting in the far back. Albus did n't spot her, but she had Ravenclaw robes on.

"This is for both of you, if either of you know anything about it. Ms. Laurentis, you were talking about professor Balladanis in the debate and you mentioned something about him giving pupil selective information that they could use to peril another educatee. Is that really truthful ? And what exactly happened ?"

Albus prodded Matt in the English and whispered to him what the question had been. precondition mat 's reaction, which was a look of utter panic, he almost wished he had n't bothered to wake him up.

Mr. Eckerton stared at the student before turning to the candidates."You may resolve the first base voice of the query and that role only."

"It is honest,"Laurentis said just as Hotspur had been opening his sassing to respond."Professor Balladanis was not cut out for teaching and did not understand the fact that there is a channel between teaching to spread knowledge and teaching to endanger others."

"Does it have to do with the Anamatek ?"a Slytherin boy asked.

"Yes,"Percy said."The berth were related."

"This is why I believe teacher need to be evaluated so we can ward off this type of situation,"Laurentis explained.

"But what kind of information could endanger somebody ? Was it in the course of study ?"the Ravenclaw who had originally asked the question said."Knowledge is power."

"It was not,"Laurentis answered."Which is exactly why it will be good for professor to have curricula that they stick to."

"I just do n't understand,"the Ravenclaw went on."If masses are kept in the wickedness they just blindly follow authority. I 've always believed that people should be taught everything possible."

Matt and his dad were both wearing interchangeable verbal expression. Both looked extremely uncomfortable and his dad was fiddling with a grip on his robe. flatness looked like he wanted his chair to swallow him up.

"We 're all out of time,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thank you all for coming. The professors have requested that you all return to your common rooms and that you are free to decline scuttlebutt to the newsman that are waiting outside."

There was a shuffling of chairwoman as people got up and exited the room. lusterlessness grabbed Albus 's arm without saying anything, leading him directly to his father, who was speaking to both the candidates.

"Dad,"Matt said quietly, not waiting for him to polish off his conversation with Laurentis and Hotspur.

Mr. Eckerton turned around and his expression became sympathetic. He turned back to Laurentis and Percy."Excuse me. My son. I believe you can head up to Kendrick 's study and I will be there shortly."

Albus, lusterlessness, and Mr. Eckerton left Laurentis and Percy, who had now begun to argue about something, in the Great Hall and entered one of its antechambers. The room was furnished with a few couches and chairs. Albus chose an armchair while lustrelessness and his dad sat down on a couch.

"I 'm really distressing, matt,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."I did not gestate survive class to be brought up during this debate."

"It 's not your flaw,"Matt replied as he picked at a unleash train of thought on the lounge."It 's just the way she, Laurentis, was talking, I thought that maybe she .... Does she know, Dad ? She seemed to know an dreadful lot about what Balladanis did."

"She does n't know,"Mr. Eckerton said immediately."The but people at the Ministry who know are in my department. However, she and the rest of the Ministry did have to know why I was filing a report on Balladanis endure year. I had to pass on reasons as to why I wanted him investigated on that report."

"Did you list exactly what he did, with the Anamatek and his werewolf deterrent example ?"lusterlessness asked.

"No."Mr. Eckerton shook his headland."There are natural law protecting minors in this sort of situation and I was not legally required to name your gens. All I had to say was that an anonymous scholarly person had felt threatened by a certain object lesson that Balladanis taught. That was all that was needed to set up the investigation. That alone would not have gotten him clear, but enough evidence was found through interview students about his teaching methods that zilch else was needed. It was n't even mentioned that it was a tertiary class class in my pilot report."

"But she seemed to bonk so a good deal,"Matt said.

"She does n't. Politicians embellish what they know in order to get elected. You do n't accept to worry. I suppose if she really wanted to she could look at the programme for Defense Department for that time of year and research and figure it out, but it would take a lot of study. And hope me, she does not give birth the time for that. Nor does she really have any reason to care what moral it was or why a student was threatened or who that student was."

"But she said my life had been at endangerment,"Matt said.

"Again, that 's her embellishment."Mr. Eckerton half-smiled."The only ones who are really queer are your fellow students and this will blow over. They have no way of finding out."

"commodity,"matt replied, finally smiling a bit.

"I 'd better get to the headmaster 's report,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up.

Albus waited while Matt said goodby to his dad and then the two boys headed back to Gryffindor tower. The newsperson had either scattered or had found student willing to be interviewed, for the boys came across no one but Prefects and a few first geezerhood setting off dungbombs on their way back to the common room. Albus was very glad to hear that Laurentis did not know the specific about what had happened with Balladanis the previous year, but he wished neither her or Percy would ever bring it up again in a disputation. Somehow, though, Albus doubted that it would n't be.


Sorry for the late update ! clock time has gotten away from me. Thanks to all who have read and reviewed. Big thanks to my Skype writing chemical group ; you guys are amazing !

I have a new sports meeting the Author screw thread on the forums. There 's a link to it on my author page. Please check it out and ask me doubt !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The article in the Prophet on Sunday proved to be just as unconscionable as the actual debate had been. It took up the entire front page and was ripe with quote from both nominee and a few educatee, although none of Albus 's cousins had been quoted. The Ravenclaw who had asked the question about Balladanis at the question and resolution academic term had not only been interviewed, but she had received her own article located on the second page. Albus groaned when he opened the page and saw it, perfect with a picture of the Ravenclaw in interrogative. His acquaintance quickly crowded around the paper to say it over his shoulder.

CENSORSHIP AT HOGWARTS ?

Yesterday 's newsworthy argumentation at Hogwarts
school day of witchcraft and genius proved
not only to be a time to acquire about the
campaigner'true persuasion on sorcerous
breeding, but possibly uncovered an issue
of censoring that had been looked over
finally year.

Following the debate a question and answer
seance was held for those lucky few
Hogwarts students who had gotten to sit
in the Great student residence during the debate. The
concluding question was asked by sixth year
Ravenclaw Elizabeth York. During the argument
Patricia Laurentis brought up the topic
of the investigation of professor Tethys
Balladanis, previous defense lawyers Against
the wickedness arts prof ( see article on
forepart page ). York then questioned what
information had taught that according to
Laurentis"endangered a student 's life."

'I just wonder what information was being
taught because I 'm a firm truster that
students should never be denied
data. If it was bad enough
to endanger someone 's liveliness, then sure enough,
it should not be taught, but no one is
saying what the information was .'York
said in an interview following the
session.

After the question was asked, turn over
moderator and header of the Department for
the Regulation and restraint of Magical
Creatures Walter Eckerton told the
candidates that they could not say
what the information was, just confirm
that the incident had happened. Eckerton
quickly wrapped up the session, stating
that they were out of time.

It is interesting to take note that Eckerton
is the superstar who filed the complaint
thus launching the investigating of
Balladanis. When asked for a remark,
Eckerton said'I 'm the Head of the
Department for the regulating and control
of Magical creature. He had an Anamatek.
I was informed of the site and had
to acquire action mechanism .'

The state of affairs provided more questions
than answers and it will be concern
to encounter out whether this incident plays
a further office in April 's election.

Albus set down the paper and pushed away his half-eaten breakfast. Why did the oracle have to print that ? It did n't seem relevant to the election. Balladanis had been sacked and was long gone. It was in the past.

"Your dad 's right field,"Amanda said to Matt later on when they were in the Marauder 's Den."She 's just trying to make things into a boastful deal so she can win Sir Thomas More voter turnout. Politicians turn the dim-witted things into huge deals."

"I know, but still,"Matt said as he picked through a pile of Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor noggin."It 's like none of them realize that it 's my lifetime they 're making a big muckle of."

"Honestly, I do n't think it 's actually the information that masses want,"Rose said, looking up from her Potions schoolbook."Think about it. If someone were to leak out the info, and say that Balladanis was teaching so much about identifying loup-garou that people could figure out you were one, they 'd give birth nothing else to lecture about-"

"Yeah, because they 'd be talking about how there 's a werewolf at Hogwarts,"mat said.

"No, that 's not what I meant,"rosebush replied."They 're interested in the bigger issue. The fact that there might be censorship at Hogwarts. They do n't care what the entropy is that 's been censored. They just manage that something 's been censored. And I think that if they really knew what it was, they 'd all correspond that Balladanis had gone over the top."

"I guess,"Matt said."But that 's the matter, no one 's going to really lie with what it is."

"It 'll all gasconade over soon enough,"Albus said."Next debate 's on law enforcement. Aurors, Azkaban, that sort of affair, and Laurentis runs Azkaban."

Albus spent much of Dominicus afternoon on the Quidditch pitch, which was a welcomed rilievo from discussing the debate and the election and Percy and Laurentis. He loved his Quaker, but they all seemed to be able-bodied to discuss the election for ages and he could n't. Fred would have had them on the pitch longer, but Hufflepuff had reserved it for the evening.

The discussion of the censorship article seemed to calm down the succeeding day, if only because a good majority of the professor had all scheduled examination that day and everyone was interfering with finale minute of arc studying. Albus had exams in both Herbology and defence force Against the Dark Arts, although the latter was really no unlike from the usual worksheets. Luckily there was no test in Care of Magical Creatures and then Albus had a destitute period.

Matt slept the integral resign period and up until dinner party in Bob Hope that he would be able to attend that dark 's detention. He had no desire to do detention on his own, so he was hoping that he 'd be able-bodied to get away with just missing the next Nox 's. He still looked absolutely exhausted even after the nap.

"If we 're doing anything outside I 'll have to leave,"Matt said as the four male child made their way to Filch 's study."pigeon hawk I hope it 's not outside."

"Me, too,"toilet said."priming coat 's horribly muddy after utmost Night 's storm."

"Bet the team will make out that."Albus said They had practice that Nox and Albus was missing it.

The boy continued their way through the castling until they made it to Filch 's cogitation. Albus knocked three multiplication and then stood back, waiting for the ancient caretaker to open the door.

Filch was holding his cat, Josie, in his arms when he appeared in the doorway. He was scowling, the furrow on his face showing more than ever, and looked thoroughly disgusted at having to supervise the boys'detention. He let the cat down on the terra firma and she took a swat at Kaden 's gown before darting behind a nearby suit of armor.

"You lot again,"Filch muttered as he shut the door behind him, despite the fact that the four male child had n't had a joint detention with Filch since bit year."You 're scrubbing the 2nd level little girl 's bathroom. With soup-strainer, of course."Filch reached into his pocket and pulled out four grubby toothbrushes.

"That 's Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom,"Albus whispered to his friends as they distributed their cleaning implements and followed Filch down the corridor.

Filch shooed them into the bathroom and leaned against the doorway, his arms across his pectus, and scowled at them as they began. Albus squatted down and began to scrub the floor, John and Kaden doing the same. The three had agreed to make the custody as light as possible for matt and thus left him the swallow hole.

Albus had n't been scrubbing for more than two minutes when he heard a splashing behind him and a girlish giggle. He turned around and saw myrtle, smiling and winking at him. She floated over until she was hovering over the subdivision of floor that Albus was scrubbing.

"Albus Potter."She giggled again."You 're back to my toilet. Oh, but this time you 've been in trouble, have n't you ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus muttered.

"This is n't for what you did to the Slytherin unwashed room, is it ?"Myrtle asked."Your pal asked me about that. I told him that you 'd been in here that night, hiding under your invisibility Cloak."

Albus flinched when she said the Christian Bible"invisibility cloak"and hoped that Filch had had some hearing departure in his old age. The hold up thing Albus needed was for the caretaker to know he had an invisibleness Cloak.

"I did n't jazz you were pranking the Slytherins, though,"Myrtle continued."I like male child who pull pranks, you know."myrtle giggled again and floated closer to Albus, so close that his hand was now inside her arm. He moved it away.

"You know, some old age I hardly get any son coming in here,"myrtle said as she floated towards John."And this class there 's so many. I think you should come visit me more often. It gets lonely in here, you know."

"Yeah, I imagine it 's quite lonely, being dead,"Kaden said.

myrtle let out an ear-piercing shriek and started wailing. She sped past tense Albus and into one of the stable, where she plunged herself into the toilet.

"medium type, is n't she ?"Kaden said.

There was another meretricious splash and myrtle was suddenly right in front of Kaden."You would be too if you were perfectly !"she shouted.

"But could n't you leave the loo ?"John asked."The other touch float about the castling all the time."

"leave-taking the loo ?"Myrtle repeated."Leave the loo ?"She said a bit louder."But this is where I died ! I find it 's best to think about my death right hand here. Right where it happened."

"Would n't it be less lonely with the other ghosts ?"toilet asked as he began to scrub one of the stall doors.

"The other spectre do n't understand,"Myrtle lamented."They 're all satisfied being dead. Even the Grey Lady and she 's always seemed slightly miserable. But no, none of them are as hapless as me."Myrtle seemed proud about that.

"Wyrd,"trick muttered under his breath.

"Quiet !"Filch shouted."You 're in detainment. No talking."

Myrtle resumed floating above the son, letting out a loud lament every so often. Kaden and matt continued to scrub the floor while can scrubbed the stalls. Matt was still scrubbing the swallow hole, but was going very slowly and winced every so often.

"You look poor !"myrtle exclaimed as Matt 's hand slipped and he dropped his soup-strainer. He bent down to pick it up and leaned on the sink, squeezing his eyes shut. Myrtle floated down to hover just above the sink next to him and smiled.

Matt said zero and turned from Vinca minor, to get started on the sink on the other side. Vinca minor followed."You know, I 'm miserable here all the time. I just sit here and contemplate my destruction ..."myrtle continued.

Myrtle continued to follow Matt around the bathroom while he was clearly trying to ignore her and put as lots length between them as possible. He had no luck with this since he was exhausted and Myrtle was a ghostwriter. Albus caught John 's eye as Myrtle giggled for the twentieth time and the two shared a silent laugh.

After they 'd been scrubbing for nearly two hour Filch finally told them they could give up. Albus 's human knee and hands were raw and he had a feeling he smelled strongly of cleaner. trick and Kaden looked equally miserable and lusterlessness looked as bad as he did the morning time after a full moon, only without the slash and bites. myrtle looked delighted at their misery.

"sojourn me again soon !"she shouted after them as they left."Especially you,"she added to matte with another giggle.

"individual has a crunch on you,"King John said to lusterlessness as soon as they were out of earshot of Filch.

"Shut up,"Matt muttered.

"lusterlessness and Myrtle, what an adorable couple you 'd wee,"St. John the Apostle continued."You should go visit her. She seemed to be well-chosen knowing that you were miserable."

"I said shut up about it !"Matt shouted.

"Fine, was only making a joke,"John Lackland replied.

The male child walked in silence the repose of the way to Gryffindor column. They did not come across anyone else, which Albus was grateful for since he was uncertain as to whether it was past curfew or not. Once back in Gryffindor, matte immediately went to the dormitory without saying another tidings to Albus, John, or Kaden.

"Hope it 's not cleanse tomorrow,"bathroom muttered as he sat down on the nearest chair and pulled up his heave leg."expression at that. My knee 's all red."

"Matches my fingers,"Kaden added.

Albus would gladly suffer through another day of Muggle cleaning if it meant the rest of the detentions would be called off. He was missing two Quidditch recitation and the utmost dueling practice before the first affaire d'honneur. Some headwaiter he was, missing the last recitation before their first tournament. Their net practice was Thursday eve and Albus would be off in detention, doing who knows what. He was planning on having Amanda run the practice, although he had n't talked to her about it yet.

The doorway to the green room opened and the Gryffindor Quidditch team, minus Albus of course, trouped in. They all looked muddy, exhausted, and sweaty and Albus felt a stab of guiltiness as he watched them head up to the dorm to shower.

"Missed you, Al,"Fred said as he passed."You 're missing on Wednesday, too, are n't you ?"

"Yeah,"Albus muttered."Sorry."

Fred nodded."Just do n't do it right before a match."

That was at least fortunate, Albus thought. They would n't be playing in another Quidditch catch until after the holidays, seeing as the next match was Hufflepuff versus Ravenclaw. However, he couldn't helper but feel that missing dueling practice right before a tournament was spoiled than missing Quidditch practice right before a match.
***


Albus 's week did not better the following day, when he began it with stunt woman potions. mat, feeling too ill to brew potions all morn, stayed in the residence hall to slumber, leaving Scorpius Malfoy without a partner to brew that day 's wart removal Potion. Even defective, Albus 's better half was also not in category. Slughorn saw this as the arrant opportunity to match Albus with Malfoy.

Albus set up his cauldron while Malfoy stalked off to the potions cupboard to get the ingredients. He returned a short while later and began to chop a shrivelfig into perfectly sized pieces. Albus took the rat spleen, dumped it into the caldron, and began to shake up it.

"Word is you and your Friend got a week 's detention for that japery,"Malfoy said, not looking up from his shrivelfig.

"Yes. Not that it 's any of your business,"Albus responded.

"Oh, but it is."Malfoy smirked, finally looking up."You did n't by probability get Thursday off from detention, did you ?"

"No,"Albus muttered. He took a few deep breaths, trying to still himself down. He was stirring the cauldron far too quickly.

"That 's dueling practice,"Malfoy said, as if it had slipped Albus 's mind."Our own captain, missing practice because of detention. I do n't suppose you 've found individual else to run practice, have you ?"

"If you 're angling for the job you 're out of luck,"Albus said as he threw another rat short temper into the cauldron with more force-out than was necessary."Amanda already said she 'd do it."That was n't necessarily true, as Albus had slept too belated that morn to see Amanda at breakfast before they 'd had to go down to the keep.

"tagger ?"Malfoy scoffed."I think the maitre d' ought to have at least some skill at dueling."

"Why does it count so much ?"Albus asked."It 's one practice ! It 's not like one drill would make you captain."

"When the professors see what a practiced job of it I do-"

"One rationality, Malfoy,"Albus interrupted."have me one reason why you should do it over Amanda."

Malfoy 's typeface broke out in a malicious grin."One rationality ? The moon 's going to be in an occupy phase tonight."

Albus lowered his voice."You would n't. You ca n't. Kendrick would expel you."

"Only if he knew it was me who spilled the edible bean,"Malfoy pointed out.

Albus felt the rake drainpipe from his fount. Why had he never thought of that ? Of row there were ways Malfoy could let it slip without anyone knowing it was him."fine,"Albus muttered."mulct. You captain the team on Thursday. But just that day. I do n't have custody on Sat afternoon."

"carnival enough,"Malfoy said, clearly satisfied at how affair had turned out.

Albus took a parsnip and began to hack it with as much power as he could muster, imagining Malfoy 's smirking cheek upon the vegetable 's surface. Luckily, Malfoy did not say another tidings to Albus throughout the entire class, which gave Albus the restraint not to hex him into following hundred after they left Slughorn 's room.

The day continued in a downwardly spiral when Patil had them work on transfiguring crumb into teacup and Albus 's teacup ran across his table and crashed onto the story. politics was no better because Professor Embry had the class discuss the by Saturday 's debate, something Albus just wanted to put behind him. He could n't help oneself but palpate as if the total class was staring at him for the whole hr since Embry brought up the issue of his kidnapping and the sacking of Professor Balladanis.

Kendrick sent Albus, Matt, John, and Kaden an owl at dinner party informing them that their custody would take piazza in glasshouse Two, where Professor Longbottom needed help transferring his dragon droppings plant food from a huge mint outside to various pots inside.

"Disgusting !"John exclaimed upon reading the notation."I get enough of that in Herbology."

"At least we 're with Longbottom and not Filch,"Albus pointed out."matt will be missing this one, obviously."

John nodded."Where is he, by the way ? Have n't seen him all day."

"Probably still in the student residence. He was sound asleep when I went up there to catch my Transfiguration book at tiffin,"Albus said.

Kaden glanced at his watch."We 're not even going to have fourth dimension to go back there before detention. It 's six-thirty."

Albus set his fork down. He had been picking at his gripe swither, but not really eating it. He still had n't told his Friend that Malfoy was going to be running his dueling drill later that week. Add that to the fact that now he would n't get to see mat before the entire moon and it was just turning out to be an awful evening.

Rose seemed to show Albus 's mind."We 'll go check on him after dinner party,"she said. Amanda nodded.

John and Kaden polished off the rest of their meals and then the three boys set off for the greenhouses. The sun was just beginning to set as they walked across the land and Albus knew that meant that lusterlessness would be heading to the hospital Wing soon. He hoped Rose and Amanda would manage to see him before he did.

Neville was waiting for them when they arrived, bearing four shovels and four sets of gloves.

"matte ca n't come tonight,"Albus said once they reached Neville.

Neville glanced at the sky."Oh, right. I 'd forgotten."He handed the boys the shovels and boxing glove."All of this,"he gestured to a large pile of manure,"want to be moved into the pots in nursery Two. You can leave once you 're finished."

Albus groaned inwardly as he looked at the pile. It must have been at to the lowest degree six feet richly and as big around as the Scots heather shed near the Quidditch tar. It would consider them at least an time of day. He sighed as he pulled on his baseball glove and began to shovel the manure.

With all three boys working steadily it took them an hr and a half to proceed all the manure. When they finally finished all Albus wanted to do was go up to Gryffindor tug and take the world 's tenacious exhibitor. He felt worse than he did after a Quidditch practice in the pouring rain.

"Two down, five to go,"John said after Neville parted path with them on the second base."I 'd never thought I 'd say this, but I 'd really like some lines."

"I just wish they 'd strike down Thursday 's,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, right, what are you doing about your dueling praxis ?"John Lackland asked.

Albus felt anger boiling up in him again just thinking about it."Malfoy 's taking over for the practice."

"Wait, seriously ?"lavatory exclaimed."But Amanda 's on your squad. She could have-"

"It 's complicated,"Albus muttered. For some ground he did n't want to get into why Malfoy was going to be headwaiter for the Night."And it 's only for a night."

John gave Albus a strange look."I guess, but still ... Malfoy ? It 's going to go to his head."

"I know !"Albus exclaimed."I know, all right ? It 's not like I wanted to have detention on Thursday and miss that practice. I 'll remind you that this prank was yours and Kaden 's idea. Not mine."

"I know,"lavatory said."But Malfoy ..."his voice trailed off.

Albus spent a unspoiled one-half 60 minutes in the rain shower once he returned to Gryffindor and then collapsed into bed, wishing that he could wake up and find out that the day had been an terribly dream. Instead, he dreamed that Professor Kendrick decided to take away Albus 's captaincy and leave it to Malfoy.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! This will be the only update this month as I am currently working on NaNoWriMo.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


John got his compliments the following evening when the male child spent an time of day doing lines with professor Young, which was slightly superfluous since Young paid absolutely no attention to them. After they were released, Albus, John, and Kaden immediately went to the hospital extension, as they had been unable to natter Matt earlier in the day.

gentlewoman Pomfrey was refilling potion bottleful when they arrived a little while later. The curtains were drawn around Matt 's usual bed while all the former beds remained empty-bellied.

"how-do-you-do, boys,"the nurse greeted them."I 'll let you natter for ten minute, but curfew 's very soon."

Albus nodded and led privy and Kaden to Matt 's bed, where he pulled back the curtains and entered the small country. lustrelessness was laying in bed with a patch around his left wing arm and another on his forehead.

"How are you feeling ?"Albus asked.

"Awful,"lusterlessness replied."But I do n't desire to peach about it. What 's new with you lot ?"

"Just did an hr of assembly line,"King John said."And final stage night we had to shovel manure for Longbottom. You 're favourable you missed that one. I swear I still smell like dragon dung."

"But now I have to do two hold by myself. Possibly three,"flatness lamented.

"Three ? You 're not going to get out of here tomorrow ?"Kaden asked. Usually Matt got out of the Hospital annexe two days after the full moon.

"I will, but it just depends on what the custody is. If it 's occupation then I can go but if it 's cleaning again then I 'll accept to skip it. brothel keeper Pomfrey wants me to lie tomorrow."

"Ca n't think of what else they 'd have us do,"John said."Guess what else ? Albus is having Malfoy run his dueling squad 's practice tomorrow since he 'll be in detention."

"You 're what ? !"Matt exclaimed."That 's mad, Albus."

Albus sighed."It 's one day. One practice. It 's not like I 'm giving him my team."

"Yeah, but there are former people on your team,"mat pointed out."One of them could have captained it."

"As I told John and Kaden, it 's complicated,"Albus said."And it wo n't occur again."

mat shrugged, but he did n't appear convinced. The go affair Albus wanted to do was enjoin him the real rationality why Malfoy was going to run the practice. Matt did n't ask that on his home.

"Time 's up !"Madam Pomfrey announced as she brought a tray of potions to Matt."precipitation back to Gryffindor. The cobbler's last thing the three of you need is another detention."

As it turned out, there were early things that the professors thought of for the male child'detentions. Thursday evening they cleaned cauldrons without magic in prof Slughorn 's classroom, something that Madam Pomfrey forbade Matt from doing, insisting that he move around in former instead. Albus spent the entire hold thinking about what Malfoy was doing with his dueling team and counting down the minutes until he would be capable to ask Amanda about it.

"He was really filthy,"Amanda said once the boy were back in the common room after custody. Amanda had gotten out of dueling praxis before they 'd finished hold."A few of the indorse years were cursing him afterward. I heard them. Not that I blame them since he all out yelled at them for not being able-bodied to perform a Jelly-Legs Jinx."

"What does he look ?"Albus replied."They 're 2d yr !"

"I tried to distinguish him that, but he did n't care,"Amanda said."He even yelled at a Slytherin."

"Seriously ?"Albus said."Wow."

"I 'm really glad Longbottom made you captain and not him,"Amanda continued."I think I 'd stop otherwise."

"I would 've quit if he was on my team, point,"Saint John said.

"He would n't lowest as captain anyway,"Amanda pointed out."Professor Cedonia was supervising and she had to recite him to tone it down about five times and then once one of the second gear eld was close to tears, she called an end to the practice."

Albus could n't help but palpate a bit of expiation that Malfoy made such a bad captain, despite the fact that he did sense bad for his teammates. He doubted Malfoy would block off insisting that he should take been made headwaiter, but Albus doubted anything would bar that.

Sat brought with it a loud electric storm that rendered it nearly out of the question to hear what anyone was saying in the Great Hall at breakfast. Albus was quite felicitous that Fred had not scheduled a Quidditch practice for that day, but hoped that the violent storm would calm down by the sentence the tournament began since his squad would need to be able to see each other speak.

Malfoy was already seated at squad seven-spot 's dapple at the Hufflepuff mesa when Albus arrived later that afternoon. He was delight to see that the rest of the team was giving him a wide slip, including a few of the new Slytherins.

"Albus !"one of the sec year Hufflepuffs, Alice Jake, shouted when she saw him coming."So glad you 're back."

"Me, too."Albus grinned as he sat down in between her and another Hufflepuff."You lot ready ?"

There was a chorus of"yes 's"and a few nods of heads from Albus 's team. The last few duelers ran into the room and snagged the last few tail, which were unfortunately next to Malfoy.

Albus glanced at his watch. Five arcminute until the tournament began. He felt like he should make some sort of oral communication, like all of his Quidditch master did before matches. But what was he supposed to say ?

"Er, well, here we are. The first tourney,"Albus began."You are all excellent dueller, each and every one of you. We 've all been practicing hard and you 've all made majuscule betterment. We 're going to do expectant, but think back, just hold fun. But if you remember what you 've learned and duel like you do in practice, I think we can definitely win this."

The rest of his squad ( sans Malfoy ) gave a hearty cheerfulness and then turned to Professor Longbottom, who had just called for care. Albus 's team immediately quieted down.

"Welcome to the first dueling tournament !"Neville announced."It will run as it has in the past tense, with two duel happening simultaneously. Professor Cedonia is coming around with the tourney docket, which will be given to each captain. Please pay attention and know when you are to duel. Everyone will duel twice. professor Cedonia and I will each preside over a dueling set and will declare the winners. The first person to disarm their opponent will be given a point. Remember, you are only allowed to use spells you have learned in your stratum. The initiative duels will start momentarily."

Professor Cedonia handed Albus a bit of parchment and he set it down while his team crowded around him."I think it 'll be easier for me to let you jazz when you 're to duel. I 'll tell you two duels before you 're scheduled. Alice and Tucker, you 're first."

Albus glanced down the list and noticed that he was the tenth duel in Neville 's ringing and the seventeenth in Cedonia 's. That would give him plenty of meter to get used to organizing his team. It was slightly sweep over, having to constantly be paying attention to the list and figuring out when everyone should be dueling. After a few duel, he managed to get the hang of it.

"Malfoy,"Albus said."You 're up in two duels, in Cedonia 's ring."

Malfoy nodded, but did n't say anything. He had not said a word the entire tourney, which was very uncharacteristic, and the residual of the team seemed to be set on ignoring him.

Albus handed the list to Amanda and headed to Neville 's dueling ring, where he was set to duel John. Two Hufflepuffs from former teams were currently battling it out and Albus was future. The shorter of the two Hufflepuffs finally managed to demilitarize his opponent.

"Point to team up Four !"Neville shouted as the two Hufflepuffs left."Albus ceramist versus John Brickston."

Albus and St. John the Apostle gave each other apologetic smiles before bowing and raising their wand, waiting for Neville 's okay.

"Ready, duel !"Neville shouted.

Albus immediately sent a leg-locker oath at whoremonger, who easily deflected it. John sent the Lapp at Albus who also avoided it. Albus continued sending charm at can, who kept avoiding them, until he finally got hit with a Jelly-legs Curse and nearly lost his footing. In the time it took him to perform the counter-curse, Albus was able to hit him with Petrificus Totalus.

"Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted as whoremaster fell over. He caught John 's wand in his rectify hand and then turned to Neville, who was smiling.

"pointedness to team Seven !"

Neville performed the counter-curse on can and the two son left the ring. Albus headed back to his table, where Malfoy was just heading to Cedonia 's dueling mob.

Malfoy dueled a second class and won within two moment. He was smirking as he walked back to the Hufflepuff table, but he returned to mediocre applause. It seemed that the rest of the squad was still piercingly about Thursday 's praxis.

The eternal rest of the tournament went well. Both Albus and Malfoy won their indorse affaire d'honneur, although Malfoy had a lot more difficulty since he dueled a fellow quartern year.

"care, I 'd like to declare the winner !"Neville shouted a unawares patch after the final duel. The intact elbow room immediately quieted and looked up at Neville."Thank you. In third position with 44 breaker point is Team Little Joe !"

sunniness erupted from the Ravenclaw tabular array, where Team Four was currently seated. Once they quieted down, Neville spoke."In 2nd place with 52 point in time is squad Seven !"

The rest period of Albus 's team began to clapperclaw and cheer, but Albus was too stunned to do much of anything. He could n't think it ! His initiatory ever tourney as captain and his team had gotten second space ! A few mass slapped him on the vertebral column and he broke out into a smiling.

"And in get-go place, with 55 points is team Six !"Neville announced.

There were cheers from the other end of the Hufflepuff tabular array, but Albus ignored them. He was still shocked that his own team had done so well.

"Great job, everyone !"he said once he regained his composure."I knew we could do it !"

The table was filled with turmoil and chatter and it continued even after they got up and began to leave the room. Albus was anxious to get back to Gryffindor pillar where he could celebrate his draw near win with his friends.

"Nice going, ceramist,"Malfoy spat as soon as they left the Great Hall."I bet if I were the captain we would 've won."

"We got second,"Albus replied."That 's really good."

"low gear would 've been better,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm amazed we even got second considering how amazing you are at practices."

"Better than you,"Albus said."No one liked your practice on Th. Did you observe how no one talked to you today ? They hated it."

"They 're just too used to you coddling them,"Malfoy said, taking a measure closer to Albus.

"Well it does n't much thing because I 'm the senior pilot and you 're not,"Albus said as he toyed with his wand, which he was still brandishing in his left deal.

"For now,"Malfoy replied, eyeing Albus 's wand."If you keep getting in trouble I bet they 'll replace you."

"C'mon, Albus."Matt had appeared next to Albus."Let 's get back to the commons room."

"better listen to him."Malfoy gave a dead laugh."You 'd think it 'd the other way around, though. Him attacking me rather than you. But I suppose that would only be in a sealed clip of-"Malfoy glared knowingly at Matt.

"Shut up ! And postulate that back,"Albus seethed, raising his wand.

"Seriously, Albus, let 's go !"Matt grabbed the back of Albus 's robes and pulled him towards the staircase.

"Evil git,"Albus muttered, looking back at the crowd in the Entrance Hall. Malfoy was already gone."Why does he always have to bring it up like that ?"

"It does n't matter,"lusterlessness said.

"Of course it matters !"Albus said indignantly."It 's disdainful !"

"I 'm used to it,"matte said quietly.

"So what ?"Albus exclaimed."That does n't mean you should have to spend the rest period of Hogwarts having him bring it up every day."

"And you hexing him would have solved everything ?"lustrelessness asked."You just would 've obtain another detention."

"Would 've been worth it,"Albus muttered.

"No, it would n't bear,"matte argued."You 've just got to brush aside him. I ignore him."

"I really hope that side by side year he 's not on my dueling team,"Albus said.

"I do n't remember he will. Did n't they go back to sign teams for dueling for fifth through seventh days this year ?"Matt asked.

"Did they ?"Albus asked.

"That 's what one of the 6th years said,"mat answered.

"Good,"Albus said."Then I just have to endure through this year."

Albus and matte were the last of their supporter to get back to Gryffindor, where it appeared that no one was doing homework. James had set a few fireworks off out the windowpane and everyone was watching them while eating phonograph record upon phonograph record of biscuit.

"What are you lot celebrating ?"Albus asked James as he took a biscuit.

James shrugged."Just the fact that we 've got a Saturday with cipher to do. wellspring, Cedric, Ben, Nathan, and I that is."

"Where have you two been ?"Rose asked as she walked up to Albus and lusterlessness. bathroom and Kaden were behind her, a biscuit in each hand.

"Al nearly got into a duel with Malfoy in the entrance Hall,"matte explained.

"Albus !"Amanda exclaimed."You ca n't get anymore detainment !"

"I know, but he said something really vile,"Albus said and turned to John."You would 've hexed him."

"What did he say ?"rose wine asked.

"He said that he was storm I was n't attacking him,"Matt said quietly.

"You 're right,"John growled."I would 've hexed him."

"See ?"Albus said.

"And I told you that it was n't worth custody over,"mat repeated.

"But if it continues,"rose wine said,"you 've got to secern Kendrick."

"I 'm not telling Kendrick,"lusterlessness insisted."I think he 's got enough to worry about with the possible action of the entire schooling getting changed if Laurentis wins this election."
***


"Why in the public figure of merlin are we doing custody in the forest ?"Kaden asked at breakfast the accompany first light.

"Seriously,"John agreed."That 's not really detention, is it ? The forest is chill. I 've always wanted to go in there."

"Are you two insane ?"Amanda asked."There 's all kind of puppet in there."

"My baby did detention in the wood once,"Matt said."She had to reap these plants Slughorn needed and they could only be harvested the night of the total moon."

"well that 's one custody you 'll never own to do."can laughed.

"Maybe we have to harvest some former kind of plant ?"Matt suggested, ignoring John Lackland 's comment.

"Dunno."Albus shrugged. The letter they 'd received had not gone into particular. It just stated that they were to suffer Hagrid near his hut at three that afternoon.

"At least you 're not going at night,"blush wine pointed out.

The few hours Albus and his friends had until detention went by rather quickly. They spent the hours in the park way alternating doing homework while participating in very large rung of Exploding cracking with nearly all of Albus and Rose 's cousin-german. Everyone was covered in ash by the prison term three o'clock rolled around and the boys had to run up to their dormitory room to wash their faces before heading down to Hagrid 's hut.

Albus liked Hagrid. He had known the half-giant since he was petty and was slightly confused as to how hold with Hagrid could possibly be considered custody. Perhaps Professor Kendrick was unaware that Albus and his friends visited Hagrid every so often and enjoyed spending time with him.

Hagrid was already outside when Albus and the other three son arrived, armed with his crossbow and Fang by his face. Albus swallowed hard upon seeing the crossbow. Did Hagrid really think they would need that ?

"'Ello, boys !"Hagrid greeted them."Fairly simple detention today. We 'll be collectin'unicorn tail hairs."

"Like getting them from unicorns ?"Kaden asked."I thought they did n't like boys."

Hagrid gave a prosperous laugh."No, no, Kaden. It 'd be a crime to take 'em right from the unicorn, wouldn'it. No, we 'll be gettin''em from George Bush and Tree. As the unicorns run past they get snagged. Let 's get goin'."

Fang let out a meretricious bark as they made their way to the forest. Collecting unicorn hair. That was n't bad at all. But still, it was the woods and that was where Washburn and Willinson had spent a lot of their time the old year. They would n't be back there, would they ? Obviously Washburn and Quinton Willinson were in Azkaban, but what about Quinton 's don ? Where was he ?

"What do we need unicorn whisker for ?"John asked as they entered the forest."No one here makes wands."

"Used for a lot more'n wands, aren'they,"Hagrid answered."Potions, mostly. Tha 's what we need 'em for. Seventh long time are brewing somethin'that needs unicorn fuzz so professor Kendrick volunteered you four to collect 'em. Slughorn 's too old to do it himself."

"That 's for sure,"Saint John muttered to Albus.

It was very black in the forest, despite the fact that it was day. All four boys lit their sceptre and Hagrid 's pinko umbrella was providing more light than two sceptre combined. Hagrid had told them that they would n't happen any hair until they were at least fifteen minutes into the afforest since unicorns rarely ventured near the boundary.

The woods was very dense and it was difficult for them to walk succeeding to each former. Soon, they were forced to walk single filing cabinet through a very small itinerary that was riddled with shoetree branches and rocks. Albus stumbled every so often and Matt managed to fall down over three times before anyone found any unicorn tooshie hair. Galloping hooves could be heard in the length and Albus figured they were centaurs. His dad had told him that there was a herd of Centaurus in the forest, although Albus had never seen one before.

"Here we are,"Hagrid said after what had been at least a twenty minute paseo. He gestured to a nearby bush."Jus'have a look around here and I 'm trusted we 'll find plenty. This is a have intercourse area where unicorns live. Don'wander too far."

Hagrid had provided them all with bucketful in which to collect the hair's-breadth. Albus set off for the closest bush and found a few tomentum snagged in the branches.

"Last detention,"whoremonger said as he worked alongside Albus."Thank Merlin."

"Speak for yourself,"mat called out from a tree a few meters away.

"Do you know what you have to do for your next ones ?"Albus asked.

"note, all three nights,"flatness said."Easier, I suppose, than coming up with anything else when it 's just me."

"Better than cleaning privy again. Or digging up dragon dung,"Kaden said."Whoa, I just found a whole clod of hair."

After they 'd been working for a half minute Hagrid decided that they 'd collected enough. They set off re-tracing their steps through the wood. Albus found it a short lupus erythematosus shuddery on the walk back and he was n't trusted whether it was because he had gotten used to the noises or because he could see the sunlight at the edge. He was very protruding to happen that he did not see Jarrett Willinson anywhere in the forest, although now that the detention was passed he realized that Willinson would n't go back there now that the Resurrection of Christ Stone was no longer there. No, Willinson was most in all probability still in Commonwealth of Australia, where no one was looking for him. At to the lowest degree, Albus hoped he was.


Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! You guys are amazing ! Sorry for the lack of updates lately. NaNo gave way to a frantic finishing of all the papers I 'd neglected during November. But I won NaNo and social class are over so I 'm hoping to get a good bit of writing done within the adjacent month.


The finis few calendar week of November provided the Hogwarts student and staff with a much needed geological period of calm. The side by side election debate would not take place until December and the the security review at Hogwarts topic seemed to have died out, with the Daily vaticinator no longer publishing articles on it. Both Quidditch and dueling tournaments were over for the term, leaving the students with a bit more than clip to give to their work. The next Hogsmeade visit was scheduled for the second Saturday in Dec, a week before term ended.

Albus enjoyed the humdrum of those few weeks. His days were filled with prep, Quidditch practice, and dueling practice. team Seven was very happy to have Albus back as their captain and most continued to snub Malfoy during practice. Malfoy still reserved a special brilliance of hatred for Albus and his friends, but he did not attempt to begin anymore duels in the corridor, like he had after the dueling tournament.

December arrived with a snow storm that caused the Ravenclaw Quidditch team to invalidate two of their drill. This gave Fred the chance to rule book the delivery for two additional pattern, something that earned him a healthy dose of U-No-Poo in his morning pumpkin succus courtesy of James and Omar Nelson Bradley. Albus was happy to see that the job of school day hoaxer had been rightfully returned to Henry James and his friends. The week of detentions had certainly dissuaded Albus from planning anymore pranks. The same could not be said for John and Kaden, who were plotting something, although Albus did not love what.

Albus, lustrelessness, and Amanda spent the first Saturday of December ignoring their prep in the Marauder 's Den. The Slytherin team had the pitch for the total day, which gave Albus a much needed break from Quidditch. John and Kaden 's location would probably only be found with the vulture 's Map and blush wine was tutoring in the library.

There was a forte squawk from outside the room, which was Rose 's signaling that she was out of doors and wished to be let in. Albus got up from his biz of Gobstones and let her in. She dropped her bag unceremoniously on the story and flopped down on the couch.

"I 'm disturbed about Elsie,"pink wine said.

"Elsie ..."Albus prompted.

"Elsie Willinson !"she exclaimed."The first year I 've been tutoring all year."

"Oh yeah, the one with the idiot for a brother and a cousin and uncle who want to lend back Voldemort. Yeah, I 'd be worried, too,"Albus said as he returned to his game.

"No, I 'm not worried about her stupid sidekick. I 'm vex about her."

"What, is she still failing all her subjects ?"flatness asked.

"No, she 's actually doing much better,"rosiness said."She 's just very hushed. She never talks about anything other than homework-"

"audio like you."Albus turned around and grinned at his cousin-german."Although you 're not quiet."

"I 'm serious, Albus,"Rose said flatly."Her pal walks her to the depository library for our Sessions and then picks her up when we 're done. I never see her with anyone other than him and occasionally Malfoy. I 've never seen her eat with anyone early than them, either."

"That is variety of strange,"Amanda said.

"See ?"rosebush said."Amanda thinks it 's weird."

"So she 's shy."Albus shrugged."I just do n't see what it 's got to do with you."

"It does n't really,"pink wine said quietly."But if she 's having issues. We all know about her kin. If her brother 's keeping an eye on her there must be a reason."

Albus had n't thought about it that way. What if Felix Willinson was trying to preserve an eye on his sister ?"If she 's doing something her category does n't wish I bet she 's going against something they want."

"That 's what I thought,"rose agreed."Which means she 's trying to do something good. Or he 's trying to make water sure as shooting she does n't shed family secrets."

"You think they have more syndicate secrets than just wanting Voldemort back ?"matt asked.

"Of path they do,"Rose said."We only found out cobbler's last year that they were related by marriage to Lubar. I mean, you never would 've guessed that in first or second year."

Matt shuddered."Probably a good thing that I did n't. I probably would hold refused to come to Hogwarts."

"near pure-blooded category like them have dark secrets,"Albus said as he fiddled with a Gobstone. It squirted him in the face and he rubbed the liquid on his robes."The 1 that want the pedigree to remain pure and stuff. Like the Malfoys."

"And I 'd bet my lowest Galleon that Elsie Willinson found out one of those secrets and wants to differentiate someone,"rose stated.

"You think it 's got to do with what they 're trying to do ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm sure it does."

"The exclusively problem for them is that Jarrett 's on his own now,"Amanda said."With the other two in jail, what 's he going to do ?"

"You 're forgetting about Lubar,"Matt said darkly.

Rose got up and started walking around the room."To be fair, I do n't know how practically he 's going to be involved, especially if this going to guide piazza in Britain. Think about it, finally year he had the excuse of the tournament to be here. He 's got no excuse this twelvemonth. He 's a Ministry functionary. A outrageous one, but still a Ministry official. It 's not in his outflank interest to be trying to take back Voldemort."

"That did n't even work,"Albus cut in."They ca n't bring him back, even a ghost of him, with the Resurrection Stone."

"Jarret Willinson was a Ministry official,"flatness pointed out.

"He was a writing table for the Obliviator office. That 's a trivial different from a Head position,"rosiness explained."Lubar has more to lose."

"I say we try and figure out what Elsie 's keeping hush-hush and I bet it 'll have something to do with what Willinson is planning now. Because I guarantee he 's planning something,"Albus decided.

"How are we going to do that ?"Amanda asked."She 's always with Felix."

"Not when pink wine is tutoring her."Albus turned to rosebush."You think you could try and get her to open up ?"

"Well she 's not going to just come out and tell me. I can try, but it 'll consume a piece,"Rose said.
***


Albus told john and Kaden about the conversation about Elsie later that night. privy proclaimed that he knew something had been unearthly about that missy from the moment they had seen her at the beginning of the year. Both son agreed that they needed to happen out what it was she was keeping secret. Albus then asked them what prank they were planning, but John and Kaden mysteriously went tranquillity as soon as Albus brought the topic up.

Albus laid awake that nighttime for a long time thinking about Elsie Willinson. He could not stimulate the double of her with Felix and Malfoy in the showtime of the year from his mind. She had looked so timid and destitute, far too innocent and young to be involved with anything like what her mob was involved with. In fact, she reminded him a bit of Lily, although he was n't sure why since Lily was anything but cautious.

Morning arrived shortly after Albus had fallen asleep and despite the fact that he 'd only flummox a few hours sleep, he got up around six and decided to get a bit of reading done in the common way. He knew he would n't be able to fall back departed.

Upon arriving in the common room, Albus thought he was still dreaming. He rubbed his eyes and pinched himself to try and ignite up, but it was no use. He was in fact awake. The simulacrum before his oculus was very, and it was terrible to appear at.

The Gryffindor common room was no longer red and atomic number 79. It was now decked out in special K and ash gray. The comfy sofa and death chair were gone and had been replaced instead with criterion schoolroom chair. assorted banners were hung up in the room that depicted snakes. In fact, the Gryffindor green room now looked exactly as Albus imagined the Slytherin common room to look, except for it not being under the lake.

However, the sheer Slytherin-ness of the common room was not the weirdest change, by a long shot. The foreign new add-on to the Gryffindor uncouth room was a grey and albumen caprine animal. It was standing in the middle of the way, its headway down and buried in a ledger. The thing about stooge, though, was that they did not enjoy books the way people did. Goats ate books. This goat was currently munching on The measure script of Spells : Grade Two. Albus 's eyes drifted from the goat and around the elbow room again, where he now noticed remnants of other books, quill pen, homework, and even a cloak.

The Capricorn looked up and stared at Albus. It let out a bleat and then went back to the book. Albus crept a lilliputian closer and noticed that a sign was affixed to the laughingstock. It said 'The Gryffindor Capricorn : Gryffindor 's new mascot. Gifted by the Slytherins. next meter, think twice about putting poulet in our commons way .'

Albus stood in the centre of the room, his stare alternating from the stooge to the note and back again. A goat ? That did n't even have any mother wit. Not only that, they were clearly trying to copy lavatory and Kaden 's trick. And changing the room into a Slytherin room ? It was horrifying, absolutely horrifying.

Albus tore his center away from the goat and ran back up the coil stairway until he got to his own dormitory room. He flicked on the Light and Ethan, the sluttish sleeping car of the crew, rolled over and groaned.

"Everyone get up !"Albus shouted."Up, get up !"

"What ?"Ethan asked shortly."It 's like six in the dawn !"

"I know it 's six in the sunrise !"Albus replied."Get up and go down to the common room. Now."

Ethan slowly got out of bed and went over to Bilius 's bed to get him up. Albus woke John up and then the two of them woke Matt up while Bilius and Ethan went down to the mutual room. Their shouts of anger could be heard all the way in the dormitory.

"What is it ?"John asked as he and Matt followed Albus back down the stairs.

"The Slytherins have had their revenge,"Albus said, handing Gospel According to John the eminence.

Albus took a detour to the third twelvemonth 's dormitory to get Kaden up. Kaden 's roommates got up as well and soon there was a big crowd in the common room. By the prison term Albus entered the room again, the first, second, and 6th years were all there. The seventh and fifth part years were right behind him.

The common room was in Chaos. James, Cedric, and Nathan were inspecting the butt. The prefects were all congregated in one fleck, clearly trying to figure out what to do. A quarter of the students were standing frozen, with looks of horror on their faces. Another quarter were laughing, despite the fact that the put-on had happened in Gryffindor. Hugo was wrestling the goat for the copy of the banner leger of while : Grade Two, which evidently was his.

The miss'dormitory room access opened and all the Gryffindor girls flooded out of it. Rose and Amanda made their way over to Albus and the residuum of the boys, who were receiving numerous stares and glares from their dude students. Clearly a few of them were blaming Albus and his friends for the Slytherins'need for revenge.

"What in the name of pigeon hawk happened ?"Rose asked.

trick handed her the banker's bill."The Slytherins have had their revenge."

"Malfoy ?"Amanda asked.

"No way to get it on, is there ?"Albus replied.

"It 's got to be, though,"john said."No one else hates us like he does."

"I bet a lot of Slytherins wanted retaliation,"rose wine said.

"All right, quiet everyone !"Albus 's full cousin, patsy, shouted over the bunch. He was one of the 6th year Prefects."You 're all to get back up to your dormitories. I 'm going to fetch professor Longbottom. Who 's the one who first saw this ?"

"I did,"Albus announced.

Mark sighed, as if thinking he should sustain known."Al, remain down here. The rest of you, back on a higher floor.

Rose handed Albus the note back and she and the rest of Albus 's friends turned to go back to their dormitories. There was a general muttering and rustling as everyone left. Soon, the uncouth way was empty except for Albus, the goat, and the six Prefects. Mark left in lodge to go get prof Longbottom.

The Prefects whispered amongst themselves while marking was gone. Albus stood off to the side, as he did not get laid the Prefects very well. He recognized a few as friends of his cousin-german.

chump returned ten minutes later with Professor Longbottom in tow. The herbology professor froze in mid-step when he entered the room. His gaze shifted from the new article of furniture to the butt to the banners and back to the stooge.

"Albus discovered it,"bell ringer said.

Longbottom turned to Albus."And it looked like this when you found it ?"

"Mostly,"Albus answered."The goat had been chewing on one of Hugo 's books so he took that. And person 's cloak had been here, but it was a Gryffindor cloak."

Longbottom sighed."All right hand, Albus, you can go back up to your dormitory."He turned to the Prefects."Let 's go through all this and see if we can witness any hint to figure out who it was."

Albus reluctantly went back up to his dormitory, where he found not only all of his roommate but Kaden as well, discussing the clowning. They all turned to Albus when he entered.

"uncovering anything out ?"bathroom asked.

"Nope,"Albus answered."The Prefects are helping Professor Longbottom go through everything for clues."

The boys whiled away the clock time until breakfast by trading burnt umber Frog cards, playing rounds of Exploding Snap, and discussing the Quidditch time of year. lustrelessness fell back asleep after defending the carom to everyone else, but no one else was able to go back to bed.

Mark knocked on their threshold a few hours later and told them they were free to get up and go to breakfast. Albus woke matte up and the boys went back down to the commons room. It looked normal once more. All remnants of the Slytherins were gone and the butt was nowhere in sight. The classroom president had disappeared and the veritable comfy couches were back. Albus was relieved to see their common way back to its usual United States Department of State, although that did nothing to satisfy his wonder about who had done it.

"wonderment what they did with the Goat,"Kaden said as they walked down tot he Great Hall.

"Probably gave it to Aberforth,"Matt said.

"Aberforth ?"Kaden asked.

"Dumbledore 's pal. He owns the Hog 's Head in Hogsmeade. Keeps stooge in his pub. Wyrd bloke,"Matt answered.

"He keeps goats ? In his pub ?"Kaden repeated."Do they just wander around ?"

"Yeah,"lusterlessness said.

The Great mansion house was populated only by Gryffindor students, which did not surprise Albus in the slightest given the early hour and the fact that it was Sunday. The professor were all up having breakfast and were whispering amongst themselves. No doubt that Longbottom had told them about the antic. Slughorn in particular looked faze.

pink wine convinced the rest of the group that it would be a good idea to maneuver to the library after breakfast to take advantage of the fact that it would be discharge. Albus had a few essays that he 'd neglected and John and Kaden needed to wee up some new predictions for Trelawney.

After a few hour of studying Albus felt his aid outset to wander. The library had filled up since they had arrived and Madam Pince was watching over the place like a mortarboard. The room access opened and Albus was surprised to see Elsie Willinson walk in, followed by her Brother and Scorpio. Scorpio 's oculus met Albus 's and he veered from his little mathematical group in ordination to waltz around over to Albus.

"How 's your common room ?"he asked with a smirk.

"Is that a confession ?"Albus replied as he stood up.

"Of trend not. It 's all over the school. Everyone knows that your common room looked like an extension of mine this dayspring. And that laughingstock, I heard it ate a few Koran. Serves you right after what you lot did to ours,"Malfoy said.

"We know you did it, Malfoy,"Saint John the Apostle said."Just waiting for the professors to prove it."

"If I did do it, and I 'm not saying I did, I would n't suffer left any evidence like you idiots obviously did."

"We did n't,"King John said flatly."Albus confessed to save his cousin and brother who had been wrongly accused."

"How noble."Malfoy laughed.

"Just tell me one matter,"Albus said."How did you get into the common elbow room ?"That was what had been bothering Albus the most. He and his friends had used the invisibility Cloak to cipher out the Slytherin parole, but how had Malfoy done it ? As far as he knew he did not have an invisibility Cloak.

"I did n't,"Malfoy said."And if I did I would n't tell you how I did it."With one more spotlight at Albus, the Slytherin walked away towards the table that Felix and Elsie had found.

"How did he get into our plebeian room ?"Albus asked as he sat back down.

"No estimation,"Matt said.

"I 'm betting he threatened a first off twelvemonth into telling him what it was,"John said."Would n't put it past him."

"You do n't have a go at it it was him,"Amanda pointed out.

"They 're never going to find oneself out who it was, either,"Rose said."Not unless they confess like you did. Otherwise no one would 've found out it was you."

"surmisal it does n't really count at this point."Albus sighed."They 've had their revenge."

"Which means it 's time for ours,"Kaden said as he grinned at John.

Rose groaned."Really ? It 's just going to turn into a huge prank war if you have revenge."

"That 's the tip,"bathroom replied.

If John and Kaden were trying to start a prank war Albus did n't want any part of it. He had had enough detainment for a lifetime and did not desire expenditure anymore of his Hogwarts calling scrubbing bathrooms or doing railway line. Albus sighed and returned to his reading. John and Kaden got up and left the library, presumably to shape on their next joke.

Later that day at dinner party Professor Kendrick gave a very stern lecture to the entire school about breaking dominion, especially the rules about not entering common suite that were not yours. It was very similar to the lecture he gave after the chicken prank, except this sentence Albus could tell that the headmaster was even more furious. Albus kept glancing at Malfoy during the speech communication but the Slytherin boy did not look guilty at all. In fact he seemed disinterested in Kendrick 's speech.

The talk of Gryffindor 's laughingstock ( as the buffoonery had now been dubbed ) died down by the middle of the week. Most of the castle was excited about the coming Hogsmeade trip and then the winter holiday. prof Longbottom sent around a sign-up sheet for those students who wished to stay home during the vacation, although none of Albus 's friends signed it.

"I 've always wondered what it would be like to stay,"can said as Professor Longbottom passed by.

"Me too,"Albus agreed."But my parents already said I ca n't this yr since there 's some big Ministry Christmas company we 've got to go to. For the election and all."

"Same here,"lustrelessness said."We 're not even going to Australia because of it."

"Wow, that 's the moment twelvemonth in a row,"Albus replied.

Matt nodded."My grandparents are coming here and then we 're visiting them over the summer."

"I think we should all stay next year,"Kaden said."Then I can go a entirely school year without seeing my grandparents. Or aunt Marge."

Albus agreed that that was a good ground to stay at Hogwarts over the holiday."Yeah, that would be fun. My dad says the castle 's great at Christmas."

"It would be matter to to see what Christmas is like,"Amanda said. Amanda 's family was Jewish and celebrated Channukah.

"You 're receive to arrive to our grandparents'planetary house for Dec 25 this year,"rose wine suggested.

Amanda grinned."I 'll ask my parents. I 'm sure enough they 'll say yes since Hanukkah was early this twelvemonth and I 've already missed it anyway."

"Rose, you 've got Charles William Post,"Albus said, gesturing to rose 's house 's owl, which had just landed on the table.

"Oh, dear !"Rose said as she ripped open the alphabetic character. She scanned it for a moment before smiling widely."I wo n't be going to Hogsmeade with you."

"You wo n't be ?"Albus gave her a quizzical look.

"No. Mum and Dad are taking me to the debate that 's that day. I owled them a few daylight ago to see if I could go and they said yes !"

"You want to go to another one ?"John asked.

"I 'd go to all of them if I could. They 're just so fascinating."She scanned the letter again."I 'm supposed to to to Kendrick 's study at ten on Sabbatum to floo home."

"What 's this one on ?"Albus asked.

"Law enforcement. The Auror Department. How it 's run and and how trials are run. I think it 's going to be the most interesting one since both Uncle Harry Hotspur and Laurentis have already hinted at their views on that topic."

That was for sure. This debate would probably be even more explosive than the one on didactics."You 'll bear to let us bed all the point,"Albus said.

"Oh I will,"rose replied."It 's why I wanted to go. I 'd rather not learn everything second script from the Prophet."

She had a point there, Albus thought. Although he was glad that Rose was the one going and not him. As very much as he thought the election was interesting, he 'd rather be in Hogsmeade with his ally than sitting in a court listening to politicians all day.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this so far ! I 'm almost done with school ( forever ! ) so I 'm hoping to update Thomas More often.


The week leading up to the Hogsmeade trip dragged by very slowly. Albus was sure that Wednesday in particular was at least twice as long as a normal day and by the time Friday finally decided to fix an appearance Albus was certain he would go insane from all the prep he had to complete. Tues had been the full moon, but luckily matte left the infirmary wing Thursday afternoon and had been cleared by dame Pomfrey to go to Hogsmeade.

When Saturday arrived there was a welcomed break in the snowstorm that had blanketed the Hogwarts grounds in two feet of Baron Snow of Leicester. Albus and his friends slept late and by the prison term they woke up Rose had already left to go to that day 's disputation. Albus, Matt, and whoremonger quickly dressed and met Kaden and Amanda in the common room.

Fred accosted Albus as he was about to get out."Albus ! gladiolus I found you. I booked the pitch for today at three since there 's a rift in the storm."

"But Fred, it 's Hogsmeade today,"Albus pointed out. As much as he loved Quidditch, Hogsmeade misstep were rare juncture and he had Xmas shopping to do.

"Exactly !"Fred exclaimed."So none of the other teams have booked the pitch. It 's booked solidness the rest of the week and we need another drill in before geological fault starts."

Albus sighed. Fred was right, of course of instruction. He glanced at his watch. It was noon, so if they hurried through lunch he would still have a good two hours in the village."All right. I 'll see you at three."

"Excellent,"Fred said."Just have to chance James ...."

Amanda snorted and started laughing. Fred, who had turned to leave, stopped and looked back at her."What ?"

Albus, John, matt, and Kaden also looked questioningly at Amanda.

"Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you,"Amanda began."Rose and I were in the library last week and overheard James I asking some Hufflepuff twenty percent class out. They 're going to Hogsmeade together today."

Fred burst out laughing."Wait, James II has a date ?"

"James asked a girl out in the library ?"Albus joined Fred in his laughter.

"Do n't enjoin him that rosebush and I overheard him,"Amanda said."He 'd hit us if he knew it was us who told."

"Bet he 's already in Hogsmeade, then,"Fred said, still laughing."They improve not be in Madam Puddifoot 's because I do n't fancy going in there to tell him about practice."

Albus was still laughing about the estimate of James IV asking a young lady out in the library of all post. He wondered who the Hufflepuff was. Maybe he 'd negociate to charm a glimpse of them in Hogsmeade together.

"He 's not actually going to leave her to go to Quidditch drill,"Amanda shouted after Fred as he left the common room.

"He will if the date 's going poorly,"Fred shouted back and disappeared into the corridor.

"well let 's hasten up and get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said."I want to see if I can envision out who this girl is."

Albus hurried out of the commons way followed by his friends. They ate a very rushed lunch in the Great lobby and then ran outside and down the path to Hogsmeade. As they neared the settlement Albus kept his eyes peeled for his sidekick.

"Where to first ?"Matt asked.

"Weasleys',"can and Kaden said together.

Albus and matte shared a glance. They should stimulate known. They followed John Lackland and Kaden as the two wicked boys led the way to Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes.

The store was packed to capacity as it always was on Hogsmeade weekends. Albus waved to his Uncle George III who was behind the retort ringing hoi polloi up as fast as the till would let him. shift was working that weekend and was restocking a shelf of Skiving Snackboxes. John and Kaden each grabbed two as the son passed.

Albus grabbed a few extendible Ears as his seemed to consume disappeared and a box of Deluxe Whizbangs for James for Christmas. He joined the long queue at the till and was joined by John and Kaden who each had arms overflowing with ware. lustrelessness and Amanda were n't buying anything and were playing with a few Pygmy Puffs that were in a cage in the front of the store.

"Neither of you have seen Saint James the Apostle, have you ?"Albus asked.

"Nope,"John said."Bet they 're at the Three Broomsticks."

"Or that place that Fred mentioned. gentlewoman whatever ?"Kaden put in.

"Madam Puddifoot 's,"Albus said."Horrifying place. Covered in frilled affair, and rap stuff."

"Let 's not go there,"Kaden said.

Albus and whoremaster both agreed. They would appear for James, just not at Madam Puddifoot 's. The queue moved relatively quickly and soon Albus, John, and Kaden had their supplies.

The next stop was Honeyduke 's where everyone stocked up on candy and Albus bought a Yuletide present for Lily. Then they made their way to the Quaffle workshop and then the Three Broomsticks. Albus had yet to see James, but his sentence was quickly running out. He had a half hour before he had to head back to the castle for Quidditch practice.

bathroom went to the bar to get five Butterbeers while the residuum of the group found a table. Luckily Scorpius Malfoy was nowhere in sight. Albus gazed around the bar until he spotted his brother 's familiar red hair. Unfortunately the little girl he was with was facing away from Albus 's table so all he knew was that she had very long, very directly brown hair.

"There they are,"Albus whispered to Matt, Kaden, and Amanda."Any of you know who the girl is ?"

"That 's Gabby Ellis,"John the Evangelist said as he returned with the Butterbeers."My cousin knows her. She 's one of the twenty percent year prefects."

"waiting, so King James not only asked her out in the library, but she 's also a prefect ?"Albus exclaimed.

"Guess so."John shrugged."I 'll never ask out a prefect. Now he 's going to have to watch his step."

"You realize that there 's a good opportunity one of us might be a prefect next yr,"Amanda pointed out.

"Nah, they 'll pick Bilius or Ethan,"trick said."They 'd never pick me, Al, or Matt after that prank."

"Well Rose is obviously going to be a prefect,"Amanda said.

"We 'll just have to cabbage around more next year,"Saint John the Apostle said."Ca n't have a prefect knowing about our pranks."

"Dervish and Banges is still untenanted,"lustrelessness said, changing the content."Do n't you think that 's kind of odd ?"

Albus had n't really thought about it."Yeah, but no one 's going to want to buy a shop where someone was murdered."

"Still, it 's just strange,"mat said as he sipped his Butterbeer.

"Someone might still own it,"Amanda pointed out."They might not need to do anything with it or sell it."

"guesswork that 's a good head,"flatness said.

"Look, James and the young woman are getting up,"Kaden said.

Albus turned and saw that James IV was indeed rising from his chairperson. Gabby did as well and the two of them walked side of meat by slope out of the pub. Gabby was pretty, Albus had to accommodate. Her eyes were bright and her cheeks were ping. St. James the Apostle was grinning. Neither of them noticed Albus or the others on their way out the door.

"Think he 'll show to Quidditch practice ?"can asked.

"If he values his spirit,"Albus replied."Speaking of that, I should probably get going."

Albus said au revoir to his friends and headed back out into the cold. The sun was out and there was no wind, but it was still bitingly frigidness. He trudged his way through the C and plunk for up to the castle, where he ran up to Gryffindor tug to put down off his leverage and change into his Quidditch robes.

The relaxation of the team was already on the pitch when Albus arrived. Fred was arguing with James about something while the rest of the team stood off to the side.

"She 's not even on their team !"Saint James the Apostle shouted."She 's not going to steal any of our plays."

"But she 's still a Hufflepuff and this is a conclude practice !"Fred argued.

Albus glanced over to the standstill and saw Gabby sitting there, wrapped in a very bombastic Hufflepuff mantle. She smiled and waved at Albus, who gave a slender moving ridge back.

"I could n't just result her. I promised we 'd spend the day together."

"And she wants to look on you take on Quidditch ?"Fred asked."Fine, fine. She can quell. Let 's just get going. We 're wasting time."

Fred and James joined the rest of the chemical group."All right !"Fred shouted."Let 's fly around the pitch a few times to get warm up."

Albus mounted his broom and soared into the air. He joined the rest of the team in their flight around the pitch and lost himself in flying. It was skillful to just fly and forget about everything else that was on his mind.

The drill went incredibly well. It was their Best practice in weeks since the atmospheric condition was cooperating. The Gryffindor squad did not cause any effect with playing, but the weather condition was usually dreaded whenever they practiced. Fred insisted this was a good matter since it would help them learn how to diddle in compeer with bad shape but no one else agreed. Albus was very felicitous to have a drill where the conditions were ideal. It made Quidditch so much more enjoyable.

James and Gabby hurried off as soon as practice session ended and the rest of the team walked back to the rook together. They were nearly back to Gryffindor tower when rose, flatness, whoremonger, Kaden, and Amanda came running towards Albus, all five looking slightly terrified.

"What 's wrong ?"Fred asked.

"It 's nothing,"rosiness said."We just need to tattle to Albus."

"meet us in the room after you stash your broom,"matt whispered and the five of them hurried off.

Albus hurried into the commons room and up to his dormitory. He had absolutely no estimate what was going on, but it must receive just had to do with his friend because everyone else in the usual room was acting normally. Albus quickly put his broom away and ran back out to the corridor.

It did n't take him long to reach the Marauder 's Den. All his booster were sitting quietly and looked up at him when he entered.

"What in the epithet of Merlin is going on ?"Albus asked.

"Two things,"Rose began."One, the debate. It was ... well ... insane is the only give-and-take to distinguish it, really. And two, I 'll let everyone else explain that first."

"Malfoy was lurking near the Shrieking shanty,"mat said."After you went to Quidditch practice we walked around the village and noticed him. It looked like he was trying to get in."

"Did he ?"Albus asked.

"No, he ca n't,"flatness said."There 's Mary Augusta Arnold Ward. It 's just odd. He was alone."

"Department of Energy he bed that that 's where you go ?"Albus replied as he sat down succeeding to Rose.

Matt shook his head."I 'm not really worried about it, either. It 's just very weird."

"Malfoy is champion with Felix Willinson so anything Wyrd that he does needs to be remembered,"Albus said darkly.

"That 's what I said,"whoremonger replied.

"He 's not the first one to be curious about the Shrieking shanty,"flatness pointed out.

This was different, Albus thought. He would feature expected lustrelessness to be the one worried about this, not John.

"But he 's Malfoy ! It 's not trade good that he 's trying to get in,"lav said.

"Well he ca n't get in. And he already knows what I am,"lusterlessness countered."Let 's just forget about it for now. What rose has to say is far worse."

Albus turned to look at Rose, who looked upset and slightly scared. That was strange in itself since Albus could hardly call up a time when pink wine was scared.

"The public debate was on law enforcement,"rose said quietly."She wants to completely modify the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. She wants to enquire every 1 Auror and reorganise the department because she does n't call up thing are working as they are. She ... well ... she basically called your dad incompetent."

Albus stared at his first cousin. He could not think what he was hearing. Albus 's dad had been in electric charge of the Auror section for years and there had never been any ill. How could Laurentis just insult him like that ?

"Which means she 's going to turn a loss,"toilet said confidently."No one 's going to vote for mortal who insults Harry Potter."

"No,"rose wine whispered."They will. There 's been editorial in the prophesier for weeks about how the current Ministry is n't working. She has support."

"That 's insane,"Albus said."What did Uncle Percy do ?"

"Argued with her,"blush wine said."Talked about all the good your dad has done, but she argued right back."

"What about everyone there ? Did they clap for her ?"Albus asked.

"Everyone clapped for everyone. They were all polite about it and there was no way to state who supported who,"Rose said."If you ask me, I think she 's going to supersede all the point of section who do n't accord with her. She 's going to desire multitude in power who are on her side."

"Which means my dad will be gone,"Albus said."Everyone knows he supports Uncle Percy. It 's obvious."

"So that leaves what, matte 's dad 's job, promontory of Magical Law Enforcement, heading of Magical exile, and what else ?"John asked as he counted on his fingerbreadth."There 's got to be more."

"There are,"Rose said as she stood up and began pacing around the way."International Magical Cooperation, Magical accident and cataclysm, Magical Games and Sports, and then the department of Mysteries."

"Do you know anything about the Heads of those departments ?"John asked.

"The lady who 's Head of Magical Law Enforcement was here during the debate. She 's really old and Dad says Mum is a shoe-in for her job when she retires,"rosebush said."But I do n't know much about the others. The bloke in charge of Magical fare moderated the first debate."

"That 's eight positions,"Matt said quietly,"and she could supplant all of them. That would wind up being an entirely new Ministry."

"Essentially, yes,"Rose said as she sank into an armchair."That 's why it 's so bad. There 's a reason most newly elected Ministers do n't replace everyone. It 's too much upheaval. But if she wants prompt change, it would be the easiest way to get it done."

"What 's the next debate on ?"Amanda asked.

"Azkaban,"Rose said."Originally they were going to debate Azkaban with law enforcement, but Laurnetis requested a freestanding Azkaban argument. She 's in charge of it, so I 'm not surprised."

"And when is it ?"Amanda replied.

"Just after the new yr,"Rose answered."Once we 're all back in schoolhouse. Then February 's argumentation is on magical creatures-"

"Oh that 's going to be undecomposed,"lustrelessness said."Guess that 's when we 'll find out if my dad keeps his job after the election if she wins."

"And then in marching music they debate International Magical Cooperation. Then it 's the election at the beginning of Apr,"Rose continued."That one is going to occupy place here. So is the Azkaban one."

"I still do n't consider anyone 's going to vote for her,"John muttered."Anyone who sacks Harry Potter would n't get enough votes."

"You 'd be surprised, can,"Amanda said."It sounds like she 's playing to everyone 's fears. I mean, I have n't been in the magical world long, but it seems like everyone fears another Voldemort. If she makes it seem like the flow Ministry and Auror department are too lenient and breath at the hypothesis of another war, and then claims that she could squash it before it became a war, she would easily get the vote. people are easily persuaded."

"That 's exactly it,"Rose agreed.

The room descended into uncomfortable secretiveness. At the source of the school year, none of them had lots stake in the election or the Ministry in general, but now, just a few month later, Albus and his protagonist were learning just how a lot the resultant of the election would affect them. The theory of drastic variety to both Hogwarts and the wizarding worldly concern did not sit well with Albus, especially if it meant both his and Matt 's dads were out of a job.
***


The remaining week of school went by quickly. With the looming holidays and break from school, hardly anyone in the castle was focusing on preparation or the election. Instead, the chatter that filled the Great Hall during meal was about Christmas and snowball fights and spending time with household. Albus was sucked into the Christmas sunniness as well, but the election was still on the spinal column of his mind.

For Albus, Rose, and the rest of the Weasley/Potter kindred, the Christmas holiday would be wrapped up in the election. A New Year 's political party at the diplomatic minister 's sign of the zodiac was scheduled for New Year 's Eve, for all of the high-ranking officials and their families, as well as Percy, Laurentis, and their families. All of Albus 's extended sept would be attending. But perhaps the most bizarre aspect of the holidays was the fact that Uncle Hotspur was going to allow for a reporter from Wizards powder magazine to follow him for not only the Ministry party, but Xmas at the tunnel as well.

"This is just weird !"Cedric exclaimed at breakfast the last day of term."A reporter ? At the tunnel ? And it says she 's going to be staying with us."

Cedric handed the varsity letter back to Bradley, whom it had been addressed to. Bradley pulled out his wand and burned it, which seemed to be his new way of dealing with post from his father.

"Did granny agree to this ?"James River asked as he loaded his plate with bacon.

"She must 've,"Bradley said."Anything to get Dad elected, probably."

"I kind of agree with her,"Albus said."I do n't want that Laurentis charwoman to win."

"Neither do I, but I do n't want some reporter staying with us at the tunnel,"Cedric said adamantly.

"Guess you wo n't be getting the real Weasley Christmas experience,"Albus said to Amanda, whose parents had given permission to stay with Rose for Christmas.

Amanda shrugged."Not a big stack. With your family, it 's bound to be interesting."

"You have no idea,"Albus said."We 'd better get to account of Magic."

Albus got up and his protagonist followed. Despite the fact that it was the last day of term, Professor Binns still gave a lecture. Nobody paid him an ounce of attention. The balance of the professor did n't irritate teaching any new material as they figured the bookman would just block it over the break. professor Cedonia set them a pragmatic lesson, but did n't scold them when they stopped charming their teacup to dance and instead talked about Yule. Hagrid had a declamatory balefire going to stay fresh them warm, but did n't learn anything. Instead, he told the tale of Norberta and bawled about how much he missed her. In Ancient rune, there was an test.

The following morn Albus and his Quaker climbed aboard the Hogwarts Express for the trip back to British capital. On the Hogwarts Express, Albus felt weirdly resistant to everything that was happening in the wizarding humans. He felt secure from Jarrett Willinson and somehow the election did n't seem as big a good deal. The string was like its own little world with only pupil and sweets from the trolley ; on the string, naught bad could happen.


Long abatement ! I apologize for that. I am now working on this for the second half of June 's encampment NaNoWriMo, so I 'm hoping to get a lot of chapters written so I can go back to weekly updates. Thanks so lots for all the reviews !


"Remember, do n't say anything in front of her you do n't need printed in the article,"Harry said as they walked toward the Burrow.

"testament she really impress anything ?"Lily asked.

"Yes,"Harry said.

It was Christmas Eve and Albus and the rest of the Potters had just Apparated to the field behind the Burrow. Albus was a bit nervous about being in the bearing of a newsperson from Wizards magazine and was not at all keen about being in an article. He was relieved they were late, as usual, because by now the newsperson would probably be involved in listening to somebody else 's conversation and might not even card Albus.

"And Henry James, do n't even think about slipping something into her soup,"Ginny said sternly.

Harry, who had just put his hand on the doorhandle, turned around and stared at James IV."Seriously, James, absolutely not."

"I was n't going to !"James said."I swear !"

Harry sighed."Empty your pockets."

"But I was n't going to-"

"Epistle of James Sirius Potter, listen to your father,"Ginny said.

Albus put his manus over his mouth to hide his laughter while his brother pulled a handful of Ton-Tongue toffy and a phial of Weasleys'Itchiest itch pulverisation out of his pocket. Ginny took them and incinerated them with her wand. She brushed the ash onto the undercoat and St. James the Apostle stared at it longingly.

"Shut up, Albus,"James muttered as Harry opened the door.

That just made Albus laugh even harder, earning him a punch in the shoulder from Jesse James. Albus returned the punch while Lily rolled her eyes.

"boy, cut it out,"Ginny scolded.

"Ginny ! Harry !"mollie exclaimed as they stepped inside."Happy Christmas !"

"Happy Christmas, Mum,"Ginny said as the two hugged.

Albus slipped past after giving his grandmother a quick hug, grabbing a handful of biscuits on his way to the den. The number one thing he noticed was that the reporter was sitting on a feces in the corner. She stuck out like a Weasley at a Malfoy assembly, in her black skirt, flowery top, high-heeled shoes. Who wore cad to the Burrow ? Weird, Albus thought. Her jet-black hair was done up in some sort of bun and her lips were smeared with bright red lipstick.

The minute affair Albus noticed was just how clean house the tunnel was. He had n't noticed it in the kitchen, what with the many mickle and dishes full of warm, steaming food, but out in the den, it was very noticeable. The burrow was never dirty, exactly, but it was n't immaculately nifty like mat and Kaden 's star sign were. Instead it merely looked lived in, Albus always thought. It was cluttered with piles of leger and lots of plug-in secret plan and various Muggle and magical devices. blanket and pillows were thrown haphazardly onto couch and president, never being folded or stacked neatly. But today, everything was neat. The stacks of books had been shelved and the blankets folded. The sheer amount of money of stuff and nonsense seemed to take been moved or vanished because Albus did n't see a single Muggle electronic twist half-taken apart on the floor or table. It was flakey. The Burrow did n't look like the burrow without its clutter. You never knew what you 'd find at the Burrow and Albus liked that.

Shaking his fountainhead slightly, Albus carefully stepped around a few of his first cousin and walked over to where blush wine and Amanda were sitting on the trading floor. They had a large platter of food in social movement of them, making Albus realize how athirst he was.

"So, what have I missed ?"he asked in between bites of cast."I see someone cleaned."

"Gran did. Said she wanted to make a good mental picture. Uncle Percy 's been bragging loudly to the reporter about all the Laws he 's help oneself liberty chit,"Rose said."But all the reporter wants to do is interview the quietus of us. I guess her article is all about where Uncle Percy came from and what his family is like."

"Who 's she talked to so far ?"Albus asked.

"Aunt Corrine, nanna, granddad, Uncle Bill, Uncle Fred, both of my parents, Victoire, Samantha, and Lindy,"rose said.

"Wow. Already ?"

"She has n't wasted any time,"Amanda said.

"There 's a photographer around here somewhere,"Rose said as she glanced around the way."Oh there he is."

Rose indicated to the stair, where Percy was leading a scrawny bloke back into the den.

"Is he wearing-"

"Dress robes ?"Rose said."Yeah, he 's been wearing them all night."

"Let 's get a few shots of you playing a game with the twins,"the photographer said as he and Percy walked yesteryear Albus, pink wine, and Amanda.

"Wonderful approximation !"the newsman exclaimed as she hopped off her stool.

"How did she hear that ?"Albus whispered to Rose.

"Harry Potter 's son !"the newsman said as she grabbed Albus 's arm, causing him to drop the biscuit he was holding."Let 's get him in the shot, too. Hmm ..."she glanced around the room, her middle finally coming to remain on Amanda."We 'll need a shot with you and Sir Henry Percy as well. nominee plays Exploding grab with the blossom Minister 's niece ! Perfect ! I could not have planned this better."

"How did she know that I 'm the flush rector 's niece ?"Amanda asked.

"She knows everything,"Rose said darkly."Creepy, really."

Albus soon found himself playing a represent plot of Exploding Snap with Uncle Percy, Samantha, and lindy. The whole matter was very preposterous since none of them were photographed with ash on their faces. Then it was Amanda 's go, but she was posed with a set of sensation 's chess,"for variety."

"Now that 's something Laurentis wo n't sustain,"Walker Percy said jovially after the lensman finished."photograph with the Prime Minister 's niece."

"But nobody knows I 'm the Prime Minister 's niece,"Amanda said once she, rosebush, and Albus escaped into the kitchen."It 's supposed to be a secret."

"Maybe it wo n't get printed,"Albus said.

"God, I hope not,"Amanda muttered."So is this what Christmas Eve is usually like ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said as he walked over to the door. He peered into the den and took stock of what his family was up to.

His uncles Fred, Ron, Bill, and Charlie, were closemouthed to the kitchen and were singing 'Odo the Hero .'All four had mark of eggnog in paw. Gran was listening to Celestina Warbeck while Aunt Fleur glared at the radio set. It seemed to be distracting her from the conversation she was having with Aunt Katherine and auntie Hermione. Most of his cousins were eating or laughing about one thing or another. Samantha and Lindy were playing Exploding Snap for rattling now, along with Eddie and Angie.

In fact, the but one who seemed to be acting any differently was Uncle Walker Percy, who was talking with the newsman and the photographer. Aunt Corrine was as well, but none of their aged children were anywhere in sight.

"Have you seen Bradley, Cedric, or Georgia anywhere ?"Albus asked Rose.

"Actually, no,"Rose said."Let 's go find them."

Albus and Amanda followed Rose out of the kitchen and up the step. As they peered into each bedchamber, Albus found out just where his gran had stored all the material that used to be in the den. Every single room had a quite a little of random stuff in it. They eventually found their three cousins hiding out in Uncle Ron 's old bedroom at the top of the house. They were sitting on one of the beds and were deep in conversation.

"What 's going on in here ?"Albus asked as they shut the doorway.

All three startled, but then seemed relieved to find it was only Albus, rose, and Amanda.

"We 're avoiding the newsman,"GA said,"and talking about how much it will suck if Dad gets elected."

"But Laurentis is flaming insane,"Albus said as he stepped over a typewriter and sat down on the inverse bed."Uncle Hotspur has to win."

"fountainhead, I do n't need him to,"Bradley said."Do you recognize how a great deal sprightliness will change if he does ?"

"I 've got a bit of an idea,"Amanda said, sitting down future to Albus. Rose sat on his early side.

"Before his campaign started no one really knew what Dad did,"Bradley said."Or even who he was. I mean, if they heard his name they would know him, but he was just Percy Weasley. Do you know what I mean ?"

"He 'll be Harry Hotspur Weasley, government minister of illusion. Not just Percy Weasley, your dad,"Amanda said."Minister is n't a just a job. It 's not something he 'll leave at the situation at five. It 's more a lifestyle."

"Exactly !"Bradley agreed.

"And you 'll always be the pastor 's son,"Amanda said.

"How do you experience all this ?"Cedric looked at Amanda strangely.

"My Uncle 's the Prime minister of religion,"Amanda said casually.

"Of U.K. ?"Bradley exclaimed."And you 've kept this unavowed for four years ?"

"Yeah. It wo n't be for much foresightful since that photographer just took a picture show of me with your dad,"Amanda said."Anyway, you 're right that your animation wo n't be the same if he gets elected. And even after his terminus is up you 'll still always be the parson 's son."

"And we 'd hold to move into the Minister 's Mansion,"Bradley said.

"You would n't. You 're going to graduate in June,"Cedric pointed out."And Empire State of the South already moved out."

"You 'll be in Hogwarts most of the year,"GA pointed out.

There was a knock on the door and then it swung wide afford. Percy stood in the room access flanked by the newsperson and photographer. Sir Henry Percy had changed out of his robes and was now wearing a green Weasley jumper with a red'P'on the battlefront. In his arms was a pile of what appeared to be Sir Thomas More Weasley jumpers.

"There you lot are,"Sir Henry Percy said."We 're doing a photograph of the whole family in our jumpers."He tossed one to each of his youngster and then one each to Albus and Rose."Get changed and get downstairs."

"Are they all initial sweater this year ?"Georgia asked as she held hers up. It was grey with a purple'G .'

"Must be,"Albus said as he yanked off the jumper he was wearing and pulled on his new one. It was blue with a Au'A .'

"Bet it 's to make us look like a cheesy phratry,"Bradley muttered as he changed.

Once they 'd all changed Albus and rose wine followed their cousins back down to the den. Amanda followed as well, but she lingered on the stairs, clearly not wanting to be dragged into anymore photographs.

Albus 's entire family line was posed in half the den. The lensman was running around making minor alteration, which Albus thought was pointless. There was no way he was going to get thirty-two people to all look at the camera and smile nicely at the same fourth dimension.

The lensman noticed Albus, Rose, Georgia, Bradley, and Cedric and shoved Albus in between James and Lily, who were sitting right in the middle, on the flooring.

"Lovely !"the photographer exclaimed a few transactions later. He ran to the other position of the elbow room and stuck his head behind the television camera."Everyone grinning ! Beautiful !"He took piles of pictures and Albus soon grew tired of sitting still and smiling.

"Wonderful !"the reporter shouted once the lensman finally finished."I think we 've got what we need. I wish you all a happy Christmas. The article should be out just after New Year's."

"I thought she was staying for tomorrow, too,"Albus whispered to Rose.

Rose shrugged."Maybe she got enough from just one night. Either that or she got overwhelmed."

Percy walked the newsman and photographer out of the tunnel, thanking them profusely as he did so.

"Bedtime, everyone !"mollie shouted.

No one objected. It had certainly been the unknown Christmas Eve gathering the Weasley folk had ever had and Albus was very much looking forward to tomorrow, when matter would get back to some gloss of normal. Albus walked up to bed with Rose and Amanda, wishing them both honorable dark when they reached Uncle Charlie 's old bedroom, where the two would be staying. Jesse James, Ben, Cedric, and Omar Nelson Bradley were already in Uncle Ron 's old room when Albus arrived.

"Quidditch tomorrow ?"James IV asked as all four boys climbed into their layer.

"You 're going down, potter,"Bradley replied.

"Is that a challenge, Weasley ?"

"Sure is,"Bradley said.

Yes, tomorrow would be a lot More normal, Albus thought. Quidditch was a Christmas tradition for his family and cipher, even his uncle running for Minister, was going to prevent it.
***


"And that 's how we do it in Kenmare !"Peach State exclaimed, having just saved a goal by spinning in midair and hitting the Quaffle back into play by the end of her Scots heather."Kenmare Krazy steward relocation !"

"You 're still going to lose !"Bradley shouted as he hit one of the Bludgers toward Albus, who dodged it and caught the Quaffle."We 've got shimmy !"

"If Teddy were a real searcher he 'd be playing for a league squad and not studying to be an Auror !"Georgia shouted back.

"He 's still not as good as James,"Bradley said.

"Yeah, I taught Epistle of James everything he knows !"Teddy said as he flew past, heading toward Georgia 's allow for goal post."And that 's game !"he shouted, returning with the Snitch clutched in his hired hand."Aurors have to have constant vigilance, just like Seekers."

Albus flew to the ground, still holding the Quaffle. It had been a good game, even though his team had lost, but the temperature was dropping and the swarm were rolling in. It was a effective time to direct back inside for Christmas dinner, especially since the fragrance of joint dud and tater had been drifting outside for the by half hour.

Tables, already covered in numerous dish antenna of nutrient, had been set up in the kitchen extending into the den while they played. Albus hurried upstairs to change and when he returned, everyone was drifting toward the board. Albus hurried to the seat Rose and Amanda had saved him, which thankfully was nowhere near Percy.

"How was Quidditch ?"Rose asked.

"Good,"Albus said."We lost, but chemise 's pretty a lot unbeatable, so I was n't surprised."

"I 'm surprise he did n't roleplay professionally,"Amanda said.

"He thought about it,"Albus explained."And he had offers, but he deferred them for a year because he was n't certain. Then he just decided to link the Auror academy, because of his parents, you know."

"Makes sentiency,"Amanda said.

"I 'd care to make a pledge,"Harry Hotspur announced after everyone was seated. He held up his crank of autumn pumpkin succus."I just want to say thank you, to all of you, for putting up with the newsman yesterday, and for everything you 've done for the campaign. We only have three month to go, so let 's make the most of it. observe up all the corking piece of work. Here 's to a win in April !"

Albus clinked glasses with Rose and Amanda and then served himself a bombastic helping of turkey. This was what he enjoyed the most about Christmas at the tunnel. As he he ate, he listened in on the conversations his cousins, aunts, and uncles were having.

To Albus 's left field, his aunt Hermione was giving James, Cedric, and Ben study bakshish for their O.W.L.s. The boys were nodding as if they were listening, but Albus knew they were n't. Victoire and Teddy were holding hands under the mesa, which was form of good story because Victoire was having to eat with her left mitt, a acquisition she clearly did not own. James, Omar Nelson Bradley, and Empire State of the South were discussing Quidditch with Uncles Saint George and Ron. Eddie was showing the counterpart, Lily, and Hugo just how many peas he could fit into his back talk at once. Sir Henry Percy was, of course, discussing the gritty details of his political campaign with his wife and parents. Fred and Mark were telling Angie about the mystical passageway that lead into the basement of Honeyduke 's. The rest of his category was too far away for Albus to hear what exactly they were saying, but everyone seemed happy.

"This is what it 's really corresponding,"Albus told Amanda."Usually there are a few pranks."

"You missed one to begin with,"rosiness said while Amanda laughed."James put one of those wind-up pigmy Puffs in grandmother 's full-grown pot, so while she was chopping vegetable it jumped out and started screeching. Aunt Ginny knew it was James, too. He got chewed out while you were up the stairs changing."

"She had no proof !"King James cut in."It could suffer been Cedric."

"But it was n't,"blush wine said."It was you."

"James, did you find out me ?"Hermione asked."I was just saying how you need to start with your weakest study first. Honestly, you should 've started preparing cobbler's last year. Albus, rosebush, Amanda, are you listening ? You should start revision now."

"I started weeks ago, Mum,"rose said.

Hermione smiled."That 's my girl."

"She 'll be golden if Saint James starts revising a month before,"Albus whispered to Amanda.

"That would be stupid,"rose said."What does he need to do after Hogwarts ? He 'll demand certain O.W.L.s to get into the right N.E.W.T. classes."

"He 's got no idea,"Albus said,"except he wants to play Quidditch."

"He 'd improve get going,"rosebush said.

"Oh, and I suppose you 've got it all figured out, rosebush ?"King James I asked.

"As a matter of fact, I 'm thinking of getting into psychiatry,"rose wine said."Get my healing degree, specializing in psychiatry."

"Fine, then,"James muttered.

"Really ?"Albus asked.

rosebush nodded."I 've been thinking about it since summer and it 's really wish I want to do."

"Do n't you think you 're a bit young to have decided that ?"Albus asked.

"lusterlessness 's sister had it all figured out in one-quarter year and look where she is now,"Rose pointed out.

She did make a decimal point there, Albus thought. lusterlessness 's babe was well on her way to getting both her healing and brewing degrees, with only two and a half More years to go. Albus did n't even want to think about what he would do after he graduated from Hogwarts. It was too far away.

"I have an announcement to micturate !"Gabriella said as she stood up.

The room quieted and everyone turned to wait at Gabriella. She was n't usually one to take in speeches or announcements during family dinner. In fact, she was one of the quieter of Albus 's cousins, certainly not coming near to the layer of boisterousness of Omar Bradley, James, or Sakartvelo.

"Thanks,"she said."None of you know this yet, since I figured I 'd just tell you all at once today. I 've decided to move to France."

The room was silent, a great deal like it was after Percy announced his intent to run for Minister at the before school dinner party. Then, as happened after Percy 's announcement, everyone began to let the cat out of the bag at once.

"You 're what ?"banker's bill exclaimed.

"Gabriella, honey !"Fleur shouted, dropping her glass of wine."What prompted this ?"

"The political climate in Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault is very unfirm,"Percy said."I would n't commend moving there."

"What are you going to do there ?"Heather asked.

Albus was n't at all surprised. Gabriella had spent a few weeks in France that decline and seemed to savor it. He was n't indisputable why her parents seemed so surprised.

"If everyone could just let me mouth !"Gabriella shouted. The elbow room quieted one more than."I 've already cleared it with Grandmere and Grandpere. They 're going to let me stay with them until I get on my feet. When I painted there this capitulation it just felt so correct. My paintings there were so much better than the I I 've painted here-"

"But what will you do for money ?"Bill asked."You know I could still get you that internship. This is crazy."

"Dad, it 's what I want to do. I do n't want to spend everyday in an agency and miss out on life. No offense. Painting is what I love. I want to try this."

"But Gabriella, it 's not practical-"Bill began.

"Bill,"molly said quietly."She 's just rebelling a bit. You did the same when you were her age. recollect the earring ? The hair ?"

Bill 's typeface reddened."It 's not the same, Mum. I had a job. I was n't learning the finer dot of being a starving creative person !"

"Dad ! I 'm a estimable artist ! I 'm not going to starve !"

"You know my parents would never let her crave,"Fleur said.

"That 's not the power point. The peak is that she should be doing something productive. When Victoire was her age-"

"I 'm not Victoire !"Gabriella exclaimed. She turned and left the elbow room, running up the stairs. A few moments later a threshold slammed.

broadsheet made to get up, but Victoire put her hand on his shoulder, forcing him back into his seat."Dad, I 'll go."

The room lapsed into uncomfortable silence after Victoire took off after her babe. Albus was slightly shocked at his uncle 's disfavour of Gabriella 's plan. Albus had always thought of Bill as his assuredness uncle, the uncle who would be supportive of whatever his youngster wanted to do. But now he was acting just like Percy had about GA 's desire to be a Quidditch player.

"I support you, Bill,"Percy said pompously."creative person is not a career. You 've got to oppose this. Went through the like thing with Georgia-"

"Really, Dad ?"Georgia asked."After the past few months of going to my games and making the press think you 're supportive of my aspiration, you still do n't think I should play Quidditch ?"

"Quidditch, like painting, is a by-line,"Percy said."It 's not a career."

"You 're unlikely !"Georgia exclaimed."The support, the cheering, it 's all pretender, is n't it ?"

"Georgia-"

"You know what, Dad ? Do n't even bother."Georgia stood up and left the table in a like manner to Gabriella.

"This,"Albus whispered to Amanda,"is not normal."

"I thought Gabriella liked Uncle Harry Hotspur 's postiche livelihood,"James muttered.

"Well, she did at world-class but she probably thought there was no way he could counterfeit it for so long and not begin to come around. She surely thought it was literal by now,"Rose said.

"You 're going to make a skilful shrink,"Albus said.

"Yeah, you can pop out with Uncle Sir Henry Percy,"William James said.

"Does anyone want pudding ?"Gran asked.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews !


Never before had Albus experienced such an ungainly Yuletide dinner, and that included the time his auntie Katherine went into labor with Eddie at the table. After Gabriella and Empire State of the South stormed out, Gran served pudding to the remaining family members, but everyone ate in silence. Albus, Rose, and Amanda ate as fast as they could and then escaped to the one place they did n't intend anyone else would go- the attic.

The Ionic dialect of the Burrow was similar to an archaeological site. It contained stratum of Weasley family history and if you dug trench enough you could even detect pictures of Uncle broadside when he was a baby. It used to firm a body snatcher, but the ghoul died geezerhood before Albus was born. Albus did n't go up in the attic much anymore, but when he was little it had made an excellent hiding spot.

"I never realized how alike Gabriella and Empire State of the South were,"Albus said once they 'd shut the attic door.

"I never realized how alike Uncle Percy and Uncle Bill were,"blush wine replied."I never thought Uncle Bill would oppose like that."

"Me either,"Albus agreed."Let 's not lecture about it. I just want to do something fun."

"Let 's turn Monopoly,"Amanda said."It 's a Muggle plot. I brought it from my house."

Albus and rosiness readily agreed and soon the three were playing Monopoly in the dome. It took Albus and Rose a little while to get the hang of the money, which was based on Muggle money, but once they did, it was very fun. Albus 's deary thing about it was how long it took. They spent hours on one game and by the clock time Amanda beat him and blush wine, almost all of his crime syndicate was asleep.

By breakfast the adjacent morning nearly everything had blown over. Half of his aunt and uncles had left because they had to go to work and the other half were in the cognitive operation of getting ready to result. Some of his cousins were still there, but quite a few had left. When Albus went downstairs he noticed his uncle Bill and aunt Fleur having a talk with Gabriella over platters of sausage balloon. Albus paused in the doorway, waiting for them to finish.

"We do n't desire you to think we are n't supportive of your art,"bill said."We are. Both of us. I just want to fuck you 're going to be okay."

"I am, Dad,"Gabriella said."I 'll be staying with Grandmere and Grandpere."

"That 's reassuring,"Bill said."And I did overreact live night."

Fleur snorted."Yes, I 'd say you did."

"I certainly do n't want you to think I 'm anything like your uncle Walker Percy,"Bill whispered."I 'd never try and lay off you from pursuing your dream."

"Well, painting in France is my dream for now,"Gabriella said adamantly.

"Then we 'll put up you,"Bill said. Fleur nodded in correspondence."I 'm sorry for overreacting last night. I think we were all on edge from the reporter."

"Thanks, Dad,"Gabriella said.

"When were you planning on leaving ?"Fleur asked.

"After that Ministry party. Ca n't miss that or Uncle Percy would go insane."

"The weekend after that, then,"note said."We want to help oneself you move."

Gabriella nodded."Thanks."

Bill stood up and gave his daughter a hug."I 've got to get to work, but I 'll see you at family later. I love you, Gabby."

"beloved you, too, Dad,"Gabriella said as she hugged him back.

Albus walked into the kitchen as his uncle left, grabbing a few blimp and a cinnamon bark bun on his way to the board. He was relieved that Uncle Bill and Gabriella came to an agreement, especially one that involved Gabriella still moving to France. He wanted his cousin to be happy and he still wanted to think of broadside as his cool uncle.

Albus returned to Grimmauld Place later that day and it only took him a few hours of boredom to get going his holiday reading. rose and Amanda had returned to Rose 's house, so without them, he was forced to be productive. In fact, Albus was actually looking forward to the Ministry party for the sole reason that he 'd get to see rosebush and Matt.

The few days in between pugilism Day and New year 's Eve were fairly uneventful, especially compared with Christmastide day. Georgia and Uncle Sir Henry Percy still had n't made up and Georgia came over for a open with Albus 's mum the day before the political party. Albus often forgot that his mum used to play professional Quidditch and would be the perfect person for Sakartvelo to seek advice from.

Albus attempted to listen in on their conversation via extendable Ear, but his mum must 've put an interperbabble spell on the kitchen threshold because he could n't hear a thing. Dejected, he put away his extendible Ear and returned to reading his Transfiguration of Jesus Quran.

Shortly after Georgia left St. James the Apostle walked in the plunk for door with a grin on his face.

"What are you so happy about ?"Albus asked.

"Mum forgot to put the charm on the window,"James said."I heard everything."

"Well, distinguish me what you heard !"Albus said as he closed his book.

"I do n't know ...."

"Come on, James,"Albus said."If you do I wo n't tell Mum and Dad what you 're planning on doing to the punch at the party tomorrow."

"mulct,"James muttered as he sat down."Basically, Sakartvelo 's still mad at Uncle Walker Percy and does n't desire to go to the political party tomorrow. Mum convinced her that she needs to take the in high spirits road and be supportive of Uncle Harry Hotspur even though he is n't being supportive of her. And she said there 's no occult to getting him to greet Quidditch as a valid career. He just has to bring in it on his own and all Georgia can do is be the good instrumentalist she can and fend for herself and not ask him for money. But then she reminded Georgia that grandpa was very supportive of her Quidditch career."

"zero too commove, then,"Albus said.

"Nope, not really,"King James I agreed."Going to make for an interesting party, though."

"That 's for certainly,"Albus said.
***


"Is the minister of religion 's Mansion glowing blue ?"Albus asked as he followed his parents up the winding path to the mansion.

It was New Year 's Eve and the Potters were slightly tardily for the party, as common. This meter King James I had not been the reasonableness ; they were late because Ginny had had to lengthen Albus 's robes last-place minute.

"It looks that way,"Harry answered."Wait until you see the inside. The election New Year 's Eve party at the Minister 's residence is one of the grandest occasions the Ministry puts on, only beaten out by the company that will take place for the winner of the election. It 's going to be far fancier than the party for Mr. Eckerton last year."

Albus nodded. As they drew closer to the house Albus noticed that the downcast light seemed to stanch from the ground, illuminating the house as it went upward, but he could not see where the light came from. It looked to just appear out of the solid ground. The track itself was lined with silver gray standard candle.

The door was already receptive when they reached the end of the path. A man dressed in a full black tie with tush stood in the doorway and he took Ginny and Lily 's wraps while another man led the Potters into the grand ballroom.

The ballroom was already filled to electrical capacity and Albus noticed that nearly half of the people in attending were his auntie, uncles, and cousins. The ballroom itself was lit by ash gray candles alike to the unity that lined the way outside. The window were draped in large navy pall tied with silver medal ropes and matching linen dressed the mesa and death chair scattered throughout the room. Larger tables containing phonograph record of food stood in the center of the way, each one holding an ice sculpture. The carving were of various historical construction in wizarding Britain, including one of Hogwarts.

server dressed in the Lapp tuxedos as the wizards by the door walked throughout the way carrying plates of food for thought and drink. After taking a look at some of the food they carried, Albus wondered if there was anything normal or if it was just fancy hors d'oeuvres.

"Before you all take off to find your cousins,"Harry began, staring more at his sons than at Lily."Saint James, absolutely no japery. Albus, no sneaking off to other voice of the residence or going outside this class. predict me, both of you."

"I promise,"Albus and James each mumbled.

"All right, you may go,"Harry said."And observe an eye out for your younger cousins. Make indisputable they 're not getting into trouble."

Albus nodded and then slipped into the crowd in search of Matt, rose, and something to eat that did not resemble something his aunty Fleur 's mother would make. He finally wound up at the dessert table where he found both a large piece of chocolate cake and his friends.

"Albus, there you are !"blush wine said."We 've been here for an hour already."

"Mum had to lengthen my robes,"Albus said in between bit of cake.

"I 'm not surprised. You grew a human foot in the past class,"blush wine commented.

"Seriously, you 've got to stop,"lusterlessness said."You make me see like a second year."

"Is everyone else here ?"Albus asked as they walked over to a mostly evacuate table. Its only occupant was a very old man who seemed to be taking a nap.

Rose nodded."Even Georgia showed up. But I did find out that the only reason we were all invited was to make Uncle Percy look like more of a family man."

"Really ?"Albus asked."I thought it was just because fellowship of the candidate were always invited."

"No. Usually it 's only immediate fellowship members, plus all the Heads of departments and top Ministry functionary and their category. So not all of us were going to be invited at first. It 's to attain us reckon like a very finis knit family."

"You are a closemouthed knit family,"lustrelessness said."It 's like you 're all brothers and sisters rather than cousins."

"But Uncle Percy never really involved any of us in his Ministry career before,"Albus pointed out."Anyway, flatness, how was your Christmas ?"

"Good,"lustrelessness said."Rose already told me about yours. Sounded much more interesting than mine. My grandparents came to visit and they went menage yesterday. Mum and Cinda argued over the fact that we do n't chitchat them enough anymore and then Mum and Amy argued over the fact that Amy never comes domicile except for vacation. Dad, Richard, and I just stayed out of it. I swear, those three could debate over nothing."

"Sounds like yours was interesting then,"Albus said.

Matt shrugged."Honestly, it 's been rather boring at home."

"I 'm quick to get back to Hogwarts,"Albus said."Is Amy here ?"

"Yeah, she 's off with Victoire and shift,"mat said.

"Oh, by the way, do n't drink the punch,"Albus warned them."Epistle of James is planning to put something in it."

"What ?"Rose asked.

"I do n't know, but it 'll probably be gross,"Albus said.

"If your uncle wins your cousins will get to live here,"matte said as he gazed around the elbow room."Weird to imagine about. This place looks bigger than my old house."

"It probably is,"Rose said."And you 're right, that is Wyrd to mean about."

The old man let out a bird and woke up. His eyes darted around until they rested on Albus, rosebush, and mat."Who are you three ?"he demanded.

"Er, I 'm Albus Potter and that 's blush wine Weasley and matt Eckerton,"Albus said.

His face softened."Oh, gracious to converge you ! I 'm Gregory Laurentis. My daughter 's running game for minister of religion. Could not be prouder, but I suppose she 's running against your uncle. Albus Potter, merlin 's beard ! I told cake, I told her she was nuts to run against Walker Percy Weasley what with him being related to Harry Potter himself, but her party picked her to run so I suppose there was naught I could do about it. And she could n't rick down that opportunity ...."

Albus glanced at Rose and Matt while Laurnetis 's dad continued to rattle on about how proud he was of his daughter, yet wonder at her stupidity for running against someone related to Harry potter. He was rather funny, Albus thought.

"This topographic point is too damn go for,"Gregory Laurnetis muttered as he fingered the tablecloth."And the intellectual nourishment, my God, what I would n't move over for some firecracker and mash ...."

Albus stifled a laugh, but he did harmonize with the old man."I think I hear one of my cousins calling me,"Albus said."We 'd better go."

"Oh, right, right,"Gregory Laurentis said."I do n't hear anything, but then again my hearing 's so bad these days. wellspring, undecomposed portion to your uncle, then. Not that he 'll need it !"

"trade good luck to your daughter, too,"Albus said as he stood up.

All three burst out laughing as soon as they were out of earreach of Gregory Laurentis. A few Ministry officials looked at them strangely as they did so, but Albus did n't handle.

"Albus !"Matt suddenly whispered."Is that Balladanis over there ?"mat pointed to the far endorse quoin, where a man in unembellished dark robes stood with his arms folded across his chest.

Albus peered at the man for a few second."Yeah, I think it is."

"What 's he doing here ?"Matt asked.

"Probably in showcase of an attack,"Rose said."Every prominent Ministry official is in this elbow room right now. There 's probably Aurors stationed at every doorway outside, too."

"Do n't let him see us,"matt said as he grabbed both Albus and pink wine and pulled them behind a vauntingly chemical group of mass."Can we just go somewhere else ?"

Albus glanced at Balladanis and then back at matt, who looked more than a footling anxious. Albus did n't blame him. After finale year 's outrage with Balladanis, it was no wonder Matt never wanted to see the man again. Albus thought briefly of what his dad told him when they got there, but pushed the hope from his psyche. If mat did n't want to be in the same room as Balladanis, then Albus was just going to deliver to split his promise.

"Come on,"Rose said before Albus could reply. She took Albus and Matt 's hands and pulled them through the crowd. She let them go once they reached the corridor.

The corridor was much quieter than the ballroom. Albus had n't even realized just how tacky the ballroom was until now. Between the music and people 's voices, it was a wonder he 'd even been able to recall in there.

"Thanks,"Matt said quietly."He just gives me the creeps."

"No problem,"Rose said."Where should we go ?"

"We could try and chance that library again,"Albus suggested.

Rose and Matt nodded and the three set off down the corridor. It took them 15 minutes and three wrong routine to find the depository library and once they got there, they saw that it was already occupied by none other than Peach State, Bradley, and Cedric.

"We 've got to stop using the same hiding seat,"Sakartvelo said with a jape as they entered."Just joking. Come on in."

rose shut the door behind them and they joined Peach State, Bradley, and Cedric on the other side of the room.

"Sick of the political party ?"Georgia asked.

"We saw Balladanis,"Matt said quietly as he sat down."Did n't want him to mark us."

Georgia shuddered."Do n't fault you there, especially since your dad is the reason he got sacked."

"I variety of liked him,"Omar Nelson Bradley said.

Matt looked at him like he was insane."Are you kidding ?"

Bradley shrugged."Nope. I 'm not terribly upset he 's gone, but he was form of cool."

"You 're mad,"Matt said.

"What about you three ? What drove you to the depository library ?"Albus asked, wanting to stave off an argument between his best friend and cousin.

"Decided to search the business firm,"Cedric said."If we 're going to have to live here, we wanted to see what we 'd be getting into."

"And what do you believe ?"Rose asked.

"Living here would n't be so bad,"Cedric said."Bradley and I would n't have to portion a room. Neither would Samantha and Lindy, for that matter."

"I told you, one of you can have my way,"Peach State said.

"Dad wo n't let us,"Bradley replied."Says you 're going to come back when Quidditch stops paying off."

Georgia groaned."Really, the faith he has in me is incredible."

"We met Laurentis 's dad,"Albus said.

Georgia burst out laughing."Seriously ?"

Albus nodded and told the story. All three of his cousin-german were laughing by the prison term he finished.

"I may have to go back out there just so I can fill him,"Empire State of the South said, still laughing.

"He sounds like a very concern fella,"Bradley said.

lustrelessness got up from his president and began wandering around the subroutine library. He paused by the door, as if listening.

"What are you doing ?"Albus asked.

"I heard something,"matte whispered."Shut up, all of you."

Georgia immediately stopped laughing and all five of them stopped talking. Matt 's eyes grew big and he hurried back over."individual 's coming !"

"I do n't pick up any-"Thomas Bradley began.

"Sshhh !"Albus said as he jumped up."Trust him on this. We 've got to hide."

"There 's a closet,"rose wine said as she hurried to open up the door."It 's not very big-"

"Energy Department n't count,"flatness said."Hurry, get inside."

Albus just started hearing the spokesperson as they hurried inside the closet. It was a very tight squeeze and Rose was stepping on his left ft, but he said cypher as he shut the door. Two seconds later he heard the door to the library overt.

"It 's not working !"a char said. Her spokesperson was muffled ; Albus could barely produce out what she said, let alone who she was.

"I ca n't hear anything,"Cedric whispered."Is this door solid mahogany or something ?"

"Shut up !"Matt seethed. He had his ear pressed to the door.

"The one time I do n't impart any Extendables with me,"Cedric muttered.

Albus pressed his ear up against the doorway. The vocalization were still muffled, but he could hear.

"I told you they 'd eat up the whole family man matter,"another voice said. This one was male."Not to remark he 's Harry thrower 's brother-in-law for God 's interest !"

"Harry Potter is an incompetent imbecile and you know it,"the woman replied."He 's famous for something he did as a child and the general public is dazed to still think of him as the hero of the wizarding world. He 's gone soft."

"It 's Laurentis !"Matt said.

"How can you separate ?"Omar Bradley asked."This door is so bloody thick."

"I just can,"Matt said.

Albus could n't tell that the articulation was Laurentis 's, but based on what she was saying, matt was right.

"Well, what am I supposed to do about it ?"the man said.

"We 've got to retrieve of something,"Laurentis said."The Azkaban debate is in a calendar week. I 'm sure you can think of something to do for that."

"I think that 's her campaign manager,"Matt said.

"She sounds awful,"Albus said.

"It should n't be that arduous. All we have to do is expose Weasley for what he really is and get everyone to realize thrower 's not the submarine sandwich they all think he is,"Laurentis said.

"And who is Weasley, then ?"

"A pompous idiot !"Laurentis exclaimed."You do n't really buy the unharmed fact that he supports his girl 's Quidditch calling, do you ? I 've seen the way she looks at him and there 's no way that 's real."

"You ca n't really love that-"

"I can,"she disrupt."I can read people, Pierce. That 's why I got into politics. It 's all about reading people and figuring out the lie from the Truth. See what you can dig up. We 'd better yield to the party. I left my father alone with Minister Langston. That wo n't turn out well."

"Yes, Ms. Laurentis,"Franklin Pierce replied.

Albus heard the strait of high heels on hardwood level, the threshold creaking assailable, and then click shut again. He waited two full minutes and then opened the doorway to the closet. Everyone hurried out.

"What was that ?"mat demanded."What is she up to ?"

"How did you get all that ?"Bradley asked."Do you have super human auditory modality or something ?"

"Or something,"Matt muttered,"but never mind that. Laurentis knows your dad 's putting on an act and is going to try to discover him."He turned to Albus."And she is going to try and turn the wizarding world against your dad."

"She 's insane !"Albus exclaimed.

"You 've got to tell your uncle-"matt began.

"No way,"Empire State of the South said loudly."Trust me, all he 'll do is pick me for not playing my part well enough. This is n't leaving this room."

"But she 's going to counteract his political campaign,"Albus said.

"Georgia 's right,"rosiness said."It wo n't aid anything. Campaigns are half about digging up dirt on the former candidate. Anything she says about Uncle Harry, no one will consider it unless they 're an moron. Anyone with half a mind knows he runs the Auror section well."

"If anyone says anything he 'll just get mad at us for spying,"Tom Bradley added.

"Not to honorable mention we 're not technically allowed in here,"Cedric pointed out.

"Oh, right,"Albus said."My dad did make me forebode not to provide the ballroom."

"No one 's saying anything,"Georgia said."And I think we 'd all better get back to the ballroom, just in lawsuit anyone notices we 're all gone.


Thanks for all the brushup ! Remember to keep them 12+. Props to all who caught the 'mahogany'thirst Games reference. Credit for that goes to Suzanne Wilkie Collins. If any of you are appendage of the meeting place ( and if you 're not, you should be, tie on the right side of meat of the page ! ), feel free to check out my sports meeting the generator page ! It 's linked on my source Sir Frederick Handley Page. Please ask me doubt on my MTA Page since I love answering them !


When they returned to the dance palace Albus was proud of to see that Balladanis was nowhere in view. Perhaps he left to patrol the primer. Albus did n't really worry ; all that mattered was that he was n't there anymore. Judging by the crew in the room, no one else had left yet, and they all seemed a bit more boisterous, most likely due to the drinks.

Percy accosted them before they were even able to get to the desert table to reload their collection plate with bar. He walked with role, similarly to the way he had walked when he took Albus and his friends to Kendrick 's study. He seemed very at home in the parson 's residence and it was n't even his yet.

"Georgia !"he said."There you are. I 've been looking for you everywhere."

"I was in the loo. Something you need, Dad ?"Georgia asked.

"Er, yes, actually,"Sir Henry Percy replied."I need you to postulate Samantha and lindy home. It 's nearly football team and your mother and I are going to be here well past midnight. Samantha ate too much bar and feels ill. I just think it would be practiced for them to go home and get some sleep. They 're over at that table."Percy gestured to a nearby mesa, where Samantha and Lindy were sitting, both with their heads in their mitt, looking extremely bored.

Georgia raised her eyebrows, as if surprised that Percy was actually going to not only let three of his shaver leave, but call for that they do so. Albus was surprised he 'd even guess about the fact that it was n't really a party for two nine-year-olds.

"Yeah, I can take them dwelling house,"Georgia said.

"What about us ?"Tom Bradley asked, gesturing to himself and Cedric."Could n't we take them nursing home ?"

"I 'd rather Sakartvelo do it,"Percy said."You do n't even have your apparition permit yet, Cedric. And Bradley, you just got yours. You 're not ready to side-along Apparate two people."

"They do accept fireplaces here, Dad,"Omar Nelson Bradley muttered.

"Empire State of the South 's taking them, and the two of you are staying here,"Sir Henry Percy said adamantly."Thank you, Georgia."

"You 're receive,"Empire State of the South said as Hotspur strutted off to talk to some Ministry official."Ha !"she said once he was out of earshot."I get to leave."

"Shut up,"Cedric said."I 'm going to go find James."

Empire State of the South headed over to the table her babe were sitting at while Bradley and Cedric disappeared into the crowd. Albus, Matt, and blush wine wandered over to the dessert mesa, piled a home plate gamy with the biscuits a server had just set out, and then set off to see another table. They found one, which Victoire, Teddy, and Amy were vacating.

"Where are you three off to ?"Albus asked.

"We 've got ahead of time rounds tomorrow,"Victoire said."Five in the forenoon. If we 're lucky we 'll get four hours of sleep."

"I do n't see a lot point in staying if they 're not here,"Teddy said."Technically I was n't even invited, but seeing as I 'm Harry ceramist 's Godson, no one was going to recoil me out."

Albus laughed."See you later, then."

After Victoire, Teddy, and Amy left Albus sat down and his champion sat on either side. He absentmindedly chewed on a biscuit and watched the crowd.

"Do these taste funny to you ?"Matt asked, holding up a partially exhaust biscuit.

Albus took another bite. They did taste Wyrd."Yeah."

Rose burst out laughing and started pointing at their heads."I think Epistle of James messed with the biscuits instead of the punch. Al, your hair is blue and Matt, yours is green."

Albus and Matt both started laughing. Albus took another face at the crowd."Look, that lady 's hair is purpurate !"He pointed to a crone a few yards away. The fella she was talking to was clearly trying not to stare at her head.

Over the next few moment people gradually began to realize that their hair was turning assorted coloring material and that the biscuit were the perpetrator. sceptre appeared everywhere, as the guests charmed each other 's whisker back to its pattern people of colour. Another minute later Albus spotted both of his parents walking around the perimeter of the room, clearly looking for James, but he was nowhere in sight.

"I like this prank,"Albus said."I 'm leaving my pilus as is."

"Me too,"Matt agreed. They both turned to Rose."You should eat one."

rosiness sighed."power as well."She took a biscuit and a arcminute later her formerly red hair was a pin-up shade of garden pink.

The rest of the party was rather drill. Harry eventually found James IV and told him he 'd be staying in his room for the difference of the vacation, only being allowed out for repast. When midnight rolled around Albus, Matt, and Rose toasted to the new year with Lily and Victor-Marie Hugo. Matt and his parents left immediately later and Albus and his family left a short while later. Albus was relieved to be going home since the dark had been exhausting, and he still could n't get the conversation he overheard in the subroutine library out of his thinker.
***


"It 's here !"King James I shouted the next dawn at breakfast, brandishing a copy of Wizards cartridge. The front cover was a picture of Albus 's grandparents, his mum, Uncle Sir Henry Percy, Uncle pecker, Uncle Charlie, Uncle Saint George, and Uncle Ron.

"Let me see it !"Albus shouted.

"No, I got it first !"St. James shouted back.

"I want to show it first !"Lily exclaimed.

"Kid, nail down down !"Ginny said."James IV got it first. Al can read it succeeding, and then Lily."

"Not fair,"Lily muttered."I 'm never first."

That was a lie, Albus thought to himself. It was either Saint James or Lily who got thing first, never Albus. Curse of being the midriff child, he figured.

Albus sat and ate his breakfast while James read the article. His Brother let out groan and sighs and even laughter while he read, which made Albus even more uneasy to take it. After what seemed like forever, it was finally Albus 's turn. He yanked the magazine out of St. James the Apostle 's handwriting and opened it up to the article.

The first page ( or rather, first two pages ), contained the picture of his intact family. Albus had been right in guessing that there was no way the photographer could 've arrest a picture that they all looked honest in. Albus himself at to the lowest degree looked center decent. He was smiling and kept turning to search at rose and then back to the tv camera. Lily on the other hired man, was caught mid-grimace and always returned to that pose every few secondment. Across the photograph was the name of the article- 'Christmas With the Weasleys .'Albus turned the page and looked at all the other photograph that accompanied the clause before reading it. There was one of Sir Henry Percy, Corrine, and their shaver. Another have Percy and Albus 's dad. Then there was the one with him playing Exploding elasticity with the twins and Percy, as well as the one with Percy and Amanda playing cheat. The subtitle on that read 'Minister hopeful Percy Weasley challenges the efflorescence Minister 's niece to a game of Bromus secalinus .'Amanda was not going to be happy, Albus thought as he turned his attention to the article.

When I first entered the childhood domicile of Harry Hotspur
Weasley I immediately noticed the delicious look
that filled the air. mollie Weasley, Percy 's mother,
was hard at workplace cooking Yule Eve dinner. The
diminished, but cozy, home was filled to capacity with
Weasleys, although it only grew more crowded with
the arrival of the Potters an time of day later.

The Weasley family gathers for Noel at the
dwelling of Arthur and molly Weasley every class.
King Arthur, a recede Ministry employee, says ,'I
have it away having the entire class together. It 's
chaotic, but I would n't have it any other way .'
The evening begins with a repast, although eating
seems to take place over many hours. The atmosphere
is homey and glad, with every 1 family
fellow member enjoying their time with each other.

Percy Weasley, a loving father of five, joins in
on the fun and Christmastime spirit by challenging
his nine-year-old girl Samantha and Lindy,
as well as nephew Albus ceramist, 14, to a secret plan
of Exploding ginger snap .'I feel it 's important to
spend metre with my tyke, as well as my nieces
and nephews ,'Weasley said, 'we have such small
time with them before they go off to Hogwarts.
My firstborn is already out on her own and my sons
only have a trivial metre left at Hogwarts. The
Twin Falls are still young, so I try to spend time
with them every single day .'When asked
about their forefather 's campaign, Samantha said,
'I want him to win. He 's good at his job .'
lindy hop merely shrugged, 'It would be cool if he
wins, but he 'll still just be Dad to us .'

The home of King Arthur and mollie Weasley is not
only open to Weasleys at Xmas time. This
yr they were joined by a Friend of Albus Potter
and Rose Weasley, 14. Amanda Tagger, also 14, is
a fourth year student at Hogwarts. tagging program is no
stranger to political sept since her uncle
is Michael Smythe, prime quantity Minister of Great
United Kingdom .'I think it is just wonderful that
the prime of life curate 's niece is a witch ,'Percy
said. 'We are always trying to promote a
respectable relationship with the Muggle Ministry
and this will only help oneself .'

Before posing for the photograph found on varlet
20 and 21, the Weasley family first donned
their Weasley jumpers. Each member of the family
receives one of these jump shot for Yule
every year. The traditional jumpers are knitted
by molly Weasley .'I 'm not indisputable how it started,
really ,'Molly said, when asked about the origin
of the jumper ,'I suppose it was when account and
Charlie were little, before Walker Percy was born. I
wanted to cockle them matching jumpers and they
outgrew them by the come after class, so I made
new I. Then when Percy was born he needed one
so it soon grew into a yearly matter .'

If I had to choose one intelligence to describe the Weasley
kin, I would choose 'laid-back .'Spending a
Christmas Eve with this family, you would never
think that they were celebrated for their travail in
the war against Voldemort. They are just so normal.
evening Harry Potter, Head Auror, is just your
norm father. He spends Christmas Day Eve joking
around with his brothers-in-law and playing games
with his children, nieces, and nephews. I asked
him what a typical Christmas day is like in the
Weasley firm and he responded with, 'Quidditch.
We live for Quidditch. No subject the weather we
get out there every Christmas and play a mate or
two. Then we 'll come inside and have dinner, all
of us together. It 's simple, but perfect .'

There you have it. Christmas with the Weasleys
summed up in one sentence by none other than Harry
Potter himself. I thoroughly enjoyed spending
Yuletide Eve with Percy Weasley and his entire
family. Next meter I interview him, I really must
ask for his mother 's sheepherder 's pie recipe. It
truly is wonderful.

"Really ?"Albus asked after handing the cartridge clip to Lily."After all that ? She interviewed half the fellowship and only quoted a few of us ?"

"I 'm guessing the rest period could n't really be used for the case of article she was going for,"James pointed out."Notice how she only included scarf out Samantha and Lindy said."

"And she made it seem like the photographer just happened to take pictures of us playing game with Uncle Percy,"Albus said."All of that was staged."

"That 's journalism,"Ginny said."Not good news media, mind you, but it is fairly coarse practice."

"I guess it could have been worse,"Albus said.

"Yes, it could hold been,"Ginny agreed."I think we 're all just grateful she did n't rest for Christmas dinner."

James laughed."I wonder how she would 've twirl that. I 'm amazed no one 's figured out that Uncle Hotspur does n't really care that Empire State of the South plays Quidditch."

"living your mouth shut about that, Jesse James,"Ginny said quietly.

"Anyone with half a mental capacity could see it,"William James muttered.

Albus said zippo. He still was n't completely sure that saying aught about Laurentis figuring that out was the right thing to do. But he could n't exactly say anything, not when all his cousin and lustrelessness had agreed not to.

"James,"Ginny said."sufficiency. And I suggest you use the oddment of your good luck to consider for those O.W.L.s. June is a lot sooner than you think."

James IV certainly did a good job of pretending to study for the oddment of the holiday, while shut up in his room for his punishment. Albus noticed that while he always had a book cracked spread out nearby, to take hold of when one of their parents walked into the way, it was always the same book, opened to the Lapplander pageboy. Albus was amazed neither of his parents realized that, but he supposed both of them had their minds on Percy 's election. Albus finished all his homework before the weekend, leaving him with two blissful days of doing naught. On Saturday he, along with his parents, James, and Lily, visited Kaden and his family for a belated Noel and New class 's celebration. Albus was relieved that Kaden 's grandparents were n't there.

Monday arrived and it was fourth dimension to go back to Hogwarts. Albus was quite happy about this because he had grown bored of staying at home plate and doing nothing and was sick of being in such close stern with James and Lily. At to the lowest degree in Gryffindor column they kept to their own mathematical group of friends. But mostly, Albus wanted to get Amanda 's payoff on the conversation they overheard at the diplomatic minister 's Mansion.

"Everyone 's staring at me,"Amanda said as she entered the compartment Albus, rosiness, lustrelessness, Saint John the Apostle, and Kaden were occupying."Took me ages to receive you, just because people kept wanting to talk to me. It 's that stupid magazine article. Now everyone knows I 'm the Prime Minister 's niece."

"It was bound to happen sooner or later,"Rose pointed out."But I 'm regretful. If I 'd lie with the newsman was going to talk about that, I would n't birth invited you for Christmas."

"No, it 's o.k.,"Amanda said as she sat down."I 'm happy I went. It 's just annoying. guess I know how it feels to be you lot."

"Except us,"Saint John said as he gestured to himself and Kaden."We 're normal."

"You 're normal, John,"Amanda said."But Kaden 's Harry Potter 's first cousin once removed or something."

"And that really makes me inquire how I got wrapped up in all this,"St. John the Apostle said."My parents just are n't nearly as challenging as yours all are."

"How was that party, by the way ?"Amanda asked.

"Mostly oil production,"Albus said."But we did lift up in a tiny wardrobe with my cousins Georgia, Bradley, and Cedric and overheard a conversation between Laurentis and her campaign manager."

"You what ?"Saint John exclaimed."And you did n't think that warranted an owl ?"

"We wanted to severalize you in person,"Albus said."The conversation was really weird."

"Tell us !"Amanda said.

Albus explained what he overheard, with help from Matt, who had been able to hear it a bit more clearly. John and Kaden looked slightly uncomfortable when they finished, but Amanda did n't seem at all surprised or upset.

"That ca n't be good,"John said."What do you think she 's planning ?"

"That 's just it, I do n't know,"Albus said."And all my cousin-german and lustrelessness agreed not to say anything-"

"They 're good, of course,"Amanda said."You 'd just call forth up fuss. Your uncle has got to focus on convincing hoi polloi he 's the right one for the job, not discrediting everything Laurentis says."

"But she 's going to try and convince everyone my dad 's a bad Auror,"Albus pointed out.

"Your dad is n't running for government minister,"Amanda said."And honestly, I do n't think she 's going to be able to convert all of wizarding U.K. that your dad 's incompetent person by April."

"But what about the Georgia thing-"

"Albus,"Amanda said as she stared directly at him,"this is what politician do. Half the campaign is spent trying to convince multitude the opponent is bad for the job. As much as it should just be spent on trying to convince hoi polloi they 're right for the job, candidates just do n't do that. trustingness me. My uncle 's on his second term. I know how these things work."

"I guess,"Albus said. He felt slightly better about it, now that he had Amanda 's legal opinion, but he still felt uneasy."Something is going to happen at the Azkaban public debate, though. She wanted her campaign coach to dig something up."

"Worst character scenario, she figures out that your uncle Percy does n't really approve of Georgia 's Quidditch vocation,"Amanda said."Then he 'll give an interview and say that at first he was n't because he was worried about her future but then he saw her play and now he realizes how good she is and blah, rant, blah. It 'll be fixed."

"She 's right, Albus,"Rose said. The others nodded.

"How do you know all this ?"Albus asked."I mean, seriously."

"I 'm an excellent eavesdropper,"Amanda said with a grin."And all without Extendable Ears."

"Amazing,"John the Divine agreed.

"It 's round-eyed, really,"Amanda said."Be the kid in your family that goes unnoticed. My honest-to-goodness sister is the drama queen, so everything that happens to her, no topic how small, is a huge deal. My little brother is a brat who demands constant care. Me ? I 'm the restrained one. They 'll have unharmed conversations about stuff in front of me that they 'd never have in front of either my brother or sister."

Kaden laughed."Bet that changed when you found out you were a witch."

"At first, but then me being a witch became normal,"Amanda said.

Matt let out a low whistle."Wish I had that acquirement. I still ca n't even go into the same way as my parents without one of them asking me if I feel okay. Bit of an magnification, but still."

"I think my parents spent too a good deal of their childhoods eavesdropping on multitude to throw me a seemly chance at it,"Albus said."They know all the tricks."

"So do mine,"Rose said."I swear my mum can smell an extendible Ear a mi away."

"I think I 'm too loud,"can said.

"Lapp,"Kaden agreed.

"So, would you believe me if I said I actually wanted to go to the Azkaban debate ?"John the Divine asked as he opened a box of Bertie Bott 's Every savour Beans.

rose burst out laughing."Really, John ?"

"Yes, really,"whoremonger said, popping a bean into his mouth."Butter, Weird. If Laurentis is going to do something, I want to be right there to witness it."

"Maybe you 'll get lucky and you 'll get picked,"Amanda said."I hope I get picked for one."

"I bet they 'll let you go to all of them now, being the Prime Minister's niece and all,"john said.

"Not necessarily,"Amanda said.

"You can always take my spot, St. John,"mat said as he got up to steal a smattering of whoremaster 's Bertie Bott 's."full-of-the-moon Moon 's on Friday, so I wo n't be going."

"Maybe you can convince lady Pomfrey, since it 's educational,"Kaden said.

Matt popped a bean into his mouth and then promptly spat it out."Ew, scandal. Does n't count what Madam Pomfrey says. Day after the full synodic month ? I 'll be asleep. You 'll just feature to take notes and let me eff what happens."

John groaned."I 'll pass on your stain if I have to take notes."

"somebody 's going to have to withdraw banknote either way,"Matt said."I 'll need them for the essay that Embry will assign."

"Do n't interest, I 'll lease eminence,"rose wine told him.

"Thanks,"Matt replied."Now, who 's wants this edible bean ? It looks just like poop, but it could be chocolate."Matt held up a suspiciously brown bean.

"I 'll engage it !"john said. He took a bantam nibble, screwed up his face, and threw the rest of the bean back at Matt, hitting him square on the forehead."Thanks, Ilex paraguariensis, another dirt."

Albus laughed and took a handful of beans. The remainder of the trip was much more lighthearted than their conversation about the run tactic of Laurentis and Percy. They finished off privy 's Bertie Bott 's, growing braver as the box emptied. Albus stopped after he got a vomit flavored one, but enjoyed it immensely when Kaden ate one of the same look. The train ride went quickly and soon they arrived in Hogsmeade place with Hogwarts, Albus 's second home, just a short-change carriage ride away.


Sorry for the late update ! My cousin got married on Friday so I was gone the entirely weekend and did n't have got my figurer with me. Thanks to my sis, Linda, who in my family, is just like Amanda and can eavesdrop on everyone. She gave me the musical theme for that. Thanks for all the pin-up reassessment !


"This term we will center on how the maiden and second wars against Voldemort shaped how the Ministry of conjuration is organized today,"Professor Embry announced after the bell rang for Tues 's political sympathies class."This part of the class will overlap with your History of Magic family quite a bit, although I 'd gamble a guesswork that none of you pay care in History of Magic, not that I blame you. I never could stay awake in that year either.

"commencement, we will take a snug look at exactly how the Ministry was organized prior to Voldemort 's rise to power and why it was such a trouble,"Embry continued."parting of the intellect why Voldemort was capable to originate to power as quickly as he did was because the Ministry was susceptible to a coup. Since then, safeguard have been taken to forbid a similar situation. Does anyone cognize the principal difference between the Ministry before Voldemort and the Ministry now ?"

A few men went up in the air, including Amanda 's. Albus knew the answer, but he did n't really want to bring up his hand. He preferred listening during class.

"Yes, Miss tagger ?"

"The minister of religion was n't elected,"Amanda said,"which is odd because the Muggle minister of religion is elected, sort of. It 's not like in the United States, but the public voting on which party will be in power."

"Exactly,"Embry said."Prior to the shake-up of the Ministry of Magic in 1998, the Minister was appointed by the Wizengamot. Can anyone secernate me why that is a problem ?"

Amanda 's deal shot into the air once more. She was even loyal than Rose in this class.

"Miss Tagger ?"

"It was bad because the people had no power. Only the Wizengamot had any exponent in the Ministry, because they were the ones who appointed the minister of religion, who then appointed all the other officials. No one had any say in anything."

"right again. Ten points to Gryffindor,"Embry said."The Wizengamot, prior to 1998, was a mathematical group of very influential witches and wizards, mostly purebloods, who essentially ran the Ministry of Magic. They also served as the judicial scheme. These witch and mavin inherited their backside on the Wizengamot from kinsperson members because each influential family in the British wizarding macrocosm once held a seat in the Wizengamot. The problem with this are obvious because it meant that only pureblood and a select few half-bloods had any illusion of power."

Albus was scribbling furiously. He knew the fundamental principle of the political system just from overhearing his parents'conversations, but the details were hazy. Now that he was learning the gritty contingent, he wondered why it took so long for the Ministry to be reorganized. It seemed like it was based solely on blood status and how much money individual had, which was n't right.

Embry continued to explicate the old Ministry and the various power that each person or group of masses in the Ministry had prior to Voldemort 's sovereignty. By the end of the lecture Albus had just over a foot of notes, which was serious because Embry had already set them an essay.

"Before you leave, I 'll announce who will be attending Sabbatum 's public debate,"Embry said after he finished lecturing."Like last meter, Albus Potter, rose wine Weasley, and Matt Eckerton will be capable to assist. The two Hufflepuffs who will be attending are Elaine Asterly and Charles Christopher Parker Wieland. The two Gryffindors are Amanda tagging program and Ethan Kesse. You will describe to the Great manor hall at ten and postponement for instruction manual from the prefects waiting by the door. Everyone else will be listening to the public debate via radio set in the Transfiguration classroom. I expect an essay on which prospect you feel made their point better by next class. You are dismissed."

"I guess I wo n't get to go to all the public debate after all,"Amanda said as they left the classroom.

"This one will be estimable, though,"Rose said."You 're lucky they picked you for it."

"Wish I got picked,"John lamented.

"I 'm telling you, just go instead of me,"matte insisted."Tell them I 'm ill and you 're taking my spot."

"I really do n't think they 'll let-"

"Planning on being ill on Saturday, are you ?"

Albus and his friends stopped in the middle of the corridor, turning around to see Scorpio Malfoy behind them, his arms crossed across his chest. He looked arrogant and vaguely annoyed as usual, but there was something else there. He looked slightly upset and for some reason, that unnerved Albus.

"Give it a rest period, Malfoy,"trick said, stepping closer to the Slytherin."We get that you know. We 've gotten over it."

Scorpio stepped nearer, ignoring John and turning to Matt."How do you get into the Shrieking Shack ?"he demanded.

Matt 's boldness paled. John grabbed hold of Scorpius 's gown and dragged him into a nearby classroom. whoremaster had at to the lowest degree four inch on Malfoy, so it did n't seem unmanageable. Albus and the others followed, Rose shutting and locking the door behind them.

"Why do you want to know about the Shrieking shanty ?"John asked as he let go of Scorpio.

"None of your business,"Scorpius said, glancing at the locked room access. He slowly drew his baton.

lav drew his own wand."Put your sceptre away. And it 's his line of work which makes it all of our business."John gestured to Matt, who had sat down on one of the desks.

"There 's five of you. Like Scheol I 'm putting my wand away. So I am right, he does translate in the shriek hut,"Scorpius said with a sly smile. The expression of sadness Albus thought he 'd seen was gone ; maybe he 'd imagined it.

"John !"Matt exclaimed."Now look what you 've done !"

"Sorry,"Saint John said."I did n't mean to-"

"Never judgement,"Matt said, getting up from the desk and walking over to can and Scorpio."How did you figure it out ?"

"Where else could you transform safely ?"Scorpius asked."I did a little enquiry in the library and that was built the summertime before Remus Lupin started at Hogwarts and everyone knows he was a werewolf. No one ever lived in it, but mass reported hearing weird noises from it. Everyone said it was trace, but they went strangely quiet seven class later, only to reappear four and a half years ago, when we started at Hogwarts. Quite a coincidence, I thought. And now I see that I 'm right."

Albus was variety of offend Scorpius had done all that research and put everything together. Perhaps he was smarter than Albus and his friends gave him credit for.

"Well, you ca n't tell anyone, just like you ca n't tell anyone I 'm a werewolf,"mat said."Kendrick would expel you."

"I do n't care that it 's where you transform,"Scorpius said."The period is that it 's empty except for one night of the month. How do you get in ?"

"I 'm not telling,"lustrelessness said.

"fine, I 'll picture it out myself,"Scorpius said, pointing his wand at the threshold. The lock clicked and he strolled over to the room access, opened it, and left.

"That was uncanny,"Albus said as soon as Scorpius was gone.

"Yeah,"flatness said, sitting down on the nearest desk."Why does he want to get in the screeching Shack ?"

"Clearly he needs someplace that 's empty, but the question is what is he planning on doing ?"rosiness asked."And did anyone else notice that he seemed a bit sad in the corridor ?"

"I thought I 'd imagined that,"Albus said.

"You did n't. He 's definitely upset about something,"Rose said.

Matt groaned."He effective not actually enter out how to get in there."

"If he does, he would n't be dumb enough to go in there during a replete moonlight,"Albus pointed out.

"Yeah, but still. That 's my space,"Matt muttered."I need a nap. I think I 'm going to skip dinner and just go back to Gryffindor. I 'll see you later."

Matt hopped off the desk and left the room. Albus sighed. The last matter he wanted, amidst all of the election stuff and his family 's play, was another issue with Scorpius Malfoy, but it looked like things were heading in that direction.
***


The following first light when Albus and his friends entered the Great Hall for breakfast the students already eating were much louder than normal. Albus turned to rosiness, who shrugged in confusion, as they walked inside. Everyone in the room, students and instructor alike, were talking ominously. Copies of the Prophet were exchanging manpower faster than the Quaffle during a Gryffindor/Slytherin match.

"Albus !"James shouted once they reached the Gryffindor tabular array."Read this. There 's been a break-out at Azkaban."

"Again ?"Albus exclaimed, hurrying over to where James was sitting. He took the paper and his friends crowded around him.

"Not like last time,"James I said darkly."High-profile prisoners and more of them. Death Eaters. There has n't been a break-out like this in years. Not since our parents were our age."

Albus 's gist began to pound as he unfolded the composition. There it was, right on the front page. A big photo collage of five people, all gaunt and evil-looking, was right in the middle, with the Word 'Five Prisoners Break Out of Azkaban'above them and an article below them. Albus 's stomach churned when he recognized the picture of the middle captive. It was Quinton Willinson. His eyes drifted to the article so he could figure out who the others were.

Early this morning Azkaban officials
reported that five high gear security captive
escaped late last night. It is indecipherable how
they managed to do so. The prisoners, all
imprisoned for felonies, should be regarded
as dangerous and should not be approached.

Four of the five captive have been in
Azkaban since 1998, having been imprisoned
for war crimes. They are Alecto Carrow,
Amycus Carrow, Fenrir Greyback, and Dolores
Umbridge. All but Umbridge are proven Death
Eaters. The fifth prisoner, Quinton Willinson,
has been in and out of prison since 2018,
having escaped and been recaptured just last
twelvemonth.

'Finding and recapturing these individuals is
our top anteriority ,'Head Auror, Harry thrower,
said to reporters early this daybreak. Minister
candidate and pass Azkaban functionary, Patricia
Laurentis, refused to comment on the break-out.
The Auror department has asked all those with
tips to report them to the Ministry via owl
immediately.

Albus sat stunned after reading the article. Three death eater, Dolores Umbridge, and Quinton Willinson had escaped from Azkaban. How did that encounter ? How did five high security prisoners just escape with no one stopping them ? It did n't make mother wit.

"This is not going to take in Laurentis search good,"Amanda said quietly.

"Forget Laurentis, this is bad,"Albus said."Very bad. Umbridge is evil, twisted evil. My dad 's got scars on his hired man from what she did to him when she was a teacher here. And the Carrows, they were teachers, too. They taught iniquity fine art. Not defense, but existent Dark artwork, and how to torture Muggles. Greyback-"

"Reb bites multitude, for fun,"matte said, his face pale white."He 's the one who bit teddy 's dad."

"The four of them,"Albus began,"the four of them make Quinton Willinson look like a unicorn."

"That 's the weird thing,"Rose said."The others are in prison for life-time for war law-breaking. Willinson will be in there for a while, but he 'll get parole eventually and the simply understanding he 's a high security prisoner is because he escaped before. So why did he cave in out with the others ? Why did they let him in on it ? They 're up to something."

Albus had n't even thought of that. Why was Quinton Willinson now connected with war criminals who had been in prison since before he was born ? It did n't take in sensory faculty. Albus thought about it throughout all his classes that day, but did n't come up with any answers.

It was obvious that the Azkaban break-out had unnerved the entire castle. Professors spoke in low rustle when they thought students were n't around, bookman no longer wandered the castling by themselves, and even Scorpius Malfoy seemed a bit more subdued during dueling practice on Th.

All five prisoner still remained at large on Friday, when Ministry officials began arriving for the debate. Laurentis still had yet to comment on the break-out, which struck Albus as strange. Azkaban was her territory and yet she said nothing on the subject.

"Is it just me or are there even more than reporters here than there were last meter ?"Albus asked.

"It 's not just you,"Amanda said.

Albus, matte, John, and Amanda were walking back to the rook from Care of Magical Creatures. It was slow going since the full lunation was that night and Matt was exhausted, but luckily the weather was unseasonably tender for January. They 'd just been passed by a grouping of hurried looking reporter coming up from Hogsmeade.

"There 's probably more because of the break-out,"Matt said."Laurentis is going to bear to finally say something about it tomorrow since the theme is Azkaban."

"DOE anyone else think it 's weird that there was a break-out three days before the Azkaban public debate ?"Albus asked.

"I thought of that, too,"Amanda said."Very weird coincidence."

"well, it 'll be good for your uncle,"Saint John said."Laurentis is going to look like an idiot, not being able to keep five highschool security prisoners in Azkaban."

Albus nodded. He supposed that was one good matter that came from three expiry Eaters escaping from Azkaban, not that there was anything good about it.

"I 'm skipping Charms,"Matt said through a yawning."And Ancient Runes."

"I 'm surprised you did n't skip guardianship of Magical tool,"Saint John the Apostle said.

mat shrugged."I felt okay earlier, probably because of the nap I took in history of Magic."

John laughed."I felt much better after my nap in chronicle of Magic, too."

"Very funny,"Matt said as they reached the castle.

Albus found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on anything for the rest of the day. By the prison term he went to Ancient runic letter he was unable to retrieve about anything besides the break-out and the fact that Death Eaters were now roaming free. Deep down he knew he was perfectly safe at Hogwarts, but it was still troubling.

Professor Kendrick welcomed the Ministry officials to Hogwarts at dinner that night and Albus thought back to the last debate, when Hogwarts had housed the Ministry officials. He was very happy that this time he would n't be confessing to a prank to his uncle in the Gryffindor common room. Neither John or Kaden had done their retaliation prank to the Slytherins yet and Albus variety of hoped they would n't.

After a fitful sleep Albus woke early on Saturday morning and contemplated visiting Matt before everyone else woke up, but figured that mat would be at rest and thus it would be pointless to visit. He 'd visit with everyone else later, after the debate. They 'd stimulate plenty of clip sine there was n't going to be a dubiousness and result session this clip.

At ten o'clock Albus, blush wine, and Amanda stood in telephone line in straw man of the Great G. Stanley Hall, waiting to be let inside. John had decided not to bother asking if he could take Matt 's place, since he did n't want to attract any attention to the fact that Matt was not there.

"Albus,"Rose whispered, poking him in the side."looking at. Malfoy 's here."

Albus glanced over to where Rose was pointing and saw that Scorpius was in fact waiting in melody. He looked sullen and perturbation again and Albus wished he knew why. It was weird seeing Malfoy, the usually self-important prick, upset.

"conjecture he won the Slytherin point,"Albus said.

The doorway to the Great antechamber opened and Albus and rose wine said good-bye to Amanda before they were lead to the nominal head of the room by a Slytherin prefect. They were seated in the same row they were before, along with the rest of their Hogwarts cousins.

The Great Hall slowly filled up over the next half hour. The rest of Albus 's cousin, aunts, and uncles arrived, taking spots in the front few rows. Albus caught Peach State 's eye as she took her rump in the row on the opposite side of the room from him and she gave him a thin smile.

Albus wondered if Laurentis 's campaign director had actually found anything on Uncle Sir Henry Percy and whether she would say anything during the argument. With the break-out, he hoped she 'd been too meddlesome to dig up much turd or even think about exposing anything.

Albus turned to the social movement of the room and watched a very little man accompany prof Kendrick to the moderator 's soapbox. He was dressed in Ministry blue gown and had very little hair on his top dog.

"Attention, please !"Kendrick shouted. The crowd quieted."Thank you. I 'd like to receive all of you to Hogwarts and introduce our moderator for this morn. victor Farleigh, Head of the Department of Magical Transportation."

"Thank you, Professor,"the scant, balding man said."I 'd now like to introduce our prospect, although I am indisputable you all know them. Mr. Walker Percy Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

Percy and Laurentis walked into the room from one of the antechamber and took their plaza at each of the podiums. Percy looked as positive as always and Laurentis, despite the scandal of the break-out, looked poised and excited.

"Today we will be debating the judicial system, specifically Azkaban prison,"Farleigh announced."The usual rules apply. Five bit logical argument, two bit rebuttals."

Laurentis inched close-fitting to her soapbox, as if she was readying herself to swoop on whatever Sir Henry Percy said. Percy remained calm and collected, continuing to play the role of the cool politician.

"Mr. Weasley, you will respond first. Do you experience that the discriminative system as a whole is fair to both the accused and victims of crimes ? Are the time handed out by the Wizengamot fair ?"

"I believe everyone is able to get a fair visitation by the Wizengamot,"Harry Hotspur began."I have reviewed many casing, and while I am not nor do I pretend to be a solicitor, and I feel that the majority of the conviction handed out by the Wizengamot fit the offense. However, there is always a fortune that a soul guilty of a crime will go free, as there is an compeer chance that someone will be wrongfully imprisoned. The judicial system works severely to induce sure this happens as infrequently as possible and corrects wrongs when they do occur."

"Ms. Laurentis ?"

"I disagree with my opposite,"Laurentis said."about of the sentences handed out by the Wizengamot are not harsh enough. Ever since the defeat of Voldemort prison judgment of conviction have grown shorter, with the exception of those imprisoned for war criminal offence. And one guilty soul who roams free people is too many. If I am elective Minister I will work hard to ascertain that no guilty citizenry get off. captive belong in Azkaban and the Wizengamot is far too lenient."

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

"While a goal of not having any guilty people get set spare is suitable, it is unrealistic,"Percy said."The Wizengamot is composed of witches and champion like you and me. They are not any more powerful than we are and do not have the power to know for sure that the accused are hangdog. mistake happen and while we should work to minimize them, it is very unrealistic to say that we can get rid of them completely. Ms. Laurentis is offering false hope."

"I am not offering false promise,"Laurentis said."There are while, potions, ways to find out if people are shamefaced that the Wizengamot does not use. If I am elected Minister I will approve use of these and they will assist the Wizengamot in ensuring that no guilty outlaw are set free."

Albus agreed with his uncle. There was no possible way Laurentis could ensure that all criminals would be imprisoned.

"Next interrogation,"Farleigh said."Ms. Laurentis, you will go first. Do you sense the parole arrangement is efficacious ?"

Laurentis gave a wry grin before beginning."Much like the Wizengamot, the watchword scheme is too lenient. I have seen outlaw shamefaced of idealistic larceny get paroled after a bare two age in prison. The statistics are solve, about of these crook who are paroled early on in their sentences wind up back in Azkaban within a twelvemonth, whether for breaking the rules of their parole or committing another crime. As heading of Azkaban, I am able to yield my input signal of whether a prisoner is paroled or not, but in the end it is up to the Wizengamot."

"Mr. Weasley."

"As my opponent has said, many criminal are paroled too quickly. However, I do not believe that leaving them in Azkaban longer is the solution. If I am elected I will produce and support a better system for integrating felon back into gild. Muggles have seen achiever with halfway business firm and I feel we should try that in wizarding society."

"Halfway houses ?"Laurentis said with raised supercilium."An fascinate idea. However, Mr. Weasley lacks the experience that I have with dealing with prisoners. almost are not fit for beau monde and many never will be. Even with halfway menage they will wind up back in Azkaban. Why spend the money on trying to rehabilitate when it wo n't go ?"

"It 's about giving people a probability,"Percy said."Not everyone is a lost reason and should be written off so quickly. Many prisoners have made a few bad option as a result of bad childhood and a bit of reclamation will set them straight."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh said."Next question. Is Azkaban an reserve plaza to household prisoners ? Is the facility still doing its job ?"

Percy shifted a bit before answering."Azkaban is an appropriate facility for high security prisoners, but I have always felt that we need a less intimidating construction to house our down security system prisoners. Right now all outlaw, from those who committed petty theft or skipped bond to those who have murdered people, are all housed in Azkaban. I have been to Azkaban. Despite the fact that it is no longer in control of the dementors it is still a terrifying and heights security home. It also requires a lot of money for its upkeep. If we were to make a smaller building located on the mainland to house lower security prisoners, we would be capable to lessen outgo at Azkaban itself. We could then increase certificate at Azkaban without wasting effort and money on less severe criminals."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"How is building another deftness going to save money ?"Laurentis asked."Once again you show your ignorance in the judicial system and Azkaban. I believe that Azkaban is doing its job perfectly well. I am in charge of the prison, including its upkeep and it is in complete circumstance. We are not spending an outrageous quantity of money on the place. Further, I do not consider that less dangerous criminal deserve a low-pitched security prison. They are all criminals and if they did not wish to be in Azkaban, they should not give birth committed a crime."

"Maintaining Azkaban is expensive,"Percy said."It is also extremely difficult to employ guards because of its location and ecumenical tactile property of the place, not to mention the dangerous criminals. If we housed less dangerous criminals in another building, it would be easy to detect sentry go to lick there. We could then use the guard willing to guard highschool security captive only to guard in high spirits security department prisoner. We would no longer have to squander them on lower security prisoners."

"But we will still have to hold Azkaban, and then another building,"Laurentis pointed out."It just makes far more sense to keep all criminals in one place and an island is a serious stead to do that-"

"Obviously not that practiced, given the escape-"

"Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh interrupted."You are speaking out of good turn. It is time to run on to the side by side doubtfulness. In light of the recent Azkaban break-out, what do you feel needs to be done to ensure it does not happen again ?"

Laurentis gazed out over the crowd. Albus felt like she was looking directly at him, but assumed she just had that ability to come along to be looking every person in the eye at once. She then turned to Walker Percy and gave him one of those creepy smiles that seemed to have become her key signature nervus facialis expression. Albus turned to Rose, who raised her brow and shrugged.

"I am well cognizant that I have remained quiet on the subject of the break-out,"Laurentis began,"and I have done that on purpose. I see that all of the reporter in the back have their Quik-Quotes pinion poised and make to write down my every word on this field. Surely you 're all hoping to be the first to publish my thoughts.

"You 're probably all assuming I will deny that there is anything wrong with the security at the prison and that the break-out was a mere fluke and it wo n't go on again. I am not going to say either. There is a trouble and if we do not fix it, it will chance again. Every unity one of those escape prisoners is highly dangerous and if we do not retake them soon, who knows what will chance. When they are captured, we will need to have practiced security department in property. After all, what is more important that the prophylactic of our tike ? With those five prisoners roaming free, every person in this way, in this castle, in this country is in danger.

"Fortunately, I have a solution. It is a controversial result, but I feel we need to go to extremes to protect our mob, especially our children. That is why if elected diplomatic minister, the first thing I will do is reinstate the dementors as Azkaban guards."


Sorry about the drop hanger ! I did n't want to do it but the chapter was twice as long as they normally are and there really was n't a skilful place to carve up it. Thanks for all the lovely reviews !


Albus let out a pant, as did everyone else in the way. The Great Hall was suddenly in Chaos. Everyone was whispering and a few multitude had let out rallying cry of scandal or upheaval. Albus could practically hear the newsperson'quills scratching across pealing of sheepskin, and Laurentis was grinning again. Sir Henry Percy stood behind his stump, his mouth seeming to be frozen in a wide, gaping stead. Farleigh was attempting to gain order, and failing.

"That is literally insane !"Rose exclaimed."Reinstate the dementors ? Is she mad ? Is she throwing the election ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus said."But she must be mad. Will people actually approve of this ? Will she even be able to do it ?"

rosiness nodded."Whoever she gets to put back herself as capitulum of Azkaban will surely want the dementors back, too. Then she 'll approve it as Minister and it 'll pass."

"But it would be dolt to bring them back,"Albus said.

"It would,"Rose agreed."They 're dangerous and their commitment changes so easily. But to be fair, I 'm not sure everyone will feel that way. Not with those captive on the loose."

"tranquillity, tranquil !"Professor Kendrick shouted. The crowd finally settled down.

"Mr. Weasley, it is your routine to mouth,"Farleigh said exasperatingly.

Hotspur shook his head to find his composure. He 'd lost his sang-froid, composure, and collected politician tone and now he looked more like he did after arguing with Georgia about her Quidditch career.

"fountainhead, I, er, do not believe that dementors are the answer to the security problems in Azkaban,"Sir Henry Percy said."What we need are more skilled guards in boot of highschool security measure prisoners as well as a revamp of the patch and enchantments currently keeping prisoners inside. It will also help to go over the establishment of the guard agenda because at the time of the escape, only three guards were maintaining that section of the prison. That was surely an oversight that could have been prevented."

"Human wrongdoing,"Laurentis said."It happens and it will happen again. Can we really risk the life sentence of our nipper in the fortune that another misplay will occur ? Dementors were proven safeguard who did not allow captive to turn tail. During their reign in Azkaban, before their allegiance changed, only one individual managed to escape. Since their removal we have had legion escapes."

"open evidence that we need to revamp prison security measures,"Sir Henry Percy said."But dementors are not the answer. They are life-threatening creatures and as you said, their fealty changed. What 's to say that wo n't fall out again if, God forbid, another Voldemort were to move up to power ? If anyone offered those dementors a meliorate deal than we did they 'd give birth a altogether prison house of dangerous criminals at their disposal to do their bidding. It 's not Charles Frederick Worth the risk."

"Another Voldemort is not going to rise to power,"Laurentis said with a gag."We have learned from our history and it wo n't pass off again."

"You ca n't guarantee that,"Sir Henry Percy said."Even if there is a very small chance of it happening, it is not worth risking having dementors guard Azkaban."

"Mr. Weasley, Ms. Laurentis,"Farleigh said."It is prison term to proceed on-"

"You are talking about a hypothetical !"Laurentis exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air."I am talking about what is happening now ! Five severe felon have escaped, four of whom were on Voldemort 's side during the war, and are out there, wreaking havoc as we speak. If the dementors were guarding Azkaban this never would deliver happened."

"Now look who 's talking hypotheticals !"Percy shouted back, ignoring Farleigh 's vain attempts to get both candidates to blockade talking."For all we know they would 've escaped anyway !"

Laurentis let out a late jape."Five prisoner escape when the dementors are allied with the Ministry ? That 's laughable. Only one soul was able to do that and it was because he was an Animagus. None of the prisoners are Animagi. We test for that before admitting anyone to the prison."

"Be that as it may, dementors are unsafe sorcerous creatures. Not to mention the ethics of subjecting prisoner to their effects-"

"prisoner have no rights,"Laurentis said."They give up their rights when they commit crimes-"

"Basic human rights !"Percy exclaimed."There are introductory human rights that everyone deserves ! Talk about learning from our history. account tells us what happens when someone believes they are above others. Or do you not remember the reign of Voldemort ?"

"I lost my mother to that war !"Laurentis said."Do n't you tell apart me that I do n't remember it."

Albus was on the edge of his seat. His uncle was so red in the face that he was starting to deform royal and resemble Kaden 's granddaddy. Laurentis 's fuzz was breaking free from its fuddled bun and there was a vein popping out in her forehead. Farleigh was still trying to get both campaigner to stop talking and failing miserably, while every other somebody in the Great dormitory sat completely still, staring at Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis.

"silence !"Professor Kendrick shouted in a magically amplified voice.

Both Hotspur and Laurentis immediately quieted. The vena on Laurentis 's forehead continued to throb, and Hotspur still looked like an overripe tomato.

"I think we 've run out of time,"Farleigh said, in a voice barely more than a close call."Thank you all for coming."

"Students, please return to your common elbow room,"Kendrick announced."Lunch will be in an hour. As a reminder, there is no question and answer session today."

The whisper rose up immediately after Kendrick stopped speaking and since everyone was whispering the noise level rose very high. Albus, Rose, and Amanda joined the waiting line of the great unwashed ambling to result the Great anteroom, and without even talking about it, went immediately to the Marauder 's Den, where they found John and Kaden.

"What the bloody hell on earth is she trying to do ?"john asked as soon as Albus shut the door.

"She 's lost her mind !"blush wine shouted as she began pacing around the room."She has legitimately lost her mind. That 's the only explanation."

"Well there 's no way she 'll win now,"Albus pointed out."Dementors ?"

"It 's a bit convenient, do n't you mean ?"rose wine asked."This break-out happens and then she announces she wants the dementors back ? It did n't sound like a plan she 'd just come up with."

"We 've got to receive out if she 's tried to get them back before,"Albus said."If she has it 'll be in the prophesier tomorrow."

"Dementors ..."Kaden murmured."They 're what sucked all the happiness out of us when we were in Australia last year, right ?"

Albus nodded."They 're atrocious creatures."

"And they used to guard the prison house ?"Amanda asked incredulously."That 's just wrong."

"It is,"Rose said darkly."That 's why after Voldemort they stopped using them as guard duty. That and all the dementors changed allegiance and let Death feeder escape."

"Would they even come back, though ?"Kaden asked."I mean, if they switched allegiance so easily ...."

"They 'll go wherever they 're offered the most humans to feed off of."rose shuddered."Voldemort offered them far more than even Azkaban could offer. But right now they do n't have a good author. They just travel around, feeding. They 'll defend if given the opportunity."

"Should n't citizenry be against it ?"Amanda asked."It 's so ethically wrong."

"That 's why it was dumb of her to announce it,"Albus pointed out.

"She would n't announce anything if she did n't conceive it would get her suffrage,"Rose said."to the highest degree masses our parents'age and onetime, who lost fuck one in the war, will birth absolutely no fellow feeling for expiry eater and would n't care if the dementors were brought back, especially if Laurentis could then guarantee no one would escape."

Albus had n't thought of that and apparently no one else did, either, because the room grew quiet. Albus sank onto one of the lounge and started counting the number of Bertie Bott 's Every-Flavor Beans that were scattered on the story. He got to xxiii before anyone said anything.

"I wonder what Malfoy thinks of all this,"whoremonger mused."Was n't his dad a expiry eater ? So he should n't need the dementors back in Azkaban, but the way he was talking in the Three Broomsticks a while back made it seem like he 's very against your uncle."

"Of course he 's against my uncle,"Albus said."His unit family disfavor my whole syndicate and it goes the other way, too. But his dad was never found shamed of his law-breaking so he never did time in Azkaban."

"Surely his dad 's got friends there,"John said.

Albus shrugged."Probably."To be honest, he did n't really care what Malfoy thought about Laurentis and Uncle Percy.

"We should go to lunch and then gossip flatness,"pink wine said."haul him up on all this."

Albus had completely forgotten that Matt was still in the hospital wing, in the midst of Laurentis 's announcement. He felt vaguely hangdog about it, but at least Rose had remembered.

Everyone gathered for tiffin in the Great Hall was talking about Laurentis 's desire to fetch back the dementors. Percy, Laurentis, and the Ministry officials were still there, having lunch with the professors at the stave board, and all were mystifying in discussion. Albus would 've loved to be able to heed in on their conversations, but wearing the invisibility Cloak in the crowded Great mansion house was n't a good idea.

"better get used to the mind of your dad being rector,"one of the 7th years was saying to Bradley."No one 's going to vote for Laurentis now."

Thomas Bradley muttered something under his breath that Albus could n't listen. Albus took a rear end a few people down from his cousin and began to make a sandwich.

"She 's got my solid family 's vote now,"one of the other seventh years said."Both of my grandparents were killed by Fenrir knot. If the dementors will becharm him and keep him in there forever, it 'd make all of us sleep better."

There were a few nods from former older educatee sitting nearby. Albus was slightly shocked. If this many students approved of her estimation, a lot of grownup probably did, too. And these were seventh old age ; they could vote.

"postponement, the dementors find criminals, too ?"Kaden asked."I thought that 's what Aurors did."

"Only the really awful escaped prisoners,"Albus said."My dad 's Godfather, Sirius, when he escaped, the dementors were given permission to give him the Dementor 's Kiss if they caught him."

"What 's the Dementor 's candy kiss ?"Amanda asked.

Albus shuddered."It 's where they suck out someone 's soul."

"And they die ?"Amanda asked quietly.

Albus shook his head."No, they live without a somebody. Everyone says it 's worsened than dying."

"And they were going to do that to Sirius ?"Kaden replied.

Albus nodded."He was the offset to escape Azkaban. He 's the one Laurentis was talking about and at the time everyone thought he murdered thirteen Muggles and gave my grandparents up to Voldemort."

"That 's absolutely ugly !"Amanda exclaimed. She turned to the few sixth and one-seventh years who had said they 'd vote for Laurentis."How can you like that on someone ?"

"If your grandparents were murdered by dying feeder you would, too,"one of the girls snapped.

"Albus 's grandparents were murdered by Voldemort and he does n't require the dementors back at Azkaban,"Amanda pointed out.

"well, Voldemort 's abruptly,"the girlfriend said."Maybe if Greyback were perfectly I 'd feel differently. But he 's not so I want the dementors back."

"I do n't imagine she 's going to drop off as easily as we thought,"Amanda said quietly.

"Of course she 's not,"blush wine said."This is probably better for votes than digging up stain on Uncle Percy."

"It 's absolutely barbaric,"Amanda said, shoving her home forward."Sucking out someone 's psyche ? And they just suck your felicitous memories out ?"

"Yeah,"Albus answered, thinking back to the premature June. He shuddered."You 're forced to relive your worst memories."

"That 's all you can think about ?"Amanda asked."Just the bad single ?"

Albus nodded."My dad said it makes you go mad after a while."

"Of track it does !"Amanda shouted."That 's just not right field ! Are you lot done eating yet ? I ca n't sit here anymore."

Albus was surprised Amanda had had such a hard reaction to the dementors, but he supposed coming from the Muggle macrocosm, where she had n't even known such wight existed, it would be a bit of a electric shock. He was even more surprised that she 'd nearly gotten into a shouting match with a 7th twelvemonth over them, when she was normally so quiet.

"I 'm done,"rose said.

"Me, too,"Albus said as he got up.

Saint John the Apostle and Kaden each grabbed the remaining half of their sandwiches and followed the others out of the Great Hall. Amanda lead the way, stomping her feet a bit more forcefully than was necessary.

"It 's just awry on so many storey !"she said as she led them to the infirmary extension."It 's torture, honestly. That 's what it is. Emotional agony. Ca n't they just be killed off or something ?"

"They do n't die,"rosebush said."They ca n't. They just sort of ... exist. Once my mum gets word of this, well, she 's not going to abide quiet."

"And she should n't,"Amanda said."Can she terminate Laurentis ?"

"Not if Laurentis is government minister,"Rose answered."Right now Mum 's the elder Assistant of Magical Law Enforcement, so if Laurentis tried to get this to pass now, my mum could help oneself lay off it. But Minister Hartwell would never put something like this through."

"They 're back up beast,"Amanda continued."Having them guard anything or anyone is a tremendous idea."

Albus decided now would not be a good sentence to enjoin Amanda that when his dad was a third year Hogwarts was guarded by dementors.

"A dementor went after my dad once,"Kaden announced as they continued to the infirmary offstage."Albus 's dad saved him with a Patronus. Then he nearly got expelled for doing underage magic in the comportment of a Muggle."

"You 're kidding,"Amanda said."God, the Ministry really was screwed up when your parents were at Hogwarts. This is the kind of thing Embry should be using as examples."

"I doubt it 's a long-familiar fact,"Albus said."That the famous Harry ceramist nearly got expelled."

"It 's a good example of unfairness,"Amanda said.

"You sound just like my mum,"Rose said."It 's creepy. Does n't she ?"

Albus agreed."You do go just like her mum."

"Your mum has the right estimation,"Amanda said as they reached the infirmary Wing.

Matt was the solitary affected role in the Montgomery Ward. The drapery were n't drawn around his bed and he was sitting up and eating a bowl of soup, which was a good sign. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, working on charts, and muttering to herself about something.

"Hey, how are you feeling ?"Albus asked when they got to his bed.

"Fine,"matt said."triad cracked rib and a lot of nasty cut of meat, but I 'm alright. Listen, I heard the argumentation. Madam Pomfrey had it on on the radio set. How insane is Laurentis ? ! You should induce heard ma'am Pomfrey ranting about her earlier."

"You 're not to repeat what you heard,"ma'am Pomfrey said."But Albus and Rose, you can tell your uncle that he 's got my vote. Always thought he was a footling pompous when he was at Hogwarts but at to the lowest degree he 's not speechless enough to employ dementors as guards of Azkaban."

"Amanda 's on a rampage,"Albus said.

"It 's variety of funny,"can added.

"It is not funny !"Amanda exclaimed."It 's serious."

"It 's just that you 're so quiet, but you got into it with that seventh year."

"I did not get into it with a seventh year !"Amanda shouted and turned to Matt."John 's exaggerating. She announced that she and her family were all going to vote for Laurentis because her grandparents were killed by Johnny and she wants to make sure he stays in prison."

lustrelessness toyed with his cover and did n't foregather Amanda 's eye.

"What ?"she asked."Do n't severalise me you want the dementors in Azkaban."

"I do n't,"Matt said quickly."It 's not that. It 's the unscathed Greyback affair, I can classify of see where she 's coming from. It 's got to be scary, knowing he 's out there when he killed her grandparents .... I mean, I guess I 've always been sorting of lucky. The lad who bit me is in prison house and has been since he bit me."

Albus had never heard Matt talk about the werewolf who bit him, except for mentioning that he 's in prison house.

"He gets out side by side year,"matt said quietly."He can get paroled."

"Do you be intimate much about him ?"Albus asked.

"Just his gens and how old he was,"Matt said."My parents know a bit more but they 've never told me and I 've never asked."

"Is the Australian prison house guarded by dementors ?"Amanda asked.

Matt shook his heading."No, and it never has been. And I do n't think prison house should be guarded by dementors. But knot ... he 's shuddery. He 's tough than Silas Humphrey, that was the bloke who bit me. Humphrey 's attack on me, that was an fortuity. greyback bit hoi polloi on purpose. He 'd prick people and then raise them in his pack. That 's why he liked going for kid. shift 's dad ... Greyback bit him and tried to get his parents to give him up. They did n't, of course, but a lot of parents did."

Albus swallowed hard. He had n't known that about Teddy 's dad and was n't even sure enough if Teddy knew that. Teddy 's dad 's parents died long before Teddy was born and Albus doubted his grandmother knew that.

"How 'd you find that out ?"Albus asked.

"When we first moved here Amy learned about Teddy 's dad when she was catching up on British chronicle of magic. She told me all about him and how successful he wound up being just to make me feel better. But then I decided to enquiry other werewolves and found out about Greyback in one of my dad 's books. It talked about his unit matter with biting nipper. It never said Teddy 's dad specifically was one of those Kid but I figured he must 've been."

"That 's horrible,"Albus said quietly. The others nodded.

"He had a unit pack of werewolves to do his bidding,"Matt said."And now he 's out. What if he wants to do that again ?"

"Bite citizenry and take a leak a pack ?"Albus asked.

mat nodded."That or get hold people who 've already been bitten."

Albus saw where this was going now."He 's not going to find you. Hogwarts is safe."

"That 's what everyone always says, but the past few years it really has n't. Remember last year ?"

"Technically we were n't in the castling when we got taken to Australia. We were in the Floo. So if we just stay in the castle ..."Albus pointed out.

"It 's still not a guarantee,"Matt said."I wonder how many hoi polloi he bit last night."

Albus did n't serve. There was no way of knowing what Fenrir Greyback did during the full synodic month, just like there was no way to guarantee that Hogwarts would be safety. All Albus and his booster could do was hope that it would be safe and that the escaped Death feeder would be recaptured soon. Albus still thought having dementors guard Azkaban was an absolutely terrible idea, but after listening to matt talk about Silas Humphrey and Fenrir Johnny Reb, he sort of understood why some masses might want the dementors back at Azkaban and thus right to vote for Laurentis. She might even get elected just because of this. And that, when it came down to it, was what scared Albus the most.


A/N : No cliffhanger this metre ! Thanks for all the marvellous reviews ! If you like Marauder era, delight check out my newest novel, Between Here and Somewhere !


"I guess Laurentis has been trying to get the dementors reinstated in Azkaban for years,"Albus said the following morning at breakfast, as he set down a copy of the Prophet.

The article on the public debate had been a recollective one, taking up nearly the entire straw man page. It featured a photograph of Percy and Laurentis arguing with each other, and Albus was able to see his uncle 's aspect turning steadily more violet, despite the fact that the picture was in shameful and white. The article that followed elaborate Laurentis 's apparently years-long campaign to bring the dementors back. She had put the proposition up for suffrage four times and it was shot down by parson Hartwell each prison term.

"Of course he shot it down,"Rose said after skimming the article."It 's a stupefied approximation. Oh, look, they 've quoted my mum. I 'll read it. 'Hermione Weasley, Senior Assistant of Magical Law Enforcement, when asked about Laurentis 's proposal, said, 'It 's absolutely barbaric. Everybody, including captive, have basic homo rightfulness that can not be broken. I thought we 'd moved past the days when the Ministry sanctioned excited ill-usage of its captive and the thought that a woman running for government minister is proposing this is quite frankly horrifying. It is my sincere promise that the people of wizarding Britain will think long and arduous about the effects this will make, not only on captive, but on our company as well, before they cast their vote in Apr. ''"

"Always one to verbalize her mind, your mum,"Albus said.

"I could n't agree more,"Amanda replied."Although if Laurentis wins I bet she gets sacked."

"She ca n't,"rose said."Her job is n't appointed solely by the Minister. If she were straits of the department, then yes, but she is n't head yet. It 's confusing."

"good,"Amanda said."We 'll need some sane masses in there if Laurentis is elected."

"What are you lot doing today ?"John asked, steering the conversation away from the election."Kaden and I are going to pass the day plotting our new prank."

"I do n't want to know,"rosebush said, holding up her hands."I 'm probably going to go to the library."

"I 'll go with you,"Amanda said."I want to research dementors and their use in Azkaban."

"Quidditch practice,"Albus replied."All day. We 've got to get ready for the peer on Saturday against Ravenclaw. After the last match, we 've got to arrive at sure we we win by a enough amount of head if we 're going to takeover Slytherin 's home for the Cup."

"Oh yeah,"Kaden said."Whatever happened with that Olivia miss ? She had a huge crush on James, did n't she ?"

Albus laughed."I 've no idea."

"She sent James a box of drinking chocolate for Christmastide,"Cedric, who had been sitting next to Albus, whispered."But you did n't hear that from me."

"I was there when he opened his present,"Albus said.

"She gave them to him before we went base for the vacation,"Cedric explained."She hijacked our thestral baby buggy and wander up riding to the string with us."

"How awkward was that ?"Albus asked, still giggling.

"Very,"Cedric said as he glanced over his shoulder."She stared at him the altogether time."

"Creepy,"Albus said.

"Shh,"Cedric said."He 's coming over."

"I think I 'm going to go visit lusterlessness before Quidditch praxis,"Albus said."I 'll see you later ?"

"Sure,"Rose said."You know where to get hold me."

"And us !"bathroom announced."Marauder 's Den. japery planning."

"I do n't want to be involved,"Albus said as he got up.

John shrugged."Suit yourself."

Albus hurried up to the hospital Wing and managed to get inside without Madam Pomfrey noticing, although the nanny would n't have minded him being there. But she was very bemused with two scholarly person who had somehow fused their left arms together. Matt was already awake and much sunny than he had been the previous day, when talking about Johnny. He was pretty sure Madam Pomfrey was going to let him out that Nox, so they agreed to meet in the vulture 's Den just before dinner.

Quidditch recitation went very well and Albus was fairly sealed they would beat Ravenclaw on Saturday. No one mentioned the election or Laurentis 's wanting to bring back the dementors, which was a indisputable polarity that affair were getting back to normal at Hogwarts. Albus spent the rest of the day in the piranha 's Den working on his prep with Matt while trying to avoid hearing any parting of St. John the Apostle and Kaden 's new prank.

The week went by quickly since Albus spent every present moment he was n't in family on the Quidditch slant. But the atmospheric condition remained decent so it was gratifying. The alone day Albus was n't on the sales pitch was Thursday, when he had dueling recitation.

"When 's the future tournament ?"Amanda asked as she and Albus walked into the Transfiguration classroom, where they were were scheduled to practice. broom was there to supervise, sitting in a corner. A few of the team penis were there already, including Malfoy.

"Weekend after this one,"Albus said."I think we 'll do well."Albus glanced over to Malfoy, expecting some kind of snarky riposte from him. But he was n't even paying attention. Instead he was hunched over a long piece of parchment."Wonder what he 's doing ?"

Amanda shrugged."Last minute homework ?"

Suddenly, Malfoy sat up straight and crumpled the spell of sheepskin. He shoved it into his pocket and stood up, staring at Albus as he did so. He looked saturnine and averted his center after only a few seconds.

"I do n't consider that 's homework,"Albus said.

"Weird,"Amanda said.

"Very,"Albus agreed."Let 's get started ! I think we should practice session blocking."He took a sidelong glance at Malfoy, expecting him to barrack and arrogate that they already knew how to block, but instead Malfoy just turned to the student nearest to him and began to do as Albus said. What was even eldritch was that the student he partnered with was a moment class Hufflepuff. Albus blinked to throw sure as shooting he was n't seeing things and then began shooting spells at Amanda while she blocked them.

The practice sitting got stranger as the Nox went on, in terminus of Malfoy 's behavior. Not once did he second conjecture what Albus said and he did n't say one password to anyone that was n't directly related to dueling. Heather raised her brow at Albus on numerous occasions since she had supervised Albus 's practices before and have intercourse how much Malfoy usually tried to be the maitre d'. He ran out of the room as soon as the practice was over, looking vaguely upset, as he had at the public debate.

"That was the strangest thing ever,"Amanda said as she and Albus walked back to the Gryffindor common room."And I witnessed my comrade try to brew a potion this past summer and drink it, thinking that it would turn him into a wizard."

Albus burst out laughing."Was he really disappointed that he did n't get a Hogwarts missive ?"

Amanda nodded."I never thought he would but did n't tell him that. But do you have any idea why Malfoy did n't debate with you tonight ?"

"I 've no approximation,"Albus said."But I really hope he stays this way."

"I bet it had something to do with whatever he was reading when we walked in."

"I wonder what it was."

Amanda shrugged."No mind, but I wish I did. It 's just so odd."

"Whatever it is, I hope it keeps him like this during next calendar week 's tournament."

"Albus ! What if it 's something really awful ?"Amanda asked.

Albus had n't thought about that."Well, we do n't know that it is, so I do n't have to cogitate about it."

"Albus, I doubt anything skillful would make Malfoy shut out up like that,"Amanda reasoned."I 'm just saying, it might be something awful."
***


Gryffindor 's tendency to play Quidditch during really bad weather came up in fully force on Saturday, when the unseasonably warm temperatures decided to abandon Hogwarts. In its billet were freezing cold temperatures and a howling snow violent storm that probably should induce resulted in the match being canceled. But since Hogwarts never canceled Quidditch, Albus was preparing himself for a miserable match. He wished they could receive nice atmospheric condition, like they had when they played Slytherin in November.

The lastly metre Albus had played in a storm this bad he 'd been in his second base year and wound up in the infirmary annex with the flu afterward. He certainly did not need a repeat of that so he was hoping that Jesse James would trip up the sneaker Sooner rather than later.

"Fred, this is mad,"Ryan said as they stood in the doorway of the changing rooms, waiting for the match to begin."There is literally no way to see the Snitch in this."

"There 's nothing I can do about it,"Fred snapped. Everyone could recount he was stressed about this match, since they 'd lost to Slytherin."We have to act as unless Kendrick calls it off."

Ryan was right. Albus stared out onto the pitch and all he saw was white. The snow was swirling and blowing and Albus could n't tell if more Snow was actually falling or if it was all just getting blown around. But either way, finding a sneaker in it was going to be about impossible.

"I 'll catch it,"James said confidently."Do n't worry."

"We 're not going to be able to get wind the commentary,"Fred said."Just catch it as soon as you can. Do n't interest about catching it after we 're up a certain issue of peak. We just need a win at this point."

There was a very dull, quiet thunder of applause and Fred led the team out onto the pitch shot. The testis were released and Albus flew up into the raging tempest. Soon, he did n't know which way was up or down, let alone where the Quaffle was. After about ten minutes of meandering around the sales talk, not knowing where he was going, the Quaffle suddenly appeared. Albus caught it, but had no idea where the goal posts were.

Albus flew straight ahead, hoping it was in the right wing direction, but instead of reaching the end place, he reached the stands. Groaning, he turned and headed toward the goal posts. At least he now knew where they were. He managed to mark, mostly because Ravenclaw 's keeper did n't see him.

The match continued in pandemonium, with no one knowing where anyone else was. Albus did n't see a I Bludger the whole time and assumed the Beaters were just trying to keep raceway of them rather than trying to get them to hit the opposite word team 's players. Fred had been right about the commentary ; Albus could n't hear a word of it.

It felt like he was playing a catch by himself. The only early players he saw were the Ravenclaw Seeker, Fred, and Calluna vulgaris. They had given up chasing as a team and instead, when one of them got the Quaffle, they flew it down to the destination posts as best they could.

"Albus, Albus !"someone shouted.

Albus turned and squinted, but he could n't make out anyone flying near him.

"Albus !"

Albus continued flying in a round trying to project out who it was. He did n't even pick out their voice, but it could have been distorted by the wind instrument. Finally, he began to make out a digit flying toward him. It was Heather.

"Albus !"she shouted once she reached him."The match has been canceled. We 're all to return to our common way flop now."

Albus nodded, figuring that Kendrick finally came to his senses. It was just impossible to encounter a good game of Quidditch in a tempest like this.

When Albus and ling finally reached the changing room they found the sleep of the team sitting in their wet Quidditch gown, their faces pale. Albus noticed that even Heather looked slightly afraid.

"What 's going on ?"Albus asked.

"You were flying so gamy, you probably did n't get a line,"Fred said as Albus sat down."The match was n't canceled because of the weather."

"But it 's so bad out there,"Albus said."That equal was pointless."

"One of the Ravenclaw first days,"Fred continued, ignoring Albus,"she was late to the match and on her way down she saw-"Fred paused, swallowing toilsome."She saw Fenrir Johnny on the grounds."

"What ?"Albus exclaimed, suddenly feeling vile."But it 's so snowy. How could she possibly know for certainly ?"

"She ca n't, of form,"Fred said."But she went running to professor Longbottom as soon as she reached the pitch and told him. That 's when they canceled the compeer and sent everyone back to the castle."

As if he heard Fred mention his name, Professor Longbottom walked into the changing room, looking scared himself."I 'm going to escort you all back to the common room. Wands out as we walk."

Albus drew his wand and followed the rest of his teammates out of the changing way. They were all quiet on the walk back to the castling since the storm was still raging. No one would have been able-bodied to pick up anything anyone said, even if anyone felt like talking. Albus felt too ill to talk. The view of Fenrir knot being loose was bad enough, after hearing what Matt knew about him, but the thought of him being here, on the Hogwarts grounds, was too atrocious to even think about.

As they walked up to the palace and then up to Gryffindor tower Albus kept telling himself that it was fully possible that the Ravenclaw girl had n't seen Fenrir Greyback. She was probably just thinking about the escaped captive and imagined something. Albus had n't even been able to make out his own cousin-german when she 'd been calling his public figure in this storm. What were the hazard of a first class being able-bodied to cull out Fenrir Greyback ?

But still ... what if it had been Greyback ? He had to be somewhere, so why not Hogwarts ?

The mutual room was buzzing with chatter when the squad entered a short spell later. Albus avoided everyone, including his admirer, until after he went up to his dorm room to lead a shower bath. He was shivering and felt dreaded and did n't want to talk to anyone until after he was in dry clothes.

To his surprise his friends were all gathered in his dormitory after he got out of the cascade. Bilius and Ethan were n't there, and the door was shut.

"We ca n't go to the Marauder 's Den,"matte explained."We 're not allowed to leave our coarse rooms until far notice."

"Are they doing an investigation ?"Albus asked as he sat down on his bed."And what exactly happened ? Fred only explained a little before Longbottom came to take us back to the castle."

"It was weird,"rose wine said."No one really cognize what was happening because it was so snowy and the nothingness was so cheap. We could n't see the match, so we were just standing there using a lot of heating magical spell and hoping matter would be over soon. But then we started hearing voicelessness about greyback on the primer coat. Then, probably two proceedings later, Kendrick magically amplified his voice and told us all that we 're to report back to our rough-cut rooms immediately and to walk back with our wands out and in large chemical group.

"So then, even though Kendrick never said for sure, we knew that someone had seen Greyback on the curtilage. It was so scary. Eventually we found out that one of the Ravenclaw first long time thought she saw him on her way to the match and told prof Longbottom. But besides that we do n't know much. No one 's told us anything for sure and we 've just been hanging out here and talking."

"But what 's he doing here ?"Kaden asked."And I thought there were Aurors guarding Hogwarts."

"It was planned,"lustrelessness said."Do n't you see ? That storm out there is so bad that no one can see three feet in front of them and the wind is so gaudy no one can discover anything either. It was the consummate day for him to swipe onto the grounds, and if that girl had n't seen him who knows what he would 've done."

"So you think she really saw him ?"Albus asked skeptically."You said it yourself, no one can see anything."

"For all we know he said something to her,"Matt said."No one knows the full narration yet."

"But why ?"Kaden asked."Seems really stupid to me. If he escaped he should be hiding out in the mountains, not going to Hogwarts where there are Aurors."

"Remember what I said after he escaped ?"mat asked quietly."This just confirms it. He 's going to try to create his own lycanthrope army again. He was insane before Azkaban ; imagine how screwball he is now. They do n't need dementors in prison to name mass go insane."

"And you think-"

"That he came to try and project out how to best position himself to bite kids during the full moonlight ?"Matt interrupted."Yeah, I do."

Albus shuddered."That 's sick."

"That 's what he does,"Matt said. He looked more worried than everyone else."But what I do n't get is why it seems like he 's trying for Hogwarts kids. endure time he went for really youth kids."

"But we do n't even know for for sure that 's what he 's up to,"John pointed out."I mean it makes mother wit, but we still do n't know."

"Still,"matte said."You have to predict me you wo n't go remote during the full moon. I do n't desire any of you joining me in the Shack."

can looked skeptical."There 's early cause why he could be here."

"promise me,"lusterlessness repeated, staring directly at whoremaster."It 's not worth the risk."

Saint John the Apostle shrugged."Yeah, I promise."Everyone else nodded.

"What about the repose of them ?"Amanda asked."Do you think they 're working together ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus began."I 'm for certain the Carrows are together and Umbridge might be with them. But I doubt Willinson and Greyback are with them. The Carrows were Death Eaters, but knot was n't technically a expiry Eater. Voldemort used him, but always thought he was scum because he 's a werewolf. The Carrows probably agreed. And Willinson, he 's got no connection, which is why I 'm still confused as to why he broke out with them."

"For all we know they left the door unresolved and he followed,"trick said with a laugh.

Amanda groaned."Everyone 's got their own cell in luxuriously security."

"Oh, yeah, I suppose you 're rectify,"whoremaster said.

"Two Death Eaters, a war malefactor, a lycanthrope, and Willinson,"Albus said."It 's so random. Why them ?"

"Sounds like the start of a joke,"John said."Two Death eater, a war malefactor, a lycanthrope, and Willinson walk into a pub ...."

Matt groaned."Do n't even go there. I just really hope they catch him before the next full moon. There was n't anything in the seer about him biting anyone this death full moon, but I do n't suppose he 'd go two moons without biting. And there 's no way he 'd go on wolfbane, even if he could get some."

"I wonder where the others are,"Rose mused."You think they 're just hiding out ?"

"They must be,"Albus said."There have n't been any sightings."

There was a whack on the door and then it opened. Saint James walked inside and sat down on the end of Albus 's bed.

"Longbottom just came to mouth to us,"he said."We 'll be allowed to leave alone the rough-cut elbow room for dinner, but not before that."

"Did they catch him ?"Matt asked anxiously.

"No,"James River said."But, Longbottom said the possessor of madam Puddifoot 's also saw him, so the Ravenclaw girl probably did see him. They 've scoured Hogsmeade and there 's no sign of him, though."

"Are they rescheduling the match ?"Albus asked.

James nodded."following Saturday. dear matter, too, because I do n't imagine that one would 've ever ended. Do n't tell Fred, but there 's no way I would 've seen the Snitch."

"One top to Greyback being on the grounds, I guess,"Albus said.

"Lucky he did n't attack that girl,"Matt said as James left."He attacks multitude even when he 's not transformed."

"He did that to my uncle Bill,"Albus said.

"Really ?"matt asked.

Albus nodded."At the end of my dad 's one-sixth class, the night Dumbledore was killed. He does n't transform, but he likes really rare essence. Like hardly cooked at all meat."

"Eww !"Kaden exclaimed."That 's gross. Wait, Matt, do you like really rare meat ?"

Matt grinned."Yeah. I hardly ever get it, though. Mum refuses to let me eat it because she thinks it 'll stool me ill. And they do n't serve it here."

"My uncle eats it all the prison term,"Albus said."aunty Fleur likes her steaks pretty rarified, too. So does slip for that matter."

"I like mine well done,"Kaden said.

"Now that 's what 's flagrant,"Matt replied."I should ask the house elves to establish me rare steak."

"They probably would,"blush wine said."They make you pretty much whatever you want."

"Let 's go tonight,"matte said."We have n't been down there in ages."

Kaden groaned."So we 're going to have got to find you eating a piece of raw meat ?"

"Not raw,"mat said."Slightly cooked, bit of blood line dripping out."

"Oh, double-dyed !"Kaden shouted."I 'm going back down to the common room."

Albus laughed and matt grinned as Kaden ran out of the way. There was cypher like a head trip to the kitchens to get their minds off of Rebel and the early escaped convicts.


A/N : Sorry for the late update ! I totally forgot it was Friday. Thanks for all the wonderful revue ! Please fit out my Marauders fic, Between Here and Somewhere.


The low gear year who saw Limnodromus griseus on the grounds became an wink Hogwarts renown. By the adjacent day her entire story had spread throughout the pupil body like wildfire, and every single someone in the castle knew her name. She was Quinn Gregory of Nazianzen, a lilliputian girl who looked like she belonged in the Weasley clan with her long red whisker and spray of lentigo across her face. Quinn seemed to be enjoying her newfound celebrity and always had a crowd of people around her, asking her to recount the story.

Albus, himself, had heard the story at least five sentence. Quinn had been running to the delivery, late, because she 'd spent a half hr trying to convince one of her roommates to go to the match, but in the end her roommate had decided she did n't want to brave out the tempest. Quinn then spotted soul lurking near the greenhouses and went to enquire, but instead of finding another scholar, she found Fenrir Greyback. Apparently Greyback had said 'hi, little girl'to Quinn, who then took off running even faster for the Quidditch sales talk. Greyback then escaped to Hogsmeade and who knows after that.

As the workweek progressed Quinn 's story grew until it ended with her disarming Greyback after a XX hour duel and running to the Quidditch pitch in order of magnitude to warn the rest of the students, rather than because she was scared. Albus was very happy that, for once, this had n't happened to him or one of his admirer.

"surmise what I heard today,"Kaden said as he entered the Marauder 's Den Fri eve, after dinner.

"What ?"Albus asked, looking up from the vulture 's Map, which he 'd expend the lastly ten minutes studying. whoremaster and mat were in the room as well, Matt studying and John the Evangelist sorting Chocolate Frog carte. rosiness was tutoring Elsie Willinson again and Amanda had gone with her.

"Quinn,"Kaden said as he sat down succeeding to Albus."She 's now saying that Greyback stole her baton and she got away from him by kicking his kneecaps."

Albus burst out laughing."That 's ridiculous. She 's still got her wand."

"She claims Ollivander 's sent her an accurate replica,"Kaden replied.

"But no two wands are the Same,"lav pointed out."Everyone knows that."

"She 's Muggle-born,"Kaden pointed out."She might not."

"But still,"Albus said."She 's taken it too far. No one 's going to believe her now and it 's all going to die down."

Albus laughed as he looked back at the Marauder 's Map. He 'd been checking it, both the Hogsmeade and Hogwarts surgical incision, looking for Greyback every so often since live on Sabbatum. He 'd yet to find anything remotely interesting on it, to the lowest degree of all Greyback or one of the former escaped convicts.

"Scorpius is leaving the castling,"Albus said, noticing the dot labeled 'Scorpius Malfoy'was no longer in the Slytherin common elbow room, but instead slowly making its way across the soil.

"What ?"Matt asked, closing his book."But it 's eight o'clock. And it 's snowing."

"It 's him all rightfield,"Albus said."Come see."

lustrelessness, lavatory, and Kaden all crowded around Albus and they watched Scorpius 's dot travel further and further from the castle. There were no former dit on the grounds, except Hagrid 's, and his was remaining stationary behind his hut. It did n't look that Malfoy was meeting anyone exterior, nor did anyone go with him. It was odd, especially in lighter of his former odd behavior.

"I wonder what he 's up to,"Albus mused.

"We should adopt him,"trick said."See what he 's up to."

"I agree,"Kaden said."No one goes outside at dark during a storm for no reason at all. He 's up to something."

"We 'd get caught,"Albus pointed out.

"And it 's immobilize,"Matt added.

"We 'll take your invisibility Cloak,"John said.

"I do n't cerebrate we all fit anymore,"Albus said, not taking his name off Malfoy 's dot.

"Then Kaden and I can go,"St. John replied.

"No way,"Albus said."It 's my cloak and I do n't want you having it when Filch catches you. He 'll sequester it."

"Who says we 'll get caught ?"lav asked.

Albus laughed and turned to look at John."Of grade you 'll get caught. And then my cloak will get taken away and I 'll never see it again and my dad will remove me."

"Your dad 's Harry potter,"John said."He 's not going to murder his own son."

"If he did Laurentis would love it."Kaden laughed."I can see the headline now. 'Harry Potter Murders Own Son, Clearly Unfit For duty. Weasley Still Supports Him .'”

"Oh shut it,"Albus muttered.

"wait,"mat said, staring at the map."He 's going to the Whomping Willow."

Albus looked back at the map and saw that matt was justly. Malfoy 's dot was slowing down and circling the tree, giving it a wide situation."What 's he doing ?"

"You do n't think he 's figured it out, do you ?"Matt asked.

"Well now we have to go after him,"whoremaster said, standing up.

Matt nodded."Come on, Albus, let us take your cloak."

"Fine,"Albus said, knowing that the battle was lost. Malfoy was at the Whomping Willow, which meant that this was now personal for lustrelessness, and therefore, for all of them."But I still do n't know if we 'll all fit."

Albus walked over to his bed and located the cloak in one of the drawers beneath it. He rarely kept it in his dormitory anymore, since he and his friends spent far more fourth dimension in the vulture 's Den than they did in the common room.

"Let 's try it,"Albus said as his friend walked over to him. They stood skinny and Albus threw the cloak over them.

"half my organic structure is showing,"can said, turning to face at his still visible arm.

"And all our feet are showing,"Matt pointed out.

"That 's because Albus and John are titan,"Kaden asked, glancing up at the five inches of place that separated his pass from the top of the cloak.

"Both of you are going to have to hunker down,"flatness said.

"But what about the fact that half my body is showing ?"John asked, yanking on the cloak.

"Now I 'm not under it at all,"matt said, yanking it back.

"I wish we could do Disillusionment charms,"Albus muttered."Too bad we do n't learn those until seventh year."

"rosebush could probably work out them out,"lav said."We should feature her learn them."

"fountainhead we do n't have metre for that now and we 're wasting clock time arguing. Malfoy could be in the tunnel by now,"Matt said.

"There are wards,"Albus pointed out.

"Still ..."Matt muttered.

"fine,"privy said."Albus and Matt can go and Kaden and I will abide here."

"What ?"Kaden shouted."Why 'd you volunteer me to stick ?"

"Well, Albus is n't going to let anyone lease the cloak without him going and Matt has to go since Malfoy 's by the Whomping Willow,"John said."That leaves you and me. I do n't think more than two of us are going to fit."

"Let 's go, then,"Matt said, yanking the cloak off of bathroom and Kaden and repositioning it over himself and Albus."See you in a bit."

Albus nearly had to run to prevent up with Matt and keep himself crouched down enough to stay conceal, and that was saying something since usually Albus was much profligate than mat. The two of them said nothing on their way down to the front door and were n't noticed by any of the scholarly person or professors they passed.

"Remember, we 've got to be back before curfew,"Albus said once they shut the front door."We do n't want to be locked out like back in secondly year."

"This is total deja vu,"Matt added."Two days ago we caught Kaden messing with the Whomping willow tree. That 's when Kendrick added the wards."

"But unlike with Kaden, I do n't believe we 'll wind up friends with Malfoy after,"Albus pointed out.

The grounds were very quiet, the only sound being the crunching of their feet in the snowfall. Albus carefully vanished their step as they walked, while lustrelessness led them down the path to the Whomping willow. It was very common cold and snowy, which reminded Albus even more of the meter they got locked out of the castle after sneaking into the Shrieking hutch.

"Is he even still there ?"matte asked quietly when they were halfway to the tree.

Albus paused and pulled the piranha 's Map out of his pocket. Scorpio 's dot was still walking methodically in a circle around the tree."Yeah, he 's there."

matt nodded and they continued walking. Neither of them had lit their verge, so they slowed down in order to not be hit by the willow tree 's large branches. Finally they reached it and stood just outside its hitting range, waiting for Malfoy to come back around.

The Slytherin boy was wrapped in a blockheaded cloak and pacing with his school principal always turned toward the tree. He had his scepter out and did n't appear to notice that he had been joined by Albus and flatness. Albus glanced at flatness as Malfoy walked past them, unsure of whether to call his attention to their presence. Since they were invisible, they could just stand there and watch him.

"There 's got to be a way,"Malfoy muttered."Every ward has a unaccented point. They do n't all last-place forever."

Albus could now see that Malfoy was sending diverse hexes and jinxes into the Mrs. Humphrey Ward, but they were all deflecting away. As he rounded the Tree once more, a hex bounced off the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward and nearly hit Albus, who had to jump out out of the way to nullify it. His leg slipped out from underneath the cloak in the process, but Malfoy did n't see it.

"It 's got to work,"Malfoy said."There 's no other way in ...."

"Into where ?"Matt mouthed. Albus shrugged.

They waited for Malfoy to wee another circle around the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and this time one of the hexes reflected off the wards and toward matt, who jumped to get out of the way, but tripped over a partially buried tree source instead. He fell over, yanking the cloak down with him, leaving both himself and Albus exposed. lustrelessness let out a stream of curses and a cry of pain. Albus heard a sickening crunch as he fell and hoped it was the tree diagram antecedent and not mat 's leg.

"Who 's there ?"Malfoy shouted, aiming his scepter at Albus and Matt. He lit it and his nerve visibly paled."What are you two doing here ?"

Albus lit his own sceptre. Matt was still sitting in the snow."I could ask you the Lapplander thing, Malfoy,"Albus said.

Albus pointed his baton at flatness and reached down to aid him up. He was clutching his wrist and his fount was as pale as Malfoy 's, although for unlike reasons.

"I said, what are you two doing here ?"Malfoy repeated, not sounding very confident.

"Following you,"Albus said simply, thinking honesty would be the scoop policy here. After all, all three of them were breaking the dominion. Not practically point in denying it or making up self-justification.

"How did you know I was here ?"Malfoy asked. His sceptre arm was now trembling, although Albus did n't make love if it was from the cold or fear.

"Saw you leave the castle,"Albus said."Figured we 'd see what you were up to."

"What do you want with the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ?"Matt demanded. His voice sounded pained.

Malfoy 's sass turned up in a sly grin."Once again, you just confirmed my suspicions. This tree 's how you get into the Shrieking hut. I did a little more inquiry, and turns out this affair was planted the same year the screaming hutch was built. The Saame class Remus lupine started going to Hogwarts. That Shack 's all boarded up so I figured there must be some sort of tunnel leading to it and what in force way to hide a burrow than to put a murderous Tree above it ? difficulty is, I ca n't disenable the wards. Bet you can, though."

"Why ?"Matt asked. Albus heard him inhale sharply and began to inquire if his wrist joint was broken."Why do you desire to get in there ?"

"Ca n't tell you,"Malfoy said.

"fountainhead, I 'm not disabling the Montgomery Ward,"lusterlessness said.

"I 'll figure it out eventually,"Malfoy said.

Albus wanted to ask him about his behavior at dueling practices so badly. They 'd had another practice the former day and again, Malfoy had n't said two run-in to anyone. It was just strange. Bur Albus figured that even if he asked, Malfoy would n't reply.

"It 'd be dumb, you know,"Matt said."Going into the scream Shack."

"Well I would n't go in on a full moon, idiot,"Malfoy said."Believe it or not this has nada to do with you or your evil side. I could n't like less that you 're a filthy werewolf. I have well things-"

Albus jabbed his scepter into Malfoy 's thorax, nearly knocking him over in the process. His gist was pounding and he could sense heat energy rising up in his organic structure."You. consider. That. Back,"he seethed.

"Albus, do n't,"Matt said.

Malfoy scowled."No. I wo n't, because it 's true. I do n't care. It was the mystery story that I liked and nil more. You do n't know the half of what 's going on or why I want that Shack. He only uses it one Night out of twenty-eight. I want it the other twenty-seven. I do n't get why that 's such a huge deal."

"What 's going on over there ?"a gaudy voice boomed over the grounds."Eh, what 're yeh doing ?"

Albus quickly moved his scepter and pointed it elsewhere. It was one matter to get caught on the grounds after dark but another to be caught threatening another student. He pointed his scepter in the direction of the part and saw Hagrid making his way toward them, his large Newfoundland, Fetch, at his side.

"Albus ?"Hagird asked as he drew nearer."matte ? What 're yeh doing out here ? And Malfoy ?"

"Er, nothing,"Albus muttered.

"Well, yer breaking the rule so I 'm going to birth to take yeh to Longbottom,"Hagrid said and then turned to Malfoy."And you 'll have to see Slughorn."

"hospital backstage,"matt said."First."

Hagrid turned to Matt and looked at his carpus."O'course,"he said."What did yeh do ?"

"Tripped over a root,"matte said."Landed on a rock."

Hagrid nodded and clapped Matt on the back, a gesture clearly meant to comfort him but instead nearly knocked him over again. After he recovered they set off for the castle, walking next to Hagrid. Malfoy followed at a shortly distance. Hagrid did n't ask them what they were doing by the Whomping willow tree again, although Albus had a feeling he probably knew. After all, he knew why the tree was there and the fact that lusterlessness was a lycanthrope.

The palace was much vacuous when they returned than when they had left. Albus only saw a few prefects doing their round of drinks and realized that curfew must have passed. So very much for not getting in hassle.

Hagrid walked them to the hospital annexe and left Albus and Matt there while he then escorted Malfoy to Slughorn 's study. Malfoy had remained smooth during the entire walk, but lost the sneer he 'd worn when he insulted lusterlessness.

"I thought you lot had grown out of this,"brothel keeper Pomfrey said as she examined Matt 's wrist joint."This sneaking about in the dead of nighttime, following people. At least you did n't get locked out this clock time.

"Yes, your wrist is definitely broken. But I can bushel it quickly."

Madam Pomfrey took her wand out of her robes and pointed it at Matt 's wrist. She muttered a spell and instantly, his wrist was healed.

"Thanks,"Matt said, bending his wrist.

"You 're welcome,"the nursemaid replied. She hurried over to a cabinet and returned with a goblet of potion."Take this for the pain in the neck and you 'll be good as new. No pauperism to outride the night. I know you stay here enough as it is. You 're to look here until prof Longbottom comes to collect you."

mat nodded and downed the potion in one vauntingly gulp. Albus sat down next to him on the bed and they waited for Longbottom. Albus did n't think Hagrid had seen him with his scepter pointed at Malfoy, so his punishment should n't be too bad.

"You do n't reckon he 'll make you fille Quidditch tomorrow, do you ?"flatness asked.

Albus had n't thought of that."I hope not. Fred would kill me."

The doorway to the ward opened and professor Longbottom walked inside. He looked tired and slightly annoyed. He sighed and shook his pass when he saw Albus and Matt.

"You two again ?"he asked."Hagrid said you were on the grounds after curfew ?"

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied. He always felt uncanny calling Professor Longbottom 'sir', but figured it could n't injure in this situation.

"Should I bother asking why ?"Longbottom replied.

Albus shook his top dog, knowing that telling Longbottom why would n't get them any fewer detention, nor would it stop Malfoy from trying to figure out how to get into the Shrieking Shack.

"I 'll stimulate this easy, then,"Longbottom said."Ten points from Gryffindor, each. And you 'll both attend to detention tomorrow, immediately following the Quidditch lucifer. pipeline, in my office. I 'll see you then."Longbottom turned to leave. He nodded to Madam Pomfrey as he walked to the door."effective night, Poppy."

"goodness night, Neville,"brothel keeper Pomfrey said.

Albus and lustrelessness said good night to the nursemaid and then left the ward, both automatically going back to the common room rather than the marauder 's Den. If they were caught outside of Gryffindor tower twice in one night they 'd get a much worse penalty than twenty lost pointedness and a detention. Albus thought they 'd gotten off easy, to be honest. He wondered what Slughorn had set for Malfoy.

John, Kaden, rosebush, and Amanda were waiting for them when they got back. Gospel According to John and Kaden were smirking.

"Do n't say a intelligence,"Albus muttered."I knew whoever followed him would get caught."

"Figured you did, seeing as you 've been gone for over an hr,"John said."What 's your punishment ?"

"Detention tomorrow after Quidditch and we each lost ten detail,"Albus said.

"You got off easy,"Kaden replied."If it had been me and Gospel According to John we would 've gotten three detentions."

"I think Longbottom took pity on us because mat broke his wrist while we were out there,"Albus said.

trick laughed."Of course of instruction he did."

"Shut it,"Matt said."It really bruise. I was dodging a condemnation that Malfoy sent to the Willow that reflected off the wards."

"Did you find anything useful out ?"Rose asked."Not that I approve of this."

Albus and matte explained what had happened, including the contribution where Malfoy insulted lustrelessness and Albus nearly hexed him.

"Very odd,"Rose mused."What can he possibly want the shanty for ? And what did he mean when he said he had other clobber going on ? What other stuff could he possibly have going on besides school day ?"

"Whatever he 's got going on with Willinson ?"Gospel According to John suggested."Surely Felix knows what his cousin are up to and Malfoy 's always involved with that."

Albus shrugged."Maybe. But why would he need the Shack ?"

"Who knows,"King John said.

"I bet it 's got something to do with that alphabetic character,"Amanda said."And why he 's acting so strangely lately."

"speechmaking of acting strangely, Elsie Willinson is still acting Wyrd,"Rose said."I thought she would 've adjusted by now, but she has n't. She does n't look to own any friends."

"DOE her brother still pick her up from tutoring ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah,"Rose replied."It 's very odd. I asked her if she wanted to fall out with me and Amanda until curfew, but she said she could n't. So I said maybe another time and she said probably not."

"That 's odd,"John said."Clearly they 're up to something."

"They 're always up to something,"Albus pointed out."I 'd have it away to make out what it is, though. I wonder if they 've been in impinging with Quinton."

"They 'd be pudding head to be,"Rose said."Kendrick did n't punish Felix for what happened to Kaden two years ago, telling him if he did it again he 'd get expelled."

"I still say you 've got to cypher out what 's up with Elsie,"John said.

"I 'm trying,"Rose insisted."It 's not as well-to-do as you 'd think. She hardly dialogue at all."

"Just continue trying,"John said.

"Team !"Fred suddenly shouted from across the common room."Off to bed, all of you ! We 've got a 2d chance at this and let 's not ruin it by staying up all night."

Albus did n't reason. Turning in too soon was a good idea and he was actually quite play out after his excursion to the Whomping willow. He bade good night to his supporter and went up to his quiet, empty residence hall. It did n't take on him long to fall asleep and he dreamt of playing Quidditch with Malfoy while the two of them dodged the Whomping Willow on brooms.


A/N : Thanks for all the reexamination ! I am doing camp NaNoWriMo again this month ( probably not a right idea ... ), and I 'm writing this for it, so hopefully I 'll finish it !



The weather for the rematch was vastly different from the previous Saturday 's weather. The sky seemed to be all out of snowfall and the sun was shining. Although it was still bitterly cold, there was fiddling wind. Albus hoped the match would be a prospicient one since as soon as it was over, he had to serve detention with Professor Longbottom.

Albus went down to the Great Hall by himself for breakfast. His early Nox had given way to him waking up far sooner than he normally did. It was squeamish being able-bodied to lurk over breakfast, though, and contract on the upcoming equal rather than interact with his friends. As he ate, the Great Hall slowly filled. He had just finished the last of his eggs when the military post owls arrived.

Albus observed the hooter and did n't realize any of them. Clearly he was not receiving any mail service today, which was a dear thing because he was fairly certain Longbottom had owled his parents about his detention. But then he noticed a very large owl holding a red envelope in its mouth ; it was a howler and the owl was heading toward the Slytherin mesa. Albus continued watching it and saw it land right in front of Scorpius, who yanked the envelope off the owl 's leg and tripped over the bench in his haste to leave the room. Albus actually sympathized with him ; it was awful opening a sidesplitter in populace. From the sound of it, Malfoy did n't quite attain it to a loo or empty schoolroom. Muffled shouting could be heard coming from the entree Hall.

Malfoy did n't return to the Great hall. Albus figured it must birth been a particularly abominable howler monkey and was wondering what it could possibly get said when his admirer sat down adjacent to him.

"Malfoy got a howler,"St. John the Apostle said as he started loading his plateful with bacon.

"I know,"Albus said."Saw him get it."

"Well, we heard the fag end end of it,"John said.

"It was nasty,"rosebush replied.

"What did it say ?"Albus asked."Who was it from ?"

"His dad, I 'm guessing,"John said."It was a man 's voice. We crouched down on the stairs when we saw him. Basically his dad was yelling at him for getting in trouble for stupid matter when he should be studying and concentrating on his schooling work and keeping his head down. Then he said something about how Malfoy knows that they, meaning his parents, have far more significant matter on their minds than worrying about Malfoy getting in fuss in school. And how they ca n't vex about him at school when they 're officious worrying about former things."

"That 's vague,"Albus said."He did n't say what the former things were ?"

"Nope,"John said."But Malfoy obviously knows what they are because he was shaking and he ran for the dungeons after the howler blew up."

"I told you the letter he read at practice was about something bad,"Amanda said.

"And now we know it 's got something to do with his sept,"Albus said.

"Maybe they 're going to join up with Willinson and the Carrows and all them,"lusterlessness said."His dad was a Death eater, was n't he ?"

"Sort of,"Albus said."His gramps was, but his dad kind of got caught up in it and he got off. So did his grandfather, actually. No one really knows why, but my dad vouched for them at their hearing."

"Now that is unearthly,"Matt said."Maybe his gramps is planning on joining them."

Albus shrugged."Maybe, but it just does n't sound right. Listen, I 've got to get to the pitch. I 'll see you after."

"Yeah, for detention,"matt muttered."Going to be a blast."

Albus 's wish for a hanker match came true. Since the weather condition was cooperating, James I put off catching the Snitch until Gryffindor was up by 200 points, instead focusing his cause on faking dive to preserve Ravenclaw 's seeker away from the stool pigeon. It worked, and three and a half hours later Epistle of James caught the Snitch and won the peer for Gryffindor. Albus was sorely disappointed that he 'd have to miss the resulting party in the common room, but figured that 's what Longbottom was going for when he scheduled detention for right after the match.

lusterlessness was waiting for Albus in the Great Granville Stanley Hall and the two of them grabbed a warm lunch before hurrying to Longbottom 's office. They spent the next two 60 minutes writing'I will not nobble out of the castle after dark'over and over again. By the clock time they were done Albus wanted to curl up and take a nap, since the Quidditch match itself had exhausted him. He and mat decided to expend the afternoon in the Marauder 's Den, just relaxing if not actually sleeping.

When they arrived they found John and Kaden in the heart of plotting their new prank. pink wine and Amanda were in the library, apparently avoiding trick and Kaden and their prank.

"Are you two certainly you do n't want to be involved with this ?"whoremaster asked."It 's going to be legendary."

"It wo n't be worth the detainment,"Albus said.

"Seriously,"matt agreed."If it 's legendary it 's going to think of a lot of detentions."

"mulct,"John said.

lav and Kaden lowered their voice, but Albus distinctly heard the words 'Weasleys '', 'itching pulverisation ,''Slytherins ,'and 'alarm pin grass .'At that point, he really did n't want to recognize. He and matte decided to start up a secret plan of chess and attempted to tune out John and Kaden 's whisperings.

"I was thinking the other night and realized if my dad loses his job when Laurentis is elected it 's going to be just like Australia,"Matt said as he captured one of Albus 's pawns.

"I had n't thought of that,"Albus said."Does that entail you 'd incite again ?"

"I do n't make love,"matt said quietly."I really hope not. I guess I do n't believe so because the substantial reason we moved here was so I could go to schooling, not for Dad to get a new job."

"Then you probably wo n't,"Albus replied, taking one of mat 's bishops.

"But if he does lose it, it 's going to probably imply Laurentis disagrees with him on werewolf issues,"Matt pointed out."That could be really bad."

"You never know,"Albus said."There 's other thing your dad passel with that they might disagree on."

"But my dad 's the most vocal on werewolf rights. Everyone knows that,"mat said."If they 're going to discord on something, that 's going to be it."

"I guess you 'll have to await until the argumentation,"Albus said.

"I 'm thinking of going,"matte said quietly."It might be terribly, but I want to know what she says firsthand, not from the Prophet."

"That makes sense,"Albus said."When is it ?"

"In three weeks,"Matt said."Feb 15th. That 's the merely affair ; it 's the day of the Hogsmeade trip."

"That happened last Hogsmeade weekend,"Albus said,"when Rose went. suction that they do that."

lusterlessness nodded."I think I 'll go anyway. I mean, it is the Valentine 's Hogsmeade trip. oral presentation of that, is St. James still going out with that Hufflepuff daughter ? I forgot her name."

"Gabby Ellis,"Albus said."I 've no idea, to be honest. I guess we 'll find out when the Hogsmeade slip comes."

"Just as long as Fred does n't schedule Quidditch recitation for that day again,"mat pointed out.

Albus laughed."He wo n't. None of us minded too very much since the weather condition was so nice, but I think if he did it again the whole team would hate him."

"That would name an awkward folk dinner, considering over half the squad are your cousins,"Matt said.

"Family dinner with my family have become awkward by definition,"Albus said."Luckily the future one wo n't be until far after the election."

"Only a little over two months to go,"Matt said."You can make it."

"I hope so,"Albus replied, as he moved his fairy in the verbatim line of Matt 's king."Checkmate."
***


"Rufus Scrimgeour was the last-place Minister of magic to be appointed by the Wizengamot,"professor Embry said as he strolled around his classroom. It was the world-class week of Feb and the family had finally gotten to the power point where they were beginning to discuss the mo war."He was appointed quickly, after Cornelius Fudge resigned.

"Minister Fudge is commonly known as the to the lowest degree competent Minister ever to carry office,"Embry continued."He refused to believe evidence that was laid out plainly in front of him, for fear of being known as the rector who held office when Voldemort returned. Somehow, he thought that if he ignored what was redress in front of him, it would just simply go away. This backfired, of course, because he is now known for being the to the lowest degree competent parson.

"Scrimgeour is seen in a slightly better luminosity than Fudge, although he was Minister when the Ministry fell to Voldemort in August of 1997 ...."

Albus knew all of this, of course. He 'd originate up listening to his parents laugh at the incompetency of Fudge and the pointlessness of Scrimgeour being considered a minister of religion at all. Nevertheless, he listened to Embry and took detailed notes since the essays Embry set were often long and difficult.

"The sentence of the second war was a time of awe and chaos,"Embry said as he reached the front of the room again."No one knew what was going on or who to believe. Many mass heartily believed Fudge and what he said, believing Albus Dumbledore to be a pseud or even doddery. When this reality was shattered for them in June of of 1996, they did n't get it on what to do or who to reverse to, or even what to trust. They 'd been fooled for a full twelvemonth, believing what their Ministry and newsprint told them. Now that they knew they 'd been lied to for a year, what were they to do ? They did n't trust anyone, let alone the Ministry. well-nigh hoi polloi 's goal were to protect their household and friends and that was it.

"It was the fear and chaos that allowed Voldemort and his followers to demand control of the Ministry. Without the support of wizarding Britain, the Ministry was decrepit and susceptible to a takeover. It was simple for Voldemort to slip in and takeover in a matter of weeks."

"alibi me, Professor ?"Olivia Leontyne Price said, raising her hand.

"Yes, misfire cost ?"Embry replied."You have a interrogative ?"

"Yes, sir,"Olivia replied."I was just wondering, and you do n't have to answer, but what were you doing during the second war ?"

If Embry was surprised that Olivia asked him a question about his personal life, he did n't show it. Instead he gave a slight grinning and began to walk around the classroom again.

"I do n't mind answering that,"Embry said."Many of your parents were involved with the war effort, so of course you 're curious. When the Ministry fell I 'd been working there for about six years. I got a job as an undersecretary in the section of Magical deportation when I was just out of Hogwarts and worked my way up the ranks.

"I 'd receive a forwarding shortly before parson Fudge resigned and worked to draft legal philosophy, but I quit after Scrimgeour got appointed because I saw that the Ministry was weak and defile and no longer wished to align myself with it. After Voldemort 's defeat, I was approached by Kingsley Shacklebolt asking if I would like to be involved with rebuilding the Ministry, and I said yes."

Albus was affect. Embry had n't mentioned what form of job he did at the Ministry and Albus had had no idea he had been so involved with its rebuilding after the war.

"So you can see why I believe it is so crucial to educate all of you about the history of the Ministry and how it is organized now,"Embry finished."Looks like we 're out of clip for today so delight write an eight column inch essay on Rufus Scrimgeour 's term as curate for preparation, due following Tuesday."

Albus packed up his bag and headed back up to Gryffindor tower with his friends. When they arrived, there was a crowd around the notice display board, which was foreign. The Hogsmeade weekend date had already been announced and rarely did other poster garner such a crew around the notice board.

Albus shrugged at his friends and they squeezed through the crowd until they could take it. It was a large poster, covering the majority of the circuit card, imposing an other curfew Sun night. Everyone, first through one-seventh age, were to be back inside the castle by five in the evening, no exceptions. Below that it warned that Filch was going to shut up the breast doors at exactly five and that everyone was to cover to their common way at five-thirty.

"That 's weird,"Albus said as he and his champion retreated."I do n't think they 've ever imposed a curfew so early before, and for everyone ?"

"It 's because Johnny Reb has n't been caught,"Matt said quietly."Sunday 's the wide moon."

"They must think he 's going to hail back,"Albus replied.

"Scary,"John added."Do you really think he will ?"

"I do n't have sex,"matt said."But I 'd bet my parents'completely Gringotts hurdle that he 's going to bite someone Sunday night."

"Wait,"Rose said."You do n't usually go to the Shrieking hut until six or seven."

"They 're probably doing it early just to be safe,"Matt said."In case some people do n't conform to it or something. It says on there that the prefects are going to do a head tally. That 's why we all have to come back to the common room at five-thirty."

rosebush nodded."Then you 'll have to leave later, after the doorway are locked."

"Either that or brothel keeper Pomfrey will have me go early,"Matt replied."I really hope not, though. I hate sitting out in the shriek Shack."

"I hope not, too,"Albus said quietly.

Albus and his friends were probably the exclusively educatee who knew the intellect why a curfew had been imposed on Dominicus. Even the prefects seemed clueless, since Albus overheard a few of them trying to enter it out. More than a few bookman were wild about it, although Albus had no estimation why since it was n't common for students to take a stroll on the grounds on a Sunday night in February. He supposed they liked the alternative, though.

As Dominicus drew closer Matt became quieter and even more closed off than he normally was. In fact, it reminded Albus a lot of the way he was in firstly year, before pink wine figured out why he disappeared once a month. Both Albus and rose tried to get him to spread up about it, but he shrugged them off and insisted he was fine. John and Kaden did n't appear to mark any difference in Matt, and Amanda was n't one to ask about it when he closed himself off.

Saturday 's Dueling Tournament proved uneventful. Albus spent the full few hr worrying about Matt because he had elected to skip the tournament in order to sleep, which was odd since he 'd normally at least try to enter. At least Malfoy made Albus 's life sluttish by remaining repose throughout the tournament and not blaming Albus when the team came in third base place. Albus himself won both of his duels, as did Malfoy.

On Sunday Albus and his acquaintance spent the day in the predator 's Den, working on homework and playing plot. matte slept for a good deal of the day and he still was n't saying anything. While Albus was worried, he was fairly sealed the understanding matt was so hush was Greyback. When a quarter to five rolled around, they had to turn back to Gryffindor to prove they were in the castle. mat was still gone, so Albus told everyone else go to on ahead and that they 'd follow.

"mat,"Albus whispered as he shook his friend awake."We 've got to go back to the common room."

"This is stupe,"Matt muttered."They 're counting everyone to gain sure no one gets attacked by a werewolf when they 've got one support in the castle."

"Is that why you 've been so quiet this hebdomad ?"Albus asked as Matt got up. He did n't respond."You and Limnodromus griseus are n't the same."

"I know,"Matt said as they left the elbow room. The corridor was evacuate, so he continued to talk."It 's just the fact that we 're both werewolves. That 's the Saami. What if they start doing this curfew affair every wide Sun Myung Moon, all because of me ?"

"They wo n't,"Albus said."You 're not serious because you 're in the Shrieking Shack. It 's all sealed up."

"I guess, but it 's still possible."

"You and Greyback are different because he wants to bite people. He purposely transforms near people, not on Wolfsbane, so he can infect people. You hide yourself away to protect everyone. That 's a huge difference."

"But what if he does come to Hogsmeade,"matte continued."He 'll hear me howling and know there 's a werewolf in the screaming Shack and he 'll try to get in."

"But he wo n't be able to,"Albus pointed out.

"And then if he does burn someone, and let 's face it, he will,"Matt said."It 's going to look bad for all wolfman. All it 'll take is a few attempt and people will start believing we should have our right hand taken away. That 's what happened in Australia."

"You 're getting ahead of yourself,"Albus said as they reached the common room."Right now you do n't recognise that any of that 's going to happen. Wandering banshee."

"You 're nearly late,"the Fat Lady said as she swung her portraiture open.

Albus and Matt climbed inside and found the green room the most crowded they 'd ever seen it. Prefects were milling about attempting to get everyone to quiet down, but everyone was still trying to figure out why such an early curfew had been set. The way was so crowd that Albus and matte could n't get hold the quietus of their friends and since being in a crowd together room was not the comfortably approximation for Matt right before the full moon, they quit searching and instead sat down near the hall doorway.

"Everyone, quiesce, please !"Heather announced in a magically inflate voice. The room finally quieted down."I know you 're all upset about the curfew but they have n't even narrate us prefects why it 's been imposed. It 's not that big a deal since it 's February, dark, and freezing outside. None of you would be outdoors anyway. Now just remain quiet while we take roll so we can all get downstairs for dinner party. After we 're done you 'll be allowed to wander the castle until your normal curfew."

ling began calling out name calling in alphabetical orderliness by twelvemonth. It took her fifteen or so transactions to get to the fourth geezerhood and after that Albus tuned her out. Fifteen proceedings after that she finished and all the Gryffindors had been accounted for. The common room emptied out quickly, since everyone wanted to get to the Great anteroom for dinner. Matt had fallen asleep and after Albus prodded him awake, he went up to the dormitory to sleep until he had to go to the infirmary extension.

When Albus and his friend returned from dinner flatness had already left for the hospital wing. They decided to just stick around the common way since it was fairly evacuate and spent the evening working on their essays for professor Embry.

"Any fortune you lot lie with why we 're stuck inside ?"James asked as he snagged the last chairperson at Albus 's table."Cedric, Ben, and I are asking everyone."

Albus exchanged a glance with rosiness. He supposed it could n't wound to differentiate James the reason why, just so long as he did n't enjoin him why they knew. Of course, as soon as he told James it would spread around the castle like dragon pox at a wizarding baby's room school, but again, that would n't really suffer anything.

"We 've got a hunch,"Albus said."Remember how Quinn Gregory saw Greyback on the priming coat during the Quidditch match ?"

"Yeah,"King James I said.

"fountainhead, tonight 's a full moon,"Albus said."Put it together."

James I was silent for a moment and then his center grew big."You think Kendrick thinks he 's going to derive here tonight ?"

"That 's our guess,"Albus said and his admirer nodded.

"Makes gumption,"William James said."Can you imagine what kind of difficulty Kendrick would be in if someone got bitten by a werewolf on the grounds ?"

Albus did n't want to think about it. He doubted matt wanted a comrade in the Shrieking Shack.

"Scary,"James said,"thinking about grayback transformed while wandering around the undercoat. I wonder why they did n't just enjoin us. No one would be angry about it if they 'd recite us the reason."

"Probably did n't need anyone to panic,"Albus said.

"Guess so,"William James agreed."But still, everyone 's going to cognize now."He grinned and then got up to go feel Ben and Cedric. The fact that the curfew was due to grayback would be common knowledge in the rook within ten transactions, Albus guessed.

Albus managed to eat up his essay and decided to call it a Nox shortly after. He did n't feel like talking, not with the possibility that Greyback was either running around the Hogwarts grounds or setting himself on some unsuspicious village, wanting to taint small minor with lycanthropy. It was horrific to think about. Albus laid awake for hours, trying not to think about it, but try as he might, he just could not advertize the thought from his mind.


It was a rare affair that Albus witnessed the sun rise. Being fourteen-years-old, Albus preferred to slumber until the very late morning or early afternoon, but this particular forenoon he was up before the sun. He had n't slept much that night due to his concern about Fenrir Greyback and matt, and decided that it was pointless to try and sleep when he 'd just receive to be up in an hour anyway.

Albus sat at the window and watched as the sun slowly rose over the visible horizon. The footing looked peaceful, and not at all like the place where a werewolf could 've been roaming just a few hours before. The Sun Myung Moon had set and both Matt and Limnodromus griseus would be back in their man grade by now. Whatever had happened was over now and there was naught anyone could do to change it. Albus wondered just how long it would remove for the Prophet to publish some sort of article on any flack Rebel might 've been the cause of.

Bilius and Ethan awoke before John did and busied themselves with public lecture of the Balycastle and Kenmare peer that had taken shoes Saturday, completely unworried about Reb. Albus was n't surprised since neither of them had any sort of personal connectedness with the escaped loup-garou. But they at least screw that the late night had been a broad moon, since James II had spread that information around the castling.

Gospel According to John finally rose shortly after Bilius and Ethan left for breakfast. Albus was relieved since they could now utter freely.

"What meter is it ?"John the Divine asked as soon as he sat up."Have we got clip to visit Matt before Herbology ?"

"Just after eight, so not really,"Albus said."And there 's no point in visiting him now as he 's probably unconscious or sleeping. The moon just set two 60 minutes ago."

"Yeah, but he might know something,"privy said as he closed the hangings on his bed while he dressed."He might 've heard Rebel last night."

"He never remembers anything about full moons,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's still worth a jibe,"John replied.

Albus thought it would be kind of pointless, but they did n't sustain time before Herbology anyway. After John finished, the two hurried out of the dormitory room and down to the Great mansion house for a quick breakfast before form. rosiness, Amanda, and Kaden were already there.

"Anything in the Prophet ?"Albus asked as he grabbed a push-down storage of toast.

Rose shook her headland and swallowed her bacon before answering."No. Absolutely goose egg, but that does n't mean much. It could just be too soon for plenty point to have emerged."

"well, we 've got a free period this good afternoon, so we can go ask Matt,"John Lackland said.

"I told you that he 's not going to hump anything,"Albus reminded him.

john shrugged."You never know."

The relaxation of the student body seemed to have already forgotten about the early curfew and the good moon. Albus did n't hear anyone discussing it on his way to Herbology or at lunch later that day. Since there had n't been anything in the composition about an attack, it was old news program for the Hogwarts pupil. Everyone that is, except for Albus, Gospel According to John, Rose, and Amanda.

Albus, John, and Amanda were still discussing it on their way to Care of Magical brute that afternoon. When they arrived they found Hagrid surrounded by cages filled with modest, fateful, fluffy creatures.

"'ello !"Hagrid shouted."I 've got nifflers for yeh today. Can anyone enjoin me what makes nifflers alone ?"

Albus raised his hand.

"Albus,"Hagrid said.

Albus grinned."Nifflers find treasure. They like sheeny things."

"Tha 's right field,"Hagrid said."So if you 've got scout or jewelry on, rent it off. I 've buried a consignment of leprechaun atomic number 79 and your job for today will be to use the nifflers to find it. Everyone pair off and then come get a niffler. Whichever twain finds the most gold gets a pack of deep brown Frogs."

There was a flurry as everyone hurried to take off their jewelry and find a niffler that looked like it would be a particularly treasure hunter. Albus took off his watch, shoved it into his pocket, and followed John and Amanda over to the nifflers. With Matt in the hospital wing, Albus was without a partner and decided to just unite John and Amanda.

whoremaster grabbed the niffler with the foresightful nozzle and held the end of the lead while they followed it around the grounds. Every so often the niffler would block and dig through the snow, revealing a small-scale pile of coins. Albus collected them and shoved them into a bag Hagrid had provided.

The total operation was rather entertaining. Albus enjoyed watching not only his niffler, but the rest of the class 's nifflers as well. They were endearing, good story creatures. At one point in time, Janie Creevey and Karina Jordan-Bell 's niffler managed to sniff out a set of scales in Bilius 's bag resulting in all three of them playing tug-of-war with the niffler.

"Why 's he got his plate in there anyway ?"john asked as they watched."We have n't got potions today."

Albus shrugged."No idea."

"Albus, whoremonger, look !"Amanda shouted, pointing toward the castle.

Albus turned around and saw two figures walking toward Hagrid 's hut. It took a few seconds, but he soon realized that he knew both of them. One Albus recognized as a young Auror from his dad 's department. His name was Newman and he 'd been one of the Aurors to help when Kaden was kidnapped two years ago. The second base man was none other than Matt 's dad.

"What 's mat 's dad doing here ?"John asked.

"Yeah, and who 's that other fellow ?"Amanda asked.

"He 's an Auror,"Albus said."But why are they here ?"

The two wizard walked past tense Albus, John, and Amanda without making any kind of eye middleman, acting as if they 'd never seen them before. By now, the rest of the class was looking at them strangely. lustrelessness 's dad and Newman kept walking until they reached Hagrid, and they began speaking with him in low voices.

"C'mon,"Albus said as he began walking toward Hagrid.

John tugged the niffler 's tip and he and Amanda followed Albus. Albus stopped once they were within hearing, hiding behind a George Walker Bush. lav and Amanda crouched down on either side of him.

"I s'ppose I did hear some funny remark randomness las'night,"Hagrid said."More'n usual, that is. Always funny noises from the forest. A bit more rattling than rule las'dark, coming from Hogsmeade. Could 've been a werewolf, but I don'know for sure."

"And did you see anything roaming the evidence ?"lustrelessness 's dad asked. His voice sounded serious.

"No,"Hagrid said."Wasn'alfresco late. What 's this about ? Greyback ?"

matt 's dad and Newman glanced at each other."Yes,"flatness 's dad said."We have intellect to consider Greyback was in the area shoemaker's last night and we 're looking for anyone who might 've seen something."

Hagrid shuddered."Wish I could help yeh. But yeh do it, that howling from Hogsmeade could 've just been-"

"Yes, I know,"Mr. Eckerton cut him off, with a fast coup d'oeil at Newman."We 've had written report of more vicious, louder howling. Howling that seems to modify location."

"Oh !"Hagrid exclaimed."Yeah, well, again, regard I could help. I 'll pay a bit Sir Thomas More attention next full moon."

"We 'd appreciate it,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thanks for your time."

lustrelessness 's dad and Newman turned and left, without a second base coup d'oeil at Hagrid or the class. The sleep of the form had farseeing since returned to their nifflers and all had bags of gold far magnanimous than Albus, lav, and Amanda 's. But Albus no longer cared about winning the Chocolate Frogs. It seemed that something did happen last Night, but nobody knew exactly what.

At the end of the class, Albus, King John, and Amanda came in drained last for amount of coins collected. Hagrid seemed defeated, but said that their niffler must 've just been tired. After returning it to its cage, the three hurried back to the castling, queasy to stow their bagful and go visit Matt.

"If Greyback is n't on Wolfsbane should n't he be slow to find after the full moon ?"John Lackland asked as they walked to the hospital wing."Would n't he be injured ?"

"Not necessarily,"Albus said quietly."Matt only bites and attacks himself because he has nothing else to attack. If Greyback 's out roaming the countryside, he can attack animals and people."

"But what about the actual transformation ?"John replied."Even lycanthrope on Wolfsbane are achy the next day because of that, right ?"

"I think so, yeah, but I bet if you 're being chased by Aurors that 's the death thing on your mind,"Albus pointed out."I 'm not certain. matt would probably know."

Matt was the only affected role in the hospital fender and Madam Pomfrey was in use in her study, so Albus and his ally were free to talk over whatever they pleased. Albus was happy to see that mat was awake, although he did look slightly unsettled.

"Was there anything in the Prophet ?"Matt asked as soon as Albus, whoremaster, and Amanda had taken fanny on his bed."And I 'm okay, so do n't bother asking."

"Er, no,"Albus said."Why ?"

"Last night was weird,"Matt said.

"Told you he 'd know something,"John said to Albus.

"But I do n't,"lustrelessness replied."It was just unearthly. I do n't know how else to key it."

"What happened ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't know,"Matt said quietly as he pulled his paw out from under the blankets. They were completely bandaged."Look. My custody are the exclusively part of me that 's injured. I mean, I ache all over from the shift, but I did n't prick myself at all last night."

Albus looked at the patch."But your hands. You did n't burn them ? Then why are they bandaged ?"

"splinters,"Matt said."lady Pomfrey thinks I spent the night scratching at the door and trying to get out. I 've never done that before. I never remember anything from when I 'm the wolf, but I do sometimes remember feelings. Like if the wolf was really raging or something. finale dark it was desperate, although I have no idea what for. I guess to get outside, if Madam Pomfrey is right."

"And your wolfy self has n't done that before ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Matt shook his head."I 've been transforming in the screech Shack for three and a half days and the woman chaser has never done that before."

"I 'll tell you something weirder,"John Lackland said."Your dad was here earlier."

"What ?"lusterlessness exclaimed."When ?"

"Just now,"St. John the Apostle said."During Care of Magical Creatures, he and some Auror came to talk to Hagrid. We listened in-"

"Of course,"Matt cut in.

"Your dad and the Auror, they were asking Hagrid if he 'd seen or heard anything eldritch last Nox. Hagrid said he did n't see anything, but he thought he heard more noise than usual from Hogsmeade. Then he said that it may consume just been you, but your dad cut him off, probably because of the Auror. Then your dad said that there had been report of more fell howling than usual."

"They definitely think that greyback was in Hogsmeade last night,"Albus said.

"What would 've happened if you got out ?"Amanda asked.

"Out of the hovel ?"lustrelessness asked."Nothing good. But now he knows that I was there. He 'll keep coming back until he 's captured. I wo n't actually be able to escape from the Shack. The wards are too good."

The doorway to the ward flew loose and Matt 's dad came striding inside, still looking as serious as he had earlier. After a quick glance around the room, he strode over to lusterlessness 's bed.

"Dad,"Matt said.

"You do n't look surprised to see me,"Mr. Eckerton replied as he gave his son a hug."How are you feeling ?"

"I 'm all right,"flatness said with a shrug."Albus, John, and Amanda saw you talking to Hagrid. Well, they heard you, too. Where 's the Auror ?"

Mr. Eckerton let out a short joke and then turned to Albus."I saw you in the bushes. adjacent fourth dimension you 're trying to hide, do n't cover with a niffler. They 're ill-famed giveaways. Yours was trying to sniff out Newman 's pocket watch."

"I missed nifflers ?"Matt asked, clearly foiled.

"Yeah,"Albus said."I bet Hagrid would let you see one after you 're comfortably, though."

"I need to address with you about net night, matte,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."In individual, perhaps ?"

flatness shook his head."I already told them about last night, so they might as well stay."

"All right,"Mr. Eckerton said."I need you to try and remember if you heard or saw anything strange last night. I know you never think anything, but try."

lustrelessness held up his bandaged hands."Madam Pomfrey thinks I tried to get out of the hut last nighttime. That never happens. Whatever was outside kept the wolf occupied all night. I did n't attack myself."

Mr. Eckerton 's eyes grew great and Albus noticed that the serious looking at had dissipated. It was replaced with a spirit Albus had seen quite often on his own don. It was a founder 's impact and concern.

Matt explained the quietus, including the part about the skirt chaser flavor desperate. Mr. Eckerton seemed to contemplate this for a few instant before sighing and shaking his head.

"What 's going on, Dad ?"matte asked.

Mr. Eckerton sighed once more."I suppose it could n't hurt to narrate you. It 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow anyway. Two children were attacked in Little Shingleton last Nox. It 's a townspeople about five miles away, on the other side of that passel next to Hogsmeade. We 've been trying to visualize out whether it was Calidris canutus or not, since he left immediately after biting them."

"Were they Muggles ?"flatness asked.

"No,"Mr. Eckerton said."Which makes me trust that this was a carefully planned onset. Little Shingleton is a Muggle settlement, with these two children and their parents being the only witches and wizards in the sphere. It 's too coincidental. And why tone-beginning both tyke ? Most werewolves take off immediately after biting someone, their instinct telling them to get as far away as possible, as quickly as possible."

"And did they ... survive ?"Matt replied.

"They 're both in stable condition at St. Mungo 's. Once their bite heal, they 'll be fine, save for the fact that they now have lycanthropy. The bites were unobjectionable and small, not normal werewolf chomp. These bites were inflicted just to taint. Another sign toward Greyback."

"But what about Hogsmeade ?"Albus asked.

"Five miles is not an unimaginable journey for a werewolf in a night,"Mr. Eckerton explained."Most likely Greyback heard Matt 's ululation hold out night and followed the audio. Once there, he probably spent the residuum of the night attempting to get inside the screaming shanty, which is impossible."

"So you really think it was him ?"matte asked.

"I do, and Auror Newman agrees with me. I left him in Kendrick 's study, after telling him I needed to visit you since we were already here. But what you 've told me just solidifies it."

"But ca n't you just go get him ?"John asked."He ca n't be that far. No offense, Matt, but if you were outside you would n't get very far."

"None taken."

"The matter that makes lycnathropy so difficult to study, and also most potential the reason why wolfbane does n't bring for all loup-garou, is that each person 's lycanthropy is vastly dissimilar from others. Its issue depend a lot upon a person 's aspect toward their own lycanthropy. Fenrir Reb has spent his life embracing his lycnathropy and living for that one night a month where his true nature emerges. He embraces his wolf side so much that he even attacks citizenry when the Moon is not full.

"You, lustrelessness, on the other helping hand, identify almost with your human being side. As you should, considering you 're only a wildcat one Nox out of twenty-eight. Therefore, you resist the transformation. You fight it with your every fiber, every month. Greyback embraces it, and probably shifts a lot well-situated than you do. His transformations most likely do not cause him the same pain."

"I guess that makes gumption,"lusterlessness said.

"But still,"John said."They should be combing the forest for him."

Mr. Eckerton chuckled."They are. reliance me. They have the entire loup-garou command social unit searching for him, along with six Aurors, and a handful of Junior and trainee Aurors. They do n't normally dispatch Aurors to capture knave werewolves, as that 's usually the werewolf Control Unit 's job. And it 's not usually my job to enquire lycanthrope fire. But this is a high profile case, so they want many people on it, including people in explosive charge. We 'll get him."

Albus wondered if teddy bear was on the display case. He was a Junior Auror now. Knowing chemise, he 'd need to be on the event since greyback had turned his dad into a wolfman.

"I 've got to get back to the Ministry and occupy out a report,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up from his professorship."If you think of anything else, lusterlessness, ask to use Professor Longbottom 's Floo. Owls are easily intercepted."

lusterlessness said goodbye to his dad and soon the boy and Amanda were alone in the hospital wing once more. Albus did n't know what to say. Fenrir Rebel, it seemed, was up to his old joke and somehow Matt had gotten involved.
***


Fenrir Reb 's attack on the two small fry took the whole front page of the Prophet the accompany morning. The entire Great anteroom was talking about it, professors, pupil, and ghosts. Copies of the newspaper publisher were being passed faster than platters of 1st Baron Verulam. Albus managed to snag a written matter from his full cousin Ben.

FENRIR Calidris canutus ATTACKS IN LITTLE SHINGLETON

Fenrir greyback, escaped convict and werewolf,
was sighted last night in Little Shingleton,
Scotland. Little Shingleton is nearly an
entirely Muggle village, make unnecessary for one
wizarding family. The family, whose
names have not been released due to the
Underage lycanthrope Protection Law,
suffered an extreme tragedy go dark,
when Fenrir Johnny Reb attacked both of
their nipper. Both small fry are
reportedly in stable condition at St.
Mungo 's.

An probe, organized by both the
Auror Department and the Department for
the rule and Control of Magical
wight, headed by capitulum of that department,
Walter Eckerton, concluded late yesterday.
'We 've interviewed several eyewitnesses
who saw or heard a werewolf in Hogsmeade
during the full moonshine. Hogsmeade is only
about five mi from Little Shingleton .'
investigator said that numerous other
clues led them to believe that the flak
was by Fenrir Greyback, despite not having
actually seen him in Little Shingleton.
'We are not organise to disclose all details
of the investigation. But we are confident
that this was an attack by Johnny. A squad
of Aurors and Werewolf Control unit of measurement employees
are working around the clock to enchant
knot .'

The clause was followed by a recap of greyback and the crimes that had landed him in Azkaban in the first place, along with a nasty photograph of him. Even in his human being form he looked rather wolf-like, which was such a drastic contrast compared to lusterlessness, who did n't resemble a wolf at all, redeem for his oculus. Albus glanced up from the article and his eyes fell on lusterlessness 's. They had a yellowish tone to them, with flecks of gold amidst their lifelike dingy colouration. They were indeed the only wolf-like trait he possessed when the moon was n't full.

"This is why the great unwashed want stern werewolf control law of nature,"lustrelessness said quietly.

"Even those could n't have stopped this,"Albus pointed out.

"People wo n't think about that. All they 'll conceive about is how their children are n't secure, and they 're ripe. It 's just lousy timing. Laurentis is going to use this to her advantage."

Albus wanted to ensure Matt that everything would be all right, that Laurentis would n't bodge everything out of balance, but he could n't. He knew that Matt was right, that Laurentis would once again use a terrible tragedy to draw more support from the wizarding man. If his uncle Percy was going to stand a chance against her, he was going to have to drastically change his campaign scheme.


A/N : So I just realized that I uploaded the wrong chapter hold up Fri. This is the real chapter 25 and the one I uploaded last Friday is chapter 26. Sorry about that !


The affair about werewolf attacks was that they were only able to bechance once a month. There was absolutely no chance of a lycanthrope attack during the rest of the calendar month, so it was easy for the Hogwarts scholar to soon forget about Fenrir Greyback, or at least push him into the furthest corners of their nous. After the initial article about Greyback 's attack on the two young children, the paper returned to its usual election coverage, although both prospect were being very pipe down about the attack. Neither Percy nor Laurentis made a statement, which did n't surprise Albus. The debate on regulation of magical puppet was scheduled for Sat, so both candidates would throw instruction then. There had been a few newspaper column in the paper written by people pushing for stricter loup-garou constabulary, but that had been it.

Saturday was also the day of the following Hogsmeade slip, and this gave the Hogwarts students a much needed distraction from the outside world. password spread amongst Albus 's cousins that James was once again taking Gabby Ellis to Hogsmeade, and quite a few of his other cousins had appointment as well. Albus himself did not, and was planning on spending the day with John, Kaden, rosiness, and Amanda. Matt had arranged to attend the public debate with his dad, and would lack the trip.

"Are you sure you want to go to this debate ?"Albus asked lustrelessness as they played cheat in the Marauder 's Den.

"What ?"lusterlessness asked, turning to Albus. He 'd been staring at the wall under the guise of taking his play for the preceding five minutes.

"You were zoning out,"Albus said."I asked if you 're sure you want to go to that debate Saturday."

Matt had seemed distracted all week and whether it was from Johnny Reb being so near during his transformation or the forthcoming disputation, Albus did n't know.

"Yeah, I 'm for certain,"mat said."I 'd rather listen it straight from her than read it in the Prophet."

"What about your dad ?"Albus asked."Is he going to speak out against her if she wants stricter laws ?"

mat shrugged."I do n't love. That did n't work too well in Australia."

The door to the Den burst undetermined and John and Kaden came barging in, both wearing very grins. It was slightly unearthly, how similar they looked.

"We 've finished,"John announced.

"Finished what ?"Albus asked. He was slightly worried. It was never a good sign when John and Kaden were that happy about something.

"Our prank,"Kaden answered."We 've finished planning. We 're not quite sure enough when to do it, though."

"Yeah, any hypnotism ?"John asked."Or are you two still being all prefecty on us ?"

Albus burst out laughing and turned to lustrelessness, who smirked."Prefecty ?"Albus repeated.

"Yeah,"John said."Everyone knows it 'll be one of you who makes prefect next class. And you 're getting started early by not liking our pranks."

"We just do n't want custody again,"matt explained."Honestly, I could n't care to a lesser extent if you prank the Slytherins. Malfoy 's a git. Prank him all you want."

"Are you sure you do n't desire to know what it 's going to be ?"John asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Not a probability,"Matt said.

John shrugged."All right. But when should we do it ?"

"Let 's just wait and see when the time feels right,"Kaden suggested."It 's not, er ... time-sensitive ...."

John and Kaden burst out laughing."Sure,"john said."Not time-sensitive at all."

Albus and lusterlessness exchanged a glance.

"We could tell you why that was so funny,"John said.

"Or you could just waitress and see like the remainder of the castle,"Kaden added.

"We 'll wait,"Albus said. He was rum about it, but not curious enough to possibly wind up with another hebdomad 's hold.

Whatever the prank was, John and Kaden did n't implement it before the next day. Saturday brought blue skies and bitterly coldness temperatures and Albus put on two Weasley jumpers in preparation for walking around Hogsmeade.

Matt left too soon for the debate, Flooing from prof Longbottom 's study. Albus and John slept late and met Kaden, Rose, and Amanda in the Great Hall for a spry lunch before setting off for Hogsmeade.

The February Hogsmeade slip was always an interesting one. The village became filled with young twain either snogging passionately in front man of the shop or staring awkwardly at each other across a table in the ternary Broomsticks or ma'am Puddifoot 's. Having never been on a date before in his life, Albus found it really good story to watch. toilet and Kaden found it amusing as well, but rosebush and Amanda seemed to stare wistfully at the couples and did n't ascertain them at all funny.

"Where to first ?"Albus asked.

"Not Madam Puddifoot 's,"privy said immediately, grimacing as a few love-struck couples headed toward the place.

"I plan on never setting foot in there,"Kaden said."I do n't care how many girls ask me to go there with them."

St. John laughed."You 'd have to get a daughter to like you first."

"Shut up,"Kaden said."Let 's just go get some Butterbeer."

The relief of the group agreed and they were soon crowded around one of the lonesome empty table in the Three broom handle. Albus was hoping to catch a glimpse of William James because despite the fact that James had been out with Gabby Ellis before, Albus could n't get over the fact that his buddy was going out on dates. It was just Wyrd.

After finishing their Butterbeer, the mathematical group went to Honeyduke 's and Weasleys'in order to stock up on Skiving Snackboxes and deep brown Frogs. By then it was nearly dinner time and they decided to call it a day. The breaking wind was picking up and none of them fancied being caught in a storm.

"Albus !"John shouted just as they were setting off on the path back to the castle.

"What ?"Albus asked, turning to see what John was pointing at.

"Saint James the Apostle and Gabby Ellis,"John the Divine said.

Albus squinted and just made out his comrade, leaning against the outside of Honeyduke 's, his mouthpiece attached to Gabby Ellis 's. They were so fold that they almost looked like one person.

"Oh my God,"Albus said quietly.

"That is disgusting,"rosiness added."I could 've gone my entire liveliness without seeing someone snog James."

John and Kaden were both laughing."look like they 're enjoying it,"John said.

"Oh gross !"Albus exclaimed as he turned back to the path."Let 's go."

"I think it 's prophylactic to say they 're together,"Amanda said as they walked back.

"What she could possibly see in James ..."rose wine muttered.

"well, he does recreate Quidditch,"Amanda pointed out.

"So do over half my cousins,"Rose said."So does Albus."

"Can we exchange the theme ?"Albus asked."Please. C'mon, let 's hurry up. I bet mat 's backrest from the debate."

That seemed to get his champion'judgment off of James 's romantic sprightliness. Albus himself wanted to put the image of his blood brother kissing someone out of his thinker forever. At to the lowest degree she was a Hufflepuff and he 'd never receive to see them kissing in the common room. If he did he may hold to spend all of his time in the Marauder 's Den.

dinner had n't started yet when they arrived at the castling, so the group decided to go get Matt first. They found him right where Albus figured he 'd be, in the marauder 's Den. Albus was slightly nervous about what had happened at the debate, but Matt was sitting on the sofa casually reading his Charms Quran, seeming hardly upset at all.

"How was Hogsmeade ?"mat asked as he set his book down.

"Disgusting,"Albus said as he sat down next to Matt. John, Rose, and Amanda pulled up chairs.

matt raised his eyebrows."Disgusting ?"

"We saw James snogging his new girl,"Rose said with a shudder."Trust me, there 's nothing pleasant about seeing the boy you remember eating a mud pie kissing a missy while pressed up against Honeyduke's."

lusterlessness laughed."I have n't got any cousins, so I 'll take your Bible for it."

"Consider yourself lucky,"Albus muttered."But what happened at the disputation ?"

"It was n't as bad as I thought it would be,"Matt said."Well, okay, piece of it were n't as bad as I thought they 'd be. It was at the Ministry, in one of those court elbow room in the basement. Mostly it was citizenry who work at the Ministry there, but there were some early masses there, too, because the room was so big.

"I 'm not sure how much you know about the Department for the ordinance and Control of Magical wight, but every creature is divided into one of three categories. organism, Spirits, and Beasts. Spirits are ghosts and poltergeists and boggarts. existence are tool that are n't homo, but have human intelligence. animal are everything else. The blighter who was running the debate started by asking Percy and Laurentis how they feel about the rightfield given to Beings. You know, goblin, house-elves, Centaur, those sorting of animate being. They did n't consume much to contend about that because neither of them think any of those creatures should get their rights taken away. And Rose 's mum has worked so hard to get them rights.

"Then they moved on to the tone sectionalization and there was n't lots tilt with that, either, since there 's not much that can be done about spirits. They 're just sort of there. spook do n't harm anyone and poltergeists it all depends on the specific poltergeist. Laurentis brought up the topic of Peeves, which was odd, but Percy did n't seem to have an feeling on Peeves."

Albus had n't expected much tilt with the being division. There had been a lot of public debate backbone and forth about the rights of beingness back when his parents had been in school and his auntie Hermione had dedicated her body of work life history toward giving rights to Beings, especially house-elves. Over the years she 'd done a very effective job with it and had n't met much opposition. As for the smell sectionalization, Albus did n't retrieve there had ever been a lot disputation there. Ghosts were just ghost. They pretty much did as they pleased.

Matt paused."Then there was the Beast sectionalization. Throughout account both wolfman and vampire have sometimes been in the Being naval division and sometimes been in the Beast part. compartmentalisation in the animal segmentation is the reason why lycanthrope have been stripped of their rights and how the Ministry can get away with it. If they 're not seen as Beings, then legally, they do n't let to be given the Saami rightfield as humans. It 's a technicality, really.

"A yearn time ago werewolf were in the Being segmentation, but they got reclassified in the 1950s, after a huge wolfman attack on an intact Town. It was horrible. But ever since then, no one has wanted to classify them as existence again. My dad has been an advocate for assortment as beingness ever since he started in Australia.

"The thing about classification is that, for the most part, Ministries all over the humanity have to agree. That 's why reclassification is such a time-consuming and unmanageable thing to do. soul has to land it up and coordinate negotiations between countries and it requires a lot of feat. When Voldemort came to power no one in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland had the time or Energy Department to put toward the reclassification of werewolves. Not to mention they could n't spare the people to put the clip into it. Since the brutal tone-beginning in the 50s happened in England, the other countries have n't wanted to touch the idea. Although I 'd wager that Commonwealth of Australia would put up a good battle if it was ever brought up again.

"So, basically, my dad has been trying to do this for eld, but he does n't birth the support. Even Minister Hartwell has n't wanted to touch it since it 's such a controversial issue and he does n't accept much clock time left."

"Wow,"Albus said."Binns did n't teach us any of that in account of Magic."

"And he probably wo n't,"Matt said."It 's not a well-known event since well-nigh masses probably do n't give care to put in the effort to reclassify werewolf. The lonesome people who 'd want to are werewolves."

"That 's awesome,"Amanda said."But what happened at the argument ?"

"The necromancer in care of the argument dodged the head of Johnny for a piece, asking questions about early creature like thestrals and dementors and the like. But he finally brought up the topic of greyback and Laurentis basically said that it was n't a issue of werewolf control police force, but a subject of Azkaban security-"

"well, that 's good,"Albus said. He would n't have expected that of Laurentis.

"form of,"matt replied."I have n't finished. Anyway, your uncle agreed with her, but he of course said that putting the dementors back would be stupid. Laurentis said that if the dementors had been there then Rebel would n't have escaped and those Kyd would 've been safe. Then they started arguing about Azkaban and dementors again. But the feller in charge cut them off.

"Then he finally brought up the fact that my dad 's been pushing for the reclassification of lycanthrope as Beings for years and how he 's got the support of Rose 's mum and asked what their opinion of it was."

"But if my mum was capable to aid house-elves and goblin, then why could n't she do it for werewolves at the like time ?"blush wine asked.

"House-elves and goblin have always been classified as Beings,"Matt explained."They were being denied right that they technically already had. It was just a matter of reworking the natural law and enforcing them properly. None of the werewolf rights laws can be changed unless their classification is changed-"

"But that 's just stupefied,"John Lackland said.

matte shrugged."It is, but there 's nothing anyone can do about it."

"Well, what did Laurentis say ?"Albus asked.

"Laurentis said that reclassifying werewolves as Beings would turn in the current werewolf control laws unenforceable and that it would give the Ministry far less control over werewolves. Which is dependable,"flatness said."Not that it would be a bad thing."

"Of course not,"Albus agreed.

"Then she said that if werewolves were currently classified as Beings it would take a leak it difficult to even trance Greyback and prosecute him for what he 's done, which is n't avowedly at all. My dad was turning purpleness at this stop. She really knows nothing about the way his section works."

"What about Uncle Percy ?"Rose asked.

Matt did n't say anything for a full minute."He was n't as bad as Laurentis, but well, your uncle does n't want to change anything. I 'm sure you 've noticed that he says everything 's exquisitely the way it is and we do n't need to interchange anything, whether it 's Azkaban or Hogwarts. He thought the like about werewolves."

"What do you mean ?"Albus asked."He thinks that-"

Matt averted his gaze, looking at Kaden rather than Albus and Rose."He thinks that 'putting muscularity into reclassifying werewolves as being would be a poor idea, given the other yield facing the capital wizarding residential area .'And that is a direct citation. I ca n't ever block that."

Albus wished he was surprise. He really did. But the fact remained that Uncle Percy did n't care to budge the caldron, so to speak. If things were working the way they were, he would n't shift them. He 'd rather retain things the Lapplander then speak out openly either for or against anything, if it would cost him support or vote.

"Then he went on to explain,"lustrelessness continued."He said that werewolf classification does n't sham a large number of Wiccan and wizards and that it 's very complicated and would necessitate a lot of effort, which is true. But it 's like he did n't think it was Charles Frederick Worth it, just because it would n't affect a lot of people."

"It does n't surprise me,"Rose said quietly."The election is so soon. I do n't think he 's going to say anything too controversial."

"Honestly, it was almost worse than Laurentis,"lusterlessness said, turning back to Albus and Rose."Sorry. I know he 's your uncle-"

"Do n't apologize,"Albus said, suddenly glad he was n't of age and would n't have to pick out between the two campaigner.

"It 's like he does n't even have a secure opinion on it. He does n't want to give birth a inviolable view on it,"matt added."Laurentis at least has a reason. Your uncle does n't even have that. Honestly, Albus, I 've no musical theme who my parents will vote for now. Same with Amy."

"I do n't know who I 'd vote for now,"Albus said quietly.

"But either way, I do n't opine werewolves will get reclassified,"matte replied."Nothing will happen without support of the British government minister at this point."

"That 's just not sightly,"Amanda said."What exactly does the law say now ? What are you not allowed to do ?"

mat averted his regard once more. This was another subject that flatness had n't ever spoke of before and Albus had n't dared ask.

"well, technically,"Matt began,"I 'm not allowed to be at Hogwarts."

"What ?"Albus shouted. The rest of his booster let out standardised exclaiming of shock.

"But Teddy 's dad-"blush wine began.

"Not legal,"Matt said."Dumbledore frequently broke the law and that was no different. professor Kendrick follows the law a bit more but he liked the idea of allowing me to look. It 's variety of murky, to be fair. It 's in the law that werewolves can not go to Hogwarts, but at the same metre, Hogwarts schoolmaster have complete command over who they admit. So as long as it 's kept quiet-"

"But what about Malfoy ?"rose wine asked."If he were to let it slip-"

"Then Kendrick would expel him,"matte explained."And he 'd be allowed to, since it would be detrimental to another educatee 's education for him to reveal my condition. I told you ; it 's very murky."

"What else ?"Amanda asked.

"The rest has mostly to do with work,"mat said."well, that and the Ministry is allowed to keep werewolves for questioning about good Moon attacks without actually arresting them. Werewolves as prisoners have virtually no rightfulness.

"But anyway, use. I 'm legally obligated to inform any potential employers of my condition. If lycanthrope were classified as beingness, that would n't be required, because lycanthropy would be seen as a medical checkup condition and employment can not be terminated based on a individual 's checkup conditions."

"That is the most blur matter in the world,"Albus said. His head was spinning."How do you proceed all that straight ?"

Matt shrugged."It 's my lifetime. That 's the former affair, Albus, your uncle really has no idea how things are run in the department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. He 's not really qualified to say what effect the reclassification would have on everything. Because, honestly, it would only involve werewolves."

"That seems obvious,"Albus said.

"So someone can not hire you just because you 're a werewolf ?"Amanda asked incredulously.

Matt nodded."Does n't even matter if they 're on Wolfsbane or not, either."

"What will you do after Hogwarts ?"Amanda asked.

"No estimation,"Matt said."I 'm trying not to think about that. But this totally pretending to be rule thing that I 'm doing at Hogwarts ? It 's temp. That 's all there is to it."

No one quite knew what to say after that. Albus certainly did n't. He wished more than anything that his uncle would support the reclassification of loup-garou as being, despite the fact that it might lose him a few suffrage. It might even cost him a few not to stimulate spoken up, because now, lusterlessness 's parents and Amy might not vote for him. But this had such a enceinte effect than just the election. Matt was right ; this was his life, and Uncle Walker Percy and Laurentis were just seeing it as a way to swot up Sir Thomas More balloting. Maybe Uncle Percy was n't the right man for the job, after all. But Laurentis certainly was n't, and since no one else was running, what would hap after the election ?


A/N : Thanks for all the awesome followup !


The debate on the Regulation and control of Magical Creatures did not appear to be a hot topic of discussion amongst the Hogwarts students. Unlike the debate on Department of Education, this particular disputation did not relate directly to Hogwarts pupil, and thus there was n't much give-and-take beyond a few opinions at breakfast the future day. The article on the argumentation was much more tame than the previous article, most likely because Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis had n't disagreed on the topic. In fact, the article mostly focused on the dementor issue.

Albus and his ally kept close watch on the Prophet in pillowcase there were any updates on the escaped prisoners, but the rest of February passed without any sightings or gaining control. It was form of strange since the captive had to feature been hiding out somewhere. Yet they 'd been loose for nearly two months and the alone one who had been sighted was Johnny. Willinson, Umbridge, and the Carrows were nowhere, it seemed.

In the meantime, Laurentis used the lack of gaining control to her advantage, by publishing a new program line every few days declaring how unequal to the Auror section was. These statements were usually followed up with another declaration of how the captive would n't have escaped if the dementors had been in restraint of Azkaban.

When March arrived, the vaticinator began putting a countdown until the election at the top of the front Thomas Nelson Page, every 1 day.

"April Fool 's Day,"John commented as he pointed to the countdown, which read '29 days .'“ Does n't that seem a bit weird, to do an election on that day ?"

"A footling,"Albus said."But I doubt the Ministry cares."

"We should do our prank that day,"Kaden said.

"Do n't,"Rose said."Hogwarts is a polling place. You 'll mess it up."

"No, we wo n't do it then,"John said as he exchanged a mischievous smile with Kaden."Want to know why ?"

"Not really,"Albus said.

"They 'll feel out soon enough,"Kaden said.

"Does this have anything to do with why you two disappeared all evening yesterday ?"Matt asked.

"Possibly,"John said."Oh, look at the time. We 've got to get to potions."

Kaden burst out laughing."Oh, yes, looks like it 's fourth dimension for me to go to Divination."

Albus looked at Matt and shrugged. John and Kaden had been laughing at every reference of 'time'or 'clocks'for the past few week, but had yet to share why. Albus could only assume that it had to do with their trick.

Albus, Matt, John, rose, and Amanda said goodbye to Kaden and headed for the donjon. Since it was a three-fold course, Slughorn gave them a potion to brew and sat at his desk grading essays while they worked.

Albus and Matt partnered on their potion and worked quietly, chopping and mixing. Halfway through the bit course of instruction they were chopping asphodel when lusterlessness suddenly stopped.

"Did you hear that ?"he asked Albus.

"Hear what ?"Albus replied. He had n't heard anything.

"Never mind,"matte muttered."Could 've sworn ... guess I 'm hearing things."

A few minutes passed and matte stopped again."I swear there 's something ringing outside. It sounds like an alarm clock."

Albus glanced around the classroom, but nobody else seemed to ingest heard it. Everyone was working quietly, except John the Evangelist, who was staring at the door for some unknown intellect. Then Albus heard it. The faintest tintinnabulation.

"Do you hear it now ?"Matt asked.

"Yeah,"Albus said. It was becoming louder, too. The rest of the class was beginning to point out as well, and John suddenly turned around to look at them. He grinned widely and then returned to his potion.

"It 's their prank,"matte hissed."It 's got to be."

cypher was paying any attending to their potions now and a few of them were boiling over. Slughorn got up from his desk and left the room, without saying a news to the class. He returned a few minutes later.

"nursing bottle your potions as is,"he said."It seems there is some sort of consternation going off all over the castle. After you 're done cleaning up you may go away early."

Albus and lustrelessness worked quickly, wanting to peach to lav as soon as they could. They met him, along with rose wine and Amanda, outside the classroom a few minutes later, and headed to the Great Hall. John still had n't said anything.

Kaden was already there when they arrived."Trelawney let us out as soon as the alarm clock started. I think it was driving her mad. I mean, more mad than she already is."

"Are you going to evidence us what you 've done ?"Albus asked as he began making a sandwich.

"Yeah, we might as well,"John said."We put an alarm clock inside every single lawsuit of armor and charmed them to go off at five minute of arc intervals."

Albus started laughing."That 's brilliant !"

"That 's actually really trade good charm work,"rose wine said, clearly impressed.

"It gets better,"Kaden said."The teacher wo n't be able-bodied to turn them off with one go. We charmed them so they have to be manually turned off. It 's going to have them ages."

"I feel bad for whoever 's got Transfiguration of Jesus next,"William James said as he sat down next to Albus."There must be twenty suits of armor across the corridor from the metamorphosis way. It 's so loud in there you can barely hear yourself think."

"Damn,"Albus said."We 've got Transfiguration next."

"Look, Kendrick 's standing up. Bet he cancels classes."trick pointed to the staff tabular array.

"Quiet !"Kendrick shouted."Very amusing buffoonery. It would seem that the alarm pin clover have to be manually turned off, so I am canceling classes for the good afternoon while the staff and prefects turn off all the alarms."

There was a loud sunshine as Kendrick resumed his seat. The staff table was only half-full, as the residuum of them must consume been already turning the alarms off.

"He does n't seem upset,"Albus said."This is actually form of tame. I thought you were going to get revenge on the Slytherins."

John grinned."Oh, we are. That 'll come another day."

After dejeuner Albus and his Quaker went to the Marauder 's Den with the aim of spending the day there, but the incessant alarms quickly grew too annoying. Despite the cold, they decided that outside would be preferred to inside. The snow had melted, so they were able-bodied to find a dry blot to sit.

"I still hear the vibrancy,"matte said as they settled down under a huge beech Tree by the lake."It 's like my brain is an alarm clock. I think if you had done this around the full moon I would 've murdered you."

"That 's why we did n't do it around the full moon moon,"privy said.

"Really ?"mat asked skeptically.

John laughed."No. Had n't even thought of that, to be honest."

"We did it today because I had a History of deception exam this afternoon,"Kaden said."I 'm hoping Binns will forget about it."

"It 's soon, though, is n't it ?"John asked.

"The full lunar month ? Yeah, it 's Monday,"Matt answered."I 've been thinking about it. About Greyback. He 's probably going to fall back unless the Aurors catch him before."

"Probably,"Albus agreed.

"I had an thought,"Matt said quietly."I think we can help enamor them, using my wolfy side."

"As sweetener ?"Albus asked, shocked."Then you 'd be in danger."

"No, I would n't,"flatness said."I would n't be doing anything different. I 'd just be in the Shrieking Shack like usual. Albus, the Marauder 's Map recording label Animagi as their human names, right ?"

Albus nodded."Yeah, of course. That 's how teddy bear 's dad found out about Pettigrew."

"Well, should n't it be the same for wolfman ?"matt asked.

Albus had n't thought about that before. In all his meter of having the bit variation vulture 's Map, he 'd never checked the Shrieking Shack during a total moon."I think it should."

"Then all the Aurors have to do is view the new edition of the Marauder 's Map during the wide-cut moon, wait for knot to show up, and then overtake him."

Albus thought for a few moments. It seemed so dim-witted, almost too unsubdivided to solve."flatness ... that 's brilliant."

"When did you cerebrate of this ?"blush wine asked.

"Few week ago,"lusterlessness answered."Reb was there by the Shrieking hut for nearly the stallion night. It would 've been well-to-do to capture him if mortal just knew he was there."

"waiting,"Rose said, looking at Albus."You are n't proposing that you do this, are you ? Because that would be stupid."

"Of course not,"Matt said."It would be my dad and Albus 's dad."

"I do n't cerebrate my dad 's in care of the Johnny Reb capture,"Albus pointed out."It 's that other Auror, Newman."

"If I 'm going to go along with this and recite them my plan then it 's got to be your dad,"Matt said adamantly."He already knows I 'm a werewolf. Newman does n't. I do n't know what he 'd do if he knew there was a werewolf at Hogwarts."

Albus thought back to what Matt had told them about how it was n't brighten whether admitting werewolf to Hogwarts was legal or not."All rightfulness. That make sense."

"But why are you so sure he 's going to come back to this same spot ?"Amanda asked."If he were smart he 'd transform someplace completely different."

"He 's got a hangup about werewolves pretending to be human,"mat said quietly."He thinks that we 've all got to encompass our wolf-selves and live together in ring. I do n't opine he 's going to establish up easily on finding me. He did the Saami matter with Teddy 's dad."

"Then he might be transforming near those minor he attacked close month,"pink wine pointed out."They should station Aurors there, too."

Matt nodded."Let 's go send some owls."
***


Albus and Matt did n't say much in their letter to their fathers, wanting to save most of the details for later. Both of them replied saying they would meet the son at Hogwarts Friday evening in orderliness to work out the details.

The calendar week went by very slowly and Albus noticed that flatness drew quieter and quieter as it progressed. He never said it out tawdry, but Albus had a look he was incredibly nervous about the plan and his purpose in it, despite his saying he would be fine. By the time Friday arrived he was completely silent, except for the few multiplication he snapped at King John and Kaden for being irritating.

"You know if this plan actually works and Greyback is captured it 's going to take a shit Uncle Harry front very good,"Rose said."Which will be secure for Uncle Percy."

"I thought of that,"Albus said."And since the election is only three workweek away, it 's perfect timing."

"When are you meeting your dada ?"John asked.

"Seven,"Albus answered as he glanced at his sentry."We should probably go."

Albus shoved the finish bite of his cake into his mouth and left the Great entrance hall with Matt at his side. prof Longbottom had leant them his study for the meeting, so Albus and matte walked up to the fourthly floor.

Professor Longbottom was n't there when they arrived but the doorway was partially exposed. Albus led mat inside and they sat down on a put to wait. Albus had always loved Longbottom 's subject field. It was filled with all sorting of alien industrial plant that you never wanted to touch because some of them bit. The furniture was mismatched and the whole place was pleasantly cluttered. It felt very safe.

Harry and Bruno Walter walked in a few bit later and exclude the door behind them. Both looked very intrigued and slightly confused.

"Al,"Harry said as he gave his son a quick hug."What 's going on ?"

Albus glanced at lustrelessness, who had just been let go of by his own father. This was his plan to explain.

"I know how you can catch Greyback,"flatness said quietly, and then proceeded to explain the entire architectural plan."See ? trade good design, right ?"

Harry and Walter exchanged glimpse. Walter looked incredibly worried."matte, look, I know you want to help and I know the fact that Greyback 's out there scares you out of your mind-"

"I 'm not that scared,"flatness interrupted, but everyone in the way knew he was."smell, he 's going to descend to Hogsmeade anyway. You might as well be there waiting for him."

Walter sighed."Yes, I suppose you 're right-"

"So what 's the trouble ? I 'll be in the Shrieking shack with all the wards up."

"There really is n't a job,"Walter said."It just sounds bad on the control surface, me using my son as bait. What do you think, Harry ?"

"I think it 's up to you,"Harry said."You 're in thrill of this search. I 'm not even on it. I assigned it to Newman."

"Paul Leonard Newman ca n't be there,"Matt said quickly as he turned to his dad."He ca n't be. He does n't know about me."

"He 's right,"Bruno Walter said."It 's got to be you and me if it 's going to be anyone. Whoever works this is going to find out there 's a lycanthrope at Hogwarts."

Harry sighed and began to step the elbow room."I had n't thought of that. But there 's got to be more of us. I 'll bring Ron in, and Teddy."

"Ron ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Rose 's dad,"Albus explained."My uncle."

Matt breathed a suspiration of relief."Oh, all right then."

"They 'd be delicately,"Walter said."Four of us should be able to handle it. What about those kids in Little Shingleton ?"

"I 'll assign Paul Leonard Newman to them,"Harry decided."And you can cull a few people form your department to go with him."

Bruno Walter nodded."What about the villagers ? We ca n't hang around the scream Shack all Nox. It 'll look suspicious."

Albus suddenly remembered the map. He pulled it out of his pocket and handed it to his dad."Use the map. Then you can watch until he gets there."

Harry grinned."I 'd forget about this."He turned to Walter."Map of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, created by my dad, Dog Star total darkness, Remus lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. It shows where everyone is, so it should show us when Greyback turns up. We can wait at the Hog 's Head until then. No one there will pay us any attention."

"And in the report ? In the paper the next day ?"Walter asked.

"No mention of mat or his being in the screech Shack,"Harry said."We 'll say we got an anon. tip that he 'd bear witness up in Hogsmeade."

"Can I wait with you ?"Albus asked.

Harry laughed."Absolutely not. You 'll abide in the castle, where it 's condom. I believe they 're doing a compulsory early curfew again ?"

Albus nodded. They 'd put up posters in the common suite a few days ago. This sentence, no one seemed upset about it.

"I wish they 'd do it in Hogsmeade,"Walter said."But getting something like that set up takes weeks."

"fountainhead, if citizenry are ache they 'll remain inside with Mary Augusta Arnold Ward up,"Harry pointed out.
***


Never before had Albus heard so many multitude talking about the broad moon. All weekend, everywhere he turned, he heard individual mentioning either the entire lunation or Greyback or both. Suddenly, loup-garou were the hot topic of discourse at Hogwarts.

most people, from what Albus could meet, did n't receive a substantial opinion on wolfman one way or another. But a few people, most having had a congenator murdered by Fenrir Greyback, told anyone who would listen how happy they were that neither nominee wanted to alter the compartmentalisation of wolfman from Beasts to being. It only took Matt overhearing one of these conversations to decide to spend the rest of the weekend in the Marauder 's Den.

"It 'll all be over in three weeks,"Amanda said."Once the election takes place no one is going to worry as practically. But these past few calendar week have certainly made me inquire if I should go into the section for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures."

It was Sunday night and Albus and his ally were in the Marauder 's Den, yet again, working on their homework that was due tomorrow.

"You could work with my dad,"matt announced from the lounge."That 'd be weird."

"Well, it 's just terrible,"Amanda said."And it does n't make sense. Why should hob and house-elves be organism but not lycanthrope ? You 're to a greater extent human than a house-elf."

Matt laughed."Tomorrow Nox I wo n't be, and that 's what it comes down to. House-elves are n't that dangerous. Werewolves are."

"I do n't know,"Albus began."When my dad was a irregular twelvemonth a house-elf charmed a Bludger to break his arm. That 's fairly dangerous."

"What about vampires ?"Rose asked."I ought to owl Linda."

"Vampire are Beings,"matte explained."It 's because they do n't have to drink human being blood to hold up. It 's a choice. Werewolves, when we bite someone, it 's not a choice. We ca n't control it."

"Except with Wolfsbane,"rose wine pointed out.

"Yeah, and maybe if soul invents Wolfsbane that works for all werewolves we might get reclassified,"Matt said.

"What about vampires who bite people ?"Amanda asked.

"They 're put in prison,"matte said.

"So can vampires go to school and defy chore ?"Kaden asked.

"I suppose they could. Linda went to schooling. But they live forever so most do n't require to go to school or already feature, because most vampire are Old. As for job, they do n't have to tell employers what they are, so yeah, they could."

"It 's so bloody confusing,"St. John said."Does n't make a bit of sense."

"It really does n't,"matte said with a yawn."But it 's life."

Matt slept the rest of the even and nearly of the adjacent day, not attending any of his classes. Albus could n't blame him, what with all the lycanthrope talk of the town that was going around the school. Albus himself found it difficult to concentrate on any of his grade or homework since there was the distinct possibility that Fenrir Rebel would be captured that dark.

Albus and his friends reported to the common way at five, as per the curfew, and then went to dinner. flatness did n't join them. He was gone when they returned. Albus gave up on homework for the dark and played a few half-hearted cycle of Exploding snap bean with John and Kaden before deciding to go up to his dormitory early. He knew he would n't log Z's, but figured it would be slightly more productive than cleaning ash off his face.

Instead of sleeping, Albus sat in the windowsill and watched the sky. It was vindicated, giving him a very good vista of the sensation. After locating a few constellations Albus watched the horizon and the faint gleaming that was above it. Then, the moon rose.


A/N : So, some of you may have noticed that I screwed up close week 's update. I accidentally skipped chapter 25 ( Full Moon tone-beginning ) and went right to chapter 26 ( look, Beings, and beast ). If you have n't already done so, go back and take the actual chapter 25. The story will make much more sense after that.

I am proud of to declare that I have finished this story ! It topped out at 37 chapters. I may start updating this twice a workweek, but have n't quite decided yet. A lot of you are asking in revaluation when the next update will be, so I 'll reiterate that I update every Friday. The demand time will vary. Thanks for all the reexamination !