Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Matt did n't regress to the unwashed room until William Ashley Sunday afternoon. Albus and his Friend had spent most of the weekend doing homework and playing round of golf of Exploding child's play. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really think about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his friends did n't get a chance to tell Matt about what Kaden told Malfoy while he was in the hospital wing because it had been very crowd together that weekend. Apparently, quite a few students had decided to practice their dueling for the upcoming match while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused Madam Pomfrey to let an unspeakable lot to do. She looked very fray when Albus and the others visited lusterlessness on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the common room with the others, doing homework, when Matt returned from the hospital annexe. He still looked a bit banal and the cuts on his face were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much better than he had on Thursday. Albus closed his book and glanced at his supporter when Matt came through the portrait hole.

`` What 's with you lot ? '' lusterlessness asked, `` You 're awfully subdued. ``

`` We 've, er, got to tell you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the elbow room. '' Albus got up and left the common room. His booster all followed, not saying a word. Albus led them down the seventh level corridor until they reached the painting of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three sentence in front of it and opened the door that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his friends asked for a place where they could be alone. There were a few pulpy armchairs and couches, a fireplace, and it was decorated in scarlet and gold.

`` Ok, so what 's this all about ? '' matt asked immediately, once the doorway was shut.

`` Why do n't you sit down ? '' pink wine suggested.

Matt sat down on one of the couches and looked nervously at the others. `` You look like my parents did when they told me I could n't go to schooling in Australia. ``

`` Well, we 're obviously not going to tell you that, '' Albus gave a half-hearted laugh as he sat down on a hot seat. Rose, toilet, and Amanda sat down as well.

`` Well, get on with it, '' lustrelessness said.

`` All right field, '' Albus began, `` You 've probably noticed that Kaden is n't around. ``

`` Yeah, I thought that was a bit odd, '' Matt commented, `` What 's he done now ? ``

Albus sighed, `` I do n't really fuck the best way to say this. Kaden, er, for some reason was talking to Scorpius Malfoy- ''

`` Malfoy ? ! '' Matt interrupted with a look of shock on his face.

`` It gets spoiled, '' Albus continued, `` You know how I told Kaden that you get sick every once in a patch, so he would close up last calendar month ? ``

`` Yeah ... ''

`` And I made him promise not to tell anyone, '' Albus said quickly, `` But for some understanding he told Malfoy. ``

Matt sank back into his chair and his face went chalk lily-white. Albus was glad Rose told him to sit down, because if he had n't have been sitting he probably would have fainted. Albus watched as Matt processed the information. After a few moments he asked very quietly, `` What did he tell Malfoy ? ``

`` That you 've got some sort of wizard disease that brothel keeper Pomfrey ca n't bring around, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't visit your sick gran. ``

`` Oh, no, '' flatness closed his center and started rubbing his brain, `` This is n't good. Malfoy ca n't find out, he just ca n't. ``

`` We 're going to try and make for sure he does n't, '' John said adamantly.

`` But you ca n't really hold on him ! All he 's got to do is a bit of research and he 'll have a go at it everything, '' mat moaned.

`` Maybe he 'll be too lazy to get to, '' Amanda suggested.

`` There 's another affair, '' Albus started, `` Kaden may cause also told him about the Whomping willow. ``

`` No, he ca n't have, he just ca n't, '' mat whispered.

`` We do n't sleep with for sure as shooting, '' Albus reminded him, `` I 'm watching the marauder 's Map and if we see Malfoy anywhere near the Tree, we 'll go hex him or something. ``

flatness nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and Tell anyone, chances are I 'll feature to will. ``

`` No, you wo n't, '' rose wine assured him.

`` How do you know ? ``

`` Rose is ripe, '' Albus agreed, `` When the Marauders were in school, Snape found out about teddy bear 's dad and he still got to stay in school. Dumbledore made him promise not to tell anyone. I 'm sure Kendrick would do the Saame matter. ``

`` I sure hope so, '' matt sighed, `` What about Kaden ? ``

`` Rose had to break me and whoremonger from hexing him, '' Albus explained, `` But I yelled at him quite a bit. Have n't seen him a good deal since and I do n't really want to. ``

`` But he 's your cousin, '' Matt said.

`` doe n't count, '' Albus assured him, `` I hardly saw him at all until he started coming here. I told him not to tell anyone and he did, so I ca n't trust him anymore. And no one 's going to convince me to apologize this time. ``

`` All right, '' Matt replied. `` Let 's stay here for a while. I think if I saw Kaden right now I 'd get to hex him. ``

rosiness groaned, `` What is with male child ? Do you always have to hex the great unwashed to work your problems ? ``

`` It 's a proven fact that hexing works best when dealing with Slytherins, '' John grinned.

`` Kaden 's not a Slytherin, '' Rose commented.

`` What he did was a fairly Slytherin thing to do, '' Albus replied. cypher argued with that.

******

The weekend before Halloween was a very exciting one for the students at Hogwarts. There was the first Hogsmeade sojourn on Saturday, which the older students were very excited about. Albus, of course, was n't allowed to go since he was a second year. Henry James made sure to lord this over him at every moment possible during the week preceding the visit. Henry James would be going on his first Hogsmeade visit, and Albus was sure that Hogwarts would be treated to a variety of pranks following. When James and his friends returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the usual way with their bags bulging with what could only be Weasley 's products, and quickly stowed it all in their dormitory. Sure enough, at dinner that night, the scholarly person eubstance was treated to a very entertaining meal. Somehow, St. James the Apostle and his friends had managed to sneak a potion into the Slytherins'nutrient that caused their hair and fingernails to turn scarlet and gold. The rest of the school laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to figure out how to turn their hair's-breadth and nails back to normal.

`` zip will change it, '' William James informed the Gryffindor board in between fits of laugh, `` Uncle George told me it will wear off within 24 60 minutes, though. ``

`` Too bad it 's not permanent ! '' whoremaster laughed.

`` I was going to bring through it for the day of the Quidditch match, '' James explained, `` But I just could n't expect. ``

`` I ca n't fault you, '' Albus grinned. He looked up at the staff tabular array and saw his dad trying to dampen his laugh, but he was n't succeeding. The other members of the staff were smiling slightly, except for Slughorn, who was looking a bit distraught at the mountain of his house decked out in Gryffindor colors.

The abide by day was the foremost dueling tournament for the junior dueling order. The older students had already had their low gear tourney the old weekend. Albus 's cousin Stanley 's team had won. The tournament was to choose station immediately following lunch, at one o'clock, and the second, tierce, and quaternary years were filled with excitement about it.

`` What if we have to duel each other ? '' Albus said worriedly at tiffin. `` I really do n't want to duel you lot. ``

`` I do n't either, '' John agreed, `` But we might deliver to. It 'll be all ripe. None of us know any enchantment that could do any durable equipment casualty. I 'm just hoping I get to duel Malfoy. ``

`` Me, too, '' matte agreed.

`` I almost wish foremost age could connect the dueling club, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't take care beating him in front of the entire schooling. ``

`` I 'm probably just going to lose, no matter who I duel, '' Amanda sighed, `` The solely thing I can do is demilitarize person, and I 'm not even that good at that. ``

`` Sure you are, '' Albus assured her, `` And if you duel a second year, or even a third year, you 'll feature a chance at winning. Fourth years, on the former hand, I 'm not sure any of us have got a chance at winning a duel with one of them. They probably know all sorts of trance we do n't. ``

`` Albus, '' Rose began, `` commend that the squad have multitude from all years on them. I do n't remember any team has an advantage over another. ``

`` I guess, '' Albus agreed, `` But I still wish there were House squad. I do n't like being on the same team with Malfoy. ``

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

`` We wind up practice dueling with each early every meeting, '' Albus explained, `` And neither of us has really won any of them. ``

`` You 're both really unspoiled duelers, '' Amanda replied. `` You 're going to beat anyone you 're up against, Albus. ``

`` I 'm not sure about that, '' Albus said.

`` Attention ! '' professor Kendrick stood up, `` The junior dueling tournament will commence shortly. Please make your way to the dueling chamber. ``

Albus stood up, `` Well, good portion everyone. '' Albus 's supporter all wished each other good luck as they got up and left the Great hall. It was a bit odd being on separate teams, Albus thought. He wished his friend safe luck, but he wanted his own team to win.

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of students filing into the dueling bedroom near the Great Hall. They found Kate at one of the tables that had been set up for each team to hold off at. Their team name, The Dueling firedrake, was written on a man of lambskin that was stuck to the table. There was a realistic looking dragon breathing ardor drawn on it. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the table, his hairsbreadth still shiny scarlet and gold. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the opposition end. A few minutes later, once everyone on their team had arrived, Kate began to speak.

`` attending ! '' she shouted and the table became quiet, `` Thanks. The tournament will get going in a couple minute. I 'm for certain we 'll do great. Everyone recall what you 've learned within the by month and you 'll do fine. Just do your unspoiled and even if you do n't win today, there 's still succeeding time. I know this inter-house team thing is knockout, but I think everyone here has really come together to crop as a squad, and I 'm proud of all of you for that. So, with that, effective destiny ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the former quartern years on the team.

A mo later, professor Kendrick stood up at the social movement of the room and raised his paw for quiet. The elbow room fell silent and he began to speak. `` Welcome to the first Dueling Tournament for the Junior Dueling Club. This is the first of six qualifying tournaments of the yr. At the end of the year, the top two teams will face off in a final exam tournament. There will be two duel going on simultaneously, with Professors thrower and Longbottom presiding over them. Every student will duel twice today. The winner of each affaire d'honneur will be awarded one point. At the end of the tournament, the team with the most breaker point will be declared the achiever. The detail will role over to each tournament, after the 6th tournament, the two teams with the most points will confront off in the final. Now, each captain was given a leaning of duels for today, so I will kick in you a few instant to get organized and for the captains to inform their team of the schedule. Good luck to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the agenda with her squad. Albus 's start duel was about halfway down the inclination and his second was the tertiary to end. The solitary matter he could do now was wait until his turn of events came. Albus was growing steadily more flighty as sentence wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him go that down. Albus watched the first twosome of duels while talking with Amanda. After a few duels, James 's turn came and he lost to a Ravenclaw twenty-five percent twelvemonth. rose was up next and she easily beat her third year Slytherin opponent. Quite a few of Albus 's teammates had dueled by now and nearly of them had won. Before yearn, Amanda 's bend was up. Albus wished her luck and she went nervously to the dueling mob that Neville was watching over.

Amanda was up against a second year Hufflepuff and the first region of the duel consisted of each of them mostly dodging the turn sent towards them. Eventually, Amanda managed to demilitarize her opposer and won. She came back grinning ear to ear. Kate congratulated her as she sat back down following to Albus.

`` Great job ! '' Albus smiled, `` Told you you could do it. ``

`` Thanks, '' Amanda grinned.

Matt was up next against a Slytherin fourth part class. The duel hardly lasted two second before the Slytherin used an advanced spell that caused matte to slam into the wall behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. Professor Cedonia took Matt to the hospital wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a span detentions.

`` What a git, '' Albus growled, `` I hope lustrelessness 's ok. ''

`` He 'll be fine, '' Amanda assured him, `` I think he just cut his arm a bit. ``

`` Yeah, but still, '' Albus continued, `` That Slytherin knew he could n't use spells like that. ``

`` I could sustain blocked it, '' Malfoy announced.

`` No you could n't, '' Albus shot back. `` And how 's the hair ? ``

Malfoy scowled and turned away from Albus. A moment later his name was called and he was off to duel a fellow Slytherin. It was a very fast pace duel. Both of them were excellent dueler, but Malfoy won in the end. Albus was not sure whether to be happy about this or not. He did n't have long to dwell on it, though, because a moment later, he was called.

Albus walked nervously to the dueling ring where Neville was and he faced his Ravenclaw antagonist. He was dueling Carter Eubert, a companion second twelvemonth.

`` Both of you know the rules, '' Neville said to them, `` You can embark on when I let out red sparks. ``

Albus and Carter bowed to each other and took a dueling stance. Neville 's scepter guessing out red sparks and the duel began. Albus sent out a disarmament spell, but Carter easily blocked it. Carter then sent one at Albus, but Albus was able to immobilise it as well. This went on for five minutes, each of them sending spells that the other blocked. Eventually, Albus managed to hit Carter with a tickling hex that had him bent over in laughter. Albus took advantage of this and disarmed him easily. He had done it ! He won !

`` Point goes to ceramist, '' Neville announced. Albus and James Earl Carter Jr. shook men and went back to their teams.

`` Good job, Albus ! '' Kate grinned as Albus sat down.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` That was amazing dueling, Albus, '' Amanda greeted him, `` Carter 's good, too, but that tickling affair was great. He could hardly locomote. ``

`` I 'll bear to commemorate that if I ever duel him again, '' Albus said.

The good afternoon wore on and Albus found himself getting a bit blase with watching the dueling. It was taking all afternoon. John dueled Albus 's first cousin, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an excellent dueler. blush wine and Malfoy each won their instant affaire d'honneur, while whoremaster and Amanda lost theirs. mat returned from the hospital backstage in time for his second affaire d'honneur, but wound up losing to his third year Ravenclaw opponent. Albus dueled a third yr Gryffindor in his moment duel and narrowly won. His opponent did not appear happy about this. Malfoy also won his second duel, which was against a third or quartern twelvemonth Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't surely which.

Eventually, all the duels finished and prof Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a terrific job. Now, to announce the winner. I am pleased to announce that the Flying Phoenix, captained by Barty heathland of Slytherin have come in first place with 23 compass point ! Thank you, everyone. The next tourney will take place at the end of November or kickoff of December. Your police chief will be informed of the exact engagement as it comes closer. ``

`` We 'll win next metre, '' Kate assured her team as they got up. `` See everyone at exercise on Wednesday. ``

Albus and Amanda made their way out of the room, but realized they would never find their acquaintance in the crowd. `` We 'll meet them in the common room, '' Albus said as they started up the stairs.

When they got to the common room, it was already full moon with students rehashing parts of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to King James 's news report of his duel. King James I had won his second duel and appeared to be very proud of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found John and matt sitting at their usual table. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few moment later were joined by rose, who was glowing.

`` congratulation ! '' Albus announced as his first cousin sat down. The others echoed his word.

`` Thanks, '' Rose replied, `` I was n't sure we were going to win. Heath is n't the greatest captain. I think we just have naturally upright duelers on our team. Carter is nonplus, although not as safe as you, Albus. ``

`` I 'm just glad I beat him, '' Albus grinned, `` Malfoy would n't let shut up about it otherwise. ``

`` gladiolus I 'm not on his team, '' Saint John the Apostle muttered, `` Ca n't consider I lost both my affaire d'honneur. ``

`` You 'll do full succeeding time, '' Albus assured him.

`` At least you did n't nose up in the hospital backstage, '' lusterlessness commented, `` I 'm the sole one that did. Figures. ``

lavatory laughed a bit at this, `` I think you 've got some kind of attraction for that post. ``

`` Oh shut it, '' mat replied.

`` That was n't your flaw, though, '' pink wine pointed out, `` That Slytherin was n't supposed to use that hex on you. ``

`` You 're ok now, right ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah, I 'm fine, '' flatness assured him, `` lady Pomfrey healed my arm in an instant, but she was fretting over me as usual. prof Cedonia convinced her to let me go back for my secondment duel. ``

`` Good, '' Amanda said, `` I like professor Cedonia. She reminds me of the instructor I had in primary feather school. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` She hardly ever gives hold. ``

`` And no exams ! '' John the Divine grinned. Albus liked this as well. So far, the only gradation they had in that year were from essays they had been assigned as homework. Cedonia had not given them a unmarried in grade test.

`` I 'm not sure I like that, '' rosebush sighed. The four other scholar looked at her like she was mental.

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

`` How is she supposed to know if we 've mastered the charms if she does n't essay us ? ''

`` She watches us in class to see if we 've improved, '' Albus replied.

`` And those essays for homework, '' Matt commented.

`` But those are n't at all what the O.W.L.s will be like, '' Rose reminded them, `` We 've got to get used to taking exams in charms. ``

`` Those are three years away ! '' St. John the Apostle sighed.

`` Two and a half, '' rose wine corrected him, `` And it 's better to start preparing early. ``

`` All I know is that I 've learned Sir Thomas More appealingness this year than finis year, '' Albus said.

`` wellspring, I 'm going to ask her about it on Tues, '' rosiness replied.

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the same time. Albus liked Cedonia 's style of teaching and he did n't want her to go giving them exams like the other teachers did. Without good luck charm exams, Albus had to a lesser extent to interest about. Hopefully, Cedonia would dismiss blush wine 's plea for exams and continue the way she had been.



A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Luke, Denas, ladymblack, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some autumn pumpkin juice when the Post arrived on Tuesday break of the day. He looked up and noticed a minuscule browned owl flying towards him. He immediately recognized it as Victoire 's owl. `` Victoire 's sent me something, '' Albus announced as the owl landed next to his plate. Albus took the missive and gave the owl a piece of goner before it flew off.

`` facial expression, it 's addressed to all of us, '' Rose commented as she glanced at the letter.

Albus turned the gasbag over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a match letters so far this class, to the highest degree of them sent along with Amy 's alphabetic character to lustrelessness. These usually arrived a couple days after the fully moon, as Amy always wanted to experience how Matt was. Since the full moon had been a few weeks ago, Albus was funny as to what Victoire had to tell apart them. He opened the letter and began to read it. Rose, Matt, trick, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

Dear Albus, flatness, rosiness, St. John the Apostle, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying classes and not making too
much difficulty. Congratulations on your successes in the dueling tournament,
especially you, rose. I hope there are many great victories to issue forth. Good
luck in your commencement Quidditch match, Albus. We hope to be able-bodied to attend, but
it depends on work and therapist training schedules.

breeding has been going well. We 've been attending grade in the daybreak
and training at St. Mungo 's in the afternoon, like always. shift has been
very busy with Auror training as well.

By now you 're probably wondering why we 're writing to you now, as it 's not
our common metre to publish. We 're not sure if you read the Prophet regularly,
which is why we 're telling you this in a letter. Quinton Willinson was
spotted yesterday-

Albus immediately stopped reading the letter and glanced at his friends. As Albus fell back into his school act, he had almost forgotten about Washburn and the Willinsons. He felt his veneration come back as soon as he read that Willinson had been spotted. Albus returned his middle to the varsity letter without saying anything.

He was spotted in a Muggle Village in Southern England, quite far from Hogwarts. The Aurors are already on his tush and are tracking him this very
moment. Teddy heard about it while he was at training, and we decided to
give you a heads up. Uncle Harry will probably tell you as well.

Do n't care about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under mastery. Good fate with Quidditch, dueling, and classes, and we
hope to see you soon.

Love,
Victoire, Teddy, and Amy

`` I 'd nearly bury about Willinson, '' John said darkly after they 'd finished reading the letter.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` It explains why Professor potter is n't here, '' Matt commented.

Albus looked up at the staff table and noticed that his father was missing. `` Guess so. ``

`` Do n't worry, '' Rose said, `` I mean, it 's sort of ripe that soul spotted him. Before they had no spark advance, and now they sort of know where he is. ``

`` I suppose, '' Albus replied. He had n't thought of that. But what about the early two ? Were they with Quinton or had they parted ways ? Albus just hoped his dad and the former Aurors managed to capture him.

`` Could I see the Prophet ? '' rose wine asked one of the sr. students who was sitting across from her. The young lady nodded and handed her the newspaper publisher. `` Let 's line up the article. '' Rose scanned the front end page and found a short article on the leave side of the page. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle town, Hythe, in Southern England early yesterday morning. A wizard who prefers not to be named in this article saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror department since his tone-beginning on foreland Auror and defensive measure Against the wickedness artistic creation instructor at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter, last springtime. Five underage Hogwarts student were also attacked. Willinson, along with his don, Jaret Willinson, and the other magic spell prof, Jameson Washburn, attacked ceramicist and the five bookman on the dry land. thrower declined comment for this article. The Head Auror has informed the wizarding world that all three men are dangerous and not to seek to fight them. If any of them are seen, hoi polloi are requested to inform the Ministry immediately. Ministry Aurors responded to the sighting and are currently investigating .'''

`` Wow, '' rosiness said once she 'd finished reading the article, `` I hope they catch him soon. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm glad he 's so far away, though. ``

`` But they 're going to come in back, '' Rose sighed, `` To find the, you-know-whats. ``

`` Well, hopefully Professor ceramist will enamor them before they get the chance, '' Matt replied, `` Anyway, I hope Amy and Victoire come to the Quidditch match. I have n't seen Amy in ages. ``

Albus looked over and saw that Matt was looking a bit sad. Albus knew he and Amy were very close, but had n't really thought about how different it must be for Matt this yr. Albus did n't think matte had ever gone this long without seeing her. `` They 'll probably come, '' Albus assured him, `` And if they ca n't, they 'll chitchat when they can. ``

`` Yeah, '' mat gave a half-hearted smile.

`` We 'd amend get to spell, '' rosebush announced. The five second long time got up from the table and made their way out of the Great Hall. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting adjacent to James, talking animatedly about something. James did n't appear too happy about this and had the aspect of individual pretending to listen, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about James having to deal with Kaden, but not bad enough to make up with his cousin.

Professor Cedonia spent the starting time half of grade teaching the good luck charm for tying horseshoe, and during the mo one-half, the class practiced. Unlike last class, Albus thoroughly enjoyed hardheaded lesson in good luck charm. prof Cedonia did not mind them talking with each other as they practiced, and although she watched their progress, she did n't hover like Washburn had done.

`` Excuse me, prof ? '' Rose announced shortly after she succeeded in charming her skid to tie themselves.

`` blush wine, do n't, '' Albus whispered. He knew she was about to ask if they were going to have any tests.

`` Yes, rosebush ? '' Cedonia walked over to her desk and immediately spotted her perfectly tied shoes. `` Oh, wonderful job ! ``

`` Thank you, professor, '' rose wine replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to have any examination in this class ? ``

Everyone in the intact room stopped what they were doing and looked over at Rose. Most of them looked horrified, but a few appeared to also be wondering if they would have any exams. Since they had Charms with the Ravenclaws, this did n't really surprise Albus.

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the former teachers at this school, do not believe in testing scholar in the conventional way. I prefer to assign essays that are done outside of grade, where you are free to use your books, to assess your cognition of theory. As far as practical exams go, I prefer to assess your advance in socio-economic class. If I have any belief that you are not mastering the labor at paw, I will fall in you extra avail until you can dominate it. However, in accordance of rights with Hogwarts custom, there will be a practical exam at the end of the semester. The hypothesis test will be an essay that you can finish using your book, in class. ``

`` Oh, '' Rose said. She looked a bit kayoed. `` All right. ``

`` If you 'd like an examination, I will make one for you, but no one else will have to take it unless they want to, '' Cedonia announced.

`` No, that 's all right, '' pink wine replied.

`` Excellent. I assure you, rose, that you will possess a arrant understanding of 2d year appealingness by the time the year is up, and you will be in excellent shape to move on to third year. ``

pink wine nodded and Cedonia walked back to the front of the room. Albus turned to John and grinned. `` Yes, no test ! '' he said.

`` Brilliant, '' lavatory agreed, `` I really thought Rose was going to convince her to screen us. ``

`` Well, I suppose she kind of is testing us, '' lusterlessness explained, `` Just in a different way. I 've never had a teacher like her before. ``

`` Me, neither, '' John said.

Albus nodded. All of his teachers in main schooling had been like the ace at Hogwarts, with conventional exams and prep. `` I went to a Muggle school and all of the teacher gave us examination. resurrect went to the same one. ``

`` Saami here, '' John the Evangelist replied, `` normal Muggle schooling. ``

`` Not me, '' mat announced, `` I was home-schooled. You can probably infer why. Amy went to Muggle school, though. ``

`` All the teachers were like Cedonia at my schoolhouse, '' Amanda turned around to talk to the boys. `` We did n't bear exam or tier or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to school. Except when I made strange stuff happen. masses thought I was eldritch. Turns out I was, but in a goodness way, '' she laughed.

`` I suppose this will work, '' Rose sighed, `` She is assessing us, just in a different way. At to the lowest degree she 's nice. Everyone seems to like her. ``

`` We do n't really take in any imply instructor this year, '' Albus commented.

`` I had n't really thought about that, '' John said, `` But you 're mighty. ``

`` Who knows about next year, though, '' matte replied, `` We 'll start new subjects and who knows what those instructor will be like. ``

`` Hagrid teaches Care of Magical Creatures and he 's great, '' Albus told them.

`` What form of magical tool ? '' Saint John grinned at Matt.

`` Do n't even go there, '' Matt grinned back. `` Amy says the ancient rune teacher is nice. ``

`` Trelawney 's form of strange, but decent enough, '' Albus commented. `` She teaches soothsaying. ''

`` No way am I taking that, '' Matt announced, `` I do n't want to know what my future holds. ``

`` Arithmancy sounds really interesting, '' Rose said, `` And Georgia told me the teacher is hard-and-fast, but not signify. ``

`` Well, good, '' Albus replied, `` But we 've got month before we have to determine what new subjects we 'll take. ``

`` I wish I could take them all, '' Rose sighed.

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't think it would work out well. '' Albus and blush wine shared a laugh that the others did n't really understand. Albus saw their lost faces and decided to tell them about Hermione 's tierce year schedule sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in metre for Albus 's defense team class on Thursday. Harry called Albus up to his desk after stratum. Albus had been anxiously waiting the whole class to see if Harry managed to catch Quinton Willinson. Albus had a impression he had n't because there was n't any honorable mention of it in the oracle that dawn.

`` Hi, Al, '' Harry gave Albus a hug once all the other students left. `` I 'm guessing you know why I left ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied, `` Victoire sent us a varsity letter and I read it in the prophet, too. ``

`` Good, '' Harry sighed, `` I 'm gladiola Victoire told you before you read it in the Prophet. I had to leave very abruptly and was afraid you would n't do it what happened. ``

`` Well, did you enchant him ? '' Albus asked. The suspense was killing him and he did n't want to wait any longer.

Harry sighed again and put his paw around his son 's articulatio humeri. `` I 'm drab, Al. He got away. We got some more leads, though. Talked to a few Muggles and a thaumaturge who were around when Quinton showed up. I still have n't heard anything about Quinton 's father or Washburn. But we 're still searching and it 's only a matter of time. ``

Albus 's face fell and he became more concern as he realized that not a lot progress had been made. He had been so certainly that his dad would get Quinton this time. But he had n't. Washburn and both Willinsons were still out there. How long would it be until they went back to Hogwarts ? `` What if they come back here ? '' he asked quietly.

`` I 'm not going to deny it. They probably will hail back here. But there is a large amount of protective cover around the school. go year, it was easy for them to be on the grounds since Washburn was a professor and Quinton was a student here. They do n't experience that going for them now. And I do n't recall any of them could mistreat foot in Hogsmeade without individual alerting me or the Ministry. ``

Albus thought about this for a present moment and felt a bit better. `` All right. Are you leaving again ? ``

`` Not unless one of them is seen, '' Harry explained, `` The former Aurors have it under control. ``

`` Good, '' Albus smiled. He felt a lot better knowing his dad was at the schoolhouse.

`` Well, we 'd better head to the Great mansion, '' Harry gave Albus another hug.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` If we do n't hurry, John will eat all the food. '' Harry laughed and the two of them left the room together.

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the park room the following week completely tired out from Quidditch Practice. The first lucifer, against Slytherin, was on Sabbatum and Georgia was having them practice every evening. It had been a drizzly evening and Albus 's gown were soaked. He went up to his dormitory to put away his broom and alteration. Once he was done, he grabbed his Word of God and went back to the common elbow room to do his preparation. When he got there, he could n't happen his champion anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dormitory, Albus had just been up there.

Albus squeezed his way through the crowd together common room until he found Bilius and Ethan studying at a nearby table. `` Have you seen privy and flatness anywhere ? '' Albus asked.

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Ethan looked up from his Word of God. `` How 's practice going ? We 're going to beat Slytherin, right ? ``

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus gave a tired smile, `` They 're pathetic. ``

`` Excellent, '' Bilius replied, `` I think whoremonger and Matt left an time of day or so ago. I 'm not certainly where. ``

`` Yeah, '' Ethan agreed, `` rose and Amanda were with them. flatness did n't take care so near. Maybe they went to the hospital wing. ``

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the full moon was the side by side night. They must have gone to the room of demand. Albus had also momentarily forgotten about the Room due to the fact that Kaden was always hanging around them, and they did not want him to sleep together about the Room.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` I think I know where they are now. '' Albus waved to Bilius and Ethan and left the room.

Albus walked down the corridor as fast as he could without actually running. He slowed down as he reached the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy, as there was a prefect roaming nearby. Albus loitered until the prefect turned a recession and then he started pacing in front of the wall. Three stride later, the room access appeared and Albus walked in.

`` There you are ! '' Albus announced after he shut the room access. `` I thought you 'd be in the vulgar way. ``

rosiness, whoremaster, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on pieces of parchment and they looked up as Albus came in. mat was sleeping on a nearby chairman and did n't notice Albus.

`` We were, '' rosiness said, `` But it was awfully loud in there. Plus, now that Kaden has left us alone we thought we 'd bulge out coming in here again. ``

`` speech sound good, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a chairman and sat down side by side to John. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

`` August 6, '' John groaned, `` Eight inch essay due tomorrow. I 've got four in so far. ``

`` account of Magic, '' Amanda said, `` Also due tomorrow. ``

`` I finished those a piece ago, '' pink wine commented, `` Now I 'm doing Herbology. ``

`` I still have the chronicle of Magic material to do, '' Albus said as he pulled out his history record. `` How long has he been asleep ? '' Albus pointed to Matt.

`` Since we got here, '' Gospel According to John answered. `` Probably just as well since before that he was just rambling about how Malfoy 's going to explore the Whomping Willow tomorrow night. ``

`` Why would Malfoy do it at night ? '' Albus asked, `` He 'll get in more trouble if he 's out past curfew. ``

`` That 's what we told him, '' Rose explained without looking up from her book. `` I think he gets kind of delirious and does n't think straight at this prison term of the calendar month. ``

`` You 're probably veracious, '' Albus agreed, `` But can you blame him ? ``

`` No, not really, '' pink wine sighed.

Albus started to leaf through his chronicle of Magic book, but he could n't boil down. It was n't yesteryear curfew now ; what if Malfoy was exploring the tree diagram right now ? Albus closed his Holy Scripture and started rifling through his bag. He pulled out the Marauder 's Map and set it down on the table.

`` What are you doing ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Looking for Malfoy, '' Albus replied. Everyone looked up from their work and watched Albus. `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no honest, '' Albus pointed his wand at the map.

Albus searched the map for a few instant before his heart rested on Malfoy 's dot. He breathed a sigh of relief as he saw that Malfoy 's dot was currently residing in the Slytherin green room. `` He 's in his coarse room. ``

`` Oh, trade good, '' rosiness smiled. `` I really do n't think he 's going to investigate that tree. ``

`` Why 's that ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked skeptically.

`` He 'll get in big trouble if he gets caught, '' rose wine reminded him.

`` So ? That probably would n't halt me, '' John the Evangelist laughed.

Albus was relieved that Malfoy was n't currently trying to get into the Whomping willow, but he did fit in with John that Malfoy would eventually try. The thing was, what were the chances of it happening while Albus was looking at the map ? Not very senior high school. And what would Albus do if he did see Malfoy near the tree ? Albus had no approximation. He sighed as he whispered, `` maleficence managed. '' Albus watched as all the ink disappeared from the map. He still did n't want to do his homework, but he had to. He started to put the map back in his bag, but the sight of a small Gospel According to Mark on one of the niche made him stop.

Albus slowly lifted the map back out of his bag and stared at the corner. He had never seen any patsy on the map after he wiped it clean before. But this mark was so minor it could have easily been missed. He peered at the tiny marking until he noticed what it was. It was four paw prints. A wolf, dog, stag, and rat print. It obviously meant the marauder. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to gaze at the paw print, wracking his mental capacity to try and remember why it seemed so familiar.

`` Albus, '' Rose was watching him. `` What are you doing ? ``

Albus looked up at the sound of her voice, `` Oh, there 's something on the map. I never noticed it before. It 's a wolf, dog, stag, and rat substructure print. Here, look. ``

rosebush, John, and Amanda all leaned in to look at the mark. rosiness furrowed her brow and tilted her head word as she looked at it. `` Why did the Marauders have this affair stay on the map ? All the other ink disappears. Now it 's just a random piece of lambskin with these paw prints on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw photographic print before. The musical composition of sheepskin that fell out of the photo album in the loft of Grimmauld berth ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the course of the schooltime class. The symbols were exactly the Saame. They must mean something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his tooshie. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the attic at my household, John ? ``

can nodded his head. `` Yeah ... ''

`` And the photo album we found in that box ? '' Albus continued, `` And the spell of sheepskin that fell out of it ? ``

actualisation dawned on John 's font. `` Oh ! I 'd forgotten about that ! Do you still have it ? ``

`` Yup ! '' Albus shouted excitedly, `` In my trunk. I 'll go get it ! '' Albus ran out of the room, leaving a very excited lav and a thoroughly confused Rose and Amanda.



A/N : Sorry for the cliffhanger, but the next chapter is long and I had to split it up somewhere.

The idea for Cedonia 's pedagogy elan and the schooling Amanda used to go to came from a school that used to be near where I live. It recently closed due to miss of support. But the bookman did n't cause tests or receive grades. They also got to choose whatever they wanted to consider. It was a really interesting approximation and it worked well until it closed. I never went there, but I always thought it was neat.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as potterfan89, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Luke, and Moonylupin for their reviews !

Be on the observation tower for my newest fib, Life Is trade good, which is a prequel to mystery Within that chronicles how Albus, Rose, lustrelessness, St. John, and Amanda received their Hogwarts alphabetic character. I 'm hoping to post the for the first time chapter sometime next week, as I have Spring Break.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus ran all the way to the Gryffindor common elbow room, narrowly avoiding another prefect. He went to his dormitory, dug through his bole, and found the parchment. He was so glad he had n't left it in the attic. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the usual room, ignoring the strange stares he was receiving from his fellow class fellow. When he got back to the Room, John the Divine was in the process of explaining to Rose and Amanda about what they had found in the Ionic. `` I 've got it ! '' Albus shouted. He ran back to the table and spread the parchment out on the table.

`` You 're right ! '' Rose grinned, `` Exactly the same mark. ``

`` But it 's just a blank piece of parchment, '' Amanda reminded him.

`` I know, but there 's definitely something mysterious about it. Why would the predator put this symbol on it if it meant cipher ? ''

`` I think you 're right, Albus, '' John agreed, `` I do n't have it off much about the Marauders, but from what you 've told me, there 's no way this is just a random small-arm of parchment. ``

Rose looked from the map to the new musical composition of parchment and back. `` Hmm, I wonder if this is like the map ? Do you think we have to say something to get it to operate ? Maybe it 's an filename extension of the map, Hogsmeade perhaps ? ``

Albus thought for a moment. That kind of made sense. The Marauders frequented Hogsmeade quite a bit, during their full moon pleasure trip. Maybe they wanted a map of the settlement as well. `` There 's only one way to chance out, '' he grabbed his verge and tapped the composition of parchment, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no in force. ``

Ink spread across the map and Albus 's heart jumped. It had worked ! Albus and the others leaned over the mesa and watched the ink. But there was something different about it. It was n't forming a map, it was forming words. Once they were formed, Albus stared at them.

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would care to congratulate you, as you have obviously found the Marauder 's Map and figured out how to use it. However, he assures you that the marauder would not use the same conjuration for this finical item .'
Albus and rose wine burst out laughing. This piece of sheepskin was sort of like the map ! There was something witching about it, but it obviously was n't the Saami as the map. John smirked and shook his head.

Amanda stared round-eyed at the parchment. `` B-but, I thought h-he was dead ? How can he be talking through parchment ? '' she stammered.

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's magic. The vulture either found or invented some variety of charm that enabled the predator 's Map to pass with mass who try to use it and they 've done the same thing with this. '' Albus pulled the Marauder 's Map in battlefront of him and tapped his wand to it, `` view this. I, Albus Severus Potter, demand you to show yourself. ``

Ink appeared across the map, but it was n't the usual ink. John and Amanda stared in awe, as they had never seen the map do this before. Albus and Rose had done this on occasion and they thought it was extremely funny.

'Mr. Moony would like to would like to tell Mr. ceramist to keep his dirty hands off the parchment.

Mr. Wormtail agrees with Mr. Moony and would like to add that despite the fact that Mr. potter shares a first name with the master, it does not render him the authority do what he pleases.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would wish to add that Mr. Potter 's centre gens has got to be the most shameful name he has ever heard.

Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, Mr. Wormtail, and Mr. Prongs, and would like to be able to insult Mr. thrower 's net public figure, but feels he is ineffectual to do so .'
Amanda and John started laughing hysterically after they finished reading the map. `` Does it do that to anyone ? '' trick asked.

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

`` I did n't know Kendrick 's first figure was Albus, '' Amanda commented.

`` It 's not, '' Albus explained, `` When the Marauders were in shoal, Albus Dumbledore was headmaster. And the predator hated Snape, so they always insult my name. Except my grandfather, he 's never able-bodied to make out it. ``

`` That 's pretty impressive conjuring trick, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

`` You know, '' Rose began, `` If the predator did n't want anyone else reading that map, they would have just put a charm on it that prevented anyone except themselves to record it. I reckon they hoped someone would eventually find out how to record it. ``

Albus contemplated that for a import. rosebush was probably powerful. The Marauders were always cut-up, and they would probably want others to get the map and use it for mischief.

`` But, '' Rose continued, `` Do you think they might have wanted another point that only they could show ? ``

`` What are you getting at ? '' Albus asked.

`` That other while of sheepskin. Maybe it 's something that the marauder did n't require anyone to be able-bodied to read. ``

`` But then we could n't read it, '' Albus sighed. It did kind of make sense that the Marauders wanted something to be buck private. But then why did they put the Saami mark on both sheepskin ?

`` There 's got to be a way, '' St. John said adamantly.

`` We do n't even know if rose wine is right, '' Amanda argued.

`` Even if only the marauder could read it, would they still have to say something to look at it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 'm not sure, '' blush wine replied, `` I mean, there 's probably some sort of magic that only enables a few people to read it. kind of like a Fidelius appeal for Christian Bible or something. ``

Albus grabbed the parchment and pointed his scepter at it. The only way to find out if something would break it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to produce bother. '' Nothing happened. `` I want to gain mischief. I am going to draw out a prank on someone. I promise I will spend a penny difficulty. '' Albus tried many different variations on the incantation for the Marauder 's Map, but null worked.

`` It wo n't work, Albus, '' Rose said after a while, `` You ought to just do your preparation. ``

Albus did n't want to do his homework. He wanted to make the parchment work. Right now, he did n't care about anything else. `` There 's got to be something. ``

`` If it 's something only the marauder can register, then you 've got to be a marauder to read it, '' whoremonger sighed.

`` That 's it ! '' Albus shouted. He had been thinking the incantation was like the piranha 's Map, but it must be something that would rise you 're a Marauder. `` I solemnly swear that I am a vulture. '' nada happened. Albus sighed. He had been so certain that that would have worked.

`` Maybe you have to say which vulture you are, '' Gospel According to John suggested.

`` Oh come off it ! '' Rose shouted, `` There 's going to be some sort of magic spell on it to see if he really is a Marauder. Just saying so is n't going to work. ``

Albus kind of agreed with Rose at this point, but he was willing to try anything. But which Marauder ? Prongs. It had to be. Prongs was his grandfather. If this was going to act upon for anyone, it would work for him. He was related to one of the marauder. Albus pointed his wand at the sheepskin with his heart beating fast. `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

Albus held his breathing spell as he watched the parchment. John, rosiness, and Amanda watched as well. Albus 's eyes bugged out as he saw ink appearing across the parchment. `` It worked ! '' he whispered. His friend nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus began to read as the words formed completely.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the Marauder 's Map, secondment version .'
`` Second map ? '' John looked up, `` I thought there was only one. ``

`` So did I, '' Albus replied. He stared at the lambskin as more words appeared across it. John, rose, and Amanda all watched with him, no one saying a word.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs .'
`` merlin, '' Albus sighed. It had n't worked. The parchment could recognize different people.

`` postponement, '' Rose pointed at the lambskin. `` It 's not done. ``

'However, you could be the secondment Prongs .'
`` What ? ! '' Albus looked up in confusion. Was this some variety of laugh ? How could there be another Prongs ? And how could Albus be that sec Prongs ?

`` What is this parchment ? '' John asked curiously.

`` Either it 's a joke or a highly advanced magic object, '' Rose remarked. The four friends continued to watch as more piece of writing appeared.

'When four son, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and mischief, they may present themselves as the succeeding propagation of predator .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the parchment. The future multiplication of Marauders ? What had his gramps and his protagonist done ?

`` This is incredible, '' pink wine whispered.

'These four friends must each stage one of the Marauders, for if even one is missing, this map will not wreak. Before this goes any further, you must turn out that you know the secret of the Marauders. bear witness that you know, and you may continue along the path of discovery .'

'The track of breakthrough ? I never knew you were so poetical, Mr. Prongs .'

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

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

'Mr. Moony advises that whomever is reading this ignore Mr. Prongs and Mr. Padfoot and depart proving that they know the predator .'

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

'The Marauders wish you dear luck .'

The ink disappeared from the lambskin and Albus looked up at his champion. `` What in the name of Falco columbarius is this ? ``

`` I think it 's something the Marauders invented to ensure that they would never be gone from this school, '' Rose said in awe, `` It 's puzzle. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Amanda grinned, `` Probably the best magic matter I 've seen yet. ``

`` And I do n't think we 've even discovered the most of it, '' Albus commented.

`` How are we going to discover out the rest ? '' John asked.

`` Well, I think we 've somehow got to establish that we know who the Marauders are and that we know their secrets, '' Albus explained.

`` We already know their bragging enigma, '' Rose said, `` But how would we prove it to a piece of parchment. ``

`` I 've got no idea, '' Albus told her, `` I mean, I doubt we can just tell the lambskin. ``

`` Why could n't we ? '' St. John asked.

`` Seems too simple, '' blush wine said.

`` It 's worth a try, though, '' can argued. `` Albus ? ``

Albus did n't cerebrate it would mould, but he did n't think it could really harm anything either. `` Worth a shot. '' Albus picked up the sheepskin and stared at it. This seemed really silly when he thought about it. He was about to talk to a piece of sheepskin. `` Here goes nothing. Let 's see, Moony is a loup-garou. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a stag, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat. ``

Albus and the others watched the parchment. A few language appeared on it. Could it deliver actually worked ?

'Nice try .'
`` I told you it would n't act upon, '' Rose smirked, `` It 's got to be more subtle than that. ``

`` We 'll just have to think on it, '' Albus replied. He had no idea how they were to essay to the new map that they knew the Marauders'secret, but he had to encounter out. This parchment was perhaps even more interesting and witching than the Marauder 's Map, and he was going to cipher it out.

`` What are you lot doing ? '' matte sat up and was looking around with a confused aspect on his brass. `` What time is it ? ``

Albus looked up when he heard matt 's voice. Albus had practically forgotten that he was there during the excitement of the new map. `` It 's about 8:30. We 've got a half hour until curfew. As for what we were doing, well, we 've got a new whodunit on our hands. ``

Albus, lavatory, Rose, and Amanda spent the next few minutes explaining about the new map to matt. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbolisation on the Marauder 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to evidence the writing, and how they had to prove that they knew the Marauders'secret. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is splendid, '' lustrelessness commented.

`` Yup. And we 're going to reckon out how to work it, '' Albus grinned. `` Maybe we are the new vulture. ``

`` Well, I know what we can do while we 're trying to figure it out how to turn up we know the vulture, '' John announced, `` We 've got to figure out who we 're going to comprise. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus said, `` I guess we each have to be one of the Marauders. ``

`` I think it 's obvious who I am, '' Matt said tiredly. `` I 'm definitely Moony. ``

`` I 'd say so, '' St. John the Apostle laughed, `` I 'll be anyone except Wormtail. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's face fell as he realized that someone was going to induce to represent Wormtail. Nobody was going to want to be him.

`` You 're obviously Prongs, '' lav replied, `` I mean, you 're his grandson. Plus, you 're a chaser, just like he was. ``

`` That makes sense, '' Albus agreed, `` How about you ? ``

`` He 's Padfoot, '' mat yawned, `` He 's got to be. He 's loyal like a dog. Remember that detention last year in the prize elbow room, when he yelled at Washburn ? ``

John grinned sheepishly, `` I could be Padfoot. ``

`` good, '' Albus agreed, `` We 've got Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs. But what about Wormtail ? ``

Everyone groaned. `` I 'm not going to be him, '' Rose said disgustedly.

`` You do n't have to, '' Albus told her, `` The map clearly said four son, four Gryffindor boys to be particular. ``

`` So Amanda and I do n't get to be involved ? ''

`` Hey, it 's not our demerit the Marauders wanted it to be male child, '' Albus shrugged, `` But you can assist us visualize the whole thing out. ``

`` Right now, we 've got to notice a Wormtail, '' Amanda said. `` Who else are you three good protagonist with ? ``

`` No one, really. Just Bilius and Ethan, '' bathroom explained, `` And whomever is Wormtail is going to ascertain out about Matt. ``

The friends all looked at Matt, whose face had paled at hearing this. Albus had n't thought about that. He did n't desire anyone who resembled Saint Peter the Apostle Pettigrew finding out about Matt. If that 's what it took to find out the secrets of this map, then the map would just ride out secret.

`` We 're not doing it, '' John said adamantly, `` No one like Wormtail is going to come up out that lustrelessness is wolfman. ``

`` And that 's why you 're Padfoot, '' Matt yawned. `` Thanks. ``

`` No job, '' John smiled.

`` You know, '' Rose began, `` When this map was made, Wormtail had n't betrayed Albus 's grandparents. He was a marauder. They trusted him. All we 've got to do is determine someone who you lot are friends with, not necessarily someone who was like the Wormtail we 've heard of. We just need someone who is even slightly like Pettigrew. ``

Albus thought about this. It could work. But could they really find someone they could trust enough to reveal mat 's private ? Or, did they even have to reveal it ? Was it potential to do this without telling the fourth soul ? `` Let 's just keep our eyes out for someone who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll think about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them recognize about Matt, at least not for a while. Is that all right, flatness ? ``

lusterlessness had fallen asleep again and jerked his mind up when he heard his public figure. `` Huh ? Oh, yeah, that 's all right wing. ``

`` Sounds like a plan, then, '' whoremaster said.

`` We 'd better get back to the mutual room, '' rose looked at her lookout man, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

Albus and the others left the room and walked back to Gryffindor Tower. Albus thought about the new map and what it could possibly go for. It was obviously a more involved map than the vulture 's Map. Albus could only imagine what was actually on it. The prognosis of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even find out. What were the chances of them finding someone who would be uncoerced to represent Wormtail ? And if they did find that person, could they project out the map without telling that person that mat was a wolfman ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Luke, Moonylupin, TheAlbusPotterCritic, potterfan89, sinwillys822, Denas, and XDNLxtlz99 for their reviews !

The prequel to Secrets Within, Life Is trade good, has been posted and the first chapter is up. I 'll be updating it weekly, most likely on Tuesdays.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the following few days, Albus constantly thought about the new map. He kept it in his bag all the fourth dimension and found himself looking at it whenever he got the luck. He read the clue again and again, hoping to find something he missed before that would tell him how to testify that he knew the vulture'secrets. Albus found that he could n't really concentrate on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions test on Friday because he had so a lot hassle settling down to study the Night before.

His school employment was n't the entirely thing woe, either. Albus was also having a hard meter paying attention during Quidditch practice. Seeing as the match against Slytherin was on Sat, this could n't have happened at a worse sentence. Georgia had to holler at him at least five times during practice session on Friday, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' Georgia said once practice was over and everyone was starting to go back to the castle, `` stay here for a secondly, I need to talk to you. ``

Albus trudged over to Georgia. She had a grim tone on her face that made Albus find nasty. He knew he had played horrible during practice, but he just could n't get the map out of his header. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what Georgia wanted to talk to him about.

`` Albus, '' Georgia began, `` I know you 're a terrific Chaser. That is why I chose you to be on the team. It was not because you are my cousin. If one of the early people who tried out played respectable than you, they would have gotten in. You know perfectly well that I do not playact favorites. ``

This was true up. Georgia was ruthless about Quidditch. She was even more so than Samantha Meyers, which was saying something. Albus knew broad well that if he continued playing this badly, he would get kicked off the squad.

`` You play wonderfully with Fred and ling, which is why I chose you. You 've had experience working with them, and I thought that would assist us. I think I know why your playacting has declined over the past few day, '' Empire State of the South softened her regard, `` You 're nervous. ``

Albus glanced up when his cousin said this. To tell the truth, Albus had n't even thought about being nervous. But he was more than bequeath to blame his fearsome playing on nerves. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely spooky during my first peer as well. But you are going to do fine. We 're going to crush Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll leaven all those people wrong who thought I was favoring my family, '' Georgia grinned.

Albus gave a half-hearted smile. He had to arrest thinking about that map, if only just for tomorrow. If not, it could cost him his place on the team. `` Thanks. I 'll try to calm down a bit. ``

`` goodness, '' Georgia replied, `` Now let 's get back to the castle. ``

******

Despite Albus 's lack of nerves the past few days, he was certainly making up for it on Sat morning. He woke up with butterflies in his stomach and could n't do to eat anything for breakfast. high-risk yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to concentrate on this couple. His blank space on the squad rested on it.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' matt asked. He had returned from the Hospital Wing the old evening and was looking often better. Judging by his pure tone of voice, Albus suspected that Matt looked near than he did.

`` Yeah, just unquiet, '' Albus mumbled. He had n't told any of his friends about GA 's talk last night.

`` wellspring, you 'd better win, '' Gabe Bourne, the senior who Albus had beat during try-outs was glaring at him. `` If not, Peach State made a big error in choosing one of her cousins over me. ``

`` Shove off, Bourne, '' Thomas Bradley sat down across from Albus and glared at Gabe. Gabe turned to glower at Bradley and then stalked off to the other end of the table. `` Do n't vex about him. He thinks he 's substantially at everything. We 'll show him. ``

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus was n't nearly as confident as Bradley was. But he knew they had to win that match. If they did n't, Albus would have to deal with Bourne, and he did not want to do that. Albus never thought so much would be resting on one friction match of Quidditch, let alone his start match.

Soon enough, Georgia announced that the squad needed to go to the changing room. Albus 's friends wished him luck as he left with the squad. The majority of the Gryffindor table cheered as they left, with bourne and one of his friends glaring at Albus, but not clapping. Albus changed into his Quidditch gown in quiet while the rest of the squad talked animatedly around him. It seemed like Albus was the only one who was nervous about this match.

`` Time to go, everyone ! '' Georgia announced.

Albus grabbed his broom and followed the rest of the team out onto the delivery, with his heart pounding fast. He gazed up at the crowd, never realizing before how many the great unwashed actually attended Hogwarts. It was one matter to play Quidditch during praxis, but in front of everyone ? Albus was sure enough he 'd fall off his Scots heather and humiliate the entire team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor team ! '' Albus heard the fellow voice of Todd Smith booming over the rake. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James thrower, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Peach State Weasley, and Scots heather Weasley ! Sakartvelo is the new captain this year, and Albus Potter has replaced Samantha Meyers as Chaser. Will he be able to live on up to her legacy ? Only time will tell. ``

Albus gulped when he heard that. Why did Sweeney Todd own to say that ? Albus felt as if every eye in the stadium was focused on him. Albus stood next to James as they waited for the Slytherin team to come onto the field. James I sent him a supportive grinning that Albus returned nervously.

`` And here are the Slytherins ! Ferris Henry Fielding, Talan Flint, spear Goyle, Peyton Hughes, Garth Octavius, Hailey Odele, and Jackson Naiser ! The Slytherins have replaced their quester since last yr. Garth Octavius is the new seeker. ``

Albus remembered Sakartvelo telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin Seeker from last twelvemonth, had been utterly incapable of catching the snitch. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as cumbersome, but he doubted it.

`` setting your ling, '' prof Oteski announced, `` Ready, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's whistle. He took a few deep hint to clear his head and tried to block out the crowd 's cheering and booing. He glanced around the pitch and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the former face of the line of business in order to get away from Odele, who was flying right side by side to him. With his faster broom, he was away from her in no metre. He could do this, Albus thought.

Albus dodged a Bludger and both Slytherin Beaters as he made his way down the pitch. He got nearer to Fred and Fred passed him the Quaffle. Albus grabbed it and flew towards the Slytherin end posts. He was almost there when a Bludger collided with his arm. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he dropped the Quaffle. He swore and examined his arm. It did n't seem to be broken. It was just a picayune painful. Albus looked around and saw that Haines had the Quaffle.

Albus flew after him, but he had already managed to make it past both Bludgers and was heading straight towards Sakartvelo. He threw the Quaffle and it sailed into the left wing most hoop.

`` mark ! Slytherin scores the firstly goal of the game, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd announced.

Albus groaned and flew towards the Gryffindor end. He zigzagged through the other players, dodging both the Bludgers. Albus was very respectable at maneuvering his heather and avoiding other players. He saw that both Heather and Fred were covered by Slytherin Chasers as everyone waited for the Georgia to throw the Quaffle back into turn. Georgia faked to the rightfulness and then threw the Quaffle to the left. Albus immediately flew towards it, and with his degraded new broom, grabbed the Quaffle just as Fielding tried to catch it.

Albus turned his broom around and sped like lightning towards the other end of the pitching. He looked all around him, noticing that the Slytherin pursuer were closing in, while the beaters aimed both Bludgers at him. Albus flew straight up and avoided all of them.

`` Albus ceramicist is really flying now ! He 's got that brilliant Firebolt 2000 that GA has. I believe they are the just two in the schooling to hold one, '' Smith called out.

Albus ignored Ian Smith 's commentary and continued flying. He passed James, who gave him a quarter round up. fielding was hot on his tail now. Albus looked around, he needed to pass the Quaffle. Calluna vulgaris was open and Albus gave the Quaffle a hard pass. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin goal posts. She threw it at the middle hoop and it sailed through.

`` Score ! '' Smith announced, `` Calluna vulgaris Weasley has scored, making the game tied with 10 points each. ``

Albus grinned at ling and flew to the Slytherin end post. He waited for Goyle to toss the Quaffle back out, and let his mind wander to the map. Albus had n't really thought about it at all so far, which was right. Who could they get to comprise Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the fourth dimension. Every person he passed in the halls made Albus wonder, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never feel anyone. Albus, John, and Matt were destined to just be a group of three friends, and that was n't going to exploit for the new map. Why would n't it just take on Rose or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of path, neither little girl would agree to representing the two-timer that was Peter Pettigrew anyway.

`` Albus ! '' A loud voice jerked Albus back into the couple. He looked up and saw that Heather was glaring at him. He shook his brain and started flying again.

During the end of the match, Albus found his mind drifting more and more towards the map. He dropped the Quaffle more than a few metre, earning disapproving looks from Georgia. Although he had n't scored a unmarried goal, he did aid Heather and Fred score a few each. Unfortunately this was n't enough, and soon Slytherin was ahead.

`` Another goal for Slytherin ! '' Smith shouted, `` Making the score 120-80 Slytherin ! ``

Albus groaned and looked around at his teammates. Georgia looked tense, heather mixture and Fred looked determined, Bradley and Ryan looked furious, and James looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the stool pigeon. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor goal posts. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to seduce.

`` Albus ! '' Georgia shouted, `` You can do this ! Just concentrate ! ``

Albus nodded and sped down the sales pitch. He could do this. He just had to get his mind off the map. There would be plenty of fourth dimension to count on it out later. Quidditch, Quaffle, scoring goals, that was what he had to think about now. Fred passed him the Quaffle and he continued flying towards Goyle. Fielding was on his rear end again and he passed the Quaffle to Heather, who was open.

All of a sudden, James whooshed yesteryear Albus, heading straight person for Ryan. Albus looked over quizzically and realized that James must get seen the Snitch. Garth Octavius followed William James but he was n't quick enough. James grabbed the stool pigeon, which was idling near Ryan 's arm, and pulled out of the dive. He held it up with a exultant grin.

`` ceramist has caught the Snitch ! '' Kathryn Elizabeth Smith announced happily, `` Gryffindor wins with 230 power point ! ``

Cheers erupted in the point of view, with the Gryffindors storming the pitching. Albus landed happily next to James. It was over, his low gear Quidditch match was over. He breathed a suspiration of backup. They had won, Albus was not going to be kicked off the team. He stood there grinning with the rest of the team as their fellow Gryffindors clapped them on the spine and high-fived them. Albus had never been a fan of this kind of matter before, but he did n't really mind it right now.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John the Evangelist broke through the crowd, followed by Matt, rosiness, and Amanda.

`` Excellent, '' matt grinned.

`` You were awesome, '' rosebush agreed.

`` Good match, '' Amanda added.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` But I did n't even score any goal. ``

`` Energy n't matter, '' Matt replied, `` You had quite a few assists, and we won so it 's all full. ``

`` Party in the common room ! '' one of the older scholarly person shouted. Everyone else cheered and the crowd started to propel slowly to the castle.

`` Hi, Al. '' Albus turned around to see his dad wearing a huge grin. `` You did great ! ``

`` Thanks, Dad, '' Albus smiled as his dad gave him a hug, `` But I 'll do better next clip. ``

`` Of course you will. The first match is always the most nerve-wracking, '' Harry replied.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, although nerves were only a parting of why he had n't played one hundred per centum that day.

`` Well, I 've got to owl mum and let her know you 're all rightfield, '' Harry laughed, `` She gets so worry about Quidditch. ``

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His mother did occupy a lot, although she did have got a good cause. His mob always seemed to attract fuss, and he was mildly surprised that he escaped his beginning match with only a minor bruise from a Bludger.

Albus walked to the plebeian elbow room with his friends and when they got there the common way was already filling up. Everyone congratulated Albus as he entered, telling him what a smashing job he did that day. Albus smiled at them and thanked them, but he broke into a huge grin when he saw Victoire and Amy sitting at one of the tables.

`` You made it ! '' Albus shouted over the disturbance. `` Did you see the lucifer ? ``

`` Sure did ! '' Victoire replied. `` You were an excellent chaser. ``

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

`` Thanks, '' Albus said, `` I did n't see you on the auction pitch. ``

`` We left right after King James I caught the Snitch to go to Hogsmeade to get political party supplies, '' Victoire gestured to the large sum of nutrient and butterbeer.

`` What did you do to your arm ? '' Amy grabbed the arm that had been hit with a Bludger early in the match.

`` Bludger, '' Albus answered, `` It does n't suffer much anymore. ``

Amy reached into her robes and pulled out her wand. `` I 'll mend it for you. '' Amy muttered an incantation and Albus 's arm immediately felt better.

`` Wow, '' Albus grinned, `` Does n't pain at all now. ``

`` commodity, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're able to heal pocket-sized cuts and bruise right now, although most of the stuff we 've learned is theoretical. It 's all quite fascinating, though. ``

`` I 'm happy you like it, '' Albus said. `` How long until you 're Healers ? ``

Victoire laughed, `` Not for another two years. It 's a long process. ``

`` Although not nearly as long as Muggle doctors, '' Amy told them, `` They 've got to go through eight years of schooling after secondary school. ``

`` That is mad, '' John shook his head, `` Why would anyone want to be in shoal that long ? ``

`` I would n't listen, '' Rose grinned.

`` Of course you would n't, '' John laughed.

`` We 've learned a bit of Muggle medicament, '' Victoire told them, `` Just in case we ever have to treat Muggles. sorcerous healing does n't have much of an effect on them. ``

`` I much prefer Magical healing, '' Matt announced, `` Muggles use too many needles. Incantations and potions are lots better. ``

`` If Muggles use phonograph needle, then I agree, '' John said.

`` It 's not that bad, '' Amanda laughed.

`` I think I 'd rather make someone wave their wand than have someone hold fast me with a needle, '' Albus shook his caput. Sometimes he just did n't understand the things Muggles did.

`` Ever hear of stitches ? '' Matt grinned mischievously.

Albus, Rose, and Victoire laughed. They had all heard the story of their granddaddy 's experimentation with Muggle stitches. `` My grandpa had them once, '' Albus grinned, `` Did n't work out too well. ``

`` What are stitches ? '' bathroom asked.

`` They sew your skin together, '' matt explained.

`` Sew ? '' whoremonger had a disgusted spirit on his nerve, `` Like what they do with clothes ? That 's genial. ``

`` Bloody painful, too, '' Matt commented, `` I had them once. I 'll severalise you that account sometime. ''

`` Albus ! '' Jesse James walked over to their board with a butterbeer in his hand. `` Great first match ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` first-class catch. ``

`` Thanks, '' James grinned, `` Ca n't think Octavius did n't see it. It was glittering in the sunshine. Oh, well, better for us if their new Seeker ca n't see the Snitch. ``

`` Ca n't contend with that, '' Albus laughed.

`` Listen, '' Saint James lowered his voice and glanced around him. `` What did you do to Kaden ? ``

Albus was startled by the change in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the past few mean solar day. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not want to be around him anymore and found his own booster. Albus had not really paid lots attention to his slight cousin since he told Malfoy that lustrelessness gets sick every month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

`` Yes, Kaden, '' James sighed, `` He said you were mad at him. Are you still mad at him ? ``

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus glanced around at his friends, who were all paying fold attention. Victoire and Amy were also listening.

`` Ugh, '' James groaned, `` Are you ever going to forgive him for whatever he did ? What did he do anyway ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus looked at Matt and then back at Henry James, `` He kind of told soul something that I told him to keep quiet about. ``

`` well, whatever that was, you should make up with him, '' James replied, `` He 's been moping around me for the past month and it 's getting on my nerves. ``

`` What do you want me to do about that ? '' Albus asked coldly.

`` Be admirer with him again ! ''

`` I was n't really friends with him to begin with, '' Albus commented, `` He just started hanging around us. I thought he found his own acquaintance since I stopped talking to him. ``

`` Nope, he has n't, '' James IV groaned, `` Oh, smell, here he comes. ``

`` Saint James the Apostle ! '' Kaden said, `` There you are ! '' Kaden looked around at Albus and the others. `` Oh, hi Albus. ``

`` Kaden, '' Albus replied.

`` Good job on the equal. ``

`` Thanks. ``

`` Well, see ya later, Albus, '' James stood up. Albus and the others said arrivederci. Kaden followed Jesse James like a puppy dog.

`` Did n't think he 'd start annoying James, '' rose commented.

`` shuffle sense, though, '' Albus said.

`` I take it you 're not going to apologize ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Nope, I told him not to recount and he did anyway, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` I 'm guessing you would n't tell us what he did ? '' Victoire asked curiously.

`` Actually, '' Albus lowered his vox, `` I would, if you 'd come to the Room. ``

******

`` It 's been so long since I 've been in here, '' Victoire smiled as she looked around the Room of Requirement.

`` I know, '' Amy agreed, `` It 's strange. I was getting used to not being here anymore, but now that we 're back, I 'm starting to pretermit it. ``

`` Me, too, '' Victoire said, `` But if soul told me that you 'd drop Hogwarts back when you first came here, I 'd never stimulate believed them. ``

Amy laughed, `` I know, but I got used to it. ``

Albus watched them as they reminisced about Hogwarts. He had never imagined that Amy would have disliked Hogwarts. `` Why 's that ? ``

`` Well, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old school and my old booster. piffling did I know that I would come to bed this place even more and cause even adept protagonist. ``

`` All right, '' Victoire threw herself down on one of the sofa, `` What 's this about you and Kaden ? ``

Albus sat down future to her, while his protagonist and Amy took seats on various former chairs and couches. `` Have you ever met Kaden ? '' Albus asked his cousin.

`` Once, I think, '' Victoire answered.

`` fountainhead, he 's very annoyance, to say the to the lowest degree. He thinks everything about the sorcerous world is terrific and that conjuration can solve everything, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm guessing you 've tried to tell him otherwise ? '' Victoire asked.

`` Yeah, but he did n't appear to understand, '' Albus replied, `` Anyway, he latched himself onto me and started following us around everywhere. It got very irritating, but we tolerated it. Then, the day of the first full Sun Myung Moon, Kaden got sick and ma'am Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really amaze him and he came back to the common way praising lady Pomfrey and her potions. He came over to where we were sitting and he noticed how ill Matt looked. ``

`` Oh, Merlin, I can see where this is going, '' Amy sighed and looked at matt, who was looking a bit uncomfortable.

`` Yeah, he insisted that Matt go see Madam Pomfrey. I tried to explain that illusion could n't fix everything, but he just would n't mind. We told him to end going on and on about healing potions, but he would n't. Matt left because he had to go to the infirmary Wing, and I yelled at Kaden. However, the fight did n't last long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't acknowledge about mat, therefore he had no idea that what he said was deleterious. I explained to Kaden once again that there were things that magic trick could n't clear, and that Matt had a disease that magic could n't solve- ''

`` You did n't tell him, did you ? '' Amy asked Matt anxiously.

`` Of course not, '' Matt assured her, `` He 's still got no idea. ``

`` Good. ``

`` After that, we just kind of accepted that Kaden would be around us all the meter and got used to him, '' Albus continued, `` But then he decided to investigate the Whomping Willow. ``

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the exact Saami time. Amy 's boldness lost all color as she stared at Albus.

`` He did. We were lying around the grounds after Quidditch practice session and Kaden wanted to investigate it. We told him numerous times not to, but he did anyway. He got hit a duo sentence, but eventually he wound up inside the burrow. ``

Amy turned to her blood brother with a tone of awe on her face. `` Did he play along it ? '' she whispered.

`` He wanted to, '' Albus answered, `` But I went in after him and persuaded him not to. We got out and Filch caught us. He gave us three exhausting nights of custody, which you already know about. ``

The girl nodded their heads. Albus had owled Amy and explained about the detention on the uranology Tower, but had not told her why they were in detention.

`` Right after we got out of Filch 's place, we took Kaden up to our dormitory and persuaded him not to ever face for that tunnel again or to recite anyone about it. He said he would n't, '' Albus continued, `` Just like he said he would n't secernate anyone that matt had a disease that could n't be fixed by magic. ``

`` Oh, merlin, '' Victoire sighed, `` I 'm guessing he told somebody ? ``

`` You 're right, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some strange rationality, known only to my unintelligent cousin, he decided to secern Scorpius Malfoy that mat gets sick every once and a while, and order him about the Whomping Willow ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Both girls shouted and stood up with looks of anger on their faces.

`` And Malfoy has been trying to come up out where I go every month and now he 's got more clues. Up until now we 've been telling him that I have to visit my sick gran, but that wo n't work anymore, '' matte explained. `` It 's only a thing of meter before he finds out. ``

`` We wo n't let him, '' Amy said adamantly, then she turned to Albus, `` So this Scorpius Malfoy knows about the tunnel under the Whomping Willow ? ``

`` Er, we think so, yeah, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Not good, this is not good, '' Amy started pacing, `` Have you told any of the teachers ? ``

`` No, '' Matt answered.

`` You 've got to. He ca n't go exploring that tree, he just ca n't, '' Amy told them. `` We 'll go separate Kendrick now. Come on, lusterlessness. ``

lusterlessness stood up, his face as pale as Amy 's. `` All right. '' He reluctantly followed his sister out of the Room.

`` And you 've been ignoring Kaden ever since, '' Victoire said, not as a question, but a fact.

`` Yeah, '' Albus confirmed, `` It 's been over a month now. ``

They all sat in silence for a few present moment, all lost in their own thoughts. Albus had n't really given Kaden much thought the past few Clarence Day. He 'd been much too engaged thinking about the map. But now, the incident with Kaden was back in the front of his mind. What was Kendrick going to do about Malfoy ? What if he decided that Matt could n't stay in schoolhouse anymore now that people knew about the tunnel ? Albus shuddered at the thought of his admirer being kicked out of school because of what Kaden had done.

`` Albus, '' Victoire said quietly, `` I know what Kaden did was horrible. pit, I 'm mad at him now and I do n't really know him. But I really think there is more to this than meets the eye. I do n't get it on why he told Malfoy, but I do n't suppose he just randomly decided to tell Malfoy. I really think you ought to believe about forgiving him, or at least asking him why he told Malfoy. ``

Albus thought about this for a second base. The last thing he wanted to do was talk to Kaden, let alone forgive him. Kaden might be the grounds one of his friends is forced to leave the school ! If that happens, Albus decided, no way would he ever forgive Kaden. Sure, what Victoire said might be dependable. There might be some variety of underlying rationality why Kaden told Malfoy, but the fact remains that he told him. And that could n't be changed.

`` I kind of agree with Victoire, '' Rose whispered, `` I do n't mean he really meant to have Malfoy cue about Matt 's lycanthropy. ``

`` I know that ! '' Albus shouted, `` Kaden does n't even acknowledge about it ! But I told him not to assure and he did n't heed. We ca n't trust him with anything ! Everything I 've told him not to distinguish, he 's told someone, and it was Malfoy of all people ! You realize that if I forgive him, he 'll start following us around again. He 'll get more shady about mat and eventually he 's going to find out. And what do you think he 'll do then ? We 'll narrate him not to say anything, and he will. He 'll probably separate Malfoy. ``

`` I agree with you, Albus, '' trick said.

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` amercement, '' Rose snapped.

`` Just think about it, Albus, '' Victoire said as she got up. `` I 've got to be going. Teddy should be home by now and I want to go visit him. ``

`` Where is he ? '' Albus asked. He had been wondering where slip was.

`` He had some sort of Auror training matter today, '' Victoire responded, `` preparation is pretty acute. And it 's at all kinds of demented hours. I guess they 're preparing him for what it 'll be like when he 's a fully trained Auror. ``

Albus nodded. He knew what that was like. Harry was always leaving at random metre, only to return in the dead of nighttime. Aurors had some of the strangest time of day he had ever heard of.

`` Of course, my time of day wo n't be much just when I 'm a Healer, '' Victoire commented, `` With our hours, we 're never going to get to see each other. Well, I 'll see you soon, Albus and Rose. I 'm not sure when, but I 'll definitely see you at Christmas. ``



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight and Denas, Jen, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his acquaintance sat around the Room of Requirement for the next half hour, waiting for lustrelessness to arrive back. Nobody said very much, but Albus could secernate that they were all worried about what was going to happen. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the door to the room open air. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

mat ran over to his friends with a smile on his grimace. `` Not much. ``

`` You do n't have got to pass on ? '' rosiness asked.

`` Nope ! '' Matt grinned. `` Kendrick said he 'd demand tending of it and no one 's going to be able to get into the passageway anymore. ``

`` That 's heavy ! '' Albus replied. He was very relieved. It would not have been honest for Matt to have to leave Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's imbecility.

`` Yeah. Kendrick said I should have just told him immediately, though. ``

`` We did n't really imagine of it at the time, '' John commented.

`` I know, and Kendrick understands. He 's not giving me detention or anything, '' Matt told them.

`` good, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' John said tentatively, `` cypher can get into the passageway now ? ``

`` Pretty much. Kendrick did n't really explain, but he told me no one would be able to get in, '' Matt explained, `` Just me and Madam Pomfrey, I think. ``

`` Oh, '' John said, `` I was sort of hoping we could go explore it some time. ``

matte turned and glared at him, `` Are you insane ? There 's no way I 'd conduct you into the Shrieking hovel. ``

`` It could make been like our own unwashed room, '' John continued.

`` No way. Nope. Not going to happen, '' Matt said flatly.

`` All right, fine, '' John sighed, `` Would 've been cool, though. ``

******

The next day at breakfast, Albus was still thinking about the new map. He kept wondering what made it so different from the original Marauder 's Map. Albus was hoping that it would express Hogsmeade, along with everyone who was in Hogsmeade.

`` Who 's that old dame up there ? '' Amanda pointed to the staff table. There was a light old witch with a piece and frayed hat sitting where prof Longbottom usually sat.

Albus looked up and watched her. For some understanding she looked rather associate, but he could n't put his finger on it.

`` Yeah, and where 's Professor Longbottom ? '' flatness asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He looked up towards the ceiling as the post owls started to get. rosiness 's menage owl made a beeline for her and stood waiting for her to take the letter off.

pink wine took the missive and gave her owl a piece of pledge. She opened the letter and read for a few arcminute before reemerging from behind it with a huge grin on her side. `` prof Longbottom 's wife has had her baby ! Her gens is Lucy capital of Maine. That explains why Professor Longbottom is n't here. ``

Albus smiled. `` That 's neat. '' Albus had n't seen Hannah since the summertime, and she 'd been quite pregnant then.

`` You know, I never really think about the teacher having kinsfolk, '' Matt commented.

`` wellspring, we met Professor Longbottom 's wife at the Leaky Cauldron over the summer, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, but I do n't really recall her that well, '' lustrelessness explained, `` I did n't find too great that day. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' whoremaster remembered, `` And prof Potter obviously has a family. '' bathroom grinned at Albus.

`` He does ? '' Albus opened his eyes wide in a tone of faker shock. `` I never knew ! ``

lusterlessness laughed, `` I wonder about the other instructor, though. ``

`` I think Patil is married, '' rose told them, `` Slughorn is n't, but I 'm not sure enough about the others. ``

`` May I have your care ? '' Kendrick stood up and banged his spoon against his goblet. `` Thank you. I have two announcements this morning. The first one is that it has come to my attention that a few of you have not heeded my warning about staying away from the Whomping willow. I must recount you again how dangerous it is. ``

Albus stole a glance at Kaden, who was steadily turning more pinko. Albus glared at him and this made him turn a brightly refinement of red.

`` As an added precaution, I have put a few wards around it that will inform me when someone disregard my normal. There will be severe penalization for anyone who is caught around the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, '' Kendrick said sternly.

`` On a lighter eminence, I 'm surely you all have noticed that professor Longbottom is not here today. ``

Most of the other students started whispering among themselves, no doubt wondering why this could be considered a 'lighter note of hand'.

`` Yes, yes, no need to care. Professor Longbottom 's wife has had a sister girl and he will be gone for a few weeks. Professor Sprout, who taught here years ago has offered to take his place until he returns, '' Kendrick gestured to the one-time witch.

That 's where he knew her from, Albus thought as Sprout stood up and waved. Albus had met Sprout once when he was much younger.

`` I believe that is all. I hope everyone has a estimable Sunday and is well rested for social class tomorrow, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` I hope Sprout is dainty, '' Matt said as he and the others wandered around the ground after breakfast. It was a very mild day for Nov and almost of the students were exterior enjoying the weather.

`` She is, '' Albus assured him. `` My parents had her. So did most of my aunts and uncles. ``

`` Mine, too, '' John the Divine said.

`` I 've met her a few times, '' Rose commented, `` I like her. ``

`` Good, '' matt smiled, `` It seems like we have n't got any mean teacher this twelvemonth. ``

The group spent the sunrise wandering around the background, putting off the homework they should have been doing. They talked some more about the map, but nobody had any ideas as to how to get it to work out or who could make up Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to wonder if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a whole lot easier than trying to forefend him, like he had been doing the yesteryear month and a half.

`` I do n't think we 're going to be able to ignore Kaden forever, '' Albus announced as they were laying underneath a beech tree near the lake.

`` You 've just realized this ? '' Rose asked, smirking.

`` fountainhead, I 'd been hoping we could just ignore him, '' Albus told her.

`` You ca n't, Albus, '' Rose sighed, `` He 's your first cousin, whether you like him or not. ``

`` I know, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm getting sick of having to obviate him all the time. ``

`` I still do n't like him, '' John said adamantly, `` I mean, maybe if he 'd learn how to shut out his mouth, I 'd like him salutary. ``

`` Maybe there 's some variety of spell we can use to get him not to talk about affair he 's not supposed to, '' Amanda laughed.

`` That 'd be dainty, '' Albus agreed. `` So, you think we should forgive him ? ``

`` We probably should, '' Matt replied quietly. `` No one can get into the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree now, and Malfoy 's going to discover out eventually, '' he sighed, `` It 's only a matter of sentence. He 'll find out whether Kaden gives him clues or not. He 's wise. Kaden wo n't calculate it out until someone tells him, but Malfoy will find out on his own. It 's only a thing of when. ``

Albus stared at his admirer. Albus did not mean Matt would ever be friendly with Kaden again, but what he said actually made sense. Malfoy was going to find out. `` It 's all right with you if I forgive him ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` He 's your cousin. If I had any first cousin, I 'd want to be friendly with them. ``

Albus sighed. He knew the the right way thing to do was to just forgive Kaden. Albus knew that as soon as he made up with Kaden, Kaden would start hovering around them again. He just wished Kaden would find his own friends. But it did n't face like that was going to materialize anytime soon. Every time Albus saw Kaden, he was either alone or with Saint James.

`` Want to go back to the castling ? '' John asked a little while later. It was starting to get verbose and cloud were rolling in. It would probably rain soon.

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've got to observe Slughorn, '' blush wine announced as she stood up. `` I need to mouth to him about that shoemaker's last essay. Want to come, Amanda ? '' Amanda nodded and the two fille took off for the castle.

`` Bet she thinks she lost a breaker point on it, '' can laughed.

`` Probably, '' Albus grinned as the three male child started walking back to the castle. They joined the heavy group of students now running towards the rook as it got darker outside.

`` What do you want to do ? '' trick asked as they climbed the stairs.

`` need to go to the way ? '' matte suggested.

`` auditory sensation good, maybe we can project out how to exercise the new map, '' Albus said. `` After all, once I talk to Kaden, we wo n't be able to pussyfoot off there without him wondering where we are. ``

`` I had n't thought of that, '' Saint John groaned. `` Maybe you should n't blab to him. ``

`` I 've got to, John the Divine, '' Albus sighed. `` He 's my first cousin. ``

`` How are you going to hold on him from knowing about the map ? '' Matt asked.

`` No idea. I guess we 'll just own to mess with it while Kaden 's in class. ``

The boys continued their journey up to the seventh story corridor. They were halfway down the sixth floor corridor, heading towards the stairs, when Matt stopped in his tracks. Albus stared at him quizzically, wondering why he had stopped. `` What 's wrong ? '' he whispered.

flatness said nothing but pulled his two friends into a nearby vacate classroom. He shut the door and turned to front his friends. `` There 's people whispering just around the box. ``

`` What ? '' Albus asked. He had n't heard anything in the corridor. It had seemed completely deserted.

`` Are you mad ? '' St. John the Apostle stared at him, `` We were the only ones out there. ``

`` I 'm serious ! '' mat said.

`` No you 're not, '' John laughed, `` I 'm supposed to be Sirius. You 're Remus. ``

Matt groaned, `` You know what I mean ! But I definitely heard something. My listening 's beneficial than yours. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus replied, remembering that werewolves did make superior audience. `` Well, what was it ? ``

`` There 's at to the lowest degree two multitude out there and one auditory sensation scared, '' flatness explained.

`` Do you think they 're student ? '' Albus asked, immediately thinking of the Willinsons and Washburn. Had they come back to obtain the Hallows ?

`` Yeah, definitely educatee. ``

Albus breathed a suspiration of relief. It could n't be Washburn or either Willinson, if they sounded like students.

`` Let 's go investigate, '' John said mischievously.

Albus was undecided if he wanted to go see who was whispering around the corner or not. He was definitely curious, but he did n't want to get hexed. Eventually, his oddity beat out his care. `` All rightfield. ``

`` restrain out your wands, '' lustrelessness instructed as he opened the door. The boys crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the corner. As they got closer, Albus could start out to spend a penny out bite of conversation.

`` ejaculate on ! '' an icy vocalization seethed, `` You know more. Just severalise us and we wo n't hex you. ``

`` I swear, I told you everything ! '' someone croaked. He sounded like he was shaking.

Albus quickened his rate. individual was going to hex someone. He had to stop them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the voices, but he could n't quite place them.

The boy rounded the corner and Albus saw why he recognized the voices. Scorpius Malfoy and Felix Willinson were standing with their sceptre pointed at Kaden, who was leaning on the wall, his hand shakily holding his wand out in front of him. Albus stopped in his rails, and John the Divine and lusterlessness did the same. Neither Malfoy, Willinson, or Kaden had noticed them yet.

`` Just tell me what 's beyond the burrow, Dursley, '' Willinson snarled.

`` I do n't know ! '' Kaden repeated.

`` Liar, '' Malfoy raised his verge a piddling higher.

That was it. Albus could n't bear to learn Malfoy interrogating his cousin-german like that. All his bitter thoughts toward Kaden flew out the window the moment Albus saw Kaden 's terrified typeface. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's wand sailed out of his hand and landed on the floor a few feet down the corridor. Gospel According to John ran forward and grabbed it.

Albus and Matt stepped forward as Malfoy and Willinson turned around. `` Well, if it is n't potter, '' Malfoy spat. `` What can you possibly require ? ``

`` Quit threatening my cousin, '' Albus growled. He pointed his sceptre at Malfoy 's chest.

`` That can be arranged, '' Malfoy replied, `` If you tell us where the tunnel under the Whomping Willow goes. ``

Albus did n't smash eye contact with Malfoy, but he knew Matt had gone white adjacent to him. `` Why would you think I know where it goes ? ``

`` The Mudblood told us, '' Willinson smirked. `` But he claims he 's got no thought where it goes. I think you do. ``

`` Do n't call him a Mudblood ! '' Albus shouted.

At the same clock time, lav shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' and Willinson 's wand sailed neatly into John 's hand.

`` Looks like you 've got your cousin 's dueling skills, '' Albus commented. `` Quinton Willinson is your cousin, right ? ``

`` Sure is, '' Willinson confirmed. `` Now, will one of you tell us where the tunnel goes ? I 'll let your Mudblood cousin go if you do. ``

`` I said do n't name him that ! '' Albus shouted, `` And no, we wo n't recount you where it goes. ``

`` mulct, '' Malfoy smirked, `` think your cousin will get jinxed. ``

John Lackland burst out laughing, `` Good fate with that, seeing as I 've got your wand. ``

Apparently both Malfoy and Willinson had forgotten about that and they stared at each other. Kaden, realizing that neither Slytherin could hex him, stumbled over to where Albus and the others were standing.

`` Dueling in the corridors, '' a panting voice behind them said. `` That 's against the rule. ``

Albus jumped as he heard the part and turned around to meet it. It was Filch. Albus groaned inwardly. Why did Filch always have to be around ? He, lusterlessness, John, and Kaden all exchanged glances as Filch grinned at them all.

`` Follow me, all of you, '' Filch said gleefully.

`` But, Sir, '' Malfoy replied sweetly, `` Felix and I do n't have our verge. Clearly these four Gryffindors attacked us. ``

`` If I 've learned anything over the years, '' Filch growled, `` It 's that Slytherins are never innocent. ``

Albus stifled a laugh as he followed Filch down the hallway. nobody said anything as Filch led them into his cramped agency. It was very difficult for the six boys to fit within and everyone was too close down for comfort.

Filch went through his usual routine of filling out forms and filing them in the correct locker. He smirked as he filed Albus 's form. `` Seems you 'll cause a filing cabinet nearly as big as your sire and grandfather 's by the clock time you graduate. ``

Albus said nothing as Filch continued to fill out and file his forms. After what seemed like an hour, but was probably only a few minutes, Filch finished. `` You 'll take in two night 's detention. Tonight and tomorrow night. play me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't have to be asked twice. He was the kickoff one out the room access, followed quickly by Matt, John, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the dungeons, Albus began to conduce his friends up the stairs. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor tugboat. Kaden stuck to them like someone had affixed a lasting sticking good luck charm on him, but Albus did n't mind. He needed to babble out to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the reason he told Malfoy about the passage in the Whomping Willow ?

When they got to the common elbow room, it was packed. There was hardly any elbow room for them. Albus wordlessly lead them up to his residence hall and shut the door behind them. John and Matt sat down on Matt 's bed, but Albus and Kaden remained standing.

Albus was n't certain where to commence. Should he just enjoin Kaden that he forgave him ? Or ask him what was going on with Malfoy and Willinson ? But before Albus could determine, Kaden started the conversation.

`` I 'm good-for-naught, '' Kaden whispered quietly.

Albus did a double return. Kaden was sorry ? `` For what ? '' Albus asked. Kaden had n't done anything faulty recently. Not since he talked to Malfoy over a month ago.

`` For telling Malfoy, '' Kaden explained. `` I know you 're mad at me and I 'm dismal, '' his vocalisation cracked. `` And I 'm sorry for landing you lot in detention, again. ``

`` Kaden, this one was n't your fault, '' Albus insisted, `` It was Malfoy and Willinson 's fault. Speaking of them, want to evidence us what 's been going on ? '' Albus had n't paid an Panthera uncia of attention to his cousin-german since their big battle over a month ago, but Albus was sure that this was n't an isolated incident with the Slytherins.

`` They cornered me, '' Kaden whispered, `` Over a month ago. They knew I hung out with you, and they wanted to know if I knew anything about Matt 's, er, unwellness. ``

Albus nodded. That 's why Kaden had told Malfoy. The Slytherin weaseled it out of him. `` Go on. ``

`` And I 'm sorry, Albus, '' Kaden 's eyes watered, `` I really am. They just both pointed their wands at me, and I do n't know any good hexes, and I just got daunt, and I know Gryffindors are supposed to be gay, but they told me they 'd hex me if I did n't differentiate them what I knew. So I did, and before I realized it I mentioned the Whomping willow. ``

So that was it, Albus thought. He should have just listened to Victoire. There was a reason Kaden had told Malfoy. Kaden had n't just willingly given him the information.

`` And it was too belated, '' Kaden continued, `` They were going to hex me if I did n't tell them. So I told them there was a tunnel but I did n't live where it went. They did n't trust me, though. They 've been trying to get me to assure them about once a calendar week and I get hexed every clip. Madam Pomfrey fixes it, though. ``

Albus sighed, `` I told you to tell me if they were bothering you again. ``

`` But you were mad at me, '' Kaden 's voice wobbled, `` I figured you did n't deal anymore. ``

`` Kaden, sometimes you do things that I just do n't understand, '' Albus explained, `` But I 'll always care about you. You 're my cousin and nothing can vary that. ``

`` I know, and I 'm really meritless about everything, '' Kaden replied, `` I wanted to hold back it all a orphic, but- ''

`` It 's all rightfulness, '' Albus cut him off. Kaden was obviously sorry about what he had done. Albus was starting to feel really bad that he had ignored his cousin for so long, especially when he was being threatened by Slytherins. `` And I 'm distressing I did n't listen to you before. ``

Kaden nodded, bust starting to spill out of his centre. `` You 're not mad at me anymore ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Just recite me following time they do that. And try not to state anyone the affair I tell you in private anymore. ``

Kaden nodded and turned to trick and Matt. `` Are you two still mad at me ? ``

John and lusterlessness looked at each other and then didder their heads. `` No, we 've been mad at you long enough, '' lustrelessness told him.

Kaden smiled through his binge and looked back at Albus. `` I do n't suppose you 'd tell me where the tunnel goes now ? ``

`` Not a chance, '' Albus grinned. Even after all that, Kaden was still his common curious self, forever optimistic that Albus would actually tell apart him all of Hogwarts 's secrets.

`` Did n't consider so, '' Kaden replied, `` But it was worth a shot. Anyway, I have n't had a chance to tell you, but I still think football is effective than Quidditch. ``

`` Are you mad ? ! '' privy and Matt shouted at the Lapplander time. Both of them had spirit of disgust on their faces.

Kaden grinned sheepishly, `` I just think it 's bettor. You ca n't give up the Quaffle around like they do in football. ``

John turned his regard from Kaden to Albus. `` We 've got to fix this, '' he said solemnly.

`` We 'll strike him to the Cup, '' mat decided, `` No matter where it is. We 'll go and prove to him that Quidditch is best. ``

`` It wo n't change my mind, '' Kaden replied.

`` Once you see the cannon looseness, you 'll modify your mind, '' matte told him as he stood up.

`` The carom ? '' lavatory laughed and walked over to the door, `` Are you the insane one now ? ``

`` Not at the moment, no, '' matte smirked. John and Albus burst out laughing at King John 's choice of Scripture and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

`` Another matter I do n't get to know ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yup, '' the three other son said at the same time.

`` Anyway, '' John continued as they left the way, `` The carom are the worst team, you do n't want to see them play. It 's not like they 'll name it to the League Cup. ``

Matt punched him playfully in the arm, `` Do n't insult my team like that. It 's not like Puddlemre United is doing practically skilful. ``

This metre it was John 's turn to plug Matt in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the Cannons can ever go for to be. ``

John and Matt continued their argument all the way down into the common room, with Kaden paying enraptured attention. Albus smiled as he watched them. Maybe Kaden could fit in with their grouping after all.



A/N : Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing for me ! Thanks as well to Denas, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Rebecca, Moonylupin, Gospel According to Luke, and lilausty for their reassessment !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't conduct long for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's group of supporter. By the end of the week, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their usual routine of doing homework in the common room after dinner. Of class, that did not start until after the boy served their hold with Filch. The caretaker had them clean almost every lavatory in the entire castle. This was a tense affair due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the detainment alongside them. Albus was quite happy when the detention was over.

All in all, school was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his family and Quidditch and the Dueling baseball club were going well, too. Albus managed to shove aside his view of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased GA greatly. The downside to having Kaden vertebral column was that Albus and his other friends could n't really sneak off to the way of Requirement anymore, unless they wanted to bring Kaden. They all liked Kaden well enough, but none of them really wanted the younger boy to do it about the elbow room yet. That, and they did n't require Kaden to get it on about the map. He did n't even know about the steady predator 's Map. So, Albus had no selection but to just consider about the map, rather than mess around with it.

As Nov turned into December, snow fell upon the grounds and educatee of all ages flocked to them to bear snow ball conflict. Albus and his friends took part in quite a few, usually being crushed by the older students. Albus enjoyed these fights immensely, but mentation of the new map were always in the back of his mind. He just wished they could stimulate some time away from Kaden to investigate it some more. The opportunity to do just that arose one day in the first of December. Kaden was not doing too well in Transfiguration of Jesus and one of the sr. Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few former first years in the library.

Albus immediately shut his Charms Scripture after Kaden left the coarse way. `` All right, he 's gone. Let 's go to the room. ``

`` You 're awfully eager for him to leave, '' John smirked, `` I thought you did n't beware him so much now. ``

`` You know I do n't, John, '' Albus replied, `` I just want to mess around with the map. ``

`` Do you imagine you know how to work it ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` I 've got an idea, '' Albus said.

`` Let 's go, '' rose wine announced.

The chemical group left the crowd plebeian way and followed the intimate way of life to the Room. Once there, they took their common seats and waited for Albus tell them his idea.

`` wellspring, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and circulate it out on the board. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, remember what I tried to tell the map last time ? I think I should write that on the map. ``

`` Are you out of your mind ? '' King John exclaimed, `` What if you ruin it ? ``

flatness and Amanda stared at Albus in shock, but rosiness did n't seem fazed at all.

`` No, listen, '' Albus continued, `` commend the diary Horcrux ? Well, my mum and dad wrote in that and the ink just disappeared into it. ``

`` But this is n't a Horcrux ! '' bathroom said.

`` Have you got any better ideas ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, no, but- ''

`` Then we should just try it ! '' Albus insisted.

`` I agree, Albus, '' rose announced.

`` Thank you, Rose. ``

`` At least write it really minor, '' Matt suggested, `` That way if it is n't the right way, it wo n't mess it up. ``

Albus nodded. That made sense. `` All right. '' He took a deep breath. `` Here it goes. I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The associate ink appeared on the parchment, telling Albus that he needed to test he knew all the marauder'closed book. He looked up at his friends, who were all wearing looks of anticipation. Albus grabbed a quill and an ink pot. He poised his quill over the sheepskin and wrote in very tiny letters,

'Moony is a werewolf. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a stag, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat .'
Albus put the quill down and stared at the sheepskin. Everyone watched in complete silence. The ink disappeared into the map and Amanda let out a gasp. A few moments later, new words appeared.

'Close, but not quite .'

Albus let out a gaudy moan as the words dissolved. `` I really thought that would be it ! ``

`` We 're never going to figure this out, '' Gospel According to John sighed.

`` Does n't matter anyway, we do n't possess a Wormtail, '' Matt pointed out.

`` I think that would have been too obvious anyway, '' pink wine explained, `` It 's got to be something more insidious. ``

`` How do we subtly tell a piece of lambskin that we know the vulture'enigma ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` Well, '' Rose began, `` We 've got to commend that these are the Marauders. And I 'm sure they wanted to make it difficult for whoever found this map. ``

`` thoroughly point, '' John said.

`` This most likely holds more than entropy about Hogwarts than the Marauder 's Map did, and possibly Hogsmeade as well, '' rose continued, `` So we 've got to think about this the way they would 've. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. Of grade the Marauders would n't suffer just had them write something on the map. It was too easy. `` Right, so they liked getting in trouble. They would probably desire us to do something that might get us in bother. ``

`` And to the highest degree likely dangerous, '' Rose added.

`` Dangerous ? '' Amanda repeated, staring at Rose.

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the More it made sentience. The piranha spent their Hogwarts vocation causing trouble and doing life-threatening matter. They obviously would want people just as daring to be the next Marauders.

`` How can it be grave to bear witness that we know their secrets ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` No idea, '' Albus sighed, `` And it 's got to be something we can put on this parchment. ``

`` What can we put on parchment that shows they were all animagi and a werewolf ? '' mat asked.

`` We could draw paw mark on it, '' whoremonger laughed.

Rose 's face lit up. `` John, that 's it ! ``

`` Drawing paw print ? '' whoremonger stared at her, `` How 's that dangerous ? ``

`` No, not that. But the paw print idea, '' Rose grinned mischievously, `` We 've got to get a werewolf, stag, dog, and rat paw photographic print onto the map. ``

The idea sounded cockeyed to Albus, but it did seem like the sort of thing the piranha would do. It would definitely be dangerous to get the paw photographic print, and difficult as well. Not many people would actually be able to get them all. It was subtle as well. No one would have any idea what the paw print would mean unless they knew the Marauders'arcanum. The solitary thing he did n't wish about it was the estimation of a crowd of beast trampling the map.

They all stared at Rose, who was looking quite happy with the idea. Eventually, Albus spoke. `` Are you sure ? ``

`` Not positive, '' rosiness answered, `` There 's only one way to find out. What do you lot think ? ``

`` I think that might be it, '' Albus replied, `` It seems very Maraudery. ``

`` Is that a watchword ? '' rosebush laughed.

`` Probably not, '' Albus grinned, `` But I like it. ``

`` goodness idea, rosiness, '' John agreed.

`` Sounds like it might puzzle out, '' Amanda said.

`` Makes sense, '' Matt replied.

`` So it 's settled, '' rosebush announced, `` We shall put paw photographic print on the map. ``

`` Wait, '' Albus said, `` I really do n't wish the thought of beast stepping on the map. What if it gets ripped accidentally. ``

`` Good point, '' pink wine sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few moments, then Rose had another idea. `` What if we use different small-arm of parchment and then use a transference appeal to put them on the map ? ``

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned. Sometimes, he loved how smart his cousin was. `` Anyone know how to do one ? ``

They all stared at each other and rock their heads. `` Er, that might be a job, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm pretty sure that good luck charm is well preceding O.W.L. ``

`` I 'll take it, '' Rose told him, `` I 'm sure I can find it in the library somewhere. ``

`` We 're favorable you 're such a Holy Writ dirt ball, rose wine, '' Gospel According to John laughed.

`` All right wing, so we 're going to try this, '' Albus said adamantly. He was up for trying anything. Even if it did n't turn, they would still be making progress. `` Rose, you start figuring out the transference charm, and the rest of us will get the paw prints. ``

`` The dog will be easy, '' Amanda announced, `` I 've got a dog, remember ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus replied, `` So you can get the dog print over Christmas. ``

`` Sure, '' Amanda grinned, `` It 'll be well-situated. ``

`` Yuletide ? '' whoremaster sighed, `` I thought we 'd have it done before that. ``

`` It might take me a patch to figure out the charm anyway, '' rosiness commented.

Albus had wanted to picture out the map before Dec 25 as well, but considering the fact that there were n't any dogs in Hogwarts, that would n't be possible. `` I think we can find a rat somewhere in the castle. Probably near the dungeon. ``

`` Great, Slytherin territory, '' John groaned.

`` I 've seen them in the Potions schoolroom, '' Rose said, `` All we 've got to do is cast Petrificus Totalus on one during Potions and sneak it up here. Who wants to do it ? ``

Albus glanced around at his champion. He was n't literal fond of dirty dog and would favor not to get to carry one around in his bag all day.

`` I 'll do it, '' whoremaster said after a while, `` It should n't be that gruelling. I just hope the go lasts until I can get it up here. ``

`` It should, '' Rose replied, `` Just try and get up here as soon as possible. ``

`` goodness, '' Albus said, `` We 've got the dog and the rat covered. Next is the stag. That 'll be a bit more difficult. ``

`` There are probably stags in the forest, '' Amanda suggested, `` But we 'd get in trouble. ``

`` That 's what the predator would have wanted, '' Albus told her.

`` We do n't stimulate to go to the Forbidden wood, '' rosebush announced, `` We 've just got to go to a forest. I live right near a forest, Albus and I can try and get the mark over Christmas. ``

`` That is a brilliant idea, Rose, '' Albus smiled. He did not really want to go wandering around the Forbidden Forest and not just because it was out of leaping. It would be very dangerous to go in there. `` And that just leaves- ''

`` The werewolf one, '' Matt whispered. Albus and the others turned to look at matt. He had been very tranquillize over the past few minutes and Albus noticed that he was paler than common. Albus could understand why. The wolfman paw print could possibly be the most unsafe one to get.

`` You know, '' Rose said quietly, `` This is why the paw print thing makes so often gumption to me. I highly doubt a unconstipated wildcat print is going to work. And if this really is the way to get the map to process, the only way to get a werewolf paw print would be if a werewolf was at Hogwarts. ``

Albus thought about this and it made perfect good sense. This would be one way for the marauder to shit sure as shooting that the new Marauders would have at least one similarity to the originals. `` But how do we get it ? We obviously ca n't go into the screeching Shack the nighttime of the entire moonshine. ``

The elbow room fell quiesce as everyone tried to guess of a way that they could safely get a werewolf 's paw print. Albus had no idea. They could n't exactly try and stun flatness while he was transformed like they were planning on doing with the rat and the stag.

`` All rightfield, '' matte sighed after a few minutes. `` I 've got an idea. ``

Albus and the rest of his acquaintance said goose egg but watched as they waited for lustrelessness to elaborate. Albus could tell that lusterlessness really did n't require to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to work ?

`` We go down to the Shrieking Shack a couple days before the full moon and cleave a few piece of self-inking lambskin to the floor. Hopefully I 'll step on one of them and we 'll ingest a paw photographic print, '' Matt explained quietly.

`` That could process, '' Albus said slowly.

`` But we ca n't let anyone see us, '' mat told them, `` So we 'll induce to go at dark. ``

`` We 'll get caught, '' Rose said.

`` Not if we use my dad 's invisibility cloak, '' Albus grinned. `` I 'll sneak into his study sometime when he 's in form and borrow it. ``

`` Really ? '' Matt half-smiled. `` That would be great. ``

`` We wo n't all be able to fit underneath, though, '' Albus told them, `` Probably just two of us, three at virtually. ``

`` You three can go, '' Rose gestured to Albus, Matt, and whoremonger, `` You 're going to be the new marauder anyway. ``

`` bent on, '' lavatory interrupted, `` I thought Kendrick put up wards on the Whomping Willow. How are we going to get in without him knowing ? ``

`` I know how to deactivate them, '' Matt explained, `` Otherwise I would n't be able to get in. ``

`` Oh, right. ``

`` When 's the next full moon ? '' Albus asked.

`` Next week, '' Matt sighed, `` Are we doing it that soon ? ``

`` Might as well, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll try and get Dad 's cloak tomorrow. He 's got classes in the good afternoon but we do n't. Then we can sneak down to the Shrieking Shack this weekend. ``

`` Perfect, '' Rose grinned, `` And I 'll part searching the library for the appealingness. Hopefully we 'll sustain it figured out right after Christmas. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus replied. He was excited. They were close-fitting to figuring this out ; he could feel it.

`` Well, I 've got homework to do, '' blush wine announced as she pulled out a few record book from her bag.

Albus sighed, `` I do, too. ``

The grouping worked silently on their homework for a while, only talking when they needed to ask questions about it. Albus tried his effective to concentrate on his Transfiguration Day essay, but his mind kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw prints faster. Albus was very uneasy to get out what this map had in storehouse for them. Of course of instruction, they still had to find somebody to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to push that thought from his mind.

`` It 's so smooth, '' John said, tapping his quill on his book.

`` Nice, is n't it ? '' rosiness smiled.

`` Not really, '' john replied, `` It 's too quiet. I 've form of gotten used to Kaden 's loudness. ``

`` It is kind of strange not having him around tonight, '' Albus agreed. He had kind of gotten used to Kaden 's unceasing presence over the past few hebdomad. Albus would even go so far as to say that he was starting to turn champion with his cousin.

`` He 's always around us, though, '' lustrelessness laughed, `` He kind of follows us around like a puppy dog. ``

`` He looks up to Albus, '' Rose explained, `` To him, Albus ca n't do anything wrong. ``

That 's it ! Albus dropped his flight feather and stared at rosebush. Of course ! Why had n't he realized it before ? Kaden did keep an eye on them around and practically worship the basis they walked on. Kaden was Wormtail.

`` Albus ? '' pink wine asked. `` Are you all right ? ``

Albus shook his head and looked at rosebush. `` I 'm fine. practiced than that, actually, '' he grinned. `` You 've just given me an theme as to who can be Wormtail. ``

`` Who ? '' whoremaster asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? ! '' John, Matt, pink wine, and Amanda shouted at once.

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' rosebush asked.

`` No, I 'm not, '' Albus replied. He did n't see how they could n't translate it. It made stark sense to him. `` You do n't see it ? ``

`` Not really, '' John said.

`` Just listen, '' Albus sighed. `` get-go, we 've got to retrieve what the map said when I told it I was Prongs. It said 'four Gryffindors connected by friendship and mischief'. The three of us are obviously connected through both. '' Albus gestured to trick and lusterlessness. `` But we need a fourth somebody. Since they have to be somehow connected through us, we ca n't just break up a random student. Can you think of anyone besides Kaden that we have gotten in fuss with ? ``

`` Not really, '' John said after a few here and now silence.

`` right wing, '' Albus continued, `` And I 'd say we 're friends with him now. Would you ? ''

John and Matt nodded. `` Yeah, I think so, '' lusterlessness agreed. `` I see what you 're getting at. But how is he like Wormtail ? ''

Albus looked at his friends for a moment before responding. Albus talked the least about Wormtail than all the other predator. Obviously, Albus felt a deep hatred for Peter Pettigrew, and this resulted in him not wanting to talk about him. So Albus 's Quaker really did n't do it a whole lot about him. Just the parts that had to do with him betraying Albus 's grandparents. `` Well, we 've got to retrieve that when the Marauders made this map they were friends with Wormtail. He had n't betrayed them yet. He did have good qualities, as much as I hate saying that, '' Albus said grimly.

`` So what are these character ? '' John asked skeptically.

`` Er, I 'm not sure enough exactly, '' Albus confessed, `` I mean, all the Marauders were abruptly by the time I was born, so there 's not really anyone to tell me what they would be. But my dad has told me some poppycock, and it sounds a bit like Kaden. He told me that Wormtail practically worshiped Sirius and my grandpa. ``

`` Like Kaden does with you three, '' Rose commented, a expression of realization appearing on her face.

`` Exactly, '' Albus said, glad that someone was finally understanding, `` And he used to do whatever they wanted. ``

`` Sounds like Kaden, '' lustrelessness agreed.

`` Definitely, '' St. John the Apostle replied.

`` You know, '' rose wine began, `` Wormtail obviously caved under threats and Kaden did, too. ``

Albus had realized this as well, but he really did n't want to think about it. Albus did n't ever think his cousin would cheat anyone like Wormtail had done. `` Well, I guess we 've found our Wormtail. ``

`` When are we going to tell him ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus had n't gotten that far. There were still contribution of him that wanted to keep the map a secret from Kaden, but he obviously could n't do that if Kaden was supposed to be the new Wormtail. `` I 'm not sure enough how to recount him. I 'm not sure he 'll be that thrilled about being Wormtail. ``

`` Oh, I do n't roll in the hay, '' rose wine said, `` I think he wo n't mind as long as he gets to be a part of this. ``

`` The map 's not the only thing we 're going to deliver to tell him, is it ? '' Matt said quietly, `` He 's going to regain out what I am. ``

This was the part that Albus had tried to avoid thinking about ever since he first realized what they had to do to work the new map. Whoever was going to map Wormtail was going to find out that lustrelessness was a werewolf, there was no avoiding it. It was part of the grounds that Albus had n't really thought about who would be Wormtail. Albus knew flatness did n't desire anyone else to find out. He never even really evidence Albus and the others. They had found out on their own. Albus knew Kaden would never find out on his own ; he was just too oblivious. He needed to have intercourse, though, if he was going to be a component part of this. Otherwise, he could n't really be one of the new Marauders. Albus just had a gut feeling about that. But was it worth it to tell him ? Especially when he already told Malfoy everything Albus had told him to proceed secret ? Albus sighed, `` I think so. If we 're going to do this, Kaden will have to have a go at it. ``

`` We ca n't do it then, '' lusterlessness said adamantly, `` I ca n't enjoin him. I just ca n't. He 'll tell Malfoy and then the whole of Slytherin will know and then soon the unharmed school will hump and they 'll tell their parents and they 'll complain and Kendrick will have to give up me out. But then it wo n't matter anyway because all of Wizarding Britain will bonk and no one will desire to be around me or my family again and it will be just like Australia- ''

`` Matt, '' Albus cut him off. He was getting hysterical. `` Calm down, that 's not going to chance. ``

`` How do you know ? '' Matt whispered in a precarious voice.

`` Because Kaden wo n't tell anyone, '' rose interjected.

`` Not if I do n't tell him, '' lustrelessness replied, `` And I 'm not going to distinguish him. You lot ca n't either, you promised. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus reassured him, `` Not unless you want us to. ``

`` I do n't, '' Matt said in a slightly louder voice.

`` Just listen to me for a mo, '' Rose said loudly. `` Remember what Amanda said about a magical spell to sustain Kaden from giving away anymore secrets ? '' Everyone nodded. `` Well, I 'm reasonably sure there is a magical spell like that, '' Rose grinned.

`` Really ? '' Amanda stared at her, `` deception just gets better and better. ``

`` Yes. I vaguely think of reading about it in a account book. I 'm trusted if I went to the library I could find it, '' blush wine explained. `` I 'll just look for it when I 'm researching the transference appeal. ``

Albus 's hopes soared high again, `` fantabulous ! Would you be willing to tell him if Rose found this magic spell ? ``

Albus held his breath as he watched Matt think about it. `` I, '' matte paused, `` Suppose that could mold .... But, only if we try out the go with a less of import secret first. ``

rose nodded, `` Yeah, I could do that. ``

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could experience it. They would unlock the secrets of this new parchment. Albus was so thrilled with the vista of finally discovering what the new map held, he could hardly log Z's that dark. He was n't the only one, either. Albus heard flatness and John tossing and turning all night, over the sounds of Ethan and Bilius 's snoring. Although, Albus suspected Matt 's sleepless night was more due to nerves than excitement. Judging by the look on his face as they went back to the park room that eve, he was still reluctant to let Kaden in on his biggest secret.



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Moonylupin, Lily meet Ginny, and drownzer for their reviews !



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the next dawn, he found that he was overcome with boldness about stealing his father 's Invisibility Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the excitation about the map the night before that he had n't really given it a second persuasion. But now that the theme had simmered overnight, he realized that the plan might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the Invisibility Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the premature twelvemonth. Of course, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to filch it back right after he was done with his late night stroll to the scream hutch, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even likely ? Albus had no thought how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't have much use for it at Hogwarts because teachers could stray around wherever and whenever they wanted.

Albus did n't even know where his sire kept the cloak. He was planning on just trying a summoning charm as St. James the Apostle had done to retrieve the Marauder 's Map. Albus just hoped that the cloak attempt would go just as smoothly. Harry still had n't noticed that the Map was missing. Either that or he knew St. James took it and was just letting him go on it. As Albus 's intellection went to the original piranha 's Map, he remembered that he still had n't given it back to Saint James the Apostle.

Albus remained distracted throughout his aurora category and by the time lunch came, he was almost as aflutter as he had been for the low Quidditch couple. cypher said much as Albus picked at his nutrient, well nobody except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his morning classes until he had to leave for Potions a short-change patch later. Once he was gone, Albus was exempt to talk about their programme. `` I 'm not sure if this is going to work. ``

`` It worked for the Marauder 's Map, '' rosiness reminded him.

`` I know, but still .... ''

`` It 's got to bring, '' Saint John the Apostle insisted, `` How else will we sneak down to, '' he lowered his voice, `` you know, without being caught ? ``

`` There is n't any early way, '' mat replied, `` We 'll get captivate if we do n't have the cloak. ``

`` We might get caught when we 're trying to steal it, '' Albus commented.

`` No we wo n't, '' John assured him, `` And even if we do, we 'll just be caught by your dad. It 's not like we 'll get in fuss with Filch or anything. ``

`` But we 'll get caught by Filch if we try to abstract out at nighttime without the cloak, '' matt whispered.

`` right, '' lav agreed, `` So we 're off to steal the cloak. ``

Albus groaned, `` Does n't anyone else think this might not work ? ``

`` trustingness me, Albus, '' rosebush said, `` It 'll work. We 'll sneak the cloak back before Uncle Harry even knows it 's gone. ``

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the staff mesa, `` We 'll just await a couple More instant. ``

`` I do n't think we should all go, '' Rose announced, `` It 'll look wary if we all go into his part. I think just me and Albus should go. ``

`` Good mind, '' mat agreed, `` No one will think anything of it if the two of you go into his position. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the serious way to do it. If all five of them went, hazard are they would produce enough disturbance to attract another teacher. Albus was relieved that Rose was going to go, though. She was much better at summoning charms than Albus was.

`` We 'll wait for you in the Room, '' Matt stood up. John and Amanda followed suit. `` See you in a bit. ``

`` Bye, '' rosebush grinned at them. She and Albus loitered a few minutes longer at the Gryffindor table before Rose gestured that it was time to go.

Albus and rose wine had lingered long enough at the mesa that the corridors were practically abandon, save for a few digress students who were much more absorbed on making it to class than giving Albus and Rose a 2d glance. They quietly made their way to Harry 's federal agency, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom. Judging from the flash rallying cry that were emitted from the bathroom, Peeves had just finished making fun of short Myrtle.

The corridor that Harry 's function was in was entirely deserted when Albus and Rose descended upon it. Albus was very happy about this. Maybe they would get away with it. Albus tried to open up the doorway, but it was locked. `` Merlin ! '' he shouted and looked at Rose.

rosiness did n't search in phased in the least. `` Just use Alohamora. ``

Albus looked at her skeptically. Why would Harry bother to lock his threshold with a charm that anyone could unfold ?

`` Just do it, '' rosiness insisted, `` He 's got a charm on there that recognizes his wizardly touch. Yours will be close enough to his that it 'll open for you, too. It worked with James last class. It wo n't work with me, though. I tried. King James thought it was incredibly curious. ``

`` All right, '' Albus replied and pointed his scepter at the lock. `` Alohomora. '' The lock clicked and Albus turned the handle. It opened. The cousins quietly crept inside, carefully shutting the threshold behind them.

Harry 's office looked much like it had the final sentence Albus had been in it. Parchment, Good Book, and former multifarious objects were strewn around all over the place, cluttering up the desk, couch, and chair. The bedroom threshold had been left open and Albus could see that that room was just as messy, with robes laying on the bed and transcript of the Prophet on the floor.

`` Does he ever clean up ? '' Rose asked disgustedly, `` I mean, really. This is worse than James 's room. ``

`` James gets it from Dad, '' Albus laughed, `` Mum makes both of them clean up but Mum 's not here, so Dad can just do what he wants. ``

`` I 'll bet it 's somewhere in there, '' Albus pointed to the bedroom and started walking towards it. pink wine followed and soon they were in the tiny bedroom. Albus guessed that the cloak was either in Harry 's trunk or the wardrobe.

pink wine must feature been thinking the Saame affair. She wrenched the trunk open and pointed her verge at it. `` Accio invisibility Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

`` Great, '' Albus groaned, `` It 's not here. ``

`` Wait, '' Rose said as she crept closer to Harry 's bole, `` I 'm passably sure Uncle Harry mentioned that you ca n't use a summon charm on the cloak. ``

Albus thought for a minute and then remembered his dad telling him that once. `` Oh, yeah. wellspring, now what are we going to do ? ``

`` We 'll do it the intemperately way, '' Rose sighed, `` You take the wardrobe, I 'll pack the trunk. ''

Albus shook his head as he stepped over to his dad 's press. This was going to take forever. They would certainly get caught before they found it. Albus carefully weeded through his dad 's poppycock, being deliberate to put it all back exactly as he found it.

`` Got it ! '' Rose announced, `` Bottom of the trunk ! ``

Albus felt an immense relief as Rose held up the cloak. They did it ! They actually found the cloak ! Nothing was stopping them now. They were going to find out the secrets of the second map.

`` There. Told you we 'd get it, '' blush wine grinned, `` Now let 's get out of here. ``

Albus nodded, happy to do as Rose said. He certainly did n't want to get caught in his dad 's office with the Invisibility Cloak. Rose handed him the cloak and he stuffed it into his robes. Once Albus and rose wine were sealed that the elbow room looked just as it had when they got there, they quietly left. Neither of them said a password as they walked quickly to the Room of Requirement.

backup man washed over Albus when he made it into the Room a few arcminute later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's heart still beat fast with epinephrine as he ran into the Room and grinned at his friends. The shudder of what he and rosebush had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the invisibility Cloak. It was the low Marauder-like thing he had done. He knew this was exactly what the Marauders had wanted him to do. To intermit rules and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' John ran over with a glimmer of excitement in his heart. matte and Amanda were right behind him sporting identical grin on their faces.

`` Sure did, '' Albus smiled and pulled the silvery cloak out of his robes.

`` It was incredibly well-off, '' rosiness laughed. `` I found it right in Uncle Harry 's body. ``

`` Can I hold it ? '' Matt asked in awe. Albus handed him the cloak. `` This is incredible, '' matte whispered. `` I 'm holding one of the Hallows. I wish I could tell my dad about this. ``

`` You 'll be able to eventually. My dad just wants to get to know him first. ``

Matt put the cloak on and disappeared from view. He reappeared a few seconds later. `` That is so assuredness. ``

`` Let me try, '' John took the cloak and wrapped it around himself. They spent the succeeding few minutes passing the cloak around and trying it on.

`` You three ought to see if you fit, '' pink wine announced.

Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Amanda. John and Matt stood next to him as he threw the cloak over their heads. Albus had been under the cloak with James, Lily, and his full cousin before, so he was used to how cramped it was, but his friends weren't.

`` Watch it, '' Saint John snapped as mat stepped on his foot.

`` Sorry, '' Matt muttered. `` This is going to be difficult. ``

`` Can you see us ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nope, '' Rose said, `` Walk around the room a few times. ``

The boys walked slowly around the room, making sure not to expose any of their limbs. Gospel According to John and matt started to get the hang of it after a few minutes of practice and they were soon able to go a little faster.

`` perfective, '' Amanda announced after the fourth meter they circled the way. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What night should we do this ? '' John asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Saturday because I 've got Quidditch practice session that first light and I 'm going to have to get some sleep Friday night or Georgia will drop the whole clip yelling at me to wake up, '' Albus explained, `` That good with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' St. John the Apostle agreed. Matt nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Sat night, we sneak into the shrieking hutch. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the difficulty maker, Albus, '' Rose laughed, `` The vulture would be gallant. ``

******

The side by side day pink wine decided to begin her research on the transference charm. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't take tenacious to find oneself the correct book. Rose found it in a transcript of Advanced appeal and after she read a bit about the charm she decided that it was going to be difficult but not impossible for her to do. She decided to master that charm before trying to come up the spell to keep Kaden quiet. That one was going to be harder to find since they did n't even acknowledge the figure of it. Rose checked out the Advanced Charms book under the menacing limelight of Madam Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to involve what they were up to and deny them the leger. But, she could n't since the book was n't in the Restricted Section.

Rose spent the following few day trying to figure the charm out. There was n't much Albus could do to help her, so he just did his preparation and watched her. Albus thought the good luck charm looked incredibly complicated and he was glad that Rose had volunteered to learn it. Rose was having a bit of difficulty mastering the spell, though. By the time Sabbatum night rolled around, she still had n't managed to reproduce much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The charm was well beyond the O.W.L. stratum and it stood to reason that it would be hard for her. This did not suit Rose well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one thing that drove rosebush mad, it was having trouble learning something.

`` Why do n't you demand a break ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the common room on Saturday Nox. `` You 've been at it for days. ``

`` Maybe you 're right, '' Rose sighed. She had been trying for the by hour to reproduce her name onto another piece of parchment. `` I 'll just relax for a while. '' She pulled out her Transfiguration book and opened it to one of the later chapters.

`` I do n't know how you can reckon that relaxing, '' privy screwed up his boldness in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` extra credit rating appeal prep, '' Rose lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that Rose would need excess credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' rose wine explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're saucy. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' blush wine smiled at him.

Albus had no doubt that blush wine would estimate the charm out eventually. It was just taking her longer than she expected. Albus was in no rush because the good luck charm would be useless until they got all the paw prints they needed. That would n't happen until after Christmas. John Lackland had n't managed to find a rat in Potions on Fri, but he was keeping his oculus peeled.

The group stayed in the common room for another couple hours, waiting until it was completely void. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his fatigue duty and went up to his dormitory. Eventually, Albus and his friends were the just ones left.

`` make ? '' Albus asked. trick and Matt nodded. Albus rummaged in his bag and pulled out the cloak. `` I 've got the parchment in my gown. I think we 're set. ``

`` Let 's do it, '' John stood up.

`` Good luck, '' Amanda said as the three male child pulled the cloak around themselves. `` We 'll be waiting. ``

`` See you in a bit, '' Rose told them as she held the portrait open for them to leave behind. `` Do n't get caught. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus assured her. `` I 've got the Map. '' Albus was n't nearly as nervous about sneaking out of the castling as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking more prescript this eve than he had the other day. He figured it had something to do with the fact that stealing the cloak was something his founder would be disappointed in, whereas sneaking out would just get him in trouble with another teacher.

Whatever the reason, Albus felt almost excited about this evening. The exclusively time he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his first Occlumency aspiration the old year. Tonight 's escapade was a much better setting. Besides, Albus was a bit excited about following the tunnel to the Whomping Willow and seeing the interior of the screaming hovel. He felt sort of shamed about this because he knew mat did n't desire them to and was only agreeing to this for the rice beer of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to block up before they started down the stairs. He took out the Map and scanned it for a couple arcminute. Filch was currently striding along the tertiary floor corridor. They would get to be thrifty about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a schoolroom on the quarter trading floor, no dubiety wreaking havoc for one of the teachers to fix in the morning. Luckily, all of the teacher were in their place. All they had to worry about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, John, and Matt continued their cautious trek down to the Entrance Hall, with Albus glancing at the Map every few minutes. The boys made it down to the third story corridor without trouble, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about insolent minor. Albus gave his ally a occupy look as they quietly moved towards the nearest stair case. Albus held his breath as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three inconspicuous son. Albus was very happy when they made it onto the arcsecond floor and even happier when they got to the front doorway and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one thing that could have gone wrong with their plan. spring up had tried to teach him a few more building complex unlocking spells but he was n't very good at them and was hoping he would n't call for to use them.

`` Made it ! '' John let out a Brobdingnagian intimation once the castle doors were shut.

`` Not quite, '' Matt replied.

`` Yeah, but at least we can talk now. I wish this cloak would spread over up noise, too. Reckon we can take the cloak off ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered immediately. `` What if one of the teachers is looking out the window ? Or if Hagrid is wandering around ? '' Albus loved Hagrid, but he would n't need to have to explain why he was sneaking down to the Whomping willow in the dead of Nox if the loveable half-giant caught them.

The three boys continued along the track that lead them through the curtilage. There was about six in of Baron Snow of Leicester on the ground and the air was bitingly frigidity. Albus was glad he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to check the Map every couple of minutes, but so far the land were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be capable to walk degraded once they were on the primer coat, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to last out concealed under the cloak and it was even harder now because mat was slowing down. `` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked after the cloak almost slipped off of him.

`` Fine, '' he panted. `` Just the moon. Let 's keep going. ``

Albus looked from his friend 's tire out look to the sky. The almost wide moon was shining down on the ground, illuminating it enough that Albus had n't bothered to light his wand. `` We should have done this earlier in the week, '' Albus commented, remembering the disastrous detention with Filch the other month.

`` No, I 'm OK, '' Matt assured him, `` It wo n't be full moon until Tuesday. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and privy slowed down their pace to equalise Matt 's, although Albus thought it would be better for them to speed up in decree to reach the tree faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping willow tree. The three boys paused just beyond the ambit of the branches and Albus and John looked to Matt for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able to get into the jam wearing the cloak, '' lustrelessness explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his robe. `` All right field, '' matt continued, pulling out his wand. `` I 'll just disenable the Aaron Montgomery Ward. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his baton at the Tree. Albus strained to listen to the spell but he could n't get wind it.

`` Now what ? '' lavatory asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

Matt walked around to the other side of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with Albus and privy following. Matt set over, searched through the snow, and picked up a long pin, stumbling and shivering a little as he stood up. He pressed his hired hand to his read/write head, wincing a fiddling. `` Headache, '' he answered to Albus and John 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the tree 's arm and stuck the long stick into the tree 's short pants. The limb immediately froze and the Whomping willow looked just as tame as any of the other tree on the grounds. `` Quick, before they start again, '' Matt stumbled towards the Tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the tunnel once, gestured for lavatory to go first. Albus followed his Friend and made it into the cakehole just as the branches started flailing again. Albus and John lit their wands and looked around the cramped tunnel while Matt put the wards back up.

`` Let 's go, '' matt announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly pretty cool, '' John Lackland said in awe as they started down the passageway, `` Kinda spooky, but aplomb. '' Matt sent him a dirty flavour. `` I mean, besides the whole werewolf thing, '' John replied quickly.

Albus could see what John meant. It was sort of a not bad tunnel, although very sullen and sort of damp. The good affair was that it was slightly warmer than outside. The roof was low and Albus had to hunker down a slight in order to walk. There were rocks and etymon along the path, but the unit ambience was quite exciting. Albus loved wandering through secret passageways and this one was n't any different. He was excited about finally being able to play along it. His dad had told him about this tunnel and the scream Shack numerous times, but always said no when Albus asked if he could go explore it. Now he was finally getting to do it. Granted, he was breaking about a dozen shoal rules to do it, but it was worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt like at least a half hour. The boot of it was beginning to wear off as Albus got colder. The calendar month of Dec was not a commodious time to be doing this. By the sentence they reached the screeching hovel, Albus was ready to cringe into his warm four-poster bed and go to sleep. John Lackland 's excitement had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the farsighted, chilly walk. Matt, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the moonlight, did n't look much estimable than he had earlier. He looked incredibly exhausted and was breathing as heavily as if he 'd just run a marathon.

`` How do you possibly make it here before the full moonlight ? '' King John asked, out of breathing spell. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the clock time you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' Matt replied in between breathing time, `` brothel keeper Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` well, following fourth dimension I ca n't sleep I 'll just take the air up and down this a few times, '' Saint John joked.

`` In. Here, '' matt panted as he opened an old looking doorway that creaked as he opened it. Albus and John quietly followed him through it, into a very decrepit looking room.

Albus was shocked at what he saw. Broken furniture lay everywhere, a lot of it covered in dehydrated blood. There was n't anything that remained unbroken. Pieces of mesa, chairwoman, and couches were all over the shoes with sharpness target on them. There was a stairway nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on legion clip. Albus swallowed as he realized that his protagonist was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' lavatory asked slowly.

Matt glared at him. `` Use your mind, '' he snapped.

John looked from him to the smash furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Matt sighed and sat down on the floor near the hearth. He leaned his head against the wall. `` See why I did n't really require you to arrive here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and whoremonger nodded.

`` It 's one matter for you to know what I am, '' lusterlessness continued, `` But another to see what I actually do, what I could do ... '' his interpreter trailed off.

Albus knew what he wanted to say, but could n't. What he could do if he was n't in the shrieking hutch during the wax moon. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the woman chaser. ``

`` I guess, '' flatness said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' John replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and Matt shouted at the same metre.

`` Become Animagi, '' John repeated, `` If we 're trying to suit the next Marauders, we might as well do it properly. ``



A/N : Bit of a cliffy ! But I had to start a new chapter somewhere. Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, Denas, myself, and Luke for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to include the thought did cross his intellect every once in a patch. But really, it was n't very realistic. Yes, the Marauders had done it, but they were lucky it had worked out all right. There was a grounds that hardly anyone could suit an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only secondment years. The predator had n't done it until their fifth class. They were exceptionally smart, too. fountainhead, three of them were. Albus did n't think he was anywhere near good enough at transfiguration to pull it off. pink wine was probably the only one of them who had a chance at succeeding. And even though rosebush did not hesitate to break rules when she needed to, there was no way she would agree to this. `` Oh seed on, John, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' Gospel According to John asked, `` The Marauders did it. ``

`` They were really smart, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smart. And what did you get on your last metamorphosis test ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' lavatory corrected him, `` And we 'd figure it out. Rose could help us. ``

`` But this is n't as simple-minded as figuring out a go for class ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's unsafe. What if we ca n't exchange back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? Rose does n't know everything. Even she would make fuss with this. ``

`` It 's worth the risk, '' John said adamantly, `` I do n't like if I mess up a few prison term. I 'll just try again. ``

`` That 's the thing. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the opportunity to try again. My dad explained this all to me over the summertime. He talked to me about becoming an Animagus as soon as schoolhouse was over last year because he knew the thought would hybridise my mind. He 'll lie with if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd consider trying when we 're older, but definitely not right now. ``

John the Divine sighed, `` It would be gravid if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new predator then. Imagine if we could even commute into the Same animals the piranha were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that lav seemed to accept the fact that Albus was n't going to agitate on the issue. `` I do n't know if I 'd be a stag, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' King John asked, grinning.

Albus smirked, `` Not really. He 'd probably be one of those yappy dogs, not a big cool dog like you 'd be, but a tiny chihuahua or something that 's always skin and jump. ``

`` Definitely, '' John laughed, `` It could n't hurt to research Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for supernumerary quotation. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` DOE n't count, '' Matt said quietly. He had been exceptionally quiet ever since John had first mentioned the estimation. `` You ca n't become Animagi with me on the fully moon. ``

`` Why ? '' John asked. `` We know it 's dangerous. I do n't care. ``

`` It 's not that. You think I have n't thought about you lot becoming Animagi ? That my parents have n't thought about doing it ? Amy ? They have. My parents have ever since we found out Wolfsbane did n't work for me. Amy has ever since she first saw me after a transmutation. My parents actually started working on it. But then they decided to consume me do the Wolfsbane study instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the total Sun Myung Moon, I wo n't wound myself and it 'll seem like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up the cogitation big time. My parents decided it would be better for me to find a potion that would mould than to have to swear on other masses 's Animagus ability. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very happy. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a lilliputian relieved. He did n't want to suit an Animagus behind his dad 's rear. It was one thing to slip the invisibility Cloak for a couple years, but to sneak around as an animal every fully moon ? That was just too closemouthed for Albus 's liking. He hoped that John would give up on the approximation now.

`` But if the field ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't kibosh you from trying. ``

`` strait bazaar, '' John replied, `` How long does the study go ? ``

`` No idea. Probably at to the lowest degree another two year. It all depends on how many different cast of Wolfsbane citizenry come up with, '' lustrelessness closed his eyes and leaned his head teacher against the bulwark again.

`` vexation still there ? '' Albus asked. Matt nodded without opening his eyes. `` Let 's hurry up, then. Where should we put the lambskin ? ``

`` Room behind the stairs, '' lustrelessness shakily stood up. `` That way madam Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' John gently pushed his supporter back onto the storey. `` How much parchment should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you play ? ``

`` About a half roll, '' Albus pulled a partially used roller of parchment out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. Chances are most of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the stairs with John following and saw the small room lusterlessness was talking about. It was also filled with various humbled piece of music of furniture. `` We should n't have done this tonight. I did n't even think about the moon. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his caput as he bent down to move some of the furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the time with the detention. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can log Z's all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped pieces off the roll of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' John the Divine yawned. `` Was n't expecting the tunnel to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a hanker way from the background to Hogsmeade, so it makes sense. ``

Albus finished ripping the parchment and the two boys each took a mass to affix to the base. It took them a few minutes and once they were done, the room was covered in pieces of lambskin.

`` I can see why he did n't require Madam Pomfrey to see, '' John laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely raise some head, '' Albus lit his own scepter. `` Let 's just hope this works. I ca n't see any other way to safely get a werewolf 's paw photographic print. ``

The two boys took one to a greater extent looking at the parchment coated room and then went back to the prominent main room. Matt was mightily where they left him, leaning against a partially broken president. Albus nudged him awake.

`` Finished ? '' lusterlessness yawned.

`` Yup, let 's get back to the castling, '' Albus helped his friend up and the three of them left the shack.

The tripper back through the tunnel took a lot longer than when they were going to the shack. All three male child were incredibly tired and the thrill had worn off for Albus and Saint John. Albus glanced at his sentinel as they neared the end of the tunnel and saw that it was nearly 1:30. He was very gladiolus they had done this on a weekend.

`` It 's heavy getting out than getting in, '' matt said tiredly as he removed the wards. `` Whoever goes first has to dodge the branches and then push the knot on the trunk for the other two. ``

Albus and John looked at each other, for both of them knew lustrelessness was too exhausted to be able to skirt the branches properly. `` I 'll do it, '' Albus told him, `` I 'm making you get the rat. '' Albus climbed up the paries and crawled out of the hole. He was immediately hit in the shoulder with one of the flailing branches. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the trunk for the nautical mile. His helping hand made inter-group communication with it and the branches immediately froze. `` You can follow out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak. Matt appeared out of the yap first and shuddered as the moonlight hit him. John was decent behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once lusterlessness re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' John the Evangelist asked Albus once they were back on the path leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the articulatio humeri, '' Albus replied. His shoulder stung and he could feel some rip dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see gentlewoman Pomfrey. She would know immediately what gave him the wound and would no doubt take a firm stand on knowing what they were up to.

The boy trudged along through the cold night air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that thick clouds were moving in. It would probably snow soon. Of course of action, Albus would be much too tired the next day to enjoy it, so it did n't much affair. It was Charles Frederick Worth it, though. Within a few days they would have one of the four paw print needed to unlock the secrets of the new map.

A little while later they reached the castle doors. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the sixth floor and Peeves was in Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the handle of the room access and pushed. It did not budge. He tried again, but no luck. `` Filch must 've remembered to lock it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those spells Rose taught you, '' Gospel According to John suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his sceptre at the handle. He muttered a spell but the threshold remained put away. He tried a few Sir Thomas More, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a panicky tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' Gospel According to John questioned and pushed the door himself, `` What do we do now ? ``

`` What do you mean we 're locked out ? '' Matt groaned, `` It was just unlocked a couple hours ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't stay out here all night ! '' mat 's phonation cracked, `` We 'll immobilise ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as panic filled his body. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the palace and into the tunnel without getting caught that the intellection of being locked out had n't even crossed his creative thinker. I mean, what were the opportunity of the doors being unlatched when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't abide out here, it was freezing and would pull the wool over someone's eyes soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any chance either of you knows how to raise a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the only way he knew to meet Rose and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' Gospel According to John asked. `` We 're only second years. ``

`` Well, have you got any bright melodic theme on how to tell rose and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

toilet thought for a minute before answering, `` You could break into the heather shed and slip a broom. Then fly it up to Gryffindor Tower. ``

`` Now you 're mad. I 'll get seen by someone. What if one of the professors is looking out their window ? Or one of the scholar ? ``

`` Wear the invisibleness Cloak, '' John replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then Rose and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, right, '' John sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in trouble, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't think of something else soon, they would have to go to Hagrid's.

`` fountainhead, we 've got to think of something soon. He 's got to get away from the moon, '' John gestured to matt who was leaning against the door and breathing heavily.

`` The moonlight 's almost covered by cloud, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll birth to vex about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' John groaned. `` Maybe we can curl up in hemorrhoid of nose candy like wolves do and keep warm that way. ``

`` Very comical, '' Albus said flatly. He was really starting to get worried now. What would happen if they did go to Hagrid 's ? They 'd surely get in problem, but how a lot ? Would they just get detention or would it be forged ? Points would be taken away for sure, and that would not go over well with the other Gryffindors.

`` Hey, wait ! '' John 's face brightened a bit, `` What about the Shrieking hovel ? We could just go back there and spend the night. Then we 'll sneak back in tomorrow morning after Filch has unlocked the door again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a moment. `` Not actually a bad idea. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

John grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked Matt in the side.

`` What ? '' Matt opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the shack, '' St. John explained.

`` Great, '' Matt said sarcastically, `` I get to spend another night there. You two could n't come up with a dissimilar musical theme ? ``

`` Nope, '' Saint John answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty brilliant myself, so unless you 've got a bettor one, we 're going. ``

Matt sighed, `` Oh, fine. But we 're not making a drug abuse of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' whoremaster laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' matt groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't serve but feel a tiny bit excited about spending the Nox in the hut. It would definitely be the risky thing he had ever done, as far as breaking rules was concerned. He also felt spooky about it. What if they did get caught ? What if rosiness and Amanda started to get worried and told mortal about their architectural plan ? Albus pushed that thought out of his mind. Rose would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in trouble. But they were n't in that big of trouble. The three of them would drop the night in the shack and that would be that. When dayspring came they would pussyfoot back into the castle and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be sort of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit dangerous. Something the Marauders would have done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The slip back to the shack, though exhausting, was uneventful. can, like Albus, had a flavour of excitement in his eyes when the three of them entered the shanty once more. Matt looked like he did n't care where they were, as long as there was some place he could sleep.

`` This is pretty cool, '' John grinned, `` Spending the Nox in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be cold, though, '' Matt shivered, `` There are n't any heating charm in here. ``

`` Warmer than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his robe. `` Are there any lights in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' Matt replied. `` We 'll just have to keep our wands lit. ``

`` What do you want to do now ? '' John asked with a look of mischief-making on his face, `` So many possibleness in this space .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' flatness suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the night in the shack, was extremely shopworn and all he wanted to do was log Z's. `` Are there any seam here ? ``

`` One, '' Matt answered. He led Albus and John up the stairs and into the only bedroom. There was one expectant bed and a wardrobe, both surprisingly still integral. `` They 're charmed to be indestructible, '' Matt answered Albus 's questioning look.

lavatory hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is first-class for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' Matt joined him on the bed and started jump as well. `` You 're redress, it is rather nice for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was good for jumping. Even better than James 's. James, Albus, and Lily had spent many hours jumping on James 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their mother. The boy continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a couple minutes. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a narration his auntie Hermione had told him about monkeys jumping on a bed.

`` What 's so funny ? '' John asked.

`` Just wondering who 'll be the inaugural to fall off and break his headspring, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' privy asked and lusterlessness started to laugh as well.

`` It 's a Muggle story, '' Albus explained and proceeded to state John the Divine the story of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for news report, '' John shook his capitulum and jumped off the bed, landing on his feet like a cat. `` I do n't think any of us are going to break our read/write head. ``

`` Mine feels like it 's broken, '' Matt announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't land as gracefully as John and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down future to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt pointed his lit baton at his arm. `` No parentage. ``

`` Good, '' John replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can abstract back in before a lot of people wake up. ``

`` There 's Thomas More blankets in the wardrobe, '' Matt yawned as he got back on the bed and curled up beneath the blanket that was already on the bed.

Albus and St. John the Apostle each grabbed a couple blankets and got into the bed alongside mat. It was a good thing the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much bigger than the four-poster beds in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already asleep, '' John commented as he lay down.

`` goodness, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his headache will go away. honest night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the adjacent sunup to paring of light shining through the boarded up windowpane. Boarded up windowpane ? There were n't boarded up Windows in the dormitory. Albus 's eyes shot heart-to-heart and he glanced around at his environs. Oh, ripe. The store of the previous Night flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the screaming Shack. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more tired this good morning than he had the former Night. One look at his picket told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four 60 minutes of sleep. Just as well, Albus thought. They had to get back to the castling quickly anyway, if they wanted to mouse back in without anyone noticing.

Albus nudged John awake and winced. He pulled up the arm of his robe and saw that the cut from the Whomping Willow looked thoroughly disgusting. It was probably infected and would require a head trip to the hospital wing. Albus shook John with his uninjured arm. `` John, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me sleep, '' John groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't care, '' John murmured.

`` I 'll push you out of bed, '' Albus warned. John muttered something incoherent and did n't prompt. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled Saint John over to the edge of the bed. He gave him one final jog and John fell off the boundary of the bed with a loud thump.

`` What the netherworld ? '' John Lackland shouted, sitting up with a stupefied look on his face.

`` I told you to get up, '' Albus leaned over the bed and laughed. `` We 've got to get back to the castle or individual 's going to see us come out of the tree. ``

`` Oh, fine, '' John grumbled, `` But I 'm going back to bed once we get back. ``

`` You and me both, '' Albus agreed and got out of bed. He picked up the spare blankets and stowed them back in the closet so ma'am Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to labour him off the bed too ? '' John pointed to Matt 's sleeping form as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the jurist ? '' John muttered.

Albus grinned and shook matte awake. `` We 've got to get back to the castling. We 'll sleep Sir Thomas More there. ``

flatness groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just stay here. ``

`` I would n't advise it, '' Gospel According to John responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you believe that ? ``

lustrelessness laughed and looked from John to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The son left the shack quickly and started the long journey back to the Whomping willow. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very glad that he did n't hold any form today. He had homework, but he was n't even going to think about that until he got at least another six hr of sopor. One quick check of the map told him that the coast was crystalise before they emerged from the tree.

The three of them donned the Invisibility Cloak as soon as Matt was finished warding the tree diagram and they set off for the castle. Since it was still betimes, the only one on the grounds was Hagrid. There were several more than inch of snow and by the prison term they boys were back at the castle doors, their robes were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the castling, it had started sowing again.

`` Rose and Amanda are in the Great Hall, '' Albus pointed to their two window pane on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the entree Granville Stanley Hall, so I think we 're good. '' Albus pushed the door undefendable and the three invisible boys slipped inside. Albus immediately pulled the wet cloak off of them and hid it in his robe. `` We should probably go talk to rosebush and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see Madam Pomfrey sometime, '' mat told them, `` My arm still hurts, look. '' He pulled the sleeve of his robe up and showed them his black and disconsolate arm. `` I do n't cerebrate it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My berm still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll throw to go, too. ``

At that moment, rosebush and Amanda left the Great antechamber and stopped a duet feet away from the male child. lavatory pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both girls had a combination of relief and anger on their faces. blush wine was fuming by the time she stomped over to Albus. `` Where. Were. You, '' she demanded.

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled. He never liked being on the receiving end of his first cousin 's anger.

`` elbow room, now, '' Rose seethed and stalked off towards the step with Amanda at her side.

Albus, John, and Matt followed wordlessly. All ideas of going to the Hospital annex were driven from Albus 's mind. Of course, after seeing Rose, he would much rather have been bombarded with questions about his shoulder than going to the elbow room with his cousin.

Nobody said a word until they were in the room. Albus, John the Evangelist, and matte sat side of meat by English on the sofa, but Rose and Amanda remained standing in front of them. `` explicate yourselves ! '' Rose shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

rose wine cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll secernate you about our night first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the hutch in the middle of the night, but it had to be done. What other choice did we have ? It was safer than the alternative. How else were you going to get the paw print ? I thought the architectural plan would work. We had it all set. You three would sneak down there and put the sheepskin on the story and then slip back up. simpleton. '' Rose stopped and began to pace around the room.

`` There were all variety of things that could 've gone wrong, '' Amanda picked up where Rose left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the teachers. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the grounds ? There are all sorts of animals wandering around at night. Not to mention the Whomping Willow itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to think when you three never showed up ? ! '' Rose raised her voice even eminent, if that was possible. `` If you had been caught by Filch or a teacher, you would 've came back to Gryffindor eventually ! BUT YOU NEVER DID ! ``

`` But Rose- '' lav pleaded. Albus sent him a monition expression. He knew it was never ripe to interrupt Rose when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, privy ! We thought some kind of animal had you ! Or even worse, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and nobble you or something ! Then you sneak back into the rook this cockcrow, looking like you 've just been at a party or something !

`` You kept us up all Nox worrying, when you probably just decided to consume some fun last night. You know I was this close to telling Uncle Harry this first light. I wanted to last dark, but Amanda convinced me to wait until sunup. Of course now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a couple detentions would instruct you not to stay out all Night ! ``

`` Rose, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us explicate. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' rose wine glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did last night was n't just stupidity. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The doors to the palace were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the castle. I tried all the magic spell you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to expend the nighttime in the Shrieking Shack. And you 're right, it was kind of fun. ``

Rose and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a word for the next bit. Albus and the other boy did n't dare say a word either. `` Well, '' Rose said quietly, `` Er, that does explicate matter. I 'm, uh, regretful I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' Rose began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a promptly note telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at least known what was going on. ``

Albus, John, and Matt turned to front at each other. Albus felt his cheeks turn red. Of course ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The lone means of communication Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the answer was there all along, a simple owl. He could induce just made a quick misstep to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're idiots, '' whoremaster muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our half-wit, '' pink wine laughed. `` Now, are you going to tell us about your lilliputian escapade ? ``

Albus, lav, and Matt spent the next half hour relaying every detail of their tripper to the shriek hutch the previous Night. Rose and Amanda both found it very hold, especially the part about Albus pushing John the Divine off the bed.

After they were done telling the story, all five of them went to the hospital wing so Albus and flatness could get their injury healed. lady Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the ward was completely deserted of former patients. She took one look at the Gryffindors and came bustling out from behind the desk. `` You lot again ? What have you gotten yourselves into this metre ? ``

`` Just these two, '' John pointed at Albus and Matt.

ma'am Pomfrey took one hard looking at at matt and announced, `` You were remote last night. Was someone giving you custody ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

madam Pomfrey looked at him for a few seconds longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and Matt sat down on one of the beds and madam Pomfrey returned a few import later with a tray laden with potions. She told Matt to imbibe them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' Matt pulled up his sleeve, `` I tripped over a book. ``

dame Pomfrey clucked her tongue and pulled out her scepter. She had his arm healed in an moment. `` I trust you 'll get some quietus today ? Or do I have to make you stay here ? ``

`` I 'll sleep, I promise, '' Matt replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nurse turned to Albus.

`` Hurt my shoulder, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the study. He pulled up his sleeve to reveal his injured shoulder.

Madam Pomfrey studied it for a moment, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nursemaid looked at the combat injury for a lilliputian while longer and she looked from Albus to lusterlessness and back again. `` I know how you got that, '' she replied.

`` Er, '' Albus stuttered. Great, after all that, they were still going to get in trouble.

`` Whatever you boys did in conclusion Night, do n't do it again, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then lusterlessness in the eye, `` I wo n't tell Professor Longbottom this time, or your founder, '' she said to Albus, `` But following prison term I will. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of rest as Madam Pomfrey healed his shoulder with one swift wave of her baton. He 'd have no trouble keeping his word to the nurse. There was no way that he was going to duplicate last night. Well, unless they needed to for the map. But he 'd try hard not to get hit by the Whomping Willow next time.

`` You 're all set, '' madam Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some sleep, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would have no problem doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The group went back to the common elbow room and the male child immediately headed for their dormitory room. Albus changed into his pyjama and climbed into his warm four-poster bed, feeling very satisfied that they had n't been caught at all.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Denas, Alex, Gospel of Luke, smirkyhaha, Moonylupin, and hermionieforever for their review article !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the time Albus woke up it was already dinner metre, which was thoroughly because he was starving. John and Matt woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling lots better now that they 'd experience a right measure of sleep.

`` set to do that again ? '' Saint John asked as he was putting on his shoes.

Despite the fact that Albus did ingest fun on their adventure last nighttime, he did not want to repeat it. `` Are you mental ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' John Lackland laughed.

`` You do realize that we 'll sustain to go get the paw print, '' matte reminded them.

Albus and John looked at each other. The the true was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just bring with you back to the rook ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious mind, '' lusterlessness replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped Matt would be able to get the paw photographic print. What were the fortune that they 'd be able to cabbage down to the shack again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't forget to interlock the threshold twice. Plus, what would happen if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a loud voice shouted as soon as Albus, bathroom, and matt descended into the common room. Kaden came running over to them with his usual flavour of excitement in his eyes.

`` Hey, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` We 're just going to dinner. ``

`` Me, too. I 'll go with you, '' Kaden fell into step alongside Albus. `` Where have you lot been all day anyway ? ``

`` Uh, sleeping upstairs, '' Albus replied.

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked skeptically, `` Because I asked Rose if you were in your dorm room and she said you were n't. ``

`` I assure you we were, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hmm, well, I wonder why she told me you were n't. ``

`` Who knows ? She 's a girl, they do unusual matter, '' John said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' Matt answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up late doing homework cobbler's last Nox, '' John lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after first year. They bombard you with even More preparation. ``

`` hypothesis I 've got that to look forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The boys did pass their intact eve doing all the homework they had n't done the night before. Kaden stared at them the whole clock time, no doubt thought process of next twelvemonth, when he would have to spend his unhurt weekend doing homework. Albus felt sort of bad that they told him that and he was now kind of dreading his second year, but he 'd find out soon enough that that was n't true. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a Scripture about the new map until Rose found the charm to save him hushed about it.

******

The day of the wide-cut Moon came quickly and Albus could n't concentrate on any of his year. He could only think about the map, and how they would be one step closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon know if another tripper to the shack was going to be requisite. Of line, it may be that more than one to a greater extent head trip would be needed, if they did n't get the footmark tonight. There was the possibility that all the parchment would be destroyed. Albus did n't desire to think about that, though. He just clung to the approximation that they would be capable to get a paw photographic print tonight and that lustrelessness would be able to convey it back the next morning.

lusterlessness skipped his good afternoon classes and spent the time sleeping in the Room of Requirement. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner and snuck out of the Great residence before Kaden noticed, they went up to the Room. They did n't have much time before mat had to go to the hospital wing and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how long that burrow is, I feel even sorrier for him, '' John said quietly on their way to the common room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't know how he does it. He could barely get to the infirmary offstage. ``

`` Hi, guy rope ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the common room. Albus, Saint John, Rose, and Amanda went over to the table Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with parchment and book, and sat down. `` Where 's matte ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the hospital wing, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Because of that disease I was n't supposed to tell anyone about ? ``

`` Right, '' Albus confirmed. His full cousin could be so dense sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his Koran and tried to concentrate on his homework. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the next day, which he was very agitate about. Albus tried to tune him out, but he could n't. Albus had a spirit even if Kaden was n't running a streaming commentary about his potions class he still would n't be able to concentrate. His unhurt mind was consumed with cerebration about the map. He sighed and closed his book. None of his homework was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really finger like doing homework tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' John muttered and continued writing his dadaism essay that was due the next day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an idea that would occupy both his and Kaden 's evenings. `` Ever played cheat ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum taught me. ``

`` Ever played genius 's chess game ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's cheek lit up, `` genius have their own chess game ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll learn you. Be right on back. '' Albus ran up to his hall and rummaged around in his torso until he found a Bromus secalinus board, his chessman, and an old set of chessmen for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more charge than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Play chess. It 's pretty much like Muggle chess, but with some divergence. You remember how to act as Muggle Bromus secalinus ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` fountainhead, with sorcerer 's chess game everyone has their own chess piece. These are mine, '' Albus held up his snowy chessmen. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this spare set. I think it used to belong to my Uncle Walker Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of blackened chessmen.

`` Are you any good at Bromus secalinus ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all rightfulness. Not as estimable as Henry James, and not nearly as in force as rosebush. My Uncle Ron, rosebush 's dad, is the best at it. No one 's ever capable to bewilder him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like normal ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own pieces. `` Edward D. White goes first. Oh, and you do n't move your while. Just order the small-arm which space to move to. ``

`` Tell them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you signify, tell them ? ``

`` Just spotter, '' Albus put down his concluding art object and muttered command for his pawn to move two squares ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the Caucasian pawn moved by itself. `` They 'll do that if I tell them, too ? ``

`` They 're supposed to. But they might not want to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his pawns to displace forward two squares and it did so without hesitation. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than unconstipated chess. ``

The game continued for a few Sir Thomas More second and then one of Kaden 's pawns wound up in the path of Albus 's castle. Albus commanded the castle forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the plebeian room turned around to seem at him. `` Your castle killed my pawn ! That 's mental ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a spell to repair them, '' Albus explained.

`` Will my pieces wipe out yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few twist later, Kaden got the chance to rescript one of his art object to vote down one of Albus 's. Kaden 's face was full-of-the-moon of gloating as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's pawn. The secret plan continued and Albus started to get the belief that Kaden just liked watching the small-arm destroy each other. This became especially apparent when Kaden only had his baron, a knight, his castle, and three pawn left. Albus was only missing one castle, both bishops, and five or so hock. Kaden 's chess piece were not very glad about this and his Billie Jean King and knight actually got into what appeared to be a heated argument about whether or not they were going to keep to mind to Kaden. Eventually, his king apartment out refused to act and Albus won by default. Nevertheless, it was one of the most amusing games of cheat Ablus had ever played. John, Amanda, and even Rose gave up on their prep and watched the live role of the game.

`` I think you need your own chessmen, '' Albus told Kaden as he repaired the broken small-arm. `` I 'm not surely if these will be willing to listen to you anymore. ``

`` Well it 's no wonder, '' Rose commented, `` All he did was tell them to walk right into death traps. ``

`` It 's comical to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe next time you 'll actually try and win, '' Rose smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chess piece for Yule. ``

`` That would be a upright idea, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them skillful than these unity. ``

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that Nox and he was very shopworn the next morning. All he could think about was the paw print and whether or not their plan worked. Luckily Albus only had two category that day and then he would be able to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the infirmary wing after this, right ? '' John whispered to Albus during a mind numbing chronicle of magic lesson. Binns was currently droning on about the history of the captivity of House imp. Rose was the only one paying attention, although Albus had no idea why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the history of sign extremely low frequency, having been lectured about it by Rose 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you want luncheon first ? ``

`` Of course I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's make it fast. ``

`` I should n't have bothered asking, '' Albus laughed.

`` How much longer until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in straw man of him and John, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his ticker. `` Fifteen arcminute. But it 'll feel like thirty. ``

`` Why do we necessitate to know about family Elves anyway ? '' John asked

`` They 're an important part of wizarding history ! '' blush wine replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's boring, though, '' John responded and flicked a bit of parchment at the Hufflepuff sitting at the desk next to him. `` We should larn about something more agitate. Like the giant warfare. ``

`` Binns 'll earn even that boring, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's well than this. ``

`` Even the history of cauldron and their effects on wizarding company ? '' Amanda laughed. That deterrent example, which had taken stead the previous year, had been the regretful one yet. Albus was for certain everyone, including rosiness, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never mind, '' whoremaster groaned. `` I do n't even need to conceive about that one. Or the 14 column inch essay we had to write on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and young woman Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd care to share with the class ? ``

`` No, sir, '' John the Evangelist replied.

`` Good, thoroughly, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, British House Elves started to consume liaison with the American business firm pixy, which resulted in a kind of firm Elf one .... ''

`` Kill me now, '' toilet muttered.

`` Five More minutes ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this House Elf material, '' Amanda whispered.

John snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes history. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is unsound than maths in Muggle school, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate math, '' John agreed, `` I 'm gladiolus we do n't have to lease them here. Mum taught me some and it was horrible. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy next twelvemonth, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that class either.

`` No way, '' John shook his headway, `` I 'll bet Kaden would like it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this category. ``

`` He does. He told me the other day, '' Amanda announced.

`` ilk everything except Quidditch, '' lav sighed, `` There 's something legal injury with that kid. ``

`` XII inch essay about the lodge for the publicity of Elfish Welfare for next course of study, '' Binns droned a bit before the course of study was over.

The bit the bell rang, Albus and his champion shot up out of their electric chair and ran out the door. `` This 'll be cake, '' Albus laughed, `` An essay on Spew ! ``

`` It 's S.P.E.W. ! '' Rose laughed as she caught up with him.

`` Good, you can do mine ! '' Gospel According to John told him.

`` Sorry, one boring essay per dark, yours would put me over my limit, '' Albus faked an excusatory expression. `` Oh, come on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd like to expend my time. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see Matt. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of students that were flooding into the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor table and Albus and the others were capable to shovel down food at the contrary end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their hurry lunch, they ran up to the hospital wing. `` I hope he was able to get the paw print, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't fancy walking through that tunnel again, '' John agreed.

The pall were pulled around Matt 's usual bed at the far end of the cellblock. Nobody was in any of the other beds. Madam Pomfrey was busy preparing potions when the group of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to recognize them. `` Oh, it 's you lot. I figured you 'd be showing up soon. He 's sleeping right now, I 'm afraid you 'll stimulate to wait. ``

`` Please, lady Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't appease long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be quiet, too, '' lavatory commented, `` You can fuddle us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the rules, '' the nurse replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to come in back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a hoarse voice came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' Madam Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the curtains, `` You know he needs to rest ! ``

`` well, he 's awake now, so we can stay, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` Fine, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a short circuit while. '' She left them alone and went back to her potions.

`` Sorry for waking you up, '' Albus said as he closed the mantle again. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right, '' lustrelessness replied. He looked much like he usually did after a full moon, with various bandage all over. `` You did n't wake up me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' Rose asked.

`` You 'll never guess who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he fall to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go visit Matt unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't cogitate. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in socio-economic class and he and Kaden got covered in it. Willinson got the brunt of it and while Kaden was waiting for his turn to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. brothel keeper Pomfrey would n't tell him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here live on night. gentlewoman Pomfrey came to give me potion while they were here and Kaden saw me. Then he asked if he could see me, so I pretended to be asleep. ``

`` So Willinson knew you were here ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he 's going to tell Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in Transfiguration this morning, '' rosebush pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't matter then. ``

Albus was just itching to know if Matt had managed to get the paw print. He had thought Matt would bring it up right away, but the Kaden affair must 've made him bury about it. `` Did you get the mark ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in hazard, '' Matt smiled, `` I did finagle to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's in good order there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather torn piece of lambskin. But in the eye was a very large paw photographic print consisting of a mixture of ink, mud, and blood. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And kind of egregious, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` Perfect. ``

`` One down, three to go, '' St. John commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the early three are a bit well-fixed. '' Albus was feeling very in force about their program now. The hardest paw print was done and soon they would possess the other three.

`` And the charm is working a great deal better now, '' rosiness announced, `` I started to get the hang of it terminal night. I 'll probably have it done before Xmas. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can start looking for that charm to keep Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow eve or Fri morn, probably, '' Matt told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to skitter astronomy. ``

`` What a disgrace, '' John faked a look of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an hour looking at stars. ''

`` We 'll be trusted to get all the homework for you, '' pink wine told him.

`` Oh do n't worry about it, '' Matt laughed. `` What did I miss in class yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not much, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted Mandragora officinarum again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoonful into forks in transfiguration. And we learned all about the history of home Elves in History of conjuring trick. It was one of the most slow form yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' mat agreed.

`` Was not, '' Rose argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling recitation, '' Amanda said. `` The next duel is Saturday. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely forgotten about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the werewolf mark for the map that the dueling club had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, Rose, '' John the Divine grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' rose smirked, `` Ca n't forget him. ``

`` You should challenge him to a chess couple, '' john decided, `` It 'll be fun to determine. ``

`` I 'll beat him in two second flat, '' Rose laughed.

`` Kaden plays whiz 's Bromus secalinus ? '' flatness asked.

`` Albus taught him conclusion dark. You 've got to watch it sometime. It 's hilarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to find out the bit get smashed so by the end of the game, his pieces refused to mind to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' Rose changed the subject, `` Take back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't have to sneak back into the hutch. ``

Albus really did n't want to open back the cloak. He liked it. But he knew he had to. `` I guess. ``

`` We 'll do it after we get kicked out of here, '' John suggested.

`` Which is the right way now, '' madam Pomfrey pulled back the curtains and set a tray of potions down on the bedside tabular array. `` meter for you four to depart. He needs to catch some Z's. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' Matt waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' blush wine whispered as soon as they 'd shut the door to the hospital wing.

Albus nodded and started to walk to his dad 's federal agency. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few students wandering around, but no one paid a good deal aid as Albus unlocked the door to Harry 's berth and guide his friends inside.

`` Looks like my house, '' John, who had never been in Harry 's office before, announced, `` A unadulterated mess. My wholly family is messy. ``

`` My mum 's a bully junky. She 'd let a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' St. John gave Amanda a eldritch look.

`` speculation it 's a Muggle verbalism. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the versatile stuff and went over to the bedroom threshold. He pushed it give and went inside, with his friends following. The bole was just where it had been the week before and Albus lifted the lid. He pulled the cloak out of his bag and looked at it one more time before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd found it. `` Well, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' lavatory replied as he gazed around the room. `` question what else we could find in here ? ``

`` whoremaster ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` Look at this ! '' Saint John the Apostle leaped over a pile of Book and picked up a picture that was sitting on top of the wardrobe. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle tot. ``

Albus grabbed the picture out of can 's hired man and looked at it. Sure enough, it was a picture of Albus, James, and Lily, right after Lily was born. James, who must make been three or four, was holding a tiny babe with a tumid sum of money of red pilus. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's script and making her wave.

`` You were an adorable little kid, Albus, '' John smirked. `` So was James. ``

`` I 'm sure you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the pictorial matter back. `` Now let 's get out of here before my dad gets back. ``


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, St. Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Saturday was soon upon them and with it came a howl snow storm. Albus was very felicitous that there was a dueling tourney and not a Quidditch couple. He had played Quidditch in Baron Snow of Leicester before, but never in consideration that prevented him from seeing his own hands in front of him. Today 's tempest was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going out-of-door, but he need n't hold bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the starting time place.

After dejeuner, half the shoal migrated into the dueling room and waited for the tournament to lead off. Albus and Amanda said goodby to their acquaintance and sat down at the table they had been at the late tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the only remaining seat, which happened to be succeeding to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a seat side by side to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` ceramicist, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tournament commenced much as it had the previous time, only this time everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around fourth dimension and Albus was very happy that Amanda was on his squad so he had someone to tattle to. So far, there were still tensions between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's programme to deliver everyone get along was not working.

After about a half hr, it was finally Albus 's turn to duel. Malfoy had just completed his start affaire d'honneur and exhaust his Ravenclaw opponent. Albus congratulated him as he went up to the dueling field. He was up against a Hufflepuff 3rd year. Albus and the other boy bowed and the two of them started dueling. The Hufflepuff sent two jinxes at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a trip-up jinx and then disarmed him. The whole thing took about a minute.

`` peak to putter around ! '' Neville announced.

`` Good job, Albus ! '' Kate and Amanda said in unison once Albus returned to his seat.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Hardly counts, '' Malfoy commented, `` You dueled a fucking Hufflepuff. A first class could 've beat that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the Sami thing. ``

`` Your short booster is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling area that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that Matt was about to duel one of the other Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't front that sound. ``

Albus personally thought mat looked all rightfulness, considering he had just gotten out of the Hospital offstage the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was regurgitate. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your stupid cousin told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't call him stupid person. And the Hat knows better than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't tell Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would deliver been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your cousin 's got anymore entropy that I 'd like to know. ``

`` Do n't go near my cousin-german, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In character you have n't realized by now, you 're on the same squad. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to watch the quietus of Matt 's duel. It took him a while, but matte did eventually tick the Hufflepuff. He looked worn out, but happy. `` Told you he could thrum him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky shot, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't utter to each former for the rest of the tournament. Both boys won their next duels, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her first duel and won her second. John won his start and lost his bit. lusterlessness lost his second one and rosiness managed to win both of hers. But despite their comfortably try, none of their squad won the tournament. It did n't really matter though because the full stop were so conclude. The terminal tourney was still very up in the air and any of the team had a chance of making it.

******

The remaining days until the end of condition went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Christmas vacation this year because it meant that Albus and his friends would acquire two more of the paw prints needed for the map. Rose had just perfected the transference spell and had already started searching for the charm to keep Kaden repose. After Christmas, the only thing left to do would be to get the rat print. Albus thought it was quite funny that the smallest and theoretically easiest print to get was taking the longest. Gospel According to John had yet to make out to catch a rat during potions class and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every time I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' John vented the evening before their final day of course. The mathematical group of Gryffindors were in the way of necessary, enjoying some heartsease and quiet while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with cheese or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just stun it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' Saint John muttered, `` I 'd been trying to stun them across the room. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would notice that ? '' Rose said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, rosiness. ``

`` wellspring, you 've got tidy sum of metre to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the sleuth prints. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' Rose replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the stag, Albus. You can come over to my sign after we leave the Burrow. ``

`` sound good, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the burrow the whole holiday anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' rose smirked, `` Gran and granddaddy are going on vacation together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really care to think about, blush wine, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few days after Christmas Day and spend new year 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the vacation ? ``

`` The usual, '' John said immediately, `` All my cousins coming over at various clock time. Should be crazy as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your planetary house sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your cousins are mad, but I really do n't think your family is as insane as mine is. ``

`` I 'm sure it is. My great-great grandfather is coming this year. He 's screaming, especially after he 's had a couple firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great grandpa drinks firewhiskey ? '' lusterlessness laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling derisory stories about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should snarf him up with auntie Muriel, eh pink wine ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the mirthful affair ever, '' pink wine grinned.

`` Your great-great granddaddy sounds like our aunt Muriel. She 's 127 and honey to chat, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad congenator, '' Amanda commented, `` My household sounds pretty normal compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Feast of Lights, so that makes up for it, '' John the Evangelist replied, `` I mean, who would n't like eight days of presents ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the expert thing ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle friend who celebrates both. But she does n't get presents on every nighttime of Chanukkah, '' Matt told them.

`` I get small present each night and then one big one on the last night, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still aplomb, '' Gospel According to John said, `` So, lusterlessness, do you have to go bring down your grandparents this year ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' flatness groaned, `` Of course I do. But only for five days this year. We 're leaving right before new year 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few twenty-four hours before terminus jump. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus smiled. `` At least you do n't have to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The sole affair to do down there is prep or read. It 's not like I can play Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can make out over to Rose 's house with me. Then we can fiddle Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should come too, St. John and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm sure my parents will let me, '' John replied.

`` I can probably only stay a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Hanukkah is late this yr and starts on Christmas, so it 'll still be going on on the 28th. I 'll sustain to be home by the evening. ``

`` That 'll puzzle out. Maybe we can all get the stag print together, '' Albus said.

`` commodity idea, '' John grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably tell you now, just in caseful I do n't get to go to blush wine 's theater, '' Matt began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the train with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his booster, who was looking a fiddling forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the beginning of the term. The wax lunar month 's on the 9th and somebody has to notice me once I start taking it a few day before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the first light after and stay a couple days. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really sure what to say. He wished more than ever that person would just find a potion that would turn for him.

`` Look on the promising side, '' John said, `` At to the lowest degree you do n't have to translate at your grandparents house again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never have to do that again, '' Matt shook his foreland, `` But let 's talk about something else. Did you see in the prophesier that the cannon almost won that plot against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American team they were playing for practice. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 points ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's closelipped ! '' lusterlessness grinned, `` They 're making a retort, I just know it ! ``

`` well, with a name like 'Finches', what do you carry ? It would n't let surprised me if the Cannons beat them, '' John laughed, `` Well, maybe a footling. But seriously, who names a team the 'Finches'? ``

******

The condition ended the future day with a bang, literally. James IV and a few of his friends thought it would be funny to put a few Weasley fireworks into the cause of armor and influence them to go off at certain times during the day. After the tenth explosion the instructor gave up trying to teach anything and just let their students do what they wanted during class, within grounds of form. Unfortunately for Jesse James and his friends, prof Cedonia spotted them refilling the armour on the mo floor corridor with fresh fireworks and gave them one of her rare custody. For this one, they had to houseclean every single courting of armor on the s floor corridor that evening. Saint James said it was deserving it, though.

`` We really ought to come up with a few undecomposed japery, '' John decided as they were traveling through the hill on the train. `` That 's what the piranha did, was prank people, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very dear at coming up with joke. That was James 's area of expertise. Plus, if the upshot of such pranks was cleaning suits of armor, Albus really did n't want to pull a whole lot of pranks. `` Maybe a few minor ones, that do n't get us in Brobdingnagian trouble. ``

`` I 'm sure we could do some of those. There 's lode of stuff we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one James River did before the commencement dueling tournament, '' Matt laughed.

The rest of the train drive went quickly and soon Albus and his friends found themselves at power 's crossbreed. Albus climbed off the train and saw his parents standing with blush wine 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, John grabbed his arm and steered him in another direction. `` C'mon, you can meet my great-great grandpa ! ``

Albus saw a very frail, completely bald, old man with a longsighted tweed byssus standing future to John 's parents. Saint John the Apostle lead their mathematical group over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave Saint John the Apostle a rigorous hug, `` How 're things at that school ? How is Professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died twelvemonth ago, gramps, like I told you over the summer. Like I tell you every summer, '' lav stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new instructor, a clustering of young'ins I bet ! Back in my day none of the teachers were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new headmasters .... ''

`` Grandpa, '' John the Divine shook his head, `` The instructor are fine. But I want you to forgather my champion. This is matte Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` Potter ! ? '' John 's great-great granddad peered into Albus 's oculus and grinned, `` Albus Potter ? Well I 'll be. If it is n't Harry Potter 's son ! I remember back in the twenty-four hours of You-know-who and nobody thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes niggling Harry Potter and fairy ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should hap again ? Harry thrower makes 'im disappear again and for good this sentence ! ``

Albus, who was used to this kind of attention but not mortal shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to ignore the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, nice to adjoin you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these girlfriend ? Have you got yourself two girlfriends, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't recommend it. I did it once and roll up with no girlfriends after they found out ! ``

`` No, Grandpa, '' Saint John laughed, `` They 're just friends. Amanda Tagger and blush wine Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the redhead. Just wait money box you 're former. ``

`` Just friends, Grandpa, '' privy 's nerve turned red.

`` He 's like the male reading of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' John 's grandpa shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the aged man would be capable to pick up him. `` I used to sleep together a Muriel ! Went to school with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in decades ! ``

Albus looked at pink wine. What a coincidence. `` Er, Albus and I have an aunt Muriel Weasley, '' Rose giggled.

`` Well I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm sure she 'd love that, '' rose smiled.

`` We 're going to have to go now, '' Saint John 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' bathroom waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` Tell your dad I said hi ! '' John 's great-great grandpa shouted.

******

Albus spent the next few days hanging around Grimmauld Place with James and the eternal sleep of his family. Lily was thrilled to have both her brothers and her dad home and she had been demanding to bang everything that had gone on the preceding term.

`` That way I 'll know everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Christmas Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to evidence you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a shabu of juice, `` It 's a surprise. ``

`` That 's not bazaar, '' Lily whined.

`` nonentity told me or Al how we got sorted, so how is it not fair for you not to know ? '' James asked.

`` I 'm the youngest. I should know everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few years ! And then all the Muggle-born kids will ask me head and I 'll be capable to answer them. ``

`` You 'll line up out soon enough, Lily, '' Ginny assured her.

`` How much longer ? '' Lily asked excitedly.

`` There 's still 9 months. ``

`` That 's forever ! ``

`` She 's going to be a incubus this summertime, '' Saint James the Apostle whispered to Albus.

`` forenoon, everyone ! '' Harry descended the steps into the kitchen and pulled up a chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the prophesier, `` Have you seen the vulture 's Map ? ``

James choked on his juice and sprayed it across the mesa at Albus, as he turned vivid red.

`` Ew, look out it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, James ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` fine. The article on the front of the newspaper publisher, it 's, er, shocking, '' Henry James blushed some more and pointed to the front of the Prophet, which was facing him.

`` Witch Tries to Decrease sizing of Her Ears, Charms Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. mass ought to be more careful ! '' Saint James the Apostle sputtered. He gave Albus a smell that Albus interpreted to mean 'meet me upstairs'. James excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No melodic theme, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go change, '' Albus jumped up and followed James. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to own to cave in it back. Albus was going to miss it, but it would only be a matter of fourth dimension before he had the other one working.

`` Albus ! '' James pulled him into the drawing room and shut the door. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I kind of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to experience to swipe it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` hold, Albus ! '' King James grabbed his arm, `` The matter is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from understructure to pick looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't regain it ! '' Saint James the Apostle whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't have lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not funny ! '' James insisted.

`` You did n't lose it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you months ago and did n't desire to give it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' James shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd lost it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't matter now. We 've got to give it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` Well you stole it from Dad in the first office, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of fuss ! ``

He had a point there. If Albus had n't suffer been in Kendrick 's business office the previous twelvemonth, Epistle of James never would possess taken the map in the initiative place. `` All right. I 'll just go sneak it into his room. Maybe he 'll think he just forgot to bring in it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's hope so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his bedroom. He knew his dad would want the map back eventually, he just had n't given it much thought. At to the lowest degree he had n't noticed it was missing at shoal. Albus threw give his trunk and rifled through his school stuff. He still had n't unpacked everything or packed a bag for his stay at the burrow. The map was inside the photo album Albus found over the summer, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't need the Marauder 's Map to decipher the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'way. He shoved the map under a down of defensive magic Quran and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' James asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a good deal of books, with one niche sticking out. ``

`` perfect. You might want to go switch your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus looked down at his succus splattered t-shirt, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No problem, '' James laughed, `` cum to me for all your juice spraying needs. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his eyes as he left the room to change his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their reappraisal !