Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On Christmas Eve the Potters went to Godric 's Hollow, like usual. It was completely sullen by the time they Apparated to the burrow, but there was plenty of lighting streaming out of the tall house 's window. As they walked closer to the place, Albus could hear the holloa of laugh coming from inside.

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

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

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

Albus smiled to himself as he saw the usual chaos that was Xmas Eve at his grandparents'house. His sea of redheaded cousins were milling around eating and laughing with each other. This was what Albus loved about Christmas at the Burrow. He grabbed a copulate biscuits from the nearby table and went to incur rosiness. She was sitting on the floor near the fireplace with Hugo, Victoire, and Teddy.

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

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

`` Not a great deal. Uncle George II, Uncle Bill, and Uncle Charlie are drunk. My dad 's on his way and so is Aunt Alicia. ``

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

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

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

Sure enough, Fleur poured herself a large mug of eggnog as Molly settled down to listen to the wireless. She was the lonesome one listening, though. Albus could hear spot and pieces of a het Quidditch give-and-take going on between his Uncle Charlie, Uncle Saint George, aunty Alicia, and Scots heather. Harry was making his way over to them now. It amazed Albus that his uncles and auntie could persuade on a fully understandable Quidditch discussion while drunk.

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

`` Just until after Christmas. I 've got to get back to St. Mungo 's in a couple days. But I 've been here since yesterday when Amy left for Australia. I did n't want to be alone in the apartment, it would 've gotten awfully boring. ``

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

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

`` Oh, Albus, '' Rose began, `` Both Saint John and Amanda can come to my house on the 28th. Well, they can only come over for the day, but that should be enough metre. lusterlessness 's still not sure. He said he wo n't bang until after he gets back from Commonwealth of Australia. ``

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

`` Quidditch ? '' Hugo snapped his header away from his chocolate frog cards, `` Can I play ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus replied.

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

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` We can get a veridical game going. I 'll just tell my dad I 'm going home with you. '' Albus looked around the way and saw Harry in the midst of a Quidditch treatment. `` Hey, Dad ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` What ? ! ''

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

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

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

`` well, at to the lowest degree I can come over for a few twenty-four hour period, '' Albus said.

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

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

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

`` That 'll attain it even more worry, '' Albus grinned.

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

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

`` Neither do I, '' Victoire agreed.

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

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

`` last plenty. And anyway, who knows what 'll occur in the next few years, '' shift winked at Victoire, who giggled. teddy threw his implements of war around Victoire and kissed her.

`` better not let nanna see you doing that, '' rosebush warned.

`` Always a stickler for the regulation, huh Rosie ? '' Teddy laughed and lengthened his hair until it was the consummate reproduction of Rose's.

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

chemise shortened his tomentum again and turned to Albus. `` Really ? ``

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

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

`` Maybe another time, '' Albus glanced at rose wine. Albus had n't really decided whether or not to tell Teddy about the new map. Most of Rose 's and Albus 's most recent rule break was done in order to trace it. Albus knew he was n't going to enjoin his full cousin about it, but he was n't sure about teddy and Henry James. One part of him thought they deserved to roll in the hay, considering that their father and grandpa were both predator, but on the other hand he kind of liked keeping it a secret.

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

`` Another sentence, '' rose wine said adamantly.

`` Oh, fine, '' Teddy huffed, `` But I will discover out. ``

Albus spent the balance of the evening talking and playing biz with Rose, shimmy, and Victoire. He was really enjoying the meter off from school and getting to expend time with his entire menage at once. By the clock time he climbed up to the attic bedroom that he shared with William James and a few of their cousin, he was tired and stuffed from all the biscuits.

******

`` James River ! Albus ! '' Albus snapped his eye open at the sound of his gens the succeeding morning. He immediately recognized the voice as belonging to Lily. He heard her footsteps bounding into the way. `` Albus, James ! It 's Christmas ! come alive up ! ``

`` Hi Lily, '' Albus yawned.

`` goodness, you 're up ! Epistle of James ! Get up ! ``

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

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

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

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

After Lily 's too soon wake-up song, everyone in Albus 's room was up. Albus settled down to open his own voltaic pile of presents with the other male child. The commencement few boxful were filled with sweets and various Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes ware. The next was this class 's Weasley pinafore. It had a red quaffle stitched onto the front with a navy blue background. `` Opened your jumper yet, James II ? ``

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

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

`` Excellent. ``

Albus opened the future few presents, which consisted of numerous books and other wear detail. He also got a broomstick Servicing Kit, which would be utilitarian since his Firebolt 2000 had a few twigs that needed to be plucked. Albus saved the present from his parents for death and was about to open it when James gave an excited shout from the bed above.

`` Whoa ! ``

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

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

James IV had a Brobdingnagian smiling on his look as he held up a blank shell piece of parchment. `` Look what I got. ``

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

`` He sure did ! '' James shouted.

`` This is perfect ! '' Cedric exclaimed.

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

`` That 's great, James River, '' Albus smiled, `` But why you and not me ? '' Albus could n't help but finger a little left out, even though he now had his own Marauder 's Map that would potentially be wagerer than the original. But his dad did n't know about that, so why did he turn over the Map to James ?

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

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

What he saw made his mouth fall open in jar. This would explain why James got the Map ! Sitting in the centre of the lacerate swathe, was the Invisibility Cloak. `` He, he gave me the Cloak, '' Albus whispered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` I 'm going to go William Tell pink wine, '' Albus wrapped the Cloak around himself and left the room. He had never worn the Cloak at the tunnel before and he thought it was really funny that he passed Eddie on the stairs and Eddie did n't even detect him. He pushed open the door to the room that rose wine shared with Victoire, Georgia, Gabriella, and ling and waited for the girls'reactions.

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

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

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

`` Dad gave it to me ! ''

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

`` I just ca n't believe he gave you that, '' rosiness grinned, `` I 'll bet St. James is overjealous. ``

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

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

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

Albus continued down the stair and into the kitchen of the Burrow. A few of his first cousin, aunt, and uncles were already up and starting to eat breakfast. Harry and Ginny were there as well, along with Lily. His grandmother was tending to multiple caldron at once, while simultaneously bringing various item to the table. Albus watched them all for a few present moment before pulling the Cloak off and shouting, `` Happy Christmastide ! ``

Bill choked on his coffee bean and acclaim it across the table at George, who had started laughing. Harry, who had probably been expecting this, grinned and looked at Ginny, who was smiling back. Lily was staring at Albus with her mouth wide open. mollie dropped the trough of rolled oats she had been bringing to the tabular array. Everyone else looked at Albus with several flavour of shock and amusement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` No, King James got that. ``

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

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

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

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

`` That wo n't protect them from wizard already in the castle ! '' Molly commented, `` think of that Willinson kid finale class ? ``

`` How could I forget ? Sometimes, you just have to subscribe risks in order to go a little. I trust the boy enough to have sex they wo n't go wandering around late at nighttime very often. And if you see anything leery on the Map, '' Harry turned to Albus, `` Tell me about it right away. ``

Albus nodded. `` Sure. '' He took a tail end at the mesa, with the Cloak on his lap, just as William James ran into the room holding the Map in his hands.

`` Thanks, Dad ! '' Saint James shouted, `` This is brainy ! ``

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

`` Hello, Weasleys ! '' shift strolled into the way, his hair half K and half red. He sat down succeeding to Albus and pulled a disc of ballock towards him. `` glad Christmas. ``

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

`` It 's gay, '' Teddy grinned. `` You want me to charm yours to be red and green, too ? Just learned some splendid spell for that sort of thing in education. Not that I 'll postulate them. ``

`` No thanks, '' James had a look of disgust on his grimace. `` I 'll hold back the plain red. ``

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

`` Oh, yeah ! Sure is ! '' James I handed it to slip, `` Got it for Christmas ! ``

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

`` I got the Cloak. ``

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

`` But you can vagabond those disillusion spell, '' Albus pointed out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` good, '' Harry smiled, `` Now who 's up for a little wintertime Quidditch ? ``

`` Me ! '' Albus, James River, Teddy, and mostly everyone else shouted at the Lapp time.

******

Albus spent most of the day playing Quidditch outside with his family line. Eventually they all had to come in because they were too frigidity to wreak any longer. Plus, it started snowing pretty hard and nonentity wanted to lose the Snitch. Albus spent the residue of the day with rosiness and reading a few of his new record book. The Cloak was passed around between his cousin-german, and about of them were amazed Harry had given it to him, and a little jealous as well. James II passed the Map around and everyone had fun watching the few dot that were left in the castle.

Christmas dinner came and went in its usual helter-skelter state. It was loud and funny and Albus enjoyed every moment of it. He went to bed flavour very full and very contentedness. The next day Albus 's aunts, uncles, and cousins all started to leave behind. Albus and rosebush 's families stayed for a couple more Clarence Day, but they soon had to leave so Albus 's grandparents could go on holiday for New Year 's. Albus was actually excited to result because he would be going to Rose 's family and hopefully getting the hart print.

Albus landed in pink wine 's living room after Flooing from the Burrow. His Uncle Ron, blush wine, and Hugo had already arrived and his Aunt Hermione was powerful behind him. There was an owl waiting next to the window and Hermione ran over to let it in.

`` That 's mat 's owl, '' Albus announced as he and Rose went over to recall the letter of the alphabet. Albus opened the envelope and scanned the alphabetic character, `` He can fare, but only for tomorrow. We 're supposed to meet him at the Leaky Cauldron at eleven. ``

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

Albus found a quill and quickly scribbled a reception on the back of the letter and sent it off with the owl. He and Rose ran up the stairs and into Rose 's room to talk about program for getting the print.

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

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

`` What about the underage magic trick law of nature ? '' Albus definitely did n't need someone from the Ministry showing up shortly after they stunned a stag. The last thing he wanted to do was explain why he had done it.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah, but St. John the Apostle and flatness want to help, too. ``

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

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

`` Yup, '' Rose grinned.

`` Now we 've just got to find the charm to go on Kaden quiet, '' Albus replied.

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

`` I think so. I mean, as long as the magical spell works he ca n't order anyone about it. It 's obvious now that he 's Wormtail, although I 'm certainly he 'll be a better one. But it 's up to Matt whether he wants to tell Kaden he 's a lycanthrope. ``

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

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

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

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter.


Albus, rose wine, and Hermione went to the Leaky cauldron the next day to encounter lusterlessness and Amanda, who was also being dropped off there. John had arrived earlier by Floo and went with them as well. When they got there, both Matt and Amanda were already there.

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

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

`` It was glorious, '' Albus replied, `` postponement till you see what I got. ``

`` What ? '' Amanda asked.

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

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

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

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

Matt and Amanda stared around the room. `` Nice sign of the zodiac, '' Amanda smiled.

`` Yeah, '' matt agreed, `` sort of flavor like mine. ``

`` Thanks, '' rose wine replied.

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

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

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

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

`` And to think we steal it just a few weeks ago, '' John snorted.

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

`` Oh, sorry. ``

`` But this is n't all, '' Albus continued, `` Saint James the Apostle got the Marauder 's Map. ``

`` He did n't ! '' Gospel According to John shouted.

`` He did. ``

`` You two are so golden, '' lustrelessness replied.

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

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

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

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

`` commodity affair we did n't have the prints go directly on the map, '' matte replied.

`` So today we get the stag print, '' Albus announced. `` Right after luncheon. ''

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

`` I ca n't trust you ate that total thing, '' rose screwed up her cheek in disgust after John ate the utmost bit of his lunch.

`` It was good, '' he shrugged.

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

`` All rightfield. Have fun. But try and be back by three. chemise 's coming over and so are James and your dad. We 're all going to roleplay Quidditch. ``

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

Once they were all done with dejeuner, rosiness and Albus led the way outside and over to the forest. The timberland was situated next to the vauntingly receptive field that was next to the menage. Albus and Rose went exploring in it quite a bit and knew their way around it well. The chemical group crunched across the snow laden field of operations until they came to the timber 's edge. rose wine found the path they usually took and lead the group down it. `` Keep your oculus pealed for a stag, '' she told everyone.

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

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

`` It was all right. No different than common. It was boring of course, and my nanna kept telling us how we should visit more often. ``

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

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

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

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

The group continued walking into the woods until pink wine announced that it would be better if they sat completely still and waited for a stag to take the air by. She said their effort would scare the creatures away. Albus sat down in the snow behind a shrub with his friend and watched and listened for brute. After a one-half hour of waiting, Albus was bored. How long was it going to take for a hart to cut through their path ? He would much rather just walk around to get hold one. Rose seemed perfectly content to sit still, as did Matt. John had made a great pile of coke balls, along with a hoodwink wizard. Amanda was busy creating a snow beldam to go along with his wizard.

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

`` I do n't know, '' rosiness shrugged, `` We do n't see hart that often in here, so it might be a piece. ``

Albus glanced at his lookout man, `` Well it 's just after two, so if we do n't find one soon, we 'll have to go back. '' He stared into the woods and willed a stag to come. Albus was getting frustrated by this point. They needed that stag print for the map ! There was no property else to find out one. What if they could n't feel a hart before the end of the vacation ? They would have to wait until the summer to search again. Albus could n't hold off that hanker. He wanted the map now.

`` Wait, '' matte stood up and turned around, `` I think I hear something over there. '' He pointed to a bunch of Vannevar Bush a distich time away.

`` I do n't get a line it, '' John replied.

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

matte started slowly making his way towards the cluster of bushes. Albus and the others followed behind, nonentity saying a word. `` Wands ready, '' Matt whispered.

Albus pulled out his wand and pointed it towards the bushes, his mind racing with upheaval as he went. This was it ! They were going to get the snoop mark ! Part of Albus 's nous knew that this was n't necessarily a stag, but he did n't pay attention to that. What else could it be ? to the highest degree of the brute in the forest were too minuscule to be rustling the bushes this much. As Albus got closer to it, he could distinctly hear the footprints of the animal, and they were much too loud to be a coney or a squirrel. There were n't many large animals in the forest, stags being some of the few. It could be a doe, but Albus hoped it wasn't.

The group was now only a couple feet away from the bushes. Everyone had their wand pointed at them, waiting for the creature to make its appearance. The bit Albus saw the leaves part, he shouted, `` Stupefy ! ``

`` Stupefy ! '' rosebush, John, Matt, and Amanda all shouted at once.

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

It was Teddy. The noise mat had heard in the chaparral was Teddy. Albus lowered his wand and sighed. So much for finding a stag. Now that Teddy was with them, they would no longer be able to reckon. Albus turned to his ally and saw them all put their wands away.

Teddy fully emerged from the President George W. Bush and walked over to where Albus was with a bewildered feel on his typeface. `` Do I even want to screw what you 're up to ? ``

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

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

`` shriek, maybe ? '' shimmy gave them a lopsided grinning, `` But not attack me. ``

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

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

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

`` It 's kind of cold to be going for a rise, '' Teddy commented, `` But Ron said you were here, so I figured I 'd see if I could happen you. '' He eyed bathroom 's pile of snowballs and grinned, `` Planning on having a play false ball fight ? ``

Teddy did n't wait for an answer and picked up a few of John 's sweet sand verbena. He threw one at Albus and the other at Rose.

`` view it ! '' Albus shouted as the snowball made contact lens with his aspect. He spat out the Baron Snow of Leicester and deform down to draw his own Snow ball. He aimed it at teddy bear but slip jumped out of the way and it hit Matt instead.

`` Hey ! '' Matt shouted as he picked up one of Gospel According to John 's snowballs and threw it at Albus. It landed foursquare on Albus 's chest.

A few here and now later, a huge sweet sand verbena fighting broke out. It was every man for himself for a while and Albus was getting pummeled by chemise 's snowball. He tried to get Teddy back, but Teddy was too fast for him. Instead, Albus decided to focus on lusterlessness, who was trying to get Albus back for the Abronia elliptica that had hit him instead of shimmy. Rose eventually joined Albus in his attack to get lustrelessness, while Amanda evened out the odds by joining Matt 's English. Saint John the Apostle, who seemed to be the solely one with enough attainment to hit slip, was having a one-on-one fight with the blue devil haired boy and was actually doing well.

The six of them were completely soaked by the sentence the battle ended. Matt and Amanda surrendered to Rose and Albus after the cousins decided to make about xx snowballs and lob them constantly at their two ally. lavatory surrendered to Teddy a few minutes later, once Teddy decided to catch a tidy sum of nose candy to plough itself into snowballs, resulting in a never-ending supply of ammunition for teddy. can did n't sleep with that tour and was stuck paw making his snow testicle while Teddy continuously sent sweet sand verbena at him.

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

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

`` audio good, '' shimmy replied, `` Harry and James IV should be at the family by now.

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

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

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

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

Once everyone had a Scots heather to use, slip started to use up charge of creating teams. `` All rightfield. Let 's see, we 've got Me, Harry, Ron, James IV, Albus, John, lustrelessness, Amanda, Hugo, and blush wine, are you playing ? ``

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

`` Good, then we 've got ten role player. That 's five per team. So each team will bear a Seeker, a beater, a Keeper, and two pursuer, that 'll form. I 'll be one of the searcher, '' he turned to Harry and James, `` Which one of you will be the early ? ``

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

After a few instant of organizing, the two team were created. Albus 's team consisted of teddy bear as Seeker, Ron as Keeper, Victor Hugo as the only when Beater, and Matt and himself as the two Chasers. On the other squad, Epistle of James was Seeker, Amanda was keeper, John was the Beater, and rose and Harry as Chasers.

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

The equal was null like the one at Hogwarts. It was much More intimate, and in a way, Albus enjoyed it more. There was only friendly competition between the two team and no one got angry when someone dropped the Quaffle, which happened a lot. The two team were pretty evenly matched in terms of Chasing science. Albus, who was the only real pursuer on either team, was easily the best. Harry was a the right way Chaser, but it was clean that Seeking was his real skill. rose wine was absolutely terrible and was the starting time to take it. She was n't a big fan of flying in the first place and did n't like to take her hands off her broom in rules of order to catch and bemuse the Quaffle. Matt was easily than blush wine, but dropped the Quaffle numerous clock time. Albus and Matt scored more power point than Harry and pink wine did.

Ron, of form, was a very good custodian and Amanda was as well. Albus was form of surprised at this, because she never really played Quidditch before. Maybe she could try out for the Gryffindor team once Georgia left. John was an pose Beater and Albus already knew that he 'd be trying out for the team after Bradley and Ryan left. Hugo was also a very right Beater and it was obvious he had received all the Quidditch genes in his kinfolk. Then, of course, there were the Seekers. Both Teddy and St. James the Apostle were amazing seeker and by far the two ripe players on either team.

After about an hour of playing, during which Albus was sure both slip and James had seen the canary but ignored it in orderliness to drag the biz on longer, both seeker flew directly up into the air. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch. A few seconds later, they both came flying back down and James had the stool pigeon clutched in his hand.

`` I got it ! '' he shouted.

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

`` Yes ! '' St. James exclaimed, landing on the primer coat. Albus and the rest of the players landed after him and congratulated him and his team for winning. `` Ha ! I beat you at Quidditch, chemise ! '' James gloated.

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

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

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

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

After all the food had been eaten, John Flooed back to his house and Albus, rosiness, and Hermione went with mat and Amanda back to the Leaky Cauldron to meet their families. It had been a short visit, but a fun one nonetheless. Albus only wished that they had managed to get the stag photographic print. He and rosebush were planning on trying again the future day, and the next if it was necessary. They had three Thomas More days to do it and Albus was determined to succeed.

******

Albus and pink wine spent as a great deal time as they could in the forest looking for stags the following day. When they were n't in the forest, they spent their time in the library in Rose 's house, looking for a charm to celebrate Kaden quiet.

`` There 's Holy Scripture in here that are n't in the school program library, '' Rose announced as they walked into the room after a particularly cold excursion in the forest.

`` I 'm still not sure as shooting we should take a faulting from looking for a hart, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's too cold out there now. Plus there 's a violent storm coming and it wo n't do us any good if we get lost out there. '' blush wine went over to a leger shelf and Albus followed. He had been in this elbow room sight of sentence before, just never to look for a specific charm.

`` How are we supposed to ascertain one charm hidden in all these Koran ? '' Albus sighed, `` We do n't even eff what it 's called. ``

`` That 's what this is for, '' Rose slammed a lowering book down on the table closest to the shelf she pulled it off of.

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

`` Yes, '' rosiness confirmed as she opened the blanket, `` It 's a rather ingenious idea, really. All I 've got to do is take my wand, point it at the book, and say'I need a charm to keep individual tranquillize'and it will flip to the right-hand page. ``

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

`` All right, '' Rose pointed her sceptre at the account book, `` I need a appeal to keep somebody subdued. '' The book 's page immediately started turning until they stopped about a quarter of the way into the book. Rose peered at it and then shook her promontory. `` Nope, that 's not it. This one 's just a shut up charm. ``

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

rosebush nodded. `` I need a charm to prevent person from talking about something. '' The pages started turning again and stopped a few second base later. wax sighed after she read the description. `` This one charms a individual 's mouth shut. ``

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

`` mass might notice, though, '' rose wine smirked, `` Although it does possess it 's vantage. I 'll try something else. ``

`` I think you 'd better tell the book exactly what we need the charm to do. narrate it that Kaden has to not talk about a specific affair. ``

`` Good approximation, '' Rose poised her wand above the ledger, `` I need to keep Kaden Durlsey from revealing secrets about matte Eckerton and about a map. He must only be able to utter about these secrets with five early people and not note them to anyone else. He should be able to converse normally about early topics. ``

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

`` 'The Sileo Altus magical spell is the most complex and intricate of the silencing appealingness. This appealingness has the power to keep a mortal from revealing one specific patch of selective information to others, unlike other silencing charm which prevent a somebody from speaking at all. The charm also has the ability to involve others, which will ensue in the mortal the charm is cast on to be able to converse about the secret with those specific citizenry. When done correctly, this charm will last forever or until the comeback magical spell is performed. The Sileo Altus magical spell keeps a person 's secret prophylactic much like the Fidelius good luck charm keeps a somebody 's locating closed book and is said to be just as dependable .'

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

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

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

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

`` You 're right, I had n't noticed that, '' Rose leaned over the book again and read the title of the recommended Book. `` I think we might actually give birth that one. '' Rose jumped up from her tail and ran across the room. Albus sat back and watched her. He had no idea how she could possibly know if she had that Holy Scripture or not. The stallion room was filled with shelf and ledge of books. Albus would n't even know where to look to recover the Good Book they needed.

Rose returned a few instant later with a record book in her blazon and a grinning on her face. `` We do have it ! This was easier than I thought it would be. ``

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

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

Albus watched as his cousin flipped through the pages of the Quran until she found the charm they were looking for. He was very happy that Rose was so eager to learn new charms. It certainly helped that she was near at it, too. Albus had made a lot of progress in magical spell ever since prof Cedonia arrived, but he was still average. Rose was easily the considerably in their class. That and her keenness to check would certainly help if she was going to master this charm.

rosebush read in quiet for a few minutes and then turned to Albus. `` All right. This explains it pretty well. commencement, of course, we 've got to tell Kaden the closed book. Then we 've got to pick the privy keeper. I 'm thinking that I 'll have to be the secret custodian since the secret keeper is the one to execute the magic spell. ``

Albus nodded, `` I 'm okay with that. We 've just got to hold sure Matt is. What does the mystic keeper do ? ``

`` Just perform the good luck charm. And the secret keeper is the only one who can perform the buffet appealingness on Kaden. Normally the secret keeper would be the only one the someone could talk about the secret with as well. But we 'll use another charm to control that Kaden can talk about the secrets with you, John, Matt, and Amanda as well. ``

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

`` Well, the hush-hush steward performs a charm on themselves, which turns them into the enigma custodian. Then they perform a appeal on Kaden. Then Kaden will recite the mystery in detail. After that, the enigma steward performs another charm on Kaden. Then appealingness are performed on the respite of the people involved. Then a final waterproofing magical spell on everyone, including Kaden and the secret keeper, and it 's done. ``

The idea of all those unlike spells made Albus 's brain detriment. `` Wow, that 's a lot of appealingness. We 've never done ones that are a compounding of multiple charms. ``

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

`` What 's the counter charm involve ? '' Albus asked, thinking that maybe there would be a time when Kaden would mature and they would n't have to rely on magic to maintain him from spilling mystery to Malfoy.

`` Erm, it seems pretty much like the literal charm, '' Rose looked back at the ledger, `` You pretty very much go backwards, using different appeal. ``

`` Makes sense. ``

`` I 'll start practicing as soon as we 're back at school, '' rose wine shut the account book and got up. `` I 'll bring the book. Mum 'll never recognize, she 's got way too many to keep track of. ``

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

`` It 's going to have to hold back until tomorrow, Albus, '' blush wine pointed to the window. It was white with swirling coke and the wind was howling. `` Mum and Dad 'll never let us out in that. ``

******

Albus was getting quite fed up with the stag hunting by the sentence previous afternoon arrived the next day. He and wax spent the entire morning in the timberland, taking a good luck for dejeuner, and then returning in the good afternoon. Albus looked at his watch and saw that they would stimulate to be starting to return to the house soon. `` We 're never going to find a stag ! '' he groaned.

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

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

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

Albus sighed and stared out into the forest. So far Albus had seen no lupus erythematosus than ten rabbits and four owls, but no stag. He was getting very cold sitting in the snow and his cloak had tenacious since soaked through. Albus was determined, however, and refused to go back to blush wine 's sign until they found a stag.

It had seemed so simple-minded at first, to stun a stag in the forest and get its footprint. This was not supposed to be the laborious print to get. Looking back, even the werewolf one seemed easier. certain, they got locked out of Hogwarts, but they never got in fuss for it. The dog print had been the promiscuous, since Amanda had a dog. The rat would be easygoing, too, once John managed to captivate one.

Albus pulled out his wand and started to poke at the pull the wool over someone's eyes virtuoso he had constructed earlier. The wand melted holes into the Charles Percy Snow whiz until it started to resemble a piece of Baron Snow of Leicester Swiss Malva sylvestris. Albus was just beginning to do the same to the snow hippogriff that had been formed after the ace when Rose poked him and hissed, `` Albus, facial expression ! ``

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

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

Albus sat completely still with his wand facing towards the doe. Rose did the same and the two of them did n't move for a unspoilt five minutes. The doe inched slowly ahead, walking to the left wing of Albus and Rose. Then Albus heard a rustle behind the doe and excitement washed over him as he saw a huge stag appear from behind a cluster of trees. `` This is it, '' he whispered to pink wine. She nodded but did n't say anything. The stag walked towards the doe, who had turned around to attend at her mate. `` On the count of three. One ... two ... three. Stupefy ! '' Albus shouted.

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

The doe shot off like a Eruca vesicaria sativa as soon as the cousin shouted the piece. The stag started to espouse but was hit by Albus 's peach. Rose 's spell hit a nearby Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and burned a small golf hole into the bark.

`` Excellent injection, Albus ! '' rosebush grinned at him as they ran towards the stag.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Let 's haste. We wo n't have lots prison term before he wakes up, '' Rose reached into her robes and pulled out a piece of lambskin, a feeding bottle of ink, and a paint brush.

The stag was even bigger up close. Its oculus darted around nervously as rose wine painted the ink onto its front hoof. Albus quickly pressed the lambskin onto the hoof and pulled it away. A thoroughgoing leg it print appeared on the lambskin. `` This one 's dependable, '' Albus showed it to Rose.

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

Albus did n't call for telling twice. He blew onto the parchment a few times to dry the ink and then put it in his cloak. The two cousin ran through the tree diagram and back to the house. It only took them a few second as they were n't very far. Albus was thrilled that they had actually managed to get the print. The only print left was the rat one and then they would be able to try out the map.


A/N : duplicate long chapter and an betimes update ! Just to let everyone sleep together, I 'll be away at a Harry ceramicist formula from tomorrow ( hence the former update ) until Lord's Day and although I 'll have my laptop with me, I might not experience a hazard to respond to your review. I 'll get to them afterwards, though.

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


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


Albus 's family came to pick him up from rose 's house the next afternoon. They were all dressed in Muggle clothing, although Harry looked a minuscule uncomfortable in his Muggle suit. Probably due to the tie, Albus thought. He could never see why Muggles wore those.

`` Ready, Al ? '' Harry asked after a few instant of visiting with Rose 's family.

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied. He had to allow in that he was a bit uneasy about this dinner party, but there was nothing he could do about it now. `` See you at shoal, pink wine. ``

`` Bye, '' rose smiled.

The eternal rest of the ceramicist and Weasleys said goodbye to each other and then Albus disapparated with his folk. They appeared in a colored alley near a derelict street. Harry motioned for them to follow him and the family unit started down the street. They made a few more turns until they came upon a neighborhood of ordinary size firm. The houses all looked different, but seemed to be well cared for. It was a very tranquillity neighbourhood with few people out and about. There were a couple citizenry outside shoveling the newly fallen snow off their private road, but none of them seemed to find Albus and his kin.

Eventually, Harry led them up a driveway towards a Robert Gray mansion Albus recognized as Kaden 's. Before they could even pass on the door, it was thrown open and Kaden came running out. `` Albus ! '' he shouted.

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

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

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

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

Albus stifled a laugh and followed Kaden into the household. Kaden led them to the living elbow room, where Dudley was fidgeting with his tie. Christina was setting out bowl of grapes and nuts and Bethany was helping.

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

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

`` video secret plan system, '' Kaden explained, `` It 's really fun. I 'll point you sometime. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus nodded, `` I got some wearing apparel, Good Book, a burden of sweets, stuff from my Uncle George 's workshop, and my dad 's Invisibility Cloak. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus watched as topsy-turvyness broke out amongst the adult. Vernon 's face turned various shades of red and purplish as he tried to savvy what was happening. Petunia clung to her married man with a combined look of dislike and fear on her nerve.

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

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

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

Christina stood near the incoming to the kitchen, looking uncomfortable. Bethany clung to her leg and hid her face, clearly afraid of her grandfather 's shouting. Albus, Saint James the Apostle, Lily, and Kaden glanced around at the adults, paying rapt care to the unfolding argument, but not saying a word. Ginny pursed her sass and watched her husband with a disapproving smell. Albus had to admit that his Uncle Vernon was a bit shivery right now and Albus had no desire to cross way of life with him. Dudley looked anxious as he tried to pee peace between his congenator. His vocalisation was drowned out amongst Vernon and Harry 's shouting, and Petunia 's shrieking.

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

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

`` Kaden 's a wizard, Dad, so Harry 's a part of his life history now. You know he 's one of Kaden 's teacher. ``

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

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

Vernon 's eyes narrowed and he glared at Harry. `` You 're filling his head with all that junk you learned as a minor ! Do n't digest for it, Dudley ! He 's got you tricked or something ! Send him to Smeltings ! ``

`` Dad, Harry did n't fox me. Kaden 's a star and you 're just going to have to dwell with it, '' Dudley replied.

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

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

`` You do realize that this kind of freakishness is what got your Sister killed ! ``

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

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

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

Vernon and petunia regained their composure and Petunia gave Dudley a ivory crunching hug and smothered him with kisses. She then moved on and did the Lapp with both her grandchildren, making sure enough to completely neglect Albus, James, and Lily. Albus sat down on the couch and to his disapproval, Vernon chose to sit next to him. After a few moments of awkward silence, Vernon turned to Albus. `` So, '' he began, causing Albus to stand out, `` You go to this, schooling, too ? ``

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

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

Albus forced himself to look at Vernon. `` I 'm taking Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Herbology, astronomy, History of magic, and defence force Against the Dark Arts, '' he mumbled quietly.

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

`` Um, I guess so, '' Albus replied. He was wishing to a greater extent and more that he could make just stayed at rosiness 's house instead of coming here. Why was Vernon questioning him ? Why not St. James the Apostle or Kaden ?

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

`` Defense Against the Dark artistic production, '' Albus muttered.

`` And what is that, exactly ? ``

`` defensive piece, dueling, hooey you use to get the better of shadow wiz like Voldemort. ``

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

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

`` He 's a great teacher, granddad ! I love my new schooltime. It 's much better than Muggle schooling, '' Kaden grinned. `` I 'll be the right way back. '' He ran up the stairs and came back a few seconds later with his wand. `` count at this ! ``

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

`` Of course I do ! '' Kaden laughed, `` I wish I could show you some magic, though. I ca n't do it outside school. Hey, prof Potter can show you ! ``

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

`` No thanks ! '' petunia shouted at the Lapplander time.

Kaden looked defeated. `` Sorry, Kaden, '' Harry with an apologetic look, `` Maybe another day. ``

`` Or never, '' Vernon muttered.

nonentity said much after that. Albus preferred it that way. He was very glad that Uncle Vernon appeared to have given up his dubiousness and answer session. Christina announced that dinner party was cook a few min later, and everyone eagerly went into the dining room. Albus made trusted that he was n't sitting next to Vernon and relaxed a petty as he began to eat.

The Dursleys dominated most of the dinner conversation, with Vernon and genus Petunia asking Dudley and Christina about what was new in their lives. They wanted to be intimate every last detail, down to what order Bethany had gotten on her later script report in schoolhouse. Eventually they had exhausted this matter and the tabular array descended into an awkward silence before Vernon started drilling Harry about his life.

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

`` I 'm the pass of the Auror department at the Ministry of Magic, '' Harry smiled.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` There 's a opportunity she 'll be a witch, yes, '' Harry told him.

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

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

`` How do you know ? ``

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

`` Do n't yell her a lusus naturae ! '' Harry glared at both of them.

Petunia ignored him. `` I asked her, when I was an arrogant tyke. I asked her if someone could turn me into a witch before I knew any just. She said no. There is not one affair we can do to change Kaden. We just have to hope that he 's going to be smarter than my sister was and not get killed just out of school. ``

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

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

Albus glanced nervously from one adult to the side by side, hoping that the battle was over. He realized now how much Uncle Vernon and auntie Petunia hated magic now. The two of them were still going on about how Albus 's nanna had been killed, thirty-some days later. Albus was still amazed that Vernon had actually blamed Harry for Kaden being a wizard. Albus knew Vernon disliked Harry, but he did n't remember Vernon would still charge Harry for matter he did n't like, this many years later.

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

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

`` This is utterly laughable, '' Vernon muttered, `` Wait till Marge hears about it. ``

`` I hate auntie Marge, '' Kaden said loudly, causing Albus to take a hit into his juice. `` All she public lecture about is breeding dogs. ``

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

`` What ? '' Kaden shrugged, `` prof ceramicist must not like her either. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` His parents were half-wit and that 's why they were killed ! '' Vernon continued.

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

`` Another one of your lot who went on a cleanup violent disorder ! '' Vernon yelled.

`` They should sustain just ignored him and minded their own concern, '' Petunia announced. Albus did n't really think she should be telling individual to mind their own concern, when she thrived off of gossip.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` suction out your soul, '' Albus repeated, `` They feed on glad view, until you 're only get out with the sad ones. ``

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

`` Yeah, when they were 15. There 's a charm, the Patronus charm, that drives them away. It 's really gain deception not taught until 7th year, but Dad learned in his tertiary yr. ``

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

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

`` We would cause been fine without those weirdy 'protecting'us ! '' Vernon raged.

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

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

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

`` Everybody, just shut it ! '' The five adults who were arguing turned to the source of the new vox that rang out louder than theirs. It was Christina. Everyone stopped arguing and stared at her. `` Thank you. Now I only understand parts of this row, but everything you 're rowing about has happened in the past times. Ca n't you just put it behind you and try to get along ? depend at you, you 're standing there arguing about stuff you ca n't alter, in straw man of your children. What form of exercise are you setting ? Put aside your difference of opinion, if not for yourselves, do it for the kids. ``

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

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

`` mulct, '' Vernon squabble, `` I 'll abide the boy. But you are making a engrave mistake with Kaden, Dudley. ``

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

The residuum of the dinner was much more enjoyable. Harry quickly told the story of when he blew up Marge to sop Kaden and Bethany 's curiosity, but there was no more mention of magic throughout the respite of the meal. The conversation centered on topics that could be equally relative to Muggles and wizards, such as the weather condition. Albus did n't say anything, choosing instead to quietly eat his pudding while listening to the adults'strained conversations. He was just happy that they were no longer arguing with each other.

After dinner, Albus, James, and Kaden escaped to Kaden 's bedroom, which he was eager to show up off. The entire thing was decorated with various football appurtenance, with a lot of vehemence on Manchester United. Saint James found this highly entertaining and spent quite a few minutes laughing at the bill sticker, in which the players remained completely still. Kaden spent a while showing off his Christmas presents to Albus and James and soon wanted to designate them how to play his Wii.

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

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

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

Kaden spent the next time of day teaching James and Albus how to play the Wii. They started with Kaden 's new racing secret plan, which was actually pretty complicated. It took Albus the sound section of an hour to picture out how to play it. James II caught on a bit faster, but neither of them could top Kaden in attainment. Albus found that the game was incredibly fun and almost wished he had one at his sign of the zodiac. Once they successfully learned the racing plot, Kaden went on to teach them how to bet a couple more plot. Lily eventually wandered over and wanted to learn, too. By the clip midnight came around, all five of them were taking turns playing games and Albus was having a outstanding time.

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

Shortly after they rang in the new yr, Albus 's parents decided it was time to leave. Albus had no arguments against this because he was tired and did n't really want to expend anymore sentence in the Same house as Uncle Vernon. Harry politely shook manpower with Vernon, said auf wiedersehen to Petunia, and told Dudley he would owl him soon. Vernon kind of flinched at the cite of the Logos 'owl .'Albus completely ignored Vernon and petunia, and told Kaden he would see him on the railroad train drive back to schooling. Once the obligatory adios were said, Albus and his family left the house, only to Apparate back to Grimmauld Place a few streets away.


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


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit that he was felicitous to be going back to Hogwarts. After the nearly fateful dinner with the Dursleys, Albus spent his metre working on homework or goofing off with St. James the Apostle and Lily. By the end of the holiday he was actually kind of bored and happy to be seeing his friends again. Plus, the Sooner he got back to shoal, the Oklahoman he could try out the new map.

The ceramist met the Weasleys and the Dursleys at King 's hybridizing and entered political platform 9 3/4 together. Both crime syndicate were running late again and Albus, rose wine, James, and Kaden only just made it onto the train before it left. James immediately left to find his friends while Albus, Rose, and Kaden wandered around trying to discover their friends.

John Lackland and Amanda were sitting in one of the compartments in the midsection of the train. Albus opened the doorway and walked in, followed by Rose and Kaden.

`` Hey ! '' John greeted them.

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

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

`` So how was your family dinner ? '' whoremaster grinned and looked from Albus to Kaden.

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

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

`` What happened ? '' St. John the Apostle asked eagerly.

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

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

`` Well, they kind of did n't roll in the hay we were coming, '' Albus began, `` So they started off by yelling about that. ``

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

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

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

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

`` And my grandma of all people told him it was n't potential, '' Kaden laughed. `` Apparently she wanted to be a witch when she was a kid. But the best part was when grandfather brought up Aunt Marge. ``

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

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

John and Amanda started howling with laughter. `` That is absolutely superb ! '' trick shouted.

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

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

`` What happened succeeding ? '' Gospel According to John asked once he had calmed down.

`` wellspring, we went down to the cellar and played with Kaden 's Muggle television games, which was a lot of fun. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Hopefully not, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

`` We 'll come, too, '' rose announced. John and Amanda nodded. `` And Matt. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` commodity, '' Albus said.

******

Over the next few days, Albus kept trying to find some clock time to recount John and Amanda about the stag print, but it was heavily to shake Kaden off. It seemed the exclusively metre they were away from him was when they were in class or in their dormitory room at nighttime. Neither were dependable opportunities to let the cat out of the bag about the map.

In the meantime, Malfoy was trying to figure out why lustrelessness was n't in school day. The good synodic month was n't until the following hebdomad, so Albus was going to have to endure Malfoy 's questioning for a spell longer. Nothing seemed to satisfy him. Albus was also preoccupied with what was going to come about this full moon. He was variety of upset about Matt taking the new wolf's bane potion.

All the students and teacher seemed to be falling into their usual routines. Dueling and Quidditch practices started up again. Both Kate and Sakartvelo were working their team hard and Albus was feeling the consequence. Between that and the increase amount of money of prep the teacher were intent on assigning, he had hardly any time for anything else.

A distich twenty-four hour period into the condition, Kaden finally had one of his tutoring seance. Albus and his friends seized the opportunity and ran to the elbow room of Requirement as soon as Kaden left the coarse room.

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

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

`` It 'll be sluttish once blush wine public figure out the charm to keep him quiet, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

`` presumption a bit of praxis, sure as shooting, '' rosiness replied. `` We just have to make sure Matt agrees to it. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` We should look for Matt, '' Albus told him, `` He 's a piece of this as a great deal as we are. ``

`` Oh, yeah, that 's a good approximation, '' John set the prints down on a nearby board. `` You know, I think this is the first meter we 've been in here without him. ``

`` I think you 're aright, '' Albus commented. It was kind of strange, really. All the former clip they had been in the Room, lusterlessness had been the one to ask for it. Nobody said anything for a few minutes. Albus could secernate that everyone was thinking the Lapp thing he was, what would befall with Matt 's new potion.

`` Well, he 'll be back soon, '' trick said after a while.

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

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, but he could n't help oneself but think the new potion would n't work any honorable than the old one. Why should it ? If lustrelessness was tolerant to Wolfsbane potion, why should a different variety of it work ?

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

******

Albus became more and more queasy as the wide Sun Myung Moon approached. His champion seemed to as well, and John especially developed a very myopic electrical fuse. Kaden seemed to get the brunt of this but he took it in footstep. The Night of the literal full moon, Albus had Quidditch practice session. He became so perturb during it that Georgia called for a break of serve during exercise and demanded to know why Albus was dropping so many Quaffles. He lied and told her he was worried about a metamorphosis exam the next day. Luckily she seemed to accept this and wished him luck on his exam. Albus tried extra hard during the second gear half of practice but still missed a lot of sluttish passes.

Albus entered the common way after practice feeling incredibly sore but not at all tired. He had been hit with legion bludgers due to his deficiency of concentration. Normally Albus would consume been exhausted after such a practice but he was too unquiet to be tired tonight.

His friends were sitting at their usual table which was covered in homework. Not that much of it was being done. Kaden was the but one feverishly working away at an essay. lav, Amanda, and even Rose were staring off into nil with their untouched homework in front of them. Albus quickly stowed his broom in his dormitory and joined his friend at the table.

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

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

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

Even at a prison term like this, Albus could n't assist but jape at Kaden 's cluelessness. `` Hi, Kaden. ``

`` How was practice ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not that enceinte. I got hit with a twain bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' Kaden winced.

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

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

Albus glanced at his arm. It had turned a lovely violet blue angel color in the fourth dimension since he had received the reverse. `` All right hand, '' he stood up. `` I 'll see you in a bit. ``

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

Albus did n't feel like telling Kaden not to bother, so he nodded and Kaden followed him out of the vulgar room. Albus did n't let the cat out of the bag much on the way to the hospital backstage, but Kaden kept up a streaming commentary about what went on in his division that day. Kaden must have felt the need to plowshare it even though nothing particularly exciting had happened that day. The corridors were utterly deserted and Kaden 's voice seemed awfully garish. Albus glanced at his lookout man and saw that it was almost curfew. He wished he had brought his Invisibility Cloak. Of course, none of the teachers could give him detainment for being out of his common room in order of magnitude to go see Madam Pomfrey, could they ?

Albus pushed the door to the hospital wing open slowly and saw that gentlewoman Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, writing something, and glancing out the window every few s. The moonlight was streaming through and illuminating one of the beds. There were n't any affected role in the ward, which Albus thought was kind of strange. Albus rarely ever saw the place empty. He walked quietly up to brothel keeper Pomfrey and Kaden followed. The nurse did n't even look to have got noticed them come in.

`` Er, excuse me, madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus said once he was a couple feet in front of the desk.

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

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

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

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

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` No problem. Anywhere else ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Shush, '' Albus hissed, `` August 6 test tomorrow. ``

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

`` Yeah, that was it. ``

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

`` see it ! '' a frigidity phonation shouted and shoved Albus aside.

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

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

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

`` None of your business. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any color that had been in Malfoy 's boldness drained. The four boys quietly followed professor Patil to the infirmary wing. Albus was very unbosom. lady Pomfrey would tell Patil that he and Kaden had been there, and then she would n't give them detention.

Patil opened the doors to the hospital wing, but madam Pomfrey was no tenacious there. Patil motioned for the son to stay on there and she strode over to the nanny 's office. She knocked lightly and waited for gentlewoman Pomfrey to appear.

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

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

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

lady Pomfrey gazed at the boy. `` Well, Albus and Kaden were here about xv arcminute ago, but I have n't seen the former two in quite a spell. ``

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

`` Not a problem, '' the hold replied.

`` I 'll take you two back to your common room, '' Patil said to Albus and Kaden. `` As for you, '' she glared at Malfoy and Willinson, `` You will come back to my office and we shall format for detention. ``

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

******

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

`` rose ! '' Albus shook his cousin 's articulatio humeri, `` Wake up ! ``

Rose slowly lifted her capitulum and then jumped at the mickle of Albus and John. `` Wha-what are you two doing ? ``

`` Uh, it 's forenoon, Rose, '' Albus explained, `` We 've got to get to metamorphosis in an hr. ``

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

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

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

`` That 's a really high tier charm, blush wine. You know it 's going to take you a while, '' Albus reminded her.

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

A few min later, Albus and his friend walked to the Great dorm. Albus noticed Malfoy and Willinson at the Slytherin tabular array as they walked by and both of the Slytherins were shooting dagger at Albus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rose, who was on Albus 's other face, looked over his articulatio humeri as he looked at the envelope. St. John and Amanda were leaning over the tabular array and Kaden was leaning over Albus 's early shoulder.

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

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

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

`` Shush ! '' Albus, whoremonger, rose wine, and Amanda said at once.

`` Well, we 'd better be off to Transfiguration, '' Albus said and gave rose wine a substantial glance.

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

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

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

`` I 'll come, too ! ``

Albus sighed and got up from the table. He could n't open that varsity letter in front of Kaden. pink wine, Saint John the Apostle, and Amanda got up as well and followed Albus out of the Great vestibule. Kaden was right behind him, but Albus did n't defy unfold it yet. Kaden stalled in the Entrance Hall, but eventually gave up and headed down to the dungeons for Potions.

`` Well, now we have n't got meter to read it, '' Albus groaned and glanced at his sentinel. `` Why could n't he have left preferably ? ``

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

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

The morning dragged by at an extremely slowly pace, in Albus 's view. Transfiguration was n't too bad, since it was a practical deterrent example. Malfoy descended upon Albus and the others after the class was over, wanting to know where matt was. Albus lied and told him Matt was having a late vacation with his grandparents and then took off for account of magic, ignoring Malfoy 's ailment about hold that followed.

account of illusion was as drilling as usual. Albus thought he saw the clock 's men go backwards at one point. He passed notes with John and Amanda while rose wine took notes. She seemed to sustain inherited her mother 's ability to stay on awake during that class. King John nodded off at one dot and Albus had to prod him come alive with his quill. professor Binns did n't even appear to notice.

After History of Magic finally ended, Albus and his friends went to the Great Hall to snap up a ready lunch. Kaden was there when they arrived and immediately launched into an explanation of the potion he had just brewed. Apparently it was so telling that Slughorn gave him a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate and an invitation to the side by side slug Club meeting.

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

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

`` Er, yeah, they do, '' Albus coughed. He had not been expecting Kaden to get invited to any clout Club meetings. Albus had n't even gone to any since the premature year. He just told Slughorn he had Quidditch practice or too a good deal homework to go. Slughorn had n't even had his Yuletide party this year. Albus was n't sure why, but he was guessing it was because he had n't been able to incur anyone renowned to attend.

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

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

`` Please ? '' Kaden pleaded.

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

`` Yay ! '' Kaden shouted.

Once Kaden left for his side by side class, Albus and his ally went straight for the Room of requirement. Albus and Rose sat on one of the couches while bathroom and Amanda sat on the opposite one. Albus reached into his bag and found the letter.

`` Here it goes, '' Albus whispered.

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

Albus tore open the envelope and unfolded the alphabetic character. He read it aloud.

Dear Albus, rose, John, and Amanda,

lastly Nox Matt told me to write you
and tell you what happened if he couldn't.
Since he ca n't, you have probably guessed
that the potion did not work.

`` shit ! '' privy shouted.

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

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

Hope you are all doing well. I 'll see you
soon, maybe at the side by side Gryffindor
Quidditch match.

From,
Amy

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

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

`` Yeah, '' blush wine agreed.

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

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

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

`` fountainhead, it would still be chill to become an Animagus. ``

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

`` Albus 's gramps did it. ``

`` When he was in twenty percent twelvemonth, '' Rose reminded him.

`` Fine, three to a greater extent days then, '' Saint John shrugged.

Rose sighed, `` mat wo n't let you link him on the full Sun Myung Moon, though. And I would n't suggest doing it behind his backbone. ``

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

`` Definitely, '' rosebush agreed.

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


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

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

Saturday arrived quickly and Albus was still without an exculpation to not attend the get together. Georgia had not called for Quidditch practice that day, mainly due to the fact that the Ravenclaws booked the slant all morning and the Slytherins had it all afternoon. The two houses were scheduled to play each early the following Saturday.

`` It 's clip for the Slug social club merging, Albus ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly a few arcminute before eleven.

Albus sighed and got up out of his chair in the common room. `` See you lot in a slight while, '' he said to john and Amanda.

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

`` See you later, '' Amanda grinned.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose, who had also decided to go, set off for the keep. Albus hoped he would only have to stay for a piffling while, maybe an minute at most. Just long enough for Kaden to see what the meetings were like.

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

There was a shelve full of food along one of the side walls and nearly everyone was crowding around it trying to get some dejeuner. Slughorn had a plate of food in front of him and was sitting at a large table in the front of the room.

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

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

`` Pheasant, '' Albus replied. Slughorn always served pheasant at his coming together. Albus tried it last twelvemonth and hated it.

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

`` proficient to see you all again ! '' Slughorn greeted them and then turned to Albus. `` And Albus and Rose ! I 'm very felicitous that you two decided to come ! How have course been going ? ``

`` Good, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

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

`` This clobber is excellent ! ``

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

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

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

Albus let his judgment wander as Slughorn continued talking about his dinner with Barry Ryan. mat was supposed to return to Hogwarts the next day, which meant that in as little as xxiv 60 minutes, they could be having the map working. Well, if they could sneak away to the elbow room of Requirement, that is. Albus hoped blush wine would have that appeal working soon. Then they could just do all of this with Kaden. It would make it a wholly lot leisurely. Of course, flatness still had n't said that he agreed to secern Kaden even with the charm. Albus kept forgetting about that section. But why would n't he correspond ? The charm seemed like it would put to work well.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose wound up staying until the end of the meeting. Kaden was enthralled by the entire affair and Albus knew he would decline to leave early. Albus was incredibly bored by the time the thing was over and rose looked as bored as Albus felt. Once the meeting was finally over, the three of them said goodbye to Slughorn and left the dungeons.

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

`` boring 's more than like it, '' Albus replied.

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

`` trust me, it gets old after a spell, '' Albus said.

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

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

`` And I 'll probably give birth too much homework, '' rose wine explained.

`` I 'd go even if I did suffer too a lot homework, '' Kaden told them.

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

Albus laughed as Rose launched into a discussion about how significant meter management is and how homework should always come first. The three of them were nearly to the commons room by the sentence Rose finished and Kaden was wearing a clean looking on his face, much like the one Albus had worn during the Slug nightspot meeting.

******

`` Got any idea what time he 's coming back ? '' John asked shortly after tiffin the next day in the rough-cut room.

`` No mind, '' Albus shrugged.

Albus, Saint John, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda were all sitting around their usual table in the common room. rose wine and Kaden were playing chess game and it was evident that rose wine was going easy on Kaden. The two of them had been playing the same game for fifteen minutes. If Rose wanted to, she probably could bear beat Kaden in five bit. King John and Amanda were both working on the transfiguration essay that was due the side by side day. Albus had already finished that peculiar essay and was watching Rose and Kaden 's chess match.

`` poove to D3, '' Kaden said. The female monarch gave Kaden a menacing spotlight and then reluctantly moved to the square.

`` Bishop to D3. '' rosiness 's bishop smashed Kaden 's queen mole rat to pieces. `` Checkmate, '' rose wine grinned.

`` Crap, '' Kaden muttered as his king dropped its blade in defeat.

`` You 're getting a bit better, '' rose said as she repaired all the musical composition with a wave of her wand.

`` Do you have Quidditch drill today, Albus ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah. Sakartvelo managed to earmark the delivery for an hour after dinner. The Hufflepuffs were n't too happy, but Georgia got it first. ``

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

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

`` He 's going to own a load of homework to make up, '' Kaden announced.

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

`` How 's your essay coming, john ? '' rosebush smirked.

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

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

`` need to play again, blush wine ? '' Kaden asked.

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

rosiness and Kaden set up their while and started to play again. Albus watched them. It was pretty funny to watch the two of them play Bromus secalinus. Kaden would sit there forever figuring out what relocation to make and once he made it, Rose would smile and motivate one of her own pieces within minute. Rose 's move usually involved killing one of Kaden 's pieces.

The portrait jam to the common elbow room opened a few instant later and Albus looked up. lusterlessness was just climbing through and headed straight person for Albus 's mesa once he noticed them.

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

`` Hi Albus, '' Matt grinned back. He looked tired, but well-chosen. There was still a yellowish bruise on his frontal bone, but other than that he looked fine.

John, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden all looked up from what they were doing and greeted Matt as well. lusterlessness grabbed a president from a nearby table and sat down next to Albus.

`` How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` All right, '' Matt shrugged.

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

`` Uh-huh, '' Kaden nodded as rose wine declared checkmate once again, `` Crap ! ``

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

`` Ok, I 've got my own prep to set about on anyway. ``

`` goodness, '' Albus replied, `` toilet ? Amanda, blush wine ? You can come with us. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The five ally continued their walk of life to the room of necessity, which manifested itself in its common form for them. They walked into the room and settled onto the common orange red and gold furniture.

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

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

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

`` Nope. ``

`` And you 'll still get to proceed taking it ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah, that 's what stinks, '' lusterlessness sighed. `` It did n't work the way it was supposed to, but it did former stuff. ``

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

`` They were n't really grave side effects. It just made me really tired. ``

`` But you 're always tired before the full moon moon, '' St. John pointed out.

`` I know, but the potion made it worse. Usually I can at least go to good morning category on the day of the full synodic month but with the new potion I 'll just sleep right through them. It makes me tired as soon as I start taking it, which is a hebdomad before the entire synodic month, just like the unconstipated Aconitum lycoctonum was. ``

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

`` Dunno, '' mat shrugged, `` The healer are trying to feel a potion to counterbalance the fatigue, but I doubt they 'll have one in time for next month. ``

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

`` Because they have to realize for certain it was n't just a flue or something. That 's the thing about these studies, they have to do multiple trials to canvas the effects and stuff. ``

`` There 's a probability it might work next calendar month ? '' Amanda asked confusedly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Brilliant ! '' Matt exclaimed.

`` And I 've got the transfer appealingness all worked out, '' Rose told him.

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

`` I 'm working on it ! '' toilet replied, `` It 's harder than you 'd believe to blemish a rat during Potions. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` And I 'm not entirely certain the map will work after we do this, '' Albus said, `` It almost seems too simple. ``

Albus had been thinking this for a few solar day now. They had had an incredibly easy time getting the prints. Almost too easy a time. Canis familiaris, stags, and rats were quite vulgar and anyone who could swan a simple Petrificus Totalus charm could get those print. The only when one that would be difficult for the average wizard to get was the werewolf print. Even so, Albus did n't think the Marauders would pass water it this easy to approach the map.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Speaking of the Marauders, '' Saint John the Apostle turned to rose, `` How 's the Sileo Altus charm coming ? ``

`` The what ? '' Matt asked.

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

`` Sure, '' blush wine shrugged, `` It 's a good luck charm I found in a Word at my business firm. It 's a way to make sure as shooting someone keeps something a secret. kind of like the Fidelius Charm, only it 's for verbal secrets, not spot. Whomever performs the charm is the Secret keeper and only that person can undo the charm. After the charm is performed, the person ca n't talk about the hush-hush with anyone except the Secret Keeper and anyone else who was involved in the charm performing. It 's a way to keep Kaden from telling anyone that you 're a werewolf. ``

Albus held his breath as Rose explained and hoped that Matt would recall it was a good thought. Albus watched as lustrelessness thought about what blush wine had said. Albus could n't really tell what he thought. Matt looked a bit surprised, almost like he did n't think Rose would take ever found a appealingness to do that.

`` Well, what do you think ? '' Albus asked after a few mo silence.

`` I 'm not sure enough, '' lustrelessness said quietly, `` Will it really act upon ? ``

`` I 'm pretty sure it will, '' rose wine said, `` The only if thing that will overwhelm it is Veritaserum. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` I doubt he 's ever going to drink any Veritaserum, '' rosiness said,"And even if he did, person would have to ask him if you were a werewolf. He would n't just randomly start telling people."

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

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

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

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

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

`` All rightfield, '' Matt sighed, `` We do n't call for Kaden yet, do we ? ``

`` No, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm not certainly when we 'll demand him. The map just said we had to be like the piranha, which means we 'll need someone to be Wormtail at some point in time. ``

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

`` We will, '' rose assured him, `` I 've got to praxis it anyway. ``

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

******

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

Albus turned around in his rear. He had been talking to can, who was sitting behind him next to Goyle. Albus was sitting next to Limbert and lusterlessness was looking thoroughly miserable side by side to Maloy in the next row over at the front end. Slughorn was still plowing forward with his inter-house cooperator in class, but Albus did n't think it was helping to minify the hostility between Gryffindor and Slytherin. So far, the best that had happened was mum loathing during practical lesson and jinxing and hexing at worst. Based on the little duel between Ethan and Garth Octavius the previous week, it was only a matter of time before thing really got out of hand.

`` Thank you, '' Slughorn said once everyone was paying attention, `` Today you 'll be brewing the discombobulation Potion I taught you about on Friday. He waved his wand at the chalkboard, `` focusing are on the card. You have the integral class. ``

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

Albus nodded and pulled out his baton. Albus and Limbert had come to an unspoken agreement with brewing potions. Limbert would collect component while Albus lit the fire and unpacked all the various graduated table and knives. Then, Albus would set up the factor while Limbert added them and stirred the cauldron. Albus was finely with this since Limbert was a dependable Potions beer maker than he was.

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

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

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

`` Oh. ``

`` hustle it the former way ! '' John shouted.

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

`` They 've got to be chopped hunky-dory than that. It says minced, not diced, '' rosebush instructed.

`` They look fine to me, '' Vivien Leigh snapped.

`` No, they wo n't work like that. Let me do it, '' Rose grabbed a tongue and started mincing the shrivelfig.

`` amercement. You do the entirely matter if you 're so smart, '' Leigh huffed.

`` You can raise the cauldron. Clockwise, '' blush wine replied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus tried to concentrate on his shrivelfig, but he could n't stop over glancing up at John. He was almost to the cupboard now, and the rat still had n't moved. Albus watched as John the Evangelist pointed his wand at the rat, but he could n't get a line what spell out Saint John the Apostle was using due to the noise in the elbow room. Luckily everyone was concentrating on their potions and not paying an ounce of attention to John the Evangelist. Albus grimaced as John picked up the rat and shoved it inside his robes. Albus was incredibly felicitous that whoremaster was willing to do the rat mark. The thought of putting a rat in his gown creeped Albus out.

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

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

`` Excellent, '' Albus said.

Suddenly there was a meretricious burst from somewhere behind Albus and he felt a hot liquidity dry land on his headland and drip down the back of his robes.

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

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

Pandemonium erupted in the classroom. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at the exploded potion. Albus turned around and saw that the burst had come from John and Goyle 's caldron. Goyle was wearing a pose expression on his facial expression and was staring into space while holding his ladle in the air. His aspect was covered with potion as well as his robe. His pilus was singed and there was a little ardor on his table.

Albus could sense the potion burning down his back and it hurt like snake pit. It felt like his tegument was on flame. He got up from his chairperson and felt his backrest. His robes were fire straight through. privy 's and Limbert 's were as well.

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

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

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

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

`` Hospital wing, all of you, '' Slughorn replied, `` If one of you could please make for certain Mr. Goyle arrives there, that would be appreciated. ``

Limbert immediately dragged Goyle out of the room with Celeste following. Albus and toilet walked a fiddling path behind them and Karina behind them.

`` half-wit, '' John muttered as they climbed the stairs out of the dungeons.

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

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

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

`` well, he 's dumber than a troll, '' John groaned, `` Merlin this stuff and nonsense burns. ``

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

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

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

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

`` I just hope it stays stunned. ``

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

brothel keeper Pomfrey was already busy taking fear of a girl who had gotten bitten by something in Care of Magical brute and told them they would sustain to hold off. Once she had finished healing the girl, she moved on to Goyle, since he was n't capable to sit still and was wandering around the way tripping over affair. She took caution of Limbert, Celeste, and Karina, and then moved on to the bed Albus and St. John were sitting on.

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

`` Well, lustrelessness, rosebush, and Amanda were all too far away to be hit by the potion, '' Albus explained.

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

toilet, who had just started drinking his own potion, choked and coughed the potion up onto the bed. He turned and grinned at Albus, who grinned back. Well, Albus thought, that was the world-wide melodic theme of the map.

Madam Pomfrey sighed and with a undulation of her wand the potion was cleaned up. `` Drink the residuum of it, '' she instructed them.

Madam Pomfrey applied some kind of salve to their burns and a few minutes later they were allowed to leave. The lactate told them to go directly to their dormitory to get new gown and that she did n't want to see them in the infirmary backstage for the next few weeks.

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

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

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

`` Just about, '' Albus said.

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

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` I did n't shoot down myself there last match. ``


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


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


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

`` Did your cauldron really set off ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

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

`` You know, '' Rose said, `` You 're not exactly the dependable potion beer maker either, John the Divine. ``

`` Are you two all right field ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah. madam Pomfrey sorted everything out, '' Albus assured her.

`` So what are you doing this night, Albus ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he followed Albus and whoremaster to the dormitory door.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had been planning on grabbing a spry dinner with his acquaintance after he changed robes, and then head to the Room to try out the new map. They had all the paw prints ( St. John had gone up to the residence hall ahead of Albus with the rat and got the mark from it. Albus did n't want to acknowledge what happened to the rat afterwards ) now, so Albus was impatient to try it out. But they would n't be able to if Kaden was around.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

Kaden spent the entire eventide with Albus and his acquaintance. Normally, this really would n't have bothered Albus, but that night his cousin was driving him mad. All Albus wanted to do was try out the map, but he could n't think up a good excuse for them to go somewhere and not let Kaden follow. So they spent the evening in the common room, working on homework.

Albus and his acquaintance were far too officious the adjacent few days to try out the new map. Albus had Quidditch recitation on Tuesday and Thursday and dueling practice on Midweek. rose had dueling practice on Friday. whoremaster normally had his practice on Saturday, but due to the Quidditch match, it had been rescheduled for Sunday. Any bit of time where neither Albus or his champion had any practice session, Kaden was around. It was n't until Saturday, following Slytherin 's spectacular exit to Ravenclaw, that they were finally capable to try out the map. Kaden had been recruited to tutor a familiar first year in Potions and was going to be spending a few minute in the dungeons after the Quidditch match.

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

`` Got the mark ? '' Matt asked.

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

lusterlessness paced three times in front of the empty wall and as soon as the room access appeared, the five friends ran inside. Albus set his bag down on the tabular array and everyone crowded around it. Albus pulled out all four photographic print and the map.

`` All right wing, '' Albus unfolded the map, `` Rose, you 're good with the charm, right ? ``

rosebush nodded, `` I 've practiced it and it works every time. ``

`` Good, '' Albus stared at the map, unsure of how to start, `` Er, maybe I should do what I did last time to get it to differentiate us we 've got to establish we know the Marauders ? ``

`` Probably, '' Rose agreed.

`` time lag ! '' whoremaster shouted, `` Can I do it this meter ? ``

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

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

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

'No, you 're not .'

The ink disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

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

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

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

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

`` This suction, '' privy muttered, `` It worked last fourth dimension. ``

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

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

The ink he had been expecting to look rose to the surface of the sheepskin and formed the familiar words.

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

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

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

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

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

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

'When four male child, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendly relationship and deviltry, they may present themselves as the next generation of predator. These four Quaker must each represent one of the vulture, for if even one is missing, this map will not work. Before this goes any further, you must examine that you know the secret of the marauder. examine that you know, and you may continue along the way of uncovering .'

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

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

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

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

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

'The Marauders compliments you undecomposed luck .'

`` well, now what ? '' King John asked.

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

rosebush picked up the paw photographic print and the map, setting them down in social movement of her. She pulled out her verge and muttered an incantation at the werewolf mark. Then she muttered another incantation at the map. The wolfman mark appeared on the map, just as it had been on the other while of parchment.

`` That, was bloody dumbfound, '' John the Divine said in awe.

Albus agreed. He was forever thankful that his cousin was so brilliant. Albus did n't retrieve he 'd ever be able to pull out off something like that. At least not until he was at least in 5th year.

Rose repeated the procedure with the dog, stag, and rat prints, positioning them in the demand Sami way that the little mark that the Marauders had put on the map.

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

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

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

`` Worth a shot, '' John shrugged.

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

The paw prints quickly faded until there was nix left but a dummy parchment. Albus glanced up and looked at his champion before returning his regard to the new map.

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

`` It worked ! '' Albus shouted happily.

'Due to your obvious noesis of the Marauders'secrets, we shall now tell you to a greater extent about this map. When the piranha were seventh year, they realized that within a few suddenly months, they would be gone from Hogwarts, and the schooltime would be left without their gaffer mischievousness makers.

'Prongs suggested-'

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

'Only when I have a stroke of brilliance, Padfoot .'

'Not too often then, right ?'

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

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

'Shut it, Prongs .'

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

`` I knew it ! '' Rose shouted in mirth, `` I knew that was what this was about ! ``

'The marauder decided to create another map. The first map was only the start. The vulture wanted to find a way to put themselves into a map, in order to help the next contemporaries of devilment makers. That is what this map is about.

'However, not just anyone would be able to have access to the map .'

'Yeah, we would n't desire any old dunderheads stumbling upon it .'

'Right, Padfoot. Or even high-risk, having Slytherins get their slimy mitt on it .'

'I shudder at that thought, Moony. Anyway, the Marauders had to figure out a way to control that only those worthy would be capable to memory access this map. The Marauder 's Map is actually quite simple to figure out, compared to this one. All you have to do to open that is say a certain phrase. For this map, you have to be a sealed mortal to open it.

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

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

'Better mine than yours, Padfoot .'

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

Albus felt immense relief from this. John and Matt would be able to be Padfoot and Moony.

`` So really, only St. James the Apostle, Lily, teddy, my dad, and I could get it open, '' Albus said.

'The balance of you must be Gryffindor boys, because we want you to be like us .'

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

'I know, Moony, but Lily does n't know about this. I do n't plan on telling her, either .'

`` supposition that counts out my sister, '' Albus commented.

'So, now you 've proven that you know the marauder. Your next step is to try out that you are the next vulture .'

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

Albus stared at it for a few moments, thinking about what he had just found out. The map was n't going to operate yet. He had been so certainly that all they 'd sustain to do was prove they knew the Marauders. But now they had yet another thing to do. They had to prove that they were the next Marauders. How were they going to do that ?

`` That was weird, '' privy said.

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

`` Yeah, they just said they wanted to make for certain they 'd never leave Hogwarts. Like the map is a theatrical role of them, '' privy replied.

`` To be fair, it sounds a bit like a Horcrux, '' pink wine commented.

`` Yeah, but it 's not like they put their souls in there, rose wine, '' Albus pointed out. `` It 's like the predator 's Map. It 's just enchanted. ``

`` I still wish we knew what it was a map of, '' John muttered, `` I mean, this is n't bazaar ! We spend workweek getting those paw photographic print and we still have n't figured the map out. ``

`` I knew you 'd have to do something like this, '' rose wine said, `` Otherwise it would n't matter if there were four of you to represent the predator. If it was just this, Albus could have got done the whole thing himself. ``

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

`` I guess we 've got to rise we are the Marauders, then, '' Albus said, `` enquire what that involves. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Maybe we 've got to rive a Brobdingnagian prank or something, '' Albus said.

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

`` Well, does anyone get any other theme ? '' Albus asked.

`` We 'll think of something, '' Amanda said, `` I mean, there 's got to be a way. ``

`` Of course of action their is ! '' rose said, `` We 've just got to go to the depository library and see if we can get hold anything there. ``

`` We ca n't do anything anyway until you 've got that Sileo Altus good luck charm down, Rose, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Right, '' Rose replied, `` It 's coming along well. I just need to get some practice. Anyone want to be my tester ? ``

`` I will ! '' John shouted and jumped up out of his chair.

`` Ok, come here, '' Rose got up and went to the other face of the room.

Albus watched as the two of them worked. First, they had to retrieve up a secret, which took a good bit of time. Gospel According to John finally suggested that the secret be 'Filch the likes of to dance in the moonlight with a long handle mop with Frank Sinatra music acting in the scope .'

Albus burst out laughing at that. `` Filch ? Dancing ? ``

`` Yes, '' Saint John said in a serious tone, `` I saw him once. He was rubbing the mop head to his face and had on a face of pure joy. ``

`` And soon you wo n't be able to tell anyone about it, '' Amanda grinned. `` What a disgrace. ``

`` Yes, it is, is n't it ? '' John laughed. `` You lot can still circularise it around, though. ``

`` Ok, John, let 's try it, '' Rose said.

Rose pointed her wand at herself and recited the appealingness that would realise her the enigma keeper. Then, she pointed her wand at John and said a slightly dissimilar charm.

`` Now you say the secret, Saint John. ``

`` Filch likes to dance in the moonlight with a long handle mop with Frank Sinatra medicine playacting in the ground, '' John smirked.

`` Good, '' rose wine replied and then performed another charm on John. `` I 'm not ready to try including other people yet, so John will only be able to talk about Filch 's minuscule use to me. ``

Rose waved her wand around in an intricate pattern and then said one last incantation. She lowered her wand and stared at John the Divine. Then she turned to face Albus.

`` There. Now you can try asking him about it, Albus. ``

Albus grinned, `` All right. So, St. John, heard anything interesting about Filch lately ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' John shouted, `` Actually, just the former nighttime I saw him and he was- '' toilet 's oral fissure continued moving but no phone was coming out of it.

Albus and Amanda burst out laughing. privy looked like a fish out of water. `` I think it worked ! '' Albus shouted.

Rose was staring at whoremaster with a slight aspect of letdown. `` Not quite. He was n't even supposed to be able to prompt his mouth. You know, in case people can read rim. I guess it 's a start, though. ``

`` Definitely. I mean, this is a really advanced charm. You ca n't experience expected to get it on the starting time try, '' Albus pointed out. Although, he did kind of think Rose expected to get it on the first try.

`` I suppose, '' Rose sighed, `` I 'll just loosen it. ``

blush wine waved her verge around and muttered some more incantations. `` Ok, he should be able to talk about it now. ``

`` Heard anything funny about Filch recently ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he likes to trip the light fantastic toe with a long handle mop by moonlight while Frank Sinatra plays in the desktop, '' John told her.

`` facial expression like the countercharm worked, '' Albus said.

`` But that 's not even what we 'll need, '' Rose pointed out, `` We 're not going to perform the countercharm on Kaden. Not for another few years at least. ``

`` Yeah, but it 's lucky for John Lackland that it worked, '' Albus grinned, `` Otherwise he would n't be able to share Filch 's secret joyfulness of life. ``

******

Over the next few days, John the Evangelist actually did portion that Filch liked to trip the light fantastic toe with a foresightful handgrip mop by the moonshine with Frank Francis Albert Sinatra performing in the background. All he had to do was mention it to a few early Gryffindors at meal times and the bit of gossip was soon spreading throughout the schooltime. The reactions from pupil ranged from hysterical laughter to raised eyebrows to ecphonesis of 'Who the hell is Frank Frank Sinatra ?'Albus could n't avail but smirk every fourth dimension he heard his fellow students mentioning the story.

Filch, on the other hand, was actively trying to find the culprit. There was n't really any stage, since he would n't be capable to get hold who started it, but he tried. He spent the days prowling the halls and listening in on scholarly person'conversations, trying to discover out any sort of information regarding the false narrative. Whenever the scholarly person noticed him, they would burst out laughing, which would cause Filch to go muttering about 'rotten students'and 'ought to welt them all'.

Filch 's main defendant was Kaden, which Albus found kind of funny. Kaden of course had laughed the flashy when he heard the narrative. Since Filch had developed an intense disfavour for Kaden since their detainment calendar month ago, he gave Kaden sinister stares every prison term Kaden passed him in the corridors. Kaden just found this funny, since he knew John had invented the story.

The account about Filch provided a Nice break from the vivid studying that all the students were occupied with. Like common, the teachers had increased the homework after the holiday. Albus was glad it was n't yet his O.W.L. year and he could n't imagine how he would manage to deal with that in three short days. Along with homework, Albus also had Quidditch and dueling practice. Both GA and Kate had increased practice times in rescript to prepare for the upcoming match and tournament. The third gear dueling tourney was to direct spot the first base weekend of February and Quidditch on the following weekend. Albus now had Quidditch practice on Monday, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat. Dueling practices were as common, not mandatory, but were now not only on Wed, but on Fri as well. The but day Albus had off was Sunday, which did n't give much time for him to try and figure out how to prove he was like the Marauders to the new map.

The morning of the Dueling tourney was common cold, snowy, and blustery. Albus was very happy the Quidditch match was n't that day. He got up a few hr before the tourney started and went down to breakfast with his friends.

`` I ca n't wait until I can duel adjacent year, '' Kaden said in between bites of egg.

`` It 's not really as cool as it 's made out to be, '' St. John commented, `` A lot of waiting around sentence during tournament. ``

`` That 's because there 's so many of us, '' blush wine explained, `` In the regular Dueling Club, the one that you can only be in if you 're fifth class or above, not everyone gets on the teams. It 's like Quidditch and you have to try out. ``

`` That sounds better, '' John said, `` But I do n't be intimate if I 'd make the team. ``

`` I know I would n't, '' Amanda replied.

`` You 're getting better, '' Albus assured her, `` You might make it by the meter you 're a one-fifth year. ``

`` Yeah, that 's the degree of the junior 's gild, '' Rose said, `` So you can get better. They do n't expect us all to be expert duelers. ``

`` Albus is, '' Amanda grinned, `` He 's brilliant. ``

Albus felt his side play red, `` Well, I 'm not that great ... I mean, there are loading of people who are beneficial than me. ``

`` Not on our team, '' Amanda continued, `` He 's ticktock almost everyone on the team. ``

`` Yeah, everyone except Malfoy, '' Albus muttered. He still had n't managed to beat Malfoy during their practice duels.

`` That 's unspoilt, though ! '' Rose sighed, `` You 're both excellent duelers, so you 've got a goodness team ! ``

Albus shrugged. He kind of would rather just be able-bodied to beat Malfoy than beat the other teams, but he did n't name anything about it.

Albus and his booster continued their talk about dueling throughout breakfast and as they sat around the mutual room afterwards. Soon, it was time for them to go down to the dueling bedroom for the tournament.

They passed Filch on their way down the stair, and he was muttering to himself as usual.

`` Damn kids ... better when Umbridge was around ... wonder if she 'll come back ... she 'd let me whip them ... ''

`` I swear he 's gotten more mad over the year, '' John muttered to Albus as they passed him.

`` Dad says he 's getting senile, '' Albus whispered back.

The dueling bedroom was packed with students, just like the past times two tournament. Albus and Amanda squeezed their way through the crew to their common mesa, where their team was sitting.

`` Hi Albus, Amanda, '' Kate greeted them. `` Ready to win ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned.

The tourney got under way a few minutes later. It was much like the past tense two tournaments, with a lot of sitting around clip. Albus was happy that he and Amanda were on the same squad so they were able to talk to each other in between duels.

Albus won both of his duel, just like the death two tournaments. So did Malfoy and once again, Albus found that he was kind of happy and kind of angry about that. Amanda won one of her affaire d'honneur, which Albus was very happy about. He knew one-half her dueling result were from mettle and the fact that she thought she would n't do well.

Rose, John, and Matt each won one of their duel as well. Albus clapped for them even though they were on early team, which earned him glare from Malfoy. Albus did n't deal, though. Malfoy could brood as long as he wanted, it was n't going to block up Albus from cheering for his friends.

The dot were tallied after the last duel and John 's team was declared the success. Albus was slightly discomfited, but there were still three to a greater extent tournaments before the terminal. Harry announced the point totals for the entire twelvemonth and rose 's team was in first place so far. In second gear was the squad led by Hufflepuff Paul Galivant and in third was John 's team, led by Albus 's cousin Thomas Bradley.

Albus did n't guess that the inter-house dueling was decreasing the rivalry between home. Albus was n't anymore fond of the Slytherins than he had been in the beginning of the year. None of the Slytherins really got along with the Gryffindors on his squad, and vice versa. He was n't exactly for sure how it was working with the unconstipated dueling baseball club, but he had overheard Stanley complaining about how uncooperative the Slytherins on his team were. But that was calendar month ago and he did n't bonk what had been going on with it recently.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and mischiefmaker09 for their reviews !

I wrote my initiative predator Era level, slope impression May Include Gratitude and Feelings of well Being, which is a one-shot from Madam Pomfrey 's point of view. It 's on my generator page, if you 're interested. I 'd make out it if you read and reviewed it !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Matt 's birthday was a few daytime after the Dueling tourney. Albus and his friends did n't throw him a party like they had last year. That had mostly been done to cheer him up since he had been in the infirmary Wing at the time. This year they went down to the kitchens and got a cake, and then ate it in their dormitory. Kaden went with him and was amazed by the kitchens, with all the house-elves around. His reaction was queer to watch than Amanda 's the premature year. He stood there with his sass half open and then ran around grabbing as much food for thought as possible.

By the time the Quidditch peer arrived the following Saturday, Albus was utterly exhausted. Between Quidditch drill and preparation, he hardly had anytime to slumber. Throw in a trip down to the kitchens for mat 's birthday after Quidditch praxis the other nighttime, and Albus was ready to log Z's through an full day.

Albus yawned, got out of bed, and looked out the window. He had been hoping that the raging blizzard would have let up, but it had n't. tremendous, he thought, James would n't be catching the Snitch quickly in this weather.

A few hour later, Albus bade his ally goodby and headed down to the changing rooms at the Quidditch pitch. His booster had bundled themselves up in as very much scarlet and Au clothing as they owned and were make to cower against the howling twist for a few hours of Quidditch. King John, lusterlessness, and Amanda did n't seem to beware the weather at all and were excited about the peer. rosiness, on the other hand, clearly would take rather spent the afternoon in the castle studying. Kaden still liked football better than Quidditch and Albus had a tactile sensation he would n't have minded the violent storm if he was watching a football game.

`` Ok ! '' Peach State shouted a few minute after Albus entered the changing elbow room, `` Everyone come over here ! ``

`` I know the conditions is n't idealistic, '' Empire State of the South began once everyone was gathered around her, `` But we 've played in bad than this ! ``

`` Yeah, if you count that flood we played in during third year, '' Fred muttered, `` But other than that .... ''

Empire State of the South glared at Fred, `` Anyway, we 're playing Hufflepuff, so we 'll win. harper 's still captain, but it 's her cobbler's last year, so she 'll be utter set on getting the Cup. That means she 'll have trained her team even harder. They 've got a new Keeper, though. Someone named tanner Royce. He 's a fifth year. former than him, the team 's the like as finis year. So, with that, get out there and kick some Badger ass ! ``

Albus grinned to himself as he picked up his broom and started to walk to the door. Georgia was a great captain, but was n't much for long thread speech communication.

`` Albus, '' Peach State whispered and put her hand on his shoulder.

`` Yeah ? ``

`` You 're, er, less uneasy this match, right ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus smiled, remembering how he had told her he was extremely nervous the endure match. In reality, he 'd been too preoccupied with the new map. Sure, he 'd been a footling nervous, but not as very much as Georgia thought he had been. This mates, however, he was n't nearly as distracted, although he still was a bit nervous. `` I 'm a bit nervous, but not as much. ``

`` Good, '' Empire State of the South grinned and walked out the door and onto the pitch.

Albus followed his full cousin onto the delivery and was immediately hit by the forceful tip that were prevailing.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff match ! '' Todd Smith 's part sounded over the pitch. It sounded faint and kind of far away in the fart. `` It 's bloody cold out here so let 's establish it quick !

`` Here are the Gryffindors ! Captain Peach State Weasley, followed by Ryan O'Malley, Albus potter, James Potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, and Scots heather Weasley !

`` And the Hufflepuffs ! captain Jessica Harper, followed by Shawn Ames, Lisa Galivant, Andy Kaper, Stacey Sir Patrick Manson, Anna Reilly, and sixpence Royce ! ``

Professor Oteski motioned for Georgia and Harper to shake hand and as soon as they did so, Albus and the rest of the players rose into the air. Oteski released the balls and Heather immediately took monomania of the Quaffle.

`` And Heather 's got the Quaffle ! She passes to Fred, then back to ling, and to Albus. ``

Albus caught the Quaffle and started flying towards the Hufflepuff goals. He was amazed that he had actually caught it since the weather was so horrific. He could hardly see two human foot in nominal head of him. His robes were already soaked with Baron Snow of Leicester and ice and he was frigidly cold. Nevertheless, he kept flying towards the goal until he had to block little and toss the Quaffle back to heather mixture, since he almost flew straightforward into an oncoming Hufflepuff chaser.

ling caught the Quaffle and flew it the rest of the way to the goal. She threw it in and it easily went past Hufflepuff 's new Keeper.

`` destination ! Ten-zero Gryffindor ! Now hurry up and fascinate that sneak, James ! I 'm freezing my bloody- ''

`` Smith ! '' Patil shouted, `` find out your spoken language ! ``

`` Sorry, Professor. ``

The Quaffle was now back in manoeuvre and was in Hufflepuff possession. Albus was n't even sure which Chaser had it, but he knew it was a Hufflepuff. Whichever Hufflepuff had the Quaffle managed to take it to the Gryffindor goal, but Peach State saved it.

Fred took the Quaffle and flew it back to the other end of the pitch, scoring another finish for Gryffindor.

The game continued this way for the next half hour. Hufflepuff managed to seduce two finish, but Gryffindor scored about eight. Albus currently had the Quaffle and was flying straight at the Hufflepuff goals.

He narrowly avoided a bludger and both Hufflepuff beaters, but soon he was within throwing length of the goals. He faked to the rightfield and then threw the Quaffle at the left hoop. Royce tried to save it, but he was n't prompt enough.

`` goal ! Albus potter has scored against Hufflepuff ! The score is now 90-20 Gryffindor ! ``

Albus was ecstatic. That was the first goal he had ever scored in a Quidditch catch. Up until now, all he 'd done were assistance. Albus took a victory lap around the delivery and then caught the Quaffle from heather mixture.

Albus managed to nock another goal and Calluna vulgaris scored two to a greater extent in the next half hour of the equal. Hufflepuff scored a few Sir Thomas More end, but were still far behind. By now, Albus was sure enough he had turned into an icicle and was getting a bit sick of flying around in the cold. He was even getting a bit of a headache from it. Albus was n't even surely if he 'd fuck if James or Galivant caught the fink, due to the increasingly bad visibleness and snowfall. The blizzard seemed to be getting worse by the minute. If Hogwarts actually called off Quidditch, they would possess called it off a patch ago.

A few minutes later, sunshine broke out in the standstill and Albus was sure enough soul must let caught the Snitch. He was very happy to set down his broom and knew he 'd be even felicitous when he finally got into the affectionate common room.

The eternal sleep of his team was shouting in mirth and were surrounding James. He must have caught the Snitch, Albus thought. The rest of the Gryffindors were swarming the pitch and soon James was lifted onto a few people 's articulatio humeri. Albus joined the multitude of his star sign and started his way back to the castle.

On his way back to the common room, legion the great unwashed stopped him in order to plume him on the win. Albus was thrilled that they had won, but all he really wanted to do was encounter his acquaintance and get into some warm robes. James loved the attention he got after winning a Quidditch match, but Albus could take it or impart it. Right now, he could go away it since his headache was getting worse.

The company in the green room was just getting started when Albus entered a few bit later. Someone must experience snuck down to the kitchens because there was an entire table filled with food. Someone else had obviously gotten into Hogsmeade because just about everyone had a butterbeer in their hand.

Somebody shoved a butterbeer into Albus 's script as he made his way through the crowd. James was in the thick of it as usual and was rehashing how he caught the Snitch.

`` And I saw it lurking near one of the goal station. Galivant was on the other end of the pitch, so I knew she had no hope ... '' King James I was saying to a couple of giggling girls.

The residual of the team was nearby and were digging into the food that was on one of the tables.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Georgia shouted as he passed, `` I knew you could get over those nerves ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled as he went up the stairs to his residence hall.

Albus quickly changed out of his cold, wet robes and felt a bit better afterwards. He went back down to the commons room and it was even Fuller than before. It looked like all the Gryffindors had returned from the pitch and the party was in full swing.

Albus found his friends sitting at their common table and they all seemed to be enjoying the party.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted as Albus sat down, `` superb playing ! ``

`` Definitely, '' flatness agreed.

`` You 're quite a good chaser, Albus, '' rosiness said, `` Although I honestly do n't know why they did n't cancel the match with this snowstorm ... ''

`` cancel the match ? '' lavatory stared at her, `` Never ! ``

`` If it was football game, it would 've been canceled, '' Kaden commented.

`` Yeah, because you would n't be able to run around in two metrical unit of snow, '' bathroom laughed, `` But Quidditch is in the air, so it does n't count. ``

`` Will you two just quit arguing about football ? '' Rose sighed.

`` Just trying to turn Kaden into a proper sorcerer, '' John Lackland shrugged.

`` Quidditch is hardly the definition of a proper thaumaturgist, '' Rose said, `` I believe potion brewing is a bit more important and I 'm surely Kaden could instruct you a thing about it, Mr. Exploding Potions. ``

`` That was Goyle 's fault, '' King John muttered.

`` Why do n't all three of you just drop by the wayside arguing ? '' Albus snapped. His fountainhead was pounding and listening to his friends'contestation was not helping.

`` What 's with you ? '' trick asked, `` We 're not fighting anymore than convention. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to do that he 's been flying around in a snowstorm for the retiring two hours ? '' rose suggested, `` If they 'd just suffer canceled the match- ''

`` They do n't cancel Quidditch ! '' trick shouted and then turned to Matt, `` You understand this, do n't you ? ``

`` It 's true, '' lustrelessness agreed, `` Quidditch is n't ever canceled for trivial things like blizzard. ``

`` I think the weather condition just makes it more interesting, '' Amanda commented.

`` Not you too ! '' Rose groaned.

`` Football 's only played in the warm months anyway, '' Kaden said, `` They would n't even schedule an outdoor football match in the winter. ``

`` fountainhead that 's drilling, '' John replied.

Albus leaned his promontory on his hand and closed his eyes while trying to swim out his friends conversation. John, Rose, and Kaden continued to argue about the merits of Quidditch and football. Matt and Amanda stayed out of it for the most part and seemed kind of amused with the entire thing. Albus was n't, though. He wished they 'd just shut up. Albus 's promontory was steadily feeling worsened, like he was being hit with a bludger over and over again. Besides that, he still had n't completely warmed up from the match and was shivering, despite his dry robes.

`` I think football would be a decent sport if it were played on brooms, '' John said.

`` Oh come on, John ! '' rose wine sighed, `` Be unplayful ! You ca n't toy football game on brooms. How would you kick the ball ? ``

`` Not to mention that Muggles play football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Muggles ca n't fly ! ``

`` I 'm not saying that Muggles should play football game on brooms. I meant if football game were ever played by thaumaturgist, it should be done on brooms. ``

football game on broom, Albus thought, what an insane idea. His booster were now trying to coalesce football and Quidditch.

`` Albus, are you all right ? '' Matt asked.

Albus opened his optic and lifted his oral sex off his hired hand. `` I dunno. ``

`` You do n't front that great, '' flatness said concernedly.

John, Rose, and Kaden stopped arguing and looked at Albus.

`` Yeah, you look sorry than lustrelessness does when he gets grim, '' Kaden said loudly.

`` Thanks, '' mat muttered.

`` matt 's right, '' Rose said, `` You do look painful, Albus. ``

`` I 've got a headache, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You should go see Madam Pomfrey, '' Kaden told him.

`` I think I 'll just go to bed, '' Albus got up from his chair, `` I have n't really slept much the past few nights. I 'm probably just tired. ``

Albus stumbled over to the dormitory doorway, feeling worse than he had a few minutes ago. He collapsed into his bed and fell asleep moment later.

******

Albus awoke with a commencement and he was n't trusted how much sentence had passed since he went to catch some Z's. He still felt extremely tired and his head still hurt. He groaned and closed his center again, wanting only to sleep for a few 24-hour interval straight.

Right when he was about to drift off again, soul threw the curtain back and Albus 's bed was flooded in light.

`` Ugh, '' Albus groaned and covered his middle with his hands. `` What was that for ? ``

`` You 've slept almost an total day, '' someone said.

Albus moved his hands and slowly opened his center. John was standing over his bed with a flavour of business concern on his look.

`` And I 'd like to log Z's a bit more if you do n't mind, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You slept through dinner party last night, and breakfast and luncheon today. Are n't you hungry ? ``

`` Not really. ``

`` Are you sure you 're ok ? '' lav asked, `` Rose sent me up here to check over on you. ``

Honestly, Albus was n't sure he was ok. He could n't recollect the last time he had slept an entire day. But right now all he wanted was for St. John to go away so he could sleep some more.

`` I 'll be fine once I sleep some more, '' Albus replied and rolled over away from John.

`` If you 're sure, '' John said quietly and closed the curtains.

It did n't conduct Albus long to fall back asleep. He had some strange dreams that involved Teddy telling him his broom broke and he 'd have to play Quidditch without it by running around on the ground. Then, instead of a Quaffle, the match was played with a football.

Albus woke up briefly after one of these dreaming, only to find that the dormitory was coloured. He could get wind Ethan 's muffle stertor and an owl hooting out-of-door. Unfortunately, he did n't feel any just than he had when John woke him up. In fact, he now felt worse. Every one of his muscle were aching, like he had fallen from his broom during the match. But Albus could n't return falling from his Scots heather. When had the match been anyway ? Yesterday or the day before ? Albus could n't flush remember and he did n't even know what day it was currently.

`` Albus ! '' mortal shouted. Albus was dreaming about Quidditch again and somebody was hitting him with their beater 's bat.

`` Quit it, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Albus, are you all right ? ``

`` Go away, '' Albus said, `` And lay off smacking me with that beater 's bat. ``

`` Beater 's bat ? '' they repeated, `` That 's it, I 'm getting Professor Potter. ``

`` I 'll go, '' soul else said, `` You stay here with him. ``

Whoever had been hitting Albus with the bat had stopped, and he was grateful. Georgia had taken the bat away and was now yelling at its owner. Then she announced that they would be playing football game instead of Quidditch. James complained loudly, since there were n't any seeker in football.

`` Albus, wake up ! ``

`` I think Kaden said you 'll have to play defense, James, '' Albus mumbled in his eternal sleep. `` There is n't a Snitch in football. ``

`` Hang on, Albus, John 's getting your dad. ``

`` My dad ? He 'll have to work Defense, too. ``

`` What 's wrong ? '' someone new shouted.

`` He 's been sleeping since after the match, Professor ceramist. I think he 's sick. ``

`` Since after the compeer ? ``

`` Er, yeah. We thought he was just tired, but he 's been sleeping for two days. ``

`` The catch ? '' Albus muttered, `` Did we beat Slytherpuff yet ? ``

Albus felt himself being lifted out of his bed and into someone 's arms. He rested his head on their shoulder and shivered as his blanket fell back onto the bed. Albus fell back into a deep sleep and succeeding woke up as he was being laid down on another bed.

Albus heard people talking all around him, but he could n't make out what they were saying. Someone poured a few disgusting potions down his pharynx and forced him to swallow them. There was more muttering around him, but Albus soon drifted off to log Z's again.

The room was quieter when Albus next woke up. He opened his eyes and looked around. Where was he ? Albus was certain he had fallen asleep in his hall, but now it looked as if he was in the hospital Wing. The place was nearly deserted, relieve for ma'am Pomfrey sitting at her desk. Albus yawned and tried to sit up, but he was still vertiginous. The near thing was that his school principal felt much better. However, his torso still ached.

lady Pomfrey looked up from her desk and got up once she saw that Albus was awake. She grabbed a few bottles and put them on a tray, which she then carried over to Albus 's bed and set it on the bedside table.

`` trade good, you 're up, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey said as she poured one of the potions into a cup, `` You gave us all quite a fright. ``

`` What time is it ? '' Albus asked, still confused about what he was doing there.

`` Just after six o'clock. ``

`` Er, and what day ? ``

`` Monday, '' the nurse said as she thrust the cup under Albus 's olfactory organ, `` Drink that. ``

Albus downed the potion quickly, `` Yuck. It 's really Mon ? I 've missed classes ? ``

`` I 'd say so. ``

`` Er, what exactly happened ? I mean, I went to bed in my dormitory and now I 'm here ... ''

`` You 're ill, '' Madam Pomfrey said, `` You 've caught the flu. Your friends told me you slept for almost two days and then they went to get your forefather since you were n't getting any better and had started becoming unrestrained. You 've been here since around lunch clip. ``

`` Oh. fountainhead, how long do I have to abide ? ``

`` Another two days, probably, '' Madam Pomfrey told him. `` Now I want you to drink these other two potions and eat that bowl of soup. ``

Albus nodded and gentlewoman Pomfrey strode back over to her desk. Albus thought back and could vaguely remember being taken out of his dormitory, but it was only a blurry memory. The last matter he could really recollect well was the Quidditch match. He was very happy he had n't fallen ill before the match.

No Oklahoman had Albus drank the first potion that the doorway to the Hospital Wing swung undetermined and trick, matt, Rose, and Amanda came bursting through. Madam Pomfrey got up quickly from her desk and met them halfway.

`` Is Albus awake ? '' pink wine asked.

`` Yes, he 's only just woken up. I suppose you can chatter him for a few minutes. But calmly ! He needs to rest ! ``

`` Albus ! '' Rose shrieked when she ran over to his bed, `` Thank pigeon hawk you 're all good ! ``

`` How are you ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Doing better ? '' John asked.

`` Well, '' matte said with a half smile on his pale side, `` This is a shift. ``

Albus grinned at him, `` Yeah, ca n't really commend a metre where it was you visiting me here. ``

`` What exactly have you got anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Flu, '' Albus answered, `` But I 'm getting better. Not nearly as tired as before. ``

`` I would hope so, '' John smirked, `` You slept two Day. ``

`` I 'll probably slumber another two, '' Albus said, `` Pomfrey said I 've got to remain another two day. ``

`` We 'll be here together, then, '' Matt replied.

Albus looked at his friend, who was looking a bit exhausted himself. `` When 's the full phase of the moon moon again ? ``

`` Tomorrow, '' lusterlessness sighed.

`` Did you take that new potion ? '' Albus asked.

matt nodded, `` Yeah, and I 'm more knackered than usual. ``

`` He fell asleep in History of Magic and almost fell asleep in Potions, '' lav said.

`` wellspring, you did n't sleep through two whole days like I did, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I 've done it before. I 've slept through more than two years actually. I think four is my record. ``

`` All right field ! '' Madam Pomfrey announced, `` time for you lot to be off to bed, especially you, lusterlessness. And Albus needs to rest. ``

`` See you tomorrow, '' Albus said as his friend left the room.

`` Sure will, '' lustrelessness replied.

Albus slept on and off throughout the Night and the future morning. He was still tired, but felt much better when he woke up late the following sunrise. His dad had stopped by former before class, but Albus fell back asleep after he left.

Madam Pomfrey was fussing over him and giving him numerous potions to pledge. Albus was the only patient in the entire ward, so the nurse 's fussing was all focused on him.

The nurse had been giving Albus what must have been his one-tenth glassful of water supply that morning when the doors to the ward opened. lustrelessness stumbled inside and walked shakily over to the bed next to Albus 's. He collapsed onto it and winced in pain.

Madam Pomfrey immediately put down the water pitcher and descended upon lusterlessness.

`` You 're here earlier than usual, '' she said as she felt his head word, `` And you 're burning up. ``

`` Why are you here earlier ? '' Albus asked once Madam Pomfrey had gone to get another potion.

`` Tired, '' Matt mumbled, `` felled seam asleep in Defense and your dad told me to come here. ``

`` Is it the new potion ? ``

`` Yeah, it does n't exactly help oneself much, does it ? ``

`` I thought you said they were going to find something to counteract the part of it that makes you tired, '' Albus said.

`` They are, they just have n't found it yet. ``

`` Oh. ``

Madam Pomfrey returned a moment later and gave mat a few potions. He drank them and was asleep minutes later. Albus was n't really tired, but he fell asleep anyway out of lack of anything else to do.

John the Evangelist, Rose, and Amanda stopped by after dinner to see Albus and matt, but ma'am Pomfrey did n't let them stay long. Matt had been asleep anyway. Shortly after their champion left, Madam Pomfrey woke Matt up and took him down to the Whomping Wilow.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Moonylupin, potterfan296, Miguel, Gospel of Luke, and Denas for their critique !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus awoke the adjacent morning, he felt much better. In fact, he felt mostly normal. He was n't achy anymore and his chief felt better as well. He hungrily ate all the breakfast lady Pomfrey provided.

The Same could n't be said for Matt, who was looking a lot defective than the previous day. He was either asleep or unconscious, Albus was betting on the latter, and he had numerous cuts and excoriation on his face. His right arm and os frontale were covered in a with child bandages.

`` So when can I leave ? '' Albus asked as Madam Pomfrey performed some sort of spell on Matt.

`` Later today, most likely, '' she said after she 'd finished her incantation.

Albus sighed. He had been hoping he 'd be able to result that morning. He was starting to feel incredibly bored with the Hospital wing, although not bored enough to depart the prep Rose had brought the previous evening.

Albus spent the residuum of the morning drifting in and out of sleep out of lack of anything else to do. brothel keeper Pomfrey gave him a few more nasty tasting potions and lunch, which Albus ate ravenously. After going two days without food, he was starving.

The doorway to the Hospital Wing opened just as Albus was finishing his lunch. John, rose, and Amanda walked inside and immediately headed for Albus 's bed. gentlewoman Pomfrey was in her office and did n't seem to notice the visitors.

`` Hey, how are you ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Bored, '' Albus replied.

`` That 's goodness, '' blush wine grinned.

`` Are you estimable now ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Pretty much. dame Pomfrey wo n't let me depart until later, though. want she 'd let me leave now. ``

`` She just wants to make sure you 're completely better, '' rosebush said, `` And it 's not like you 're missing course of study since this is our good afternoon off. ``

`` Exactly ! '' John sighed, `` He could be doing much better stuff on his afternoon off if he was n't here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Like figuring out the new map. ``

`` How are we going to do that anyway ? '' John asked.

`` Go to the library, '' Albus replied, `` We 've got to attend for slipway of proving who we are. ``

john groaned, `` And I doubt there will just be a book titled Prove Who You Are to a patch of Parchment. ``

`` Probably not, '' Rose laughed. `` But we 'll find out somehow. ``

`` devising anymore progress on the charm for Kaden ? '' Albus asked.

`` A bit, yeah. I tried it again finale dark on John and this time he could n't even move his mouthpiece like survive time. Now I 've just got to visualize out how to imply other masses in the secret. ``

`` And then all we 've got to do is convince Matt that the spell is foolproof, '' toilet said.

Everyone glanced over at lusterlessness 's bed, where he was still sleeping.

`` He been numb all day ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Ever since I 've been awake. ``

matt groaned and opened his eyes, `` You lot here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` Horrible, '' Matt said flatly, `` My head is killing me. Were you talking about me ? ``

`` A bit, '' John said, `` Just about that spell for Kaden. We 're going to get working on the map once you two are out of here. Got to find some way to shew to it that we 're like the predator. ``

`` speech sound good, '' lusterlessness yawned.

`` When do you get to allow for ? '' Amanda asked, `` Albus is leaving later today. ``

`` No idea, '' flatness said, `` Not until at least tomorrow night. mightiness be out in meter for astronomy. ``

`` Ca n't you not be outside when the moon is close to full ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Only when it 's waxing. When it 's waning I 'm fine. ``

`` So, we 'll plan on working on the map this weekend, then, '' Albus said. `` Unless any of you catch what I had. ``

`` Hope not, '' John said. `` Maybe Malfoy will beguile it, '' he added gleefully.

`` John, that 's not odd, '' pink wine scolded, `` He 'd be really sick. ``

`` He 'd get better. Albus is fine now. ``

Albus heard a door open and Madam Pomfrey came strolling out of her office. She looked up and saw the crew around Albus and mat 's bed and made a beeline for them.

`` What are you lot doing here ? '' she demanded.

`` Visiting Albus and Matt, '' blush wine answered.

`` Oh, you 're awake ! '' the nanny exclaimed and went over to mat 's bed, apparently forgetting that Rose, lavatory, and Amanda had burst in without her permission. `` How do you feel ? ``

`` Awful, '' mat replied. `` My head hurts and so does pretty very much everything else. ``

`` You must have hit your head much spoilt than usual last night, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed, `` You had quite the concussion earlier. I 'll go get some pain potions. ``

She returned a arcminute later with a potion for Matt, who drank it in one gulp.

`` Now, you three have to exit, '' madam Pomfrey said to blush wine, John, and Matt, `` Albus will be out later and you can see him then. ``

tedium set in for Albus shortly after his friends left. Matt had fallen back asleep quickly after he took his pain potion. Albus could n't even sleep anymore because he had already slept so much that day.

******

`` What are we supposed to be looking for anyway ? '' John sighed as he slammed a script shut.

Albus, John, lusterlessness, Rose, and Amanda were all crowded around a secluded tabular array in the library. It was covered in books that covered all sorts of subject. The five of them had spent the last hour searching for ways to prove to the new map that they were like the predator. So far, nobody had found anything utile.

`` I do n't know, '' Albus replied, `` Anything that might prove that we 're like the Marauders. ``

`` That 's not very specific, '' John muttered, `` I really do n't want to spend an intact Sat here. ``

`` It 'll do you some good, '' Rose said.

`` regard we could just use that script that you used to find the other magic spell, '' Albus said to blush wine, thinking of Flitwick 's book.

`` Me too, but it 's in the Restricted Section, '' Rose said.

`` Why ca n't we just get professor Potter to give us a note ? Bet he would, '' Saint John said.

`` Bet he would n't, '' Albus disagreed, `` He 'd make out we 're up to something. ``

`` Besides, '' blush wine interjected, `` It might not be a good luck charm we 're looking for. ``

`` We 're just going to stimulate to go on looking, '' Albus said as he opened another book. `` But I 've got Quidditch pattern in a one-half hour. ``

`` We 'll just expect every clock time we can get away from Kaden, '' Matt suggested.

`` Where is he anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. Come to think of it, he had n't seen Kaden since breakfast. It was kind of strange since Kaden spent every waking moment of his day ( when he was n't in year ) no lupus erythematosus than four animal foot away from Albus.

`` There he is, '' Matt pointed to somewhere behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw his cousin-german running through the library with a clipboard in his hand.

`` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` repose ! '' Madam Pince shouted even louder, `` Or I 'll throw you all out ! ``

`` Albus, '' Kaden said more quietly as he sat down in an vacuous electric chair at their table.

Albus eyed Kaden 's clipboard but he could n't read what it said. `` Hi Kaden. ``

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied, `` testament you sign my petition ? ``

`` Petition ? '' Albus asked, `` What in the name of Falco columbarius are you petitioning for ? ``

`` TVs in the rough-cut rooms, '' Kaden grinned.

`` What ? ! '' John and Matt shouted.

`` still ! '' Madam Pince screeched.

blush wine laughed, `` What on earth for ? ``

`` I would n't bear in mind having a TV in the coarse room, '' Amanda commented.

`` Exactly, '' Kaden said, `` It 's hard enough for us Muggle-borns to set to Hogwarts and if we had TVs, it would have it easier. ``

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' John laughed.

`` Nope, not kidding, '' Kaden said, `` I 've got loads of signature tune already. I 'm not really sure enough how many I 'll require, though. I figure I 'll try and get as many as I can in a few years and then return it to Professor Longbottom. ``

Albus tried to curb his smiling, but he could n't. The idea of Kaden trying to get television set put into the green rooms was just too singular. There would be no way any of the teachers would fit to it even if everyone in Hogwarts signed the petition.

`` So will you sign it ? '' Kaden asked, `` If this goes through, I 'll try for data processor next. ``

`` Computers, '' matte laughed, `` You 're mad. ``

`` I 'll bless, '' Amanda grabbed the clipboard and quill.

`` Sure, why not ? '' Albus shrugged. It could n't hurt to sign the matter, and he was for certain Kaden would n't stop bugging them unless they did.

whoremaster and flatness signed as well, although they were laughing the totally clip. Rose signed a bit reluctantly, but she eventually gave in.

`` So what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked after Rose finished signing.

`` Homework, '' Albus replied automatically.

Kaden stared at the vauntingly pile of books, `` second year must be bloody insane. ``

`` Oh, it is, '' John said, `` You wo n't have any time to follow any TV. ``

`` I 'll seduce time, '' Kaden said as he stood up, `` Well, I 'm going to get More signatures. ``

Albus watched as his full cousin went from table to tabularise trying to get people to sign up. Some of them liked the thought and signed willingly. Others laughed until Kaden gave up and others looked at him like he was crazy. Eventually, madam Pince found out what he was doing and threw him out of the library.

`` Your full cousin is the unearthly bloke I 've ever met, '' John said after Kaden was kicked out.

`` Yeah, he is a bit unknown, '' Albus agreed and closed the book he was reading, `` Well, I 'm off to practice. I 'll see you lot later. ``

After pattern, Albus went to the green room and found his booster sitting around their usual table doing homework. Unfortunately, none of them had found anything that would help them to prove that they were like the Marauders. Albus was beginning to wonder if they 'd ever get that map working. Even if they did regain a way to shew they were like the Marauders, what would they take in to do next ? How many matter would they have to do before they would actually be able to see the map ? Albus had no musical theme, but he knew the Marauders were n't going to make this easy.

******

The sleep of February passed quickly. Albus and his supporter continued to scour the subroutine library for any sorting of charm, spell, or potion that would help them in their quest to reveal the map. None of them found anything. Kaden thought they were all doing homework as they searched the books every weekend. Rose was making advancement with the Sileo Altus appealingness, but it was n't quite perfected enough to use yet. rosebush was trusted she 'd make it learned by the end of the month. Matt never said much when the charm was brought up and Albus was hoping he would still agree to tell Kaden once Rose perfected the spell.

Kaden 's petition to have telly put into the common room was rejected shortly after he gave it to Neville. Kaden did n't seem in the least bit deter by this. He insisted it was rejected due to lack of convincing evidence as to how the televisions would benefit the students. He was planning on resubmitting it along with a detailed essay on the subject field later on in the term.

`` You know, Kaden, '' Rose said at dinner one dark, `` Even if the teachers accepted your postulation, the televisions would n't even work here. There 's too a lot conjuration. ``

`` Oh, I 'm sure there 's a magical spell that would counteract that, '' Kaden said.

`` It wo n't work, '' Matt said, `` Magic just does n't agree with electronics. This one time when we were visiting my Uncle Jack in the United States, Amy accidentally broke one of the metal demodulator at the airdrome. It was n't her fault or anything, the conjuration just interrupted it or something. The thing started beeping and would n't stop until they turned it off. ``

John laughed, `` That would 've been hilarious to see. ``

`` Amy did n't think so. She was mortified, '' Matt said, `` It was a piece ago, before we even moved here. I think she was fourteen. ``

`` Well, I still say they could get a way, '' Kaden said.

`` Hey, looking, '' Albus pointed to the Head tabular array. professor Kendrick was standing up.

`` enquire what he 's got to say ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

`` Hope it 's nothing bad, '' rose wine said.

`` He looks glad enough, '' Amanda commented.

`` May I have your attention ! '' Kendrick announced. The room fell tacit. `` Thank you. Do n't care, I 'm not giving out bad news. In fact, I think you 'll come up this declaration most turn on. ``

There was a full general mutter of excitation throughout the Great Hall at this. Kendrick waited for everyone to stop talking before he continued.

`` If you 'll remember at the beginning of the class, when I announced the variety for the Dueling social club, that that would only be one part of the House unity drive. I am announcing today that the other professor and I have organized another unity event. It will be a scavenger hunt club, with inter-house teams, of course. ``

Albus groaned. A scavenger hunt would be fun, but not if he had to do it with Slytherins. Everyone else seemed to be in concord, because there was a general groaning throughout.

`` I know you do n't like it, but the shoal needs to be unified. Now, I will explain the event. It will not be like a habitue pack rat Hunt. It will necessitate billet on the next three Sabbatum. This Sat will be for the kickoff and second years. The following will be for one-third and one-quarter years. The last will be for fifth, sixth, and seventh years.

`` The other professor and I will be organizing the teams, which will comprise of members of other years and other planetary house. Each team will have about ten members. You will take one hour to fill in the project given.

`` You will get a listing of items to get before this hour is up. There are rules, of track. Some of these detail will be required to obtain without charming. We will be performing appeal on these items and if we find that any of them were spelled, transfigured, conjured, charmed, etc. within the hour they will be disqualified.

`` However, the pack rat hunt will not only include a tilt of items to find. You will also invite multiple trivia sheets. These will include both wizard and Muggle trifle.

`` Finally, each team will meet a riddle, which if they deceiver correctly, will run them on a pursuance throughout the castle and priming. When you reach the end, there will be a bit of data that must be returned to me. If you are successful, you 'll get a 100 full stop bonus. However, there is also a fictive trail that will take you to worthless information. If that is brought back, you 'll receive no bonus.

`` I will give you a more detailed list of rules on the day of the event. Until then, keep your brains sharp and do n't get rid of anything you would otherwise deem useless, '' Kendrick smiled and returned to his seat.

Albus turned to his friends, `` This sounds, er, interesting. ``

`` It 's really an fantabulous idea, '' rose grinned, `` I mean, there 's no way a single person would be capable to accomplish all of it alone. It 's a great idea for House unity. ``

`` It 'd be better if we did n't have to team up with Slytherins, '' John muttered.

`` But what if there 's something on that list that 's in the Slytherin common way or something ? '' pink wine pointed out.

can groaned, `` I guess you 're right. ``

`` Sounds fun, though, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah. Wonder what we get if we win ? '' Matt asked.

`` Hopefully some coupons to get out of prep or something, '' John Lackland said.

`` Since when have they given away those ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Now 's the gross time for them to bulge, '' John replied.

`` I hope I 'm on your team, Albus, '' Kaden piped up.

`` That would be great, '' Albus smiled, and he actually meant it. It sounded like there was going to be a lot of random poppycock on that lean and if there was anyone in the schooling that had burden of random stuff, it was Kaden.

******

The next few daylight seemed to drag on forever for Albus and the residue of the number 1 and second years. Everyone was getting excited about the scavenger hunt and the teachers were getting a bit annoyed that cypher was paying attention in class.

Soon enough, Sabbatum arrived and Kendrick announced at dejeuner for all the first and second yr to stay on seat after they were done eating. Once all the older students left, Kendrick got to his feet once more.

`` Now, the moment you 've all been waiting for, '' Kendrick said, `` The pack rat William Holman Hunt will get down shortly. get-go, I have a few more rules to go over.

`` As I said earlier in the week, there are point on this leaning that are not allowed to be created using magic. You may not conjure, transfigure, spell, or charm any of those items. Asking an older pupil to do so is also against the pattern. We have spells that will detect if any item was magicked during the hr of the pack rat hunt.

`` The particular must be found within the school and earth. Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, the Whomping willow, and Hagrid 's hut are all out of bounds and you may not search for detail in or around them. You may not ask sr. students or instructor for assist, nor may you owl family members or former people. However, you may ask sr. students if they have any of the token on the list. It is up to them if they let you take over them or not. Do not slip anything from anyone or there will be penalization. You are permitted to use the library for help with the trivia. ``

Rose 's human face lit up at that and Albus knew she would be the official library researcher for her team.

`` There are going to be eight team of approximately ten students each. Your theatre prefects have your squad assignments. Teams one and two are to collect at the Hufflepuff table, one at each end. team three and four at the Gryffindor table, five and six at Ravenclaw, and seven and eight at Slytherin. You will be given a few mo to get organized in your team and then the former professors will hand out the appropriate material. Each team is given one set of stuff, no more. If you lose it, tough luck. Now please see your prefects. ``

Albus got up from the table and looked around until he spotted Georgia. He and his friends wound their way through the crowd until they managed to get to her.

`` Hey, Albus ! '' Georgia grinned and looked at her clipboard, `` Ready ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm on a salutary squad, right ? ``

`` Well, there are Slytherins on all the teams, if that 's what you mean, '' Georgia laughed, `` Anyway, you 're on Team Two. ``

Albus nodded and waited for his friends to get their team assignments.

Georgia scanned her clipboard again, `` Let 's see, Rose is on Team One, St. John the Apostle is on team Four, Matt 's on team Two ... ''

Albus grinned at Matt. He was relieved that one of his protagonist was on his team. Now all he had to do was hope Malfoy was n't on his team.

`` Amanda 's on team Four, and Kaden 's on Team Six, '' Georgia looked up at them, `` Have fun. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said and then turned to his Quaker, `` guessing we 'll see you after. Good luck. ``

Albus and Matt worked their way through the crew to the Hufflepuff board along with rosiness. Albus was a bit disappointed that Kaden was n't on his team, but there was n't anything he could do about that. The probability were n't great that he would take two of his supporter on his same team. He was just favorable he had one of his friends on the Saami team.

The Hufflepuff mesa was already filling with masses from team one and two. team Two was gathering at the half closest to the stave table, so Albus and mat made their way there.

There seemed to be a fairly even phone number of each house at the board. Besides Albus and flatness, there was one other Gryffindor, a low year girl Albus had seen but did n't be intimate her name. There were also two Ravenclaws Albus did n't know, three Hufflepuffs, and two Slytherins. Albus groaned when he saw who the Slytherins were, Felix Willinson and Vivien Leigh Montague. Leigh was Rose 's potions partner and not the sharpest shaft in the box.

Felix Willinson narrowed his eyes when he saw Albus and lusterlessness coming over. Albus found butt far away from him and sat down, waiting for the scavenger hunt to begin.

One of the Ravenclaws stood up a few seconds later, `` Hi, I 'm Rachel Underwood and I 've been assigned as team captain. ``

Everyone muttered hello to her and Rachel had everyone introduce themselves. So far, Willinson and Montague did n't seem enthused about their squad, but Rachel did n't pay any attention to their animosity.

professor Patil came over a little while later with a handful of lambskin. Albus assumed they were the lists of stuff to attend for and the trivia.

`` The hunt will pop in one minute ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professors will ease up you your tilt as soon as I say go. You 'll have one hour to be back here with as a great deal stuff you can possibly get. ``

A bit later, Kendrick shot out a shower of blue sparks from his wand and Patil handed the stack of parchment to Rachel.

`` All right field ! '' Rachel shouted as she leafed through the parchment, `` We need someone to decrypt the conundrum and run around to get the bonus points. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' the other Ravenclaw volunteered. Rachel nodded and handed him the parchment. He ran out of the Great Hall while reading the riddle.

`` Ok, here 's the trivia, '' Rachel continued, `` We 've got noted witch and Wizards, Famous Muggles, What Not To Do While Interacting With Muggles, What Do You Know About Quidditch, and What Do You get laid About Football. ``

Albus turned to Matt and laughed. Kaden would surely love the football game one.

Rachel handed out the trivia to the the great unwashed who thought they 'd be able to do it. Willinson had n't taken any of the trifle sheets, but Montague took the Quidditch one. Albus hoped she actually knew something about Quidditch.

`` Now we 've just got the list of items to find, '' Rachel announced to the remaining team members, which were Albus, matt, Willinson, and one of the Hufflepuffs. `` You four get started while I work on the trivia. Oh, but I 'll ask upkeep of the costumes. You 'll just have to fag out them. ``

Albus nodded and took the sheepskin from her. Costumes ? He hoped he would n't have to wear down anything too humiliating. He set it down on the table and began to read it, with everyone else looking over his shoulder.

Items Are To Be Gathered Without legerdemain

-holly wand
-five vomit flavored Bertie Botts bean plant
-Slytherin wearing Gryffindor robes
-Gryffindor wearing Slytherin gown
-light saber
-Dumbledore Chocolate frog card
-twenty shoelaces tied together
-Quaffle signed by Oliver woods
-Shooting wiz broomstick
-Muggle pen
-copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
-a Nintendo DS
-girl dressed up as Godric Gryffindor
-boy dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff
-color changing ink
-beater bat
-drum sticks
-silver goblet
-Chudley cannon jersey
-six Extendable spike
-Muggle playing cards
-receipt from Madam Malkins
-Argus Filch 's John Hancock
-the figure of five Hogwarts sign Elves
-rubber duck
-copy of Hogwarts, A History
-sneakoscope
-foe glass
-tea cozy
-Hogwarts graduation picture
-band aids
-green vacuous potions bottle
-Beatles CD
-purple gloves
-Hershey 's coffee bar
-My Little Hippogriff
-pet toad
-purple parchment
-two batteries
-tortilla chips

Albus looked up from the tilt and waited for everyone else to finish reading.

`` What the bloody inferno is a CD ? '' Willinson asked.

`` Muggle way of listening to medicine, '' Albus explained, `` One of my cousins might birth one. ``

`` I 've got one, '' the Hufflepuff, who Albus now knew to be Viscount Nelson Rodner, said.

`` commodity, '' Albus replied, `` Anyone else know they 've got some of this stuff ? ``

Everyone nodded.

`` Let 's go get the stuff we know we 've got and then meet back here, '' Albus said as he got up. `` Then we can make on the stuff we do n't. ``

The former three son agreed and Albus ran out of the Great Hall with Matt. The two of them ran as fast as they could up to Gryffindor Tower.


A/N : I ca n't take credit for the scavenger hunt approximation. There is a resort hotel in Pennsylvania called Woodloch pine that I go to every summer and they have scavenger hunts like the one in this chapter. dispatch with costumes, trivia, and the riddle. It 's a lot of fun.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Luke, Moonylupin, EvilChaos, potterfan296, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, Miguel, Denas, and phoenixy friend for their revue !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or the idea for the scavenger hunt.


`` Willinson is acting civil, '' Albus commented as they were running up a flight of stairs of stairs.

`` Yeah, '' lusterlessness agreed, `` kind of surprising. Either he really wants to win or he 's not as confident without Malfoy. ``

`` Probably both, '' Albus said, `` Whatever the reason, we lucked out. ``

Everyone stared as Albus and Matt ran into the mutual room completely out of breath. `` pack rat hunt, '' Albus muttered to his cousin-german Ben and Cedric as he ran by.

`` Excellent, '' Ben grinned, `` Ca n't expect until our spell next Saturday. ``

Bilius was also in their dorm room collecting items when Albus and Matt entered. They nodded to each other, but did n't say anything.

Albus wrenched unfastened his trunk and started rifling through it. He found a bag of Bertie Botts noodle, a Dumbledore cocoa frog card, his transcript of Hogwarts, A history, one Extendable Ear, and the pic record album he found in the Ionic of his household. The graduation picture in the back would work for the Hogwarts graduation picture.

`` What have you got ? '' he asked matte once he emerged from his trunk.

`` My sceptre 's holly, a muggle pen, stria aids, Chudley Cannons jersey, and a Nintendo DS, although I 'm not sure why I still bother to impart it since it does n't work here. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Let 's get back to the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall. ``

When Albus and lustrelessness got back to the Hufflepuff mesa, Willinson and Rodner had already returned. There was a megabucks of stuff on the board between them. Albus looked through it and saw that they now had a copy of The Hobbit, colouring changing ink, a beater 's bat, Muggle playing cards, and a sneakoscope.

`` All right, we 've got a dependable outset, '' Albus said as he added his and Matt 's stuff to the pile. `` I guess we 'll have to ask the older students to take over the rest.

`` Rodner, '' Albus began, `` You see if you can get a light cavalry sword, a Quaffle signed by Oliver Sir Henry Joseph Wood, a Shooting Star broomstick, drum sticks, a receipt from Madam Malkin 's, foe glass, and a Beatles CD. ``

`` Sure, '' Rodner said and took off out of the room.

`` Willinson, '' Albus turned to the Slytherin, `` Go down to the kitchens and see if you can get a silver chalice, tortilla crisp, a tea tea cozy, the names of five theater elves, and a Hershey bar. ``

`` Why should I ? '' Willinson grumbled, `` Who put you in rush ? ``

`` somebody 's got to do it, '' Albus told him.

`` shuffling Eckerton do it. ``

`` Him and I are getting the rest, '' Albus replied, `` If you want to win, you 'll get the stuff. ``

`` amercement, '' Willinson muttered and left the Great Hall.

`` Ok, that leaves the shoe laces, empty Green River potions bottle, violet gloves, a My Little Hippogriff, a toad, empurpled parchment, a rubber duck, two batteries, and five More Extendable spike. Oh, and Filch 's autograph. ``

`` We 'll do that one net, '' Matt shuddered. `` We can probably just go back to the coarse room and ask if anyone 's got this stuff. ``

`` commodity idea, '' Albus agreed.

The two boys set off at a run back to their unwashed room. Luckily it was still packed with scholarly person and some of them grinned as Albus and mat entered.

`` How 's it going ? '' Ben asked.

`` Good, '' Albus grinned back, `` But we 've got a bunch of stuff and nonsense to come up. hear up everyone ! '' he shouted.

The intact coarse room quieted and turned to Albus. Albus was momentarily shocked that everyone actually stopped what they were doing to pay attention to him.

`` Er, we 're doing the scavenger hunt and call for some stuff and nonsense. Has anyone got a My Little Hippogriff, purple boxing glove, a toad, purple parchment, a rubber duck, barrage fire, or Extandable Ears ? Also, we need twenty skid lacing. I promise we 'll return it all once we 're done. ``

About half the scholarly person got up and went up to their residence hall. A few minutes later they came back down with various items for Albus. He managed to borrow a condom duck, purple sheepskin, and a few Extendable Ears. Plus he got at least twenty horseshoe laces.

`` That worked well, '' Albus said as he and matte left the room.

`` I 'd say so, '' lusterlessness agreed, `` Now Filch 's autograph. This ought to be fun. ``

Albus smacked his helping hand to his forehead, `` I should have grabbed the map ! ``

Albus groaned and ran back to the common room. Everyone laughed as he ran up to his student residence and back down to the mutual room. Albus ignored them and pointed his wand to the map. A few s later he saw that Filch was lurking near the library.

Albus and Matt took off for the subroutine library and spotted Filch a few yards away from the room access.

`` How are we supposed to ask him ? '' Albus whispered.

`` No idea, '' Matt said back.

Albus 's affection sped up as he got closer to the old caretaker. `` Er, Mr. Filch ? '' he asked.

Filch startled and turned around. He saw Albus and smirked. `` Potter. Up to no ripe again ? In indigence of another detention, perhaps ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, `` Actually, I was just, er, well, we 're doing this scavenger hunt. Maybe Kendrick told you about it. It 's to encourage Inter planetary house Unity and we have to rule all this clobber throughout the castling and- ''

`` We need your autograph, '' Matt interrupted, holding a piece of parchment and the Muggle pen in his outstretched hand.

Filch stared at them and then started muttering to himself. `` Do n't see why I should annoy ... Students never do anything for me ... ''

Nevertheless, Filch took the pen and scribbled his gens onto the purple parchment. He thrust it wordlessly back into Matt 's script and shuffled off down the corridor.

`` That went better than expected, '' Matt said.

`` Yeah, thanks. I could n't really figure out how to ask him. ``

`` I figured, '' matte grinned, `` Anyway, we still need a few things. Hey, Kendrick never mentioned anything about the way. Do you think we could just ask it for the rest of this ? ``

Albus wondered why he had n't thought of that. It almost seemed like cheating, but Kendrick never said anything. `` That 's brilliant ! ``

The two of them set off for the Room, but when they got there, there was a Hufflepuff prefect milling around right in front of the elbow room. Albus slowly walked back and forth in front of it, keeping an eye on the prefect.

He was about to work his third pass, when the prefect stopped him. `` Sorry, '' he said, `` You ca n't go in there if you 're in the pack rat search. Kendrick 's convention. ``

Albus sighed, `` All right. ``

`` Of course, '' Matt muttered as they left, `` Kendrick could n't announce that rule because then everyone would find out about the Room. Oh, well. What have we got left ? ``

Albus handed flatness the list and he looked it over for a few seconds. `` Hey, I know Madam Pomfrey 's got green potions feeding bottle. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Albus said, `` We 'd better hurry, there 's only xv minutes left. ``

They made it to the Hospital Wing in track record clock time. Albus pushed the door open and walked in, followed by Matt.

`` I 've got patients to tend to ! '' Madam Pomfrey was shouting at a Ravenclaw first gear year, `` I have n't got time for this pack rat hunt nonsense ! You 're the fifth someone I 've had come in here looking for potions feeding bottle and band help ! I have n't got any ! ``

The girl nodded and ran quickly out of the room, completely ignoring Albus and mat as she went.

`` Er, she says she has n't got any, '' Albus whispered.

`` I know she does, '' lustrelessness whispered back, `` Let me just ask her. ``

Albus shrugged and followed matte over to the nurse, who was bent over one of the beds.

`` Hello, Madam Pomfrey, '' lusterlessness greeted her.

Madam Pomfrey turned around and her irritated boldness softened immediately when she saw Matt.

`` Hello, matte, dear. Are you all right ? You look a bit flushed, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey said and put her helping hand to his forehead.

`` I 'm finely, '' Matt assured her, `` I 've just been running around working on the scavenger hunt. ``

`` Not you, too, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey sighed and then noticed Albus, `` Oh and Albus as well. ``

`` Yeah, '' matte said, `` We were just wondering if you might suffer an empty green potions bottle. ``

The nanny sighed and walked over to her potions cabinet. `` I suppose. Just be surely to retort it. ``

Albus watched in shock as she returned with the exact token they were looking for. lusterlessness grinned at Albus and took the bottle.

`` Thanks, '' Matt smiled.

Madam Pomfrey shook her header, `` No problem. Have fun, boys. ``

`` We will, '' lustrelessness said as he turned to allow for the room.

Albus followed him out the door, still in jar that the nanny had actually given them the bottle when she had yelled at that inaugural class only minutes ago.

`` You 're certainly on her ripe side, '' Albus muttered after they left the room.

`` One of the few perks of being there once a month, '' Matt said dryly.

`` We 'd better get back to the Great Hall, '' Albus said as he looked at his watch.

Albus and mat ran as fast as they could back to where their squad was. The rest of the team was working hard to complete the remaining trivia. Rachel herself was dressed up as Godric Gryffindor, complete with a fake beard. Rodner was dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff.

However, neither was as funny as what Willinson was wearing. He was decked out in Gryffindor ok, with robes, a scarf, and a 'Loyal Gryffindor'hat. Albus could hardly stifle his laughter.

`` Do n't say a word, ceramist, '' Willinson growled.

`` Albus ! '' Rachel shouted, `` You 've got to dress up as a Slytherin ! The robes I 've got are too big for Matt and Abby. '' Rachel pointed to the other Gryffindor on the team.

Albus groaned and Willinson burst out laughing. Albus reluctantly put on the Slytherin robes, scarf, and 'Slytherins Are Best'hat. It would only be for a few minutes and if it helped them win ....

Albus did find a bit strange in the Slytherin robes. He could n't help but cerebrate back to his sorting and how the hat had wanted to put him in Slytherin at first. If it had, he would be wearing these gown all the time. He might feature even been Sir Thomas More friendly with Malfoy at first. He probably would n't have really befriended lav, Matt, or Amanda if he 'd been in Slytherin. Albus shook the thought from his head and concentrated on the fact that he was just wearing the robes to help oneself his team win.

Rachel took stock of the items on the list as lustrelessness tied all the shoelace together. It turns out that the lonesome matter they were missing were the brightness level saber, Quaffle signed by Joseph Oliver Wood, shooting Star broomstick, foe glass, Hershey 's bar, toad, and one battery. Rachel thought that was pretty good.

The other Ravenclaw returned a minute later and told everyone that he had finished the riddle quest and had managed to get the bonus degree.

`` time is up ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professor will be around soon to check into your lists. They will also collect your trivia sheet which will be marked later today. The winner will be announced at dinner tonight. ``

Patil came over to Albus 's team a few moments later and looked over their list. She took a delineation of the four people who were dressed up, much to Albus 's dismay. Now there would be permanent evidence of his Slytherin moment. As soon as the picture was taken, Albus took off the robes and he noticed Willinson doing the same.

`` Ok, '' Patil announced as she gathered up the pieces of parchment, `` You can forget. Please devolve anything you borrowed. ``

Albus and Matt gathered up their material as well as everything they 'd borrowed from various Gryffindors. They stopped by the Hospital Wing to return the bottle and then headed back to their common room.

The two of them passed out everyone 's stuff and then went to sit down at their usual table. blush wine, privy, Amanda, and Kaden joined them shortly.

`` That was fun, '' rose said as she sat down.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Even though we were with Slytherins. Willinson was n't too bad. ``

`` That 's good, '' John said, `` I caught a coup d'oeil of him in the Gryffindor gown. Priceless. ``

`` Yeah, I thought so. Until I had to put on the Slytherin one, '' Albus replied.

John burst out laughing, `` I wish I 'd seen that ! ``

`` You 'll be able-bodied to, '' Albus told him, `` Patil took a picture. ``

`` Excellent. ``

`` Did n't any of you lot have to prune up ? '' Albus asked.

`` I was Helga Hufflepuff, '' John said.

`` And I was Godric Gryffindor, '' Amanda added.

`` How did everyone do on the list of stuff and nonsense to rule ? '' matte asked.

`` I 'm somewhat sure my squad was the only one with a swooning sabre ! '' Kaden said excitedly, `` I 'm so glad I decided to get it. ``

`` We did all right wing, '' Rose shrugged, `` Missed a lot of hooey, but I think we did well in the trivia. ``

`` Of course you did, '' John grinned. `` Hey, did anyone manage to find the potions bottle ? Slughorn did n't hold any immature 1 and Madam Pomfrey looked ready to hex me when I asked her. It 's not really fair that Kendrick put something on there that was impossible to get. ``

Albus grinned at Matt, who grinned back.

`` What ? '' whoremonger asked.

`` We got it, '' mat told him.

`` How ? '' Kaden asked, `` Madam Pomfrey was downright scary when I asked her. May have been because she was busy fixing mortal 's break dance arm, but still .... ''

`` flatness asked her and she gave him one, '' Albus explained.

lustrelessness shrugged, `` simpleton, really. ``

St. John the Apostle sighed, `` Well, you 're probably the only one in the shoal who could get it. She 'd probably generate you whatever you asked for. ``

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

`` Sorry, not telling, '' Saint John the Apostle replied.

Kaden sighed, `` Oh, part of that whole secret I ca n't know about ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John said and then changed the field of study, `` Hey, did any of you do the riddle thing ? ``

`` I did, '' blush wine said, `` Want to hear it ? ``

`` Of course, '' John the Evangelist said.

`` Ok, I 'll see if you can get it. I thought it was a bit unsubdivided, really, '' rosiness said. She pulled a piece of music of sheepskin out of her robes and translate off of it.

'' 'In an event known by hotshot worldwide
Where good and evil are forced to collide
A unspeakable personnel can now no longer reside.
A plaza where just one part of Voldemort died .'''

Albus looked at John the Evangelist, lusterlessness, and Amanda and shrugged. He did n't cerebrate it was simple-minded, but Rose was expert at those sorts of things.

`` No estimate, '' John announced.

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged.

`` Hmm, '' Amanda muttered.

`` Do n't look at me, '' Kaden said.

`` The Great Hall ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the office where Voldemort died.

`` Nope, '' rose grinned, `` That was the trick part. It 's actually that memorial outside, where prof Longbottom killed Voldemort 's snake. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus groaned, `` Of course ! Did n't even suppose of that. ``

`` How long did it take you to figure it out ? '' Matt asked.

`` Not long, '' rose smiled, `` But then I had to play along the clues to find the bit of entropy to give Professor Kendrick. ``

`` And where was that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` program library, '' rosebush grinned, `` Herbology section. ``

`` wonderment how many team got it, '' Albus thought aloud.

`` wellspring, my team did, obviously, '' rosiness said, `` And you said your team did, Albus. What about you two ? ``

`` We did n't, '' John sighed and Amanda shook her head.

`` We did, '' Kaden put in.

`` Guess we 'll find out this night how everyone did, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, '' blush wine agreed, `` But I 'm not going to think about it now. Might as well get some homework done. ``

Albus managed to get half an essay done before dinner. pink wine wrote an entire essay and did a set of homework questions. mat helped Amanda with her uranology and still got his Herbology done. can and Kaden on the other hand, spent he eternal sleep of the afternoon goofing off and playing chess.

The fervor was running high in the Great Hall during dinner party that evening. Everyone was comparing what they managed to find during the Scavenger search. Albus kept glancing up to the staff tabular array to see when Kendrick would make the proclamation, but he seemed to be waiting until the terminal minute to do so.

After what seemed alike forever, Kendrick got to his metrical foot. `` Good evening, everyone. I hope all the first and secondly twelvemonth enjoyed the Scavenger Hunt. It was certainly a achiever and I 'm sure the one-time students will take care forward to their turns.

`` And, without any advance waiting, I shall denote the results. The first, endorsement, and third seat squad will all be awarded medals.

`` In third place, with 572 full stop, Team Two ! '' Kendrick announced, `` Will the members of Team Two please fare up here. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up, `` Third position, that 's not bad ! ``

`` Yeah, I 'd say that 's pretty respectable, '' Matt grinned and followed Albus up to the staff table.

Albus and lusterlessness joined the quietus of their team in front of the staff table. Kendrick put a bronze medal over each of their necks and pulled out a tv camera. He took a few image and then told them to revert to their seats.

pink wine, Amanda, trick, and Kaden congratulated Albus and Matt as they sat back down. A few of Albus 's cousins patted him on the binding and told him adept job.

`` Excellent, Albus, '' James grinned, `` But my squad will get foremost place next week. ``

`` I 'll believe it when I see it, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` And in s stead, with 580 breaker point, is team Seven ! '' Kendrick announced.

The member of Team Seven ran up to the staff board to get their ash gray medals and have their picture taken.

`` And in outset place, with 673 points, is team Six ! '' Kendrick shouted. `` felicitation to the winning team ! ``

`` Woohoo ! '' Kaden stood up and started jumping up and down as he ran up to the staff table, `` Yes ! ``

`` Wow, who would 've thought that, '' rosiness grinned, `` Kaden 's squad won. ``

`` Well, he does have a very enceinte amount of random stuff in his student residence, '' Albus commented.

`` I 'll bet it was the light saber that put his team over the edge, '' John shook his header, `` I mean, I think his squad was the lonesome one to get it. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I ca n't believe I won ! '' Kaden shouted as he sat back down with his big gold medallion a few minutes later.

`` Congratulations, '' Albus grinned, `` At least one of us got first place. ``

`` We were so close to 2nd, '' lustrelessness groaned, `` octet measly points ! ``

`` well, third 's right, '' John muttered, `` Better than not getting a medal at all. ``

`` Oh, Saint John the Apostle, it 's just a game, '' Amanda said, `` The percentage point is that we all had fun. ``

`` praise to our winning teams and everyone else that participated, '' Kendrick said, `` I will be looking forward to the succeeding beat, third gear and 4th years, a hebdomad from today ! ``

Albus hung his bronze palm from his bed Emily Price Post before he went to bed that Night. He crawled beneath the covers feeling very content with third base office. He had n't really been expecting to win at all. The Scavenger Hunt had been a lot of fun, and Albus hoped Kendrick would curb it again sometime. It had been so a good deal fun, that Albus had n't even thought about the new map the stallion day. He made a genial note to ask rose wine about the Sileo Altus charm the next day. They would accept to tell Kaden about everything soon if they wanted to make anymore progress on the map. Plus, they 'd have to research more about how to show to the map that they really were like the Marauders.


A/N : Bit of a shorter chapter, but the previous one was longer, so it evens out. Kaden has proved that it never hurts to have a light saber, a lesson that my brother agrees with since he brought his light sabre to LeakyCon and quite a few mass told him they wished they 'd brought theirs.

I have created a website for my fan fic, where you can find fictitious character profiles and a blog about news and updates about my piece of writing. The link is on my visibility Page here. I 'd love for you to check it out and leave comments in the news program and Update section.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, who had to trim up as the Tin Man in finis summer 's scavenger Holman Hunt. Big thanks to my protagonist, rose, for coming up with the riddle. Thanks as well to EvilChaos, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, mischiefmaker92, drownzer, Moonylupin, Miguel, Denas, and Tonks for their followup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Throughout the rest of the calendar month, Rose continued to bring in progress on the Sileo Altus good luck charm, and by the clock time April rolled around, she was confident in her ability to do it. Albus wished the same could be said for the onward motion with finding out how to evidence to the map that he and his ally were like the marauder. Albus spent every waking present moment that he was n't doing homework, attending Quidditch practice, or dueling recitation, in the subroutine library trying to witness out a spell or appealingness that would work. His campaign were fruitless, though, because he still had n't found anything promising.

Albus also had another successful dueling tournament. He won both of his duel as did Malfoy, but their team still had n't won. Albus was beginning to doubt whether they 'd ever win.

Albus 's following Quidditch equal was the first Saturday in April. He found himself distracted by the map even before he entered the changing room. They were playing Ravenclaw, and it was hard to tell who had the better team, Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Albus pushed thought process of the map from his nous as he walked into the changing room.

Georgia gave the team the usual pep talking, which this time included telling them that if they won this match, they 'd be in the last. If Ravenclaw got less than 180 spot, then Ravenclaw might not take a leak it to the final. Georgia did n't particularly care who they played in the final, just so long as they won.

The catch went smoothly, in Albus 's opinion. Much advantageously than the previous match, in which Albus got sick partway through. The conditions was better for this match as well. Albus managed to preserve from thinking about the map, which was good since it was a very high-scoring friction match for both slope and Albus was constantly being thrown the Quaffle. After only an hour of play, St. James went into a dive and caught the Snitch, right out from under one of the Ravenclaw beater 's broom.

The usual party in the mutual room ensued after the students returned to the castle, but Albus was n't really interested in it. Now that the catch was over, all he could think about was trying out the Sileo Altus good luck charm on Kaden. Albus figured the best time to do it would be in the eventide and the estimable place would be the Room.

Shortly after Rose had succeeded in performing the magical spell on john, matt had reluctantly given into trying it with Kaden. His sole circumstance was first trying it with a harmless closed book, and if that worked, to move onto the bigger one.

`` Are we doing it tonight ? '' John asked as he sipped his butterbeer.

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back, `` After dinner. ``

The sleep of the afternoon and dinner seemed to go by at an alarmingly obtuse rate. prison term seemed to go by much like it did in History of Magic.

`` Kaden, '' Albus said after they had finished feeding, `` We 're not going to the common room now. We 're going to bear witness you a different way in the castling, one you 've never seen. ``

`` Excellent, '' Kaden grinned, `` What sort of room ? ``

`` You 'll see when we get there, '' Albus replied. `` Let 's go. ``

Kaden followed Albus and his booster through the castle, with a constant stream of interrogative sentence that Albus ignored.

`` Are you sure this is going to wreak ? '' matt whispered nervously as they stopped in battlefront of the space space of wall where the Room of prerequisite was.

`` Yes, '' rose assured him, `` It will work. ``

matt nodded and started pacing in battlefront of the wall.

`` Why did we stop ? '' Kaden asked, and then his center popped out of his head as he saw the door appear from nowhere. `` Wicked. ``

`` C'mon, '' Albus said as he opened the door.

`` What is this place ? '' Kaden asked in awe.

`` way of prerequisite, '' Albus told him, `` elbow room that gives you what you need. ``

`` I ca n't believe you did n't show me this yet ! ''

`` fountainhead, it 's not something we want you to tell anyone about. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said, `` So it 'll give me anything I ask it for ? I think I want an intact cake .... ''

`` It does n't do food, '' rose wine explained.

`` Oh, well, it 's still brilliant. ``

`` Kaden, come in sit down, '' Albus told his cousin.

`` You 're all so quiesce, '' Kaden said as he took a seat on the couch side by side to Albus, `` What 's going on ? ``

`` Well, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to try out something. pink wine found a charm that 's supposed to make someone not be able to tell former multitude 's secrets. If it works, we 're going to tell you a bunch of stuff and you wo n't be able to narrate anyone. ``

`` What are you going to tell me ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` We have to make sure the charm works first, '' Albus sighed, `` Which is why we 're here. pink wine is going to perform the spell, using your knowledge of this room as the mystery. If you have n't told anyone by next Sat, we 'll tell you the rest of it. ``

`` mulct, '' Kaden sighed, `` I ca n't trust you wo n't recount me without this charm. ``

`` Um, Kaden, you 've told Malfoy stuff I told you not to tell anyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` That was n't my fault ! ``

`` I know, but we 're not risking this. If you want to get it on the secrets, you 'll hold to have rose wine do the charm. ``

`` Ok, ok, I 'll do it, '' Kaden said.

`` good, '' Rose smiled, `` Now let 's get started. ``

It took Rose about ten minute of arc to perform the charm. Kaden was thoroughly amazed by the magic spell and Rose 's ability to perform it.

`` Let 's mental testing it, '' Rose decided once they left the elbow room. She pointed to a girl who was walking towards them. `` Go severalize her about the Room. ``

Kaden shrugged and ran up to the girl, who looked to be around Kaden 's age and was in Hufflepuff.

`` Er, '' Kaden began, `` So there 's this place- '' Kaden turned around and looked confusedly at Albus, then turned back to the fille. `` Anyway, at this place, you can- ''

`` What 's wrongly with you ? '' the girl asked, trying to cover up her giggling. `` Are you ok ? ``

`` Fine, fine, '' Kaden muttered, `` Never creative thinker. ``

Kaden ran back to Albus and the others, blushing furiously. `` It worked, but now everyone 's going to call up I 'm an retard. ``

Albus laughed, `` No they wo n't. But that 's good that it worked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Kaden grinned, `` Definitely Charles Frederick Worth it. ``

******

Albus kept a close eye on Kaden throughout the next hebdomad. As far as he could separate, his cousin-german did n't assure anyone about the way of Requirement. They tested the spell a few to a greater extent times, telling Kaden to tell person about it, but Kaden was never capable to. Albus was fully convinced that the Sileo Altus good luck charm was a success.

Kaden was positively beaming by the fourth dimension Saturday arrived. Albus was kind of excited as well, because they would officially have Wormtail in their grouping of new Marauders. John, blush wine, and Amanda were excited as well. The only affair left to do after this would be to find a way to turn up to the map that they were like the vulture. flatness did n't seem excited at all. He was clearly queasy about telling Kaden that he was a lycanthrope. It probably did n't aid that the entire moon was only a few Clarence Day away. Albus could n't really blame Matt for his nerves, but Albus was certainly the good luck charm would extend to work.

After dinner, Albus led his protagonist back to the Room of demand, with the new Map in his robes.

`` Ok, what 's the secret ? '' Kaden said as he bounced around the Room once they were inside.

`` You 've got to sit down first, '' Albus told him. `` And Matt 's going to order you the first one. ``

`` Oh ! '' A smell of comprehension appeared on Kaden 's typeface. `` Is this about how you get gruesome every calendar month ? ``

`` Yes, '' Matt sighed.

`` And this is what you do n't want Malfoy to know about ? ``

`` Yes, '' Matt said shortly, `` Now just let me tell you what it is. ``

`` Sorry, '' Kaden muttered.

`` It 's ok, '' Matt said, `` First, you ca n't tell anyone this. I mean, do n't even try to try the charm like we 've been doing all week. You ca n't even try to enjoin anyone this. Never quotation it to anyone except us. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said.

`` good. Now, you know that loup-garou are real, right ? ``

Kaden nodded, `` What does that stimulate to do with you getting vomit ? ``

`` Everything, '' matt said quietly, `` I am a werewolf. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That is the coolheaded thing ever ! ``

`` No it 's not, '' mat sighed, `` You do n't even really know what happens when I turn into a lycanthrope. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I 've seen movie. ``

`` It 's not like that, '' mat told him, `` I get wan a few days before the to the full moon, and then the night of the to the full moon, I turn into a wolf and seize with teeth myself because there 's nothing else for me to bite. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden deflated, `` So where do you go when you turn into a wolf ? ``

`` A shanty in Hogsmeade. ``

`` The Shrieking Shack ? ``

`` Yes, that, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm the one who does the shriek. ``

`` Now that is cool, '' Kaden grinned. `` How long have you been a werewolf ? ``

`` Since I was five. ``

`` That 's a long time, '' Kaden said.

`` Most of my life, '' Matt explained, `` It 's horrible, really. ``

`` And that 's the big enigma ? '' Kaden asked, `` Why ca n't anyone bed that ? ``

`` Because nigh maven do n't like wolfman, '' matt explained.

`` Well that 's stunned. ``

`` Yeah, it is, but it 's realness. ``

`` But why is n't there a spell to make you not a wolfman anymore ? Or a potion ? ``

`` Magic does n't fix everything, '' Matt sighed.

`` Yeah, that 's what I 've been trying Tell you for the all class, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But why ? ``

`` Dunno, '' matt shrugged, `` But there is a potion, called the Wolfsbane Potion, that 's supposed to make up it so you keep your human mind when you turn into a wolf. So you do n't desire to assault anyone or yourself. ``

`` Why do n't you hire that ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do, '' Matt told him, `` Actually, I take a dissimilar motley than most werewolves take. For some ground, wolfbane does n't work out for me. I 'm in this written report at St. Mungo 's to fancy out why and right now they 've got me taking a new kind of wolfsbane. ``

`` Does it turn ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Matt replied, `` That 's variety of why I still bite myself every full moon. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. `` So someday they might find a potion that will solve ? ``

Matt shrugged, `` Maybe. But I 'm not getting my hopes up. ``

`` So I 'll be charmed not to say anything about this ? '' Kaden asked after a few mo of silence.

`` Yes, '' Albus replied, pulling the new map out of his gown, `` And about this. ``

Albus spent the future half 60 minutes showing Kaden the new map. Kaden thought it was the best thing he had seen yet at Hogwarts and could n't wait for it to completely work.

`` So we need you to stand for Peter Pettigrew, '' Albus said after he 'd finished explaining about the map.

`` Saint Peter Pettigrew ? '' Kaden raised his eyebrows, `` That vicious bloke who betrayed your grandparents ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' Albus sighed.

`` You know my mum wanted to name me Peter, but Dad said no because he did n't require me to have the same name as that idiot, '' Kaden commented, `` So it 's my halfway name. ``

`` Perfect, '' Saint John grinned, `` You even sort of share his name. ``

`` Will you do it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I guess so, '' Kaden said slowly, `` I mean, it 's not like I 'm going to be like Pettigrew now. ``

`` No, '' Albus agreed, `` But you have to be kind of like him for it to wreak. And you are because you 've sort of got the same public figure. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I guess. Anyway, when are you going to get the map to run ? ``

`` Whenever we figure out how to raise to it that we 're like the Marauders. Somehow we 've got to point the map that we are like to the predator, '' Albus explained, `` Which is taking forever. ``

`` Oh, you mean like a finger print ? '' Kaden asked.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` You know, a finger's breadth photographic print. Everyone 's is different, but your finger print is similar to your congeneric. It 's how Muggle cops find people and stuff when they 're missing. And how they identify soundbox. ``

`` A fingerbreadth print ! '' rose exclaimed, `` That 's it ! I ca n't believe I did n't mean of it ! ``

`` What are you talking about ? '' John asked. `` Kaden just said everyone 's is different. So how will ours be like the marauder'? ``

`` Not Muggle fingerbreadth print, '' rose wine said, `` Wizard ones. There 's a spell to get your mavin 's Finger Print. It reveals your name, relatives, even your personality. ``

`` That 's sort of shivery, '' Albus said, `` Anyone can receive that poppycock out if they 've got your digit mark ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Rose shrugged, `` But I think it will work for this. ``

`` hope so, '' Albus grinned. He could n't believe that Kaden had actually given pink wine an mind about the map. Kaden had helped with it. If this finger print thing worked, they could have the map figured out in no time.

`` We 'll look for it tomorrow, '' Rose stood up and drew her wand, `` Now let 's do the appeal. ``

Albus nodded, feeling more excited than he had in months. They were so close, he could just feel it. The map would be working soon. Of course, there was a nagging doubt in Albus 's gut that was telling him that there would be something to figure out even after the fingerbreadth mark thing.

******

`` What are you going to sign on up for ? '' lavatory asked as he glanced over the sheepskin all the secondment geezerhood had received just a minute earlier.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` What about you, Matt ? ``

`` care of Magical Creatures, '' Matt replied, `` Not sure what else. ``

`` I 'll do that one, too, '' Albus decided and wrote it down on his parchment. `` Hagrid Edward Thatch it, so it 'll be fun. ``

`` mark me up, '' John said, `` I could use with a fun form. ``

`` You ought to remember about what will be useful in your future careers, '' Rose told them.

`` But I 've got no idea what I want to do, '' Saint John said.

Albus had no mind either. He had n't really thought about it. He thought being an Auror would be a good job, but he was n't sure that that was what he wanted to do. He still had five years at Hogwarts anyway, why decide now ?

`` Me either, '' Amanda agreed, `` I think I 'll do maintenance of Magical beast, too. ``

`` I 'm taking Muggle Studies, '' Rose announced, `` Plus Arithmancy and ancient rune. ``

`` All three ? '' Gospel According to John asked, `` But we only have to take two. ``

`` Yeah, but I want to take all of them. I 'd really like to strike Care of Magical Creatures, too, but there 's not decent time. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do Divination, '' John shrugged.

Rose snorted, `` divination ? Mum says that should n't even be a field. There 's no real learning involved. ``

`` But is it easy ? '' trick asked.

`` Uncle Ron said all you 've got to do is hit up predictions about your death if you 've got Trelawney, '' Albus explained.

`` Excellent, '' John scribbled onto his parchment, `` I 'll hold that and hope I 've got Trelawney. ``

`` I 'm taking that, too, '' Amanda said, `` It actually sounds interesting. ``

`` Fine, '' rose sighed, `` But I still say it 's not really a study. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do Ancient rune, '' Albus thought aloud, `` I think it 's easier than Arithmancy. What about you, Matt ? What else do you think you 'll take ? ``

`` ancient Runes sounds good, '' Matt yawned, `` I guess I 'll consider that. Amy took it. She hated it in Australia, but she said it 's better here. ``

`` I 'd contain everything, '' Kaden announced, `` I could n't decide. ``

`` You ca n't take everything, '' Rose laughed, `` You 'd have to be in two spot at once. ``

`` Oh, well I 'm pretty sure as shooting that 's unacceptable, '' Kaden sighed.

Albus turned and grinned at rosebush, who grinned back. Albus could only imagine Kaden 's reaction to a time-turner.

`` Yeah, the most form you can take is three, '' Rose explained.

`` Then I 'll take up three, '' Kaden decided.

`` Are you lot done choosing classes ? '' rose asked as she stood up, `` We 'd better get to Transfiguration. ``

Albus spent the entire Transfiguration of Jesus class trying to turn his plate into a stadium, and had almost managed to do it by the time the year was over. Rose, of course, did it within ten minutes and spent the residuum of the class helping Albus and the rest of their friends.

History of Magic was as drill as ever. flatness slept the intact class, and Albus felt himself nod off a few times. Matt had seemed very tired in Transfiguration and probably would experience fallen asleep in that class if it were n't for the fact that it was a virtual lesson. This was n't surprising considering the fact that the full moon was the next day. The healer still had n't found something to counteract the English upshot of extreme fatigue duty of the new Wolfsbane that flatness was on.

look-alike Potions was after luncheon, and Albus felt drowsy as soon as he walked into the room. This was odd since he had felt fine a moment before. He did n't seem to be the only one who felt this either. Both John and Amanda yawned as soon as they sat down, and even Rose 's eyes drooped a bit as she pulled out her sheepskin. Matt laid his head down on the desk and fell asleep immediately.

`` full good afternoon, everyone ! '' Slughorn said, `` Now, I 'm sure you 're all feeling a bit tired, which is perfectly normal.

`` This, '' Slughorn gestured to a smoking caldron on his desk, `` Is sleepiness Potion. All it takes is one whiff of this potion to put you into a state of fatigue duty. If you drink it, you 'll devolve into an almost sleep-like state for about a one-half time of day. Of row, you 'd know this if you did the reading that was due today. ``

Albus remembered being assigned the reading, but he had n't done it. He had just been too interfering with Quidditch practice, dueling practice, and all his other homework.

`` You will be trying to brew this today, but you will only do half of it, '' Slughorn announced, `` It needs to simmer for about a calendar week before you can complete it. Instructions are on the board. figure out with your usual better half. ``

Albus yawned and got up from his table. He joined Limbert at his table and lit the flame under the cauldron while Limbert collected ingredients.

The intact class was moving at a slower pace than usual, and everyone was yawning every few minutes. It was sort of strange. cipher was arguing with their partners either. Albus wondered if Slughorn had picked this picky potion for a grounds. The past times week, a duel had broken out between John and Goyle, resulting in both of them being sent to the infirmary Wing for George Burns and then being assigned a workweek 's worth of detention.

Limbert returned wit the factor and he and Albus started to prepare them, without exchanging any conversation. No different than usual.

Albus dumped some component into the cauldron and began to put forward it. He watched Matt and Malfoy as he did so. Malfoy had returned with ingredients and was prodding lustrelessness with his wand to get him to wake up.

`` What are you doing ? '' Albus whispered to Malfoy.

`` Waking him up, '' Malfoy said.

`` Wha-what 's going on ? '' Matt lifted up his head.

`` chop up those cherry source, '' Malfoy instructed. Albus was surprised with how calm Malfoy seemed.

Matt nodded and picked up his tongue. Albus went back to stirring his potion.

`` Professor ! '' Malfoy said after a few bit. `` He keeps falling asleep. ``

Albus looked up from the beetling eyes he was mincing. flatness was once again asleep on the table.

`` Ah, '' Slughorn waddled over to Matt and Malfoy 's table, `` The Drowsiness Potion affects everyone differently. '' Slughorn shook matt 's shoulder. `` Dear boy, you might want to go to the hospital Wing. I do n't think the fumes from this potion are agreeing with you. They 're not supposed to put you into a bass sleep. ``

mat nodded and stood up. He stumbled and leaned back onto the desk.

`` Albus, '' Slughorn turned to Albus, `` Perhaps you could see him. I 'm sure Mr. Limbert can handle your potion. ``

`` All right, '' Albus laid down his knife and went over to where lustrelessness was standing.

Albus grabbed his arm and led him out of the room. Albus felt immediately better as soon as they shut the door. The drowsiness went away completely.

`` I 've got to sit down, '' matt mumbled and sat down on the floor.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked, sitting down next to him.

`` I dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` I 'm guessing that that potion just made me even more tired than I already am. ``

`` Do you feel better now ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' lustrelessness replied.

`` Then you 'd improve get to the infirmary annex. ``

`` Yeah, I suppose. ``

Madam Pomfrey wanted Matt to stay for the rest of the afternoon. Albus was n't even certainly if she 'd let him give at all before the full moon. Knowing the nurse, she probably wouldn't.

Matt never came back from the Hospital wing that night, so Albus assumed gentlewoman Pomfrey was keeping him there until after the full moonshine. Albus and the rest of his friends decided that as soon as matte was out of the infirmary Wing, they would startle looking for the whizz 's finger print magic spell. rose wine was reasonably for sure she had seen it in the library somewhere, but she could n't remember where. That meant that they would spend hr scouring the intact library for it. This was in improver to all the extra poring over they had to do now that the end of condition exams were less than two month away. Albus just hoped they 'd be able to count on out the map before school was over. It would be pointless to figure it out during the summertime, when they would n't even be able to use it.


A/N : I hope everyone has enjoyed Half-Blood Prince or do enjoy it if you have n't seen it yet ! Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, EvilChaos, phoenixy friend, XDNLxtlz99, Tears of a Phoenix, Denas, Miguel, Luke, and tranc3rooney for their reexamination !