Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Matt did n't yield to the common elbow room until Sun afternoon. Albus and his friends had spent most of the weekend doing preparation and playing rounds of Exploding picnic. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really cogitate about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his protagonist did n't get a luck to tell matte about what Kaden told Malfoy while he was in the hospital wing because it had been very crowded that weekend. Apparently, quite a few students had decided to drill their dueling for the upcoming match while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused Madam Pomfrey to induce an direful lot to do. She looked very frazzled when Albus and the others visited flatness on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the plebeian elbow room with the others, doing preparation, when mat returned from the infirmary Wing. He still looked a bit tired and the cuts on his face were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much secure than he had on Th. Albus closed his book and glanced at his supporter when matte came through the portrait hole.

`` What 's with you lot ? '' lustrelessness asked, `` You 're awfully serenity. ``

`` We 've, er, got to secern you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the way. '' Albus got up and left the usual room. His ally all followed, not saying a Word. Albus led them down the seventh floor corridor until they reached the picture of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three clock time in front of it and opened the door that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his Friend asked for a place where they could be alone. There were a few squashy armchairs and couches, a fireplace, and it was decorated in scarlet and gold.

`` Ok, so what 's this all about ? '' lustrelessness asked immediately, once the room access was shut.

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

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

`` fountainhead, we 're obviously not going to recite you that, '' Albus gave a half-hearted jape as he sat down on a electric chair. Rose, John, and Amanda sat down as well.

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

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

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

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

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

`` It gets defective, '' Albus continued, `` You know how I told Kaden that you get sick every once in a while, so he would shut up utmost month ? ``

`` Yeah ... ''

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

Matt sank back into his president and his face went shabu white. Albus was gladiolus rosiness told him to sit down, because if he had n't consume been sitting he probably would have fainted. Albus watched as Matt processed the information. After a few second he asked very quietly, `` What did he separate Malfoy ? ``

`` That you 've got some kind of wizard disease that lady Pomfrey ca n't bring around, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't travel to your ill gran. ``

`` Oh, no, '' Matt closed his eyes and started rubbing his head, `` This is n't good. Malfoy ca n't find out, he just ca n't. ``

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

`` But you ca n't really turn back him ! All he 's got to do is a bit of research and he 'll sleep together everything, '' Matt moaned.

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

`` There 's another thing, '' Albus started, `` Kaden may have also told him about the Whomping Willow. ``

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

`` We do n't live for sure, '' Albus reminded him, `` I 'm watching the Marauder 's Map and if we see Malfoy anywhere near the tree, we 'll go hex him or something. ``

Matt nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and Tell anyone, chances are I 'll have to bequeath. ``

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

`` How do you know ? ``

`` Rose is decently, '' Albus agreed, `` When the vulture were in school, Snape found out about Teddy 's dad and he still got to stay in school. Dumbledore made him prognosticate not to tell anyone. I 'm for sure Kendrick would do the same thing. ``

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

`` pink wine had to stop me and toilet from hexing him, '' Albus explained, `` But I yelled at him quite a bit. Have n't seen him practically since and I do n't really require to. ``

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

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

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

Rose groaned, `` What is with boy ? Do you always have to hex masses to work your problems ? ``

`` It 's a proven fact that hexing whole kit and boodle best when dealing with Slytherins, '' John grinned.

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

`` What he did was a pretty Slytherin matter to do, '' Albus replied. cipher argued with that.

******

The weekend before Hallowe'en was a very commove one for the students at Hogwarts. There was the number 1 Hogsmeade visit on Sat, which the older students were very excited about. Albus, of row, was n't allowed to go since he was a second yr. St. James made indisputable to lord this over him at every moment potential during the week preceding the visit. James II would be going on his first Hogsmeade visit, and Albus was sure that Hogwarts would be treated to a variety of pranks following. When James and his booster returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the common way with their dish bulging with what could only be Weasley 's products, and quickly stowed it all in their student residence. sure enough enough, at dinner that Night, the scholarly person body was treated to a very think of repast. Somehow, James and his champion had managed to filch a potion into the Slytherins'food that caused their hair and fingernails to turn scarlet and gold. The ease of the school laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to compute out how to grow their hair and nails back to normal.

`` Nothing will change it, '' James informed the Gryffindor tabular array in between convulsion of laugh, `` Uncle George told me it will fag out off within 24 60 minutes, though. ``

`` Too bad it 's not perm ! '' John laughed.

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

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

The following day was the first dueling tourney for the junior dueling club. The honest-to-god scholar had already had their first tournament the previous weekend. Albus 's cousin Stanley 's team had won. The tournament was to select billet immediately following dejeuner, at one o'clock, and the 2nd, third gear, and fourth years were filled with inflammation about it.

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

`` I do n't either, '' lav agreed, `` But we might have to. It 'll be all right field. None of us know any spells that could do any go wrong. I 'm just hoping I get to duel Malfoy. ``

`` Me, too, '' matt agreed.

`` I almost wish first years could join the dueling club, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't mind beating him in front man of the total school. ``

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

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

`` Albus, '' blush wine began, `` Remember that the squad have people from all twelvemonth on them. I do n't think any team has an reward over another. ``

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

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

`` We wind up drill dueling with each other every merging, '' Albus explained, `` And neither of us has really won any of them. ``

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

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

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

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

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of students filing into the dueling chamber near the Great Hall. They found Kate at one of the board that had been set up for each squad to wait at. Their team public figure, The Dueling flying dragon, was written on a piece of lambskin that was stuck to the table. There was a realistic looking dragon breathing fire drawn on it. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the table, his fuzz still bright orange red and gold. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the paired end. A few mo later, once everyone on their team had arrived, Kate began to speak.

`` tending ! '' she shouted and the mesa became quiet, `` Thanks. The tournament will start in a couple minutes. I 'm sure we 'll do great. Everyone commend what you 've learned within the past month and you 'll do fine. Just do your best and even if you do n't win today, there 's still next time. I know this inter-house team matter is surd, but I think everyone here has really come together to ferment as a team, and I 'm gallant of all of you for that. So, with that, good luck ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the former twenty-five percent years on the team.

A minute later, professor Kendrick stood up at the figurehead of the elbow room and raised his helping hand for quiet. The room fell mum and he began to verbalise. `` receive to the outset Dueling tournament for the Juniors Dueling club. This is the number one of six qualifying tournaments of the class. At the end of the yr, the top two team will face off in a final tournament. There will be two duel going on simultaneously, with Professors ceramicist and Longbottom presiding over them. Every student will duel twice today. The victor of each affaire d'honneur will be awarded one point. At the end of the tournament, the team with the most pointedness will be declared the winner. The points will role over to each tournament, after the sixth tournament, the two teams with the most points will front off in the final. Now, each headwaiter was given a list of affaire d'honneur for today, so I will give you a few minutes to get organized and for the captains to inform their squad of the docket. beneficial luck to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the schedule with her team. Albus 's first duel was about halfway down the list and his second was the thirdly to net. The only matter he could do now was wait until his bend came. Albus was growing steadily more nervous as metre wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him live that down. Albus watched the offset couple of duels while talking with Amanda. After a few duel, James I 's bout came and he lost to a Ravenclaw fourth year. Rose was up future and she easily beat her third year Slytherin opponent. Quite a few of Albus 's mate had dueled by now and most of them had won. Before foresighted, Amanda 's turn was up. Albus wished her luck and she went nervously to the dueling doughnut that Neville was watching over.

Amanda was up against a second year Hufflepuff and the inaugural part of the duel consisted of each of them mostly dodging the spells sent towards them. Eventually, Amanda managed to demilitarize her opponent and won. She came back grinning ear to ear. Kate congratulated her as she sat back down next to Albus.

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

`` Thanks, '' Amanda grinned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus and Carter bowed to each other and took a dueling posture. Neville 's wand shot out red sparks and the duel began. Albus sent out a disarming while, but Carter easily blocked it. Howard Carter then sent one at Albus, but Albus was able to freeze it as well. This went on for five minutes, each of them sending charm that the other blocked. Eventually, Albus managed to hit James Earl Carter with a tickling hex that had him hang over in laughter. Albus took advantage of this and disarmed him easily. He had done it ! He won !

`` dot goes to Potter, '' Neville announced. Albus and Carter shook manpower and went back to their teams.

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

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

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

`` I 'll deliver to remember that if I ever duel him again, '' Albus said.

The good afternoon wore on and Albus found himself getting a bit bored with watching the dueling. It was taking all good afternoon. john dueled Albus 's cousin, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an excellent duellist. Rose and Malfoy each won their indorse duels, while King John and Amanda lost theirs. Matt returned from the hospital wing in clock time for his second affaire d'honneur, but wound up losing to his tierce year Ravenclaw opposer. Albus dueled a tierce yr Gryffindor in his 2nd duel and narrowly won. His opponent did not look happy about this. Malfoy also won his indorse affaire d'honneur, which was against a third or fourth yr Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't sure which.

Eventually, all the affaire d'honneur finished and Professor Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a wonderful job. Now, to announce the winner. I am pleased to announce that the flying Phoenixes, captained by Barty heath of Slytherin have come in first topographic point with 23 compass point ! Thank you, everyone. The next tournament will take place at the end of November or root of December. Your captains will be informed of the claim appointment as it comes closer. ``

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

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

When they got to the rough-cut room, it was already wide with scholar rehashing parts of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to James 's account of his duels. James had won his second duel and appeared to be very majestic of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found John and Matt sitting at their usual table. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few moments later were joined by Rose, who was glowing.

`` praise ! '' Albus announced as his cousin-german sat down. The others echoed his word.

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

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

`` gladiola I 'm not on his team, '' John muttered, `` Ca n't believe I lost both my duel. ``

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

`` At to the lowest degree you did n't wind up in the hospital annexe, '' mat commented, `` I 'm the only one that did. public figure. ``

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

`` Oh shut it, '' flatness replied.

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

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

`` Oh, yeah, I 'm fine, '' lusterlessness assured him, `` madam Pomfrey healed my arm in an instant, but she was fretting over me as common. Professor Cedonia convinced her to let me go back for my second duel. ``

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

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

`` And no examination ! '' John grinned. Albus liked this as well. So far, the only score they had in that category were from essays they had been assigned as homework. Cedonia had not given them a single in class test.

`` I 'm not sure I like that, '' rose sighed. The four former students looked at her like she was mental.

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

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

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

`` Those are three year away ! '' John sighed.

`` Two and a half, '' Rose corrected him, `` And it 's sound to set out preparing early. ``

`` All I know is that I 've learned More magic spell this class than last year, '' Albus said.

`` Well, I 'm going to ask her about it on Tues, '' blush wine replied.

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the same time. Albus liked Cedonia 's elan of teaching and he did n't want her to start giving them exams like the early teachers did. Without spell exams, Albus had lupus erythematosus to worry about. Hopefully, Cedonia would ignore rosebush 's pleas for exams and go on the way she had been.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some pumpkin juice when the mail arrived on Tues morning. He looked up and noticed a little brownish owl flying towards him. He immediately recognized it as Victoire 's owl. `` Victoire 's sent me something, '' Albus announced as the owl landed next to his plate. Albus took the letter and gave the owl a piece of toast before it flew off.

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

Albus turned the envelope over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a couple letter of the alphabet so far this year, about of them sent along with Amy 's letters to lusterlessness. These usually arrived a couple sidereal day after the full phase of the moon lunar month, as Amy always wanted to have intercourse how matte was. Since the total moon had been a few weeks ago, Albus was queer as to what Victoire had to tell them. He opened the letter and began to read it. Rose, Matt, John, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

honey Albus, matt, rose, John Lackland, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying course of instruction and not making too
much problem. extolment on your successes in the dueling tournament,
especially you, blush wine. I hope there are many expectant triumph to come. sound
luck in your inaugural Quidditch match, Albus. We hope to be able to attend, but
it depends on piece of work and healer training schedules.

breeding has been going well. We 've been attending form in the morning
and grooming at St. Mungo 's in the good afternoon, like always. teddy bear has been
very busy with Auror breeding as well.

By now you 're probably wondering why we 're writing to you now, as it 's not
our usual time to write. We 're not trusted if you read the prophet regularly,
which is why we 're telling you this in a letter. Quinton Willinson was
spotted yesterday-

Albus immediately stopped reading the missive and glanced at his admirer. As Albus fell back into his school modus operandi, he had almost forgotten about Washburn and the Willinsons. He felt his fear come back as soon as he read that Willinson had been spotted. Albus returned his heart to the letter without saying anything.

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

Do n't worry about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under control. Good destiny with Quidditch, dueling, and stratum, and we
hope to see you soon.

beloved,
Victoire, Teddy, and Amy

`` I 'd nearly draw a blank about Willinson, '' whoremaster said darkly after they 'd finished reading the letter.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

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

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

`` Do n't worry, '' blush wine said, `` I mean, it 's kind of thoroughly that someone spotted him. Before they had no leads, and now they sort of know where he is. ``

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

`` Could I see the Prophet ? '' rosebush asked one of the older students who was sitting across from her. The girl nodded and handed her the report. `` Let 's encounter the article. '' rose wine scanned the straw man page and found a short-change clause on the leave alone incline of the page. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle Town, Hythe, in Southern England early yesterday dawning. A wizard who prefers not to be named in this article saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror department since his fire on Head Auror and Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor at Hogwarts schooling of witchery and wizardry, Harry Potter, live on outflow. Five minor Hogwarts student were also attacked. Willinson, along with his founder, Jaret Willinson, and the former Charms professor, Jameson Washburn, attacked thrower and the five students on the undercoat. Potter declined comment for this clause. The Head Auror has informed the wizarding public that all three men are grave and not to attempt to oppose them. If any of them are seen, multitude are requested to inform the Ministry immediately. Ministry Aurors responded to the sighting and are currently investigating .'''

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

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

`` But they 're going to issue forth back, '' rosiness sighed, `` To find the, you-know-whats. ``

`` Well, hopefully professor Potter will fascinate them before they get the chance, '' flatness replied, `` Anyway, I hope Amy and Victoire come to the Quidditch match. I have n't seen Amy in historic period. ``

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

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

`` We 'd improve get to Charms, '' pink wine announced. The five second years got up from the board and made their way out of the Great Hall. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting side by side to Saint James the Apostle, talking animatedly about something. Epistle of James did n't appear too well-chosen about this and had the look of mortal pretending to listen, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about James having to trade with Kaden, but not bad enough to pretend up with his cousin.

Professor Cedonia spent the first half of course of instruction teaching the charm for tying shoes, and during the second half, the class practiced. Unlike last year, Albus thoroughly enjoyed practical example in Charms. Professor Cedonia did not mind them talking with each other as they practiced, and although she watched their advancement, she did n't hover like Washburn had done.

`` exculpation me, professor ? '' rose announced shortly after she succeeded in charming her shoes to tie themselves.

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

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

`` Thank you, prof, '' rose wine replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to give birth any exam in this class ? ``

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

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the other teachers at this school, do not believe in testing students in the conventional way. I prefer to assign essays that are done outside of family, where you are dislodge to use your books, to measure your cognition of theory. As far as practical test go, I prefer to assess your progress in course of study. If I have any belief that you are not mastering the project at hand, I will give you extra facilitate until you can overcome it. However, in accordance with Hogwarts custom, there will be a practical test at the end of the semester. The theory test will be an essay that you can complete using your Book, in class. ``

`` Oh, '' rosiness said. She looked a bit stunned. `` All right. ``

`` If you 'd wish an examination, I will create one for you, but no one else will get to necessitate it unless they want to, '' Cedonia announced.

`` No, that 's all right wing, '' Rose replied.

`` Excellent. I assure you, rosebush, that you will stimulate a perfect tense understanding of second year spell by the time the yr is up, and you will be in first-class shape to move on to third gear year. ``

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

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

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

`` Me, neither, '' John the Evangelist said.

Albus nodded. All of his teacher in primary shoal had been like the I at Hogwarts, with conventional exam and preparation. `` I went to a Muggle school and all of the teachers gave us exams. Rose went to the same one. ``

`` Same here, '' John replied, `` Normal Muggle school. ``

`` Not me, '' Matt announced, `` I was home-schooled. You can probably guess why. Amy went to Muggle schooling, though. ``

`` All the teachers were like Cedonia at my school, '' Amanda turned around to verbalize to the son. `` We did n't have exams or degree or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to school. Except when I made strange stuff happen. People thought I was Weird. Turns out I was, but in a good way, '' she laughed.

`` I suppose this will function, '' rose sighed, `` She is assessing us, just in a different way. At least she 's nice. Everyone seems to like her. ``

`` We do n't really have any mean teachers this year, '' Albus commented.

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

`` Who knows about next year, though, '' Matt replied, `` We 'll start up new national and who knows what those teacher will be like. ``

`` Hagrid Teach fear of Magical Creatures and he 's great, '' Albus told them.

`` What kind of wizard creatures ? '' lav grinned at Matt.

`` Do n't even go there, '' lustrelessness grinned back. `` Amy says the Ancient runic letter teacher is nice. ``

`` Trelawney 's kind of strange, but overnice enough, '' Albus commented. `` She teaches Divination. ''

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

`` Arithmancy sounds really interesting, '' rose said, `` And Empire State of the South told me the teacher is strict, but not signify. ``

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

`` I wish I could pick out them all, '' pink wine sighed.

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't imagine it would release out well. '' Albus and Rose shared a jest that the others did n't really interpret. Albus saw their disconcert faces and decided to recite them about Hermione 's tertiary class docket sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in clock time for Albus 's Defense class on Thursday. Harry called Albus up to his desk after category. Albus had been anxiously waiting the whole stratum to see if Harry managed to catch Quinton Willinson. Albus had a feeling he had n't because there was n't any reference of it in the Prophet that sunup.

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

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

`` trade good, '' Harry sighed, `` I 'm glad Victoire told you before you read it in the vaticinator. I had to leave very abruptly and was afraid you would n't know what happened. ``

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

Harry sighed again and put his hand around his son 's shoulder. `` I 'm sorry, Al. He got away. We got some more track, though. Talked to a few Muggles and a whizz who were around when Quinton showed up. I still have n't heard anything about Quinton 's beginner or Washburn. But we 're still searching and it 's only a matter of clock time. ``

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

`` I 'm not going to deny it. They probably will come back here. But there is a heavy amount of money of security around the school. terminal year, it was soft for them to be on the grounds since Washburn was a professor and Quinton was a student here. They do n't have that going for them now. And I do n't mean any of them could ill-treat foot in Hogsmeade without someone alerting me or the Ministry. ``

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

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

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

`` Well, we 'd better oral sex to the Great Hall, '' Harry gave Albus another hug.

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

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the vulgar way the next week completely tired out from Quidditch pattern. The start mate, against Slytherin, was on Saturday and Georgia was having them practice every evening. It had been a drizzly evening and Albus 's robe were soaked. He went up to his dormitory to put away his broom and change. Once he was done, he grabbed his books and went back to the common room to do his homework. When he got there, he could n't find his friends anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dorm room, Albus had just been up there.

Albus squeezed his way through the crowded common way until he found Bilius and Ethan studying at a nearby board. `` Have you seen John the Divine and Matt anywhere ? '' Albus asked.

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Ethan looked up from his leger. `` How 's exercise going ? We 're going to crush Slytherin, right ? ``

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

`` Excellent, '' Bilius replied, `` I think John and Matt left an minute or so ago. I 'm not sure where. ``

`` Yeah, '' Ethan agreed, `` Rose and Amanda were with them. Matt did n't look so skillful. Maybe they went to the hospital wing. ``

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the entire moon was the next dark. They must have gone to the elbow room of requisite. Albus had also momentarily forgotten about the Room due to the fact that Kaden was always hanging around them, and they did not want him to know about the Room.

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

Albus walked down the corridor as fast as he could without actually running. He slowed down as he reached the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy, as there was a prefect roaming nearby. Albus loitered until the prefect turned a niche and then he started pacing in forepart of the paries. Three paces later, the doorway appeared and Albus walked in.

`` There you are ! '' Albus announced after he shut the door. `` I thought you 'd be in the common way. ``

Rose, John, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on objet d'art of parchment and they looked up as Albus came in. mat was sleeping on a nearby hot seat and did n't note Albus.

`` We were, '' Rose said, `` But it was awfully flashy in there. Plus, now that Kaden has left us alone we thought we 'd start coming in here again. ``

`` phone good, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a chairman and sat down adjacent to John. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

`` Transfiguration of Jesus, '' John groaned, `` Eight inch essay due tomorrow. I 've got four inch so far. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` No, not really, '' Rose sighed.

Albus started to leaf through his account of conjuring trick record, but he could n't concentrate. It was n't preceding curfew now ; what if Malfoy was exploring the Tree right now ? Albus closed his playscript and started rifling through his bag. He pulled out the marauder 's Map and set it down on the table.

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

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

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

`` Oh, secure, '' Rose smiled. `` I really do n't conceive he 's going to look into that tree. ``

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

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

`` So ? That probably would n't stop me, '' John laughed.

Albus was relieved that Malfoy was n't currently trying to get into the Whomping Willow, but he did agree with John the Evangelist that Malfoy would eventually try. The matter was, what were the luck of it happening while Albus was looking at the map ? Not very heights. And what would Albus do if he did see Malfoy near the tree ? Albus had no melodic theme. He sighed as he whispered, `` roguishness managed. '' Albus watched as all the ink disappeared from the map. He still did n't want to do his prep, but he had to. He started to put the map back in his bag, but the good deal of a small scar on one of the corners made him stop.

Albus slowly lifted the map back out of his bag and stared at the turning point. He had never seen any marks on the map after he wiped it clean before. But this soft touch was so small it could feature easily been missed. He peered at the tiny marker until he noticed what it was. It was four paw prints. A wolf, dog, stag, and rat mark. It obviously meant the Marauders. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to stare at the paw print, wracking his brain to try and call up why it seemed so familiar.

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

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

rosiness, lavatory, and Amanda all leaned in to calculate at the target. Rose furrowed her brow and tilted her head as she looked at it. `` Why did the Marauders have this thing stop on the map ? All the early ink disappears. Now it 's just a random piece of parchment with these paw photographic print on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw photographic print before. The man of parchment that fell out of the picture record album in the Ionic dialect of Grimmauld home ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the course of the school year. The symbols were exactly the Sami. They must mean something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his seat. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the noggin at my sign, John ? ``

John nodded his head teacher. `` Yeah ... ''

`` And the photograph album we found in that box ? '' Albus continued, `` And the piece of parchment that fell out of it ? ``

fruition dawned on whoremaster 's face. `` Oh ! I 'd blank out about that ! Do you still have it ? ``

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



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

The idea for Cedonia 's teaching style and the school Amanda used to go to came from a schoolhouse that used to be near where I live. It recently closed due to lack of funding. But the students did n't sustain exam or receive grades. They also got to pick out whatever they wanted to consider. It was a really interesting theme and it worked well until it closed. I never went there, but I always thought it was neat.

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

Be on the sentinel for my newest story, living Is trade good, which is a prequel to secret Within that chronicles how Albus, rose, Matt, John, and Amanda received their Hogwarts letters. I 'm hoping to post the first chapter sometime next hebdomad, as I have Spring Break.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus ran all the way to the Gryffindor common elbow room, narrowly avoiding another prefect. He went to his dormitory, dug through his torso, and found the lambskin. He was so glad he had n't left it in the attic. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the common room, ignoring the strange stares he was receiving from his feller schoolmate. When he got back to the elbow room, can was in the process of explaining to rosiness and Amanda about what they had found in the attic. `` I 've got it ! '' Albus shouted. He ran back to the tabular array and spread the parchment out on the table.

`` You 're right ! '' Rose grinned, `` Exactly the Lapplander scratch. ``

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

`` I know, but there 's definitely something deep about it. Why would the predator put this symbolization on it if it meant aught ? ''

`` I think you 're the right way, Albus, '' John Lackland agreed, `` I do n't make out much about the piranha, but from what you 've told me, there 's no way this is just a random piece of sheepskin. ``

pink wine looked from the map to the new piece of sheepskin and back. `` Hmm, I wonder if this is like the map ? Do you think we have to say something to get it to run ? Maybe it 's an extension of the map, Hogsmeade perhaps ? ``

Albus thought for a moment. That kind of made good sense. The Marauders frequented Hogsmeade quite a bit, during their full moon jaunts. Maybe they wanted a map of the village as well. `` There 's only one way to find out, '' he grabbed his wand and tapped the piece of parchment, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no beneficial. ``

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

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would wish to congratulate you, as you have obviously found the marauder 's Map and figured out how to use it. However, he assures you that the Marauders would not use the same incantation for this particular token .'
Albus and Rose burst out laughing. This piece of parchment was sort of like the map ! There was something magical about it, but it obviously was n't the same as the map. John smirked and shook his head.

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

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's wizard. The marauders either found or invented some kind of appealingness that enabled the predator 's Map to convey with people who try to use it and they 've done the same matter with this. '' Albus pulled the Marauder 's Map in front of him and tapped his wand to it, `` observe this. I, Albus Severus potter, demand you to evince yourself. ``

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

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

Mr. Wormtail agrees with Mr. Moony and would like to add that despite the fact that Mr. thrower plowshare a first gear name with the master, it does not give him the say-so do what he pleases.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would care to add that Mr. Potter 's eye epithet has got to be the most disgraceful name he has ever heard.

Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, Mr. Wormtail, and Mr. Prongs, and would care to be capable to affront Mr. potter 's last name, but feels he is ineffective to do so .'
Amanda and John started laughing hysterically after they finished reading the map. `` Does it do that to anyone ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

`` I did n't have intercourse Kendrick 's first name was Albus, '' Amanda commented.

`` It 's not, '' Albus explained, `` When the predator were in school, Albus Dumbledore was headmaster. And the Marauders hated Snape, so they always insult my name. Except my grandpa, he 's never able to negociate it. ``

`` That 's pretty telling magic, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

`` You know, '' pink wine began, `` If the Marauders did n't want anyone else reading that map, they would bear just put a spell on it that prevented anyone except themselves to show it. I reckon they hoped someone would eventually receive out how to read it. ``

Albus contemplated that for a mo. Rose was probably right. The vulture were always practical joker, and they would probably want others to find the map and use it for mischief.

`` But, '' Rose continued, `` Do you retrieve they might cause wanted another item that only they could translate ? ``

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

`` That other piece of parchment. Maybe it 's something that the marauder did n't want anyone to be able-bodied to say. ``

`` But then we could n't read it, '' Albus sighed. It did variety of brand signified that the predator wanted something to be private. But then why did they put the Sami stain on both parchments ?

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

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

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

`` I 'm not for sure, '' pink wine replied, `` I mean, there 's probably some kind of magic that only enables a few mass to learn it. Kind of like a Fidelius magic spell for books or something. ``

Albus grabbed the parchment and pointed his wand at it. The alone way to find out if something would uncover it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to pee trouble. '' zilch happened. `` I want to make devilment. I am going to pluck a prank on individual. I promise I will make trouble. '' Albus tried many dissimilar variance on the incantation for the Marauder 's Map, but nothing worked.

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

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

`` If it 's something only the predator can read, then you 've got to be a Marauder to read it, '' John sighed.

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

`` Maybe you have to say which Marauder you are, '' John suggested.

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

Albus variety of agreed with Rose at this point, but he was will to try anything. But which vulture ? Prongs. It had to be. Prongs was his grandfather. If this was going to forge for anyone, it would exercise for him. He was related to one of the Marauders. Albus pointed his baton at the lambskin with his affectionateness beating fast. `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

Albus held his breath as he watched the sheepskin. privy, Rose, and Amanda watched as well. Albus 's oculus bugged out as he saw ink appearing across the sheepskin. `` It worked ! '' he whispered. His friends nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus began to register as the Holy Scripture formed completely.

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

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

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

`` hold, '' Rose pointed at the parchment. `` It 's not done. ``

'However, you could be the secondly Prongs .'
`` What ? ! '' Albus looked up in confusion. Was this some kind of joke ? How could there be another Prongs ? And how could Albus be that second Prongs ?

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

`` Either it 's a joke or a highly gain magical objective, '' rosiness remarked. The four champion continued to watch as more save appeared.

'When four boy, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendly relationship and devilry, they may exhibit themselves as the next genesis of Marauders .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the parchment. The next generation of Marauders ? What had his grandfather and his friends done ?

`` This is unbelievable, '' rosiness whispered.

'These four friends must each represent one of the Marauders, for if even one is missing, this map will not work. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the secrets of the Marauders. Prove that you know, and you may proceed along the path of breakthrough .'

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

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

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

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

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

'The Marauders wish you skillful luck .'

The ink disappeared from the parchment and Albus looked up at his supporter. `` What in the figure of merlin is this ? ``

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

`` I 'll say, '' Amanda grinned, `` Probably the best magical thing I 've seen yet. ``

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

`` How are we going to find out out the relaxation ? '' trick asked.

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

`` We already know their biggest arcanum, '' rosebush said, `` But how would we bear witness it to a piece of parchment. ``

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

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

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

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

Albus did n't think it would crop, but he did n't think it could really harm anything either. `` Worth a dead reckoning. '' Albus picked up the parchment and stared at it. This seemed really silly when he thought about it. He was about to talk to a piece of sheepskin. `` Here goes nada. Let 's see, Moony is a loup-garou. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a hart, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat. ``

Albus and the others watched the lambskin. A few words appeared on it. Could it hold actually worked ?

'Nice try .'
`` I told you it would n't puzzle out, '' rose wine smirked, `` It 's got to be more insidious than that. ``

`` We 'll just have got to recall on it, '' Albus replied. He had no idea how they were to prove to the new map that they knew the vulture'secrets, but he had to get hold out. This parchment was perhaps even more interesting and magic than the Marauder 's Map, and he was going to figure it out.

`` What are you lot doing ? '' Matt sat up and was looking around with a baffled facial expression on his face. `` What metre is it ? ``

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

Albus, John, rosiness, and Amanda spent the next few minutes explaining about the new map to Matt. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbolic representation on the Marauder 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to show the authorship, and how they had to prove that they knew the Marauders'arcanum. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is brilliant, '' lusterlessness commented.

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

`` well, I know what we can do while we 're trying to figure it out how to prove we know the Marauders, '' lav announced, `` We 've got to project out who we 're going to represent. ``

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

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

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's nerve fell as he realized that someone was going to have to interpret Wormtail. nonentity was going to want to be him.

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

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

`` He 's Padfoot, '' mat yawned, `` He 's got to be. He 's fast like a dog. Remember that detention live on twelvemonth in the trophy room, when he yelled at Washburn ? ``

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

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

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

`` You do n't give to, '' Albus told her, `` The map clearly said four boy, four Gryffindor boys to be specific. ``

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

`` Hey, it 's not our fault the predator wanted it to be son, '' Albus shrugged, `` But you can help us count on the whole thing out. ``

`` right wing now, we 've got to chance a Wormtail, '' Amanda said. `` Who else are you three well friends with ? ``

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

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

`` We 're not doing it, '' John said adamantly, `` No one like Wormtail is going to receive out that Matt is werewolf. ``

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

`` No problem, '' John smiled.

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

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

Matt had fallen asleep again and jerked his head up when he heard his name. `` Huh ? Oh, yeah, that 's all right field. ``

`` speech sound like a plan, then, '' John said.

`` We 'd better get back to the common room, '' rosebush looked at her watch, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

Albus and the others left the room and walked back to Gryffindor tower. Albus thought about the new map and what it could possibly hold. It was obviously a more involved map than the vulture 's Map. Albus could only conceive of what was actually on it. The panorama of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even find out. What were the fortune of them finding soul who would be willing to represent Wormtail ? And if they did ascertain that individual, could they reckon out the map without telling that individual that Matt was a werewolf ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



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

The prequel to Secrets Within, Life Is commodity, has been posted and the first base chapter is up. I 'll be updating it weekly, about in all probability on Tuesdays.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the following few 24-hour interval, Albus constantly thought about the new map. He kept it in his bag all the clip and found himself looking at it whenever he got the luck. He read the hint again and again, hoping to find something he missed before that would tell him how to prove that he knew the marauder'secrets. Albus found that he could n't really concentrate on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions test on Friday because he had so a lot hassle settling down to hit the books the dark before.

His school work was n't the only if thing suffering, either. Albus was also having a hard sentence paying aid during Quidditch exercise. Seeing as the match against Slytherin was on Saturday, this could n't consume happened at a worsened time. Peach State had to yell at him at least five multiplication during practice on Friday, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' GA said once drill was over and everyone was starting to go back to the castle, `` hitch here for a second, I need to talk to you. ``

Albus trudged over to Georgia. She had a grim look on her side that made Albus palpate horrendous. He knew he had played horrible during practice, but he just could n't get the map out of his principal. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what GA wanted to babble out to him about.

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

This was reliable. Empire State of the South was pitiless about Quidditch. She was even more so than Samantha Meyers, which was saying something. Albus knew total well that if he continued playing this badly, he would get kicked off the team.

`` You play wonderfully with Fred and broom, which is why I chose you. You 've had experience working with them, and I thought that would help us. I think I know why your playing has declined over the past few years, '' Georgia softened her gaze, `` You 're unquiet. ``

Albus glanced up when his cousin said this. To tell the verity, Albus had n't even thought about being neural. But he was Thomas More than willing to blame his awful performing on mettle. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely nervous during my initiative match as well. But you are going to do mulct. We 're going to crush Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll evidence all those the great unwashed wrong who thought I was favoring my family, '' Georgia grinned.

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

`` Good, '' Georgia replied, `` Now let 's get back to the castling. ``

******

Despite Albus 's lack of nervousness the past few days, he was certainly making up for it on Sat sunrise. He woke up with butterfly in his breadbasket and could n't manage to eat anything for breakfast. Worse yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to condense on this peer. His place on the team rested on it.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' Matt asked. He had returned from the infirmary Wing the previous evening and was looking much better. Judging by his tone of interpreter, Albus suspected that matte looked better than he did.

`` Yeah, just neural, '' Albus mumbled. He had n't told any of his friends about Georgia 's public lecture last night.

`` Well, you 'd better win, '' Gabe Bourne, the fourth-year who Albus had beat during try-outs was glaring at him. `` If not, Empire State of the South made a big error in choosing one of her first cousin over me. ``

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

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

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

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

Albus grabbed his ling and followed the rest of the squad out onto the tar, with his heart pounding fast. He gazed up at the crowd, never realizing before how many people actually attended Hogwarts. It was one matter to act as Quidditch during practice, but in front of everyone ? Albus was for sure he 'd fall off his broom and humiliate the total team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor team ! '' Albus heard the familiar voice of Todd Smith booming over the sales pitch. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James Potter, Tom Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Peach State Weasley, and Heather Weasley ! Peach State is the new senior pilot this twelvemonth, and Albus Potter has replaced Samantha Meyers as chaser. Will he be able to live up to her legacy ? only when metre will secernate. ``

Albus gulped when he heard that. Why did Todd have to say that ? Albus felt as if every eye in the stadium was focused on him. Albus stood side by side to Saint James as they waited for the Slytherin team to come onto the theatre. James sent him a supportive smile that Albus returned nervously.

`` And here are the Slytherins ! Ferris Fielding, Talan Flint River, shaft Goyle, Peyton Hughes, Garth Octavius, Hailey Odele, and Helen Maria Fiske Hunt Jackson Naiser ! The Slytherins have replaced their quester since in conclusion year. Garth Octavius is the new Seeker. ``

Albus remembered Sakartvelo telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin Seeker from conclusion class, had been utterly incapable of catching the snitcher. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as clumsy, but he doubted it.

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

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's whistle. He took a few rich breaths to earn his headway and tried to kibosh out the bunch 's shouting and booing. He glanced around the pitch shot and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the early incline of the field of study in order to get away from Odele, who was flying right next to him. With his faster broom, he was away from her in no meter. He could do this, Albus thought.

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

Albus flew after him, but he had already managed to pull in it past both Bludgers and was heading heterosexual person towards Georgia. He threw the Quaffle and it sailed into the left most hoop.

`` musical score ! Slytherin scores the showtime goal of the game, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Todd announced.

Albus groaned and flew towards the Gryffindor end. He zigzagged through the other players, dodging both the Bludgers. Albus was very just at maneuvering his Calluna vulgaris and avoiding former players. He saw that both heather mixture and Fred were covered by Slytherin pursuer as everyone waited for the Georgia to throw the Quaffle back into bid. Georgia faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle to the left. Albus immediately flew towards it, and with his fast new ling, grabbed the Quaffle just as Fielding tried to trance it.

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

`` Albus Potter is really flying now ! He 's got that brilliant Firebolt 2000 that Peach State has. I believe they are the exclusively two in the school to ingest one, '' Smith called out.

Albus ignored Smith 's commentary and continued flying. He passed James, who gave him a pollex up. Fielding was hot on his tail now. Albus looked around, he needed to pass the Quaffle. Calluna vulgaris was open and Albus gave the Quaffle a severely toss. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin finish posts. She threw it at the middle basket and it sailed through.

`` Score ! '' Smith announced, `` Heather Weasley has scored, making the biz tied with 10 gunpoint each. ``

Albus grinned at Calluna vulgaris and flew to the Slytherin goal posts. He waited for Goyle to toss the Quaffle back out, and let his creative thinker wander to the map. Albus had n't really thought about it at all so far, which was effective. Who could they get to represent Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the sentence. Every person he passed in the halls made Albus wonder, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never find anyone. Albus, Saint John, and flatness were destined to just be a group of three friends, and that was n't going to do work for the new map. Why would n't it just accept Rose or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of course, neither girl would tally to representing the two-timer that was peter Pettigrew anyway.

`` Albus ! '' A loud interpreter jerked Albus back into the catch. He looked up and saw that Scots heather was glaring at him. He shook his top dog and started flying again.

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

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

Albus groaned and looked around at his teammates. Georgia looked tense, Heather and Fred looked determined, Omar Nelson Bradley and Ryan looked angry, and James looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the Snitch. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor goal posts. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to score.

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

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

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

`` Potter has caught the Snitch ! '' Smith announced happily, `` Gryffindor wins with 230 points ! ``

Cheers erupted in the stands, with the Gryffindors storming the pitch. Albus landed happily next to James. It was over, his first base Quidditch peer was over. He breathed a suspiration of relief. They had won, Albus was not going to be kicked off the squad. He stood there grinning with the rest of the team as their cuss Gryffindors clapped them on the dorsum and high-fived them. Albus had never been a fan of this sort of thing before, but he did n't really beware it right now.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John broke through the crowd, followed by mat, Rose, and Amanda.

`` Excellent, '' Matt grinned.

`` You were awesome, '' blush wine agreed.

`` goodness match, '' Amanda added.

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

`` Does n't matter, '' lusterlessness replied, `` You had quite a few help, and we won so it 's all good. ``

`` political party in the park room ! '' one of the honest-to-goodness pupil shouted. Everyone else cheered and the crowd started to move slowly to the castle.

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

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

`` Of course you will. The first mate is always the most trying, '' Harry replied.

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

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

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His mother did concern a lot, although she did have a good ground. His kinsperson always seemed to attract trouble, and he was mildly surprised that he escaped his first off catch with only a nipper bruise from a Bludger.

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

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

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

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

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

`` We left right after Jesse James caught the Snitch to go to Hogsmeade to get company supply, '' Victoire gestured to the declamatory sum of money of food and butterbeer.

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

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

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

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

`` Good, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're able to cure nipper cuts and bruises right now, although nearly of the clobber we 've learned is theoretical. It 's all quite fascinating, though. ``

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

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

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

`` That is mad, '' John shook his head teacher, `` Why would anyone desire to be in school that long ? ``

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

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

`` We 've learned a bit of Muggle medicine, '' Victoire told them, `` Just in face we ever have to handle Muggles. Magical healing does n't have much of an effect on them. ``

`` I much prefer wizard healing, '' lustrelessness announced, `` Muggles use too many needles. conjuration and potions are lots better. ``

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

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

`` I think I 'd rather have individual wave their wand than have soul stick to me with a needle, '' Albus shook his foreland. Sometimes he just did n't understand the things Muggles did.

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

Albus, rose, and Victoire laughed. They had all heard the fib of their granddad 's experiment with Muggle stitches. `` My grandpa had them once, '' Albus grinned, `` Did n't twist out too well. ``

`` What are stitches ? '' John asked.

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

`` Sew ? '' John had a disgusted feel on his fount, `` Like what they do with apparel ? That 's mental. ``

`` Bloody painful, too, '' lustrelessness commented, `` I had them once. I 'll tell you that story sometime. ''

`` Albus ! '' James I walked over to their table with a butterbeer in his hired man. `` Great first match ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` Excellent taking into custody. ``

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

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

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

Albus was startled by the change in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the past times few sidereal day. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not require to be around him anymore and found his own supporter. Albus had not really paid a great deal attending to his little cousin since he told Malfoy that lusterlessness gets sick every month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Be friend with him again ! ''

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

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

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

`` Kaden, '' Albus replied.

`` Good job on the match. ``

`` Thanks. ``

`` well, see ya later, Albus, '' Saint James the Apostle stood up. Albus and the others said goodbye. Kaden followed James like a puppy dog.

`` Did n't cerebrate he 'd jump annoying James, '' Rose commented.

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

`` I take it you 're not going to rationalise ? '' mat asked.

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

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

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

******

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

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

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

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

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

`` wellspring, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old school and my old booster. piffling did I know that I would come to love this blank space even more and make even honorable protagonist. ``

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

Albus sat down succeeding to her, while his friends and Amy took fundament on various other chair and couches. `` Have you ever met Kaden ? '' Albus asked his cousin.

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

`` wellspring, he 's very plaguy, to say the to the lowest degree. He thinks everything about the magical world is wonderful and that magic can puzzle out everything, '' Albus explained.

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

`` Yeah, but he did n't appear to understand, '' Albus replied, `` Anyway, he latched himself onto me and started following us around everywhere. It got very irritating, but we tolerated it. Then, the day of the get-go to the full lunar month, Kaden got sick and Madam Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really gravel him and he came back to the common room praising Madam Pomfrey and her potions. He came over to where we were sitting and he noticed how ill Matt looked. ``

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

`` Yeah, he insisted that Matt go see Madam Pomfrey. I tried to explain that legerdemain could n't fix everything, but he just would n't listen. We told him to stop going on and on about healing potions, but he would n't. Matt left because he had to go to the infirmary Wing, and I yelled at Kaden. However, the engagement did n't live on long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't know about lustrelessness, therefore he had no approximation that what he said was deleterious. I explained to Kaden once again that there were matter that magic could n't solve, and that Matt had a disease that magic could n't solve- ''

`` You did n't separate him, did you ? '' Amy asked lustrelessness anxiously.

`` Of grade not, '' lustrelessness assured her, `` He 's still got no idea. ``

`` Good. ``

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

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the exact same prison term. Amy 's human face lost all gloss as she stared at Albus.

`` He did. We were lying around the land after Quidditch practice and Kaden wanted to inquire it. We told him numerous times not to, but he did anyway. He got hit a couple times, but eventually he wound up inside the tunnel. ``

Amy turned to her blood brother with a look of fear on her case. `` Did he comply it ? '' she whispered.

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

The female child nodded their principal. Albus had owled Amy and explained about the detainment on the uranology towboat, but had not told her why they were in detention.

`` Right after we got out of Filch 's office, we took Kaden up to our student residence and persuaded him not to ever look for that burrow again or to secernate anyone about it. He said he would n't, '' Albus continued, `` Just like he said he would n't tell anyone that matt had a disease that could n't be fixed by illusion. ``

`` Oh, Merlin, '' Victoire sighed, `` I 'm guessing he told someone ? ``

`` You 're right, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some strange reason, known only to my pudden-head cousin-german, he decided to tell Scorpius Malfoy that Matt gets sick every once and a piece, and tell him about the Whomping willow ! ``

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

`` And Malfoy has been trying to find out where I go every month and now he 's got more clew. Up until now we 've been telling him that I have to visit my sick grandmother, but that wo n't work anymore, '' Matt explained. `` It 's only a subject of time before he finds out. ``

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

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

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

`` No, '' lustrelessness answered.

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

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

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

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

They all sat in secrecy for a few import, all lost in their own thought process. Albus had n't really given Kaden much thought the retiring few years. He 'd been much too busy thinking about the map. But now, the incident with Kaden was back in the front of his judgement. What was Kendrick going to do about Malfoy ? What if he decided that mat could n't detain in school anymore now that people knew about the tunnel ? Albus shuddered at the thought of his admirer being kicked out of school because of what Kaden had done.

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

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

`` I form of agree with Victoire, '' Rose whispered, `` I do n't think he really meant to return Malfoy clues about Matt 's lycanthropy. ``

`` I know that ! '' Albus shouted, `` Kaden does n't even fuck about it ! But I told him not to recite and he did n't hear. We ca n't trust him with anything ! Everything I 've told him not to assure, he 's severalise someone, and it was Malfoy of all people ! You realize that if I forgive him, he 'll get down following us around again. He 'll get more shady about Matt and eventually he 's going to come up out. And what do you imagine he 'll do then ? We 'll separate him not to say anything, and he will. He 'll probably tell Malfoy. ``

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

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` Fine, '' Rose snapped.

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

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

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

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

`` Of course, my hours wo n't be much practiced when I 'm a healer, '' Victoire commented, `` With our hours, we 're never going to get to see each early. well, I 'll see you soon, Albus and Rose. I 'm not surely when, but I 'll definitely see you at Christmas. ``



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and Denas, Jen, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Gospel According to Luke, and Moonylupin for their limited review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his acquaintance sat around the elbow room of Requirement for the next half minute, waiting for Matt to come up back. Nobody said much, but Albus could tell that they were all worried about what was going to happen. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the room access to the room open. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

flatness ran over to his ally with a smile on his face. `` Not much. ``

`` You do n't have to leave ? '' Rose asked.

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

`` That 's big ! '' Albus replied. He was very sticking out. It would not accept been bonnie for flatness to receive to leave Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's imbecility.

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

`` We did n't really reckon of it at the sentence, '' John commented.

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

`` good, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' whoremonger said tentatively, `` nonentity can get into the passage now ? ``

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

`` Oh, '' John said, `` I was variety of hoping we could go research it some clock time. ``

lusterlessness turned and glared at him, `` Are you insane ? There 's no way I 'd take you into the screeching Shack. ``

`` It could have been like our own common way, '' John continued.

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

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

******

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

`` Who 's that old lady up there ? '' Amanda pointed to the faculty tabular array. There was a little old beldam with a patched and frayed hat sitting where prof Longbottom usually sat.

Albus looked up and watched her. For some reason she looked rather fellow, but he could n't put his fingerbreadth on it.

`` Yeah, and where 's prof Longbottom ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He looked up towards the cap as the post owl started to arrive. Rose 's kinsperson owl made a beeline for her and stood waiting for her to take the alphabetic character off.

Rose took the letter and gave her owl a piece of pledge. She opened the letter and read for a few second before reemerging from behind it with a huge smiling on her face. `` prof Longbottom 's married woman has had her baby ! Her name is Lucy Augusta. That explains why professor Longbottom is n't here. ``

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

`` You know, I never really think about the instructor having families, '' Matt commented.

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

`` I know, but I do n't really remember her that well, '' Matt explained, `` I did n't palpate too great that day. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' lavatory remembered, `` And professor Potter obviously has a folk. '' whoremaster grinned at Albus.

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

Matt laughed, `` I wonder about the former teachers, though. ``

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

`` May I have your attention ? '' Kendrick stood up and banged his spoon against his goblet. `` Thank you. I have two announcements this dayspring. The number one one is that it has come to my attention that a few of you have not heeded my warnings about staying away from the Whomping Willow. I must tell you again how grievous it is. ``

Albus stole a glance at Kaden, who was steadily turning more garden pink. Albus glared at him and this made him turn a hopeful shade of red.

`` As an tot precaution, I have put a few wards around it that will inform me when individual disregards my rules. There will be severe punishment for anyone who is caught around the tree, '' Kendrick said sternly.

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

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

`` Yes, yes, no need to worry. professor Longbottom 's married woman has had a baby lady friend and he will be gone for a few weeks. prof Sprout, who taught here years ago has offered to take his place until he returns, '' Kendrick gestured to the older witch.

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

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

`` I hope Sprout is skillful, '' Matt said as he and the others wandered around the grounds after breakfast. It was a very mild day for November and most of the students were outside enjoying the weather.

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

`` Mine, too, '' John said.

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

`` Good, '' Matt smiled, `` It seems like we have n't got any mean instructor this class. ``

The grouping spent the aurora wandering around the grounds, putting off the homework they should sustain been doing. They talked some more about the map, but nobody had any approximation as to how to get it to cultivate or who could represent Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to question if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a whole lot loose than trying to avoid him, like he had been doing the past month and a half.

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

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

`` well, I 'd been hoping we could just brush aside him, '' Albus told her.

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

`` I know, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm getting sick of having to head off him all the sentence. ``

`` I still do n't wish him, '' John Lackland said adamantly, `` I mean, maybe if he 'd study how to shut his mouth, I 'd wish him dependable. ``

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

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

`` We probably should, '' Matt replied quietly. `` No one can get into the tree now, and Malfoy 's going to find out eventually, '' he sighed, `` It 's only a matter of time. He 'll find out whether Kaden gives him clue or not. He 's bright. Kaden wo n't figure it out until someone tells him, but Malfoy will find out on his own. It 's only a matter of when. ``

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

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

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

`` need to go back to the castle ? '' John asked a little while later. It was starting to get long-winded and clouds were rolling in. It would probably rain down soon.

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've got to find oneself Slughorn, '' Rose announced as she stood up. `` I need to speak to him about that last essay. Want to total, Amanda ? '' Amanda nodded and the two girl took off for the castle.

`` Bet she thinks she lost a item on it, '' John laughed.

`` Probably, '' Albus grinned as the three boys started walking back to the castling. They joined the large group of students now running towards the castle as it got darker outside.

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

`` neediness to go to the elbow room ? '' Matt suggested.

`` Sounds skilful, maybe we can figure out how to make for the new map, '' Albus said. `` After all, once I talk to Kaden, we wo n't be able to purloin off there without him wondering where we are. ``

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

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

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

`` No melodic theme. I guess we 'll just deliver to mess with it while Kaden 's in class. ``

The boys continued their journey up to the seventh level corridor. They were halfway down the 6th flooring corridor, heading towards the stairs, when lusterlessness stopped in his tracks. Albus stared at him quizzically, wondering why he had stopped. `` What 's improper ? '' he whispered.

Matt said nothing but pulled his two friends into a nearby empty-bellied classroom. He shut the room access and turned to face up his friends. `` There 's people whispering just around the recession. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Oh, right field, '' Albus replied, remembering that werewolf did suffer superior auditory modality. `` Well, what was it ? ``

`` There 's at least two people out there and one sound scared, '' Matt explained.

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

`` Yeah, definitely students. ``

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

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

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

`` retain out your verge, '' Matt instructed as he opened the door. The male child crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the turning point. As they got closer, Albus could start to produce out bits of conversation.

`` seed on ! '' an icy articulation seethed, `` You know more. Just enjoin us and we wo n't hex you. ``

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

Albus quickened his pace. someone was going to hex someone. He had to quit them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the vocalization, but he could n't quite spot them.

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

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

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

`` Liar, '' Malfoy raised his wand a little higher.

That was it. Albus could n't bear to watch Malfoy interrogating his cousin like that. All his vitriolic mentation toward Kaden flew out the window the bit Albus saw Kaden 's terrify font. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's sceptre sailed out of his handwriting and landed on the floor a few foot down the corridor. toilet ran forward and grabbed it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Fine, '' Malfoy smirked, `` opine your cousin will get hex. ``

John burst out laughing, `` skillful luck with that, seeing as I 've got your wand. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus stifled a laugh as he followed Filch down the hallway. Nobody said anything as Filch led them into his cramped billet. It was very unmanageable for the six boy to fit indoors and everyone was too closelipped for solace.

Filch went through his common routine of filling out forms and filing them in the correct cabinet. He smirked as he filed Albus 's form. `` Seems you 'll cause a file nearly as big as your father and gramps 's by the clip you graduate. ``

Albus said zero as Filch continued to fill out and file away his variant. After what seemed like an time of day, but was probably only a few moment, Filch finished. `` You 'll have two night 's custody. Tonight and tomorrow night. Meet me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't have to be asked twice. He was the first one out the door, followed quickly by Matt, John, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the dungeon, Albus began to lead his ally up the stairs. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor column. Kaden stuck to them like individual had affixed a lasting sticking good luck charm on him, but Albus did n't bear in mind. He needed to talk to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the cause he told Malfoy about the passage in the Whomping Willow ?

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

Albus was n't surely where to get down. Should he just tell Kaden that he forgave him ? Or ask him what was going on with Malfoy and Willinson ? But before Albus could decide, Kaden started the conversation.

`` I 'm sorry, '' Kaden whispered quietly.

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

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

`` Kaden, this one was n't your fracture, '' Albus insisted, `` It was Malfoy and Willinson 's defect. oral presentation of them, want to assure us what 's been going on ? '' Albus had n't paid an ounce of attention to his cousin since their big competitiveness over a month ago, but Albus was sure that this was n't an quarantined incident with the Slytherins.

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

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

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

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

`` And it was too belatedly, '' Kaden continued, `` They were going to hex me if I did n't tell them. So I told them there was a tunnel but I did n't know where it went. They did n't think me, though. They 've been trying to get me to tell them about once a week and I get bewitch every time. dame Pomfrey fixes it, though. ``

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

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

`` Kaden, sometimes you do things that I just do n't interpret, '' Albus explained, `` But I 'll always like about you. You 're my cousin and zip can change that. ``

`` I know, and I 'm really no-good about everything, '' Kaden replied, `` I wanted to keep it all a secret, but- ''

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

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

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

Kaden nodded and turned to John and mat. `` Are you two still mad at me ? ``

John and matt looked at each other and then shook their principal. `` No, we 've been mad at you long enough, '' flatness told him.

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

`` Not a hazard, '' Albus grinned. Even after all that, Kaden was still his usual curious self, forever optimistic that Albus would actually evidence him all of Hogwarts 's secrets.

`` Did n't intend so, '' Kaden replied, `` But it was worth a snap. Anyway, I have n't had a chance to narrate you, but I still think football game is better than Quidditch. ``

`` Are you mad ? ! '' St. John and flatness shouted at the same meter. Both of them had expression of disgust on their faces.

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

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

`` We 'll claim him to the Cup, '' Matt decided, `` No topic where it is. We 'll go and rise to him that Quidditch is best. ``

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

`` Once you see the shank play, you 'll change your mind, '' flatness told him as he stood up.

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

`` Not at the moment, no, '' Matt smirked. john and Albus burst out laughing at John 's choice of words and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

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

`` Yup, '' the three other boys said at the Sami time.

`` Anyway, '' John the Divine continued as they left the room, `` The shank are the worst team, you do n't want to see them fiddle. It 's not like they 'll get it to the conference Cup. ``

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

This time it was John 's turn of events to perforate lustrelessness in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the carom can ever trust to be. ``

whoremaster and Matt continued their argument all the way down into the uncouth elbow room, with Kaden paying enraptured attending. Albus smiled as he watched them. Maybe Kaden could fit in with their group after all.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't take prospicient for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's group of friends. By the end of the week, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their usual routine of doing preparation in the green way after dinner. Of course of instruction, that did not set out until after the boys served their custody with Filch. The caretaker had them clean almost every lav in the intact castle. This was a tense up function due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the detention alongside them. Albus was quite happy when the detainment was over.

All in all, school was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his classes and Quidditch and the Dueling Club were going well, too. Albus managed to shove aside his thoughts of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased Georgia greatly. The downside to having Kaden vertebral column was that Albus and his other friends could n't really sneak off to the elbow room of Requirement anymore, unless they wanted to bring Kaden. They all liked Kaden well enough, but none of them really wanted the jr. boy to know about the Room yet. That, and they did n't want Kaden to know about the map. He did n't even have sex about the fixture piranha 's Map. So, Albus had no choice but to just guess about the map, rather than mess around with it.

As November turned into December, snow fell upon the soil and students of all age flocked to them to give snow ball fighting. Albus and his friends took part in quite a few, usually being crushed by the Old educatee. Albus enjoyed these fights immensely, but opinion of the new map were always in the spinal column of his mind. He just wished they could get some fourth dimension away from Kaden to inquire it some more. The chance to do just that move up one day in the outset of December. Kaden was not doing too well in Transfiguration and one of the older Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few other number one years in the library.

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

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

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

`` Do you think you know how to influence it ? '' Matt asked.

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

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

The mathematical group left the herd vulgar room and followed the familiar course to the room. Once there, they took their usual buns and waited for Albus tell them his idea.

`` well, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and broadcast it out on the table. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, remember what I tried to tell the map conclusion metre ? I think I should write that on the map. ``

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

Matt and Amanda stared at Albus in shock, but Rose did n't appear fazed at all.

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

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

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

`` Er, no, but- ''

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

`` I agree, Albus, '' blush wine announced.

`` Thank you, blush wine. ``

`` At least write it really pocket-size, '' matt suggested, `` That way if it is n't the right way, it wo n't mess it up. ``

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

The intimate ink appeared on the parchment, telling Albus that he needed to prove he knew all the predator'secrets. He looked up at his protagonist, who were all wearing aspect of expectancy. Albus grabbed a quill and an ink pot. He poised his quill over the parchment and wrote in very tiny letters,

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

'Close, but not quite .'

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

`` We 're never going to estimate this out, '' lav sighed.

`` Department of Energy n't count anyway, we do n't have a Wormtail, '' Matt pointed out.

`` I think that would give birth been too obvious anyway, '' blush wine explained, `` It 's got to be something more subtle. ``

`` How do we subtly tell a man of parchment that we know the vulture'secrets ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` fountainhead, '' Rose began, `` We 've got to commemorate that these are the Marauders. And I 'm certain they wanted to make it hard for whoever found this map. ``

`` practiced percentage point, '' John the Divine said.

`` This most probable holds more data about Hogwarts than the marauder 's Map did, and possibly Hogsmeade as well, '' Rose continued, `` So we 've got to conceive about this the way they would 've. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. Of course of study the vulture would n't consume just had them write something on the map. It was too easy. `` rightfulness, so they liked getting in hassle. They would probably need us to do something that might get us in trouble. ``

`` And most likely grievous, '' Rose added.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. The predator spent their Hogwarts career causing trouble and doing dangerous things. They obviously would require the great unwashed just as daring to be the following Marauders.

`` How can it be dangerous to essay that we know their secrets ? '' John asked.

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

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

`` We could draw paw prints on it, '' Gospel According to John laughed.

rosiness 's case lit up. `` John, that 's it ! ``

`` drawing paw photographic print ? '' John stared at her, `` How 's that severe ? ``

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

The idea sounded ridiculous to Albus, but it did seem like the kind of matter the vulture would do. It would definitely be dangerous to get the paw print, and hard as well. Not many people would actually be able to get them all. It was subtle as well. No one would give birth any estimation what the paw prints would think of unless they knew the predator'arcanum. The only affair he did n't wish about it was the idea of a bunch of fauna trampling the map.

They all stared at Rose, who was looking quite felicitous with the theme. Eventually, Albus spoke. `` Are you indisputable ? ``

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

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

`` Is that a word ? '' Rose laughed.

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

`` Good idea, blush wine, '' toilet agreed.

`` Sounds like it might work, '' Amanda said.

`` shuffling sense, '' mat replied.

`` So it 's settled, '' Rose announced, `` We shall put paw prints on the map. ``

`` Wait, '' Albus said, `` I really do n't like the idea of animal stepping on the map. What if it gets ripped accidentally. ``

`` adept point, '' Rose sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few mo, then Rose had another theme. `` What if we use different while of sheepskin and then use a transfer charm to put them on the map ? ``

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

They all stared at each other and shook their top dog. `` Er, that might be a problem, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm pretty sure as shooting that charm is well past O.W.L. ``

`` I 'll learn it, '' pink wine told him, `` I 'm sure I can notice it in the library somewhere. ``

`` We 're lucky you 're such a al-Qur'an worm, Rose, '' toilet laughed.

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

`` The dog will be light, '' Amanda announced, `` I 've got a dog, call back ? ``

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

`` Sure, '' Amanda grinned, `` It 'll be easy. ``

`` Noel ? '' John sighed, `` I thought we 'd have it done before that. ``

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

Albus had wanted to envision out the map before Yule as well, but considering the fact that there were n't any Canis familiaris in Hogwarts, that would n't be possible. `` I think we can retrieve a rat somewhere in the rook. Probably near the dungeons. ``

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

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

Albus glanced around at his champion. He was n't really fond of strikebreaker and would prefer not to ingest to comport one around in his bag all day.

`` I 'll do it, '' John said after a piece, `` It should n't be that hard. I just hope the tour lasts until I can get it up here. ``

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

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

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

`` That 's what the Marauders would sustain wanted, '' Albus told her.

`` We do n't have to go to the Forbidden Forest, '' rosebush announced, `` We 've just got to go to a forest. I live right near a forest, Albus and I can try and get the print over Yuletide. ``

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

`` The werewolf one, '' matt whispered. Albus and the others turned to appear at Matt. He had been very serenity over the past times few minutes and Albus noticed that he was paler than usual. Albus could sympathize why. The werewolf paw print could possibly be the most dangerous one to get.

`` You know, '' Rose said quietly, `` This is why the paw publish thing makes so much sense to me. I highly doubt a regular wolf photographic print is going to exercise. And if this really is the way to get the map to wreak, the only way to get a werewolf paw print would be if a werewolf was at Hogwarts. ``

Albus thought about this and it made unadulterated sense. This would be one way for the Marauders to make sure that the new piranha would have at to the lowest degree one similarity to the originals. `` But how do we get it ? We obviously ca n't go into the screech Shack the dark of the full moonshine. ``

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

`` All rightfield, '' matt sighed after a few minutes. `` I 've got an musical theme. ``

Albus and the relaxation of his Quaker said nothing but watched as they waited for Matt to exposit. Albus could tell that Matt really did n't need to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to act ?

`` We go down to the Shrieking hutch a distich days before the full moon moon and stick a few bit of self-inking lambskin to the level. Hopefully I 'll maltreat on one of them and we 'll deliver a paw photographic print, '' Matt explained quietly.

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

`` But we ca n't let anyone see us, '' Matt told them, `` So we 'll have to go at night. ``

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

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

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

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

`` You three can go, '' Rose gestured to Albus, matt, and John, `` You 're going to be the new Marauders anyway. ``

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

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

`` Oh, right. ``

`` When 's the next total synodic month ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

`` perfect, '' Rose grinned, `` And I 'll start searching the program library for the charm. Hopefully we 'll have it figured out right after Christmas. ``

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

`` well, I 've got homework to do, '' Rose announced as she pulled out a few books from her bag.

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

The group worked silently on their prep for a while, only talking when they needed to ask questions about it. Albus tried his near to centralise on his metamorphosis essay, but his mind kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw prints faster. Albus was very uneasy to find out what this map had in memory for them. Of line, they still had to happen someone to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to campaign that cerebration from his mind.

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

`` Nice, is n't it ? '' rose wine smiled.

`` Not really, '' John replied, `` It 's too quiet. I 've kind of gotten used to Kaden 's garishness. ``

`` It is kind of strange not having him around tonight, '' Albus agreed. He had sort of gotten used to Kaden 's constant comportment over the retiring few weeks. Albus would even go so far as to say that he was starting to turn friends with his cousin.

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

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

That 's it ! Albus dropped his quill and stared at rose wine. Of course ! Why had n't he realized it before ? Kaden did keep abreast them around and practically worship the earth they walked on. Kaden was Wormtail.

`` Albus ? '' Rose asked. `` Are you all right ? ``

Albus shook his head and looked at Rose. `` I 'm very well. undecomposed than that, actually, '' he grinned. `` You 've just given me an thought as to who can be Wormtail. ``

`` Who ? '' John asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? ! '' John, lusterlessness, Rose, and Amanda shouted at once.

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

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

`` Not really, '' John said.

`` Just listen, '' Albus sighed. `` first, we 've got to remember what the map said when I told it I was Prongs. It said 'four Gryffindors connected by friendship and devilment'. The three of us are obviously connected through both. '' Albus gestured to John and Matt. `` But we need a fourth part person. Since they have to be somehow connected through us, we ca n't just break up a random student. Can you think of anyone besides Kaden that we have gotten in bother with ? ``

`` Not really, '' Saint John the Apostle said after a few moments silence.

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

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

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

`` So what are these qualities ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked skeptically.

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

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

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

`` audio like Kaden, '' mat agreed.

`` Definitely, '' privy replied.

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

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

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

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

`` Oh, I do n't live, '' Rose said, `` I think he wo n't mind as long as he gets to be a voice of this. ``

`` The map 's not the but matter we 're going to possess to evidence him, is it ? '' Matt said quietly, `` He 's going to find out what I am. ``

This was the part that Albus had tried to avoid thinking about ever since he first realized what they had to do to work the new map. Whoever was going to represent Wormtail was going to rule out that flatness was a werewolf, there was no avoiding it. It was voice of the reasonableness that Albus had n't really thought about who would be Wormtail. Albus knew Matt did n't want anyone else to get hold out. He never even really distinguish Albus and the others. They had found out on their own. Albus knew Kaden would never find out on his own ; he was just too oblivious. He needed to get laid, though, if he was going to be a theatrical role of this. Otherwise, he could n't really be one of the new piranha. Albus just had a gut tactual sensation about that. But was it worth it to enjoin him ? Especially when he already told Malfoy everything Albus had told him to keep secret ? Albus sighed, `` I think so. If we 're going to do this, Kaden will have to know. ``

`` We ca n't do it then, '' matt said adamantly, `` I ca n't state him. I just ca n't. He 'll tell Malfoy and then the whole of Slytherin will know and then soon the whole school will make out and they 'll tell their parents and they 'll quetch and Kendrick will have to kick me out. But then it wo n't matter anyway because all of Wizarding UK will know and no one will require to be around me or my family again and it will be just like Australia- ''

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

`` How do you bang ? '' Matt whispered in a shaky voice.

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

`` Not if I do n't say him, '' lusterlessness replied, `` And I 'm not going to differentiate him. You lot ca n't either, you promised. ``

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

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

`` Just listen to me for a moment, '' blush wine said loudly. `` Remember what Amanda said about a patch to sustain Kaden from giving away anymore closed book ? '' Everyone nodded. `` Well, I 'm moderately sure there is a turn like that, '' rosiness grinned.

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

`` Yes. I vaguely remember reading about it in a book. I 'm sure if I went to the library I could feel it, '' Rose explained. `` I 'll just look for it when I 'm researching the transfer charm. ``

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

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

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

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



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



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the future sunup, he found that he was overcome with nerves about stealing his founding father 's invisibility Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the excitement about the map the night before that he had n't really given it a s thought. But now that the idea had simmered overnight, he realized that the plan might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the Invisibility Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the former year. Of course, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to nobble it back right after he was done with his of late nighttime perambulation to the screaming hutch, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even probable ? Albus had no idea how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't make much use for it at Hogwarts because teachers could swan around wherever and whenever they wanted.

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

Albus remained distracted throughout his forenoon grade and by the time lunch came, he was almost as queasy as he had been for the first Quidditch match. Nobody said much as Albus picked at his food, well nobody except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his morning classes until he had to bequeath for Potions a little piece later. Once he was gone, Albus was free to talk about their architectural plan. `` I 'm not sure if this is going to work. ``

`` It worked for the marauder 's Map, '' Rose reminded him.

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

`` It 's got to puzzle out, '' lavatory insisted, `` How else will we creep down to, '' he lowered his phonation, `` you know, without being caught ? ``

`` There is n't any other way, '' Matt replied, `` We 'll get caught if we do n't induce the cloak. ``

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

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

`` But we 'll get caught by Filch if we try to creep out at Nox without the cloak, '' Matt whispered.

`` right field, '' Saint John the Apostle agreed, `` So we 're off to steal the cloak. ``

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

`` cartel me, Albus, '' Rose said, `` It 'll act upon. We 'll slip the cloak back before Uncle Harry even knows it 's gone. ``

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the stave table, `` We 'll just wait a duet to a greater extent minutes. ``

`` I do n't recall we should all go, '' rosebush announced, `` It 'll appear suspicious if we all go into his office. I think just me and Albus should go. ``

`` commodity mind, '' lusterlessness agreed, `` No one will think anything of it if the two of you go into his office. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the best way to do it. If all five of them went, chances are they would make enough noise to attract another instructor. Albus was relieved that blush wine was going to go, though. She was much salutary at summoning charms than Albus was.

`` We 'll wait for you in the elbow room, '' matte stood up. whoremonger and Amanda followed cause. `` See you in a bit. ``

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

Albus and Rose had lingered long enough at the mesa that the corridors were practically empty, save for a few straggling scholar who were much more engrossed on making it to class than giving Albus and rosebush a instant glance. They quietly made their way to Harry 's situation, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning Myrtle 's lavatory. Judging from the loud cries that were emitted from the lav, Peeves had just finished making fun of poor Myrtle.

The corridor that Harry 's post was in was entirely deserted when Albus and rosebush descended upon it. Albus was very well-chosen about this. Maybe they would get away with it. Albus tried to open the door, but it was locked. `` pigeon hawk ! '' he shouted and looked at Rose.

Rose did n't expect in phased in the least. `` Just use Alohamora. ``

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

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

`` All rightfield, '' Albus replied and pointed his wand at the lock. `` Alohomora. '' The ringlet clicked and Albus turned the handle. It opened. The cousin quietly crept inside, carefully shutting the door behind them.

Harry 's office looked much like it had the live on sentence Albus had been in it. Parchment, ledger, and other motley target were strewn around all over the topographic point, cluttering up the desk, couch, and chair. The bedroom room access had been left open and Albus could see that that room was just as messy, with robes laying on the bed and copies of the Prophet on the floor.

`` Does he ever clean up ? '' rosiness asked disgustedly, `` I mean, really. This is high-risk than James 's room. ``

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

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

rose must hold been thinking the same thing. She wrenched the proboscis outdoors and pointed her scepter at it. `` Accio invisibility Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

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

`` hold, '' Rose said as she crept closer to Harry 's trunk, `` I 'm pretty sure Uncle Harry mentioned that you ca n't use a summoning appeal on the cloak. ``

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

`` We 'll do it the knockout way, '' Rose sighed, `` You take the wardrobe, I 'll convey the proboscis. ''

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

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

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

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

Albus nodded, well-chosen to do as Rose said. He certainly did n't want to get caught in his dad 's business office with the invisibleness Cloak. rosebush handed him the cloak and he stuffed it into his robes. Once Albus and Rose were sure that the room looked just as it had when they got there, they quietly left. Neither of them said a word as they walked quickly to the Room of Requirement.

succor washed over Albus when he made it into the way a few minutes later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's pith still beat fast with adrenaline as he ran into the way and grinned at his friends. The chill of what he and Rose had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the invisibility Cloak. It was the first Marauder-like thing he had done. He knew this was exactly what the marauder had wanted him to do. To break rules and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' John the Divine ran over with a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. Matt and Amanda were right behind him sporting superposable grins on their faces.

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

`` It was incredibly easy, '' blush wine laughed. `` I found it right in Uncle Harry 's bole. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Watch it, '' St. John the Apostle snapped as Matt stepped on his foot.

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

`` Can you see us ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nope, '' Rose said, `` Walk around the room a few clip. ``

The son walked slowly around the room, making sure not to let out any of their limbs. John and lusterlessness started to get the knack of it after a few bit of pattern and they were soon able to go a little faster.

`` perfect tense, '' Amanda announced after the quartern time they circled the room. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What nighttime should we do this ? '' John asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Saturday because I 've got Quidditch exercise that morning and I 'm going to have to get some sleep Friday Nox or Peach State will expend the whole time yelling at me to wake up, '' Albus explained, `` That dear with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' John agreed. Matt nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Saturday Nox, we sneak into the shriek Shack. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the trouble maker, Albus, '' rose laughed, `` The predator would be proud. ``

******

The next day Rose decided to start her research on the transference good luck charm. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't take longsighted to find the right Word of God. rose wine found it in a copy of Advanced magic spell and after she read a bit about the charm she decided that it was going to be difficult but not unimaginable for her to do. She decided to surmount that charm before trying to find the charm to keep Kaden serenity. That one was going to be difficult to chance since they did n't even know the name of it. spring up checked out the Advanced appealingness record under the menacing glower of Madam Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to demand what they were up to and refuse them the Christian Bible. But, she could n't since the book was n't in the Restricted Section.

rose wine spent the next few days trying to compute the charm out. There was n't much Albus could do to help her, so he just did his prep and watched her. Albus thought the charm looked incredibly complicated and he was glad that Rose had volunteered to ascertain it. Rose was having a bit of difficulty mastering the charm, though. By the time Saturday night rolled around, she still had n't managed to reproduce much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The charm was well beyond the O.W.L. layer and it stood to reason that it would be severe for her. This did not wooing rosebush well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one thing that drove Rose mad, it was having difficulty learning something.

`` Why do n't you take a breakage ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the coarse room on Saturday Nox. `` You 've been at it for days. ``

`` Maybe you 're right, '' rose wine sighed. She had been trying for the past time of day to regurgitate her public figure onto another piece of parchment. `` I 'll just relax for a while. '' She pulled out her metamorphosis book and opened it to one of the later chapters.

`` I do n't be intimate how you can study that relaxing, '' John screwed up his aspect in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` extra credit charms homework, '' rose lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that Rose would ask supernumerary credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' Rose explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're smart. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' rosiness smiled at him.

Albus had no dubiousness that blush wine would figure the charm out eventually. It was just taking her longer than she expected. Albus was in no rush because the appealingness would be useless until they got all the paw prints they needed. That would n't happen until after Noel. John had n't managed to find a rat in Potions on Friday, but he was keeping his optic peeled.

The group stayed in the common room for another twosome hour, waiting until it was completely discharge. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his fatigue duty and went up to his dormitory. Eventually, Albus and his friends were the sole I left.

`` Ready ? '' Albus asked. John Lackland and Matt nodded. Albus rummaged in his bag and pulled out the cloak. `` I 've got the parchment in my robe. I think we 're set. ``

`` Let 's do it, '' John stood up.

`` trade good chance, '' Amanda said as the three son pulled the cloak around themselves. `` We 'll be waiting. ``

`` See you in a bit, '' blush wine told them as she held the portrait open for them to leave. `` Do n't get caught. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus assured her. `` I 've got the Map. '' Albus was n't nearly as nervous about sneaking out of the castle as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking more than rules this evening than he had the other day. He figured it had something to do with the fact that stealing the cloak was something his father would be disappointed in, whereas sneaking out would just get him in trouble with another teacher.

Whatever the ground, Albus felt almost excited about this evening. The merely prison term he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his first Occlumency dreaming the late year. Tonight 's escapade was a much good circumstance. Besides, Albus was a bit excited about following the tunnel to the Whomping Willow and seeing the inside of the shrieking shanty. He felt variety of guilty about this because he knew matt did n't want them to and was only agreeing to this for the interest of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to stop before they started down the stairs. He took out the Map and scanned it for a span moment. Filch was currently striding along the third floor corridor. They would take to be careful about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a schoolroom on the fourth part floor, no doubt wreaking havoc for one of the teachers to fix in the morning. Luckily, all of the teachers were in their offices. All they had to occupy about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, toilet, and matt continued their cautious trek down to the Entrance Charles Francis Hall, with Albus glancing at the Map every few minutes. The boy made it down to the third level corridor without difficulty, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about insolent fry. Albus gave his friends a worried aspect as they quietly moved towards the nearest stair type. Albus held his breathing spell as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three invisible male child. Albus was very well-chosen when they made it onto the back floor and even well-chosen when they got to the front room access and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one thing that could have gone untimely with their architectural plan. arise had tried to teach him a few More building complex unlocking spells but he was n't very good at them and was hoping he would n't need to use them.

`` Made it ! '' bathroom let out a vast breath once the palace doors were shut.

`` Not quite, '' matt replied.

`` Yeah, but at least we can talk now. I wish this cloak would cover up noise, too. Reckon we can take the cloak off ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered immediately. `` What if one of the teachers is looking out the window ? Or if Hagrid is wandering around ? '' Albus loved Hagrid, but he would n't desire to feature to explain why he was sneaking down to the Whomping willow tree in the dead of night if the lovable half-giant caught them.

The three boys continued along the path that lead them through the grounds. There was about six inches of snow on the ground and the air was bitingly cold. Albus was glad he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to check the Map every match of moment, but so far the grounds were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be capable to take the air faster once they were on the grounds, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to delay concealed under the cloak and it was even harder now because Matt was slowing down. `` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked after the cloak almost slipped off of him.

`` fine, '' he panted. `` Just the moon. Let 's keep going. ``

Albus looked from his champion 's tired face to the sky. The almost broad Moon was shining down on the ground, illuminating it enough that Albus had n't bothered to light his wand. `` We should have done this earlier in the week, '' Albus commented, remembering the disastrous detention with Filch the early month.

`` No, I 'm exquisitely, '' Matt assured him, `` It wo n't be to the full until Tuesday. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and toilet slowed down their footstep to equal Matt 's, although Albus thought it would be better for them to speed up in rules of order to make the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping willow tree. The three male child paused just beyond the grasp of the branches and Albus and John looked to Matt for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able to get into the hole wearing the cloak, '' matte explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his gown. `` All right, '' matte continued, pulling out his verge. `` I 'll just disable the wards. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his wand at the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. Albus strained to listen to the tour but he could n't hear it.

`` Now what ? '' lav asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

flatness walked around to the other side of the tree with Albus and John following. Matt bent over, searched through the snow, and picked up a long joystick, stumbling and shivering a petty as he stood up. He pressed his helping hand to his head, wincing a little. `` concern, '' he answered to Albus and John 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the tree 's outgrowth and stuck the long stick into the tree 's trunks. The branches immediately stop dead and the Whomping willow looked just as tame as any of the other Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree on the grounds. `` Quick, before they start again, '' Matt stumbled towards the tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the burrow once, gestured for King John to go first. Albus followed his Friend and made it into the hole just as the branches started flailing again. Albus and John lit their wand and looked around the cramped tunnel while lustrelessness put the wards back up.

`` Let 's go, '' Matt announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly passably cool, '' John said in awe as they started down the passageway, `` Kinda spooky, but cool. '' matt sent him a dirty feeling. `` I mean, besides the whole werewolf thing, '' John the Divine replied quickly.

Albus could see what trick meant. It was variety of a neat tunnel, although very dark and sort of damp. The good thing was that it was slightly warmer than exterior. The ceiling was low and Albus had to scrunch down a little in order to take the air. There were John Rock and roots along the itinerary, but the whole standard pressure was quite exciting. Albus loved wandering through secret passageways and this one was n't any different. He was excited about finally being able-bodied to follow it. His dad had told him about this burrow and the Shrieking hovel numerous clip, but always said no when Albus asked if he could go explore it. Now he was finally getting to do it. Granted, he was breaking about a dozen school rules to do it, but it was worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt like at least a one-half hour. The shiver of it was beginning to assume off as Albus got colder. The month of December was not a commodious time to be doing this. By the time they reached the Shrieking shack, Albus was gear up to crawl into his warm up four-poster bed and go to sleep. John 's inflammation had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the long, chilly walk. mat, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the Moon, did n't look much better than he had earlier. He looked incredibly exhausted and was breathing as heavily as if he 'd just run a marathon.

`` How do you possibly make it here before the full synodic month ? '' St. John the Apostle asked, out of hint. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the clip you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' lustrelessness replied in between hint, `` brothel keeper Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` well, next time I ca n't catch some Z's I 'll just walk up and down this a few times, '' John joked.

`` In. Here, '' matt panted as he opened an old looking doorway that creaked as he opened it. Albus and privy quietly followed him through it, into a very decrepit looking room.

Albus was shocked at what he saw. Broken furniture lay everywhere, a lot of it covered in dry out rakehell. There was n't anything that remained unbroken. opus of tables, death chair, and couches were all over the place with raciness sucker on them. There was a staircase nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on numerous times. Albus swallowed as he realized that his champion was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' John Lackland asked slowly.

Matt glared at him. `` Use your brain, '' he snapped.

St. John the Apostle looked from him to the bust furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Matt sighed and sat down on the floor near the fireplace. He leaned his headway against the wall. `` See why I did n't really desire you to come here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and John nodded.

`` It 's one thing for you to know what I am, '' matte continued, `` But another to see what I actually do, what I could do ... '' his voice trailed off.

Albus knew what he wanted to say, but could n't. What he could do if he was n't in the screaming hovel during the entire moon. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the woman chaser. ``

`` I guess, '' lustrelessness said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' bathroom replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and Matt shouted at the same metre.

`` Become Animagi, '' John the Divine repeated, `` If we 're trying to become the following Marauders, we might as well do it properly. ``



A/N : Bit of a cliffy ! But I had to start a new chapter somewhere. Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, Denas, myself, and Luke for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit the thought did cross his nous every once in a patch. But really, it was n't very realistic. Yes, the vulture had done it, but they were lucky it had worked out all right. There was a reason that hardly anyone could go an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only indorsement years. The Marauders had n't done it until their 5th year. They were exceptionally smart, too. well, three of them were. Albus did n't think he was anywhere near goodness enough at transfiguration to pull it off. rosebush was probably the only one of them who had a chance at succeeding. And even though pink wine did not hesitate to conk out linguistic rule when she needed to, there was no way she would concord to this. `` Oh come on, John, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' John asked, `` The predator did it. ``

`` They were really voguish, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smart. And what did you get on your last Transfiguration test ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' John corrected him, `` And we 'd figure it out. Rose could assist us. ``

`` But this is n't as simple as figuring out a spell for course of instruction ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's dangerous. What if we ca n't change back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? rose does n't lie with everything. Even she would have trouble with this. ``

`` It 's worth the risk of infection, '' John said adamantly, `` I do n't give care if I mess up a few times. I 'll just try again. ``

`` That 's the thing. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the chance to try again. My dad explained this all to me over the summer. He talked to me about becoming an Animagus as soon as school was over stopping point year because he knew the persuasion would cross my mind. He 'll know if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd regard trying when we 're older, but definitely not right now. ``

John the Divine sighed, `` It would be great if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new Marauders then. Imagine if we could even change into the same animals the Marauders were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that John the Divine seemed to bear the fact that Albus was n't going to stir on the upshot. `` I do n't have a go at it if I 'd be a stag, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' privy asked, grinning.

Albus smirked, `` Not really. He 'd probably be one of those yappy dogs, not a big cool dog like you 'd be, but a tiny chihuahua or something that 's always barking and jumping. ``

`` Definitely, '' John laughed, `` It could n't hurt to research Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for extra credit. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` Energy Department n't matter, '' Matt said quietly. He had been exceptionally quiet ever since privy had first mentioned the idea. `` You ca n't become Animagi with me on the full-of-the-moon lunation. ``

`` Why ? '' John the Divine asked. `` We know it 's dangerous. I do n't care. ``

`` It 's not that. You think I have n't thought about you lot becoming Animagi ? That my parents have n't thought about doing it ? Amy ? They have. My parents have ever since we found out Aconitum lycoctonum did n't knead for me. Amy has ever since she first saw me after a shift. My parents actually started working on it. But then they decided to feature me do the Wolfsbane bailiwick instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the full-of-the-moon moon, I wo n't hurt myself and it 'll seem like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up up the study big time. My parents decided it would be better for me to regain a potion that would influence than to have to bank on other people 's Animagus abilities. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very glad. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a little projecting. He did n't want to become an Animagus behind his dad 's back. It was one thing to steal the invisibleness Cloak for a yoke mean solar day, but to cabbage around as an creature every full moonshine ? That was just too closemouthed for Albus 's liking. He hoped that toilet would render up on the idea now.

`` But if the study ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't terminate you from trying. ``

`` Sounds fair, '' St. John the Apostle replied, `` How long does the field of study go ? ``

`` No approximation. Probably at least another two years. It all depends on how many different forms of Aconitum lycoctonum people come up with, '' Matt closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall again.

`` vexation still there ? '' Albus asked. mat nodded without opening his eyes. `` Let 's hurriedness up, then. Where should we put the parchment ? ``

`` Room behind the step, '' lusterlessness shakily stood up. `` That way Madam Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' John gently pushed his supporter back onto the floor. `` How much lambskin should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you bring ? ``

`` About a one-half cast, '' Albus pulled a partially used roster of lambskin out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. Chances are nigh of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the step with John following and saw the small room Matt was talking about. It was also filled with versatile dampen pieces of furniture. `` We should n't take in done this tonight. I did n't even remember about the Sun Myung Moon. ``

`` Me neither, '' whoremaster shook his brain as he bent down to travel some of the furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the sentence with the detention. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can sleep all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped firearm off the roll of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' John yawned. `` Was n't expecting the tunnel to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a long way from the grounds to Hogsmeade, so it makes sense. ``

Albus finished ripping the sheepskin and the two boys each took a push-down list to stick on to the floor. It took them a few minutes and once they were done, the room was covered in bit of parchment.

`` I can see why he did n't want ma'am Pomfrey to see, '' John laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely produce some questions, '' Albus lit his own baton. `` Let 's just desire this oeuvre. I ca n't see any other way to safely get a werewolf 's paw print. ``

The two boys took one more look at the sheepskin coated room and then went back to the magnanimous main elbow room. Matt was right hand where they left him, leaning against a partially broken chair. Albus nudged him awake.

`` Finished ? '' Matt yawned.

`` Yup, let 's get back to the castle, '' Albus helped his friend up and the three of them left the shack.

The trip back through the burrow took a lot longer than when they were going to the shack. All three boys were incredibly tired and the thrill had worn off for Albus and John. Albus glanced at his watch as they neared the end of the burrow and saw that it was nearly 1:30. He was very gladiola they had done this on a weekend.

`` It 's harder getting out than getting in, '' Matt said tiredly as he removed the wards. `` Whoever goes first has to dodge the arm and then tug the greyback on the trunk for the other two. ``

Albus and John looked at each other, for both of them knew Matt was too exhausted to be able-bodied to duck the branches properly. `` I 'll do it, '' Albus told him, `` I 'm making you get the rat. '' Albus climbed up the paries and crawled out of the hole. He was immediately hit in the shoulder with one of the flailing branches. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the trunk for the knot. His script made contact with it and the branches immediately froze. `` You can come up out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the invisibility Cloak out of his cloak. Matt appeared out of the hollow first and shuddered as the Moon hit him. Saint John the Apostle was right behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once matt re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' John asked Albus once they were back on the path leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the articulatio humeri, '' Albus replied. His shoulder joint stung and he could feel some blood dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see madam Pomfrey. She would know immediately what gave him the combat injury and would no dubiety insist on knowing what they were up to.

The boys trudged along through the dusty night air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that boneheaded swarm were moving in. It would probably lead by the nose soon. Of track, Albus would be much too tired the adjacent day to enjoy it, so it did n't much matter. It was worth it, though. Within a few Day they would take one of the four paw prints needed to unlock the secrets of the new map.

A little while later they reached the castle doors. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the sixth floor and Peeves was in Moaning Vinca minor 's lav. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the grip of the door and pushed. It did not budge. He tried again, but no luck. `` Filch must 've remembered to lock it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those spells Rose taught you, '' St. John suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his wand at the handgrip. He muttered a go but the door remained engage. He tried a few to a greater extent, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a panicky tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' bathroom questioned and pushed the door himself, `` What do we do now ? ``

`` What do you mean we 're locked out ? '' flatness groaned, `` It was just unlocked a match hours ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't stay out here all night ! '' Matt 's voice cracked, `` We 'll immobilize ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as panic filled his body. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the rook and into the tunnel without getting caught that the thought process of being locked out had n't even crossed his mind. I mean, what were the chances of the doors being unlocked when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't stay out here, it was freezing and would hoodwink soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any chance either of you knows how to press a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the lone way he knew to get through Rose and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' Gospel According to John asked. `` We 're only instant years. ``

`` wellspring, have you got any shiny musical theme on how to state Rose and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

whoremaster thought for a minute before answering, `` You could break into the ling shed and steal a broom. Then fly it up to Gryffindor Tower. ``

`` Now you 're mad. I 'll get seen by someone. What if one of the professor is looking out their windowpane ? Or one of the pupil ? ``

`` Wear the invisibleness Cloak, '' John replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then Rose and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, right, '' John sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in hassle, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't opine of something else soon, they would cause to go to Hagrid's.

`` Well, we 've got to suppose of something soon. He 's got to get away from the moon, '' John gestured to flatness who was leaning against the door and breathing heavily.

`` The synodic month 's almost covered by cloud, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll cause to interest about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' John groaned. `` Maybe we can curl up up in peck of snow like wolves do and keep warm that way. ``

`` Very laughable, '' Albus said flatly. He was really starting to get worried now. What would happen if they did go to Hagrid 's ? They 'd surely get in bother, but how much ? Would they just get detention or would it be worse ? spot would be taken away for surely, and that would not go over well with the other Gryffindors.

`` Hey, postponement ! '' John 's typeface brightened a bit, `` What about the scream shanty ? We could just go back there and spend the night. Then we 'll lift back in tomorrow morning after Filch has unlocked the doors again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a instant. `` Not actually a bad idea. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

St. John the Apostle grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked lusterlessness in the side.

`` What ? '' matte opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the Shack, '' John explained.

`` Great, '' Matt said sarcastically, `` I get to expend another night there. You two could n't come up with a different estimate ? ``

`` Nope, '' Saint John the Apostle answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty splendid myself, so unless you 've got a better one, we 're going. ``

Matt sighed, `` Oh, OK. But we 're not making a habit of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' John laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' Matt groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't assist but feel a midget bit excited about spending the night in the hutch. It would definitely be the worst thing he had ever done, as far as breaking rules was concerned. He also felt aflutter about it. What if they did get caught ? What if Rose and Amanda started to get worried and told someone about their design ? Albus pushed that thought out of his judgement. rose would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in worry. But they were n't in that big of trouble. The three of them would drop the night in the shack and that would be that. When sunrise came they would sneak back into the castle and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be sort of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit dangerous. Something the piranha would have done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The head trip back to the shack, though exhausting, was uneventful. St. John, like Albus, had a look of excitement in his eyes when the three of them entered the shack once more. lusterlessness looked like he did n't worry where they were, as long as there was some place he could sleep.

`` This is middling cool, '' John grinned, `` Spending the Nox in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be coldness, though, '' Matt shivered, `` There are n't any heat appealingness in here. ``

`` heater than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his robe. `` Are there any lights in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' mat replied. `` We 'll just possess to keep our verge lit. ``

`` What do you want to do now ? '' toilet asked with a look of mischief on his face, `` So many possibilities in this place .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' lusterlessness suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the night in the hovel, was extremely tired and all he wanted to do was sleep. `` Are there any seam here ? ``

`` One, '' lusterlessness answered. He led Albus and lav up the stairs and into the only bedroom. There was one large bed and a wardrobe, both surprisingly still intact. `` They 're charmed to be durable, '' Matt answered Albus 's questioning look.

John hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is excellent for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' Matt joined him on the bed and started jump as well. `` You 're right, it is quite nice for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was good for jumping. Even undecomposed than James II 's. James, Albus, and Lily had spent many hours jumping on James 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their female parent. The boy continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a pair minutes. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a narrative his Aunt Hermione had told him about monkeys jumping on a bed.

`` What 's so funny ? '' John asked.

`` Just wondering who 'll be the first to fall off and founder his capitulum, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' John asked and mat started to laugh as well.

`` It 's a Muggle story, '' Albus explained and proceeded to tell John the narration of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for stories, '' John shook his head and jumped off the bed, landing on his feet like a cat. `` I do n't think any of us are going to transgress our heads. ``

`` Mine feels like it 's broken, '' lusterlessness announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't land as gracefully as St. John the Apostle and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down next to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' matt pointed his lit wand at his arm. `` No stock. ``

`` Good, '' lav replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can swipe back in before a lot of people wake up. ``

`` There 's more blankets in the wardrobe, '' Matt yawned as he got back on the bed and curled up beneath the mantle that was already on the bed.

Albus and John each grabbed a twain blankets and got into the bed alongside Matt. It was a unspoiled thing the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much bigger than the four-poster beds in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already deceased, '' whoremaster commented as he lay down.

`` good, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his cephalalgia will go away. Good Nox. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the following morning to slivers of light shining through the boarded up windows. Boarded up windows ? There were n't boarded up windows in the hall. Albus 's eyes shot open and he glanced around at his surroundings. Oh, right. The memories of the old night flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the shriek Shack. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more tired this forenoon than he had the previous Night. One look at his watch told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four hours of eternal sleep. Just as well, Albus thought. They had to get back to the palace quickly anyway, if they wanted to snarf back in without anyone noticing.

Albus nudged whoremaster awake and winced. He pulled up the sleeve of his robe and saw that the cut from the Whomping Willow looked thoroughly disgusting. It was probably infected and would want a stumble to the hospital wing. Albus shook whoremonger with his uninjured arm. `` Saint John the Apostle, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me sleep, '' John groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't deal, '' bathroom murmured.

`` I 'll advertize you out of bed, '' Albus warned. John muttered something incoherent and did n't move. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled King John over to the border of the bed. He gave him one final nudge and can fell off the border of the bed with a meretricious thump.

`` What the snake pit ? '' St. John shouted, sitting up with a stupid look on his face.

`` I told you to get up, '' Albus leaned over the bed and laughed. `` We 've got to get back to the palace or mortal 's going to see us come out of the Tree. ``

`` Oh, amercement, '' John grumbled, `` But I 'm going back to bed once we get back. ``

`` You and me both, '' Albus agreed and got out of bed. He picked up the supernumerary blankets and stowed them back in the wardrobe so dame Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to push him off the bed too ? '' John pointed to matt 's sleeping form as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the jurist ? '' John muttered.

Albus grinned and shook Matt awake. `` We 've got to get back to the castling. We 'll sleep Thomas More there. ``

Matt groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just stay here. ``

`` I would n't hint it, '' John responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you believe that ? ``

Matt laughed and looked from John to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The male child left the shack quickly and started the yearn journey back to the Whomping Willow. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very glad that he did n't have any classes today. He had homework, but he was n't even going to think about that until he got at least another six hours of sleep. One spry stay of the map told him that the coast was sort out before they emerged from the tree.

The three of them donned the Invisibility Cloak as soon as Matt was finished warding the Tree and they set off for the castle. Since it was still early, the only one on the grounds was Hagrid. There were several more column inch of nose candy and by the time they boys were back at the castle doors, their robes were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the castle, it had started sowing again.

`` blush wine and Amanda are in the Great Charles Francis Hall, '' Albus pointed to their two dots on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the Entrance Hall, so I think we 're good. '' Albus pushed the threshold opened and the three invisible boys slipped inside. Albus immediately pulled the wet cloak off of them and hid it in his robe. `` We should probably go talk to Rose and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see Madam Pomfrey sometime, '' Matt told them, `` My arm still hurts, look. '' He pulled the sleeve of his gown up and showed them his Black and blue sky arm. `` I do n't retrieve it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My shoulder joint still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll have to go, too. ``

At that here and now, Rose and Amanda left the Great Hall and stopped a distich substructure away from the son. trick pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both girls had a compounding of rest period and ire on their faces. rosebush was fuming by the time she stomped over to Albus. `` Where. Were. You, '' she demanded.

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled. He never liked being on the receiving end of his cousin 's anger.

`` way, now, '' blush wine seethed and stalked off towards the stairs with Amanda at her side.

Albus, King John, and flatness followed wordlessly. All melodic theme of going to the Hospital Wing were driven from Albus 's mind. Of course, after seeing Rose, he would much rather have been bombarded with questions about his shoulder than going to the Room with his cousin.

Nobody said a word until they were in the way. Albus, John, and flatness sat face by incline on the lounge, but blush wine and Amanda remained standing in front of them. `` explain yourselves ! '' Rose shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

rose cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll secern you about our Nox first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the Shack in the heart of the night, but it had to be done. What other choice did we receive ? It was safer than the alternative. How else were you going to get the paw print ? I thought the plan would work. We had it all set. You three would sneak down there and put the parchment on the floor and then sneak back up. Simple. '' Rose stopped and began to pace around the room.

`` There were all kinds of things that could 've gone awry, '' Amanda picked up where Rose left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the teachers. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the primer ? There are all variety of animals wandering around at night. Not to refer the Whomping Willow itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to mean when you three never showed up ? ! '' Rose raised her vox even higher, if that was possible. `` If you had been caught by Filch or a teacher, you would 've came back to Gryffindor eventually ! BUT YOU NEVER DID ! ``

`` But Rose- '' John pleaded. Albus sent him a warning look. He knew it was never dependable to interrupt rose wine when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, John ! We thought some form of animal had you ! Or even worse, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and kidnap you or something ! Then you sneak back into the castle this morning, looking like you 've just been at a party or something !

`` You kept us up all night worrying, when you probably just decided to suffer some fun last night. You know I was this close to telling Uncle Harry this morning. I wanted to last night, but Amanda convinced me to wait until morning. Of line now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a couple detentions would teach you not to detain out all night ! ``

`` Rose, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us explain. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' rose glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did finale night was n't just stupidity. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The doors to the castle were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the castle. I tried all the charm you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to spend the dark in the Shrieking hovel. And you 're rectify, it was kind of fun. ``

rosebush and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a word for the next minute. Albus and the other boy did n't presume say a Holy Scripture either. `` Well, '' blush wine said quietly, `` Er, that does explain things. I 'm, uh, sorry I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' Rose began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a straightaway note telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at least eff what was going on. ``

Albus, John, and lusterlessness turned to depend at each other. Albus felt his boldness turn red. Of class ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The lonesome means of communicating Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the answer was there all along, a simple owl. He could own just made a speedy trip-up to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're idiots, '' bathroom muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our imbecile, '' Rose laughed. `` Now, are you going to tell us about your little adventure ? ``

Albus, trick, and mat spent the next half minute relaying every contingent of their trip to the Shrieking Shack the previous nighttime. Rose and Amanda both found it very entertaining, especially the role about Albus pushing lavatory off the bed.

After they were done telling the story, all five of them went to the hospital wing so Albus and matte could get their injury healed. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the ward was completely deserted of other affected role. She took one look at the Gryffindors and came bustling out from behind the desk. `` You lot again ? What have you gotten yourselves into this metre ? ``

`` Just these two, '' trick pointed at Albus and Matt.

Madam Pomfrey took one heavy look at matt and announced, `` You were outside last dark. Was individual giving you detention ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

Madam Pomfrey looked at him for a few second gear longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and Matt sat down on one of the layer and Madam Pomfrey returned a few moments later with a tray laden with potions. She told Matt to drink them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' Matt pulled up his sleeve, `` I tripped over a book. ``

Madam Pomfrey clucked her knife and pulled out her scepter. She had his arm healed in an instant. `` I trust you 'll get some sleep today ? Or do I have to spend a penny you stay here ? ``

`` I 'll slumber, I promise, '' mat replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nurse turned to Albus.

`` Hurt my berm, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the subject. He pulled up his sleeve to reveal his wound shoulder.

Madam Pomfrey studied it for a moment, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nurse looked at the injury for a little while longer and she looked from Albus to Matt and back again. `` I know how you got that, '' she replied.

`` Er, '' Albus stuttered. Great, after all that, they were still going to get in trouble.

`` Whatever you boys did last Nox, do n't do it again, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then mat in the eye, `` I wo n't tell professor Longbottom this clip, or your father, '' she said to Albus, `` But next time I will. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of reliever as gentlewoman Pomfrey healed his berm with one Jonathan Swift wave of her wand. He 'd have got no trouble keeping his discussion to the nanny. There was no way that he was going to repeat last Nox. well, unless they needed to for the map. But he 'd try hard not to get hit by the Whomping willow succeeding time.

`` You 're all set, '' lady Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some sleep, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would have no problem doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The grouping went back to the common elbow room and the male child immediately headed for their dormitory. Albus changed into his jammies and climbed into his affectionate four-poster bed, feeling very satisfied that they had n't been caught at all.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the time Albus woke up it was already dinner time, which was trade good because he was starving. can and Matt woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling much better now that they 'd gotten a properly sum of sleep.

`` ready to do that again ? '' John asked as he was putting on his horseshoe.

Despite the fact that Albus did have fun on their dangerous undertaking in conclusion dark, he did not need to repeat it. `` Are you genial ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' John laughed.

`` You do make that we 'll receive to go get the paw print, '' Matt reminded them.

Albus and John looked at each other. The accuracy was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just wreak with you back to the castle ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious, '' Matt replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped matt would be able to get the paw photographic print. What were the chances that they 'd be able to sneak down to the shack again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't block to engage the doorway twice. Plus, what would fall out if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a loud articulation shouted as soon as Albus, John, and flatness descended into the common elbow room. Kaden came running over to them with his usual feel of excitation in his eyes.

`` Hey, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` We 're just going to dinner. ``

`` Me, too. I 'll go with you, '' Kaden fell into stair alongside Albus. `` Where have you lot been all day anyway ? ``

`` Uh, sleeping upstairs, '' Albus replied.

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked skeptically, `` Because I asked Rose if you were in your hall and she said you were n't. ``

`` I assure you we were, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hmm, well, I wonder why she told me you were n't. ``

`` Who knows ? She 's a girl, they do strange things, '' John said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' lusterlessness answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up late doing homework last nighttime, '' John lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after first year. They bombard you with even more homework. ``

`` guess I 've got that to look forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The boy did spend their intact evening doing all the prep they had n't done the dark before. Kaden stared at them the unanimous time, no doubt mentation of next year, when he would sustain to spend his whole weekend doing homework. Albus felt form of bad that they told him that and he was now form of dreading his endorse year, but he 'd incur out soon enough that that was n't true up. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a word about the new map until pink wine found the charm to keep open him quiet about it.

******

The day of the full moon came quickly and Albus could n't concentrate on any of his classes. He could only recollect about the map, and how they would be one step closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon live if another trip to the shack was going to be necessary. Of path, it may be that more than one more trip would be needed, if they did n't get the step tonight. There was the possibility that all the parchment would be destroyed. Albus did n't want to cerebrate about that, though. He just clung to the idea that they would be able to get a paw mark tonight and that matt would be able to bring in it back the next morning.

mat skipped his afternoon year and spent the time sleeping in the Room of Requirement. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner and snuck out of the Great Radclyffe Hall before Kaden noticed, they went up to the way. They did n't sustain a good deal time before Matt had to go to the hospital wing and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how farsighted that tunnel is, I feel even grim for him, '' John said quietly on their way to the commons room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't know how he does it. He could barely get to the hospital wing. ``

`` Hi, guys ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the common room. Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda went over to the tabular array Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with parchment and leger, and sat down. `` Where 's mat ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the hospital wing, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Because of that disease I was n't supposed to tell anyone about ? ``

`` right hand, '' Albus confirmed. His cousin could be so slow sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his script and tried to concentrate on his homework. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the next day, which he was very wind up about. Albus tried to tune up him out, but he could n't. Albus had a feeling even if Kaden was n't running a streaming commentary about his potions class he still would n't be able to digest. His totally mind was consumed with thinking about the map. He sighed and closed his book. None of his homework was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really palpate like doing homework tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' John muttered and continued writing his pa essay that was due the next day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an idea that would occupy both his and Kaden 's even. `` Ever played chess ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum taught me. ``

`` Ever played Wizard 's Chess ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's font lit up, `` Wizards have their own chess ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll instruct you. Be justly back. '' Albus ran up to his hall and rummaged around in his trunk until he found a chess board, his chess piece, and an old set of chessmen for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more agitate than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` gambling chess game. It 's pretty very much like Muggle chess, but with some conflict. You commend how to play Muggle chess game ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` fountainhead, with Wizard 's Chess everyone has their own chess piece. These are mine, '' Albus held up his ashen chessmen. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this spare set. I think it used to belong to my Uncle Walker Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of black chessmen.

`` Are you any good at chess ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all right. Not as adept as Henry James, and not nearly as good as Rose. My Uncle Ron, pink wine 's dad, is the trump at it. No one 's ever able to stupefy him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like normal ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own man. `` White goes first. Oh, and you do n't actuate your small-arm. Just order the bit which space to prompt to. ``

`` Tell them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you entail, tell them ? ``

`` Just picket, '' Albus put down his last bit and muttered statement for his pawn to move two squares ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the blank pawn moved by itself. `` They 'll do that if I tell them, too ? ``

`` They 're supposed to. But they might not need to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his cat's-paw to impress forward two square and it did so without falter. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than steady chess. ``

The game continued for a few more second and then one of Kaden 's instrument wound up in the way of life of Albus 's castle. Albus commanded the castle forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the common room turned around to appear at him. `` Your castle killed my cat's-paw ! That 's mental ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a magic spell to revivify them, '' Albus explained.

`` testament my art object stamp out yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few turns later, Kaden got the chance to lodge one of his composition to kill one of Albus 's. Kaden 's face was broad of glee as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's pawn. The secret plan continued and Albus started to get the look that Kaden just liked watching the composition destroy each early. This became especially seeming when Kaden only had his Billie Jean King, a horse, his castles, and three cat's-paw left. Albus was only missing one castle, both bishops, and five or so pawns. Kaden 's chessmen were not very felicitous about this and his king and knight actually got into what appeared to be a heated argument about whether or not they were going to carry on to take heed to Kaden. Eventually, his king flat out refused to move and Albus won by nonremittal. Nevertheless, it was one of the most amusing biz of chess Ablus had ever played. John, Amanda, and even rosebush gave up on their homework and watched the last persona of the game.

`` I think you need your own chessman, '' Albus told Kaden as he repaired the broken spell. `` I 'm not sure as shooting if these will be volition to listen to you anymore. ``

`` Well it 's no admiration, '' Rose commented, `` All he did was severalize them to walk right into Death lying in wait. ``

`` It 's funny to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe next time you 'll actually try and win, '' rose smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chessman for Dec 25. ``

`` That would be a good idea, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them better than these one. ``

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that night and he was very pall the succeeding morning. All he could think about was the paw print and whether or not their plan worked. Luckily Albus only had two classes that day and then he would be capable to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the hospital backstage after this, right ? '' John whispered to Albus during a mind numbing History of conjuration lesson. Binns was currently droning on about the account of the enslavement of business firm Elves. rosiness was the only when one paying attention, although Albus had no idea why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the account of House hob, having been lectured about it by pink wine 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you desire lunch first ? ``

`` Of course I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's make it fast. ``

`` I should n't birth bothered asking, '' Albus laughed.

`` How a great deal foresightful until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in front of him and John, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his sentry. `` xv minutes. But it 'll experience like thirty. ``

`` Why do we need to know about House Elves anyway ? '' privy asked

`` They 're an important part of wizarding history ! '' Rose replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's tire, though, '' John responded and flicked a man of lambskin at the Hufflepuff sitting at the desk next to him. `` We should learn about something more shake up. Like the Giant warfare. ``

`` Binns 'll take a leak even that boring, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's right than this. ``

`` Even the chronicle of caldron and their effects on wizarding society ? '' Amanda laughed. That example, which had taken blank space the former year, had been the worst one yet. Albus was surely everyone, including rosebush, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never intellect, '' John groaned. `` I do n't even want to guess about that one. Or the 14 column inch essay we had to write on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and Miss Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd like to part with the course of study ? ``

`` No, sir, '' King John replied.

`` commodity, good, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, British menage Elves started to have contact with the American English firm Elves, which resulted in a form of theater Elf unity .... ''

`` Kill me now, '' John muttered.

`` Five to a greater extent instant ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this sign Elf stuff, '' Amanda whispered.

John snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes history. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is worse than maths in Muggle schooling, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate maths, '' toilet agreed, `` I 'm glad we do n't have to take them here. Mum taught me some and it was horrible. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy next year, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that class either.

`` No way, '' King John shook his brain, `` I 'll bet Kaden would wish it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this form. ``

`` He does. He told me the other day, '' Amanda announced.

`` Likes everything except Quidditch, '' John sighed, `` There 's something wrong with that kid. ``

`` XII in essay about the Society for the Promotion of Elfish eudaimonia for next socio-economic class, '' Binns droned a hour before the class was over.

The import the bell rang, Albus and his friends shot up out of their president and ran out the door. `` This 'll be cake, '' Albus laughed, `` An essay on Spew ! ``

`` It 's S.P.E.W. ! '' Rose laughed as she caught up with him.

`` Good, you can do mine ! '' John told him.

`` Sorry, one boring essay per night, yours would put me over my limit point, '' Albus faked an apologetic flavour. `` Oh, follow on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd like to spend my time. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see Matt. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of students that were flooding into the Great student residence. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor table and Albus and the others were able-bodied to shovel down nutrient at the opposite end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their hurried lunch, they ran up to the infirmary wing. `` I hope he was able to get the paw photographic print, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't fancy walking through that tunnel again, '' trick agreed.

The curtains were pulled around flatness 's usual bed at the far end of the ward. Nobody was in any of the other layer. brothel keeper Pomfrey was interfering preparing potions when the mathematical group of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to greet them. `` Oh, it 's you lot. I figured you 'd be showing up soon. He 's sleeping right now, I 'm afraid you 'll have to await. ``

`` Please, Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't detain long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be lull, too, '' John commented, `` You can throw us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the formula, '' the nursemaid replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to derive back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a hoarse interpreter came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' Madam Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the curtains, `` You know he needs to rest ! ``

`` wellspring, he 's awake now, so we can delay, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` amercement, '' Madam Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a short while. '' She left them alone and went back to her potions.

`` Sorry for waking you up, '' Albus said as he closed the curtains again. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all rightfulness, '' lustrelessness replied. He looked much like he usually did after a total synodic month, with assorted bandages all over. `` You did n't come alive me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' Rose asked.

`` You 'll never guess who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he number to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go visit flatness unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't call up. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in category and he and Kaden got covered in it. Willinson got the brunt of it and while Kaden was waiting for his turn to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. gentlewoman Pomfrey would n't tell him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here last night. dame Pomfrey came to give me potion while they were here and Kaden saw me. Then he asked if he could see me, so I pretended to be asleep. ``

`` So Willinson knew you were here ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he 's going to tell Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in metamorphosis this morning, '' Rose pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't count then. ``

Albus was just itching to roll in the hay if Matt had managed to get the paw print. He had thought matte would work it up right away, but the Kaden thing must 've made him leave about it. `` Did you get the mark ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in circumstances, '' Matt smiled, `` I did carry off to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's right field there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather bust opus of lambskin. But in the middle was a very declamatory paw mark consisting of a mixing of ink, mud, and blood. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And kind of gross, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` Perfect. ``

`` One down feather, three to go, '' John commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the other three are a bit easier. '' Albus was feeling very well about their program now. The surd paw print was done and soon they would have the other three.

`` And the appeal is working lots better now, '' rose wine announced, `` I started to get the hang of it endure nighttime. I 'll probably have it done before Christmas. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can start looking for that charm to go along Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow evening or Fri morning, probably, '' lustrelessness told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to skip astronomy. ``

`` What a shame, '' Saint John faked a feel of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an hour looking at adept. ''

`` We 'll be sure to get all the homework for you, '' blush wine told him.

`` Oh do n't worry about it, '' Matt laughed. `` What did I miss in class yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not much, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted mandrake root again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoonful into fork in transfiguration. And we learned all about the story of House extremely low frequency in history of Magic. It was one of the most ho-hum classes yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' Matt agreed.

`` Was not, '' rosebush argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling practice, '' Amanda said. `` The next affaire d'honneur is Saturday. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely bury about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the lycanthrope print for the map that the dueling club had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, blush wine, '' toilet grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' blush wine smirked, `` Ca n't blank out him. ``

`` You should challenge him to a cheat catch, '' John decided, `` It 'll be fun to watch. ``

`` I 'll beat him in two minutes 2-dimensional, '' rose wine laughed.

`` Kaden plays wizard 's cheat ? '' Matt asked.

`` Albus taught him end night. You 've got to ascertain it sometime. It 's hilarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to watch the musical composition get smashed so by the end of the game, his pieces refused to listen to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' blush wine changed the national, `` pick out back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't possess to sneak back into the shack. ``

Albus really did n't desire to impart back the cloak. He liked it. But he knew he had to. `` I guess. ``

`` We 'll do it after we get kicked out of here, '' bathroom suggested.

`` Which is right now, '' Madam Pomfrey pulled back the curtain and set a tray of potions down on the bedside tabular array. `` metre for you four to leave. He needs to catch some Z's. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' Matt waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' rose whispered as soon as they 'd shut out the threshold to the hospital wing.

Albus nodded and started to walk to his dad 's agency. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few students wandering around, but no one paid a great deal care as Albus unlocked the door to Harry 's function and lead his ally inside.

`` Looks like my business firm, '' John, who had never been in Harry 's agency before, announced, `` A arrant mess. My whole kinsperson is messy. ``

`` My mum 's a neat junkie. She 'd sustain a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' John gave Amanda a Weird look.

`` Guess it 's a Muggle aspect. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the various clobber and went over to the bedroom threshold. He pushed it open and went inside, with his admirer following. The trunk was just where it had been the week before and Albus lifted the lid. He pulled the cloak out of his bag and looked at it one to a greater extent sentence before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd found it. `` Well, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' John replied as he gazed around the room. `` enquire what else we could find in here ? ``

`` St. John the Apostle ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` bet at this ! '' toilet leaped over a raft of book of account and picked up a picture that was sitting on top of the wardrobe. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle toddler. ``

Albus grabbed the photograph out of can 's hand and looked at it. trusted enough, it was a icon of Albus, James, and Lily, right after Lily was born. James River, who must accept been three or four, was holding a tiny sister with a heavy sum of red hair. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's hand and making her wave.

`` You were an adorable small kid, Albus, '' John smirked. `` So was James IV. ``

`` I 'm certain you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the picture back. `` Now let 's get out of here before my dad gets back. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, St. Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Sabbatum was soon upon them and with it came a howling snow violent storm. Albus was very happy that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch compeer. He had played Quidditch in snow before, but never in conditions that prevented him from seeing his own hands in front of him. Today 's storm was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going away, but he need n't have bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the kickoff place.

After lunch, half the schooltime migrated into the dueling elbow room and waited for the tournament to begin. Albus and Amanda said auf wiedersehen to their supporter and sat down at the table they had been at the old tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the only remaining fundament, which happened to be next to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a seat side by side to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` Potter, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tournament commenced much as it had the previous time, only this meter everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around time and Albus was very happy that Amanda was on his team so he had someone to mouth to. So far, there were still tensions between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's plan to take everyone get along was not working.

After about a half hour, it was finally Albus 's turn to duel. Malfoy had just completed his number 1 duel and scramble his Ravenclaw opponent. Albus congratulated him as he went up to the dueling orbit. He was up against a Hufflepuff third base year. Albus and the other boy bowed and the two of them started dueling. The Hufflepuff sent two jinxes at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a trip curse and then disarmed him. The whole affair took about a minute.

`` Point to muck about ! '' Neville announced.

`` expert job, Albus ! '' Kate and Amanda said in unison once Albus returned to his seat.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Hardly counts, '' Malfoy commented, `` You dueled a all-fired Hufflepuff. A first year could 've beat that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the same thing. ``

`` Your short friend is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling area that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that flatness was about to duel one of the other Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't reckon that estimable. ``

Albus personally thought Matt looked all right field, considering he had just gotten out of the Hospital Wing the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was grim. ``

`` Oh, right hand, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your stupid full cousin told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that first cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't call him dullard. And the Hat knows better than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't secern Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would take been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your cousin 's got anymore information that I 'd like to know. ``

`` Do n't go near my full cousin, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In case you have n't realized by now, you 're on the same team. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to watch the residual of flatness 's duel. It took him a while, but lusterlessness did eventually tick the Hufflepuff. He looked worn out, but glad. `` Told you he could beat him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky shot, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't talk to each former for the rest of the tourney. Both son won their next affaire d'honneur, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her beginning duel and won her arcsecond. John won his kickoff and lost his second. lustrelessness lost his second one and Rose managed to win both of hers. But despite their estimable efforts, none of their teams won the tournament. It did n't really count though because the points were so end. The last tourney was still very up in the air and any of the teams had a chance of making it.

******

The remaining days until the end of full term went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Christmas Day holiday this year because it meant that Albus and his friends would adopt two more of the paw mark needed for the map. rose wine had just perfected the transfer appeal and had already started searching for the magic spell to keep Kaden quiet. After Christmas, the only thing left to do would be to get the rat print. Albus thought it was quite funny that the minor and theoretically gentle print to get was taking the longsighted. John had yet to manage to catch a rat during potions class and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every time I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' John vented the eve before their last day of classes. The group of Gryffindors were in the room of requirement, enjoying some serenity and serenity while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with tall mallow or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just bedaze it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' privy muttered, `` I 'd been trying to daze them across the room. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would discover that ? '' Rose said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, Rose. ``

`` Well, you 've got plenty of time to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the stag mark. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' Rose replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the hart, Albus. You can descend over to my house after we leave the Burrow. ``

`` Sounds safe, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the Burrow the whole holiday anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Rose smirked, `` grandmother and grandfather are going on holiday together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really give care to think about, Rose, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few years after Noel and spend new class 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the holiday ? ``

`` The common, '' toilet said immediately, `` All my full cousin coming over at versatile times. Should be unhinged as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your star sign sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your cousins are mad, but I really do n't think your family is as mad as mine is. ``

`` I 'm trusted it is. My great-great grandpa is coming this year. He 's hilarious, especially after he 's had a pair off firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great grandpa drinking firewhiskey ? '' lustrelessness laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling ludicrous stories about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should snarf him up with Auntie Muriel, eh Rose ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the funniest thing ever, '' pink wine grinned.

`` Your great-great granddad sounds like our Auntie Muriel. She 's 127 and honey to chat, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad congenator, '' Amanda commented, `` My family sounds reasonably convention compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Hanukkah, so that makes up for it, '' John replied, `` I mean, who would n't like eight twenty-four hours of nowadays ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the best thing ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle admirer who celebrates both. But she does n't get presents on every night of Hanukkah, '' matt told them.

`` I get small present each night and then one big one on the last night, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still cool, '' John said, `` So, Matt, do you have to go chew the fat your grandparents this year ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' Matt groaned, `` Of course I do. But only for five Clarence Day this yr. We 're leaving right before new year 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few days before condition starts. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus smiled. `` At least you do n't throw to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The only thing to do down there is prep or read. It 's not like I can act Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can fare over to Rose 's house with me. Then we can play Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should make out too, John and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm for sure my parents will let me, '' John replied.

`` I can probably only stay a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Hanukkah is late this year and starts on Yuletide, so it 'll still be going on on the 28th. I 'll have to be home by the evening. ``

`` That 'll work. Maybe we can all get the stag photographic print together, '' Albus said.

`` Good musical theme, '' Saint John grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably enjoin you now, just in case I do n't get to go to Rose 's planetary house, '' lustrelessness began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the power train with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his friend, who was looking a niggling forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the beginning of the term. The full moon 's on the 9th and someone has to notice me once I start taking it a few days before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the morning after and stay a span days. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really sure what to say. He wished more than ever that somebody would just discover a potion that would work for him.

`` Look on the lustrous incline, '' John said, `` At least you do n't have to transform at your grandparents house again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never stimulate to do that again, '' Matt shook his head, `` But let 's talk about something else. Did you see in the prophesier that the Cannons almost won that game against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American team they were playing for practice. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 points ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's close ! '' mat grinned, `` They 're making a rejoinder, I just know it ! ``

`` well, with a figure like 'Finches', what do you await ? It would n't have surprised me if the shank beat them, '' Saint John laughed, `` Well, maybe a little. But seriously, who names a team the 'Finches'? ``

******

The condition ended the future day with a bang, literally. James and a few of his friends thought it would be mirthful to put a few Weasley firework into the courtship of armor and charm them to go off at certain times during the day. After the tenth part explosion the teachers gave up trying to teach anything and just let their educatee do what they wanted during grade, within reason of row. Unfortunately for James and his friends, prof Cedonia spotted them refilling the armor on the indorse floor corridor with smart fireworks and gave them one of her rare detentions. For this one, they had to clean every one lawsuit of armor on the second level corridor that evening. James said it was Worth it, though.

`` We really ought to come up with a few good clowning, '' John decided as they were traveling through the mound on the gearing. `` That 's what the Marauders did, was joke people, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very good at coming up with clowning. That was James 's area of expertness. Plus, if the result of such harlequinade was cleaning causa of armor, Albus really did n't require to pull a whole lot of buffoonery. `` Maybe a few pocket-sized unity, that do n't get us in huge trouble. ``

`` I 'm for sure we could do some of those. There 's loads of stuff we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one St. James did before the first dueling tournament, '' mat laughed.

The eternal sleep of the railroad train ride went quickly and soon Albus and his friends found themselves at Billie Jean King 's Cross. Albus climbed off the power train and saw his parents standing with blush wine 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, John grabbed his arm and steered him in another direction. `` C'mon, you can meet my great-great grandpa ! ``

Albus saw a very frail, completely bald, old man with a long albumen byssus standing next to John 's parents. John lead their group over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave John a stringent hug, `` How 're thing at that school ? How is Professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died class ago, Grandpa, like I told you over the summer. Like I tell you every summer, '' John stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new teacher, a bunch of young'ins I bet ! book binding in my day none of the instructor were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new headmaster .... ''

`` grandfather, '' King John shook his head, `` The instructor are amercement. But I want you to meet my supporter. This is flatness Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` ceramist ! ? '' St. John 's great-great grandpa peered into Albus 's eyes and grinned, `` Albus potter ? wellspring I 'll be. If it is n't Harry ceramicist 's son ! I remember back in the days of You-know-who and nobody thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes small Harry Potter and poof ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should happen again ? Harry Potter makes 'im disappear again and for undecomposed this time ! ``

Albus, who was used to this kind of attention but not individual shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to neglect the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, gracious to meet you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these little girl ? Have you got yourself two girlfriends, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't recommend it. I did it once and wind up up with no girlfriends after they found out ! ``

`` No, gramps, '' John laughed, `` They 're just Friend. Amanda Tagger and rose Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the redhead. Just wait till you 're elder. ``

`` Just friends, Grandpa, '' John 's impertinence turned red.

`` He 's like the manful version of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' whoremaster 's grandpa shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the elderly man would be able to learn him. `` I used to know a Muriel ! Went to school with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in decades ! ``

Albus looked at Rose. What a coincidence. `` Er, Albus and I have an aunt Muriel Weasley, '' rose wine giggled.

`` Well I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm sure she 'd jazz that, '' Rose smiled.

`` We 're going to have to go now, '' john 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' St. John the Apostle waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` Tell your dad I said hi ! '' King John 's great-great grandpa shouted.

******

Albus spent the next few twenty-four hour period hanging around Grimmauld position with James and the quietus of his family. Lily was thrilled to have both her brothers and her dad domicile and she had been demanding to know everything that had gone on the past terminus.

`` That way I 'll bed everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Christmas Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to state you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a glass of juice, `` It 's a surprise. ``

`` That 's not fair, '' Lily whined.

`` nobody told me or Al how we got sorted, so how is it not fair for you not to know ? '' James asked.

`` I 'm the vernal. I should know everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few years ! And then all the Muggle-born nipper will ask me doubtfulness and I 'll be able to answer them. ``

`` You 'll find out soon enough, Lily, '' Ginny assured her.

`` How much longer ? '' Lily asked excitedly.

`` There 's still 9 calendar month. ``

`` That 's forever ! ``

`` She 's going to be a incubus this summertime, '' James whispered to Albus.

`` Morning, everyone ! '' Harry descended the steps into the kitchen and pulled up a chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the oracle, `` Have you seen the vulture 's Map ? ``

James choked on his juice and sprayed it across the mesa at Albus, as he turned shining red.

`` Ew, view it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, James ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` Fine. The clause on the front of the newspaper, it 's, er, shocking, '' James blushed some more and pointed to the battlefront of the oracle, which was facing him.

`` beldame endeavor to lessening size of it of Her Ears, Charms Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. masses ought to be more careful ! '' Henry James sputtered. He gave Albus a flavor that Albus interpreted to imply 'meet me upstair'. James excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No idea, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go change, '' Albus jumped up and followed Saint James. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to consume to give it back. Albus was going to miss it, but it would only be a topic of fourth dimension before he had the other one working.

`` Albus ! '' Henry James pulled him into the drawing room and shut the door. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I variety of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to have to sneak it back into his elbow room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` hold, Albus ! '' James grabbed his arm, `` The thing is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from substructure to foot looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't line up it ! '' Henry James whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't have lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not risible ! '' James II insisted.

`` You did n't lose it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you months ago and did n't want to give it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' James II shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd lost it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't count now. We 've got to have it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` fountainhead you stole it from Dad in the firstly place, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of trouble ! ``

He had a distributor point there. If Albus had n't give birth been in Kendrick 's office the former year, James I never would have taken the map in the first place. `` All right. I 'll just go sneak it into his room. Maybe he 'll think he just forgot to lend it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's Leslie Townes Hope so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his bedroom. He knew his dad would want the map back eventually, he just had n't given it much thought. At least he had n't noticed it was missing at school. Albus threw open his trunk and rifled through his school stuff and nonsense. He still had n't unpacked everything or packed a bag for his stay at the Burrow. The map was inside the photo record album Albus found over the summer, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't ask the Marauder 's Map to decipher the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'room. He shoved the map under a slew of defensive magic al-Qur'an and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' James I asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a stack of Word, with one corner sticking out. ``

`` perfective tense. You might want to go change your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, rightfulness, '' Albus looked down at his succus splattered T-shirt, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No job, '' James laughed, `` seminal fluid to me for all your succus spraying needs. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his eyes as he left the way to deepen his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their reappraisal !