Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


A mother kangaroo stood absolutely still in the moonlit forest, watching her child gambol in the bushes in front of her. The mother would gently pull the roo back every metre he got too far away. She was watching him carefully when a brassy pop startled her. The joey hopped back over to his mother and jumped into her pouch. They hopped away quickly, not noticing the man who had just appeared a few meter away.

The man swore under his breath as his face contorted. His round side was elongating and his black whisker lightened to a brownish shade. He stumbled around and kicked off his shoes as his foot grew too large for them. It was not only his substructure that were growing, but his entire body. The man was now six column inch taller than he had been when he first Apparated into the forest. Finally, it stopped. The man now looked completely dissimilar and form of strange in Muggle clothing that was far too small for him.

He opened his bag and pulled out a set of pitch blackness thaumaturgist robe, changing into them quickly. He tossed the Muggle clothing into the bag and set off at a spanking pace.

`` Bloody Muggle airplane, '' he muttered to himself, `` Ministry ought to just permit international Flooing. ``

It was a very quiet Night, with only the periodic owl hooting in the distance. The moon was not full enough to provide enough light to light the route, but the man did not want to sop up care to himself by lighting his verge. He merely stumbled along, swearing every time he tripped over a rock or a tree root.

The magniloquent man was not entirely certain how far he would ingest to walk to find the topographic point he was looking for. In fact, the man he was going to call did not even know he was coming. Nevertheless, he kept walking through the forest, until he finally came to the edge.

A inadequate length away stood a rather large house. It was not big enough to be considered a mansion, but substantially larger than almost houses. The man glanced at his watch before continuing towards the house.

`` Damn, '' he muttered as he noticed that his watch was still set for British fourth dimension. He pulled out his wand and pointed it at his wrist. The work force on the vigil swirled until coming to a stop. It was nearly midnight.

There was one lone igniter on in the house. Other than that, the seat seemed either deserted or its occupant asleep. The man did not wish if everyone was asleep ; he would merely heat them up. He picked up his tempo as he crossed the yard and ascended the pace up to the front door.

The man knocked three times and stood waiting for person to let him in. A short while later, the door opened a crack. However, it did not look that anyone had actually answered it.

`` Is you needing something, sir ? '' a squeaky vocalization asked.

The man looked down and saw a sign elf peeking his headland around the threshold. `` Why yes, '' the man replied, `` Is Lubar in ? ``

`` Master Lubar ? '' the elf asked, `` He is. ``

`` I need to speak to him, '' the man said.

`` Come in, '' the elf replied, `` Is you wanting a drink ? ``

`` No, '' the man muttered as he entered the theater, `` Just point me to Lubar. ``

`` Yes, sir. This way. ``

The man followed the elf through the extravagant sign. He always wondered how Lubar managed to afford everything. It 's not like he made a good deal money at his job. There were statues, kit and boodle of art, gold encrusted mesa, oriental carpet, and the fanciest furniture in all of the elbow room he passed.

The elf led him to a elbow room with the door halfway open. Christ Within was streaming out of it, but the man could n't hear any voices. Lubar must be alone, he thought. That would be ripe anyway.

The man pushed past the elf and into the elbow room without knocking. He did n't see the need. Lubar was kinfolk. Sure, the man had n't seen him in years, but he was folk nonetheless. Lubar was the man 's married woman 's cousin, to be specific.

Lubar was sitting at his desk, perusing a book. His untidy brown fuzz was dangling over his face. He looked up when the man stepped into the room. He looked momentarily shocked, but regained his composure and stood up. Lubar was quite a bit shorter than the man in the room access and was wearing similar opprobrious robes.

`` Jarrett, '' Lubar gestured for him to descend in, `` What an, unusual, surprise. ``

The man, Jarrett, walked in and took a seat in the red leather chairperson in battlefront of the desk. Lubar resumed his emplacement behind the desk.

`` To what do I owe the pleasure ? '' Lubar asked, folding his hands in front of him. `` It 's been a retentive sentence, Jarrett. ``

`` I know, Ralph, it has indeed, '' Jarrett mused.

`` I have half a mind to shake off you out of this house after what your brother-in-law did to my Brother, '' Lubar growled.

`` And I assure you that I understand, '' Jarrett replied, `` I do not approve of what my brother-in-law did. I have not spoken to the man since. ``

Lubar raised his eyebrow. `` Interesting. And has your wife been in physical contact with him ? ``

`` She has, '' Jarrett sighed, `` But that is just one of the many things we have different opinions on. I am well aware that you have no program to forgive her blood brother, which is why I am here unbeknownst to her. I would wish to put that take behind us and rekindle our friendship, Lubar. ``

`` I will feature to think about that, '' Lubar said.

`` I understand, '' Jarrett said, `` That 's all I can ask you to do. ``

`` I am quite singular as to how you managed to get here. Is n't your entire ministry after you ? I pay attention to magic news all around the existence, you know. I have been following your story for the past year, '' Lubar changed the subject.

Jarrett smiled. It had been surprisingly easy to get to Australia with Muggle transportation. It took a while and was rather annoy, but easy.

`` Yes, the Ministry is after me. However, I took the familiarity of using Muggle expatriation to get in here. I simply took some Polyjuice Potion, bought an aeroplane slate, and now I 'm here. ``

`` Impressive, '' Lubar replied, `` You used the new 24 hour Polyjuice ? ``

`` Obviously, '' Jarrett smirked, `` Otherwise I would stimulate turned back into myself in the eye of an aerodrome. ``

`` True. Now, what can I do for you ? What could you possibly need that would induce you to involve Muggle transportation to get here ? Somehow, I do n't think you would go through such extreme measures to rekindle a friendship that died a decade ago. ``

`` Do you lie with why the Ministry wants me ? ``

`` Something about dueling Harry Potter ? '' Lubar smirked, `` That might be the stupidest affair you have ever done. ``

`` That 's the gist of it, '' Jarrett muttered, `` But we had grounds for doing it. ``

`` We ? ``

`` Yes. Myself, my son, and one of my friends. ``

`` Ah, '' Lubar leaned back in his chair, `` Do you care to sort out me about your rationality ? ``

`` We want to unite the Deathly Hallows in ordering to help our foreign mission to extend the plans of Lord Voldemort, '' Jarrett explained, `` Harry Potter knows the placement of all three of the Deathly Hallows and currently possesses two of them. Have you heard of the Hallows ? ``

`` Of course I have, '' Lubar snapped, `` head you, I thought it was just a children 's report. ``

`` I assure you, it 's not, '' Jarrett said, `` I myself saw the Invisibility Cloak. They exist and had something to do with Voldemort 's fall. ``

`` Lord Voldemort, '' Lubar mused, `` I understand. I myself agree with his approximation about the wizarding globe. Especially when it comes to half-breeds. ``

`` I was hoping you 'd say that. Now, we have been on the run for over a year. After our first unsuccessful endeavour at obtaining the Hallows, we chose to lay low for a while. ``

`` You know where all of the Hallows are ? You said potter 's got them ? ``

`` Two of them, '' Jarrett corrected him, `` We thought we know where all three were, but we were wrong about the Elder wand. wellspring, ceramicist could be lying to us. That 's entirely possible. But even if he does not currently have it in his self-control, I am sure he knows where it is. The invisibility Cloak is currently in monomania of Harry Potter 's middle child, Albus. The Christ's Resurrection Stone is residing in the forest following to Hogwarts, although I am not sure where. ``

`` Interesting, '' Lubar mused, `` But what do you require me to do ? ``

`` I 'm getting to that. Recently, my son and I came up with a program to obtain the invisibleness Cloak. My son was to lure Albus Potter out of shoal by capturing his cousin. To get to a recollective story short, it ended in a duel between my son and Harry Potter. ceramist captured him and he now resides in Azkaban, '' Jarrett seethed.

`` That sounds like an absolutely abysmal program. Did you actually believe Potter 's kid would n't secern him his cousin was captured ? ``

`` We kind of hoped so- ''

`` Shut up. The point is, that was a horrible plan, and now your son is in prison. ``

`` Yes, '' Jarrett sighed, `` And I was kind of hoping you could help oneself get him out. ``

Lubar stared at him and then smirked. `` Me ? supporter get your son out of prison ? How in the public figure of Merlin do you hypothesize I 'll be capable to do that ? ``

`` Well, you 're a high ranking Ministry official, you must birth a lot of influence in these kind of things, '' Jarrett stammered.

`` I am a high ranking Ministry official in Australia, not Britain, '' Lubar laughed, `` Why do you think I have any influence over there ? ``

`` But do n't you proceed in link with Great Britain 's Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures ? '' Jarrett asked.

Lubar laughed. `` I do not contact Britain 's section for the rule and Control of Magical Creatures. My opinions are vastly different from those in Britain. I would not want to associate myself with the blokes there. Plus, my public figure is mud with the British Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. ``

Jarrett looked curiously at Lubar. `` That is heavy to believe. What did you possibly do to make them dislike you ? ``

`` That, is a very long narration, '' Lubar replied, `` The old school principal of my department was a very liberal man. He sympathized with werewolf and disliked any sort of strict legislation dealing with them. His grounds for this was because his own son is a werewolf. ``

`` Really ? ``

`` Yes. Anyway, he was fired after he broke one of the werewolf law of nature. Then I became psyche of the section and passed More laws. He hated me. He moved his family to United Kingdom, where he got a job in wolfman financial support Service. Turns out, he was planning on moving anyway, even before he got burn. He wanted his lycanthrope kid to serve school. The schoolmaster of the Australian schoolhouse of black art obviously did not let him attend. The Hogwarts schoolmaster did. As far as I know, he 's there now. Once there, he made for sure everyone in his section knew my name and what I believed. They do not speak kindly of me. ``

Jarrett rubbed his chin. `` Interesting. So there 's a wolfman at Hogwarts ? Quinton never told me anything about that. ``

`` He probably does n't know, '' Lubar smirked, `` I tend to doubt that the werewolf would denote it to the whole school. ``

`` Do you know the loup-garou 's name ? '' Jarrett asked.

`` Do n't remember his maiden name. Last name 's Eckerton. ``

Jarrett thought for a moment and then his center popped out of his head. `` Eckerton ? ! Quinton 's mentioned that kid. He 's one of the ones we dueled with last year ! He 's champion with ceramist 's kid. ``

`` Really ? '' Lubar smirked, `` How worry. ``

`` Yes, extremely interesting, '' Jarrett rolled his eyes, `` potter 's kid befriended a werewolf. Thrilling, really. Now, can you help get Quinton out of Azkaban or not. ``

`` talking like that and I wo n't avail you, '' Lubar muttered.

Jarrett 's eyes lit up. `` So you can facilitate ? ``

`` Possibly, '' Lubar said, `` But I could most certainly help you get the Hallows. ``

`` And how would you do that ? ``

`` First, I give you advice, '' Lubar began, `` You 're going about this all wrongfulness. Your first priority should accept been the Resurrection Harlan Fiske Stone, not that Invisibility Cloak. Yes, the Stone will be difficult to find, but nobody currently owns it. It 's sitting in the bush. You 've got to research that bush and get that Stone. Then, you use the Oliver Stone. ``

`` Use it ? ``

`` Yes, use it ! '' Lubar shouted, `` Honestly, I do n't get laid what my first cousin sees in you. But anyway, use it to mouth to Voldemort ! ``

`` Oh, right. ``

`` Then, you ask Voldemort what happened to the elder wand ! '' Lubar continued, `` That affair is the considerably Hallow. The Cloak is the least utile. Anyone can lay down themselves invisible with a Disillusionment spell. You 've got to get that wand and stone first. ``

`` Oh, I 'll get looking for the Oliver Stone, '' Jarrett muttered.

`` trade good, '' Lubar replied, `` And I 'll go to Britain and help you. ``

`` Seriously ? ``

`` Yes. I 'll make for certain you do it properly. And I can correspond up on that werewolf kid, '' Lubar sneered.

`` What about the Ministry ? I thought they hated you. ``

`` They do, '' Lubar said, `` But I can come up with a good ground to be at Hogwarts this year. ``

`` What might that be ? ``

`` I can not explain in contingent. There is an event happening at Hogwarts this year. scholar from Australia are participating. I have reasons to be there. ``

`` Shall I wait for you to look for for the Stone ? ``

`` Yes, '' Lubar said, `` I 'll make sure you do n't screw it up. And perhaps, while I 'm there, we can work out some way to break your idiot son out of Azkaban. ``

`` Thanks, '' Jarrett muttered.

`` Just remember, you owe me for this. ''


A/N : I love it when editing takes less time than I thought ! Big thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, who also named this story.

This story is more tat with In moonlight 's tail than my other Albus stories have been. People who have already read IMS will fuck this now that they 've read the prologue. I suggest anyone who has n't read IMS read it, although you 'll still be able to understand this story if you don't.

I may be switching my update daytime to Wednesdays because I 'm quite busy on Thursday. It 'll look on how the semester goes.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus Severus Potter awoke to a luxuriously pitched shriek. He sat up quickly in bed and listened. It was coming from downstairs and sounded exactly like his piffling Sister, Lily. He groaned and got out of bed. It would be unpointed for him to try and go back to sleep.

Lily had been unimaginable to deal with ever since Albus returned home from Hogwarts. She was incredibly excited about the fact that she was going to go to Hogwarts in the fall. Therefore, Lily had been constantly asking Albus about Hogwarts and the questions were usually ones Albus did not have intercourse the answer to or did not want to reply.

Albus quickly changed his apparel and ran downstairs. It was a whodunit as to what Lily was shrieking about now. His mum probably told her some new piece of information about Hogwarts.

`` Al ! '' Lily shoved a piece of parchment in Albus 's face, `` It came ! It came ! My Hogwarts alphabetic character came ! ``

So that was what the shrieking was about, Albus thought. Lily had been waiting for that letter all summer. Every good morning she 'd view the window waiting for the post owl to arrive.

`` extolment, Lily, '' Albus grinned at her and continued his walk down to the kitchen. Lily ran ahead of him and was literally dancing around the elbow room by the time Albus arrived.

`` Lily ! '' St. James shouted, `` One does not shriek and dance like a lunatic when one receives their Hogwarts letter of the alphabet. ``

`` Oh, really, James I ? '' Ginny smirked at him, `` Were n't you the one to suffer on top of the table and do some variety of dance ? ``

James blushed. `` Er, no. ``

`` Oh, do n't be ashamed, Epistle of James, '' Albus grinned as he sat down side by side to his brother, `` At least you did n't shriek like a miss. ``

`` Yeah, that was you, '' James laughed.

`` I did not ! '' Albus shouted, `` I acted perfectly normal ! ``

`` normal for a fille, '' James replied.

`` catch it, James, '' Ginny scolded as she set a bowl of rolled oats and a few envelope in front of Albus, `` You got some post as well, Al. ``

Albus picked up the wad of alphabetic character and opened the top one. It was the usual book list as well as his Hogsmeade permission slip. `` Here, Mum, '' he handed her the slip, `` You 'll get to sign that. ``

Ginny took the parchment. `` I ca n't believe you 're a third gear year, Al. You 're growing up so fast. ``

`` Mum ! '' Albus groaned.

`` I ca n't believe it either, '' Saint James the Apostle sighed, `` Ickle Al is getting so big ! ``

`` James ! '' Albus smacked him.

`` Mum, Al hit me ! '' James shouted.

`` Behave yourselves, male child, '' Ginny said without looking at them.

Albus opened the early gasbag. It was from lusterlessness.

lamb Albus,

My parents said you could come visit
on the 16th for a few days. They 're
going to involve us to Diagon Alley too.
Let me sleep together if you can come !

Your supporter,
flatness

`` Mum ! '' Albus shouted, `` Can I go to Matt 's house on the 16th ? ``

Ginny read the alphabetic character over Albus 's shoulder. `` sure. We 'll meet you in Diagon Alley and get James IV and Lily 's stuff then. ``

Albus grinned. He was very shake about going to mat 's menage. He had never been there. He hoped that St. John the Apostle and Kaden would be able to go as well. They had n't seen each other in about a month, when Albus and rose wine had had their birthday political party.

`` Thanks, Mum. ``

`` Mum ! '' Lily whined, `` I wanted to go to Diagon back street today ! ``

`` Sorry, Lily, '' Ginny replied, `` I 'd rather get everyone 's supplies at once. ``

`` I do n't want to look ! ``

`` Lily, you have to wait, '' Ginny sighed.

Albus turned to James River and they smirked at each other. Lily still had n't grown out of her querulous phase angle. It got rather annoying. Albus hoped that she would n't be like that at Hogwarts.

******

The next few days passed very slowly. Albus was anxious to get away from Lily. She asked him no less than fifty times how the sorting was done and Albus replied with fifty'I ca n't tell yous'.

Eventually the sixteenth arrived and Albus sat in the lottery way waiting for lustrelessness and his parents to show up. Kaden was with him. He had arrived a few hours earlier and they had spent their time trying to stick away from Lily.

`` You know, Kaden, you were as irritating as Lily a twelvemonth ago, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Was not, '' Kaden replied, `` And I 've matured. ``

`` Yeah, sure, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

The two boy looked up when they heard a tacky shot. flatness 's full family had Apparated into the drawing room. Ginny walked into the elbow room and greeted Matt 's parents.

`` Matt ! '' Albus grinned, `` I am so glad to see you. I ca n't hold off to get away from Lily. ``

`` Oh, Al, be nice, '' Ginny sighed.

`` What ? She 's irritating, '' Albus shrugged, `` Bye, Mum. ``

`` Goodbye, Al, I 'll see you in a few daytime, '' she gave Albus a hug.

`` All rightfulness, '' Mr. Eckerton said, `` Albus, you can Apparate with Amy. Kaden, you can Apparate with my married woman. ``

Albus nodded and stepped over to Amy. She wrapped him in a hug and the two of them disappeared with a crack.

They reappeared in the center of a large field. There was a log house in the distance.

`` This does n't search like a business firm, '' Kaden announced as he stepped away from lusterlessness 's mum.

`` It 's not, '' lustrelessness said as he pointed to the log star sign, `` That 's my household. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden replied as they started towards the planetary house, `` Why did n't we just Apparate into it ? ``

`` My parents put anti-Apparition wards on the house, '' Matt explained.

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do n't want to get into it, '' mat muttered.

Kaden groaned. `` I thought you were done keeping secrets from me. ``

`` There are some matter I do n't recount anyone, Kaden, '' lustrelessness sighed.

Albus smirked and shook his head. Some things never change. Kaden still did n't know how to keep his sassing shut.

Matt 's sign was the but one in the field. Albus could n't see any other building besides a shed behind the house. There were airfield surrounding the house and a low fence surrounding the place. Beyond the fence was farmland.

Matt 's dad unlocked the door and Albus followed him inside. He stopped in the entryway and looked around. The space was about as different as a mansion could be from Grimmauld Place. It was open and aerial and decorated in a mod yet rustic way. From the doorway, Albus could see the kitchen straight ahead, the dining room next to it, and the living room next to the door. On the other side of the door was a set of stairs leading upstairs. Albus continued walking into the living elbow room and saw a corridor next to the kitchen that lead to a few Thomas More room. Albus liked it instantly. It had a homey feel to it like the tunnel did. Except it was lots sporting. Matt had said his mum was kind of a orderly monstrosity, but Albus was n't expecting it to be this neat.

`` Great home, matt, '' Albus grinned.

`` Yeah, '' Kaden agreed, `` But it 's too orderly. We 're going to feature to change that. ``

`` My mum likes it neat, '' Matt said, `` She 'll crap you pick up whatever you mess up. ``

`` I 'll go get whoremonger now, '' Mr. Eckerton announced, `` You can come, Matt. I 'll be able to Apparate both of you. ``

`` Ok. I 'll be the right way back, Albus, '' lusterlessness said and left the business firm with his dad.

`` You can just look in the living room, '' Mrs. Eckerton gestured for Albus and Kaden to turn to their left.

Albus nodded and sat down on one of the couches. It was quite comfortable. Kaden sat down succeeding to him and put his feet up on the coffee table, earning a stern gaze from Mrs. Eckerton. Kaden sheepishly removed his feet from the table.

Amy sat down on a chair and pulled a Word off the table. She opened it and began reading. It was some form of potions book.

Kaden tilted his point and read the statute title. `` Do you like potions ? '' he asked.

`` Yeah, '' Amy replied, `` I 'm studying to be a healer. ``

`` That 's great ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` I like potions too. Albus thinks I 'm mad. Well, so do flatness and John. ``

`` There are n't many people who appreciate brewing, '' Amy replied, `` But I 'm sword lily you like it. ``

`` Me, too, '' Kaden said.

Amy set her book of account down. `` So, Albus, how has your summer been ? ``

`` goodness, '' Albus said, `` Well, Lily is driving me mad because she got her Hogwarts letter of the alphabet the former day. ``

`` I still remember when I got my letter to the Aboriginal Australian School of Sorcery- ''

`` The what ? '' Kaden asked.

`` The Australian schooltime of necromancy, '' Amy repeated, `` The school of magic in Australia. I went there for three yr. Then we moved here. ``

`` You lived in Australia ? '' Kaden gaped.

`` Er, yeah, '' Amy looked at him strangely, `` You did n't know that ? ``

`` Nope. Matt never told me, '' Kaden turned to Albus, `` Did he secern you ? ``

`` Yeah, my firstly year, '' Albus replied, `` I never really noticed that he did n't assure you. ``

`` wellspring, he did n't, '' Kaden muttered, `` But it would explicate the queer accent mark he 's got. ``

Albus stifled his laughter. `` Er, yeah. ``

The three of them sat quietly for another few minute. Kaden began to jest and it became louder and louder until Albus turned to look at him.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` The Aussie School of Sorcery, '' Kaden laughed, `` A, S, S. Ass ! ``

Albus groaned. Leave it to Kaden to project that out.

Amy laughed. `` You know, that 's what Teddy said when he first heard about it. ``

The front door opened and matt and John ran inside followed by Mr. Eckerton. John paused in the entryway and looked around.

`` Whoa, '' he grinned, `` This home is bloody brilliant ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Matt said and the two of them entered the life room. `` What are you three laughing at ? ``

`` My old school, '' Amy smirked, `` Kaden figured out its acronym. ``

`` Oh, ASS, '' lusterlessness laughed, `` Yeah, I laughed about that for Clarence Day when I figured it out. ``

`` wellspring, I 've got to get to work, '' Amy stood up, `` I 'll try and stop by for dinner sometime this week. ``

`` Bye, Amy, '' Mr. Eckerton gave her a hug.

`` Bye, Dad. ``

`` So, I 'll show you the upstairs, '' Matt said after Amy left.

Albus grabbed his bag and followed flatness upstairs. John and Kaden thundered behind them. Once they reached the top, matt led them to the door on the left along the back paries.

`` This is my room, '' Matt announced as they entered.

Albus stepped inside and looked around. The rug was blue and the walls were white. It was messy than the rest of the business firm, but nowhere near as messy as William James 's room. There was a Chudley carom bedspread on the bed and multiple poster on the wall.

`` Nice bed, '' John smirked, `` Nice to see the Cannons can still sell merchandise. If only they devoted that movement to their playing .... ''

`` Shut it, Saint John the Apostle, '' mat replied, `` The carom have been playing better this time of year. ``

`` Oh, yeah, they did get three goal in their plot against Puddlemere, '' lav said, `` Too bad Puddlemere had a hundred times that many goals. ``

mat groaned. `` come on, I 'll show you the former suite. ``

Albus followed Matt out of the room and down the corridor. The next door was a can and the one after that was Amy 's room. The endure door was alongside a different paries and lusterlessness gestured for them to ill-treat inside.

`` This is the library, '' lustrelessness announced, `` We 'll be sleeping here. ``

`` Sounds like Rose 's dream semen true, '' lavatory laughed.

The library was twice the size of matte 's room. Bookshelves covered all the walls and there were a few desks sitting in the middle of the room. A squashy looking lounge was sitting below one of the windowpane and there were a few armchairs in various billet. There were also four crib in the center, but Albus doubted they were normally there.

Albus tossed his bag down on a cot as St. John the Apostle and Kaden did the same. Kaden started wandering around the room and looking at the assorted books.

`` I do n't mean I 've ever been in a house with this many books, '' Kaden said.

`` There 's even more in Dad 's cogitation. ``

`` You should see rose wine 's house, '' Albus commented.

`` You 've got a lot of Good Book about magical creatures, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Yeah, well, that 's what Dad 's into. ``

`` Especially werewolves, '' Kaden went on, `` There 's a whole row of them. ``

`` Yeah, you can probably judge why, '' flatness mumbled.

`` So, '' Albus changed the bailiwick, `` How was your head trip to New York ? ``

The discomfort that had been on lusterlessness 's boldness moments before vanish. `` It was brilliant ! We had so lots fun. ``

`` And how was the airplane ? '' John asked eagerly.

Matt laughed. `` Just like every other one I 've been on. ``

`` Anything else new with anyone ? '' Albus asked.

`` Bethany thinks she 's a enchantress, '' Kaden announced, `` She found a spliff exterior and has been pretending to redact magic spell. ``

`` Bet your gramps loved that, '' Albus laughed.

`` He turned a lovely shade of purple, '' Kaden laughed.

`` I 'd pay to see that, '' John Lackland replied.

Albus and Kaden laughed. `` I would n't propose being anywhere near my Uncle Vernon when he turns purple, '' Albus put in.

`` Did I tell you that my dad 's getting a promotion ? '' matte asked.

Albus turned to him. `` Nope. What kind of forwarding ? ``

`` The principal of the Department of the regularisation and mastery of Magical creature is retiring at the end of the year, '' matt explained, `` And he 's recommending my dad for the emplacement. It 's not net, but it 'll most likely happen. ``

`` That old lad is finally retiring ? '' Albus asked, `` He 's been there for decades. ``

`` Yeah. Dad was n't sure he wanted the promotion, but after thinking about it, he decided to assume it if it 's offered to him, '' flatness continued.

`` Why would n't he want it ? '' bathroom asked.

`` Well, that 's what he did in Commonwealth of Australia. And he hated it towards the end. But he thinks it 'll be better up here. ``

`` From what you 've told us, everything is better up here, '' Albus said.

`` What does your dad do now ? '' Kaden asked.

`` He works in Werewolf living Services. ``

Kaden nodded. `` You know, that is kind of good story, considering .... ''

Matt rolled his eyes. `` Yeah, I know. The general world did n't really think it was that peculiar when we were living in Australia. ``

`` And that 's why you moved ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Pretty much, yeah, '' lusterlessness said quietly, `` But I like Hogwarts, so I do n't really like that we had to motivate. ``

`` How about you, Albus ? '' John asked, `` Anything stir happening in the most famous wizarding kinfolk ? ``

Albus rolled his oculus. If anyone besides his acquaintance referred to his family that way, he probably would have hexed them.

`` Actually, '' Albus began, surprised that he had momentarily forgotten about it, `` I do stimulate some concern newsworthiness about the Hogwarts staff. ``

`` What is it ? '' John Lackland asked eagerly, `` Is Slughorn finally retiring for good ? ``

`` No, '' Albus laughed, `` I do n't opine that will ever bump. ``

`` Then what is it ? '' mat asked.

`` My dad 's not teaching Defense this class, '' Albus answered. Harry had broken the news to Albus, James, and Lily a few hebdomad ago. Albus was disappointed, but not really surprise. He had been surprised that Harry had stayed for more than a year.

Matt, John, and Kaden gaped at him. `` What ? '' King John asked, `` Are you serious ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus nodded.

`` Why ? '' Matt asked, `` He 's a brainy teacher. ''

`` He thinks he needs to focus more on his Auror job, '' Albus explained, `` He wants to fully devote his time to finding Willinson and Washburn. ``

`` Oh, well, that makes sense, '' lustrelessness replied.

`` Who 's replacing him ? '' John asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` Dad did n't tell me. He said he wants me to make grow my own ruling of the instructor. ``

`` I wonder if we 'll ever have the exact same staff for two class in a row, '' toilet commented, `` I mean, first year they were all new to us. live year we got Cedonia. And this twelvemonth we 've got some new Defense teacher. ``

`` I just hope whoever the new teacher is, that they 're nice, '' Matt said, `` So what do you lot want to do ? We 've got a few time of day until dinner party. ``

`` Hmm, '' Albus mused, `` Want to represent Quidditch ? That field of study would be excellent for it. ``

lustrelessness groaned. `` That 's the one thing we ca n't do. The Muggle farmer is often out tending to his area and he 'd see us. ``

`` I 've got an idea, '' Kaden grinned mischievously and dug around in his bag. He pulled out a football. `` Let 's play football. ``

The boy decided it was as beneficial an mind as any and they ran downstairs. Albus had limited experience with football. He had watched a distich matches and played it a few sentence, but that was it. He did n't think John had ever played and he was n't sure about Matt. John was skeptical about the fun of football, but he was volition to gift it a try.

`` Where are you boys going ? '' Mrs Eckerton shouted from the kitchen as they ran to the punt door.

`` We 're going to trifle football, '' Matt said as he pulled the threshold open.

`` Be measured ! '' Mrs. Eckerton replied.

Albus followed Matt down the pack of cards stairs and into the subject field. He stood next to Matt and John and all three of them turned to Kaden, who had set the testis on the ground and had one human foot on it.

`` Have any of you played football before ? '' Kaden asked.

`` A few fourth dimension, '' Albus answered.

`` Nope, '' John said.

`` When I was younger, I played a bit, '' Matt replied, `` But I was never any good. ``

Kaden sighed. `` All right wing. Why do n't we just play two on two. John and I versus Albus and matte. ``

The other three boys nodded. Kaden pointed out two unlike Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that would serve as make-do goal. He next explained the rules of the game and they began playing.

Albus found the concept very standardised to that of his Chaser position in Quidditch, only he could n't use his hands. That was very odd. He had trouble keeping the ball near his feet and even more trouble aiming it to lustrelessness. Half the time Kaden would steal it and he would n't even get a chance to egest it.

whoremonger was hardly any beneficial than Albus. He never managed to kick back the ball where he aimed it, but Kaden 's superior skill seemed to repair for John 's lack of accomplishment. The two of them ( well, Kaden ) had scored more goals than Albus and Matt.

matt seemed to be able to aim the formal, but he wound up tripping over it a lot. He did negociate to tally a few destination, though.

All in all, Albus thought it was form of fun. It was n't something he desired to be on an official squad of, but it was fun to play informally. Not nearly as energize as Quidditch, though.

`` trick ! '' Albus shouted as can picked up the testicle and took off across the field, `` You ca n't touch the ball ! ``

`` I 'm turning the biz into Quidditch-football ! '' lav shouted and threw the nut at the goal, `` See, we 've got another point now ! ``

Kaden groaned and kicked the ball back into romp. `` That 's cheating, John the Divine ! And we 're winning, so we do n't need to cheat ! ``

`` I do n't deal ! '' John the Divine grinned and picked the ball up again.

Kaden tackled John and tried to wrestle the ball out of his weapon system. John tried to miss, but Kaden was holding onto his leg.

`` Now it 's Quidditch-football-wrestling, '' Albus said to Matt as the two of them walked towards their grappling friends.

`` Albus ! supporter ! Your cousin is Muggle dueling with me ! ``

`` fountainhead, we are playing a Muggle sportsman, John, '' Albus smirked and yanked the football out of his hands.

`` Hey ! '' Kaden shouted and grabbed Albus 's leg, `` return that back ! ``

Albus stumbled and fell onto the ground. He held the ball out of Kaden 's ambit and Kaden tackled him. Saint John, now free of Kaden 's ire, grabbed Matt 's leg and pulled him into the mix.

`` Hey ! '' Matt shouted, `` I did n't take the football ! ``

`` Energy Department n't matter, '' St. John grinned, `` We 're not going to let you stand there while we 're Muggle dueling each other. ``

`` Got it ! '' Kaden shouted a few minutes later. He held the football up over his brain. `` And I declare trick and I the winners ! ``

Albus stood up and sway his capitulum. John and Matt stood up after him. John looked quite triumphant at the win, even though he had n't really contributed to it.

`` Congratulations, '' mat smirked, `` You beat a gawky wizard and a Chaser at football game. ``

`` Any win is a good win, '' Kaden grinned.

`` boy ! '' Mrs. Eckerton shouted from the window, `` Dinner is ready ! ``

Albus grinned as he walked towards the household. As practically as he enjoyed his own theater, it was fun to pass a few days with Matt and his other friends. Plus, the miss were n't there. They had never really had time away from rosebush and Amanda and it was kind of fun. Not that he did n't revel their company, there were just things they could n't really do around Rose and Amanda. Like turn a football match into a grappling friction match, for example.

`` What did you boys do ? '' Mrs. Eckerton exclaimed as they entered the house, `` You 're nasty ! I want you all to go shower down before you eat ! ``

`` Just like dwelling house, '' Kaden commented, `` You 're a lot like my mum. ``

`` well, I 'll postulate that as a compliment, '' Mrs. Eckerton smiled.



A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks so much to everyone for reading and for your fantastic critical review ! You make my day when you leave reviews ! Also, I will be updating on Wednesdays from now on, they 're just easier this semester.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Dinner with matt 's parents was interesting. Mealtimes at Albus 's sign were always chaotic and never really planned in gravid detail. It seemed like one of his parents was always coming or going. Then there was the fact that at least one of his full cousin or chemise always seemed to be showing up partway through the meal. But Albus did n't really heed. He form of liked the chaos that was his family.

Mealtimes at Matt 's house, on the other hand, seemed Sir Thomas More evening gown and planned. His mum and menage elf, Ellie, cooked a lavish spread and served it on fancy lulu than Albus 's family had. And Matt did n't have any relation to randomly free fall in. Albus enjoyed it, though. The formality of it did n't faze Kaden in the least and he dominated the conversation, which centered around Hogwarts, Quidditch, and football.

The boys spent the evening in the den acting turn after round of Exploding press stud. Since Rose was n't there, they all had a chance of winning. Matt 's parents joined in for a few rounds and once they left, Albus and his friends talked about the upcoming school twelvemonth. toilet and Kaden agreed that they needed to pull a few marauderesque pranks, but Albus and matte were a bit loath. The job of shoal prankster was currently held by James and his friends and Albus really did n't want everyone to imagine he was a just like his brother.

Eventually, Mrs. Eckerton returned to the room and told them they needed to get to bed. Albus followed matte up the stair and into the library. They all changed into pyjama, but they did n't go to bed. Their conversations continued until Mrs. Eckerton knocked on the door and told them they had to go to bed.

`` Albus ? '' Matt whispered a few minutes later, `` Are you wake ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back.

`` I 'm really glad you came, '' Matt replied.

`` Me, too, '' Albus said.

`` You three are the first friends I 've ever had over here, '' matte said quietly, `` I never really thought it would ever occur. ``

Albus really did n't know what to say to that. He knew flatness had had a lonely childhood until going to Hogwarts, but the fact that he had never had Friend over to his business firm before never crossed his judgement.

`` Well, I 'll definitely need to derive back, '' Albus decided to say.

`` Thanks, '' Matt said, `` Well, skilful night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

Albus fell asleep quickly to the muffled sound of Kaden 's stertor. But what seemed like a scant spell later, he awoke again to the sound of somebody 's whispering.

`` Kaden, '' individual whispered, `` Kaden ! ``

`` Wh-what is it ? '' Kaden yawned.

`` Are you hungry ? '' Albus recognized John 's voice.

`` Erm, a little, I guess, '' Kaden replied.

`` want to go find some food for thought ? '' John asked.

`` Sure. ``

Albus listened as John and Kaden got up from their crib and crept out of the way. There was the sound of footsteps on the stair, and then quiet.

Albus leaned over his cot and poked flatness. `` Matt ! '' he whispered, `` Get up ! ``

Matt rolled over and Albus groaned. It was always so unmanageable to wake him up. `` matted ! '' Albus shouted a short louder.

Matt rolled over again and mumbled something incoherent. Albus poked him a little harder and he finally opened his eyes.

`` What ? '' he asked.

`` John and Kaden went to get a snack, '' Albus told him. Albus did n't screw what sort of snack the two of them were going to get, but he had a look they would n't make it wide-eyed. John and Kaden were known to add up up with some pretty mad ideas when they were together, especially when they did n't have Albus or mat to counterbalance them.

`` All right hand, '' Matt groaned and got out of his cot, `` Let 's go. ``

Albus got up and the two of them quietly left the room and went down to the kitchen. The Light was on, but Albus could n't get a line anything going on. That could either be a safe sign or a bad sign.

When the kitchen came into view, Albus saw John and Kaden rummaging around in the icebox.

`` We could meld this with that, '' Kaden was saying.

`` That is disgusting, '' John commented, `` But brilliant. ``

St. John the Apostle and Kaden emerged from the refrigerator carrying various containers. They set them down on the counter and then turned around.

`` Oh, hey Albus and lustrelessness ! '' St. John the Apostle grinned, `` Want any of our midnight bite ? ``

`` Depends on what it is, '' Albus smiled wryly and sat down on one of the counter stools, `` If you think something is both disgusting and glorious, I 'll bet it 's really disgusting. ``

`` Oh, make out on, Albus, '' Kaden grinned, `` Mashed murphy and deep brown cake would be a near compounding. ``

`` Oh, nasty ! '' lustrelessness grimaced and sat down future to Albus.

`` It 's only nasty if you forget the ketchup, '' John replied.

Even the idea of a combination like that made Albus want to vomit. It sounded like some sort of new Bertie Bott 's flavor.

`` No thanks, '' Albus said.

`` Your loss, '' Kaden shrugged and opened the container of potatoes.

`` So, if you 're not down here to eat our delicious nutrient, what are you here for ? '' John asked as he dumped the cake into the potatoes.

`` To supervise you, '' matt replied, `` I ca n't let the two of you cook unsupervised in my kitchen. ``

`` Oh, relax, '' John grinned.

Albus watched as Kaden stirred the potatoes and cake combination. It actually did n't look that bad. Almost like some sort of strange pudding. Albus was sure the ketchup would neutralize any sort of possible edibleness, though.

`` Hey, what 's this thing ? '' can gestured to a black box that was attached to the bottom of the closet along the wall. He pushed a few buttons and the whole affair lit up inside and started whirring.

Albus stared at it. He vaguely remembered seeing something like it at some of his first cousin'houses, but he could n't ever recall using it.

`` It 's a microwave, '' mat jumped off his BM and pushed a button on it. It stopped whirring and turned dark again. `` And you ca n't bend it on when it 's empty. ``

bathroom stared at it. `` What 's it do ? What 's the point ? ``

`` It cooks food, '' Matt explained, `` faster than an oven. ``

`` Oh, '' privy shrugged and picked up a crotch that was sitting on the counter. He put it in the microwave oven and went to become it on.

flatness grabbed his arm. `` You ca n't put metallic element in it ! It 'll break ! ``

Albus smirked. And John said he did n't need supervision. He definitely did, especially since there were Muggle appliance everywhere.

`` well that 's stupid, '' John replied and took the ramification out.

Matt shrugged. `` It 's Muggle technology. ``

`` Why 's it in here then ? '' bathroom asked.

`` Came with the firm. And my mum likes Muggle engineering science for cooking. ``

`` Oh, '' lavatory said and turned to Kaden, who had begun pouring ketchup in the commixture, `` Let 's put the whole thing in the microwave oven ! ``

lusterlessness groaned and turned to Albus. `` This wo n't wrick out upright. ``

Albus laughed. `` Probably not. But Kaden 's Muggle born, so I 'm jolly sure he knows how to work the microwave. ``

`` Good percentage point, '' Matt said, `` Saint John ! Let Kaden do the microwaving. ``

`` Aw, '' whoremonger sighed, `` It looks fun. ``

Kaden took the pipe bowl and put it in the microwave oven. He turned it on and Albus watched as the arena turned around and around on the deep down plate. It was rather cagey, he thought. Almost like legerdemain. It seemed like a conjuring trick box that cooked food in disc time.

A minute or so later, the microwave beeped, which caused john to jump. `` Bloody perdition ! '' he shouted, `` What was that ? ``

`` It means it 's done, '' Kaden laughed and took the stadium out, `` Who wants to try it ? ``

`` Me ! '' John shouted and grabbed a few spoons off the tabulator.

`` No way, '' Albus shook his headspring. The mixture in the bowlful was the consistency of pudding, but was a unknown reddish brown people of color that was absolutely disgusting looking.

`` Me either, '' Matt said, `` Just the smell of that grosses me out. ``

John the Divine took a whiff and grinned. `` Smells good ! ``

`` Oh, gross ! '' Matt covered his mouth.

`` You look a bit green, '' Albus said to Matt.

`` skilful matter he 's not having any, '' Kaden took a huge spoonful and stuffed it in his mouth.

Albus watched as Kaden swallowed the food. He was actually smiling when he had finished. Matt really looked like he was going to vomit after watching Kaden eat it.

`` Delicious ! '' Kaden grinned.

`` Kaden, that is the most wicked thing I have ever seen you eat, '' Albus announced.

Saint John the Apostle tried it following and pronounced it delicious as well. Albus and Matt just stared at each former and tried not to watch as John and Kaden polished off the rest of the concoction.

`` Are you done yet ? '' mat asked, `` The smell of it is really getting to me. ``

`` Almost, '' whoremonger said.

`` Done, '' Kaden replied.

`` You 'd improve wash the arena out, '' flatness said.

Kaden nodded and began to rinse the dishes. John Lackland returned to the refrigerator and started rummaging around again.

`` You 're not still thirsty, are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' John shrugged, `` Just looking. ''

He closed the icebox and went back over to the microwave oven. He stuck something in it, pushed a few release, and it lit up and started whirring again.

`` What did you put in there ? '' Matt asked suspiciously.

`` Er, '' John stammered, `` Well, I just kind of wanted something else to eat- ''

`` I thought you were n't thirsty, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I was n't, but then I got an thought and I thought I 'd make an egg- ''

`` AN EGG ? ! '' Matt shouted as he jumped up, `` Did you put an egg in the microwave ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' Gospel According to John said, `` Why ? ``

`` Because eggs- ''

Matt never got to finish his sentence. A meretricious pop came from the microwave before he could uphold. He quickly turned the affair off and glared at John. whoremaster was grinning and looking at the microwave.

`` Explode in microwaves, '' flatness finished.

`` Oh, er, sorry, '' John Lackland said, trying not to laugh.

`` That 's brilliant ! '' Kaden grinned and opened the microwave oven, `` I 've always wanted to try that ! ``

Albus stood behind Matt and looked into the microwave. The inside was covered in egg yolk, white, and shell. It was a complete stack, yet kind of funny at the Lapplander time.

matt groaned, `` I ca n't believe you did that. Well, ok, I can. I told you not to touch the microwave. ``

`` Sorry, '' St. John the Apostle shrugged, `` I 'll clean it up. ``

`` scavenge what up ? ''

Albus turned around and saw lusterlessness 's parents standing in the entranceway to the kitchen. Both of them looked half asleep.

`` John decided to put an egg in the microwave oven, '' lusterlessness explained.

Mr. Eckerton burst out laughing and his wife glared at him. `` I did the Sami thing when we first moved here, '' Mr. Eckerton grinned.

`` See ? '' john said, `` I 'm not the only one ! ``

`` I know, '' lusterlessness sighed, `` At least I caught you before you put the crotch in there. ``

`` Do I even want to know what you boys were doing down here ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked.

`` John and Kaden wanted a snack, '' matte replied, `` So they made a disgusting combination of mashed potatoes, burnt umber patty, and ketchup. They liked it, but Albus and I thought it was vile. Just the odour of it made me sick. ``

Mrs. Eckerton groaned. `` Well, just clean up the microwave and go back bed. ``

`` Ok, Mum, '' Matt replied.

`` You have to admit that was singular, Julie, '' Mr. Eckerton laughed.

`` Yes, I do actually see it funny that you made the Lapplander mistake five twelvemonth ago, and now John did it and he 's a thirteen year old boy, '' Mrs Eckerton smirked.

`` How was I supposed to know eggs exploded in the microwave ? '' Mr. Eckerton asked as they stared back towards the stairs.

`` You should possess taken Muggle cogitation, '' Mrs. Eckerton said.

Albus, matt, and Kaden waited while John cleaned the microwave. It did n't take him long and soon the four of them returned to their fingerstall in the library. Albus fell asleep thinking about what blush wine would say when he told her john exploded an egg in Matt 's microwave.

******

`` What do you need to do ? '' Albus asked the next day. The boys were all sitting in the den throwing a Quaffle around.

`` Let 's zap random clobber, '' can suggested.

`` No way, '' Matt replied.

Matt 's parents had officially banned them from cooking for the remainder of the visit. Albus found this rather queer, especially the looking on John and Kaden 's faces when they were told they could n't misrepresent. The two of them spent a good twenty second trying to rule a loophole in the rule.

`` Do sorcerer play hide and seek ? '' Kaden asked.

`` That was random, '' Albus commented, `` But yes, wizards do run hide out and try. ``

`` I play it with my cousins all the time, '' bathroom said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus said. He loved games of hide and seek at the Burrow. There were excellent places to enshroud there.

`` We should play it, '' Kaden announced, `` It 's always boring to play it at my sign of the zodiac because the only one there to play it with is Bethany. And she never hides in soundly stead. ``

`` That 's what Amy said about me when I was minuscule, '' Matt said, `` I would always hide in the same place. ``

`` Ok, let 's play, '' can stood up, `` The couch in here can be home and we can obliterate anywhere in the planetary house. ``

`` Sounds good. But no going outside, '' mat agreed, `` Who 's it ? ``

`` Albus, '' trick said.

Albus shrugged. He always liked being it. `` All right. You lot can all go hide and I 'll weigh to 100. ``

Albus closed his oculus and started counting. He heard the footfall of his friends disappear as he got closemouthed to 100. Usually, one of his older cousin-german was it whenever he played pelt and seek. Albus rarely got to be it.

`` Ready or not, here I come ! '' he shouted and looked around the den. The den would be the perfect situation for hiding because it was close to the abode lounge. But there were n't very many places to hide in it.

Albus walked quietly over to the one press that was in the room. He pulled it open and looked inside. Empty. He left the room and looked down the corridor. The toilet, he thought, that would be a sound hiding place. Albus himself hid in the bath on numerous occasions.

He stepped into the bathroom and sure enough, the shower curtain was pulled shut. Albus yanked it opened and saw John laying in the tub.

`` Got you, '' Albus grinned.

`` Merlin, this is always a good spot ! '' John groaned as he got out of the tub.

`` Yeah, which is why it 's always where I hide, '' Albus grinned, `` ejaculate on, you can help me look for Matt and Kaden. ``

Albus and Saint John left the bathroom and resumed the hunting. Albus really did n't palpate comfortable searching in Matt 's dad 's cogitation, so they left it alone. Albus figured no one would cover in there anyway. They searched the rest of the downstairs, looking in every nook and fissure and wardrobe. But matte and Kaden were no where to be found.

Next they went upstairs and searched all the sleeping room except matte 's parents'. The library and bathroom were searched as well, but still no luck. The game was reminding Albus of the ones he played at the burrow. James IV was always unacceptable to find. Although one time he got a broom and decided to loom above the house to hide. No one found him for hours and then the grownup made a 'no flying'convention for fell and seek.

`` Where are they ? '' John said as they searched the library for the second time, `` We 've searched the stallion firm ! ``

`` Not the basement, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Good idea, '' John agreed.

Albus and can ran down the stairs and towards the basement. They opened the room access and ran down another flight of stairs of stair. Albus flipped on the spark and the two of them began to look around. mat had showed them the basement earlier, when he showed them Amy 's potion brewing room.

John checked the potion brewing room while Albus looked in the briny part of the basement that seemed to be a combination reposition field and den. Still aught. The basement was perfectly quiet, too.

`` What about that elbow room ? '' lav pointed to a room at the back of the basement.

`` mat said it was just storage, '' Albus replied, `` I doubt either of them are in there. Plus, it 's so restrained. We 'd find out some form of movement. No one 's down here. ``

`` Then where are they ? '' John asked.

`` Maybe they made it to the sofa, '' Albus suggested.

Albus and John returned the den and Matt was laying on the couch. He grinned and sat up when Albus and John entered the room.

Albus gaped at flatness. `` Where were you hiding ? We did n't even see you run in here ! ``

`` I was in that cupboard, '' matt pointed to the water closet Albus had searched earlier.

`` But I checked that as soon as I finished counting ! '' Albus groaned, `` And no one was in there ! ``

`` There 's a smaller door in there that leads to a smaller closet, '' flatness got up off the sofa and walked over to the closet. `` Look, '' he opened the door.

Matt pulled back a few coat that were hanging up and Albus noticed a very bantam door in the wall. Matt opened it and revealed a bantam closet that was just big enough for a belittled person to climb up into.

`` See ? '' mat grinned.

`` You had an unjust vantage, '' John said, `` You know stuff about this house that we do n't. ``

`` Well, when we play at your house, then you 'll have an advantage. ``

`` My star sign does n't have any little hugger-mugger closet, '' privy muttered.

`` What 's that for anyway ? '' Albus asked.

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged and looked around the room, `` Hey, where 's Kaden ? Did n't you find him ? ``

`` Nope, '' Albus replied. He never would have thought that Kaden would be this good at fell and seek.

`` We 'd break go encounter him, '' whoremonger said.

`` wonder why he has n't tried to run to the couch, '' Albus said as they left the room.

`` No thought, '' Matt said, `` But with Kaden, it could be anything. ``

The boys searched the entire home twice, but they still could n't find Kaden. He was the ultimate hide and seek player, Albus thought. He could even commit James lessons.

`` Where the ruddy hell is he ? '' John shouted as they walked down the stairs.

`` I wonder if he 'll ever even come out if we do n't witness him, '' Albus said.

`` He 'll come out once he 's athirst, '' Matt pointed out.

`` What are you boys doing ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked. She was sitting on the redact version a book in the living room.

`` playacting hide and seek, '' Matt replied and sat down on a chair, `` But we ca n't find Kaden. ``

`` Did you bet outside ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked as she set down her book.

`` Outside was off limits, '' John said.

`` We 've searched the star sign twice just now, '' Matt said, `` And Albus and John searched it twice before that. We 've looked everywhere. ``

`` Everywhere ? '' Mrs. Eckerton raised her brow, `` Even in the basement ? ``

Matt 's side paled. `` Oh, Falco columbarius ! Not the intact cellar ! ``

`` You 'd better go baulk, '' Mrs. Eckerton said.

Matt jumped off the lounge and ran towards the cellar door. Albus shrugged at St. John as they followed. He did n't have a cue as to why Matt was so spooky about Kaden hiding in the basement. Plus, Albus and John checked the basement. Except that storage way. But why would that make flatness aflutter ? What was in it ?

Albus ran down the stairs and followed Matt. Sure enough, Matt went straight to the repositing room.

`` pigeon hawk ! '' mat muttered and paused in front end of the doorway, `` Why did he blot out in here ? ``

`` Er, are you ok ? '' Albus asked.

Matt sighed, but did n't do. He put his hand on the doorknob and slowly opened it.

Albus gaped as he saw what was in the elbow room. Well, what was n't in it. The room was completely vacate and had no windows. But the unknown share was that it was padded. The story and walls were completely covered with what looked alike mattresses.

`` Is that ? '' John asked, `` A padded room ? ``

`` Hey ! '' Kaden, who was running around and literally bouncing off the walls, ran over to them, `` Took you long enough ! flatness, why did n't you tell us you had a padded room in your house ? This is brilliant ! ``

Albus did n't think that matte thought it was so bright. He was staring at Kaden and was as white as he had been when his mum suggested they search the basement.

`` Bloody Scheol, this is smart as a whip ! '' whoremaster grinned and walked into the room.

`` No it 's not, '' flatness said quietly, `` occur on. ''

lusterlessness turned and left without waiting to see if the others would follow. Albus followed immediately and he heard privy and Kaden run after him. Matt did n't say anything as they walked back upstairs, and Albus hoped Kaden would have the sense not to say anything either.

`` Did you find him ? '' Mrs Eckerton asked as they entered the life room.

`` Yeah, '' mat muttered.

`` Was he- ''

`` Yeah, '' flatness said without stopping.

Albus followed him all the way upstairs and into his bedroom. flatness flopped down on his bed and stared up at the cap. Albus sat down on the base and St. John and Kaden sat down on either incline of him.

`` Er, what did I do ? '' Kaden whispered to Albus.

`` Shush, '' Albus replied. He had an inkling as to what that room was used for, but he was n't sure as shooting. He did know that it was usually best to let Matt tell them what was going on in his own clip, though. Kaden 's pestering questions certainly were n't going to help.

Albus sat quietly for a while as they waited for lusterlessness to say something. He was still laying on his bed staring at the roof. Kaden kept glancing at Albus and then at matte and back again. lav was playing with a gobstone that he had found on the floor.

Matt sighed and sat up. Albus glanced up from the floor and looked at him. `` You ok ? '' he asked.

`` I guess, '' he nodded, `` I should have just told you not to hide out in that way. ``

Albus nodded and sent Kaden a look so he would n't ask about the room.

`` I do n't have a go at it if you guessed what that room is for, '' Matt began, `` But I guess I 'll tell you. ``

`` You do n't have to, '' Albus said quietly.

`` I know, '' Matt sighed, `` But I will, '' he paused, `` That way is where I transform. ``

Albus nodded. That 's what he had guessed. Judging by the calm look on John the Evangelist 's font, he had guessed it too. Kaden on the other hired hand, was gaping at Matt.

`` delay, what ? '' he asked.

`` That 's where I go during full moons, '' Matt said.

`` Oh, '' Kaden replied, `` Why is it padded ? ``

Albus groaned inwardly. Kaden really needed to get word not to ask about these sorts of things.

Matt laid back down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. `` Back when I was five and I went through my first base transmutation, I spent the hale nighttime ramming into the rampart trying to get out. My dad put the padding on the walls before the next wide synodic month. Then when we moved here, my dad recreated the same elbow room in the cellar of this home. ``

Albus winced at the thought of matte ramming himself into a rampart. Every time lustrelessness told him something else about the full Sun Myung Moon, Albus felt even dingy for him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden muttered, `` Er, sorry for hiding there, then. ``

Matt sighed, `` It 's ok. I should have told you not to hide there. ``

`` What about the Shrieking Shack ? '' Kaden asked, `` Is that padded ? ``

`` No, '' Matt replied, `` But it 's bigger, so I do n't sleep with my straits as a good deal. ``

Kaden nodded. `` Well, I ca n't say I 've ever seen a pad elbow room in anyone else 's house. ``

`` You 'll probably never see one again, '' mat said dryly.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! You guys are all awful !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The remainder of the visit at Matt 's planetary house went by very fast for Albus. Albus and the other male child spent the succeeding few days playing several games and doing some of the homework they had put off until the finally moment. Amy visited for dinner party one evening and let Kaden brew something in her potions way. Kaden was thrilled and after he and Amy had finished, he pronounced Amy the best potions brewer he 'd met besides Slughorn. Albus, matte, and John the Divine did not enter in the brewing since all three of them got enough of potions at Hogwarts.

Albus threw his bag over his shoulder and went downstairs with lusterlessness, John, and Kaden. Mrs. Eckerton and Amy were waiting by the door.

`` Are you boys set ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked.

`` Yeah, '' Matt answered.

Mrs. Eckerton opened the door and Albus followed everyone outside. They walked a few meters away from the menage and then Mrs Eckerton put an arm around Matt and the other around Albus. Amy did the Saame with lavatory and Kaden and all six of them disappeared with a crack.

They reappeared in the middle of the Leaky cauldron, which was practically empty. Albus was n't surprised since it was early good afternoon on a weekday. Albus looked around the pub and saw his mum, Uncle Ron, James, blush wine, Victor-Marie Hugo, and Lily sitting at a nearby table. whoremaster 's mum and Sister were sitting with them. James looked bored out of his mind and a little annoyed as John 's sisters ran around the room.

The adults greeted each other while Lily, Victor-Marie Hugo, and Saint John the Apostle 's sis, Ashtyn, flew out of their seats and over to Albus and the former son. rose followed them and stood next to Albus.

`` We 're getting our scepter today ! '' Lily announced.

`` Yeah ! '' Ashtyn grinned, `` And books and robes and cauldron and- ''

`` We know, Ashtyn, '' King John groaned, `` You 've been telling me about it since I got home from schoolhouse. ``

`` Me and Lily are going to be in Gryffindor, '' Ashtyn said proudly, `` But Lily says Hugo is going to be in Hufflepuff. ``

`` Am not, '' Hugo retorted.

`` There 's nothing wrong with Hufflepuff, '' John said, `` My first cousin is in Hufflepuff. ``

`` Well, anything 's intimately than Slytherin, right Albus ? '' Lily said.

`` Er, right, '' Albus agreed.

`` Kids ! '' Ginny shouted, `` We 're going to go to Flourish and Blotts first, then madam Malkins. Al, you need new robes. ``

`` So do you, rosiness, '' Ron put in.

`` As do you, Johnny, '' Mrs Brickston said.

`` I want my wand ! '' Lily whined.

`` You 'll get it, '' Ginny said, `` But you need rob too. And your wand will be useless without Christian Bible. ``

Lily pouted and folded her arms across her chest, but followed Ginny out of the pub. Albus and his Quaker followed the adults, James I, and the girls out of the pub and into Diagon Alley.

Diagon Alley was a bit more push than the Leaky Cauldron, but still rather deserted. Albus walked with the bombastic grouping into Flourish and Blotts, where the salesman took one look at them and ran into the back room. He returned with a saleslady.

Ginny walked up to them. `` Let 's see, I have four Hogwarts book lean. ``

`` And I have two, '' Ron rummaged around in his robe and pulled out two crease opus of parchment.

`` I 've got two as well, '' Mrs. Brickston said.

`` And I have one, '' Mrs Eckerton said.

`` Ok, if you 'll just leave us a few minutes, we 'll get them for you, '' the salesman took the lists and gave half the stack to the saleslady.

`` So, what did you lot do at Matt 's house ? '' Rose asked as they were waiting.

Albus looked at John and abound out laughing. `` St. John had fun with the microwave, '' Albus smirked.

rose wine groaned. `` What did you do ? ``

`` Microwaved an egg, '' John replied, `` It made a dainty explosion. ``

`` Bet your mum was n't happy, '' Rose said to Matt.

`` She just made him houseclean it up. My dad did the same thing after we moved here. We did n't have a microwave oven in Commonwealth of Australia, '' matt said.

`` Muggle discipline ought to be compulsory, '' Rose sighed.

Albus spent a few Sir Thomas More minutes telling rosiness about what they had done at lusterlessness 's home, although he left out the persona about the fill out way. lustrelessness could tell apart Rose that later if he wanted to.

`` Here you go, Al, '' Ginny dumped a deal of books into Albus 's arms.

Once everyone had a hatful of books in their arms, the mathematical group left the book store. They walked down the street until they reached Madam Malkin 's. Luckily, the workshop was empty, although they 'd experience to wait a patch until everyone was fitted for robes.

Lily and Ashtyn went first, since they were aegir to get their new robes. Hugo was excited about going to Hogwarts, but he could n't care less about robes.

Albus sat down on a professorship as he waited for his bend. Matt and Saint John sat down on either side of him. Albus glanced over and saw that matt was staring wide eyed at his stack of Good Book. Albus peered down at his own stack of books, but the one on top was Intermediate Transfiguration.

Albus looked over at Matt 's stack of Good Book and he gaped when he saw which Book was on top. It was the accurate like book of account that Kaden had found at fanfare and Blotts a year ago. The one entitled wickedness animal : How to Protect Yourself.

`` Interesting record book alternative, '' Albus muttered.

mat looked up at Albus. `` This does n't bode well for the new DoD teacher. ``

Albus shrugged. `` Well, third base yr Department of Defense does sharpen on dark creatures. ``

`` It does ? '' flatness groaned, `` Great. That 's just what I need, for everyone to discover about you know what. ``

`` I doubt they will, '' Albus replied, `` No one 's going to pay that much tending in stratum. The but one in our year who would 've put the clues together after learning it in course is Rose, and she already knows. ``

`` I guess, '' Matt muttered, `` I just hope the teacher is nice. ``

A half 60 minutes later, everyone had new robe who needed them and the large radical exited Madam Malkin 's. They made their way down the street and towards Olivander 's. Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn arrived before anyone else did and could n't wait to start trying out wands.

Albus watched as his sister waved numerous baton and subsequently broke everything on Olivander 's desk. After she tried a few more, Lily found her sceptre and proudly held the box as carefully as she could. Hugo and Ashtyn found wands a few arcminute later and the radical set off to the Apothecary.

After a visit to the chemist, Eyelops, and Weasley 's thaumaturgist Wheezes, everyone had what they needed for the upcoming school yr. Albus was rather tired by the meter they finished, but Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn seemed to own sempiternal energy. They kind of reminded Albus of the way Kaden had been the previous yr. Granted, Kaden still had interminable energy, but the three eleven-year-olds had surpassed him.

Albus said goodbye to his friends in the Leaky Cauldron and then Flooed back to Grimmauld Place with his mum, Kaden, James River, and Lily. He and Kaden watched Lily try to execute spells with her new wand while they waited for Dudley to find fault Kaden up. Lily was kind of frustrate that she was unable to do much of anything besides 'Lumos'.

******

In an effort to try and stave off nearly missing the train like they had the former year, Ginny insisted that Albus, James IV, and Lily pack their trunks the night before. Despite this, Albus awoke to the shouts of his mother.

`` Albus Severus potter ! '' she shrieked, `` Get up ! We have to leave alone in ten minutes ! I seriously hope you 've got your trunk packed ! ``

Albus slowly got out of bed as he listened to the loud stride of his female parent in the corridor. `` James Sirius thrower ! Get out of bed this instant ! ``

The doorway to his sleeping room opened and Lily came bounding in, already dressed in her Hogwarts robes. `` Al ! We 've got to leave ! ``

`` I know, Lily ! '' Albus said in an annoyed tone of voice, `` Now get out so I can get dressed ! ``

Albus hurriedly threw on some clothes once his sister left. He grabbed his owl cage and school day bag and quickly left the room. He was quite glad his trunk was packed and already downstairs.

Harry was sitting on top of Albus 's trunk in the drawing room when Albus walked in. Lily was once again trying to do turn with her wand.

`` Hey, Al, '' Harry grinned, `` ready ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus nodded, `` We leaving soon ? ``

`` As soon as Jesse James packs his body, '' Harry smirked.

`` James Canicula potter ! '' Ginny shouted from upstairs, `` I told you to tamp that last night ! Hurry up ! ``

`` papa, why ca n't you teach Defense this twelvemonth ? '' Lily asked.

`` Because I have too practically work at the Ministry, '' Harry explained as he pulled her onto his lap.

`` But it 's not fair, '' Lily whined, `` St. James and Al got to sustain you teach them for two eld. ``

`` The new teacher is very competent, '' Harry assured her.

`` Is he nice ? '' Albus asked.

`` well, he 's, '' Harry paused, `` He 's mediocre. That 's a good way of putting it. He 'll cover everyone the same. ``

At least he did n't sound like Washburn, Albus thought. But on the early hired hand, he did n't sound like Neville or Cedonia either.

`` And just because I 'm not teaching, does n't mean I wo n't be around, '' Harry grinned.

`` What do you intend ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 'm not giving anything away, but Hogwarts will be an energize place to be this year, '' Harry said, `` Plus, the Ministry decided that Hogwarts needs more protection in the human body of Aurors after finis year 's incident. And the year before 's. ``

That certainly spiked Albus 's oddity. What could be going on that would make Hogwarts more exciting than usual ?

`` Come on, '' Albus replied, `` Ca n't you give us a hint ? ``

`` Nope, '' Harry laughed, `` I probably should n't take in even said that. ``

Albus groaned. `` Aw, just tell us. ``

`` Tell us what ? '' Epistle of James asked as he entered the room.

`` Dad says something exciting is happening at Hogwarts this class but he wo n't order us what. ``

`` Please, Dad ? '' St. James whined.

`` No, '' Harry lifted Lily off his lap and stood up, `` Now we 'd better go or you 'll neglect the gearing. ``

The Potters arrived on political platform 9 3/4 with XV minutes to spare, which was actually earlier than they had arrived the late year. They met Kaden and his family as well as Rose, Hugo and their parents. Harry and Ron loaded all the trunks onto the train and then returned to say goodbye.

`` I 'll see you soon, Al, '' Harry said as he gave Albus a hug.

`` Be good, Albus, '' Ginny smiled, `` And take upkeep of Lily. ``

`` I will, '' Albus replied, `` Bye, Mum. Bye, Dad. ``

Once everyone had said goodby, Albus headed to the wagon train with Rose and Kaden. James immediately left to find his protagonist, and Lily and Victor-Marie Hugo followed Albus and Rose. They climbed on just before the power train started moving and waved to their parents until the train left the station.

Albus peered into all the compartments trying to find the one that his friends were in. He eventually found them halfway down the train and pulled the door open.

`` Hey, '' Albus grinned as he sat down next to Matt.

`` Hi, Albus, rosiness, Kaden, '' Matt greeted them.

Kaden sat down next to bathroom and pink wine sat succeeding to Amanda. Hugo and Lily sat down near Ashtyn and the three of them immediately started talking about the Sorting and the Hogwarts firm. Albus, who had been listening to Lily babble about that all summer, did not want to participate in that conversation.

He turned to lustrelessness. `` Guess what ? ``

`` What ? '' flatness asked.

`` My dad says something exciting is happening at Hogwarts this year, but he wo n't state me what, '' Albus said.

`` Really ? Wish he 'd tell you what it was, '' Matt replied.

`` How could he say that and not tell you ? '' King John groaned.

`` Any theme what it is ? '' Matt asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus shook his head and then turned to blush wine, `` Has Uncle Ron said anything ? ``

`` Just that it was something exciting, '' Rose sighed, `` The only matter I can remember of is the Triwizard Tournament. ``

`` The what ? '' Matt, Amanda, and Kaden asked at the same time.

`` Did n't soul die the last sentence they had that ? '' John asked.

Albus nodded. `` The Triwizard Tournament is a contest that involves three wizarding school : Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A hotshot from each school participates in three magical chore and whichever champion wins gets the Triwizard Cup.

`` The last prison term they had it was in my dad 's fourth year and a Death feeder tricked the cup into choosing my dad as a fourth booster. He won, but the other Hogwarts protagonist, Cedric Diggory, died during the final task. ``

`` Whoa, '' lusterlessness stared at him, `` Do you really think they 'd do that again ? ``

`` No, '' Rose shook her straits, `` There 's no way they 'd do that again. At least not for years. Cedric 's dying is too refreshful in a lot of citizenry 's minds to bear that tournament again. So I have no idea what my dad and Uncle Harry were talking about. ``

`` I wish they 'd do the tournament again, '' John said, `` I fancy myself as the Hogwarts star. ``

`` Me, too, '' Kaden grinned, `` That would be brilliant. ``

`` Not me, '' Albus shook his head. He hated being in the spotlight. `` I bet James would do it, though. ``

`` I would n't, '' Matt said.

`` Me, either, '' Amanda agreed, `` What about you, Rose ? ``

`` I 'd probably enter, '' rosiness replied, `` But last time they did it, you had to be 17. So even if that is what was going on this yr, none of us would be able to enter. ``

`` I bet Sakartvelo would enter, '' Albus commented.

`` No dubiety about that, '' rosebush agreed.

`` Oh, and my dad knows who the new Defense teacher is, '' Albus announced.

`` Is he nice ? '' Matt asked immediately.

`` All my dad said was that he was fair, '' Albus sighed, `` He kind of dodged the question when I asked if he was courteous. ``

`` That 's a bad sign, '' mat groaned.

`` If he 's fair, then he wo n't be favoring the Slytherins, '' John pointed out.

`` Have you looked at that leger yet ? '' Albus whispered to Matt.

`` Nope, '' mat replied, `` Have n't wanted to. ``

`` well, '' John began, `` If he 's think of to you, we can try and get him sacked before he starts the you-know-what social unit. That unit 's not until the end of the year. ``

`` And how are you going to do that ? '' rose wine raised her eyebrows.

`` Dunno, '' John the Evangelist shrugged, `` We 'll think of something. ``

`` That, '' rosiness sighed, `` Has got to be the speechless thought you 've come up with. And that includes microwaving the egg. ''

`` wellspring, have you got any secure ideas ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` Why do n't we just waiting and see what the teacher is like before we start thinking about getting him sacked ? '' pink wine suggested.

The rest of the gearing ride passed quickly. The integral compartment participated in an Exploding gingersnap contest, which rose won. Then they bought a large measure of snack from the streetcar. Albus fell asleep shortly after he finished eating and the next thing he knew, blush wine was nudging him awake and telling him to exchange into his robes.

The sky had turned dark and the conditions stormy while Albus had been sleeping. hell dust sounded and lightning flashed as he pulled on his robes. He was very glad he was n't going to be crossing the pitch blackness Lake like Lily was. He 'd much rather demand a thestral-pulled passenger car and stay dry.

The power train pulled into Hogsmeade station and Albus joined the throngs of students heading out into the rainy weather. He heard Hagrid calling the first off years and said goodbye to Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn. Albus found an vacate go-cart and led his friends inside.

`` The first long time are going to get soaked, '' John said as he wrung out his hat onto the bottomland of the carriage.

`` Spooky crossing the lake in this weather, '' Kaden grinned, `` Makes me wish I was crossing the lake. ``

`` Maybe the titan Squid will tip over one of the boats, '' John grinned mischievously, `` I 've heard it does n't wish this sort of weather. ``

Rose rolled her eyes. `` The Squid is not going to pitch one of the gravy boat. ``

If the calamari tipped Lily 's boat, she would freak out. Albus 's Sister had always scared easily, a trait that James and Albus always took full advantage of.

`` St. James purposely tipped his boat when he crossed the lake, '' Albus said. He still remembered his female parent receiving an owl telling her about that. She wasted no clock time in getting a riot off to James.

`` That 's superb ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` Wish I 'd thought of that. ``

`` Me, too ! '' can agreed.

`` I 'm glad you did n't, '' Albus laughed, `` We all would own been soaked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed, `` That would not have been pleasant. ``

The end of the misstep up to the castle was spent discussing the likelihood of one of the gravy boat being tipped over by the colossus squid. John and Kaden decided that they wanted to find the colossus calamary that year and agreed to take a swim in the pitch blackness Lake during the first uncommitted weekend.

The entire Entrance Hall was covered in water by the time Albus and his acquaintance entered the castle. Albus was sure enough Filch would have a hippogriff when he saw it. Albus led his friends to the familiar Gryffindor board and sat down, eager for the feast to start.

Albus scanned the staff table and his oculus rested on the only when unfamiliar typeface. A stern looking man with his lightlessness pilus cut in a Muggle military dash was sitting completely still. His eyes seemed to interpenetrate every student in the entire room at the Saami time. Albus did not get the sentiency that this teacher would be nice, although he lacked the hate that Washburn had emanated.

`` That must be the new Defense teacher, '' matte whispered to Albus, `` pigeon hawk, he does not look felicitous. ``

`` Looks like his fount is frozen that way, '' Kaden muttered.

`` I would n't require to be on his bad English, '' Albus replied.

`` flavour to me like he had a bit too a great deal U-No-Poo, '' Saint John laughed.

Albus snorted and shook his heading. It did kind of look like the prof had a bit too much of that sealed Weasley merchandise. His Uncle Percy wore that same looking when his Uncle George put U-No-Poo in his tea over the summer.

The Great antechamber immediately quieted down as Professor Patil led the kickoff yr into the room and towards the stave table. They congregated near the three-legged BM upon which the Sorting Hat sat.

`` They look shorter than last yr 's showtime twelvemonth, '' Saint John the Apostle whispered as the sort Hat began singing.

`` They are, '' Kaden agreed, `` I was n't that short-change lowest year. ``

`` Yeah, you actually were, '' Gospel According to John replied, `` Hey, mat, I think these showtime years might actually be shorter than you. A few of them, that is. ``

flatness rolled his heart. `` At least I 'm not a giraffe like you. ``

`` Hey, height has its benefits, '' John Lackland retorted.

`` And so does lack of height, '' Matt pointed out, `` At least I did n't give to suffer still while madam Malkin poked me with needles like you did. ``

`` Shush ! '' rose wine hissed, `` They 're starting the Sorting ! ``

Albus watched as a chubby boy was sorted into Ravenclaw. The next inaugural year became a Slytherin and the next was another Ravenclaw.

`` Brickston, Ashtyn ! '' Patil announced.

John the Evangelist 's sister ran forward and jammed the hat onto her head with a big smile on her face. Mere seconds later, the hat exclaimed, `` Gryffindor ! '' Ashtyn practically flew across the room and sat down across from John.

`` Congratulations, Ashtyn ! '' John grinned, `` Gryffindor really is the best theater. ``

`` Yeah, '' Ashtyn agreed, `` Although Isabelle kept telling me to hope for Hufflepuff. ``

`` Well, she is a Hufflepuff .... ''

Albus did n't really pay care to the next few classification. He vaguely recognized a few names, but did n't really live any of them. He snapped back into reality when he heard Patil announce, `` ceramist, Lily ! ``

Lily ran forward with almost as much turmoil as Ashtyn. The hat took a little more prison term to determine than it had with Ashtyn, but it soon shouted, `` Gryffindor ! ``

The Gryffindor table erupted with cheerfulness as Lily ran towards it. Albus clapped her on the back, as did James and all their cousins, and Lily took a seat adjacent to Ashtyn.

Soon, Hugo was the only first year left standing near the hat. Hugo had already started putting the hat on when Patil called out his name, which caused a few of Albus 's full cousin to erupt out in laughter.

`` He may be the only Weasley to ever be in Hufflepuff, '' Cedric smirked.

`` Gryffindor ! '' the hat announced a bit later.

`` Or not, '' Cedric grinned as he clapped along with everyone else.

Hugo sat across from Lily and Ashtyn. `` Told you I 'd be in Gryffindor, '' he said to Lily. Lily shrugged.

prof Kendrick stood up. `` Welcome, bookman and staff ! As usual, I will economize all the speech making for after the feast. '' He waved his wand and sat back down.

Food appeared on all the golden denture and Albus helped himself to some of everything. He was hungry, although this class he had sort of cherished Kendrick to announce what the exciting thing was before the feast.

The topics of discussion varied greatly during the feast, and Albus mostly listened. whoremonger and Matt had a heated line of reasoning about the Quidditch time of year, primarily the Chudley shank'spectacular deprivation to the Holyhead Harpies that had taken place a few days previously. heighten clack non-stop about the new classes she was taking and bombarded her older cousin with questions about them. Albus was amazed she had any interrogative sentence left, since she had done the same matter during the Weasley folk dinner prior to the scratch line of term.

Kaden talked to whoever would listen about the prospect of adding Muggle engineering science to Hogwarts. Albus groaned to himself as he heard Kaden tell one of the foremost years about his prayer to hold televisions put into the commons rooms. Amanda listened to Kaden, although it did n't seem like she was nearly as excited as Kaden was.

`` So, how was the stumble across the lake ? '' john asked Ashtyn as the afters appeared.

`` Wet, '' Ashtyn replied.

`` Any of the boats tip over ? '' he asked eagerly.

`` No, '' Ashtyn laughed.

`` Hagrid said he had anti-tipping charms put on them after Epistle of James tipped his a few twelvemonth ago, '' Hugo announced.

`` That 's no fun, '' John sighed.

A little while later, the prosperous shell became clean once again and Albus looked eagerly up at the staff table.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and thanks as well to all the awesome readers and referee !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Professor Kendrick rose to his substructure. `` May I have your aid ! '' he shouted and the elbow room quieted down, `` Thank you. Now, I have a few rather boring declaration, two somewhat commove ones, and one really exciting one. I shall start with the drill ones.

`` As usual, the wood and Whomping Willow are out of bounds to everyone. If you wish to try-out for your house 's Quidditch team, establish your name to your head of house. The Dueling Club and Junior 's Dueling cabaret will be starting up again and once meetings have been set up, I shall let you know.

`` As for the somewhat exciting announcements, we have a new defense reaction Against the dark Arts instructor. Please welcome professor Balladanis. ``

The stern looking professor stood up for a few bit and received mediocre applause. He resumed his behind and Professor Kendrick turned back to the students.

`` The early somewhat matter to announcement is that Hogwarts will be patrolled by Aurors a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. a week. After last-place class 's incident, the Ministry has deemed this a necessary guard to take. The Aurors are positive that Jarrett Willinson and Jameson Washburn will try to return to Hogwarts at some point this class. I do not tell you this to scare you, but to make you cognizant of the situation. If anyone sees any suspicious behavior or has any information regarding the whereabouts of either fleeting, please tell a teacher. ``

The total Gryffindor table turned to Albus and his friend at this announcement. Albus felt his case turn red and he stared down at his plate. He really hated all the attending he got from what happened the old two eld.

`` And now, '' Kendrick continued, `` I have a very excite annunciation to urinate. ``

Albus grinned and turned to his champion, who were all wearing equate faces of excitement, and then turned back to the headmaster.

`` first, I would like you all to remember the inter-house dueling from concluding year. ``

The entire student residence groaned and hoi polloi started whispering amongst themselves.

`` repose down, '' Kendrick said, `` There was a reason why I enacted that finish twelvemonth. Thomas More than just school unity, that is. I wanted the school to go more merge because of an event that is taking home this yr. An event that will put us into competition with other sorcerous schools- ''

`` The Triwizard tournament ? ! '' Bradley exclaimed, `` Is that it ? ``

`` No, '' Kendrick replied, `` This is not the Triwzard Tournament. It is a dissimilar challenger that will ask More than just one educatee from each schooling.

`` Tomorrow evening, shortly before dinner, a select group of students from the Adirondack Academy of conjuration, which is in New York State, and the Australian School of Sorcery will journey to Hogwarts, where they will live and attend classes for the duration of the twelvemonth. ``

Albus turned to count at matte, who was gaping at Kendrick.

`` The students from both schools will be Sorted into the four Hogwarts houses during a limited Sorting ceremony tomorrow evening. They will live in whichever house they are Sorted into and attend classes with those in their yr. I expect you all to do by them like they are fellow Hogwarts students.

`` However, you will also be competing against them. There are two events. The starting time is Qudditch. Each of the schools has created a Quidditch team comprised of the best Quidditch thespian in their respective school. We will be doing the like thing here. The three teams will act as each other throughout the twelvemonth and whichever team wins shall receive the Quidditch Cup for Schools.

`` The other event will be dueling. Each of the schools has also put together a team of the best duelers in their respective school. Again, we shall do the same. The tournament will figure out much like the Dueling Club works here. ``

The entire school started talking at once. Albus thought the wholly thing was brilliant. It was like the Triwizard Tournament, only less grave. Maybe he could even take part. He was a in good order pursuer and duellist.

`` Albus, you 've got to try out for the Hogwarts Quidditch team ! '' John shouted.

`` I will ! '' Albus grinned, `` As long as they do n't get an age demarcation line or anything. ``

`` I do n't recall they will, '' Rose said, `` Quidditch is n't that grave. ``

`` It kind of is, '' John laughed.

`` Maybe I can duel, '' Kaden said, `` I 'm a second yr now. ``

`` I think it 'll be great just to go to school with tike from Australia and New York ! '' rosebush exclaimed, `` Think of all we can learn from them ! ``

`` Yeah, '' Amanda agreed.

`` Quiet ! '' Kendrick shouted over the yak and everyone settled down, `` The Hogwarts Quidditch team is unfold to anyone who is currently on a House Quidditch squad. I 'm sorry if that upsets some of you, but it would be inconceivable to hold try-outs for the stallion schooltime, and I think it would be better if our squad were comprised of those who have experience on a Quidditch team. If you have stake in trying out, please tell your head of house.

`` Try-outs for the Hogwarts Dueling Team will be open to fifth through seventh years only. ``

`` crap, '' Kaden muttered.

`` If you want to try out, give your gens to your head of house. Try-outs for both squad will most likely be next weekend. I believe that is all I have to say for now. kickoff years, please follow a prefect to your coarse room. secure dark, everyone. ``

Albus got up from the board and walked to Gryffindor column with his friends. They talked about the competition the integral clip. Albus was incredibly excited about the prospect of playing for the Hogwarts Quidditch squad, and a trivial nervous at the like prison term. Of course, his chances of getting picked were kind of slim. He was the youngest chaser eligible to try out.

`` Albus ! '' James pushed his way through the bunch of Gryffindors in the common room, `` Are you trying out ? ``

`` Of course ! '' Albus grinned, `` You ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' James exclaimed, `` That 's everybody ! Everyone on the Gryffindor team is trying out ! Would n't that be beat if we were all picked ? ``

`` You wo n't be, '' Rose said, `` The whole head is to experience a Hogwarts team, not a Gryffindor team. ``

`` Albus and James will get picked, '' Kaden said adamantly, `` You two are both bang-up Quidditch players. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' Albus smiled, `` But all the other Chasers are older than me. ``

`` Does n't matter, '' John assured him, `` They 'll be searching for skill, not age. ``

`` Who 's picking the team ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably prof Oteski, '' James I said, `` And maybe the heads of houses will help. ``

Albus and his friends talked about the Quidditch competition for another few minutes before retiring to their residence hall for the night. Albus climbed into his familiar four-poster bed, but found that he was too excite to sleep. The more he thought about the Hogwarts Quidditch squad, the more he thought he actually had a probability of making it. He was also excited about having the Aussie and American language scholar at Hogwarts. He had n't really met many foreign witches and wizards before, not including his aunty Fleur 's family unit. Matt and Amy and their parents were the nighest he 'd come, and they 'd been living in England for a while. lusterlessness did n't seem very excited about the entirely thing, though. In fact, he had remained rather quiet ever since Kendrick made the announcement.

******

It was easy to palpate the excitement at Hogwarts the following day. Since it was Sunday, year were n't starting yet. Most people slept lately, and the principal issue of conversation in the Great Hall at lunchtime was the rivalry and the students from Australia and New York.

GA organized a acantha of the minute Quidditch practice for the Gryffindor team in order to prepare for the Hogwarts team try-outs. Albus and the rest of the team practiced for at to the lowest degree two hours that good afternoon.

`` You 're a blowout, James, '' Albus told his pal as the two of them began to walk off the pitch, `` Everyone knows you 're the right Seeker in the school. ``

`` Well, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are the only early houses that are keeping their Seekers from finally year, '' James River pointed out, `` So I 'll only be competing against Lisa Galivant and Miranda recession. ``

`` And you 're better than both of them, '' Albus said, `` I 'll be competing against at to the lowest degree six other Chasers. ``

`` Yeah, but you 're a good Chaser, '' James assured him.

Albus nodded and shouldered his broom. He was already flighty about the try-out, and it was almost a week away. What if he was so nervous during the try-out that he completely messed up ? He 'd just have to be sure to steady down by then. Albus sighed and continued walking off the pitching. Just as he was getting close to the stands, he noticed soul sitting alone in the low-down level. It was Matt.

`` I 'll see you back in the common room, '' Albus said to his brother as he detoured towards the stands. James nodded and continued back towards the castle.

lusterlessness had hardly said a word the stallion day. He was normally quiet, but it was never a good preindication when he was completely dumb. Albus knew better than to ask why, but he was still curious. He had a feeling it had to do with the Australian students.

`` Hey, '' Albus sat down next to Matt.

`` Hi, '' Matt mumbled.

`` Where 's everyone else ? '' Albus asked.

`` blush wine is in the library researching about the witching schools in Australia and New York, '' lusterlessness explained, `` Amanda is with her. ``

`` Why does that not storm me, '' Albus smirked, `` I 'm assuming John is n't with them ? ``

`` No, '' Matt gave a half-hearted laugh, `` He and Kaden are in the Marauder 's Den. I was there with them, but they kept talking about Quidditch and Dueling rival and I just got macabre of it, so I came out here. ``

Albus nodded. lusterlessness was going to make a hard metre finding someplace in the shoal where no one was talking about the competitions.

`` Er, are you ok ? '' Albus asked tentatively, `` I mean, you 've been kind of quiet. ``

Matt sighed. `` I, '' he paused, `` I 'm just not that excited about the competition thing. Well, it 's not that, it 's the fact that we 're doing it with Australia. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus said, not certain what to say next.

`` I was supposed to go to the Australian School of Sorcery, '' lustrelessness continued, `` That 's where Amy went. Then the headmaster told my parents I could n't. In fact, he said it in a downright cruel way. I never read that alphabetic character. I think Mum burned it. But she never told me what it said. She just said it was mean. The headmaster hates, well, mass like me. ``

Albus had n't even thought about that. He turned to look at flatness. He looked quite upset about the whole thing. Albus had no estimation what to say.

`` I do n't want the master to come here, '' Matt said quietly, `` I know that 's poor fish, really. I mean, he 's never met me. And we moved five years ago. He probably would n't even recognize my live name. ``

`` It 's not stupid, '' Albus assured him. Albus could n't really imagine what this was like for Matt, though. He supposed the only thing close would be if Washburn came back to teach or something. `` But I do n't think you 'll really arrive into contact with their headmaster much. You ca n't try out for the Quidditch team or the Dueling Team, so I do n't think you 'll do much more than pas him in the corridor. ``

`` I guess, '' lustrelessness sighed, `` It 's just going to be so weird. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But I do n't suppose anything will fall out. This is Kendrick 's school. Even if the Aussie master is here, he ca n't really do anything. He 's got no control over anything here. ``

matt nodded. `` That 's dependable. I had n't really thought about that. ``

Albus stood up. `` ejaculate on, let 's go uncovering John and Kaden. I 'm certainly we can convert them not to talk about the competition. We could ask them how their plans for swimming in the Black Lake are coming. ``

Matt laughed, `` They 're all gear up to do it. They just did n't want to do it today since you were practicing Quidditch and pink wine and Amanda were in the depository library. ``

The rest of the good afternoon went by very quickly. Shortly before dinner, Albus and his admirer made their way into the Great Hall. The total elbow room was buzzing with fervor. Albus noticed that nearly all of the professors were wearing frock robes. The just one who was n't was professor Balladanis, who as wearing the same melanize robe as the previous day.

Albus sat down at the Gryffindor table, where everyone was talking about the alien schools.

`` I heard that the Australian school of Sorcery is belowground ! '' Hugo shouted excitedly.

Matt snorted. `` It 's not. ``

`` Oh, maybe it was the Adirondack honorary society of thaumaturgy, '' Hugo replied.

`` That one 's not underground either, '' lusterlessness laughed.

`` How do you know they 're not ? '' Hugo asked.

`` My baby used to go to the Australian shoal of black magic, '' mat explained, `` And my uncle lives in New York. I 've seen that school, too. ``

`` Well, that 's drill, '' Hugo muttered, `` Would have been better if one of them was underground. ``

`` Hey, Victor-Marie Hugo, '' Kaden grinned, `` guess what the initials of Aussie schooltime of black magic are ? ``

`` A, S, S, '' Victor Hugo shrugged and then a big grinning appeared on his face, `` Ass ! That 's brilliant ! ``

`` placidity, please ! '' Kendrick shouted over the crowd, `` The scholarly person from the Adirondack Academy of Magic shall be arriving at any moment ! ``

No sooner had Kendrick finished his sentence, people began to whisper and turn over their headspring towards the room access. Albus craned his head up and saw a grandiloquent man striding into the Great Hall. He was wearing dark blue blue gown and had a rather prominent amount of messy grey whisker on his question. Behind him were a dozen or so students wearing identical blue robes. Most of the scholar looked to be a few years older than Albus. They all stared around at the Great anteroom, a couple of them pointing excitedly at the ceiling.

The tall man ( who Albus presumed to be their headmaster ) led the bookman to the staff table. Kendrick greeted them and then looked up at his own students.

`` Let me stick in professor Marvin Richard J. Roberts, headmaster of the Adirondack Academy of conjuring trick, and his pupil, '' Kendrick announced, `` Welcome to Hogwarts. ``

Albus and the sleep of the Hogwarts student body fit into applause. Once it died down, Kendrick opened his sassing again.

`` And now, if I 'm not mistaken, the student from the Aboriginal Australian shoal of black magic are arriving at the very moment. ``

Albus turned back towards the doorway and saw another man entering the room. He wore emerald unripened robe and was completely bald. He made up for the lack of hair on his question by sporting a pointy mustache and goatee. He was n't nearly as tall as Henry Martyn Robert, but not short either. He walked purposefully towards the faculty table with his group of students clad in matching emerald park robes following him.

Albus noticed that matte did n't take up his heart off the man. It was almost like he was frozen in berth, except for his center, which followed the man to the staff table.

`` Now I 'll enclose professor Addair Killigan, '' Kendrick said, `` And the students of the Australian school of black magic. ``

Albus clapped along with everyone else, but it was more subdued. He took an immediate dislike to Killigan just because of what matte had said. Albus noticed that Matt did n't really clap at all.

`` Thank you, '' Kendrick said once the clapping stopped, `` Now, we shall have a exceptional Sorting ceremonial in edict to receive out which house you belong in. The four houses are Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. While you are here at Hogwarts, you will live in your planetary house dormitories, spend discharge prison term in your sign of the zodiac common elbow room, and attend classes with the early students in your house. ``

`` You know, it 'll be worry to see if they adopt the house prejudice like we have, '' blush wine whispered, `` What if two of them are really estimable friends and then one is sorted into Gryffindor and the other into Slytherin ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged. Rose had a full stop, though.

`` To be Sorted, all you have to do is put on the classification Hat, '' Kendrick continued, `` It will tell you where you should be. ``

Professor Patil stood up and walked around to the other side of the staff board. She was holding the three-legged stool and the Sorting Hat. She set the hat down on the stool and it burst into song.

There were meretricious gasps from all of the students from the other two schools. A few of the Hogwarts students giggled at this. All the foreign bookman stared intently at the hat and whispered amongst themselves.

`` When I call your public figure, total sit on the stool and put on the hat. It will severalize you which household you 're in and then you can go sit at the appropriate mesa, '' Patil said after the hat stopped singing. `` Allen, Gregory. ``

A tall and lanky boy with messy brown hair stepped away from the group and sat down on the faecal matter. He was wearing naval forces blue robe, so he must own been from New York.

`` Slytherin ! '' the hat shouted. Ugo Buoncompagni Allen took the hat off and went to unite the Slytherin table.

The sort continued and Albus clapped loudly whenever anyone got Sorted into Gryffindor. So far, all the new Gryffindors looked at least two years older than Albus.

`` I think that bloke is going to have to lose the putting surface robes, '' john commented as one of the Australian student was Sorted into Gryffindor, `` It 's just not normal to wear upon green robes when you 're a Gryffindor. ``

`` I imagine they 'll get Gryffindor gown soon, '' rose wine said.

`` Do they even have houses at the Aboriginal Australian School of Sorcery ? '' John wondered aloud, `` I mean, all their robe look alike. ``

`` They do, '' lustrelessness told him, `` But those are the plain schooling robe. ``

`` I 'm guessing they wanted to look amalgamate, '' rosebush suggested, `` I doubt Albus will weary Gryffindor Quidditch robes when he plays on the house team. They 'll probably have especial Hogwarts robes. ``

`` If I 'm on the team, rose, '' Albus sighed. Everyone seemed to imagine he was going to make the team. What if he did n't ? Everyone would be disappointed. Albus did n't really like the pressure.

`` esprit de corps, Linda, '' Patil shouted.

Albus turned back to the classification and saw a rather suddenly female child step forward. Albus watched as she walked towards the three-legged stool and he could n't take his eyes off her. She was beautiful. There was n't really any former way to discover her. Albus had n't ever seen a lady friend as pretty as she was. Her coloured embrown fuzz cascaded down her dorsum in diffused wafture. It did n't quite equate her surprisingly wan peel, but it was beautiful nonetheless. Her light skin went well with her emerald green gown. She looked a bit neural as she sat down and Patil dropped the hat on her head.

Albus turned to expect at his friends. Matt, John, and Kaden were all staring at the girlfriend. So was Saint James. In fact, all the boys at the Gryffindor tabular array seemed to be staring at her. The missy were whispering to each other and glancing up at Linda esprit de corps every so often.

The hat seemed to be taking forever and a day to make up one's mind. The entire Great Hall had erupted in whispers. Finally, the brim of the hat burst open and shouted out, `` Gryffindor ! ``

Linda morale took off the hat and walked quickly towards the Gryffindor table.

`` Bloody hell, '' John whispered as she took a rear end a few spot down from Albus.

Albus nodded and turned to look at the fille. She looked, if possible, even more nervous now that she was sitting down.

`` Albus ! '' Rose seethed, `` Do n't stare at her ! ``

Albus shook his point to acquit his thoughts and tried to turn his aid back to the categorisation. A little while later, the survive student was Sorted into Hufflepuff and Patil and the former headmasters took tush behind the staff table.

Kendrick stood up. `` I 'm sure you are all quite famished by now, so without encourage ado, dinner is served. '' Kendrick waved his wand and the golden plates filled with food.

None of the new students had sat near Albus and his friends, so they did n't get a probability to really get to know any of them. nearly of them were erstwhile anyway. Albus 's cousins struck up conversations with a few of them, though. Albus did notice that Linda was n't saying much, despite the fact that she had quite a few Gryffindors trying to talk to her.

`` Well, I certainly hope everyone enjoyed the feast, '' Kendrick announced after the plates cleaned themselves of dessert, `` I have just a few announcements. The new students need to take tone of the fact that the forest and the Whomping Willow are out of bounds. There is also a rather gravid list of forbidden physical object. The entire listing can be viewed on the caretaker 's threshold, which is located on this level. Or, you can ask your fellow educatee. Anyone with the last name of Weasley has a particularly extensive cognition on the subject. ``

There was a large sum of laughter at this, mostly from the Gryffindor table.

`` Also, try-outs for the Hogwarts Quidditch squad will be held this Saturday at one in the afternoon. Dueling squad try-outs will be held a workweek from today, also at one in the afternoon. And with that, I suggest you all turn in early, as course of study start tomorrow. ``

When Albus and his friends returned to the Gryffindor common room, Linda Morales was already there, surrounded by a rather gravid group of boys and a partner off young lady. She did n't appear to be enjoying it, though. She looked as skittish as she had been in the Great dormitory and was mostly just nodding.

`` I 'll bet anything all those blokes have asked her out already, '' blush wine muttered as they watched the group.

`` Probably, '' Amanda agreed.

`` They should just leave her alone, '' Rose went on, `` It does n't look like she wants all that attending. I 'll bet she 's overwhelmed by everything. ``

`` I wonder how old she is, '' Albus said. He 'd been trying to figure that out all evening.

`` Dunno, '' Rose shrugged, `` She looks our age, but quondam at the Lapplander time. It 's kind of odd. ``

`` Guess we 'll find out tomorrow, '' Albus said, `` She might be in our classes. ``

`` Well, I 'm going to bed, '' Matt turned away from Linda and stood up.

`` He 's been calm all evening, '' john commented as Matt left.

Albus leaned over to John. `` That Killigan bloke, the headmaster, is the ground he could n't go to shoal in Commonwealth of Australia, '' Albus whispered.

`` Oh, '' St. John the Apostle said, `` Well, that would explain it. ``

Albus and his friends stayed up for a few more minutes before turning in for the nighttime. Albus laid awake for a while, though, thinking about Linda Morales.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome masses who have read and reviewed this !


Dislcaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


As it turned out, Albus did n't get to waitress until classes to know if Linda morale was his age or not. Rose and Amanda burst out of the girls'dormitory as Albus, lusterlessness, and John were heading down to breakfast.

`` Albus ! '' blush wine caught up with him, `` Linda is our age. She 's in our dormitory. ``

`` Really ? '' Albus replied, realizing that he had n't really thought about which dormitory the new students would be in.

`` Where is she now ? '' John asked.

`` Still up there, '' Amanda said, `` She 's been in the toilet for ages. ``

`` Girls, '' St. John muttered, `` I 'll never empathize them. ``

The group hurried down to the Great student residence and ate a quick breakfast before their maiden class. Neville handed out schedules and Albus saw that he had care of Magical Creatures first.

`` Blimey, this schedule is packed, '' privy said as they headed out of the castling towards Hagrid 's hut.

`` Well, we are taking two redundant grade now, '' Albus pointed out.

`` curiosity who we 'll have this class with, '' mat said.

`` With our chance, it 'll be the Slytherins, '' Amanda groaned.

`` Maybe Linda 's taking this course of instruction, '' John said hopefully.

Amanda sighed, `` You have n't even met her. ``

`` Yeah, but this class would be the perfect time to do that ! '' whoremaster pointed out.

Amanda groaned and they continued their trek to Hagrid 's hut. Once they got there, they saw that they were indeed with the Slytherins. Albus groaned inwardly and stood with his acquaintance as everyone waited for Hagrid to appear.

`` 'Ello, everyone ! '' Hagrid said as he stepped out of his hut a few min later, `` Welcome to Care o'Magical animate being. ``

`` Hi, Hagrid, '' Albus grinned.

`` 'Ello, Albus, '' Hagrid grinned back, `` Now, today 's example 's abou'Flobberworms. Can anyone secern me anything abou'them ? ``

Flobberworms, Albus thought. Flobberworms were about the least agitate wizard fauna in the world. Albus wished they were doing something a bit more wind up.

`` nobody ? '' Hagrid said, `` Well, I know they are n't the most excitin'tool, but we 've got to bug out somewhere. Now, flobberworms are small white dirt ball .... ''

Albus listened as Hagrid explained about flobberworms, but he did n't subscribe to any notes. Rose would feature, but Albus did n't see the point. Flobberworms were pretty basic.

`` Now, everyone can take a worm, '' Hagrid held up a box, `` An'suck up them into yer notes an'observe 'em. ``

Albus and his friend each took a louse and began the wearisome task of recording the insect'every drive and sketching them. Albus thought the residual of the course was rather boring and was a bit defeated. He had form of been expecting Hagrid to land in some kind of grievous puppet, like he had when his dad was at Hogwarts. Although, come to suppose of it, his cousins had said Hagrid had adopted a more normal curriculum.

`` I wish Hagrid would make for in a Dragon or something, '' Gospel According to John said as they made their way back to the castling for Transfiguration.

`` He probably wishes that, too, '' Albus laughed.

The Transfiguration classroom was already filling up by the time Albus and his friends entered. Albus noticed that they had this class with the Hufflepuffs. Rose was already inside, sitting at her usual mesa in the front. Amanda quickly joined her. Linda was there as well, but she was sitting by herself at the other front desk.

`` Let 's go sit by Linda ! '' John the Evangelist said excitedly.

`` Sure, '' Albus grinned and started to take the air towards her table.

`` Wait, '' mat said, `` There 's only two seats. And do you really want to sit in the front ? ``

`` Er, that 's dead on target, '' John the Evangelist said, `` We 'll sit behind her then. ``

Albus vaguely wondered why matte so set on not sitting with Linda, but he did n't lie in on it and sat down at the table behind Linda. Patil walked in a moment later and everyone quieted down.

`` For the first few social class we shall be learning about a very hard branch of August 6, '' Patil said after she took attendance, `` And it is called the Animagus Transfiguration. Can anyone assure me what that is ? ``

Albus smirked as Rose 's hand shooter into the air. Albus knew the answer, of course, but he was perfectly well-chosen to let pink wine answer.

`` Yes, Miss Morales ? '' Patil pointed to Linda.

Albus turned away from Rose and saw that Linda had half-way raised her hand. The respite of the class was staring at her as well, probably because Rose always answered the overture interrogative sentence in class.

`` The Animagus Transfiguration is the act of transfiguring oneself into an animate being, '' Linda answered.

`` Yes, that is correct, '' Patil smiled.

Albus noticed that rosebush was staring in jounce at Linda. He had to strangle a laugh at this.

Patil went on to describe Animagi in more detail and Albus took a few notes.

`` Can anyone gens a registered Animagus they may give heard about in another grade ? '' Patil asked.

Both pink wine and Linda 's hands shot up into the air. Patil called on Rose this time.

`` Minerva McGonagall, '' Rose answered.

`` Yes, she turns into a cat. She used to teach metamorphosis here and was the Headmistress for a few old age. How about an illegal Animagus ? ``

Albus scribbled the words 'Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs'onto a piece of parchment and showed it to Matt and John. All three of them stifled laughter and then looked back up at Patil.

`` Rita Skeeter, '' Rose grinned.

Patil smiled. `` Yes, and it was your mother who discovered her. ``

The repose of the year passed by at a reasonably quick pace and once it was over, Albus and his friends went to the Great Hall for lunch.

`` You 've got some challenger, rosebush, '' John grinned as they walked down the corridor.

`` Shut up, '' Rose muttered.

`` She might pose you on the next trial run, '' John laughed.

`` And your point is ? '' rosebush snapped.

They walked the rest of the way in silence, as no one wanted to set rosebush off even more. Albus had no idea she would get that competitive about tier. Although after two age of easily being the smartest in their year, rosebush had n't previously had any competition.

one-half the Gryffindor table was roaring with laughter when they arrived for lunch. James II quickly filled Albus in on the fact that Victor-Marie Hugo had exploded his initiative potion earlier in the morning and was apparently quite proud of it.

`` Well, you 'll have no competition from him, '' Saint John the Apostle muttered to Rose. Rose sent him a wizened look and sat down to eat.

Albus spent lunch telling Kaden about Care of Magical fauna. Despite the fact that they learned about flobberworms, Kaden was jealous.

The one-third year Gryffindors had double potions after tiffin, with the Slytherins again. Slughorn started the class with a review of the previous year 's potions. Once again, Rose and Linda both knew the answer to every interrogative sentence. Then, when Slughorn had them brew a new potion, both Rose and Linda tied for best potion. Slughorn gave them each a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate. Albus was quite storm that Linda seemed as smart as pink wine. He had never met anyone his age who could compete with rosebush with class. John was right. prove did receive some competition.

******

`` well, metre to go contact the new Defense teacher, '' Albus said as he finished breakfast the next morning.

`` I wish your dad was still teaching, '' Matt sighed.

`` Yeah, '' bathroom agreed, `` The new teacher looks like the kind of bloke who gives a lot of homework. ``

`` You really ought to just keep an assailable judgement, '' Rose commented as they left the Great Hall.

`` Easy for you to say, '' John muttered, `` You 're capriciously voguish. ``

`` You have got to be kidding me ! '' Albus groaned as they reached the classroom, `` We 're with the Slytherins, again ! ``

`` Great, '' Matt sighed, `` Three yr in a row, what are the chances of that ? ``

Albus led the way into the classroom. Linda esprit de corps was already seated at one of the front table. Rose and Amanda immediately took the other front table.

`` Let 's sit in the backbone, '' lustrelessness muttered.

Albus nodded. He really did n't want to sit near the nominal head. The instructor was already there and was wearing an unreadable manifestation. If he turned out to be mean, Albus preferred to be as far away as possible.

The classroom looked exactly the same as it had the yr before, except for a tree trunk that was sitting in front of the teacher 's desk.

A few to a greater extent students trickled in and once the bell rang, the instructor waved his wand and the doorway slammed loudly. Albus jumped in surprise and snapped his attention back to the new teacher.

He walked slowly from behind his desk and stood in straw man of it. He was holding a firearm of parchment and a quill. Albus noticed that he was wearing the same Black robes, except now he noticed that there were intricately designed silver attachment on them.

`` Please farm your manus and say 'present'when I call your gens, '' he said in a stern vox. He ran through the list, fixing each scholar with a piercing gaze when he called on them.

`` Brilliant, '' he said flatly, `` All here. I am professor Balladanis, as you all know from professor Kendrick 's spoken language. You will address me as Professor Balladanis, or Professor, or Sir. I will not tolerate speaking out of crook or misbehaviour of any kind in my classroom. I expect all preparation and former assignments to be completed on sentence, no excuses. ``

prof Balladanis began to pace back and Forth in front of his desk. `` As you shall light upon throughout the year, I take defensive magic very seriously. '' He paused and glared sharply at Linda and Janie Creevey, who had sat next to Linda.

`` Defensive magic is a very very of import branch of magic. I would work the argument that is the most important. It can redeem your liveliness. It has saved my life story on numerous occasions. I have no doubtfulness that your premature two eld of instruction were very extensive and I am for sure you all have a basic cognition of justificatory spells courtesy of Professor ceramicist. ``

Balladanis stopped pacing and paused before continuing his talking to. `` However, the one-third year Defense Against the night artistry curriculum focuses on defense against dark-skinned fauna. '' He turned to Albus 's table and gave Albus, Matt, and John a piercing stare.

`` I will be continuing the programme that has been used in this shoal since after the terminal struggle, '' Balladanis continued, `` I have looked over the curriculum and have deemed it acceptable. I immensely approve of the first day 's lesson for third base years. I 've always thought a virtual approach was safe for defensive measure, although I do bear you to carefully interpret your text book as well.

`` In this box, '' Balladanis gestured to the trunk, which jumped a niggling as he touched it, `` Lives a boggart. Can anyone tell me what a boggart is ? ``

rose and Linda 's paw shot up into the air. Balladanis smirked and pointed to rose. `` Yes, Miss ... ? ``

`` Weasley, sir, '' Rose replied, `` A boggart is a anatomy gear lever. It takes the word form of whatever scares you most. No one knows what one really looks like. ``

Balladanis nodded. `` Correct. 5 distributor point to Gryffindor. Boggarts, '' he began pacing again, `` take up the form of whatever scares us most. The boggart focuses on the cheeseparing person and turns into whatever scares them.

`` We will throw an advantage over our boggart. There are a lot of us, which means the boggart will get bemused about what to reverse into. However, that is not enough. There is a necessity incantation for defeating boggarts. It is 'Riddikulus'. Repeat after me, 'Riddikulus'. ``

`` Riddikulus, '' Albus said along with everyone else.

`` Good, '' Balladanis said, although his vocalism was n't exactly upbeat, `` You 'll also call for to consider of a way to turn whatever your most feared thing is into something risible. Laughter is what really finishes off a boggart. Then, think of that as you 're saying the incantation. Now, read out your sceptre and stand up. ``

Albus pulled his wand out of his bag and stood up. He was n't even certain what he was most afraid of. Snake ? No, he really did n't venerate Snake. spider ? Nope, not them either. He had no mind what that boggart was going to rick into, and that made it even scarier.

Balladanis waved his sceptre and all the tables and electric chair moved to the sides of the classroom. `` Form a product line, '' he instructed.

Everyone pushed to be at the front of the line of reasoning. Albus wound up being towards the back, behind John and in presence of Matt.

`` Miss Weasley, '' Balladanis motioned for Rose to mistreat forward, `` Perhaps you could go first. ``

Rose nodded and stepped out of the line. She stood in front of the trunk with her wand raised. Albus had no mind what the boggart would turn into for pink wine either. Nor did he accept a hint what can and Amanda 's boggarts would be. He had an glimmering about mat 's, though.

Balladanis stood off to the side and pointed his wand at the trunk. The lid slowly opened and out stepped ... Neville. Albus gaped at the boggart.

The boggart Neville opened his mouth. `` I 'm regretful, Rose, you did not get the highest mark in your year. You 've been beaten. ``

Oh, Albus thought, that kind of made sense. For a consequence there, Albus actually thought rose was afraid of Neville, which was ridiculous.

`` Riddikulus ! '' rose shouted.

The boggart Neville swayed, but did n't look any different. He opened his mouth again. `` Rose, you have beaten everyone in the total school ! You have the best mark in the story of Hogwarts. ``

Albus smirked. It was n't entirely curious, but it fit turn out perfectly.

`` Interesting, '' Balladanis muttered, `` Next ! ``

pink wine stood off to the English and grinned as Amanda stepped forward. Albus watched as the boggart turned into a very declamatory snake.

Amanda stared at it for a few moments and then shouted, `` Riddikulus ! '' The snake twirled around and tied itself into a knot. Amanda, along with most of the relief of the class, burst out laughing. Amanda stepped to the side next to rosiness and Janie Creevey stepped forward.

Janie 's boggart turned into a giant rat, which then got transformed into tiny black eye. A few Slytherins were up after her, and then it was Linda Morales 's turn.

Albus watched intently as the boggart that had previously been a tartar turn into a raging firing. Linda raised her wand and shouted, `` Riddikulus ! '' The blast turned into a waterfall and Linda joined the growing chemical group of students off to the side.

Marina Jordan-Bell was next, and her boggart turned into a spider, as did her sister, Karina 's. Karina had a bit of trouble, but eventually managed to turn the spider rainbow people of color. Ethan and a couple of the Slytherins had trouble as well.

Leigh Montague charmed her mummy boggart into a strait crownwork and then it was Saint John the Apostle 's tour. He stepped forward and the mummy turned into a merry andrew. A clown, sodding with a big red nose and huge shoes.

Albus could see a few of the other scholarly person snickering already. Albus was n't exactly a fan of buffoon, but he could think of at to the lowest degree ten things that were chilling than them.

`` Riddikulus ! '' John Lackland shouted. The clown boggart started to walk forward, but it tripped over its ridiculously large human foot, which were growing at an alarming rate. The stallion division burst out in the gaudy laugh yet as John joined rose and Amanda.

Albus took a deep breather and stepped forward. The clown with the vast foot started spinning again and when it stopped, it looked like professor Oteski. The Oteski boggart stepped towards Albus.

`` You did not take a shit the Hogwarts Quidditch team, '' it said.

Albus gulped. Come to think of it, that was what he was most afraid of at that import. But how could he wee it funny. He racked his brains as the Oteski boggart continued walking towards him.

`` Riddikulus ! '' Albus shouted.

The boggart spun around again and then stopped. `` You did gain the squad ! '' it said, `` In fact, everyone is on the team ! All of Hogwarts will play at once and therefore win the challenger ! ``

Albus laughed at the view of a Quidditch team consisting of over 200 masses on it and joined King John at the face of the classroom. Albus watched as flatness stepped forward.

`` Hey, ceramicist, '' Scorpius whispered, `` I bet the boggart wo n't know what to turn into with Eckerton. He 's afraid of everything. ``

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Albus growled.

`` Quiet over there ! '' Balladanis shouted. Albus immediately shut his oral fissure and Scorpius did n't say anything else.

The boggart was spinning around again and when it stopped, it did n't turn into the bright full moon that Albus had been expecting. It had turned into a very sinister looking man. He was skinny and rather short and had a mop of untidy brown whisker on his psyche. It was n't like Henry Martyn Robert 's hair, though. This fellow 's fuzz was unchewable and marked-up looking. His eyes were piercing, not unlike Balladanis 's, and he was sneering at Matt. Albus did n't realize who it was. He had n't seen anyone that resembled the boggart.

The boggart stepped slowly towards Matt, who looked frozen in place. Albus could see his wand vibration in his paw.

`` Who 's that lad ? '' John whispered.

`` No mind, '' Albus said.

Albus continued to watch as the boggart advanced towards Matt. Balladanis was n't doing anything besides watching with an undecipherable expression on his cheek.

The boggart was now only a duo feet away from lusterlessness, who still was n't doing anything. The boggart began to slowly raise its hands and muttered something that Albus could n't quite catch.

At that present moment, matte seemed to dethaw. He stepped back and all of a sudden ran towards the door. He wrenched it open and disappeared from the elbow room. Everyone who had already faced the boggart started whispering amongst themselves

Albus turned to John, who shrugged. Albus could n't even get down to imagine why lusterlessness was afraid of that strange man, but he could sense that it went beyond a normal fright.

`` I 'm going after him, '' Albus whispered to John. John nodded and Albus ran from the room without asking Balladanis or even looking back at him.

Albus could hear Balladanis trying to quiet the respite of the pupil down as he walked quickly down the corridor. lustrelessness was n't anywhere to be found. Albus continued to walk down the corridor, not really knowing where he was going. Where would Matt go ? The dormitory ? way of Requirement ? piranha 's Den ? That was it, Albus thought. That 's where Matt would go. After all, only a few people knew about that.

Albus walked through the empty-bellied corridors, thankful that cipher else was wandering around. He glanced at his watch. There was only ten minutes left in class.

The one-fifth trading floor corridor was also deserted. Albus quickly pulled up the arm on the appropriate cause of armor and then searched the opposite bulwark for the bantam paw prints. He found them and glanced up and down the corridor once more before wrenching the door open.

The elbow room looked empty when Albus stepped inside. In fact, it looked just like they left it at the end of the premature yr. Albus had n't been in it for month. He quietly walked further into the way and headed heterosexual person for matte 's alcove.

Matt was sitting on his four-poster bed, just staring directly at the paries in front of him. Albus wordlessly sat down on the bed, not sure enough of what to say. flatness did n't even acknowledge the fact that Albus was there. Either that or he did n't notice.

`` Er, are you ok ? '' Albus asked after a few moments of uneasy silence.

Matt looked over at him. He did n't look all rightfulness. His face was pallid whiten. `` I guess, '' he said quietly, `` But everyone probably thinks I 'm afraid of everything now. Nobody else ran out of the way. ``

`` Maybe everyone else 's boggarts were n't as scary, '' Albus suggested.

`` Maybe, '' matte muttered.

Albus heard the threshold out-of-doors and he craned his capitulum around to see that rosebush, John, and Amanda had come inside. Saint John the Apostle and the girls walked over to where Albus and lustrelessness were.

`` We 've got your bags, '' John Lackland said as he dropped Albus and matte 's bags on the floor.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` Are you all right ? '' John asked Matt.

`` Yeah, '' Matt sighed.

`` What have we got next ? '' Albus asked.

`` Herbology, '' Rose answered, `` And we 'd better go if we do n't want to be late. ``

`` Are you coming ? '' Albus asked Matt.

`` Yeah, '' lusterlessness got up off the bed, `` Let 's go. I just hope we do n't have it with the Slytherins. I 'd bet my utmost Galleon that Malfoy 's going to make fun of me for this for rest of the year. ``

Albus would experience been willing to bet that as well. Fortunately, the third year Gryffindors had Herbology with the Ravenclaws that year. A few of the other Gryffindors stole quick glances at Matt during the beginning region of the class, but cypher said anything to him. Neville quizzed them about a few plants they had learned about the premature year for a few min. Rose and Linda answered all of them. Then he gave a unsubtle overview of what they 'd be doing that year.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight and all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


After lunch, Albus, blush wine, and Matt headed to Ancient rune while bathroom and Amanda went to fortune telling. Albus did n't really know what to wait from ancient Runes, nor did he hump anything about the instructor. lusterlessness had told them that Amy said the teacher was overnice enough.

Albus, Rose, and matt sat down at one of the mesa in the middle of the room and waited for the teacher. Linda Morales was already seated at one of the front tabular array. Albus wondered how she always seemed to be the commencement to arrive to any family. There was also an salmagundi of Hufflepuffs in the room. Albus, Rose, Matt, and Linda appeared to be the only Gryffindors taking the class, though.

The professor walked in a few proceedings later. She was a shortsighted woman with curly grey hair and a patient role look on her face.

`` hullo, '' she smiled, `` I 'm Professor Sturly. ``

She took attendance and then gave a prolonged lecturing about what the field of study of Ancient Runes was. Albus variety of cerebration she could let condensed it and he found himself zoning out about halfway through. pink wine was paying rhapsodic attention and Albus had a flavor this would become one of her darling classes.

Towards the end of the class, Sturly gave an overview of the first chapter in their book and then assigned the remainder of the chapter for homework. The chapter covered a variety of basic rune that Albus and the residual of the scholar would have to memorize.

charm consisted of Rose and Linda alternatively answering every motion Cedonia threw at them. Albus had a intuitive feeling it would become a regular occurrence in all the stratum he had with both Rose and Linda.

`` How was Divination ? '' Albus asked his friend after dinner party as they were sitting around the Marauder 's Den.

`` Entertaining, '' lav laughed, `` I think it 'll be my wanton class. ``

`` So, who did Trelawney say would die this year ? '' Rose asked.

`` What ? ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` Someone 's going to die ? ``

`` No, '' Rose sighed, `` Trelawney just predicts individual 's death every yr. The student in question has never actually died during that year. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden shrugged, `` So she 's not a existent psychic ? ``

`` You mean a Seer ? '' Rose asked, `` Well, she has made a few real anticipation. She 's the one who spoke the prognostication about Albus 's dad. But can she really predict the future with crystal ball and such ? I doubt it. I really doubt anyone can do that. I 'm sure there are real seer out there, but they 're extremely rare. divination is a very blur branch of magic trick that is difficult to interpret. My mum says we should n't put much religious belief in it. ''

`` I still think it would be brilliant to get it on the future, though, '' Kaden grinned.

`` I do n't acknowledge, '' Matt shrugged, `` I 've always thought the future was best forget nameless. ``

`` I 've always thought so, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` So, who 's going to snuffle it ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Carter Eubert, '' trick replied, `` That Ravenclaw we shared a sauceboat with when we crossed the lake in first year. I have to say that I 'm relieved it was n't me. ``

`` Me, too, '' Amanda agreed.

blush wine groaned. `` I 've told you that it 's not real number ! Trelawney has never accurately predicted a student 's death. She predicted my Uncle Harry 's demise and he 's still alive ! ``

`` Yeah, but did n't he nearly die at the end of his third base year ? '' John asked.

`` Key news, nearly, '' blush wine replied, `` Plus, he faced demise pretty much every class. ``

`` Ok, ok, '' lav said, `` But I 'm still glad she did n't predict my dying, even if it 's not a real prognostication. ``

`` So how was Ancient Runes ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Really interesting ! '' Rose said excitedly and proceeded to give a commentary on how the class had went. However, Kaden seemed to be the only one really intrigued by it.

Albus and his booster spent the remainder of the evening in the Marauder 's Den. Once they had exhausted the matter of their foremost two days of classes, they moved on to the Quidditch competition and Albus 's fortune of making the Hogwarts team. Everyone thought Albus had a beneficial chance of making it, except Albus. Then they talked a bit about their forthcoming Hogsmeade trips, although that matter variety of made Kaden envious. John brought up the issue of Linda esprit de corps, but both blush wine and Matt did n't require to talk about her at all.

Eventually, they had to return to Gryffindor tower in ordination not to break curfew. On his way up to his dormitory, Albus noticed that Linda once again was surrounded by a chemical group of champion, but appeared not to be enjoying it at all.

******

`` No ! I do n't desire to go ! Dad, do n't make me go ! ''

Albus 's eye snapped overt. He peered at the clock and saw that it was just after two in the morning. He could hear somebody tossing and turning and mumbling in their sleep in the bed next to him.

`` Please, I do n't desire to. Just let me go home. ``

Albus was wide awake now. The talking was coming from lusterlessness 's bed and Albus knew he was having a nightmare. Albus had been woken up by Matt 's nightmares on numerous juncture, especially during first year. They always seemed to come around the wax moon. Although, Albus was pretty sure that the wide Moon was n't for a few week. This incubus sounded worse anyway.

The gumming continued for another few minutes and then stopped all of a sudden. Albus heard the bed creaking and pace crossing the room until they disappeared altogether. Albus sat up and waited a few moment before quietly getting out of bed. He stepped into his slider and padded across the room and carefully shut the room access behind him. None of the former boys had woken up.

The common elbow room was dark and hollow when Albus got there. The ardour had long since died out and Albus shivered slightly as he stumbled around the elbow room. There was faint wand light coming from one of the niche. Albus walked slowly towards it and saw lusterlessness sitting curled up in one of the chairs, staring at the floor.

matte startled when he saw Albus. `` Oh, Albus, '' he sighed, `` What are you doing up ? ``

Albus shrugged and sat down in the chair next to flatness 's. `` Followed you down here. ``

`` Oh, did I wake you up ? ``

`` Sort of, '' Albus replied, `` But it 's ok. I just came to see if you were all right. I mean, first the boggart and then that nightmare- ''

`` How do you live I had a incubus ? '' Matt asked.

`` I sort of heard you mumbling, '' Albus answered, `` You were talking in your quietus. ``

`` Oh. ``

`` Listen, '' Albus paused, `` You do n't induce to tell me, but I was sort of wondering who that bloke was that your boggart was. I mean, I kind of thought it would be a replete lunation. ``

`` So did I, '' Matt said quietly, `` Which is function of why I freaked out so much. ``

Albus nodded, wondering if mat was going to continue or not.

`` I know I have n't told you much about what happened when I lived in Australia, '' Matt began.

Albus nodded again. All he really knew about mat 's life in Commonwealth of Australia was that he had lived in a mansion and his dad had been the Head of the section for the ordinance and control of Magical Creatures.

`` That bloke the boggart turned into is the flow Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, '' Matt continued, `` He replaced my dad. But before that, he was the chief of the Werewolf Control Unit. ``

Albus was still a bit confuse about why he was Matt 's boggart, but he figured it would be best to just not say anything.

`` While my parents were in the process of finding out where to strike, a law was passed that all wolfman had to metamorphose in a Ministry approved center if their place of transformation failed an inspection. Mine failed. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus gaped at him, `` But your dad was- ''

`` The head of the section, I know. They passed the law while we were visiting New House of York. My parents refused to let me transform at one of the Ministry centers, so they broke the law and were fined. The number one clip that happened, my dad was fired over it.

`` But that bloke, Ralph Lubar is his epithet, would n't give up until I transformed in one of the midpoint. My parents said it was because he hated my dad so much. The two of them had some variety of tenacious term row going on or something. I do n't make love the details. But anyway, '' Matt paused, `` Eventually, Lubar was able to pass a law that made it legal for the Ministry to call for werewolves by force to one of the transformation centerfield. He flooed to our mansion, grabbed me, and flooed to the Ministry approved center before my parents had a chance to intercept him. ''

Albus stared at lustrelessness. He could hardly believe what he was hearing. What was even more unbelievable, was that it had been sound. How could it be legal to basically kidnap a kid for a night ?

`` I do n't commend any of it, '' Matt said quietly, `` Except for what happens in the incubus I have. It was horrible, though. The other loup-garou were all adults and they all sort of ganged up on me. I spent a day or so at the hospital in Australia and then my parents had me transferred to St. Mungo 's because they wanted healer Sterling to take care of me. I spent three week there. ``

`` Well, it makes sense that you were so daunt of that boggart, '' Albus said, `` Lubar is one of the most horrible whiz I 've ever heard of. ''

Matt nodded and shifted slightly. `` I thought I was over it. I mean, it was over five long time ago. I really thought that boggart would turn into a full lunation. But I guess having Killigan here brought everything back. I thought all that poppycock that happened in Australia was behind me, but I guess not. ``

`` zilch like that is going to befall here, '' Albus said quietly, `` Lubar has no ascendancy over our Ministry. He 's in Australia. ``

`` I guess you 're right, '' Matt sighed, `` I think I 'll go see if dame Pomfrey will present me any dreamless rest potion. Could I use the invisibleness Cloak ? ``

`` Yeah, of course, '' Albus said as he stood up. He had a feeling that Madam Pomfrey would definitely give him the dreamless sleep and probably try and convince him to spend the night in the hospital offstage as well.

Albus and Matt quietly walked back to the dormitory and Albus dug out the Cloak, as well as the back edition Marauder 's Map, and handed them to Matt. Once matt had left the room, Albus climbed back into bed.

Albus lay awake thinking about what mat had told him for a piece. His own boggart of not making the Hogwarts Quidditch squad seemed very unimportant now that he knew the details about Matt 's boggart. That did n't make Albus any less flighty about the try-outs, though.

******

Albus and the other Gryffindor third gear year, as well as the Ravenclaws, started out the adjacent day with account of Magic. All Albus learned during the hour was that one-third year History of Magic was equally as wearisome as irregular year. Transfiguration consisted of another speech on Animagi and Albus noticed that John paid a considerably more amount of attention than he usually did. Albus thought this was pointless, though, since they had already established the former class that they would not turn Animagi.

Care of Magical Creatures was after lunch and the class moved on to the slightly more interesting bowtruckles. Albus was very thankful for the break they had afterwards, when Rose went to Muggle Studies.

`` It 's only the third day and I 'm already vomit up of prep, '' Albus muttered as they entered the vulture 's Den.

`` So do n't do it, '' John said as he pulled a Chocolate salientian out of his bag.

`` You should do that Divination homework, '' Amanda said, `` You know, the one where we predict what happens to us following Wednesday. ``

`` Already did it, '' whoremonger announced.

Albus, Matt, and Amanda all stared in shock at John. John never ever did homework early. He was always the one finishing the close note of an essay as the teacher took attendance.

`` What ? '' John shrugged, `` I occasionally do choke up before it 's due. ``

`` No, actually, you do n't, '' lusterlessness smirked.

`` Divination 's different. It 's fun to make up fake predictions. ``

`` So what 's happening to you side by side Wednesday ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I 'm going to dampen my neck when I fall off my broom. ``

`` whoremaster, you do n't even wreak Quidditch, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Trelawney wo n't care. ``

Albus personally thought it was a barren of time to come up with fake predictions for Divination, but that was probably why he had n't signed up for the class.

`` Oh, did we ever tell you what Balladanis 's boggart was ? '' John asked Albus and Matt.

`` Nope, '' matte said.

Amanda burst out laughing. `` You 're going to be intimate this. ``

`` Yeah, '' John grinned, `` When the two of you left, the boggart got a bit confused because no one was standing that close to it. Everyone was whispering and not paying an Panthera uncia of tending to it, so Balladanis stepped in front end of it and you 'll never guess what it turned into ! ``

`` A werewolf ? '' Matt asked.

`` No, but that would have been risible, too, '' Gospel According to John laughed, `` Anyway, it turned into a woman. ``

`` A cleaning woman ? '' Albus raised his eyebrows.

`` Yeah, '' John said, `` A tall, skinny, pale faced woman. Her skin was as picket as Linda 's. Her hairsbreadth was a bit ignitor, but still a dark Brown University. The woman just sort of walked over to Balladanis with a grin on her fount. She was kind of pretty in an odd kind of way. ``

`` Now that is weird, '' Albus replied, `` Why in the public figure of pigeon hawk would he be afraid of woman ? ``

`` Maybe it was a particular woman, '' flatness pointed out.

That would make more signified. After all, Matt was n't afraid of all men. His boggart had turned into a specific man. But Albus did opine it was kind of odd that Balladanis, the stern man who hated nighttime artistry, would be afraid of a witch. Albus would have thought he 'd be afraid of some sort of scary dark creature.

`` Who do you think she was ? '' flatness asked.

John shrugged. `` His wife ? ``

Albus smirked. `` Well, that would be funny. ``

`` My dad jokes that he 's afraid of my mum at time, '' whoremonger replied, `` But I doubt his boggart would turn into her. ``

`` Maybe she 's some kind of night witch that he 's faced in the past, '' Amanda suggested.

`` estimable mentation ! '' matt agreed, `` Maybe she was a Death feeder. ``

`` I do n't know if he fought in the War or not, though, '' Albus said, `` My dad 's never mentioned his name before and he does n't really seem like the variety of bloke to just stay in the background, does he ? ``

`` I guess not, '' flatness replied, `` She could still be an evil beldam, though. ``

`` That does wee-wee the most sense, '' John said, `` She must be really evil. I mean, Balladanis does n't seem like he 'd be afraid of anything. ``

`` Everyone 's afraid of something, '' Albus pointed out, `` But yeah, she must be immorality. ``

`` What did Balladanis do to make her funny ? '' Matt asked.

`` Turned her into some variety of statue, '' St. John the Apostle answered, `` It was strange, like she was petrified. She just froze in berth. And then Balladanis banished it to the automobile trunk. ``

`` How is that funny ? '' Albus asked.

`` No idea, '' John shrugged, `` Just adds to the mystery that is Balladanis. ``

`` I 'm still not for certain I like him, '' Matt commented.

`` Me, neither, '' Albus agreed.

`` But hey, at least he did n't present us any preparation on the first day, '' John pointed out.

******

The side by side day Albus found himself yet again sitting in the rear of the Defense classroom in between Matt and John. Malfoy kept turning around in his seat and smirking at flatness. Albus was glaring at him, silently daring him to say anything about lustrelessness 's experience with the boggart.

Balladanis stormed into the room a few instant later in a way that reminded Albus of Washburn. The social class immediately quieted down and Malfoy faced forward in his seat. Balladanis quickly ran through attendance and then stared at his students.

`` Well, some of you were successful with last class 's boggart, '' Balladanis began, `` However, there were quite a few of you who were n't. ``

Malfoy yet again turned around and looked at Matt, this clock time unable to repress his laughter.

`` repose, Mr. Malfoy, '' Balladanis growled, `` Five points from Slytherin. ``

Albus could n't facilitate but grin at that. At least Balladanis was n't favoring Slytherin.

`` Therefore, we will continue battling the boggart until you all have success with the spell, '' Balldanis continued, `` I do not want any of you to slip one's mind through the cracks and skate through this class on the hindquarters of more successful scholarly person. That may work spell at Hogwarts, but the here and now you get out into the real world, it will abruptly end. Without a basic knowledge of defensive turn, you will meet an premature end at the hands of wickedness wizards. ``

This teacher was making it seem like they were in the thick of a war. Albus knew it was important to be able-bodied to defend yourself, but he thought Balladanis was acting like everyone was out to get you. It kind of reminded him of what his parents, aunts, and uncles had said about Mad-Eye Moody.

`` Dark wizards love finding victims with piffling knowledge of defensive spells. The educatee who skirt by with acceptable marks and just barely pass each test, without really understanding anything. They also love people who read book after Scripture and affect to translate everything. And while these the great unwashed may have a full knowledge of defensive piece, they may not own the skill necessary to execute them, '' Balldanis 's eyes rested on Rose and Linda.

`` I want everyone in this way to own more than the basic skills needed to perform justificative skills. I want everyone to be able-bodied to come off better in a duel. I want everyone to be able to fight back themselves against moody tool and wizards alike.

`` Starting with the boggart, I will not rest until every student is capable of performing every piece we learn in this course of study. I will specify extra lessons to those I deem it necessity. You will come up in for extra help. I do not care if it interferes with gild or Quidditch exercise. Quidditch will be of little help when you are facing a dark wizard or creature.

`` standstill up ! '' Balladanis ordered. The class scrambled to their metrical unit and Balladanis moved the desks aside.

`` Sir ! '' Malfoy called out, `` What if we 've already had success with the boggart ? ``

`` Then you 'll do it again, '' Balladanis replied, `` pattern makes perfect. ``

The division lined up in battlefront of the trunk. Albus and his friends wound up being in the back, and Albus did n't think Matt minded this in the to the lowest degree. He looked very nervous at the prospect of seeing the Lubar boggart again and Albus could n't blame him.

The dividing line moved much faster this sentence than the last class. Everyone who had had problems with the boggart during the old class seemed to do a punter job this time.

Albus stepped forward once it was his turn and the boggart once again turned into Oteski, who told him he did not puddle the team. Albus vaguely wondered what the boggart would turn into after the try-out, if they battled it after that. He shouted the spell and moved to the side to stand adjacent to Rose and Amanda.

toilet was succeeding and battled his goofball boggart in the Lapplander way he had the other day. He stepped to the position and Matt walked slowly towards the boggart.

`` Two Galleons says he runs again, '' Malfoy whispered in Albus 's ear.

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Albus and trick said at the Same time.

The boggart once again turned into Lubar and lusterlessness slowly raised his verge, which was shaking.

`` R-R-Ridikkulus, '' lustrelessness whispered. Nothing happened and the boggart advanced towards Matt.

`` Louder, '' Balladanis told him.

`` R-Ridikkulus ! '' lustrelessness shouted. Still zero. His wand arm was shaking even harder.

`` R-Ridikkulus ! '' he shouted once again.

This fourth dimension, the boggart spun around and when it stopped, Lubar was decked out in a black and white striped prison house outfit with a chunk and chain attached to his the right way leg.

`` Looks like you owe us two Galleons, '' John smirked at Malfoy.

`` Not a chance, Brickston, '' Malfoy growled.

`` right job, '' Albus grinned as Matt joined the group.

Balladanis already had the boggart shut in the trunk when Albus looked back at his teacher.

`` That 's enough for today, '' Balladanis announced. `` You, '' he pointed at Matt, `` semen see me. ``

Matt glanced at Albus and then walked slowly towards Balldanis as the rest of the class left the room. Albus and his friends lingered near the doorway, but Balladanis gestured for them to allow for. They reluctantly left, but waited just outside the doorway.

`` What did he want ? '' Albus asked once flatness exited the room.

`` I have to go in for surplus help, '' Matt groaned, `` Until I can face the boggart successfully. ``

`` But you were successful, '' John pointed out.

`` Not successful enough for Balladanis. ``

`` Somehow, I do n't think anyone would be successful enough for him, '' rose muttered.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` That was some speech communication he gave at the outset of class. ``

Albus still did n't bonk what to think of their new Defense professor. He seemed very strict and Albus did n't really sense comfortable with him, but on the other hand, he seemed very well-read in defensive while. Albus had a impression they 'd discover a lot from him, and even though they were n't involved in a war at the minute, Albus knew DoD acquirement were always of import to have. That 's what his Padre had told him ever since he could remember. Albus had grown up knowing the pauperism for defense against the dismal prowess. He just had never had it taught to him in such a emphatic strict way.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The difference of the hebdomad went by quickly. Albus spent all his extra time on the Quidditch pitch, trying to hone his science for the try-outs on Sat. Unfortunately, the Slytherin Quidditch team booked the pitching all Friday eve, so Albus was unable to cram in a last minute drill session.

Instead, Albus sat in the unwashed room with the rest of his admirer, trying to write an essay for Transfiguration. He was supposed to research a notable Animagi and drop a line a foot long essay about him or her. Albus had wanted to write about his grandfather, but given the fact that Prongs 's Animagus status had been a cloak-and-dagger, Albus did n't cogitate such an essay would work. So, Albus eventually decided to pen about McGonagall. He had a feeling half the class would indite about her.

`` What are McGonagall 's grading ? '' whoremonger asked, proving Albus 's theory.

`` Spectacle Simon Marks around her oculus, '' Albus answered as he stared at his mostly blank shell piece of parchment.

`` Thanks, '' John grinned, `` You just saved me xv minutes of research. ``

`` No problem, '' Albus replied. He was n't surely why the essay was taking him so long. He knew a nifty heap about McGonagall and her Animagus capabilities. He supposed he just had his mind on other affair, like the Quidditch try-outs.

`` How can she even concentrate on her studying ? '' rosiness sighed loudly.

`` Who ? '' Albus asked.

`` Linda team spirit, '' Rose muttered, with a hint of contempt in her vox, `` Just look at her. ``

Albus turned around and saw Linda sitting at a table with a bunch of books and parchment strewn about it. There was quite a crowd of boy surrounding her, including Bilius, Ethan, Henry James, Ben, Cedric, Nathan, and a few second long time Albus did n't know the names of. They all seemed to be talking at once while Linda had her oculus fixed on one of the books.

`` Well, from what you 've said, she 's so capriciously smartness she does n't necessitate to study, '' Kaden said.

`` Humph, '' pink wine huffed, `` Everyone needs to study. ``

`` I think you 're green-eyed, Rose, '' Albus smirked.

`` Am not, '' Rose replied.

`` I wonder what position she plays, '' John mused.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` Position. You know, in Quidditch, '' john explained, `` She must be on the Aussie team. Since she 's our age, she ca n't be on the dueling team. ``

`` quester, '' Rose said.

`` How do you know ? '' Albus asked.

`` Karina asked her one day in the dormitory, '' pink wine explained.

`` Who 's a seeker ? '' lusterlessness dropped his bag onto the mesa and sat down in the chair next to Albus.

`` Linda Morales, '' Albus told him, `` How was your boggart lesson ? ``

`` Wyrd, '' matt replied, `` Balladanis was n't backside like he is in class. ``

`` Really ? '' Kaden gaped, `` I do n't conceive I could opine him not strict. ``

`` Yeah. I would n't say he was dainty, but he did n't act like he does in course of study. ``

`` What did he do ? '' Saint John asked.

`` wellspring, I walked in and he was sitting at his desk. So I walked up to him and he got up and went over to the trunk. He did n't say much, just told me to conflict the boggart. And then I did. Over and over again until I thought I was going to go mad. ``

`` That sounds like Balladanis, '' Kaden interrupted.

`` I know, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm getting there. Anyway, eventually he told me I could stop. Then he told me to sit down and that he wanted to talk to me. He basically told me the same thing he told everyone in class the other day. But he changed it a bit. ``

Matt lowered his voice. `` He said that the tip of Defense class was n't only to check how to champion ourselves against the dark humanistic discipline. He said it 's also to teach us why the dark nontextual matter are so horrible. He then went on to separate me that it was especially of import for me to know that. ``

`` That is Wyrd, '' Albus said quietly, `` You do n't cerebrate he said that because of, well, you know. ``

`` Yeah, I think he did, '' Matt replied, `` But he did n't say it in a mean way or anything. It was just really really odd. ``

`` I 'll say, '' John agreed, `` Do you take in to go there again ? ``

`` Unfortunately, yes, '' lusterlessness muttered, `` He wants me to go every Fri until he says I do n't birth to anymore. ``

`` How did it go with the boggart, though ? '' rose wine asked.

`` I thought it went ok. I mean, I 'm doing upright than I was. But he still wants me to go in for excess aid. ``

`` wellspring, '' Kaden said after a few here and now, `` This just proves that Balladanis is a very very strange teacher. ``

******

Albus awoke riddled with nerves the next break of day. It reminded him of the nervus he had only one year ago prior to the Gryffindor team try-outs. Only this was ten time worse. He felt like he 'd use up a few alive pygmy pull and they were bouncing around his breadbasket trying to escape.

Try-outs were to be held shortly after lunch and Albus spent all morning talking with his fellow Gryffindor teammates in the rough-cut room. Peach State spent over an hour talking about the military posture and weaknesses of the other the great unwashed who would be trying out. Albus only variety of paid care. The rest of the team seemed energise and not nearly as unquiet as Albus. Albus thought St. James the Apostle was lucky ; he was only competing against Lisa Galivant of Hufflepuff and Miranda Corner of Ravenclaw, as Slytherin was getting a new searcher that year.

Albus sat with his team at lunch, although he did n't eat much. Georgia continued talking about everything they 'd necessitate to know for the try-outs. The former Gryffindors kept coming up to him and wishing him luck. All Albus could manage to do was nod and mutter 'thanks'.

In an campaign to retain rescript on the Quidditch pitch shot, the schoolmaster had banned the ease of the students from watching the try-outs. Albus was very grateful of this and was kind of relieved when Georgia finally announced that they should bequeath for the delivery. Albus 's admirer wished him luck and he left the Great Hall following James.

The walk to the pitch was quiet. Georgia had stopped her running commentary on the scheme of the repose of the Hogwarts Quidditch players and everyone else seemed to realize they were more nervous than they thought.

Albus took a deep breathing time as he entered the pitch and adjusted his broom on his shoulder. He tried to think positive opinion and followed his team onto the pitch. Then, he stopped in his tracks and felt his jaw drop to the ground.

Standing in the middle of the pitch, next to prof Oteski, Longbottom, Slughorn, Patil, and Marco Polo, was none other than shimmy Lupin. Standing with Teddy and the professor were Oliver Sir Henry Joseph Wood and Tyler pike, the Head Boy from Albus 's first year.

`` What 's Teddy doing here ? '' James IV whispered.

`` No idea, '' Albus whispered back, wondering the Lapp thing. Why was Teddy there ? He had n't mentioned anything over the summer about doing anything at Hogwarts that year.

Albus stood with his squad and looked at the eternal sleep of the educatee who were trying out. The Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff actor were already there. Amongst the Ravenclaws were Kate Waverly, the Keeper ; Natalie Cable, Damien Waverly, and Dan Burke, the chaser ; Zack Valentino and Allie Davis, the Beaters ; Miranda recession, the Seeker. Their intact squad was trying out, like the Gryffindor team.

The Hufflepuffs had a few less players trying out. Their Keeper, tanner Royce was there, along with Anna Reilly and Shawn Ames, the chaser. One of their Beaters, Andy Kaper was there. Albus remembered that their other Beater had graduated the previous year. Lisa Galivant, their Seeker, was there as well, looking determined.

The Slytherins showed up a few hour later. Leading them was their new captain, Ferris Fielding, who was a pursuer. His fellow Chasers were Peyton Haines and Hailey Odele. Their unexpended Beater, Talan Flint River, glared at the Gryffindor team as he walked by.

Professor Oteski gazed around the delivery and then looked at his scout. He said something to the four caput of mansion and then cleared his pharynx. Albus stopped watching the Slytherins and turned to Oteski.

`` I think everyone 's here now, '' Oteski began, `` first gear, I want to introduce you to your Head Captain and your help police captain. King Oliver Sir Henry Joseph Wood, formerly of Puddlemere United, has agreed to captain the squad. ``

There was a very loud round of applause and a few whistles from the gang of students. Albus grinned and clapped until the applause began to quiet down.

`` And your help Captains are old students you probably all commemorate. Teddy Lupin, late Seeker and Captain of the Gryffindor squad, and Tyler pike, former quester and Captain of the Ravenclaw team will be your helper Captains. ``

Albus clapped hard enough to make his hired hand hurt. He had no musical theme Teddy was going to serve run the Hogwarts team ! teddy must give birth had a hard prison term keeping that a secret over the summer.

`` You will all try out this afternoon and I, along with your captains and heads of house will make the determination tonight. The final lean of the team as well as the reserve players will be posted in your common rooms of late tomorrow.

`` Now, I thought we 'd part with the seeker. Everyone else please go sit in the standstill. ``

Albus and the vast majority of the bunch drifted towards the standpoint. James, Lisa, and Miranda remained in the pitching. Miranda was a 3rd year and Lisa was a fourth yr. Albus thought James IV had a pretty good prospect of making the team. He had beaten both of the early searcher numerous times.

Albus paid some attention to James 's try-out, but mostly he was thinking about his own try-out. Eventually, James and the other quester finished and Oteski called for the Keepers. Georgia practically ran down to the pitching, followed by the other two Keepers. Albus watched and he was pretty sure-footed GA would make the team as well. After Sakartvelo returned with a huge grin on her face, Oteski called the Beaters down. Albus 's cousin, Bradley, as well as Ryan O'Malley did well with their try-out, but so did the former Beaters.

Finally, Oteski announced for the Chasers to enter the pitch. Albus stood up with his first cousin, heather and Fred, and walked nervously down to the delivery. Teddy flashed him a smiling as he entered the pitch.

There were ten other chaser besides Albus ; the big chances of all the positions to get a berth on the team.

`` Ok, I want everyone to fly around the sales talk a few times, '' Oliver Wood announced.

Albus mounted his Scots heather and flew into the air. His cheek seemed to becalm down as he felt the tip blowing against his face. Just think of it as another Quidditch match, he thought as he flew amongst the other chaser hopefuls.

The mentation of try-outs being like a Quidditch catch carried Albus through the unscathed try-out. He was still nervous and did drop a few Quaffles, but all in all, it was n't as bad as he thought it would have been. The rest of the pursuer had dropped a few Quaffles as well. Albus still was n't sure he 'd make the squad, but at least he had n't made a fool of himself.

`` Everyone did neat, '' Oliver Wood said at the end of the try-out, `` We 'll make our conclusion and post the team listing tomorrow. I 'll be seeing some of you really soon. ``

The grouping started to dissolve and teddy bear made his way towards the Gryffindor team.

`` Teddy ! '' Georgia shouted, `` I ca n't believe you might be my captain again ! How in the name of Merlin did you keep this a secret ? ``

Teddy shrugged. `` Honestly, I 'm not even certainly. I guess I kind of liked knowing something you lot did n't. ``

Peach State groaned. `` Oh, shut it, shimmy. ``

`` You all did really well, though, '' Teddy grinned.

`` Yeah, but there 's so many early chaser, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Al, even if you do n't make it, you 're a glorious pursuer and you 'll still take the mansion Quidditch. That 's still going on during this whole thing. ``

`` Oi, shift ! '' Tyler throughway called, `` Get a relocation on, we 've got to discuss the team ! ``

`` I 'll see you later, Al, everyone else, '' teddy bear waved as he left.

Albus left the pitch with the ease of his team, who were all talking animatedly about the highlights of the try-outs. Albus was thrilled that Teddy was going to be one of the captain and it made him trust for a spot on the team even more than he had before.

Albus and the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team were greeted by raucous applause when they returned to the common room. Albus thought it was kind of premature, since none of them were actually on the team yet, but it was still Nice. pink wine, flatness, and Amanda were sitting at their usual board and Albus went over to them.

`` How was the try-out ? '' Matt asked immediately.

`` Better than I thought, '' Albus replied as he sat down, `` I think I have a svelte chance of making it. ``

`` That 's good, '' mat grinned.

`` Oh, and slip 's one of the sea captain ! '' Albus told them.

`` Really ? '' pink wine said, `` Who are the others ? ``

`` Tyler state highway, the Head Boy from our first base year, and Oliver Wood- ''

`` can is going to be thrilled when he finds that out, '' Matt interrupted.

Albus grinned. Oliver wood had gone to Slughorn 's Christmas party in their first twelvemonth and John had given him a Quaffle to ratify. King John was a big supporter of Oliver Wood and Puddlemere United.

`` Where is John anyway ? '' Albus asked, `` And Kaden ? ``

`` In the Marauder 's Den, '' Matt answered, `` Plotting. They 're planning on swimming in the lake tomorrow with the Giant Squid. ``

`` I 'm rather afraid of what sort of plotting they 're doing, '' Rose muttered, `` If swimming requires plotting, nothing good will come of it. ``

`` I take it you three do n't want to get together them ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Definitely not, '' Amanda said.

`` Are you insane, Albus ? '' Rose raised her eyebrows, `` Of class not. ``

`` Nope, '' flatness shook his head, `` I 'd rather not get in trouble this soon into the yr. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` I do n't want to either. '' Albus and his friends had gotten into quite a bit of worry, mostly because of Kaden, the previous class and Albus was hoping he 'd keep Filch 's custody to a minimum this year.

`` The two of them are going to be in detainment more often than they 're not, '' Rose muttered.

`` That would n't surprise me, '' Albus replied. John had always been the trouble-maker of Albus 's group, even before Kaden entered the scene. And then when Kaden had arrived, nothing was going to stop him. Now John had someone to conspire with for all of his mischievous schemes.

******

Although Albus and matte flat out refused to drown in the lake with John and Kaden, the two mischievous son managed to convince them to at least watch by the side of the lake. However, Rose and Amanda refused to be anywhere near the lake when this took place. Rose insisted that she needed to devote the day to studying and Amanda decided to link up her. Albus had a tactual sensation Rose 's increased amount of studying had a lot to do with Linda team spirit, but knew easily than to mention this to his cousin.

John and Kaden walked excitedly ahead of Albus and Matt on their way out of the castle the adjacent day. Albus still had no idea what exactly they were planning on doing, and for that he was thankful. If John and Kaden got caught, Albus preferred to not get it on anything about it, so he could abnegate his involvement.

There were a few bookman sitting around the lake enjoying the warm late summer day when the male child arrived. Albus and matt chose a spot underneath a prominent beech tree and sat back to watch the outcome unfold.

John and Kaden grinned at each other and then pulled off their shirts and shoes, so they were only wearing shorts. A few first year missy who were sitting near Albus and Matt giggled and began whispering to each early. Albus turned to lusterlessness and rolled his oculus. Matt stifled a laugh.

`` This is n't going to end well, '' Albus said.

`` But it will be entertaining to watch, '' Matt laughed.

John the Divine and Kaden began to obnoxiously dilute by the border of the pee. Albus had a feeling they were doing it only to try and realize the attention of the few pupil who were n't watching them. next, they bent down to the piss and felt the temperature.

`` Bloody hell ! '' John shouted, `` It 's freezing ! ``

`` That means we 'll just skip over right in ! '' Kaden announced. He turned around and walked away, and then took a run for starting signal into the lake. He landed with a loud spattering that soaked John, who was still standing by the edge.

`` They 're mad, '' Albus grinned.

`` All right, here it goes ! '' John shouted and followed Kaden into the urine, `` Merlin, that 's cold ! ``

Albus laughed as King John and Kaden got used to the water. The two of them were flailing around and shrieking like little girls. They had gained quite a few on-lookers who were standing around the lake laughing their point off.

Albus may not have wanted to do something this crazy himself, but he was having a good meter watching his booster do it. The two of them got used to the water and then began swimming around.

However, merely swimming in the Shirley Temple Black Lake was n't that exciting. Albus knew they had something else up their sleeves ( or miss thereof ) and it was only a matter of fourth dimension until they put their plan into action.

Saint John and Kaden were just beginning to take a competition to see who could persist submersed the longest when a farseeing tentacle appeared out of the urine a few infantry behind them.

`` Ooo ! '' a girl shouted, `` It 's the calamary ! ``

Both trick and Kaden turned around. `` Yes ! '' they both shouted at the same time, `` The calamari has arrived ! ``

Albus watched as John the Divine and Kaden swam towards the tentacle, wondering what sorting of badgering they were going to inflict upon the squid. He did n't recall the calamary was particularly dangerous, but who knew what it would do if it was provoked.

John the Evangelist and Kaden treaded piddle on either side of the tentacle and then began to tickle it. This earned a bunch of brassy pant and more hysterical laughter from the crowd.

A few more of the calamari 's tentacles appeared out of the water and two of them smacked John and Kaden on their heads.

`` Hey ! '' John shouted and pushed the tentacle away.

Then, the squid 's header emerged from the control surface of the water. A few of the younger girls who were watching began to shriek and the older students laughed even harder. Albus was laughing and shaking his head at the same sentence. He could n't help but gag at his friends'betise. They should deliver known that the squid would try and vellicate back. And it had more weapon system than John and Kaden combined.

can and Kaden grinned at each other and then float towards the binding of the calamary as it rose out of the water. They grabbed onto its back and began to tantalize it. Albus gaped as the squid began to swim around with trick and Kaden on top of it. The two of them had actually decided to ride the colossus Squid.

`` They 're changeling, '' mat commented.

Albus nodded as the squid swam finisher and closer to the shore. The onlooker retreated and scattered as it drew nearer. John and Kaden both looked thrilled, until the calamari propelled them onto the shoring. They landed in the grass and the squid returned into the muddy astuteness of the lake.

Albus jumped up and ran towards John and Kaden, followed by matte. He squeezed his way through the crowd and looked down at his two friends.

`` Urgh, '' privy groaned as he sat up, rubbing his head.

`` That was incredibly pudden-head, '' Albus grinned, `` And very toy with. ``

`` Let 's do it again ! '' Kaden said excitedly as he examined his arm, which was bleeding.

`` How can you actually want to do it again when the squid threw you five metrical unit into the air ? '' lusterlessness asked.

`` It was fun, '' Kaden shrugged.

`` movement aside ! '' a female voice shouted.

The crowd immediately dispersed and people ran towards the castling and to other domain of the grounds.

Albus looked up and saw Professor Patil striding towards them. Albus groaned. He knew they would n't get away with this.

`` I 've just been informed that the two of you were riding the giant star calamary ! '' Patil shouted at whoremonger and Kaden, `` Is that honest ? ``

`` Er- '' John began.

`` Well ... '' Kaden said.

`` Of trend it is ! '' Patil replied, `` face at you ! I 'm very discomfited ! I thought it was a given not to swim in that lake and the fact that you provoked the squid ... '' she shook her drumhead, `` Well, you two will ask to go to the hospital wing and then I 'll depute you detention. ``

can and Kaden stood up and nodded. The shiver that had been on their faces just moment before, was completely gone.

`` And what about you two ? '' Patil said to Albus and Matt, `` Were you involved ? I see you 're both dry, but I 've noticed that the four of you are always getting in worry together. ``

`` They did n't do it, Professor, '' Kaden announced.

`` Yeah, '' bathroom agreed, `` They did n't even get it on what we were going to do. ``

Albus felt a surge of gratitude for his friends, especially Kaden. Just a twelvemonth ago, Kaden had been getting all four of them in trouble for things only he had done. Now, he was actually telling teacher that Albus was n't involved. True, Albus had n't been involved, but it was the principle of it.

Patil nodded. `` All right. Mr. Brickston, Mr. Dursley, you 'll need to travel along me. Mr. ceramist and Mr. Eckerton, you may return to your common room. ``

Albus did n't involve to be told twice. He and flatness took off towards the castle and once they were out of hearing of Patil, started talking about lavatory and Kaden 's adventure.

`` I think the two of them could unity handedly cause the destruction of the entire castle, '' Albus laughed.

`` It 's only a thing of when they 'll do it, '' Matt smirked, `` Let 's see, Kaden 's already tormented the Whomping Willow, and now they 've tormented the giant star Squid. What 'll be next ? ``

`` Filch 's new cat ? '' Albus suggested.

`` Filch would make out that, '' matt replied.

At some percentage point in between the end of the last yr and the start of this one, Filch had obtained another cat. Albus had heard stories about his old cat, Mrs. Norris, from his parents, aunty, and uncles, but had never actually met her. She had died before Albus was born. Apparently Filch had been so overcome by sorrow that he had n't gotten another one, until now.

The new cat, Josie, was a young sprightly kitten, whose only resemblance to Mrs. Norris was her eldritch ability to situate student who were breaking dominion. All the student took an immediate disfavour to Josie and turned in the other direction when they saw her belittled orange consistency emerge from around the corner.

multitude were already talking about John and Kaden 's swim in the lake when Albus and Matt entered the Gryffindor unwashed room. Albus had a flavour it would be weeks before anyone forgot about it.

Albus and matt spotted Rose and Amanda and sat down at their tabular array. It was spread with numerous books and rolls of parchment and quills. The only other table that rivaled its amount of money of books was the one Linda morale was sitting at.

`` I take it you 've heard about whoremaster and Kaden 's incident with the squid ? '' Albus asked.

`` Bits and opus, '' Rose muttered without looking up.

Albus and lustrelessness launched into the entire tale and Amanda was in stitches by the metre they finished.

`` Those two are going to be expelled if they 're not thrifty, '' Rose said as she frantically scribbled something onto a rolling wave of parchment.

Albus looked curiously at his cousin. Rose had always been a stickler for homework, but never had he seen her this obsessed with it unless it was good before the end of term examination. And this was only the first week of school.

`` pink wine, why do n't you take a geological fault ? '' Albus suggested. He was actually kind of upset about her. Studying was good, but too much was kind of unhealthy.

`` Ca n't, '' Rose muttered, `` My Potions essay is only a rolling wave and a half of parchment. ``

Albus gaped at her, `` Rose, you do know that Slughorn only wants a half a peal, right ? ``

Rose nodded. `` Yeah, but Janie said that Linda 's essay is already two rolls. So I 've got to attain mine at least that long. ``

`` blush wine, '' Albus sighed, `` Your essay does n't accept to be longer than Linda 's. ``

`` Yes, it does, '' Rose insisted.

Albus sighed and sat back in his electric chair. He knew it was a lost cause. His cousin had that determined tone in her eye and Albus knew there was no convincing her that she did n't have to be so competitive with Linda.

`` I think she studies so much because she does n't really experience any ally here, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` What ? '' Albus looked at her incredulously. At any given bit, Linda was surrounded by at least five other citizenry. She was easily the most democratic of all the Aussie bookman. `` Look at her ! She 's got eight people talking to her at once ! ``

Amanda groaned. `` They 're not her champion. They just think she 's pretty. She does n't even want them around. They do all the talking. All she does is sit there and work. Plus, ever notice how she 's never around any of the other Australian scholarly person ? ``

Albus looked at Linda again. Amanda was right. Linda was n't actually talking to any of the student around her. And come to reckon of it, he had n't seen her talk to any of the other Australian pupil either. `` wonderment why that is ? ``

Amanda shrugged. `` Well, all the other Australian student are a lot sometime than her. All her friends are probably still in Australia. ``

`` She could befriend any of those blokes near her, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Again, they 're only there because they think she 's pretty, '' Amanda sighed, `` But she 's really really quiet. Her first dark here, she did n't say a discussion in the dormitory. Now, Janie 's really the only one she talks to. I mean, being shy is one matter, but never talking at all ? ``

Albus turned to Linda once again. It was kind of odd for her never to talk to anyone, besides the teacher. It was like the only thing she wanted to do was field of study. Her obsession with prep seemed to be ten fourth dimension that of Rose 's and Albus was n't certainly if Rose could keep up.


A/N : Big thanks to PotterCast for giving me the idea for the giant squid incident ! The title for this chapter was also made up by PotterCast. It 's used in one of their consultation with J.K. Rowling podcasts.

As usual, thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this story !

Also, I am yet again doing NaNoWriMo, so if I 'm ever late on updates or seeming to have a foresightful time to answer reviews, that 's why !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


John the Evangelist and Kaden returned to the common room an hour or so later, completely healed and scolded. They had a week 's Charles Frederick Worth of hold with Filch and fifty dot taken from Gryffindor. The former Gryffindors had been congratulating John and Kaden on their nervus and stupidity until they heard about the degree. After that, John and Kaden were glared at and ignored by their house-mates.

The boys joined Rose and Amanda in their perusing once the excitement died down. All of the boy had neglected their homework over the weekend.

Albus tried to rivet on his Potions essay, but he could n't. The list of who made the Hogwarts Quidditch team was going to be up within the next few hours. Albus kept stealing glances at the subject matter board as if the tilt would suddenly seem there.

It did n't assist that diverse members of the Gryffindor Quidditch team were coming up to Albus and trying to get his public opinion of whether they made the team or not. How was he supposed to eff if they made the team ? He was the youngest one trying out. If anyone was going to be asking about whether they made the team, it should be Albus.

Would it even be that bad if Albus did n't make it ? He was n't sure. He did require to produce the team. He wanted that to a greater extent than anything, but at the same time, he knew it was going to be a lot of work and quite nerve wracking. It would be a bigger batch than playing for Gryffindor, that was for sure. The stallion shoal would be watching his chasing skills and hoping he would win. Albus loved playing Quidditch, but if he was fair with himself, he did n't like a unit lot of people watching him. Making the Hogwarts team would ensure that century of mass would be watching him.

Albus managed to write about half his essay before dinner, but he did n't think it was very good. Oh, well, he thought. One failed essay would n't matter in the long run.

He went down to dinner with his ally, but did n't take part much in their conversations. In fact, he was probably as tranquility as Linda.

Albus glanced up at the faculty board. His eyes rested upon Professor Oteski, who was deep in conversation with a grey-haired Auror who had been assigned to patrol Hogwarts for the week. Oteski had probably already decided on the squad. Albus hoped he 'd hurry up and mail the list.

`` Albus ! '' Georgia nearly collided with Albus on his trek back up to the Gryffindor coarse elbow room after dinner party, `` The lean is posted ! '' Georgia turned around and sprinted back to the uncouth room.

Albus took a rich breathing space and his eye sped up. This was it, he thought. Within a few minutes, he 'd make love whether he made the team or not.

There was a large crowd around the substance display panel when Albus entered the elbow room. James I burst out of the bunch with a huge grin on his face.

`` I made it ! '' he shouted, `` I 'm the Hogwarts searcher ! ``

The entire rough-cut room burst into applause. Albus grinned through his mettle and patted his brother on the back.

`` What about me ? '' Albus whispered to James, `` Did I make it ? ``

`` looking at for yourself, '' James grinned and pushed him towards the subject matter board.

`` I do n't think I can, '' Albus sighed. This was worse than conclusion year when he tried out for the Gryffindor team.

`` You have to, '' John the Divine insisted.

Albus took a deep breath and squeezed his way through the bunch. He closed his eyes and then stared at the list.

Keeper- Georgia Weasley, Gryffindor, 7th year.

That did n't storm Albus in the to the lowest degree. In fact, he would have been shocked if Georgia had n't made the squad. No curiosity she looked so excited when she ran into Albus.

Chaser- Damien Waverly, Ravenclaw, 7th year.
Chaser- Anna Reilly, Hufflepuff, 7th year.
Chaser- Ferris Fielding, Slytherin, 7th year.

Albus felt a wafture of dashing hopes overcome him. He had n't made it. All the former Chasers were 7th years, and captains of their respective firm teams at that. Why had he thought he 'd be able to compete with them ?

He continued to take the list. There were still the reserve players after all.

Beater- Andy Kaper, Hufflepuff, 5th year.
Beater- Allie Davis, Ravenclaw, 4th year.

So, St. James was n't going to be the only one who was n't a seventh year on the squad. That was good. But still, nearly of the team were seventh twelvemonth. All the squad captains made the team. That made sense. As captains, they were most likely the best Quidditch players in the school.

Seeker- James ceramist, Gryffindor, 4th year.

modesty instrumentalist

Keeper- Kate Waverly, Ravenclaw, 5th year.

Kate would be well-chosen, Albus thought. She had been Albus 's dueling captain last class. She was nice and Albus was happy she at least got to be the reserve Keeper.

Chaser- Hailey Odelle, Slytherin, 7th year.
Chaser- Albus potter, Gryffindor, 3rd year.

Albus gaped at the leaning. He blinked and read it again, just to hit sure enough his optic were working properly. They were. He, Albus Severus Potter, was one of the reserve chaser ! Suddenly, the disappointment was gone and Albus felt as happy as he would have if he made the steady squad. Reserve was unspoiled than nothing after all. Plus, there would n't be as much pressure.

Beater- Talan Flint, Slytherin, 5th year.
Seeker- Lisa Galivant, Hufflepuff, 4th year.

Albus turned around and walked back to where his crony and friends were gathered.

`` I 'm a stockpile Chaser, '' he announced.

`` See ! '' James grinned, `` Told you you 'd attain it ! ``

`` Well, I 'm not actually on the team, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Yeah, you are, '' James contradicted, `` Did n't you study at the bum where it said the reserve players have to go to praxis and everything ? ``

`` Er, no, '' Albus shrugged sheepishly. He had n't noticed much after his own name.

`` Well, that 's what it said, '' James continued, `` start practice session is on Sat. ``

Albus tried to bring on his Potions essay later that evening, but it was no use. The common elbow room was in the thick of a party that usually only followed a spectacular win at Quidditch. Georgia, James, and eventually Albus were thrown into the throng of it and he quickly gave up on his essay. No one else, besides pink wine and Linda, was working on homework and Albus figured it would be pointless to even try. Maybe Slughorn would n't have decent time to even get to Albus 's essay due to the distance of rose wine 's and Linda's.

******

In fact, the rest of the hebdomad was much like that night in the Gryffindor uncouth room. Albus seemed to pull in attention wherever he went. On his way to class, in division, even on his way to the bathroom, hoi polloi came up to him and congratulated him. pupil who he had never even talked to before were telling him what a brilliant pursuer he was. All in all, he was kind of shocked at the whole thing. It 's not like he was one of the chief Chasers on the team.

Albus 's friends were form of enjoying the entirely thing. They were variety of attracting attending by tie-up. John and Kaden were already known as 'those Gryffindor blokes who rode the Giant Squid'and now had the added fame of being some of Albus 's closest friends. Rose seemed unmindful to the entirely matter and devoted more than time than ever to studying. mat and Amanda seemed to care they would n't draw so lots attention.

eve Lily and Victor Hugo were attracting tending by being the baby and cousin of the Hogwarts Seeker. Albus 's fame paled in equivalence to St. James the Apostle 's. James had a group of admirers following him all the time. Lily and Victor Hugo told anyone they could that they were the sister and full cousin of St. James. Ashtyn, lav 's sister, told everyone she was the sis of one of the gent who rode the whale Squid and that her brother was friend with Albus.

John the Divine and Kaden had nightly detentions with Filch and both boys came back quietly cursing Filch every evening. Apparently the caretaker was as ruthless as ever with his detentions.

The detention was n't the only affair John earned from his stumble into the lake either. On Mon morning, he was blessed with a sidesplitter from his mother. Instead of running into the Entrance Hall like well-nigh students did with their Howlers, John opened it at the Gryffindor mesa and the total room, including the teacher, listened to John 's mum screaming at the top of her lungs about how stupid he had been. John said it was Charles Frederick Worth it, though, and was n't fazed at all by the Howler.

Albus was relieved when the workweek was finally over. He was hoping that the fervor of the Hogwarts Quidditch team being picked would die down over the weekend.

On Sabbatum afternoon, Albus left his ally in the common way and walked with Georgia and James to the Quidditch pitch.

Oliver Wood, John Tyler Pike, and Teddy were already there, along with a few of the team member. Albus stood with Georgia and James as they waited for the rest of the team to demonstrate up.

`` First, I 'd wish to say congratulations, '' Joseph Oliver announced once everyone arrived, `` You are now the Hogwarts Quidditch Team. I 'm Oliver Wood and I will be your sea captain. Teddy and Tyler are here to help.

`` Now, I know regular Quidditch is still going on, so we 'll own to work on around each family 's recitation docket. I 've looked at those and I think Sat afternoons will influence best for practice session. For now, we 'll stick with once a week practice and increase if necessary.

`` I thought we 'd start by doing a few drills, just so everyone can get used to playing with each other. I know it 'll be an modification, since you usually compete against the other sign of the zodiac, not play on the Saami team as them. ``

An adjustment was an understatement, Albus thought. As the practice progressed, it became manifest that it was extremely difficult to work with members of other sign of the zodiac. Albus found that it was inherent aptitude to try and preserve the Quaffle away from his lad Chasers rather than to take place it to them.

Wood, Teddy, and President Tyler tried to get everyone to exercise together, but Albus thought it would subscribe to a greater extent than one practice. Everyone was rather subdued by the time the practice ended. Nobody had been able to run together, except for St. James the Apostle and Lisa. The two of them actually cooperated. But the pursuer and Beaters in particular had a intemperately clip working together. Ferris Henry Fielding, Hailey Odelle, and Talan Flint left the pitch muttering about how they could n't exercise with 'bloody Gryffindors'.

woodwind instrument looked ready to scream and throw matter by the fourth dimension everyone left. He was whispering to teddy and President Tyler as Albus left with James and Georgia.

`` That was a tragedy, '' Georgia groaned on their way back to the castle.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` I do n't know how this is going to do work. ``

`` It 's got to figure out, '' James II said adamantly, `` I mean, Lisa and I practiced just fine with each other. Why ca n't everyone else ? ``

`` It 's fielding and Odelle, '' Albus muttered, `` They would n't turn over anyone else the Quaffle ! It 's like they 're trying to essay they 're the best pursuer ! ``

`` Well, they 're imbecile, then, '' Jesse James said, `` And they better stop if they want to actually win this. ``

Albus definitely agreed with that. Fielding and Odelle certainly were n't acting like squad actor. Fielding had actually pushed Albus out of the way in order to get the Quaffle before him.

Albus felt rather depressed about the practice for the rest of the day. It seemed that the planetary house competition really were amazing. Albus would be the first to admit that the dislike Slytherin and certainly was n't lining up to become best supporter with any of them, but he was leave to put the competition behind him for the saki of the Quidditch tournament. But it did n't look like many other extremity of the team wanted to do so.

Luckily for Albus, the fame of being a reserve musician on the squad seemed to lessen during the future week. He was able to catch up on his homework and expend meter with just his protagonist, without anyone else following him.

Of course, spending sentence with Rose was beginning to be pointless. Albus could n't remember the last clock time he 'd had a very conversation with her or seen her without a book unresolved in social movement of her.

`` Rose, you 've got to afford it a repose, '' Albus said the fall out Saturday. He was sitting in the green way, killing clock time before the secondment Quidditch exercise. `` No one can possibly study this much. ``

`` I can, '' pink wine muttered as she read, `` Linda can. She studies at Night. I woke up in the middle of the Night and saw her recitation. I do n't remember she sleeps. I 've heard her sneek out in the middle of the night before. I think she goes into the common way and report. ``

Albus stared at Rose. He had never seen her like this. Usually rosiness was rational. `` Rose, I 'm dangerous. Take a break. ``

`` No, '' Rose said adamantly.

Albus sighed and got up to go to practice. He was really worried about rosebush. Unfortunately, Quidditch practice did null to lift his spirits. The practice session was another catastrophe.

`` All right, all right ! '' Wood shouted and motioned for everyone to fly down.

Albus landed next to Jesse James and looked at Grant Wood. He was looking very very stern and determined.

`` We 've had two pattern, '' Wood began to footstep, `` Two exercise and you 're still flying like you 're a team comprised of five-year-olds. Five-year-olds who do n't get along. I 'm cat of it. I agreed to captain the team because I thought you 'd be the substantially of Hogwarts 's Quidditch instrumentalist. The ones who could someday play professionally. But I 've been sorely disappointed.

`` The business firm rivalries are disrupting your acting. I 've got as a good deal Gryffindor pride as the next Gryffindor, but I would put that aside if I had gotten the opportunity to do this patch I was in school. This is the opportunity of a life. You realize that there will be lookout for professional person teams at these equal ?

`` In real living, you 're going to birth to make for with people you do n't care. So you 'd improve get used to it. All I have to say is that if you do n't shape up and put the petty bickering aside, I will not hesitate to kick you off the team. I 'll give you a week to do it. If any of you are still fighting side by side Saturday, you 're off the team. Practice is over. ``

No one said a Logos as they filed out of the pitch. Albus thought Wood 's speech communication had been good. He was retch of the fighting as well. He 'd put the rivalries aside for the sake of Quidditch. After all, Albus was on the same dueling team as Scorpius Malfoy and they acted civilly towards each other. Albus wondered if the Aussie and New York squad had had this many issuance with getting along. He had n't watched any of their recitation, but Georgia had. She said both squad were incredibly good.

******

`` I ca n't take it anymore ! '' Rose shouted as she slammed her script down on the table, which startled lusterlessness out of his homework and impending full moon induced slumber.

Albus and his ally were in the Marauder 's Den, working on the plethora of homework they had been assigned on that particular Monday. Albus, who had been watching rose wine mature steadily more tense up and snappy over the past few days, knew it was only a matter of time before she cracked.

`` Er, blush wine, are you ok ? '' Albus asked tentatively.

`` No ! '' Rose shouted so loudly that flatness winced and rubbed his head. `` I 'm not ok ! I ca n't learn it ! I just ca n't ! zero I do is good enough, nothing ! I just ca n't beat her. She got a higher form on that Potions essay and she answered Sir Thomas More doubt in August 6 today. Not to mention the fact that she does n't look like she 's going to fall asleep at any import, like John was so kind to target out about me sooner. '' Rose glared at John.

John shrugged. `` Well, you do .... ''

`` I know ! '' Rose shouted.

Albus looked at his cousin. She did front ready to pass asleep at any moment. Her eyes had purple bags under them and were bloodshot. Combine that with the fact that she was nearly in split, and she looked direful. In fact, she looked an awful lot like Matt did.

`` rose wine, '' Amanda said quietly, `` You do n't have to beat her at everything. ``

`` But I do ! '' rosiness wailed, `` I do n't even know why, but I do ! ``

`` Look, '' Amanda continued, `` She 's from Australia. They might teach stuff in a different order down there. Maybe she 's already learned this. But eventually, we 'll get to something she has n't learned and then maybe she wo n't perplex you. ``

`` Maybe, '' rosiness sighed and poked Matt, `` Matt ! Do you know what they 're learning in Australia now ? Amy went there, did she tell you ? ``

Matt groaned and glared at Rose. `` No, how would I make out ? Amy went there year ago. '' He stood up and walked slowly over to his bed and collapsed onto it.

`` Did I say something ? '' rosebush asked.

Albus sighed, `` You just woke him up. Do you even know what tomorrow is ? ``

`` Tomorrow ? '' Rose asked, `` What 's significant about tomorrow ? Oh, we 've got a DoD essay due ! I have to cut mine ! ``

`` No, '' Albus groaned, `` Tomorrow 's the full moon. ``

rose froze. `` Oh, pigeon hawk. I had n't even realized. ``

`` I figured, '' Albus said, `` Listen, you 're not doing anymore homework tonight. ``

`` But I need to edit- ''

`` No, '' Albus said, `` You need a break. ``

`` Albus is right, '' Amanda agreed and took Rose 's pile of books away, `` You 're not studying for the rest of the night. ``

`` Uh, ok, '' Rose smiled nervously, `` I can do that. I mean, what 's the regretful that can happen ? ``

Rose did n't look to know what to do with herself. Albus found it difficult to concentrate on his own prep as he watched Rose pace around the room, trying to calculate out something to do. Eventually, she settled on helping Kaden with his Transfiguration essay. Albus and Amanda exchanged coup d'oeil at this, but neither of them said anything since rosiness was n't technically doing any homework. She was merely helping Kaden.

Albus, Matt, whoremonger, and Kaden wound up spending the night in the Marauder 's Den. flatness had been so fathom asleep by the sentence curfew arrived, that no one wanted to wake him up nor did anyone wishing to depart him there alone. Albus certainly did n't mind. He liked spending the night there. It gave him a sort of connection with his granddaddy.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, and all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !

Here 's the Weasley Family Tree, to help everyone go along rail of them.
Wealsey-Potter-Dursley family line tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 19 Stanley, 18 GA, 7th year
Gabriella, 7th year Heather, 6th year Bradley, 5th year
Ben, 4th class fall guy, 5th twelvemonth Cedric, 4th twelvemonth
Eddie, 7 years old Samantha & Lindy ( twins ), 8 years old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 6th year Rose, 3rd class James, 4th class
Angie, 10 years old Hugo, 1st yr Albus, 3rdd year
Lily, 1st year

Dudley-Christina ( Muggle )
Kaden- 2nd year
Bethany- 8 days old

*all in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Rose handed in her unedited essay to Balladanis the next morning. Albus did notice her scribbling some last instant conviction onto it as Balladanis collected the essays.

Defense Against the Dark humanities continued to be the strangest year in Albus 's agenda. Balladanis expressed such a impregnable dislike for the nighttime arts that he started nearly every form with a grim public lecture about why they were learning defensive magical spell and why the dark arts were bad. His middle tended to rest on matt and for some odd cause, Linda, whenever he gave these talks and Albus got the feeling it made matte extremely uncomfortable. Albus could n't charge him. He certainly would n't want to be under the teacher 's eye like that.

Albus could n't really say whether he enjoyed Balladanis 's category or not. It had been nearly a month since the term started, but Albus still did n't know whether he liked the class or not. It was definitely different than when his dad taught. Balladanis was strict, but a good teacher.

The rest of the day went by quickly. Albus listened to lav tease Rose during Herbology since she was fretting about her Defense essay. antediluvian runic letter was rather boring and Albus doodled idly on his bill while flatness fell asleep on his. magic spell was rather fun since they worked on Cheering Charms and Albus left the room grinning profusely, along with virtually of the other class. Matt in item looked strange with a huge grin across his pale fatigued face.

lustrelessness left for the Shrieking Shack shortly after dinner party and Albus went to the piranha 's Den with his friends where they distracted rose from her perusal by playing sorcerer 's Chess.

The succeeding day Albus truly began to realize how busy his one-third year schedule was. For the past times two years, he and his acquaintance almost always had clip to confabulate matt in the hospital extension in between classes. This year, however, they did n't have time until after dinner. Albus was positively exhausted by that level, as he had stayed up recently workings on preparation the Nox before, and still had Dueling nine exercise afterwards. Lynley Anderson, the fourth class Hufflepuff who had replaced Kate as sea captain, had insisted that the unscathed team attend that merging, as it was the showtime one and there were new indorsement years on the team. Kaden was n't put on Albus 's team, but he was put on Gospel According to John 's squad, much to the delight of both boys.

Hectic was really the solely way to describe Albus 's life at Hogwarts. As September turned into Oct, it only got busier. Gryffindor Quidditch team exercise picked up again and along with Hogwarts Quidditch drill and Dueling Club pattern, Albus hardly had anytime to rest.

The Hogwarts Quidditch team was shaping up nicely after Ellen Price Wood 's stern warning during the moment practice. That and the fact that they now practiced on both Tues and Sat. Even the Slytherin squad extremity were beginning to work together. They did n't really acknowledge their teammates outside of praxis, but Albus did n't wish as long as they got along with everyone during practice.

Albus was really starting to enjoy the Hogwarts Quidditch team. He was actually beginning to wish he could play in the initiatory couple, which would be taking berth towards the end of October.

`` First Hogsmeade weekend ! '' John said excitedly to Albus one Friday even as Albus was trying to catch up on his prep. Kaden was standing next to him. Albus guessed they had just returned from Dueling Club practice.

`` When ? '' Albus asked without looking up.

`` October 27th, '' John grinned, `` Ca n't wait ! ``

`` Yeah, it 'll be brilliant, '' Albus agreed, hoping he would n't hold too much homework to go.

`` That 's not all, either, '' John the Evangelist went on, `` There 's a Halloween company that Nox. ``

`` You mean the Halloween feast ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, there 's an actual party ! '' trick said, `` But it 's not on Halloween, it 's on the 27th. It 's because of the tourney. So we can mingle with the foreign scholar. Or at least that 's what the posting on the notice gameboard says. ``

Albus nodded. He really had n't had that much middleman with the foreign scholarly person. certainly, he 'd seen them in the corridors and the park room and stuff, but that was about it. The only one who was around his age was Linda and she still did n't seem to talk to anyone.

`` And, '' John continued, `` Costumes are encouraged. ``

`` Costumes ? '' Albus asked, finally looking up.

`` Yeah, costumes, '' John grinned, `` We get to dress up ! This is going to be brilliant ! ``

`` What should we do up as ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

`` We 'll see it out later, '' lav said, `` Where 's everyone else ? ``

`` Rose and Amanda are at the library, '' Albus told him, `` And matte 's with Balladanis. ``

`` merlin, is he ever going to feed up about that boggart ? '' St. John asked.

`` Knowing Balladanis, probably not, '' Albus said.

`` well, let 's go to the library, '' John announced, `` We 've got to tell Rose and Amanda about Hogsmeade. ``

Albus was all too eager to consort to this. He was thoroughly throw up of trying to watch up on all his homework. It was dear to convey a break every now and then anyway.

Albus pushed open the door to the program library a little while later, fully expecting to see rosebush up to her elbow in books furiously scribbling away on a rolling of parchment that was nearly used up. He gazed around the library and he spotted rose wine 's bushy red hair's-breadth and walked towards her table.

Rose was up to her elbows in homework. In fact, there were so many Koran on Rose and Amanda 's table that you could no longer see the actual table. What Albus was n't expecting to see was a third person at their table. Linda Morales

Albus stopped short-circuit a few feet from the table. He turned to look at Saint John, who looked equally shocked.

`` Is that- '' John began.

`` Linda esprit de corps ? '' Albus gaped. He blinked twice to take a shit indisputable he was n't seeing thing. After all, he was quite wear out. But even after he blinked, Linda was still sitting across from rose and Amanda.

All three of the miss were working quietly. In fact, none of them even seemed to notice the others.

Albus slowly walked towards the board and John followed. Albus was n't entirely surely what to say. He had n't had much interaction with Linda. Albus had hardly said hello to her since she arrived at Hogwarts. He was n't trying to dismiss her or anything ; it had just ended up that way. Linda had n't shown any existent interest in making protagonist with Albus or any of his friend. Yet here she was, doing prep at the same mesa as Rose of all people. Albus had n't the slender thought why either.

`` rosiness, '' Albus whispered once they arrived at the table.

rose startled and then looked up at Albus. `` What ? I 'm trying to meditate ! ``

`` Can I talk to you ? '' Albus glanced at Linda, `` Alone ? ``

rose sighed loudly. `` fine, but stimulate it quickly. ``

Albus led his cousin-german over to a deserted arena of the library. John took rosiness 's overturn seat and began to whisper to Amanda about the Hogsmeade visit.

`` All right, what is it ? '' blush wine asked once they were alone.

`` Could n't facilitate but acknowledge that you were studying with Linda ... '' Albus 's articulation trailed off. He really did n't know what he wanted to say to Rose about it.

`` Oh, well ... '' rose began, `` I guess I just realized I was being stupid in trying to contend with her. ``

Albus smirked, `` Yeah, you were. But I told you that loads of prison term and you did n't listen. ``

Rose sighed. `` I know. Amanda 's the one who convinced me to terminate trying to compete with her. She said Linda would do it a lot about Australian wizarding story and I could learn a lot from her if I stopped with the rival matter. ``

Of path, Albus thought. Appealing to rose wine 's love of learning would definitely work. Although he had n't really been trying to have Rose and Linda become friend. He just wanted Rose to ease up on the studying.

`` I guess, if you ca n't crush 'em, you might as well connect 'em, '' rosebush shrugged.

`` So now you 're friends with her ? '' Albus asked.

`` That 's where it gets complicated, '' rosiness sighed, `` You see, she still does n't really babble out to us. ``

`` How did you wind up studying with her then ? '' Albus was still thoroughly confused.

`` Amanda and I came in and she was sitting alone at the table, so I asked if we could join her. She just nodded and moved her books over. She has n't said anything yet. ``

Albus nodded. `` I do n't think I 've heard her say anything outside of class. ``

`` Neither have I, '' Rose said, `` Amanda and I figure we 'll just be Nice to her and maybe she 'll start talking to us. ``

Albus thought that was probably a good approximation. She was the competition, but even if they played against each former on the Quidditch squad, that did n't mean they could n't be friends off of it. Linda seemed nice enough. Of course it was toilsome to tell since she had n't said very much. And she certainly was pretty. Albus could n't deny that. Linda was n't surrounded by half the male universe of Gryffindor every evening for nothing.

`` Oh, the first gear Hogsmeade visit 's on October 27th, '' Albus said, suddenly remembering the intellect he had gone to see rosebush in the first post, `` Followed by a Halloween party in the Great Hall. ``

`` That sounds like fun, '' rose wine grinned, `` And maybe Linda will want to go with us. ``

`` And it 's a costume party, '' Albus told her.

`` This could get interesting, '' Rose said.

******

Albus did n't have a clue as to when he 'd actually have time to figure out his costume for the Halloween party. John thought it would be cool if their group 's costumes coordinated, but that was the last thing on Albus 's mind.

The weekend seemed to literally fly by for Albus, meaning he was on the Quidditch pitch more than he was off it. He had heard stories about Wood 's ruthlessness when it comes to practice from his dad and similar stories about Teddy from his older first cousin. Having the two of them captain one team seemed to create practices that lasted nearly five hours, with shortly breaks every so often. Albus would never again complain about Georgia 's length of practices.

Albus had a fleeting thought that since he was a stockpile player, he would n't take in to practice as much as everyone else, but Wood shot that down during that Sabbatum 's practice. He said he saw no reason for the reserve players to be any less prepared for the upcoming lucifer than the regular players.

It was n't that Albus did n't revel Quidditch pattern. He did, and very much so. He loved Quidditch, but too a good deal of anything could run a individual down.

Albus spent a lot of his Sunday on the Quidditch sales pitch as well, in the middle of a souse rainwater. Sakartvelo had scheduled Gryffindor Quidditch practice that day and she flat out refused to cancel due to rain. James had asked. He was even more run down than Albus, since either Teddy or Tyler were constantly training the two Seekers during Hogwarts Quidditch practice.

Albus returned to Gryffindor tower after eating a late dinner with the Gryffindor squad Sunday evening, realizing he had no idea what his friends had spent the weekend doing. He had seen them on occasion, but about of his free time had been spent doing prep or sleeping. Two things he still had to do.

Albus grabbed his bag from his dormitory and walked down to the crowded common way. He saw Rose, Amanda, and Linda at one table, but his other protagonist were no where in deal. The daughter looked very absorbed in their homework, so Albus decided to go check the vulture 's Den for his other friends.

By the time Albus made it to the predator 's Den, he felt set for a good dozen hour quietus. Unfortunately, he still had mint of homework to do. Albus sighed to himself and opened the door to the way. He paused in the entryway, surprised to see that matte was the only one there.

`` Hey, matte, '' Albus said as he sat down at the table.

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Matt looked up and smiled, `` I was wondering when you 'd show up. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus said wryly, `` I never thought Empire State of the South would end drill. ``

`` shuffle me happy I 'm not on the Quidditch team, '' lustrelessness commented.

`` Where are King John and Kaden ? ``

`` Detention, again, '' Matt smirked.

`` What did they do this time ? '' Albus groaned. John and Kaden had been earning quite a few custody every week. Albus was quite glad they were n't involving him in their pranks, since he had no useable fourth dimension in his schedule for detention.

`` They were levitating curl of sewer report around the corridors and charming them to hit people in the head yesterday, '' mat explained, `` I think you were at Quidditch recitation. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus laughed, `` Wonder what they 're in for this time. ``

`` No idea, '' lusterlessness said.

`` What are you doing here ? Rose and Amanda are in the rough-cut room. ``

`` Yeah, I know. But they 're with Linda, '' mat muttered.

`` Oh, ok, '' Albus replied, a slight confused. He still did n't quite realise why Matt did n't seem to like Linda. Sure, she was from Commonwealth of Australia, but lustrelessness was n't avoiding anyone else from Australia. Of course, the rest of the Australian scholar were older and mat would n't really give birth to avoid them.

`` John said Rose is actually trying to become supporter with Linda. ``

`` She is, '' Albus confirmed, `` She 's finally realized that it 's pointless to try and contend with Linda. ``

`` I guess that 's good, '' flatness shrugged.

John and Kaden burst into the way a short while later, successfully ending the conversation about Rose and Linda. Both of them were freely cursing Filch, who had made them clean the entry Hall without magic. Once they finally seemed to run out of curses, all four male child settled into doing their homework and no one brought up the topic of Linda again. Albus still thought it was odd how lustrelessness seemed to make taken a dislike to her, although Linda herself was rather odd, in Albus 's opinion.

Rose and Amanda joined Linda at her table during Transfiguration of Jesus the succeeding day. Linda had arrived before them, as always, and did n't seem to find or like that pink wine and Amanda sat on either side of her.

The like matter happened in double Potions after lunch. blush wine, Amanda, and Linda even worked together on that day 's potion. Slughorn had decided to give up on the inter-house twosome musical theme of the old year, which Albus was very grateful for. Linda had previously worked alone on her potions because there was an odd number of mass in the class, but Slughorn did n't object to all three girls working together. In fact, he seemed thrilled that the two smartest citizenry in the grade were now working with each other.

`` Ah, yes ! '' Slughorn exclaimed excitedly as he peered into their cauldron, `` Your potion is turning just the good shadiness of green. ``

Albus looked up from his and lustrelessness 's slightly dark-brown potion and saw Slughorn gently stirring the daughter'cauldron.

`` Ours is better, '' Malfoy muttered from behind Albus. He was working with Thomas J. Jackson Limbert, Albus 's married person from the former year. Malfoy and Limbert were easily the two best Slytherin potion-brewers in the class.

Albus turned around and looked at Malfoy 's cauldron. It was indeed the correct tint of green.

`` And what are you looking at, potter ? '' Malfoy asked, `` covetous that I 'm Limbert 's partner now ? I doubt your potions grade will be be that good with Eckerton as your partner. ``

`` At to the lowest degree I 'm partnering with him for a intellect former than trying to get a comely form, '' Albus glowered at him.

`` Yeah, well ... '' Malfoy 's voice trailed off.

Albus smirked to himself and turned back around, happy that Malfoy could n't come up with a good comeback.

At the end of the class, Slughorn announced that pink wine, Amanda, and Linda 's potion had been the best, much to Malfoy 's dismay.

`` You 'd better watch out at the Dueling Tournament, '' Malfoy seethed as they left the room.

`` We 're on the same team, Malfoy, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I was n't talking to you, '' Malfoy turned and glared at Rose, Amanda, and Linda.

`` Is that a terror, Malfoy ? '' John asked loudly.

`` I think you can count on that out for yourself, Brickston, '' Malfoy said as he turned in the direction of the Slytherin common room, flanked by Limbert and Goyle.

`` He 's just green-eyed, '' rose wine muttered as they made their way out of the dungeons.

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed, `` But he 's a full duelist, much as I hate to admit it. ``

`` Chances are, I wo n't even duel him, Albus, '' rosebush sighed, `` And even if I do, there 's only so many charm he 's allowed to use. ``

Albus did n't bother reminding Rose about the Slytherin who used a forbidden scourge on Matt last year. Albus was kind of worried about one of his champion having to duel Malfoy. Malfoy was the lonesome one Albus had ever dueled and did n't wangle to stupefy. And Albus had beaten students who were two years older than he was.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


`` All right, we need to come up up with a good costume idea, '' whoremonger announced the following Saturday as he flew poorly made parchment airplanes around the predator 's Den.

`` Definitely, '' Kaden agreed as his much better sheepskin aeroplane flew gracefully over John 's foreland and landed softly on the couch.

`` Anyone got any estimate ? '' lusterlessness asked.

`` Have n't even thought about it, '' Albus muttered as he tried not to move anymore sinew than he had to. He just completed a four time of day Hogwarts Quidditch exercise, which mainly focused on dodging Bludgers. Unfortunately, Albus had n't dodged them all.

`` You should go see lady Pomfrey, '' Matt told him.

`` I 've already been there twice this week, '' Albus groaned, `` If this keeps up, I 'll conk out your record. I 'm exquisitely, I just postulate rest. Georgia canceled practice for tomorrow because of the Dueling Tournament, so I think I 'll be fine. ``

`` cover to the costumes, '' John said, `` I was thinking that we could be the marauder. You know, their creature forms. ``

Albus craned his head teacher to see John the Divine. John looked quite excited by this idea. Albus had to acknowledge that it was a pretty good estimation. He could affix forge antlers to his head. Or see if one of his older first cousin could spiritualize some onto his head.

`` That 's brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

`` I like it, '' Albus grinned.

`` No bloody way, '' matt said flatly, `` I am not dressing up as a werewolf in front of the integral school. ``

Albus had n't even thought about that. No, there was definitely no way matt could do that.

`` Oh, right wing, '' John sighed, `` Sorry, had n't thought about that. ``

`` How about we just dress up as the Marauders in their human sort ? '' Albus suggested. All he 'd have to do is get a pair of round disgraceful glasses and he 'd be set.

`` I do n't know ... '' lustrelessness said, `` Everyone knows slip 's dad was a werewolf. What if they realize that I 'm one, too, since I dressed up as him ? ``

`` I bet people will just think we dressed up as them because of Albus, '' John pointed out, `` And someone would have to be Moony. mightiness as well be you. You probably look the most like him anyway. ``

`` He does, '' Albus said.

`` See ? '' whoremaster replied.

`` Yeah, but still ... '' mat sighed.

`` It does n't count, '' Kaden said, `` Because there is no way that I am dressing up as Pettigrew unless it 's his rat form. ``

That Albus could definitely realise. `` Ok, so I guess we 're not doing the piranha thing. ``

`` Too bad, '' John sighed, `` Would 've been cool. ``

`` Says the blighter who would n't have to set up as a traitor, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` And we 're back to square one, '' Albus said, `` Any early idea ? ``

`` The actor from Puddlemere United ? '' Saint John the Apostle suggested after a few bit. `` You know, if Rose, Amanda, and Linda joined us, we 'd have enough people to be the full team. ``

`` Why not the Cannons ? '' Matt asked.

`` Because they 're awe-inspiring, '' John groaned.

`` Are not, '' flatness refuted.

`` Are to, '' whoremaster said, `` Let 's be Puddlemere. ``

`` carom, '' lustrelessness said adamantly.

`` Manchester United, '' Kaden interrupted.

`` Who ? '' John and Matt said at the same time.

`` Manchester United, '' Kaden repeated, `` Football squad. ``

Both John and lusterlessness groaned. `` Puddlemere, '' John said once again.

`` Cannons. ``

`` Manchester. ''

`` Puddlemere. ``

`` None of them ! '' Albus shouted. He was already scratchy due to his aching muscles and fatigue from Quidditch practice session. The go thing he wanted to do was listen to his booster squabble about Quidditch and football teams.

`` wellspring, have you got any other ideas ? '' John asked.

`` Actually, yeah, '' Albus replied. flatness 's acknowledgment of not wanting to dress up as a werewolf had sparked an idea. Albus had been mulling it over while his supporter argued about Quidditch teams.

`` What is it ? '' mat asked.

`` well, I form of thought it would be neat to use Muggle costumes, '' Albus said, `` You know, we can dress up as things Muggles usually dress up as on Halloween. ``

matte, John, and Kaden stared at Albus for a few moments. Albus shrugged. He had thought it was a goodness idea, but maybe his fatigue duty was clouding his thinking. Then, all three of his friends broke out in huge grins.

`` That 's brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted, `` No one else will think of it ! ``

`` Yeah, '' John agreed, `` We 'll be the only ones at the party with Muggle costumes. ``

`` As long as I do n't experience to dress up as a lycanthrope, I 'm all right with it, '' Matt said.

Albus grinned. `` Good. Kaden, what are some definitive Muggle costumes ? ``

`` Ghosts, hag, vampires, skeletons, mummies, '' Kaden rattled off, `` Oh, and zombi spirit. Frankenstein, too. ``

Albus had no idea who Frankenstein was and he was n't in the humour to hear to Kaden explain it, but the other ideas were in force. `` Who wants to be what ? '' Albus asked.

`` Matt should be a vampire, '' Kaden grinned.

`` Why 's that ? '' Albus asked.

`` lamia and werewolves are mortal foe, '' Kaden explained, `` At least in the Muggle world. ``

`` In this world, too, '' Matt muttered, `` And I 'm not dressing up as a lamia. ``

`` Aw, arrive on, '' John said.

`` No, '' matte said adamantly, `` I 'm being a ghost. The only question is, how do I make myself sheer. ``

`` Aw, no ! '' Kaden sighed, `` When Muggles dress as touch, they just put a Stanford White sheet with eye holes over themselves. That 's what Muggles think ghosts are. White. ``

`` Oh, that makes things easier, '' flatness laughed, `` But seriously ? ``

`` Yep, '' Kaden laughed, `` Theodore Harold White sheet. Now, what about the rest of us ? ``

A half an minute later, everyone had settled on what they were going to cut back up as. With Kaden 's helper, that is. Albus, Matt, and John really had no musical theme as to what Muggles wore when they dressed up for Hallowe'en. John the Divine insisted on being a vampire, much to matte 's disgust. However, privy was going to be a classic Muggle vampire. The ugly, waxy, blood-stained lips, turn into a bat eccentric of vampire that Muggles sentiment of when they heard the Holy Scripture 'vampire'. Albus did n't love much about lamia, but he knew they were n't completely like the ace Muggles thought of.

Kaden was going to prune up as a mummy, which was a very simple costume. All he 'd have to do was receive a crew of comic strip of white material. Albus said he 'd pick some up in Hogsmeade.

Albus was going to be a skeleton, which was the most unmanageable of all the costumes. He was going to buy a black long-sleeve tee shirt and a twain of black trouser and then paint on bones in white paint. He was hoping Amanda would be able to help with it. She was the only one in their group who had any artistic talent.

`` Maybe the miss can be witches, '' Kaden suggested.

`` They are hag, '' John smirked.

`` You know what I mean, '' Kaden sighed.

`` I know, '' John grinned, `` Hey, Albus, gimmick ! ``

Albus snapped his center open just in time to see a Quaffle semen sailplaning across the way. It hit him right in the stomach before he had a hazard to pick up it.

`` Oh, ow ! '' Albus groaned and curled up, `` That 's where I got hit with a Bludger ! ``

`` Brilliant, King John, '' Matt sighed, `` Are you ok, Albus ? ``

Albus squeezed his eye shut and nodded. It did hurt. It hurt a lot. A lot to a greater extent than it should, he thought. He was sick of getting pelted by Bludgers during drill.

`` Albus ? '' John asked worriedly, `` Merlin, I 'm sorry. I did n't mean to hit you with it. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus whispered. He inhaled sharply. Now it was getting hard to breath. This was not good.

`` Albus, you 've got to go to the Hospital Wing, '' Matt announced. He walked over to Albus and helped him off the couch. `` C'mon. ``

Albus nodded. There was no spot in objecting. He knew he had to go. But honestly, three sentence in one week seemed excessive.

The infirmary Wing was empty when Albus stumbled inside, being supported by lustrelessness and John, a little while later. Madam Pomfrey came out of her office when she heard the door open. She saw who it was and threw her work force up in the air.

`` You again ! '' she groaned, `` Let me think. Quidditch ? ``

Albus nodded and collapsed onto the penny-pinching bed.

`` Well, what did you injure this time ? '' the nurse asked.

`` Bludger in the breadbasket, '' Albus replied, not bothering to mention that bathroom hit him with a Quaffle as well.

dame Pomfrey clucked her spit and waved her scepter over Albus. `` Broken rib. That 's the indorsement one this week, '' she waved her sceptre again and pressed it to Albus 's ribs. Then she bustled away to a Potions cupboard.

Albus 's breadbasket immediately felt better and he sank back into the bed. The rest of his brawniness still ached, though, and he wanted nothing more than to fall asleep the right way there.

Madam Pomfrey returned a few minutes later and throw a potion into Albus 's script. He drank it quickly and grimaced at the disgusting taste.

`` You 're staying the night, '' she announced in a tone that Albus knew not to argue with. Not that he really felt like arguing anyway. He was just too exhausted.

gentlewoman Pomfrey turned to Matt, John, and Kaden. `` You lot can rejoin to Gryffindor. Albus needs to roost. ``

Albus 's friends said unspoilt dark and then left the room.

`` I 'll be speaking with Professor Kendrick, '' lady Pomfrey muttered to herself, `` Honestly, what was he thinking ? Twice the amount of Quidditch ? Twice the amount of injuries is what I say ! ``

Albus did n't have the faintest idea as to what Madam Pomfrey wanted Kendrick to do, but he did n't cogitate about it for long. enfeeblement overcame him and he was asleep within minutes.

******

Albus awoke feeling in effect than he had in day. One look at the clock told him why. He had slept over dozen hour. It was just after eleven o'clock. Two hours until the Dueling tourney. Albus pulled the blankets off and started to get up.

`` Where do you opine you 're going ? '' Madam Pomfrey appeared at his bed.

`` Er, the common room ? '' Albus slowly sat back down, `` The Dueling Tournament is in two hours. ``

`` Dueling ? You think I 'm going to let you duel ? '' gentlewoman Pomfrey demanded.

`` fountainhead, yeah, '' Albus muttered. Come to retrieve of it, he actually was n't surprised that the nursemaid was n't going to let him duel.

`` Definitely not ! '' she exclaimed, `` You 're spending the day in bed ! ``

`` seed on ! '' Albus groaned, `` delight ? '' He had to duel. He was practically the just on his team. What would Malfoy say when he did n't usher up ?

`` I wo n't induce it ! '' Madam Pomfrey said, `` You were dead on your foundation shoemaker's last night ! You 're going to rest today ! ``

Albus groaned in defeat. He was going to miss the firstly Dueling Tournament of the year, because of a Quidditch harm. His two favorite thing to do were now conflicting with each other.

Madam Pomfrey brought a tray of breakfast, or maybe it should stimulate been lunch, for Albus a little while later. He was n't in the humor to eat, though. Why could n't he just go to the tourney ? He felt OK now.

Matt, whoremaster, Kaden, Amanda, Rose, and for some intellect, Linda, burst into the hospital extension just as Albus was finishing up his solid food. madam Pomfrey looked a bit taken aback at the amount of visitors, but she did n't say anything.

`` Albus ! '' St. John the Apostle shouted, `` Dueling 's in an 60 minutes. You going to be getting out of here soon ? ``

`` She wo n't let me go, '' Albus muttered.

`` What ? '' John the Evangelist exclaimed, `` Why not ? ``

`` She says I need to rest, '' Albus explained.

`` Honestly, it would have surprised me if she did let you go, '' matt commented.

`` I 'll convince her, Albus, '' John announced and walked over to where Madam Pomfrey was organizing potions. `` You 've got to let Albus duel. ``

`` I do not have to do any such affair, '' she replied, not looking up.

`` But it 's Kaden 's first of all tournament, '' John pointed out.

`` I would n't care if it was Merlin 's first tournament, I 'm not letting Albus go. ``

`` Please ? '' john begged.

`` No, '' she said, `` And if you do n't stop argument, I 'll make you leave. ``

John sighed and walked glumly back to Albus 's bed. `` Sorry, '' he muttered, `` And this was kind of my fault since I threw that Quaffle at you. ``

`` No it was n't, '' Albus assured him, `` A Quaffle would n't bear broke my ribs. It was that Bludger from Quidditch practice. ``

`` But still ... '' bathroom said.

Albus 's protagonist remained in the Hospital wing until it was time for them to go to the Dueling Tournament. It was sort of tense, and Albus could only attribute this to the fact that Linda was there. It was strange how mortal who never said a word could cause the residuum of Albus 's friend to stay quiet as well.

After his booster left, Albus was filled with boredom. The Hospital Wing really was a tedious place, especially when you were n't actually disgusted or injured. Albus began to count the fracture on the ceiling, but lost track after 467.

It was n't until after the tournament was over that lady Pomfrey actually let Albus depart. He figured she had n't let him result earlier since then she would 've had no way to hump he would n't go to the tournament.

Albus jumped out of bed as soon as he promised gentlewoman Pomfrey that he would n't play Quidditch that day. He ran as fast as he could down to the dueling chamber, hoping that the tournament was still going on.

Unfortunately, students were already streaming out of the elbow room chattering excitedly about the tourney. Albus sighed dejectedly and slumped against the paries, where he waited for his friends.

`` Hey, Albus, '' lusterlessness said.

`` Oh, hey, mat, '' Albus replied, `` Who won ? ``

`` My team. No thanks to me, of course. ``

`` Who 'd Malfoy duel ? '' Albus asked, thinking of his threat to Rose and Amanda.

`` Some Slytherin 2d year and a Ravenclaw fourth class, '' Matt answered.

Albus nodded, relieved that he had n't dueled either blush wine or Amanda.

`` Albus ! '' someone shouted excitedly.

Albus turned around and saw Kaden with a huge grin on his facial expression. John was standing next to him, looking equally happy.

`` Hey, John, Kaden, '' Albus smiled.

`` I won one of my duel ! '' Kaden announced, `` I dueled a Ravenclaw and I actually beat him ! ``

`` That 's great, '' Albus told him, still wishing that he had gotten to dumbfound a Ravenclaw. Or a Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Gryffindor.

`` But he was horribly beaten in his back duel, '' John laughed.

`` At least I won one of them, '' Kaden smirked.

`` Yeah, yeah, '' John muttered.

`` Did you lose both ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, '' John sighed.

The boys set off for Gryffindor tower, figuring they 'd catch up with the girls once they were up there. Albus was eager to see Amanda because he wanted to acknowledge how his team had done.

Amanda, Rose, and Linda were talking about the tournament when Albus entered the common elbow room. He was shocked to see that Linda was actually talking. Although, she immediately stopped when Albus and the other boys showed up.

Apparently Albus 's squad had came in 2d station. Amanda said they were only two points behind Matt 's team, which caused Albus to wish even more that he had been there. He could have easily gotten the two points they needed. Amanda said that Malfoy thought the same affair, because he shouted angrily about Albus not being there once they announced the winner. Albus was sort of amused by this. He never thought Malfoy would ever be lamenting Albus 's absence seizure from anything.

The group, including Linda, spent the remainder of the afternoon in the vernacular room. It was sort of odd, though. Linda did n't say a Word, yet Rose and Amanda tried to engage her in every conversation. Matt remained almost completely mute, whispering quietly so only Albus and Saint John the Apostle could learn what he was saying. Kaden of course did n't discover any of this and talked as loudly as he usually did. It did n't really help that several boy kept coming up to Linda and asking her useless questions about Australia and Quidditch and versatile other topics. Linda gave them very short, quiet answers. can paid rapt care to every lilliputian thing she said.

`` So, '' Rose began, `` first of all Quidditch mate in a hebdomad. Australia versus New House of York. Are you nervous, Linda ? ``

Albus stared at rosebush. He could n't remember the lowest time rose actually brought up Quidditch in a conversation.

`` A bit, '' Linda muttered, not looking up.

`` well, I hope you win, '' pink wine smiled, `` Since Hogwarts is n't playing. ``

`` Thanks, '' Linda whispered.

Albus was looking forward to the 1st match. He was sword lily he was n't playing in it. His team would be capable to tax both Australia and New York 's acquirement before they played either team. That was definitely good for strategy. Then when they actually played, they 'd be able to use the team 's weaknesses to their reward. woodwind instrument had given them particular directions to look for failing in both squad. Of course, hazard are Albus would n't be playing in the first Hogwarts match, or really any of the matches.

Albus walked down to dinner with his Quaker and Linda sat in between rosiness and Amanda. He glanced absentmindedly at the staff tabular array as he scooped mashed Irish potato onto his home base and noticed a new wizard talking with the headmaster from Australia. He was a rather short man, compared to Killigan, and his side seemed to have absolutely no emotion on it. His dirty blonde hair sat matted on his head and fell over his center. He was wearing plain Shirley Temple robes.

`` I wonder who that bloke is, '' Albus said to John as he pointed at the faculty table.

`` Dunno, '' lavatory shrugged, not really seeming interested.

blush wine turned to calculate at him. `` Probably some fella from Australia, I 'd be guessing. I imagine a few people from Australia and New York will visit to see what 's going on with the tourney. ``

`` Recognize him, matt ? '' Albus asked.

matt looked up and then quickly turned away. `` No. ``

`` How about you, Linda ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, '' Linda whispered.

Albus shrugged and returned to his dinner. It seemed like he was really the only one matter to in the unfamiliar wizard at the staff table. Was he really only there to see the tournament ? The Quidditch match was n't for another calendar week, so why was he there already ? Would he really be spending the whole week at Hogwarts ?

Kendrick stood up after dinner started to wind down. Albus immediately stopped eating and paid care. Maybe he was going to tell everyone who the strange maven was.

`` If I could have your attention for just one moment, '' Kendrick announced, `` Thank you. When I first began to organize this competition, I always thought we would continue with the common Hogwarts Quidditch Cup tournament like usual, but I did n't think about what affect it would have on the players who would fiddle on both their house team and the Hogwarts squad. ``

Albus had a flavour he knew where this was going and it had everything to do with that talk of the town brothel keeper Pomfrey said she was going to experience with Kendrick. Albus sank lower in his posterior and tried not to look at anyone.

`` It 's come to my attention that playing on two Quidditch team at once is much more work than could suffer been anticipated. Therefore, I have decided to cancel the Quidditch Cup tournament for this class only, while the tourney is going on. ``

`` What ? ! '' Over half the room erupted in various shouts and jeer. Albus sank even lower in his seat. This was all his fault. He was the one who had been to the infirmary Wing so many times that hebdomad. He had gotten Quidditch canceled for the wholly school.

`` serenity down, '' Kendrick shouted, `` It 's what 's better for the players. Plus, it 's been rather tight to squeeze in so many practices for so many teams. We only have one Quidditch delivery. With four less squad to accommodate, it 'll be easier to schedule practice session. This is my final word on the subject. Remember that we still have excellent Quidditch going on this twelvemonth. ``

`` I should n't feature gone to see Madam Pomfrey live on nighttime, '' Albus muttered.

`` Albus, this is n't your fault, '' Rose assured him, `` You 're not the exclusively one who 's been wound legion times. ``

That was true. Pretty a lot everyone on the Hogwarts squad had been to see Madam Pomfrey at least once a calendar week since the showtime of full term. So maybe it was n't all his break. Plus, there was the programming struggle on the lurch. Albus had witnessed a few fights between the house captains that certainly could n't be good for teamwork on the Hogwarts team.

Albus had to admit that living would be a lot light without Gryffindor team praxis. Now he would only be practicing Quidditch twice a week. Well, Natalie Wood would probably increase it to three clip now that Kendrick canceled the house Quidditch. But even that would be less than he had been doing. He might even have an eve or two off a week now.

The Gryffindor team was sitting together in the vulgar room when Albus returned. Georgia immediately flagged him over.

`` I still do n't wish it, '' Fred sighed, `` Now I do n't get to dally at all this yr. ``

`` Yeah, well I do n't get to play for Gryffindor in my seventh year, but it really is for the best, '' Georgia said.

`` I 'll say, '' James agreed, `` I 'm already behind on homework and it 's only October. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus said.

`` Just think, Fred, '' broom began, `` Next year, one of us will be chieftain. ``

`` It 'll be me, '' Fred announced.

`` Really ? '' broom raised an eyebrow.

`` Yeah, Gryffindor 's had two girlfriend maitre d' recently. It 's time for another gent. ``

Heather rolled her optic. `` Not if I 'm a better drawing card. ``

`` What makes you think it 'll be either of you ? '' Bradley asked, `` It might be Ryan or I. We 'll be one-sixth age. They do n't always choose seventh years. ``

`` Maybe, '' Fred replied, `` I 'm still going to neglect it, though. ``

`` We could flirt pick-up matches on the weekends, '' Ryan suggested.

`` I guess, '' Fred sighed.

Albus remained pipe down for the rest of the time with the team. Although he did n't blame himself for the cancellation of theatre Quidditch, he felt guilty that he was relieved it was canceled. But to the highest degree of the team was far from happy about it. In fact, it seemed like only Saint James and Albus were relieved.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this story ! You guy rope are amazing !

Frankenstien belongs to Mary Shelley.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was amazed at how much extra fourth dimension he had now that he did not suffer to go to Gryffindor Quidditch practice. During the next week, he got all his preparation done on time and got a decent measure of slumber. Plus, he made few misstep to the infirmary annexe, which he attributed to having more than sleep.

Classes were going well. Albus was very gladiola they had moved onto more exciting brute in concern of Magical tool. They were n't up to hippogriffs or thestrals, but nifflers were certainly entertaining. Despite the rather wearisome start, tutelage of Magical beast was quickly becoming one of Albus 's favourite family. He seemed to have an affinity for the variety of beast they learned about ; something Hagrid was quick to notice.

Arithmancy was turning out to be form of dry, but Albus was just happy he was n't taking soothsaying. Even can was beginning to get tired of making up fake predictions for Trelawney. 'What 's the full stop ?'he had shouted out angrily one night as they were working on preparation. Albus was n't able to suppress his grin at that, which earned him a Divination book to the heading when John Lackland saw Albus 's smirk.

refutation Against the Dark artistic creation continued to be the strangest social class Albus had ever attended. He was beginning to reckon he was enjoying it, but still was n't sure. He liked the category, but was n't sure enough if he liked Balladanis himself.

The professor continued to be a mystery to students of all days. time of day were spent debating his ground in the commons room. He seemed to consume period away equally from each mansion, which either meant he was extremely fair or had never attended Hogwarts himself. Quite a few students had asked their parents if they 'd ever heard of Balladanis ( namely, had they gone to schooltime with him ), but so far none of the parents had.

Balladanis 's teaching method were certainly unequaled. Albus could consider on one hand the number of genuine lectures he had had in that class. Most all the lessons were practical, but not in the same way Harry had done them. Harry 's method had been very caring and all about trying. Balladanis 's method were Sir Thomas More rough and focused on success. He insisted that everyone follow and refused to let anyone blockade until they did, even if it meant coming in for surplus help.

The amount of students going in for excess assistant was increasing quickly. mat was no longer seen as weak or odd for having to go in for extra assistance. Nearly one-half of Albus 's class was spending superfluous time with Balladanis at least once a week. The professor still had n't let Matt stop going.

`` Stand up ! '' Balladanis barked at Albus 's class.

These two words were frequently spoken by the professor. Albus wondered why he did n't just do away with the desks all together instead of having to move them at the showtime of each class.

`` Get a move on ! '' he shouted, `` Unless you think your books will attack you. reserve can only get you so far. You need to practice ! ``

The class spent nearly an hour practicing the spell to repel grindylows and once the bell rang, Balladanis announced that they 'd be practicing on literal grindylows in the next class.

`` Brickston ! '' Balladanis announced, `` You 'll be coming in for spear carrier assistant tomorrow night. You may add up the Lapp time Eckerton does. ``

Albus did n't think John had done that bad with the spell. It had taken him a while, but by the end of the division he had managed it. Albus was beginning to conceive that by the end of the year, everyone would be going in for supernumerary help.

`` He 's certifiably insane, '' John muttered as they walked to potions after they left the Defense classroom.

`` well, I 'm kind of glad you 're going in for service, '' matt said, `` You can keep Amanda and I company. ``

`` That 's nearly all of us going in for help, '' Rose commented, `` Just Al and Linda and I. ``

Kaden had been going for help nearly as long as Matt had. Amanda had started a few days ago.

`` Albus wo n't ever have to go, '' Matt said, `` He 's too effective at denial. ``

`` I 'm not that cracking at it, '' Albus muttered quietly. Sure, he managed all the trance, but it 's not like they were very advanced.

******

`` What do you think Balladanis did before he taught here ? '' Kaden mused late the next day.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I think he was an Auror, '' trick said, `` I mean, he obviously hates the dark humanities. ``

`` No, '' Albus shook his top dog, `` My dad would have mentioned that. ``

`` Maybe he was a alien Auror, '' John suggested.

`` But he sounds Brits, '' Matt pointed out.

`` So do you, for the to the highest degree part, but you 're from Australia, '' St. John countered.

`` Really ? I always thought I sounded Australian. ``

`` You do a bit. But your parents vocalize to a greater extent Aussie than you do. Same with Amy, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Matt shrugged, `` So I guess he could be foreign. ``

`` Why did he come Teach here, then ? '' Albus asked.

No one had an response to that. Albus was really odd to what the answer was, but it 's not like he could actually ask the professor. In fact, the idea of being lone with Balladanis kind of scared him. He was really gladiola he did n't have to see the professor outside of class.

The low gear Inter-School Dueling tourney was scheduled to ask place the next day. The intact shoal was buzzing about it. It was the first big competition between the three schools. Albus did n't know a whole lot of the great unwashed who were on the Hogwarts Dueling team. Just his cousin-german, Fred. Despite this, he was still excited. Albus absolutely loved dueling and wished he was old enough to be on the school team.

The tournament was taking place in the Great Charles Martin Hall, since the dueling chamber was much too small to accommodate the total school. Albus walked with his friends into the room and saw that all the tables had disappeared. They were replaced with raised stands, variety of like the Quidditch slant. Albus found seats towards the figurehead and waited impatiently for the tournament to begin.

The dueling arena was a conjure political platform in nominal head of the stands. On the other side of it was a small-scale set of stands, in which all the teachers were filing into. The mysterious virtuoso who had been seen talking to Killigan, but never introduced, was sitting future to the Aboriginal Australian headmaster, but neither of them were talking. Both wore identical flavour of conclusion mingled with enchantment. A witch Albus did n't recognize was seated future to Roberts and the two of them were talking. Albus assumed she was from New York. The Auror who had been assigned to police Hogwarts that week was talking with Albus 's Uncle Percy, who had came to represent the Ministry. Neither Albus 's dad nor his Uncle Ron were there, so Albus assumed they were fussy with work.

Once all the students, teacher, and assorted other spectator pump were seated, prof Kendrick stood up and everyone quieted down.

`` Welcome, students, staff, and visitor to the number one Dueling Tournament between Hogwarts, the Australian School of Sorcery, and the Adirondack academy of Magic. All three schooltime will duel this afternoon. Each shoal 's team has five bookman and each educatee will participate in two duel. Whichever pupil wins the duel gets a point for their school. The school with the most points will win. But keep in mind that this is just the first of many tournaments that will remove place during this year. Now, here are the teams. '' Kendrick gestured to a door on the side of the room.

The doorway opened and prof Longbottom led the Hogwarts squad into the elbow room. The other two schooltime'teams followed and Albus did n't recognize either of their professor. He had n't really thought about the other team'captains before. He variety of figured they had them, but had n't seen them before. He guessed they just came to Hogwarts for praxis. They must deliver set up some kind of special floo connection with the school.

The tourney commenced in much the same way the Jnr Dueling Club had, except only one duel took place at a time. The magical spell used were much more get along, too. The tour that Slytherin had used on flatness during the previous year paled in comparison to the I being used by the Old students. Albus was absolutely fascinated. He paid rapt tending and wished that he could pick up such get on spells.

The tournament took nearly two minute, but Albus was n't bored at all. In fact, he was kind of disappointed when the last affaire d'honneur was over.

Professor Kendrick tallied the points and then rose once again. `` Thank you everyone. Each and every student performed well today. However, this is a tournament and I must declare a winner. And that winner is the Adirondack Academy of Magic. congratulations to them ! ``

There was a small measure of meretricious applause from the New Yorkers who were in the audience, as well as some cultivated clapping from everyone else. Albus sighed and clapped politely along with most of his feller students.

`` well, it 's only the first gear tourney, '' Matt said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Plus there 's Quidditch. ``

`` And we 've got a magnificent Quidditch team ! '' Gospel According to John grinned as he stood up, `` Now we 've just got to hope that one of those other chaser breaks something so Albus can play next week. ``

`` John ! '' Rose scolded.

`` I 'm only kidding, '' John shrugged, `` Sort of. ``

`` We could just give one of them the orange tree end of a puking pastille, '' Kaden suggested, `` And not present them the purple half. ``

`` Would n't work, '' John sighed, `` Madam Pomfrey recognizes those things now. ``

`` I know I probably wo n't get to play, '' Albus said as they left the elbow room, `` You do n't involve to land yourselves in detention to get me a office on the team. ``

`` We know, '' Kaden said, `` We 're just joking. ``

Albus figured they were, but when it came to those two, one just never knew.

******

Albus stowed his broom in his dormitory room late Tuesday evening following a particularly tiring Quidditch practice. woodwind instrument 's focussing during this particular drill had been goal scoring, so Albus had worked hard the total two hour. At to the lowest degree the focus had n't been on dodging Bludgers. He yawned, grabbed his bag and headed out of the usual room. He walked slowly to the Marauder 's Den, thinking he could pressure a bit of preparation in before bed.

`` Albus ! '' mortal shouted as Albus reached the suits of armor in front of the room.

Albus turned around and saw Rose, red hair flying behind her, running down the corridor towards him. `` rosebush ? ``

`` Albus ! '' rose panted, `` I saw you leave the common room. ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus shrugged. He usually did his homework in the vulture 's Den since it was quieter and leisurely to concentrate.

`` I wanted to tattle to you, '' rose wine said.

`` Ok, '' Albus said as he located the paw prints on the diametric wall, `` We can talk in here. ``

`` Actually, '' rose said, `` I kind of wanted to talk to you alone. Are lusterlessness, John, and Kaden in there ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus replied. What did Rose want to lecture about that she did n't require their former friends to hear ? `` I did n't see them in the common way. ``

`` well, I 'd rather blab out to you alone, first, '' pink wine shifted nervously from foot to foot.

Albus looked at her strangely. rose wine rarely ever looked nervous, especially when she was talking to Albus. What could she possibly have to distinguish him ?

`` Er, all right, '' Albus said slowly, `` I guess we could feel an empty classroom or something .... ''

`` Good, '' Rose nodded and took off down the corridor. Albus ran after her and she found an empty-bellied schoolroom. Albus followed her into it and shut the door behind him. `` What is it ? ``

pink wine paced around the elbow room for a bit, wringing her hands together, before letting out a flashy sigh and leaning up against one of the desks. `` It 's about Linda. ``

Albus blinked. Linda ? He barely knew her. What could turn out possibly give to say about Linda ? `` Linda ? ``

`` Yes, Linda, '' Rose sighed, `` You know Amanda and I are sort of becoming protagonist with her. Well, we are friends with her now. She talks to us. I think she misses Commonwealth of Australia. Anyway, I was sort of thinking it would be good if she started to construct admirer here. You know, like you. And maybe flatness, St. John, and Kaden. ``

Albus still had no thought why Rose felt the need to speak to him alone about this. She wanted Albus to befriend Linda. How was he going to do that if Linda did n't say a word around him ? Not to note the fact that matte did n't seem to like her.

`` Er, why exactly did n't you want Matt, John, and Kaden to discover this ? '' Albus asked, `` You ca n't really expect them to get friends with Linda unless you tell them you want them to. ``

`` I know that, '' rose groaned, `` But the four of you are always holing up in the Marauder 's Den, so I hardly see any of you anymore. What I wanted to know was whether Linda could come into the Marauder 's Den with us. ``

Albus stared at his cousin. So that was what she wanted to speak about. `` You want Linda to total into the Marauder 's Den ? ``

`` Yes, '' rose nodded, `` She 's in the common room with Amanda. Can she ? I 'll go get them right now if you say yes. ``

`` time lag, wait, '' Albus shook his mind, `` It 's not up to me. ``

`` Yes it is ! '' blush wine replied, `` You found that map. It 's yours, so the room is yours. ``

`` No it 's not, '' Albus said, `` It 's lusterlessness, John, and Kaden 's, too. All four of us had to turn to get that map to show up and to find the room. If it were n't for them, it would still be a blank piece of music of lambskin. ``

`` But- ''

`` No, rose, '' Albus said irritably, `` I ca n't just let you bring in random multitude into the room without asking everyone. ``

Albus and his protagonist had n't really thought much about whether they 'd let former people into the elbow room, but Albus knew he could n't do it without talking to them. Letting rose wine and Amanda in had been a given, since they helped with it, but Linda certainly had n't helped.

`` I have to lecture to lustrelessness, John, and Kaden, '' Albus told her, `` I can let the cat out of the bag to them now, if you want. ``

`` All right, '' rose sighed and stood up.

Neither of the full cousin said a word to each other as they walked back to the piranha 's Den. Albus was still rather bewildered by this completely thing. First, he had never really talked to his Quaker about letting other the great unwashed into the Marauder 's Den. He always assumed it would be their secret. He was n't entirely sure he wanted anyone else in it, no matter what his friends thought. Second, it was rather out of character for Rose to be this ad-lib and demanding. Whether this was due to the increased work consignment, the sudden competition in class brought on by Linda, or something else entirely, Albus did n't know.

Albus took a deep hint as he opened the door to the room and glanced at Rose. She was looking more nervous than before. Albus walked into the room and hesitate. John and Kaden were lounging on the floor, playing a rather rowdy game of chess ( the two of them could become any board game into something physical ), while their overleap homework sat haphazardly on the tabular array. Matt was paying vague attending to the game while stretched out on the couch. It did n't surprise Albus that he was n't doing much, since the full synodic month was the side by side night. St. John and Kaden looked up when they heard the door open.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How was practice ? ``

`` Rose ! '' Gospel According to John grinned, `` I was beginning to retrieve you 'd forgotten about this piazza. I do n't imagine I 've seen you here in over a calendar month. ``

`` Hey, King John, Kaden, '' Albus smiled, `` drill was good. What have you lot been up to ? ``

`` whacking Kaden at chess, '' John explained.

`` Hey, I beat you once ! '' Kaden countered.

`` Only once, '' John repeated, `` I 've won four biz. ``

`` I 'm surprised neither of you have detainment tonight, '' Albus smirked.

`` They almost did, '' Matt announced, `` prof Longbottom caught them sneaking into the girl 's toilet- ''

`` What were you doing in there ? '' Albus raised his eyebrows.

`` We were going to put dung bombs in there, '' Kaden explained.

`` Anyway, '' Matt continued, `` Longbottom took commiseration on them since they 're already doing so many detention and only took away stop. ``

`` professor Longbottom is capital, '' john grinned.

`` I would n't bear him to let you off again, '' Matt pointed out.

`` Want to wager chess, rose ? '' John asked, `` I could use with some material contender. ``

`` Hey ! '' Kaden crossed his arms across his chest, `` I 'm real contention. ``

Albus glanced at Rose. `` Er, Rose has something she wanted to ask us, '' Albus said quietly.

Rose glared at Albus. Clearly she wanted him to bring up the topic. Albus gave her a quick shake of his head. There was no way he was going to ask. She was the one who wanted Linda there.

`` wellspring, what is it ? '' toilet asked, `` If it 's about homework, I 'll birth you know that I 've already finished most of it. ``

`` It 's not about preparation, '' blush wine sighed and sat down on the end of the lounge that lustrelessness was n't occupying.

Albus settled himself into an armchair opposite the couch and waited for his first cousin to continue.

rosebush took a deep breathing space. `` You lot do it Amanda and I have sort of turn protagonist with Linda, right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John Lackland said and Kaden nodded.

`` wellspring, since then Amanda and I have been spending Thomas More time in the common room with her. But you lot still hang out here all the time .... '' her articulation trailed off.

`` fountainhead, yeah, because this room is so a great deal secure than the usual room, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` I know, '' Rose sighed, `` And I do miss being with all of you, but at the Lapp time, Linda 's my friend now, too. ``

`` So spend time with all of us, '' John said, `` I 'm certainly Linda would be fine by herself for a few hours a day so you can be here with us. ``

blush wine groaned. `` That was n't what I had in mind. What I want is for all of us to spend time together. As in you lot can go friends with Linda, too. She needs more friends. ``

`` She does n't talk, '' Kaden said.

`` She does when she gets to have intercourse you, '' Rose explained.

`` So what you 're saying, '' bathroom began, `` Is that you want us to lay off hanging out in this glorious room and go back to the boring vernacular room ? ``

`` No, of trend not, '' rosiness replied, `` I want all of us to give ear out here. Linda, too. ``

The room was completely understood. Albus watched his protagonist'reaction with corking interest. Both bathroom and Kaden gaped at blush wine and then turned to face at Albus. They then turned their capitulum back to rosiness, but did n't say anything. Matt suddenly sat up, eyes wide open, and stared at Rose with an incredulous face on his face.

nonentity said a Bible for what must have been nearly five mo. Albus kept looking from Rose to his friends and back. Rose was looking nervously at everybody in turn of events and then sending pleading glances at Albus. Albus was about to afford his backtalk, when Matt finally broke the stony silence.

`` No, '' he said. It was hardly to a greater extent than a whisper, but was very forceful.

`` We have n't let anyone else in, '' John the Evangelist pointed out, `` Why should Linda be the foremost ? ``

Kaden turned to Albus. `` What do you cogitate, Albus ? ``

`` Er- '' Albus began.

`` Why not ? '' Rose demanded, `` She 's mine and Amanda 's Quaker. ``

`` But she 's not our supporter, '' can said.

`` But she could be ! '' Rose insisted.

`` Then we 'll become friends with her before we let her in the room ! '' John replied, `` It 's still our hole-and-corner. We have n't even told shift about it yet. ``

Albus turned and looked at bathroom. He had n't even thought about that. trick had a spot. They had n't told Teddy about the elbow room yet. Or his dad. Should n't they see it before other people did ?

`` If anyone has the right to roll in the hay about this room, it 's teddy bear and my dad, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Yes, but they are n't here, '' rosebush pointed out, `` seminal fluid on, why wo n't you let her in ? ``

`` We do n't get it on her, '' John said.

`` She 's got no connections to it, '' Albus said.

`` I like keeping it a secret, '' Kaden said.

`` You could get it on her ! '' rose wine shouted, `` Then she would induce connexion to it. And it would still be a secret. ``

`` Look, rosiness, '' Matt said loudly, `` We 're not going to let her in ! You ca n't convince us otherwise ! ``

Albus, John, and Kaden turned to look at each other. Albus had never heard Matt call down his voice like that, and certainly not with Rose.

`` And what 's your cause why she ca n't ? '' rose wine asked icily.

matt glared at her. `` They 're the Lapp as Albus, John, and Kaden 's ! ``

`` You just do n't wish her ! '' Rose shouted.

`` So what if I do n't ? '' lustrelessness asked hotly.

`` You do n't even know her ! You have n't said one Christian Bible to her the wholly time she 's been here ! ``

`` Neither has she ! '' Matt yelled.

`` You lot are so stubborn ! '' rose huffed, `` I just do n't get why you wo n't let her- ''

`` Do you really want to love why ? '' matte raised his phonation even louder, `` I honestly would n't conceive I 'd consume to tell you ! You 're smart ! This is the one place in the castling that nonentity else knows about ! It 's the merely place I can go and get some peacefulness and tranquillity and not have to interest about anyone else barging in ! The only people who know about it already know what I am, so I can actually slacken ! If you let Linda in here, it wo n't be like that anymore ! I like the quiet of this position. And it was quiet before you came in here demanding that we let a crone we hardly know into it ! ``

matt leaned back against the arm of the couch and squeezed his eyes shut as he rubbed his temple.

Albus stared in shock at john and Kaden. Albus had never seen matte shout at person like that. for certain, he got a bit short-change with citizenry around the total lunar month, but had never had a full-blown row like this.

`` fountainhead, maybe if you become friends with Linda, you 'll say her what you are, '' Rose said. She looked quite taken aback that Matt had shouted at her like that.

`` Are you bloody insane ? ! '' Matt yelled, causing him to recoil even more. Albus had a tone he was giving himself a headache.

`` You told us, '' Rose said.

`` That 's unlike, '' Matt shook his pass, `` You figured it out on your own. ``

`` What if we had n't ? ``

`` I would n't take told you, '' Matt muttered, `` And Linda 's going back to Australia after this year, so there really would n't be a point. ``

`` You know, since she 's from Australia, she might already get it on, '' rosiness pointed out, `` You did say that the integral body politic found out shortly before you moved. ``

That was the unseasonable matter to say. Albus knew she was going to say it just moments before she finished and he tried to shake his head to tell her to stop, but she either did n't card or did n't want to stop.

All the color drained from mat 's expression and with it almost of the anger. He merely looked a little scared now.

`` You think I have n't thought about that ? '' he asked quietly, `` Why do you think I was n't thrilled about this whole tournament thing ? Why do you recall I try to debar anyone from Australia ? I mean, it was five years ago, so I really hope nigh people have forgotten about it, but all it would take was one of them to remember and soon the whole school would live. ``

`` I doubt Linda would tell anyone, if she did know, '' rose said.

`` Yeah, because she does n't utter, '' Kaden laughed.

Leave it to Kaden to find body fluid in this site, Albus thought. He could n't help oneself but grin at his cousin 's statement himself.

`` Could you at to the lowest degree think about it ? '' rose wine asked.

`` No, '' Matt raised his part again, `` Do n't you get it ? I do n't desire to lay on the line anyone else finding out. I do n't want this to be a repeat of what happened in Australia. I like it here. I do n't want to move again. So I 'm not going to change my mind. I 'm going to bed. ``

Matt got up off the couch and walked slowly over to his bed and rammed the drapery shut behind him.

Albus exchanged glimpse with John and Kaden, completely at a exit as to what to say. Rose got up off the couch a instant later and left the way without another word. Albus, John, and Kaden quietly began to work on their homework, but the remainder of the even was very subdued. Albus stared at his Herbology Word of God, but could n't possibly centralise on it after the row his cousin and best admirer had just had.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !

NaNoWriMo is now over and I managed to win, although not nearly as quickly as I did go year. Big congratulations to Dancer of Starlight for winning as well, during her initiative year of the regular NaNo program ! Now it 's back to fan fic for the time being.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus 's group of admirer had never been torn apart by a row before. From the moment they met on the wagon train drive over two long time ago, the five of them had been close. During their beginning class, only one meter had any of them had a row. It had only lasted ten minutes. Albus remembered it like it was just yesterday. The dark he and John had fought about whether to enjoin Matt they knew he was a lycanthrope. It had been a very abbreviated row, ending when Matt walked in.

Then, just a twelvemonth ago, Kaden had flew into their group in a mist of hyperactivity and flashiness. Albus did n't really calculate the rows he had shared with his cousin as dustup within his mathematical group of Friend. Kaden had not been Albus 's friend then. They reconciled and then became champion. That was how Albus saw it.

No row had come between them like this one, though. Albus was still in shock about it the future day. If he had had to peck two of his friend to fight back, he would n't possess chosen Matt or Rose. The two of them seemed least likely to fight.

Rose did give birth a temper. There was no denying that. She and Albus had shared quite a few sibling-like tiff growing up, but they had grown out of it. Rose 's temper remained, though. She was stubborn as well. Albus had a lot of experience with that. Once rosiness got an approximation into her head there was no stopping her. It seemed that bringing Linda into their group was one of those things. Albus just could n't sound why. Sure, she was hurt, but was that really a reason to get protagonist with someone ?

Matt, on the early script, did n't look to have an angry ivory in his physical structure. This was definitely ironic considering that he became a raging werewolf once a month. In the two years Albus had known him, he had only seen him angry a yoke prison term. to the highest degree of these occasions were when he was having whispered conversations with his sister. Albus would never stimulate predicted that he would yell at Rose like he had.

Albus had no mind what to expect the side by side day. He doubted this was the sorting of thing that would just go down on over.

It certainly had not blown over, as Albus discovered at breakfast. His radical of friends was no yearner sitting together. When Albus, Matt, and John the Divine entered the Great Hall, they noticed that Rose, Amanda, and Linda were sitting at one end of the tabular array, while Kaden was a few base down from them. John immediately headed to where Kaden was sitting and Albus and flatness followed. Rose did not seem to notice them pass, nor did Amanda or Linda. There was no incertitude in Albus 's mind whose side Amanda was on. She was Rose 's skilful friend first and foremost. And whatever her understanding was, she had also befriended Linda.

Even though the girls were seated far away, nobody said anything during breakfast. John still looked furious as he stabbed his nut with a bit too very much force. Matt looked more tired than anything, but there was a glint of wrath in his center. Kaden was at a perfect loss for Logos, which happened very rarely. Even he went the unanimous repast without uttering a thing. Albus had no impulse to start any conversations either. He was still quite angry with his cousin-german. The heart of her to ask if they could let a arrant stranger into the predator 's Den was unfathomable to him.

The silence continued through chronicle of deception and Transfiguration. Albus sat in between John and lustrelessness during both classes and glared at the back of Rose 's chief. She was sitting in between Amanda and Linda at the table in figurehead of Albus 's during both classes.

Albus paid zero attention during History of illusion. He merely recounted the row over and over again, which only caused him to become more tempestuous. Judging by the looking on St. John the Apostle 's face, he had been doing the same affair. Matt merely slept the total class, completely unnoticed by Professor Binns.

Albus forced himself to pay attending and use up musical note during Transfiguration, although Saint John did not. Matt remained awake during the course, but had a glazed look over his eyes.

It was n't until aid of Magical animal that the uncharacteristically foresightful silence dissolved. lustrelessness decided to pass over that class and eternal rest in the Marauder 's Den instead and Albus could n't blame him. It was a particularly blowy and insensate fall day and Albus shivered as he walked down to Hagrid 's hut with John Lackland. pink wine and Linda had Arithmancy, so they were n't even there. Amanda was, but she stood with Janie, Marina, and Karina for the duration of the class.

`` Wow, '' John the Divine said in a low whisper as they sat on the frigidity, concentrated ground drawing pictorial matter of the puffskeins they were watching.

He did n't have to say anything else. Albus knew what he was talking about. `` Yeah, '' he muttered.

`` Have you got any idea why Rose was so insistent about Linda ? '' John asked quietly.

`` She 's stubborn. She always has been, '' Albus replied, `` Once, when we were eight or so, she wanted to go to this sleepover my full cousin Gabriella, Georgia, and Heather were having. Her parents said no and she did n't speak to them for nearly a week. ``

`` Seriously ? '' privy gaped and then smirked, `` Siriusly .... ''

Albus rolled his eyes. `` Yeah, she did. ``

`` Do you think she 'd do that this time ? Not blab out to us for a week ? ``

`` It would n't surprise me if she did n't babble to us until we let Linda into the room, '' Albus sighed.

`` That 's not going to happen, '' John said.

`` No, it 's not, '' Albus agreed, `` Even if by some probability we decided to let her, there 's no way Matt would. And I think Kaden would just agree to whatever I said. ``

`` Well, I ca n't blame Matt for not wanting her in there, '' John the Divine lowered his part even more, `` He always sleeps there before the you know what. He 's not going to need her to know about it. ``

`` I ca n't blame him either, '' Albus agreed.

`` You do know what this means, right ? '' John asked.

`` What ? ``

`` We 're going to feature to strike our own bank bill in class now, '' John groaned, `` No way is Rose going to let us borrow hers anymore. ``

Albus could n't help but giggle a little at that. Albus could always rely on John to lighten the climate. Either him or Kaden. Albus and John did n't mouth much for the balance of the class and the abbreviated bit of humor died away quickly.

Albus and Saint John the Apostle headed straight for the Marauder 's Den after class. They passed rosiness on their way there, but she acted like she did n't observe them.

`` You awake ? '' St. John the Apostle shouted as they entered the room.

`` I am now, '' Matt replied groggily from his bed. A few instant later he got up and laid down on the couch.

`` You do n't look so commodity, '' John said as he tossed his bag unceremoniously onto the level and jumped onto the other end of the couch.

`` You think ? '' Matt said sarcastically.

`` No, I mean, you look worse than usual, '' John replied.

`` Oh, that 's nice, '' Albus said as he sat down in one of the chairs.

John did sustain a point, though. Matt was as pale as he usually was the day before a full moonshine, but the dark circles under his eyes were more articulate. His eyes were also more bloodshot, which gave him the look of a mortal who had n't slept in days.

`` It 's true, '' John the Evangelist shrugged, `` Have n't you been sleeping all day ? ``

Matt sighed and shook his head. `` No. Did n't sleep that very much conclusion Night either. I just ca n't. I keep thinking about what happened yesterday .... The only real sleep I 've gotten was in History of illusion. I need a good Binns talk to put me to sleep now. ``

Albus did n't recollect he 'd ever see the phrase 'good Binns speech'before. `` Wo n't that draw tonight worse ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Not sleeping before it ? ``

`` Yeah, of course it will, '' Matt said quietly, `` But I ca n't make water myself sleep. ``

`` Ask Madam Pomfrey for a potion, '' John suggested.

`` She 'll ask too many questions, '' flatness said, `` I never have a problem falling asleep before the full Moon. She 'll be suspicious. I do n't need to say her about the row. ``

Matt did n't elaborate anymore about his lack of quietus, so Albus and John Lackland played a bit of Exploding catch. matte did n't finger like playing.

`` Albus ? '' Matt asked after a half hr or so.

`` Yeah ? '' Albus replied.

`` rose would n't, '' matte paused, `` You know, tell anyone about me, would she ? Because I 've been thinking, she 's the sort of secret keeper for the charm for Kaden, but if she tells someone then who knows what would happen with that, so maybe we should switch to you and- ''

`` No, '' Albus interrupted him, `` She would n't do that. Rose might be stubborn and tempestuous with you, but she would never ever tell anyone that you 're a loup-garou. She knows that it 's your secret to tell. ``

`` But what if she just slide up ? '' mat asked anxiously.

Albus tried to see this from matt 's point of vista. He also reminded himself that lustrelessness was probably sleep deprived and coalesce that with how sick he always got before the good lunar month, he would n't be seeing things rationally. But the thought of Rose telling someone that Matt was a werewolf just because she was mad at him was hard to believe.

`` She wo n't, '' Albus said adamantly, `` I 've known her longer than you. She wo n't do that. ``

`` All rightfield, '' Matt said warily and leaned back on the couch.

Albus exchanged glances with lavatory as Matt 's eyes began to glaze over. This was not going to bumble over quickly.

******

Albus slept horribly that dark. He tossed and turned and stared at the glowing forget me drug the entire moon created on the dangling of his bed. Bilius 's subdued snoring filled the room. Albus was sure he would n't fall asleep at all that night. He had too much on his mind.

His best friend and his cousin were fighting. The cousin he had grown up with, spent all his pre-Hogwarts daytime with. His best friend since first year. Albus felt terrible about it. He could mean of at to the lowest degree XX things he 'd rather do that ingest his topper friend and his cousin conflict like this. A calendar month 's Charles Frederick Worth of detention with Filch, for example.

This was dissimilar than a little variance, too. John and rosiness often fought with each early, but Albus kind of thought they liked it. Albus himself variety of delight squabbling with St. James. lustrelessness never fought with any of them, though. And none of them ever really rowed. What if rosebush and matt never made up ? Albus swallowed hard and stared fixedly at the end of his bed. They had to make up, eventually. But what if they did n't ? A nagging interpreter in the spinal column of Albus 's head told him it was a possibility. He tried to throw off it out of his head as he closed his middle in a vain attempt to get some sleep.

Albus had been hoping Defense Against the shadow Arts would provide a much needed escape from his thoughts of Matt and Rose never making up. That stratum usually required every bit of Albus 's wit force and he could n't really conceive about anything else during it. Unfortunately, Balladanis decided to give one of his rarified talk. Albus 's idea wandered and by the clock time the class was over, he really could n't remember what Balladanis had lectured about. He had assigned an essay, too, which did n't aid matters.

Slughorn, on the other hand, decided to have a hard-nosed lesson even though it was only a undivided course. Since Matt was in the hospital extension, Albus worked with John and Janie Creevey, trick 's usual potions partner. He was just gladiolus Slughorn did n't throw him wreak with Rose and Amanda. Linda was mysteriously absent, so their group was down to two multitude.

John sent Albus to go get ingredient while he and Janie set up. He joined the queue behind Amanda.

`` Albus, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` Amanda, '' Albus replied, reminding him a lot of the way he and Limbert had worked the former year. Polite greetings and no talking.

`` Albus ? '' Amanda asked as they neared the cupboard.

`` Yeah ? '' Albus replied.

`` Er, how 's Matt ? '' she asked quietly.

Albus shrugged. `` Have n't had the metre to call him today. ``

Amanda nodded. `` Um, what about the row ? How is he about that ? ``

`` He 's still wild with Rose, '' Albus muttered.

`` Oh. I was hoping ... '' her voice trailed off.

`` How is pink wine ? ``

`` Angry, '' Amanda sighed, `` Oh, Albus, I hate this ! I hate not being able to be with you lot, but I ca n't abandon rose wine. ``

`` I hate it too, '' Albus said quietly. He was sort of surprised that Amanda still wanted to be around them, after they denied Linda memory access to the way. After all, she was Linda 's friend, too.

`` It 's so stupid, '' she whispered, `` Fighting like this. ``

`` I know, '' Albus said, `` But I do n't think Rose and Matt think it 's dazed. ``

`` What about john and Kaden ? What do they think ? ``

`` can insipid out refuses to let Linda into the way. I do, too, '' he said quickly, `` We 're all in agreement about that. Kaden, too. ``

`` I know. And I get why. I just think its pudding head to let it make out between us. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` But blush wine is so refractory. I know she 's your unspoilt friend, but I 've grown up with her. And she refuses to give in. So this might last a while. ``

`` I do n't desire it to, Albus, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` I do n't either, '' Albus sighed.

Albus got his ingredients and went back to John the Evangelist 's cauldron. He could n't separate can anything about the conversation, though, since Janie was there. In fact, they only talked about the potion as they worked.

`` Time 's up ! '' Slughorn announced a piece later, `` fetch a sample distribution up to my desk for grading. ``

Albus dropped their potion off to Slughorn on his way out the door with John. He glanced back at Amanda. She was talking with Rose, but looked up and gave Albus a half-hearted grin. Albus returned it and left the room, somehow feeling risky than he had when he entered.

Albus and John hurried to the Great Hall and found Kaden. The three of them ate a quick lunch and then rushed off to the hospital wing before their next classes.

dame Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they walked in. She looked up, but remained seated when the three male child walked inside.

`` hello, boys, '' she greeted them.

`` Hi Madam Pomfrey, '' Albus replied.

`` Where 's ... '' the nurse began to ask, but then shook her caput and closed her mouth.

Albus shrugged and continued his way towards the exclusively occupied bed in the ward. He pulled the pall assailable and sat down on the end of Matt 's bed.

Matt was asleep. Sound asleep judgment by the rhythmic way his chest moved up and down under the blankets. His aspect was scratched and there was a bandage around his os frontale, but former than that he looked all right. Granted, most of his body was covered by the blanket, but Albus hoped he was all right otherwise.

He did n't shift when Albus sat down. John gently prodded his blanketed arm, but he did n't come along to point out it at all.

`` If he 's asleep, I suggest you let him be, '' lady Pomfrey shouted from her desk, `` In fact, I insist. ``

`` Is he ok ? '' John asked, `` He usually wakes up when we come in. ``

`` He had a rough nighttime, '' the nurse sighed, `` It 's like he did n't get any sleep beforehand, but Hagrid tells me he skipped Care of Magical Creatures, so I 'm sure he must bear slept. But he 's only wake up up once since I brought him back this morn. So, for whatever the reason, he must take to sleep. Perhaps it would be best if you came back after dinner party. ``

Albus nodded and got up off the bed. He knew why flatness needed the redundant sleep. He had n't slept much the former day. Albus did n't say much to John and Kaden as they left. He muttered a quiet goodbye as he left for antediluvian Runes. He was dreading that class. It was one he shared with rosiness and flatness, and since lusterlessness was practically unconscious mind in the hospital wing, it would just be him and Rose.

Albus was half tempted to just skip ancient Runes. After all, he had n't ever hop a class before, except when he was sick. Even when Washburn was teaching appeal, Albus was there for every class. But, he was indisputable the teacher would send an owl to his parents, so he trudged his way to Ancient Runes as slowly as possible without being late.

However, Albus had n't thought about the downside of being the last one to show up for class. When he walked into the way, there were only two ass left, at rose 's table. Linda was mysteriously absent again.

Albus groaned inwardly and sat down next to his first cousin. He stole a straightaway glance at her, but she was facing forward, looking determined.

Professor Sturly walked in a moment later. Albus crossed his fingerbreadth for a lecture form, something he rarely did. If the division was a lecture, he could easily not verbalise to spring up at all. But if they were working on decoding runic letter, he would receive to work with a partner as common. Since both lusterlessness and Linda were n't in class, he 'd have to partner with Rose.

Sure enough, Sturly passed out tablets of runes for the category to decipher. She placed one in between Albus and Rose and told them to cultivate together since their usual partners were n't there.

`` Albus, '' Rose said icily as she turned to the tablet.

`` rose, '' Albus muttered.

They worked quietly for a while, only talking about the runes.

`` That 's not a sun, Albus, '' Rose said as Albus wrote the word 'sun'on his parchment.

`` Then what is it ? '' Albus asked.

`` It 's a moon. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus muttered and changed his answer, `` Er, where is Linda ? ``

`` Why do you care ? '' Rose glared at him.

`` I 'm just curious, '' Albus shrugged.

`` She 's regorge, if you must do it, '' Rose said, `` She has n't looked well for the past few day. ``

`` She was n't in the hospital fender, '' Albus replied.

`` Not everyone goes to the hospital backstage for every picayune thing, '' Rose said shortly.

`` Well, if she 's been sick for a few days- ''

`` That 's her business, is n't it ? '' rose interrupted.

Albus nodded. Rose was right about that. `` Er, are n't you going to ask how Matt is ? ``

`` I guess, '' Rose muttered, `` How is he ? ``

`` Worse than usual, thanks to your row. ``

`` That was n't only my fault. He was right there rowing with me, '' Rose seethed, `` So do n't guilt me into doing anything. ``

`` I 'm not trying to guilt you into anything, '' Albus groaned, `` I just thought that you might actually care how his- ''

Albus cut himself off. Transformation. Rose said Linda had been sick for the yesteryear few days. So had Matt. Linda had been sick around the good lunar month. Was it possible that she, Linda, was a werewolf, too ? Albus stared dumbstruck at the tablet he was supposed to be decoding. It was form sort of too much of a co-occurrence for them both to get queasy at the same time. But then why would Matt be so opposed to Linda finding out that he was a werewolf, if she was one herself ?

`` Albus ? '' rosebush asked.

`` Rose- '' he paused. Would Rose really tell him if Linda was a werewolf ? Probably not. `` Never mind. ``

`` Er, ok, '' Rose shrugged.

The rest of the class dragged by. As soon as the Vanessa Stephen rang, Albus grabbed his material and ran out of the room. He had to find whoremaster and Kaden. They had to bump out if Linda really was a werewolf or not.

Albus made it to the Marauder 's Den in record time. Neither John or Kaden were there yet. Come to think of it, Kaden had class anyway, so he would n't even be there. But John the Divine did n't. Albus tossed his bag down and began pacing around the room.

whoremaster entered the room a scant spell later. Albus looked up and ran over to him.

`` Gospel According to John ! '' Albus shouted.

`` What ? '' St. John the Apostle asked, thoroughly confused.

`` I had to partner with blush wine during ancient Runes since mat was n't there. Guess who else was n't there ? Linda. And she was n't in Potions either, '' Albus said quickly.

`` So ? '' lavatory asked.

`` I asked Rose about it and she said that Linda 's been ill the yesteryear few years, '' Albus continued.

`` But she 's been in division, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, that 's part of it ! '' Albus replied, `` Can you recollect of anyone else who goes to class even when he 's ill ? ``

trick paused and then his centre widened in shock. `` Matt ! wait, are you thinking- ''

`` Linda 's a wolfman, '' Albus said.

`` You really think ? '' John asked.

`` Well, I obviously do n't know for sure .... ''

`` What about the last full synodic month ? Was she sick then ? ''

`` I do n't think back, '' Albus sighed, `` I did n't really pay tending, did you ? ``

`` Nope, '' privy said, `` But seriously ? ``

`` I do n't know. I mean, it 's possible, but if she 's a loup-garou, why was mat so afraid of her finding out he 's one ? ``

`` Good point, '' John sighed.

`` We 've got to recover out. ``

`` I know, we can ask Matt ! '' John said, `` Because she would 've been with him in the screaming Shack, right ? ``

`` Not necessarily, '' Albus shook his head teacher, `` If wolfbane works for her, she could n't have been near him. ``

`` Oh, right, '' John replied, `` But maybe he 'd know anyway. ``

`` Or maybe not. Maybe he has n't got a clue, but if he did know he would n't be so worried about her finding out about him, '' Albus said.

`` And then he and rose could make up. ``

`` Exactly, '' Albus grinned. He wanted nil more than Rose and Matt to hit up. `` Let 's go see if he 's awake. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and St. John the Apostle practically ran to the hospital wing. They slowed down as they neared it and tried to bet as casual as they could as they walked in. Madam Pomfrey was busy with a affected role, so she did n't even notice them as they made a beeline for lustrelessness 's bed.

Albus yanked the curtains back and shut out them again once john and himself were inside. To his relievo, Matt was awake this time. He looked consume, but he was awake.

`` Hey, flatness, '' Albus said.

`` Hey, Albus, '' lustrelessness replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` All right field, '' Albus said, `` How about you ? ``

`` Tired, '' mat sighed, `` Er, how is Rose ? Is she still ignoring us ? ``

`` Pretty much, '' Albus said quietly.

John nodded and then glanced at Albus. Albus took a deep hint. He had n't really thought about how he was going to ask matt about this.

`` Are you two ok ? '' Matt asked tentatively.

privy poked Albus. Albus glared at him and then turned back to lustrelessness. `` Well, we sort of wanted to ask you something, '' Albus lowered his vox, `` I 'm sure enough you 'll retrieve its mental .... ''

Matt stared at him curiously. `` Er, all right, what is it ? ``

`` I was talking to prove in ancient Runes- ''

`` I thought she was still ignoring us. ``

`` She was. But we were partners, since you were n't there. ``

`` What about Linda ? '' Matt asked.

`` She was n't there either, which is what I wanted to ask you about, '' Albus paused, `` rosebush said Linda 's been ill the past few twenty-four hours. I could n't really facilitate but notice that she was ill around the same time you were and well, lavatory and I were form of wondering if maybe, well, she was- ''

`` Like me ? '' Matt whispered. His eyes had widened in shock and he was staring incredulously at Albus and John.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus muttered, `` Told you it was genial. ``

`` It is, '' lustrelessness said adamantly.

`` So you know she 's not ? '' lavatory asked, `` You saw her in here or something ? Or did lady Pomfrey tell you ? ``

Matt smiled wryly. `` Of class not. Even if she was, I doubt Madam Pomfrey would tell me. You two missed the obvious clue that she 's not like me. ``

Albus turned to whoremonger, who shrugged.

`` Linda normally goes to the Australian schooling of black magic, '' Matt stated, `` The school that I was n't allowed to go to. Obviously, if Linda was like me, she could n't go there either. ``

Albus felt like he should possess smacked himself in the mind. He turned to John Lackland, who looked like he was about to bristle out laughing. How could they have forgotten about that ? It was staring them straight in the expression and they completely overlooked it. prof Killigan was prejudiced against werewolves. There was no way he would intromit Linda if she was one.

`` Oh, right, '' Albus mumbled, `` Should own remembered that. ``

`` It 's actually kind of funny that you thought she was like me, '' Matt smirked.

`` I guess she 's just got a cold or something, '' John shrugged.

`` Yeah, probably, '' Albus said. So much for the idea of rosebush and matte making up. Albus would just make to consider of some other way to get them to be friends again.

`` When do you get to forget ? '' John asked.

`` Not sure, '' Matt sighed, `` Probably deep tomorrow, if I 'm golden. ``

`` Hogsmeade is on Saturday, '' toilet said.

`` I know. I 'll be out for that, even if I have to creep out when Madam Pomfrey is sleeping, '' lustrelessness replied.

Albus did n't really think Madam Pomfrey would log Z's through someone trying to sneak out of the Montgomery Ward, but he hoped Matt would be out in clock time to go to Hogsmeade. It would be incredibly unfair if he was n't allowed to go.

******

The silence continued into the next day. Linda returned from her mysterious illness and went back to spending all her free time with Rose and Amanda. Albus spent his time with John and Kaden in the vulture 's Den.

Albus hated the silence More and more than every day. It kept him up at night, but he could n't call back of anything he could do about it. The row was mainly between Rose and Matt. Albus could n't solve it, but it was eating away at him like it was his own row. He was very gladiola he was n't playing Quidditch in the coming match. He would n't have been capable to concentrate.

Matt did n't bequeath the hospital backstage until Friday evening. lady Pomfrey had reluctantly let him leave in Holy Order to go to Hogsmeade the comply day.

Albus woke up not feeling nearly as sex as he probably should bear about going to Hogsmeade. He and pink wine had imagined going to Hogsmeade together since they were little kids. They plotted where they would go and what they would do. Both of them had been to Hogsmeade before, but never without one of their parents. The mind of going by themselves had always been exciting.

Now that the day had actually arrived, Albus could n't help but feel a bit disappoint. He would n't be going with Rose. Not while they were still in the midst of a row. It was either go with Matt and john, or trench them and go with the girls. The latter was n't even a real option. He was still mad at pink wine and if he decided to realize up with her, he 'd let Matt and John raging with him. He just had to face up it ; going to Hogsmeade with rosiness was not an option.

Albus, matte, and Saint John joined the queue of people in the entering Granville Stanley Hall later on in the morning. Matt and Saint John were more excited than Albus was, but still more subdued than the rest of the tertiary years.

`` We 've got to remember the stuff for the Halloween party, '' John reminded them.

The Hallowe'en party was that night. Albus had nearly forgotten about it over the past few days. It was another thing that would have been Thomas More fun if they were n't fighting with the girls.

`` Yeah, '' Albus nodded, `` We 've got to get Kaden 's stuff, too. ``

`` Merlin, he was green-eyed that we get to go and he does n't, '' John smirked.

`` Ca n't blame him, '' flatness lowered his articulation, `` I mean, this is the initiative time we 'll get to try out the Hogsmeade constituent of the map. ``

Albus grinned. That was one part about the Hogsmeade head trip that Albus was still thoroughly excited about. He had the new map in his cloak pocket, all set up to go.

`` We can see who likes to go to the Hog 's forefront, '' lavatory grinned mischievously.

`` Hey, Amy used to go there, '' matte said.

`` Really ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah, she liked how empty-bellied it was. ``

`` Seems like an awfully deject place, '' John said.

`` Where do you lot desire to go first ? '' Albus asked as they gave their names to Filch.

`` Weasley 's, '' bathroom said immediately, `` I 've got loads to buy there. And Kaden gave me a leaning of stuff and nonsense he wants me to get him, too. ``

`` Why does that not storm me ? '' Albus smirked.

The boys walked the short distance into Hogsmeade once Filch checked their names off. It was a chilly autumn day. There was a slight breeze in the air and it was cloudy, but not the form of clouds that threatened rainfall. They could n't feature asked for improve weather in tardy October.

Once they arrived, they hid behind a tree in order to look at the map. Albus glanced around to take a crap sure cipher was watching and then pulled it out of his cloak. He muttered the incantation and soon, an inky replication of Hogsmeade was on the yellowed paper.

`` Whoa, '' mat whispered, `` look, Weasleys'is so crowded, you ca n't scan any of the label. ``

There were back breaker spilling out of the laugh shop and even more inside, piled on top of each other. Albus was n't surprised in the slightest. His uncle 's shop was the most popular in Hogsmeade. There were more modest collections of dot in the rest of the shop class and pubs. A slight few were in the Hog 's Head.

`` Anyone we know in the Hog 's top dog ? '' John asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus said after he read the labels.

Albus wiped the map clean and then they set off for Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes. It took them a while to squeeze into the crowd, and once there, Albus and Matt quickly lost privy to the throngs of students grabbing merchandise.

Both George and Teddy were behind the heel counter, ringing up purchase as fast as they possibly could.

`` Hi Uncle George I ! chemise ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Hey, Al ! '' George shouted back.

`` Albus ! '' Teddy exclaimed, `` How 's your first Hogsmeade trip ? ``

`` Great, '' Albus smiled, `` Are you coming to the Halloween party ? ``

`` Would n't miss it, '' teddy grinned, `` Victoire and Amy are going, too. ``

`` That 's sound, '' Albus said, `` Are you dressing up ? ``

`` 'Course, '' teddy laughed.

`` What as ? ``

`` Where would the fun in that be ? '' slip winked.

John returned a fiddling piece later, arms laden with product. He dumped it all on the counter and a few Skiving Snackboxes fell on the primer coat. Albus picked them up and smirked as he put them on the counter.

`` Stocking up for a year ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nah, this is just until future Hogsmeade head trip, '' John said.

`` You 're one of my best client, John, '' Saint George laughed.

`` Do you really require five Snackboxes ? '' Matt asked.

`` Definitely. fortune telling 's awful. And two are for Kaden, '' John replied.

John paid for his purchase and then the radical wandered down the road until they reached Gladrags Wizardwear. They slowly walked inside, only to find that it was filled with giggly girls.

`` I 'd be happy if I never had to set foot in here again, '' john groaned as he gestured to a video display of tap glittering robes.

`` We just involve to get our costume stuff and get out, '' Albus muttered, equally unhappy about having to visit a clothing shop.

The three son tried to move as quietly as potential through the crowd of girl in order to recover their costume stuff. Albus immediately found a blackened shirt and pants for his skeleton in the cupboard costume. He had bought radiance in the dark paint at Weasleys'and one of his full cousin was going to paint clappers on the shirt and pants with it.

toilet had purchased Muggle vampire dentition and Muggle brass paint at Weasleys', so all he needed was a total darkness mantle, which he found quickly. lustrelessness located a white sheet, which was all he needed for his wraith costume. Albus got another livid sheet, which they would cut up into strips for Kaden 's mummy costume.

`` Finally ! '' John the Divine exclaimed once they left the shop, `` That 's my to the lowest degree favorite place in Hogsmeade. ``

`` You should go to Madam Puddifoot 's, then, '' Albus laughed.

John the Evangelist shuddered. `` No way. I will never set foot in that hideous place. ``

`` Anyone want to go to the triad broom handle ? '' Matt shivered.

`` Yeah, I could use with a Butterbeer, '' Albus agreed and pulled his cloak tighter. The wind had picked up and Butterbeer would be respectable to warm up with.

Albus led his friends up the street and into the crowded pub. It seemed that everyone had the estimation of warming up with a Butterbeer. Albus and Matt snagged the last hollow table while John went to the bar to get a few Butterbeers.

`` What do you think the party is going to be like ? '' flatness asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` It 's not really common for there to be an actual company. Usually it 's just the spread. I guess they just want us to interact with the foreign educatee. form of like the Yule Ball for the Triwizard Tournament. ``

`` I just ca n't wait to see what people dress up as, '' trick announced as he returned with the Butterbeers.

`` Think the teacher will dress up ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` I hope so, '' toilet grinned, `` Probably depends on the teacher, though. I could see Kendrick dressing up. And Longbottom. Not sure about Slughorn. ``

Albus snorted into his Butterbeer. `` Slughorn, dress up ? Now that would be funny. ``

`` I think any of the teacher dressing up would be funny, '' flatness laughed.

`` So, how long do you call back it 'll be until Kaden tries sneaking into Hogsmeade ? '' John asked.

`` side by side trip, '' Albus said immediately, `` I know he 's plotting it. He asked me if I was taking the map today. I think he wanted it to sneak in. ``

`` Are you going to let him induce it future prison term ? '' Matt asked as he sipped his Butterbeer.

`` Probably, '' Albus nodded.

`` What if he gets caught ? '' Matt asked.

Albus shrugged. `` He 'll get a couple detentions. It 's not like he 'll notice another two detention. ``

`` upright point, '' lustrelessness grinned and turned to John, `` You two spend half your waking clock time in detention. ``

`` It 's not that bad, once you get used to it. I think Filch is getting a bit fed up with us, though. He 's starting to pawn us off on the prof. ``

`` well, when you spend every early Night with him, who can charge him ? '' Albus smirked.

`` Shut it, Albus, '' John laughed, `` Or future clip we get caught, we 'll separate Filch whatever we were doing was all your idea. ``

`` He 'll never believe you, '' Albus grinned.

`` Albus, '' a female part said from behind him.

Albus turned around and saw Rose, Butterbeer in hand, with Amanda and Linda on either face of her.

`` rose wine, '' Albus muttered.

The mood at the tabular array quickly turned from joking around to tense silence. Albus nervously glanced from Amanda to Rose and back again. He looked at mat and lav, who were both glaring at the girls.

`` All the tables are taken, '' Amanda sighed, `` Do you mind if we sit here ? ``

`` Er- '' Albus began.

`` We were just leaving, '' lusterlessness announced as he stood up, `` Right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John agreed.

Albus nodded and stood up as well. He followed Matt and trick through the crowded pub, looking back at the girls. Amanda was the only one who was watching them leave.

`` Why could n't they have found some other shelve to sit at ? '' John the Divine groaned after they were back outside.

`` I dunno, '' Albus muttered. He had been having fun joking around with Matt and lav, but as soon as the girls showed up, he was reminded once again of the rift that had formed in their group. `` Anywhere we have n't been yet ? ``

`` Madam Puddifoot 's, '' matte laughed.

`` Do n't even jest about that, '' John shuddered, `` But you know, we have n't been to the shriek hutch. ``

Matt groaned. `` You 're kidding, right ? ``

`` Nope, '' toilet grinned and took off up the street, `` Come on, do n't even say you 're not going. Because you are. ``

Matt sent Albus a withered look and set off at a slower pace after John. Albus laughed to himself and followed them.

There were a pair off people leaning on the fencing in front of the hovel. They were all tertiary geezerhood. Albus figured the thrill of the screaming hovel wore off after the first dyad Hogsmeade trips. Albus and flatness joined John, who was standing near a couple girls who were looking at the Shack.

`` It 's the most haunted building in Britain ! '' a Ravenclaw named Ann Jacobs told her friend.

`` Really ? '' the girl 's eyes widened. Albus vaguely remembered that she was Muggle born.

`` Yeah, it 's haunted by ghosts ! '' Ann Jacobs said excitedly, `` right field, Albus ? ``

`` Er, yup, '' Albus nodded, `` Ghosts. ``

`` I wonder if we could get inside ! '' the other lady friend said.

`` You ca n't, '' Matt said quickly.

`` How do you jazz ? '' the girl asked.

`` My sister tried once, '' Matt answered, `` She graduated our first base class. The place is completely sealed. ``

`` Oh, '' the girl sighed, `` Would take in been coolheaded. ``

`` We should get back, '' Matt said, `` We 've got to get our costumes quick. ``

`` good musical theme, '' Albus agreed.

The boy bade goodbye to the two Ravenclaws and headed back to the castle. They were all very pipe down on the paseo back. Albus sunk back into his thoughts of how he should have gone to Hogsmeade with pink wine. He hoped he 'd be able-bodied to go with her the succeeding trip-up. Albus could n't imagine that he 'd still be mad at her when that came around. At least he hoped he wouldn't.

Kaden was waiting in the marauder 's Den for them. He immediately bombarded them with interrogative sentence, and the rest of the boys launched into a detailed description of their entire trip.

After Kaden 's curiosity was finally satisfied, the male child got to work on their costumes. Matt, John the Evangelist, and Kaden stayed behind in the piranha 's Den to earn Matt 's ghostwriter costume and Kaden 's mummy costume while Albus set off to bump one of his cousins to paint his skeleton costume.

Gabriella agreed to crap the costume. Not wanting to feel the girls and ask Amanda to do it, Albus had been hoping Gabriella would. Gabriella was the most creative of all his cousins and even though all he needed was someone to execute a picture charm, he figured Gabriella would do the best job.

`` What are you dressing up as ? '' Albus asked as Gabriella performed the charm.

`` A Veela, '' Gabriella replied.

`` Creative, '' Albus laughed.

`` My friend actually came up with it. A couple of us are going as Veelas. ``

`` fountainhead, you 've already got the hair, so it wo n't take much for you to dress up, '' Albus said.

Gabriella grinned and handed Albus his costume. `` Here you go. I 'll see you at the party. I 've got to go get fix. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said.

When Albus returned to the predator 's Den, he was met not by his friends, but by a ghost, mummy, and vampire. All three costumes were brilliant. matte looked just like a Muggle ghost, staring with eye holes and a daily round mouthpiece hole. Kaden was wrapped in strips of Elwyn Brooks White sheet that were hanging off of him in assorted places. Saint John the Apostle 's costume was the best, in Albus 's opinion. He wore a black cape with a snowy shirt and black drawers underneath. He also had a red bowtie on, which Kaden insisted would make him look more vampirish. His look was completely covered in white make-up and he was wearing undimmed red lipstick that dripped onto his Chin. When he grinned, he revealed pearly white vampire fangs.

`` You lot attend bang-up, '' Albus grinned, `` The Muggle costumes was definitely the way to go. ``

`` Put yours on, '' flatness said.

Albus nodded and went to his section of the room. When he came out, he was wearing his costume. Albus looked at his weaponry and they were glowing. Gabriella had done an excellent job with the painting charm. His thorax was covered in a gleam in the nighttime rib cage.

`` Brilliant, Albus, '' St. John the Apostle grinned.

`` We 're going to hold the best costumes in the schooling, '' Kaden announced, `` Are the miss still dressing up as witches ? ``

`` No approximation, '' Albus sighed. He had n't talked to grow about the costumes in weeks. `` Guess we 'll see out. ``

Albus had no idea what to anticipate from the party. The professors had never sponsored a party before while he was at Hogwarts. He walked down to the Great anteroom with lusterlessness, John the Evangelist, and Kaden. They passed quite a few hoi polloi on the way down and saw all sorting of different costumes.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who read and reviewed this ! You hombre are awesome !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus walked into the Great Charles Francis Hall, he stopped in his tracks. The way had been completely transformed. There were huge jack o'lanterns everywhere, lit up by candles. realistic looking spider World Wide Web were draped across every surface. The four House mesa had disappeared and were replaced by spindly round wooden tabular array. Fake wanderer were crawling around the floor. Fake bats were flying around. table of food for thought were set up everywhere. cauldron were smoking on top of them, emitting all sort of dissimilar colored smoke.

The professors were all milling about and talking with each other. Kendrick was dressed up as Merlin or Dumbledore, Albus could n't tell which. Neville was dressed as Godric Gryffindor, Patil as Rowena Ravenclaw, and even Slughorn was dressed as Salazar Slytherin. Polo was not dressed as Helga Hufflepuff, a fact Saint John was quick to target out. He was probably dressed as some former illustrious Hufflepuff, but Albus had no musical theme who it was.

In fact, nearly all the prof were dressed up. The only one who was n't was Balladanis. He was wearing his usual pristine black robes with the intricate silver fastenings. He was wearing a grim look as he brushed past Albus and his friends. His eyes narrowed a little at bathroom but he quickly looked away. Albus thought this was odd, but did n't dwell on it.

As the room gradually filled with Thomas More and more scholar, Albus noticed that there were an alarming amount of them dressed up as his Church Father. Most were first old age. Albus just kept staring as eleven-year-olds with charge plate glasses and sham scrape on their faces walked past. He thought it was really really odd.

`` We 're surrounded by your dad, '' John laughed as another toy Harry ceramist walked by.

`` This is just Weird, '' Albus muttered, shaking his head.

`` It 's kind of funny remark, '' John laughed even harder.

`` Bet you would n't think that if everyone was dressing up as your dad, '' Albus replied.

`` And that kid 's dressed up as your uncle ! '' Kaden announced, pointing to a red-haired boy who could 've easily passed for a Weasley. In fact, he did n't really look like he was dressed up at all, but Albus figured he was his Uncle Ron.

`` Uncle Ron would like that, '' Albus smirked.

`` He would, '' somebody said from behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw the real Harry ceramicist with a plateful of biscuits in script. `` Hi, Dad ! ``

`` This has got to be the strangest party ever, '' Harry said, `` I 've never seen mass dressed up as me before. It 's rather odd. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. He did n't really wish that so many people were dressed as his dad.

`` Too bad Ron is on obligation tonight, '' Harry sighed, `` He would 've liked to see a kid dressed as him. Where 's Rose ? ``

`` Er .... ''

Harry gave Albus a curious feeling. `` Is everything all right ? ``

`` Um, yeah, '' Albus mumbled, `` I guess. ``

`` Well, you know I 'm always here if you need to talk, '' Harry replied, `` I like your costumes, by the way. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus grinned, `` Kaden 's estimation. ``

`` So far I have n't seen any other Muggle costumes, '' Harry pointed out, `` I 've got to go talk to Kendrick, so I 'll see you soon. ``

Albus nodded. `` See you later. ``

Once Harry left, Albus and his Quaker wandered over to one of the nutrient tabular array. They loaded up shell with crybaby and Solanum tuberosum and various other hooey and went to find seats.

`` flavor, Albus, '' flatness pointed to the threshold, `` The girls are dressed as Muggle witches. ``

Albus looked up and saw pink wine, Amanda, and Linda strolling into the way dressed as the Muggle rendering of a witch. All three of them were wearing plain black robes, dim beldame chapeau, and had painted their faces green.

Albus caught Amanda 's eye and they gave each other watery smile as the girls walked into the room.

`` conjecture they could n't come up with any early ideas, '' whoremaster muttered.

`` We did concord on costumes before they stopped speaking to us, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I guess, '' John said.

`` feel like they 're coming over here, '' mat groaned.

Albus set down his plate and watched as the girl progressed towards them. Rose 's face was still stony, even in immature. Amanda was leading them, so Albus figured she wanted to say hi, not Rose.

`` Hi, Albus, '' Amanda greeted them, `` Matt, trick, Kaden. Great costumes. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` You, too. ``

Nobody else said anything. Albus stood awkwardly with Amanda and looked around at the chemical group. rosiness was glaring at lustrelessness and vice versa. John and Kaden were shifting nervously around. Linda was staring at Saint John, but not in a loathing way. It was more of a combination between curiosity and revulsion, which Albus thought was sort of odd.

`` This is just so stupid ! '' Amanda finally exclaimed, `` Do you lot want to keep scrap for the relaxation of the year ? ``

`` Not really, '' Albus muttered.

rosebush sent a atrophy look at Amanda and then turned around and left in a huff. Amanda sighed and followed her. Linda shook her head and then ran after Amanda.

`` well, that was awkward, '' Kaden announced a few seconds later.

`` Is this really what the residue of the year is going to be like ? '' Albus asked, looking pointedly at lusterlessness, `` Because I think I 'll go mad if it is. ``

`` wellspring, rose started it, '' lustrelessness muttered.

`` You both started it, '' Albus snapped, `` And you both had unspoilt finish it. ``

`` It 's not that simple, Albus, '' lustrelessness sighed.

`` It is n't ? '' Albus asked, `` What am I missing, then ? I was there. You two fought over whether Linda should be in the room or not ! And we all said no, but rose is still upset over it ! I just do n't sympathise it. ``

`` Told you it was n't bare, '' Matt said in barely more than a whisper.

`` They 're missy. nothing is elementary with girls, '' John groaned, `` And do you know why it 's not simple, flatness ? ``

Matt shifted uncomfortably and looked away for a few seconds. `` Yeah, I do, '' he whispered.

`` Care to explain ? '' Albus asked, now thoroughly confused.

`` Not here, '' Matt said, `` Come on, let 's go to the way. ``

Albus followed Matt out of the Great dorm with privy and Kaden on either side of him. None of them said a Holy Scripture until they reached the piranha 's Den. They went inside and sat down on the furniture. Matt stood up as soon as he sat down and then began pacing around. It reminded Albus of the clip he explained about the Hallows back in their first year.

`` All right, what 's up with the girlfriend ? '' John asked after Matt paced for a few moments.

Matt stopped pacing and stood in front of them. `` Ok, here it goes. What do you do it about vampires ? ``

`` postponement, what ? '' Albus shook his head. What in the name of Merlin did vampires have to do with the girls ?

`` What do you sleep together about lamia ? '' Matt repeated.

John laughed. `` They vant to suck your bloodline ! '' he exclaimed in a bad Transylvannian accent. He opened his mouth and leaned towards Kaden 's neck.

`` Ew, '' Kaden moved away, `` Vampires are afraid of garlic and they ca n't see themselves in mirrors. They ca n't go out during the day and they turn into squash racket. Oh, and you have to belt down them with a wooden post to the spunk. ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` I do n't really know much besides the unanimous ancestry sucking thing. ``

`` You know, '' lusterlessness began, `` You know nothing about lamia, yet you knew adequate about werewolves to figure out that I was one. ``

`` That was Rose, '' Albus reminded him.

`` right field, anyway, Kaden, those are the vampires as Muggles see them. They 're not like that. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said.

`` What do vampires give birth to do with this anyway ? '' privy asked, `` I just want to have it off why Rose is so stubborn. ``

`` It 's just the way she is, '' Albus muttered.

`` vampire, '' matt continued, `` In the wizarding earthly concern, are the undead. They 're dead, but they 're still around, obviously. lamia feed on homo pedigree, but if they do n't fellate a human being completely dry, the victim becomes a vampire themselves. ``

`` kind of corresponding werewolves, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Yeah, I guess, '' flatness replied, `` But not really. Anyway, they basically die but they do n't. They become divinity and stop aging. somebody could be bitten when they 're 20 and still look twenty two hundred years later. Their affection block up beating and they run out of blood. That 's why they turn pasty bloodless. Then, they need to feed on profligate in order to hold out. They can either use human or animal blood. The vampires that like to integrate into man society prefer to use animal stock. All they need to live is blood. They do n't want food. But they eat it to make they 're homo. They do n't need to sleep either. ``

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked, `` That is Weird. ``

Albus never knew any of that. Now the lamia unit in Defense class was going to be incredibly easy.

`` How often do they pledge blood ? '' Albus asked.

`` Depends on the lamia. nigh need to drink it every couple of weeks or so. ``

`` What happens if they do n't ? ''

`` They get feeble, '' Matt explained, `` Vampires are exceptionally strong and libertine, but if they have n't had any rip recently, they feel imperfect and sick. ``

`` Like you do before the full moon moon, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Yeah, '' lusterlessness nodded, `` variety of like that. ``

`` Can they go out during the day ? '' bathroom asked.

`` There 's a potion that they take so they can go out in the sun. The sun hurts them. sort of like the moon for wolfman. ``

`` But what 's this got to do with Rose ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked impatiently.

`` I 'm getting there, '' matt said as he began pacing again, `` Anyway, vampires are fast and warm so they can hitch their prey. But they are also more beautiful than unconstipated mankind. That way people are attracted to them. They 're also really really magnetic. When you meet one, you 're naturally attracted to them. It 's hard to explain, you 're just drawn to them. It does n't even matter if they 're a boy or a girl or if you 're a boy or a girl. ``

Albus suddenly remembered the day the extraneous students arrived and he first laid middle on Linda. She was beautiful. Albus had n't been able to consume his centre off her. But she did n't seem particularly charismatic. After hearing matte 's description of a vampire, Linda did sound like one, except for the magnetic region. She hardly said a word.

`` So if a vampire walked through the door, I 'd immediately need to to go over to them ? '' John asked.

`` Pretty much, yeah, '' Matt said.

`` How do you recognize all this ? '' trick asked.

`` Remember the depository library at my house ? There are loads of lamia Word of God there because of my dad 's job. I 've read a few of them. ``

`` Well, you 'll do great on whatever test Balladanis gives us on lamia when we get to that social unit, '' whoremaster laughed.

`` Wait, '' Kaden looked at Matt curiously, `` Muggles believe that lamia and wolfman hate each other, and did n't you say that 's real ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' lusterlessness said quietly, `` That 's pretty much it. But mostly the big rivalry is between wolfman and vampires who live away from superstar. There are packs of werewolves and covens of vampires who fight over territory and stuff. That does n't occur as much as it did twelvemonth ago, but it still does occasionally, mostly in other countries. ``

`` So, you do n't really hate all vampire ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 've never really met one, '' Matt shrugged.

`` And what in the name of Falco columbarius does this have to do with Rose rowing with us ? '' St. John the Apostle asked exasperatingly.

Albus was getting a bit impatient as well. Sure, he liked hearing about vampire. They were variety of interesting, but he mainly wanted to know what Matt knew about Rose.

`` Linda is a vampire, '' flatness said simply.

The room was silent for a few mo. Albus stared at Matt. Linda was a lamia ? It was possible. She did fit some of the characteristics, but it was still surd to grasp. Albus had never met a vampire before, let alone one that was his age.

`` When did you figure that out ? '' Albus asked.

`` As soon as she walked past the Gryffindor table, '' Matt answered.

John looked at him in awe. `` Wow, that 's impressive. You ought to go into the Department for the Regulation and command of Magical animal. ``

`` Now that would be even more dry than my dad working there, '' mat laughed, `` But I would have known she was a vampire even if I did n't know so practically about them. wolfman and vampires can instantly discern each former. ``

`` How ? '' Albus asked.

`` olfactory perception, '' Matt said, `` vampire have a distinctive smell, but regular wiz ca n't tell. Werewolves can, though. And vampires can smell werewolves. ``

`` And you did n't order us ? '' lav asked incredulously.

`` I did n't see the point, until now. ``

`` Did n't see the detail ? There 's a lamia at Hogwarts and you did n't reckon to tell us ? '' whoremonger shook his head, `` There 's always a grounds to tell us that variety of material. ``

flatness shrugged. `` Well, you know now. ``

Albus was still processing the information. Linda was a vampire. Matt knew Linda was a vampire from the start. werewolf can smell lamia. Vampires can sense werewolves. That meant-

`` Wait, '' Albus began, `` Linda knows you 're a werewolf, does n't she ? ``

matte sighed. `` Yes, she probably does. ``

`` Then why does it matter if she gets to go in the Marauder 's Den ? '' lav asked, `` Not that I want to let her in. ``

`` It 's the principle of the thing ! '' Matt replied, `` I just do n't see why Killigan let her go to his school but he would n't let me ! I know it 's unintelligent to deflect her because of that because it 's not her fault, but I just do n't get it. ``

Albus had n't even thought of that. Matt was right ; it did n't crap good sense. How was letting a vampire into a school any unlike from letting a werewolf ?

`` But if you had been let in, you would n't have moved here, '' bathroom pointed out.

`` I know, and I 'm glad we moved, but it 's just not fair, '' matte sighed.

`` So, '' Kaden said loudly, `` There 's a lamia at Hogwarts. Who 's blood is she sucking ? ``

"That, is actually a good interrogation, '' Albus said.

`` I have no estimation, '' lustrelessness replied, `` I 'm guessing she 's sucking animal stock. Probably James Henry Leigh Hunt in the woodland. ``

`` What about the whole 'vampires are charismatic'affair ? '' Albus asked. Even if Linda did need to suckle human line of descent, he had no idea how she 'd manage to tempt a man towards her. She seemed to avoid as many mass as possible.

Matt smiled wryly, `` That 's where it gets interesting. The three of you do n't see her as charismatic, right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said. John and Kaden nodded.

`` That 's what I thought. It 's because you 're friends with me. ``

Albus turned to depend at Gospel According to John and Kaden. Both of them looked as confused as Albus felt.

`` Wait, what ? '' privy asked.

`` Even way back when there were more camp of werewolf and covens of lamia running about, it was possible for mankind to affiliate with one or the other. Occasionally, a pack of wolfman would sort of 'adopt'a human being and the human being would live with the pack. I mean, the human would lead for the full lunar month, but live with the pack the rest of the calendar month. But if the human came upon a vampire, the man would be completely undesirable to a vampire because they were affiliated with werewolf. ``

`` And we 're affiliated with you, so Linda would n't require to suck our blood, even if she did go down on human bloodline ? '' Albus asked.

`` Exactly, '' lustrelessness replied, `` Remember how everyone seemed to flock around Linda when she first came here ? Everyone except us. Even Rose disliked her backbone then. ``

`` But she does n't now, '' Kaden reminded him.

`` I know. That 's because as rosiness started spending Sir Thomas More time with Linda, she spent to a lesser extent time with us, with me. She became less assort with me, so to speak. And then when we had that row, well, now she 's just affiliated with Linda. She 's completely under Linda 's charisma. ``

rosiness was affiliated with a lamia ? Did this mean there was no promise of her reconciling with flatness ? Albus groaned inwardly. He really did n't like Linda now. She was putting a Brobdingnagian break into their group.

`` Is it possible for a person to be friends with both a lycanthrope and a lamia ? '' Albus asked quietly.

`` I think so, '' matte sighed, `` But rosebush wo n't even talk to us. ``

`` I think the but way she will is if we agree to let Linda into the Marauder 's Den, '' Albus muttered, `` She 's just so obstinate. ``

`` But we do n't want to let her in here, '' lav groaned.

`` No, we do n't, '' mat agreed.

`` Do you think rosebush knows she 's a lamia ? '' Albus asked. rose was hurt, but if she had found out Linda was a lamia, she probably would have told him. She told him Matt was a werewolf, after all. Unless of course she discovered Linda was a vampire after the row.

`` No melodic theme, '' lustrelessness shrugged, `` Do you sleep together if she knows anything about vampires ? ``

`` Probably not much, '' Albus answered.

`` Then she might not. Linda 's obviously trying to conceal that she 's a vampire. I bet she 'll find out when we do the vampire social unit in Defense Department, though. ``

`` Unless we tell her first, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Are we going to ? '' John asked.

`` Would she even mind ? '' Matt asked.

`` I sort of think we should at least try to tell her, '' Albus said, `` And Amanda, too. ``

`` I suppose, '' Matt sighed, `` But they 're always around Linda. ``

`` We 'll just have to wait until she 's at Quidditch practice. I think the Australian squad practices on Mondays, so I guess we 'll look until then, '' Albus said.

The room descended into silence for a few second. Linda had definitely spiked Albus 's curiosity. He was mostly curious about why Linda had been allowed to go to the Aussie School of sorcery but matt had n't. What was the difference in letting a vampire attend than a loup-garou ? Even if Linda did suck up brute blood, there was still the potential for her to take up human blood.

`` Bloody infernal region, '' Kaden let out a low whistle, `` A vampire at Hogwarts. ``

Albus nodded. Kaden pretty much summed up what Albus was thinking. Linda being a vampire had shocked him more than lustrelessness being a werewolf. He was n't sure why, but maybe it was because Teddy 's dad had been a loup-garou and he attended Hogwarts, but as far as Albus knew, no vampires had ever been there.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this ! You guys are awesome !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atmosphere at Hogwats the next day reminded Albus a lot of what it was like the day of the Quidditch Final. It was the day of the initiative Quidditch match of the Inter-School Competition. Commonwealth of Australia would be playing New York. Albus was excited, but not as energise as he would consume been if Hogwarts was playing. He did n't particularly care who won this compeer. He was curious about Linda 's seeking science, though.

`` Hi, Al, '' individual said from nates Albus as he walked down to the sales pitch with Matt, whoremaster, and Kaden.

Albus turned around and saw his dad. `` Hi, Dad ! Here to see the match ? Or are you on duty ? ``

`` Just to see the mates, '' Harry grinned, `` I 'm hoping to be able to see them all, especially the ones you and James get to act in. ``

`` I do n't really get to play in any of them, '' Albus pointed out.

`` You never know, '' Harry said, `` Well, I 'm sitting with Neville, so I 'll see you after the friction match. ``

`` Bye, Dad, '' Albus waved as he ran ahead of them.

The son found decent seats and waited for the mates to begin. The weather condition was particularly nice, especially for a of late October day. The sun was out and there was only a slim air in the unseasonably warm up air.

`` It 's form of odd to not be rooting for Gryffindor, '' lusterlessness said.

Albus agreed. Nobody was segregated into mansion sections like they usually were during Quidditch matches. `` I do n't recognize who to steady down for. ``

`` Me either, '' John lowered his vocalization, `` I mostly just need to see how Linda plays. Never seen a vampire gambol Quidditch before. ``

`` She must be respectable. She 's only a second year and she 's on the team, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But she 's immortal, '' Matt reminded them, `` So she 's probably decennium sometime than us at least. ``

Albus still found that aspect of lamia very strange. He sighed to himself and focused on the slant, where a few people were milling about. Albus could score out Professors Kendrick, Robert, and Killigan, along with a few other people Albus did n't recognize.

`` Welcome, scholarly person, staff, and Guest to the first Quidditch match of the competition ! '' Kendrick shouted over the crowd a few minutes later, `` This will act exactly like steady Quidditch mate. Ludo commercial traveller of the Department of Magical sport will peer review this friction match. And now, I give you the Quidditch team of the Adirondack academy of conjuring trick and the Australian School of sorcery ! ``

The New Yorkers were dressed in blue Quidditch gown and the Aussie were dressed in putting surface. Both teams entered the pitch with heather in their hands. Albus watched as each of their captains excite manpower. Bagman blew a tin whistle and all fifteen of them rose into the air.

`` And they 're off ! '' Todd metalworker, who was apparently the reviewer for the inter-school matches, shouted, `` Haberino of New York catches the Quaffle and is flying to the Australian goal posts .... ''

It was a very fast paced compeer. The Quaffle passed back and forth between players faster than John Smith could announce. Albus was very yarn-dye. He also doubted he could fly as well as them and was kind of gladiola he was n't playing.

Albus knew he should pay the near tending to the chaser, but he could n't help but gawp at Linda as she flew around the pitch. She was noticeably faster than the rest of the players. Her form was practically a blur every time she darted in between the rest of the players.

`` Merlin, she 's fast ! '' Albus exclaimed as Linda went from one end of the pitch to the early in mere seconds.

`` I do n't cogitate I 've ever seen anyone fly that fast ! '' Saint John the Apostle gaped, `` And I 've been to loads of Puddlemere equal ! ``

`` fountainhead, that would excuse it, '' flatness smirked.

`` Puddlemere has pile of fast fliers ! '' John shouted, `` It 's you who 's probably never seen anyone fly fast, what with you being a Cannons fan .... ''

Matt rolled his eyes. `` She 's fast because of what she is. ``

Albus nodded. He variety of figured that. It did n't seem fair, though. None of the other teams had a vampire for a Seeker. St. James obviously was n't a vampire and Albus doubted the New York quester was one either. He was a lot slower than Linda. It seemed like there should be some sort of rule that would prevent Linda from being on the Australian team. Although, Albus was n't sure Kendrick and Henry M. Robert knew Linda was a vampire.

`` New York scores ! '' Smith shouted, `` 40-20 New York ! ``

Linda may have been fast, but New House of York seemed to get better chaser. Their style of playing reminded Albus of how he played with his cousin. When Albus played with Calluna vulgaris and Fred, it was almost like they shared a brain.

All of a sudden, Linda shot across the rake, from the Australian destination to the bottom of the New York goals. Albus stood up and watched the New House of York Seeker flew after her, but was meters behind. Linda dove for the ground and aviate back into the air clutching something in her hand.

`` Is that ? '' John began.

`` The Snitch ? '' Kaden gaped.

`` It is, '' Albus stared as the two team descended to the ground. It had only been fifteen minutes since the friction match started !

`` Linda Morales of Australia has caught the snitch ! '' Kate Smith announced, `` Australia wins 170-40 ! ``

`` That was the quickest game of Quidditch I 've ever seen, '' Gospel According to John said.

Everyone agreed. Albus had never seen anyone catch the Snitch that fast before. If the other peer were like this one, Australia was going to have the competition in the bag.

`` I 'm guessing this lucifer wo n't be followed by a party in the common room ? '' Kaden asked as the boys got up from their seats.

`` Probably not, '' Albus laughed, `` Hogwarts did n't play, so we 've really got nothing to fete. ``

`` Linda 's in Gryffindor, though, '' John pointed out.

`` Yeah, but I 'm betting most of the Gryffindors are going to be a bit upset at Linda 's seeking skills. I mean, Jesse James is good, but even he 's going to have problems going up against Linda. I think she 'd even establish teddy a run for his money, '' Albus pointed out.

`` James can beat her, '' John said confidently as they began the journey back to schooltime, `` He 's a superb quester. ``

`` But she 's faster, '' Albus sighed.

`` She 's leaping to slip up eventually, '' Kaden said hopefully.

Albus certainly hoped so. Maybe the Beaters could just constantly pelt her with Bludgers throughout the whole match so she would n't ingest a fortune to happen the Snitch.

They continued to take the air alongside the forest on their way to the palace. The hair on the back of Albus 's neck bristled and he looked quickly over his shoulder. It felt like someone was watching him. He stopped in his tracks and looked into the forest. He saw a nighttime name jump behind a tree. person was in there.

`` Why 'd you stop, Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` There 's someone in the forest, '' Albus whispered.

`` Hagrid ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` No, '' Albus shook his capitulum, `` Too modest to be Hagrid. ``

`` We should go feel out who it is, '' can announced.

`` Are you genial ? '' Matt said, `` Whoever 's in there could be a liquidator or something ! ''

Albus was n't sure about that, but he was sure that he was curious. He wanted to know who was lurking about the forest after a Quidditch match.

`` Maybe we should, '' Albus said.

lustrelessness sighed. `` Albus, you 're supposed to be the sane one. ``

`` I want to go see who it is, '' Kaden said.

`` It 's the Forbidden Forest ! '' Matt groaned, `` Forbidden ! If we get caught, we 'll be in huge problem ! spirit at everyone walking around. individual is going to catch up with us. ``

That was a unspoiled point. But at the Lapplander time, Albus really wanted to know who it was. He could n't just stand there and not go find out who the deep material body was ....

`` Al, '' a voice said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. His dad was standing there, looking at him curiously. `` Oh, hi Dad. ``

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

`` Er, there 's someone in the timberland, '' Albus replied.

Harry peered into the wood and then turned back to Albus with a dour looking on his face. `` Thanks for letting me know, Al. I 'll check it out. I want all four of you to go back to the castle and go straight to Gryffindor Tower. ``

`` Who do you think it is ? '' Albus asked. His dad seemed rather worried.

`` I have a few supposition, '' Harry replied, `` If it 's anyone authoritative, I 'll let you know. ``

Albus nodded and started to walk back to the rook with his booster. He glanced back at his dad and saw his Patronus running in the polar direction. A few people were pointing at it and whispering.

`` Who do you cerebrate it is ? '' Kaden asked.

Albus shrugged. `` Dunno. I mean, the only mass I can call back of are Washburn and Willinson, but they have n't been sighted in months. ``

`` It 's got to be one of them, '' John said, `` Why else would your dad get so worried about it ? ``

`` But he could n't even see who it was, '' lusterlessness pointed out, `` It might work out to be nothing. ``

`` Scary, though, '' Kaden shivered, `` One of them coming back. I mean, I 've never met either of them, but if they 're anything like Quinton .... ''

`` Do n't worry, '' Albus assured him, `` We 'll just go back to the commons elbow room and we 'll be delicately. ``

The son hurried back into the castle and up to Gryffindor Tower. virtually of the people around them were talking about the match, but Albus overheard a few people talking about his dad 's Patronus.

The Gryffindor common room was packed when they entered it. There was a very large radical of people in the middle shouting about Quidditch and Albus had no uncertainty that Linda was in the middle of it, even if she did n't want to be. Albus did n't see pink wine or Amanda anywhere and figured they were with Linda. Albus had a fleeting thought that he needed to severalise them about what he saw, but decided not to since rose wine was n't speaking with him. He just did n't finger like telling her anything important while she was still giving him the silent discussion. He was starting to experience a bit dejected that it had been going on so long.

Albus and his friend found a table and sat down. They were quickly joined by Lily, Victor Hugo, and Ashtyn.

`` Can you believe she caught the Snitch that fast ? '' Lily asked.

`` That was incredible, '' Albus agreed, `` But she 's going to make it arduous to beat Commonwealth of Australia. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Victor-Marie Hugo sighed, `` Everyone is trying to figure out how she 's so fast. Fred thought she had some sorting of extra broom, but she denied it. ``

`` Well, she obviously would n't admit to that, '' Ashtyn rolled her eyes.

`` Maybe Rose could ask her, '' Lily suggested.

`` I doubt pink wine would do that, '' Albus muttered.

`` Are you still rowing with her ? '' Lily asked.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus said.

`` Why ? cypher 's told me what your row was even about, '' Lily huffed.

`` It 's not your patronage, Lily, '' Albus sighed.

`` Come on, '' Lily whined, `` I 'm your sister. ``

`` And I do n't tell you everything, '' Albus said, `` So establish it a rest. ``

`` Can I have everyone 's attention ? '' someone shouted from the portrait hole.

Albus looked up and saw Neville standing there. Everyone immediately quieted down. Teachers rarely went into the common way. In fact, the only clock time they did was when something bad happened or when Gryffindor had a dramatic Quidditch win.

`` I do n't need anyone leaving the uncouth elbow room for now, '' Neville said in an unusually nonindulgent tone.

`` What 's going on ? '' Peach State asked.

`` Someone was spotted near Hogsmeade and in the forest, '' Neville replied.

`` Who ? '' Fred asked.

`` The Aurors do n't require us to disclose that info yet, '' Neville said, `` I 'll be back when we know more. ``

Neville left and the common elbow room erupted into whispers. Albus turned to his friends, who had all turned a few shade lighter after hearing Neville 's announcement.

`` It 's got to be, '' lustrelessness whispered, `` They would n't shut us in if it was n't person dangerous. ``

Albus nodded and swallowed hard. He knew he was perfectly safety in the coarse elbow room, but could n't help feeling a bit pit.

`` I bet it 's Washburn ! '' somebody shouted from across the common room.

`` Who 's Washburn ? '' one of the first years piped up.

`` iniquity good luck charm instructor, '' someone replied.

`` Yeah ! '' Ashtyn said, `` He tried to kill my brother ! ``

`` Mine, too ! '' Lily put in.

`` And he tried to kill my babe, '' Hugo added.

Lily, Ashtyn, and Hugo started telling the other first year what had happened to Albus and his friends. Albus groaned and shook his foreland as all four football team year olds watched him.

`` Wish we could go to the room, '' Albus muttered.

`` Let 's go to the dormitory, '' bathroom suggested, `` I 'll bet it 's evacuate. ``

The boys left the common room ( often to the consternation of Lily, Hugo, Ashtyn, and their growing chemical group of on-lookers ) and went up to Albus 's dormitory, which was thankfully empty.

Albus, lustrelessness, and John all sat on their beds and Kaden sat on the foot of Albus 's. None of them said a word. Albus supposed that bass down in his mind he knew Washburn would number back, but he tried not to think about it. He figured Washburn was after the Resurrection Stone. That meant he would n't try and break into the castle, did n't it ?

No, it did n't. Albus 's regard fell upon his automobile trunk, where the Invisibility Cloak resided. If Washburn still wanted to unite the Hallows, he 'd take that cloak. Albus gulped. Washburn was going to try and bust into the castle. Albus did n't have sex when, but he knew it would hap at some point.

******

Harry never returned to the castle to enjoin Albus what had happened. Neville came back to the common room an hr or so later and told everyone they were free to entrust if they wanted to, but he did n't disclose any point. Albus and his Quaker stayed in the vulgar elbow room, hoping Harry would eventually line up Albus, but he never did.

The Great Hall was filled with much Sir Thomas More chatter than was normal on Monday morning. Albus and his friends sat down at the Gryffindor board and Henry James immediately passed Albus a copy of the Daily Prophet.

`` They did n't trip up him, '' James said as he tossed Albus the paper.

Albus took it and all four boys read the front page article at the Saame time.

Washburn Sighted in Hogsmeade ; Mysterious Man Sighted in wood

Jameson Washburn, wanted for torturing minor
students and the illegal use of Legilimency on an
underage bookman, was sighted by an anonymous crone
in Hogsmeade yesterday afternoon.

The sighting took place a few minute after the first of all
Quidditch match in the tournament between Hogwarts,
the Australian schoolhouse of black magic, and the Adirondack
honorary society of thaumaturgy. The anonymous hag stated that
'a man ran from behind the Hog 's Head up towards the
hills. He looked like Washburn .'

Harry potter, Head of the Auror section, was on the
Hogwarts terra firma at the time and reported quickly to
the picture. No signs of Washburn were found and ceramist
is indisputable he had Disapparated quickly.

Potter had previously been investigating the Forbidden
Forest, after receiving a tip from a student that
soul had been lurking around. Nobody was found.

Hogwarts shoal of Witchcraft and Wizardry went into
lock down after the supposed sighting of Washburn.
scholar were not informed about the place. The
Auror section has not said whether additional
protection will be given to the schooling. Currently, an
Auror is assigned to the school at all times, after the
kidnapping of a student by Quinton Willinson ( currently
residing in Azkaban ) shoemaker's last Spring.

'We do n't want people to worry. We 're not even sure
whether either sighting was actually Washburn or not ,'
Potter told reporters.

Albus set down the newspaper and turned to take care at his acquaintance. There was no doubt in his mind that that man in the forest had been Washburn. He had gotten away again. For individual who seemed incompetent person at just about everything, Washburn certainly was upright at escaping.

`` I wonder where he 's concealment, '' John said, `` I mean, he 's probably somewhere around here, you 'd suppose ? ``

`` I bet he Apparated someplace far away, '' Albus replied, `` He 's not going to want to stick around and get caught. ``

`` Yeah, that 's rightful, '' trick said, `` But I bet he 'll be back. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed, `` Willinson might even go with him. I wonder where he is. ``

`` I hope he 's far away from here, '' Matt said, `` We 'd better get to class. ``

Albus was well-chosen that they had attention of Magical tool first because he would be able to carry on talking about Washburn as they observed firecrabs.

`` You do n't think they 'll strike down the Hogsmeade stumble, do you ? '' can asked once they had walked a condom distance away from the Slytherins.

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` They did n't cancel them when Canicula escaped from Azkaban. ``

`` I hope they wo n't, '' King John said, `` They could just sustain Aurors patrolling the village. That 'll keep Washburn away. ``

`` There are already Aurors patrolling the schooling, '' matte pointed out, `` So I 'm sure they 'll be patrolling Hogsmeade now, too. ``

`` Just as long as they do n't bring any dementors here, I 'll be well-chosen, '' Albus shivered. He had never actually seen a dementor, but he knew enough about them to venerate them.

`` well, that did n't exactly sour out well when Sirius had escaped, did it ? '' John replied.

`` I know, but still .... '' Albus 's articulation trailed off.

`` Dementors do n't even hold Azkaban anymore, so I do n't see why they would get sent here, '' John said as he stopped his firecrab from escaping.

`` I wonder where they went, '' Albus pondered, `` I 've never seen one. ``

`` Me neither, '' whoremaster shook his head, `` But that 's a right full stop. What did take place to them all ? ``

`` That 's one thing my dad never told me, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I 've never seen one either, '' Matt shivered, `` But my dad has. He 's had to deal with them at work- ''

`` So he knows where they were sent ? '' toilet interrupted.

`` No, '' Matt shook his drumhead, `` He dealt with them in Australia. There are a lot of them on the outback. There 's hardly anyone living around there, so every once in a patch, they 'll come on some flyspeck township they come upon. Then some hag or virtuoso reports it and my dad or someone else from his office would deliver to go assoil them out. ``

`` That would be a ugly job, '' John the Evangelist said quietly.

`` He hated it, '' matt replied, `` He 'd derive home base all shaky and depressed and Mum would course him lashings of chocolate. Then they 'd go talk of the town by themselves. He refused to tell me and Amy what he hears when he comes across dementors, though. Amy asked oodles of times, but he never told. ``

`` My dad wo n't tell me what he hears either, '' Albus said, `` It 's got to be awful. ``

`` Neither of my parents have ever seen dementors, '' John said, `` I think my parents lead relatively convention liveliness compared to yours. ``

`` No one in my kinsfolk leads a normal life, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine either, '' Matt agreed.

`` Well, hopefully your dad will pick up Washburn and Willinson and then you can stimulate a somewhat normal biography, Albus, '' John said.

`` Maybe, '' Albus shrugged.

`` As for me, I like a small excitement in life, '' privy grinned.

`` You can have all of mine, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine, too, '' matt smirked.

`` Nah, '' Saint John shook his nous, `` I 'll establish my own. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


In all the excitement of the possible sighting of Washburn in Hogsmeade, Albus nearly forgot about talking to Rose that evening. He was sitting in the common way trying to say his defense mechanism Against the iniquity Arts Holy Scripture when whoremonger prodded him.

`` What ? '' Albus looked up at John.

`` Linda just went to Quidditch practice, '' privy gestured to the portrait hole, which just closed behind mortal, `` We can talk to rose now. ``

Albus nodded and closed his Book. He had to admit that he was a bit neural about telling blush wine that Linda was a vampire. He had a feeling she would n't take it well. They were going to have to bankrupt this to her very nicely.

It was n't that Albus was worried that blush wine would be upset that Linda was a vampire. Albus knew that would n't put out her in the slightest. It was the fact that Albus was the one who figured it out that he was worried about. Albus fully expected Rose to deny that Linda was a vampire for the sole intellect that she had n't figured it out herself.

`` I guess we 'd better, '' Albus said as he got up. He glanced around the plebeian room and his eyes rested on the table rosebush and Amanda were sitting at.

Albus walked over to her mesa with lustrelessness, John, and Kaden following. The two girlfriend looked to be working on homework.

`` Rose, '' Albus sat down next to her, `` We need to spill the beans to you about something. ``

rose wine put down her pinion and looked up. `` Is it about Washburn ? If you 're worried about him coming back, do n't be. He ca n't get into the castle. ``

`` It 's not about him, '' Albus sighed, although he had a feeling Washburn could get into the palace if he wanted.

`` Then what ? '' Rose said shortly.

`` It 's about Linda- ''

`` Then I do n't require to hear it, '' rose interrupted.

`` rose wine, it 's important, '' Albus insisted, `` Just come talking to us. ``

`` No, '' rosiness said a bit louder, `` I know you lot do n't like her, but I do. And I do n't need you telling me who I can and ca n't be Friend with. ``

`` That 's not what we 're going to tell you, '' Albus groaned, `` There 's just something about her you should know. ``

`` Just talk to them, Rose, '' Amanda said, `` To be true, I 'm cat of you ignoring them. ``

Rose looked a bit taken aback. `` All rightfield, delicately. '' She shoved her books into her bag a bit harder than requisite and stood up.

Albus said nothing but lead everyone out of the plebeian room. Nobody said a word until they were in the Marauder 's Den. Rose sat in one of the chair and folded her arms across her chest.

`` What ? '' she asked, `` What do you possibly have to severalise me ? ``

Albus glanced at lustrelessness, who nodded. Albus took a deep hint. `` Linda is a vampire, '' he said quietly.

blush wine 's mouth fell open and then she burst out laughing. `` Are you bloody insane ? How in the epithet of Merlin did you possibly occur up with that stupid idea ? ``

Albus groaned. `` It 's not a unintelligent mind. It 's true. And Matt told us. ``

rose rolled her eyes and glared at lusterlessness. `` Of trend. You 're the one who hates Linda the most. ``

`` pink wine, it 's true ! '' Matt insisted, `` Do you honestly think that I would just randomly claim someone was a vampire ? For all the differences between vampires and werewolf, they both get discriminated against. ``

`` Oh, I do n't have intercourse. Maybe because you want me to stop being friends with her ? '' Rose shouted.

`` wellspring, that would be dolt of me because I know you would n't stop being friends with her because of that, '' flatness said quietly, `` After all, you 're admirer with me. Or at to the lowest degree you used to be. ``

`` I still am, '' Rose whispered.

Albus smiled to himself. That was promising. Maybe their friendship was n't totally destroyed.

`` But do n't you lot think that if Linda was a vampire, I would have figured it out ? '' Rose asked, `` I mean, I was the just one to project out that Matt 's a werewolf. ``

`` How often do you know about vampire, rose ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, not often, I guess, '' rosiness said sheepishly, `` But still, how do you jazz ? ``

Albus opened his bag and pulled out his defense mechanism playscript. He tossed it at Rose. `` Read the bit about vampire. ``

Rose caught the book and opened it up. She began to register it with Amanda interpretation over her berm. A few bit later, Rose set the book down. Her fount was pale.

`` You 're right, '' she whispered and then turned to Matt, `` Is that why you do n't care her ? ``

`` sorting of, '' mat shrugged, `` It 's not the fact that she 's a vampire. It 's the fact that she knows I 'm a werewolf. ``

`` Oh, '' Rose nodded, `` And she 's from Australia and Killigan does n't like lycanthrope. I get it. But, wait, how come Killigan lets Linda go to schooling but he would n't let you ? ``

`` No idea, '' flatness sighed, `` It 's a whodunit. ``

The way descended into an ungainly silence and Albus looked at all of his Friend. rose still looked a trivial dismayed and Amanda did as well.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` Are you going to restrain ignoring us, rosiness ? ``

`` Are you going to let Linda come in here ? '' Rose asked.

`` No way, '' Albus, Matt, John, and Kaden said at once.

Rose sighed. `` fine. I 've missed you lot, but I am still going to drop time with Linda. I guess I 'll just break my clip, then. ``

Albus grinned. `` Good. But following Hogsmeade trip, you 're coming with us. ``

******

Over the next yoke of week, Rose and Amanda began spending Thomas More and more metre with Albus and the other boy. Albus was thrilled about it, especially since after a few days passed, it was like Rose and Matt had n't rowed at all. Nobody ever brought up the topic of Linda, though. pink wine and Amanda both dog-tired time with Linda, usually in the library, but Albus did n't particularly mind. He kind of wish having time to expend just with Matt, bathroom, and Kaden.

John and Kaden found it increasingly difficult to draw antic due to the fact that Hogwarts was being patrolled by more Aurors since the Washburn sighting. Teachers, prefects, and the head boy and girl were also patrolling more often than they used to. Albus was secretly happy about this since he had an increasing fear of Washburn breaking into his hall to steal the Invisibility Cloak. John Lackland and Kaden, on the other hand, came back to the coarse room ranting about how they could n't commit off some buffoonery or the other due to an Auror or prefect finding them. Matt did n't look to sustain an legal opinion on the bailiwick and Albus suspected he would be happy so long as Killigan stayed away from him.

The next Quidditch compeer was in the beginning of December, and although that was still a calendar month away, Grant Wood increased practice session to three daylight a week instead of two. forest was especially yob on James since the next match would be between Hogwarts and Australia. Ellen Price Wood was determined to beat Commonwealth of Australia and that meant James would feature to try and fly faster than Linda. teddy bear was working with him one on one during all the practices.

The adjacent junior dueling tournament was coming up as well and Albus was determined to actually duel during this one. He did n't care if both his legs were broken, he would still go.

Between his several recitation and division, Albus did n't hold practically metre for anything else. All his teacher were increasing the body of work load, especially Balladanis. He started packing more than and more into each example and had begun assigning weekly essays. And since all the lessons were practical, Albus had to read the Koran to do the essays. There were no bank bill from class to use.

Albus and the rest of the student no longer bothered taking their books and sheepskin out at the beginning of class. In fact, the majority of Albus 's class did n't even annoy sitting down. Albus wondered why Balladanis even bothered to put the desks back at the end of course of instruction, since he had yet to get wind of any of the years having an factual lecture in that class.

Due to this, Albus was completely shocked when Balladanis told the class to sit down at the offset of defensive structure in the outset of November. Albus turned to Matt and John, who looked equally storm. Balladanis, on the other hand, was acting like this was perfectly normal.

Albus sat down in between mat and Saint John the Apostle amongst the whispering of the repose of the class.

Balladanis stood in battlefront of his desk and looked out at the students. There was a large trunk in front end of him which reminded Albus of the foremost day of class. But why would Balladanis bring a Boggart back to year ? lustrelessness told Albus that Balladanis was n't even using Boggarts in his help sessions anymore.

`` Today 's lesson will be part lecture, '' Balladanis announced, `` The reason for this being that the particular creature we are studying today is not in your text book. ``

The class erupted in more whispering and Albus distinctly heard rose gasp.

`` settle down, '' Balladanis said, `` The creature is not in your record because it is extremely rare and most hotshot will go their entire lives without ever encountering one. Because of this, it is not normally in a thirdly twelvemonth syllabus. The brute is usually studied in pull ahead N.E.W.T. Defense Against the Dark graphics only. I however, believe this animal is extremely beneficial to third base year defense and am adding it in, despite the fact that it is not in your Koran. ``

Albus was on the edge of his seat now. He was staring directly at the trunk in front of Balladanis, where the brute probably resided. It could n't be that unsafe, could it ? Otherwise, Balladanis would n't accept brought one. Although, there was n't much that Balladanis could do that would actually surprise Albus. He was a very odd teacher.

`` The brute I am talking about is an anamatek, '' Balladanis said as he began pacing back and forth in front line of the body. He stopped in front of rose wine, Amanda, and Linda 's table. `` Does anyone know what an anamatek is ? ``

Albus had never heard of one in his lifetime. rosebush did n't put her hand up either. The only hand in the class that went up was Linda's.

`` Yes, Miss team spirit, '' Balladanis said.

`` An anamatek is a shape-shifter, but it is unlike from a boggart. anamateks are forced to transfer into whatever form the sorcerer controlling them wants, '' Linda explained.

`` Correct, '' Balladanis began pacing again, `` anamateks are very strong and sinewy creatures. It takes a very firm and powerful crone or wizard to master them. Not many are able-bodied to do so. But if a crone or wizard can, the anamatek must transform into whatever form the thaumaturge wants.

`` This of course is very life-threatening if a black wizard gets admit of one. Can you imagine if Voldemort had been able to control a few anamateks and had them metamorphose into Chimera ? ``

The full room was still. Albus shivered at the mentation of an U. S. Army of chimaeras, especially in the hands of Voldemort.

`` Luckily for us, anamateks are extremely uncommon and the majority of wizard ca n't hold one, let alone an US Army of them. The few anamateks that exist in the mankind reside in warmly climates and they prefer to stay out of sight amongst tree diagram or Vannevar Bush. Anamateks are rarely sighted in Britain and I would guess that there are n't more than four or five in the entire res publica. They are a bit more plebeian in warmer climates such as the Southwestern United States, Latin America, South the States, Africa, and Australia. However, you could look all of these countries extensively and never come across one.

`` Anamateks do not like whiz because they do not need to be controlled. Not only can wizards assure what the anamatek turns into, they can also establish it do whatever they please. When they are not controlled, they can reverse into whatever they like and usually choose a particularly dangerous creature in ordination to deter maven from capturing them. They can not, however, turn into humans, for the most division. There are exception to that. Certain mighty crone and necromancer have had succeeder turning them into humans, but they do not act like humankind. No anamatek can plow into a human on its own. ``

Balladanis paused and stopped following to his trunk. `` I have captured an anamatek. I captured it many years ago and it has been under my dominance ever since. Having an anamatek at my disposal provides a great learning opportunity for all of you. Can anyone guessing why ? ``

blush wine 's hand barb into the air. `` Yes, Miss Weasley, '' Balladanis said.

`` You can feature it turn into whatever we 're studying and we can learn to oppose it instead of having to fight a real one. That way, you can command what its doing and none of us will get hurt, '' rose answered.

`` Correct, '' Balladanis said, `` Before course of study, I performed a spell which caused the anamatek to turn into a kappa, which I hope you are all mindful that we are currently studying. When I say so, get up and form a stock in front of my desk. You will be performing the spell you learned close class to try and rebuff the anamatek, which is going to front and act exactly like a kappa. ``

`` Sir ? '' Malfoy raised his hand.

`` Yes, Mr. Malfoy ? ``

`` Sir, are you going to tell apart us the go to play an anamatek under a genius 's restraint ? ``

`` No, Mr. Malfoy, I am not, '' Balladanis said darkly, `` First, it 's not just one spell, it is a set of extremely difficult trance, beyond N.E.W.T. level. second base, there is lots disputation as to whether the spells are shadow legerdemain or not. Third, it would be wasted since none of you would have the capability of performing such magic and will likely never have the chance to do it. fourth, the schoolmaster would not be happy if I did so. I will also not contract any notes to admit any of you into the Restricted Section of the library to research the turn. ``

Malfoy scowled at this and Albus stifled a laugh. It did n't surprise him in the slightest that Malfoy would want to ascertain the spells. Albus was extremely curious as to how Balladanis managed to perform them, and how he had come across the anamatek in the commencement place. Albus doubted that he would tell that story, though. Balladanis never talked about his yesteryear.

`` Everyone get up ! '' Balladanis shouted.

Albus hastily stood up and watched as the rest of the grade did the Lapplander. pink wine and Linda shoved their bank bill into their bags, but nobody else had bothered to lead line. The opinion had n't even crossed Albus 's mind. He was so ill-used to not taking note of hand in Defense.

Balladanis moved the tabular array to the sides of the elbow room and Albus joined the waiting line forming in front of the trunk. He stood on his tip-toes and peered around Gospel According to John to try and catch a glimpse of the anamatek when it emerged from the trunk.

Balladanis pointed his wand at the torso and it shot open. nothing happened for a few seconds and then a slimy, scaly kappa crept up over the top of the tree trunk and climbed out. It stretched out its lacy hand and started towards Janie Creevey, who was first in the line.

Janie held up her wand and muttered the enchantment. The kappa was shot back towards the tree trunk and Balladanis nodded at Janie. She stepped to the side and Karina walked forward as the kappa recovered.

The queue moved forward and Albus was able to get a honest facial expression at the anamatek. It looked exactly like a kappa. If Albus did n't know any better, he would say that it was a real kappa.

Balladanis made everyone execute the spell until they could do it successfully. Rose and Linda got it on their first try, but Amanda had a bit of trouble. Albus had a belief she would be working with the anamatek in her succeeding extra aid academic term. whoremonger managed to have success on his first try and he stepped to the side of meat and Albus stepped forward.

The anamatek crept towards Albus, who held up his wand. Kappas did n't really scare him in the slightest, yet his heart had begun pounding faster. The anamatek is what scared him a bit. The affair had the potential to change into something dangerous like a chimaera at any moment. How a good deal control did Balladanis really have over the thing ?

Albus shouted the spell and the anamatek was thrown back against the trunk and landed with a trashy crack.

`` Very good, Mr. ceramicist, '' Balladanis smiled ever so slightly, `` A few of the ease of you might wish well to take bank note of the force Mr. Potter put behind his spell. A square off kappa would accept been able to find very quickly from most of your spells. Mr. ceramicist, on the other manus, would have been able to escape if this had been a genuine kappa. ``

Matt 's turning was side by side and Albus stood next to lavatory to watch him. The kappa was only slightly deterred by Matt 's first spell and he had to try about three time to get it to work.

`` Now I know what Balladanis is going to have me do tomorrow dark, '' mat whispered to Albus as they watched Malfoy take on the kappa.

Malfoy sent the kappa slamming into the bole with almost as much military force as Albus had, earning him a slight smiling from Balladanis as well.

`` Where in the public figure of merlin did Balladanis get that affair ? '' John exclaimed after they 'd left the classroom.

`` No estimate, '' Albus shrugged, `` But I wish he 'd secern us. ``

`` He wo n't, '' Matt sighed.

`` I know, but I still want to know, '' John said, `` And what did he do for a aliveness before this ? I mean, I do n't think teachers normally come upon anamateks. ``

`` Probably not. I do n't think my dad has ever seen one and he 's an Auror, '' Albus pointed out.

`` They are extremely rare in Great Britain, '' rosebush ran up future to Albus, `` I bet Balladanis lived in some early state before he started teaching here. Africa or Australia or one of those berth where anamateks are more plebeian. ``

`` Yeah, but they 're not exactly commons in those places either. My dad has n't seen one either and he worked with magical animate being in Commonwealth of Australia for yr, '' Matt said.

`` I 'm surprised Kendrick lets him have that thing in the school, '' Amanda said.

`` I doubt Kendrick knows about it, '' Albus replied.

If Kendrick had n't known about the anamatek before, he most likely did by the end of the day. The entire school was buzzing about it. Apparently Balladanis had not only shown it to his thirdly years, but second and quaternary through seventh long time as well. The common way was filled with chatter about it after dinner party, as well as extremely jealous number one twelvemonth. Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn whined about not being able to see it.

`` Are you prepare for Quidditch practice, Al ? '' Sakartvelo said to Albus as Lily and her Quaker left.

Albus looked up. Georgia 's face was white and she looked more than than a little scared. Albus stared at her curiously.

`` Yeah. But, Sakartvelo, are you ok ? ``

`` I 'll be very well, '' she assured him, `` Balladanis had that anamatek affair turn into a dementor during course right before dinner. We spent the stallion class trying to project Patronuses against it. Let me tell you, that anamatek was just like a dementor. '' GA closed her eyes and shuddered.

`` You should have some chocolate, '' Albus told her and pulled a coffee toad out of his bag. He tossed it to her.

Sakartvelo caught it and ripped it open. `` Thanks. Let 's go encounter Epistle of James. ``

Albus said goodbye to his friends and went to go ascertain James with Georgia. He felt a bit enervate that Balladanis had used the anamatek as a dementor. Having it turn into a kappa was one thing, but a dementor ? They were really dangerous. As far as Albus knew, the Patronus spell was n't actually practiced on dementors until Auror training. role of Albus hoped that Kendrick would ban the anamatek from the shoal before he started learning the Patronus good luck charm in 7th year.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome mass who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Much to Albus 's surprise, the anamatek was still sitting in Balladanis 's classroom the next course. Albus really thought Kendrick would deliver made him get rid of it. The class continued practicing on it and after a few sessions with it, Albus got used to the fact that it was an anamatek. As long as it did n't change by reversal into a dementor or a Chimaera or something else really grievous, Albus did n't mind.

Practicing on the anamatek was a lot like practicing dueling anyway. That 's how Albus saw it. defence social class were beginning to be a lot like dueling practice session. Albus was very happy about this, especially since the next dueling tournament was quickly upon him. It took situation on a Sat in the middle of November, the day before the second inter-school dueling tournament.

`` Nice to see that you actually showed up today, ceramist, '' Malfoy smirked as Albus and Amanda sat down at their team table.

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Lynley Phil Anderson said as she walked by Albus, `` Or you wo n't duel in the future tournament. ``

Malfoy scowled and Albus smiled to himself. He sat down and looked to the front of the room. The usual dueling ringing were set up and Neville was standing in battlefront of one. Balladanis was standing in front line of the other one. He must have been chosen to be the former prof in charge of the dueling society since Albus 's dad left.

The tourney began a short piece later and Albus sat back to wait for his spell. As often as Albus loved dueling, he could n't stand having to hold back while everyone else dueled. He could n't wait until he was a fifth year and could try out for the veritable dueling club. The team were practically smaller for that and Albus would get to duel more during each tournament. If he made the team, that is.

`` Albus Potter and Kaden Dursley, '' Balladanis announced.

Albus looked up and stared at him. Kaden ? Albus turned to gape at Amanda, who shrugged. Albus was going to hold to duel Kaden ? Albus had yet to duel any of his cousins.

Albus got up and walked towards the mob. Kaden was already there when he arrived. Albus and Kaden bowed to each other and then raised their wands.

`` Begin, '' Balladanis said.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted and pointed his wand at Kaden while silently apologizing to him. He really did n't want to duel Kaden.

Kaden 's wand flew from his hand and Albus caught it. Albus looked up at Balladanis. Balladanis was looking at Albus with his piercing stare and Albus quickly looked away.

`` stop to Potter, '' Balladanis said without taking his eyes off Albus.

Albus handed Kaden back his wand and went back to his team 's tabular array. Lynley and Amanda congratulated him and he sat back down.

`` I ca n't trust they had you duel Kaden, '' Amanda giggled.

Albus shrugged. It had n't been much of a scrap. Albus rarely had trouble dueling anyone during the tournament. The lonesome someone who Albus ever had difficulty dueling was Malfoy, and he was on Albus 's team.

Albus was n't really thinking a great deal about having to duel Kaden. He could n't get the smell Balladanis had given him out of his mind. It was sort of like the looks he 'd received in grade, only more daunting. There was a hint of curiosity mixed in with something Albus could n't describe. It was almost like he was trying to translate Albus 's mind, but Albus had had decent experience with that to bed that Balladanis was n't doing it.

Malfoy was up next and he dueled James. It was a very fast-paced and excite duel. In the end, Malfoy managed to disarm James. Albus had no idea how he felt about this. Part of him was felicitous that his team got the point, but on the other hand, the view of his brother losing to Malfoy was rather unsettling.

James had a mutinous facial expression on his face as he grabbed his baton out of Malfoy 's outstretched hand. He stormed back to his tabular array without a second glance at Malfoy or Balladanis.

Albus looked back to Balladanis and saw him giving Malfoy the like odd look he had given Albus earlier. Albus had no musical theme what to work of that. Balldanis had n't looked at anyone else like that.

The future person Albus dueled was a bit more take exception, but Albus still disarmed her within three minute of arc. She was a fourth year Ravenclaw who had the reputation of being the impertinent of all the one-quarter years.

Balladanis gave Albus the same strange spirit as he awarded him the full stop. Albus quickly gave the girl back her wand and went back to his table.

Albus 's team narrowly won the tournament. Lynley congratulated everyone and said the intact team had improved greatly since the concluding tourney. Albus and Amanda got up and joined the concourse of people leaving the way. They headed up to the common elbow room, where they had agreed to meet their champion after the tournament.

`` Good job, '' trick said as he sat down next to Albus.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled.

`` Yeah, '' Kaden agreed, `` I mean, you beat me pretty quickly. ``

`` Albus is the advantageously dueller out of all of us, '' Matt said as he joined them.

`` Balladanis was certainly concerned, '' John said, `` What was up with him looking at you like that ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus said, `` It was really odd. ``

`` He was looking at Malfoy like that, too, '' rose said as she and Linda sat down.

`` I 'll bet it 's because you 're both such in force duelers, '' lusterlessness replied, `` I hate to take on it, but Malfoy is really good. ``

`` Did you see James IV 's brass after Malfoy beat him ? '' John laughed, `` That was pretty rummy. ``

`` I do n't think James would agree with you, '' Albus smirked.

`` Well, we should probably do some homework, '' rosiness said.

Everyone groaned but nonentity disagreed. Albus went up to his dormitory and returned with his books. He cracked opened his Herbology ledger and started an essay that was due on Tuesday.

`` You 're from Australia, are n't you ? ``

Albus 's head snapped up. Linda was staring curiously at lusterlessness, whose eye were darting about. Everyone else was now staring at Linda. Albus did n't think he had ever heard her talk outside of class.

`` Er, why do you think that ? '' lusterlessness asked nervously.

`` The other day after Department of Defense, you mentioned that your dad had n't seen an anamatek even though he worked down there, '' Linda explained.

`` Oh, yeah, '' Matt muttered, `` I did used to populate there. ``

`` Why did you move ? '' Linda asked.

`` My dad 's job, '' Matt said.

`` Oh, '' Linda replied, `` Well, if you had n't, we could have gone to schooltime together. ``

lusterlessness mumbled something under his breath.

`` What ? '' Linda asked.

`` naught, '' flatness said and closed his account book, `` I 'm, er, going to the subroutine library. ``

Albus closed his own book of account and got up to keep abreast Matt, but he had already left. Albus sighed and looked at Rose, who was slowly shaking her head. That was exactly why Matt had wanted to remain away from Linda and Albus could n't blame him.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in silence in the park elbow room. Albus managed to finish his Herbology essay just before dinner. He had no approximation if Matt actually went to the library, but found him in the Great Hall at dinner. He made no quotation of what Linda had said, so Albus did n't bring it up. Albus only had enough time to eat a quick dinner anyway, because he had Quidditch practice afterwards.

******

`` All right, that 's enough for today, '' Balladanis announced as the Vanessa Bell rang the following Tuesday, `` go away your essays on my desk on your way out. ``

Albus stowed his verge in his robes and rummaged around in his bag for his essay. For some rationality, Balladanis always collected essays at the end of class. Albus had no approximation why. All the former teacher collected them at the beginning, presumably to preclude students from frantically scribbling their essay during socio-economic class the day it was due. That would be unimaginable in Balladanis 's social class, though.

`` Potter, Malfoy ! '' Balldanis shouted, `` Please see me before you leave. ``

`` tone like you 're getting extra service, too, '' John laughed, `` Welcome to the club. ``

`` Somehow I doubt that, '' lusterlessness replied, `` Albus was the only one to cause that anamatek to fly halfway across the room today. fountainhead, besides Malfoy. ``

Albus shrugged and muttered that he 'd meet them in Herbology. His ticker started beating a bit faster as he placed his essay on the pile and stood in front of Balladanis 's desk. Why did he want to see him anyway ? Could Balladanis really conceive he needed excess help ?

Malfoy tossed his essay onto the pile and then leaned up on Balladanis 's desk as he watched the rest of the form leave.

`` rack up, Malfoy, '' Balladanis said as he shut the anamatek 's trunk and walked over to his desk.

Malfoy jumped and quickly stood up straight. Albus stifled a laugh and turned to Balladanis, whose face was expressionless.

Balladanis walked over to the door, shut it, and returned to his desk. `` I could n't assist but point out that both of you won both of your duels terminal Saturday. ``

`` I always win both of my duels, '' Malfoy said pompously.

`` I thought so, '' Balladanis replied, ignoring Malfoy 's less than reverential tone, `` I 'm assuming the same goes for you, Mr. Potter ? ``

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus nodded.

`` Have either of you ever been defeated in a duel before ? ``

`` I 've disarmed Potter during practice, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` And I 've disarmed you, Malfoy, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` Any other clock time ? '' Balladanis asked.

Albus opened his mouth, but Balladanis interrupted him.

`` During the dueling tournaments, Mr. potter. I have heard about your affray with Jameson Washburn, Jarret Willinson, and his son. ``

`` No early times, '' Albus replied.

`` I could sustain defeated Washburn, '' Malfoy announced.

`` I sincerely doubt that, '' Balladanis said, much to Albus 's joy, `` But that is not what I have asked to talk over with you. I have noticed, both in stratum and during dueling tournaments, that the two of you seem to possess exceptional skill when it comes to dueling. You 're dueling skill appears to be much higher than the one-third or even fourth year level.

`` Therefore, I would wish to discipline both of you privately. There is only so much you can con in a big group with those whose acquirement is less than your own. I will be capable to teach you spells you would n't normally learn until fourthly or fifth year. Are either of you matter to ? ``

`` Of course, '' Malfoy said immediately.

Albus could n't believe it. His kinfolk and friends always told him he was an fantabulous dueler, but somehow having Balladanis tell him meant more. Balladanis was incredibly punishing to please, and not only did he think Albus was a gravid duellist, he was offering to instruct him more advanced spells. That was incredibly exciting. Albus would be able to learn go that Jesse James had n't learned yet.

`` Yes, I 'd care that, '' Albus grinned, thinking it would be brilliant to tucker out James II in a duel.

`` I shall see you on Fri at eight, then, '' Balladanis told them, `` After I am done tutoring the less skillful in your grade. '' He pulled out two pieces of newspaper publisher and scribbled onto both of them. `` generate these to your teachers, as you are quite belatedly to socio-economic class by now. Get out of here. ``

Albus took his note and left the room notion that Fri was an incredibly long time away. buck private dueling example. He could n't wait. trusted, they 'd be with Malfoy, but Albus was bequeath to put up with him in parliamentary procedure to learn advanced spells.

Albus hurried to Herbology, but the form was already well into that day 's lesson by the meter he arrived. He handed his bill to Neville and then sat down next to Matt, who was shoveling grease into an hollow pot.

`` What did Balladanis want ? '' Matt asked.

`` You 're never going to consider this, '' Albus said as he pulled on his glove, `` Balladanis wants to give Malfoy and me common soldier dueling lessons. He wants to instruct us get on spells that we would n't normally learn until fourth part or fifth part class. ``

`` You 're kidding, '' Matt said in awe.

`` Nope, '' Albus grinned.

`` But why ? '' lusterlessness asked, `` Did he say why he 's teaching you ? ``

`` Just because he thinks we 're good duellist, I guess. ``

`` wellspring, you are a good dueller, Albus, '' lustrelessness agreed, `` When do you initiate ? ``

`` Fri at eight. Right after your service school term, actually, '' Albus answered.

`` I 'm not going to the helper session this calendar week, '' lustrelessness lowered his voice, `` And you 'll be having load more fun than me. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus whispered, remembering that the wide lunation was Friday dark, `` I 'll let you know how it goes, though. ``

After Herbology was over, Albus told John, Rose, and Amanda about Balladanis 's dueling lesson and then had to recur it to Kaden when they ate lunch. All of them were excited about it, especially Kaden. Albus suspected he was a bit jealous, too.

The residual of the week seemed to mouse by at a flobberworm 's stride. It was n't same Albus did n't own anything to keep him interfering, but he just could n't call up about anything other than the dueling lesson.

`` Albus, you 've got to stop tapping your quill, '' rosebush said shortly, `` It 's driving me mad. ``

Albus and his friends were in the predator 's Den. It was Friday evening and dinner had just ended. Albus was trying to centralize on homework, but it was n't working. Rose and Amanda were both indication. Linda had mysteriously disappeared after her final form and Rose and Amanda had been with Albus and the other boy ever since. whoremonger and Kaden were discussing a prank that involved charming gobstones to follow the Aurors and prefects around as they patrolled the corridors. Rose had already advised against this, but John Lackland and Kaden did n't listen. Matt was laying on the sofa with his eyes closed, but he was n't asleep. John the Evangelist and Kaden kept asking him things and he 'd respond with very short answers.

`` Sorry, '' Albus muttered and dropped his quill.

`` So where 's Linda tonight ? '' John asked.

`` I dunno, '' Rose shrugged, `` She did n't look that enceinte today, though. ``

`` Then she 's probably sucking some fauna 's blood in the forest, '' Matt announced.

`` Well, there 's a lovely characterisation, '' Kaden said loudly, `` Linda biting the neck of some helpless animal and sucking the life out of it. Think of all the rake. It must get all over her brass and neck. That 's somewhat gross. ``

`` Thanks for that epitome, Kaden, '' Matt replied.

`` It 's honest than her sucking human blood, '' Rose pointed out.

`` That 's true, '' Kaden agreed, `` So, should we fill the gobstones with stink sap before we charm them ? ``

`` Of path ! '' whoremonger grinned.

`` And that 's my cue to leave, '' Matt sat up slowly and rubbed his foreland, `` I 'll see you lot tomorrow, probably. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll see you in the morning, '' Albus assured him.

`` Have fun, '' Kaden said.

`` Fun, '' Matt muttered on his way out, `` That 's a word of honor I 've never used to describe it. ``

`` We 'd better go, too, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah, prison term to go sit through an special vindication lesson, '' John groaned as he stood up.

`` I thought you did n't mind them, '' rosebush said.

`` I do n't. They just get old after a patch, '' John sighed as he and Amanda left.

Albus worked on his homework for the future hour, mainly because there was n't anything else to do. Rose was working on her own preparation and did n't seem to need to do anything else. The hour dragged by at an incredibly slow rate, but eventually Albus packed up his books, said goodbye to rosiness, and left for Balladanis 's room.

The door was half-way undecided when Albus arrived. He took a trench breath, suddenly overcome by nervousness, and knocked lightly. There was no resolution. Albus pushed the room access undecided and walked very slowly inside.

The room was dim. The only light stemmed from a few torches lit on the wall. It was obviously the same classroom he had DoD class in, but it looked completely unlike in the evening.

There was n't anyone left in the elbow room from the spare defence force deterrent example earlier. Albus had passed lavatory and Amanda in the corridor. They both wished him unspoilt luck.

Albus looked around the elbow room and saw the torso that contained the anamatek sitting unnaturally still in movement of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis himself was also sitting unnaturally still at his desk. He stared directly into Albus 's eyes and Albus, remembering the Occlumency lessons he received two years prior, quickly averted his own center and began to conclude his mind.

`` You know Occlumency, Mr. Potter, '' Balladanis said not as a question, but as a statement.

Albus nodded as Balladanis slowly rose from his chair and walked around to the front of his desk. Albus took a step back and nearly collided with the movement table. He swallowed nervously and kept his optic off of Balladanis.

Albus had always been a footling wary of Balladanis, but now he had to admit that he was a bit frighten. The only way for Balladanis to know that Albus had been practicing Occlumency was if he had actually been performing Legilimency. Albus had sufficiency experience with teachers performing Legilimency on him and he did n't want to do go through that again. The only thing Albus was thinking about then was how he could get out the room without Balladanis getting fishy. He wished he had a disgorgement cough drop or something in his pocket.

`` Who taught you ? '' Balladanis asked.

`` My Aunt Hermione, '' Albus muttered. He wondered where Malfoy was. That had to be the first and probably only time he would ever wish Malfoy to be present.

`` Hermione Weasley, '' Balladanis mused, `` Yes, she is one of the most carry through Occlumenses of her generation. ``

Albus 's point snapped towards the door as he heard footstep enter the elbow room. He breathed a suspiration of relief and had to stifle a laugh at the fact that he was happy Malfoy was in the room.

`` Mr. Malfoy, you 're late, '' Balladanis said.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Malfoy muttered.

`` Sit down, '' Balladanis pointed to the front table.

Albus turned around and sat as quickly as he could in one of the chairs. Malfoy took his prison term in sauntering over and sat in the chair next to him.

`` Mr. ceramicist. Mr. Malfoy, '' Balladanis began to pace in front man of them, `` By now I am sure you are both aware of my stance on the Dark graphics. If not, I suggest paying a bit more attention in class.

`` You may also be aware of my veneration to helping the educatee who are struggling in my family. I hold supererogatory assistant academic session every single day after dinner. However, I also wish to help those who are truly talented to achieve their straight potential.

`` You two are the most talented duelers in the third year, '' Balladanis paused and looked at each of them in the eye, `` I would argue that you are the most talented duelist amongst the students below fifth year. I would even play that you could give a couple of the 6th old age a run for their Galleons. ``

Albus stared at Balladanis. He did n't call up he was that right of a duellist. He knew he could mystify most of the students in the Junior 's Dueling gild, but 6th days ? They were doing N.E.W.T. Defense stratum. They knew enchantment Albus had never even get wind of.

`` I would n't go picking fighting with one-sixth years, though, '' Balladanis continued, `` They know spells you do not. What I mean is that you have the natural endowment to learn spells that the sixth yr are learning. The spells I am currently teaching in class are incredibly simple for the two of you. What I hope to do is teach you spells that are more at your spirit level. Now, stand up, the both of you. Let 's see what you can do. ``

Albus stood up and pulled out his wand. He had no estimate what Balladanis wanted him to do. Would they be practicing on the anamatek ?

Balladanis waved his wand and the desks moved to the sides of the classroom. Another wave and the light increased. `` I would like you to duel each other. Use any spell that you have learned in schooling. Do not use any enchantment you have picked up elsewhere. ma'am Pomfrey would not be well-chosen with me if I sent the two of you to the hospital Wing with missing limb. hold on going until I say to stop. ``

Albus could n't conceive it. He was getting to duel Malfoy ! He had been wanting to do that ever since Kendrick had first announced the dueling club. The little practice duels they did were n't really what he had wanted to do, though.

Albus raised his wand and stared at Malfoy. Malfoy was smirking and pointing his wand at Albus. The two of them bowed and Albus took a step forward.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Albus shouted and pointed his verge at Malfoy.

Malfoy easily dodged the spell and sent a tickling hex at Albus. Albus threw up a cuticle and then tried to disarm Malfoy. Malfoy jumped onto a nearby desk and the spell collided with a chair which collapsed.

The duel continued in this subject for quite some time. Albus tried as hard as he could to actually hit Malfoy with a spell, but Malfoy kept dodging and blocking them. It was driving Albus mad. He kept thinking of everything Malfoy had done to him in the preceding two age and how much he wanted to puzzle him in this duel. If he beat Malfoy, he 'd have something on him for the rest of the year.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted for what must hold been the one-tenth time.

Malfoy dodged it and sent the Saame trance at Albus. Albus jumped and the spell hit Balladanis 's desk.

`` That 's plenty ! '' Balladanis shouted.

Albus lowered his wand and glared at Malfoy. Albus shoved his sceptre back in his robes and looked around to discover a electric chair that remained intact. He found one and collapsed into it. That duel had been exhausting.

`` fountainhead, that was certainly interesting, '' Balladanis gave a rare smile, `` Not a shekels on either of you but my classroom has been destroyed. It seems that I was not premature in my judgment of your dueling skills.

`` Have either of you thought about what you want to do when you get out of Hogwarts ? ``

Albus stared curiously at Balladanis. That was an abrupt change in conversation. Albus had never thought about spirit beyond Hogwarts. He was only long dozen. He never thought there was any penury to recollect about it yet.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Not really. I mean, I always thought being an Auror would be interesting. ``

`` Indeed it would, '' Balladanis said, `` Your father certainly is happy with it. How about you, Mr. Malfoy ? ``

`` No idea, '' Malfoy replied.

`` There are many thing you can do with dueling skills such as yours. I would suggest looking into it, '' Balladanis said.

`` But sir, we 're only tertiary long time, '' Malfoy scoffed, `` Is n't it a bit early ? ``

`` I already knew what I wanted to do at thirteen, '' Balladanis said quietly.

`` And what is that exactly ? '' Malfoy asked.

Balladanis gave Malfoy the unknown flavor Albus had ever seen. It was a compounding of sadness, anger, and pridefulness.

`` I do not like to discuss that, '' Balladanis said, `` Perhaps you will obtain out someday. For now, I think it best we call it a night. If you wish to read advanced magic spell, return at this fourth dimension following calendar week and we will begin. ``

`` I 'll be here, sir, '' Malfoy said as he walked out the door.

`` Thanks, professor, '' Albus said as he followed.

`` Mr. ceramicist, '' Balladanis said, `` Please severalise Mr. Eckerton that it will not do for him to skip his special assist seance. ``

`` But sir, '' Albus looked at him incredulously, `` You know what tonight is. He could n't possibly have gone. ``

`` The moon did n't rise up until after the session was over. I do not take excuses. ``

Albus sighed to himself as he left. Balladanis had been teaching him for over two months and he still surprised Albus all the time. Albus had seen a different side of him that night. He did truly hate the shadow graphics, that was something Albus did not doubt. But he had also performed Legilimency on him. Albus did n't cerebrate he could ever trust a teacher that did that. Not after his experience with Washburn.


A/N : To answer a commons head hoi polloi have left in brushup, I came up with the anamatek, but based it off of boggarts in the HP series. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


`` What did Balladanis teach you ? '' was the first thing Matt asked Albus when he went to see him the following afternoon.

Albus had given every little detail about the evening to his other friends once he returned to the dormitory afterwards and they were impressed. St. John the Apostle 's first reaction had been that perhaps Albus would be capable to find out what Balladanis did before he began teaching.

`` He did n't really teach us anything, '' Albus explained to Matt, who looked washed-out but was paying enraptured attention. `` I dueled Malfoy. ``

`` Wow, '' Matt looked impressed, `` How was that ? ``

`` Neither of us won, '' Albus sighed, `` Balladanis made us cease because we pretty much destroyed his classroom. ``

`` I wish I had seen it, '' John chimed in, `` Bet the flavor on Balladanis 's cheek was invaluable. ``

`` He just looked shanghai. He was n't angry or anything, '' Albus told them, `` Then he asked us what we wanted to do with our lives. ``

`` Like what sort of job you want to get ? '' lustrelessness raised his supercilium, `` You 're only baker's dozen. ``

`` Yeah, I thought it was foreign, '' Albus shrugged, `` But he said I should think about doing something that would put my dueling attainment to use. ``

`` Like an Auror ? '' Matt asked.

`` I do n't think so. I mentioned that and he kind of made it seem like that would n't put my dueling skills to use. ``

`` I ca n't think of any early job that you 'd duel More than that, '' matte replied.

`` I have no thought what I want to do with my animation, '' Kaden announced.

`` Me either, '' John said, `` I say we 've got wad of time to count on it out. ``

`` I 'll say, '' madam Pomfrey stuck her head in between the drapery, `` And you certainly do not make to figure it out now. It 's clip for you lot to leave alone. ``

Albus, King John, and Kaden reluctantly left the hospital backstage, lamenting the fact that madam Pomfrey had n't let them remain very long. They had no musical theme why the nurse had shortened travel to time so much, considering that Matt had n't seemed worse than usual, but they never understood why Madam Pomfrey did almost of the matter she did.

******

Albus 's workweek could be easily summed up in two words. Quidditch and preparation. Normally he would only kick about the latter, but Oliver woodwind was like a Muggle drill police sergeant when it came to Quidditch. Since the couple was on Sabbatum, King Oliver was insisting on daily practices. Albus and the other alternates had to be at every exercise because according to Oliver, 'you never know when somebody will get sick or hex right before a match .'

In fact, Oliver even wanted them to practice on Friday night, the night before the match. Albus was n't too happy about this since he had his lesson with Balladanis at eight. That was the like clip Quidditch practice let out, so he had to run to the defense team classroom still completely covered in mud from practice.

He ran into the schoolroom ten bit late, center pounding with worry about what Balladanis was going to say.

`` Mr. Potter, you 're later, '' Balladanis said as Albus entered the elbow room. He and Malfoy were sitting at the social movement desk.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus said as he joined them, `` Quidditch practice. ``

`` So I gathered, '' Balladanis eyed Albus 's muddy robe, `` I was just telling Mr. Malfoy about the province that come with learning boost dueling go. ``

Balladanis pulled out his wand and pointed it at Albus. Albus 's robe were plumb and dry and he muttered a thank you to the professor. Malfoy was smirking to himself.

`` The most significant responsibility is that you can not and I repeat, can not, use the spells I teach you here in the junior dueling tournament. It would have your team an unfair reward and you could inadvertently injure your adversary. The spells I teach you are not to be used outside this schoolroom, unless I instruct you otherwise.

`` You are not to duel your associate students in the corridors with these spells. Nor are you to use them against your siblings and cousins, '' his heart rested on Albus.

`` I also feel the motivation to warn you that these spells are more beat than the ones you have been learning. They use a lot of magical energy and do not be surprised if you feel as though you have just run a endurance contest, '' he turned to Albus again, `` Or played in a very farseeing Quidditch match. ``

Balladanis stood up and gestured for the son to do the Lapplander. Once they did, Balladanis moved the desks aside and stood in between where Albus and Malfoy stood.

`` I am going to sustain you act on your shield magical spell first- ''

`` I already live how to do a shield magical spell, '' Malfoy announced.

`` I am well aware of that, Mr. Malfoy, and I do ask that you not question my teaching panache, '' Balladanis said darkly, `` The shield magical spell you have been using are relatively imperfect and melt away after only a few piece are cast against them.

`` With a funfair bit of praxis and genial assiduousness, one is able to keep the carapace up for long periods of time in order to impede multiple spells. Really skilled duelers can even keep the carapace up while casting other spells. That is quite utile, as you can envisage. It is also potential to screen a great many people with just one individual 's shield appealingness, which is also very useful. Some buckler magic spell can even protect one against magical creature blast, '' Balladanis lowered his vocalisation and averted his eyes at this, which Albus thought was odd.

`` It takes a lot of assiduousness to exert clutches of a shield charm for so long, which is why the charm can be difficult. I doubt either of you will raise a farseeing condition shield charm tonight, so do n't be disappointed. Wands out, both of you, and we 'll see how long you can adjudge the charm, without any spells hitting it. ``

Albus held up his wand and muttered the incantation for the carapace appealingness. He had practiced this magical spell numerous meter before, usually with someone else trying to hex him at the Saami time. It was quite gentle to just hold it there and even variety of boring. He and Malfoy just stared at each other and Albus doubted that either of them were going to drop their shields. It would be like admitting defeat to the other.

After what must sustain been at least ten minutes of holding the shield appeal, Albus found he was getting tired. His arm ached from holding his wand up and from throwing so many Quaffles at practice earlier. Malfoy had the reward since he did n't have Quidditch practice. Much to Albus 's dismay, he noticed his shield starting to peter out. He was n't going to be able to obtain it much longer and Malfoy 's still looked strong.

Balladanis looked at his picket. `` Let the shields go, '' he instructed, `` Wands down. ``

Relieved, Albus lowered his wear out bridge player and then sat down in a chair. Balladanis was right when he said bring forward carapace were exhausting.

`` Very good, '' Balladanis said, `` Stand up again. Now I 'll see how many spells each of your shields can withstand. ``

Albus and Malfoy both put their cuticle up again and Balladanis sent disarming spell at both of them. Albus could sense his shield faltering after the initiative charm and did n't retrieve it would final as long as Malfoy's.

Albus 's shield fizzled out after three charms. Malfoy 's dismantled after four. He had the biggest smirk on his face afterwards, but did n't say anything. He probably did n't want to crow in front of Balladanis. Albus knew he 'd hear about it the next time they had a category together, though.

If only he had n't had Quidditch practice session ! Then Albus would have beaten Malfoy. Or at least tied with him.

`` That 's adequate for tonight, '' Balladanis said as he eyed Albus. Albus had a feeling that he looked absolutely exhausted.

`` Looks like I 'm the practiced dueller, '' Malfoy said once they were out of the room.

`` That 's not what it meant, '' Albus muttered, `` We did n't even duel each other. I could beat you in a real affaire d'honneur. ``

`` And I could exhaust both of you, '' a Slytherin Prefect, who was making his rounds, said as he walked by, `` So get to your dormitories. ``

Albus had no estimate if he could beat the Prefect or not but he did n't want to stick around to lose house stop. Plus, it was a skilful excuse to stop talking to Malfoy.

******

The excitement that filled the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall the future morning reminded Albus yet again of the previous twelvemonth 's Quidditch finals. Only this was n't a final. It was the Hogwarts versus Australia match, the first peer Hogwarts was going to meet in.

The Hogwarts squad did not sit together at breakfast or luncheon. There was considerable argument at praxis the previous Nox about this. Oliver Wood, Tyler thruway, and Teddy all wanted the team to sit together in order to squeeze in last bit strategizing, but cipher could check on which table to sit at.

In the end, Teddy sat with the Gryffindor players at the Gryffindor table, Tyler sat with the Ravenclaw player at the Ravenclaw table, and Oliver walked from table to table giving out last minute advice. Albus thought this worked out exquisitely since Oliver did n't appear to be able to sit still for more than a minute.

Albus was kind of relieved that cipher on the Hogwarts team came down with Spattergroit or lost a fingerbreadth in potions social class because he did n't really want to encounter. He loved Quidditch, but so much was at post. He wanted to merely check the first of all match that Hogwarts participated in. Then, if right before the next compeer, one of the Chasers came down with a cold and dame Pomfrey forbid them from playing, Albus would gladly take their place.

The agitation only increased as Albus and his ally walked to the pitch. Rose and Amanda were there, although Linda was n't. Albus thought this was only fitting since Hogwarts was playing against Australia in this match.

"Welcome, everyone !"Lord Todd Smith 's vocalization boomed over the crowd,"Hogwarts is playing its outset match in the Cup and they are up against Australia ! The Hogwarts team is captained by Oliver Mrs. Henry Wood with help from Ted lupin and John Tyler expressway !

"The team is comprised of Empire State of the South Weasley as Keeper ; Damien Waverly, Anna Reilly, and Ferris Henry Fielding as Chasers ; Andy Kaper and Allie Bette Davis as Beaters ; and James potter as Seeker.

"The biggest excitement in this match is whether James I thrower will be capable to beat Aussie Seeker Linda Morales, who shocked everyone with her speed and agility in the last match. Potter, of course, is the son and nephew of legendary Gryffindor Seekers Harry Potter and Charlie Weasley. He is also being coached by Gryffindor 's early legendary seeker, Ted lupine, and is on his way towards becoming another caption in the house of Gryffindor."

"Not being very modest about St. James the Apostle, is he ?"Rose muttered to Albus.

"No, not really,"Albus replied, happy that he was n't in James 's position.

"The maitre d' shake workforce,"Adam Smith continues,"And they 're off !"

All fourteen musician, one-half in emerald common Aboriginal Australian robes and one-half in blackamoor Hogwarts ones, rose into the air. Whoever decided on the people of colour must not induce been thinking about profile. If it was a rainy, snowy, or foggy day, you would n't be able to secernate the difference between the two colors.

The match was fast-paced like the first one had been. All of the Hogwarts players were superb and as far as Albus could distinguish, equally matched against Australia.

The team were tied 15 minutes into the match, each with 120 degree. The Quaffle exchanged work force so often that Albus had a hard fourth dimension keeping up. rose had already given up and was talking to Amanda about something. lusterlessness, Gospel According to John, and Kaden were all trying to hold open up with the match.

It happened so fast that if Albus had blinked, he would feature missed the unscathed thing. Linda had been hovering above the Hogwarts goal posts and then she shot down towards the primer coat, pulling out of her dive with the golden Snitch in her clutch. James had been next to her and was a few time above her when she caught it. Just like that, in a matter of second base, the compeer was over.

"Linda Morales has captured the snitch, which means Australia wins 270-120,"Kathryn Elizabeth Smith announced less than enthusiastically.

"She caught it ?"John Lackland gaped,"But she was above the goal posts two second ago !"

"No one can fly that fasting !"Albus agreed.

"It ca n't be over !"lusterlessness exclaimed,"It just started twenty minutes ago !"

Everyone around Albus was talking about how flying Linda flew to the Snitch. Albus and his friends descended onto the pitch and Albus quickly lost them in the sea of people. He pushed his way through the crowd until he found his team.

"They 've got to be cheating !"Andy Kaper shouted to Teddy,"They 've rigged her broom or something !"

"All the brooms were fully checked before the friction match,"Teddy reminded him.

"Well, check it again !"Andy exclaimed,"There 's a f number charm on that thing, I guarantee it."

"We 'll have it checked again,"Wood assured him.

"I want a rematch,"GA muttered,"They 've got to be cheating. Even a Firebolt 2000 ca n't fly that fast."

"We 're only going to get a rematch if there is something incorrectly with that broom,"Sir Henry Wood sighed.

"I want an unofficial flying competition between her and King James,"Damien Waverly said,"There 's no way she 's a better flyer than he is."

James was the merely one not talking. He appeared to be in daze. The entire team was shouting around him, but he did n't seem to hear any of it.

"King James ?"Albus asked tentatively.

James jumped and looked at Albus without saying a word. Then he trudged off to the changing way. No one else noticed that he left.

No one had noticed Albus show up either, so he joined the bunch of people going back up to the palace. He figured it would be easier to blab to the William James once he returned to the coarse room.

The common room was ominously still when Albus walked through the portrayal hole. almost mass were sitting, staring into quad, and not talking to anyone. It was a aspect more fitting to somebody just dying than a suffer Quidditch match. None of the Aussie who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including Linda, were there. Albus briefly wondered where they were going to go, now that they 'd probably be chased out of every vulgar room.

Albus 's friends were sitting at their common table and Albus joined them. Rose and Amanda were whispering to each other, but John and Matt were silent. Kaden was rifling through a good deal of coffee batrachian cards.

The couple had been the definition of anti-climactic. Hogwarts had spent weeks preparing for it, working every day well past when the sun set. homework had been ignored and studying put off. All so Hogwarts could perplex Australia. Then, Linda team spirit had caught the Snitch twenty transactions into the match. Linda team spirit, the sole one who had managed to best James Potter at Quidditch.

"You know,"Kaden set down his batting order,"If James and Linda had a kid, he or she would be the substantially Seeker in the world."

nonentity responded. Albus thought it would be more likely to become best friends with a chimaera than James and Linda to get married and have a kid. Not to remark the fact that vampires could n't abide children. Kaden probably did n't know that, though.

"I just do n't get it,"John Lackland mumbled,"She must 've cheated."

"You just do n't desire to include that Hogwarts might not make the outdo Quidditch actor in the domain,"Rose muttered.

"Let 's go to the marauder 's Den,"Matt whispered as he stood up.

Albus did n't live why Matt wanted to go there, but considering how depressingly quiet the park room was, he was n't about to object.

They passed no one except an Auror on their way to the elbow room. Everyone must have been lamenting the Quidditch loss in their common rooms.

"Finally,"Kaden said as he collapsed onto one of the couches in the way,"Now we can actually let the cat out of the bag. The common elbow room is depressing."

"What do you expect ?"whoremonger groaned,"We lost our first Mach. We 're in final place."

"No, we 're not,"rose said,"New York lost to Australia with only 40 points. They 're in last place."

"Does n't matter,"trick shook his caput,"We still lost."

"No one 's ever going to beat Commonwealth of Australia,"Albus sighed.

"You 're probably correct,"Matt said darkly,"Remember the conclusion friction match ? How quickly she caught the Snitch ? I knew she 'd be fast, but I thought maybe she 'd slow down to even things up a bit. This match proves that improper. She 's using the fact that she 's a vampire to her advantage."

"That 's completely unjust !"John shouted,"Why would Kendrick let her do that ?"

"He obviously does n't love,"Rose sighed.

"So, she is cheating,"Albus said.

"Technically, she 's not,"Matt replied,"She 's just really skilled at Quidditch. Vampires, and lycanthrope, have really keen eyesight in fiat to,"he paused,"Catch target. She 's better at seeing a Snitch than any human."

"Then why do n't you bring Seeker against her !"Kaden exclaimed, grinning at the idea,"That would be more fair."

matt burst out laughing."You did n't see me at flying lessons in offset year. I 'm an awful bill. certainly, I could see the Snitch, but I 'd fall off my broom trying to charm it."

"Oh,"Kaden deflated.

"addition she 's super fast,"John pointed out,"And Matt 's not. No criminal offence or anything."

"None taken,"Matt said.

"So, what are we going to do about this ?"Albus asked,"If she does n't intercept, Australia 's going to win this competition."

"I think rose should talk to her,"John suggested.

"Why ?"rosebush asked.

"Because she likes you and you like her,"Gospel According to John said,"Just recount her to fly a little slower."

"Yeah, right,"rosiness rolled her oculus,"Believe it or not, she 's about as fanatical about Quidditch as you lot are. No way is she going to fit in to that."

"It 's dead on target,"Amanda agreed.

The elbow room descended into secrecy. The only other affair Albus could retrieve of to do would be to separate Kendrick that Linda was a vampire. That would get her off the Aussie Quidditch squad for sure. However, Albus did n't really need to do that. Rose would hex him to next century and she 'd probably never mouth to him again. It would be a lot like if rose told individual Matt was a werewolf and if that happened, Albus would throw the same reaction. Not that Rose would ever do that.

They stayed in the Marauder 's Den until dinner. Dinner was much more subdued than normal and James never made an coming into court. Linda was sitting at the far end of the Gryffindor mesa with only feller Australian near her. That variety of surprise Albus since he had never once seen her interact with anyone besides Rose and Amanda.

"Albus,"someone put their deal on Albus 's shoulder.

Albus turned around and saw his dad, wearing the Saame forlorn tone all the students were wearing.

"Dad,"he said,"Were you at the match ?"

"Yeah, I was sitting with Lily,"Harry nodded,"Have you seen St. James ?"

"Have n't seen him since right after the match. He went into the changing way. Actually, I have n't seen Teddy either. Maybe he 's with James."

"Merlin, I hope so,"Harry ran a paw through his hair,"I 've checked everywhere I can intend of. make me wish I had n't given him the map."

"You can use mine,"Albus suggested,"But I want to go with you."

"All right,"Harry said,"Let 's go."

Albus said goodby to his acquaintance and walked up to Gryffindor Tower with his dad. He ran up to his dormitory once he was there and retrieved the map. The dormitory was discharge, so Albus and his dad looked at it there.

They scoured the Hogwarts section of the map for nearly five hour before coming to the ratiocination that King James was no longer in the school.

"Bloody hell,"Harry muttered,"Where did he go ?"

Albus pressed the number two in the corner of the map with his baton and the map of Hogsmeade appeared. This one was a bit more difficult to search than the Hogwarts one had been. Most of the Hogwarts students had been in the Great mansion. Everyone was spread out in Hogsmeade.

Two dots made Albus freeze. Two dots were in the Shrieking Shack. A closer look told him they were Teddy and James. Albus gasped. Why were they there ? How did they get in for that matter ?

"Dad,"Albus pointed to the Shrieking Shack.

"The screeching hut ?"Harry shouted and stood up.

Albus followed him out of the dormitory and then out of the common room."How 'd they get in ?"Albus asked once they were walking through the corridors.

"shimmy knows the counter-charm for those wards,"Harry muttered.

"Why ?"

"Everyone who goes through Auror training learns a very expectant miscellanea of counter-charms. One of them was bound to forge on that tree. Now, he was n't supposed to use them outside of training, so I really have no clue what he was thinking,"Harry explained

It had gotten coldness and visionary outside since the match, which really made Albus question why Teddy and James IV would go to the Shrieking Shack of all places. The decrepit old building had no heat, for Merlin 's sake.

Albus dodged a subdivision from the Whomping willow as they neared it. Harry aimed his verge at the bottom and muttered the counter-charm. Then he froze the tree diagram. Albus hurried after him into the passageway.

The paseo to the Shrieking hutch was tonic and silent. Albus, who had been on the receiving end of many a lecture from his dad, knew that both Teddy and Saint James were going to get one once they made it to the Shack.

Harry carefully opened the door and walked into the quiet old building. Hushed vocalism could be heard from the back way. Albus followed his dad back there.

Teddy and King James were both sitting on the floor. Epistle of James looked a complete wad, still wearing his muddy Quidditch gown and his typeface was all blotchy. slip did n't look much better, although his gown were a bit cleaner.

"Teddy. James,"Harry said sternly when he entered,"What in the gens of merlin 's pants are you doing in this place ?"

Both boys snapped their heads up at the sound of Harry 's voice.

"Trying to convince William James not to make the biggest mistake of his living,"shimmy muttered.

"That sounds a bit overdramatic,"Harry said.

"He wants to lay off the Quidditch team,"shift said dryly.

"That is the most crackbrained thing I 've heard,"Albus shouted,"You ca n't do that !"

"Albus,"Harry warned.

Albus shut his oral fissure, but he still thought the very estimate of James quitting the team was mental. They 'd have no promise of ever beating New House of York, let alone Commonwealth of Australia, without James.

"twenty minutes, Dad,"St. James said in barely Thomas More than a whisper,"twenty minutes."

"We 've all had our bad mate,"Harry said quietly as he sat down future to William James,"I fell off my broom in my third base year and lost a match."

"Because of the dementors,"James muttered,"There were n't any dementors at this match."

"Saint James, I 'm afraid everyone has made you out to be the unbeatable Seeker. Todd 's commentary today proved that. The stakes are set so senior high school with you that when you do lose a mate, it completely shocks everyone. It 's kind of unfair, actually, because nobody can win every compeer,"Harry replied,"You 're not the invincible seeker, I 'm afraid. And running away will get you nowhere."

"I suppose,"Epistle of James sighed.

"You 're playing New House of York next,"Harry reminded him,"They lost to Australia sooner than we did. I think you have a chance at catching the sneak then."

"I guess,"James replied.

"So you wo n't relinquish ?"Albus asked, unable to keep quiet any longer.

"No,"James said.

"goodness. Because Lisa Galivant is nowhere near as good as you. You 're the best Seeker Hogwarts has got,"Albus told him.

"Thanks, Al,"James gave him a half-smile,"Too bad Commonwealth of Australia 's got a better one."

Albus nodded, wishing that he could just tell William James why Linda was so good. But he had sort of promised Rose he wouldn't.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this ! You guy rope are awe-inspiring.

I 've written a new song fic, Lie to Me. It 's a Remus/Tonks and is in no way connected to my Albus series, but if you guys want to break it out, that would be awesome !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On their way back to the castle, Harry gave shimmy and James River that lecture Albus had been expecting him to kick in. Albus walked a little way of life behind them. Far enough to make them think they had secrecy, but close sufficiency that Albus could see what they were saying.

Harry made it clear that he was not impressed that slip was taking advantage of the good luck charm he was learning in training. In fact, Harry said if he caught Teddy doing it again, he 'd have to report it.

Then he told James that the screaming Shack was well out of saltation and that if he went in there again, he 'd report James to professor Longbottom. Albus doubted either of them would set foot in the office again.

"Why did n't you just go to the Room of Requirement if you wanted privacy ?"Harry asked before leaving James and Albus in the Entrance Hall.

Teddy and James looked at each former and then laughed."It was otherwise occupied,"chemise grinned,"Fred 's got himself a lady friend. They were enjoying the secrecy of the room of Requirement."

Harry smiled and shook his head."Next time, just ask Neville if he 'll let you talk in his study. I 'm certain he will. I 'll see you boys after condition is over, then."

Albus and James I said bye to their dad and Teddy and then walked back up to Gryffindor tug in silence. St. James was obviously still upset over the match and Albus did n't need to say anything to earn it worse.

"They 're doing a wax investigation of Linda 's ling !"Rose announced when Albus found them in the common way. James had gone directly up to his dormitory.

"Yeah, woodwind 's just told us,"John continued,"Stripping it down, plus they 're interviewing the Aboriginal Australian captains, master, and everyone on the team, including Linda."

"Wow,"Albus was impressed. They would n't come up anything, of course, but it was still skillful that they were taking this seriously,"Wish it would actually help."

"Me, too,"John agreed,"So where was James ?"

"The scream Shack,"Albus whispered.

Matt dumped his ink bottle all over his homework and swore."How 'd he get in ?"

"He was with Teddy and Teddy knows the counter-charm from Auror education,"Albus said quietly,"But he was n't supposed to use it outside of breeding, so my dad told him if he does it again he 'll get in trouble. Do n't worry, neither of them will go in there again."

"Still, of all the property they could 've gone ..."Matt 's vocalism trailed off.

"Why were they there ?"Rose asked as she siphoned the ink off of Matt 's homework.

"Jesse James was thinking of quitting the team,"Albus whispered,"Do n't concern, he did n't,"he said quickly when he saw the disgusted look on can 's face.

"well, thank Merlin for that,"lav said.

******

It must have been a slow news day the next day. One of those Day where the nominal head pageboy clause of the seer was about a Whitney Moore Young Jr. wizard who had graciously volunteered his sentence in the closed Aaron Montgomery Ward at St. Mungo 's or an elderly witch who passed away, leaving her destiny to her cats.

That is, if it were n't for the fact that the section of Magical secret plan and play and the section for International Magical Cooperation doing an all out investigating on the Australian School of black art 's Quidditch squad, Linda Morales and her ling in particular.

Albus was quite shock to see the lengthy article by Rita Skeeter on the front varlet. He hardly ate any breakfast as he read it out loud to his friends before classes.

The Aboriginal Australian shoal of black magic : Did They trickster ?

In a competition of Quidditch and dueling, which reminds
many a witch and wizard of the thrilling and slightly
more dangerous Triwizard Tournament, accusations came
yesterday of whether the team from Australia cheated.

A friction match was held between the Hogwarts and Aussie
teams yesterday afternoon and was over in XX minutes.
The grade was 270-110, in party favor of Australia. Linda
Morales, 13, of Australia, caught the stool pigeon in what
some masses believe to be an impossibly fast speed.

"It was like one hour she was flying above the pitch
and I blinked and then she was on the ground with the
canary in her manus,"one Hogwarts student said.

Many early scholar and a few staff penis recalled
the Lapplander thing. The many spectator of this near
impossible flying have fueled the investigation.

If it is discovered that Commonwealth of Australia used any spell,
potions, swearword, hexes, or anything else deemed
unacceptable by International Quidditch monetary standard,
a rematch will be played between Hogwarts and
Australia.

"We do n't get it on what we 're going to find,"Ian
Herkimer, of the Department of Magical plot and
sportswoman, said former yesterday,"On the one hand, it
is nearly impossible for a thirteen twelvemonth old lady friend
to fly that fast on the broom she was using. On
the early mitt, all the brooms used in this
contest were extensively searched for charms
before the peer. It could very well be that untested
Linda team spirit is just an exceptionally dependable
Quidditch player. If that is the case, then scouts
from professional team may wish to pay aid
to this competition."

Perhaps the most intrigue part of this report is
that the Hogwarts Seeker is none former than Epistle of James
Potter, son of the legendary Gryffindor searcher
Harry ceramist. James Potter, 15, has lived up to
his Fatherhood 's reputation in the past times and has never
lost a equal this quickly before. Neither King James
or his father were available for comment.

Is Linda Morales a deceiver ? Or is she merely the
adjacent large Quidditch mavin ?

"Great,"Albus set down the report,"kickoff she 's going to win this competition and then be drafted to play for Puddlemere United."

"We do n't have to worry about her playing for the shank,"John smirked,"That would get rid of their terrible reputation."

"That would be a bad thing because ... ?"matte said.

"I would n't get to get to fun of them anymore,"privy grinned.

"Not a bad thing,"Matt replied.

The intact school was talking about the article all day long. Everywhere Albus went, someone was discussing it. Most likely due to this, James I spent the day in his dormitory.

"Why 'd Skeeter let to stick James in that article,"Albus lamented as he, Matt, John, and Kaden wandered the corridors. rosebush and Amanda had gone to find Linda, to see if she knew anymore inside information about the investigation.

"Because she 's Rita Skeeter,"privy said,"She never writes an article without sticking your dad in it somehow."

"I know. Rita Skeeter 's horrible,"Albus said.

"There are a few reporters in Australia who could generate her a run for her money,"matt muttered.

"So irresponsible !"a hushed voice said from a schoolroom they were passing.

Albus stopped. He did n't recognize the vocalism and it did n't go well-chosen. He gestured for his acquaintance to finish as well and paused to listen.

"We 're already skating on thin ice !"the man was saying,"outset she catches the Snitch ten bit into the first match and now she flies too fasting for multitude to see and flummox Jesse James potter ? Now there 's an investigation for Merlin 's rice beer !"

"I did n't know she was going to do that !"another man said,"I made it clear to her that she could only fly slightly honest than the other players !"

"Told you they were cheating,"trick whispered.

"We were n't the 1 arguing with you,"Albus replied,"That was Rose."

"The lad doing the yelling is the Australian headmaster,"lustrelessness said.

"The other one 's probably the captain, then,"Albus said.

"Well, you must not have told her decent because now she 's on the battlefront page of the Prophet and the Ministry is investigating ! Do you have any thought what 's going to fall out if anyone finds out ?"the master raised his voice.

"Of trend I do !"

"Let me refresh your memory anyway. We 'll both be fired and Australia will be out of the competition. Hell, we 'll be lucky to get away with fines and no jail time !"

"That would n't be a bad matter,"John muttered.

"You hear that ?"the headmaster barked,"Someone 's out there."

Albus turned in panic to his friends and before he could run, the door opened all the way and Albus was staring at who he assumed to be the Australian Quidditch captain. The man was tall and lanky, the perfect anatomy for a Chaser. His hair was messy in a way that reminded Albus of his father, but this man 's hairsbreadth was loose brown.

The headmaster appeared behind the man, along with a surly looking boy who must 've been around teddy bear 's age. Albus assumed he was the helper captain.

"wellspring, who have we here,"the headmaster smirked.

Albus was frozen in place. The back of his mind said to run, but he could n't get his legs to work. He was staring the gent who was so prejudiced against werewolves that he refused to let flatness look his school in the face.

"You 're the ceramicist boy,"the master continued,"The younger one."

Albus forced himself to nod only because he did n't really want to be mistaken for King James I at the moment.

"That means ..."Killigan 's oculus moved from Albus to Saint John the Apostle, Kaden, and then flatness,"That one of you is probably,"his eyes rested on matte and then he smiled,"The Eckerton boy. I was told you were here."

Albus turned to look at Matt, who was now almost as white as Professor Binns. Albus shook his psyche, grabbed Matt 's arm, and took off running. The footsteps behind him told him that John the Divine and Kaden were following.

Albus did n't stop running until he made it to the vulture 's Den. He completely ignored the Prefect who told him not to run in the corridors and Filch 's new cat.

"Bloody hell, how did he do to figure out which one of us you were ?"whoremaster asked flatness once they shut the door,"He has n't seen you in eld !"

"Lucky conjecture,"Kaden shrugged.

lusterlessness shook his heading."No. None of you lot have blonde hair."

"But still, how does he screw I 'm protagonist with you ?"Albus asked,"Of all the blonde haired scholar here, he picked you. He somehow knows we 're admirer. Remember, he said 'you must be the Potter boy', which is n't abnormal. Everyone knows who I am. But then he said 'which means you must be the Eckerton boy .'Someone 's telling him about you."

"So much for trying to ignore him,"matt groaned,"Now he knows who I am. merlin knows what he 's going to try to do now."

"Why does he even deal ?"Kaden asked,"I thought he did n't require you at his school. If he hates werewolves so much, would n't it make Thomas More gumption that he snub you ?"

Kaden had a point. Albus had n't really thought about it before, but it was kind of strange that Killigan would be so worry in Matt. But then, why would he let a lamia attend his school day ?

"That actually makes a lot of sense, Kaden,"matt said,"Why does he care ?"

Albus did n't know, but something told him it meant nothing adept. Whatever Killigan was doing here, it went deep than just trying to win a Quidditch tournament by having a vampire for a Seeker.

******

It took the Ministry three mean solar day to dispatch the investigating. During this time numerous Ministry officials appeared at the school and held audience with Killigan, the Australian maitre d', and the Australian players. They even interviewed Epistle of James, Oliver Mrs. Henry Wood, Todd Ian Douglas Smith, and prof Kendrick. Albus heard that every broom on the Aussie squad had been stripped and checked for illegal magic.

The results were announced before Rita Skeeter wrote another article. A Ministry official read them at dinner party Midweek evening.

"Upon cheeseparing inspection of all the Aboriginal Australian broomsticks as well as panoptic interviews with everyone involved, the Ministry is able to say that Linda Morales 's gaining control of the Snitch was a resultant role of pure talent and nix illegal. I thank you all for your cooperation during this time,"he said and then resumed his buttocks next to Kendrick.

The Great Hall erupted in angry shouts. Everyone was staring at Linda and it looked like she wanted to disappear. rose wine and Amanda were sitting on either side of meat of her and rosebush was whispering to her.

Albus and his acquaintance were n't expecting anything different, but they had to act furious for appearance 's sake and it was not difficult to do so.

Kendrick eventually had to stand up and tell everyone to still down. It worked, but nobody stopped talking about the results.

It was still possible for Hogwarts to win the competition. If they won every equal from now on and continued doing well in dueling. The competition was n't even half over, so there was plenty of time to draw out ahead. However, the luck of doing so were low so long as Linda was playing Seeker for Australia.

The relief of the week passed with continual Quidditch word. James IV was still abnormally subdued and sat quietly with Ben, Cedric, and Nate every eve in the common room. Albus was hoping it would suck over during the vacation. It was strange seeing his brother so quiet.

There was a Hogsmeade sojourn that Saturday and confessedly to her word, Rose went with Albus and his friends instead of Linda.

It was a particularly cold and blustery winter day with a unbendable snow that had already dumped six inch on the grounds. This was n't nearly enough lead by the nose to keep people out of Hogsmeade and all the shops were full to capacity.

Kaden had begged Albus to give him the map so he could sneak in, but Albus refused. The Hogsmeade visit before Yule seemed too risky. Too many bookman went on that one. The valentine 's Day one would be intimately, when the other scholarly person were too absorbed in their love lives to notice a second class in Hogsmeade.

"Let 's go get Butterbeer first,"Amanda suggested as they made their way into the Greenwich Village,"I 'm already wintry solid."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

The Three Broomsitcks was already packed, but they managed to notice a table and Albus went to get five Butterbeers. When he returned, everyone was talking about what they were doing for the holidays.

"My mum has decided she wants one of my aunts to do Christmastime this yr,"John said,"She 's done Christmas at our house since she and my dad got married and it 's finally tire her out. The funny thing is that none of my auntie really know what to do, so my mum is doing as a great deal work as she always does."

"I ca n't imagine Christmas not being at the tunnel,"Rose said.

"Me either,"Albus replied as he set down the Butterbeer,"The Burrow is just so Christmasy."

"Believe it or not, but I 'm not going to Australia for Yule this year,"matte announced.

John spit out his Butterbeer."What ?"he coughed,"You always go to Australia."

"I know,"mat said,"Never had a Yuletide anyplace else."

"Why ?"Albus asked.

"Well, you know how my dad 's going to be the new headspring of the Department of the Regulation and dominance of Magical Creatures. He officially starts on Jan second. But the Ministry is throwing a fancy political party for him on New Year 's Eve. He did n't really want it, but they insisted. So, we 've got to go to that. Hopefully it 'll be better than the company my grandparents have."

"pink wine and I will probably go to that, too. My dad 's always invited to those things since he 's head of the Auror department. My whole family goes to them. There 's always something to do, especially if James is feeling particularly mischievous. pink wine 's parents get invited, too. So does my Uncle Hotspur,"Albus explained.

Matt grinned."Well if you lot are there it wo n't be bad."

"This company 's going to be anything but boring,"Albus grinned.

"Never thought I 'd wish well I was going to a envision party,"Saint John sighed,"How about you, Amanda ? Any parties ?"

"Nope,"Amanda laughed,"Just spending time with my family."

They finished their Butterbeer and went back out into the coke. Honeydukes was their for the first time stop, where mat proceeded to buy enough chocolate to fee all of Gryffindor. His self-justification was that it was for Christmas presents, but Albus doubted as to whether the chocolate would ever do it home.

Honeydukes was really too crowded to last out in very long, as were to the highest degree of the other shop class. They wound up just wandering up and down High Street until they got to the screech shanty.

After a very legal brief snowball fight Rose suggested they just go back to the school and spend time in the predator 's Den. nobody argued since they were all cold and wet from the snow.

******

The following two weeks went by in a blur for Albus. It seemed like he just went from one Quidditch exercise to another, with dueling practice and moral with Balladanis thrown in. Albus had started making progress with his shield charms, but so had Malfoy and neither of them were dependable than the other.

At their finish lesson of the full term, Balladanis reiterated how of import it was for them not to practice while at home. He then told them to throw a good vacation and be ready to work even harder when they returned.

Linda 's amazing apprehension of the Snitch had already started to blow over before term ended. Everyone seemed much more focalise on getting a few week off from school than a lost Quidditch lucifer. This helped return James to his convention ego and he finished off the terminal figure with his usual pre-holiday prank.

This one was a footling less harmless as he just charmed the lawsuit of armor to sing Christmastime Christmas carol at random metre of the day. Of course of study, the Christmas carol were alternated with 'Hogwarts will win the Cup'and 'Hogwarts is better at Quidditch than Australia'and 'Hogwarts will nonplus New House of York in the side by side compeer'. James was never caught, though.

Eventually the carol wore off as did the pro-Hogwarts substance and everyone packed and got ready to go home. Albus wondered for a moment what it would be like to stay at school over the holiday. He knew his dad had done nearly every class, but Albus could n't think not being with his fellowship for Christmas.

Albus and his friend found a compartment towards the back of the train and settled in for the long journey.

"What are the Australian and American kids doing for Christmastime ?"Kaden asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"Some of them are going home, but most are just staying at Hogwarts. Linda 's staying,"Rose told them.

"I bet it was Linda,"John muttered absentmindedly.

"What ?"Albus asked.

"Linda. I 'll bet every Knut in my pocket that she 's the one who told Killigan who Matt was,"John explained.

"You 're just mad at Linda for winning the equal,"Rose rolled her eyes,"She did not tell Killigan."

"Why not ?"Albus asked,"He 's her headmaster. Why would n't she distinguish him ?"

"I do n't bonk. I just do n't suppose she did,"Rose muttered.

"Even that does n't explicate why Killigan wanted to know,"Amanda pointed out.

"Which means we have to find out,"Albus said.

"breakthrough out what ?"Matt asked sleepily. The full moon was that dark and he had fallen asleep as soon as they got on the train.

"Why Killigan was so occupy in you that time we spied on him,"Albus explained.

"Oh,"Matt said as he leaned his chief against the windowpane,"How are we going to do that ?"

Albus did n't experience. All he knew was that it could be tough and there was a big chance of them getting in problem. An faze silence fell upon the compartment. No one knew how they were going to get answers.

"Do you think Linda 's teammates know she 's a vampire ?"Kaden asked towards the end of the journeying.

Albus, who had been drifting off to sleep, lifted his fountainhead up."Good question."

"They do n't,"blush wine answer,"They just think she 's really good."

"Interesting,"Albus said,"I bet she would n't be allowed to fiddle professionally."

"She would n't,"St. John confirmed,"Vampires ca n't play professional Quidditch. It 's unjust to the rest of the teams."

"I 'd pay a lot of money to see two teams of lamia playing Quidditch against each early,"Albus grinned.

"You would n't be able-bodied to see them,"John laughed,"They 'd be flying too fast."

"I 'd wish to see vampire play football,"Kaden announced.

"Of course you would,"St. John the Apostle rolled his eyes.

The boys spent the quietus of the slip discussing vampire Quidditch while Rose and Amanda played Muggle carte biz. Before long they were in London.

All of their parents were standing together on the chopine. Albus said a fast goodbye to lusterlessness before his parents hurried him out of the place.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awe-inspiring hoi polloi who have read and reviewed this !

For those who are interested, I posted a sort of epilogue/short subsequence to In Moonlight 's vestige. It 's called Life Amidst the Moon and is on my author 's page.