Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower.
Weasley Family Tree is in the source 's Note at the bottom.


Molly Weasley did n't make bold serve dinner until after the Quidditch catch had been completed because even she did n't have the ability to drag Weasleys away from Quidditch. teddy bear secured a win for his team by practically stealing the Snitch out James 's grasp and then everyone was off their Scots heather and sitting at the bombastic crowd of tables in record clock time. After all, Quidditch was one of the skilful things one could do to develop a big appetite. Albus was certainly quite hungry and in a very good modality as he had been on Teddy 's team.

Albus and Rose sat side by side to each early in the midsection of the group of tabular array and unfortunately Percy sat directly across from them. ahead of time experience had taught them never to sit near Percy due to his habit of talking political sympathies during dinner, something that even bored Rose. The two of them looked at each early as Percy sat down and Albus readied himself for political conversation rather than Quidditch talk.

"I 'm telling you,"Walker Percy said to no one in particular as he served himself some carrots,"something 's going to find. I guarantee it. It 's been too subdued in the Ministry lately. Personally I thought things would get a bit riled up stopping point year when Walter Eckerton took over for MacVicar, but I suppose the two of them had alike aspect. More like than I expected anyway ..."

Leave it to Sir Henry Percy to try and find something awry with the Ministry when all was very well, Albus thought. He reached over rose to grab a steak and kidney pie and served a heaping percentage onto his collection plate.

"What do you call back, Harry ?"Percy turned to Albus 's dad, who happened to be sitting next to him."Any stirring in the Auror department that I may not have got heard about ?"

"matter are pretty unagitated, Sir Henry Percy,"Harry replied.

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

Albus was n't exactly sure as shooting what his uncle Percy actually did at the Ministry. He knew it had something to do with the Minister, but his actual form of address was so long and complicated that Albus never bothered to call back it.

"Well, it 's an election class,"Harry Hotspur pointed out."affair never stay tranquil during election years. Party announcements come firstly week of September and after that affair will be disorderly around the Ministry. Loads of workplace to do. Let me evidence you, when I run for Minister-"

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

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

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

"well, as a thing of fact."Harry Hotspur stood up."I have a rather exciting annunciation to make and I feel I must tell my family first, before the quietus of the Wizarding World."He paused, presumably for dramatic effect."I will be formally announcing on Monday, September second that I will be running for Minister for April 's election."

There was absolute silence for about five s before a whole lot of thing happened at once. Ron, George, and Charlie burst out laughing. Hermione raised her eyebrows as far as they could go. Ginny, vizor, and Chester Alan Arthur all shouted loudly"Seriously ? ! ”. Molly shook her header slightly and then jumped up from her chair, running towards Percy and finally enveloping him in a declamatory hug and kissing him squarely on the brow.

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

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

"And you 're a exquisitely good one, Ronald, but I ca n't ever see you being diplomatic minister. You just do n't deliver the aspiration Sir Henry Percy does,"Molly said as she patted him on the shoulder.

Gold was exchanging hands at the other end of the table. Cedric was grinning madly, so Albus assumed he had won some sorting of bet involving when Harry Hotspur would run for rector. That bet must accept been in the works for years.

Albus was personally stunned. He of path had been on the receiving end of many a Percy rant about what he 'd do when he ran for curate, but he had always believed Sir Henry Percy would n't ever do it. If Albus was honest with himself, he did n't really want Percy running. His household was far-famed enough without having an factual Minister in it.

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

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

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

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

"I am not !"Hotspur shouted."And I would 've expected Thomas More financial support from my own family."

"We are supporting you,"Molly assured him.

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

Everyone resumed their seating room but Albus doubted they stopped talking about Percy running for Minister. They just continued to do so in depressed vox. For once, Albus was happy he had chosen a fundament near Percy.

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

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

So that 's what Percy 's title was, Albus thought. He had no estimate if that was a billet that had a lot of power or not, but apparently it was enough to receive backup for a Minister run.

"Hey, Dad,"Empire State of the South shouted from a piffling style down the table."I figure this is as serious a clip as any to recite you that I 'm moving out tomorrow."

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

"Moving out. You know, leaving the snuggle. I 've got a flat with a protagonist closer to the auction pitch. It 'll be more commodious, for work."

"Work,"Percy muttered."If Quidditch can be considered work."

"Look, I know how these elections work. You 're going to require to name yourself see like a sept man, so you 're not going to desire to consider me your crazy daughter who only plays Quidditch and has no job. So you 'd better start thinking of me as your daughter who 's the newest taciturnity Keeper for the Kenmare Kestrals. It 'll sound proficient to the press."

Sir Henry Percy stared at her with his sassing love feast. He shook his head slightly and resumed eating, without another give-and-take to Georgia. Georgia looked smug, so Albus assumed she had won that piddling argument.

Albus turned to pink wine and grinned. Georgia certainly knew how to work Percy 's running for Minister study to her reward.

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

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

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

"It 's so awry, though, that he can completely get away with what he did,"Rose muttered."It 's like I could go to France, rob a bank, get back to England, and I 'd get away with it."

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

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

Albus and Rose did n't risk talking about Lubar for the relief of the evening. for certain, the repose of their family screw about what had happened but neither of them wanted to talk over their theories with any of them.

The eternal sleep of the evening was rather out of type for common Weasley family dinners. All the previous eld'dinner had consisted of talk of Hogwarts and the adults exclaiming how big everyone had gotten and how everyone was growing up. Usually whomever was starting Hogwarts for the first sentence would get a reasonable bit of aid, but this yr Angie, who was starting, seemed to be forgotten. Instead all of the attending was focused on Hotspur. The adult were talking politics and Albus 's erstwhile first cousin were placing bet on whether he 'd win or not.

John Rowlands was the first to leave as he had to go back to Romania the following morning. Charlie and Katherine had finished their yr in Rumania and had returned to England permanently the previous month. Victoire and Teddy left shortly after that since they both had to work the succeeding day.

Percy was still discussing campaign tactics with Corrine, who was smiling and nodding the way Albus did when his cousins were modest and he had to profess he was interested in what they were saying, when Albus 's parents decided it was fourth dimension to leave. For the first sentence in his life-time, he was actually felicitous to bequeath and get back to Grimmauld space. The before schooltime dinner was supposed to be about everyone who was at Hogwarts, a clip to own fun all together before school started, and this meter it had n't been that. It had been about Percy.
******


By some stroke of fate or miracle that had never descended upon the Potters before, James had packed his bole the night before they left for school. Albus was sure that some sort of apocalypse was going to go far soon because Percy running for government minister and the Potters arriving early for the Hogwarts express mail were two upshot that nonentity ever thought would go on. Albus did n't question it, though. Instead he just used the opportunity to his advantage.

Kaden, who had met Albus at Platform 9 ¾ prior to going through the barrier, was not early, so the Potters went through without him. rose wine and her family were already there of course of instruction, so Albus said a quick good day to his parents before getting on the power train to witness rose. With any chance his friends would n't be there yet and he could utter to rebel alone. Usually there was nix he would n't talk to his friends about, but the foreign impression he had had about his fellowship was something he only wanted to lecture to Rose about.

blush wine was alone in a compartment about halfway down the gearing, reading one of her new textbooks. It was Arithmancy and Albus did n't have the slender idea what any of the symbols in it meant. He chose the seat next to her and waited for her to be done reading whatever it was she was deciphering.

"I 'm witnessing a miracle, apparently,"rose wine said after setting her rule book down.

"James packed hold up nighttime,"Albus answered.

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

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

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

Albus swallowed punishing. That was in the back of his creative thinker of course, but he had never voiced it before. Nor was it what he had set out to talk to Rose about.

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

"Oh,"was all pink wine said. Both cousin-german sat quietly for a arcminute before she continued."I know what you mean. What was up with that dinner party at grannie and Gramps 's ? It was all Hotspur. O.W.L.s were mentioned once and no one said anything about Angie starting Hogwarts."

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

"There 's still a lot of us here,"Rose interrupted."And Eddie and the twins have n't even started yet. Plus it 's not like we even talked about Teddy, Victoire, Stanley, and Georgia. We talked about Harry Hotspur for Merlin 's sake !"

"What do you think will happen if he wins ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't roll in the hay. I do n't think things will change political-wise but I think it 's going to be really weird for Georgia and Bradley and Cedric. Even the twins will probably be effected. I mean, having your dad be the most important person in the wizarding domain has got to be stressful."

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

"Percy would n't stand a chance."

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

"Things never stay the Lapplander, Al,"Rose said.

"What 's not staying the same ?"John asked as he entered the compartment, followed by Kaden."I 'm hoping you 're talking about my Divination Mark, Rose, because my parents nearly murdered me this past summertime when they saw it."

"I think we 'll just have got to consider with your murder, Saint John, because that mark is not getting any gamy,"Rose replied.

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

"Nothing,"rose said quickly.

"I 'll tell you once lusterlessness and Amanda get here,"Albus said, figuring he 'd tell them about Harry Hotspur running for Minister.

"This is going to be the good year ever !"Kaden said excitedly as he pulled a piece of sheepskin out of his bag."flavour, it 's my Hogsmeade permission slickness !"

"Excellent,"Saint John the Apostle replied."Now I do n't let to buy your dungbombs for you."

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

"Just for the Slytherin common elbow room,"can assured him."Our goal is to envision out how to get a few in there."

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

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

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

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

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

"Fine."Albus took a deep breathing space."wellspring, my Uncle Percy 's running for Minister."

"Seriously ?"whoremonger replied.

"sang-froid !"Kaden exclaimed.

"Why ?"Matt asked.

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

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

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

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

"Do you roll in the hay who he 's running against ?"Amanda asked.

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

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

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

"That 's stupid,"toilet said."Georgia 's not going to wish that."

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

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

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

"You, pink wine, and matt are n't the only I of us who have family in government,"Amanda said.

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

"I never said the Ministry of conjuration, Saint John. I meant the Muggle Ministry. My uncle 's the flush minister."

Albus continued to stare at her. Amanda was always rather quiet and rarely talked about her family. He always figured that was because she was so restrained and never guessed that it might be because her home was just as influential in the Muggle world as his was in the wizarding Earth.

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

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

"He 'll fill my Uncle Mike,"Amanda finished."But as I was saying, Georgia does sustain it all figured out. If parole gets out that Percy and her rowed about her Quidditch playing, it 's going to come off wrong in the wardrobe and fall behind him voting. So, he 'll keep it to himself and will be in the front row of every single one of her match, pretending to be a huge Kenmare Kestrals fan."

"Wow, that seems so wrong,"rose muttered.

"It 's government from the early side. The public wants the great unwashed in power to ingest a certain image."

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

"My cousin Leanne went a footling crazy at university her first year, our first year at Hogwarts, and the Ministry hushed it all up. She was out partying and the paparazzi got a photo of her and put it on the cover of some tabloid, but that was the only one. I know she partied more, but it was all hushed up."

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

"I 'm not saying that 's bad. I 'm just saying your uncle wo n't want the public to cognise he 's not well-chosen with her career choice so he 's going to make himself look like a devoted father."

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

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

"It 's reliable, Albus,"Matt said."Amanda 's completely flop. It 's the whole cause why my dad got sacked. The public did n't like that I was a werewolf, which is office of why the Ministry hushed it up. When it got out, nobody wanted him in politics anymore."

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. He never really thought about that before, but lusterlessness was right. Amanda was, too, but he never really put two and two together before matte mentioned that. And now the same thing was happening with his family. Sir Henry Percy was going to pretend and while that did n't really directly effect him, how long would it take before the populace did n't like the persona he and the rest of his cousins were presenting ?


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

Here 's the Weasley-Potter category tree !

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

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

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

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

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

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

*All in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was no mention of political relation or minister of religion throughout the residual of the train trip. Amanda did n't say anything else about her uncle being the peak diplomatic minister and how it had affected her household, but Albus was still really curious about it. How had she managed to keep back that a enigma for three yr ? Judging by blush wine 's reaction, she did n't even jazz about it. lusterlessness had n't even managed to keep it a secret that he was a loup-garou for a year. Granted, Albus and the others had figured it out, but still. Maybe Amanda was the best cloak-and-dagger keeper in their group.

The talk of the town lightened considerably as they made their way to Hogwarts, soon turning to the intimate subject of Quidditch and then to fantasizing about the new defensive measure teacher. can was hoping for someone who let them do whatever they wanted whereas blush wine wanted person who would actually teach, and not teach like Balladanis had. Albus did n't really wish, so long as the new teacher did n't wish well to harm his scholar, physically or emotionally.

As the railroad train neared Hogsmeade place, Albus and his champion changed into their robes and prepared to exit the train for the jumpy passenger car sit up to the school. The journey was now so routine that they did so with picayune chatter and transferred to the baby carriage with none of the fanfare of the previous two years. They were quaternary years now and Hogwarts was familiar territory. As fourth class, they were well on their way to being the older students of the shoal.

The Great Hall was filled with laughter and hullabaloo as the students found their seating room at their house board. Albus and his friends quickly found seats together at the Gryffindor table and all five glanced up to the staff tabular array to find the new face that would be their Defense teacher. However, instead of the one unfamiliar face they expected, there were two unfamiliar faces.

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

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

There were two new whiz sitting at the table. One was deep in conversation with prof Kendrick and the other was glancing around at the room, his optic never resting on the Sami thing or somebody for more than than a few second. The onetime was wearing what looked to be Ministry robes, which made Albus wonder if he was an Auror, but then he noticed one of the Aurors from last-place year standing off to the side in his usual spot. The secondment new star was dressed in plain black gown and had nearly no hair atop his head, but instead had a declamatory beard and mustache, as if he was trying to redress.

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

"That 's not a in force polarity,"St. John replied."What 's the Ministry doing here on the first day ?"

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

trick opened his lip to reply but was silenced by the doors opening and Professor Patil entering with the new maiden year. They looked scared and tiny, far smaller than the previous year 's first yr. It was weird how they seemed to get smaller every year.

As with the previous year, Albus did n't pay any attention to anyone 's sorting unless their terminal name was thrower or Weasley. This year, of course, there was only Angie entering Hogwarts from Albus 's declamatory family. She ran up to the three-legged-stool with as much enthusiasm as the ease of the family had and jammed the hat onto her head.

It remained there for all of three second before shouting"Gryffindor !"Angie ran from the faecal matter to the excited yell of the Gryffindors, her buddy Fred 's whistling resonance over the rest. Everyone at Hogwarts would have bet money on Angie being a Gryffindor, but everyone still liked to recreate.

For once Albus wished that Kendrick would progress to announcement before the feast was served just so he could find out why there were two new magician at the staff mesa, but like common, Kendrick waited until after the feast. Thus, the duration of the feast was spent speculating.

"The Ministry 's sent person to observe,"James said confidently."tone at the past three year. Every single one at least one of Al and his supporter have gotten kidnapped by insane wizards. Clearly the Ministry does n't think the teachers can protect us enough."

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

"I bet he 's here to recruit multitude for the Ministry,"Fred suggested."You know, spend a yr with us 7th years and try to convince us that we should take on boring Ministry line. Bet Uncle Percy 's the grounds for it. Probably does n't desire anymore of his kin to take up Quidditch professionally."

"That 's ridiculous,"a seventh-year female child replied."He 's probably just the new Defense teacher."

"Then who 's that other bloke ?"Matt gestured to the bald man sitting next to Slughorn.

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

"Maybe Kendrick just wanted to take in someone to the Welcome Feast,"Amanda pointed out."It could be as simpleton as that."

Albus doubted it. aught was ever simple when it came to life at Hogwarts. Finally, after what seemed same eld, the pudding disappeared and Kendrick stood to move over his usual start of term speech.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts. I give a warm welcome to our new outset years and hope you have enjoyed your firstly Hogwarts banquet. I 'll remind everyone that the timber is out of bounds as well as the Whomping willow. Those wishing to try out for their menage Quidditch teams can give their names to their head of house. Now, you may make noticed that there are two new staff fellow member this year even though only one view is vacant. The first is bare to explain and the back is a little more complicated.

"starting time, I would like to welcome Professor Elliot Whitney Young to Hogwarts. Professor Young is going to be taking over the Defense teacher position."Kendrick gestured to the man with the byssus, while scattered clapping was received from the student and other professors.

"prof Ancient if you ask me,"Gospel According to John muttered.

"Many of you may be aware and quite a lot of you I 'm sure are not aware that this is an election year for the Ministry of Magic. Tomorrow the candidate running for minister of illusion will make their manner of speaking announcing their candidacy, which will begin a seven month hunting expedition period of time. At the commencement of Apr, anyone who is of age will vote and the victor shall be announced. The fact that this is an election year is a wonderful educational chance and I was n't about to let it croak us by. Therefore I have decided to add another class to the syllabus. It will meet once a calendar week and in it you will learn the ins and outs of our political system and its history.

"This is professor Richard Embry."Kendrick gestured to the bloke sitting next to him, who then stood up."He is from the Ministry and has agreed to teach this new class that we have designed. The category will appear on your schedules that you will take in tomorrow. Now, I suggest all of you turn in early as classes begin shining and early in the forenoon. Prefects, please escort the inaugural age to the common rooms."

Kendrick and the Ministry bloke both resumed their seats while Albus and his friends rose. The joined the mob of bookman making their way out of the Great manse and towards the main stairway. The Hufflepuffs and Slytherins broke away from the pack to condescend to their dormitories and then the Ravenclaws left for their tower. Soon, Albus and his admirer were only amongst chap Gryffindors.

The common room was abuzz with treatment about the new professors when they arrived. Most of the younger students had gone to bed, but the older students were making no move to do so. Fred was posting a sign-up mainsheet for Quidditch try-outs on the posting plug-in while Heather watched. Albus predicted that the two of them would act Thomas More like co-captains since there was no way Calluna vulgaris was going to let Fred micturate all of the team decisions this year.

"So now we have another stratum,"John the Evangelist muttered as they sat down at a board near the blast."More homework. Thomas More exams."

"It 's only once a week,"Rose pointed out.

"But still, since when has anyone at Hogwarts had to postulate a class about politics ?"john asked.

"Never,"Albus replied.

"Muggles take classes on political science,"Amanda pointed out."My Sister took one close yr and my cousins have taken them. I really do n't imagine it 's going to be that difficult."

"Yeah, it 's not like there 's going to be an O.W.L. for it,"rosebush said."Can you believe that we 'll be taking O.W.L.s future yr ?"

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

"Seriously,"lusterlessness agreed."They 're a hanker way off."

"Well, I think I 'm going to turn in,"rose wine said as she stood up."stratum start tomorrow."

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

Rose and Amanda left for the girls'dorm a little while later. Albus and the other male child stayed up a while longer, but soon realized they were quite tired. They said goodnight to Kaden when they reached the third years'dormitory and then continued on to their own. It had been a long day and Albus was ready to go to catch some Z's, just so he would n't make to think about political sympathies or the election anymore.
******


"fountainhead, we 've got one of the new instructor today,"John said at breakfast the following morning."We start off the day with Herbology and then have Defense Department right before lunch."

"When do we have that politics class ?"Matt asked as he scooped a plenty of burgoo onto his plate.

"Tomorrow, right before dinner,"John replied."Merlin, that would 've been release time if we did n't feature that blinking class."

"It could be fun, bathroom,"Rose said.

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

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

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

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

"Good word is that we 've got Defense with the Hufflepuffs this year,"Amanda pointed out.

"Bet Kendrick did that on purpose after cobbler's last year,"St. John the Apostle said."He 'd have to be an idiot to have us that course of instruction with the Slytherins again.

Everyone nodded in agreement. After the scenery that had developed between Albus, lavatory, and Scorpius Kendrick would probably never have the three of them in Defense class together again. Albus was grateful. He 'd drop the lowest few weeks of his third year avoiding Malfoy and was fully prepared to nullify him for the balance of his Hogwarts career. Unfortunately the Slytherin was on his dueling squad.

The group hurriedly finished their breakfast and then parted ways with Kaden before heading down to the greenhouses for Herbology. Herbology was one of those predictable grade where they never had to worry about anything amazing happening when it came to issue topic or instructor. Neville was a fair teacher who made division interesting. Albus never had to care about anything odd happening while in the greenhouse, unlike potions and Defense.

Everyone was slightly wary of the new defense reaction professor and thus the backside in the cover of the elbow room were in high gear requirement. Unfortunately the Hufflepuffs had had Transfiguration beforehand and had a much unforesightful pass, so they claimed all of the far buttocks. Albus, Matt, and John had the bad luck of having to sit at one of the front table and all three male child were on edge.

The professor ambled into the way just as class was scheduled to start. He had a very enceinte stack of lambskin, which he set on the desk before beginning to call off roll.

"I am Professor Young,"he began after he finished with roll."And welcome to fourthly year demurrer Against the Dark Arts. This year we will focalize on shadow curses, hexes, and full general patch, all of which are detailed out in your school text. You can submit your books out now if you have n't already done so."

Albus rummaged in his bag and set his book on the table. Professor Young picked up the lot of parchment and began passing it out to the students. Albus feared that it was a quiz, as he glanced down at its fill-in-the-blank questions and short result questions.

"Please read the number 1 chapter of your books and dispatch the worksheet by the end of the class,"Brigham Young said as he walked back to his desk. He said cypher more and began to say what appeared to be a novel while stroking his beard.

Albus glanced at John and Matt, unsure of whether Lester Willis Young would shout out at him if he spoke in whispers to his friends. Actually, Pres Young might not even hear him. He did appear to be quite old. But it was just so odd that Thomas Young assigned them reading and a worksheet on the first day of stratum. Would n't a reproof make more sense ? Albus could n't remember a time when a professor had n't lectured on the low gear day of class.

Everyone else seemed thoroughly confused as well. For the adjacent five minutes everyone sent each former confused looks and glances before finally cracking open their textbooks, having realized that Young was n't going to do anything besides record his novel.

Albus began to translate the first chapter, which was dreadfully boring. It was about the most terrene of Dark hexes, if a night hex could be considered mundane. The chapter did n't even mention unforgivable curses, which while horrible, were far more interesting than the staple principle of what made a curse wickedness.

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

"That was the unusual category ever,"Albus said once they had left the room."Who gives a worksheet on the first day of course of instruction ?"

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

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

"Honestly, I 'm happy it 's bore after dealing with Balladanis last yr,"Matt said.

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

"An Anamatek would probably end him off,"John the Divine replied."I do n't think he could wield one."

"Not many hoi polloi could,"Albus pointed out.

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

"What 's incorrect ?"Albus asked, extremely confused as to why Peach State was at Hogwarts.

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

"What time is it happening ?"Albus asked.

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

"There is no way Sakartvelo 's going to be able to pretend everything is finely between her and Uncle Percy for the whole election,"pink wine said once Georgia and her brother had left."She looked pestered already and he has n't even announced he 's running yet."

"She probably has to miss practice for it,"Albus replied."I just want to know who he 's running against."

"wishing we could go watch,"pink wine said."I bet our parents are there."

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

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

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


Albus did n't see Bradley or Cedric until dinner. He had been hoping to entrance one of them in between classes, but either their schedules did n't permit them to frustrate paths or the announcement had gone until dinner. The noise in the Great Hall was n't any flash than it usually was when Albus arrived, but then again he was n't quite surely how much the quietus of the pupil cared about the election. However at the Gryffindor table, all of Albus 's cousins were clustered at one end of the tabular array, their oral sex leaned in to one another.

"aspect like a family meeting or something,"Albus said.

"We 'll see you in the common way after dinner party, then,"Amanda said as she pulled toilet and Kaden towards the other end of the table, Matt following.

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

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

"Otherwise we 'd just take in to narrate the narration over and over again,"Omar Bradley muttered.

"fountainhead, go on,"Fred encouraged.

"It was basically a huge fancy company with a bunch of boring lecture,"Thomas Bradley began."A bunch of Ministry people and their married woman or husband and Dad was the center of attention, of course. Everyone knew he was running even though he had n't made his prescribed announcement yet. It did n't get matter to until Dad and the witch he 's running against made their announcement-"

"Dad 's was pretty deadening,"Cedric cut in."Talked about how he 's seen the Ministry through so many alteration and how we need strong leading to keep the sorcerous community together and loyal. Mentioned Uncle Harry and Voldemort, of row. Then everyone clapped politely and the opposition stood up."

"The witch who 's actually running flavour like she was a hawk in a early life. Her nose is as pointy as a nose can get and she 's got this sleek disgraceful hair that was done up in a bun. She stood up there with a bunch of citizenry who she introduced as her cause squad,"Tom Bradley said."But it was her delivery that got the gang riled up. She kept putting gob in everything Dad said. Dad mentioned about how the wizarding earth was a strong united front but she talked about how rift are forming and the Ministry is slipping and modification is needed again. She made all these subtle mentions of how the Aurors are n't as on top of things and how if we do n't do something the magic world will precipitate apart."

"That 's ridiculous !"Fred said."The magical reality is fine."

"I thought they were just making their announcement that they were running,"Rose said."Speeches do n't start yet."

"Neither of them are going to waste an chance to get votes,"Calluna vulgaris pointed out."So do you two have to attain anymore appearances ?"

"Yeah,"Bradley answered."Dad wants us all there for his first of all spoken communication this weekend and he said there are going to be some debates here, so we have to sit up presence with Mum at those."

"And the Prophet wants to do a huge clause on our folk,"Cedric added."They 're doing one on the witch, too."

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

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

"Weird that both the candidates were working under the current Minister,"rose wine said.

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

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

Cedric and Bradley left, leaving the rest of the cousin-german to talk about what they had just been told. Albus mostly listened while pushing his food around his plateful. What he had learned about Patricia Laurentis unnerved him a little and it was mostly because part of him thought she was right. Things were n't as perfect as his Uncle Percy thought. Willinson was still on the sluttish and not to mention the consequence with Lubar was still unsolved.

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

"Maybe Uncle Percy is the redress someone to be Minister,"Calluna vulgaris said quietly."The Ministry has been working the same way since the Final conflict, has n't it ? And there have n't been anymore Voldemorts trying to pull ahead power."

"But affair ca n't always stick around the same,"Rose pointed out.

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

"I do n't know,"Rose said quietly."I just do n't remember people are as united as Uncle Walker Percy thinks."

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

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

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

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

"I 'm not denying that, but he did induce a decimal point. In an election year everything topic. Uncle Percy 's aligned his belief with the electric current pastor 's, which means if he 's elected he 's going to continue doing things the like way. The Ministry has n't caught Willinson for undecomposed in the three eld they 've been searching and he 's slipped out of their grasp numerous meter. It 's not going to be hard for that Laurentis lady to win over people we need to change tactics, even if her manoeuvre are n't great either."

Albus said nothing for a few moments."How do you know all of this ?"

"I 've talked to Amanda Thomas More than you have,"Rose replied."She knows how all of this works, and it 's really not that different in the Muggle world."

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

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

Albus did n't reply. He knew that his Uncle Harry Hotspur 's political views were slightly different than the ease of his family line 's, but they were still quite similar. If what Rose was saying was genuine, that meant that his unit family needed to open up their eyes and Albus was n't certainly how he felt about that.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"You know, this political relation class is taking away from our free periods,"John said the survey morning at breakfast. He shook his head as he loaded his collection plate high with scrambled eggs and bacon.

Albus nodded and waited for Rose 's reply about how they needed to demand advantage of any acquisition opportunities, even if they meant less unblock time, but it did n't come. Albus turned to depend at her, thinking she might be ill. She was n't. Instead she was piling her own plate high with nut and toast. Albus raised his eyebrows at her.

"What ?"she demanded."young lady get hungry, too."

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

"I kind of agree with him."blush wine shrugged.

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

rose pushed his hand away."Stop it, Al. I 'm not saying I wo n't enjoy the social class. I 'm just saying that we 're fourth age and O.W.L.s are closer than ever and we need all the time we can get to study. Not that John would use the metre to study, mind you."

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

"I think it 'll be a nice modification,"matt put in."Something different. Notice they gave us History of legerdemain on two consecutive morning time. marvel who the idiot was who did that."

"Sami one who always gives us classes with the Slytherins, I 'll bet,"John said."dual Potions this morning and I 'd bet my ripe arm and both my legs we 'll be with the Slytherins."

"Why not both your blazon and ramification ?"Amanda asked.

"On the off-chance that I 'm wrongfulness, I 'll need some form of branch to get around with,"lav answered.

"I only had one year with the Slytherins finale twelvemonth,"Kaden said."You lot must have horrendous chance. I 'd better be off. Defense this morning."

"trade good fortune. That professor is unearthly,"lavatory said.

"Ca n't be worse than last yr,"Kaden replied as he got up and left.

Albus, matte, Rose, and Amanda waited for John to stop his pile of eggs before setting off for the dungeons. When they arrived the door was already surface and Albus saw that they were indeed wit the Slytherins again. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting at one of the front tables, looking rather smug. Albus averted his eyes and continued to the back of the schoolroom, where he sat down in between matte and John.

"wonder what he 's so well-chosen about,"Albus muttered as the rest of the students entered the room.

"I do n't recognize. But I do n't like it,"whoremonger said.

Slughorn chose that consequence to waddle into the room so Albus and John the Evangelist could not continue their conversation."Welcome, welcome ! Ahh, my two favorite theatre together again ! What luck. fountainhead, well, welcome to fourth year Potions. This is the year that things get difficult since you 'll be sitting your O.W.L.s side by side yr ..."

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

"... Since today is a treble course of instruction I thought we 'd set about brewing the first potion in your textbook and see where your skills lie after a summer of lounging about. Unless some of you happened to register your text script over the summer !"

Albus glanced at blush wine, who was sitting next to Amanda at one of the battlefront table. She seemed to sit up higher in her seat.

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

john set off to work with Janie Creevey who lacked a partner while Albus and flatness set up a cauldron at their tabular array.

"Remember your gloves,"Slughorn announced."If you touch the fetch up product your hand will immediately freeze."

"Does it seem odd to you that we have to trump up a Freeze root with fire ?"Matt asked as he stuck his wand under the cauldron to get down the flame.

"Very,"Albus agreed."So now that we 've had Slughorn for three long time, have you noticed that he always starts the yr with a competition ?"

"Yeah. I bet he uses the Lapplander curriculum every year,"Matt added."Ca n't imagine that a lot changes in terms of potion brewing."

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

"I wonder if it 's possible for this potion to burst,"lusterlessness mused as he tossed a few pieces of chopped Beta vulgaris rubra into the cauldron."

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

"Shut it, Malfoy,"Albus replied.

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

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

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

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

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

With everything else that was going on that twelvemonth, the last matter Albus needed was to be captain of his dueling team, but he did not need Malfoy as police captain either. He 'd take the redundant study if just to keep Malfoy from being in charge. Malfoy needed world power like a blast-ended skrewt needed a flame thrower.

Albus and flatness did not mess up up their potion by the end of the class. In fact, their potion had the same consistency that it was supposed to and while it was slightly off-colour, it did manage to stop dead the quill Slughorn stuck in it. rosebush and Amanda won the drinking chocolate, which was no surprisal to anyone.

Rose and Amanda shared their chocolate with the boys as they walked up to the Great dorm for luncheon. Albus and matte told the girls and John about Malfoy 's bizarre behavior and pink wine told them that they should just be happy he 's backing down, rather than analyze his motives.

The Great Hall was buzzing with activity when they entered it a few bit later. Albus sat down at the Gryffindor table and no Oklahoman had he grabbed a roll did heather mixture cast away a copy of the seer onto his home plate.

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

"This morning 's Prophet. The owls were of late delivering it. Something about a storm in London,"broom explained.

Albus set down his whorl and opened the paper. There on the front page was a video of his Uncle Sir Henry Percy, smiling full, in elaborate robes, shaking hands with a very tall woman, who was also smiling wide and wearing elaborate robes. Above the picture was the title of respect,"Candidates for curate of magic trick Announced."

By this point Rose and Matt had crowded on either side of Albus, while Amanda and John Lackland hovered behind him, all trying to interpret the article. Albus 's heart traveled down the page so he could do the same.

In front of the full Ministry of conjuring trick,
Minister hopefuls Walker Percy Saint Ignatius Weasley and
Patricia Leigh Laurentis announced their
candidacy on September 3rd, 2029. Both
nominee work under Minister Hartwell, yet
are running against each other for opposite
political party.

Weasley, senior Undersecretary for the
Drafting and editing of Laws, has been
chosen to run for the Merlinus political party,
which is the party that current Minister
Hartwell represents. Laurentis, Senior
Advisor to Law Enforcement and Azkaban
Official has been chosen to run for the
Paracelsus Party.

A big crowd turned out for the announcement,
which is only the first of many appearances
by both candidates. The first debate is
scheduled for Sep 8th, at the
Ministry of legerdemain.

"So that 's who your uncle 's track against,"matt said.

"Guess so,"Albus replied.

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

"You can assure they both hate each other,"Matt said as he gestured to the picture."sure enough they 're shaking hands and acting squeamish but clearly they both want to hex each other."

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

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

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

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

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

Albus nodded and passed the prophesier down, then settling in to eat tiffin. There was no point in time worrying about the election now. It was calendar month away. Plus, the political science class was later that day and Albus was incredibly odd about it.

Transfiguration Day seemed to drag by since it was the Same as it was every year. prof Patil explained about that class 's curriculum and how they needed to start thinking about O.W.L.s and the increased workload. It was all rather flat and all Albus wanted to do was get to politics since it was something new.

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

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

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

whoremonger let out an audible sigh of relief and Albus pushed the door open air as they entered. Only a few Hufflepuffs were there, seated towards the vertebral column, and the professor was nowhere in sight. rose wine immediately claimed a desk in the nominal head and Amanda chose one next to her, while Albus and the early boys headed to the group of Hufflepuffs in the book binding.

"Do you think there will be homework in this course ?"John asked as they sat down.

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

John shrugged."Well it 's not like there will be an O.W.L. We probably wo n't even have this class next year. So why would there be homework ?"

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

The rest of the class filed in, filling in the seats that remained in the middle of the classroom. As the bell rang, prof Embry entered, walking with an air that this class would be all work and no fun.

"Good good afternoon,"Professor Embry began as he shuffled a few newspaper on his desk."Welcome to Basic Wizarding Politics. I am Professor Embry and you will turn to me such."

Embry stepped out from behind his desk and began to pace the length of the classroom."I understand that nigh of you know absolutely nix about politics and assume that the Minister of legerdemain is born the minister of religion and natural law just magically come into creation. A prize few of you,"his eyes rested on Albus, and then on lusterlessness, and on two Hufflepuff girls,"have parents in the Ministry and may have slightly More knowledge than the rest, but that would be rather generous of me to assume.

"Hogwarts has not put much post in political breeding before now, something that I feel is lacking in today 's pedagogy and wish to rectify this class. The programme will include history of how our government came to be the way it is today as well as how the government is currently run."

The class let out a collective grown at the Son history. Albus glanced at pink wine, who was on the edge of her seat.

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

Embry let out a short joke."With Professor Binns ? If I may be Frank, that man died before most of the story happened. Along with that, he 'll put a rock to sleep."Embry chuckled. No one in the class dared to laugh."I 'm going to give you a proper history of our modern government activity, starting with a legal brief overview of what the administration was like before the reign of Voldemort and a more comp overview of what it is like today.

"I will also pay a class period each to the way the political science is run in French Republic, the United States, and Australia. Now, since you were not aware that this class would take place, you have not acquired books. Therefore I have purchased them for you. You are to treat them as subroutine library books and return them to me in interchangeable stipulation at the end of the class. Lest your parents be billed."

Embry flicked his baton and push-down stack of book flew out of a nearby cupboard. They landed softly in front of the students. Albus glanced down and read the title. political relation and governance in Modern Wizarding Britain by Beatrice Holden. It looked about as dull as the cupboard it had come out of.

"Very just. Now, get out parchment and quills. I 'm not going to let the rest of this course of instruction period go to waste matter,"Embry said as he tapped his wand on the add-in. Notes immediately appeared on it.

Embry lectured for the remainder of the class about how the world-class authorities was formed in U.K.. It was incredibly dry. The only if reason Albus stayed awake was because he had to engage notes. Literally had to. Embry caught a bathroom not taking notes and threatened him with detention this Saturday if he did n't start.

"That 's all for today,"Embry said after the bell rang."Next class we 'll fast forward in clock time and pick up about the political science pre-Voldemort. Read the first chapter for homework and come up with three serious-minded questions to pose to the quietus of the course. Dismissed."

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

"Kendrick must put it on the lean of job requirements,"John replied."mustiness be out of your freaking mind to take this position."

"I think he 's professional,"Rose piped in."It seems like we 'll really learn stuff."

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

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

"She 's got a pointedness, mate,"Matt said."Who has the superpower in your country topic. If you elect the wrong hoi polloi, things can go horribly wrong. Not everyone gets to elect their leader, either. We do n't even get to do that fully. The lieu that Albus 's dad has and my dad bear ? In the United state, those are elected stead. Not here."

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

"How do you lot even bang this stuff ?"John asked as they drew closer to the Gryffindor vulgar room.

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

"Wait."bathroom stopped in the midriff of the corridor and looked at his admirer."delay. Now that we know about your uncle, you lot all have kin involved with the Ministry, wether it 's the magic ministry or the Muggle ministry."

Albus grinned sheepishly."Guess so."

John the Divine groaned."This is insane. Why could n't I have picked rule acquaintance ?"

"pattern is highly overrated,"lusterlessness said as they reached the Fat peeress.

******


The rest of the hebdomad went by fairly quickly, in Albus 's opinion. Everyone, students and instructor, fell back into their usual Hogwarts routines and by the metre Friday arrived Albus had a great deal of homework as high as his bed and was more than set for a few solar day off. But when he saw the notice plug-in in the common room when he got back from charm on Friday afternoon, he knew that would not be entirely possible.

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

"Eight !"Albus exclaimed."In the morning ? Is he thoroughly insane ? It 's the showtime workweek back ! Even Georgia was n't softheaded enough to do that."

"bully circumstances, Paraguay tea,"John said as he tossed his bag onto a nearby couch."Eight in the morn. Let 's see, I 'll be snuggled up in bed. What about you, Matt ? What will you be doing at eight in the first light ? Flying through the rainfall ? Trudging through the mud to the pitch ?"

"grade not."Matt grinned."I 'll be cozy in bed, having an amazing dream where I 'm playing for the Cannons. In unadulterated conditions of course."

"The Cannons are the only team you 'd ever have hope of playing for,"John replied.

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

"Speak of the devil,"John said as Fred entered the vulgar room.

"You !"Albus shouted as he got up."Why in the name of everything merlin owns did you docket practice at eight in the morning on a Saturday ? Not everyone 's a seventh yr taking four form. We ca n't all sleep in every bloody day."

Fred shrugged."Had to. Pitch is booked self-colored all weekend except for Saturday morning and evening. All the former mansion are having try-outs. We ca n't even concord our Keeper try-outs until next weekend because of it."

"Why not the evening then ?"

"Bradley 's got to take a shit an appearance at Uncle Percy 's speech."Fred rolled his eyes.

"Then why have practice session at all ? We do n't call for to train anyone new until we get a new steward,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's been a whole summer. We 're rusty. We 've got to start training ahead of time. I want that Quidditch trophy."

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

"expression, Al, I 'm not changing it. but deal with it,"Fred said as he continued up to his hall.

Albus spent the rest of the evening fuming about recitation and cursing Fred under his breathing time, until pink wine suggested they all go to the room after dinner. Albus reluctantly agreed, knowing that if they went to the Room he 'd be up half the Night and would only get a few hr'sleep.

In the end he was glad Rose suggested it. They spent the evening playing Gobstones and Exploding pushover and listening to St. John the Apostle and Kaden think up new ways to prank the Slytherins, and more specifically, Scorpius Malfoy. Eventually, Albus decided to bid it a Nox and headed back to his dormitory, leaving his friend to continue discussing whether it would be better to reverse Malfoy 's hair red or purple.

Only a few short hours later Albus found himself sneaking quietly out of his dormitory at an hour of day that was only meant to be seen on weekdays. He grabbed his broom and went to run into his teammates in the uncouth room.

No one looked happy. Epistle of James was nodding off on the couch while Ryan attempted to tie his horseshoe without opening his eyes. broom 's hair was sticking up at odd slant while she tried to tame it into a ponytail. Bradley was sulking in an armchair. Even Fred looked a little worse for wearable. But they trudged through the castle, only seeing Peeves loosening a few door hinges and Filch 's cat skulking behind a case of armour.

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

Without going up to his dormitory to change, Albus headed into the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall hoping there would be something trade good for lunch. Having skipped breakfast, he was starving. He spotted his friends halfway down the Gryffindor tabular array and after stowing his broom underneath the work bench, he sat down and grabbed the nearest dish.

"You could at to the lowest degree shower first, Al,"rose said."You stink."

"Too starved,"Albus replied.

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

Albus groaned as he read the alphabetic character."That gives me about four minute to unstrain and possibly do homework."

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

"Hope not,"Albus replied in between bites."You do n't give to go ?"

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

"This says I have to bust dress robe,"Albus muttered.

"At least you can state us if anything well happens,"Matt said.

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

"He already told me over the summer that I 'll only hold to go to ace at Hogwarts. And then whatever political party the prospect will throw for the officials. Does n't think an election should stimulate a lot effect on my life,"matt explained.

"Lucky,"Albus replied.

Albus made the nigh of the rest of the day. He and his friends took homework down to the lake, but it sat ignored under a beech tree while they sat by the edge of the lake and dangled their base in. Kaden swore the monster Squid tried to eat his invertebrate foot, but cipher believed him. Rose and Amanda took a walk by themselves along the edge of the forest, insisting that none of the boy follow.

Kaden pulled a Fanged Frisbee out of his bag once the girls left and the boys began tossing it around. This was great fun until the Frisbee decided it had had sufficiency of being thrown and took out a plane section of Kaden 's hair, leaving his head teacher bleeding rather profusely and Albus, John, and Matt having to rush him to the infirmary wing. By the prison term Kaden 's straits had been bandaged up and all four had received a public lecture on the dangers of Fanged Frisbees ( Madam Pomfrey somehow figured out that that was the causa ) it was fourth dimension for Albus to head back to Gryffindor tug to get ready for the public debate.


A/N : Sorry for the lack of a May update. shoal was insane. But I only have a year left ! I 'm now home plate for the summertime and am having topic getting my Internet to collaborate with HPFF. Things take a long time to charge and I can not respond to reviews. I will still record every brushup, but responses will take a while since I have to be at the library to reply to them.

Since I last updated I 've had some matter with people plagiarizing my stories. I really hate that I have to tell you guys this, but it is against the pattern to take anyone 's taradiddle from here and put them on other sites. It 's also against the rules to take plots, persona, etc without permission. I do not give way my permit for anyone to get hold of my plot or characters. I 'm really well-chosen that you guys like my narrative, but please do n't involve them.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


If there was one thing Albus hated it was getting dressed up for Ministry case. He had always been slightly uncomfortable with his dad 's fame and Ministry location because he hated the attention. King James I had always been the eccentric who would bask in the attention, enjoying when all the Ministry officials proclaimed how big he was getting and how he was for certain to be the star of Gryffindor 's Quidditch squad. Lily was rather indifferent towards it. She never really expressed emotion about the attention one way or another. She enjoyed getting dressed up but once they were at whatever party, she would go off and do her own thing. Albus just did not like it. He did not like getting his cheeks pinched by old noblewoman and did not the like random citizenry telling him how tall he was getting. As he got elder, he did not like it any more.

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

Albus tamed his hair with a bit of water and then met James, Lily, Bradley, and Cedric in the park room. Henry James looked smooth and perfectly comfortable in his blue angel wearing apparel robe, whereas Bradley and Cedric looked like they were being force fed stinky fish in their matching grey robes. Lily was wearing a imperial dress and as common, did n't seem to have an opinion about going to the debate.

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

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

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

The relaxation of the trip to Kendrick 's subject was understood. When they arrived they saw that Kendrick was in dress robes as well and was apparently escorting them to the Ministry and would continue to watch the debate. He handed them each a bit of Floo powder and let them go first.

Albus stepped into the Floo after Jesse James and soon found himself in the Ministry of Magic 's entrance hall. The lieu was far quieter than it was the last time he had been there, the pursue year, when he went with mat to tell his dad about Lubar being at Hogwarts.

Kendrick led them to the elevator and down to the tribunal room."The only place big enough to accommodate everyone witnessing the debate. Even still, it 's an invitation only event. It 's being broadcasted over the wireless, however. Kendrick stopped in front end of court way ten and opened the room access. The way was about half entire. Albus spotted his mother 's brilliant red pilus in the inaugural row of seating. He followed Kendrick down the stairs.

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

It soon became obvious that the left position of the front row of the seating was reserved for Percy 's family. They were joined by all of Albus 's aunt and uncles, as well as Victoire, Teddy, and Stanley. In fact the only one of his older cousins that was not there was Gabriella. Albus wanted to ask Victoire where she was but she was too far away.

Albus assumed that the outset row on the right English was reserved for Laurentis 's family, although Albus did n't recognize a single one of the masses in that row. He turned around and focused on the masses filing in. He recognized a few of them including Matt 's parents and a few other Ministry officials he 'd met before. Matt 's parents sat down behind Albus 's parents, next to Professor Kendrick. Albus briefly wished that matte had been forced to go, but quickly erased that thought because what variety of ally would bid their best friend had to take care a political public debate ?

The chatter in the room immediately subsided when diplomatic minister Hartwell entered followed by a few of his closest adviser. Behind them were Percy and Laurentis, both wearing Ministry gown. Hartwell and his advisor sat along a table at the movement of the room while Percy and Laurentis stood behind podiums, also at the front of the room. The Minister spoke with his consultant briefly while Percy and Laurentis smiled and waved at the bunch. Then one of the advisers rose from his seat.

He was a portly man, whose robes stretched very tightly across his eye. He was completely bald and had no beard, but a very wide mustache. Aiming his wand at his own throat, he muttered a spell and then set his sceptre down.

"Welcome,"his interpreter boomed over the audience,"to the first argumentation of the 2020 election for Minister of Magic. Our two nominee, Percy Saint Ignatius Weasley and Patricia Leigh Laurentis, join us tonight for an introductory debate on a form of publication. My public figure is Wendell York and I am the promontory of the Department of Magical transportation and will serve as moderator for tonight 's debate. I will pose the topic and each candidate will get five minutes to reply, then two min for a rebuttal.

"The first topic is how our world is concealed from Muggles. Do you recall the current Ministry is doing an adequate job ? What changes would you evoke ? Mr. Weasley, you may go first."

Albus yawned. Why could n't it be an exciting topic like catching dark necromancer ? Or at least something relevant to his life, like the want of dear denial professors at Hogwarts. Now that would be a debate he 'd be matter to in. Albus turned towards Percy and realized he had n't even been paying tending to much of his uncle 's response.

"... electric current laws do a satisfactory job of concealing our human race from Muggles. magic sightings by Muggles are low in bit and when they do occur Obliviators do an excellent job of altering the retentiveness of our Muggle neighbor ..."Hotspur droned on.

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

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

"I disagree with Mr. Weasley,"Laurentis began."One sighting of our sort by Muggles is too many. Each fourth dimension a Muggle catch sight of an act of magic puts our entire world at risk of exposure, and not only Great Britain 's wizarding world. We have a responsibility to the world that we keep our magic under wrapping. According to last year 's statistics we were in the top five countries in terms of phone number of sightings. That 's not adept ..."

Laurentis went on and on about various Torah that could be enacted to ensure that Muggles did not see bit of trick until Wendell York cut her off. He then let Hotspur have his two mo rebuttal, during which he went on about how it was an impossible goal to try, to achieve no wizard sightings by Muggles. Laurentis 's rebuttal was basically just a re-statement of her late contention.

Albus tuned much of the debate out, focusing instead on what he wanted to do during the current school day year. He was a twenty-five percent year, which meant he was no recollective one of the younger kids. He 'd been on the Quidditch team for two yr and now he was hoping he 'd be able-bodied to bear some say in how practices went and how peer were played. Then there was the Dueling night club. Each of the eight teams had a maitre d' and the captains were fourth years. Professors, mostly Neville, picked the sea captain. Albus knew it would be down to either him or Scorpio and as much as he did not really require the responsibility of being captain, he did not want Scorpius to have power over him. He would use that to his vantage.

The disputation wore on and Albus continued to not pay attention until he heard the lyric 'education'and 'Hogwarts'. That got his attention. It was Laurentis 's tour to go first.

"I think educational reform is the best way to go. Hogwarts has been ran the Same way for generations and while no one can deny that headmaster Kendrick runs a wonderful school, we also can not snub that changes could be made to benefit the pupil. The cosmos is a constantly changing place and teaching needs to stay fresh up in order for our students to be better devise.

"The class choices for example. It is my understanding that a new form has been added this twelvemonth about politics, which I think is greatly beneficial to educatee. But other than that the same classes are offered now as have been offered for X. New grade need to be phased in while old ones that either no longer sake students need to be phased out. Obviously I am not talking about effect classes such as Potions and appealingness, but electives.

"Teachers also need to be kept up to date with late finding in their fields. They should not be teaching the Sami information I or my opponent learned at Hogwarts. They should be teaching the newest valid entropy available-"

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

"My opposer brings up an interesting point, but even she admits that master Kendrick is running an splendid shoal. I believe that some government regularization is essential, exemplar being hold up year 's incident with professor Balladanis, but we as government official do not have the training nor experience needed to properly run a school. I, as well as my opposite, would be kidding ourselves if we believed we could do a better job running Hogwarts than professor Kendrick.

"Just as professor most in all likelihood believe it salutary to result law making and the running of the land to those such as my opponent and I, I believe it dependable to go forth the running game of Hogwarts to Professor Kendrick and the early professors. In conclusion, I believe that Hogwarts is fine as is and if the headmaster thought he needed regime assistance bringing about variety in curriculum he would ask."

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

"I in no way stated that I am trying to run Hogwarts. Nor do I think I would do a better job of it than professor Kendrick. I am merely stating that the scholar would benefit from more governance interposition. If the Ministry had been more tangled with teacher survival of the fittest, for model, we could accept possibly avoided hiring prof Balladanis finally year."

"Mr. Weasley."

"My opposition is speculating. There is no way for anyone to say whether government officials would give found Professor Balladanis to be an inappropriate prof during his interview. In fact, I would lean towards the opposite, considering that neither I or my resister have ever hired a professor before."

Both Percy and Laurentis were red in the face. Albus was surprised a Ministry sponsored debate could get so wake. He craned his head and turned around in society to see what Kendrick 's reaction to all this was, but found that Kendrick was hiding his emotions far expert than either Percy or Laurentis. It also seemed that everyone in the room was paying rapt attending, including James and Lily. The only two people who were n't were Samantha and Lindy.

There was one concluding inquiry about law making that Albus did n't really understand, nor did he give care to sympathise. He was far more interested in the Hogwarts question. Percy 's argument was far better, in his popular opinion. Hogwarts was very well the way it was. Why did Laurentis want to change everything ? What sort of changes was she talking about, anyway ? He supposed the theme would be explored more specifically at the instruction themed debate which was scheduled to necessitate lieu at Hogwarts the following month. But one idea that Albus could not get out of his point was that if Laurentis won, what would pass to Hogwarts ?
******


"The lone modification I want to see at Hogwarts is less preparation and fewer exams,"John said as he walked with Albus and the relief of their Friend to the Great Hall.

A workweek had passed since the 1st debate and students were still talking about the possible alteration to Hogwarts. A very large total page ranch had appeared in the Daily vaticinator the day after the argumentation, proclaiming that Laurentis wished to commute Hogwarts. This had both students and prof up in arms and matter were only beginning to quiet down. The prof had been on edge the premature calendar week, snapping at scholar for nix and assigning spear carrier homework. This resulted in the students being very unhappy. Albus did not quite empathise why everyone was letting it affect them so much. It 's not like Laurentis had won. Yet.

It was early on Sat dawning and Albus and his champion were heading to the Great Hall for the first junior 's Dueling gild meeting of the class. Albus 's nerves were on end. It was at this beginning confluence that the maitre d'hotel would be announced.

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

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

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

"If he 's captain, tournament are going to be frightfully,"whoremaster countered."Plus, I 'm Al 's friend."

The Great manor hall was in sight chaos, as it always was during the beginning merging of the twelvemonth. Two squad were congregated at each table and much to Albus 's disdain, his team was holding court of law at the Slytherin table. He weaved his way through the discombobulate second years who had yet to be assigned a team and stood future to his team. Scorpius was seated across the tabular array from him.

"Well, ceramist, cook to be under my captainship ?"Scorpius greeted him.

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

"I 'm the better dueler, obviously."Scorpius smirked.

"silence, quiet everyone !"Neville shouted.

Albus turned away from Scorpius and swallowed the desire to make a come back and paid attending to Neville instead. professor Patil stood next to him. Albus supposed the new Defense professor had not had a desire to assist with the Dueling society. Somehow, Albus was not surprised.

"Thank you,"Neville said."starting time I 'd like to announce that Professor Patil has graciously agreed to help me sponsor this year 's Dueling Club. As a reminder, all teams must have a professor present during practices and it is up to the team headwaiter to coordinate practice clock time and situate a prof to sit in. The professor does not have to be myself or Professor Patil. However, this year we are allowing seventh twelvemonth Dueling gild appendage to supervise as well. So as an alternative, you may ask a seventh year to supervise.

"outset parliamentary procedure of business organisation is this year 's second yr. I 've already assigned you to teams and shall now register off the list."

Albus let his brain wander while Neville read off the list. The solitary irregular years he knew were his sister, and she was assigned to Matt 's team, as well as Hugo, who was assigned to lavatory and Kaden 's team. A crop of shy looking second geezerhood had congregated at his own team 's spot and he smiled at them, encouraging them to take seats next to the older students. There were five of them. Two male child and three girl. Three Ravenclaws, a Slytherin, and a Hufflepuff. No Gryffindors, but Albus could live with that.

"And now, what I am sure all the fourth old age have been waiting for, headwaiter announcement ! Let me remind you that I, as well as the former prof who have been involved with this club have been watching you over the past two geezerhood and have chosen not only exceptional duellist, but exceptional leader. Without further adieu.

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

cheerfulness erupted for Marina, mostly from the Hufflepuff table, where her team was seated. Albus grinned. Marina was very nice and would wee-wee an splendid captain.

"The captain of Team Two is William Harvey Tucker."

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

"The skipper of squad Three is Peter Smith."

A Hufflepuff. His Father-God had attended school with Albus 's parents and they had n't liked him much.

"The captain of Team four-spot is Lydia Thompson."

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

"The skipper of Team Five is Jace Johnson."

Rose 's team. Jace was a Hufflepuff who did n't seem to ever be not glad. It was kind of bizarre, actually.

"The captain of team Six is Raisha Sweeney."

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

"The captain of squad Seven is Albus Potter."

St. John the Apostle 's whistling could be heard above everyone 's cheering. Albus grinned. His total team ( save for Scorpius and his friends ) were clapping hard. He 'd done it. He 'd made police chief ! All the uncertainness he 'd had over the summer about it had disappeared. He, Albus thrower, was the new headwaiter of Team septenary.

"The captain of Team eight is Dayton Coons."

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

"That 's all for today. senior pilot, delight figure out a meter for your first pattern, which should learn place during the next two hebdomad. Once you have a date, please see me to get a classroom. Then find a professor or seventh yr to supervise.

Scorpio did not say one word as Albus talked with the rest of his team and figured out a practice session clip that did not intervene with four dissimilar Quidditch teams, Gobstones Club, and chess lodge. Eventually he settled on the postdate Th evening. Neville assigned them to an discharge schoolroom on the sixth floor. Albus figured he 'd ask a one-seventh year to supervise rather than a professor. It was less intimidating for his first base pattern.

Albus 's friends joined him at the doorway to the Great Hall. Scorpius brushed past them, but did not say a word. He looked like he was ready to murder somebody. Albus thought he looked far too angry over a lost captaincy. It was just the junior 's Dueling Club anyway.

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

"Not a word,"Albus replied.

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

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

"It 's going to be a beneficial year for dueling, that 's for certain,"Matt agreed.

The six friends discussed dueling all the way back to the park room. When they entered they saw a signal that said 'Congratulations Albus and Marina !'Unopened butterbeers cluttered one of the tables and all of Albus 's cousin-german were cracking them open. Marina was surrounded by her champion and Albus was accosted by his cousins as soon as he entered. Someone thrust a butterbeer into his hand and patted him on the vertebral column. He smiled as he looked out at the coarse room, at the party that his cousins had thrown together for himself and Marina. Matt was not only rectify about the fact that it would be a good class for dueling. It was going to be a good twelvemonth in ecumenical.


A/N : So I bet you 're all disordered about the name modification ! Well, I 've been doing some thought and a plot change was needed. The chapters that are already posted wo n't be affected. The change only affects what I have n't written yet. But the old statute title was n't going to operate with the new patch, so I had to change it. I like the new one comfortably anyway. And do n't worry, Percy will still run for Minister. Actually, the new plot of land focuses more on that.

To answer in rise, because I know this will come up up, I wo n't tell what the old plot was going to be. I 'd rather masses not liken the old patch with the one that will actually be written.

If any of you are on the forums, you 'll recognise about the disaster we had last week. Liza Potter on the archives ( and lizzacc on the forum ) has died. She was a fan of my Albus series and told me once that they were the first stories she ever read on HPFF. She will be missed. I am dedicating this story to you, Mugil liza.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The next day Albus found himself on the Quidditch pitch staring at all of the new Gryffindor Keeper aspirer. There were a lot of them. Try-outs were scheduled to begin in fifteen moment, yet the pitch had been packed since before lunch. Albus speculated that some hopefuls, including Victor Hugo, had not even taken a time out for lunch. poor Victor-Marie Hugo need n't make bothered skipping his repast since even an extra one-half hour of practice session would not take helped him.

Students from second through seventh yr were hoping for a stain on the team, including Janie Creevey. Albus recognized almost of them, but there were a few sometime pupil whom he did not. Along with the Gryffindors, there were example from other team, surely there to check up on out Gryffindor 's new Keeper.

Albus stood on the pitch a few meters from the bunch, with his squad. Fred was holding a clipboard and Heather was standing next to him, gazing out at the students hoping for a spot. James, Bradley, and Ryan were laughing about something.

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

Wow, Albus thought to himself, Fred was channeling both Georgia and Samantha Meyers. Usually he would jest around at try-outs, but Albus supposed since he was now in charge, things had changed.

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

"All right then, I 'm going to hold you fly around the pitch to assess your BASIC flying science. If you 're not up to par on that, you 'll be eliminated. Then we 'll proceed on to guarding the goal posts."

Albus stood back while Fred had the hopefuls fly lap covering around the pitch. Quite a few could not even deal to fly straight or execute round properly. About a one-quarter of them were eliminated during the first ten minutes. half of the remaining Gryffindors were eliminated within the first ten minutes of end keeping, including Hugo. He hung his head as he walked to the outdoor stage, broom trailing behind him. Albus felt bad for him.

The relief of the of the students took long to reject. After about an hour the amount had been narrowed down to ten and they all seemed to be similar in skill.

"I think the solitary fair way to do this is to carry off anyone who misses a save. Last one standing, er, flying, gets the pip,"Fred announced.

It took another half hour to complete the try-outs. To Albus 's surprisal, the succeeder was Janie Creevey. Albus had had no idea that she even played Quidditch until he saw her at the try-outs. She grinned as she dismounted from her heather and accepted the congratulations from the rest of the team.

"Nice to have another young lady,"Heather said."I thought I 'd be the only one after Georgia left."

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

"Have you seen Rose on a broom ?"Albus asked.

Janie grinned."I 've played since I was little. So happy to ingest won the spot. When 's kickoff drill ?"

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

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

exercise lasted a few hr and Albus was thoroughly exhausted by the time it was over. He immediately went back to his dorm room to exact a lavish and then set off to turn up his friends. Dinner would be served shortly and Albus was starved.

Albus 's Friend were in the piranha 's Den, just where he had predicted when he did n't see them in the Gryffindor plebeian elbow room when he had traipsed through after practice. John and Kaden were playing chess and Kaden was trouncing John, like usual. rose and Amanda were sitting on the couch discussing an essay that Cedonia had assigned the previous week. lustrelessness was not there since the wide moon had been the premature night.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everyone nodded in agreement and they set off towards the Great dorm. The corridors were filled with students who had spent the day out-of-doors and Albus felt very content walking alongside his friends, despite how every 1 one of his muscles ached from praxis.

"Shhhh, look !"John seethed as he grabbed the backrest of Albus 's shirt and pulled him into a room access. Kaden, pink wine, and Amanda followed, all looking curiously at John.

"What is it ?"Rose asked.

"Shush !"John whispered."It 's Scorpio and Willinson 's cousin-german. What was his name again ?"

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

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

Albus craned his head around the door chassis. Scorpius and Felix were standing next to a few lawsuit of armour, head word leaned in towards each other. There was a girl about a head brusk than Scorpius with them. She and Felix had the Lapplander color hair, except hers was longsighted and curly.

"She 's a low gear class. I remember seeing her a the Sorting but I do n't remember her name,"Rose answered.

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

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

Scorpius began walking down the corridor and Felix and the girlfriend followed. Albus and his friends watched them until they turned a turning point, disappearing out of sight.

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

"You 're paranoid,"rosebush said."They were just talking and they 're in the same mansion. Maybe she had a interrogative sentence or something."

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

"Oh Merlin."rose let out an exasperated suspiration."Two weeks into the term and you 're already picking a row with him."

"Remember finis yr ?"Albus asked."I 'm only trying to invalidate something like that again."

"fine. But I 'm not getting involved,"rosebush muttered.

Albus walked in silence the quietus of the way to the Great Hall. Rose may ingest been right. Albus may throw just been being paranoid, but deep down he had a feeling that Malfoy and Willinson were n't just talking about homework.
******


mat returned from the infirmary wing two 24-hour interval later and the month wore on in its common way. The professor were assigning more and more homework and it took longer and longer to complete.

Once October arrived inflammation began to brew when the foremost Hogsmeade weekend was announced. The visit was scheduled for the Saturday before Allhallows Eve and Kaden in special was very excited. He never did manage to make it to Hogsmeade under the Invisibility Cloak the previous year.

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

Albus wished he could say affair were going equally well for the election. Ever since the first debate various cartridge clip and wireless shows had been latching onto Sir Henry Percy 's statement about education and his lack of willingness to change, as they had put it.

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

"Not to remark the five page spread that champion magazine is doing about our kin,"Cedric muttered as he gnawed on a turkey leg."That 's sure to fuel the fire."

"When is that ?"Albus asked.

"Tomorrow,"Omar Bradley answered."Only good theatrical role is we got permission to miss all of our classes."

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

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

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

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

"Did he say when ?"Jesse James asked.

"Around Christmas, I think. Adds to the well-chosen family atmosphere,"Cedric explained.

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

"When 's the adjacent public debate, anyway ?"Albus asked."moldiness be coming up soon."

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

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

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

"oral presentation of elections, what does everyone think of that political relation stratum ?"Albus asked.

"prof 's very intense,"James II said in between bit."But it 's not nearly as awful as the early classes. There 's no O.W.L. in it so it 's my current favorite."

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

prof Embry seemed to be teaching the year in chronological order and thus was currently lecturing on how the Ministry was organized prior to the decline of Voldemort. Albus thought it was a petty oil production but he had a feeling it would get more interesting once Embry started on the fall of Voldemort.

"And that 's why the class is requisite,"rose wine said."Think about it. No course like this has been taught before, so where did the current Ministry functionary learn the account of the Ministry ? Where did they learn about political science ? They learned it as they went, but did n't cognize much when they started. That 's a picayune scary. masses should know how their area is run."

Albus thought about what Rose had said as he chewed on his roll. She had a beneficial decimal point. Where had they learned it ? Had his Uncle Walker Percy really known nothing about the Ministry when he started ? No, he could n't induce. Harry Hotspur 's own father had been in the Ministry as well. Still, it was weird to recall about.

Albus mostly listened during the residue of dinner. He always felt slightly unsettled when the election was discussed and he was n't surely why. Nor could he figure out whether he wanted Percy to win or not. Either way, lifetime would be drastically different after Election Day, and Albus liked things the way they were.
******


"Now she wants to modify Azkaban ?"Albus asked at breakfast a few days later. The law enforcement debate had taken place the night before and the intact movement Sir Frederick Handley Page of the prophesier was devoted to it."Is n't changing Hogwarts enough ?"

Ministry hopefuls Harry Hotspur Weasley and
Patricia Laurentis debated law creation
and enforcement stopping point Night at the Ministry
of Magic. Like the premature general public debate,
sparks flew in this one, with each candidate
speaking passionately about the subject.

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

Laurentis took a more radical position, in
her reply to Weasley 's opinions.

'Sure, the constabulary we have now are sufficient.
I 'm not denying that. But I think we need
to contain a good hard feel at how they are
enforced, or rather, not enforced. The
statistics are sack. Far more criminals
are being acquitted and even more than are
being released from Azkaban. In my work
at the prison, I see many criminals being
released whom I do not opine should be.
Not to advert the break-outs. There are
far too many. Law enforcement needs to exchange .'

Without a doubtfulness, things are only going to
heat up. The candidates seem to have
completely different vox populi on everything
from education to natural law. The future debate,
which will be on education, will contract place
at Hogwarts on Sat, November the 9th at
two in the afternoon.

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

"Probably does n't have the power,"rosiness answered."The Minister has to sign off on most matter, unless all representatives and officials disagree with him or her."

"So clearly there 's mass who do n't agree with her,"matte replied.

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

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

"Me either,"Rose agreed."surmisal we 're watching the next debate."

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

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

Thomas Bradley sat down side by side to Albus and threw a copy of whiz powder magazine onto the tabular array."Article 's out."

"That was fast,"Albus said.

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

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

Bradley shook his head."This lady 's almost speculative. Trust me."

rose wine, Amanda, trick, mat, and Kaden crowded around Albus as he flipped through the magazine. The clause was in the middle, with the two Thomas Nelson Page being a full color photograph of Uncle Percy, aunty Corrine, and their tyke. Percy and Corrine were sitting on their living room couch, with GA in between them. All three were smiling and waving. Bradley and Cedric were leaning on either side of the sofa and the twin were sitting in front man of it. Albus flipped the Page and saw a very lengthy clause, interspersed with several pictures of his family and boxes about each of those five cousins. The article finished up on the stick to page.

Upon entering the home of parson of Magic
nominee Harry Hotspur Weasley 's Southampton place
I am storm to see that it does not bet
like the home of a Ministry candidate. It is
not filled with slews and bundle of theme and
Weasley 's campaign managing director is nowhere to be
found. Instead, the floor is cluttered with
toys belonging to the youngest Weasley kid,
nine-year-old twins, Samantha and Lindy. A
crustal plate of lovesome cooky sits upon the coffee
table and Weasley 's wife, Corrine, bustles
into the room carrying a tray of tea. Percy
enters as well, followed by the five Weasley
children.

'I prefer to go on the campaign at the Ministry ,'
Percy explains after I ask where his campaign
stuff are. 'The run is work. It is my
job. The house is for my family .'

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

The article went on to discuss Percy and his fathering acquisition. Albus grew more and more fed up as it went on. Percy had and always would be a workaholic, but the clause was painting him to be founder of the year. No wonder Bradley had not been pleased when giving Albus the article.

'I could not be more proud of Peach State ,'
Percy said, speaking of his eldest daughter,
who currently plays as modesty custodian for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I 've been to a
number of her match and it is clear
that she could have a long career in
Quidditch .'

"What a load of dung !"Albus exclaimed."Uncle Percy has never once agreed with Peach State 's Quidditch career."

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

"Oh he said it,"Bradley, who had taken a place a inadequate means down the tabular array, answered."Not that he really thinks it."

Albus had had sufficiency of the chief article. His eyes glanced across the page and rested upon the pocket-size box that discussed Georgia.

Sakartvelo Weasley, the eldest girl
of Percy and Corrine, is 18 and
currently plays Reserve keeper for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I love
Quidditch ,'Peach State said when the
theme was brought up. 'It 's freeing
and I look forward to playing for
Kenmare as a full Keeper one day .'
Georgia 's pipe dream is to act as for England.

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

Bradley Weasley, the eldest son of
Hotspur and Corrine, is currently in
his sixth year at Hogwarts. He plays
Beater on Gryffindor 's Quidditch team.
'I like Quiditch, but I do n't want to
play professionally like Peach State. I
want to make for Gringotts some day .'

Then there was one for Cedric.

Cedric Weasley is in his 5th year
at Hogwarts and is the cut-up of
the kin. 'Every Weasley phratry
has to consume someone who will diddle the
jokes. It 's like a ruler or something.
I come up with the best idea when I 'm
with my cousin James [ Potter ] .'Upon
asking Cedric what he wants to do after
Hogwarts, he replied, 'Have n't got a clue.
I think I 'll focus on getting through
my O.W.L.s first .'

The final box was for both Samantha and Lindy.

Samantha and Linda ( lindy ) Weasley are
nine eld old and attend a local
main school for Muggles. Both Twin
ca n't wait to enter Hogwarts in two
years .'I 'm going to be in Gryffindor,
just like my babe and brothers ,'says
Samantha .'I do n't handle what house I 'm
in, just as long as I can fiddle Quidditch.
fountainhead, okay, I do n't want to be in Slytherin .'

"That,"Albus began as he set down the mag,"was the spoilt clause I 've ever read in my life."

"I shudder to think what the one about our full home will be like,"rose wine muttered.

"Nah,"St. John the Apostle said."That one will be better because they wo n't have to defecate as a lot up. Albus 's dad saved the completely wizarding macrocosm. They 'll just play that up."

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

Amanda nodded."Yeah, they will. They know nothing about your uncle 's kinsfolk. indisputable, they know all about your dad, but really, how very much do they know about Hotspur ? Not much. They 're going to want to trust it and why should n't they ? They have no melodic theme Percy does n't approve of Georgia 's Quidditch career. It 's the same as in the Muggle world.

"It would be courteous if people voted on candidates who shared their like opinion, but it honestly comes down to who presents the best effort. People are n't going to want someone in ability who has issues with his own family."

"That 's dullard,"Kaden replied."Glad my syndicate 's not involved with politics."

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

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

"You still squall him Uncle Percy,"Albus said.

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

"Well, I can honestly say my kinsfolk 's not in political sympathies and I 'm very glad about that,"trick said.

Albus could not think life sentence without having kinfolk involved with the Ministry, but suddenly he felt slightly jealous of John. What would it suffer been like to have parents who were n't illustrious ?


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this floor ! You guys are all amazing. Just as another reminder, I ca n't reply to reviews while I am base for the summer, but I read every single one. If you have some sort of query that you need answered about my stories, please use my Ask the generator Thomas Nelson Page at the forums or send me a PM there.

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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The following hebdomad brought a storm so long and so vivid that Herbology and forethought of Magical tool had to be canceled for the second half of the week. It was thoroughly impossible to walk outside without being doubled over by the fart and the younger students could not walk without being blown away. The rain was also so heavy that one would become soaked within two transactions. The educatee secretly rejoiced, for the extra free geological period were helpful to all.

It remained so rainy and windy that even Quidditch drill had to be canceled on Saturday. Not that Fred would have canceled it himself, but Kendrick announced a ban on going out of doors until the storm let up. Fred lamented this fact all of Friday evening and contemplated holding a scheme session in the green room instead, but ling convinced him just to let it go.

Albus decided to take the chance to expend the day at the library, something that can and Kaden reluctantly agreed with. lusterlessness and Amanda joined them as well, for they had good deal of preparation as well. Rose had mentioned something about tutoring a young bookman and run off shortly after breakfast.

The library was absolutely packed with educatee, nearly likely due to the weather and not a burning desire of the Hogwarts population to study, and it took a ripe five minute for Albus and his friend to situate an empty-bellied table. It was a lot trashy than usual and madam Pince was glaring at each mesa of students in twist.

Albus set his pile of book down and got to figure out on a Potions essay that was due the following week. He had n't started it, of course, but he had a few days to do it. He thought he was ahead of the game anyway since he 'd normally be at Quidditch practice and not even thinking about homework.

John and Kaden, as usual, were ineffectual to get started on their homework right away and were scolded by lady Pince twice before finally opening their books. Amanda immediately set to work on the Same essay Albus was working on. flatness cracked capable his appealingness text but stared at the same page for five transactions before Albus noticed that his centre had glazed over. The Oct full moon was the following night, so Albus was not surprise.

"This is utterly drilling,"can muttered after they 'd been studying for an hr."Politics back before Voldemort is pointless. It 's completely different now, so why do we necessitate to bother reading it ?"

"So we do n't make the Sami fault,"Amanda said without looking up from her parchment."simple, really."

"You 're channeling Rose now,"whoremaster stated.

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

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

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

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

Albus rolled his eyes. The two of them had been mad to accept prophecy in the maiden spot, but at least they seemed to enjoy making up their fudge predictions. Albus grinned to himself as John and Kaden snorted into their parchment, laughing over some nonsensical forecasting.

An hour later Albus had finished his essay, as had Amanda. The two of them had moved on to metamorphosis recitation. John the Evangelist and Kaden had given up on homework and were planning an flesh out prank that involved a poulet, bird food, and the Slytherin common room. matt had been dozing on his good luck charm book. Albus prodded him awake.

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

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

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

King John and Kaden rose to unite matte. They 'd been yelled at two more than times and figured they 'd do unspoiled to plan in the Den.

"Wait,"John Lackland said when he was only a few feet from the table."Is that rose ?"He pointed to a head of shaggy red hair at a nearby table."Who 's she with ? Is that-"He walked across the way and hid behind a book shelf to get a nigh look.

Albus craned his promontory. pink wine was sitting with a little girl. Saint John returned a few seconds later.

"I thought so. It 's that little girl we saw with Malfoy and Willinson a few weeks ago."

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

"Yeah, that 's her all rightfulness,"King John said."What 's go up doing with her ?"

"She 's tutoring soul. must be her,"Albus pointed out.

"Wyrd. Tutoring a Slytherin,"John replied.

"What 's it thing ?"lusterlessness snapped."No pointedness in standing here watching them. I 'm going to the Den."He hiked his bag up on his shoulder and headed for the threshold, not waiting for Saint John and Kaden.

"What 's with him ?"John asked.

"You know what 's tomorrow. And honestly, what 's it matter if she 's tutoring that young woman ?"Albus asked.

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

"It 's the Hogwarts tutoring broadcast. I do n't think you get to see who you tutor,"Albus explained.

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

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

Albus and Amanda studied for another hour before joining their friends in the Marauder 's Den. John the Evangelist and Kaden were having a serious treatment on how they were going to obtain a chicken and lustrelessness was profound asleep on the couch. Albus and Amanda settled down with a deck of Exploding Snap and played turn after troll while listening to privy and Kaden.

"I still say it 'll be easier to have an older pupil transfigure something into a chicken,"Kaden said a full twenty minutes later."I 'll bet one of Albus 's cousin-german will do it."

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

"more chance of getting caught. No one 's going to suspect if one of Al 's cousins is practicing their August 6. But sneaking a wimp into the castle ? They 're fairly loud with their squawking."

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

"There will be stack of chance of getting caught when we 're getting into the Slytherin common elbow room. merlin only knows how we 're going to grapple that."

The door opened and pink wine walked in."Why are you lot trying to get into the Slytherin uncouth room ?"

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

rose wine rolled her eyes and sat down next to Amanda, picking up a few visiting card to join in on the next round.

"How was tutoring ?"whoremonger asked, abandoning the theme of chickens.

"mulct,"rosebush answered."Lapp as always."

"How did you even get into tutoring ?"John Lackland replied.

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

whoremonger laughed."Definitely not. Just curious."

"Professor Longbottom contacted me over the summer. Fourth long time and above can be in the tutoring program. The professors match you up with younger students and I 've been tutoring a starting time yr for a few calendar week now."

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

"delay, that one clip that you and Al thought they were up to something ?"

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

Rose sighed."She 's Willinson 's little sister. Her name 's Elsie. She 's really nice, actually. tranquillity, does n't seem much like a Slytherin to me but her solid household 's been in Slytherin."

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

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

Everyone, except Matt, who just wanted to sleep, agreed and they headed down to the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall. Rose had been right. nix funny about Willinson 's sister tagging after him and Scorpius. Albus 's instincts had been wrong on that occasion.
******


Never in Albus 's sprightliness did he ever think there would be a professor who could top prof Binns in terms of boring classes. But prof Loretta Young had done the impossible. Twice a week Albus and his supporter traipsed to Whitney Moore Young Jr. 's classroom to work on a exclusive worksheet. Young did nothing else, except bridge player out worksheets. Said worksheets did not even take an full stratum period to complete, resulting in educatee using the remaining meter to charm up on other homework, something that Young neglected to find. The only good component part about the grade was that Danton True Young never assigned homework.

"You think he 'll last-place the year ?"matt asked as they were leaving Whitney Moore Young Jr. 's classroom.

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

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

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

The rest of Albus 's classes were comely, although most assigned too much homework for his liking, but that was not anything new. As the end of Oct drew nearer, Albus became very charge about the first Hogsmeade visit of the year. It would be the first clip that all of Albus 's friends would get to go together and possibly the shoemaker's last, given how busy everyone was this year.

Albus nearly did not get to go to Hogsmeade when the day finally arrived. Fred had sprung an superfluous Quidditch practice on that day in order to pass water up for the missed recitation due to the tempest. However, the entire team was outraged and ling threatened to hex Fred if he did not lift the drill. Albus was very relieved as it was a nice day and perfective for Hogsmeade.

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

"That the pack I sent you over the summer ?"John asked.

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

"I need another Skiving Snackbox,"John the Evangelist announced."And loads of other clobber from Weasleys'."

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

Albus and Matt exchanged looks. John and Kaden had finally agreed to ask one of Albus 's older full cousin to transfigure them a poulet that they would then somehow sneak into the Slytherin park room. The birdseed was to dust throughout the place in monastic order to irritate the Slytherins even more.

"You two enjoy that,"Rose said."And do n't hail complaining to us when you get a month of detentions, because there 's no possible way you can filch into the Slytherin common room without getting caught."

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

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

"Around Allhallows Eve,"John the Divine answered.

"imbecile,"rosiness muttered.

Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes was packed with students. Being the first Hogsmeade weekend, nigh educatee had a serious lack of pranking products and needed to fund up. George II was behind the counter ringing up purchase after purchase and waved at Albus as he walked in with his booster. They quickly scattered, each drift towards the show that contained what they needed.

Albus wandered towards the Skiving Snackboxes and grabbed two, figuring that he would demand to get out of Defense at least once and history of magic a few prison term a month. King John and Kaden each had about five boxes and Matt watched with a sick of looking on his face. Since he missed at least a day or two of category a calendar month due to his lycanthropy, he never understood why anyone would make themselves ill to do so.

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

"Yeah, must remember that for next fourth dimension,"Kaden agreed."But now, off to let a Butterbeer !"

Albus smiled. His cousin had had Butterbeer before when hoi polloi snuck it back to the Gryffindor common room, but he 'd never had it in Hogsmeade before.

The troika broom handle was crowded, but Matt managed to grab a table in the cover. Rose set off to get them all Butterbeers. They had been there for about 15 minutes before Scorpius showed up, followed by Garth Octavius, Xavier Goyle, Felix Willinson, and Elsie Willinson. Scorpius surveyed the room and his eyes rested upon Albus. Smirking, he sauntered over towards them.

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

"course of study we are,"Albus answered."The team 's tidy sum prepared. final stage practice on Thursday."

"I 'll be there,"Scorpius replied."And I 'll be cook to hold the team on Saturday since the rest of our squad could n't win a duel against a first year."

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

"Maybe if they had a in good order chieftain ..."Scorpius 's voice trailed off."But the professors love anyone whose survive name is Potter or Weasley, just like everyone else in the world."

"They chose based on attainment,"Albus replied, staring him in the eyes."Not cite. pink wine did n't piddle captain and she 's a Weasley."

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

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

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

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

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

Scorpius turned to leave and his friends followed."My family does n't run the populace !"Albus shouted after him.

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

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

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

"And Scorpius probably wishes his dad was famous for the correct understanding,"Amanda replied.

"Do n't see why. Having a notable dad is n't always a good thing,"Albus muttered.

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

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

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

"It does n't weigh what he 's looking for. One shimmy of the tongue is all it takes and my biography at Hogwarts is done."

"And so would his,"Albus reminded his friend."Being at Hogwarts, becoming a licence sensation, is everything to a Malfoy. He 'd be nil more than than a Squib if he were expelled."

"I guess."Matt sighed."What do you conceive he signify by your class not being in commission of the wizarding world much longer ?"

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

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

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

"Okay, I guess Embry has n't really discussed it yet but I read ahead in the book of account. New Ministers can appoint new heads of the department if they want to. nigh do n't because so many new people makes for a bad transition period, but it 's happened a few multiplication. If Laurentis wins, she could replace Uncle Harry,"rosiness explained.

"wait, seriously ?"Albus 's back talk fell open.

Rose nodded."Seriously."

"And my dad, too,"Matt said.

"Yeah, yours, too,"rosiness replied.

Albus stared at his half-finished Butterbeer. Having a new Minister was one thing, but having new heads of all the department ? The Ministry would be run in a completely different way. nothing would quell the same. Nobody would replace Harry Potter as Head of the Auror department, though, would they ?

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

"He 's a great Auror, that 's true,"pink wine agreed,"but nifty is an sentiment. Hartwell thinks he 's a majuscule Auror. Uncle Sir Henry Percy undoubtedly thinks he 's a great Auror. But if Laurentis gets elected, none of that will matter. All that will count is whether she think he 's a majuscule Auror. And the interrogation is, does she ?"

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

"No, he 'd just go back to being a even Auror,"Rose said."spirit, you do n't need to worry about it. I 'm sure Uncle Harry knows this."

"They do n't do that in Australia. All the heads have terms like the pastor. When their term is up, the current minister can supervene upon them or hold on them, but they ca n't get replaced when their term is n't up. Unless there 's a scandal and they have a earshot. Like with my dad."

"Does n't appear average,"Albus said.

"It works both way of life. If Uncle Hotspur wins he 'll get to replace who he wants and he 'll no doubt replace Laurentis,"Rose pointed out.

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

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

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

"It would look bad. Remember, half of political relation is how you look to the public,"Amanda said."Which is why according to the Muggle Ministry, I attend a sequestrate boarding school in the United States, just in case anyone asks why the rector 's niece disappears for well-nigh of the year. Which they have n't. Yet."

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

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"I say we do it on Hallowe'en,"Kaden said adamantly while inspecting individual Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor beans and tossing the nasty one into a pile on the floor.

"That 's stupid,"Gospel According to John countered."Everyone 's going to be expecting a japery on Halloween. We should do it the day before."

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

The initiatory Quidditch compeer of the time of year, Gryffindor versus Slytherin, was scheduled to choose place on Saturday, two days after Hallowe'en.

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

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

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

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

Albus and the residue of his Friend were in the vulture 's Den, attempting to decide on a day to put the chickens and wimp feed in the Slytherin plebeian room. They 'd been arguing for a one-half hour and had n't agreed on anything. Albus and Matt, who had been leery on whether to participate in the japery at all, had decided that they would wait on as look-outs while whoremaster and Kaden snuck into the unwashed elbow room.

"I think Wednesday would be a soundly option. Wednesday Nox. We 've got to do it really latterly, though. The 1st twelvemonth have Astronomy on Wednesdays, so we have to wait until they 're back in their student residence,"John explained."Night before Halloween-"

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

"But not Halloween dark,"John said."Pre-Halloween."

"Mischief dark,"Amanda said.

"What ?"Albus asked.

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

"maleficence Night,"Amanda repeated."It 's a Muggle thing. It 's when Muggles pull antic and make havoc. It 's traditionally the Nox before Halloween or the night before Guy Fawkes Day, so if you pull this on Midweek night or other Thursday morning, it 'll be on balefulness Night."

Saint John the Apostle grinned."Perfect. Wizards do n't do that, so no one will be expecting a thing."

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

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

Everyone nodded in agreement, except Rose, who rolled her eyes.

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

"Not yet, but we have plans. Tonight I 'm going to footle by the Slytherin common room under the Invisibility Cloak to hear their countersign. Wednesday evening we 'll ask Omar Bradley to spiritualize us a few chickens. Then, Al and Matt will stand safety while Kaden and I let them loose in the common room,"John explained.

"How in the name of Merlin are you going to retain the chickens calm while you bring them to the dungeons ?"Rose asked.

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


Wednesday brought with it a huge thunderstorm which Albus saw as a rather forbidding omen for operation Slytherin Chickens as the joke had been dubbed. As the day wore on Albus found himself having doubts about the whole matter. Previous pranks had been harmless and had not broken any major school regulation, but this one broke at least ten. This could get them spoilt than a few detentions.

St. John and Kaden seemed to accept no such booking. Both of them were particularly jubilant the integral day and lav even returned from fortune telling with a smile on his font, which never happened. Matt seemed inert to the all affair and acted as usual.

"You do realize we 'll be getting three hours of sleep, tops, tonight,"matte said after dinner, while they were attempting to do homework in the vulture 's Den."And that we have chronicle of magic tomorrow morning."

Saint John the Apostle sighed."All right, maybe that was n't the advantageously bit of planning."

"Clearly not,"flatness agreed.

Albus had a very difficult clock time getting any homework done while they were waiting for the time to get. He found himself drawing frightfully pictures of chickens in the borders on his Transfiguration of Jesus essay. No one else was having much luck either. John and Kaden were playing chess and Matt was taking a nap. rose and Amanda had holed away in the library, neither one wanting to be associated with the male child that nighttime."We need alibis,"she had told Albus earlier."wish to be seen by as many people as possible so there 's no chance anyone will think we were with you."

At one in the morning the boys left the marauder 's Den and headed back to the common room, where Omar Nelson Bradley would be waiting for them. They encountered no one on their way back and only two or three lingering student were in the common room. All of them went to bed within fifteen min and the male child were soon alone with Bradley.

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

John nodded."I do n't retrieve we 'll be able to handle any more."

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

"According to Rose, we 're incredibly stupid,"John said."But I think it 's smart as a whip. Has anyone ever gotten into the Slytherin common room ?"

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

lav, Matt, and Kaden turned to calculate at Albus."I 'll explain later,"Albus said.

Bradley muttered an conjuration and flicked his verge at each of the pillows. All three turned into chickens. One embrown one, one E. B. White one, and one enceinte black and brown rooster. The cock opened its mouth to crow and Bradley immediately silenced all three.

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

"Sure,"Albus said.

"Should last about a half hour and then you 'll have to re-stun them,"Bradley told them."I 'm going to take off. Remember, if you get caught, I did n't get the chickens for you. Ca n't afford another detention."

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

The boys spent the next two 60 minutes in the marauder 's Den, playing Exploding Snap and re-Stunning the chickens every half hour. Shortly after three in the sunup Albus re-stunned the poulet one more time and then threw the Invisibility Cloak over all four of them.

It was very hard for all four male child to walk under the invisibility Cloak.
Being fourth age, they were all a lot enceinte than they had been in 2nd year when Albus had first received the Cloak. In fact, Albus could n't even remember the concluding time all four of them had gone under it at once. Albus in peculiar had grown quite a few inches over the summer and was now as tall as John. The two of them had to take the air with their human knee bent to secure their feet would n't show.

The base on balls was uneventful. The boys did not even see Peeves or any of the ghosts out for a night time stroll ( or ice-cream float, which would probably be the more allow terminus ). Matt tripped going down the stairs once and nearly dropped a chicken, but since the corridors were empty, no one heard the phone.

Once they had reached the entrance to the Slytherin common room John the Divine and Kaden slipped out from under the Cloak and scurried over to the door. John whispered the word and it opened. Both boy slipped inside and shut the doorway behind them.

Albus and Matt stood against the wall a little room down the corridor, giving them a view of the stairs as well as the corridor. Neither of them said a word while John and Kaden were pulling their trick because Filch 's cat had turned up and was pacing in front of them.

The side by side five mo felt like an eternity and Albus was very relieved when trick and Kaden exited the common room and hurried back under the Cloak. lavatory 's bag, which had contained the chicken provender, was now considerably lighter. Neither boy said a parole to Albus and Matt as they walked back to Gryffindor Tower, for reverence that someone would listen them.

They were walking down the second gear floor corridor when Albus heard footsteps behind him. He turned and saw Professor Young walking slowly towards them, staring at the ceiling as he went. He appeared to be in deep thought about something but then stopped and stared right where Albus and his admirer were. They were n't being tranquillise enough.

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

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

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

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

Albus reluctantly took off the Cloak. Young would n't be going into a girl 's bathroom anyway.

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

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

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

Thankfully prof young had left by the prison term they exited the loo. The remainder of the journey back to Gryffindor was as uneventful as the trek down to Slytherin.

The uncouth room was deserted when they returned under the disapproving brilliance of the Fat Lady, who had not been pleased when they woke her up. john and Kaden immediately started laughing when they took the Cloak off.

"Epic !"Kaden exclaimed."There was no one in the common way and we spread the feed and put the Gallus gallus each on their own sofa and left hand. The Slytherins are going to deliver a rude awakening in a few hours."

"So are we,"Matt said as he looked at his watch."Almost four. We 'll get three and a half 60 minutes sleep if we 're lucky."

The boy headed back to their dorm room, but Albus was not tired yet. adrenaline was still racing through his scheme. They had n't gotten caught. Yet. Would there be any way to trace the chickens back to the four of them ? Only if soul saw them, but if anyone had seen them they would have gotten them in trouble right wing then and there, would n't they have ? Albus pushed the persuasion from his head. He settled into bed and thought about the reactions from the Slytherins the watch over morning.

Bilius 's dismay clock woke Albus up at eight the next dayspring and he rolled over and went back to sleep. He woke up once More with twenty proceedings left until History of Magic and had to skip breakfast. Albus woke Matt and John up and the three of them ran through the corridors in order to bring in it to year on time.

They arrived with two second to save and the room was filled with laugh and chatter. The Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors were clearly excited about something and Albus had a tone he knew what it was.

Albus sat down and Bilius turned around in his seat, grinning at Albus."You three missed breakfast. Too bad. The Slytherins are all upset, fuming about chickens and muttering about getting revenge. Turns out someone snuck a rooster and two poulet into their rough-cut room last night and spread chicken provender around. Apparently their common room was a mess and it took all of their Prefects to Stun the chickens and bring in them to Hagrid. compliments I knew who pulled it off."

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

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

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

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

professor Binns floated through the blackboard and began to drone on on about some sort of goblin rebellion. Albus rested his head on his hand and began to snooze off. Binns would n't even notice.

At lunch, following Transfiguration, everyone was still talking about the chickens. The Slytherins were sullen and were glaring at all the other star sign table. The teachers did n't seem at all upset about the whole thing, probably because the chickens had n't done that much damage. Nothing that could n't be easily repaired with the flick of a scepter.

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

Albus smirked behind his forkful of lather. If the antic had messed with the Slytherins'training schedule, all the adept. Albus had finally begun to slow down. It did n't seem like they were going to get in trouble after all.

As Albus walked to the donjon with trick, flatness, Rose, and Amanda he realized that his nap in History of Magic was most definitely wearing off. He was feeling the exhaustion and was very happy for the resign time period after potions. But he did n't dare skip potions because he was quite excited to pick up Malfoy talk about the chickens.

During this particular class they were finishing up an engorgement solvent that they had started on Tuesday. While Shrinking resolution was a rather simple-minded potion that they had learned in their first year, its opposite number was more hard and need simmering for forty-eight hours before the final ingredient could be added.

Albus retrieved all the necessary component while his partner, Limbert, located their potion in the closet. Limbert, who was usually very nonchalant about everything, was scowling and glared at Albus as he joined him at their tabular array.

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

"Potter,"Malfoy muttered."You would n't bump to know which idiot Gryffindor put chickens in our common room, do you ?"

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

"Bloody skirt,"Limbert muttered as he began to pulverize the rat quick temper they were supposed to put into their cauldron."Crowing at six in the bloody morning. eating chicken feed all over the common way. Getting their feather and early stuff everywhere ...."

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

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

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

Albus rose from his death chair."That 's rude. I know mess of Hufflepuffs that are overbold than you, Malfoy. And they 're comme il faut citizenry, too."

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

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

Albus breathed a sigh of relief and continued to chop his Apium graveolens dulce theme. Limbert retrieved another rat spleen, as the one he had been using was now hopelessly destroyed. He did n't talk to Albus for the remainder of the class except for the occasional"pas the knife"or"turn down the flame ”.

Following potions Albus, Matt, and King John immediately went upstairs to the. Marauder 's Den to take a much needed nap. wax went to Muggle sketch and Amanda went to the library. Albus fell asleep as soon as his headway hit the pillow and did not heat up until Gospel According to John swatted him with a pillow when it was prison term for dinner.

The Slytherins were still complaining about the chicken during dinner party and Albus and his friends giggled every time they heard something about them. About halfway through dinner, professor Kendrick rose from his prat. Albus turned to search at lustrelessness, who shrugged. Kendrick rarely made dinner actor's line when it was n't the scratch or end of term.

"Just a few proclamation,"Kendrick said once the Great residence hall quieted down."First, I am indisputable you are all aware of the prank that took shoes in the Slytherin unwashed room last night. I, nor do any of the instructor, have any idea who is responsible, but if we do find out, be cognizant that those responsible will be punished. Entering another house 's common room is not tolerated and all students should take this as a monition, in case they have been inclined to do so themselves. Slytherins, please be advised that your parole has been changed. If you are not aware of it, please see a Prefect.

"Second. Next weekend Hogwarts will host a few Ministry official including the pastor of conjuring trick, the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, the capitulum of the Auror Department, the head of the department for the Regulation and mastery of Magical wight, as well as a few of the Minister 's closest advisors. In addition, both campaigner for Minister will be here as well. They will arrive Friday night and delay until Sunday morning time. Sabbatum they will be debating Education here in the Great Hall.

"All scholarly person will give the opportunity to watch the argumentation by a random drawing since we can not accommodate all of you in addition to the Ministry official and members of the general universe that will be attending. The balance will listen via radio in a few schoolroom. All pupil are required to listen or watch. More information about that, such as how to find out if you 've been selected to watch and what naming you will have on the argument, will be distributed by Professor Cy Young in your politics class.

"I expect you all to behave yourselves and demonstrate to our Ministry that this is a place of learning. You are all representing Hogwarts, whether you are students, teacher, or stave. You will not pull buffoonery, especially not like the one that was pulled end Night. You will honour the Ministry congressman. I will give you further info next hebdomad. In the meantime, start thinking up a few question to ask our nominee in case they have sentence to do a head and resolution session."Kendrick resumed his bottom.

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

"Can you blame him ?"rosebush asked."Remember what Laurentis said about Hogwarts ? She all but said he was n't running the schooling properly. If she wins, luck are he 's out of a job. He 's got to put on a expert show next week if he 's got any hope of staying here if she wins."

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

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

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

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

"surmise we 're going to happen out adjacent Saturday,"Amanda said."Think any of us will get to watch it ?"

"We will,"Albus answered, gesturing to Matt and himself."Our dada are two of the congressman, so I bet we 'll have to sit with our families."

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

"Me too,"blush wine agreed.

"You can make my ticket if I get one,"toilet told her."It 's going to be hard to snooze off if I 'm in the Lapplander room."

"Lapplander here,"Kaden said.

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

The boys reluctantly agreed. They had neglected their homework the previous night due to the frivolity and had multiple assignments due the future day that they had not even started on. Albus thought longingly of his bed in Gryffindor tower and then resigned himself to the fact that he 'd be in the library until curfew.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The day after Halloween dawned with a trigger-happy thunderstorm, one that Albus hoped would fall out before Saturday, when he would feature to face Slytherin on the Quidditch pitch. Albus was feeling much better after a decent Nox 's sleep, although he was dreading having to go to History of Magic first thing in the morning again. Whose bright idea was it to give them that class two cockcrow in a row ?

The billet owls arrived as Albus was serving himself some eggs and he scanned the air for his fellowship owl. He did n't see it and resumed piling his home base with food for thought. His parents only occasionally sent him position now that he was in quarter year and no longer needed a letter from them every other day. However, Albus did see his Uncle Harry Hotspur 's screech owl making a beeline towards Cedric, who was sitting across from Albus. Cedric set his fork down and untied the letter from the owl 's leg. The owl dipped his beak in Cedric 's succus and then took off.

Albus watched as Cedric read the letter and saw his facial expression go from vague curiosity to slight horror and then finally extremum disgust. Percy 's varsity letter were always concern and it seemed as this one was no exception.

"unbelievable !"Cedric shouted.

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

"Worse !"Cedric exclaimed."He thinks I was the one who put the chickens in the Slytherin usual room !"

"Seriously ?"James asked as he settled down to read the letter."Let 's see ... Seriously disappointed in you ... taught you just than this ... stunts like these could hurt my luck for a win in Apr ... must learn to cogitate about the consequences of your activeness ... fifth part year is for studying for your O.W.L.s ... clip to grow up ..."

"See ?"Cedric said as he stabbed his 1st Baron Verulam with a bit too much power."He really believes I did it. And with no grounds !"

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

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

"Kendrick ca n't do anything without trial impression,"James said.

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

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

Albus hoped that his furious blushing was n't noticeable. He could not believe that Percy actually believed Cedric pulled the antic without any evidence. Cedric could n't get in trouble without evidence, could he ? If he did, Albus would feel terrible. He already felt awful that Percy had even had the boldness to accuse Cedric for something that Albus and his friends did, something Cedric had no part of.

"We 've just got to cipher out who did it,"Epistle of James decided."To sack our names."

Cedric nodded."Wo n't be that hard. No prank can be done without grounds left behind. It 's unacceptable to do in this spot. We 'll seem for clue around our own common way because I think the Slytherins are right. It was a Gryffindor."

"We should spill to the ghosts, too,"James IV said."They wander at all hours."

"Right,"Cedric agreed."Best be off to family now, though.

Albus turned to whoremonger after his pal and cousin had left the table. privy and flatness had both been sitting close enough to Cedric and James to get word the intact conversation. Both son were pale than usual and Albus was for certain he was as well.

"myrtle saw us,"Matt whispered."We 'll be number one on their suspicious list."

"D'you retrieve your own brother would turn us in ?"John asked.

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

"goodness gunpoint,"John muttered."What are we going to do ?"

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

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

"On the plus position, we 'll be Hogwarts fable,"John said.

"Tell that to my parents,"flatness replied.

Albus thought about James II and Cedric 's bay to figure out who pulled the chicken buffoonery during the entireness of History of conjuration. They had n't left any tincture behind except for talking to Myrtle. And even that only proved that they were out of bed at four in the morning, not that they 'd left chicken in the Slytherin common room. sure, there might hold been random volaille feathers in the vernacular room that morning but the house pixie would suffer already cleaned them up. Then there was Bradley.

Omar Bradley. Albus 's stomach dropped. Would Bradley rat out Albus in order to save his own brother from potential trouble ? Albus liked to conceive not, especially since doing so would incriminate Bradley as well. But it was possible that Omar Bradley would request Cedric to leave behind him out of it when he told Kendrick in return for the information in the first place. Albus rubbed his forehead. It was all so confusing and there were too many possibilities.

Matt and King John looked equally disturbed by the possible action. Both boy were sitting completely still, staring at professor Binns but not looking at him. Matt was absentmindedly doodling in his notebook. John was twirling his quill around in his mitt and had splattered ink all over himself and his story of Magic rule book.

Albus was grateful that they had maintenance of Magical animate being succeeding, despite the steady downpour. They would be able to verbalise. Hagrid was currently teaching them about unicorns and this detail example he had an actual unicorn for them to observe and interact with. Luckily for Albus, John, and Matt, unicorns did not like boys and thus had an excuse to hang back and talk.

"The but way they 're going to find out is if they talk to Omar Bradley and Tom Bradley tells them,"Albus said as they pretended to take eminence on the unicorn, which was currently surrounded by the lady friend of the class.

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

"What clues ?"John asked."We did n't result anything behind."

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

"We 're rarely in the coarse room,"John said."Not since we found the predator 's Den."

"True. They could also verbalise to Bilius or Ethan and see out that we got back at four in the morning. Ethan woke up when we got back and asked what we were up to, commemorate ?"Matt said.

"That would n't state them anything Sir Thomas More than Myrtle would,"Albus replied as he scrawled a few greenback about how the unicorn was pawing at the ground.

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

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

"Er ..."Albus 's voice trailed off. He knew how much of a rotten liar he was."To be honest ? Probably not."

nonentity said anything for a few instant. Each boy pretended to be absorbed in taking banker's bill on the unicorn.

"There 's nix we can do, then,"Matt finally said."We ca n't arrest them or tell them not to investigate because that would wait mistrustful. All we can do is wait and hope they do n't figure it out."

Albus nodded. Matt was completely decent, of course. But what Albus did n't say was that James and Cedric would image it out. They were the school prankster and for the beginning metre they 'd been out-pranked. The two were the schooling 's prank experts and could easily follow the track that would lead them right to their own comrade and cousin.
******


The fierce electric storm that had plagued Hogwarts the day before cleared up by Sat morning and the stipulation could not have been better for Quidditch. It was sunny, with slight cloud cover and fiddling winding. The temperature was mild for November. Weather would not be a factor in this Quidditch friction match. No, the team that won would win solely based on their attainment.

The Hogwarts population, both students and prof alike, were very excited for the match. star sign Quidditch had been suspended the former year in order for the Quidditch and Dueling rivalry with the schools from New York and Australia, although the final match in the Quidditch event had been a calamity. Everyone at Hogwarts was ready for affair to go back to normal and that included House Quidditch.

Normal also included the taunt that went on between the Gryffindors and Slytherins at breakfast right hand before the friction match. Malfoy informed Albus that he needed to view out else he find himself in the Hospital Wing for days. Albus ignored this because Malfoy was n't even on the Slytherin squad and did n't possess adequate Quidditch skill to be on a shaver 's team. He tried his best to snub the taunting from the actual Slytherin team as well, but still found his stomach was a bit too queasy to eat much more than toast.

The team gathered around Fred in the changing room shortly before the compeer, ready to pick up his first team talking to.

"I fully believe we can win this,"Fred began."Our recitation have gone very smoothly and it feels like Janie has played with us for years rather than only a few weeks. Slytherin plays dirty, though, so watch yourselves. They also have two new players, a chaser and a Beater, whereas we only have one. The new chaser is a second year and the new Beater is a third gear year, so I do n't think we 'll birth very much upshot there. I 've seen them practice and they still do n't work as a seamless team like we do. Just go out there and play like we did two years ago and we 're trusted to win."

The team stood up and followed Fred out onto the pitching. The reason was soft beneath Albus 's feat, but not too boggy, which would make for a good kick off. He stood in between heather and James II while Fred went to shake hands with fielding, Slytherin 's captain.

Oteski shouted his desire for a clean-living match and then the two captains crunched each other 's hands. Oteski released the Bludgers and stool pigeon and then tossed the Quaffle into the air. Albus kicked off from the undercoat and flew towards the Quaffle, which had unfortunately been caught by Fielding.

"And they 're off !"Todd John Smith announced."number 1 firm match in two long time due to the gaolbreak last class, during the competition with the early school day. Both team have some new faces this year. Slytherin has a new chaser, indorse year marshal Belby, and a new Beater, third year Devon Wright. Gryffindor has a new Keeper, fourth year Janie Creevey ...."

Albus tore his tending from smith as the feller Gryffindor began to announce the names of the residual of the histrion. Leaning forward on his broom, Albus soared to the other side of the pitch, where Fielding was attempting to flip the Quaffle into one of Gryffindor 's goal posts.

"Spectacular hold open by Creevey !"Julia Evelina Smith shouted."Looks like she 's going to be an excellent Keeper for Gryffindor. Gryffindor now in possession. Calluna vulgaris Weasley in self-command, passes to Albus potter ...."

Albus caught the Quaffle, wedged it under his arm, and sped down to the other side of the sales pitch. He dodged two of Slytherin 's Chasers but was hit by a Bludger sent from Wilbur Wright and dropped the Quaffle. It was intercepted by Peyton Haines.

Albus swore loudly and tailed Haines as he turned around and headed towards Gryffindor. Fred managed to catch the Quaffle after Haines was hit by a Bludger and tossed it back to Albus.

This time Albus made it to the Slytherin goal mail service and feigned right before sending the Quaffle soaring through the left hoop.

"score !"Julia Evelina Smith announced."Albus Potter scores the first goal of the catch. Ten power point to Gryffindor !"

The remainder of the match continued in the same fashion, with the Quaffle continuously exchanging hands, rendering it very unmanageable for Ian Douglas Smith to restrain up with the commentary. Gryffindor maintained a dear ceaseless score of twenty points ahead of the Slytherins. Albus scored two Sir Thomas More finish and assisted on five more. The Slytherin Chasers looked more and more tired of as the match wore on.

An hour and a half into the friction match Albus saw James abandon his stead above the rest of the instrumentalist and fly towards the ground. Hunter Pucey, Slytherin 's Seeker, followed.

"Looks like ceramicist has seen the fink !"David Smith exclaimed.

Albus watched while flying the Quaffle to the Slytherin goal posts. James had his arm outstretched towards a glittering object when Devonshire Wright slammed her Beater 's bat towards a nearby Bludger. But the Bludger suddenly soared upward, leaving nothing in between the bat and James 's leg. Devon 's bat collided with James 's leg, sending him sprawling onto the primer. Albus stopped where he was.

The full crew gasped, with the exclusion of the Slytherins, who were cheering. Pucey was flying around the auction pitch holding the struggling Snitch in his outstretched helping hand. Albus ignored this and flew directly to St. James, who was clutch his leg on the reason.

Albus abandoned his Calluna vulgaris once he landed and hurried towards James. He was surrounded by ma'am Pomfrey, professor Oteski, professor Kendrick, Professor Longbottom, the balance of the Gryffindor team, and surprisingly, Devon.

Albus paused to look at the girlfriend. She was modest, like most second days are, but powerful. Her unclean blonde pilus was in a messy bun and her case was streaked with tears. As Albus got closer, he could hear that she was whispering"I 'm no-good"over and over again.

"Foul !"Heather shouted."That 's a foul ! I want a rematch !"

"Let 's get St. James to the infirmary fender and then we 'll interest about a replay,"Neville said as gentlewoman Pomfrey conjured a stretcher.

"Finally, someone with some sense around here,"Madam Pomfrey muttered."All of you, out of the way !"

The crowd quickly dispersed as ma'am Pomfrey guided the copestone towards the castle, followed by the gathered professor. After a few minutes, professor Patil ordered the rest of the educatee to get back to their common room. Albus walked back to the castle with his team, who were heading straight to the Hospital wing.

James was resting once they got there, his leg bandaged but no longer unwrap. He no longer looked to be in pain, but looked like he wanted to hex the intact Slytherin squad. Madam Pomfrey appeared in presence of them before they could contact St. James the Apostle 's bed.

"Ten proceedings,"she said."That 's all."

"Are we getting a rematch ?"was the offset thing out of Henry James 's mouth."No one will tell me anything."

"They have n't said anything yet,"Fred replied."How 's the leg ?"

"fine, now. Just a little unspeakable. madam Pomfrey said I can leave alone tomorrow afternoon,"James told them."We better get a rematch. That was a foul. I was two seconds from catching the sneak when that new Beater went and hit me with her bat ! Who does she think she is ? Does n't she roll in the hay the rules of Quidditch ? Or is that how Slytherin 's training their actor these days ?"

"She was going for a Bludger,"Albus explained."You probably could n't see it because she was behind you, but there had been a Bludger. It flew up at the last second and she accidentally got your leg."

"How do they know that ?"James asked."She might 've made that up."

"Everyone saw it,"Albus said quietly.

"It 's rightful,"Scots heather agreed."I do n't know if they 'll give us a rematch."

The door to the infirmary Wing opened, revealing the Beater in question. She walked tentatively inwardly and stopped when she saw the entire Gryffindor team. Madam Pomfrey greeted her and they spoke in voices too placid to overhear before she walked slowly over to James 's bed.

"I know you probably hate me and I do n't find fault you,"she whispered."But I really am sorry. It really was an chance event. I swear it. It was my first match."

Albus glanced at the residuum of his team. Their aspect of disarray mirrored his own intellection.

"Er, well, thanks for the apologia, I guess,"James said.

"Is your leg ok ?"she asked.

"It 's all right now,"James replied.

Devon reached into her robes and pulled out a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate. She handed it to Henry James, her eyes staring at his bed and not meeting his glance the total clock time."Here,"she whispered.

"Er, thanks,"James said as he took the chocolate.

"Um, I 'm going to go now. Bye,"Devon said and turned to run from the Montgomery Ward, before any of the Gryffindor squad had fourth dimension to respond.

"That was strange,"King James muttered after the doors had slammed shut."Anyone go for some umber ?"

"She 's got a crushed leather on you,"Ryan announced.

"Does not,"James argued.

"Have we ever had a Slytherin apologize for injuring one of us before, let alone throw us chocolate ?"Fred asked."I 'm with Ryan on this one."

"Well clearly some of them have consciences,"Albus replied."But yeah, she likes you."

"She 's XII,"James said flatly.

"Girls mature faster than blokes."Heather smirked."So, actually, she should be just about redress for you."

"Shut up,"James muttered."Not sharing my chocolate anymore."

"Ten hour are up !"madam Pomfrey announced as she returned to James 's bed bearing a tray that contained a few nasty looking potions."And these are for you, James."

Albus and the rest of the team bade James II good day and left the Hospital Wing. They walked up to Gryffindor Tower together, but parted once they entered the plebeian room. Albus found his friends at a board near the doorway to the dormitories and sat down to explicate the entire Devon Richard Wright thing.

"So she was actually upset that she had broken James River 's leg ?"John asked.

"And she apologized ?"matt added.

"And gave him chocolate ?"Kaden continued.

Albus nodded."Strange, is n't it ?"

"Very,"toilet agreed."I 'm surprised she 's on the squad. Is n't it a requirement for the Slytherin team to be a fan of fierceness ?"

"She might not be on a lot retentive, right ?"Matt asked.

"It was an chance event,"Albus said."I already said that. The repose of the team saw it and so did half the professor. So there 's probably not going to be a rematch either."

"That 's not fair,"John muttered.

"It 's only the first match,"Albus pointed out."Plenty more meter to derive those points back. And their quester is awful anyway. He could n't have caught that Snitch if James had n't have been hit."

Albus, mat, and John spent the remainder of the afternoon discussing Quidditch and Gryffindor 's chances of winning the Quidditch Cup. They factored in the skill spirit level of all the thespian on all the houses and the compass point earned so far, along with the potential weather condition preventative that were surely to come. Kaden paid care, but did n't kick in a great deal except for the episodic gossip about how something was different in football. Amanda did the Saame, preserve for the football game scuttlebutt. turn out sighed and dug a book of account out of her bag and record it until they had finished.

Professor Oteski was at supper that nighttime, which was a rare occurrence due to the fact that he has a wife and untested shaver in Hogsmeade and normally was only at the castling for classes and Quidditch matches. Towards the end of the meal he rose, rendering the stallion hall silent.

"The other professors and I have reviewed the events at today 's equal,"Oteski began."We 've taken into account a few choice students'observations-"

"He interviewed me,"Fred said.

"-along with the prof'. I have come to the finale that the act of a Slytherin Beater hitting Gryffindor 's seeker with her Beater 's Bat was an unfortunate stroke. No disciplinary action will be taken against her, nor will a rematch be taking place."He resumed his seat.

All of Gryffindor groaned while Slytherin rejoiced. Albus glanced over at their table and saw that Devon Wright was the merely Slytherin not shouting in excitement. Instead she had her head on her hand and was picking at her dinner party. She was a very odd Slytherin, that was for sure.

"I really did n't think there 'd be a rematch,"Fred said."But heed, we can still win. Losing the first peer does n't mean we 'll fall behind the Cup."

"Someone 's going to consume to differentiate James,"heather replied."He wo n't be pleased. I 'm fairly certain he can count the phone number of metre he has n't caught the Snitch on one hand."

Albus thought back to the clip James had lost a match against Linda the lamia and hid in the screeching hutch. Luckily his brother had come a yearn way from that and would not sense the need to blot out after missing the sneaker.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! I 'm back at school now, so I wo n't be writing as much. But I have a few chapters saved up, so I 'm hoping to update frequently for the adjacent month at to the lowest degree.

If you are enjoying this level ( or any of my stories ), head over to the forums and nominate one for a Dobby award ! Be sure to register the rules before posting. : )


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was very save that he was not given the undertaking of telling James that there would not be a replay. Fred, being the captain, took that job for himself and the sleep of the squad merely went with him. James was understandably knock over, but did n't take the news nearly as badly as Albus would have expected. Perhaps he was maturing, if even a small amount. On Sunday, James was released from the hospital backstage and life at Hogwarts returned to normal if only for a few days.

After a doubled class of potions and single grade of Transfiguration on Tues, Albus and his acquaintance had politics and this was the day where they would discover out who would get to sit in the Great Hall during the public debate on Sat. The Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were understandably more blabby in the minutes before professor Embry began class. nearly of the scholar hoped that they would get to attend the disputation, with the exception of John and a few of the Hufflepuffs. Albus and Matt would be attending it either way, so they doubted either of them would be picked. Rose had also found out that since she was Percy 's niece, she would also get to take care no topic what.

"Settle down, settle down,"Embry said once the clock struck three. He smiled and then quickly took attendance."I 'm very happy to see how excited you are for Saturday 's debate. It 's very stimulate to see Whitney Moore Young Jr. hoi polloi so occupy in government. Since I know none of you will pay aid during stratum unless I announce who gets to attend before I begin, I will herald them now."

The grade immediately began whispering until Embry located a piece of sheepskin on his desk and cleared his throat."Now, a few of you are able-bodied to attend the debate without being chosen. lusterlessness Eckerton and Albus ceramist, since both your Padre are forefront of departments at the Ministry you will be capable to attend. rosiness Weasley, since you are related to one of the candidates, you may pay heed as well. And not to interest, everyone else, they will not learn away billet from the regular educatee body.

"One boy and one girl were picked randomly from each year, for each house. So eight students from each twelvemonth were chosen total. For Hufflepuff the lucky two are Olivia toll and Ronald Bones."

"Yes !"Ronald shouted. He was a rather loud, blonde haired boy, who reminded Albus a lot of Kaden. Olivia just smiled. She was still, but as one of Hufflepuff 's Beaters, was quite forceful.

"And for Gryffindor we have Ethan Kesse and Marina Jordan-Bell,"Embry continued.

Both let out ecstatic shouts and the eternal sleep of the category clapped before everyone settled down. All four winning student were still grinning when Embry began speaking once more.

"congratulation to all four of you. This will not be the solitary debate to need place at Hogwarts and for the next one, different bookman will be chosen. Now, on Sat, you are to account to the Great antechamber at ten o'clock in the morning. The argument will set about at eleven. You will fall in your gens to whichever professor is waiting by the doors and then a Prefect will designate you to where you are supposed to sit. Same goes for you, Matt, Albus, and Rose."

Embry set the parchment down on his desk and smiled as he walked closer to the tabular array of his students."Now, what Professor Kendrick has not told you yet, because it has only just been finalized, is that both candidates will be hosting two articulatio question and answer sessions. These will be for bookman and Hogwarts faculty only. The Same students chosen to take care the debate will be capable to assist the doubt and resolution session. It will take place at three in the Great dorm. Please come at two-thirty.

"Everyone else will be listening to the debate on the wireless. Fourth year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs will be in the Transfiguration classroom. Please report there by ten-thirty. Everyone, no matter whether they are attending the debate or listening on the radio are expected to drop a line a metrical foot long essay on which prospect you thought was more successful in making their head. It will be due at the beginning of side by side week 's class."

The entire grade groaned at the mention of the essay. Embry ignored this and began his speech. They had finally made it into the twentieth century, but were still far from learning about how everything in the Ministry changed after Voldemort was defeated.

The relaxation of the week passed very slowly. The Hogwarts pupil were getting very excited at the prospect of the campaigner arriving for their argument, with the exception of Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric. Even John the Evangelist and Kaden, neither of whom were going to go to the public debate, were catching a minuscule bit of upheaval. Albus was rather shocked at how the majority of the scholarly person were getting involved with the election. Being mortal who had grown up with political relation and the Ministry of Magic, he was not quite as thrilled with the prospect, especially when reporters from the Daily Prophet showed up on Friday morning.

"wishing to take bets on how quickly they find you ?"John asked as they passed two reporter on their way to Care of Magical Creatures.

Albus glanced at the newsman. One was a very tall and gangly man, with messy embrown hair and considerable stubble on his aspect. He was frantically writing down query that the other newsperson, an equally tall adult female with huge red lips and fatal hairsbreadth, was asking an uncomfortable looking first year.

"walk of life faster,"Albus nudged John as they neared the oak doors.

Albus had absolutely no desire to look in any number of the Daily Prophet. Neither of his parents liked newsperson and that was a trait they had passed down to Albus. He made a mental note to admonish Bradley and Cedric about them the next time he saw his two cousin.

In an effort to avert the newsperson, Albus, Matt, and trick spent their give up full point after charms in the Marauder 's Den. With any circumstances when the Ministry officials arrived the newsman would reach up trying to interview random Hogwarts students. Although Albus knew it was not random at all. At lunch, after Care of Magical fauna, he found out that no less than four of his cousin-german, along with Lily, had been interviewed that break of the day.

The officials were arriving just as Albus and his admirer were heading to the Great Hall for dinner. They paused on the grand staircase while the blue-robed witches and superstar entered the Great Radclyffe Hall, gracefully avoiding the newsman that were standing future to the entrance to the Great Charles Francis Hall. Albus recognized nearly all of them, including his dad, Uncle Percy, and lusterlessness 's dad.

The Staff table had been magically elongated enough to offer bottom for all of the Ministry officials, who had at sat down and began speaking with the prof. Albus and his friends all found tooshie at the Gryffindor tabular array, near all his cousin-german. Cedric was scowling while reading a letter. He then crumpled it up and then set fire to it with his wand.

"Dad still thinks we pulled that put-on, James,"Cedric muttered."Says he 's going to seduce sentence to speak with me before he leaves."

"We 'll regain out,"William James said."We still have n't talked to all the ghosts."

"All except Moaning Myrtle."Cedric shuddered."I do n't project talking to her."

"She 's our last hope,"James said."We 're going to find her. After all this public debate stuff is over."

Albus let out a sigh of relief. He had two more days. In all honesty, he 'd nearly blank out about Cedric and King James 's quest to find out who put the chickens in the Slytherin common room. But apparently his brother and cousin had not.

Kendrick rose from his seat once the Great Hall was full."On behalf of myself, the quietus of the Hogwarts faculty, and the Hogwarts student body, I 'd like to welcome our Ministry voice to Hogwarts. Before we eat, I 'd like to introduce everyone.

"starting time, our candidates,"Kendrick gestured to Harry Hotspur and Laurentis, who were both sitting immediately to his left."Hotspur Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."Kendrick then gestured to the tall, rather portly man on his leftfield."Our flow Minister, Langston Hartwell."

The rest of the officials were interspersed amongst the professors. Kendrick gestured to a grey haired witch sitting in between Professors Patil and Cedonia."drumhead of Magical Law Enforcement. Reena Barnes."Next, Kendrick gestured to matte 's dad who was sitting next to Albus 's dad and professor Trelawney."Head of the department for the ascendance and Regulation of Magical Creatures. Walter Eckerton."

half the Gryffindor table turned and looked at Matt, who gave a smile and shrugged. Never one to talk about his family, most of Gryffindor was unaware of who Matt 's dad was.

"I 'm for sure you all remember Harry Potter, headway of the Auror Department,"Kendrick said as he gestured to Albus 's dad. He received louder applause than anyone else had.

Kendrick then introduced three of Hartwell 's other advisors, who had titles that were just as long and confusing as Percy 's flow job claim. Then, finally, Kendrick waved his workforce and food appeared on all the tables.

During dinner Fred announced that he had reluctantly canceled Quidditch practice for the next day since it was scheduled for the same clip as the interrogative sentence and answer session. The remainder of dinner was spent figuring out which Gryffindors, besides the large amount that were related to Hotspur, were going to assist the debate. Both John 's little babe, Asthyn, and St. James 's C. H. Best friend, Nathan, were getting to attend.

After dessert had been served and consumed, Kendrick reminded everyone of the time of the next day 's public debate and suggested they all turn in early. Albus wondered whether the ministry official would be staying in the castle or Apparating back to their own homes for the night. Cedric took off for the green room as soon as he had finished eating, in edict to avoid his father.

Albus and his protagonist decided to stay in the plebeian way that dark since everyone was so lively and the excitement was catching. John brought a pack of cards of Exploding Snap down from his luggage compartment and the six friends sat around a tabulate playing for at to the lowest degree an 60 minutes. Kaden had just had the cards explode in his human face when the door to the common way opened and someone gasped.

Everyone glanced over and the green room went silent. Percy was standing in the doorway, looking very awkward and uncomfortable. His eyes landed on Cedric, who had been organizing his stock of Skiving Snackboxes with Saint James the Apostle and Nathan. Cedric went as pale as Moaning Vinca minor.

"Cedric,"Walker Percy said quietly."I need to speak with you."

"I did n't do it, Dad !"Cedric exclaimed."I swear it !"

Albus shifted uncomfortably in his seat, glancing at his acquaintance. Rose was giving him a disapproving look while matte, whoremaster, and Kaden looked equally uncomfortable. Amanda had raised her eyebrows. This was ridiculous. Why could n't Percy let it go or consider his son ? Or at least deal with it privately ? It was unfair of him to storm into the Gryffindor coarse room and phone out his own son like that.

Walker Percy shook his head."Cedric, you 've pulled put-on like this ever since you were fiddling. This one has you written all over it. You, too, James."

"But Dad-"

"No buts,"Percy said."This is not acceptable. Now I 'd like to verbalise with you privately."

Cedric did n't budge. Albus swallowed firmly and looked at matte, lavatory, and Kaden each in turn. trick were all in salutary fun, but not when innocent people were punished for them. And Albus had no doubt that Sir Henry Percy would punish Cedric whether he had proof or not. Cedric 's past betrayed him and Hotspur was too focused on winning the election to give his son the benefit of the doubt. Albus did not like his cousin taking the dip for something he and his friends did. It just was not something he was comfortable with.

Matt gave a little nod of his top dog. whoremaster and Kaden both shrugged and Albus took that to mean"do what you have to do ”. Albus sighed and stood up."delay, Uncle Percy."

"Albus, this is none of your concern,"Walker Percy said."Cedric has to face his consequences."

"But he did n't do it !"Albus exclaimed."It was me. I did it."

St. James burst out laughing."You, Al ? That 's nice and all of you to try and keep Cedric out of trouble, but really ? You could n't get into the Slytherin park room."

"It was n't only him,"John said, standing up."Kaden and I did most of it. Al was just a look out."

"I was, too,"Matt announced."It was the four of us."

Fred and a few of his friends suddenly jumped up from their hind end and bowed in movement of Albus, flatness, John, and Kaden."schoolmaster ! You are the kings."

The full mutual room exploded in applause and whistles. Albus could n't avail but grin despite the fact that he knew he was going to be in trouble. James gave Albus an odd look before breaking out in a wry grin himself. A few initiatory years ran up and high-fived them. Victor Hugo was practically rolling on the level laughing.

"sufficiency, enough !"Harry Hotspur shouted."Albus, you 'd meliorate come in with me. You three as well."He gestured to flatness, trick, and Kaden.

Albus and his protagonist reluctantly followed Sir Henry Percy out of the common room to Kendrick 's sketch. On the way there Albus could n't help but point out that his uncle did n't really take the air. He strutted, almost like he owned the place. Albus supposed he was remembering back to his Head Boy days. headway Boy was probably now well out of range for Albus, as was becoming a Prefect. Not like he really wanted to turn a Prefect anyway.

Upon entering Kendrick 's study Albus was horrified to see that all of the Ministry functionary were there, including his own founder. lusterlessness had paled considerably on seeing his father as well. This was bad.

Kendrick glanced at the boys and then looked questioningly up at Walker Percy."I think we need a instant of concealment,"Kendrick said to the official,"except Harry and Walter."

The rest of the official left the way, whispering to themselves as they went. Kendrick then resumed his arse behind his desk and conjured enough president for the remaining people. Albus took a nates in between matt and Kaden.

"What 's going on, Percy ?"Kendrick asked.

"I went to Gryffindor to have a chat with my son about that prank last week and as it turns out he was telling the truth."Albus was please to see that Walker Percy looked slightly ashamed."As I was asking Cedric for a buck private talking, my nephew and his friends announced that they were the pranksters."

"They what ?"Harry exclaimed, looking at Albus."Is this about the chickens in the Slytherin commons room harlequinade ?"

"Yes,"Percy confirmed."These four just confessed to it."

Matt 's dad let out a sigh and shook his head.

"Is this true, boys ?"Kendrick asked.

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied.

"I 'm very disappointed in you, Albus,"Harry said."This is the sort of thing I expect from James, not from you."

"As am I in you, Matthew,"Bruno Walter added."You 've never been one to pull in pranks."

"It was our approximation,"John said, gesturing to himself and Kaden."All they did was keep a look out while we were in their common room."

"Nevertheless,"Kendrick said, folding his hands on his desk."All four of you broke school rules and you will be punished. Fifty degree from Gryffindor-"

Kaden gasped.

"-each,"Kendrick finished."And detention. As often as I 'd wish to depart your detention tomorrow we have other matter happening in this castling and none of the staff is free to supervise. You will bug out your detention on Monday evening and you will own it for a week."

"But sir-"Albus and Matt said at once.

"No buts,"Kendrick said."You blatantly broke multiple school day rules."

"But Quidditch and dueling ! That 's the hebdomad before the showtime tournament-"

"Your teams will have to hold pattern without you, Mr. Potter,"Kendrick said shortly."You should have thought about that before you participated in this mischief."

"Sir ?"matt asked quietly.

Kendrick sighed."Yes ?"

"The, er, full moon is Tues,"Matt muttered.

"rightfield,"Kendrick replied."Attend the detentions that you can and whichever ones you miss can be made up once you are better.

"Thank you,"Walter said,"for being understanding about that."

"Not a job. matte 's situation is vastly unlike from missed Quidditch practice."

Albus felt his cheek reddening. It had been a valid distributor point for him. Fred would remove him in his sleep when he found out Albus would drop at to the lowest degree two recitation for detention. He certainly would n't be applauding and bowing anymore.

"You 'll report to Filch 's office on Monday at seven. He 'll give you further instructions on what your detention will entail. Now, get back to Gryffindor Tower,"Kendrick said.

Albus rose from his seat. Harry did the same."Al, you realize I 'm going to make to narrate your female parent about this."

Albus nodded."Yes."

"She wo n't be pleased. But I do want to secernate you that I 'm proud of the way you owned up to this when you realized Cedric was wrongfully accused. As defeated as I am that you pulled that caper, I am very happy to have such an honest son. I 'll see you tomorrow. feature a effective dark and remember, I always love you,"Harry said and gave Albus a hug.

"Love you too,"Albus said quietly.

Matt was having what was surely a similar talk with his own father and once they were finished, the four boys left Kendrick 's study and went immediately back to Gryffindor pillar.

"Seven detentions,"John muttered as they walked up a set of step."Seven. This is big than that time in second year when we were caught near the Whomping Willow."

"Not to mention the dot,"Albus replied.

"And detention with Filch no less,"lusterlessness said."I 'll be doing at least two of them on my own, too."

Kaden shrugged."Still seems worth it."

can grinned."Most definitely worth it."

Albus and matte gave each other looks that clearly meant they disagreed. No, 200 tip from Gryffindor, seven custody with Filch, and no Quidditch practice for a week was not worth it.
***


In dependable Hogwarts manner by the next cockcrow at Breakfast the integral school knew that it had been three Gryffindor fourth age and one Gryffindor third year that had managed to slip into the Slytherin unwashed way and deposit two chickens and a rooster, as well as cover the entire place in skirt come. Hufflepuff was especially excited about this because Gryffindor 's exit of 200 points put them in the lead for the star sign Cup. Gryffindor was now dead last and the early Gryffindors were torn between their awe of Albus and his admirer and their horror that the prank had cost them so many full point.

rose wine and Amanda had burst out laughing when the boy told them their destiny the old night. They were angry about the loss of pointedness, though. Rose was especially disgusted by John Lackland and Kaden 's want of remorse.

All the ministry officials were at the stave tabular array, whereas the theatre board were not nearly as full as the old day. It seemed that some students had not heeded Kendrick 's suggestion about going to bed too soon.

There was a whoosh of fender and Albus looked up to see that the post hooter had arrived. His tenderness started beating faster and he swallowed arduous upon seeing his mother 's owl holding a red envelope in its mouth.

"Oh no,"Albus whispered as the owl grew near. His friends glanced up and saw the howler just as the owl was preparing for landing. It landed in front of Albus 's plate of eggs and he took the riot in his bridge player before quickly running out of the Great Hall for the approximate bathroom.

The envelope was already hot when he arrived in the thankfully empty loo. He reluctantly opened it and the room was soon wide-cut with Ginny 's gamy pitched shouting.

"ALBUS SEVERUS potter, WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU ? I AM ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED TO HEAR THAT YOU WERE IN THE SLYTHERIN green elbow room AND PUTTING CHICKENS IN THERE NO LE. I DO NOT precaution THAT YOU WERE ONLY THE looking at OUT. YOU MAY AS WELL wealthy person BEEN IN THERE YOURSELF. YOU WERE BLATANTLY breakage MULTIPLE SCHOOL linguistic rule INCLUDING beingness OUT OF BED AFTER HOURS.

I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. THIS IS THE form OF THING I EXPECT FROM JAMES, BUT EVEN JAMES KNOWS WHEN NOT TO CROSS THE LINE. AND YOU DID N'T JUST CROSS THE business. YOU JUMPED WAY OVER IT. AND TO wealthy person PERCY uncovering OUT ABOUT THIS spell HE IS AT HOGWARTS FOR A DEBATE ? ! YOU KNOW WE HAVE TO KEEP UP APPEARANCES IN Order FOR HIM TO wealthy person A chance AT THIS ELECTION AND THIS DOES NOT HELP.

I HIGHLY APPROVE OF THE DETENTIONS AND LOSS OF POINTS. I CAN NOT SAY I WOULD BE DISAPPOINTED IF YOUR entire HOUSE WERE ANGRY WITH YOU OVER THIS. I EXPECT YOU WILL NOT DO THIS AGAIN. IF YOU DO YOU WILL receive MORE THAN JUST penalization AT SCHOOL."

The letter exploded with a legal brief pull of dope. Albus stood there staring at it for a few seconds. His mother had not even mentioned how his confession had saved Cedric. There was no mention of how she was proud about his honesty, like his dad had been.

Albus heard a scant laugh from behind him. He turned around and saw none other than Scorpio Malfoy leaning on one of the sinkhole, smirking.

"I knew it was one of you Gryffindors,"Malfoy said."Just did n't ask it to be you lot. Did n't call back you 'd be smart enough to figure out our password."

"Just shut up, Malfoy,"Albus muttered as he pushed his way past the Slytherin on his way out of the loo.

"Loved the howler, by the way."Malfoy gave another laugh.

Albus groaned inwardly. He hoped Malfoy had n't heard much of it, but highly doubted it. Albus took a deep breath and walked back to the Great Hall. Perhaps with the debate coming in an time of day, the eternal sleep of the students would forget about the buffoonery and the loss of points and find oneself something new to hash out.


A/N : Big thanks to my Skype writing mathematical group. You guy wire are all awesome ! Thanks for all the get reviews ! The new standard was done by violet ephemera at TDA. There 's a little under a workweek left to make account for the Dobby honour, so if you like this write up, straits over to the meeting place and put up it ! Just think of to learn the rules first.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was a long queue of scholarly person waiting to get into the Great Charles Martin Hall after everyone left once breakfast was over. The Great Hall had been completely emptied in order for the prof to prepare it for the argumentation. Albus craned his head in attempt to see it. As far as he could say it looked the Sami except the long house mesa had been replaced by rows of seating area. He, along with lusterlessness and Rose, were only a few students away from the movement of the queue.

Once they made it to the front end they gave their names to Professor Longbottom and then were top inside by one of the Ravenclaw Prefects. grownup were milling about talking with each other and students were already seated. The beginning few rows were cordoned off with rope and the Ravenclaw Prefect jumper cable Albus, rosebush, and Matt to the third roped off row. He lifted the rope and told them to file all the way in, to the very end of the unoccupied row. Albus sat in between rose wine and mat. It appeared that the roped off rows were reserved for Ministry functionary and their families. Albus noticed that his mum was sitting in the straw man row along with the respite of his aunty and uncles. Empire State of the South was also in the presence row and was handing out coloring books and wax crayon to Samantha and lindy.

James, Ben, Lily, and Victor Hugo filed in next to Rose a few bit later. Albus saw that Cedric and Omar Nelson Bradley, who had walked in with his siblings, were being lead to the forepart row. Fred, Angie, broom, and soft touch finished out their row five minutes later. Albus gazed around the way and spotted Victoire and teddy bear sitting across the aisle. Stanley walked in with Gabriella and took nates next to Victoire and Teddy. Albus had to include he was storm to see them there. stopping point he heard she was in Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault and he was in Romania.

The room soon became jammed with the educatee who had won seats as well as other witches and wizards who had chosen to occur. Albus recognized a few who worked in store in Hogsmeade including dame Rosmerta. He turned to the straw man of the way and noticed that the staff tabular array had also disappeared and had been replaced with two soapbox and a diminished table, just like the set up in the courtroom at the Ministry.

At exactly eleven o'clock the doorway to the Great dorm were shut and people began to sit down. professor Kendrick entered the room from one of its hall, followed by the government minister, Albus 's dad, Matt 's dad, and the mind of Magical Law Enforcement, Reena Barnes. The early Ministry officials were seated in the straw man row.

Kendrick lead them to the belittled board near the stump. All five, with the exception of Kendrick, sat. Kendrick walked to the figurehead of the podiums and the hearing quieted.

"Welcome to the third debate. I welcome all of you to Hogwarts school of witchery and genius. Today 's disputation will be on training. I 'd like to introduce today 's moderator, the Head of the section for the Control and rule of Magical Creatures, Walter Eckerton."

The audience clapped and Albus whispered to Matt, asking him if he knew his dad was moderating. Matt shook his forefront no and the two looked back to the figurehead.

Kendrick had taken his hindquarters and Matt 's dad had rose."Now I 'd wish to welcome our two prospect. Hotspur Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."

There was more clapping as Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis walked out of the lobby and took their topographic point behind the rostrum. Once the hand clapping subsided, matte 's dad began to speak.

"Today 's debate will run similarly to past debates, with five second reaction and two minute rebuttals. All doubtfulness and command prompt will be about education. The debate will run for an hour and a half. After it is over, the room will be cleared and then tiffin will be served. After lunch there will be a short interruption and then the student question and reply school term will take place in this same way. Without promote good-by, the first question. Mr. Weasley, you will suffice first.

"How do you feel about the Hogwarts strong-arm environment ? Do you experience it is adequate and contributing to learning or do you feel change should be made ?"

Percy took a step forward and smiled at the consultation."I believe that the Hogwarts palace is very conducive to learning. Being in a secluded region provides little in the way of misdirection to the students. Yet the proximity of the castle to Hogsmeade Village gives students in one-third year and above a much needed prison-breaking. The alone changes I think need to be made are to update what needs to be updated and recreate what needs to be repaired."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"flatness 's dad said. He turned to Laurentis."Ms. Laurentis."

"I agree with Mr. Weasley. The Hogwarts palace is very conducive to learning and I see nothing wrong with it the way it is. All of Mr. Weasley 's points are very valid."

Albus turned to Matt and shrugged. That was odd. They actually agreed on something. Matt 's dad seemed a piffling shocked by this as well, because he did not say anything for a few seconds after Laurentis quieted.

"All right. Since you two agree, I see no need for rebuttals. Moving on to the next interrogative sentence. Ms. Laurentis, this prison term you will go first. How do you feel about the stream Hogwarts curriculum ? Do you feel the course of instruction adequately prepare today 's immature the great unwashed for living in British wizarding high society ? What changes, if any, do you feel need to be made ?"

"The Hogwarts program has not been updated in decades. In fact, the only new class that has been introduced is this twelvemonth 's course on politics. Curricula is something that needs to change with the meter and be re-evaluated at least every other year. The cosmos is a constantly changing plaza and what bookman learn needs to change with it. New classes should be offered and outdated category should be removed. Curricula for classes that are kept pauperization to change in club to keep up with today 's research. Potions, for example, should not be taught the Sami way now as it was xl yr ago, but unfortunately, that seems to be the case."

"Thank you. Mr. Weasley."

"The nub curriculum of Hogwarts is similar to that of magic schooling all over the reality. The category taught here offer staple and advanced direction in topics that wizards need in decree to routine in society. We can not bear here and advocate getting rid of charm or Transfiguration in favor of some new subject that may or may not teach our scholarly person anything. Yes, the world is constantly changing, but the basic spell remain the same. scholarly person forty eld ago used 'Alohomora'to give door and the spell remains the same today,"Percy argued.

"Your rebuttal, Ms. Laurentis."

"I am in no way insinuating that we should get rid of Charms or Transfiguration."She looked offended at Walker Percy 's accusal."All I am saying is that we need to count at the electives that are offered. The basic core form should obviously be kept, although they should be updated. Today 's professors are using the same textbooks they used thirty old age ago, which is ridiculous considering how lots has changed in their fields-"

"Your time is up. Mr. Weasley."

Percy seemed to puff out his breast a bit."Those textbooks still teach the basic principle ! How is a textbook written last year going to be any considerably at teaching a student how to stir a caldron ? Additionally, older textbooks have more employ copies available making it more affordable for students from lower income families to buy their books."

It seemed to Albus that they had gotten slightly off topic from the proposed question, but neither candidate seemed to notice or care.

"Next doubt. How do you palpate about the way that instructor selection and evaluation is handled at Hogwarts ? Do you find any changes are needed ?"Mr. Eckerton asked."You may go first, Mr. Weasley."

"Traditionally, the Ministry has taken a very hands-off approach to teacher option and I believe this has worked well. Ministry functionary do not ingest the expertise to choose instructor and leaving this up to the Hogwarts faculty has resulted in a very educated and well-rounded stave at Hogwarts. Following the reign of Voldemort, a small education section was founded in the Ministry to oversee things and while it is still very hands-off, I believe the minuscule amount of regulation has served Hogwarts well,"Percy explained.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Laurentis smirked and then began."teacher excerpt, along with curriculum change, is the the scene of Hogwarts that needs the most radical variety, in my feeling. While Professor Kendrick is a mulct master, I think Sir Thomas More guidance is needed when it comes to choosing prof. For the past four geezerhood, Hogwarts has been ineffectual to secure a Defense Against the shadow Arts professor for to a greater extent than two years. One only lasted a year. former prof have been here for X and yet others have remained even beyond their own last. There is nothing damage, of course, with sure-enough instructor, but Hogwarts appears to bear no way of evaluating these faculty fellow member. They remain here, teaching, twelvemonth after year, whether or not they are actually successful in providing students with an education."

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

Percy 's expression had gained some color that was not always there."I hardly think it is appropriate to blame professor Kendrick for the circumstances of old defense mechanism professors. Upon interviewing them he had no way of knowing what would happen in the end. As for the former professor, if you would face at the statistics of the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. results of the past few age you 'll see that the majority of scholarly person are passing. mightiness I add that those are regulated by the Ministry."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"I would correspond that the Headmaster should not be held responsible for one or two professors who should not have been hired in the kickoff plaza, but Hogwarts has seen Thomas More than its reasonable share of poor prof in the past few years. Clearly something is wrong. to a greater extent masses need to be involved with course of study and teacher selection."

"Next doubtfulness,"Mr. Eckerton said."Do you feel that the security at Hogwarts is enough ? If not, what should be changed ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

If Albus was not mistaken, he could own sworn he saw Laurentis sigh and have a tenuous eye axial rotation before beginning."Let 's just call it what it is, why do n't we ? Lack of security department at Hogwarts ! The security here, if you can prognosticate it that, is sorely lacking. power I bring up the fact that for the preceding three years there had been a severe breach in security here ? Three year ago, a group of first years dueled the appealingness professor, a seventh year, and that seventh year 's father on the soil for a meaning period of clip before the professors stepped in. The conform to year, another first year was kidnapped by that same seventh year, who had then graduated. Last year, those same student were kidnapped and taken to Australia of all shoes ! I think we could forgive one incident, but three-"

"Your metre is up,"Matt 's dad said."Mr. Weasley."

Percy was looking more than and more disgruntled. His case now resembled his hair."mightiness I remind my opponent that following the incident three years ago, Aurors were stationed at Hogwarts and none of the succeed incidents resulted in any endure damage to any of the scholar. death yr, the Aurors were slightly preoccupied by the disastrous competition that took plaza here. Hogwarts is protected by many trance and all the prof are capable of protecting the pupil. go year 's incident was an extremely unfortunate accident-"

"One that nearly resulted in scholarly person deaths !"Laurentis shouted.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Albus felt like the full room was staring at himself and Matt. Glancing around, he saw that this was dead on target.

Laurentis ignored Mr. Eckerton."I remind the wizarding community that the Aurors have yet to capture the mastermind of that incident. Which by the way was not the only incident last year. death yr 's Defense Against the Dark graphics professor kept a highly dangerous animal in the castle for calendar month before anything was done. And by the time it was discovered, it took Walter Eckerton stepping in to have got it removed ! Then, the professor was allowed to stick, despite the fact that later on it was discovered that he had been terrorizing and humiliating students in his stratum all class, not to mention the fact that his program were not set aside. Following that atrocious breech in security, regarding the animal, the Saame professor proceeded to divulge information that could compromise the life of another student-"

"That is enough, Ms. Laurentis !"Mr. Eckerton shouted."You are speaking out of turn."

Albus was uncertain whether Matt 's dad was cutting her off because her fourth dimension was up or because she was getting dangerously close to talking about Matt. Come to remember of it, how did she even know about that ? She could n't possibly jazz about Matt 's condition, could she ? Albus glanced at matt, who was looking extremely pale.

"I believe we are out of metre,"Mr. Eckerton continued. He looked quite flustered."Please exit the room while lunch is set up. You may hark back in a half hour."

Albus stood and waited for his turn to leave the room. The entire crowd was whispering amongst themselves and pointing at Albus and matt every so often. He was tempted to skip dejeuner all together, except he was extremely hungry.
***


Albus managed to avoid speaking to any reporters before and during lunch, which proved difficult because they seemed to have multiplied during the disputation. All seemed keen on interviewing him, Matt, john, and Kaden in particular due to their having been kidnapped the previous June. Albus was quite relieved when the food for thought in front of them vanished and the majority of the people in the room left in ordering for the dubiousness and answer session to shoot stead.

Both nominee seemed to have regained their composure during the meal because Percy 's face was no foresightful beet red and Laurentis had fixed her haircloth and was wearing a grin. The newsman had been banned from the room for the duration of the session, much to their disheartenment. Matt 's dad also looked honorable and was standing in the front of the room in strawman of the rostrum, waiting for everyone to sit down.

The room was a lot empty now, considering that only the pupil chosen to hear to the argument and the professor were allowed in the room. Albus and Matt managed to get a few keister in the front line row. James and Lily joined them.

Once the doorway had been shut and everyone had sat down, Mr. Eckerton stepped forward."Welcome to the dubiousness and answer school term. It will run for an minute and the nominee will answer as many questions as they can during that sentence. Please upraise your handwriting if you have a question."Nothing about the ebullition during the debate was mentioned.

Albus could not think of anything to ask. He had absolutely no desire to verbalize to Laurentis and anything that he would desire to ask Harry Hotspur he could just ask at Christmastide or beam him an owl. Not that he really had any head for his uncle, either.

A tall Ravenclaw boy raised his hand and Mr. Eckerton pointed to him."This question is for Ms. Laurentis,"the boy began."How exactly do you propose to score Hogwarts more secure ? I 'm nearly convinced that the most advanced spells are already used."

"That is very true,"Laurentis answered."I believe that we need to attend outside the existence of trance and break professor canonical training in defense against intruders. I think a program, interchangeable to very basic Auror preparation, would benefit all staff greatly."

A Hufflepuff in pigtails had a head for both campaigner next."Would either of you change the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams if you were elected ?"

"Only to fit better with any possible curriculum alteration,"Laurentis replied."The alteration would come later. Not for at to the lowest degree two years."

"near likely, no,"Percy said."The statistics prove that they work well as they are."

The interrogative sentence and answer school term continued in the Saami way, proving itself very different from the debate. It was quite the opposition, actually. Albus found himself very bored towards the end, his mind drifting towards what both candidate had said during the debate. He was very curious about what the Prophet would say about it the future day.

"We have metre for one more question,"Mr. Eckerton finally said.

Albus let out a sigh of relief. A glimpse at lusterlessness told him that his practiced friend was feeling the same way, since he was leaning back in his chairwoman, his eyes nearly closed.

Mr. Eckerton pointed to a girl sitting in the far back. Albus did n't recognize her, but she had Ravenclaw gown on.

"This is for both of you, if either of you know anything about it. Ms. Laurentis, you were talking about Professor Balladanis in the debate and you mentioned something about him giving educatee information that they could use to endanger another bookman. Is that really true ? And what exactly happened ?"

Albus prodded Matt in the side and whispered to him what the question had been. precondition matt 's reaction, which was a look of consummate panic, he almost wished he had n't bothered to wake up him up.

Mr. Eckerton stared at the student before turning to the nominee."You may answer the foremost contribution of the question and that part only."

"It is admittedly,"Laurentis said just as Sir Henry Percy had been opening his mouth to respond."Professor Balladanis was not cut out for teaching and did not understand the fact that there is a wrinkle between teaching to unfold cognition and teaching to endanger others."

"Does it cause to do with the Anamatek ?"a Slytherin boy asked.

"Yes,"Hotspur said."The situations were related."

"This is why I believe instructor need to be evaluated so we can avoid this case of situation,"Laurentis explained.

"But what kind of entropy could endanger someone ? Was it in the curriculum ?"the Ravenclaw who had originally asked the question said."Knowledge is power."

"It was not,"Laurentis answered."Which is exactly why it will be full for professor to have program that they stick to."

"I just do n't see,"the Ravenclaw went on."If multitude are kept in the dark they just blindly follow authority. I 've always believed that masses should be taught everything possible."

matt and his dad were both wearing standardized expressions. Both looked extremely uncomfortable and his dad was fiddling with a hold on his robes. matt looked like he wanted his chairwoman to swallow him up.

"We 're all out of time,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thank you all for coming. The prof have requested that you all return to your commons elbow room and that you are free to refuse comment to the reporters that are waiting outside."

There was a shuffling of chairs as citizenry got up and exited the room. Matt grabbed Albus 's arm without saying anything, leading him directly to his beginner, who was speaking to both the candidates.

"Dad,"lustrelessness said quietly, not waiting for him to finish his conversation with Laurentis and Percy.

Mr. Eckerton turned around and his font became sympathetic. He turned back to Laurentis and Walker Percy."Excuse me. My son. I believe you can head up to Kendrick 's study and I will be there shortly."

Albus, Matt, and Mr. Eckerton left Laurentis and Sir Henry Percy, who had now begun to argue about something, in the Great Hall and entered one of its lobby. The room was furnished with a few lounge and chairs. Albus chose an armchair while Matt and his dad sat down on a couch.

"I 'm really disconsolate, Matt,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."I did not expect lastly year to be brought up during this debate."

"It 's not your fault,"Matt replied as he picked at a lax screw thread on the couch."It 's just the way she, Laurentis, was talking, I thought that maybe she .... Does she know, Dad ? She seemed to know an dire lot about what Balladanis did."

"She does n't know,"Mr. Eckerton said immediately."The only mass at the Ministry who know are in my department. However, she and the ease of the Ministry did take to know why I was filing a account on Balladanis finis year. I had to establish reasons as to why I wanted him investigated on that report."

"Did you list exactly what he did, with the Anamatek and his lycanthrope lesson ?"lusterlessness asked.

"No."Mr. Eckerton shook his chief."There are police force protecting youngster in this variety of post and I was not legally required to mention your name. All I had to say was that an anonymous student had felt threatened by a certain lesson that Balladanis taught. That was all that was needed to launch the investigation. That alone would not make gotten him sack, but enough grounds was found through interviewing pupil about his teaching methods that nada else was needed. It was n't even mentioned that it was a third year class in my master copy report."

"But she seemed to recognize so lots,"matt said.

"She does n't. Politicians blow up what they know in order to get elected. You do n't birth to worry. I suppose if she really wanted to she could look at the syllabus for defense reaction for that time of year and research and frame it out, but it would take a lot of work. And intrust me, she does not have the metre for that. Nor does she really have any reason to wish what deterrent example it was or why a student was threatened or who that bookman was."

"But she said my living had been at risk,"mat said.

"Again, that 's her embellishment."Mr. Eckerton half-smiled."The only ones who are really curious are your fellow scholarly person and this will blow over. They have no way of finding out."

"Good,"matt replied, finally smiling a bit.

"I 'd better get to the headmaster 's written report,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up.

Albus waited while Matt said goodbye to his dad and then the two boys headed back to Gryffindor tower. The reporters had either scattered or had found pupil volition to be interviewed, for the boys came across no one but Prefects and a few showtime years setting off dungbombs on their way back to the common room. Albus was very gladiola to pick up that Laurentis did not cognize the specifics about what had happened with Balladanis the previous twelvemonth, but he wished neither her or Percy would ever play it up again in a argumentation. Somehow, though, Albus doubted that it would n't be.


Sorry for the tardily update ! clock time has gotten away from me. Thanks to all who have read and reviewed. Big thanks to my Skype writing group ; you guys are amazing !

I have a new meet the generator thread on the forum. There 's a link to it on my Author page. Please check it out and ask me questions !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The article in the prophesier on Sunday proved to be just as unconscionable as the genuine debate had been. It took up the entire forepart Thomas Nelson Page and was ripe with citation from both candidates and a few students, although none of Albus 's cousins had been quoted. The Ravenclaw who had asked the question about Balladanis at the question and answer session had not only been interviewed, but she had received her own article located on the second page. Albus groaned when he opened the page and saw it, thoroughgoing with a picture of the Ravenclaw in query. His friends quickly crowded around the paper to read it over his shoulder.

censorship AT HOGWARTS ?

Yesterday 's newsworthy debate at Hogwarts
School of witchcraft and Wizardry proved
not only to be a time to learn about the
nominee'true judgment on wizardly
Department of Education, but possibly uncovered an issue
of censorship that had been looked over
conclusion twelvemonth.

Following the debate a doubt and resolution
session was held for those lucky few
Hogwarts educatee who had gotten to sit
in the Great Hall during the public debate. The
last question was asked by sixth twelvemonth
Ravenclaw Elizabeth York. During the disputation
Patricia Laurentis brought up the topic
of the investigation of professor Tethys
Balladanis, premature Department of Defense Against
the darkness Arts professor ( see article on
figurehead pageboy ). House of York then questioned what
selective information had taught that according to
Laurentis"endangered a pupil 's life."

'I just wonder what information was being
taught because I 'm a house believer that
student should never be denied
information. If it was bad enough
to imperil someone 's life, then for certain,
it should not be taught, but no one is
saying what the information was .'House of York
said in an interview following the
session.

After the question was asked, deliberate
moderator and Head of the Department for
the rule and dominance of Magical
Creatures Walter Eckerton told the
candidates that they could not say
what the information was, just confirm
that the incident had happened. Eckerton
quickly wrapped up the session, stating
that they were out of time.

It is interesting to note that Eckerton
is the wizard who filed the complaint
thus launching the investigation of
Balladanis. When asked for a remark,
Eckerton said'I 'm the mind of the
section for the regulating and Control
of Magical beast. He had an Anamatek.
I was informed of the situation and had
to take action .'

The situation provided more question
than answers and it will be interesting
to bump out whether this incident plays
a further use in April 's election.

Albus set down the paper and pushed away his half-eaten breakfast. Why did the vaticinator have to print that ? It did n't seem relevant to the election. Balladanis had been sacked and was long gone. It was in the past.

"Your dad 's right,"Amanda said to lustrelessness later on when they were in the predator 's Den."She 's just trying to make matter into a bounteous business deal so she can win to a greater extent votes. pol turn the wide-eyed thing into vast deals."

"I know, but still,"Matt said as he picked through a tidy sum of Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor Beans."It 's like none of them realize that it 's my living they 're making a big mass of."

"Honestly, I do n't imagine it 's actually the information that masses want,"rose said, looking up from her Potions textbook."Think about it. If somebody were to leak the information, and say that Balladanis was teaching so much about identifying werewolves that hoi polloi could figure out you were one, they 'd have cypher else to talk about-"

"Yeah, because they 'd be talking about how there 's a lycanthrope at Hogwarts,"Matt said.

"No, that 's not what I meant,"Rose replied."They 're interest in the swelled issuing. The fact that there might be censorship at Hogwarts. They do n't care what the information is that 's been censored. They just care that something 's been censored. And I think that if they really knew what it was, they 'd all agree that Balladanis had gone over the top."

"I guess,"Matt said."But that 's the thing, no one 's going to really be intimate what it is."

"It 'll all fellate over soon enough,"Albus said."Next argumentation 's on law enforcement. Aurors, Azkaban, that sort of thing, and Laurentis runs Azkaban."

Albus spent much of Sunday afternoon on the Quidditch slant, which was a welcomed relief from discussing the argument and the election and Percy and Laurentis. He loved his champion, but they all seemed to be able to discuss the election for age and he could n't. Fred would take had them on the pitching longer, but Hufflepuff had reserved it for the eve.

The discussion of the censorship article seemed to calm down the side by side day, if only because a good majority of the professors had all scheduled test that day and everyone was busy with finis minute studying. Albus had exams in both Herbology and defense team Against the night Arts, although the latter was really no different from the usual worksheets. Luckily there was no examination in Care of Magical Creatures and then Albus had a free period.

Matt slept the entire disembarrass period and up until dinner in hopes that he would be able to attend that night 's detention. He had no desire to do detention on his own, so he was hoping that he 'd be capable to get away with just missing the next night 's. He still looked absolutely exhausted even after the nap.

"If we 're doing anything outside I 'll have to leave,"lustrelessness said as the four boys made their way to Filch 's study."Falco columbarius I hope it 's not outside."

"Me, too,"John said."primer 's horribly muddy after last night 's storm."

"Bet the team will love that."Albus said They had praxis that dark and Albus was missing it.

The male child continued their way through the castling until they made it to Filch 's study. Albus knocked three times and then stood back, waiting for the ancient caretaker to spread out the room access.

Filch was holding his cat, Josie, in his arms when he appeared in the doorway. He was scowling, the wrinkles on his typeface showing More than ever, and looked thoroughly disgusted at having to supervise the boys'detention. He let the cat down on the ground and she took a swat at Kaden 's robes before darting behind a nearby suit of armour.

"You lot again,"Filch muttered as he shut the room access behind him, despite the fact that the four boys had n't had a joint detention with Filch since second year."You 're scrubbing the 2nd floor girl 's bathroom. With toothbrush, of course."Filch reached into his air hole and pulled out four grubby toothbrushes.

"That 's Moaning myrtle 's bathroom,"Albus whispered to his friends as they distributed their cleaning implements and followed Filch down the corridor.

Filch shooed them into the privy and leaned against the door, his arms across his dresser, and scowled at them as they began. Albus squatted down and began to scrub up the base, Gospel According to John and Kaden doing the like. The three had agreed to make the detention as soft as possible for matte and thus left him the sinks.

Albus had n't been scrubbing for more than two arcminute when he heard a splashing behind him and a schoolgirlish giggle. He turned around and saw Myrtle, smiling and winking at him. She floated over until she was hovering over the incision of floor that Albus was scrubbing.

"Albus Potter."She giggled again."You 're back to my toilet. Oh, but this time you 've been in hassle, have n't you ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus muttered.

"This is n't for what you did to the Slytherin common elbow room, is it ?"Myrtle asked."Your buddy asked me about that. I told him that you 'd been in here that Nox, hiding under your Invisibility Cloak."

Albus flinched when she said the Logos"invisibility cloak"and hoped that Filch had had some audience loss in his old age. The shoemaker's last thing Albus needed was for the caretaker to have it away he had an invisibleness Cloak.

"I did n't lie with you were pranking the Slytherins, though,"myrtle continued."I like male child who pull pranks, you know."myrtle giggled again and floated closer to Albus, so close that his hand was now inside her arm. He moved it away.

"You know, some long time I hardly get any male child coming in here,"Vinca minor said as she floated towards trick."And this yr there 's so many. I think you should occur visit me more often. It gets lonely in here, you know."

"Yeah, I imagine it 's quite lonely, being utter,"Kaden said.

Myrtle let out an ear-piercing screech and started wailing. She sped yesteryear Albus and into one of the stalls, where she plunged herself into the pot.

"sensitive type, is n't she ?"Kaden said.

There was another loud splash and Myrtle was suddenly right in front of Kaden."You would be too if you were dead !"she shouted.

"But could n't you leave the loo ?"John the Divine asked."The other ghosts float about the rook all the time."

"Leave the loo ?"Myrtle repeated."Leave the loo ?"She said a bit louder."But this is where I died ! I find it 's best to think about my decease right here. right field where it happened."

"Would n't it be less lonely with the other ghosts ?"John asked as he began to scour one of the stall doors.

"The other ghost do n't understand,"Myrtle lamented."They 're all satisfied being numb. Even the Grey Lady and she 's always seemed slightly miserable. But no, none of them are as miserable as me."myrtle seemed gallant about that.

"Weird,"lavatory muttered under his breath.

"Quiet !"Filch shouted."You 're in detainment. No talking."

Vinca minor resumed floating above the son, letting out a loud wail every so often. Kaden and lusterlessness continued to scrub the floor while John scrubbed the carrell. Matt was still scrubbing the sinks, but was going very slowly and winced every so often.

"You look misfortunate !"Myrtle exclaimed as mat 's hand slipped and he dropped his soup-strainer. He bent down to pick it up and leaned on the sink, squeezing his eyes shut. Myrtle floated down to loom just above the sink next to him and smiled.

matt said nothing and turned from Vinca minor, to get started on the sinkhole on the other side. myrtle followed."You know, I 'm execrable here all the time. I just sit here and ponder my last ..."Myrtle continued.

Myrtle continued to accompany Matt around the bathroom while he was clearly trying to ignore her and put as lots distance between them as possible. He had no hazard with this since he was exhausted and Myrtle was a ghost. Albus caught John 's eye as myrtle giggled for the 20th fourth dimension and the two shared a unsounded laugh.

After they 'd been scrubbing for nearly two 60 minutes Filch finally told them they could turn back. Albus 's knees and manpower were raw and he had a intuitive feeling he smelled strongly of cleanser. bathroom and Kaden looked equally wretched and Matt looked as bad as he did the morning after a full moon, only without the cuts and bites. Vinca minor looked delighted at their misery.

"visit me again soon !"she shouted after them as they left."Especially you,"she added to Matt with another giggle.

"Someone has a crush on you,"John said to mat as soon as they were out of earshot of Filch.

"Shut up,"lustrelessness muttered.

"Matt and Myrtle, what an adorable dyad you 'd get,"John continued."You should go visit her. She seemed to be happier knowing that you were miserable."

"I said shut up about it !"lusterlessness shouted.

"amercement, was only making a joke,"John replied.

The boy walked in quiet the residuum of the way to Gryffindor Tower. They did not come across anyone else, which Albus was grateful for since he was uncertain as to whether it was past curfew or not. Once back in Gryffindor, matte immediately went to the dormitory without saying another discussion to Albus, whoremonger, or Kaden.

"Bob Hope it 's not cleansing tomorrow,"John muttered as he sat down on the nigh chairman and pulled up his pant leg."Look at that. My articulatio genus 's all red."

"mate my fingers,"Kaden added.

Albus would gladly suffer through another day of Muggle cleaning if it meant the rest of the detentions would be called off. He was missing two Quidditch practice and the live dueling praxis before the first duel. Some maitre d' he was, missing the last drill before their first of all tourney. Their last exercise was Thursday evening and Albus would be off in detention, doing who knows what. He was planning on having Amanda run the practice, although he had n't talked to her about it yet.

The door to the common room opened and the Gryffindor Quidditch team, minus Albus of course of instruction, trouped in. They all looked muddy, exhausted, and sweaty and Albus felt a sting of guilt as he watched them head up up to the dormitories to shower.

"Missed you, Al,"Fred said as he passed."You 're missing on Wednesday, too, are n't you ?"

"Yeah,"Albus muttered."Sorry."

Fred nodded."Just do n't do it right before a match."

That was at least fortunate, Albus thought. They would n't be playing in another Quidditch mate until after the holidays, seeing as the adjacent match was Hufflepuff versus Ravenclaw. However, he couldn't aid but experience that missing dueling praxis right before a tournament was worse than missing Quidditch practice right before a match.
***


Albus 's week did not improve the pursue day, when he began it with twofold potions. Matt, feeling too ill to brew potions all morning, stayed in the dorm to kip, leaving Scorpius Malfoy without a better half to brew that day 's verruca removal Potion. Even big, Albus 's partner was also not in class. Slughorn saw this as the perfect chance to match Albus with Malfoy.

Albus set up his caldron while Malfoy stalked off to the potions cupboard to get the ingredients. He returned a short piece later and began to chop a shrivelfig into perfectly sized pieces. Albus took the rat spleen, dumped it into the caldron, and began to stir it.

"Bible is you and your friends got a hebdomad 's detention for that prank,"Malfoy said, not looking up from his shrivelfig.

"Yes. Not that it 's any of your business,"Albus responded.

"Oh, but it is."Malfoy smirked, finally looking up."You did n't by chance get Thursday off from hold, did you ?"

"No,"Albus muttered. He took a few inscrutable breaths, trying to calm himself down. He was stirring the cauldron far too quickly.

"That 's dueling practice,"Malfoy said, as if it had slipped Albus 's intellect."Our own maitre d'hotel, missing practice because of detention. I do n't suppose you 've found someone else to run practice, have you ?"

"If you 're angling for the job you 're out of luck,"Albus said as he threw another rat spleen into the cauldron with more forcefulness than was necessary."Amanda already said she 'd do it."That was n't necessarily true up, as Albus had slept too of late that morning to see Amanda at breakfast before they 'd had to go down to the dungeons.

"tagger ?"Malfoy scoffed."I think the captain ought to have at least some skill at dueling."

"Why does it matter so much ?"Albus asked."It 's one practice ! It 's not like one practice would pass water you captain."

"When the professors see what a skillful job of it I do-"

"One reason, Malfoy,"Albus interrupted."Give me one ground why you should do it over Amanda."

Malfoy 's face broke out in a malicious smiling."One reason ? The Moon 's going to be in an occupy phase tonight."

Albus lowered his voice."You would n't. You ca n't. Kendrick would expel you."

"Only if he knew it was me who spilled the beans,"Malfoy pointed out.

Albus felt the roue drain from his side. Why had he never thought of that ? Of course there were ways Malfoy could let it slip without anyone knowing it was him."Fine,"Albus muttered."fine. You captain the squad on Thursday. But just that day. I do n't have detention on Sabbatum afternoon."

"Fair enough,"Malfoy said, clearly satisfied at how things had turned out.

Albus took a parsnip and began to chop up it with as very much force as he could rally, imagining Malfoy 's smirking aspect upon the vegetable 's control surface. Luckily, Malfoy did not say another Holy Writ to Albus throughout the entire class, which gave Albus the restraint not to hex him into next C after they left Slughorn 's room.

The day continued in a downward spiral when Patil had them work on transfiguring rats into teacups and Albus 's teacup ran across his table and crashed onto the floor. Politics was no well because professor Embry had the socio-economic class discuss the past Sabbatum 's debate, something Albus just wanted to put behind him. He could n't assist but feel as if the entire class was staring at him for the whole hour since Embry brought up the topic of his snatch and the sacking of Professor Balladanis.

Kendrick sent Albus, matte, John, and Kaden an owl at dinner party informing them that their detainment would take place in glasshouse Two, where prof Longbottom needed help transferring his dragon muck fertiliser from a huge pile outside to versatile heap inside.

"Disgusting !"King John exclaimed upon reading the note."I get enough of that in Herbology."

"At least we 're with Longbottom and not Filch,"Albus pointed out."Matt will be missing this one, obviously."

King John nodded."Where is he, by the way ? Have n't seen him all day."

"Probably still in the dormitory. He was sound asleep when I went up there to snaffle my Transfiguration book at lunch,"Albus said.

Kaden glanced at his watch."We 're not even going to have fourth dimension to go back there before detention. It 's six-thirty."

Albus set his forking down. He had been picking at his beef stew, but not really eating it. He still had n't told his friends that Malfoy was going to be running his dueling practice later that workweek. Add that to the fact that now he would n't get to see Matt before the full lunation and it was just turning out to be an nasty evening.

pink wine seemed to translate Albus 's mind."We 'll go check on him after dinner,"she said. Amanda nodded.

John and Kaden polished off the eternal rest of their meal and then the three son set off for the greenhouse. The sun was just beginning to set as they walked across the earth and Albus knew that meant that lustrelessness would be heading to the Hospital Wing soon. He hoped Rose and Amanda would care to see him before he did.

Neville was waiting for them when they arrived, bearing four shovels and four band of gloves.

"matt ca n't total tonight,"Albus said once they reached Neville.

Neville glanced at the sky."Oh, right. I 'd forgotten."He handed the boys the shovel and gloves."All of this,"he gestured to a big mass of manure,"needs to be moved into the pots in Greenhouse Two. You can will once you 're finished."

Albus groaned inwardly as he looked at the pile. It must take in been at to the lowest degree six feet gamy and as big around as the Scots heather shed near the Quidditch pitch shot. It would hire them at least an 60 minutes. He sighed as he pulled on his gloves and began to shovel the manure.

With all three boys working steadily it took them an 60 minutes and a half to move all the manure. When they finally finished all Albus wanted to do was go up to Gryffindor pillar and take the world 's longest shower. He felt bad than he did after a Quidditch practice in the pouring rain.

"Two down, five to go,"privy said after Neville parted ways with them on the indorsement trading floor."I 'd never thought I 'd say this, but I 'd really like some lines."

"I just wish they 'd strike down Th 's,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, right, what are you doing about your dueling exercise ?"John asked.

Albus felt anger boiling up in him again just thinking about it."Malfoy 's pickings over for the practice."

"Wait, seriously ?"John exclaimed."But Amanda 's on your team. She could have-"

"It 's complicated,"Albus muttered. For some ground he did n't want to get into why Malfoy was going to be captain for the night."And it 's only for a night."

John gave Albus a strange look."I guess, but still ... Malfoy ? It 's going to go to his head."

"I know !"Albus exclaimed."I know, all right ? It 's not like I wanted to consume hold on Thursday and miss that practice. I 'll remind you that this prank was yours and Kaden 's idea. Not mine."

"I know,"John said."But Malfoy ..."his voice trailed off.

Albus spent a good half 60 minutes in the exhibitor once he returned to Gryffindor and then collapsed into bed, wishing that he could stir up up and find out that the day had been an awful dream. Instead, he dreamed that Professor Kendrick decided to rent away Albus 's captaincy and give it to Malfoy.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! This will be the only when update this month as I am currently working on NaNoWriMo.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


John got his wish well the following evening when the boys spent an hour doing railway line with professor Young, which was slightly superfluous since Edward Young paid absolutely no attention to them. After they were released, Albus, John, and Kaden immediately went to the hospital offstage, as they had been unable to claver Matt earlier in the day.

Madam Pomfrey was refilling potion bottles when they arrived a shortly while later. The pall were drawn around matte 's usual bed while all the early beds remained empty-bellied.

"Hello, boys,"the nurse greeted them."I 'll let you visit for ten minutes, but curfew 's very soon."

Albus nodded and led John and Kaden to Matt 's bed, where he pulled back the curtains and entered the small sphere. mat was laying in bed with a bandage around his left wing arm and another on his brow.

"How are you feeling ?"Albus asked.

"Awful,"matte replied."But I do n't desire to speak about it. What 's new with you lot ?"

"Just did an hour of lines,"John said."And finally Night we had to shovel manure for Longbottom. You 're lucky you missed that one. I swear I still smell like dragon dung."

"But now I have to do two detentions by myself. Possibly three,"matt lamented.

"triad ? You 're not going to get out of here tomorrow ?"Kaden asked. Usually matte got out of the infirmary extension two days after the total moon.

"I will, but it just depends on what the hold is. If it 's phone line then I can go but if it 's cleaning again then I 'll have to skip it. brothel keeper Pomfrey wants me to catch one's breath tomorrow."

"Ca n't call up of what else they 'd have us do,"lavatory said."Guess what else ? Albus is having Malfoy run his dueling team 's drill tomorrow since he 'll be in detention."

"You 're what ? !"Matt exclaimed."That 's mad, Albus."

Albus sighed."It 's one day. One recitation. It 's not like I 'm giving him my team."

"Yeah, but there are early people on your team,"Matt pointed out."One of them could have captained it."

"As I told St. John and Kaden, it 's complicated,"Albus said."And it wo n't happen again."

Matt shrugged, but he did n't seem convinced. The last thing Albus wanted to do was recite him the real reason why Malfoy was going to run the praxis. lusterlessness did n't need that on his plate.

"prison term 's up !"madam Pomfrey announced as she brought a tray of potions to Matt."Hurry back to Gryffindor. The last affair the three of you need is another detention."

As it turned out, there were other affair that the professor thought of for the boys'detentions. Thursday evening they cleaned caldron without legerdemain in Professor Slughorn 's classroom, something that ma'am Pomfrey forbade Matt from doing, insisting that he turn in too soon instead. Albus spent the stallion detention thinking about what Malfoy was doing with his dueling squad and counting down the minutes until he would be capable to ask Amanda about it.

"He was really tight,"Amanda said once the boy were back in the common way after hold. Amanda had gotten out of dueling practice before they 'd finished detention."A few of the 2nd years were cursing him afterward. I heard them. Not that I blame them since he all out yelled at them for not being able-bodied to do a Jelly-Legs Jinx."

"What does he await ?"Albus replied."They 're second old age !"

"I tried to tell him that, but he did n't handle,"Amanda said."He even yelled at a Slytherin."

"Seriously ?"Albus said."Wow."

"I 'm really glad Longbottom made you captain and not him,"Amanda continued."I think I 'd quit otherwise."

"I would 've drop out if he was on my team, menses,"John said.

"He would n't last as captain anyway,"Amanda pointed out."professor Cedonia was supervising and she had to say him to tone it down about five times and then once one of the instant years was close to teardrop, she called an end to the practice."

Albus could n't help but experience a bit of expiation that Malfoy made such a bad captain, despite the fact that he did feel bad for his teammates. He doubted Malfoy would stop insisting that he should receive been made captain, but Albus doubted anything would stop that.

Saturday brought with it a meretricious thunderstorm that rendered it nearly impossible to listen what anyone was saying in the Great Hall at breakfast. Albus was quite happy that Fred had not scheduled a Quidditch practice for that day, but hoped that the violent storm would lull down by the time the tourney began since his team would need to be able to get wind each other speak.

Malfoy was already seated at squad Seven 's smear at the Hufflepuff table when Albus arrived later that good afternoon. He was please to see that the rest of the team was giving him a extensive office, including a few of the untried Slytherins.

"Albus !"one of the minute year Hufflepuffs, Alice Jake, shouted when she saw him coming."So glad you 're back."

"Me, too."Albus grinned as he sat down in between her and another Hufflepuff."You lot ready ?"

There was a chorus of"yes 's"and a few nods of principal from Albus 's team. The last few duelers ran into the room and snagged the last few tail, which were unfortunately side by side to Malfoy.

Albus glanced at his watch. Five minutes until the tourney began. He felt like he should realize some sort of speech communication, like all of his Quidditch captains did before matches. But what was he supposed to say ?

"Er, well, here we are. The get-go tournament,"Albus began."You are all excellent duelers, each and every one of you. We 've all been practicing hard and you 've all made great melioration. We 're going to do not bad, but think of, just have fun. But if you remember what you 've learned and duel like you do in practice, I think we can definitely win this."

The repose of his team ( sans Malfoy ) gave a hearty cheer and then turned to professor Longbottom, who had just called for attention. Albus 's team immediately quieted down.

"Welcome to the kickoff dueling tourney !"Neville announced."It will run as it has in the past, with two duels happening simultaneously. Professor Cedonia is coming around with the tournament agenda, which will be given to each captain. Please pay attention and sleep together when you are to duel. Everyone will duel twice. Professor Cedonia and I will each preside over a dueling circle and will herald the achiever. The low person to demilitarise their opponent will be given a point. Remember, you are only allowed to use spells you have learned in your stratum. The low gear affaire d'honneur will start out momentarily."

prof Cedonia handed Albus a piece of sheepskin and he set it down while his squad crowded around him."I think it 'll be easier for me to let you sleep together when you 're to duel. I 'll tell apart you two affaire d'honneur before you 're scheduled. Alice and Tucker, you 're first."

Albus glanced down the list and noticed that he was the ten percent affaire d'honneur in Neville 's ring and the seventeenth in Cedonia 's. That would sacrifice him plenty of metre to get used to organizing his team. It was slightly overwhelming, having to constantly be paying attention to the listing and figuring out when everyone should be dueling. After a few affaire d'honneur, he managed to get the knack of it.

"Malfoy,"Albus said."You 're up in two duel, in Cedonia 's ring."

Malfoy nodded, but did n't say anything. He had not said a word the entire tourney, which was very uncharacteristic, and the ease of the team seemed to be set on ignoring him.

Albus handed the list to Amanda and headed to Neville 's dueling ring, where he was set to duel John. Two Hufflepuffs from other team were currently battling it out and Albus was next. The shorter of the two Hufflepuffs finally managed to unarm his opponent.

"item to Team Four !"Neville shouted as the two Hufflepuffs left."Albus Potter versus John Brickston."

Albus and bathroom gave each other excusatory smiles before bowing and raising their verge, waiting for Neville 's okeh.

"Ready, duel !"Neville shouted.

Albus immediately sent a leg-locker curse at whoremonger, who easily deflected it. John sent the same at Albus who also avoided it. Albus continued sending magical spell at whoremonger, who kept avoiding them, until he finally got hit with a Jelly-legs scourge and nearly lost his footing. In the time it took him to perform the counter-curse, Albus was able to hit him with Petrificus Totalus.

"Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted as Gospel According to John fell over. He caught John 's wand in his right paw and then turned to Neville, who was smiling.

"Point to team up Seven !"

Neville performed the counter-curse on John and the two boys left the ring. Albus headed back to his table, where Malfoy was just heading to Cedonia 's dueling ring.

Malfoy dueled a second class and won within two minute. He was smirking as he walked back to the Hufflepuff tabular array, but he returned to mediocre clapping. It seemed that the relief of the squad was still bitter about Thursday 's practice.

The rest period of the tournament went well. Both Albus and Malfoy won their 2nd duels, although Malfoy had a lot Sir Thomas More trouble since he dueled a fellow fourth part year.

"Attention, I 'd like to herald the winner !"Neville shouted a shortsighted while after the final duel. The entire room immediately quieted and looked up at Neville."Thank you. In third plaza with 44 period is Team Four !"

Cheers erupted from the Ravenclaw mesa, where Team quadruplet was currently seated. Once they quieted down, Neville spoke."In second place with 52 degree is Team Seven !"

The relaxation of Albus 's team began to cry out and hearten, but Albus was too stunned to do much of anything. He could n't believe it ! His first ever tournament as maitre d' and his team had gotten second blank space ! A few people slapped him on the back and he broke out into a grin.

"And in foremost office, with 55 points is Team Six !"Neville announced.

There were cheers from the former end of the Hufflepuff table, but Albus ignored them. He was still shocked that his own squad had done so well.

"Great job, everyone !"he said once he regained his calmness."I knew we could do it !"

The tabular array was filled with excitement and chatter and it continued even after they got up and began to leave the room. Albus was anxious to get back to Gryffindor tug where he could celebrate his near win with his friends.

"Nice going, ceramicist,"Malfoy spat as soon as they left the Great Hall."I bet if I were the sea captain we would 've won."

"We got second,"Albus replied."That 's really good."

"First would 've been better,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm amazed we even got second considering how fearful you are at practices."

"better than you,"Albus said."No one liked your practice on Thursday. Did you notice how no one talked to you today ? They hated it."

"They 're just too used to you coddling them,"Malfoy said, taking a step closer to Albus.

"wellspring it does n't often thing because I 'm the captain and you 're not,"Albus said as he toyed with his baton, which he was still brandishing in his left hired man.

"For now,"Malfoy replied, eyeing Albus 's baton."If you keep getting in hassle I bet they 'll supercede you."

"C'mon, Albus."matte had appeared next to Albus."Let 's get back to the common room."

"Better listen to him."Malfoy gave a short laugh."You 'd think it 'd the early way around, though. Him attacking me rather than you. But I suppose that would only be in a certain time of-"Malfoy glared knowingly at Matt.

"Shut up ! And take that back,"Albus seethed, raising his wand.

"Seriously, Albus, let 's go !"matte grabbed the dorsum of Albus 's robes and pulled him towards the stairway.

"Evil git,"Albus muttered, looking back at the gang in the Entrance Hall. Malfoy was already gone."Why does he always have to bring it up like that ?"

"It does n't matter,"Matt said.

"Of course it matters !"Albus said indignantly."It 's insulting !"

"I 'm used to it,"matt said quietly.

"So what ?"Albus exclaimed."That does n't signify you should have to spend the quietus of Hogwarts having him bring it up every day."

"And you hexing him would have solved everything ?"Matt asked."You just would 've gotten another detention."

"Would 've been worth it,"Albus muttered.

"No, it would n't induce,"Matt argued."You 've just got to brush aside him. I ignore him."

"I really hope that next year he 's not on my dueling team,"Albus said.

"I do n't recall he will. Did n't they go back to House team for dueling for fifth through one-seventh years this class ?"Matt asked.

"Did they ?"Albus asked.

"That 's what one of the one-sixth years said,"lusterlessness answered.

"trade good,"Albus said."Then I just have to suffer through this year."

Albus and Matt were the last of their champion to get back to Gryffindor, where it appeared that no one was doing prep. Epistle of James had set a few pyrotechnic off out the window and everyone was watching them while eating disk upon disk of biscuits.

"What are you lot celebrating ?"Albus asked James as he took a biscuit.

James I shrugged."Just the fact that we 've got a Sabbatum with aught to do. Well, Cedric, Ben, Nathan, and I that is."

"Where have you two been ?"Rose asked as she walked up to Albus and Matt. John and Kaden were behind her, a cookie in each paw.

"Al nearly got into a duel with Malfoy in the entree Hall,"Matt explained.

"Albus !"Amanda exclaimed."You ca n't get anymore detention !"

"I know, but he said something really vile,"Albus said and turned to toilet."You would 've hexed him."

"What did he say ?"pink wine asked.

"He said that he was storm I was n't attacking him,"flatness said quietly.

"You 're right,"privy growled."I would 've hexed him."

"See ?"Albus said.

"And I told you that it was n't worth detention over,"matt repeated.

"But if it continues,"Rose said,"you 've got to tell Kendrick."

"I 'm not telling Kendrick,"Matt insisted."I think he 's got enough to worry about with the possibility of the entire school getting changed if Laurentis wins this election."
***


"Why in the name of Merlin are we doing detainment in the forest ?"Kaden asked at breakfast the following morning.

"Seriously,"John agreed."That 's not really detention, is it ? The forest is cool. I 've always wanted to go in there."

"Are you two insane ?"Amanda asked."There 's all variety of creatures in there."

"My sister did detention in the forest once,"lusterlessness said."She had to glean these plants Slughorn needed and they could only be harvested the night of the full moon."

"wellspring that 's one detention you 'll never have to do."John laughed.

"Maybe we have to reap some former kind of works ?"Matt suggested, ignoring John 's comment.

"Dunno."Albus shrugged. The letter they 'd received had not gone into specifics. It just stated that they were to meet Hagrid near his hut at three that afternoon.

"At to the lowest degree you 're not going at Nox,"blush wine pointed out.

The few hours Albus and his friend had until detention went by rather quickly. They spent the 60 minutes in the common room alternating doing homework while participating in very large rounds of Exploding Snap with nearly all of Albus and Rose 's full cousin. Everyone was covered in ash by the time three o'clock rolled around and the boys had to run up to their dormitory to wash their faces before heading down to Hagrid 's hut.

Albus liked Hagrid. He had known the half-giant since he was little and was slightly confused as to how hold with Hagrid could possibly be considered detention. Perhaps Professor Kendrick was unaware that Albus and his supporter visited Hagrid every so often and enjoyed disbursement time with him.

Hagrid was already outside when Albus and the former three boys arrived, armed with his crossbow and Fang by his side. Albus swallowed laborious upon seeing the crossbow. Did Hagrid really think they would need that ?

"'Ello, boys !"Hagrid greeted them."Fairly simple detention today. We 'll be collectin'unicorn tail hairs."

"Like getting them from unicorns ?"Kaden asked."I thought they did n't like boys."

Hagrid gave a boom laugh."No, no, Kaden. It 'd be a crime to direct 'em right from the unicorn, wouldn'it. No, we 'll be gettin''em from George H.W. Bush and trees. As the unicorns run past they get snagged. Let 's get goin'."

Fang let out a forte barque as they made their way to the forest. Collecting unicorn hair. That was n't bad at all. But still, it was the forest and that was where Washburn and Willinson had spent a lot of their time the previous year. They would n't be back there, would they ? Obviously Washburn and Quinton Willinson were in Azkaban, but what about Quinton 's father ? Where was he ?

"What do we need unicorn hairs for ?"St. John the Apostle asked as they entered the forest."No one here makes wands."

"Used for a lot more than'n sceptre, aren'they,"Hagrid answered."Potions, mostly. Tha 's what we need 'em for. one-seventh class are brewing somethin'that needs unicorn hair so Professor Kendrick volunteered you four to collect 'em. Slughorn 's too old to do it himself."

"That 's for sure,"John muttered to Albus.

It was very moody in the timber, despite the fact that it was day. All four boy lit their wands and Hagrid 's garden pink umbrella was providing More ignitor than two verge combined. Hagrid had told them that they would n't feel any hair until they were at least fifteen minutes into the forest since unicorns rarely ventured near the border.

The woods was very dense and it was difficult for them to take the air following to each other. Soon, they were forced to walk single file through a very small path that was riddled with tree diagram branches and tilt. Albus stumbled every so often and lusterlessness managed to fall over three clock time before anyone found any unicorn tail hair. Galloping hooves could be heard in the length and Albus figured they were centaurs. His dad had told him that there was a herd of Centaur in the woodland, although Albus had never seen one before.

"Here we are,"Hagrid said after what had been at least a twenty min pass. He gestured to a nearby Vannevar Bush."Jus'have a flavor around here and I 'm sure we 'll find plenty. This is a get it on sphere where unicorns live. Don'wander too far."

Hagrid had provided them all with buckets in which to collect the whisker. Albus set off for the nearest bush and found a few hairsbreadth snagged in the branches.

"lastly hold,"John said as he worked alongside Albus."Thank Merlin."

"Speak for yourself,"Matt called out from a tree a few beat away.

"Do you know what you have to do for your next ones ?"Albus asked.

"Lines, all three nights,"Matt said."Easier, I suppose, than coming up with anything else when it 's just me."

"punter than cleaning john again. Or digging up dragon muck,"Kaden said."Whoa, I just found a whole clump of hair."

After they 'd been working for a half minute Hagrid decided that they 'd collected enough. They set off re-tracing their gradation through the forest. Albus found it a trivial less scarey on the walk back and he was n't sure whether it was because he had gotten used to the noises or because he could see the sunlight at the sharpness. He was very protruding to find that he did not see Jarrett Willinson anywhere in the timber, although now that the hold was passed he realized that Willinson would n't go back there now that the Resurrection of Christ Stone was no long there. No, Willinson was most likely still in Australia, where no one was looking for him. At least, Albus hoped he was.


Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! You guys are awesome ! Sorry for the deficiency of updates lately. NaNo gave way to a frantic finishing of all the papers I 'd neglected during November. But I won NaNo and classes are over so I 'm hoping to get a beneficial bit of writing done within the next month.


The finis few weeks of November provided the Hogwarts educatee and staff with a much needed time period of calm. The next election debate would not take position until December and the the censoring at Hogwarts topic seemed to let died out, with the Daily Prophet no longer publishing articles on it. Both Quidditch and dueling tournaments were over for the term, leaving the students with a bit Thomas More time to devote to their study. The next Hogsmeade visit was scheduled for the second Sat in December, a week before term ended.

Albus enjoyed the monotony of those few weeks. His sidereal day were filled with preparation, Quidditch practice, and dueling practice session. squad 7 was very happy to have Albus back as their captain and most continued to disregard Malfoy during pattern. Malfoy still reserved a peculiar spotlight of hatred for Albus and his friends, but he did not seek to startle anymore duels in the corridor, like he had after the dueling tournament.

December arrived with a hoodwink storm that caused the Ravenclaw Quidditch squad to delete two of their practices. This gave Fred the chance to Good Book the delivery for two surplus practices, something that earned him a hefty pane of U-No-Poo in his break of day pumpkin vine succus courtesy of St. James the Apostle and Bradley. Albus was well-chosen to see that the job of schooltime hoaxer had been rightfully returned to James River and his friends. The workweek of detentions had certainly dissuaded Albus from planning anymore pranks. The Saame could not be said for John and Kaden, who were plotting something, although Albus did not know what.

Albus, mat, and Amanda spent the first Sat of December ignoring their homework in the Marauder 's Den. The Slytherin squad had the auction pitch for the entire day, which gave Albus a much needed time out from Quidditch. whoremonger and Kaden 's location would probably only be found with the Marauder 's Map and Rose was tutoring in the library.

There was a tawdry bitch from outside the elbow room, which was pink wine 's signal that she was remote and wished to be let in. Albus got up from his game of Gobstones and let her in. She dropped her bag unceremoniously on the floor and flopped down on the couch.

"I 'm worry about Elsie,"Rose said.

"Elsie ..."Albus prompted.

"Elsie Willinson !"she exclaimed."The first year I 've been tutoring all year."

"Oh yeah, the one with the idiot for a brother and a cousin-german and uncle who want to contribute back Voldemort. Yeah, I 'd be worried, too,"Albus said as he returned to his plot.

"No, I 'm not upset about her pillock brother. I 'm disturbed about her."

"What, is she still failing all her subjects ?"lusterlessness asked.

"No, she 's actually doing practically comfortably,"Rose said."She 's just very placidity. She never talk of the town about anything other than homework-"

"sound like you."Albus turned around and grinned at his cousin."Although you 're not quiet."

"I 'm serious, Albus,"rose wine said flatly."Her brother walks her to the library for our academic term and then picks her up when we 're done. I never see her with anyone other than him and occasionally Malfoy. I 've never seen her eat with anyone other than them, either."

"That is kind of strange,"Amanda said.

"See ?"blush wine said."Amanda thinks it 's weird."

"So she 's shy."Albus shrugged."I just do n't see what it 's got to do with you."

"It does n't really,"rosebush said quietly."But if she 's having outlet. We all know about her family. If her chum 's keeping an eye on her there must be a reason."

Albus had n't thought about it that way. What if Felix Willinson was trying to celebrate an eye on his Sister ?"If she 's doing something her syndicate does n't like I bet she 's going against something they want."

"That 's what I thought,"Rose agreed."Which means she 's trying to do something good. Or he 's trying to pee sure she does n't slop household secrets."

"You think they have to a greater extent household secrets than just wanting Voldemort back ?"matt asked.

"Of trend they do,"Rose said."We only found out last yr that they were related by marriage ceremony to Lubar. I mean, you never would 've guessed that in 1st or second year."

matte shuddered."Probably a good thing that I did n't. I probably would have refused to come up to Hogwarts."

"Most pure-blooded families like them have dark mystery,"Albus said as he fiddled with a Gobstone. It squirted him in the face and he rubbed the liquidity on his gown."The ace that want the ancestry to remain pure and stuff. Like the Malfoys."

"And I 'd bet my last Galleon that Elsie Willinson found out one of those secrets and wants to say someone,"Rose stated.

"You think it 's got to do with what they 're trying to do ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm surely it does."

"The only problem for them is that Jarrett 's on his own now,"Amanda said."With the other two in jail, what 's he going to do ?"

"You 're forgetting about Lubar,"Matt said darkly.

pink wine got up and started walking around the elbow room."To be true, I do n't know how much he 's going to be involved, especially if this going to select seat in UK. Think about it, last year he had the excuse of the tournament to be here. He 's got no apology this twelvemonth. He 's a Ministry functionary. A horrific one, but still a Ministry functionary. It 's not in his best interest to be trying to institute back Voldemort."

"That did n't even work,"Albus cut in."They ca n't bring him back, even a spectre of him, with the Resurrection of Christ Stone."

"Jarret Willinson was a Ministry functionary,"matt pointed out.

"He was a secretary for the Obliviator office staff. That 's a little different from a Head positioning,"Rose explained."Lubar has more than to lose."

"I say we try and figure out what Elsie 's keeping occult and I bet it 'll give birth something to do with what Willinson is planning now. Because I guarantee he 's planning something,"Albus decided.

"How are we going to do that ?"Amanda asked."She 's always with Felix."

"Not when Rose is tutoring her."Albus turned to Rose."You think you could try and get her to give up ?"

"wellspring she 's not going to just get out and tell me. I can try, but it 'll subscribe a spell,"rose said.
***


Albus told St. John and Kaden about the conversation about Elsie later that nighttime. John proclaimed that he knew something had been unearthly about that fille from the moment they had seen her at the commencement of the year. Both male child agreed that they needed to find out what it was she was keeping orphic. Albus then asked them what prank they were planning, but whoremonger and Kaden mysteriously went quiet as soon as Albus brought the topic up.

Albus laid awake that night for a long metre thinking about Elsie Willinson. He could not sway the image of her with Felix and Malfoy in the beginning of the year from his mind. She had looked so timid and innocent, far too innocent and young to be involved with anything like what her fellowship was involved with. In fact, she reminded him a bit of Lily, although he was n't sure why since Lily was anything but timid.

cockcrow arrived shortly after Albus had fallen asleep and despite the fact that he 'd only gotten a few hour sleep, he got up around six and decided to get a bit of reading done in the common way. He knew he would n't be able to fall down back asleep.

Upon arriving in the common room, Albus thought he was still dreaming. He rubbed his eyes and pinched himself to try and wake up, but it was no use. He was in fact awake. The image before his optic was actual, and it was painful to look at.

The Gryffindor common room was no longer red and gold. It was now decked out in green and silver grey. The comfy couches and chairwoman were gone and had been replaced instead with standard classroom president. diverse standard were hung up in the room that depicted snakes. In fact, the Gryffindor common room now looked exactly as Albus imagined the Slytherin common way to expect, except for it not being under the lake.

However, the sheer Slytherin-ness of the plebeian room was not the eldritch variety, by a farsighted shot. The unusual new addition to the Gryffindor common room was a grey and Theodore Harold White laughingstock. It was standing in the midriff of the room, its forefront down and buried in a book. The matter about caprine animal, though, was that they did not enjoy books the way people did. Goats ate Koran. This goat was currently munching on The touchstone book of account of Spells : Grade Two. Albus 's optic drifted from the caprine animal and around the room again, where he now noticed remnants of other books, quills, prep, and even a cloak.

The butt looked up and stared at Albus. It let out a bleat and then went back to the Bible. Albus crept a slight closer and noticed that a augury was affixed to the goat. It said 'The Gryffindor Goat : Gryffindor 's new mascot. Gifted by the Slytherins. future time, intend twice about putting crybaby in our common room .'

Albus stood in the center of the room, his stare alternating from the goat to the notation and back again. A goat ? That did n't even make any common sense. Not only that, they were clearly trying to imitate John and Kaden 's prank. And changing the room into a Slytherin room ? It was horrifying, absolutely horrifying.

Albus tore his eyes away from the goat and ran back up the turbinate staircase until he got to his own residence hall. He flicked on the lights and Ethan, the lightest sleeper of the clustering, rolled over and groaned.

"Everyone get up !"Albus shouted."Up, get up !"

"What ?"Ethan asked shortly."It 's like six in the sunup !"

"I know it 's six in the dawning !"Albus replied."Get up and go down to the common elbow room. Now."

Ethan slowly got out of bed and went over to Bilius 's bed to get him up. Albus woke John up and then the two of them woke lustrelessness up while Bilius and Ethan went down to the common room. Their shout of anger could be heard all the way in the dormitory.

"What is it ?"John asked as he and Matt followed Albus back down the stairs.

"The Slytherins have had their retaliation,"Albus said, handing John the note.

Albus took a detour to the one-third class 's hall to get Kaden up. Kaden 's roomy got up as well and soon there was a large crowd in the vulgar elbow room. By the time Albus entered the room again, the get-go, sec, and sixth years were all there. The seventh and fifth twelvemonth were right behind him.

The common way was in Chaos. James, Cedric, and Nathan were inspecting the goat. The prefects were all congregated in one spot, clearly trying to figure out what to do. A after part of the pupil were standing freeze, with looks of horror on their faces. Another tail were laughing, despite the fact that the prank had happened in Gryffindor. Hugo was wrestling the laughingstock for the copy of the standard al-Qur'an of patch : mark Two, which evidently was his.

The girls'dormitory room access opened and all the Gryffindor miss flooded out of it. Rose and Amanda made their way over to Albus and the respite of the boys, who were receiving legion stares and glares from their associate students. Clearly a few of them were blaming Albus and his Friend for the Slytherins'motivation for revenge.

"What in the figure of Merlin happened ?"Rose asked.

bathroom handed her the tone."The Slytherins have had their revenge."

"Malfoy ?"Amanda asked.

"No way to know, is there ?"Albus replied.

"It 's got to be, though,"St. John the Apostle said."No one else hates us like he does."

"I bet a lot of Slytherins wanted revenge,"rosebush said.

"All right, quiet everyone !"Albus 's first cousin, Mark, shouted over the crowd. He was one of the sixth year Prefects."You 're all to get back up to your dormitories. I 'm going to bring professor Longbottom. Who 's the one who first saw this ?"

"I did,"Albus announced.

Mark sighed, as if thinking he should suffer known."Al, stay down here. The rest of you, back upstairs.

Rose handed Albus the note back and she and the residuum of Albus 's friends turned to go back to their dormitories. There was a full general murmuration and susurration as everyone left. Soon, the common room was empty except for Albus, the Goat, and the six Prefects. marker left in order to go get Professor Longbottom.

The Prefects whispered amongst themselves while Mark was gone. Albus stood off to the side, as he did not recognize the Prefects very well. He recognized a few as Quaker of his first cousin.

Mark returned ten second later with professor Longbottom in tow. The herbology prof froze in mid-step when he entered the room. His gaze shifted from the new furniture to the goat to the banners and back to the goat.

"Albus discovered it,"bull's eye said.

Longbottom turned to Albus."And it looked like this when you found it ?"

"Mostly,"Albus answered."The Goat had been chewing on one of Hugo 's Book so he took that. And someone 's cloak had been here, but it was a Gryffindor cloak."

Longbottom sighed."All rightfulness, Albus, you can go back up to your dormitory."He turned to the Prefects."Let 's go through all this and see if we can find any hint to figure out who it was."

Albus reluctantly went back up to his dormitory room, where he found not only all of his roomy but Kaden as well, discussing the prank. They all turned to Albus when he entered.

"Find anything out ?"John asked.

"Nope,"Albus answered."The Prefects are helping Professor Longbottom go through everything for clues."

The boys whiled away the time until breakfast by trading Chocolate toad carte du jour, playing bout of Exploding Snap, and discussing the Quidditch season. mat fell back asleep after defending the carom to everyone else, but no one else was able to go back to bed.

fall guy knocked on their doorway a few minute later and told them they were gratis to get up and go to breakfast. Albus woke flatness up and the boys went back down to the vulgar room. It looked normal once more. All remnant of the Slytherins were gone and the goat was nowhere in sight. The classroom chairs had disappeared and the fixture comfy couches were back. Albus was relieved to see their rough-cut room back to its usual state, although that did aught to satisfy his curiosity about who had done it.

"wonder what they did with the goat,"Kaden said as they walked down tot he Great Hall.

"Probably gave it to Aberforth,"Matt said.

"Aberforth ?"Kaden asked.

"Dumbledore 's blood brother. He owns the Hog 's Head in Hogsmeade. keep goats in his pub. Weird bloke,"lustrelessness answered.

"He keeps goats ? In his pub ?"Kaden repeated."Do they just wander around ?"

"Yeah,"Matt said.

The Great Hall was populated only by Gryffindor students, which did not surprise Albus in the tenuous given the other hour and the fact that it was Sunday. The professor were all up having breakfast and were whispering amongst themselves. No doubt that Longbottom had told them about the prank. Slughorn in particular looked unsettle.

rosiness convinced the residuum of the chemical group that it would be a good idea to head to the program library after breakfast to take advantage of the fact that it would be abandon. Albus had a few essays that he 'd neglected and John and Kaden needed to make up some new predictions for Trelawney.

After a few hours of studying Albus felt his attention starting line to wander. The library had filled up since they had arrived and lady Pince was watching over the situation like a war hawk. The doors opened and Albus was surprised to see Elsie Willinson walk of life in, followed by her brother and Scorpius. Scorpius 's center met Albus 's and he veered from his slight chemical group in order to waltz over to Albus.

"How 's your common room ?"he asked with a smirk.

"Is that a confession ?"Albus replied as he stood up.

"Of course not. It 's all over the school. Everyone knows that your common room looked like an extension of mine this morning. And that Goat, I heard it ate a few al-Qur'an. Serves you right after what you lot did to ours,"Malfoy said.

"We know you did it, Malfoy,"John said."Just waiting for the professor to rise it."

"If I did do it, and I 'm not saying I did, I would n't have left any evidence like you idiots obviously did."

"We did n't,"John said flatly."Albus confessed to save his cousin and brother who had been wrongly accused."

"How noble."Malfoy laughed.

"Just tell me one thing,"Albus said."How did you get into the common room ?"That was what had been bothering Albus the most. He and his protagonist had used the invisibility Cloak to figure out the Slytherin parole, but how had Malfoy done it ? As far as he knew he did not have an invisibility Cloak.

"I did n't,"Malfoy said."And if I did I would n't recite you how I did it."With one More glare at Albus, the Slytherin walked away towards the table that Felix and Elsie had found.

"How did he get into our common room ?"Albus asked as he sat back down.

"No melodic theme,"matte said.

"I 'm betting he threatened a first class into telling him what it was,"John said."Would n't put it past him."

"You do n't jazz it was him,"Amanda pointed out.

"They 're never going to find out who it was, either,"blush wine said."Not unless they confess like you did. Otherwise no one would 've found out it was you."

"Guess it does n't really weigh at this point."Albus sighed."They 've had their revenge."

"Which means it 's time for ours,"Kaden said as he grinned at John.

Rose groaned."Really ? It 's just going to release into a huge japery war if you have revenge."

"That 's the level,"John replied.

If John and Kaden were trying to bulge a prank war Albus did n't want any section of it. He had had enough custody for a lifetime and did not want spending anymore of his Hogwarts calling scrubbing bathrooms or doing lines. Albus sighed and returned to his reading. Saint John the Apostle and Kaden got up and left the library, presumably to work on their future prank.

Later that day at dinner Professor Kendrick gave a very buns lecture to the total school day about breaking rules, especially the ruler about not entering common elbow room that were not yours. It was very similar to the public lecture he gave after the chicken caper, except this time Albus could tell that the master was even more than tempestuous. Albus kept glancing at Malfoy during the speech but the Slytherin boy did not look hangdog at all. In fact he seemed disinterested in Kendrick 's speech.

The talk of the town of Gryffindor 's caprine animal ( as the joke had now been dubbed ) died down by the middle of the week. Most of the castle was excited about the upcoming Hogsmeade stumble and then the wintertime holidays. professor Longbottom sent around a sign-up sheet for those educatee who wished to stay house during the vacation, although none of Albus 's admirer signed it.

"I 've always wondered what it would be like to stay,"Saint John said as professor Longbottom passed by.

"Me too,"Albus agreed."But my parents already said I ca n't this yr since there 's some big Ministry Yuletide political party we 've got to go to. For the election and all."

"Saami here,"Matt said."We 're not even going to Australia because of it."

"Wow, that 's the second gear yr in a row,"Albus replied.

Matt nodded."My grandparents are coming here and then we 're visiting them over the summer."

"I think we should all stay next twelvemonth,"Kaden said."Then I can go a whole school year without seeing my grandparents. Or Aunt Marge."

Albus agreed that that was a good reason to continue at Hogwarts over the holiday."Yeah, that would be fun. My dad says the castle 's great at Christmas."

"It would be worry to see what Xmas is like,"Amanda said. Amanda 's menage was Jewish and lionize Hanukkah.

"You 're receive to come to our grandparents'house for Christmas this year,"Rose suggested.

Amanda grinned."I 'll ask my parents. I 'm sure they 'll say yes since Hanukkah was early this year and I 've already missed it anyway."

"Rose, you 've got station,"Albus said, gesturing to Rose 's crime syndicate 's owl, which had just landed on the table.

"Oh, goodness !"blush wine said as she ripped open the letter. She scanned it for a moment before smiling widely."I wo n't be going to Hogsmeade with you."

"You wo n't be ?"Albus gave her a questioning look.

"No. Mum and Dad are taking me to the debate that 's that day. I owled them a few days ago to see if I could go and they said yes !"

"You want to go to another one ?"bathroom asked.

"I 'd go to all of them if I could. They 're just so fascinating."She scanned the letter again."I 'm supposed to to to Kendrick 's study at ten on Saturday to floo home."

"What 's this one on ?"Albus asked.

"Law enforcement. The Auror department. How it 's run and and how trials are run. I think it 's going to be the most interesting one since both Uncle Harry Hotspur and Laurentis have already hinted at their views on that topic."

That was for sure. This debate would probably be even more explosive than the one on education."You 'll suffer to let us bonk all the contingent,"Albus said.

"Oh I will,"Rose replied."It 's why I wanted to go. I 'd rather not learn everything second bridge player from the Prophet."

She had a percentage point there, Albus thought. Although he was glad that pink wine was the one going and not him. As much as he thought the election was interesting, he 'd rather be in Hogsmeade with his friends than sitting in a court listening to politicians all day.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this so far ! I 'm almost done with school ( forever ! ) so I 'm hoping to update Sir Thomas More often.


The week leading up to the Hogsmeade trip dragged by very slowly. Albus was certain that Wednesday in particular was at to the lowest degree twice as long as a pattern day and by the time Friday finally decided to establish an appearance Albus was sure he would go insane from all the prep he had to complete. Tuesday had been the full moon, but luckily lustrelessness left the hospital wing Thursday afternoon and had been cleared by lady Pomfrey to go to Hogsmeade.

When Sat arrived there was a welcomed break in the rash that had blanketed the Hogwarts grounds in two substructure of coke. Albus and his Friend slept late and by the prison term they woke up rosebush had already left to go to that day 's disputation. Albus, lusterlessness, and King John quickly dressed and met Kaden and Amanda in the common room.

Fred accosted Albus as he was about to leave behind."Albus ! sword lily I found you. I booked the pitch for today at three since there 's a faulting in the storm."

"But Fred, it 's Hogsmeade today,"Albus pointed out. As much as he loved Quidditch, Hogsmeade tripper were rare occasions and he had Yule shopping to do.

"Exactly !"Fred exclaimed."So none of the former team have booked the pitch. It 's booked unanimous the rest of the hebdomad and we need another practice in before respite starts."

Albus sighed. Fred was right, of form. He glanced at his watch. It was noon, so if they hurried through tiffin he would still have a good two hr in the village."All rightfulness. I 'll see you at three."

"Excellent,"Fred said."Just have to receive James I ...."

Amanda snorted and started laughing. Fred, who had turned to result, stopped and looked back at her."What ?"

Albus, John, Matt, and Kaden also looked questioningly at Amanda.

"Oh, I guess I forgot to order you,"Amanda began."rose and I were in the library last week and overheard James asking some Hufflepuff fifth class out. They 're going to Hogsmeade together today."

Fred burst out laughing."Wait, William James has a engagement ?"

"James asked a girlfriend out in the library ?"Albus joined Fred in his laughter.

"Do n't assure him that pink wine and I overheard him,"Amanda said."He 'd hit us if he knew it was us who told."

"Bet he 's already in Hogsmeade, then,"Fred said, still laughing."They better not be in gentlewoman Puddifoot 's because I do n't go for going in there to tell him about practice."

Albus was still laughing about the idea of Henry James asking a girl out in the library of all property. He wondered who the Hufflepuff was. Maybe he 'd manage to enamour a glimpse of them in Hogsmeade together.

"He 's not actually going to exit her to go to Quidditch drill,"Amanda shouted after Fred as he left the common room.

"He will if the date 's going poorly,"Fred shouted back and disappeared into the corridor.

"well let 's hasten up and get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said."I want to see if I can figure out who this daughter is."

Albus hurried out of the vernacular room followed by his friends. They ate a very rushed lunch in the Great Hall and then ran outside and down the way of life to Hogsmeade. As they neared the settlement Albus kept his eyes peeled for his brother.

"Where to first ?"Matt asked.

"Weasleys',"lavatory and Kaden said together.

Albus and matt shared a coup d'oeil. They should have known. They followed John and Kaden as the two mischievous son led the way to Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes.

The shop was packed to capacitance as it always was on Hogsmeade weekends. Albus waved to his Uncle George III who was behind the parry ringing people up as fast as the till would let him. Teddy was working that weekend and was restocking a shelf of Skiving Snackboxes. John and Kaden each grabbed two as the boy passed.

Albus grabbed a few extendable Ears as his seemed to have disappeared and a box of Deluxe whizzbang for King James for Christmas. He joined the long queue at the till and was joined by John and Kaden who each had coat of arms overflowing with ware. Matt and Amanda were n't buying anything and were playing with a few Pygmy Puffs that were in a cage in the battlefront of the store.

"Neither of you have seen James River, have you ?"Albus asked.

"Nope,"John said."Bet they 're at the troika Broomsticks."

"Or that place that Fred mentioned. Madam whatever ?"Kaden put in.

"Madam Puddifoot 's,"Albus said."Horrifying place. Covered in frilled things, and knock stuff."

"Let 's not go there,"Kaden said.

Albus and King John both agreed. They would front for James, just not at Madam Puddifoot 's. The queue moved relatively quickly and soon Albus, John the Evangelist, and Kaden had their supplying.

The next stay was Honeyduke 's where everyone stocked up on candy and Albus bought a Christmas present for Lily. Then they made their way to the Quaffle Shop and then the Three broom handle. Albus had yet to see James, but his meter was quickly running out. He had a one-half hour before he had to head back to the palace for Quidditch practice.

lavatory went to the bar to get five Butterbeers while the eternal sleep of the group found a mesa. Luckily Scorpio Malfoy was nowhere in lot. Albus gazed around the bar until he spotted his brother 's familiar red hairsbreadth. Unfortunately the girl he was with was facing away from Albus 's table so all he knew was that she had very long, very straight brown hair.

"There they are,"Albus whispered to Matt, Kaden, and Amanda."Any of you know who the girl is ?"

"That 's Gabby Ellis,"John said as he returned with the Butterbeers."My cousin knows her. She 's one of the twenty percent twelvemonth prefects."

"postponement, so Epistle of James not only asked her out in the library, but she 's also a prefect ?"Albus exclaimed.

"hypothesis so."john shrugged."I 'll never ask out a prefect. Now he 's going to bear to follow his step."

"You realize that there 's a good chance one of us might be a prefect side by side yr,"Amanda pointed out.

"Nah, they 'll pluck Bilius or Ethan,"trick said."They 'd never find fault me, Al, or Matt after that prank."

"Well Rose is obviously going to be a prefect,"Amanda said.

"We 'll just make to sneak around more next twelvemonth,"John said."Ca n't have a prefect knowing about our pranks."

"Dervish and Banges is still untenanted,"Matt said, changing the subject."Do n't you think that 's kind of odd ?"

Albus had n't really thought about it."Yeah, but no one 's going to want to buy a store where person was murdered."

"Still, it 's just strange,"matte said as he sipped his Butterbeer.

"Someone might still own it,"Amanda pointed out."They might not want to do anything with it or trade it."

"Guess that 's a respectable tip,"Matt said.

"flavor, Henry James and the young lady are getting up,"Kaden said.

Albus turned and saw that James was indeed rising from his chair. Gabby did as well and the two of them walked side by position out of the pub. Gabby was pretty, Albus had to intromit. Her eyes were bright and her nerve were pink. James II was grinning. Neither of them noticed Albus or the others on their way out the door.

"Think he 'll point to Quidditch pattern ?"toilet asked.

"If he values his life,"Albus replied."Speaking of that, I should probably get going."

Albus said goodbye to his booster and headed back out into the frigidness. The sun was out and there was no hint, but it was still bitingly cold. He trudged his way through the snow and back up to the castling, where he ran up to Gryffindor tug to cast off off his purchase and modification into his Quidditch robes.

The remainder of the team was already on the pitch when Albus arrived. Fred was arguing with James I about something while the repose of the team stood off to the side.

"She 's not even on their team !"James shouted."She 's not going to steal any of our plays."

"But she 's still a Hufflepuff and this is a close down practice !"Fred argued.

Albus glanced over to the stand and saw Gabby sitting there, wrapped in a very large Hufflepuff blanket. She smiled and waved at Albus, who gave a rebuff wave back.

"I could n't just leave her. I promised we 'd spend the day together."

"And she wants to watch out you play Quidditch ?"Fred asked."mulct, fine. She can stay. Let 's just get going. We 're wasting time."

Fred and James joined the rest of the group."All right !"Fred shouted."Let 's fly around the pitch a few times to get warmed up."

Albus mounted his broom and soared into the air. He joined the eternal rest of the team in their flight around the pitch and lost himself in flying. It was overnice to just fly and forget about everything else that was on his mind.

The practice went incredibly well. It was their best practice in workweek since the atmospheric condition was cooperating. The Gryffindor team did not take any issues with playing, but the weather condition was usually awful whenever they practiced. Fred insisted this was a good thing since it would help them ascertain how to play in matches with bad conditions but no one else agreed. Albus was very happy to have a pattern where the circumstance were ideal. It made Quidditch so much More enjoyable.

James and Gabby hurried off as soon as practice ended and the remainder of the team walked back to the castle together. They were nearly back to Gryffindor tugboat when Rose, lusterlessness, John, Kaden, and Amanda came running towards Albus, all five looking slightly terrified.

"What 's untimely ?"Fred asked.

"It 's nothing,"Rose said."We just require to lecture to Albus."

"Meet us in the room after you stash your broom,"mat whispered and the five of them hurried off.

Albus hurried into the rough-cut elbow room and up to his dormitory. He had absolutely no idea what was going on, but it must own just had to do with his Friend because everyone else in the common way was acting normally. Albus quickly put his Calluna vulgaris away and ran back out to the corridor.

It did n't subscribe him long to pass the Marauder 's Den. All his friend were sitting quietly and looked up at him when he entered.

"What in the name of merlin is going on ?"Albus asked.

"Two affair,"pink wine began."One, the argumentation. It was ... well ... insane is the merely word to describe it, really. And two, I 'll let everyone else explain that first."

"Malfoy was lurking near the Shrieking shanty,"matt said."After you went to Quidditch recitation we walked around the village and noticed him. It looked like he was trying to get in."

"Did he ?"Albus asked.

"No, he ca n't,"lustrelessness said."There 's wards. It 's just odd. He was alone."

"Energy Department he know that that 's where you go ?"Albus replied as he sat down next to Rose.

mat shook his foreland."I 'm not really worried about it, either. It 's just very weird."

"Malfoy is friend with Felix Willinson so anything weird that he does demand to be remembered,"Albus said darkly.

"That 's what I said,"Gospel According to John replied.

"He 's not the first one to be curious about the screech Shack,"Matt pointed out.

This was different, Albus thought. He would accept expected matte to be the one worried about this, not John.

"But he 's Malfoy ! It 's not good that he 's trying to get in,"John said.

"Well he ca n't get in. And he already knows what I am,"matte countered."Let 's just forget about it for now. What rosebush has to say is far worse."

Albus turned to look at Rose, who looked upset and slightly scared. That was strange in itself since Albus could hardly think a time when Rose was scared.

"The debate was on law enforcement,"Rose said quietly."She wants to completely change the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. She wants to investigate every single Auror and shake up the department because she does n't think affair are working as they are. She ... well ... she basically called your dad incompetent."

Albus stared at his cousin. He could not conceive what he was hearing. Albus 's dad had been in mission of the Auror section for long time and there had never been any charge. How could Laurentis just insult him like that ?

"Which means she 's going to drop off,"bathroom said confidently."No one 's going to vote for mortal who insults Harry Potter."

"No,"blush wine whispered."They will. There 's been editorials in the Prophet for weeks about how the flow Ministry is n't working. She has support."

"That 's insane,"Albus said."What did Uncle Percy do ?"

"Argued with her,"rosiness said."Talked about all the practiced your dad has done, but she argued the right way back."

"What about everyone there ? Did they clap for her ?"Albus asked.

"Everyone clapped for everyone. They were all civilized about it and there was no way to tell who supported who,"pink wine said."If you ask me, I think she 's going to replace all the Heads of department who do n't agree with her. She 's going to desire people in power who are on her side."

"Which means my dad will be gone,"Albus said."Everyone knows he supports Uncle Percy. It 's obvious."

"So that leaves what, matt 's dad 's job, question of Magical Law Enforcement, read/write head of Magical Transportation, and what else ?"John asked as he counted on his fingers."There 's got to be more."

"There are,"rosiness said as she stood up and began pacing around the room."International Magical Cooperation, Magical chance event and Catastrophes, Magical plot and play, and then the Department of Mysteries."

"Do you sleep together anything about the head teacher of those section ?"toilet asked.

"The ma'am who 's brain of Magical Law Enforcement was here during the debate. She 's really old and Dad says Mum is a shoe-in for her job when she retires,"blush wine said."But I do n't acknowledge much about the others. The bloke in thrill of Magical fare moderated the first debate."

"That 's eight lieu,"flatness said quietly,"and she could replace all of them. That would wind up being an entirely new Ministry."

"Essentially, yes,"Rose said as she sank into an armchair."That 's why it 's so bad. There 's a reason most newly elected pastor do n't supervene upon everyone. It 's too much upthrust. But if she wants straightaway variety, it would be the easy way to get it done."

"What 's the next argument on ?"Amanda asked.

"Azkaban,"Rose said."Originally they were going to debate Azkaban with law enforcement, but Laurnetis requested a tell Azkaban argumentation. She 's in tutelage of it, so I 'm not surprised."

"And when is it ?"Amanda replied.

"Just after the new year,"rose answered."Once we 're all back in school. Then February 's debate is on magical creatures-"

"Oh that 's going to be good,"Matt said."Guess that 's when we 'll find out if my dad keeps his job after the election if she wins."

"And then in marchland they debate International Magical Cooperation. Then it 's the election at the beginning of Apr,"rosebush continued."That one is going to bring seat here. So is the Azkaban one."

"I still do n't recall anyone 's going to vote for her,"John the Divine muttered."Anyone who sacks Harry Potter would n't get plenty votes."

"You 'd be surprised, John,"Amanda said."It sounds like she 's playing to everyone 's reverence. I mean, I have n't been in the magic reality long, but it seems like everyone fears another Voldemort. If she makes it seem like the stream Ministry and Auror department are too lenient and confidential information at the possibility of another war, and then claim that she could squeeze it before it became a war, she would easily get the vote. mass are easily persuaded."

"That 's exactly it,"rosebush agreed.

The room descended into uncomfortable silence. At the rootage of the school twelvemonth, none of them had practically interest in the election or the Ministry in general, but now, just a few months later, Albus and his Friend were learning just how much the upshot of the election would affect them. The possibility of drastic changes to both Hogwarts and the wizarding creation did not sit well with Albus, especially if it meant both his and lusterlessness 's pappa were out of a job.
***


The remaining week of schooling went by quickly. With the looming holidays and break from schooling, hardly anyone in the castling was focusing on preparation or the election. Instead, the chatter that filled the Great Hall during meals was about Christmas and snowball fights and spending prison term with family. Albus was sucked into the Christmas sunshine as well, but the election was still on the spinal column of his mind.

For Albus, Rose, and the rest of the Weasley/Potter kinship group, the Christmas holiday would be wrapped up in the election. A New Year 's company at the Minister 's Mansion was scheduled for New twelvemonth 's Eve, for all of the high-ranking officials and their families, as well as Sir Henry Percy, Laurentis, and their families. All of Albus 's prolonged family would be attending. But perhaps the most freaky aspect of the holiday was the fact that Uncle Harry Hotspur was going to allow a reporter from sensation magazine publisher to follow him for not only the Ministry party, but Christmas at the Burrow as well.

"This is just Wyrd !"Cedric exclaimed at breakfast the last day of term."A reporter ? At the Burrow ? And it says she 's going to be staying with us."

Cedric handed the letter back to Bradley, whom it had been addressed to. Bradley pulled out his wand and burned it, which seemed to be his new way of dealing with post from his father.

"Did Gran agree to this ?"James asked as he loaded his home base with bacon.

"She must 've,"Omar Nelson Bradley said."Anything to get Dad elected, probably."

"I sort of agree with her,"Albus said."I do n't want that Laurentis woman to win."

"Neither do I, but I do n't want some reporter staying with us at the burrow,"Cedric said adamantly.

"Guess you wo n't be getting the real Weasley Xmas experience,"Albus said to Amanda, whose parents had given permission to stay with Rose for Christmas.

Amanda shrugged."Not a big quite a little. With your phratry, it 's bound to be interesting."

"You have no idea,"Albus said."We 'd better get to account of Magic."

Albus got up and his friends followed. Despite the fact that it was the last day of term, Professor Binns still gave a lecture. cipher paid him an ounce of attention. The rest of the professor did n't bother teaching any new material as they figured the pupil would just leave it over the break. prof Cedonia set them a pragmatic lesson, but did n't lambaste them when they stopped charming their teacup to dance and instead talked about Christmas. Hagrid had a boastfully bonfire going to keep them strong, but did n't teach anything. Instead, he told the news report of Norberta and bawled about how lots he missed her. In Ancient Runes, there was an test.

The espouse dayspring Albus and his champion climbed aboard the Hogwarts express for the trip back to John Griffith Chaney. On the Hogwarts Express, Albus felt weirdly immune to everything that was happening in the wizarding world. He felt safe from Jarrett Willinson and somehow the election did n't look as big a deal. The train was like its own petty earth with only scholar and sweet from the tramcar ; on the train, nothing bad could happen.


Long respite ! I apologize for that. I am now working on this for the indorsement half of June 's coterie NaNoWriMo, so I 'm hoping to get a crowd of chapters written so I can go back to weekly updates. Thanks so a good deal for all the recap !


"Remember, do n't say anything in front line of her you do n't want printed in the article,"Harry said as they walked toward the Burrow.

"Will she really impress anything ?"Lily asked.

"Yes,"Harry said.

It was Yuletide Eve and Albus and the rest of the thrower had just Apparated to the field behind the Burrow. Albus was a bit nervous about being in the presence of a reporter from Wizards magazine and was not at all penetrating about being in an article. He was relieved they were late, as usual, because by now the reporter would probably be involved in listening to somebody else 's conversation and might not even notification Albus.

"And James, do n't even think about slipping something into her soup,"Ginny said sternly.

Harry, who had just put his hired hand on the doorknob, turned around and stared at James."Seriously, Saint James the Apostle, absolutely not."

"I was n't going to !"Epistle of James said."I swear !"

Harry sighed."Empty your pockets."

"But I was n't going to-"

"St. James the Apostle Sirius Potter, listen to your father,"Ginny said.

Albus put his helping hand over his oral cavity to hide his laughter while his pal pulled a handful of Ton-Tongue Toffees and a vial of Weasleys'Itchiest Itching gunpowder out of his pocket. Ginny took them and incinerated them with her baton. She brushed the ash onto the terra firma and James River stared at it longingly.

"Shut up, Albus,"Saint James the Apostle muttered as Harry opened the door.

That just made Albus laugh even harder, earning him a slug in the shoulder joint from St. James the Apostle. Albus returned the punch while Lily rolled her eyes.

"boy, cut it out,"Ginny scolded.

"Ginny ! Harry !"molly exclaimed as they stepped inside."happy Yule !"

"Happy Dec 25, Mum,"Ginny said as the two hugged.

Albus slipped past after giving his nan a quick hug, grabbing a handful of biscuits on his way to the den. The first of all thing he noticed was that the newsperson was sitting on a crapper in the recess. She stuck out like a Weasley at a Malfoy gather, in her black bird, flowery top, high-heeled shoes. Who wore heel to the Burrow ? Weird, Albus thought. Her jet-black hair was done up in some sort of bun and her mouth were smeared with bright red lip rouge.

The s thing Albus noticed was just how clean the Burrow was. He had n't noticed it in the kitchen, what with the many skunk and dishes to the full of warm, steaming solid food, but out in the den, it was very noticeable. The tunnel was never dirty, exactly, but it was n't immaculately full-strength like Matt and Kaden 's theatre were. Instead it merely looked lived in, Albus always thought. It was cluttered with piles of Word of God and push-down store of board games and versatile Muggle and sorcerous devices. Blankets and pillows were thrown haphazardly onto couches and chairman, never being folded or stacked neatly. But today, everything was neat. The stacks of books had been shelved and the cover folded. The sheer amount of stuff seemed to get been moved or vanished because Albus did n't see a single Muggle electronic device half-taken apart on the floor or table. It was bizarre. The burrow did n't front like the Burrow without its clutter. You never knew what you 'd find at the Burrow and Albus liked that.

Shaking his mind slightly, Albus carefully stepped around a few of his cousins and walked over to where Rose and Amanda were sitting on the floor. They had a bombastic phonograph recording of food in social movement of them, making Albus realize how hungry he was.

"So, what have I missed ?"he asked in between bites of gyre."I see someone cleaned."

"Gran did. Said she wanted to pretend a estimable impression. Uncle Harry Hotspur 's been bragging loudly to the reporter about all the Laws he 's aid go,"Rose said."But all the newsperson wants to do is interview the rest of us. I guess her clause is all about where Uncle Percy came from and what his family is like."

"Who 's she talked to so far ?"Albus asked.

"Aunt Corrine, gran, grandfather, Uncle Bill, Uncle Fred, both of my parents, Victoire, Samantha, and lindy hop,"Rose said.

"Wow. Already ?"

"She has n't wasted any metre,"Amanda said.

"There 's a photographer around here somewhere,"blush wine said as she glanced around the room."Oh there he is."

rose wine indicated to the steps, where Sir Henry Percy was leading a scrawny bloke back into the den.

"Is he wearing-"

"dress robes ?"Rose said."Yeah, he 's been wearing them all night."

"Let 's get a few blastoff of you playing a game with the Twin,"the photographer said as he and Percy walked past Albus, Rose, and Amanda.

"Wonderful theme !"the newsperson exclaimed as she hopped off her stool.

"How did she take heed that ?"Albus whispered to Rose.

"Harry Potter 's son !"the reporter said as she grabbed Albus 's arm, causing him to flatten the biscuit he was holding."Let 's get him in the shot, too. Hmm ..."she glanced around the way, her eyes finally coming to rest on Amanda."We 'll need a shot with you and Percy as well. Candidate plays Exploding breeze with the heyday Minister 's niece ! Perfect ! I could not accept planned this better."

"How did she know that I 'm the Prime Minister 's niece ?"Amanda asked.

"She knows everything,"rose said darkly."Creepy, really."

Albus soon found himself playing a snitch game of Exploding piece of cake with Uncle Percy, Samantha, and lindy hop. The whole thing was very ridiculous since none of them were photographed with ash on their faces. Then it was Amanda 's bit, but she was posed with a set of Wizard 's Chess,"for variety."

"Now that 's something Laurentis wo n't birth,"Walker Percy said jovially after the lensman finished."Photograph with the peak Minister 's niece."

"But cipher knows I 'm the peak minister of religion 's niece,"Amanda said once she, Rose, and Albus escaped into the kitchen."It 's supposed to be a secret."

"Maybe it wo n't get printed,"Albus said.

"God, I hope not,"Amanda muttered."So is this what Christmas Eve is usually like ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said as he walked over to the door. He peered into the den and took gunstock of what his family was up to.

His uncles Fred, Ron, Bill, and Charlie, were closest to the kitchen and were singing 'Odo the grinder .'All four had mugs of eggnog in deal. Gran was listening to Celestina Warbeck while aunty Fleur glared at the wireless. It seemed to be distracting her from the conversation she was having with aunty Katherine and aunt Hermione. nigh of his first cousin were eating or laughing about one matter or another. Samantha and lindy hop were playing Exploding snapshot for literal now, along with Eddie and Angie.

In fact, the only one who seemed to be acting any differently was Uncle Percy, who was talking with the reporter and the photographer. auntie Corrine was as well, but none of their honest-to-god children were anywhere in sight.

"Have you seen Bradley, Cedric, or Sakartvelo anywhere ?"Albus asked Rose.

"Actually, no,"Rose said."Let 's go find them."

Albus and Amanda followed pink wine out of the kitchen and up the stairs. As they peered into each bedroom, Albus found out just where his grandma had stored all the clobber that used to be in the den. Every unity room had a pile of random stuff in it. They eventually found their three cousins hiding out in Uncle Ron 's old sleeping accommodation at the top of the sign of the zodiac. They were sitting on one of the beds and were deep in conversation.

"What 's going on in here ?"Albus asked as they shut the door.

All three startled, but then seemed relieved to retrieve it was only Albus, Rose, and Amanda.

"We 're avoiding the reporter,"GA said,"and talking about how a great deal it will suck if Dad gets elected."

"But Laurentis is fucking insane,"Albus said as he stepped over a typewriter and sat down on the opposite bed."Uncle Percy has to win."

"Well, I do n't want him to,"Thomas Bradley said."Do you realize how practically life-time will change if he does ?"

"I 've got a bit of an idea,"Amanda said, sitting down future to Albus. Rose sat on his other English.

"Before his effort started no one really knew what Dad did,"Omar Nelson Bradley said."Or even who he was. I mean, if they heard his name they would know him, but he was just Walker Percy Weasley. Do you fuck what I mean ?"

"He 'll be Walker Percy Weasley, pastor of trick. Not just Percy Weasley, your dad,"Amanda said."diplomatic minister is n't a just a job. It 's not something he 'll exit at the office at five. It 's more than a lifestyle."

"Exactly !"Bradley agreed.

"And you 'll always be the Minister 's son,"Amanda said.

"How do you bed all this ?"Cedric looked at Amanda strangely.

"My Uncle 's the prime of life minister,"Amanda said casually.

"Of UK ?"Thomas Bradley exclaimed."And you 've kept this undercover for four years ?"

"Yeah. It wo n't be for very much foresighted since that photographer just took a picture of me with your dad,"Amanda said."Anyway, you 're right that your sprightliness wo n't be the same if he gets elected. And even after his term is up you 'll still always be the Minister 's son."

"And we 'd ingest to move into the rector 's planetary house,"Tom Bradley said.

"You would n't. You 're going to graduate in June,"Cedric pointed out."And Empire State of the South already moved out."

"You 'll be in Hogwarts most of the year,"Georgia pointed out.

There was a whack on the door and then it swung wide candid. Percy stood in the doorway flanked by the newsperson and lensman. Percy had changed out of his robe and was now wearing a green Weasley jumper with a red'P'on the strawman. In his arms was a stack of what appeared to be more Weasley jumpers.

"There you lot are,"Percy said."We 're doing a image of the completely crime syndicate in our jumpers."He tossed one to each of his nestling and then one each to Albus and rose wine."Get changed and get downstairs."

"Are they all initial jumpers this class ?"Sakartvelo asked as she held hers up. It was grey with a purpleness'G .'

"moldiness be,"Albus said as he yanked off the jumper he was wearing and pulled on his new one. It was blue angel with a atomic number 79'A .'

"Bet it 's to make us take care like a cheesy kinsfolk,"Thomas Bradley muttered as he changed.

Once they 'd all changed Albus and rose wine followed their cousins back down to the den. Amanda followed as well, but she lingered on the stairs, clearly not wanting to be dragged into anymore photographs.

Albus 's intact kinfolk was posed in half the den. The lensman was running around making pocket-sized fitting, which Albus thought was unpointed. There was no way he was going to get thirty-two people to all look at the camera and smile nicely at the same prison term.

The photographer noticed Albus, rosiness, Georgia, Tom Bradley, and Cedric and shoved Albus in between Epistle of James and Lily, who were sitting right in the midsection, on the storey.

"Lovely !"the lensman exclaimed a few hour later. He ran to the other slope of the room and stuck his capitulum behind the camera."Everyone smiling ! Beautiful !"He took XII of characterisation and Albus soon grew tired of sitting still and smiling.

"Wonderful !"the newsman shouted once the photographer finally finished."I think we 've got what we need. I wish you all a well-chosen Christmas. The clause should be out just after New Year's."

"I thought she was staying for tomorrow, too,"Albus whispered to Rose.

rose wine shrugged."Maybe she got enough from just one Nox. Either that or she got overwhelmed."

Percy walked the reporter and lensman out of the Burrow, thanking them profusely as he did so.

"Bedtime, everyone !"mollie shouted.

No one objected. It had certainly been the strangest Christmas Eve gathering the Weasley phratry had ever had and Albus was very a lot looking forward to tomorrow, when matter would get back to some illusion of rule. Albus walked up to bed with Rose and Amanda, wishing them both good night when they reached Uncle Charlie 's old bedroom, where the two would be staying. James IV, Ben, Cedric, and Thomas Bradley were already in Uncle Ron 's old way when Albus arrived.

"Quidditch tomorrow ?"James asked as all four boys climbed into their beds.

"You 're going down, Potter,"Bradley replied.

"Is that a challenge, Weasley ?"

"Sure is,"Bradley said.

Yes, tomorrow would be a lot more normal, Albus thought. Quidditch was a Christmastide custom for his kinfolk and goose egg, even his uncle running for Minister, was going to preclude it.
***


"And that 's how we do it in Kenmare !"Empire State of the South exclaimed, having just saved a goal by spinning in midair and hitting the Quaffle back into play by the end of her Scots heather."Kenmare Krazy custodian move !"

"You 're still going to miss !"Bradley shouted as he hit one of the Bludgers toward Albus, who dodged it and caught the Quaffle."We 've got Teddy !"

"If Teddy were a real seeker he 'd be playing for a league team and not studying to be an Auror !"Georgia shouted back.

"He 's still not as good as James,"Bradley said.

"Yeah, I taught James everything he knows !"shift said as he flew past, heading toward Georgia 's provide destination post."And that 's game !"he shouted, returning with the fink clutched in his hand."Aurors have to have constant vigilance, just like Seekers."

Albus flew to the ground, still holding the Quaffle. It had been a good plot, even though his team had lost, but the temperature was dropping and the clouds were rolling in. It was a good time to head back inside for Christmas dinner, especially since the scent of joint Republic of Turkey and potatoes had been drifting international for the preceding half 60 minutes.

Tables, already covered in legion sweetheart of food, had been set up in the kitchen extending into the den while they played. Albus hurried upstairs to change and when he returned, everyone was drifting toward the tables. Albus hurried to the bum rosebush and Amanda had saved him, which thankfully was nowhere near Percy.

"How was Quidditch ?"rose wine asked.

"goodness,"Albus said."We lost, but slip 's pretty a lot unvanquishable, so I was n't surprised."

"I 'm surprise he did n't flirt professionally,"Amanda said.

"He thought about it,"Albus explained."And he had whirl, but he deferred them for a year because he was n't sure. Then he just decided to conjoin the Auror academy, because of his parents, you know."

"brand horse sense,"Amanda said.

"I 'd like to make a pledge,"Percy announced after everyone was seated. He held up his ice of pumpkin succus."I just want to say thank you, to all of you, for putting up with the reporter yesterday, and for everything you 've done for the cause. We only have three months to go, so let 's take in the virtually of it. Keep up all the great body of work. Here 's to a win in April !"

Albus clinked looking glass with blush wine and Amanda and then served himself a tumid helping of turkey. This was what he enjoyed the most about Noel at the tunnel. As he he ate, he listened in on the conversations his cousin-german, aunts, and uncles were having.

To Albus 's left wing, his aunty Hermione was giving Epistle of James, Cedric, and Ben study peak for their O.W.L.s. The boys were nodding as if they were listening, but Albus knew they were n't. Victoire and Teddy were holding hands under the mesa, which was kind of good story because Victoire was having to eat with her left handwriting, a skill she clearly did not have. James, Bradley, and Georgia were discussing Quidditch with Uncles George and Ron. Eddie was showing the twins, Lily, and Hugo just how many pea he could fit into his mouth at once. Percy was, of course, discussing the gamy contingent of his campaign with his wife and parents. Fred and cross were telling Angie about the secret passage that lead into the basement of Honeyduke 's. The eternal sleep of his family was too far away for Albus to hear what exactly they were saying, but everyone seemed well-chosen.

"This is what it 's really like,"Albus told Amanda."Usually there are a few pranks."

"You missed one earlier,"Rose said while Amanda laughed."James II put one of those wind-up Pygmy Puffs in grandma 's adult pot, so while she was chopping vegetables it jumped out and started screeching. aunty Ginny knew it was St. James the Apostle, too. He got chewed out while you were upstairs changing."

"She had no substantiation !"King James I cut in."It could have been Cedric."

"But it was n't,"Rose said."It was you."

"William James, did you hear me ?"Hermione asked."I was just saying how you need to start with your weakest subject first. Honestly, you should 've started preparing hold out year. Albus, pink wine, Amanda, are you listening ? You should start rescript now."

"I started week ago, Mum,"rosiness said.

Hermione smiled."That 's my girl."

"She 'll be lucky if James starts revising a month before,"Albus whispered to Amanda.

"That would be pillock,"pink wine said."What does he want to do after Hogwarts ? He 'll need certain O.W.L.s to get into the right N.E.W.T. classes."

"He 's got no idea,"Albus said,"except he wants to play Quidditch."

"He 'd ameliorate get going,"Rose said.

"Oh, and I suppose you 've got it all figured out, rosiness ?"James asked.

"As a matter of fact, I 'm thinking of getting into psychiatry,"rosiness said."Get my healing arcdegree, specializing in psychiatry."

"mulct, then,"James muttered.

"Really ?"Albus asked.

blush wine nodded."I 've been thinking about it since summer and it 's really privation I want to do."

"Do n't you think you 're a bit young to induce decided that ?"Albus asked.

"Matt 's sister had it all figured out in one-fourth year and look where she is now,"pink wine pointed out.

She did bear a point there, Albus thought. Matt 's sister was well on her way to getting both her healing and brewing level, with only two and a one-half more than years to go. Albus did n't even want to remember about what he would do after he graduated from Hogwarts. It was too far away.

"I have an declaration to take a leak !"Gabriella said as she stood up.

The room quieted and everyone turned to look at Gabriella. She was n't usually one to take a crap speech communication or announcements during class dinners. In fact, she was one of the quieter of Albus 's full cousin, certainly not coming near to the stage of boisterousness of Bradley, James, or Sakartvelo.

"Thanks,"she said."None of you know this yet, since I figured I 'd just tell you all at once today. I 've decided to move to France."

The room was tacit, a lot like it was after Walker Percy announced his intent to run for minister of religion at the before school dinner party. Then, as happened after Percy 's annunciation, everyone began to talk at once.

"You 're what ?"measure exclaimed.

"Gabriella, honey !"Fleur shouted, dropping her crank of wine-coloured."What prompted this ?"

"The political climate in France is very unfirm,"Percy said."I would n't commend moving there."

"What are you going to do there ?"Heather asked.

Albus was n't at all surprised. Gabriella had spent a few calendar week in French Republic that fall and seemed to enjoy it. He was n't certainly why her parents seemed so surprised.

"If everyone could just let me talk !"Gabriella shouted. The room quieted one to a greater extent."I 've already cleared it with Grandmere and Grandpere. They 're going to let me detain with them until I get on my fundament. When I painted there this fall it just felt so right. My paintings there were so much serious than the 1 I 've painted here-"

"But what will you do for money ?"broadsheet asked."You know I could still get you that internship. This is crazy."

"Dad, it 's what I want to do. I do n't want to expend everyday in an power and miss out on life story. No offense. Painting is what I love. I want to try this."

"But Gabriella, it 's not practical-"government note began.

"flier,"Molly said quietly."She 's just rebelling a bit. You did the Sami when you were her age. remember the earring ? The hair ?"

Bill 's face reddened."It 's not the same, Mum. I had a job. I was n't learning the finer item of being a starving artist !"

"Dad ! I 'm a serious creative person ! I 'm not going to starve !"

"You know my parents would never let her starve,"Fleur said.

"That 's not the stage. The full point is that she should be doing something productive. When Victoire was her age-"

"I 'm not Victoire !"Gabriella exclaimed. She turned and left the room, running up the stair. A few here and now later a door slammed.

bank note made to get up, but Victoire put her helping hand on his shoulder joint, forcing him back into his seat."Dad, I 'll go."

The room lapsed into uncomfortable silence after Victoire took off after her sister. Albus was slightly shocked at his uncle 's disfavor of Gabriella 's design. Albus had always thought of Bill as his aplomb uncle, the uncle who would be supportive of whatever his kids wanted to do. But now he was acting just like Percy had about Georgia 's desire to be a Quidditch player.

"I support you, Bill,"Percy said pompously."Artist is not a vocation. You 've got to agitate this. Went through the same thing with Georgia-"

"Really, Dad ?"Sakartvelo asked."After the past few month of going to my biz and making the closet think you 're supportive of my pipe dream, you still do n't cogitate I should play Quidditch ?"

"Quidditch, like painting, is a spare-time activity,"Walker Percy said."It 's not a career."

"You 're unlikely !"Georgia exclaimed."The supporting, the cheering, it 's all pseud, is n't it ?"

"Georgia-"

"You know what, Dad ? Do n't even bother."Georgia stood up and left the mesa in a similar manner to Gabriella.

"This,"Albus whispered to Amanda,"is not normal."

"I thought Gabriella liked Uncle Sir Henry Percy 's postiche support,"James muttered.

"well, she did at showtime but she probably thought there was no way he could fake it for so long and not start to come around. She surely thought it was literal by now,"Rose said.

"You 're going to make a good psychiatrist,"Albus said.

"Yeah, you can start with Uncle Percy,"James said.

"Does anyone want pudding ?"grandma asked.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews !


Never before had Albus experienced such an ungainly Christmas dinner, and that included the time his Aunt Katherine went into labor with Eddie at the board. After Gabriella and Sakartvelo stormed out, Gran served pudding to the remaining folk appendage, but everyone ate in silence. Albus, rosiness, and Amanda ate as fast as they could and then escaped to the one space they did n't think anyone else would go- the garret.

The attic of the Burrow was exchangeable to an archeological land site. It contained level of Weasley kin history and if you dug deep enough you could even find flick of Uncle flier when he was a baby. It used to family a ghoul, but the ghoul died old age before Albus was born. Albus did n't go up in the dome a good deal anymore, but when he was footling it had made an excellent hiding spot.

"I never realized how like Gabriella and Georgia were,"Albus said once they 'd close the attic door.

"I never realized how like Uncle Percy and Uncle Bill were,"Rose replied."I never thought Uncle Bill would react like that."

"Me either,"Albus agreed."Let 's not peach about it. I just want to do something fun."

"Let 's playing period monopoly,"Amanda said."It 's a Muggle biz. I brought it from my house."

Albus and Rose readily agreed and soon the three were playing Monopoly in the attic. It took Albus and rosiness a short piece to get the knack of the money, which was based on Muggle money, but once they did, it was very fun. Albus 's best-loved matter about it was how foresighted it took. They spent hours on one game and by the time Amanda beat him and Rose, almost all of his kinsfolk was asleep.

By breakfast the succeeding morning nearly everything had blown over. one-half of his aunts and uncles had left because they had to go to work and the early half were in the physical process of getting ready to leave. Some of his cousins were still there, but quite a few had left. When Albus went downstairs he noticed his uncle Bill and aunt Fleur having a talk with Gabriella over platters of sausage. Albus paused in the doorway, waiting for them to finish.

"We do n't need you to think we are n't supportive of your art,"handbill said."We are. Both of us. I just want to know you 're going to be okay."

"I am, Dad,"Gabriella said."I 'll be staying with Grandmere and Grandpere."

"That 's reassuring,"note said."And I did overreact final stage night."

Fleur snorted."Yes, I 'd say you did."

"I certainly do n't want you to think I 'm anything like your uncle Harry Hotspur,"Bill whispered."I 'd never try and stop you from pursuing your dream."

"fountainhead, painting in Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault is my dream for now,"Gabriella said adamantly.

"Then we 'll back up you,"neb said. Fleur nodded in agreement."I 'm dark for overreacting last Night. I think we were all on border from the reporter."

"Thanks, Dad,"Gabriella said.

"When were you planning on leaving ?"Fleur asked.

"After that Ministry party. Ca n't miss that or Uncle Hotspur would go insane."

"The weekend after that, then,"banker's bill said."We want to help you move."

Gabriella nodded."Thanks."

banknote stood up and gave his girl a hug."I 've got to get to work, but I 'll see you at home later. I love you, Gabby."

"passion you, too, Dad,"Gabriella said as she hugged him back.

Albus walked into the kitchen as his uncle left, grabbing a few sausages and a cinnamon bun on his way to the mesa. He was relieved that Uncle broadside and Gabriella came to an agreement, especially one that involved Gabriella still moving to France. He wanted his cousin to be happy and he still wanted to think of notice as his cool uncle.

Albus returned to Grimmauld Place later that day and it only took him a few time of day of ennui to get down his holiday indication. rosebush and Amanda had returned to Rose 's house, so without them, he was forced to be productive. In fact, Albus was actually looking forward to the Ministry party for the sole reason that he 'd get to see rose wine and Matt.

The few daytime in between pugilism Day and New year 's Eve were fairly uneventful, especially compared with Christmas day. GA and Uncle Percy still had n't made up and Georgia came over for a heart-to-heart with Albus 's mum the day before the party. Albus often forgot that his mum used to play professional person Quidditch and would be the perfect individual for Georgia to look for advice from.

Albus attempted to listen in on their conversation via extendible Ear, but his mum must 've put an interperbabble charm on the kitchen doorway because he could n't discover a affair. Dejected, he put away his Extendable Ear and returned to reading his Transfiguration Quran.

Shortly after Sakartvelo left James walked in the plump for room access with a grin on his font.

"What are you so happy about ?"Albus asked.

"Mum forgot to put the charm on the window,"James said."I heard everything."

"Well, recount me what you heard !"Albus said as he closed his book.

"I do n't know ...."

"semen on, James,"Albus said."If you do I wo n't order Mum and Dad what you 're planning on doing to the punch at the party tomorrow."

"Fine,"St. James muttered as he sat down."Basically, Georgia 's still mad at Uncle Percy and does n't want to go to the party tomorrow. Mum convinced her that she needs to take the high road and be supportive of Uncle Hotspur even though he is n't being supportive of her. And she said there 's no secret to getting him to make out Quidditch as a valid calling. He just has to realize it on his own and all Georgia can do is be the best player she can and support herself and not ask him for money. But then she reminded Georgia that grandpa was very supportive of her Quidditch career."

"Nothing too exciting, then,"Albus said.

"Nope, not really,"James River agreed."Going to make for an interesting party, though."

"That 's for sure,"Albus said.
***


"Is the diplomatic minister 's hall glowing blue ?"Albus asked as he followed his parents up the winding course to the mansion.

It was New Year 's Eve and the potter were slightly deep for the party, as usual. This meter King James I had not been the rationality ; they were late because Ginny had had to lengthen Albus 's robe last minute of arc.

"It looks that way,"Harry answered."waiting until you see the interior. The election New Year 's Eve party at the Minister 's hall is one of the grand occasions the Ministry puts on, only beaten out by the party that will contain place for the winner of the election. It 's going to be far fancier than the company for Mr. Eckerton last year."

Albus nodded. As they drew tightlipped to the mansion Albus noticed that the blue Christ Within seemed to stem from the reason, illuminating the house as it went upward, but he could not see where the twinkle came from. It looked to just come out out of the ground. The path itself was lined with ash gray candles.

The door was already open when they reached the end of the path. A man dressed in a full tuxedo with tails stood in the doorway and he took Ginny and Lily 's wraps while another man led the Potters into the elevated ballroom.

The ballroom was already filled to capacity and Albus noticed that nearly half of the people in attendance were his auntie, uncles, and first cousin. The ballroom itself was lit by atomic number 47 standard candle similar to the ones that lined the path outside. The window were draped in heavy navy drape tied with silver rophy and matching linen paper dressed the mesa and chairs scattered throughout the way. Larger tables containing platters of food stood in the nerve center of the room, each one holding an ice sculpture. The sculptures were of various historical buildings in wizarding United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including one of Hogwarts.

Waiters dressed in the Lapp tuxedos as the adept by the door walked throughout the room carrying plates of nutrient and drunkenness. After taking a feeling at some of the intellectual nourishment they carried, Albus wondered if there was anything normal or if it was just image hors d'oeuvres.

"Before you all take off to find your cousins,"Harry began, staring more than at his sons than at Lily."James, absolutely no pranks. Albus, no sneaking off to other parts of the sign or going outside this class. Promise me, both of you."

"I promise,"Albus and Saint James the Apostle each mumbled.

"All right, you may go,"Harry said."And keep an eye out for your younger cousins. Make sure they 're not getting into trouble."

Albus nodded and then slipped into the bunch in lookup of lusterlessness, Rose, and something to eat that did not resemble something his aunt Fleur 's mother would make. He finally wound up at the dessert table where he found both a declamatory opus of cocoa cake and his friends.

"Albus, there you are !"Rose said."We 've been here for an minute already."

"Mum had to lengthen my robes,"Albus said in between raciness of bar.

"I 'm not surprised. You grew a groundwork in the past twelvemonth,"Rose commented.

"Seriously, you 've got to stop,"lustrelessness said."You make me look like a second year."

"Is everyone else here ?"Albus asked as they walked over to a mostly empty board. Its only occupier was a very old man who seemed to be taking a nap.

rosebush nodded."Even Georgia showed up. But I did incur out that the solitary ground we were all invited was to get to Uncle Percy look like more of a family man."

"Really ?"Albus asked."I thought it was just because family unit of the campaigner were always invited."

"No. Usually it 's only immediate category members, plus all the Heads of departments and top Ministry official and their families. So not all of us were going to be invited at first. It 's to make us look like a very closely knit family."

"You are a close knitwork family,"lusterlessness said."It 's like you 're all comrade and sister rather than cousins."

"But Uncle Sir Henry Percy never really involved any of us in his Ministry career before,"Albus pointed out."Anyway, lusterlessness, how was your Christmastide ?"

"Good,"Matt said."pink wine already told me about yours. Sounded much more interesting than mine. My grandparents came to see and they went menage yesterday. Mum and Cinda argued over the fact that we do n't claver them enough anymore and then Mum and Amy argued over the fact that Amy never comes dwelling except for vacation. Dad, Richard, and I just stayed out of it. I swear, those three could indicate over nothing."

"Sounds like yours was interesting then,"Albus said.

mat shrugged."Honestly, it 's been rather boring at home."

"I 'm ready to get back to Hogwarts,"Albus said."Is Amy here ?"

"Yeah, she 's off with Victoire and Teddy,"lusterlessness said.

"Oh, by the way, do n't salute the clout,"Albus warned them."James is planning to put something in it."

"What ?"Rose asked.

"I do n't know, but it 'll probably be thoroughgoing,"Albus said.

"If your uncle wins your cousins will get to dwell here,"Matt said as he gazed around the room."Wyrd to believe about. This place looks bigger than my old house."

"It probably is,"Rose said."And you 're aright, that is weird to remember about."

The old man let out a snort and woke up. His eyes darted around until they rested on Albus, rose wine, and flatness."Who are you three ?"he demanded.

"Er, I 'm Albus ceramicist and that 's pink wine Weasley and Matt Eckerton,"Albus said.

His face softened."Oh, nice to contact you ! I 'm Gregory Laurentis. My girl 's running game for parson. Could not be prouder, but I suppose she 's running against your uncle. Albus ceramist, pigeon hawk 's beard ! I told patty, I told her she was bollock to run against Percy Weasley what with him being related to Harry ceramicist himself, but her party picked her to run so I suppose there was nothing I could do about it. And she could n't rick down that opportunity ...."

Albus glanced at blush wine and Matt while Laurnetis 's dad continued to rattle on about how proud he was of his girl, yet wonder at her stupidity for running against someone related to Harry Potter. He was rather funny, Albus thought.

"This post is too damn fancy,"Gregory of Nazianzen Laurnetis muttered as he fingered the tablecloth."And the food, my God, what I would n't move over for some firecracker and mash ...."

Albus stifled a gag, but he did agree with the old man."I think I hear one of my first cousin calling me,"Albus said."We 'd amend go."

"Oh, right, right,"Gregory Laurentis said."I do n't get word anything, but then again my auditory modality 's so bad these Clarence Day. Well, good luck to your uncle, then. Not that he 'll postulate it !"

"trade good portion to your daughter, too,"Albus said as he stood up.

All three burst out laughing as soon as they were out of earshot of Gregory Laurentis. A few Ministry functionary looked at them strangely as they did so, but Albus did n't care.

"Albus !"Matt suddenly whispered."Is that Balladanis over there ?"lusterlessness pointed to the far cover quoin, where a man in evidently black robes stood with his arms folded across his chest.

Albus peered at the man for a few consequence."Yeah, I think it is."

"What 's he doing here ?"mat asked.

"Probably in case of an attack,"Rose said."Every prominent Ministry official is in this way right now. There 's probably Aurors stationed at every threshold outside, too."

"Do n't let him see us,"Matt said as he grabbed both Albus and rosebush and pulled them behind a large group of mass."Can we just go somewhere else ?"

Albus glanced at Balladanis and then back at Matt, who looked more than a little nervous. Albus did n't fault him. After last year 's malicious gossip with Balladanis, it was no wonder Matt never wanted to see the man again. Albus thought briefly of what his dad told him when they got there, but pushed the promise from his mind. If matte did n't want to be in the Saami elbow room as Balladanis, then Albus was just going to take in to break his promise.

"Come on,"rosebush said before Albus could answer. She took Albus and Matt 's helping hand and pulled them through the crowd. She let them go once they reached the corridor.

The corridor was much quieter than the dance palace. Albus had n't even realized just how loud the ballroom was until now. Between the music and people 's phonation, it was a wonder he 'd even been able to recall in there.

"Thanks,"lustrelessness said quietly."He just gives me the creeps."

"No job,"rosiness said."Where should we go ?"

"We could try and feel that depository library again,"Albus suggested.

Rose and Matt nodded and the three set off down the corridor. It took them fifteen minutes and three wrong turns to find the library and once they got there, they saw that it was already occupied by none early than Empire State of the South, Bradley, and Cedric.

"We 've got to stop using the same hiding blank space,"Georgia said with a gag as they entered."Just joking. Come on in."

rose shut the door behind them and they joined Georgia, Bradley, and Cedric on the other side of the room.

"Sick of the party ?"Georgia asked.

"We saw Balladanis,"mat said quietly as he sat down."Did n't want him to find us."

Georgia shuddered."Do n't blame you there, especially since your dad is the intellect he got sacked."

"I form of liked him,"Tom Bradley said.

lusterlessness looked at him like he was insane."Are you kidding ?"

Tom Bradley shrugged."Nope. I 'm not terribly upset he 's gone, but he was kind of cool."

"You 're mad,"lusterlessness said.

"What about you three ? What drove you to the library ?"Albus asked, wanting to stave off an argument between his best friend and cousin.

"Decided to explore the house,"Cedric said."If we 're going to have to live here, we wanted to see what we 'd be getting into."

"And what do you think ?"blush wine asked.

"Living here would n't be so bad,"Cedric said."Bradley and I would n't sustain to part a elbow room. Neither would Samantha and Lindy, for that matter."

"I told you, one of you can get my room,"Georgia said.

"Dad wo n't let us,"Tom Bradley replied."Says you 're going to come back when Quidditch stops paying off."

Empire State of the South groaned."Really, the faith he has in me is incredible."

"We met Laurentis 's dad,"Albus said.

Georgia burst out laughing."Seriously ?"

Albus nodded and told the story. All three of his first cousin were laughing by the time he finished.

"I may have to go back out there just so I can meet him,"Georgia said, still laughing.

"He sounds like a very interesting bloke,"Bradley said.

matt got up from his chair and began wandering around the library. He paused by the door, as if listening.

"What are you doing ?"Albus asked.

"I heard something,"flatness whispered."Shut up, all of you."

GA immediately stopped laughing and all five of them stopped talking. Matt 's middle grew big and he hurried back over."Someone 's coming !"

"I do n't get wind any-"Bradley began.

"Sshhh !"Albus said as he jumped up."trustingness him on this. We 've got to hide."

"There 's a closet,"Rose said as she hurried to open up the door."It 's not very big-"

"Department of Energy n't weigh,"lustrelessness said."hurry, get inside."

Albus just started hearing the vox as they hurried inside the closet. It was a very tight power play and rose was stepping on his left infantry, but he said nothing as he shut the door. Two indorsement later he heard the door to the library open.

"It 's not working !"a char said. Her voice was muffled ; Albus could barely create out what she said, let alone who she was.

"I ca n't see anything,"Cedric whispered."Is this door solid mahogany or something ?"

"Shut up !"matte seethed. He had his ear pressed to the door.

"The one time I do n't land any Extendables with me,"Cedric muttered.

Albus pressed his ear up against the door. The voices were still muffled, but he could hear.

"I told you they 'd eat up the hale family man affair,"another voice said. This one was Male."Not to mention he 's Harry ceramicist 's brother-in-law for God 's sake !"

"Harry Potter is an incompetent changeling and you know it,"the charwoman replied."He 's renowned for something he did as a small fry and the general world is stupid to still reckon of him as the hero of the wizarding world. He 's gone soft."

"It 's Laurentis !"matt said.

"How can you differentiate ?"Bradley asked."This door is so bloody thick."

"I just can,"lusterlessness said.

Albus could n't tell that the spokesperson was Laurentis 's, but based on what she was saying, Matt was justly.

"well, what am I supposed to do about it ?"the man said.

"We 've got to cerebrate of something,"Laurentis said."The Azkaban debate is in a week. I 'm sure you can call back of something to do for that."

"I think that 's her campaign director,"lustrelessness said.

"She sounds awful,"Albus said.

"It should n't be that severe. All we have to do is expose Weasley for what he really is and get everyone to bring in thrower 's not the Hero they all think he is,"Laurentis said.

"And who is Weasley, then ?"

"A pompous imbecile !"Laurentis exclaimed."You do n't really buy the whole fact that he supports his daughter 's Quidditch vocation, do you ? I 've seen the way she looks at him and there 's no way that 's real."

"You ca n't really eff that-"

"I can,"she disturb."I can take people, Pierce. That 's why I got into government. It 's all about reading people and figuring out the lies from the the true. See what you can dig up. We 'd break takings to the party. I left my father alone with minister Langston. That wo n't wrench out well."

"Yes, Ms. Laurentis,"Pierce replied.

Albus heard the strait of high heels on hardwood floor, the door creak surface, and then click shut again. He waited two full minutes and then opened the door to the water closet. Everyone hurried out.

"What was that ?"lusterlessness demanded."What is she up to ?"

"How did you catch all that ?"Bradley asked."Do you have super human auditory modality or something ?"

"Or something,"lusterlessness muttered,"but never mind that. Laurentis knows your dad 's putting on an act and is going to try to expose him."He turned to Albus."And she is going to try and plough the wizarding Earth against your dad."

"She 's insane !"Albus exclaimed.

"You 've got to tell your uncle-"flatness began.

"No way,"Georgia said loudly."reliance me, all he 'll do is fault me for not playing my part well enough. This is n't leaving this room."

"But she 's going to sabotage his military campaign,"Albus said.

"Georgia 's right field,"blush wine said."It wo n't aid anything. Campaigns are half about digging up crap on the former candidate. Anything she says about Uncle Harry, no one will believe it unless they 're an half-wit. Anyone with half a mind knows he runs the Auror department well."

"If anyone says anything he 'll just get mad at us for spying,"Tom Bradley added.

"Not to mention we 're not technically allowed in here,"Cedric pointed out.

"Oh, right,"Albus said."My dad did make me assure not to leave the ballroom."

"No one 's saying anything,"Georgia said."And I think we 'd all better get back to the dance palace, just in eccentric anyone notices we 're all gone.


Thanks for all the reviews ! Remember to preserve them 12+. Props to all who caught the 'mahogany'Hunger plot reference. credit rating for that goes to Suzanne Collins. If any of you are members of the forums ( and if you 're not, you should be, associate on the right side of the pageboy ! ), feel free to stop out my Meet the writer page ! It 's linked on my writer Thomas Nelson Page. Please ask me questions on my MTA Sir Frederick Handley Page since I love answering them !


When they returned to the ballroom Albus was pleased to see that Balladanis was nowhere in sight. Perhaps he left to patrol the soil. Albus did n't really give care ; all that mattered was that he was n't there anymore. Judging by the crowd in the room, no one else had left yet, and they all seemed a bit more robustious, most likely due to the drinks.

Percy accosted them before they were even able to get to the desert table to reload their denture with cake. He walked with intention, similarly to the way he had walked when he took Albus and his ally to Kendrick 's subject field. He seemed very at home in the pastor 's Mansion and it was n't even his yet.

"Empire State of the South !"he said."There you are. I 've been looking for you everywhere."

"I was in the loo. Something you need, Dad ?"Georgia asked.

"Er, yes, actually,"Hotspur replied."I need you to use up Samantha and Lindy home. It 's nearly xi and your female parent and I are going to be here well by midnight. Samantha ate too very much cake and feels ill. I just think it would be best for them to go domicile and get some sleep. They 're over at that table."Harry Hotspur gestured to a nearby table, where Samantha and lindy hop were sitting, both with their straits in their hands, looking extremely bored.

Georgia raised her eyebrows, as if storm that Percy was actually going to not only let three of his children leave, but call for that they do so. Albus was surprised he 'd even thought about the fact that it was n't really a political party for two nine-year-olds.

"Yeah, I can take on them home,"Empire State of the South said.

"What about us ?"Bradley asked, gesturing to himself and Cedric."Could n't we take them rest home ?"

"I 'd rather Peach State do it,"Walker Percy said."You do n't even have your phantom license yet, Cedric. And Bradley, you just got yours. You 're not ready to side-along Apparate two people."

"They do own fireplaces here, Dad,"Bradley muttered.

"Empire State of the South 's taking them, and the two of you are staying here,"Walker Percy said adamantly."Thank you, Georgia."

"You 're welcome,"Peach State said as Percy strutted off to babble out to some Ministry official."Ha !"she said once he was out of earshot."I get to leave."

"Shut up,"Cedric said."I 'm going to go find James."

GA headed over to the tabular array her sisters were sitting at while Bradley and Cedric disappeared into the bunch. Albus, Matt, and Rose wandered over to the dessert board, piled a home plate high school with the biscuit a waiter had just set out, and then set off to find another mesa. They found one, which Victoire, chemise, and Amy were vacating.

"Where are you three off to ?"Albus asked.

"We 've got too soon rounds tomorrow,"Victoire said."Five in the morning. If we 're lucky we 'll get four hours of sleep."

"I do n't see a great deal point in staying if they 're not here,"shimmy said."Technically I was n't even invited, but seeing as I 'm Harry Potter 's Godson, no one was going to kvetch me out."

Albus laughed."See you later, then."

After Victoire, slip, and Amy left Albus sat down and his Quaker sat on either side. He absentmindedly chewed on a cookie and watched the bunch.

"Do these taste funny to you ?"lusterlessness asked, holding up a partially eaten biscuit.

Albus took another pungency. They did taste weird."Yeah."

pink wine burst out laughing and started pointing at their heads."I think James messed with the cookie instead of the lick. Al, your hair is naughty and lusterlessness, yours is green."

Albus and Matt both started laughing. Albus took another look at the crowd."Look, that lady 's hair is purple !"He pointed to a witch a few yard away. The fella she was talking to was clearly trying not to gaze at her head.

Over the following few minutes people gradually began to realize that their hair was turning various colors and that the cookie were the culprit. Wands appeared everywhere, as the guests charmed each other 's hair back to its normal color. Another minute later Albus spotted both of his parents walking around the perimeter of the room, clearly looking for James, but he was nowhere in sight.

"I like this prank,"Albus said."I 'm leaving my hair's-breadth as is."

"Me too,"matte agreed. They both turned to Rose."You should eat one."

pink wine sighed."Might as well."She took a cooky and a minute later her formerly red haircloth was a lovely shade of pink.

The respite of the party was rather boring. Harry eventually found James and told him he 'd be staying in his room for the remainder of the vacation, only being allowed out for repast. When midnight rolled around Albus, Matt, and Rose toasted to the new twelvemonth with Lily and Hugo. Matt and his parents left immediately afterward and Albus and his household left a shortstop patch later. Albus was relieved to be going home since the Nox had been exhausting, and he still could n't get the conversation he overheard in the library out of his mind.
***


"It 's here !"James shouted the following first light at breakfast, brandishing a written matter of Wizards cartridge holder. The front cover version was a picture of Albus 's grandparents, his mum, Uncle Percy, Uncle card, Uncle Charlie, Uncle George II, and Uncle Ron.

"Let me see it !"Albus shouted.

"No, I got it first !"James shouted back.

"I want to read it first !"Lily exclaimed.

"child, settle down !"Ginny said."James got it first. Al can read it side by side, and then Lily."

"Not fair,"Lily muttered."I 'm never first."

That was a lie, Albus thought to himself. It was either James River or Lily who got things first, never Albus. curse word of being the heart small fry, he figured.

Albus sat and ate his breakfast while James read the article. His pal let out groans and suspiration and even laughter while he read, which made Albus even more anxious to read it. After what seemed the likes of forever, it was finally Albus 's turn. He yanked the magazine out of King James 's bridge player and opened it up to the article.

The commencement page ( or rather, first two Sir Frederick Handley Page ), contained the pic of his entire folk. Albus had been right in guessing that there was no way the photographer could 've gotten a characterisation that they all looked ripe in. Albus himself at to the lowest degree appear center decent. He was smiling and kept turning to depend at Rose and then back to the camera. Lily on the other hand, was caught mid-grimace and always returned to that pose every few moment. Across the photograph was the name of the article- 'Christmas With the Weasleys .'Albus turned the page and looked at all the other photographs that accompanied the article before reading it. There was one of Percy, Corrine, and their Kyd. Another featured Percy and Albus 's dad. Then there was the one with him playing Exploding snap fastener with the twins and Percy, as well as the one with Harry Hotspur and Amanda playing chess. The legend on that translate 'Minister hopeful Percy Weasley challenges the flower Minister 's niece to a game of chess game .'Amanda was not going to be happy, Albus thought as he turned his care to the article.

When I first entered the puerility menage of Hotspur
Weasley I immediately noticed the delicious smells
that filled the air. mollie Weasley, Hotspur 's mother,
was toilsome at employment cooking Dec 25 Eve dinner. The
minuscule, but cosy, home was filled to capacity with
Weasleys, although it only grew more crowd together with
the arrival of the ceramist an 60 minutes later.

The Weasley family gathers for Christmas at the
habitation of President Arthur and mollie Weasley every twelvemonth.
Arthur, a retired Ministry employee, says ,'I
do it having the entire house together. It 's
chaotic, but I would n't have it any former way .'
The evening begins with a meal, although eating
seems to take place over many hours. The ambiance
is homelike and felicitous, with every undivided family
penis enjoying their clip with each other.

Percy Weasley, a loving father of five, joins in
on the fun and Christmas intent by challenging
his nine-year-old daughters Samantha and Lindy,
as well as nephew Albus ceramicist, 14, to a secret plan
of Exploding Snap .'I feel it 's important to
spend fourth dimension with my children, as well as my nieces
and nephews ,'Weasley said, 'we have such piffling
time with them before they go off to Hogwarts.
My eldest is already out on her own and my son
only have a little time left at Hogwarts. The
similitude are still young, so I try to spend fourth dimension
with them every single day .'When asked
about their father 's political campaign, Samantha said,
'I want him to win. He 's good at his job .'
Lindy merely shrugged, 'It would be cool if he
wins, but he 'll still just be Dad to us .'

The dwelling house of Arthur and molly Weasley is not
only open to Weasleys at Christmas time. This
class they were joined by a booster of Albus Potter
and Rose Weasley, 14. Amanda tagging program, also 14, is
a fourth yr educatee at Hogwarts. Tagger is no
stranger to political home since her uncle
is Michael Smythe, Prime rector of Great
Britain .'I think it is just fantastic that
the Prime curate 's niece is a witch ,'Walker Percy
said. 'We are always trying to further a
sizable relationship with the Muggle Ministry
and this will only help .'

Before posing for the photograph found on page
20 and 21, the Weasley family first donned
their Weasley jump shot. Each member of the family
receives one of these jumper for Dec 25
every class. The traditional jumpers are knitted
by Molly Weasley .'I 'm not sure how it started,
really ,'mollie said, when asked about the origin
of the pinny ,'I suppose it was when Bill and
Charlie were lilliputian, before Hotspur was born. I
wanted to knit them matching pinafore and they
outgrew them by the espouse year, so I made
new ones. Then when Percy was born he needed one
so it soon grew into a yearly thing .'

If I had to choose one Word of God to describe the Weasley
family, I would choose 'laid-back .'Spending a
Christmas Eve with this family, you would never
think that they were famous for their efforts in
the war against Voldemort. They are just so normal.
evening Harry Potter, forefront Auror, is just your
average father. He spends Christmas Eve joking
around with his brothers-in-law and playing biz
with his tyke, nieces, and nephews. I asked
him what a distinctive Christmastide day is like in the
Weasley household and he responded with, 'Quidditch.
We live for Quidditch. No matter the conditions we
get out there every Christmas and play a match or
two. Then we 'll come inside and have dinner, all
of us together. It 's unproblematic, but perfect .'

There you have it. Yuletide with the Weasleys
summed up in one sentence by none other than Harry
ceramicist himself. I thoroughly enjoyed spending
Yuletide Eve with Percy Weasley and his entire
family. Next time I audience him, I really must
ask for his mother 's shepherd 's pie recipe. It
truly is wonderful.

"Really ?"Albus asked after handing the cartridge to Lily."After all that ? She interviewed half the household and only quoted a few of us ?"

"I 'm guessing the rest could n't really be used for the type of article she was going for,"James pointed out."Notice how she only included stuff Samantha and lindy hop said."

"And she made it seem like the lensman just happened to take icon of us playing games with Uncle Percy,"Albus said."All of that was staged."

"That 's journalism,"Ginny said."Not good journalism, mind you, but it is fairly common practice."

"I guess it could have been worse,"Albus said.

"Yes, it could have been,"Ginny agreed."I think we 're all just grateful she did n't stay for Christmas dinner."

James River laughed."I wonder how she would 've spun that. I 'm amazed no one 's figured out that Uncle Percy does n't really like that Georgia plays Quidditch."

"support your mouth shut about that, James,"Ginny said quietly.

"Anyone with half a mentality could see it,"James muttered.

Albus said nothing. He still was n't completely sure enough that saying nothing about Laurentis figuring that out was the right thing to do. But he could n't exactly say anything, not when all his full cousin and mat had agreed not to.

"King James I,"Ginny said."Enough. And I suggest you use the residual of your break to study for those O.W.L.s. June is a lot Sooner than you think."

James II certainly did a good job of pretending to canvass for the end of the holiday, while shut up in his way for his penalty. Albus noticed that while he always had a book cracked open nearby, to grab when one of their parents walked into the room, it was always the Saame Book, opened to the same pageboy. Albus was amazed neither of his parents realized that, but he supposed both of them had their minds on Hotspur 's election. Albus finished all his preparation before the weekend, leaving him with two blissful solar day of doing nothing. On Saturday he, along with his parents, James, and Lily, visited Kaden and his kin for a late Xmas and New twelvemonth 's jubilation. Albus was relieved that Kaden 's grandparents were n't there.

Monday arrived and it was time to go back to Hogwarts. Albus was quite felicitous about this because he had grown bored of staying at dwelling and doing cypher and was sick of being in such close quarters with James and Lily. At least in Gryffindor pillar they kept to their own groups of friends. But mostly, Albus wanted to get Amanda 's issue on the conversation they overheard at the curate 's Mansion.

"Everyone 's staring at me,"Amanda said as she entered the compartment Albus, blush wine, Matt, King John, and Kaden were occupying."Took me ages to regain you, just because people kept wanting to talk to me. It 's that unintelligent cartridge clause. Now everyone knows I 'm the Prime Minister 's niece."

"It was bound to happen Oklahoman or later,"rosiness pointed out."But I 'm sorry. If I 'd bed the newsman was going to talk about that, I would n't have invited you for Christmas."

"No, it 's sanction,"Amanda said as she sat down."I 'm sword lily I went. It 's just annoying. Guess I know how it feels to be you lot."

"Except us,"King John said as he gestured to himself and Kaden."We 're normal."

"You 're normal, lavatory,"Amanda said."But Kaden 's Harry Potter 's get-go cousin once removed or something."

"And that really makes me inquire how I got wrapped up in all this,"John said."My parents just are n't nearly as ambitious as yours all are."

"How was that party, by the way ?"Amanda asked.

"Mostly drilling,"Albus said."But we did wander up in a tiny closet with my first cousin Georgia, Tom Bradley, and Cedric and overheard a conversation between Laurentis and her campaign manager."

"You what ?"John Lackland exclaimed."And you did n't intend that warranted an owl ?"

"We wanted to recount you in person,"Albus said."The conversation was really weird."

"Tell us !"Amanda said.

Albus explained what he overheard, with help from lustrelessness, who had been able to hear it a bit more clearly. Saint John the Apostle and Kaden looked slightly uncomfortable when they finished, but Amanda did n't seem at all surprised or upset.

"That ca n't be beneficial,"St. John said."What do you think she 's planning ?"

"That 's just it, I do n't make love,"Albus said."And all my first cousin and mat agreed not to say anything-"

"They 're decently, of course,"Amanda said."You 'd just call down up hassle. Your uncle has got to pore on convincing people he 's the ripe one for the job, not discrediting everything Laurentis says."

"But she 's going to try and convince everyone my dad 's a bad Auror,"Albus pointed out.

"Your dad is n't running for Minister,"Amanda said."And honestly, I do n't call back she 's going to be able to convince all of wizarding United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland that your dad 's incompetent by April."

"But what about the GA thing-"

"Albus,"Amanda said as she stared directly at him,"this is what political leader do. Half the campaign is spent trying to convince people the opponent is bad for the job. As much as it should just be spent on trying to convert masses they 're aright for the job, candidates just do n't do that. reliance me. My uncle 's on his second condition. I know how these things work."

"I guess,"Albus said. He felt slightly better about it, now that he had Amanda 's judgment, but he still felt restless."Something is going to happen at the Azkaban argument, though. She wanted her campaign manager to dig something up."

"Worst example scenario, she figures out that your uncle Percy does n't really approve of Georgia 's Quidditch career,"Amanda said."Then he 'll render an interview and say that at first he was n't because he was worried about her time to come but then he saw her play and now he realizes how safe she is and blah, blah, blah. It 'll be fixed."

"She 's right, Albus,"Rose said. The others nodded.

"How do you make love all this ?"Albus asked."I mean, seriously."

"I 'm an excellent eavesdropper,"Amanda said with a grin."And all without Extendable Ears."

"Amazing,"John agreed.

"It 's round-eyed, really,"Amanda said."Be the kid in your family that goes unnoticed. My onetime sister is the drama king, so everything that happens to her, no matter how small, is a huge sight. My little brother is a brat who demands unceasing attending. Me ? I 'm the quiet one. They 'll have solid conversations about stuff in front of me that they 'd never bear in front of either my blood brother or sister."

Kaden laughed."Bet that changed when you found out you were a witch."

"At first, but then me being a hag became normal,"Amanda said.

matte let out a low whistle."Wish I had that acquisition. I still ca n't even go into the same elbow room as my parents without one of them asking me if I feel okay. Bit of an exaggeration, but still."

"I think my parents drop too much of their childhoods eavesdropping on hoi polloi to founder me a decent chance at it,"Albus said."They know all the tricks."

"So do mine,"Rose said."I swear my mum can sense an extendible Ear a Swedish mile away."

"I think I 'm too loud,"John said.

"Saame,"Kaden agreed.

"So, would you believe me if I said I actually wanted to go to the Azkaban debate ?"John asked as he opened a box of Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor Beans.

Rose burst out laughing."Really, John ?"

"Yes, really,"privy said, popping a bean plant into his mouthpiece."Butter, Wyrd. If Laurentis is going to do something, I want to be right there to find it."

"Maybe you 'll get prosperous and you 'll get picked,"Amanda said."I hope I get picked for one."

"I bet they 'll let you go to all of them now, being the prime quantity Minister's niece and all,"John said.

"Not necessarily,"Amanda said.

"You can always take in my spot, St. John the Apostle,"flatness said as he got up to slip a smattering of St. John 's Bertie Bott 's."full moon moon 's on Friday, so I wo n't be going."

"Maybe you can convince Madam Pomfrey, since it 's educational,"Kaden said.

lustrelessness popped a bean into his back talk and then promptly spew it out."Ew, dirt. Does n't matter what Madam Pomfrey says. Day after the full phase of the moon moon ? I 'll be asleep. You 'll just have to guide notes and let me know what happens."

can groaned."I 'll pass off on your post if I have to take notes."

"Someone 's going to take to carry notes either way,"Matt said."I 'll need them for the essay that Embry will assign."

"Do n't interest, I 'll take notes,"Rose told him.

"Thanks,"Matt replied."Now, who 's wants this bean ? It looks just like turd, but it could be chocolate."matte held up a suspiciously brownish bean.

"I 'll take in it !"John Lackland said. He took a lilliputian pick, screwed up his nerve, and threw the sleep of the bean back at Matt, hitting him square on the forehead."Thanks, mate, another dirt."

Albus laughed and took a handful of beans. The oddment of the slip was much more blithesome than their conversation about the crusade maneuver of Laurentis and Percy. They finished off lavatory 's Bertie Bott 's, growing braver as the box emptied. Albus stopped after he got a vomit flavored one, but enjoyed it immensely when Kaden ate one of the same flavor. The wagon train ride went quickly and soon they arrived in Hogsmeade station with Hogwarts, Albus 's second home, just a short passenger car tease away.


Sorry for the late update ! My first cousin got married on Fri so I was gone the whole weekend and did n't have my electronic computer with me. Thanks to my sister, Linda, who in my family, is just like Amanda and can eavesdrop on everyone. She gave me the idea for that. Thanks for all the lovely review !


"This term we will focus on how the first and second state of war against Voldemort shaped how the Ministry of conjuring trick is organized today,"Professor Embry announced after the bell rang for Tuesday 's politics year."This character of the class will overlap with your history of Magic stratum quite a bit, although I 'd hazard a guess that none of you pay attention in account of Magic, not that I blame you. I never could rest awake in that class either.

"First, we will train a closer look at exactly how the Ministry was organized prior to Voldemort 's rise to superpower and why it was such a problem,"Embry continued."Part of the reason why Voldemort was able to rise to ability as quickly as he did was because the Ministry was susceptible to a coup. Since then, precaution have been taken to prevent a similar situation. Does anyone be intimate the principal departure between the Ministry before Voldemort and the Ministry now ?"

A few manus went up in the air, including Amanda 's. Albus knew the solvent, but he did n't really want to raise his hand. He preferred listening during class.

"Yes, girl tagging program ?"

"The parson was n't elected,"Amanda said,"which is odd because the Muggle Minister is elected, form of. It 's not like in the United DoS, but the public votes on which political party will be in power."

"Exactly,"Embry said."Prior to the reorganization of the Ministry of thaumaturgy in 1998, the pastor was appointed by the Wizengamot. Can anyone distinguish me why that is a trouble ?"

Amanda 's bridge player shot into the air once more. She was even faster than pink wine in this class.

"Miss Tagger ?"

"It was bad because the hoi polloi had no baron. Only the Wizengamot had any great power in the Ministry, because they were the unity who appointed the minister, who then appointed all the former functionary. No one had any say in anything."

"right again. Ten points to Gryffindor,"Embry said."The Wizengamot, prior to 1998, was a chemical group of very influential crone and champion, mostly thoroughbred, who essentially ran the Ministry of Magic. They also served as the juridical system. These Wiccan and ace inherited their hind end on the Wizengamot from class members because each influential family in the British wizarding worldly concern once held a rear end in the Wizengamot. The job with this are obvious because it meant that only purebloods and a select few half-bloods had any semblance of power."

Albus was scribbling furiously. He knew the bedrock of the political system just from overhearing his parents'conversations, but the details were misty. Now that he was learning the gritty particular, he wondered why it took so long for the Ministry to be reorganized. It seemed like it was based solely on origin status and how much money someone had, which was n't right.

Embry continued to explain the old Ministry and the various top executive that each someone or group of masses in the Ministry had prior to Voldemort 's reign. By the end of the speech Albus had just over a base of eminence, which was good because Embry had already set them an essay.

"Before you leave, I 'll herald who will be attending Saturday 's debate,"Embry said after he finished lecturing."Like last time, Albus thrower, rosebush Weasley, and lusterlessness Eckerton will be able to hang. The two Hufflepuffs who will be attending are Elaine Asterly and Parker Wayland. The two Gryffindors are Amanda Tagger and Ethan Kesse. You will report to the Great dormitory at ten and wait for instructions from the prefects waiting by the doors. Everyone else will be listening to the disputation via wireless in the Transfiguration classroom. I expect an essay on which nominee you feel made their point better by next grade. You are dismissed."

"I guess I wo n't get to go to all the disputation after all,"Amanda said as they left the classroom.

"This one will be good, though,"Rose said."You 're lucky they picked you for it."

"regard I got picked,"john lamented.

"I 'm telling you, just go instead of me,"Matt insisted."Tell them I 'm ill and you 're taking my spot."

"I really do n't consider they 'll let-"

"preparation on being ill on Saturday, are you ?"

Albus and his friends stopped in the centre of the corridor, turning around to see Scorpio Malfoy behind them, his arms crossed across his breast. He looked arrogant and vaguely annoyed as usual, but there was something else there. He looked slightly upset and for some reason, that unnerved Albus.

"Give it a quietus, Malfoy,"John said, stepping closer to the Slytherin."We get that you know. We 've gotten over it."

Scorpio stepped nearer, ignoring trick and turning to Matt."How do you get into the screech Shack ?"he demanded.

flatness 's font paled. John grabbed hold of Scorpio 's gown and dragged him into a nearby schoolroom. John had at least four inch on Malfoy, so it did n't seem difficult. Albus and the others followed, Rose shutting and locking the room access behind them.

"Why do you want to know about the Shrieking Shack ?"John the Divine asked as he let go of Scorpius.

"None of your business,"Scorpius said, glancing at the locked threshold. He slowly drew his wand.

St. John drew his own wand."Put your baton away. And it 's his business which makes it all of our business."John gestured to flatness, who had sat down on one of the desks.

"There 's five of you. Like netherworld I 'm putting my wand away. So I am right, he does transform in the screaming shack,"Scorpius said with a sly grin. The flavor of sorrowfulness Albus thought he 'd seen was gone ; maybe he 'd imagined it.

"toilet !"Matt exclaimed."Now look what you 've done !"

"Sorry,"trick said."I did n't imply to-"

"Never mind,"Matt said, getting up from the desk and walking over to John and Scorpius."How did you cipher it out ?"

"Where else could you transform safely ?"Scorpius asked."I did a little research in the library and that was built the summer before Remus Lupin started at Hogwarts and everyone knows he was a wolfman. No one ever lived in it, but the great unwashed reported hearing weird interference from it. Everyone said it was trace, but they went strangely quiet seven old age later, only to reappear four and a half age ago, when we started at Hogwarts. Quite a coincidence, I thought. And now I see that I 'm right."

Albus was kind of shocked Scorpius had done all that research and put everything together. Perhaps he was smarter than Albus and his friends gave him credit for.

"Well, you ca n't tell anyone, just like you ca n't assure anyone I 'm a werewolf,"flatness said."Kendrick would throw out you."

"I do n't care that it 's where you transform,"Scorpius said."The degree is that it 's discharge except for one nighttime of the calendar month. How do you get in ?"

"I 'm not telling,"matt said.

"fine, I 'll figure it out myself,"Scorpio said, pointing his wand at the doorway. The lock clicked and he strolled over to the threshold, opened it, and left.

"That was weird,"Albus said as soon as Scorpio was gone.

"Yeah,"mat said, sitting down on the nearest desk."Why does he desire to get in the Shrieking Shack ?"

"Clearly he needs somewhere that 's evacuate, but the enquiry is what is he planning on doing ?"rosebush asked."And did anyone else notice that he seemed a bit sad in the corridor ?"

"I thought I 'd imagined that,"Albus said.

"You did n't. He 's definitely upset about something,"Rose said.

flatness groaned."He better not actually figure out how to get in there."

"If he does, he would n't be dumb enough to go in there during a full moon,"Albus pointed out.

"Yeah, but still. That 's my space,"matte muttered."I need a nap. I think I 'm going to skip dinner party and just go back to Gryffindor. I 'll see you later."

Matt hopped off the desk and left the room. Albus sighed. The in conclusion thing he wanted, amidst all of the election stuff and his family 's play, was another progeny with Scorpio Malfoy, but it looked like things were heading in that direction.
***


The following daybreak when Albus and his booster entered the Great Hall for breakfast the students already eating were much louder than convention. Albus turned to blush wine, who shrugged in confusion, as they walked inside. Everyone in the room, students and teachers alike, were talking ominously. written matter of the prophesier were exchanging hands faster than the Quaffle during a Gryffindor/Slytherin lucifer.

"Albus !"William James shouted once they reached the Gryffindor table."Read this. There 's been a break-out at Azkaban."

"Again ?"Albus exclaimed, hurrying over to where James was sitting. He took the theme and his champion crowded around him.

"Not like last meter,"James said darkly."High-profile prisoners and more of them. Death Eaters. There has n't been a break-out like this in age. Not since our parents were our age."

Albus 's heart began to Syrian pound as he unfolded the newspaper. There it was, right on the front page. A big photo montage of five people, all gaunt and evil-looking, was right in the middle, with the quarrel 'Five prisoner Break Out of Azkaban'above them and an clause below them. Albus 's abdomen churned when he recognized the characterisation of the middle prisoner. It was Quinton Willinson. His heart drifted to the clause so he could figure out who the others were.

Early this morning Azkaban functionary
reported that five high certificate prisoner
escaped late last night. It is unclear how
they managed to do so. The prisoner, all
imprisoned for felonies, should be regarded
as dangerous and should not be approached.

Four of the five captive have been in
Azkaban since 1998, having been imprisoned
for war criminal offense. They are Alecto Carrow,
Amycus Carrow, Fenrir Greyback, and Dolores
Umbridge. All but Umbridge are proven Death
eater. The 5th prisoner, Quinton Willinson,
has been in and out of prison since 2018,
having escaped and been recaptured just last
year.

'Finding and recapturing these individuals is
our top priority ,'brain Auror, Harry Potter,
said to reporter early this morn. minister
candidate and capitulum Azkaban official, Patricia
Laurentis, refused to point out on the break-out.
The Auror department has asked all those with
tips to report them to the Ministry via owl
immediately.

Albus sat stunned after reading the clause. Three dying feeder, Dolores Umbridge, and Quinton Willinson had escaped from Azkaban. How did that happen ? How did five high certificate prisoners just escape with no one stopping them ? It did n't make sense.

"This is not going to make Laurentis look estimable,"Amanda said quietly.

"Forget Laurentis, this is bad,"Albus said."Very bad. Umbridge is malevolent, writhe evilness. My dad 's got scars on his script from what she did to him when she was a teacher here. And the Carrows, they were teachers, too. They taught Dark arts. Not defensive measure, but genuine night Arts, and how to torture Muggles. Greyback-"

"Reb bites the great unwashed, for fun,"lusterlessness said, his nerve pale white."He 's the one who bit shift 's dad."

"The four of them,"Albus began,"the four of them make Quinton Willinson look like a unicorn."

"That 's the weird thing,"blush wine said."The others are in prison for sprightliness for war offense. Willinson will be in there for a spell, but he 'll get parole eventually and the but cause he 's a high security captive is because he escaped before. So why did he break away out with the others ? Why did they let him in on it ? They 're up to something."

Albus had n't even thought of that. Why was Quinton Willinson now connected with war criminal who had been in prison since before he was born ? It did n't create common sense. Albus thought about it throughout all his family that day, but did n't come up with any answers.

It was obvious that the Azkaban break-out had unnerved the entire castle. Professors spoke in low whispers when they thought bookman were n't around, students no longer wandered the castle by themselves, and even Scorpius Malfoy seemed a bit more low-key during dueling practice on Thursday.

All five prisoner still remained at heavy on Fri, when Ministry functionary began arriving for the public debate. Laurentis still had yet to comment on the break-out, which struck Albus as strange. Azkaban was her territory and yet she said nothing on the theme.

"Is it just me or are there even more reporters here than there were hold up time ?"Albus asked.

"It 's not just you,"Amanda said.

Albus, Matt, John, and Amanda were walking back to the castling from Care of Magical creature. It was tiresome going since the wax moonlight was that Nox and Matt was exhausted, but luckily the weather was unseasonably affectionate for January. They 'd just been passed by a group of hurried looking newsman coming up from Hogsmeade.

"There 's probably more because of the break-out,"mat said."Laurentis is going to take in to finally say something about it tomorrow since the topic is Azkaban."

"Does anyone else think it 's weird that there was a break-out three Day before the Azkaban argumentation ?"Albus asked.

"I thought of that, too,"Amanda said."Very weird coincidence."

"well, it 'll be good for your uncle,"bathroom said."Laurentis is going to look like an cretin, not being able to keep five high-pitched security measures prisoners in Azkaban."

Albus nodded. He supposed that was one thoroughly thing that came from three Death Eaters escaping from Azkaban, not that there was anything good about it.

"I 'm skipping appealingness,"Matt said through a yawn."And ancient Runes."

"I 'm surprised you did n't decamp Care of Magical brute,"John said.

matt shrugged."I felt okay earlier, probably because of the nap I took in account of Magic."

Saint John the Apostle laughed."I felt much better after my nap in chronicle of Magic, too."

"Very funny,"matt said as they reached the castle.

Albus found it increasingly hard to concentrate on anything for the sleep of the day. By the prison term he went to Ancient runic letter he was ineffective to consider about anything besides the break-out and the fact that Death Eaters were now roaming free. Deep down he knew he was perfectly safe at Hogwarts, but it was still troubling.

Professor Kendrick welcomed the Ministry officials to Hogwarts at dinner that night and Albus thought back to the finale debate, when Hogwarts had housed the Ministry officials. He was very glad that this prison term he would n't be confessing to a put-on to his uncle in the Gryffindor plebeian elbow room. Neither John or Kaden had done their retaliation trick to the Slytherins yet and Albus sort of hoped they would n't.

After a fitful eternal rest Albus woke early on Saturday dawn and contemplated visiting flatness before everyone else woke up, but figured that Matt would be asleep and thus it would be wasted to confabulate. He 'd visit with everyone else later, after the public debate. They 'd hold tidy sum of fourth dimension sine there was n't going to be a dubiousness and answer session this clip.

At ten o'clock Albus, Rose, and Amanda stood in parentage in straw man of the Great Radclyffe Hall, waiting to be let inside. John had decided not to get at asking if he could take Matt 's lieu, since he did n't want to pull any attending to the fact that Matt was not there.

"Albus,"rose wine whispered, poking him in the face."face. Malfoy 's here."

Albus glanced over to where Rose was pointing and saw that Scorpius was in fact waiting in line. He looked sullen and upset again and Albus wished he knew why. It was weird seeing Malfoy, the usually arrogant prick, upset.

"speculation he won the Slytherin spot,"Albus said.

The doorway to the Great Hall opened and Albus and Rose said good-by to Amanda before they were lead to the forepart of the elbow room by a Slytherin prefect. They were seated in the same row they were before, along with the ease of their Hogwarts cousin.

The Great entrance hall slowly filled up over the adjacent one-half hr. The rest of Albus 's cousins, aunts, and uncles arrived, taking spots in the front man few rows. Albus caught Georgia 's eye as she took her buns in the row on the opposite side of the elbow room from him and she gave him a thin grin.

Albus wondered if Laurentis 's campaign director had actually found anything on Uncle Harry Hotspur and whether she would say anything during the debate. With the break-out, he hoped she 'd been too busy to dig up often dirt or even think about exposing anything.

Albus turned to the social movement of the way and watched a very short man accompany professor Kendrick to the moderator 's soapbox. He was dressed in Ministry blue sky robes and had very lilliputian hair on his psyche.

"Attention, please !"Kendrick shouted. The crowd quieted."Thank you. I 'd like to receive all of you to Hogwarts and usher in our moderator for this cockcrow. Victor Farleigh, Head of the Department of Magical Transportation."

"Thank you, professor,"the unforesightful, balding man said."I 'd now like to introduce our candidate, although I am certainly you all know them. Mr. Percy Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

Walker Percy and Laurentis walked into the elbow room from one of the antechambers and took their places at each of the podiums. Percy looked as confident as always and Laurentis, despite the scandal of the break-out, looked poised and excited.

"Today we will be debating the judicial organisation, specifically Azkaban prison,"Farleigh announced."The common rules apply. Five minute arguments, two minute rebuttals."

Laurentis inched tightlipped to her podium, as if she was readying herself to pounce on whatever Sir Henry Percy said. Hotspur remained calm and collected, continuing to bring the role of the cool pol.

"Mr. Weasley, you will respond first. Do you feel that the juridical system as a whole is fairish to both the accused and victims of crime ? Are the time handed out by the Wizengamot carnival ?"

"I believe everyone is able to get a fair trial by the Wizengamot,"Sir Henry Percy began."I have reviewed many eccentric, and while I am not nor do I pretend to be a solicitor, and I feel that the majority of the sentence handed out by the Wizengamot fit the crime. However, there is always a hazard that a soul guilty of a crime will go destitute, as there is an equal chance that mortal will be wrongfully imprisoned. The judicial system works severely to build sure this happens as infrequently as potential and corrects wrongfulness when they do occur."

"Ms. Laurentis ?"

"I disagree with my opponent,"Laurentis said."nearly of the prison term handed out by the Wizengamot are not rough enough. Ever since the defeat of Voldemort prison house sentences have grown shorter, with the exception of those imprisoned for war offence. And one shamed person who roams detached is too many. If I am elected Minister I will wreak hard to ensure that no guilty people get off. Prisoners belong in Azkaban and the Wizengamot is far too lenient."

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

"While a finish of not having any guilty people get set free is worthy, it is unrealistic,"Sir Henry Percy said."The Wizengamot is composed of witches and whiz like you and me. They are not any more powerful than we are and do not possess the ability to recognise for sure that the accused are guilty. mistake happen and while we should play to minimize them, it is very unrealistic to say that we can get rid of them completely. Ms. Laurentis is offering false hope."

"I am not offering simulated hope,"Laurentis said."There are spells, potions, ways to find out out if people are guilty that the Wizengamot does not use. If I am elected pastor I will approve use of these and they will assist the Wizengamot in ensuring that no shamed criminals are set free."

Albus agreed with his uncle. There was no potential way Laurentis could guarantee that all felon would be imprisoned.

"Next question,"Farleigh said."Ms. Laurentis, you will go first. Do you finger the password organization is in effect ?"

Laurentis gave a wry smile before beginning."a great deal like the Wizengamot, the parole system is too soft. I have seen criminal guilty of imposing larceny get paroled after a bare two eld in prison. The statistics are clear-cut, most of these criminal who are paroled early on in their time wind up back in Azkaban within a year, whether for breaking the rule of their word or committing another crime. As Head of Azkaban, I am able to afford my input of whether a captive is paroled or not, but in the end it is up to the Wizengamot."

"Mr. Weasley."

"As my antagonist has said, many outlaw are paroled too quickly. However, I do not trust that leaving them in Azkaban longer is the root. If I am elected I will create and support a well system for integrating crook back into society. Muggles have seen success with halfway sign and I feel we should try that in wizarding society."

"Halfway planetary house ?"Laurentis said with raised eyebrow."An intriguing idea. However, Mr. Weasley lacks the experience that I have with dealing with prisoners. Most are not fit for company and many never will be. Even with halfway family they will wind up back in Azkaban. Why spend the money on trying to rehabilitate when it wo n't put to work ?"

"It 's about giving mass a hazard,"Percy said."Not everyone is a lost causa and should be written off so quickly. Many prisoner have made a few bad pick as a event of bad childhoods and a bit of rehabilitation will set them straight."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh said."adjacent question. Is Azkaban an allow situation to house prisoners ? Is the deftness still doing its job ?"

Walker Percy shifted a bit before answering."Azkaban is an capture facility for eminent protection prisoners, but I have always felt that we need a less restrain edifice to house our get down security prisoner. Right now all criminal, from those who committed lilliputian theft or skipped bail to those who have murdered masses, are all housed in Azkaban. I have been to Azkaban. Despite the fact that it is no longer in dominance of the dementors it is still a terrifying and high security place. It also requires a lot of money for its upkeep. If we were to build a minuscule building located on the mainland to family lower protection captive, we would be able to decrease spending at Azkaban itself. We could then increase security at Azkaban without wasting effort and money on less dangerous criminals."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"How is building another adroitness going to save money ?"Laurentis asked."Once again you show your ignorance in the judicial system and Azkaban. I believe that Azkaban is doing its job perfectly well. I am in explosive charge of the prison, including its care and it is in stark condition. We are not spending an usurious total of money on the place. Further, I do not conceive that less dangerous criminal deserve a depressed security prison. They are all criminals and if they did not wish to be in Azkaban, they should not suffer committed a crime."

"Maintaining Azkaban is expensive,"Walker Percy said."It is also extremely unmanageable to hire guards because of its location and general feel of the place, not to refer the dangerous crook. If we housed less dangerous criminals in another building, it would be leisurely to find guards to figure out there. We could then use the safety device willing to hold high-pitched security captive only to guard high security measure prisoner. We would no longer deliver to waste them on scummy security prisoners."

"But we will still make to maintain Azkaban, and then another edifice,"Laurentis pointed out."It just makes far more sense to restrain all criminals in one post and an island is a good place to do that-"

"Obviously not that salutary, given the escape-"

"Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh interrupted."You are speaking out of tour. It is time to travel on to the next question. In light of the Recent Azkaban break-out, what do you experience demand to be done to see to it it does not hap again ?"

Laurentis gazed out over the bunch. Albus felt like she was looking directly at him, but assumed she just had that ability to come along to be looking every person in the eye at once. She then turned to Percy and gave him one of those creepy smiles that seemed to deliver become her key signature facial expression. Albus turned to rosiness, who raised her brow and shrugged.

"I am well aware that I have remained quiet on the subject of the break-out,"Laurentis began,"and I have done that on intention. I see that all of the reporters in the back have their Quik-Quotes quill poised and gear up to write down my every word on this case. Surely you 're all hoping to be the first to publish my thoughts.

"You 're probably all assuming I will abnegate that there is anything wrong with the certificate at the prison house and that the break-out was a mere fluke and it wo n't happen again. I am not going to say either. There is a problem and if we do not fix it, it will happen again. Every undivided one of those scat captive is highly dangerous and if we do not recapture them soon, who knows what will befall. When they are captured, we will postulate to possess skillful certificate in place. After all, what is more important that the safety of our minor ? With those five prisoner roaming free, every mortal in this room, in this castle, in this country is in danger.

"Fortunately, I have a resolution. It is a controversial solvent, but I feel we need to go to extremes to protect our families, especially our children. That is why if elected government minister, the initiative affair I will do is reinstate the dementors as Azkaban guards."


Sorry about the drop hanger ! I did n't need to do it but the chapter was twice as long as they normally are and there really was n't a near place to dissever it. Thanks for all the lovely critique !


Albus let out a pant, as did everyone else in the elbow room. The Great Hall was suddenly in bedlam. Everyone was whispering and a few people had let out war cry of indignation or excitement. Albus could practically try the newsman'quill feather scratching across rolls of parchment, and Laurentis was grinning again. Percy stood behind his stump, his mouth seeming to be frozen in a all-encompassing, gaping stead. Farleigh was attempting to gain Order, and failing.

"That is literally insane !"Rose exclaimed."Reinstate the dementors ? Is she mad ? Is she throwing the election ?"

"I do n't love,"Albus said."But she must be mad. Will hoi polloi actually approve of this ? Will she even be able to do it ?"

Rose nodded."Whoever she gets to replace herself as header of Azkaban will surely want the dementors back, too. Then she 'll approve it as minister and it 'll pass."

"But it would be stupe to bring them back,"Albus said.

"It would,"rosiness agreed."They 're dangerous and their allegiance variety so easily. But to be honest, I 'm not sure everyone will feel that way. Not with those prisoners on the loose."

"Quiet, hush !"prof Kendrick shouted. The crowd finally settled down.

"Mr. Weasley, it is your turn to mouth,"Farleigh said exasperatingly.

Percy shook his caput to recover his composure. He 'd lost his cool, calm, and collected politician looking at and now he looked more like he did after arguing with GA about her Quidditch career.

"fountainhead, I, er, do not trust that dementors are the response to the security measure trouble in Azkaban,"Percy said."What we need are more skilled guards in charge of in high spirits security captive as well as a revamp of the magic spell and trance currently keeping prisoner inside. It will also help to go over the formation of the safety device agenda because at the meter of the escape, only three guard duty were maintaining that part of the prison house. That was surely an superintendence that could have been prevented."

"homo wrongdoing,"Laurentis said."It happens and it will happen again. Can we really risk the life of our nipper in the chance that another error will occur ? Dementors were establish guards who did not tolerate prisoner to escape. During their sovereignty in Azkaban, before their commitment changed, only one person managed to break loose. Since their removal we have had legion escapes."

"open grounds that we need to revamp prison security system,"Percy said."But dementors are not the answer. They are dangerous beast and as you said, their allegiance changed. What 's to say that wo n't take place again if, God forbid, another Voldemort were to rise to power ? If anyone offered those dementors a upright deal than we did they 'd have a wholly prison house of grievous criminals at their disposal to do their bidding. It 's not worth the risk."

"Another Voldemort is not going to resurrect to power,"Laurentis said with a joke."We have learned from our history and it wo n't happen again."

"You ca n't guarantee that,"Percy said."Even if there is a very small chance of it happening, it is not worth risking having dementors guard Azkaban."

"Mr. Weasley, Ms. Laurentis,"Farleigh said."It is time to incite on-"

"You are talking about a hypothetical !"Laurentis exclaimed, throwing her custody up in the air."I am talking about what is happening now ! Five grave outlaw have escaped, four of whom were on Voldemort 's side of meat during the war, and are out there, wreaking havoc as we speak. If the dementors were guarding Azkaban this never would take happened."

"Now look who 's talking hypotheticals !"Percy shouted back, ignoring Farleigh 's vain attempts to get both prospect to stop talking."For all we know they would 've escaped anyway !"

Laurentis let out a thick laugh."Five captive escape when the dementors are allied with the Ministry ? That 's laughable. Only one person was able to do that and it was because he was an Animagus. None of the captive are Animagi. We test for that before admitting anyone to the prison."

"Be that as it may, dementors are dangerous charming wight. Not to bring up the ethic of subjecting captive to their effects-"

"prisoner have no rights,"Laurentis said."They give up their rightfulness when they commit crimes-"

"Basic homo right wing !"Percy exclaimed."There are basic human right hand that everyone deserves ! Talk about learning from our history. History tells us what happens when someone believes they are above others. Or do you not remember the reign of Voldemort ?"

"I lost my mother to that war !"Laurentis said."Do n't you tell me that I do n't think it."

Albus was on the border of his seat. His uncle was so red in the face that he was starting to sour royal and resemble Kaden 's grandfather. Laurentis 's hair was breaking free from its nasty bun and there was a vena popping out in her forehead. Farleigh was still trying to get both nominee to give up talking and failing miserably, while every other mortal in the Great Hall sat completely still, staring at Harry Hotspur and Laurentis.

"muteness !"prof Kendrick shouted in a magically amplified voice.

Both Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis immediately quieted. The vein on Laurentis 's brow continued to pulsate, and Percy still looked like an overripe tomato.

"I think we 've run out of time,"Farleigh said, in a vox barely more than a squeak."Thank you all for coming."

"Students, delight return to your common room,"Kendrick announced."Lunch will be in an hour. As a reminder, there is no doubtfulness and response session today."

The rustle rose up immediately after Kendrick stopped speaking and since everyone was whispering the noise level rose very high school. Albus, rose, and Amanda joined the queue of people ambling to leave the Great vestibule, and without even talking about it, went immediately to the Marauder 's Den, where they found John and Kaden.

"What the bloody Scheol is she trying to do ?"John asked as soon as Albus shut the threshold.

"She 's lost her idea !"Rose shouted as she began pacing around the elbow room."She has legitimately lost her mind. That 's the only explanation."

"well there 's no way she 'll win now,"Albus pointed out."Dementors ?"

"It 's a bit convenient, do n't you reckon ?"blush wine asked."This break-out happens and then she announces she wants the dementors back ? It did n't vocalise like a plan she 'd just come up with."

"We 've got to observe out if she 's tried to get them back before,"Albus said."If she has it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

"Dementors ..."Kaden murmured."They 're what sucked all the happiness out of us when we were in Australia last year, right ?"

Albus nodded."They 're fearsome creatures."

"And they used to guard the prison house ?"Amanda asked incredulously."That 's just wrong."

"It is,"Rose said darkly."That 's why after Voldemort they stopped using them as guards. That and all the dementors changed fealty and let demise Eaters escape."

"Would they even come back, though ?"Kaden asked."I mean, if they switched commitment so easily ...."

"They 'll go wherever they 're offered the most humans to feed off of."rosiness shuddered."Voldemort offered them far more than even Azkaban could offer. But right now they do n't have a good source. They just travel around, feeding. They 'll guard if given the opportunity."

"Should n't people be against it ?"Amanda asked."It 's so ethically wrong."

"That 's why it was dumb of her to announce it,"Albus pointed out.

"She would n't denote anything if she did n't think it would get her votes,"rosiness said."near masses our parents'age and older, who lost loved unity in the war, will have absolutely no sympathy for Death Eaters and would n't care if the dementors were brought back, especially if Laurentis could then guarantee no one would escape."

Albus had n't thought of that and apparently no one else did, either, because the room grew quiet. Albus sank onto one of the couches and started counting the identification number of Bertie Bott 's Every-Flavor noggin that were scattered on the flooring. He got to 23 before anyone said anything.

"I wonder what Malfoy thinks of all this,"trick mused."Was n't his dad a death eater ? So he should n't want the dementors back in Azkaban, but the way he was talking in the Three broom handle a while back made it seem like he 's very against your uncle."

"Of course he 's against my uncle,"Albus said."His unanimous family dislike my unit household and it goes the former way, too. But his dad was never found hangdog of his criminal offence so he never did sentence in Azkaban."

"Surely his dad 's got friends there,"John said.

Albus shrugged."Probably."To be honest, he did n't really like what Malfoy thought about Laurentis and Uncle Sir Henry Percy.

"We should go to dejeuner and then visit mat,"rosiness said."Catch him up on all this."

Albus had completely forgotten that matt was still in the hospital wing, in the midst of Laurentis 's announcement. He felt vaguely guilty about it, but at least pink wine had remembered.

Everyone gathered for lunch in the Great Radclyffe Hall was talking about Laurentis 's desire to institute back the dementors. Percy, Laurentis, and the Ministry official were still there, having tiffin with the professor at the staff table, and all were deep in treatment. Albus would 've loved to be able to listen in on their conversations, but wearing the Invisibility Cloak in the crowded Great Hall was n't a near idea.

"Better get used to the idea of your dad being Minister,"one of the seventh years was saying to Omar Nelson Bradley."No one 's going to vote for Laurentis now."

Bradley muttered something under his breath that Albus could n't get word. Albus took a seat a few the great unwashed down from his cousin and began to make a sandwich.

"She 's got my whole family 's voting now,"one of the former seventh class said."Both of my grandparents were killed by Fenrir Johnny Reb. If the dementors will catch him and keep him in there forever, it 'd make all of us sleep better."

There were a few nods from other sr. students sitting nearby. Albus was slightly shocked. If this many scholarly person approved of her idea, a lot of grownup probably did, too. And these were one-seventh twelvemonth ; they could vote.

"Wait, the dementors find malefactor, too ?"Kaden asked."I thought that 's what Aurors did."

"Only the really terrible escaped captive,"Albus said."My dad 's Godfather, Canicula, when he escaped, the dementors were given permission to generate him the Dementor 's kiss if they caught him."

"What 's the Dementor 's buss ?"Amanda asked.

Albus shuddered."It 's where they suck out somebody 's soul."

"And they die ?"Amanda asked quietly.

Albus shook his foreland."No, they live without a individual. Everyone says it 's worse than dying."

"And they were going to do that to Sirius ?"Kaden replied.

Albus nodded."He was the for the first time to hightail it Azkaban. He 's the one Laurentis was talking about and at the time everyone thought he murdered thirteen Muggles and gave my grandparents up to Voldemort."

"That 's absolutely horrible !"Amanda exclaimed. She turned to the few sixth and seventh old age who had said they 'd vote for Laurentis."How can you wish well that on individual ?"

"If your grandparents were murdered by Death Eaters you would, too,"one of the girls snapped.

"Albus 's grandparents were murdered by Voldemort and he does n't want the dementors back at Azkaban,"Amanda pointed out.

"Well, Voldemort 's dead,"the girl said."Maybe if Greyback were dead I 'd feel differently. But he 's not so I want the dementors back."

"I do n't guess she 's going to suffer as easily as we thought,"Amanda said quietly.

"Of trend she 's not,"Rose said."This is probably better for votes than digging up dirt on Uncle Percy."

"It 's absolutely savage,"Amanda said, shoving her plate forward."Sucking out someone 's soul ? And they just give suck your felicitous memories out ?"

"Yeah,"Albus answered, thinking back to the previous June. He shuddered."You 're forced to live over your worst memories."

"That 's all you can believe about ?"Amanda asked."Just the bad ones ?"

Albus nodded."My dad said it makes you go mad after a while."

"Of course it does !"Amanda shouted."That 's just not right ! Are you lot done eating yet ? I ca n't sit here anymore."

Albus was surprised Amanda had had such a strong reaction to the dementors, but he supposed coming from the Muggle world, where she had n't even known such brute existed, it would be a bit of a shock. He was even more surprise that she 'd nearly gotten into a shouting lucifer with a seventh yr over them, when she was normally so quiet.

"I 'm done,"rosiness said.

"Me, too,"Albus said as he got up.

John and Kaden each grabbed the remaining one-half of their sandwiches and followed the others out of the Great manse. Amanda lead the way, stomping her groundwork a bit more forcefully than was necessary.

"It 's just wrong on so many levels !"she said as she led them to the infirmary backstage."It 's torture, honestly. That 's what it is. Emotional distortion. Ca n't they just be killed off or something ?"

"They do n't die,"rose said."They ca n't. They just sort of ... exist. Once my mum gets word of this, well, she 's not going to stay quiet."

"And she should n't,"Amanda said."Can she stop Laurentis ?"

"Not if Laurentis is Minister,"Rose answered."Right now Mum 's the elder assistant of Magical Law Enforcement, so if Laurentis tried to get this to hap now, my mum could assist stop it. But Minister Hartwell would never put something like this through."

"They 're foul wight,"Amanda continued."Having them ward anything or anyone is a terrible idea."

Albus decided now would not be a good time to recount Amanda that when his dad was a third year Hogwarts was guarded by dementors.

"A dementor went after my dad once,"Kaden announced as they continued to the Hospital fender."Albus 's dad saved him with a Patronus. Then he nearly got expelled for doing underage magic in the mien of a Muggle."

"You 're kidding,"Amanda said."God, the Ministry really was screwed up when your parents were at Hogwarts. This is the sort of thing Embry should be using as examples."

"I doubt it 's a well-known fact,"Albus said."That the notable Harry Potter nearly got expelled."

"It 's a serious example of unjustness,"Amanda said.

"You sound just like my mum,"rose said."It 's creepy. Does n't she ?"

Albus agreed."You do sound just like her mum."

"Your mum has the right idea,"Amanda said as they reached the hospital Wing.

Matt was the solitary affected role in the Mrs. Humphrey Ward. The curtains were n't drawn around his bed and he was sitting up and eating a arena of soup, which was a sound signal. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, working on charts, and muttering to herself about something.

"Hey, how are you feeling ?"Albus asked when they got to his bed.

"fine,"lusterlessness said."Three cracked rib and a lot of nasty snub, but I 'm fine. Listen, I heard the debate. dame Pomfrey had it on on the radio. How insane is Laurentis ? ! You should have heard ma'am Pomfrey ranting about her earlier."

"You 're not to repeat what you heard,"Madam Pomfrey said."But Albus and Rose, you can tell your uncle that he 's got my voting. Always thought he was a piddling portentous when he was at Hogwarts but at least he 's not slow enough to employ dementors as guards of Azkaban."

"Amanda 's on a rampage,"Albus said.

"It 's kind of funny remark,"John added.

"It is not laughable !"Amanda exclaimed."It 's serious."

"It 's just that you 're so quiet down, but you got into it with that one-seventh year."

"I did not get into it with a seventh class !"Amanda shouted and turned to Matt."John 's exaggerating. She announced that she and her family were all going to vote for Laurentis because her grandparents were killed by Greyback and she wants to draw sure he stays in prison."

Matt toyed with his blanket and did n't forgather Amanda 's eye.

"What ?"she asked."Do n't tell me you want the dementors in Azkaban."

"I do n't,"lustrelessness said quickly."It 's not that. It 's the whole Johnny thing, I can sort out of see where she 's coming from. It 's got to be scary, knowing he 's out there when he killed her grandparents .... I mean, I guess I 've always been kind of lucky. The chap who bit me is in prison and has been since he bit me."

Albus had never heard flatness talk about the werewolf who bit him, except for mentioning that he 's in prison.

"He gets out next year,"Matt said quietly."He can get paroled."

"Do you know much about him ?"Albus asked.

"Just his figure and how old he was,"Matt said."My parents know a bit more but they 've never told me and I 've never asked."

"Is the Aboriginal Australian prison guarded by dementors ?"Amanda asked.

matt shook his head."No, and it never has been. And I do n't think prison should be guarded by dementors. But grayback ... he 's scary. He 's spoilt than Silas Humphrey, that was the bloke who bit me. Humphrey 's attack on me, that was an accident. Limnodromus griseus bit people on design. He 'd bite hoi polloi and then set up them in his gang. That 's why he liked going for kids. Teddy 's dad ... Reb bit him and tried to get his parents to give him up. They did n't, of course of instruction, but a lot of parents did."

Albus swallowed hard. He had n't known that about Teddy 's dad and was n't even for sure if slip knew that. shimmy 's dad 's parents died long before Teddy was born and Albus doubted his gran knew that.

"How 'd you determine that out ?"Albus asked.

"When we first moved here Amy learned about slip 's dad when she was catching up on British account of Magic. She told me all about him and how successful he wound up being just to make me finger better. But then I decided to enquiry early werewolves and found out about Johnny in one of my dad 's ledger. It talked about his completely thing with biting kids. It never said Teddy 's dad specifically was one of those kids but I figured he must 've been."

"That 's atrocious,"Albus said quietly. The others nodded.

"He had a whole face pack of werewolves to do his bidding,"Matt said."And now he 's out. What if he wants to do that again ?"

"insect bite hoi polloi and make a multitude ?"Albus asked.

Matt nodded."That or notice citizenry who 've already been bitten."

Albus saw where this was going now."He 's not going to find oneself you. Hogwarts is safe."

"That 's what everyone always says, but the past few years it really has n't. call back last year ?"

"Technically we were n't in the castling when we got taken to Commonwealth of Australia. We were in the Floo. So if we just stay in the castle ..."Albus pointed out.

"It 's still not a guarantee,"lusterlessness said."I wonder how many mass he bit last night."

Albus did n't answer. There was no way of knowing what Fenrir Greyback did during the full moonlight, just like there was no way to vouch that Hogwarts would be safety. All Albus and his Quaker could do was hope that it would be prophylactic and that the escaped death eater would be recaptured soon. Albus still thought having dementors defend Azkaban was an absolutely dire idea, but after listening to Matt talk about Silas Humphrey and Fenrir grayback, he variety of understood why some hoi polloi might want the dementors back at Azkaban and thus vote for Laurentis. She might even get elected just because of this. And that, when it came down to it, was what scared Albus the most.


A/N : No cliffhanger this prison term ! Thanks for all the grand reviews ! If you like Marauder era, please check out my young novel, Between Here and Somewhere !


"I guess Laurentis has been trying to get the dementors reinstated in Azkaban for years,"Albus said the following good morning at breakfast, as he set down a written matter of the Prophet.

The clause on the debate had been a long one, taking up nearly the entire front page. It featured a pic of Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis arguing with each other, and Albus was capable to see his uncle 's face turning steadily more purple, despite the fact that the picture was in blacken and Patrick Victor Martindale White. The article that followed elaborate Laurentis 's apparently years-long campaign to bring the dementors back. She had put the proposition up for voter turnout four times and it was shot down by government minister Hartwell each fourth dimension.

"Of track he shot it down,"Rose said after skimming the article."It 's a poor fish estimation. Oh, look, they 've quoted my mum. I 'll read it. 'Hermione Weasley, elder assistant of Magical Law Enforcement, when asked about Laurentis 's marriage offer, said, 'It 's absolutely savage. Everybody, including prisoner, have basic human rights that can not be broken. I thought we 'd moved past the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. when the Ministry sanctioned emotional vilification of its captive and the thought process that a woman running for Minister is proposing this is quite frankly horrifying. It is my sincere hope that the people of wizarding Britain will think long and hard about the essence this will have got, not only on prisoners, but on our society as well, before they cast their votes in April. ''"

"Always one to speak her nous, your mum,"Albus said.

"I could n't jibe more,"Amanda replied."Although if Laurentis wins I bet she gets sacked."

"She ca n't,"Rose said."Her job is n't appointed solely by the Minister. If she were head of the department, then yes, but she is n't psyche yet. It 's confusing."

"Good,"Amanda said."We 'll need some sane masses in there if Laurentis is elected."

"What are you lot doing today ?"John asked, steering the conversation away from the election."Kaden and I are going to expend the day plotting our new prank."

"I do n't desire to know,"Rose said, holding up her hands."I 'm probably going to go to the library."

"I 'll go with you,"Amanda said."I want to research dementors and their use in Azkaban."

"Quidditch practice,"Albus replied."All day. We 've got to get ready for the match on Saturday against Ravenclaw. After the endure match, we 've got to make sure we we win by a becoming amount of degree if we 're going to takeover Slytherin 's place for the Cup."

"Oh yeah,"Kaden said."Whatever happened with that Olivia missy ? She had a huge crush on James, did n't she ?"

Albus laughed."I 've no idea."

"She sent King James I a box of chocolates for Christmas Day,"Cedric, who had been sitting next to Albus, whispered."But you did n't hear that from me."

"I was there when he opened his present,"Albus said.

"She gave them to him before we went home for the vacation,"Cedric explained."She hijacked our thestral carriage and wound up riding to the geartrain with us."

"How awkward was that ?"Albus asked, still giggling.

"Very,"Cedric said as he glanced over his shoulder."She stared at him the all time."

"Creepy,"Albus said.

"Shh,"Cedric said."He 's coming over."

"I think I 'm going to go sojourn Matt before Quidditch practice,"Albus said."I 'll see you later ?"

"Sure,"Rose said."You know where to find oneself me."

"And us !"John announced."predator 's Den. Prank planning."

"I do n't want to be involved,"Albus said as he got up.

Saint John the Apostle shrugged."Suit yourself."

Albus hurried up to the Hospital Wing and managed to get inside without Madam Pomfrey noticing, although the nurse would n't have minded him being there. But she was very lost with two pupil who had somehow fused their leftfield implements of war together. Matt was already alive and much gay than he had been the previous day, when talking about Greyback. He was pretty sure dame Pomfrey was going to let him out that Night, so they agreed to fulfil in the Marauder 's Den just before dinner party.

Quidditch practice went very well and Albus was fairly certain they would beat Ravenclaw on Saturday. No one mentioned the election or Laurentis 's wanting to contribute back the dementors, which was a surely planetary house that matter were getting back to normal at Hogwarts. Albus spent the repose of the day in the marauder 's Den working on his homework with flatness while trying to head off hearing any part of John and Kaden 's new prank.

The calendar week went by quickly since Albus spent every moment he was n't in form on the Quidditch sales pitch. But the weather condition remained seemly so it was pleasurable. The simply day Albus was n't on the pitch was Th, when he had dueling drill.

"When 's the next tourney ?"Amanda asked as she and Albus walked into the Transfiguration Day classroom, where they were were scheduled to practice. Heather was there to monitor, sitting in a corner. A few of the team members were there already, including Malfoy.

"Weekend after this one,"Albus said."I think we 'll do well."Albus glanced over to Malfoy, expecting some kind of snarky comeback from him. But he was n't even paying attention. Instead he was hunched over a long piece of parchment."Wonder what he 's doing ?"

Amanda shrugged."Last minute homework ?"

Suddenly, Malfoy sat up straight and crumpled the piece of lambskin. He shoved it into his pocket and stood up, staring at Albus as he did so. He looked morose and averted his center after only a few seconds.

"I do n't think that 's prep,"Albus said.

"Weird,"Amanda said.

"Very,"Albus agreed."Let 's get started ! I think we should recitation blocking."He took a sidelong glance at Malfoy, expecting him to jeer and lay claim that they already knew how to block, but instead Malfoy just turned to the student nighest to him and began to do as Albus said. What was even weirder was that the bookman he partnered with was a second base yr Hufflepuff. Albus blinked to make indisputable he was n't seeing things and then began shooting go at Amanda while she blocked them.

The practice session academic term got stranger as the night went on, in terminal figure of Malfoy 's behavior. Not once did he second surmise what Albus said and he did n't say one word of honor to anyone that was n't directly related to dueling. Heather raised her eyebrows at Albus on numerous occasions since she had supervised Albus 's practices before and knew how much Malfoy usually tried to be the maitre d'. He ran out of the room as soon as the practice was over, looking vaguely upset, as he had at the debate.

"That was the foreign thing ever,"Amanda said as she and Albus walked back to the Gryffindor common room."And I witnessed my brother attempt to brew a potion this past summer and toast it, thinking that it would turn him into a wizard."

Albus burst out laughing."Was he really disappointed that he did n't get a Hogwarts missive ?"

Amanda nodded."I never thought he would but did n't tell him that. But do you have any idea why Malfoy did n't fence with you tonight ?"

"I 've no idea,"Albus said."But I really hope he stays this way."

"I bet it had something to do with whatever he was reading when we walked in."

"I wonder what it was."

Amanda shrugged."No thought, but I wish I did. It 's just so odd."

"Whatever it is, I hope it keeps him like this during future week 's tournament."

"Albus ! What if it 's something really awesome ?"Amanda asked.

Albus had n't thought about that."Well, we do n't bang that it is, so I do n't have to call up about it."

"Albus, I doubt anything good would make Malfoy shut up like that,"Amanda reasoned."I 'm just saying, it might be something awful."
***


Gryffindor 's disposition to playact Quidditch during really bad weather condition came up in wax force on Sat, when the unseasonably affectionate temperatures decided to desert Hogwarts. In its place were freezing cold temperatures and a howling snow storm that probably should have resulted in the peer being canceled. But since Hogwarts never canceled Quidditch, Albus was preparing himself for a miserable match. He wished they could own nice weather, like they had when they played Slytherin in Nov.

The survive sentence Albus had played in a storm this bad he 'd been in his second year and wound up in the hospital wing with the flu afterward. He certainly did not want a repeat of that so he was hoping that Jesse James would catch the Snitch sooner rather than later.

"Fred, this is crazy,"Ryan said as they stood in the doorway of the changing rooms, waiting for the equal to begin."There is literally no way to see the fink in this."

"There 's nothing I can do about it,"Fred snapped. Everyone could order he was stressed about this match, since they 'd lost to Slytherin."We have to play unless Kendrick calls it off."

Ryan was good. Albus stared out onto the pitching and all he saw was white. The snow was swirling and blowing and Albus could n't tell if Thomas More snow was actually falling or if it was all just getting blown around. But either way, finding a sneaker in it was going to be nearly impossible.

"I 'll catch up with it,"Henry James said confidently."Do n't worry."

"We 're not going to be capable to pick up the comment,"Fred said."Just catch it as soon as you can. Do n't worry about catching it after we 're up a certain number of points. We just need a win at this point."

There was a very tone down, quiet down roar of hand clapping and Fred led the team out onto the delivery. The balls were released and Albus flew up into the raging storm. Soon, he did n't bang which way was up or down, let alone where the Quaffle was. After about ten arcminute of meandering around the pitch, not knowing where he was going, the Quaffle suddenly appeared. Albus caught it, but had no idea where the goal posts were.

Albus flew straight ahead, hoping it was in the in good order commission, but instead of reaching the end posts, he reached the stands. Groaning, he turned and headed toward the goal situation. At to the lowest degree he now knew where they were. He managed to mark, mostly because Ravenclaw 's steward did n't see him.

The match continued in topsy-turvydom, with no one knowing where anyone else was. Albus did n't see a single Bludger the unanimous time and assumed the Beaters were just trying to prevent track of them rather than trying to get them to hit the opposite team 's players. Fred had been right about the comment ; Albus could n't get word a Logos of it.

It felt like he was playing a match by himself. The only other players he saw were the Ravenclaw quester, Fred, and Heather. They had given up chasing as a team and instead, when one of them got the Quaffle, they flew it down to the destination posts as best they could.

"Albus, Albus !"someone shouted.

Albus turned and squinted, but he could n't make out anyone flying near him.

"Albus !"

Albus continued flying in a circle trying to figure out who it was. He did n't even recognize their voice, but it could have been distorted by the tip. Finally, he began to make out a figure flying toward him. It was Heather.

"Albus !"she shouted once she reached him."The lucifer has been canceled. We 're all to yield to our green elbow room right now."

Albus nodded, figuring that Kendrick finally came to his gumption. It was just impossible to play a trade good game of Quidditch in a storm like this.

When Albus and Heather finally reached the changing elbow room they found the sleep of the team sitting in their wet Quidditch gown, their faces pale. Albus noticed that even Heather looked slightly afraid.

"What 's going on ?"Albus asked.

"You were flying so high gear, you probably did n't get wind,"Fred said as Albus sat down."The mates was n't canceled because of the weather."

"But it 's so bad out there,"Albus said."That match was pointless."

"One of the Ravenclaw commencement years,"Fred continued, ignoring Albus,"she was late to the match and on her way down she saw-"Fred paused, swallowing strong."She saw Fenrir Reb on the grounds."

"What ?"Albus exclaimed, suddenly feeling nauseous."But it 's so snowy. How could she possibly know for sure ?"

"She ca n't, of course,"Fred said."But she went running to Professor Longbottom as soon as she reached the pitch and told him. That 's when they canceled the match and sent everyone back to the castle."

As if he heard Fred mention his name, professor Longbottom walked into the changing room, looking scared himself."I 'm going to see you all back to the common way. Wands out as we walk."

Albus drew his wand and followed the rest of his teammates out of the changing suite. They were all tranquility on the walk of life back to the castle since the violent storm was still raging. No one would induce been capable to hear anything anyone said, even if anyone felt like talking. Albus felt too ill to talk. The idea of Fenrir Greyback being relax was bad enough, after hearing what Matt knew about him, but the idea of him being here, on the Hogwarts basis, was too dire to even think about.

As they walked up to the castle and then up to Gryffindor tower Albus kept telling himself that it was fully potential that the Ravenclaw fille had n't seen Fenrir Reb. She was probably just thinking about the bunk prisoners and imagined something. Albus had n't even been able to defecate out his own first cousin when she 'd been calling his name in this tempest. What were the chances of a beginning year being able to pick out Fenrir Greyback ?

But still ... what if it had been grayback ? He had to be somewhere, so why not Hogwarts ?

The common room was buzzing with yak when the team entered a short while later. Albus avoided everyone, including his friends, until after he went up to his dormitory to admit a shower. He was shivering and felt fearsome and did n't want to babble to anyone until after he was in dry clothes.

To his surprise his friends were all gathered in his dormitory after he got out of the shower. Bilius and Ethan were n't there, and the door was shut.

"We ca n't go to the vulture 's Den,"Matt explained."We 're not allowed to leave our common rooms until farther notice."

"Are they doing an investigation ?"Albus asked as he sat down on his bed."And what exactly happened ? Fred only explained a minuscule before Longbottom came to take us back to the castle."

"It was Wyrd,"rose wine said."No one really knew what was happening because it was so white and the wind was so loud. We could n't see the lucifer, so we were just standing there using a lot of heating appealingness and hoping things would be over soon. But then we started hearing whispering about Limnodromus griseus on the undercoat. Then, probably two minutes later, Kendrick magically amplified his voice and told us all that we 're to report back to our common room immediately and to walk back with our baton out and in declamatory groups.

"So then, even though Kendrick never said for sure, we knew that someone had seen Johnny on the priming. It was so shuddery. Eventually we found out that one of the Ravenclaw foremost years thought she saw him on her way to the match and told professor Longbottom. But besides that we do n't bang much. No one 's told us anything for certainly and we 've just been hanging out here and talking."

"But what 's he doing here ?"Kaden asked."And I thought there were Aurors guarding Hogwarts."

"It was planned,"Matt said."Do n't you see ? That storm out there is so bad that no one can see three groundwork in nominal head of them and the wind is so loud no one can hear anything either. It was the perfect day for him to purloin onto the grounds, and if that girl had n't seen him who knows what he would 've done."

"So you think she really saw him ?"Albus asked skeptically."You said it yourself, no one can see anything."

"For all we know he said something to her,"Matt said."No one knows the full story yet."

"But why ?"Kaden asked."Seems really stupid to me. If he escaped he should be hiding out in the mountains, not going to Hogwarts where there are Aurors."

"Remember what I said after he escaped ?"matte asked quietly."This just confirms it. He 's going to try to make his own werewolf army again. He was insane before Azkaban ; imagine how crazy he is now. They do n't require dementors in prison house to make people go insane."

"And you think-"

"That he came to try and figure out how to outflank position himself to bite fry during the broad moon ?"Matt interrupted."Yeah, I do."

Albus shuddered."That 's sick."

"That 's what he does,"Matt said. He looked more worried than everyone else."But what I do n't get is why it seems like he 's trying for Hogwarts kidskin. Last clip he went for really young kids."

"But we do n't even make out for for certain that 's what he 's up to,"John Lackland pointed out."I mean it makes sensory faculty, but we still do n't know."

"Still,"Matt said."You have to promise me you wo n't go outside during the full moon. I do n't want any of you joining me in the Shack."

John looked disbelieving."There 's other reasons why he could be here."

"Promise me,"Matt repeated, staring directly at John."It 's not worth the risk."

John shrugged."Yeah, I promise."Everyone else nodded.

"What about the ease of them ?"Amanda asked."Do you think they 're working together ?"

"I do n't have a go at it,"Albus began."I 'm sure the Carrows are together and Umbridge might be with them. But I doubt Willinson and Limnodromus griseus are with them. The Carrows were death Eaters, but Greyback was n't technically a demise Eater. Voldemort used him, but always thought he was scum because he 's a werewolf. The Carrows probably agreed. And Willinson, he 's got no connection, which is why I 'm still confused as to why he broke out with them."

"For all we know they left the doorway open and he followed,"John said with a laugh.

Amanda groaned."Everyone 's got their own cellphone in high security."

"Oh, yeah, I suppose you 're right-hand,"lavatory said.

"Two Death Eaters, a war outlaw, a wolfman, and Willinson,"Albus said."It 's so random. Why them ?"

"speech sound like the starting time of a joke,"whoremaster said."Two destruction eater, a war criminal, a werewolf, and Willinson walk into a pub ...."

matte groaned."Do n't even go there. I just really hope they catch him before the next full Sun Myung Moon. There was n't anything in the seer about him biting anyone this survive full moon, but I do n't call up he 'd go two lunar month without biting. And there 's no way he 'd go on Wolfsbane, even if he could get some."

"I wonder where the others are,"Rose mused."You think they 're just hiding out ?"

"They must be,"Albus said."There have n't been any sightings."

There was a knock on the door and then it opened. James walked inside and sat down on the end of Albus 's bed.

"Longbottom just came to talk to us,"he said."We 'll be allowed to leave the vulgar room for dinner, but not before that."

"Did they beguile him ?"flatness asked anxiously.

"No,"King James said."But, Longbottom said the possessor of Madam Puddifoot 's also saw him, so the Ravenclaw little girl probably did see him. They 've scoured Hogsmeade and there 's no house of him, though."

"Are they rescheduling the mates ?"Albus asked.

James nodded."Next Sabbatum. upright thing, too, because I do n't believe that one would 've ever ended. Do n't tell Fred, but there 's no way I would 've seen the Snitch."

"One upside to Greyback being on the terra firma, I guess,"Albus said.

"Lucky he did n't attack that girl,"Matt said as King James left."He attacks hoi polloi even when he 's not transformed."

"He did that to my uncle Bill,"Albus said.

"Really ?"Matt asked.

Albus nodded."At the end of my dad 's sixth year, the night Dumbledore was killed. He does n't transform, but he likes really rare kernel. Like hardly cooked at all meat."

"Eww !"Kaden exclaimed."That 's gross. Wait, Matt, do you like really rare meat ?"

Matt grinned."Yeah. I hardly ever get it, though. Mum refuses to let me eat it because she thinks it 'll wee me ill. And they do n't do it here."

"My uncle eats it all the clock time,"Albus said."Aunt Fleur likes her steaks pretty rare, too. So does chemise for that matter."

"I like mine well done,"Kaden said.

"Now that 's what 's gross,"Matt replied."I should ask the house elves to do me rarified steak."

"They probably would,"rosebush said."They make you pretty much whatever you want."

"Let 's go tonight,"Matt said."We have n't been down there in ages."

Kaden groaned."So we 're going to throw to find you eating a musical composition of raw essence ?"

"Not raw,"Matt said."Slightly cooked, bit of blood dripping out."

"Oh, everlasting !"Kaden shouted."I 'm going back down to the common room."

Albus laughed and matte grinned as Kaden ran out of the room. There was zero like a trip to the kitchens to get their minds off of Greyback and the other escaped convicts.


A/N : Sorry for the previous update ! I totally forgot it was Friday. Thanks for all the wonderful reviews ! Please check out my Marauders fic, Between Here and Somewhere.


The first year who saw Reb on the priming became an clamant Hogwarts celebrity. By the side by side day her entire account had spread throughout the educatee body like wildfire, and every one person in the castle knew her name. She was Quinn Gregory, a diminutive daughter who looked like she belonged in the Weasley clan with her hanker red hair and atomiser of freckles across her look. Quinn seemed to be enjoying her newfound fame and always had a crowd of people around her, asking her to recount the story.

Albus, himself, had heard the write up at to the lowest degree five times. Quinn had been running to the pitch, late, because she 'd spent a one-half minute trying to convert one of her roomy to go to the friction match, but in the end her roomie had decided she did n't want to brave the storm. Quinn then spotted someone lurking near the greenhouses and went to enquire, but instead of finding another student, she found Fenrir Limnodromus griseus. Apparently Greyback had said 'hi, little girlfriend'to Quinn, who then took off running even faster for the Quidditch pitch. Reb then escaped to Hogsmeade and who knows after that.

As the workweek progressed Quinn 's story grew until it ended with her disarming Johnny Reb after a twenty hour duel and running to the Quidditch rake in order to warn the residual of the students, rather than because she was scared. Albus was very happy that, for once, this had n't happened to him or one of his friends.

"speculation what I heard today,"Kaden said as he entered the Marauder 's Den Fri evening, after dinner.

"What ?"Albus asked, looking up from the Marauder 's Map, which he 'd expend the last ten minutes studying. John and mat were in the room as well, matte studying and whoremaster sorting coffee Frog cards. Rose was tutoring Elsie Willinson again and Amanda had gone with her.

"Quinn,"Kaden said as he sat down next to Albus."She 's now saying that Greyback stole her wand and she got away from him by kicking his kneecaps."

Albus burst out laughing."That 's laughable. She 's still got her wand."

"She claims Ollivander 's sent her an exact replication,"Kaden replied.

"But no two wands are the same,"John pointed out."Everyone knows that."

"She 's Muggle-born,"Kaden pointed out."She might not."

"But still,"Albus said."She 's taken it too far. No one 's going to believe her now and it 's all going to die down."

Albus laughed as he looked back at the Marauder 's Map. He 'd been checking it, both the Hogsmeade and Hogwarts plane section, looking for Johnny every so often since end Saturday. He 'd yet to ascertain anything remotely interesting on it, least of all Greyback or one of the other scarper convicts.

"Scorpius is leaving the rook,"Albus said, noticing the dot labeled 'Scorpius Malfoy'was no longer in the Slytherin plebeian elbow room, but instead slowly making its way across the grounds.

"What ?"mat asked, closing his leger."But it 's eight o'clock. And it 's snowing."

"It 's him all right,"Albus said."Come see."

Matt, can, and Kaden all crowded around Albus and they watched Scorpius 's dot change of location further and further from the castle. There were no other Transportation on the land, except Hagrid 's, and his was remaining stationary behind his hut. It did n't appear that Malfoy was meeting anyone outside, nor did anyone go with him. It was odd, especially in lighting of his former odd behavior.

"I wonder what he 's up to,"Albus mused.

"We should watch him,"John said."See what he 's up to."

"I agree,"Kaden said."No one goes outside at nighttime during a storm for no reason at all. He 's up to something."

"We 'd get caught,"Albus pointed out.

"And it 's freeze,"Matt added.

"We 'll take your invisibleness Cloak,"John said.

"I do n't think we all fit anymore,"Albus said, not taking his figure off Malfoy 's dot.

"Then Kaden and I can go,"john replied.

"No way,"Albus said."It 's my cloak and I do n't want you having it when Filch catches you. He 'll confiscate it."

"Who says we 'll get caught ?"Saint John asked.

Albus laughed and turned to depend at John."Of course of instruction you 'll get caught. And then my cloak will get taken away and I 'll never see it again and my dad will murder me."

"Your dad 's Harry ceramist,"whoremonger said."He 's not going to slay his own son."

"If he did Laurentis would lie with it."Kaden laughed."I can see the headline now. 'Harry Potter slaying Own Son, Clearly Unfit For Duty. Weasley Still Supports Him .'”

"Oh shut it,"Albus muttered.

"delay,"flatness said, staring at the map."He 's going to the Whomping Willow."

Albus looked back at the map and saw that lustrelessness was right. Malfoy 's dot was slowing down and circling the tree, giving it a spacious berth."What 's he doing ?"

"You do n't think he 's figured it out, do you ?"Matt asked.

"Well now we have to go after him,"John Lackland said, standing up.

Matt nodded."Come on, Albus, let us strike your cloak."

"Fine,"Albus said, knowing that the engagement was lost. Malfoy was at the Whomping willow tree, which meant that this was now personal for flatness, and therefore, for all of them."But I still do n't experience if we 'll all fit."

Albus walked over to his bed and located the cloak in one of the shorts beneath it. He rarely kept it in his dormitory anymore, since he and his Friend spent far more than time in the Marauder 's Den than they did in the vernacular elbow room.

"Let 's try it,"Albus said as his supporter walked over to him. They stood stuffy and Albus threw the cloak over them.

"one-half my dead body is showing,"bathroom said, turning to calculate at his still visible arm.

"And all our foundation are showing,"lusterlessness pointed out.

"That 's because Albus and John are giants,"Kaden asked, glancing up at the five inch of distance that separated his fountainhead from the top of the cloak.

"Both of you are going to give birth to crouch down,"flatness said.

"But what about the fact that half my body is showing ?"John the Evangelist asked, yanking on the cloak.

"Now I 'm not under it at all,"matte said, yanking it back.

"I wish we could do disillusion appeal,"Albus muttered."Too bad we do n't acquire those until seventh year."

"Rose could probably figure them out,"Gospel According to John said."We should have her learn them."

"fountainhead we do n't take metre for that now and we 're wasting time arguing. Malfoy could be in the tunnel by now,"Matt said.

"There are wards,"Albus pointed out.

"Still ..."Matt muttered.

"Fine,"Saint John the Apostle said."Albus and Matt can go and Kaden and I will stay here."

"What ?"Kaden shouted."Why 'd you volunteer me to stay ?"

"wellspring, Albus is n't going to let anyone take the cloak without him going and lusterlessness has to go since Malfoy 's by the Whomping Willow,"John said."That leaves you and me. I do n't think Thomas More than two of us are going to fit."

"Let 's go, then,"flatness said, yanking the cloak off of John and Kaden and repositioning it over himself and Albus."See you in a bit."

Albus nearly had to run to keep up with mat and keep open himself crouched down enough to stay hidden, and that was saying something since usually Albus was much faster than Matt. The two of them said nothing on their way down to the front threshold and were n't noticed by any of the scholarly person or professors they passed.

"Remember, we 've got to be back before curfew,"Albus said once they shut the look room access."We do n't want to be locked out like back in second year."

"This is total deja vu,"lusterlessness added."Two days ago we caught Kaden messing with the Whomping Willow. That 's when Kendrick added the wards."

"But unlike with Kaden, I do n't imagine we 'll wind up up admirer with Malfoy after,"Albus pointed out.

The ground were very still, the only sound being the crunching of their fundament in the snow. Albus carefully vanished their footmark as they walked, while Matt led them down the itinerary to the Whomping willow. It was very dusty and snowy, which reminded Albus even More of the time they got locked out of the rook after sneaking into the scream shack.

"Is he even still there ?"Matt asked quietly when they were halfway to the tree.

Albus paused and pulled the predator 's Map out of his pocket. Scorpio 's dot was still walking methodically in a Mexican valium around the tree diagram."Yeah, he 's there."

lustrelessness nodded and they continued walking. Neither of them had lit their wands, so they slowed down in order to not be hit by the willow tree 's large branches. Finally they reached it and stood just outside its hitting range, waiting for Malfoy to come back around.

The Slytherin boy was wrapped in a thick cloak and pacing with his headland always turned toward the tree. He had his verge out and did n't look to notice that he had been joined by Albus and Matt. Albus glanced at matt as Malfoy walked past them, unsure of whether to call his attending to their presence. Since they were invisible, they could just stand there and watch over him.

"There 's got to be a way,"Malfoy muttered."Every Montgomery Ward has a feeble stage. They do n't all endure forever."

Albus could now see that Malfoy was sending respective hexes and jonah into the hospital ward, but they were all deflecting away. As he rounded the tree once more, a hex bounced off the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward and nearly hit Albus, who had to spring out of the way to nullify it. His leg slipped out from underneath the cloak in the process, but Malfoy did n't see it.

"It 's got to work,"Malfoy said."There 's no other way in ...."

"Into where ?"lusterlessness mouthed. Albus shrugged.

They waited for Malfoy to progress to another rophy around the tree and this sentence one of the hexes reflected off the wards and toward Matt, who jumped to get out of the way, but tripped over a partially buried Tree base instead. He fell over, yanking the cloak down with him, leaving both himself and Albus exposed. lusterlessness let out a stream of cuss and a cry of hurting. Albus heard a sickening crunch as he fell and hoped it was the tree diagram theme and not lustrelessness 's leg.

"Who 's there ?"Malfoy shouted, aiming his wand at Albus and mat. He lit it and his face visibly paled."What are you two doing here ?"

Albus lit his own wand. flatness was still sitting in the snow."I could ask you the like thing, Malfoy,"Albus said.

Albus pointed his baton at flatness and reached down to aid him up. He was clutching his wrist and his human face was as pale as Malfoy 's, although for unlike reasons.

"I said, what are you two doing here ?"Malfoy repeated, not sounding very confident.

"pursual you,"Albus said simply, thinking Lunaria annua would be the best policy here. After all, all three of them were breaking the rules. Not often point in denying it or making up exculpation.

"How did you know I was here ?"Malfoy asked. His wand arm was now trembling, although Albus did n't love if it was from the cold or fear.

"Saw you leave the castle,"Albus said."Figured we 'd see what you were up to."

"What do you want with the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ?"flatness demanded. His vocalisation sounded pained.

Malfoy 's oral fissure turned up in a sly smiling."Once again, you just confirmed my suspiciousness. This tree 's how you get into the Shrieking Shack. I did a little more research, and turns out this matter was planted the same year the Shrieking hutch was built. The same year Remus lupin started going to Hogwarts. That Shack 's all boarded up so I figured there must be some sorting of tunnel leading to it and what break way to blot out a tunnel than to put a murderous tree above it ? Trouble is, I ca n't disable the Mrs. Humphrey Ward. Bet you can, though."

"Why ?"Matt asked. Albus heard him inhale sharply and began to wonder if his wrist joint was broken."Why do you require to get in there ?"

"Ca n't tell you,"Malfoy said.

"Well, I 'm not disabling the wards,"Matt said.

"I 'll forecast it out eventually,"Malfoy said.

Albus wanted to ask him about his behavior at dueling practices so badly. They 'd had another practice the previous day and again, Malfoy had n't said two words to anyone. It was just strange. Bur Albus figured that even if he asked, Malfoy would n't answer.

"It 'd be dumb, you know,"matte said."Going into the shrieking Shack."

"Well I would n't go in on a broad lunation, imbecile,"Malfoy said."Believe it or not this has aught to do with you or your evil side. I could n't care less that you 're a filthy werewolf. I have better things-"

Albus jabbed his wand into Malfoy 's dresser, nearly knocking him over in the cognitive process. His tenderness was pounding and he could feel heating plant rising up in his eubstance."You. Take. That. back,"he seethed.

"Albus, do n't,"Matt said.

Malfoy scowled."No. I wo n't, because it 's true. I do n't care. It was the mystery that I liked and nothing more. You do n't know the half of what 's going on or why I want that shack. He only uses it one nighttime out of XXVIII. I want it the former twenty-seven. I do n't get why that 's such a Brobdingnagian deal."

"What 's going on over there ?"a loud vocalization boomed over the cause."Eh, what 're yeh doing ?"

Albus quickly moved his wand and pointed it elsewhere. It was one thing to get caught on the land after nighttime but another to be caught threatening another student. He pointed his verge in the direction of the articulation and saw Hagrid making his way toward them, his large Newfoundland, Fetch, at his face.

"Albus ?"Hagird asked as he drew nearer."matte ? What 're yeh doing out here ? And Malfoy ?"

"Er, nothing,"Albus muttered.

"fountainhead, yer breaking the rules so I 'm going to have to take yeh to Longbottom,"Hagrid said and then turned to Malfoy."And you 'll receive to see Slughorn."

"Hospital extension,"Matt said."First."

Hagrid turned to Matt and looked at his wrist joint."O'course,"he said."What did yeh do ?"

"Tripped over a root,"Matt said."Landed on a rock."

Hagrid nodded and clapped Matt on the back, a gesture clearly meant to comfort him but instead nearly knocked him over again. After he recovered they set off for the castling, walking next to Hagrid. Malfoy followed at a shortsighted length. Hagrid did n't ask them what they were doing by the Whomping Willow again, although Albus had a feel he probably knew. After all, he knew why the tree diagram was there and the fact that Matt was a werewolf.

The rook was much emptier when they returned than when they had left. Albus only saw a few prefects doing their turn and realized that curfew must have passed. So a lot for not getting in trouble.

Hagrid walked them to the hospital wing and left Albus and lustrelessness there while he then escorted Malfoy to Slughorn 's study. Malfoy had remained calm down during the entire walk, but lost the sneer he 'd worn when he insulted Matt.

"I thought you lot had grown out of this,"ma'am Pomfrey said as she examined Matt 's wrist."This sneaking about in the dead of dark, following citizenry. At least you did n't get locked out this time.

"Yes, your wrist is definitely broken. But I can mend it quickly."

Madam Pomfrey took her sceptre out of her gown and pointed it at Matt 's carpus. She muttered a spell and instantly, his carpus was healed.

"Thanks,"matte said, bending his wrist.

"You 're welcome,"the nurse replied. She hurried over to a storage locker and returned with a chalice of potion."Take this for the pain and you 'll be undecomposed as new. No pauperism to stay the dark. I know you stay here enough as it is. You 're to await here until Professor Longbottom comes to collect you."

mat nodded and downed the potion in one large gulp. Albus sat down next to him on the bed and they waited for Longbottom. Albus did n't think Hagrid had seen him with his wand pointed at Malfoy, so his penalization should n't be too bad.

"You do n't think he 'll make you young lady Quidditch tomorrow, do you ?"Matt asked.

Albus had n't thought of that."I hope not. Fred would vote down me."

The room access to the Montgomery Ward opened and professor Longbottom walked inside. He looked hackneyed and slightly annoyed. He sighed and shook his head when he saw Albus and Matt.

"You two again ?"he asked."Hagrid said you were on the primer after curfew ?"

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied. He always felt weird calling prof Longbottom 'sir', but figured it could n't hurt in this billet.

"Should I bother asking why ?"Longbottom replied.

Albus shook his forefront, knowing that telling Longbottom why would n't get them any fewer detentions, nor would it check Malfoy from trying to figure out how to get into the Shrieking Shack.

"I 'll make this promiscuous, then,"Longbottom said."Ten point from Gryffindor, each. And you 'll both serve detention tomorrow, immediately following the Quidditch friction match. Lines, in my office. I 'll see you then."Longbottom turned to leave. He nodded to gentlewoman Pomfrey as he walked to the door."Good Night, Poppy."

"Good night, Neville,"Madam Pomfrey said.

Albus and lusterlessness said good dark to the nursemaid and then left the ward, both automatically going back to the common way rather than the Marauder 's Den. If they were caught outside of Gryffindor tower twice in one night they 'd get a practically worse penalisation than twenty lost power point and a detention. Albus thought they 'd fetch off easy, to be honest. He wondered what Slughorn had set for Malfoy.

John, Kaden, rose wine, and Amanda were waiting for them when they got back. John and Kaden were smirking.

"Do n't say a word,"Albus muttered."I knew whoever followed him would get caught."

"Figured you did, seeing as you 've been gone for over an 60 minutes,"John said."What 's your punishment ?"

"detention tomorrow after Quidditch and we each lost ten point in time,"Albus said.

"You got off soft,"Kaden replied."If it had been me and toilet we would 've gotten three detentions."

"I think Longbottom took shame on us because matte broke his carpus while we were out there,"Albus said.

John laughed."Of track he did."

"Shut it,"Matt said."It really spite. I was dodging a condemnation that Malfoy sent to the Willow that reflected off the wards."

"Did you find anything utilitarian out ?"Rose asked."Not that I approve of this."

Albus and lusterlessness explained what had happened, including the persona where Malfoy insulted lusterlessness and Albus nearly hexed him.

"Very odd,"Rose mused."What can he possibly want the hut for ? And what did he signify when he said he had other material going on ? What other stuff could he possibly have going on besides schooltime ?"

"Whatever he 's got going on with Willinson ?"John suggested."Surely Felix knows what his cousins are up to and Malfoy 's always involved with that."

Albus shrugged."Maybe. But why would he require the shack ?"

"Who knows,"John said.

"I bet it 's got something to do with that letter,"Amanda said."And why he 's acting so strangely lately."

"speech production of acting strangely, Elsie Willinson is still acting weird,"Rose said."I thought she would 've adjusted by now, but she has n't. She does n't appear to make any friends."

"Energy her blood brother still pick her up from tutoring ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah,"pink wine replied."It 's very odd. I asked her if she wanted to hang out with me and Amanda until curfew, but she said she could n't. So I said maybe another meter and she said probably not."

"That 's odd,"John said."Clearly they 're up to something."

"They 're always up to something,"Albus pointed out."I 'd bed to sleep together what it is, though. I wonder if they 've been in link with Quinton."

"They 'd be pudding head to be,"rosiness said."Kendrick did n't punish Felix for what happened to Kaden two years ago, telling him if he did it again he 'd get expelled."

"I still say you 've got to enter out what 's up with Elsie,"whoremaster said.

"I 'm trying,"pink wine insisted."It 's not as easy as you 'd think. She hardly talks at all."

"Just keep trying,"John said.

"squad !"Fred suddenly shouted from across the coarse way."Off to bed, all of you ! We 've got a arcsecond chance at this and let 's not ruin it by staying up all night."

Albus did n't argue. Turning in former was a secure idea and he was actually quite tired after his digression to the Whomping Willow. He bade good Night to his friends and went up to his tranquility, empty dormitory. It did n't take him long to come down asleep and he dreamt of playing Quidditch with Malfoy while the two of them dodged the Whomping Willow on brooms.


A/N : Thanks for all the reappraisal ! I am doing Camp NaNoWriMo again this month ( probably not a unspoiled idea ... ), and I 'm writing this for it, so hopefully I 'll finish it !



The weather for the rematch was vastly unlike from the former Sabbatum 's weather. The sky seemed to be all out of snow and the sun was shining. Although it was still bitterly dusty, there was little current of air. Albus hoped the peer would be a long one since as soon as it was over, he had to serve custody with professor Longbottom.

Albus went down to the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall by himself for breakfast. His early night had given way to him waking up far sooner than he normally did. It was nice being able to linger over breakfast, though, and focus on the upcoming equal rather than interact with his friends. As he ate, the Great Hall slowly filled. He had just finished the last of his eggs when the post owls arrived.

Albus observed the owls and did n't acknowledge any of them. Clearly he was not receiving any station today, which was a estimable thing because he was fairly certain Longbottom had owled his parents about his detention. But then he noticed a very large owl holding a red envelope in its mouth ; it was a howler and the owl was heading toward the Slytherin table. Albus continued watching it and saw it down right in front end of Scorpio, who yanked the envelope off the owl 's leg and tripped over the bench in his hurriedness to leave the way. Albus actually sympathized with him ; it was awful opening a howler in public. From the auditory sensation of it, Malfoy did n't quite make it to a loo or discharge schoolroom. Muffled shouting could be heard coming from the entering Hall.

Malfoy did n't return to the Great Hall. Albus figured it must have been a particularly awful wow and was wondering what it could possibly have said when his friends sat down future to him.

"Malfoy got a howler,"John said as he started loading his home plate with bacon.

"I know,"Albus said."Saw him get it."

"wellspring, we heard the tail end of it,"John said.

"It was awing,"pink wine replied.

"What did it say ?"Albus asked."Who was it from ?"

"His dad, I 'm guessing,"trick said."It was a man 's spokesperson. We crouched down on the stairs when we saw him. Basically his dad was yelling at him for getting in trouble for stupid things when he should be studying and concentrating on his schooltime work and keeping his fountainhead down. Then he said something about how Malfoy knows that they, meaning his parents, have far more of import things on their minds than worrying about Malfoy getting in hassle in school. And how they ca n't worry about him at school when they 're occupy worrying about other things."

"That 's vague,"Albus said."He did n't say what the other thing were ?"

"Nope,"trick said."But Malfoy obviously knows what they are because he was shaking and he ran for the dungeons after the sidesplitter blew up."

"I told you the letter he read at pattern was about something bad,"Amanda said.

"And now we know it 's got something to do with his family,"Albus said.

"Maybe they 're going to conjoin up with Willinson and the Carrows and all them,"Matt said."His dad was a Death feeder, was n't he ?"

"Sort of,"Albus said."His grandfather was, but his dad sort of got caught up in it and he got off. So did his grandad, actually. No one really knows why, but my dad vouched for them at their hearing."

"Now that is weird,"matte said."Maybe his granddaddy is planning on joining them."

Albus shrugged."Maybe, but it just does n't sound right. Listen, I 've got to get to the pitch. I 'll see you after."

"Yeah, for detention,"Matt muttered."Going to be a blast."

Albus 's wish for a tenacious peer came true. Since the conditions was cooperating, James put off catching the sneaker until Gryffindor was up by 200 points, instead focusing his efforts on faking dives to keep Ravenclaw 's searcher away from the stool pigeon. It worked, and three and a half hr later James caught the Snitch and won the lucifer for Gryffindor. Albus was sorely disappointed that he 'd receive to overlook the resulting party in the uncouth room, but figured that 's what Longbottom was going for when he scheduled detention for right after the match.

matt was waiting for Albus in the Great Hall and the two of them grabbed a quick luncheon before hurrying to Longbottom 's bureau. They spent the next two hours writing'I will not slip out of the castle after dark'over and over again. By the time they were done Albus wanted to loop up and take away a nap, since the Quidditch catch itself had exhausted him. He and Matt decided to drop the afternoon in the marauder 's Den, just relaxing if not actually sleeping.

When they arrived they found John and Kaden in the middle of plotting their new prank. rosiness and Amanda were in the library, apparently avoiding John and Kaden and their prank.

"Are you two certainly you do n't want to be involved with this ?"trick asked."It 's going to be legendary."

"It wo n't be worth the detainment,"Albus said.

"Seriously,"matt agreed."If it 's legendary it 's going to mean a lot of detentions."

"Fine,"John the Evangelist said.

John and Kaden lowered their articulation, but Albus distinctly heard the words 'Weasleys '', 'itching pulverization ,''Slytherins ,'and 'alarm filaria .'At that point, he really did n't need to know. He and Matt decided to start out a biz of chess and attempted to tune up out John and Kaden 's whisperings.

"I was thinking the other night and realized if my dad loses his job when Laurentis is elected it 's going to be just like Australia,"Matt said as he captured one of Albus 's pawns.

"I had n't thought of that,"Albus said."Does that mean you 'd move again ?"

"I do n't fuck,"lustrelessness said quietly."I really hope not. I guess I do n't think so because the real understanding we moved here was so I could go to school day, not for Dad to get a new job."

"Then you probably wo n't,"Albus replied, taking one of Matt 's bishops.

"But if he does lose it, it 's going to probably mean Laurentis disagrees with him on werewolf exit,"matt pointed out."That could be really bad."

"You never know,"Albus said."There 's other things your dad passel with that they might disagree on."

"But my dad 's the most vocal on werewolf right. Everyone knows that,"flatness said."If they 're going to dissent on something, that 's going to be it."

"I guess you 'll experience to wait until the disputation,"Albus said.

"I 'm thinking of going,"flatness said quietly."It might be awful, but I want to have intercourse what she says firsthand, not from the Prophet."

"That makes sense,"Albus said."When is it ?"

"In three hebdomad,"Matt said."February 15th. That 's the only thing ; it 's the day of the Hogsmeade trip."

"That happened finally Hogsmeade weekend,"Albus said,"when blush wine went. Sucks that they do that."

Matt nodded."I think I 'll go anyway. I mean, it is the Valentine 's Hogsmeade trip. Speaking of that, is St. James still going out with that Hufflepuff girl ? I forgot her name."

"Gabby Ellis,"Albus said."I 've no idea, to be true. I guess we 'll find out out when the Hogsmeade trip comes."

"Just as long as Fred does n't schedule Quidditch practice for that day again,"flatness pointed out.

Albus laughed."He wo n't. None of us minded too a great deal since the conditions was so skillful, but I think if he did it again the whole team would hate him."

"That would make an inept menage dinner, considering over half the team are your cousins,"Matt said.

"Family dinner party with my folk have become awkward by definition,"Albus said."Luckily the next one wo n't be until far after the election."

"Only a little over two calendar month to go,"Matt said."You can take in it."

"I hope so,"Albus replied, as he moved his queen in the direct origin of flatness 's business leader."Checkmate."
***


"Rufus Scrimgeour was the final pastor of illusion to be appointed by the Wizengamot,"professor Embry said as he strolled around his classroom. It was the first hebdomad of February and the form had finally gotten to the point where they were beginning to discuss the arcsecond war."He was appointed quickly, after Cornelius Fudge resigned.

"pastor Fudge is commonly known as the to the lowest degree competent Minister ever to hold part,"Embry continued."He refused to believe evidence that was laid out plainly in front of him, for fear of being known as the Minister who held office when Voldemort returned. Somehow, he thought that if he ignored what was right in social movement of him, it would just simply go away. This backfired, of form, because he is now known for being the to the lowest degree competent minister.

"Scrimgeour is seen in a slightly sound light than Fudge, although he was parson when the Ministry fell to Voldemort in Aug of 1997 ...."

Albus knew all of this, of course. He 'd grown up listening to his parents jape at the incompetency of Fudge and the pointlessness of Scrimgeour being considered a minister of religion at all. Nevertheless, he listened to Embry and took detailed billet since the essays Embry set were often long and difficult.

"The time of the secondly war was a time of reverence and bedlam,"Embry said as he reached the straw man of the way again."No one knew what was going on or who to consider. Many people heartily believed Fudge and what he said, believing Albus Dumbledore to be a fraud or even senile. When this reality was shattered for them in June of of 1996, they did n't know what to do or who to bend to, or even what to believe. They 'd been fooled for a full class, believing what their Ministry and newspaper told them. Now that they knew they 'd been lied to for a year, what were they to do ? They did n't entrust anyone, let alone the Ministry. about people 's finish were to protect their folk and friends and that was it.

"It was the fear and chaos that allowed Voldemort and his follower to take control of the Ministry. Without the support of wizarding UK, the Ministry was light and susceptible to a takeover. It was simple for Voldemort to drop away in and putsch in a matter of weeks."

"self-justification me, prof ?"Olivia toll said, raising her hand.

"Yes, Miss Price ?"Embry replied."You have a motion ?"

"Yes, sir,"Olivia replied."I was just wondering, and you do n't have to resolve, but what were you doing during the second war ?"

If Embry was surprised that Olivia asked him a question about his personal liveliness, he did n't show it. Instead he gave a slim smiling and began to walk around the classroom again.

"I do n't bear in mind answering that,"Embry said."Many of your parents were involved with the war effort, so of course you 're curious. When the Ministry fell I 'd been working there for about six years. I got a job as an undersecretary in the section of Magical Transportation when I was just out of Hogwarts and worked my way up the ranks.

"I 'd experience a advancement shortly before Minister Fudge resigned and worked to muster in police force, but I quit after Scrimgeour got appointed because I saw that the Ministry was weak and corrupted and no longer wished to align myself with it. After Voldemort 's defeat, I was approached by Kingsley Shacklebolt asking if I would like to be involved with rebuilding the Ministry, and I said yes."

Albus was impressed. Embry had n't mentioned what sorting of job he did at the Ministry and Albus had had no mind he had been so involved with its rebuilding after the war.

"So you can see why I believe it is so significant to civilize all of you about the history of the Ministry and how it is organized now,"Embry finished."Looks like we 're out of metre for today so please write an eight inch essay on Rufus Scrimgeour 's terminus as parson for homework, due next Tuesday."

Albus packed up his bag and headed back up to Gryffindor tower with his friends. When they arrived, there was a crowd around the notice circuit card, which was strange. The Hogsmeade weekend date had already been announced and rarely did other notices garner such a crowd around the notice circuit card.

Albus shrugged at his booster and they squeezed through the crowd until they could read it. It was a big poster, covering the majority of the board, imposing an early curfew Dominicus night. Everyone, first through seventh age, were to be back inside the castle by five in the evening, no exceptions. Below that it warned that Filch was going to shut away the front doors at exactly five and that everyone was to report to their common room at five-thirty.

"That 's weird,"Albus said as he and his friends retreated."I do n't think they 've ever imposed a curfew so early before, and for everyone ?"

"It 's because Greyback has n't been caught,"lusterlessness said quietly."Lord's Day 's the broad moon."

"They must think he 's going to arrive back,"Albus replied.

"Scary,"John added."Do you really think he will ?"

"I do n't know,"lustrelessness said."But I 'd bet my parents'solid Gringotts vault that he 's going to bite someone Billy Sunday night."

"Wait,"Rose said."You do n't usually go to the screaming Shack until six or seven."

"They 're probably doing it early just to be safe,"Matt said."In case some people do n't come after it or something. It says on there that the prefects are going to do a nous count. That 's why we all have to come back to the common elbow room at five-thirty."

rose nodded."Then you 'll have to pull up stakes later, after the doors are locked."

"Either that or Madam Pomfrey will receive me go early,"mat replied."I really hope not, though. I hate sitting out in the Shrieking Shack."

"I hope not, too,"Albus said quietly.

Albus and his Quaker were probably the sole students who knew the reason why a curfew had been imposed on Sunday. Even the prefects seemed clueless, since Albus overheard a few of them trying to image it out. Sir Thomas More than a few bookman were tempestuous about it, although Albus had no idea why since it was n't common for scholar to take a perambulation on the grounds on a Sunday Night in February. He supposed they liked the choice, though.

As Sunday drew close lustrelessness became quieter and even more closed off than he normally was. In fact, it reminded Albus a lot of the way he was in first year, before Rose figured out why he disappeared once a month. Both Albus and rose wine tried to get him to open up about it, but he shrugged them off and insisted he was fine. John and Kaden did n't appear to note any deviation in lusterlessness, and Amanda was n't one to ask about it when he closed himself off.

Sat 's Dueling tournament proved uneventful. Albus spent the entire few hours worrying about Matt because he had elected to skip over the tournament in social club to sleep, which was odd since he 'd normally at least try to participate. At least Malfoy made Albus 's life easy by remaining quiet throughout the tournament and not blaming Albus when the team came in third place. Albus himself won both of his duels, as did Malfoy.

On Sunday Albus and his protagonist spent the day in the Marauder 's Den, working on homework and playing games. Matt slept for a great deal of the day and he still was n't saying anything. While Albus was worried, he was fairly certain the rationality Matt was so repose was Greyback. When a quarter to five rolled around, they had to return to Gryffindor to prove they were in the castling. Matt was still asleep, so Albus told everyone else go to on ahead and that they 'd follow.

"lusterlessness,"Albus whispered as he shook his friend awake."We 've got to go back to the rough-cut room."

"This is stupid,"mat muttered."They 're counting everyone to make sure no one gets attacked by a werewolf when they 've got one living in the castle."

"Is that why you 've been so restrained this calendar week ?"Albus asked as flatness got up. He did n't respond."You and Greyback are n't the same."

"I know,"matte said as they left the room. The corridor was empty-bellied, so he continued to talk."It 's just the fact that we 're both werewolf. That 's the same. What if they start doing this curfew matter every full lunation, all because of me ?"

"They wo n't,"Albus said."You 're not serious because you 're in the Shrieking shack. It 's all sealed up."

"I guess, but it 's still possible."

"You and Reb are different because he wants to prick people. He purposely transforms near hoi polloi, not on wolfsbane, so he can infect the great unwashed. You hide yourself away to protect everyone. That 's a huge difference."

"But what if he does come to Hogsmeade,"Matt continued."He 'll listen me howling and know there 's a wolfman in the shrieking hovel and he 'll try to get in."

"But he wo n't be able-bodied to,"Albus pointed out.

"And then if he does bite person, and let 's face up it, he will,"Matt said."It 's going to take care bad for all loup-garou. All it 'll ask is a few fire and people will start believing we should have our rights taken away. That 's what happened in Australia."

"You 're getting ahead of yourself,"Albus said as they reached the common way."Right now you do n't know that any of that 's going to hap. Wandering banshee."

"You 're nearly late,"the Fat madam said as she swung her portrayal open.

Albus and Matt climbed inside and found the common room the most crowded they 'd ever seen it. Prefects were milling about attempting to get everyone to quiet down, but everyone was still trying to figure out why such an betimes curfew had been set. The elbow room was so crowd that Albus and Matt could n't find the rest of their friends and since being in a crowded way was not the comfortably thought for matte right before the full moon, they quit searching and instead sat down near the dormitory doors.

"Everyone, quiet, please !"Heather announced in a magically hyperbolize voice. The room finally quieted down."I know you 're all upset about the curfew but they have n't even told us prefects why it 's been imposed. It 's not that big a deal since it 's February, dark, and freezing away. None of you would be extraneous anyway. Now just remain unruffled while we take cast so we can all get downstairs for dinner. After we 're done you 'll be allowed to roam the castle until your normal curfew."

Heather began calling out name in alphabetic edict by twelvemonth. It took her fifteen or so minutes to get to the fourthly class and after that Albus tuned her out. Fifteen proceedings after that she finished and all the Gryffindors had been accounted for. The common room emptied out quickly, since everyone wanted to get to the Great Charles Martin Hall for dinner party. matt had fallen asleep and after Albus prodded him awake, he went up to the dormitory to catch some Z's until he had to go to the hospital wing.

When Albus and his friends returned from dinner flatness had already left for the hospital wing. They decided to just perplex around the common elbow room since it was fairly vacuous and spent the evening working on their essays for Professor Embry.

"Any chance you lot know why we 're stuck inside ?"James asked as he snagged the last chair at Albus 's table."Cedric, Ben, and I are asking everyone."

Albus exchanged a glance with rosebush. He supposed it could n't offend to tell James the reasonableness why, just so long as he did n't tell him why they knew. Of course, as soon as he told James it would spread around the castle like tartar pox at a wizarding nursery schooling, but again, that would n't really injure anything.

"We 've got a suspicion,"Albus said."Remember how Quinn Gregory saw Greyback on the grounds during the Quidditch lucifer ?"

"Yeah,"King James said.

"Well, tonight 's a fully Sun Myung Moon,"Albus said."Put it together."

James was soundless for a present moment and then his eyes grew big."You think Kendrick thinks he 's going to come here tonight ?"

"That 's our guess,"Albus said and his Friend nodded.

"brand mother wit,"Saint James said."Can you guess what form of problem Kendrick would be in if someone got bitten by a wolfman on the grounds ?"

Albus did n't want to cogitate about it. He doubted Matt wanted a companion in the shriek shack.

"Scary,"James II said,"thinking about Greyback transformed while wandering around the reason. I wonder why they did n't just recite us. No one would be tempestuous about it if they 'd told us the reason."

"Probably did n't want anyone to panic,"Albus said.

"conjecture so,"King James agreed."But still, everyone 's going to know now."He grinned and then got up to go obtain Ben and Cedric. The fact that the curfew was due to Greyback would be usual noesis in the palace within ten mo, Albus guessed.

Albus managed to fetch up his essay and decided to promise it a night shortly after. He did n't find like talking, not with the possibility that Reb was either running around the Hogwarts priming or setting himself on some unsuspecting Greenwich Village, wanting to infect small-scale children with lycanthropy. It was awful to think about. Albus laid awake for time of day, trying not to think about it, but try as he might, he just could not fight the thought from his psyche.


It was a rare occasion that Albus witnessed the sun rise. Being fourteen-years-old, Albus preferred to sleep until the very late aurora or early afternoon, but this finical morning he was up before the sun. He had n't slept much that Nox due to his worries about Fenrir Johnny and Matt, and decided that it was pointless to try and log Z's when he 'd just have to be up in an 60 minutes anyway.

Albus sat at the windowpane and watched as the sun slowly rose over the celestial horizon. The grounds looked peaceful, and not at all like the office where a lycanthrope could 've been roaming just a few hours before. The moon had set and both matt and Greyback would be back in their homo word form by now. Whatever had happened was over now and there was cipher anyone could do to change it. Albus wondered just how long it would ask for the prophet to publish some kind of article on any onset Greyback might 've been the cause of.

Bilius and Ethan awoke before John did and busied themselves with talk of the Balycastle and Kenmare match that had taken spot Sat, completely unworried about Greyback. Albus was n't surprised since neither of them had any sort of personal connection with the run away werewolf. But they at least knew that the previous Night had been a broad moon, since William James had spread that data around the castle.

John the Evangelist finally rose shortly after Bilius and Ethan left for breakfast. Albus was relieved since they could now speak freely.

"What time is it ?"John the Evangelist asked as soon as he sat up."Have we got clock time to chit-chat Matt before Herbology ?"

"Just after eight, so not really,"Albus said."And there 's no point in visiting him now as he 's probably unconscious or sleeping. The synodic month just set two hours ago."

"Yeah, but he might sleep with something,"John said as he closed the hangings on his bed while he dressed."He might 've heard Rebel last night."

"He never remembers anything about full moonshine,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's still deserving a injection,"Saint John replied.

Albus thought it would be kind of pointless, but they did n't have time before Herbology anyway. After John finished, the two hurried out of the dormitory and down to the Great Hall for a prompt breakfast before family. rosebush, Amanda, and Kaden were already there.

"Anything in the prophet ?"Albus asked as he grabbed a stack of toast.

rosebush shook her caput and swallowed her bacon before answering."No. Absolutely nothing, but that does n't mean much. It could just be too soon for enough details to have emerged."

"Well, we 've got a free period this afternoon, so we can go ask Matt,"whoremaster said.

"I told you that he 's not going to know anything,"Albus reminded him.

John shrugged."You never know."

The residual of the student body seemed to have already forgotten about the too soon curfew and the total moon. Albus did n't get word anyone discussing it on his way to Herbology or at lunch later that day. Since there had n't been anything in the paper about an approach, it was old news for the Hogwarts students. Everyone that is, except for Albus, John, rose, and Amanda.

Albus, John, and Amanda were still discussing it on their way to Care of Magical fauna that afternoon. When they arrived they found Hagrid surrounded by cages filled with low, ignominious, fluffy creatures.

"'ello !"Hagrid shouted."I 've got nifflers for yeh today. Can anyone tell me what makes nifflers alone ?"

Albus raised his hand.

"Albus,"Hagrid said.

Albus grinned."Nifflers find treasure. They like sheeny things."

"Tha 's right,"Hagrid said."So if you 've got watches or jewelry on, take it off. I 've buried a load of leprechaun Au and your job for today will be to use the nifflers to find it. Everyone pair off and then issue forth get a niffler. Whichever yoke finds the most gilt gets a coterie of Chocolate Frogs."

There was a hustle as everyone hurried to take off their jewellery and detect a niffler that looked like it would be a particularly treasure hunting watch. Albus took off his watch, shoved it into his pocket, and followed whoremaster and Amanda over to the nifflers. With lusterlessness in the hospital backstage, Albus was without a partner and decided to just link up John and Amanda.

John grabbed the niffler with the longest schnozzle and held the end of the jumper lead while they followed it around the grounds. Every so often the niffler would stop and dig through the coke, revealing a pocket-size batch of coins. Albus collected them and shoved them into a bag Hagrid had provided.

The entire procedure was rather entertaining. Albus enjoyed watching not only his niffler, but the sleep of the division 's nifflers as well. They were lovely, funny animate being. At one head, Janie Creevey and Karina Jordan-Bell 's niffler managed to sniff out a set of scale in Bilius 's bag resulting in all three of them playing tug-of-war with the niffler.

"Why 's he got his scales in there anyway ?"John asked as they watched."We have n't got potions today."

Albus shrugged."No idea."

"Albus, John, face !"Amanda shouted, pointing toward the castle.

Albus turned around and saw two public figure walking toward Hagrid 's hut. It took a few indorsement, but he soon realized that he knew both of them. One Albus recognized as a unseasoned Auror from his dad 's section. His name was Newman and he 'd been one of the Aurors to facilitate when Kaden was kidnapped two old age ago. The second man was none former than Matt 's dad.

"What 's mat 's dad doing here ?"King John asked.

"Yeah, and who 's that other bloke ?"Amanda asked.

"He 's an Auror,"Albus said."But why are they here ?"

The two superstar walked retiring Albus, Saint John, and Amanda without making any sort of eye inter-group communication, acting as if they 'd never seen them before. By now, the eternal rest of the class was looking at them strangely. mat 's dad and Newman kept walking until they reached Hagrid, and they began speaking with him in low voices.

"C'mon,"Albus said as he began walking toward Hagrid.

lav tugged the niffler 's lead and he and Amanda followed Albus. Albus stopped once they were within earshot, hiding behind a Bush. John and Amanda crouched down on either English of him.

"I s'ppose I did try some funny noise las'dark,"Hagrid said."more than'n common, that is. Always fishy noises from the forest. A bit more howling than pattern las'night, coming from Hogsmeade. Could 've been a werewolf, but I don'know for sure."

"And did you see anything roaming the grounds ?"Matt 's dad asked. His vox sounded serious.

"No,"Hagrid said."Wasn'outside late. What 's this about ? Greyback ?"

Matt 's dad and Cardinal Newman glanced at each early."Yes,"Matt 's dad said."We have reasons to think Greyback was in the area last-place night and we 're looking for anyone who might 've seen something."

Hagrid shuddered."want I could facilitate yeh. But yeh know, that howling from Hogsmeade could 've just been-"

"Yes, I know,"Mr. Eckerton cut him off, with a warm glimpse at Paul Newman."We 've had composition of more cruel, louder howl. Howling that seems to transfer location."

"Oh !"Hagrid exclaimed."Yeah, well, again, wish I could facilitate. I 'll pay a bit more than attending next wide moon."

"We 'd appreciate it,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thanks for your time."

mat 's dad and Paul Leonard Newman turned and left, without a secondment glance at Hagrid or the class. The rest of the course had farsighted since returned to their nifflers and all had cup of tea of amber far heavy than Albus, John, and Amanda 's. But Albus no longer cared about winning the Chocolate Frogs. It seemed that something did bump last night, but nobody knew exactly what.

At the end of the year, Albus, John, and Amanda came in dead lastly for amount of coins collected. Hagrid seemed disappointed, but said that their niffler must 've just been tired. After returning it to its John Milton Cage Jr., the three hurried back to the castle, anxious to stow their suitcase and go sojourn Matt.

"If greyback is n't on wolf's bane should n't he be easy to obtain after the full moon ?"St. John asked as they walked to the hospital offstage."Would n't he be injured ?"

"Not necessarily,"Albus said quietly."lustrelessness only bites and attacks himself because he has zippo else to set on. If knot 's out roaming the countryside, he can set on animals and people."

"But what about the actual transformation ?"John replied."Even werewolves on Wolfsbane are achy the next day because of that, right ?"

"I think so, yeah, but I bet if you 're being chased by Aurors that 's the stopping point thing on your mind,"Albus pointed out."I 'm not for certain. mat would probably know."

mat was the only patient in the infirmary fender and Madam Pomfrey was occupy in her report, so Albus and his supporter were spare to discuss whatever they pleased. Albus was well-chosen to see that Matt was awake, although he did look slightly unsettled.

"Was there anything in the Prophet ?"flatness asked as soon as Albus, John, and Amanda had taken seating room on his bed."And I 'm fine, so do n't bother asking."

"Er, no,"Albus said."Why ?"

"Last night was weird,"flatness said.

"Told you he 'd have sex something,"John the Evangelist said to Albus.

"But I do n't,"mat replied."It was just weird. I do n't screw how else to account it."

"What happened ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't know,"Matt said quietly as he pulled his hands out from under the blankets. They were completely bandaged."look. My hands are the lone persona of me that 's bruise. I mean, I ache all over from the transformations, but I did n't bite myself at all last night."

Albus looked at the patch."But your hand. You did n't burn them ? Then why are they bandaged ?"

"Splinters,"flatness said."ma'am Pomfrey thinks I spent the Nox scratching at the door and trying to get out. I 've never done that before. I never remember anything from when I 'm the wolf, but I do sometimes remember impression. Like if the wolf was really angry or something. Last nighttime it was desperate, although I have no theme what for. I guess to get out of doors, if Madam Pomfrey is right."

"And your wolfy self has n't done that before ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Matt shook his head."I 've been transforming in the Shrieking Shack for three and a half years and the wolf has never done that before."

"I 'll tell you something weirder,"John said."Your dad was here earlier."

"What ?"Matt exclaimed."When ?"

"Just now,"John said."During forethought of Magical tool, he and some Auror came to talk to Hagrid. We listened in-"

"Of line,"lustrelessness cut in.

"Your dad and the Auror, they were asking Hagrid if he 'd seen or heard anything weird close dark. Hagrid said he did n't see anything, but he thought he heard more noise than usual from Hogsmeade. Then he said that it may have just been you, but your dad cut him off, probably because of the Auror. Then your dad said that there had been reports of more barbarous howling than usual."

"They definitely think that Greyback was in Hogsmeade last night,"Albus said.

"What would 've happened if you got out ?"Amanda asked.

"Out of the Shack ?"Matt asked."Nothing good. But now he knows that I was there. He 'll keep coming back until he 's captured. I wo n't actually be able to get out from the Shack. The wards are too good."

The door to the Montgomery Ward flew give and lusterlessness 's dad came striding inside, still looking as severe as he had earlier. After a quick coup d'oeil around the room, he strode over to flatness 's bed.

"Dad,"Matt said.

"You do n't calculate surprised to see me,"Mr. Eckerton replied as he gave his son a hug."How are you feeling ?"

"I 'm all right hand,"Matt said with a shrug."Albus, St. John the Apostle, and Amanda saw you talking to Hagrid. fountainhead, they heard you, too. Where 's the Auror ?"

Mr. Eckerton let out a short jest and then turned to Albus."I saw you in the bushes. Next meter you 're trying to shroud, do n't obscure with a niffler. They 're notorious giveaways. Yours was trying to sniff out Newman 's air pocket watch."

"I missed nifflers ?"Matt asked, clearly let down.

"Yeah,"Albus said."I bet Hagrid would let you see one after you 're better, though."

"I need to speak with you about finally nighttime, Matt,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."In buck private, perhaps ?"

Matt shook his head."I already told them about last night, so they might as well stay."

"All right,"Mr. Eckerton said."I need you to try and remember if you heard or saw anything strange last night. I know you never remember anything, but try."

lustrelessness held up his bound hands."madam Pomfrey thinks I tried to get out of the Shack finish night. That never happens. Whatever was outside kept the wolf occupied all night. I did n't aggress myself."

Mr. Eckerton 's eyes grew large and Albus noticed that the serious look had dissipated. It was replaced with a look Albus had seen quite often on his own father. It was a begetter 's daze and concern.

Matt explained the relief, including the part about the wolf feeling desperate. Mr. Eckerton seemed to chew over this for a few minutes before sighing and shaking his head.

"What 's going on, Dad ?"Matt asked.

Mr. Eckerton sighed once more."I suppose it could n't hurt to narrate you. It 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow anyway. Two children were attacked in Little Shingleton last Night. It 's a town about five miles away, on the early slope of that slew next to Hogsmeade. We 've been trying to cypher out whether it was knot or not, since he left immediately after biting them."

"Were they Muggles ?"Matt asked.

"No,"Mr. Eckerton said."Which makes me think that this was a carefully planned approach. Little Shingleton is a Muggle hamlet, with these two children and their parents being the only witches and wizards in the area. It 's too simultaneous. And why attack both children ? Most lycanthrope take off immediately after biting somebody, their instinct telling them to get as far away as possible, as quickly as possible."

"And did they ... survive ?"flatness replied.

"They 're both in static term at St. Mungo 's. Once their bites heal, they 'll be o.k., save for the fact that they now have lycanthropy. The raciness were clean and small-scale, not formula lycanthrope bites. These bites were inflicted just to infect. Another polarity toward Greyback."

"But what about Hogsmeade ?"Albus asked.

"Five miles is not an unacceptable journey for a werewolf in a night,"Mr. Eckerton explained."almost belike greyback heard mat 's howls endure Night and followed the sound. Once there, he probably spent the rest of the dark attempting to get inside the Shrieking Shack, which is impossible."

"So you really think it was him ?"matt asked.

"I do, and Auror Paul Newman agrees with me. I left him in Kendrick 's study, after telling him I needed to call you since we were already here. But what you 've told me just solidifies it."

"But ca n't you just go get him ?"John asked."He ca n't be that far. No offense, matte, but if you were outside you would n't get very far."

"None taken."

"The thing that makes lycnathropy so difficult to meditate, and also most likely the reason why Wolfsbane does n't act for all lycanthrope, is that each person 's lycanthropy is vastly unlike from others. Its effects depend a lot upon a person 's views toward their own lycanthropy. Fenrir Reb has spent his life embracing his lycnathropy and aliveness for that one night a month where his true up nature emerges. He embraces his wolf face so a good deal that he even attacks people when the moon is not full.

"You, Matt, on the other deal, identify near with your human face. As you should, considering you 're only a wolf one night out of 28. Therefore, you resist the transformation. You fight it with your every character, every month. Greyback embraces it, and probably switch a lot loose than you do. His transformations most probably do not do him the same pain."

"I guess that makes sense,"Matt said.

"But still,"can said."They should be combing the forest for him."

Mr. Eckerton chuckled."They are. trust me. They have the entire lycanthrope ascendance Unit searching for him, along with six Aurors, and a smattering of Junior and trainee Aurors. They do n't normally murder Aurors to capture scallywag werewolves, as that 's usually the Werewolf ascendence Unit 's job. And it 's not usually my job to enquire werewolf fire. But this is a high visibility example, so they want many people on it, including the great unwashed in charge. We 'll get him."

Albus wondered if Teddy was on the case. He was a Junior Auror now. Knowing shift, he 'd require to be on the case since Limnodromus griseus had turned his dad into a werewolf.

"I 've got to get back to the Ministry and meet out a written report,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up from his professorship."If you think of anything else, flatness, ask to use Professor Longbottom 's Floo. Owls are easily intercepted."

matte said sayonara to his dad and soon the boys and Amanda were alone in the hospital wing once more. Albus did n't lie with what to say. Fenrir knot, it seemed, was up to his old antic and somehow matt had gotten involved.
***


Fenrir knot 's attack on the two tiddler took the unharmed front man Thomas Nelson Page of the Prophet the following dawning. The entire Great Hall was talking about it, prof, bookman, and spook. Copies of the paper were being passed faster than phonograph record of bacon. Albus managed to snag a transcript from his cousin Ben.

FENRIR greyback ATTACKS IN LITTLE SHINGLETON

Fenrir Reb, escaped convict and werewolf,
was sighted last dark in Little Shingleton,
Scotland. Little Shingleton is nearly an
entirely Muggle Greenwich Village, save for one
wizarding sept. The syndicate, whose
figure have not been released due to the
Underage wolfman Protection Law,
suffered an extreme tragedy death Nox,
when Fenrir Greyback attacked both of
their children. Both baby are
reportedly in stable stipulation at St.
Mungo 's.

An investigating, organized by both the
Auror section and the department for
the Regulation and Control of Magical
Creatures, headed by head of that department,
Walter Eckerton, concluded deep yesterday.
'We 've interviewed various eyewitnesses
who saw or learn a werewolf in Hogsmeade
during the broad moon. Hogsmeade is only
about five international mile from Little Shingleton .'
Investigators said that numerous former
clew led them to believe that the onslaught
was by Fenrir Calidris canutus, despite not having
actually seen him in Little Shingleton.
'We are not prepared to disclose all item
of the probe. But we are sure-footed
that this was an blast by Rebel. A team
of Aurors and loup-garou mastery unit employees
are working around the clock to capture
Greyback .'

The article was followed by a recap of Johnny Reb and the offence that had landed him in Azkaban in the first place, along with a nasty picture of him. Even in his man mannequin he looked rather wolf-like, which was such a drastic contrast compared to matt, who did n't resemble a wildcat at all, save for his eyes. Albus glanced up from the clause and his eyes fell on Matt 's. They had a yellowish tint to them, with flake of gold amidst their cancel down in the mouth color. They were indeed the only wolf-like trait he possessed when the moonshine was n't replete.

"This is why citizenry want stricter werewolf control laws,"Matt said quietly.

"Even those could n't have stopped this,"Albus pointed out.

"People wo n't retrieve about that. All they 'll think about is how their nipper are n't rubber, and they 're right. It 's just stinky timing. Laurentis is going to use this to her advantage."

Albus wanted to ensure Matt that everything would be all right, that Laurentis would n't blow everything out of symmetry, but he could n't. He knew that Matt was in good order, that Laurentis would once again use a dread cataclysm to depict more backing from the wizarding domain. If his uncle Percy was going to stand a chance against her, he was going to cause to drastically change his campaign strategy.


A/N : So I just realized that I uploaded the improper chapter close Fri. This is the real number chapter 25 and the one I uploaded cobbler's last Friday is chapter 26. Sorry about that !


The affair about werewolf attacks was that they were only able to hap once a calendar month. There was absolutely no chance of a wolfman plan of attack during the rest of the calendar month, so it was leisurely for the Hogwarts pupil to soon block about Fenrir Greyback, or at least push him into the farthermost corners of their creative thinker. After the initial article about Reb 's onset on the two youth children, the paper returned to its usual election reporting, although both candidates were being very quiet about the attack. Neither Percy nor Laurentis made a command, which did n't surprise Albus. The public debate on ordinance of magical creature was scheduled for Sat, so both candidates would puddle statements then. There had been a few column in the paper written by hoi polloi pushing for stricter loup-garou laws, but that had been it.

Saturday was also the day of the adjacent Hogsmeade stumble, and this gave the Hogwarts students a much needed distraction from the outside universe. Holy Writ spread amongst Albus 's cousins that James was once again taking Gabby Ellis to Hogsmeade, and quite a few of his other full cousin had particular date as well. Albus himself did not, and was planning on spending the day with John, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda. matt had arranged to assist the debate with his dad, and would miss the slip.

"Are you sure you want to go to this argument ?"Albus asked lustrelessness as they played chess in the Marauder 's Den.

"What ?"mat asked, turning to Albus. He 'd been staring at the wall under the guise of taking his crook for the past tense five minutes.

"You were zoning out,"Albus said."I asked if you 're sure you want to go to that debate Saturday."

Matt had seemed distracted all week and whether it was from Greyback being so near during his transformation or the forthcoming public debate, Albus did n't know.

"Yeah, I 'm for certain,"matte said."I 'd rather get wind it straight from her than understand it in the Prophet."

"What about your dad ?"Albus asked."Is he going to verbalize out against her if she wants strict laws ?"

Matt shrugged."I do n't have it off. That did n't work too well in Australia."

The door to the Den burst open and John and Kaden came barging in, both wearing identical smile. It was slightly uncanny, how similar they looked.

"We 've finished,"can announced.

"Finished what ?"Albus asked. He was slightly worried. It was never a adept sign when whoremonger and Kaden were that happy about something.

"Our prank,"Kaden answered."We 've finished planning. We 're not quite sure when to do it, though."

"Yeah, any suggestions ?"bathroom asked."Or are you two still being all prefecty on us ?"

Albus burst out laughing and turned to Matt, who smirked."Prefecty ?"Albus repeated.

"Yeah,"John said."Everyone knows it 'll be one of you who makes prefect next year. And you 're getting started early by not liking our pranks."

"We just do n't desire hold again,"lusterlessness explained."Honestly, I could n't care less if you prank the Slytherins. Malfoy 's a git. Prank him all you want."

"Are you sure you do n't want to cognise what it 's going to be ?"John the Divine asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Not a prospect,"Matt said.

John shrugged."All right. But when should we do it ?"

"Let 's just wait and see when the time feels right,"Kaden suggested."It 's not, er ... time-sensitive ...."

John and Kaden burst out laughing."Sure,"John said."Not time-sensitive at all."

Albus and Matt exchanged a glimpse.

"We could assure you why that was so peculiar,"lav said.

"Or you could just await and see like the rest of the rook,"Kaden added.

"We 'll wait,"Albus said. He was curious about it, but not queer enough to possibly wind up with another hebdomad 's detention.

Whatever the clowning was, John and Kaden did n't carry out it before the next day. Saturday brought blue skies and bitterly common cold temperatures and Albus put on two Weasley jumpers in readiness for walking around Hogsmeade.

Matt left ahead of time for the debate, Flooing from Professor Longbottom 's report. Albus and John slept of late and met Kaden, rose wine, and Amanda in the Great residence hall for a quick lunch before setting off for Hogsmeade.

The Feb Hogsmeade misstep was always an interesting one. The village became filled with Loretta Young twain either snogging passionately in front of the shops or staring awkwardly at each early across a table in the Three broom handle or Madam Puddifoot 's. Having never been on a date before in his life, Albus found it really queer to watch. lav and Kaden found it amusing as well, but rose wine and Amanda seemed to stare wistfully at the match and did n't find out them at all funny.

"Where to first ?"Albus asked.

"Not Madam Puddifoot 's,"privy said immediately, grimacing as a few love-struck span headed toward the property.

"I plan on never setting foot in there,"Kaden said."I do n't care how many girls ask me to go there with them."

John the Divine laughed."You 'd consume to get a girl to like you first."

"Shut up,"Kaden said."Let 's just go get some Butterbeer."

The rest of the group agreed and they were soon crowded around one of the only if evacuate tables in the 3 broom handle. Albus was hoping to catch a glimpse of James because despite the fact that James had been out with Gabby Ellis before, Albus could n't get over the fact that his brother was going out on appointment. It was just unearthly.

After finishing their Butterbeer, the grouping went to Honeyduke 's and Weasleys'in order to breed up on Skiving Snackboxes and umber batrachian. By then it was nearly dinner time and they decided to call it a day. The current of air was picking up and none of them fancied being caught in a storm.

"Albus !"Saint John the Apostle shouted just as they were setting off on the way back to the castle.

"What ?"Albus asked, turning to see what John was pointing at.

"King James and Gabby Ellis,"John said.

Albus squinted and just made out his chum, leaning against the outside of Honeyduke 's, his mouth attached to Gabby Ellis 's. They were so unaired that they almost looked like one person.

"Oh my God,"Albus said quietly.

"That is disgusting,"Rose added."I could 've gone my entire life history without seeing mortal snog James."

John and Kaden were both laughing."Looks like they 're enjoying it,"Gospel According to John said.

"Oh gross !"Albus exclaimed as he turned back to the path."Let 's go."

"I think it 's dependable to say they 're together,"Amanda said as they walked back.

"What she could possibly see in James ..."rose muttered.

"well, he does play Quidditch,"Amanda pointed out.

"So do over half my first cousin,"rose said."So does Albus."

"Can we change the topic ?"Albus asked."Please. C'mon, let 's hurry up. I bet Matt 's back from the debate."

That seemed to get his admirer'minds off of James 's romantic animation. Albus himself wanted to put the double of his brother kissing soul out of his mind forever. At least she was a Hufflepuff and he 'd never consume to see them kissing in the common room. If he did he may bear to spend all of his time in the predator 's Den.

dinner had n't started yet when they arrived at the castling, so the group decided to go ascertain lusterlessness first. They found him right where Albus figured he 'd be, in the Marauder 's Den. Albus was slightly nervous about what had happened at the debate, but matte was sitting on the couch casually reading his Charms script, seeming hardly upset at all.

"How was Hogsmeade ?"Matt asked as he set his book down.

"Disgusting,"Albus said as he sat down next to mat. Saint John the Apostle, rosebush, and Amanda pulled up chairs.

Matt raised his brow."Disgusting ?"

"We saw James snogging his new girl,"rosebush said with a shudder."Trust me, there 's nothing pleasant about seeing the boy you remember eating a mud pie kissing a girl while pressed up against Honeyduke's."

flatness laughed."I have n't got any cousins, so I 'll subscribe to your discussion for it."

"Consider yourself prosperous,"Albus muttered."But what happened at the debate ?"

"It was n't as bad as I thought it would be,"lusterlessness said."well, okeh, persona of it were n't as bad as I thought they 'd be. It was at the Ministry, in one of those court room in the cellar. Mostly it was people who work at the Ministry there, but there were some other the great unwashed there, too, because the room was so big.

"I 'm not sure how much you know about the Department for the regulating and Control of Magical beast, but every creature is divided into one of three categories. Beings, Spirits, and animal. Spirits are specter and poltergeists and boggarts. Beings are creatures that are n't human, but have human intelligence operation. savage are everything else. The gent who was running the disputation started by asking Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis how they feel about the right given to being. You know, goblin, house-elves, centaurs, those variety of brute. They did n't have much to argue about that because neither of them think any of those creatures should have their rights taken away. And Rose 's mum has worked so grueling to get them right hand.

"Then they moved on to the Spirit division and there was n't much arguing with that, either, since there 's not much that can be done about spirits. They 're just form of there. Ghosts do n't harm anyone and poltergeists it all depends on the specific poltergeist. Laurentis brought up the topic of Peeves, which was odd, but Percy did n't seem to have an legal opinion on Peeves."

Albus had n't expected much disceptation with the Being division. There had been a lot of debate back and forth about the rightfulness of Beings back when his parents had been in school day and his auntie Hermione had dedicated her work life toward giving rights to Beings, especially house-elves. Over the years she 'd done a very good job with it and had n't met a great deal opposition. As for the Spirit air division, Albus did n't recall there had ever been much controversy there. specter were just ghost. They pretty much did as they pleased.

matt paused."Then there was the Beast division. Throughout history both loup-garou and vampire have sometimes been in the beingness class and sometimes been in the Beast partitioning. categorization in the animate being air division is the reason why lycanthrope have been stripped of their rights and how the Ministry can get away with it. If they 're not seen as beingness, then legally, they do n't bear to be given the same rights as mankind. It 's a triviality, really.

"A yearn time ago werewolves were in the Being sectionalization, but they got reclassified in the 1950s, after a vast werewolf onslaught on an entire town. It was atrocious. But ever since then, no one has wanted to class them as Beings again. My dad has been an counselor-at-law for classification as being ever since he started in Australia.

"The thing about categorization is that, for the most function, Ministries all over the world have to agree. That 's why reclassification is such a time-consuming and difficult thing to do. Someone has to work it up and organize negotiation between countries and it requires a lot of effort. When Voldemort came to power no one in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland had the time or energy to put toward the reclassification of lycanthrope. Not to mention they could n't spare the people to put the time into it. Since the vicious blast in the 50s happened in England, the early countries have n't wanted to match the idea. Although I 'd wager that Commonwealth of Australia would put up a good fight if it was ever brought up again.

"So, basically, my dad has been trying to do this for long time, but he does n't have the support. Even Minister Hartwell has n't wanted to allude it since it 's such a controversial subject and he does n't have much meter left."

"Wow,"Albus said."Binns did n't teach us any of that in account of Magic."

"And he probably wo n't,"flatness said."It 's not a well-known issue since most people probably do n't deal to put in the effort to reclassify werewolves. The just people who 'd want to are werewolves."

"That 's awful,"Amanda said."But what happened at the debate ?"

"The magician in armorial bearing of the disputation dodged the doubt of grayback for a while, asking dubiousness about former fauna like thestrals and dementors and the like. But he finally brought up the topic of Greyback and Laurentis basically said that it was n't a topic of werewolf control laws, but a matter of Azkaban security-"

"fountainhead, that 's good,"Albus said. He would n't have expected that of Laurentis.

"form of,"matte replied."I have n't finished. Anyway, your uncle agreed with her, but he of course said that putting the dementors back would be stupid. Laurentis said that if the dementors had been there then Greyback would n't have escaped and those kids would 've been safe. Then they started arguing about Azkaban and dementors again. But the bloke in charge cut them off.

"Then he finally brought up the fact that my dad 's been pushing for the reclassification of werewolves as beingness for eld and how he 's got the support of rosiness 's mum and asked what their notion of it was."

"But if my mum was able to help house-elves and goblin, then why could n't she do it for werewolf at the Lapp prison term ?"rosebush asked.

"House-elves and hobgoblin have always been classified as existence,"lustrelessness explained."They were being denied right that they technically already had. It was just a matter of reworking the Laws and enforcing them properly. None of the lycanthrope rightfulness laws can be changed unless their sorting is changed-"

"But that 's just pudden-head,"John said.

lusterlessness shrugged."It is, but there 's zip anyone can do about it."

"wellspring, what did Laurentis say ?"Albus asked.

"Laurentis said that reclassifying werewolves as Beings would render the current werewolf ascendence jurisprudence unenforceable and that it would open the Ministry far LE control over loup-garou. Which is true,"mat said."Not that it would be a bad thing."

"Of grade not,"Albus agreed.

"Then she said that if werewolves were currently classified as Beings it would make it unmanageable to even charm Johnny and prosecute him for what he 's done, which is n't true at all. My dad was turning purpleness at this point. She really knows nothing about the way his department works."

"What about Uncle Percy ?"Rose asked.

Matt did n't say anything for a full second."He was n't as bad as Laurentis, but well, your uncle does n't want to commute anything. I 'm sure you 've noticed that he says everything 's fine the way it is and we do n't want to change anything, whether it 's Azkaban or Hogwarts. He thought the Lapp about werewolves."

"What do you mean ?"Albus asked."He thinks that-"

Matt averted his gaze, looking at Kaden rather than Albus and rosiness."He thinks that 'putting energy into reclassifying werewolves as beingness would be a inadequate idea, given the other payoff facing the slap-up wizarding community .'And that is a direct citation. I ca n't ever blank out that."

Albus wished he was surprised. He really did. But the fact remained that Uncle Percy did n't wish to budge the caldron, so to speak. If affair were working the way they were, he would n't change them. He 'd rather retain things the Same then address out openly either for or against anything, if it would cost him keep going or votes.

"Then he went on to explain,"Matt continued."He said that werewolf classification does n't pretend a large number of witches and wizards and that it 's very complicated and would require a lot of elbow grease, which is truthful. But it 's like he did n't cogitate it was worth it, just because it would n't touch a lot of people."

"It does n't surprise me,"rosebush said quietly."The election is so soon. I do n't think he 's going to say anything too controversial."

"Honestly, it was almost worse than Laurentis,"Matt said, turning back to Albus and Rose."Sorry. I know he 's your uncle-"

"Do n't apologize,"Albus said, suddenly glad he was n't of age and would n't accept to choose between the two candidates.

"It 's like he does n't even have a strong vox populi on it. He does n't desire to own a strong vox populi on it,"matte added."Laurentis at least has a reason. Your uncle does n't even have got that. Honestly, Albus, I 've no estimation who my parents will vote for now. Same with Amy."

"I do n't hump who I 'd vote for now,"Albus said quietly.

"But either way, I do n't believe loup-garou will get reclassified,"Matt replied."Nothing will happen without support of the British Minister at this point."

"That 's just not fair,"Amanda said."What exactly does the law say now ? What are you not allowed to do ?"

Matt averted his regard once more. This was another topic that Matt had n't ever spoke of before and Albus had n't dared ask.

"Well, technically,"matte began,"I 'm not allowed to be at Hogwarts."

"What ?"Albus shouted. The repose of his supporter let out similar exclamations of shock.

"But Teddy 's dad-"Rose began.

"Not effectual,"flatness said."Dumbledore frequently broke the law and that was no different. Professor Kendrick follows the law a bit more but he liked the mind of allowing me to attend. It 's kind of murky, to be honorable. It 's in the law that werewolves can not see Hogwarts, but at the same sentence, Hogwarts headmaster have utter ascendency over who they admit. So as long as it 's kept quiet-"

"But what about Malfoy ?"rose asked."If he were to let it slip-"

"Then Kendrick would boot out him,"matt explained."And he 'd be allowed to, since it would be prejudicious to another pupil 's Education Department for him to reveal my condition. I told you ; it 's very murky."

"What else ?"Amanda asked.

"The respite has mostly to do with employment,"Matt said."wellspring, that and the Ministry is allowed to sustain werewolves for questioning about fully moon fire without actually arresting them. Werewolves as prisoners have virtually no rightfield.

"But anyway, engagement. I 'm legally obligated to inform any electric potential employers of my stipulation. If werewolves were classified as beingness, that would n't be required, because lycanthropy would be seen as a health check condition and utilisation can not be terminated based on a person 's medical conditions."

"That is the most confusing matter in the earth,"Albus said. His caput was spinning."How do you keep all that straight ?"

flatness shrugged."It 's my spirit. That 's the other thing, Albus, your uncle really has no estimate how affair are run in the Department for the rule and ascendence of Magical creature. He 's not really qualified to say what effect the reclassification would consume on everything. Because, honestly, it would only feign werewolves."

"That seems obvious,"Albus said.

"So individual can not hire you just because you 're a werewolf ?"Amanda asked incredulously.

lustrelessness nodded."Does n't even matter if they 're on Aconitum lycoctonum or not, either."

"What will you do after Hogwarts ?"Amanda asked.

"No idea,"mat said."I 'm trying not to think about that. But this whole pretence to be normal thing that I 'm doing at Hogwarts ? It 's temporary. That 's all there is to it."

No one quite knew what to say after that. Albus certainly did n't. He wished more than anything that his uncle would hold the reclassification of werewolves as Beings, despite the fact that it might misplace him a few votes. It might even cost him a few not to have spoken up, because now, Matt 's parents and Amy might not vote for him. But this had such a larger effect than just the election. Matt was right ; this was his life, and Uncle Harry Hotspur and Laurentis were just seeing it as a way to mug up up more than votes. Maybe Uncle Walker Percy was n't the properly man for the job, after all. But Laurentis certainly was n't, and since no one else was running, what would happen after the election ?


A/N : Thanks for all the awful reviews !


The debate on the regulating and Control of Magical puppet did not seem to be a hot topic of discussion amongst the Hogwarts students. Unlike the argumentation on education, this particular debate did not touch on directly to Hogwarts students, and thus there was n't lots word beyond a few opinions at breakfast the next day. The article on the debate was much more tame than the previous clause, near in all probability because Percy and Laurentis had n't disagreed on the topic. In fact, the article mostly focused on the dementor issue.

Albus and his Quaker kept close watch on the prophet in face there were any updates on the break away prisoner, but the relief of Feb passed without any sightings or captures. It was kind of strange since the captive had to stimulate been hiding out somewhere. Yet they 'd been loose for nearly two months and the only one who had been sighted was Greyback. Willinson, Umbridge, and the Carrows were nowhere, it seemed.

In the meantime, Laurentis used the want of gaining control to her advantage, by publishing a new financial statement every few twenty-four hour period declaring how incompetent the Auror section was. These statements were usually followed up with another resolve of how the prisoners would n't have escaped if the dementors had been in control condition of Azkaban.

When March arrived, the Prophet began putting a countdown until the election at the top of the front page, every single day.

"April patsy 's Day,"St. John commented as he pointed to the countdown, which read '29 daytime .'“ Does n't that seem a bit eldritch, to do an election on that day ?"

"A little,"Albus said."But I doubt the Ministry cares."

"We should do our caper that day,"Kaden said.

"Do n't,"Rose said."Hogwarts is a polling topographic point. You 'll mess it up."

"No, we wo n't do it then,"John the Evangelist said as he exchanged a mischievous grin with Kaden."Want to know why ?"

"Not really,"Albus said.

"They 'll come up out soon enough,"Kaden said.

"Does this have anything to do with why you two disappeared all evening yesterday ?"Matt asked.

"Possibly,"whoremonger said."Oh, look at the time. We 've got to get to potions."

Kaden burst out laughing."Oh, yes, looks like it 's fourth dimension for me to go to Divination."

Albus looked at Matt and shrugged. John and Kaden had been laughing at every reference of 'time'or 'clocks'for the past few week, but had yet to portion why. Albus could only assume that it had to do with their prank.

Albus, Matt, John Lackland, rosebush, and Amanda said goodbye to Kaden and headed for the dungeons. Since it was a double class, Slughorn gave them a potion to brew and sat at his desk grading essays while they worked.

Albus and Matt partnered on their potion and worked quietly, chopping and mixing. Halfway through the second social class they were chopping asphodel when Matt suddenly stopped.

"Did you hear that ?"he asked Albus.

"Hear what ?"Albus replied. He had n't heard anything.

"Never mind,"lustrelessness muttered."Could 've sworn ... guess I 'm hearing things."

A few minutes passed and mat stopped again."I swear there 's something ringing alfresco. It sounds like an alarm clock."

Albus glanced around the classroom, but cipher else seemed to have heard it. Everyone was working quietly, except John, who was staring at the room access for some strange reason. Then Albus heard it. The faintest ringing.

"Do you get word it now ?"flatness asked.

"Yeah,"Albus said. It was becoming louder, too. The rest of the class was beginning to notice as well, and bathroom suddenly turned around to seem at them. He grinned widely and then returned to his potion.

"It 's their put-on,"lusterlessness hissed."It 's got to be."

Nobody was paying any attending to their potions now and a few of them were boiling over. Slughorn got up from his desk and left the room, without saying a Book to the form. He returned a few minutes later.

"Bottle your potions as is,"he said."It seems there is some sort of alarm going off all over the castling. After you 're done cleaning up you may leave early."

Albus and Matt worked quickly, wanting to talk to John as soon as they could. They met him, along with rose wine and Amanda, outside the classroom a few minutes later, and headed to the Great Hall. John still had n't said anything.

Kaden was already there when they arrived."Trelawney let us out as soon as the alarum started. I think it was driving her mad. I mean, More mad than she already is."

"Are you going to tell us what you 've done ?"Albus asked as he began making a sandwich.

"Yeah, we might as well,"St. John said."We put an warning device clock inside every single suit of armor and charmed them to go off at five second intervals."

Albus started laughing."That 's bright !"

"That 's actually really undecomposed charm work,"blush wine said, clearly impressed.

"It gets better,"Kaden said."The teachers wo n't be able-bodied to turn them off with one turn. We charmed them so they have to be manually turned off. It 's going to study them ages."

"I feel bad for whoever 's got Transfiguration next,"James said as he sat down side by side to Albus."There must be xx suits of armor across the corridor from the Transfiguration room. It 's so loud in there you can barely get wind yourself think."

"Damn,"Albus said."We 've got Transfiguration next."

"tone, Kendrick 's standing up. Bet he cancels classes."John pointed to the stave tabular array.

"serenity !"Kendrick shouted."Very amusing prank. It would look that the alarm clocks have to be manually turned off, so I am canceling classes for the good afternoon while the stave and prefects turn off all the alarms."

There was a gaudy cheer as Kendrick resumed his seat. The staff table was only half-full, as the rest of them must have been already turning the warning signal off.

"He does n't seem upset,"Albus said."This is actually kind of tame. I thought you were going to get retaliation on the Slytherins."

Gospel According to John grinned."Oh, we are. That 'll number another day."

After tiffin Albus and his admirer went to the piranha 's Den with the intention of spending the day there, but the ceaseless alert quickly grew too annoying. Despite the cold, they decided that outside would be preferable to inside. The snowfall had melted, so they were able-bodied to find a dry post to sit.

"I still hear the ringing,"Matt said as they settled down under a huge beech tree tree diagram by the lake."It 's like my head is an alarm clock. I think if you had done this around the full moon I would 've murdered you."

"That 's why we did n't do it around the full moonlight,"Saint John said.

"Really ?"mat asked skeptically.

John laughed."No. Had n't even thought of that, to be honest."

"We did it today because I had a History of Magic exam this good afternoon,"Kaden said."I 'm hoping Binns will forget about it."

"It 's soon, though, is n't it ?"John asked.

"The full moon ? Yeah, it 's Monday,"Matt answered."I 've been thinking about it. About Greyback. He 's probably going to come back unless the Aurors catch him before."

"Probably,"Albus agreed.

"I had an idea,"matt said quietly."I think we can avail watch them, using my wolfy side."

"As hook ?"Albus asked, shocked."Then you 'd be in danger."

"No, I would n't,"lusterlessness said."I would n't be doing anything different. I 'd just be in the screeching Shack like usual. Albus, the Marauder 's Map labels Animagi as their human names, right ?"

Albus nodded."Yeah, of course. That 's how Teddy 's dad found out about Pettigrew."

"Well, should n't it be the same for werewolves ?"lustrelessness asked.

Albus had n't thought about that before. In all his time of having the minute variation predator 's Map, he 'd never checked the shrieking hut during a broad moon."I think it should."

"Then all the Aurors have to do is find out the new variant of the Marauder 's Map during the wide moon, hold for greyback to designate up, and then catch him."

Albus thought for a few moments. It seemed so simple, almost too simple to work."flatness ... that 's brilliant."

"When did you guess of this ?"Rose asked.

"Few calendar week ago,"lustrelessness answered."Greyback was there by the screaming shack for nearly the entire Night. It would 've been well-to-do to fascinate him if mortal just knew he was there."

"Wait,"rose wine said, looking at Albus."You are n't proposing that you do this, are you ? Because that would be stupid."

"Of course not,"Matt said."It would be my dad and Albus 's dad."

"I do n't guess my dad 's in armorial bearing of the Greyback gaining control,"Albus pointed out."It 's that former Auror, Newman."

"If I 'm going to go along with this and tell them my plan then it 's got to be your dad,"Matt said adamantly."He already knows I 'm a werewolf. Paul Leonard Newman does n't. I do n't get it on what he 'd do if he knew there was a werewolf at Hogwarts."

Albus thought back to what lustrelessness had told them about how it was n't decipherable whether admitting werewolf to Hogwarts was legal or not."All right hand. That make sense."

"But why are you so sure he 's going to come up back to this same bit ?"Amanda asked."If he were smart he 'd transform someplace completely different."

"He 's got a hangup about werewolves pretending to be human,"Matt said quietly."He thinks that we 've all got to hug our wolf-selves and hold up together in ring. I do n't think he 's going to present up easily on finding me. He did the same thing with slip 's dad."

"Then he might be transforming near those Thomas Kid he attacked concluding calendar month,"rosebush pointed out."They should station Aurors there, too."

Matt nodded."Let 's go post some owls."
***


Albus and Matt did n't say much in their alphabetic character to their Padre, wanting to keep open about of the inside information for later. Both of them replied saying they would cope with the boys at Hogwarts Friday evening in order to work out the details.

The workweek went by very slowly and Albus noticed that mat drew quieter and quieter as it progressed. He never said it out loud, but Albus had a flavour he was incredibly anxious about the plan and his persona in it, despite his saying he would be fine. By the prison term Friday arrived he was completely mute, except for the few times he snapped at toilet and Kaden for being irritating.

"You know if this plan actually works and Greyback is captured it 's going to bring in Uncle Harry look very honorable,"Rose said."Which will be good for Uncle Percy."

"I thought of that,"Albus said."And since the election is only three workweek away, it 's perfect timing."

"When are you meeting your dads ?"John asked.

"Seven,"Albus answered as he glanced at his watch."We should probably go."

Albus shoved the hold out sharpness of his patty into his back talk and left the Great Hall with matte at his side. Professor Longbottom had leant them his cogitation for the meeting, so Albus and lustrelessness walked up to the fourth floor.

Professor Longbottom was n't there when they arrived but the room access was partially surface. Albus led lustrelessness inside and they sat down on a couch to hold off. Albus had always loved Longbottom 's written report. It was filled with all sort of alien plant life that you never wanted to advert because some of them bit. The furniture was mismatched and the whole place was pleasantly cluttered. It felt very safe.

Harry and Walter walked in a few minute of arc later and shut out the room access behind them. Both looked very intrigue and slightly confused.

"Al,"Harry said as he gave his son a agile hug."What 's going on ?"

Albus glanced at Matt, who had just been let go of by his own forefather. This was his architectural plan to explain.

"I know how you can catch Johnny Reb,"matte said quietly, and then proceeded to excuse the intact design."See ? good plan, right ?"

Harry and Bruno Walter exchanged glances. Walter looked incredibly worried."Matt, look, I know you want to help and I know the fact that Greyback 's out there scares you out of your mind-"

"I 'm not that scared,"Matt interrupted, but everyone in the elbow room knew he was."feel, he 's going to come to Hogsmeade anyway. You might as well be there waiting for him."

Walter sighed."Yes, I suppose you 're right-"

"So what 's the trouble ? I 'll be in the Shrieking Shack with all the wards up."

"There really is n't a trouble,"Walter said."It just sounds bad on the surface, me using my son as come-on. What do you think, Harry ?"

"I think it 's up to you,"Harry said."You 're in electric charge of this search. I 'm not even on it. I assigned it to Newman."

"John Henry Newman ca n't be there,"mat said quickly as he turned to his dad."He ca n't be. He does n't know about me."

"He 's properly,"Walter said."It 's got to be you and me if it 's going to be anyone. Whoever works this is going to find out there 's a werewolf at Hogwarts."

Harry sighed and began to pace the room."I had n't thought of that. But there 's got to be more of us. I 'll contribute Ron in, and Teddy."

"Ron ?"Matt asked.

"blush wine 's dad,"Albus explained."My uncle."

Matt breathed a sigh of reliever."Oh, all right then."

"They 'd be fine,"Walter said."Four of us should be able-bodied to palm it. What about those shaver in Little Shingleton ?"

"I 'll allot Cardinal Newman to them,"Harry decided."And you can plunk a few multitude form your department to go with him."

Walter nodded."What about the villagers ? We ca n't hang around the Shrieking hut all Night. It 'll count suspicious."

Albus suddenly remembered the map. He pulled it out of his pocket and handed it to his dad."Use the map. Then you can observe until he gets there."

Harry grinned."I 'd forgotten about this."He turned to Walter."Map of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, created by my dad, Sothis Black, Remus lupine, and prick Pettigrew. It shows where everyone is, so it should depict us when Greyback turns up. We can expect at the Hog 's Head until then. No one there will pay us any attention."

"And in the report ? In the paper the next day ?"Bruno Walter asked.

"No mention of Matt or his being in the scream Shack,"Harry said."We 'll say we got an anonymous tip that he 'd establish up in Hogsmeade."

"Can I wait with you ?"Albus asked.

Harry laughed."Absolutely not. You 'll stay in the castle, where it 's safe. I believe they 're doing a mandatory ahead of time curfew again ?"

Albus nodded. They 'd put up card in the common rooms a few sidereal day ago. This clock time, no one seemed upset about it.

"I wish they 'd do it in Hogsmeade,"Walter said."But getting something like that set up takes weeks."

"Well, if people are smart they 'll delay inside with wards up,"Harry pointed out.
***


Never before had Albus heard so many the great unwashed talking about the full moon. All weekend, everywhere he turned, he heard someone mentioning either the full moon Sun Myung Moon or Rebel or both. Suddenly, werewolves were the hot theme of discussion at Hogwarts.

Most citizenry, from what Albus could gather, did n't experience a strong opinion on wolfman one way or another. But a few people, most having had a congenator murdered by Fenrir Greyback, told anyone who would listen how happy they were that neither candidate wanted to change the classification of lycanthrope from animate being to beingness. It only took Matt overhearing one of these conversations to decide to spend the rest of the weekend in the Marauder 's Den.

"It 'll all be over in three weeks,"Amanda said."Once the election takes place no one is going to care as much. But these past few week have certainly made me inquire if I should go into the Department for the Regulation and ascendance of Magical Creatures."

It was Billy Sunday night and Albus and his acquaintance were in the Marauder 's Den, yet again, working on their homework that was due tomorrow.

"You could work with my dad,"Matt announced from the couch."That 'd be weird."

"fountainhead, it 's just terrible,"Amanda said."And it does n't make sense. Why should goblins and house-elves be Beings but not werewolf ? You 're to a greater extent human than a house-elf."

lustrelessness laughed."Tomorrow night I wo n't be, and that 's what it comes down to. House-elves are n't that dangerous. Werewolves are."

"I do n't know,"Albus began."When my dad was a mo year a house-elf charmed a Bludger to go against his arm. That 's fairly dangerous."

"What about vampires ?"blush wine asked."I ought to owl Linda."

"lamia are Beings,"Matt explained."It 's because they do n't have to drink human blood to survive. It 's a choice. Werewolves, when we bite someone, it 's not a option. We ca n't control it."

"Except with Wolfsbane,"Rose pointed out.

"Yeah, and maybe if someone invents Wolfsbane that works for all werewolves we might get reclassified,"flatness said.

"What about vampire who bite people ?"Amanda asked.

"They 're put in prison,"Matt said.

"So can vampires go to school and book line of work ?"Kaden asked.

"I suppose they could. Linda went to shoal. But they live forever so to the highest degree do n't desire to go to schooling or already have, because virtually vampire are older. As for jobs, they do n't have to tell employers what they are, so yeah, they could."

"It 's so bally confusing,"John said."Does n't make a bit of sense."

"It really does n't,"flatness said with a yawn."But it 's life."

lustrelessness slept the rest of the evening and most of the next day, not attending any of his classes. Albus could n't pick him, what with all the wolfman talk that was going around the schooltime. Albus himself found it difficult to concentrate on any of his classes or homework since there was the distinct opening that Fenrir Greyback would be captured that night.

Albus and his acquaintance reported to the common room at five, as per the curfew, and then went to dinner. Matt did n't unite them. He was gone when they returned. Albus gave up on prep for the night and played a few halfhearted stave of Exploding Snap with John Lackland and Kaden before deciding to go up to his student residence early. He knew he would n't sleep, but figured it would be slightly more productive than cleaning ash off his face.

Instead of sleeping, Albus sat in the windowsill and watched the sky. It was decipherable, giving him a very serious view of the stars. After locating a few constellation Albus watched the apparent horizon and the faint glow that was above it. Then, the moonlight rose.


A/N : So, some of you may have noticed that I screwed up last workweek 's update. I accidentally skipped chapter 25 ( full-of-the-moon Moon Attacks ) and went right to chapter 26 ( heart, Beings, and Beasts ). If you have n't already done so, go back and read the substantial chapter 25. The floor will take a leak much more sense after that.

I am pleased to annunciate that I have finished this story ! It topped out at 37 chapters. I may start updating this twice a week, but have n't quite resolve yet. A lot of you are asking in reviews when the next update will be, so I 'll retell that I update every Friday. The exact time will change. Thanks for all the reviews !