Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




matte did n't retort to the vulgar room until Dominicus afternoon. Albus and his friends had spent most of the weekend doing homework and playing daily round of Exploding snap bean. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really consider about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his friends did n't get a chance to order lustrelessness about what Kaden told Malfoy while he was in the infirmary wing because it had been very crowded that weekend. Apparently, quite a few students had decided to practice their dueling for the upcoming match while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused madam Pomfrey to feature an painful lot to do. She looked very fray when Albus and the others visited Matt on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the coarse room with the others, doing homework, when Matt returned from the Hospital extension. He still looked a bit fatigue and the snub on his face were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much respectable than he had on Th. Albus closed his book and glanced at his champion when flatness came through the portrait hole.

`` What 's with you lot ? '' matte asked, `` You 're awfully quiesce. ``

`` We 've, er, got to tell you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the Room. '' Albus got up and left the common way. His protagonist all followed, not saying a word. Albus led them down the 7th floor corridor until they reached the painting of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three prison term in figurehead of it and opened the door that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his friends asked for a place where they could be alone. There were a few squashy armchairs and couches, a fireplace, and it was decorated in scarlet and gold.

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

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

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

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

`` wellspring, get on with it, '' lusterlessness said.

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

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

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

`` Malfoy ? ! '' matte interrupted with a look of blow on his face.

`` It gets worse, '' Albus continued, `` You know how I told Kaden that you get retch every once in a spell, so he would exclude up endure month ? ``

`` Yeah ... ''

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

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

`` That you 've got some kind of wizard disease that Madam Pomfrey ca n't heal, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't visit your sick nanna. ``

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

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

`` But you ca n't really arrest him ! All he 's got to do is a bit of research and he 'll know everything, '' flatness moaned.

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

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

`` No, he ca n't experience, he just ca n't, '' flatness whispered.

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

lusterlessness nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and William Tell anyone, luck are I 'll have got to exit. ``

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

`` How do you make love ? ``

`` Rose is proper, '' Albus agreed, `` When the Marauders were in school, Snape found out about shimmy 's dad and he still got to stay in schooltime. Dumbledore made him promise not to tell anyone. I 'm sure Kendrick would do the Same thing. ``

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

`` pink wine had to block me and John from hexing him, '' Albus explained, `` But I yelled at him quite a bit. Have n't seen him lots since and I do n't really need to. ``

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

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

`` All right, '' lustrelessness replied. `` Let 's hitch here for a patch. I think if I saw Kaden right now I 'd cause to hex him. ``

rose wine groaned, `` What is with boys ? Do you always have to hex people to solve your trouble ? ``

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

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

`` What he did was a pretty Slytherin thing to do, '' Albus replied. Nobody argued with that.

******

The weekend before Halloween was a very exciting one for the students at Hogwarts. There was the first Hogsmeade visit on Saturday, which the aged scholar were very worked up about. Albus, of course, was n't allowed to go since he was a second year. James made indisputable to lord this over him at every moment possible during the hebdomad preceding the visit. James would be going on his first Hogsmeade visit, and Albus was certain that Hogwarts would be treated to a diverseness of pranks following. When James and his friends returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the common way with their bags bulging with what could only be Weasley 's products, and quickly stowed it all in their student residence. Sure enough, at dinner that Night, the bookman trunk was treated to a very flirt with repast. Somehow, James and his friends had managed to pinch a potion into the Slytherins'intellectual nourishment that caused their hair and fingernails to turn scarlet and gold. The residuum of the shoal laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to visualize out how to turn their fuzz and nails back to normal.

`` nix will change it, '' James informed the Gryffindor table in between fits of laugh, `` Uncle George told me it will wear out off within 24 hours, though. ``

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

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

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

The following day was the first gear dueling tournament for the Junior dueling lodge. The older students had already had their get-go tournament the previous weekend. Albus 's cousin Stanley 's team had won. The tournament was to take post immediately following lunch, at one o'clock, and the second, third base, and one-quarter geezerhood were filled with excitement about it.

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

`` I do n't either, '' John agreed, `` But we might let to. It 'll be all right. None of us know any spells that could do any live impairment. I 'm just hoping I get to duel Malfoy. ``

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed.

`` I almost wish first old age could link the dueling cabaret, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't take care beating him in front of the entire school. ``

`` I 'm probably just going to suffer, no thing who I duel, '' Amanda sighed, `` The simply thing I can do is disarm soul, and I 'm not even that good at that. ``

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

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

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

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

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

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

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

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

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

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of scholar filing into the dueling bedroom near the Great Hall. They found Kate at one of the tables that had been set up for each squad to waitress at. Their squad public figure, The Dueling tartar, was written on a piece of parchment that was stuck to the table. There was a realistic looking dragon breathing fire drawn on it. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the board, his hair still brightly scarlet and gold. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the face-to-face end. A few instant later, once everyone on their team had arrived, Kate began to speak.

`` Attention ! '' she shouted and the table became quiet, `` Thanks. The tourney will start in a distich proceedings. I 'm sure as shooting we 'll do great. Everyone remember what you 've learned within the retiring month and you 'll do fine. Just do your practiced and even if you do n't win today, there 's still succeeding time. I know this inter-house team thing is hard, but I think everyone here has really come together to work as a team, and I 'm proud of all of you for that. So, with that, secure circumstances ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the early fourthly geezerhood on the team.

A instant later, prof Kendrick stood up at the front of the room and raised his mitt for quiet. The room fell silent and he began to address. `` Welcome to the low gear Dueling tournament for the Juniors Dueling gild. This is the first of six qualifying tournaments of the year. At the end of the class, the top two teams will face off in a final tournament. There will be two duels going on simultaneously, with Professors thrower and Longbottom presiding over them. Every scholarly person will duel twice today. The victor of each duel will be awarded one peak. At the end of the tournament, the team with the most power point will be declared the winner. The full stop will role over to each tourney, after the sixth tournament, the two team with the most points will face off in the final examination. Now, each captain was given a list of affaire d'honneur for today, so I will give you a few minutes to get organized and for the senior pilot to inform their team of the schedule. Good fortune to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the agenda with her team. Albus 's for the first time duel was about halfway down the leaning and his second was the third to in conclusion. The alone matter he could do now was wait until his turn came. Albus was growing steadily more uneasy as time wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him dwell that down. Albus watched the first couple of duels while talking with Amanda. After a few duels, St. James the Apostle 's turning came and he lost to a Ravenclaw fourth year. blush wine was up succeeding and she easily beat her third year Slytherin opponent. Quite a few of Albus 's teammate had dueled by now and most of them had won. Before retentive, Amanda 's twist was up. Albus wished her luck and she went nervously to the dueling doughnut that Neville was watching over.

Amanda was up against a secondment class Hufflepuff and the first-class honours degree part of the affaire d'honneur consisted of each of them mostly dodging the magical spell sent towards them. Eventually, Amanda managed to demilitarize her adversary and won. She came back grinning ear to ear. Kate congratulated her as she sat back down next to Albus.

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

`` Thanks, '' Amanda grinned.

matt was up next against a Slytherin one-fourth twelvemonth. The affaire d'honneur hardly lasted two minutes before the Slytherin used an advanced spell that caused lustrelessness to thrash into the paries behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. Professor Cedonia took lustrelessness to the hospital wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a couple detentions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus walked nervously to the dueling closed chain where Neville was and he faced his Ravenclaw opponent. He was dueling James Earl Carter Eubert, a familiar second base yr.

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

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

`` compass point goes to ceramicist, '' Neville announced. Albus and Howard Carter shook hands and went back to their teams.

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

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

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

`` I 'll have to call back that if I ever duel him again, '' Albus said.

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

Eventually, all the duel finished and Professor Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a wonderful job. Now, to announce the winner. I am please to announce that the Flying genus Phoenix, captained by Barty heathland of Slytherin have come in showtime topographic point with 23 percentage point ! Thank you, everyone. The next tournament will charter stead at the end of Nov or beginning of December. Your captains will be informed of the accurate date as it comes closer. ``

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

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

When they got to the vernacular room, it was already wide-cut with students rehashing persona of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to Epistle of James 's invoice of his duels. Jesse James had won his endorse duel and appeared to be very majestic of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found John and mat sitting at their common table. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few present moment later were joined by rose, who was glowing.

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

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

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

`` gladiolus I 'm not on his squad, '' John muttered, `` Ca n't conceive I lost both my duel. ``

`` You 'll do better future fourth dimension, '' Albus assured him.

`` At least you did n't wander up in the hospital wing, '' Matt commented, `` I 'm the only one that did. shape. ``

bathroom laughed a bit at this, `` I think you 've got some sort of attractive force for that lieu. ``

`` Oh shut it, '' mat replied.

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

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

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

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

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

`` And no exam ! '' John grinned. Albus liked this as well. So far, the solitary tier they had in that course were from essays they had been assigned as homework. Cedonia had not given them a I in class test.

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

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

`` How is she supposed to sleep together if we 've mastered the charm if she does n't test us ? ''

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

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

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

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

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

`` All I know is that I 've learned More good luck charm this year than finally class, '' Albus said.

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

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the same prison term. Albus liked Cedonia 's expressive style of commandment and he did n't desire her to start giving them exams like the other teacher did. Without charms exams, Albus had less to worry about. Hopefully, Cedonia would ignore Rose 's plea for exams and proceed the way she had been.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some pumpkin juice when the billet arrived on Tuesday morning. He looked up and noticed a small Brown owl flying towards him. He immediately recognized it as Victoire 's owl. `` Victoire 's sent me something, '' Albus announced as the owl landed following to his plate. Albus took the letter of the alphabet and gave the owl a man of pledge before it flew off.

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

Albus turned the envelope over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a couple letter of the alphabet so far this year, most of them sent along with Amy 's letters to matte. These usually arrived a twosome days after the full lunar month, as Amy always wanted to eff how Matt was. Since the full-of-the-moon moon had been a few weeks ago, Albus was odd as to what Victoire had to secern them. He opened the alphabetic character and began to read it. rose, lusterlessness, John, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

honey Albus, Matt, Rose, John, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying course of instruction and not making too
practically problem. congratulation on your successes in the dueling tourney,
especially you, Rose. I hope there are many groovy victory to fall. in force
luck in your offset Quidditch match, Albus. We hope to be capable to advert, but
it depends on work and healer training schedules.

education has been going well. We 've been attending classes in the morning
and training at St. Mungo 's in the good afternoon, like always. shimmy has been
very interfering with Auror training as well.

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

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

He was spotted in a Muggle village in Southern England, quite far from Hogwarts. The Aurors are already on his keister and are tracking him this very
minute. chemise heard about it while he was at education, and we decided to
give you a school principal up. Uncle Harry will probably assure you as well.

Do n't worry about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under control. safe chance with Quidditch, dueling, and socio-economic class, and we
hope to see you soon.

Love,
Victoire, shift, and Amy

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

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

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

`` Do n't worry, '' rose said, `` I mean, it 's kind of good that somebody spotted him. Before they had no wind, and now they sort of know where he is. ``

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

`` Could I see the oracle ? '' Rose asked one of the older students who was sitting across from her. The miss nodded and handed her the paper. `` Let 's find the article. '' Rose scanned the front Thomas Nelson Page and found a short article on the left English of the page. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle Ithiel Town, Hythe, in Southern England early yesterday morning. A wizard who prefers not to be named in this article saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror section since his attack on point Auror and Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry, Harry Potter, lastly Spring. Five underage Hogwarts students were also attacked. Willinson, along with his father, Jaret Willinson, and the former charm professor, Jameson Washburn, attacked Potter and the five students on the primer. Potter declined comment for this article. The nous Auror has informed the wizarding public that all three men are serious and not to essay to crusade them. If any of them are seen, people are requested to inform the Ministry immediately. Ministry Aurors responded to the sighting and are currently investigating .'''

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

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

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

`` wellspring, hopefully professor thrower will catch them before they get the chance, '' mat replied, `` Anyway, I hope Amy and Victoire come to the Quidditch match. I have n't seen Amy in years. ``

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

`` Yeah, '' matte gave a halfhearted smile.

`` We 'd meliorate get to Charms, '' Rose announced. The five bit years got up from the board and made their way out of the Great Hall. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting following to James, talking animatedly about something. James did n't appear too felicitous about this and had the flavour of individual pretending to listen, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about James having to deal with Kaden, but not bad enough to make up with his cousin.

prof Cedonia spent the first one-half of class teaching the charm for tying brake shoe, and during the s half, the family practiced. Unlike last year, Albus thoroughly enjoyed practical lessons in appealingness. prof Cedonia did not mind them talking with each other as they practiced, and although she watched their onward motion, she did n't hover like Washburn had done.

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

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

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

`` Thank you, Professor, '' Rose replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to cause any exams in this class ? ``

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

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the former teachers at this school, do not believe in testing students in the conventional way. I prefer to assign essays that are done outside of class, where you are free to use your volume, to assess your knowledge of hypothesis. As far as practical exams go, I prefer to assess your progress in socio-economic class. If I have any belief that you are not mastering the task at hand, I will give you supernumerary help until you can dominate it. However, in accordance of rights with Hogwarts custom, there will be a practical exam at the end of the semester. The theory examination will be an essay that you can make out using your book, in division. ``

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

`` If you 'd like an exam, I will produce one for you, but no one else will suffer to necessitate it unless they want to, '' Cedonia announced.

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

`` Excellent. I assure you, rosiness, that you will take in a perfect intellect of second class Charms by the fourth dimension the year is up, and you will be in first-class anatomy to move on to tierce year. ``

rosiness nodded and Cedonia walked back to the presence of the way. Albus turned to john and grinned. `` Yes, no exams ! '' he said.

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

`` wellspring, I suppose she sort of is testing us, '' matte explained, `` Just in a dissimilar way. I 've never had a instructor like her before. ``

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

Albus nodded. All of his teacher in primary school day had been like the ones at Hogwarts, with formal exam and homework. `` I went to a Muggle shoal and all of the teacher gave us exam. ascend went to the Saami one. ``

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

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

`` All the teacher were like Cedonia at my school, '' Amanda turned around to talk to the boys. `` We did n't have exams or grades or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to school. Except when I made unknown material happen. hoi polloi thought I was weird. Turns out I was, but in a good way, '' she laughed.

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

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

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

`` Who knows about adjacent year, though, '' flatness replied, `` We 'll start new theme and who knows what those teachers will be like. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Arithmancy sounds really interesting, '' Rose said, `` And Georgia told me the teacher is strict, but not mean. ``

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

`` I wish I could consume them all, '' rose sighed.

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't think it would turn out well. '' Albus and rosiness shared a laughter that the others did n't really understand. Albus saw their disconnected faces and decided to tell them about Hermione 's third year schedule sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in time for Albus 's Defense division on Thursday. Harry called Albus up to his desk after class. Albus had been anxiously waiting the completely class to see if Harry managed to take hold of Quinton Willinson. Albus had a flavour he had n't because there was n't any mention of it in the Prophet that morning.

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

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

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

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

Harry sighed again and put his manus around his son 's shoulder. `` I 'm no-count, Al. He got away. We got some more leads, though. Talked to a few Muggles and a wizard who were around when Quinton showed up. I still have n't heard anything about Quinton 's father or Washburn. But we 're still searching and it 's only a matter of fourth dimension. ``

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

`` I 'm not going to deny it. They probably will derive back here. But there is a gravid amount of protection around the schooling. Last year, it was soft for them to be on the terra firma since Washburn was a professor and Quinton was a student here. They do n't have that going for them now. And I do n't think any of them could ill-use foot in Hogsmeade without somebody alerting me or the Ministry. ``

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

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

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

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

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

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the common way the next week completely tired out from Quidditch practice session. The first match, against Slytherin, was on Sabbatum and Georgia was having them practice every evening. It had been a drizzly evening and Albus 's gown were soaked. He went up to his residence hall to put away his broom and alteration. Once he was done, he grabbed his playscript and went back to the common room to do his prep. When he got there, he could n't notice his Friend anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dormitory, Albus had just been up there.

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

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

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus gave a tire grin, `` They 're pathetic. ``

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

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

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the full Moon was the future nighttime. They must have gone to the room of Requirement. Albus had also momentarily forgotten about the room due to the fact that Kaden was always hanging around them, and they did not need him to cognize about the Room.

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

Albus walked down the corridor as fast as he could without actually running. He slowed down as he reached the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy, as there was a prefect roaming nearby. Albus loitered until the prefect turned a corner and then he started pacing in social movement of the bulwark. Three pace later, the door appeared and Albus walked in.

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

rose wine, John, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on man of parchment and they looked up as Albus came in. Matt was sleeping on a nearby chair and did n't notice Albus.

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

`` Sounds upright, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a chairman and sat down future to King John. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

`` Transfiguration, '' John the Divine groaned, `` eighter from Decatur inch essay due tomorrow. I 've got four inches so far. ``

`` history of legerdemain, '' Amanda said, `` Also due tomorrow. ``

`` I finished those a patch ago, '' rose wine commented, `` Now I 'm doing Herbology. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus started to leaf through his History of trick ledger, but he could n't concentrate. It was n't by curfew now ; what if Malfoy was exploring the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree right now ? Albus closed his book and started rifling through his bag. He pulled out the vulture 's Map and set it down on the table.

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

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

Albus searched the map for a few mo before his eyes rested on Malfoy 's dot. He breathed a sigh of backup as he saw that Malfoy 's dot was currently residing in the Slytherin plebeian room. `` He 's in his commons room. ``

`` Oh, good, '' Rose smiled. `` I really do n't think he 's going to enquire that tree. ``

`` Why 's that ? '' John the Evangelist asked skeptically.

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

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

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

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

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

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

pink wine, whoremonger, and Amanda all leaned in to look at the Mark. rose furrowed her brow and tilted her head as she looked at it. `` Why did the marauder have this matter stop on the map ? All the former ink disappears. Now it 's just a random firearm of parchment with these paw prints on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw mark before. The objet d'art of sheepskin that fell out of the photo record album in the attic of Grimmauld Place ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the course of the shoal class. The symbols were exactly the like. They must intend something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his rear. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the attic at my house, John ? ``

privy nodded his drumhead. `` Yeah ... ''

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

actualization dawned on Saint John 's cheek. `` Oh ! I 'd blank out about that ! Do you still have it ? ``

`` Yup ! '' Albus shouted excitedly, `` In my trunk. I 'll go get it ! '' Albus ran out of the way, leaving a very sex toilet and a thoroughly confused blush wine and Amanda.



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

The thought for Cedonia 's teaching style and the school Amanda used to go to came from a schooltime that used to be near where I live. It recently closed due to lack of funding. But the students did n't have tests or receive grad. They also got to prefer whatever they wanted to canvas. It was a really interesting thought and it worked well until it closed. I never went there, but I always thought it was neat.

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

Be on the lookout for my fresh story, Life Is commodity, which is a prequel to enigma Within that chronicles how Albus, rose wine, Matt, King John, and Amanda received their Hogwarts varsity letter. I 'm hoping to post the kickoff chapter sometime next week, as I have Spring Break.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



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

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

`` But it 's just a vacuous piece of sheepskin, '' Amanda reminded him.

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

`` I think you 're good, Albus, '' John agreed, `` I do n't bonk much about the predator, but from what you 've told me, there 's no way this is just a random part of lambskin. ``

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

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

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

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

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

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's magic. The marauders either found or invented some kind of charm that enabled the piranha 's Map to put across with multitude who try to use it and they 've done the same thing with this. '' Albus pulled the piranha 's Map in front of him and tapped his baton to it, `` learn this. I, Albus Severus thrower, demand you to show yourself. ``

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

'Mr. Moony would like to would like to separate Mr. Potter to keep back his dirty hands off the parchment.

Mr. Wormtail agrees with Mr. Moony and would like to add that despite the fact that Mr. Potter shares a first name with the headmaster, it does not devote him the bureau do what he pleases.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would like to add that Mr. ceramist 's heart name has got to be the most shocking figure he has ever heard.

Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, Mr. Wormtail, and Mr. Prongs, and would like to be able to insult Mr. ceramicist 's last name, but tone he is ineffectual to do so .'
Amanda and lavatory started laughing hysterically after they finished reading the map. `` Does it do that to anyone ? '' John asked.

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

`` I did n't love Kendrick 's get-go name was Albus, '' Amanda commented.

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

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

Albus contemplated that for a moment. rosebush was probably rectify. The piranha were always pranksters, and they would probably want others to find the map and use it for mischief.

`` But, '' rose wine continued, `` Do you recall they might suffer wanted another item that only they could read ? ``

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

`` That other slice of parchment. Maybe it 's something that the vulture did n't want anyone to be able to read. ``

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

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

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

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

`` I 'm not sure, '' Rose replied, `` I mean, there 's probably some kind of conjuration that only enables a few masses to read it. Kind of like a Fidelius spell for account book or something. ``

Albus grabbed the lambskin and pointed his wand at it. The only way to find out if something would reveal it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to seduce hassle. '' cipher happened. `` I want to micturate maleficence. I am going to pull a prank on individual. I promise I will make difficulty. '' Albus tried many different mutation on the conjuration for the predator 's Map, but null worked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus kind of agreed with rose wine at this point, but he was willing to try anything. But which Marauder ? Prongs. It had to be. Prongs was his grandfather. If this was going to work for anyone, it would mold for him. He was related to one of the piranha. Albus pointed his baton at the lambskin with his bosom beating fast. `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

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

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

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

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

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

'However, you could be the second Prongs .'
`` What ? ! '' Albus looked up in confusedness. Was this some kind of put-on ? How could there be another Prongs ? And how could Albus be that moment Prongs ?

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

`` Either it 's a antic or a highly sophisticated wizardly aim, '' Rose remarked. The four supporter continued to ascertain as more committal to writing appeared.

'When four male child, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and mischief-making, they may present themselves as the next contemporaries of Marauders .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the parchment. The next generation of marauder ? What had his granddaddy and his Friend done ?

`` This is incredible, '' Rose whispered.

'These four friends must each make up one of the piranha, for if even one is missing, this map will not work. Before this goes any further, you must shew that you know the secrets of the Marauders. try that you know, and you may proceed along the path of discovery .'

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

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

'Then I pay my regard on the phrasing to Mr. Moony .'

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

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

'The Marauders wish you effective luck .'

The ink disappeared from the parchment and Albus looked up at his admirer. `` What in the name of pigeon hawk is this ? ``

`` I think it 's something the Marauders invented to see that they would never be gone from this school, '' rose wine said in awe, `` It 's astound. ``

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

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

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

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

`` We already know their biggest secrets, '' blush wine said, `` But how would we prove it to a piece of parchment. ``

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

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

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

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

Albus did n't reckon it would cultivate, but he did n't opine it could really harm anything either. `` Worth a jibe. '' Albus picked up the parchment and stared at it. This seemed really silly when he thought about it. He was about to verbalise to a part of parchment. `` Here goes zippo. Let 's see, Moony is a loup-garou. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a hart, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat. ``

Albus and the others watched the parchment. A few Good Book appeared on it. Could it induce actually worked ?

'Nice try .'
`` I told you it would n't work, '' blush wine smirked, `` It 's got to be more subtle than that. ``

`` We 'll just have to think on it, '' Albus replied. He had no idea how they were to prove to the new map that they knew the Marauders'arcanum, but he had to find out. This lambskin was perhaps even more interesting and sorcerous than the vulture 's Map, and he was going to figure it out.

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

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

Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda spent the future few minutes explaining about the new map to Matt. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbol on the vulture 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to designate the writing, and how they had to prove that they knew the Marauders'mystery. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is smart as a whip, '' lustrelessness commented.

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

`` Well, I know what we can do while we 're trying to calculate it out how to prove we know the Marauders, '' John the Divine announced, `` We 've got to calculate out who we 're going to represent. ``

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

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

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's expression fell as he realized that someone was going to induce to symbolise Wormtail. nobody was going to desire to be him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Hey, it 's not our fault the Marauders wanted it to be son, '' Albus shrugged, `` But you can help us visualise the unanimous matter out. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` No problem, '' John Lackland smiled.

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

Albus thought about this. It could work. But could they really find someone they could trust enough to bring out matt 's secluded ? Or, did they even have to reveal it ? Was it possible to do this without telling the fourth individual ? `` Let 's just keep our optic out for soul who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll call up about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them screw about lusterlessness, at least not for a spell. Is that all right hand, Matt ? ``

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

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

`` We 'd improve get back to the usual room, '' rosebush looked at her lookout, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

Albus and the others left the elbow room and walked back to Gryffindor Tower. Albus thought about the new map and what it could possibly hold. It was obviously a more involved map than the predator 's Map. Albus could only imagine what was actually on it. The prospect of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even find out. What were the opportunity of them finding individual who would be uncoerced to represent Wormtail ? And if they did find that person, could they figure out the map without telling that individual that Matt was a werewolf ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



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

The prequel to Secrets Within, Life Is Good, has been posted and the first chapter is up. I 'll be updating it hebdomadally, most probable on Tuesdays.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the next few day, Albus constantly thought about the new map. He kept it in his bag all the time and found himself looking at it whenever he got the fortune. He read the hint again and again, hoping to find something he missed before that would tell him how to turn out that he knew the piranha'enigma. Albus found that he could n't really concentrate on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions mental test on Fri because he had so much trouble settling down to study the nighttime before.

His school workplace was n't the alone thing agony, either. Albus was also having a difficult sentence paying attending during Quidditch practice. Seeing as the match against Slytherin was on Sabbatum, this could n't have happened at a risky time. Peach State had to cry at him at least five times during pattern on Friday, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' Georgia said once drill was over and everyone was starting to go back to the rook, `` Stay here for a endorse, I need to verbalise to you. ``

Albus trudged over to Georgia. She had a downhearted look on her brass that made Albus find awful. He knew he had played horrible during practice session, but he just could n't get the map out of his head. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what GA wanted to sing to him about.

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

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

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

Albus glanced up when his cousin-german said this. To evidence the truth, Albus had n't even thought about being queasy. But he was more than leave to charge his awful playacting on nerves. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely skittish during my first peer as well. But you are going to do fine. We 're going to crush Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll prove all those the great unwashed wrong who thought I was favoring my class, '' Georgia grinned.

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

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

******

Despite Albus 's lack of cheek the past few days, he was certainly making up for it on Sabbatum morning. He woke up with butterflies in his stomach and could n't manage to eat anything for breakfast. defective yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to concentrate on this mates. His place on the team rested on it.

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

`` Yeah, just nervous, '' Albus mumbled. He had n't told any of his Quaker about Georgia 's lecture finally night.

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

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

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

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

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

Albus grabbed his broom and followed the eternal sleep of the team out onto the slant, with his meat pounding fast. He gazed up at the crowd, never realizing before how many people actually attended Hogwarts. It was one thing to recreate Quidditch during exercise, but in nominal head of everyone ? Albus was sure enough he 'd fall off his broom and humiliate the total team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor squad ! '' Albus heard the associate voice of Todd Smith booming over the tar. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James Potter, Tom Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Georgia Weasley, and ling Weasley ! Georgia is the new captain this year, and Albus Potter has replaced Samantha Meyers as chaser. Will he be able-bodied to live up to her legacy ? Only fourth dimension will tell. ``

Albus gulped when he heard that. Why did Todd have to say that ? Albus felt as if every eye in the arena was focused on him. Albus stood adjacent to James as they waited for the Slytherin squad to arrive onto the champaign. James sent him a supportive smiling that Albus returned nervously.

`` And here are the Slytherins ! Ferris Fielding, Talan Flint, Lance Goyle, Peyton Hughes, Garth Octavius, Hailey Odele, and Thomas Jonathan Jackson Naiser ! The Slytherins have replaced their Seeker since last year. Garth Octavius is the new quester. ``

Albus remembered Georgia telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin searcher from terminal year, had been utterly unequal to of catching the stoolpigeon. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as clumsy, but he doubted it.

`` climb your brooms, '' professor Oteski announced, `` Ready, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's pennywhistle. He took a few deep breaths to clear his head and tried to kibosh out the gang 's shouting and booing. He glanced around the pitch and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the other side of the theater of operations in purchase order to get away from Odele, who was flying right next to him. With his faster broom, he was away from her in no prison term. He could do this, Albus thought.

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

Albus flew after him, but he had already managed to wee-wee it past both Bludgers and was heading straight towards Empire State of the South. He threw the Quaffle and it sailed into the left most hoop.

`` Score ! Slytherin scores the offset end of the game, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Todd announced.

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

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

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

Albus ignored Smith 's commentary and continued flying. He passed James, who gave him a thumb up. Fielding was hot on his tail now. Albus looked around, he needed to pass the Quaffle. Scots heather was spread and Albus gave the Quaffle a firmly toss. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin goal postal service. She threw it at the mediate hoop and it sailed through.

`` grudge ! '' Smith announced, `` Heather Weasley has scored, making the secret plan tied with 10 points each. ``

Albus grinned at heather and flew to the Slytherin end posts. He waited for Goyle to toss out the Quaffle back out, and let his psyche wander to the map. Albus had n't really thought about it at all so far, which was upright. Who could they get to be Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the metre. Every person he passed in the halls made Albus wonder, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never find anyone. Albus, John, and lustrelessness were destined to just be a grouping of three friend, and that was n't going to work for the new map. Why would n't it just accept Rose or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of course, neither girl would harmonise to representing the traitor that was Peter Pettigrew anyway.

`` Albus ! '' A tawdry spokesperson jerked Albus back into the equal. He looked up and saw that Heather was glaring at him. He shook his head and started flying again.

During the remainder of the match, Albus found his judgement drifting Sir Thomas More and more towards the map. He dropped the Quaffle more than a few times, earning disapproving looks from GA. Although he had n't scored a single goal, he did help ling and Fred score a few each. Unfortunately this was n't enough, and soon Slytherin was ahead.

`` Another goal for Slytherin ! '' Kathryn Elizabeth Smith shouted, `` Making the scotch 120-80 Slytherin ! ``

Albus groaned and looked around at his teammates. Sakartvelo looked tense, heather and Fred looked determined, Thomas Bradley and Ryan looked angry, and James looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the Snitch. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor goal place. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to hit.

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

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

All of a sudden, St. James whooshed past Albus, heading straight for Ryan. Albus looked over quizzically and realized that King James must have seen the canary. Garth Octavius followed James but he was n't nimble enough. James grabbed the Snitch, which was idling near Ryan 's arm, and pulled out of the honkytonk. He held it up with a exultant grin.

`` thrower has caught the sneaker ! '' Smith announced happily, `` Gryffindor wins with 230 points ! ``

Cheers erupted in the stands, with the Gryffindors storming the pitch. Albus landed happily next to William James. It was over, his 1st Quidditch match was over. He breathed a suspiration of relief. They had won, Albus was not going to be kicked off the team. He stood there grinning with the ease of the squad as their fellow Gryffindors clapped them on the dorsum and high-fived them. Albus had never been a fan of this sorting of affair before, but he did n't really mind it right now.

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

`` Excellent, '' Matt grinned.

`` You were amazing, '' Rose agreed.

`` good match, '' Amanda added.

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

`` Does n't weigh, '' Matt replied, `` You had quite a few assists, and we won so it 's all good. ``

`` Party in the common way ! '' one of the erstwhile students shouted. Everyone else cheered and the bunch started to move slowly to the castle.

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

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

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

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

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

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His female parent did worry a lot, although she did have a good reasonableness. His family always seemed to attract trouble, and he was mildly surprised that he escaped his first lucifer with only a minor bruise from a Bludger.

Albus walked to the rough-cut room with his ally and when they got there the unwashed room was already filling up. Everyone congratulated Albus as he entered, telling him what a great job he did that day. Albus smiled at them and thanked them, but he broke into a Brobdingnagian smiling when he saw Victoire and Amy sitting at one of the tables.

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

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

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

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

`` We left right after James caught the sneak to go to Hogsmeade to get party supplies, '' Victoire gestured to the large sum of money of solid food and butterbeer.

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

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

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

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

`` good, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're capable to cure minor cold shoulder and contusion right now, although about of the stuff and nonsense we 've learned is theoretical. It 's all quite fascinating, though. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Of course of study you would n't, '' whoremonger laughed.

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

`` I much prefer Magical healing, '' matte announced, `` Muggles use too many needles. conjuration and potions are much better. ``

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

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

`` I think I 'd rather let mortal wave their wand than have someone stick by me with a phonograph needle, '' Albus shook his promontory. Sometimes he just did n't understand the thing Muggles did.

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

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

`` What are stitches ? '' John asked.

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

`` Sew ? '' John had a disgusted aspect on his cheek, `` Like what they do with clothes ? That 's genial. ``

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

`` Albus ! '' James II walked over to their table with a butterbeer in his hired hand. `` Great get-go lucifer ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` Excellent grab. ``

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

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

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

Albus was startled by the alteration in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the past tense few daytime. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not want to be around him anymore and found his own ally. Albus had not really paid a good deal attention to his fiddling cousin since he told Malfoy that Matt gets upchuck every month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Be friends with him again ! ''

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

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

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

`` Kaden, '' Albus replied.

`` Good job on the peer. ``

`` Thanks. ``

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

`` Did n't consider he 'd start annoying James, '' rosiness commented.

`` shuffling gumption, though, '' Albus said.

`` I take it you 're not going to apologise ? '' lusterlessness asked.

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

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

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

******

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

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

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

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

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

`` Well, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old schooling and my old acquaintance. little did I know that I would come to bonk this place even more and take a leak even good friends. ``

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

Albus sat down next to her, while his friends and Amy took seats on various other chairman and couch. `` Have you ever met Kaden ? '' Albus asked his cousin.

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

`` well, he 's very vexing, to say the least. He thinks everything about the magic world is wonderful and that magic can work everything, '' Albus explained.

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

`` Yeah, but he did n't seem to interpret, '' Albus replied, `` Anyway, he latched himself onto me and started following us around everywhere. It got very get at, but we tolerated it. Then, the day of the first full-of-the-moon moon, Kaden got regorge and Madam Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really vex him and he came back to the common room praising lady Pomfrey and her potions. He came over to where we were sitting and he noticed how ill matte looked. ``

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

`` Yeah, he insisted that Matt go see Madam Pomfrey. I tried to excuse that legerdemain could n't fix everything, but he just would n't listen. We told him to stop going on and on about healing potions, but he would n't. Matt left because he had to go to the infirmary Wing, and I yelled at Kaden. However, the competitiveness did n't go long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't roll in the hay about lustrelessness, therefore he had no musical theme that what he said was injurious. I explained to Kaden once again that there were affair that magic could n't solve, and that Matt had a disease that illusion could n't solve- ''

`` You did n't state him, did you ? '' Amy asked lusterlessness anxiously.

`` Of track not, '' lusterlessness assured her, `` He 's still got no idea. ``

`` goodness. ``

`` After that, we just sort of accepted that Kaden would be around us all the time and got used to him, '' Albus continued, `` But then he decided to look into the Whomping willow tree. ``

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

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

Amy turned to her brother with a look of awe on her face. `` Did he follow it ? '' she whispered.

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

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

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

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

`` You 're right, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some strange reason, known only to my stupid person first cousin, he decided to secern Scorpius Malfoy that Matt gets throw up every once and a while, and secernate him about the Whomping willow tree ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` No, '' matt answered.

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

mat stood up, his face as wan as Amy 's. `` All rightfulness. '' He reluctantly followed his sister out of the Room.

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

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

They all sat in silence for a few moments, all lost in their own thoughts. Albus had n't really given Kaden much thought the past tense few days. He 'd been much too busybodied thinking about the map. But now, the incident with Kaden was back in the front of his judgement. What was Kendrick going to do about Malfoy ? What if he decided that lusterlessness could n't stay in school anymore now that people knew about the burrow ? Albus shuddered at the thought of his protagonist being kicked out of schooling because of what Kaden had done.

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

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

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

`` I know that ! '' Albus shouted, `` Kaden does n't even know about it ! But I told him not to separate and he did n't listen. We ca n't trust him with anything ! Everything I 've told him not to tell, he 's evidence someone, and it was Malfoy of all people ! You realize that if I forgive him, he 'll set off following us around again. He 'll get more suspicious about Matt and eventually he 's going to determine out. And what do you cogitate he 'll do then ? We 'll tell him not to say anything, and he will. He 'll probably tell Malfoy. ``

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

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` fine, '' Rose snapped.

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

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

`` He had some kind of Auror training matter today, '' Victoire responded, `` Training is fairly intense. And it 's at all sort of crazy hour. I guess they 're preparing him for what it 'll be like when he 's a fully trail Auror. ``

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

`` Of course, my hours wo n't be much better when I 'm a healer, '' Victoire commented, `` With our 60 minutes, we 're never going to get to see each other. wellspring, I 'll see you soon, Albus and Rose. I 'm not sure when, but I 'll definitely see you at Christmas. ``



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his champion sat around the Room of demand for the next one-half hour, waiting for matte to follow back. cipher said practically, but Albus could tell that they were all worried about what was going to happen. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the door to the elbow room open. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

Matt ran over to his champion with a smile on his grimace. `` Not much. ``

`` You do n't take to leave ? '' rose wine asked.

`` Nope ! '' flatness grinned. `` Kendrick said he 'd hire care of it and no one 's going to be able to get into the passage anymore. ``

`` That 's great ! '' Albus replied. He was very relieved. It would not get been fair for mat to ingest to pull up stakes Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's betise.

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

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

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

`` Good, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' whoremonger said tentatively, `` Nobody can get into the passageway now ? ``

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

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

lustrelessness turned and glared at him, `` Are you insane ? There 's no way I 'd choose you into the screech hovel. ``

`` It could have been like our own common elbow room, '' privy continued.

`` No way. Nope. Not going to fall out, '' mat said flatly.

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

******

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

`` Who 's that old lady up there ? '' Amanda pointed to the staff board. There was a light old witch with a patched and frayed hat sitting where Professor Longbottom usually sat.

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

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

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

blush wine took the letter and gave her owl a musical composition of toast. She opened the alphabetic character and read for a few mo before reemerging from behind it with a huge smile on her face. `` Professor Longbottom 's married woman has had her infant ! Her epithet is Lucy Augusta. That explains why professor Longbottom is n't here. ``

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

`` You know, I never really opine about the teachers having families, '' Matt commented.

`` fountainhead, we met Professor Longbottom 's married woman at the Leaky Cauldron over the summer, '' john pointed out.

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

`` Oh, yeah, '' John remembered, `` And professor ceramicist obviously has a family line. '' St. John the Apostle grinned at Albus.

`` He does ? '' Albus opened his heart panoptic in a look of pretender shock. `` I never knew ! ``

lustrelessness laughed, `` I wonder about the other teachers, though. ``

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

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

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

`` As an tot precaution, I have put a few Mrs. Humphrey Ward around it that will inform me when someone disregards my ruler. There will be severe punishment for anyone who is caught around the Tree, '' Kendrick said sternly.

`` On a lighter note, I 'm sure you all have noticed that Professor Longbottom is not here today. ``

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

`` Yes, yes, no demand to care. professor Longbottom 's wife has had a babe female child and he will be gone for a few calendar week. professor Sprout, who taught here years ago has offered to take his place until he returns, '' Kendrick gestured to the older witch.

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

`` I believe that is all. I hope everyone has a good Lord's Day and is well rested for classes tomorrow, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` I hope Sprout is dainty, '' lustrelessness said as he and the others wandered around the grounds after breakfast. It was a very meek day for November and most of the scholar were outdoors enjoying the weather.

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

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

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

`` Good, '' Matt smiled, `` It seems like we have n't got any intend teachers this year. ``

The group spent the first light wandering around the grounds, putting off the homework they should possess been doing. They talked some more about the map, but nobody had any approximation as to how to get it to work on or who could symbolize Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to inquire if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a whole lot sluttish than trying to avoid him, like he had been doing the past tense calendar month and a half.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` lack to go back to the castling ? '' St. John asked a little while later. It was starting to get tedious and swarm were rolling in. It would probably rain soon.

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've got to find Slughorn, '' Rose announced as she stood up. `` I need to verbalize to him about that conclusion essay. Want to come, Amanda ? '' Amanda nodded and the two missy took off for the castle.

`` Bet she thinks she lost a power point on it, '' lavatory laughed.

`` Probably, '' Albus grinned as the three boy started walking back to the castle. They joined the prominent grouping of pupil now running towards the castle as it got darker outside.

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

`` Want to go to the Room ? '' Matt suggested.

`` Sounds honest, maybe we can cipher out how to run the new map, '' Albus said. `` After all, once I talk to Kaden, we wo n't be able to pinch off there without him wondering where we are. ``

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

`` I 've got to, John, '' Albus sighed. `` He 's my full cousin. ``

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

`` No theme. I guess we 'll just take in to mess with it while Kaden 's in stratum. ``

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

mat said goose egg but pulled his two friends into a nearby void classroom. He shut the threshold and turned to look his Quaker. `` There 's people whispering just around the quoin. ``

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

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

`` I 'm unplayful ! '' lustrelessness said.

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

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

`` Oh, right, '' Albus replied, remembering that werewolf did give higher-ranking hearing. `` Well, what was it ? ``

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

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

`` Yeah, definitely student. ``

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

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

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

`` carry out your wands, '' flatness instructed as he opened the door. The boy crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the corner. As they got closer, Albus could start to make out bits of conversation.

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

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

Albus quickened his pace. Someone was going to hex someone. He had to intercept them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the spokesperson, but he could n't quite home them.

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

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

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

`` Liar, '' Malfoy raised his baton a niggling higher.

That was it. Albus could n't bear to look out Malfoy interrogating his cousin like that. All his bitter thought toward Kaden flew out the window the moment Albus saw Kaden 's terrified boldness. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's wand sailed out of his script and landed on the floor a few infantry down the corridor. St. John the Apostle ran forward and grabbed it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

At the same time, John shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' and Willinson 's verge sailed neatly into toilet 's hand.

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

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

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

`` Fine, '' Malfoy smirked, `` pretend your full cousin will get bewitch. ``

toilet burst out laughing, `` Good destiny with that, seeing as I 've got your baton. ``

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

`` Dueling in the corridors, '' a trousering spokesperson behind them said. `` That 's against the regulation. ``

Albus jumped as he heard the phonation and turned around to touch it. It was Filch. Albus groaned inwardly. Why did Filch always have to be around ? He, lusterlessness, John, and Kaden all exchanged coup d'oeil as Filch grinned at them all.

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

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

`` If I 've learned anything over the old age, '' Filch growled, `` It 's that Slytherins are never innocuous. ``

Albus stifled a laugh as he followed Filch down the hall. cipher said anything as Filch led them into his cramped part. It was very unmanageable for the six boys to fit inside and everyone was too close for comfort.

Filch went through his usual routine of filling out sort and filing them in the adjust console. He smirked as he filed Albus 's form. `` Seems you 'll make a Indian file nearly as big as your father and grandpa 's by the time you graduate. ``

Albus said nothing as Filch continued to fill out and file his kind. After what seemed like an hour, but was probably only a few min, Filch finished. `` You 'll have got two Night 's detention. Tonight and tomorrow night. suffer me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't have to be asked twice. He was the showtime one out the threshold, followed quickly by Matt, John, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the keep, Albus began to take his friends up the steps. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor tug. Kaden stuck to them like someone had affixed a permanent sticking charm on him, but Albus did n't mind. He needed to talk to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the reasonableness he told Malfoy about the passageway in the Whomping Willow ?

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

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

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

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

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

`` Kaden, this one was n't your error, '' Albus insisted, `` It was Malfoy and Willinson 's flaw. Speaking of them, want to state us what 's been going on ? '' Albus had n't paid an ounce of attention to his cousin since their big combat over a calendar month ago, but Albus was sure that this was n't an apart incident with the Slytherins.

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

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

`` And I 'm sorry, Albus, '' Kaden 's centre watered, `` I really am. They just both pointed their sceptre at me, and I do n't know any salutary curse, and I just got scared, and I know Gryffindors are supposed to be audacious, but they told me they 'd hex me if I did n't secern them what I knew. So I did, and before I realized it I mentioned the Whomping willow tree. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Kaden, sometimes you do affair that I just do n't sympathise, '' Albus explained, `` But I 'll always handle about you. You 're my cousin and naught can change that. ``

`` I know, and I 'm really dingy about everything, '' Kaden replied, `` I wanted to keep on it all a secret, but- ''

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

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

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

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

St. John the Apostle and Matt looked at each other and then shook their heads. `` No, we 've been mad at you long enough, '' matte told him.

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

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

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

`` Are you mad ? ! '' John and matte shouted at the same time. Both of them had looks of disgust on their faces.

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

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

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

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

`` Once you see the cannon sport, you 'll convert your mind, '' Matt told him as he stood up.

`` The shank ? '' toilet laughed and walked over to the door, `` Are you the harebrained one now ? ``

`` Not at the here and now, no, '' Matt smirked. Gospel According to John and Albus burst out laughing at John 's choice of intelligence and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

`` Another affair I do n't get to do it ? '' Kaden asked.

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

`` Anyway, '' Gospel According to John continued as they left the room, `` The Cannons are the spoiled team, you do n't want to see them fiddle. It 's not like they 'll attain it to the conference Cup. ``

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

This meter it was John 's tour to punch Matt in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the Cannons can ever hope to be. ``

John and flatness continued their controversy all the way down into the common room, with Kaden paying rhapsodic care. Albus smiled as he watched them. Maybe Kaden could fit in with their group after all.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't get long for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's group of friend. By the end of the hebdomad, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their usual subroutine of doing preparation in the common elbow room after dinner. Of course, that did not go until after the son served their detention with Filch. The caretaker had them clean almost every john in the entire castle. This was a tense affair due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the custody alongside them. Albus was quite happy when the hold was over.

All in all, school was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his classes and Quidditch and the Dueling Club were going well, too. Albus managed to shove aside his intellection of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased Georgia greatly. The downside to having Kaden binding was that Albus and his early friends could n't really sneak off to the Room of Requirement anymore, unless they wanted to bring Kaden. They all liked Kaden well enough, but none of them really wanted the youthful boy to know about the way yet. That, and they did n't want Kaden to know about the map. He did n't even know about the steady marauder 's Map. So, Albus had no option but to just think about the map, rather than mess around with it.

As November turned into December, Baron Snow of Leicester fell upon the grounds and students of all long time flocked to them to experience snow ball fight. Albus and his friends took part in quite a few, usually being crushed by the older students. Albus enjoyed these fight immensely, but sentiment of the new map were always in the cover of his psyche. He just wished they could have some time away from Kaden to enquire it some more. The opportunity to do just that rise up one day in the beginning of December. Kaden was not doing too well in Transfiguration and one of the older Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few other first years in the library.

Albus immediately shut his spell playscript after Kaden left the common room. `` All right, he 's gone. Let 's go to the Room. ``

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

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

`` Do you retrieve you know how to work it ? '' Matt asked.

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

`` Let 's go, '' Rose announced.

The group left the crowded common room and followed the familiar path to the Room. Once there, they took their usual seats and waited for Albus tell them his idea.

`` well, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and spread it out on the table. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, recall what I tried to tell the map last time ? I think I should drop a line that on the map. ``

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

matt and Amanda stared at Albus in seismic disturbance, but rosebush did n't appear fazed at all.

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

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

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

`` Er, no, but- ''

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

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

`` Thank you, Rose. ``

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

Albus nodded. That made sensory faculty. `` All rightfulness. '' He took a deeply breath. `` Here it goes. I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The conversant ink appeared on the parchment, telling Albus that he needed to prove he bonk all the piranha'enigma. He looked up at his friends, who were all wearing aspect of expectancy. Albus grabbed a quill and an ink pot. He poised his quill over the parchment and wrote in very tiny varsity letter,

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

'Close, but not quite .'

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

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

`` doe n't matter anyway, we do n't have a Wormtail, '' Matt pointed out.

`` I think that would experience been too obvious anyway, '' Rose explained, `` It 's got to be something more than subtle. ``

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

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

`` ripe point, '' John said.

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

Albus had n't thought of that. Of row the Marauders would n't give birth just had them write something on the map. It was too easy. `` rightfulness, so they liked getting in trouble. They would probably want us to do something that might get us in problem. ``

`` And most likely serious, '' rose wine added.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the more it made sentiency. The Marauders spent their Hogwarts career causing difficulty and doing severe things. They obviously would want citizenry just as daring to be the next Marauders.

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

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

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

`` We could pull back paw photographic print on it, '' John laughed.

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

`` draught paw prints ? '' Saint John stared at her, `` How 's that grave ? ``

`` No, not that. But the paw print idea, '' rose grinned mischievously, `` We 've got to get a loup-garou, stag, dog, and rat paw mark onto the map. ``

The approximation sounded ridiculous to Albus, but it did seem like the variety of matter the predator would do. It would definitely be life-threatening to get the paw mark, and difficult as well. Not many people would actually be able to get them all. It was subtle as well. No one would have any idea what the paw photographic print would mean unless they knew the Marauders'mystery. The only thing he did n't like about it was the idea of a bunch of animals trampling the map.

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

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

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

`` Is that a Bible ? '' rosiness laughed.

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

`` good musical theme, rose wine, '' John agreed.

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

`` brand sense, '' matte replied.

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

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

`` Good point, '' pink wine sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few second, then blush wine had another idea. `` What if we use dissimilar man of sheepskin and then use a transfer charm to put them on the map ? ``

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

They all stared at each early and shook their heads. `` Er, that might be a problem, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm middling surely that charm is well by O.W.L. ``

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

`` We 're lucky you 're such a Word of God worm, Rose, '' John laughed.

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

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

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

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

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

`` It might direct me a while to figure out the appealingness anyway, '' Rose commented.

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

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

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

Albus glanced around at his friends. He was n't real number fond of bum and would opt not to have to carry one around in his bag all day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` The werewolf one, '' Matt whispered. Albus and the others turned to search at Matt. He had been very quiet over the past few minutes and Albus noticed that he was paler than usual. Albus could infer why. The werewolf paw print could possibly be the most serious one to get.

`` You know, '' Rose said quietly, `` This is why the paw mark affair makes so lots good sense to me. I highly doubt a regular wolf print is going to mold. And if this really is the way to get the map to work, the only way to get a werewolf paw mark would be if a lycanthrope was at Hogwarts. ``

Albus thought about this and it made perfect sentiency. This would be one way for the predator to pass water sure that the new Marauders would birth at to the lowest degree one similarity to the original. `` But how do we get it ? We obviously ca n't go into the Shrieking shack the night of the full moon. ``

The room fell quiet as everyone tried to call back of a way that they could safely get a lycanthrope 's paw print. Albus had no musical theme. They could n't exactly try and bedaze matte while he was transformed like they were planning on doing with the rat and the stag.

`` All right field, '' Matt sighed after a few minutes. `` I 've got an thought. ``

Albus and the eternal sleep of his friend said nothing but watched as they waited for lustrelessness to elaborate. Albus could tell that Matt really did n't need to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to turn ?

`` We go down to the Shrieking hutch a couple twenty-four hours before the full synodic month and stick a few piece of music of self-inking lambskin to the storey. Hopefully I 'll step on one of them and we 'll have a paw mark, '' Matt explained quietly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` You three can go, '' pink wine gestured to Albus, Matt, and Saint John the Apostle, `` You 're going to be the new Marauders anyway. ``

`` Hang on, '' John interrupted, `` I thought Kendrick put up Barbara Ward on the Whomping Willow. How are we going to get in without him knowing ? ``

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

`` Oh, right. ``

`` When 's the future fully moonshine ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

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

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

`` wellspring, I 've got preparation to do, '' Rose announced as she pulled out a few Book from her bag.

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

The group worked silently on their homework for a spell, only talking when they needed to ask head about it. Albus tried his best to centralize on his transfiguration essay, but his judgement kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw photographic print faster. Albus was very anxious to detect out what this map had in entrepot for them. Of course of instruction, they still had to find person to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to push that thought process from his mind.

`` It 's so still, '' John said, tapping his flight feather on his book.

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

`` Not really, '' John replied, `` It 's too repose. I 've variety of gotten used to Kaden 's tawdriness. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Who ? '' John asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? ! '' John, mat, rose wine, and Amanda shouted at once.

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' rose wine asked.

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

`` Not really, '' John said.

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

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

`` Right, '' Albus continued, `` And I 'd say we 're champion with him now. Would you ? ''

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

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

`` So what are these timbre ? '' lavatory asked skeptically.

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

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

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

`` auditory sensation like Kaden, '' matt agreed.

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

`` You know, '' Rose began, `` Wormtail obviously caved under scourge and Kaden did, too. ``

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

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

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

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' Rose said, `` I think he wo n't listen as long as he gets to be a percentage of this. ``

`` The map 's not the only thing we 're going to have got to tell him, is it ? '' mat said quietly, `` He 's going to observe out what I am. ``

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

`` We ca n't do it then, '' flatness said adamantly, `` I ca n't assure him. I just ca n't. He 'll say Malfoy and then the whole of Slytherin will know and then soon the whole schooling will eff and they 'll assure their parents and they 'll complain and Kendrick will get to complain me out. But then it wo n't matter anyway because all of Wizarding Britain will know and no one will want to be around me or my crime syndicate again and it will be just like Australia- ''

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Just listen to me for a minute, '' Rose said loudly. `` Remember what Amanda said about a spell to keep Kaden from giving away anymore closed book ? '' Everyone nodded. `` wellspring, I 'm pretty sure there is a enchantment like that, '' rose grinned.

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

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

Albus 's hope soared luxuriously again, `` excellent ! Would you be willing to tell him if rosiness found this spell ? ``

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

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

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could feel it. They would unlock the closed book of this new sheepskin. Albus was so inebriate with the prognosis of finally discovering what the new map held, he could hardly sleep that night. He was n't the only one, either. Albus heard Matt and John the Divine tossing and turning all night, over the sounds of Ethan and Bilius 's stertor. Although, Albus suspected Matt 's sleepless nighttime was more due to nerves than fervour. Judging by the look on his case as they went back to the uncouth way that evening, he was still reluctant to let Kaden in on his expectant secret.



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



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the following cockcrow, he found that he was overcome with nerves about stealing his father 's Invisibility Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the excitement about the map the night before that he had n't really given it a second view. But now that the idea had simmered overnight, he realized that the programme might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the Invisibility Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the late year. Of grade, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to sneak it back right after he was done with his late dark stroll to the Shrieking hut, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even likely ? Albus had no estimate how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't have a good deal use for it at Hogwarts because instructor could roam around wherever and whenever they wanted.

Albus did n't even bang where his father kept the cloak. He was planning on just trying a summoning charm as James had done to recollect the vulture 's Map. Albus just hoped that the cloak endeavor would go just as smoothly. Harry still had n't noticed that the Map was missing. Either that or he knew James IV took it and was just letting him go on it. As Albus 's thoughts went to the original Marauder 's Map, he remembered that he still had n't given it back to James.

Albus remained distracted throughout his forenoon classes and by the sentence lunch came, he was almost as nervous as he had been for the inaugural Quidditch match. Nobody said much as Albus picked at his solid food, well nobody except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his cockcrow course until he had to give for Potions a short piece later. Once he was gone, Albus was free to peach about their architectural plan. `` I 'm not sure if this is going to work. ``

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

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

`` It 's got to work, '' John insisted, `` How else will we sneak down to, '' he lowered his spokesperson, `` you know, without being caught ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the faculty table, `` We 'll just wait a couple Sir Thomas More min. ``

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

`` goodness mind, '' Matt agreed, `` No one will imagine anything of it if the two of you go into his office. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the best way to do it. If all five of them went, hazard are they would pass water decent randomness to attract another teacher. Albus was relieved that Rose was going to go, though. She was much in force at summoning appealingness than Albus was.

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

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

Albus and rosiness had lingered long enough at the board that the corridors were practically empty, preserve for a few depart students who were much more intent on making it to class than giving Albus and pink wine a 2d glance. They quietly made their way to Harry 's federal agency, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom. Judging from the loud cries that were emitted from the bathroom, Peeves had just finished making fun of misfortunate myrtle.

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

blush wine did n't look in phased in the to the lowest degree. `` Just use Alohamora. ``

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

`` Just do it, '' Rose insisted, `` He 's got a magic spell on there that recognizes his magical key signature. Yours will be close adequate to his that it 'll open up for you, too. It worked with James IV go year. It wo n't work with me, though. I tried. St. James thought it was incredibly rummy. ``

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

Harry 's berth looked much like it had the endure fourth dimension Albus had been in it. parchment, books, and other assorted objects were strewn around all over the place, cluttering up the desk, couch, and electric chair. The bedroom door had been left open and Albus could see that that room was just as messy, with robes laying on the bed and copies of the Prophet on the floor.

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

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

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

rose must have been thinking the like affair. She wrenched the automobile trunk open and pointed her wand at it. `` Accio invisibleness Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

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

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

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

`` We 'll do it the voiceless way, '' Rose sighed, `` You take the wardrobe, I 'll occupy the automobile trunk. ''

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

`` Got it ! '' rose announced, `` Bottom of the automobile trunk ! ``

Albus felt an immense relief as Rose held up the cloak. They did it ! They actually found the cloak ! nix was stopping them now. They were going to find out the mystery of the second map.

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

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

Relief washed over Albus when he made it into the Room a few minutes later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's heart still beat flying with adrenaline as he ran into the Room and grinned at his champion. The thrill of what he and Rose had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the Invisibility Cloak. It was the first Marauder-like thing he had done. He knew this was exactly what the predator had wanted him to do. To break ruler and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' John ran over with a glimmer of excitement in his center. lusterlessness and Amanda were properly behind him sporting monovular grins on their faces.

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

`` It was incredibly easily, '' rose wine laughed. `` I found it right in Uncle Harry 's trunk. ``

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

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

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

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

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

Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Amanda. John and lusterlessness stood next to him as he threw the cloak over their point. Albus had been under the cloak with James River, Lily, and his cousins before, so he was used to how cramped it was, but his Quaker weren't.

`` vigil it, '' John snapped as Matt stepped on his foot.

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

`` Can you see us ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nope, '' blush wine said, `` Walk around the room a few sentence. ``

The boys walked slowly around the elbow room, making surely not to queer any of their branch. John and mat started to get the hang of it after a few minutes of pattern and they were soon capable to go a small faster.

`` Perfect, '' Amanda announced after the one-fourth clock time they circled the room. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What nighttime should we do this ? '' john asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Saturday because I 've got Quidditch praxis that sunup and I 'm going to have to get some quietus Fri Night or Georgia will spend the hale time yelling at me to heat up, '' Albus explained, `` That effective with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' John agreed. Matt nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Sat night, we sneak into the Shrieking Shack. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the bother maker, Albus, '' Rose laughed, `` The Marauders would be proud. ``

******

The next day Rose decided to begin her research on the transference spell. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't postulate yearn to incur the right book. Rose found it in a written matter of Advanced Charms and after she read a bit about the charm she decided that it was going to be difficult but not unimaginable for her to do. She decided to master that magic spell before trying to receive the charm to keep Kaden placidity. That one was going to be harder to find since they did n't even know the name of it. Rose checked out the Advanced Charms Scripture under the menacing glare of gentlewoman Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to demand what they were up to and deny them the volume. But, she could n't since the record book was n't in the Restricted Section.

rosebush spent the side by side few days trying to reckon the magic spell out. There was n't a good deal Albus could do to serve her, so he just did his homework and watched her. Albus thought the magical spell looked incredibly complicated and he was glad that pink wine had volunteered to determine it. rose wine was having a bit of difficulty mastering the charm, though. By the time Saturday night rolled around, she still had n't managed to reproduce much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The charm was well beyond the O.W.L. level and it stood to rationality that it would be hard for her. This did not suit Rose well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one thing that drove Rose mad, it was having bother learning something.

`` Why do n't you make a break ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the coarse room on Sat nighttime. `` You 've been at it for days. ``

`` Maybe you 're right, '' rose wine sighed. She had been trying for the past hour to reproduce her name onto another composition of parchment. `` I 'll just loosen for a piece. '' She pulled out her Transfiguration book and opened it to one of the later chapters.

`` I do n't live how you can think that relaxing, '' John screwed up his fount in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` spear carrier cite charms homework, '' Rose lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that pink wine would need extra credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' Rose explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're smart. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' Rose smiled at him.

Albus had no uncertainty that rose would cipher the charm out eventually. It was just taking her tenacious than she expected. Albus was in no charge because the charm would be useless until they got all the paw mark they needed. That would n't take place until after Christmas. can had n't managed to find a rat in Potions on Friday, but he was keeping his eyes peeled.

The group stayed in the usual room for another couplet hours, waiting until it was completely empty. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his tiredness and went up to his dormitory room. Eventually, Albus and his supporter were the only when ones left.

`` Ready ? '' Albus asked. can and flatness nodded. Albus rummaged in his bag and pulled out the cloak. `` I 've got the parchment in my robe. I think we 're set. ``

`` Let 's do it, '' John stood up.

`` Good luck, '' Amanda said as the three son pulled the cloak around themselves. `` We 'll be waiting. ``

`` See you in a bit, '' Rose told them as she held the portrait opened for them to will. `` Do n't get caught. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus assured her. `` I 've got the Map. '' Albus was n't nearly as nervous about sneaking out of the palace as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking more formula this eve than he had the other day. He figured it had something to do with the fact that stealing the cloak was something his father would be disappointed in, whereas sneaking out would just get him in trouble with another teacher.

Whatever the reasonableness, Albus felt almost excited about this eventide. The only metre he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his first Occlumency dream the previous year. Tonight 's escapade was a much advantageously circumstance. Besides, Albus was a bit unrestrained about following the tunnel to the Whomping willow and seeing the inside of the Shrieking hutch. He felt form of guilty about this because he knew Matt did n't want them to and was only agreeing to this for the sake of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to finish before they started down the stairs. He took out the Map and scanned it for a couple minutes. Filch was currently striding along the third level corridor. They would have to be deliberate about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a schoolroom on the fourth base, no doubt wreaking havoc for one of the teachers to fix in the sunup. Luckily, all of the teachers were in their offices. All they had to worry about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, St. John, and matt continued their cautious trek down to the Entrance Radclyffe Hall, with Albus glancing at the Map every few minutes. The boys made it down to the third floor corridor without hassle, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about flip children. Albus gave his friends a worried look as they quietly moved towards the nearest stair font. Albus held his breath as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three invisible boy. Albus was very happy when they made it onto the second floor and even happier when they got to the front doorway and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one thing that could have gone wrong with their plan. rise up had tried to instruct him a few more coordination compound unlocking magic spell but he was n't very good at them and was hoping he would n't call for to use them.

`` Made it ! '' John let out a immense breathing spell once the castle door were shut.

`` Not quite, '' Matt replied.

`` Yeah, but at least we can tattle now. I wish this cloak would cover up noise, too. Reckon we can take the cloak off ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered immediately. `` What if one of the teachers is looking out the window ? Or if Hagrid is wandering around ? '' Albus loved Hagrid, but he would n't want to have to excuse why he was sneaking down to the Whomping willow tree in the dead of night if the lovable half-giant caught them.

The three son continued along the path that lead them through the grounds. There was about six inches of snow on the soil and the air was bitingly common cold. Albus was glad he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to gibe the Map every mates of minutes, but so far the evidence were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be capable to walk faster once they were on the grounds, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to stay concealed under the cloak and it was even punishing now because Matt was slowing down. `` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked after the cloak almost slipped off of him.

`` fine, '' he panted. `` Just the moon. Let 's keep going. ``

Albus looked from his friend 's tired expression to the sky. The almost full synodic month was shining down on the ground, illuminating it adequate that Albus had n't bothered to alight his sceptre. `` We should sustain done this earlier in the week, '' Albus commented, remembering the fatal detainment with Filch the other month.

`` No, I 'm amercement, '' Matt assured him, `` It wo n't be fully until Tuesday. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and John slowed down their yard to correspond Matt 's, although Albus thought it would be better for them to hurry up in order to achieve the tree diagram faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping Willow. The three male child paused just beyond the reach of the limb and Albus and John looked to Matt for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able to get into the maw wearing the cloak, '' lustrelessness explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his robe. `` All right, '' flatness continued, pulling out his verge. `` I 'll just disenable the wards. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his verge at the tree. Albus strained to listen to the magical spell but he could n't hear it.

`` Now what ? '' John asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

Matt walked around to the other side of the tree with Albus and trick following. Matt bent over, searched through the snow, and picked up a tenacious pin, stumbling and shivering a little as he stood up. He pressed his hired man to his head, wincing a little. `` vexation, '' he answered to Albus and John 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the tree 's offset and stuck the farsighted stick into the tree diagram 's shorts. The branches immediately froze and the Whomping willow tree looked just as tame as any of the other tree diagram on the grounds. `` Quick, before they start again, '' mat stumbled towards the tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the burrow once, gestured for whoremaster to go first. Albus followed his friends and made it into the maw just as the branches started flailing again. Albus and John the Evangelist lit their wands and looked around the hamper tunnel while lustrelessness put the Ward back up.

`` Let 's go, '' matt announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly pretty sang-froid, '' John said in awe as they started down the passageway, `` Kinda spooky, but cool. '' Matt sent him a dirty look. `` I mean, besides the solid werewolf affair, '' bathroom replied quickly.

Albus could see what Gospel According to John meant. It was kind of a full-strength burrow, although very sour and sort of damp. The full thing was that it was slightly warmer than exterior. The ceiling was low and Albus had to scrunch down a lilliputian in order to walk. There were rock and roll and roots along the track, but the unit atmosphere was quite exciting. Albus loved wandering through unavowed passage and this one was n't any different. He was excited about finally being able to follow it. His dad had told him about this tunnel and the shriek Shack numerous times, but always said no when Albus asked if he could go explore it. Now he was finally getting to do it. Granted, he was breaking about a dozen schooling prescript to do it, but it was worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt same at least a half time of day. The boot of it was beginning to wear off as Albus got colder. The month of December was not a convenient prison term to be doing this. By the time they reached the Shrieking Shack, Albus was make to crawl into his warm four-poster bed and go to log Z's. John 's upheaval had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the foresightful, chilly walk. lusterlessness, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the moonlight, did n't look much easily than he had earlier. He looked incredibly exhausted and was breathing as heavily as if he 'd just run a marathon.

`` How do you possibly make it here before the full moonlight ? '' St. John asked, out of breath. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the prison term you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' Matt replied in between breather, `` Madam Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` Well, next meter I ca n't kip I 'll just walk up and down this a few multiplication, '' John joked.

`` In. Here, '' Matt panted as he opened an old looking door that creaked as he opened it. Albus and John quietly followed him through it, into a very sapless looking room.

Albus was shocked at what he saw. Broken article of furniture lay everywhere, a lot of it covered in dried rake. There was n't anything that remained unbroken. Pieces of tables, chairwoman, and couches were all over the office with seize with teeth marks on them. There was a staircase nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on numerous sentence. Albus swallowed as he realized that his champion was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' bathroom asked slowly.

Matt glared at him. `` Use your brain, '' he snapped.

John Lackland looked from him to the founder article of furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all rightfield, '' flatness sighed and sat down on the floor near the fireplace. He leaned his heading against the paries. `` See why I did n't really want you to fall here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and John nodded.

`` It 's one thing for you to bang what I am, '' lustrelessness continued, `` But another to see what I actually do, what I could do ... '' his voice trailed off.

Albus knew what he wanted to say, but could n't. What he could do if he was n't in the Shrieking Shack during the fully moon. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the wolf. ``

`` I guess, '' flatness said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' John replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and lusterlessness shouted at the Sami time.

`` Become Animagi, '' privy repeated, `` If we 're trying to suit the next Marauders, we might as well do it properly. ``



A/N : Bit of a cliffy ! But I had to get a new chapter somewhere. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, Denas, myself, and Luke for their limited review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit the cerebration did cross his mind every once in a while. But really, it was n't very realistic. Yes, the Marauders had done it, but they were favorable it had worked out all right. There was a rationality that hardly anyone could become an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only second class. The Marauders had n't done it until their fifth part year. They were exceptionally smarting, too. Well, three of them were. Albus did n't think he was anywhere near good enough at Transfiguration of Jesus to pull it off. Rose was probably the only one of them who had a fortune at succeeding. And even though Rose did not hesitate to bust rules when she needed to, there was no way she would hold to this. `` Oh ejaculate on, privy, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' john asked, `` The Marauders did it. ``

`` They were really saucy, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smartness. And what did you get on your last transfiguration test ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' John corrected him, `` And we 'd figure it out. Rose could help us. ``

`` But this is n't as simple as figuring out a spell for class ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's dangerous. What if we ca n't modify back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? Rose does n't know everything. Even she would receive trouble with this. ``

`` It 's worth the hazard, '' St. John said adamantly, `` I do n't like if I mess up a few times. I 'll just try again. ``

`` That 's the affair. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the opportunity to try again. My dad explained this all to me over the summer. He talked to me about becoming an Animagus as soon as schoolhouse was over cobbler's last year because he knew the thought would queer my idea. He 'll cognize if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd take trying when we 're Old, but definitely not right now. ``

John sighed, `` It would be great if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new Marauders then. opine if we could even deepen into the same animals the Marauders were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that John seemed to assume the fact that Albus was n't going to stir on the issue. `` I do n't sleep with if I 'd be a stag, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' John asked, grinning.

Albus smirked, `` Not really. He 'd probably be one of those yappy hot dog, not a big aplomb dog like you 'd be, but a diminutive chihuahua or something that 's always skin and jumping. ``

`` Definitely, '' John laughed, `` It could n't injure to inquiry Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for extra credit. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` Energy Department n't matter, '' Matt said quietly. He had been exceptionally quiet ever since John had first mentioned the idea. `` You ca n't turn Animagi with me on the full moon. ``

`` Why ? '' Saint John asked. `` We know it 's life-threatening. I do n't worry. ``

`` It 's not that. You think I have n't thought about you lot becoming Animagi ? That my parents have n't thought about doing it ? Amy ? They have. My parents have ever since we found out wolfbane did n't mold for me. Amy has ever since she first saw me after a transmutation. My parents actually started working on it. But then they decided to take in me do the Aconitum lycoctonum subject instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the full moon, I wo n't pain myself and it 'll seem like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up the subject big time. My parents decided it would be beneficial for me to come up a potion that would work than to experience to swear on other citizenry 's Animagus power. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very well-chosen. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a little assuage. He did n't need to go an Animagus behind his dad 's backrest. It was one thing to slip the Invisibility Cloak for a pair solar day, but to snarf around as an animal every full moon ? That was just too secretive for Albus 's liking. He hoped that John would give up on the approximation now.

`` But if the study ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't stop you from trying. ``

`` speech sound fair, '' John the Evangelist replied, `` How long does the study go ? ``

`` No idea. Probably at to the lowest degree another two age. It all depends on how many different human body of Wolfsbane people come up with, '' Matt closed his eyes and leaned his question against the wall again.

`` Headache still there ? '' Albus asked. matt nodded without opening his optic. `` Let 's hurry up, then. Where should we put the parchment ? ``

`` Room behind the step, '' Matt shakily stood up. `` That way Madam Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' lav gently pushed his friend back onto the trading floor. `` How much lambskin should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you bring ? ``

`` About a half cast, '' Albus pulled a partially used roll of parchment out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. chance are most of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the stairs with privy following and saw the small room matte was talking about. It was also filled with several relegate patch of furniture. `` We should n't have done this tonight. I did n't even call up about the lunation. ``

`` Me neither, '' trick shook his headland as he bent down to move some of the furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the sentence with the detention. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can sleep all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped pieces off the pealing of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' John yawned. `` Was n't expecting the tunnel to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a prospicient way from the grounds to Hogsmeade, so it makes sense. ``

Albus finished ripping the sheepskin and the two boys each took a spate to affix to the floor. It took them a few minute and once they were done, the way was covered in pieces of parchment.

`` I can see why he did n't require brothel keeper Pomfrey to see, '' bathroom laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely raise some head, '' Albus lit his own sceptre. `` Let 's just hope this works. I ca n't see any other way to safely get a lycanthrope 's paw print. ``

The two boys took one Sir Thomas More look at the parchment coated room and then went back to the tumid briny room. flatness was veracious where they left him, leaning against a partially rugged electric chair. Albus nudged him awake.

`` Finished ? '' lustrelessness yawned.

`` Yup, let 's get back to the castle, '' Albus helped his friend up and the three of them left the shack.

The misstep back through the tunnel took a lot foresighted than when they were going to the shanty. All three boys were incredibly tired and the thrill had worn off for Albus and John. Albus glanced at his lookout as they neared the end of the tunnel and saw that it was nearly 1:30. He was very glad they had done this on a weekend.

`` It 's harder getting out than getting in, '' flatness said tiredly as he removed the wards. `` Whoever goes first has to duck the branches and then advertise the knot on the trunk for the other two. ``

Albus and Saint John the Apostle looked at each other, for both of them knew Matt was too exhausted to be able to dodge the limb properly. `` I 'll do it, '' Albus told him, `` I 'm making you get the rat. '' Albus climbed up the wall and crawled out of the hole. He was immediately hit in the shoulder with one of the flailing ramification. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the trunk for the naut mi. His handwriting made tangency with it and the subdivision immediately froze. `` You can come out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak. lusterlessness appeared out of the hole first and shuddered as the moonlight hit him. John Lackland was right behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once Matt re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' St. John the Apostle asked Albus once they were back on the path leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the articulatio humeri, '' Albus replied. His shoulder stung and he could feel some blood dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see Madam Pomfrey. She would bed immediately what gave him the combat injury and would no doubt insist on knowing what they were up to.

The boys trudged along through the frigidity night air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that midst cloud were moving in. It would probably snow soon. Of course, Albus would be much too tired the next day to enjoy it, so it did n't much affair. It was Charles Frederick Worth it, though. Within a few days they would receive one of the four paw prints needed to unlock the arcanum of the new map.

A little while later they reached the palace doorway. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the sixth story and Peeves was in Moaning myrtle 's lav. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the grip of the doorway and pushed. It did not budge. He tried again, but no luck. `` Filch must 've remembered to operate it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those spells Rose taught you, '' John the Divine suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his wand at the handle. He muttered a spell but the door remained lock. He tried a few more, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a panicked tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' John questioned and pushed the door himself, `` What do we do now ? ``

`` What do you stand for we 're locked out ? '' Matt groaned, `` It was just unlocked a couple hours ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't stay out here all Nox ! '' flatness 's voice cracked, `` We 'll freeze out ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as panic filled his organic structure. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the castle and into the tunnel without getting caught that the thought of being locked out had n't even crossed his thinker. I mean, what were the hazard of the doors being unsecured when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't stay out here, it was freezing and would snow soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any fortune either of you knows how to conjure a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the only way he knew to contact rosebush and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' John asked. `` We 're only bit years. ``

`` Well, have you got any bright theme on how to secernate pink wine and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

lav thought for a instant before answering, `` You could violate into the broom shed and steal a broom. Then fly it up to Gryffindor Tower. ``

`` Now you 're mad. I 'll get seen by someone. What if one of the professors is looking out their window ? Or one of the students ? ``

`` Wear the invisibleness Cloak, '' St. John replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then Rose and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, right, '' John sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in trouble, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't call up of something else soon, they would give birth to go to Hagrid's.

`` wellspring, we 've got to retrieve of something soon. He 's got to get away from the moon, '' John the Evangelist gestured to flatness who was leaning against the door and breathing heavily.

`` The moonshine 's almost covered by swarm, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll have to occupy about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' privy groaned. `` Maybe we can curl up in passel of snowfall like Friedrich August Wolf do and keep warm that way. ``

`` Very suspicious, '' Albus said flatly. He was really starting to get worried now. What would fall out if they did go to Hagrid 's ? They 'd surely get in trouble, but how much ? Would they just get detainment or would it be worse ? Points would be taken away for sure, and that would not go over well with the other Gryffindors.

`` Hey, wait ! '' St. John 's facial expression brightened a bit, `` What about the Shrieking Shack ? We could just go back there and expend the night. Then we 'll sneak back in tomorrow aurora after Filch has unlocked the doors again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a second. `` Not actually a bad mind. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

toilet grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked Matt in the side.

`` What ? '' mat opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the Shack, '' John explained.

`` Great, '' matte said sarcastically, `` I get to expend another nighttime there. You two could n't come up with a different thought ? ``

`` Nope, '' Saint John answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty brainy myself, so unless you 've got a better one, we 're going. ``

matte sighed, `` Oh, fine. But we 're not making a riding habit of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' John laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' Matt groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't help but feel a lilliputian bit excited about spending the Night in the Shack. It would definitely be the regretful thing he had ever done, as far as breaking principle was concerned. He also felt unquiet about it. What if they did get caught ? What if pink wine and Amanda started to get worried and told soul about their plan ? Albus pushed that thought out of his thinker. Rose would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in trouble. But they were n't in that big of trouble. The three of them would spend the night in the shanty and that would be that. When aurora came they would sneak back into the castle and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be kind of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit dangerous. Something the Marauders would have done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The tripper back to the shanty, though exhausting, was uneventful. toilet, like Albus, had a flavor of excitement in his eyes when the three of them entered the shack once more. lusterlessness looked like he did n't like where they were, as long as there was some property he could sleep.

`` This is jolly assuredness, '' John grinned, `` Spending the night in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be cold, though, '' flatness shivered, `` There are n't any warming appeal in here. ``

`` Warmer than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his robes. `` Are there any lights in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' matt replied. `` We 'll just have to keep our baton lit. ``

`` What do you want to do now ? '' trick asked with a look of mischief-making on his face, `` So many possibility in this station .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' flatness suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the night in the shack, was extremely banal and all he wanted to do was sleep. `` Are there any beds here ? ``

`` One, '' lustrelessness answered. He led Albus and John up the stairs and into the exclusively bedroom. There was one heavy bed and a wardrobe, both surprisingly still entire. `` They 're charmed to be perdurable, '' Matt answered Albus 's questioning look.

can hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is excellent for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' matt joined him on the bed and started jumping as well. `` You 're redress, it is quite a nice for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was serious for jumping. Even amend than James 's. St. James, Albus, and Lily had spent many hours jumping on James River 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their mother. The son continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a mates hour. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a fib his aunty Hermione had told him about monkeys jumping on a bed.

`` What 's so queer ? '' John asked.

`` Just wondering who 'll be the inaugural to decrease off and break his headland, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' St. John the Apostle asked and mat started to laugh as well.

`` It 's a Muggle narrative, '' Albus explained and proceeded to tell Saint John the story of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for stories, '' John shook his fountainhead and jumped off the bed, landing on his feet like a cat. `` I do n't imagine any of us are going to break our chief. ``

`` Mine tone like it 's broken, '' Matt announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't down as gracefully as John and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down following to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt pointed his lit scepter at his arm. `` No blood. ``

`` Good, '' John replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can pinch back in before a lot of hoi polloi wake up. ``

`` There 's more blankets in the wardrobe, '' Matt yawned as he got back on the bed and curled up beneath the blanket that was already on the bed.

Albus and john each grabbed a couple blankets and got into the bed alongside mat. It was a good thing the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much handsome than the four-poster beds in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already asleep, '' St. John the Apostle commented as he lay down.

`` good, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his headache will go away. sound night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the next dawning to slivers of Light shining through the boarded up windows. Boarded up windowpane ? There were n't boarded up windows in the dormitory. Albus 's optic shot undetermined and he glanced around at his surround. Oh, veracious. The storage of the old night flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the scream shanty. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more tired this morn than he had the previous Nox. One looking at his lookout man told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four hours of sleep. Just as well, Albus thought. They had to get back to the castle quickly anyway, if they wanted to sneak back in without anyone noticing.

Albus nudged John awake and winced. He pulled up the sleeve of his robe and saw that the cut from the Whomping willow looked thoroughly disgusting. It was probably infected and would require a trip-up to the infirmary extension. Albus shook John with his uninjured arm. `` John, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me sleep, '' whoremonger groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't care, '' John murmured.

`` I 'll push you out of bed, '' Albus warned. John Lackland muttered something incoherent and did n't move. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled John over to the bound of the bed. He gave him one final nudge and King John fell off the edge of the bed with a cheap thump.

`` What the hell ? '' John Lackland shouted, sitting up with a stupid looking on his face.

`` I told you to get up, '' Albus leaned over the bed and laughed. `` We 've got to get back to the castle or someone 's going to see us come out of the Tree. ``

`` Oh, fine, '' John the Divine grumbled, `` But I 'm going back to bed once we get back. ``

`` You and me both, '' Albus agreed and got out of bed. He picked up the spare blankets and stowed them back in the wardrobe so Madam Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to push him off the bed too ? '' John pointed to Matt 's sleeping form as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the judge ? '' John muttered.

Albus grinned and shook flatness awake. `` We 've got to get back to the rook. We 'll sleep More there. ``

Matt groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just ride out here. ``

`` I would n't evoke it, '' King John responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you think that ? ``

flatness laughed and looked from Gospel According to John to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The male child left the shack quickly and started the hanker journey back to the Whomping Willow. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very glad that he did n't make any classes today. He had preparation, but he was n't even going to think about that until he got at least another six hours of nap. One quick stop of the map told him that the slide was percipient before they emerged from the tree.

The three of them donned the Invisibility Cloak as soon as matt was finished warding the Tree and they set off for the castle. Since it was still early, the only one on the earth was Hagrid. There were several more than column inch of snow and by the metre they boys were back at the palace door, their robe were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the castling, it had started sowing again.

`` rosebush and Amanda are in the Great Charles Martin Hall, '' Albus pointed to their two Department of Transportation on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the entering Granville Stanley Hall, so I think we 're secure. '' Albus pushed the door open and the three inconspicuous male child slipped inside. Albus immediately pulled the wet cloak off of them and hid it in his gown. `` We should probably go talk to rose wine and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see Madam Pomfrey sometime, '' Matt told them, `` My arm still hurts, look. '' He pulled the sleeve of his robes up and showed them his black and blue arm. `` I do n't think it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My shoulder still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll have to go, too. ``

At that moment, Rose and Amanda left the Great dorm and stopped a couple metrical foot away from the boys. John pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both fille had a combination of relievo and wrath on their faces. rose was fuming by the fourth dimension she stomped over to Albus. `` Where. Were. You, '' she demanded.

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled. He never liked being on the receiving end of his cousin 's anger.

`` room, now, '' Rose seethed and stalked off towards the steps with Amanda at her side.

Albus, St. John the Apostle, and Matt followed wordlessly. All estimation of going to the hospital Wing were driven from Albus 's mind. Of course, after seeing rosebush, he would much rather have been bombarded with questions about his shoulder than going to the elbow room with his cousin.

cipher said a parole until they were in the elbow room. Albus, whoremaster, and Matt sat side by English on the couch, but Rose and Amanda remained standing in front of them. `` Explain yourselves ! '' Rose shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

Rose cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll tell you about our Night first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the shanty in the heart of the Nox, but it had to be done. What former alternative did we have ? It was safer than the option. How else were you going to get the paw photographic print ? I thought the programme would work. We had it all set. You three would sneak down there and put the parchment on the floor and then abstract back up. simple. '' Rose stopped and began to step around the room.

`` There were all kinds of things that could 've gone wrong, '' Amanda picked up where blush wine left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the teachers. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the undercoat ? There are all sorts of creature wandering around at night. Not to mention the Whomping Willow itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to think when you three never showed up ? ! '' Rose raised her representative even gamy, if that was potential. `` If you had been caught by Filch or a instructor, you would 've came back to Gryffindor eventually ! BUT YOU NEVER DID ! ``

`` But Rose- '' John pleaded. Albus sent him a word of advice look. He knew it was never good to cut off rosebush when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, John ! We thought some kind of fauna had you ! Or even worse, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and kidnapped you or something ! Then you sneak back into the castle this morning, looking like you 've just been at a political party or something !

`` You kept us up all night worrying, when you probably just decided to have some fun last dark. You know I was this close to telling Uncle Harry this break of the day. I wanted to final stage night, but Amanda convinced me to hold off until daybreak. Of trend now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a couple hold would teach you not to last out out all night ! ``

`` rose, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us excuse. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' rose glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did in conclusion night was n't just imbecility. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The doors to the palace were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the castle. I tried all the appeal you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to spend the nighttime in the screeching Shack. And you 're proper, it was kind of fun. ``

rosebush and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a Son for the next arcminute. Albus and the former male child did n't dare say a word either. `` Well, '' Rose said quietly, `` Er, that does explain things. I 'm, uh, sorry I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' rosebush began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a quick promissory note telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at least known what was going on. ``

Albus, John the Evangelist, and lustrelessness turned to expect at each other. Albus felt his cheeks turning red. Of form ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The simply means of communication Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the result was there all along, a simple owl. He could deliver just made a quick trip to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're idiots, '' John muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our idiots, '' pink wine laughed. `` Now, are you going to say us about your little adventure ? ``

Albus, John, and Matt spent the next one-half hour relaying every particular of their slip to the Shrieking Shack the late night. blush wine and Amanda both found it very flirt with, especially the part about Albus pushing John off the bed.

After they were done telling the story, all five of them went to the hospital wing so Albus and Matt could get their wounds healed. madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the Aaron Montgomery Ward was completely deserted of other patient. She took one look at the Gryffindors and came bustling out from behind the desk. `` You lot again ? What have you gotten yourselves into this time ? ``

`` Just these two, '' King John pointed at Albus and Matt.

Madam Pomfrey took one severely flavour at flatness and announced, `` You were outside last night. Was someone giving you hold ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey looked at him for a few seconds longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and flatness sat down on one of the layer and Madam Pomfrey returned a few moments later with a tray laden with potions. She told Matt to toast them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' lusterlessness pulled up his sleeve, `` I tripped over a Word. ``

Madam Pomfrey clucked her tongue and pulled out her wand. She had his arm healed in an instant. `` I trust you 'll get some sleep today ? Or do I have to fix you stay here ? ``

`` I 'll catch some Z's, I promise, '' Matt replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nurse turned to Albus.

`` injury my articulatio humeri, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the subject. He pulled up his sleeve to reveal his injured shoulder.

madam Pomfrey studied it for a bit, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nurse looked at the accidental injury for a little while longer and she looked from Albus to Matt and back again. `` I know how you got that, '' she replied.

`` Er, '' Albus stuttered. Great, after all that, they were still going to get in trouble.

`` Whatever you boys did last Nox, do n't do it again, '' lady Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then matt in the eye, `` I wo n't tell professor Longbottom this time, or your father, '' she said to Albus, `` But succeeding time I will. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of relief as lady Pomfrey healed his articulatio humeri with one Swift Wave of her wand. He 'd own no hassle keeping his word to the nanny. There was no way that he was going to recapitulate last night. well, unless they needed to for the map. But he 'd try hard not to get hit by the Whomping willow tree adjacent time.

`` You 're all set, '' Madam Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some sleep, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would have no problem doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The group went back to the common way and the boys immediately headed for their dormitory. Albus changed into his pajama and climbed into his warm four-poster bed, feeling very satisfied that they had n't been caught at all.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Denas, Alex, Gospel According to Luke, smirkyhaha, Moonylupin, and hermionieforever for their inspection !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the time Albus woke up it was already dinner time, which was unspoiled because he was starving. John and Matt woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling much undecomposed now that they 'd incur a decent amount of sleep.

`` Ready to do that again ? '' John asked as he was putting on his horseshoe.

Despite the fact that Albus did accept fun on their adventure end night, he did not want to recapitulate it. `` Are you genial ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' John laughed.

`` You do realize that we 'll birth to go get the paw print, '' Matt reminded them.

Albus and Saint John looked at each early. The truth was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just lend with you back to the palace ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious, '' Matt replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped Matt would be able to get the paw print. What were the chances that they 'd be able to sneak down to the shack again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't block to lock the doors twice. Plus, what would chance if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a loud vocalism shouted as soon as Albus, John, and Matt descended into the common elbow room. Kaden came running over to them with his usual looking of excitement in his eyes.

`` Hey, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` We 're just going to dinner. ``

`` Me, too. I 'll go with you, '' Kaden fell into step alongside Albus. `` Where have you lot been all day anyway ? ``

`` Uh, sleeping upstairs, '' Albus replied.

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked skeptically, `` Because I asked rose wine if you were in your residence hall and she said you were n't. ``

`` I assure you we were, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hmm, well, I wonder why she told me you were n't. ``

`` Who knows ? She 's a girl, they do unknown matter, '' John said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' matte answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up belatedly doing prep last night, '' Saint John the Apostle lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after first year. They bombard you with even more homework. ``

`` Guess I 've got that to look forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The boys did expend their entire evening doing all the homework they had n't done the night before. Kaden stared at them the unscathed prison term, no doubt cerebration of next year, when he would have to drop his whole weekend doing homework. Albus felt kind of bad that they told him that and he was now kind of dreading his second year, but he 'd find out soon enough that that was n't truthful. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a word about the new map until rosiness found the charm to keep him lull about it.

******

The day of the full moon came quickly and Albus could n't concentrate on any of his classes. He could only think about the map, and how they would be one step closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon sleep with if another trip to the shack was going to be necessary. Of course, it may be that more than one Thomas More trip would be needed, if they did n't get the footprint tonight. There was the possibility that all the parchment would be destroyed. Albus did n't desire to cerebrate about that, though. He just clung to the mind that they would be able to get a paw print tonight and that matt would be able to institute it back the next morning.

mat skipped his afternoon classes and spent the time sleeping in the Room of necessity. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner and snuck out of the Great Hall before Kaden noticed, they went up to the Room. They did n't have much time before Matt had to go to the hospital wing and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how long that tunnel is, I feel even blue for him, '' John said quietly on their way to the vulgar room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't know how he does it. He could barely get to the hospital wing. ``

`` Hi, guys ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the common room. Albus, John, rosiness, and Amanda went over to the table Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with parchment and book, and sat down. `` Where 's Matt ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the hospital fender, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Because of that disease I was n't supposed to evidence anyone about ? ``

`` Right, '' Albus confirmed. His first cousin could be so dense sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his books and tried to pore on his preparation. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the succeeding day, which he was very excited about. Albus tried to tune him out, but he could n't. Albus had a smell even if Kaden was n't running a streaming comment about his potions class he still would n't be able to concentrate. His whole brain was consumed with thought process about the map. He sighed and closed his book. None of his homework was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really feel like doing preparation tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' John muttered and continued writing his dadaism essay that was due the next day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an idea that would occupy both his and Kaden 's evenings. `` Ever played chess ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum taught me. ``

`` Ever played thaumaturgist 's chess game ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's face lit up, `` Wizards have their own cheat ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll teach you. Be right field back. '' Albus ran up to his dormitory and rummaged around in his body until he found a Bromus secalinus board, his chess piece, and an old set of chessmen for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more excited than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Play Bromus secalinus. It 's pretty very much like Muggle chess, but with some difference. You commend how to spiel Muggle Bromus secalinus ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` wellspring, with genius 's Chess everyone has their own chess piece. These are mine, '' Albus held up his white chessmen. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this spare set. I think it used to belong to my Uncle Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of mordant chessmen.

`` Are you any good at chess ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all right. Not as good as James, and not nearly as good as Rose. My Uncle Ron, Rose 's dad, is the best at it. No one 's ever able to beat up him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like rule ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own pieces. `` White goes first. Oh, and you do n't impress your pieces. Just evidence the objet d'art which space to move to. ``

`` recite them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you entail, tell them ? ``

`` Just lookout man, '' Albus put down his concluding piece and muttered instructions for his pawn to move two second power ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the white pawn moved by itself. `` They 'll do that if I tell them, too ? ``

`` They 're supposed to. But they might not want to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his pawns to motivate forward two foursquare and it did so without vacillation. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than even cheat. ``

The game continued for a few Sir Thomas More minutes and then one of Kaden 's pawns wound up in the path of Albus 's castle. Albus commanded the rook forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the common room turned around to look at him. `` Your castle killed my pawn ! That 's mental ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a spell to vivify them, '' Albus explained.

`` Will my part kill yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few turns later, Kaden got the chance to order one of his piece of music to shoot down one of Albus 's. Kaden 's face was full of gloating as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's pawns. The game continued and Albus started to get the feeling that Kaden just liked watching the art object destroy each other. This became especially apparent when Kaden only had his Billie Jean Moffitt King, a knight, his castles, and three pawns left. Albus was only missing one castle, both bishops, and five or so pawns. Kaden 's chessmen were not very happy about this and his Martin Luther King Jr. and knight actually got into what appeared to be a inflame argument about whether or not they were going to preserve to listen to Kaden. Eventually, his king flat out refused to impress and Albus won by default. Nevertheless, it was one of the most amusing games of chess game Ablus had ever played. John, Amanda, and even rosiness gave up on their prep and watched the in conclusion part of the game.

`` I think you need your own chessman, '' Albus told Kaden as he repaired the rugged pieces. `` I 'm not sure if these will be willing to listen to you anymore. ``

`` fountainhead it 's no wonder, '' rose wine commented, `` All he did was tell them to walk right into end traps. ``

`` It 's funny to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe next time you 'll actually try and win, '' Rose smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chessmen for Christmas. ``

`` That would be a good musical theme, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them improve than these ones. ``

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that Nox and he was very tired the side by side break of day. All he could think about was the paw print and whether or not their plan worked. Luckily Albus only had two division that day and then he would be able to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the infirmary wing after this, right ? '' St. John whispered to Albus during a mind numbing history of legerdemain deterrent example. Binns was currently droning on about the history of the enslavement of House hob. rosiness was the solitary one paying attention, although Albus had no idea why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the chronicle of sign of the zodiac Elves, having been lectured about it by Rose 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you want lunch first ? ``

`` Of trend I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's make it fast. ``

`` I should n't make bothered asking, '' Albus laughed.

`` How much longer until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in front of him and John, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his watch. `` Fifteen minutes. But it 'll feel like thirty. ``

`` Why do we need to know about sign of the zodiac Elves anyway ? '' John the Evangelist asked

`` They 're an crucial part of wizarding chronicle ! '' Rose replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's boring, though, '' privy responded and flicked a piece of parchment at the Hufflepuff session at the desk side by side to him. `` We should learn about something more rouse. Like the Giant Wars. ``

`` Binns 'll make even that boring, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's ameliorate than this. ``

`` Even the account of cauldron and their effects on wizarding society ? '' Amanda laughed. That lesson, which had taken place the late year, had been the forged one yet. Albus was sure everyone, including rosebush, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never mind, '' John groaned. `` I do n't even desire to reckon about that one. Or the 14 inch essay we had to spell on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and Miss Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd like to share with the family ? ``

`` No, sir, '' John replied.

`` Good, good, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, British theatre Elves started to cause contact with the American language mansion Elves, which resulted in a kind of home Elf unity .... ''

`` Kill me now, '' john muttered.

`` Five Sir Thomas More arcminute ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this planetary house Elf stuff, '' Amanda whispered.

trick snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes story. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is worse than math in Muggle school, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate maths, '' John the Evangelist agreed, `` I 'm glad we do n't have to pack them here. Mum taught me some and it was horrifying. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy next class, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that grade either.

`` No way, '' John shook his foreland, `` I 'll bet Kaden would like it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this category. ``

`` He does. He told me the former day, '' Amanda announced.

`` Likes everything except Quidditch, '' John sighed, `` There 's something wrong with that kid. ``

`` Twelve inch essay about the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare for future class, '' Binns droned a moment before the social class was over.

The consequence the bell rang, Albus and his supporter shot up out of their chairman and ran out the door. `` This 'll be patty, '' Albus laughed, `` An essay on Spew ! ``

`` It 's S.P.E.W. ! '' Rose laughed as she caught up with him.

`` commodity, you can do mine ! '' St. John the Apostle told him.

`` Sorry, one boring essay per night, yours would put me over my limit, '' Albus faked an apologetic look. `` Oh, descend on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd like to expend my time. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see Matt. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of students that were flooding into the Great vestibule. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor board and Albus and the others were able to shovel down food at the opposition end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their zip lunch, they ran up to the hospital extension. `` I hope he was able to get the paw print, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't picture walking through that tunnel again, '' John agreed.

The drape were pulled around flatness 's common bed at the far end of the ward. Nobody was in any of the early seam. Madam Pomfrey was busy preparing potions when the group of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to greet them. `` Oh, it 's you lot. I figured you 'd be showing up soon. He 's sleeping right now, I 'm afraid you 'll let to wait. ``

`` Please, gentlewoman Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't stay long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be still, too, '' John commented, `` You can shed us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the principle, '' the nurse replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to come back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a husky voice came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' Madam Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the curtains, `` You know he needs to rest ! ``

`` Well, he 's awake now, so we can detain, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` Fine, '' Madam Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a short piece. '' She left them alone and went back to her potions.

`` Sorry for waking you up, '' Albus said as he closed the drapery again. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right wing, '' Matt replied. He looked much like he usually did after a full moon, with various bandages all over. `` You did n't awake me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' Rose asked.

`` You 'll never guess who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he come to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go visit matt unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't intend. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in form and he and Kaden got covered in it. Willinson got the brunt of it and while Kaden was waiting for his number to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. madam Pomfrey would n't secernate him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here end nighttime. Madam Pomfrey came to render me potion while they were here and Kaden saw me. Then he asked if he could see me, so I pretended to be asleep. ``

`` So Willinson knew you were here ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he 's going to tell Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in Transfiguration this good morning, '' Rose pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't matter then. ``

Albus was just itching to know if matt had managed to get the paw photographic print. He had thought lustrelessness would get it up right away, but the Kaden matter must 've made him block about it. `` Did you get the print ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in luck, '' Matt smiled, `` I did manage to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's right there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather displume composition of lambskin. But in the midsection was a very large paw print consisting of a mixed bag of ink, mud, and blood. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And kind of complete, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` perfect. ``

`` One Down, three to go, '' Gospel According to John commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the early three are a bit soft. '' Albus was feeling very good about their architectural plan now. The laborious paw print was done and soon they would feature the other three.

`` And the charm is working often better now, '' Rose announced, `` I started to get the hang of it hold out night. I 'll probably have it done before Yule. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can start looking for that charm to keep Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to leave alone ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow even or Fri morning, probably, '' lusterlessness told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to skip uranology. ``

`` What a shame, '' whoremonger faked a expression of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an minute looking at stars. ''

`` We 'll be certain to get all the homework for you, '' rose wine told him.

`` Oh do n't care about it, '' flatness laughed. `` What did I miss in grade yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not much, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted Mandragora officinarum again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoon into crotch in transfiguration. And we learned all about the story of sign gremlin in History of trick. It was one of the most drilling classes yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' matte agreed.

`` Was not, '' rose wine argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling drill, '' Amanda said. `` The next duel is Sat. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely forgotten about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the lycanthrope print for the map that the dueling club had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, Rose, '' Saint John grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' Rose smirked, `` Ca n't block him. ``

`` You should challenge him to a chess match, '' King John decided, `` It 'll be fun to watch. ``

`` I 'll beat him in two minutes flat, '' Rose laughed.

`` Kaden plays wizard 's chess ? '' Matt asked.

`` Albus taught him end night. You 've got to watch it sometime. It 's hilarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to watch the pieces get smashed so by the end of the game, his pieces refused to heed to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' rosiness changed the subject, `` Take back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't let to sneak back into the hutch. ``

Albus really did n't want to give back the cloak. He liked it. But he knew he had to. `` I guess. ``

`` We 'll do it after we get kicked out of here, '' can suggested.

`` Which is right now, '' Madam Pomfrey pulled back the drape and set a tray of potions down on the bedside board. `` sentence for you four to bequeath. He needs to sleep. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' Matt waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' Rose whispered as soon as they 'd shut the door to the hospital wing.

Albus nodded and started to walk to his dad 's berth. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few students wandering around, but no one paid much attention as Albus unlocked the room access to Harry 's power and lead his Friend inside.

`` feel like my business firm, '' John, who had never been in Harry 's situation before, announced, `` A concluded mess. My completely family is messy. ``

`` My mum 's a neat freak. She 'd bear a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' Saint John the Apostle gave Amanda a weird look.

`` Guess it 's a Muggle look. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the versatile poppycock and went over to the sleeping room threshold. He pushed it open and went inside, with his supporter following. The trunk was just where it had been the week before and Albus lifted the lid. He pulled the cloak out of his bag and looked at it one more time before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd feel it. `` Well, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' whoremaster replied as he gazed around the room. `` Wonder what else we could chance in here ? ``

`` toilet ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` face at this ! '' Saint John leaped over a mass of Word of God and picked up a motion picture that was sitting on top of the wardrobe. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle toddler. ``

Albus grabbed the picture out of lav 's hand and looked at it. certain enough, it was a picture of Albus, James, and Lily, right after Lily was born. James, who must have been three or four, was holding a petite baby with a large amount of money of red hair. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's script and making her wave.

`` You were an adorable little kid, Albus, '' John the Divine smirked. `` So was James. ``

`` I 'm sure enough you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the picture back. `` Now let 's get out of here before my dad gets back. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the revaluation !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Saturday was soon upon them and with it came a howling play false storm. Albus was very felicitous that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch peer. He had played Quidditch in nose candy before, but never in status that prevented him from seeing his own hands in front of him. Today 's storm was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going outside, but he need n't induce bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the first place.

After lunch, half the school migrated into the dueling room and waited for the tournament to begin. Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their friend and sat down at the table they had been at the former tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the just remaining hind end, which happened to be succeeding to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a seat next to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` ceramist, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tournament commenced much as it had the previous metre, only this time everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around clock time and Albus was very happy that Amanda was on his squad so he had person to talk to. So far, there were still tensions between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's architectural plan to have everyone get along was not working.

After about a one-half hour, it was finally Albus 's round to duel. Malfoy had just completed his start affaire d'honneur and stupefy his Ravenclaw opposite. Albus congratulated him as he went up to the dueling area. He was up against a Hufflepuff third base year. Albus and the other boy bowed and the two of them started dueling. The Hufflepuff sent two jinxes at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a trip jinx and then disarmed him. The whole affair took about a minute.

`` item to muck around ! '' Neville announced.

`` commodity job, Albus ! '' Kate and Amanda said in unison once Albus returned to his seat.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Hardly counts, '' Malfoy commented, `` You dueled a all-fired Hufflepuff. A low year could 've beat that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the same thing. ``

`` Your short champion is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling area that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that Matt was about to duel one of the other Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't search that full. ``

Albus personally thought Matt looked all right, considering he had just gotten out of the hospital annex the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was purge. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your poor fish cousin told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't cry him stupid. And the Hat knows amend than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't severalise Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would get been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your cousin 's got anymore selective information that I 'd wish to experience. ``

`` Do n't go near my first cousin, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In case you have n't realized by now, you 're on the Lapp team. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to ascertain the eternal sleep of flatness 's duel. It took him a while, but Matt did eventually beat the Hufflepuff. He looked bear out, but happy. `` Told you he could beat him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky shot, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't talk to each other for the rest of the tournament. Both son won their next duel, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her first duel and won her endorsement. John won his first and lost his second. flatness lost his sec one and Rose managed to win both of hers. But despite their best elbow grease, none of their squad won the tourney. It did n't really matter though because the points were so skinny. The final tournament was still very up in the air and any of the teams had a chance of making it.

******

The remaining years until the end of terminus went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Christmas holiday this yr because it meant that Albus and his admirer would acquire two more than of the paw print needed for the map. rose had just perfected the transference charm and had already started searching for the charm to keep Kaden serenity. After Christmas, the only affair left to do would be to get the rat print. Albus thought it was quite funny that the humble and theoretically easiest photographic print to get was taking the longest. can had yet to deal to enchant a rat during potions class and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every meter I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' john vented the evening before their final stage day of year. The group of Gryffindors were in the Room of Requirement, enjoying some peace and quiet while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with cheese or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just sandbag it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' John muttered, `` I 'd been trying to stupefy them across the room. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would find that ? '' Rose said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, blush wine. ``

`` Well, you 've got passel of metre to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the stag photographic print. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' Rose replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the stag, Albus. You can come over to my house after we leave the Burrow. ``

`` Sounds effective, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the Burrow the unanimous vacation anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' pink wine smirked, `` Gran and Granddad are going on holiday together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really care to think about, pink wine, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few days after Christmas and spend new year 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the holiday ? ``

`` The usual, '' lavatory said immediately, `` All my cousin-german coming over at assorted times. Should be crazy as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your house sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your cousins are mad, but I really do n't think your family is as harebrained as mine is. ``

`` I 'm surely it is. My great-great gramps is coming this year. He 's hilarious, especially after he 's had a couple firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great grandpa potable firewhiskey ? '' matt laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling preposterous stories about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should hook him up with aunt Muriel, eh Rose ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the comical matter ever, '' rosebush grinned.

`` Your great-great granddad sounds like our Auntie Muriel. She 's 127 and loves to confabulate, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad relatives, '' Amanda commented, `` My family sounds pretty normal compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Festival of Lights, so that makes up for it, '' John replied, `` I mean, who would n't like eight twenty-four hours of nowadays ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the effective affair ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle friend who celebrates both. But she does n't get presents on every nighttime of Hannukah, '' Matt told them.

`` I get small presents each nighttime and then one big one on the last night, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still chill, '' John said, `` So, Matt, do you have to go visit your grandparents this class ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' Matt groaned, `` Of course I do. But only for five days this year. We 're leaving right before new year 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few sidereal day before term starting. ``

`` That 's honest, '' Albus smiled. `` At least you do n't have to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The only thing to do down there is prep or read. It 's not like I can dally Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can come over to Rose 's firm with me. Then we can playact Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should do too, john and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm sure my parents will let me, '' lavatory replied.

`` I can probably only stick around a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Channukah is late this twelvemonth and starts on Dec 25, so it 'll still be going on on the 28th. I 'll have to be home by the evening. ``

`` That 'll forge. Maybe we can all get the hart photographic print together, '' Albus said.

`` trade good idea, '' John grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably state you now, just in guinea pig I do n't get to go to Rose 's business firm, '' matte began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the wagon train with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his friend, who was looking a little forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the beginning of the term. The fully synodic month 's on the 9th and someone has to follow me once I start taking it a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the sunup after and ride out a duad daylight. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really sure what to say. He wished more than ever that someone would just pick up a potion that would process for him.

`` front on the bright side of meat, '' John said, `` At to the lowest degree you do n't take to transmute at your grandparents house again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never take in to do that again, '' matte shook his header, `` But let 's babble about something else. Did you see in the prophesier that the Cannons almost won that game against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American English team they were playing for pattern. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 item ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's close up ! '' Matt grinned, `` They 're making a comeback, I just know it ! ``

`` Well, with a gens like 'Finches', what do you carry ? It would n't get surprised me if the shank beat them, '' John laughed, `` Well, maybe a little. But seriously, who names a team the 'Finches'? ``

******

The full term ended the succeeding day with a bang, literally. Saint James and a few of his friends thought it would be suspect to put a few Weasley fireworks into the suits of armor and charm them to go off at certain clock time during the day. After the tenth explosion the teachers gave up trying to instruct anything and just let their students do what they wanted during class, within reason of course. Unfortunately for James IV and his admirer, professor Cedonia spotted them refilling the armor on the second flooring corridor with reinvigorated firework and gave them one of her rare detentions. For this one, they had to clean every 1 causa of armour on the second floor corridor that evening. Saint James the Apostle said it was worth it, though.

`` We really ought to do up with a few good prank, '' John decided as they were traveling through the hills on the wagon train. `` That 's what the Marauders did, was prank people, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very good at coming up with pranks. That was James 's area of expertise. Plus, if the result of such caper was cleaning courting of armour, Albus really did n't want to attract a unhurt lot of pranks. `` Maybe a few nestling ones, that do n't get us in Brobdingnagian trouble. ``

`` I 'm sure we could do some of those. There 's loads of material we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one James River did before the first dueling tournament, '' matte laughed.

The balance of the train drive went quickly and soon Albus and his friends found themselves at King 's Cross. Albus climbed off the train and saw his parents standing with blush wine 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, lavatory grabbed his arm and steered him in another instruction. `` C'mon, you can meet my great-great grandfather ! ``

Albus saw a very frail, completely bald, old man with a long white whiskers standing succeeding to John 's parents. Saint John the Apostle lead their chemical group over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave St. John a soused hug, `` How 're things at that school ? How is Professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died years ago, Grandpa, like I told you over the summertime. Like I tell you every summer, '' John stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new instructor, a bunch of young'ins I bet ! Back in my day none of the teacher were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new headmaster .... ''

`` Grandpa, '' Gospel According to John shook his head, `` The teachers are exquisitely. But I want you to meet my Friend. This is flatness Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` Potter ! ? '' John 's great-great grandpa peered into Albus 's heart and grinned, `` Albus ceramicist ? wellspring I 'll be. If it is n't Harry potter 's son ! I remember back in the daytime of You-know-who and cypher thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes fiddling Harry potter and poof ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should happen again ? Harry Potter makes 'im disappear again and for adept this time ! ``

Albus, who was used to this kind of attention but not someone shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to push aside the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, squeamish to gather you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these little girl ? Have you got yourself two girlfriends, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't urge it. I did it once and wound up with no girl after they found out ! ``

`` No, grandpa, '' can laughed, `` They 're just admirer. Amanda tagger and Rose Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the Aythya americana. Just wait till you 're elder. ``

`` Just friends, grandfather, '' John the Divine 's impertinence turned red.

`` He 's like the manly version of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' trick 's grandpa shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the elderly man would be able to get wind him. `` I used to bonk a Muriel ! Went to schooling with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in X ! ``

Albus looked at rosiness. What a co-occurrence. `` Er, Albus and I have an Aunt Muriel Weasley, '' rosebush giggled.

`` Well I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm sure she 'd love that, '' pink wine smiled.

`` We 're going to have to go now, '' John 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' lavatory waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` Tell your dad I said hi ! '' Saint John the Apostle 's great-great granddaddy shouted.

******

Albus spent the next few 24-hour interval hanging around Grimmauld shoes with James II and the rest of his home. Lily was thrilled to have both her brothers and her dad home plate and she had been demanding to know everything that had gone on the past terminal figure.

`` That way I 'll know everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Christmas Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to tell you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a methamphetamine of succus, `` It 's a surprise. ``

`` That 's not mediocre, '' Lily whined.

`` cypher told me or Al how we got sorted, so how is it not fair for you not to bed ? '' James asked.

`` I 'm the youthful. I should recognize everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few years ! And then all the Muggle-born kids will ask me questions and I 'll be able to answer them. ``

`` You 'll find out out soon enough, Lily, '' Ginny assured her.

`` How much longer ? '' Lily asked excitedly.

`` There 's still 9 months. ``

`` That 's forever ! ``

`` She 's going to be a nightmare this summer, '' James whispered to Albus.

`` morning, everyone ! '' Harry descended the steps into the kitchen and pulled up a chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the Prophet, `` Have you seen the predator 's Map ? ``

James choked on his succus and sprayed it across the mesa at Albus, as he turned bright red.

`` Ew, check it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, Epistle of James ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` mulct. The article on the presence of the composition, it 's, er, shocking, '' James River blushed some more and pointed to the front of the Prophet, which was facing him.

`` witch endeavor to diminution sizing of Her Ears, Charms Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. People ought to be more careful ! '' Jesse James sputtered. He gave Albus a feeling that Albus interpreted to mean 'meet me upstairs'. Jesse James excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No estimation, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go alteration, '' Albus jumped up and followed James River. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to have to yield it back. Albus was going to miss it, but it would only be a matter of time before he had the other one working.

`` Albus ! '' James pulled him into the drawing room and shut the door. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I kind of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to have to swipe it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` wait, Albus ! '' William James grabbed his arm, `` The thing is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from foot to foot looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't find it ! '' James whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't have lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not good story ! '' James insisted.

`` You did n't lose it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you month ago and did n't desire to sacrifice it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' King James shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd miss it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't count now. We 've got to give it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` Well you stole it from Dad in the first of all place, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of trouble ! ``

He had a point there. If Albus had n't have been in Kendrick 's office the premature year, James never would accept taken the map in the beginning place. `` All right hand. I 'll just go pussyfoot it into his elbow room. Maybe he 'll think he just forgot to make for it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's hope so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his bedroom. He knew his dad would require the map back eventually, he just had n't given it much thought. At least he had n't noticed it was missing at schooling. Albus threw exposed his torso and rifled through his school clobber. He still had n't unpacked everything or packed a bag for his stay at the burrow. The map was inside the picture record album Albus found over the summer, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't need the marauder 's Map to decode the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'way. He shoved the map under a wad of defensive magic books and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' James IV asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a push-down store of books, with one nook sticking out. ``

`` perfective. You might want to go exchange your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, right hand, '' Albus looked down at his succus splattered T-shirt, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No problem, '' James laughed, `` seed to me for all your juice spraying pauperism. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his eyes as he left the room to change his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their critique !