Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


A mother kangaroo stood absolutely still in the moonlit woods, watching her fry maneuver in the shrub in front end of her. The mother would gently pull the roo back every prison term he got too far away. She was watching him carefully when a loudly pop startled her. The joey hopped back over to his mother and jumped into her sack. They hopped away quickly, not noticing the man who had just appeared a few beat away.

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

He opened his bag and pulled out a set of black wizard robes, changing into them quickly. He tossed the Muggle wear into the bag and set off at a brisk pace.

`` Bloody Muggle airplanes, '' he muttered to himself, `` Ministry ought to just allow International Flooing. ``

It was a very tranquility night, with only the periodic owl hooting in the distance. The moon was not entire enough to provide enough light to illuminate the course, but the man did not desire to eviscerate attention to himself by lighting his sceptre. He merely stumbled along, swearing every time he tripped over a John Rock or a Tree root.

The magniloquent man was not entirely sure how far he would have to take the air to receive the station he was looking for. In fact, the man he was going to inspect did not even know he was coming. Nevertheless, he kept walking through the wood, until he finally came to the edge.

A short circuit distance away stood a rather vauntingly house. It was not big enough to be considered a mansion, but substantially larger than nearly houses. The man glanced at his watch before continuing towards the house.

`` Damn, '' he muttered as he noticed that his picket was still set for British clock time. He pulled out his wand and pointed it at his articulatio radiocarpea. The custody on the lookout swirled until coming to a stop. It was nearly midnight.

There was one lone light on in the family. Other than that, the shoes seemed either deserted or its occupants asleep. The man did not handle if everyone was asleep ; he would merely arouse them up. He picked up his yard as he crossed the K and ascended the pace up to the front door.

The man knocked three times and stood waiting for someone to let him in. A brusk spell later, the door opened a crevice. However, it did not appear that anyone had actually answered it.

`` Is you needing something, sir ? '' a screechy representative asked.

The man looked down and saw a house elf peeking his head around the door. `` Why yes, '' the man replied, `` Is Lubar in ? ``

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

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

`` come in, '' the elf replied, `` Is you wanting a beverage ? ``

`` No, '' the man muttered as he entered the house, `` Just evince me to Lubar. ``

`` Yes, sir. This way. ``

The man followed the elf through the overweening house. He always wondered how Lubar managed to afford everything. It 's not like he made a great deal money at his job. There were statues, plant of art, gold encrusted tables, oriental rugs, and the fanciest furniture in all of the rooms he passed.

The elf led him to a room with the doorway halfway open. light was streaming out of it, but the man could n't hear any vocalisation. Lubar must be alone, he thought. That would be unspoilt anyway.

The man pushed past the elf and into the elbow room without knocking. He did n't see the need. Lubar was phratry. sure enough, the man had n't seen him in long time, but he was family nonetheless. Lubar was the man 's wife 's cousin, to be specific.

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

`` Jarrett, '' Lubar gestured for him to come in, `` What an, strange, surprise. ``

The man, Jarrett, walked in and took a seat in the red leather chair in forepart of the desk. Lubar resumed his position behind the desk.

`` To what do I owe the pleasure ? '' Lubar asked, folding his hand in front of him. `` It 's been a farsighted prison term, Jarrett. ``

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

`` I have half a mind to throw you out of this family after what your brother-in-law did to my crony, '' Lubar growled.

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

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

`` She has, '' Jarrett sighed, `` But that is just one of the many matter we have dissimilar opinions on. I am well cognisant that you have no program to forgive her brother, which is why I am here unbeknownst to her. I would like to put that issue behind us and rekindle our friendship, Lubar. ``

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

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

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

Jarrett smiled. It had been surprisingly easy to get to Commonwealth of Australia with Muggle transportation. It took a patch and was rather nettle, but easy.

`` Yes, the Ministry is after me. However, I took the impropriety of using Muggle transportation to arrive here. I simply took some Polyjuice Potion, bought an airplane ticket, and now I 'm here. ``

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

`` Obviously, '' Jarrett smirked, `` Otherwise I would give turned back into myself in the center of an airport. ``

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

`` Do you know why the Ministry wants me ? ``

`` Something about dueling Harry ceramicist ? '' Lubar smirked, `` That might be the dazed thing you have ever done. ``

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

`` We ? ``

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

`` Ah, '' Lubar leaned back in his chair, `` Do you care to enlighten me about your reasons ? ``

`` We want to unify the Deathly Hallows in Order to help our mission to cover the programme of Godhead Voldemort, '' Jarrett explained, `` Harry ceramicist knows the location of all three of the Deathly Hallows and currently possesses two of them. Have you heard of the Hallows ? ``

`` Of course I have, '' Lubar snapped, `` judgment you, I thought it was just a fry 's story. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Two of them, '' Jarrett corrected him, `` We thought we knew where all three were, but we were wrong about the Elder Wand. Well, potter could be lying to us. That 's entirely possible. But even if he does not currently have it in his possession, I am sure he knows where it is. The invisibleness Cloak is currently in self-possession of Harry ceramicist 's center shaver, Albus. The Resurrection of Christ Harlan Stone is residing in the woodland next to Hogwarts, although I am not sure where. ``

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

`` I 'm getting to that. Recently, my son and I came up with a plan to obtain the Invisibility Cloak. My son was to tempt Albus Potter out of school by capturing his cousin. To make a long story short, it ended in a duel between my son and Harry Potter. thrower captured him and he now resides in Azkaban, '' Jarrett seethed.

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

`` We sort of hoped so- ''

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

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

Lubar stared at him and then smirked. `` Me ? supporter get your son out of prison house ? How in the epithet of pigeon hawk do you suppose I 'll be capable to do that ? ``

`` wellspring, you 're a high up ranking Ministry official, you must have a lot of influence in these kinds of things, '' Jarrett stammered.

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

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

Lubar laughed. `` I do not contact Britain 's section for the regularization and Control of Magical Creatures. My legal opinion are vastly different from those in Britain. I would not want to associate myself with the feller there. Plus, my name is mud with the British people Department for the ordinance and ascendence of Magical Creatures. ``

Jarrett looked curiously at Lubar. `` That is knockout to trust. What did you possibly do to take in them dislike you ? ``

`` That, is a very longsighted account, '' Lubar replied, `` The old head of my department was a very liberalist man. He sympathized with werewolves and disliked any kind of strict legislation dealing with them. His reason for this was because his own son is a wolfman. ``

`` Really ? ``

`` Yes. Anyway, he was fired after he broke one of the loup-garou law of nature. Then I became head of the section and passed More laws. He hated me. He moved his mob to Britain, where he got a job in Werewolf bread and butter Services. Turns out, he was planning on moving anyway, even before he got give notice. He wanted his werewolf kid to attend school. The master of the Australian School of Sorcery obviously did not let him attend. The Hogwarts schoolmaster did. As far as I know, he 's there now. Once there, he made sure everyone in his department knew my gens and what I believed. They do not speak kindly of me. ``

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

`` He probably does n't know, '' Lubar smirked, `` I tend to doubt that the werewolf would annunciate it to the all schoolhouse. ``

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

`` Do n't commend his get-go name. end figure 's Eckerton. ``

Jarrett thought for a moment and then his middle popped out of his head. `` Eckerton ? ! Quinton 's mentioned that kid. He 's one of the I we dueled with finale year ! He 's friends with ceramicist 's kid. ``

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

`` Yes, extremely interest, '' Jarrett rolled his oculus, `` ceramicist 's kid befriended a lycanthrope. Thrilling, really. Now, can you serve get Quinton out of Azkaban or not. ``

`` Talk like that and I wo n't help you, '' Lubar muttered.

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

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

`` And how would you do that ? ``

`` get-go, I give you advice, '' Lubar began, `` You 're going about this all wrong. Your beginning priority should hold been the Resurrection Isidor Feinstein Stone, not that Invisibility Cloak. Yes, the Stone will be difficult to find, but nobody currently owns it. It 's sitting in the George H.W. Bush. You 've got to search that pubic hair and get that endocarp. Then, you use the Stone. ``

`` Use it ? ``

`` Yes, use it ! '' Lubar shouted, `` Honestly, I do n't bed what my cousin-german sees in you. But anyway, use it to sing to Voldemort ! ``

`` Oh, right. ``

`` Then, you ask Voldemort what happened to the senior Wand ! '' Lubar continued, `` That thing is the best Hallow. The Cloak is the to the lowest degree useful. Anyone can make themselves invisible with a disillusionment Charm. You 've got to get that wand and stone first. ``

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

`` Good, '' Lubar replied, `` And I 'll go to United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and help you. ``

`` Seriously ? ``

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

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

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

`` What might that be ? ``

`` I can not excuse in detail. There is an event happening at Hogwarts this yr. Students from Australia are participating. I have reason to be there. ``

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

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

`` Thanks, '' Jarrett muttered.

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


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

This news report is more intertwine with In Moonlight 's tail than my other Albus account have been. people who have already read IMS will know this now that they 've read the prologue. I suggest anyone who has n't read IMS read it, although you 'll still be able to read this narration if you don't.

I may be switching my update days to Wednesdays because I 'm quite busy on Th. It 'll depend on how the semester goes.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



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

Lily had been inconceivable to portion out with ever since Albus returned home from Hogwarts. She was incredibly excited about the fact that she was going to go to Hogwarts in the surrender. Therefore, Lily had been constantly asking Albus about Hogwarts and the interrogative were usually ones Albus did not love the answer to or did not want to reply.

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

`` Al ! '' Lily shoved a piece of parchment in Albus 's aspect, `` It came ! It came ! My Hogwarts varsity letter came ! ``

So that was what the shrieking was about, Albus thought. Lily had been waiting for that alphabetic character all summer. Every aurora she 'd watch the window waiting for the Emily Post owl to arrive.

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

`` Lily ! '' James shouted, `` One does not pipe up and trip the light fantastic like a lunatic when one receives their Hogwarts letter. ``

`` Oh, really, King James ? '' Ginny smirked at him, `` Were n't you the one to support on top of the table and do some sort of dancing ? ``

James River blushed. `` Er, no. ``

`` Oh, do n't be ashamed, James, '' Albus grinned as he sat down succeeding to his brother, `` At to the lowest degree you did n't shriek like a miss. ``

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

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

`` Normal for a lady friend, '' James replied.

`` Stop it, St. James the Apostle, '' Ginny scolded as she set a bowl of burgoo and a few envelopes in front of Albus, `` You got some Post as well, Al. ``

Albus picked up the pile of letters and opened the top one. It was the common book list as well as his Hogsmeade permission shimmy. `` Here, Mum, '' he handed her the slip, `` You 'll induce to sign that. ``

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

`` Mum ! '' Albus groaned.

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

`` James ! '' Albus smacked him.

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

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

Albus opened the other envelope. It was from Matt.

Dear Albus,

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

Your booster,
Matt

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

Ginny read the letter over Albus 's articulatio humeri. `` certain. We 'll meet you in Diagon skittle alley and get Henry James and Lily 's stuff then. ``

Albus grinned. He was very unrestrained about going to lusterlessness 's house. He had never been there. He hoped that whoremaster and Kaden would be capable to go as well. They had n't seen each other in about a calendar month, when Albus and rose wine had had their birthday party.

`` Thanks, Mum. ``

`` Mum ! '' Lily whined, `` I wanted to go to Diagon skittle alley today ! ``

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

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

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

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

******

The future few days passed very slowly. Albus was uneasy to get away from Lily. She asked him no less than 50 times how the sorting was done and Albus replied with fifty'I ca n't tell yous'.

Eventually the sixteenth arrived and Albus sat in the drawing room waiting for Matt and his parents to show up. Kaden was with him. He had arrived a few hours earlier and they had spent their prison term trying to stay away from Lily.

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

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

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

The two boys looked up when they heard a tawdry crack. flatness 's entire family had Apparated into the drawing room. Ginny walked into the room and greeted flatness 's parents.

`` Matt ! '' Albus grinned, `` I am so sword lily to see you. I ca n't wait to get away from Lily. ``

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

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

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

`` All right, '' Mr. Eckerton said, `` Albus, you can Apparate with Amy. Kaden, you can Apparate with my wife. ``

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

They reappeared in the middle of a vauntingly field. There was a log house in the distance.

`` This does n't expect like a house, '' Kaden announced as he stepped away from Matt 's mum.

`` It 's not, '' lusterlessness said as he pointed to the log firm, `` That 's my menage. ``

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

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

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked.

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

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

`` There are some things I do n't order anyone, Kaden, '' lusterlessness sighed.

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

lustrelessness 's house was the only one in the sphere. Albus could n't see any other building besides a shed behind the house. There were fields surrounding the planetary house and a low fence surrounding the property. Beyond the fence was farmland.

matte 's dad unlocked the door and Albus followed him inside. He stopped in the entree and looked around. The place was about as unlike as a house could be from Grimmauld spot. It was give and aeriform and decorated in a Bodoni font yet bumpkinly way. From the doorway, Albus could see the kitchen straight ahead, the dining way next to it, and the living room next to the door. On the other face of the door was a set of stair leading upstairs. Albus continued walking into the aliveness room and saw a corridor next to the kitchen that lead to a few more rooms. Albus liked it instantly. It had a homey feel to it like the Burrow did. Except it was much clean-living. Matt had said his mum was kind of a neat monstrosity, but Albus was n't expecting it to be this neat.

`` Great house, Matt, '' Albus grinned.

`` Yeah, '' Kaden agreed, `` But it 's too neat. We 're going to have to transfer that. ``

`` My mum likes it neat, '' matte said, `` She 'll make you make clean up whatever you mess up. ``

`` I 'll go get St. John the Apostle now, '' Mr. Eckerton announced, `` You can derive, flatness. I 'll be able to Apparate both of you. ``

`` Ok. I 'll be redress back, Albus, '' lustrelessness said and left the house with his dad.

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

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

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

Kaden tilted his top dog and show the rubric. `` Do you like potions ? '' he asked.

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

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

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

`` Me, too, '' Kaden said.

Amy set her Holy Writ down. `` So, Albus, how has your summer been ? ``

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

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

`` The what ? '' Kaden asked.

`` The Australian School of Sorcery, '' Amy repeated, `` The schooling of magic trick in Australia. I went there for three years. Then we moved here. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Well, he did n't, '' Kaden muttered, `` But it would excuse the queer idiom he 's got. ``

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

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

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` The Australian School of necromancy, '' Kaden laughed, `` A, S, S. Ass ! ``

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

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

The front threshold opened and Matt and John ran inside followed by Mr. Eckerton. St. John the Apostle paused in the entranceway and looked around.

`` Whoa, '' he grinned, `` This house is blinking brilliant ! ``

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

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

`` Oh, ASS, '' flatness laughed, `` Yeah, I laughed about that for years when I figured it out. ``

`` Well, I 've got to get to lick, '' Amy stood up, `` I 'll try and stop by for dinner sometime this hebdomad. ``

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

`` Bye, Dad. ``

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

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

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

Albus stepped inside and looked around. The carpet was blue and the walls were Edward Douglas White Jr.. It was messier than the rest of the house, but nowhere near as messy as James 's elbow room. There was a Chudley cannon counterpane on the bed and multiple post-horse on the wall.

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

`` Shut it, John, '' Matt replied, `` The cannon have been playing better this season. ``

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

lusterlessness groaned. `` seed on, I 'll show you the early rooms. ``

Albus followed Matt out of the room and down the corridor. The next doorway was a bathroom and the one after that was Amy 's room. The last door was alongside a different paries and flatness gestured for them to mistreat inside.

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

`` Sounds like Rose 's pipe dream come true, '' John laughed.

The subroutine library was twice the size of Matt 's room. Bookshelves covered all the walls and there were a few desks sitting in the center of the room. A squashy looking sofa was sitting below one of the windows and there were a few armchairs in several places. There were also four cots in the midriff, but Albus doubted they were normally there.

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

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

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

`` You should see rosiness 's house, '' Albus commented.

`` You 've got a lot of leger about magical brute, '' Kaden pointed out.

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

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

`` Yeah, you can probably guess why, '' Matt mumbled.

`` So, '' Albus changed the subject, `` How was your misstep to New York ? ``

The discomfort that had been on lustrelessness 's face mo before disappeared. `` It was brilliant ! We had so a great deal fun. ``

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

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

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

`` Bethany thinks she 's a witch, '' Kaden announced, `` She found a cleave outside and has been pretending to cast magical spell. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Did I tell you that my dad 's getting a furtherance ? '' mat asked.

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

`` The head of the section of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures is retiring at the end of the year, '' Matt explained, `` And he 's recommending my dad for the stance. It 's not final exam, but it 'll most in all likelihood happen. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` He works in lycanthrope living Services. ``

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

matt rolled his eyes. `` Yeah, I know. The superior general public did n't really think it was that funny when we were living in Australia. ``

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

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

`` How about you, Albus ? '' trick asked, `` Anything exciting happening in the most famous wizarding category ? ``

Albus rolled his eyes. If anyone besides his Quaker referred to his family that way, he probably would have got hexed them.

`` Actually, '' Albus began, surprised that he had momentarily forgotten about it, `` I do have some interesting news about the Hogwarts staff. ``

`` What is it ? '' St. John asked eagerly, `` Is Slughorn finally retiring for near ? ``

`` No, '' Albus laughed, `` I do n't think that will ever happen. ``

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

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus nodded.

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

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

`` Oh, well, that makes sensory faculty, '' Matt replied.

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

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

`` I wonder if we 'll ever consume the precise same staff for two years in a row, '' John commented, `` I mean, first year they were all new to us. concluding year we got Cedonia. And this year we 've got some new defensive structure teacher. ``

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

`` Hmm, '' Albus mused, `` Want to toy Quidditch ? That domain would be excellent for it. ``

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

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

The son decided it was as good an approximation as any and they ran downstairs. Albus had limited experience with football game. He had watched a couple matches and played it a few prison term, but that was it. He did n't reckon John had ever played and he was n't certainly about Matt. can was skeptical about the fun of football, but he was willing to give it a try.

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

`` We 're going to run football game, '' lustrelessness said as he pulled the door open.

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

Albus followed matte down the deck stair and into the field. He stood next to Matt and John the Divine and all three of them turned to Kaden, who had set the ball on the basis and had one pes on it.

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

`` A few meter, '' Albus answered.

`` Nope, '' John said.

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

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

The other three boys nodded. Kaden pointed out two dissimilar Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that would swear out as stopgap destination. He future explained the linguistic rule of the game and they began playing.

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

John was hardly any in effect than Albus. He never managed to kick the Ball where he aimed it, but Kaden 's Lake Superior accomplishment seemed to compensate for whoremonger 's lack of skill. The two of them ( well, Kaden ) had scored more destination than Albus and Matt.

Matt seemed to be able to aim the Ball, but he wound up tripping over it a lot. He did get by to rack up a few goal, though.

All in all, Albus thought it was variety of fun. It was n't something he desired to be on an prescribed squad of, but it was fun to represent informally. Not nearly as exciting as Quidditch, though.

`` John ! '' Albus shouted as John picked up the ball and took off across the field, `` You ca n't match the ball ! ``

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

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

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

Kaden tackled John and tried to wrestle the ball out of his arms. John tried to get by, but Kaden was holding onto his leg.

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

`` Albus ! assist ! Your full cousin is Muggle dueling with me ! ``

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

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

Albus stumbled and fell onto the ground. He held the clump out of Kaden 's reach and Kaden tackled him. John, now free of Kaden 's ira, grabbed Matt 's leg and pulled him into the mix.

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

`` Energy Department n't matter, '' privy grinned, `` We 're not going to let you resist there while we 're Muggle dueling each former. ``

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

Albus stood up and shook his caput. privy and Matt stood up after him. john looked quite triumphant at the win, even though he had n't really contributed to it.

`` kudos, '' mat smirked, `` You beat a clumsy wizard and a chaser at football. ``

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

`` boy ! '' Mrs Eckerton shouted from the window, `` dinner party is ready ! ``

Albus grinned as he walked towards the house. As much as he enjoyed his own house, it was fun to drop a few days with Matt and his early friends. Plus, the girls were n't there. They had never really had time away from rosiness and Amanda and it was kind of fun. Not that he did n't enjoy their society, there were just affair they could n't really do around rose wine and Amanda. Like turn a football match into a wrestling match, for example.

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

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

`` Well, I 'll take that as a compliment, '' Mrs. Eckerton smiled.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


dinner with mat 's parents was interesting. Mealtimes at Albus 's house were always chaotic and never really planned in great point. It seemed like one of his parents was always coming or going. Then there was the fact that at least one of his cousins or Teddy always seemed to be showing up partway through the meal. But Albus did n't really listen. He kind of liked the Chaos that was his family.

Mealtimes at Matt 's house, on the other hand, seemed Thomas More formal and planned. His mum and family elf, Ellie, cooked a lavish spread and served it on fancier bag than Albus 's kinfolk had. And Matt did n't let any relatives to randomly pearl in. Albus enjoyed it, though. The formalities of it did n't faze Kaden in the least and he dominated the conversation, which centered around Hogwarts, Quidditch, and football game.

The boys spent the eve in the den playacting round after round of Exploding snapshot. Since Rose was n't there, they all had a prospect of winning. Matt 's parents joined in for a few rounds and once they left, Albus and his friends talked about the forthcoming school year. John and Kaden agreed that they needed to pull a few marauderesque pranks, but Albus and mat were a bit reluctant. The job of school pranksters was currently held by James and his friend and Albus really did n't want everyone to remember he was a just like his brother.

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

`` Albus ? '' lustrelessness whispered a few minutes later, `` Are you awake ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back.

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus said.

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

Albus really did n't know what to say to that. He knew Matt had had a lonely puerility until going to Hogwarts, but the fact that he had never had friends over to his theatre before never crossed his judgement.

`` Well, I 'll definitely want to come back, '' Albus decided to say.

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

`` 'Night. ``

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

`` Kaden, '' someone whispered, `` Kaden ! ``

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

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

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

`` Want to go find some food ? '' john asked.

`` Sure. ``

Albus listened as John and Kaden got up from their crib and crept out of the elbow room. There was the auditory sensation of footsteps on the stairs, and then quiet.

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

lustrelessness rolled over and Albus groaned. It was always so difficult to awake him up. `` Matt ! '' Albus shouted a little louder.

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

`` What ? '' he asked.

`` John and Kaden went to get a collation, '' Albus told him. Albus did n't know what form of bite the two of them were going to get, but he had a feeling they would n't make it simple. John and Kaden were known to come up with some somewhat mad ideas when they were together, especially when they did n't have Albus or Matt to counteract them.

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

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

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

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

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

John the Evangelist and Kaden emerged from the refrigerator carrying various containers. They set them down on the parry and then turned around.

`` Oh, hey Albus and matt ! '' John grinned, `` Want any of our midnight snack ? ``

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

`` Oh, come on, Albus, '' Kaden grinned, `` Mashed potatoes and hot chocolate cake would be a commodity combination. ``

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

`` It 's only foul if you forget the catsup, '' privy replied.

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

`` No thanks, '' Albus said.

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

`` So, if you 're not down here to eat our delicious intellectual nourishment, what are you here for ? '' St. John the Apostle asked as he dumped the patty into the potatoes.

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

`` Oh, relax, '' John the Divine grinned.

Albus watched as Kaden stirred the potatoes and coat compounding. It actually did n't look that bad. Almost like some sorting of strange pudding. Albus was sure the ketchup would negate any sorting of likely edibility, though.

`` Hey, what 's this thing ? '' John gestured to a pitch-dark box that was attached to the tail of the cupboard along the wall. He pushed a few push button and the whole thing lit up inside and started whirring.

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

`` It 's a microwave oven, '' Matt jumped off his stool and pushed a button on it. It stopped whirring and turned dark again. `` And you ca n't turn it on when it 's hollow. ``

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

`` It cooks food for thought, '' matt explained, `` quicker than an oven. ``

`` Oh, '' John shrugged and picked up a fork that was sitting on the rejoinder. He put it in the microwave and went to turn it on.

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

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

`` well that 's dazed, '' John replied and took the crotch out.

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

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

`` Came with the sign of the zodiac. And my mum the likes of Muggle engineering for cooking. ``

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

Matt groaned and turned to Albus. `` This wo n't plough out good. ``

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

`` unspoilt point, '' lusterlessness said, `` John Lackland ! Let Kaden do the microwaving. ``

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

Kaden took the bowl and put it in the microwave. He turned it on and Albus watched as the roll turned around and around on the inside plate. It was rather clever, he thought. Almost like trick. It seemed like a magic box that cooked food in record time.

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

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

`` Me ! '' can shouted and grabbed a few spoonful off the counter.

`` No way, '' Albus shook his head. The mixture in the bowl was the eubstance of pud, but was a strange ruby Brown semblance that was absolutely disgusting looking.

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

privy took a whiff and grinned. `` Smells good ! ``

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

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

`` undecomposed thing he 's not having any, '' Kaden took a huge spoon and stuffed it in his mouth.

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

`` Delicious ! '' Kaden grinned.

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

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

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

`` Almost, '' John said.

`` Done, '' Kaden replied.

`` You 'd better wash off the pipe bowl out, '' lusterlessness said.

Kaden nodded and began to dampen the dishes. Saint John the Apostle returned to the refrigerator and started rummaging around again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Er, yes, '' John said, `` Why ? ``

`` Because eggs- ''

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

`` Explode in microwaves, '' Matt finished.

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

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

Albus stood behind mat and looked into the microwave. The inside was covered in egg yolk, white, and shell. It was a pure mess, yet kind of funny at the same time.

Matt groaned, `` I ca n't think you did that. fountainhead, ok, I can. I told you not to touch the microwave. ``

`` Sorry, '' John shrugged, `` I 'll cleanse it up. ``

`` make clean what up ? ''

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

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

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

`` See ? '' John said, `` I 'm not the merely one ! ``

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

`` Do I even want to roll in the hay what you boys were doing down here ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked.

`` John the Evangelist and Kaden wanted a snack, '' Matt replied, `` So they made a disgusting combination of romance potatoes, chocolate cake, and ketchup. They liked it, but Albus and I thought it was vile. Just the odor of it made me disgusted. ``

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

`` Ok, Mum, '' lusterlessness replied.

`` You have to allow that was laughable, Julie, '' Mr. Eckerton laughed.

`` Yes, I do actually happen it funny that you made the Saame mistake five long time ago, and now can did it and he 's a long dozen year old boy, '' Mrs Eckerton smirked.

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

`` You should have taken Muggle field of study, '' Mrs. Eckerton said.

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

******

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

`` Let 's microwave random clobber, '' John suggested.

`` No way, '' flatness replied.

matt 's parents had officially banned them from cooking for the remainder of the visit. Albus found this rather funny, especially the looks on John and Kaden 's faces when they were told they could n't fudge. The two of them spent a good twenty dollar bill minutes trying to receive a loophole in the rule.

`` Do wizards play hide and attempt ? '' Kaden asked.

`` That was random, '' Albus commented, `` But yes, sorcerer do play conceal and attempt. ``

`` I play it with my first cousin all the clip, '' John said.

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

`` We should playact it, '' Kaden announced, `` It 's always boring to fiddle it at my house because the lone one there to diddle it with is Bethany. And she never hide in commodity stead. ``

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

`` Ok, let 's playing period, '' lav stood up, `` The couch in here can be home and we can hide out anywhere in the mansion. ``

`` sound good. But no going outside, '' Matt agreed, `` Who 's it ? ``

`` Albus, '' toilet said.

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

Albus closed his eyes and started enumeration. He heard the step of his friend disappear as he got penny-pinching to 100. Usually, one of his older cousins was it whenever he played pelt and seek. Albus rarely got to be it.

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

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

He stepped into the bathroom and indisputable enough, the shower drape was pulled shut. Albus yanked it give and saw John laying in the tub.

`` Got you, '' Albus grinned.

`` merlin, this is always a respectable bit ! '' toilet groaned as he got out of the tub.

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

Albus and John left the lavatory and resumed the search. Albus really did n't feel comfortable searching in lustrelessness 's dad 's study, so they left it alone. Albus figured no one would hide in there anyway. They searched the residuum of the downstairs, looking in every nook and cranny and closet. But flatness and Kaden were no where to be found.

Next they went upstairs and searched all the bedrooms except flatness 's parents'. The subroutine library and bathroom were searched as well, but still no lot. The plot was reminding Albus of the one he played at the Burrow. James was always unimaginable to find. Although one meter he got a Scots heather and decided to hover above the house to hide. No one found him for hr and then the grownup made a 'no flying'rule for hide and seek.

`` Where are they ? '' John said as they searched the depository library for the second prison term, `` We 've searched the integral home ! ``

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

`` commodity mind, '' John agreed.

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

can checked the potion brewing room while Albus looked in the briny section of the basement that seemed to be a combination entrepot arena and den. Still aught. The basement was perfectly tranquillize, too.

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

`` Matt said it was just storage, '' Albus replied, `` I doubt either of them are in there. Plus, it 's so quiet. We 'd hear some sort of apparent motion. No one 's down here. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` There 's a small doorway in there that leads to a lowly closet, '' lustrelessness got up off the couch and walked over to the press. `` Look, '' he opened the door.

Matt pulled back a few coats that were hanging up and Albus noticed a very tiny doorway in the rampart. matte opened it and revealed a flyspeck closet that was just big enough for a belittled person to rise into.

`` See ? '' Matt grinned.

`` You had an unfair advantage, '' John said, `` You know stuff about this theatre that we do n't. ``

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

`` My house does n't birth any fiddling secret loo, '' John muttered.

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

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

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

`` We 'd break go find him, '' John said.

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

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

The male child searched the intact house twice, but they still could n't bump Kaden. He was the ultimate pelt and seek player, Albus thought. He could even hold James lessons.

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

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

`` He 'll fall out once he 's thirsty, '' Matt pointed out.

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

`` playing pelt and seek, '' mat replied and sat down on a chair, `` But we ca n't find Kaden. ``

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

`` exterior was off limit point, '' whoremonger said.

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

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

lustrelessness 's fount paled. `` Oh, Falco columbarius ! Not the entire cellar ! ``

`` You 'd break go check, '' Mrs. Eckerton said.

matte jumped off the couch and ran towards the basement door. Albus shrugged at Saint John the Apostle as they followed. He did n't have a clue as to why lustrelessness was so spooky about Kaden concealing in the basement. Plus, Albus and whoremonger checked the basement. Except that repositing room. But why would that make up Matt nervous ? What was in it ?

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

`` Merlin ! '' matt muttered and paused in movement of the door, `` Why did he hide in here ? ``

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

Matt sighed, but did n't suffice. He put his hired man on the doorknob and slowly opened it.

Albus gaped as he saw what was in the room. Well, what was n't in it. The room was completely empty and had no windows. But the unknown part was that it was padded. The floor and wall were completely covered with what looked like mattresses.

`` Is that ? '' John the Evangelist asked, `` A tramp room ? ``

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

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

`` Bloody hell, this is brilliant ! '' St. John the Apostle grinned and walked into the room.

`` No it 's not, '' Matt said quietly, `` arrive on. ''

mat turned and left without waiting to see if the others would stick to. Albus followed immediately and he heard King John and Kaden run after him. matt did n't say anything as they walked back upstairs, and Albus hoped Kaden would suffer the sense not to say anything either.

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

`` Yeah, '' matt muttered.

`` Was he- ''

`` Yeah, '' matte said without stopping.

Albus followed him all the way upstairs and into his bedchamber. Matt flopped down on his bed and stared up at the ceiling. Albus sat down on the trading floor and John and Kaden sat down on either face of him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` I do n't know if you guessed what that room is for, '' Matt began, `` But I guess I 'll tell you. ``

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

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

Albus nodded. That 's what he had guessed. Judging by the cool it face on John 's face, he had guessed it too. Kaden on the former paw, was gaping at Matt.

`` Wait, what ? '' he asked.

`` That 's where I go during wide-cut moons, '' Matt said.

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

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

matt laid back down on his bed and stared at the cap. `` Back when I was five and I went through my first transformation, I spent the whole night ramming into the wall trying to get out. My dad put the cushioning on the paries before the next full moon. Then when we moved here, my dad recreated the Saame room in the basement of this house. ``

Albus winced at the mentation of Matt ramming himself into a wall. Every time Matt told him something else about the total lunar month, Albus felt even sorrier for him.

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

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

`` What about the shriek shack ? '' Kaden asked, `` Is that padded ? ``

`` No, '' lustrelessness replied, `` But it 's self-aggrandising, so I do n't bang my head as much. ``

Kaden nodded. `` Well, I ca n't say I 've ever seen a padded way in anyone else 's home. ``

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


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


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The remainder of the sojourn at lustrelessness 's planetary house went by very fast for Albus. Albus and the other male child spent the succeeding few days playing various biz and doing some of the prep they had put off until the last minute of arc. Amy visited for dinner party one evening and let Kaden brew something in her potions room. Kaden was thrilled and after he and Amy had finished, he pronounced Amy the best potions brewer he 'd met besides Slughorn. Albus, Matt, and John did not enter in the brewing since all three of them got enough of potions at Hogwarts.

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

`` Are you boys gear up ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked.

`` Yeah, '' flatness answered.

Mrs Eckerton opened the door and Albus followed everyone outside. They walked a few measure away from the house and then Mrs Eckerton put an arm around Matt and the other around Albus. Amy did the same with John the Divine and Kaden and all six of them disappeared with a crack.

They reappeared in the middle of the Leaky cauldron, which was practically evacuate. Albus was n't surprised since it was too soon afternoon on a weekday. Albus looked around the pub and saw his mum, Uncle Ron, Henry James, rose wine, Hugo, and Lily sitting at a nearby table. trick 's mum and sisters were sitting with them. James looked bored out of his intellect and a little miffed as Saint John 's sisters ran around the room.

The adults greeted each other while Lily, Hugo, and John Lackland 's sister, Ashtyn, flew out of their bottom and over to Albus and the other boys. rosiness followed them and stood future to Albus.

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

`` Yeah ! '' Ashtyn grinned, `` And rule book and robe and cauldrons and- ''

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

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

`` Am not, '' Victor Hugo retorted.

`` There 's zero wrong with Hufflepuff, '' John said, `` My cousin is in Hufflepuff. ``

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

`` Er, right wing, '' Albus agreed.

`` Kids ! '' Ginny shouted, `` We 're going to go to brandish and Blotts first, then Madam Malkins. Al, you need new gown. ``

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

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

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

`` You 'll get it, '' Ginny said, `` But you need drape too. And your sceptre will be useless without record. ``

Lily pouted and folded her arm across her chest, but followed Ginny out of the pub. Albus and his acquaintance followed the adult, James IV, and the girls out of the pub and into Diagon Alley.

Diagon Alley was a bit more crowd together than the Leaky cauldron, but still rather deserted. Albus walked with the large group into Flourish and Blotts, where the salesman took one looking at them and ran into the back room. He returned with a saleslady.

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

`` And I have two, '' Ron rummaged around in his robes and pulled out two crisp small-arm of parchment.

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

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

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

`` So, what did you lot do at Matt 's family ? '' rose wine asked as they were waiting.

Albus looked at John and burst out laughing. `` Gospel According to John had fun with the microwave, '' Albus smirked.

Rose groaned. `` What did you do ? ``

`` Microwaved an egg, '' Saint John the Apostle replied, `` It made a skillful explosion. ``

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

`` She just made him make clean it up. My dad did the Same thing after we moved here. We did n't make a microwave in Australia, '' Matt said.

`` Muggle studies ought to be mandatory, '' Rose sighed.

Albus spent a few more minutes telling Rose about what they had done at flatness 's house, although he left out the part about the padded room. Matt could narrate pink wine that later if he wanted to.

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

Once everyone had a pile of books in their weapons system, the group left the book store. They walked down the street until they reached Madam Malkin 's. Luckily, the shop was empty, although they 'd have to wait a while until everyone was fitted for robes.

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

Albus sat down on a hot seat as he waited for his act. Matt and lavatory sat down on either side of him. Albus glanced over and saw that matt was staring wide eyed at his passel of books. Albus peered down at his own stack of al-Qur'an, but the one on top was Intermediate Transfiguration.

Albus looked over at matt 's push-down store of Word of God and he gaped when he saw which Word was on top. It was the exact same book that Kaden had found at tucket and Blotts a class ago. The one entitled Dark Creatures : How to Protect Yourself.

`` Interesting Book selection, '' Albus muttered.

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

Albus shrugged. `` Well, third yr defense mechanism does sharpen on darkness puppet. ``

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

`` I doubt they will, '' Albus replied, `` No one 's going to pay that a great deal attention in class. The only one in our year who would 've put the clues together after learning it in year is rose wine, and she already knows. ``

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

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

Albus watched as his Sister waved legion wand and subsequently broke everything on Olivander 's desk. After she tried a few to a greater extent, Lily found her wand and proudly held the box as carefully as she could. Hugo and Ashtyn found wands a few arcminute later and the mathematical group set off to the Apothecary.

After a visit to the Apothecary, Eyelops, and Weasley 's wiz Wheezes, everyone had what they needed for the upcoming school year. Albus was rather tired by the time they finished, but Lily, Victor Hugo, and Ashtyn seemed to own sempiternal energy. They sort of prompt Albus of the way Kaden had been the former year. Granted, Kaden still had endless Energy Department, but the three eleven-year-olds had surpassed him.

Albus said arrivederci to his booster in the Leaky Cauldron and then Flooed back to Grimmauld property with his mum, Kaden, Saint James, and Lily. He and Kaden watched Lily try to perform piece with her new scepter while they waited for Dudley to blame Kaden up. Lily was kind of thwart that she was unable to do much of anything besides 'Lumos'.

******

In an drive to try and avoid nearly missing the train like they had the former twelvemonth, Ginny insisted that Albus, James, and Lily pack their luggage compartment the night before. Despite this, Albus awoke to the call of his mother.

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

Albus slowly got out of bed as he listened to the tawdry footsteps of his mother in the corridor. `` William James Canicula Potter ! Get out of bed this instant ! ``

The door to his bedroom opened and Lily came bounding in, already dressed in her Hogwarts gown. `` Al ! We 've got to leave ! ``

`` I know, Lily ! '' Albus said in an rag flavor, `` Now get out so I can get dressed ! ``

Albus hurriedly threw on some clothes once his sister left. He grabbed his owl John Milton Cage Jr. and school bag and quickly left the room. He was quite sword lily his trunk was packed and already downstairs.

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

`` Hey, Al, '' Harry grinned, `` gear up ? ``

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

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

`` James Sothis potter ! '' Ginny shouted from upstairs, `` I told you to pack that terminal night ! Hurry up ! ``

`` Daddy, why ca n't you teach Defense this class ? '' Lily asked.

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

`` But it 's not mediocre, '' Lily whined, `` James and Al got to have you teach them for two years. ``

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

`` Is he nice ? '' Albus asked.

`` well, he 's, '' Harry paused, `` He 's fair. That 's a near way of putting it. He 'll care for everyone the same. ``

At to the lowest degree he did n't sound like Washburn, Albus thought. But on the other hand, he did n't sound like Neville or Cedonia either.

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

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

`` I 'm not giving anything away, but Hogwarts will be an exciting office to be this year, '' Harry said, `` Plus, the Ministry decided that Hogwarts needs More protection in the form of Aurors after cobbler's last year 's incident. And the year before 's. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Please, Dad ? '' James whined.

`` No, '' Harry lifted Lily off his lap and stood up, `` Now we 'd break go or you 'll miss the train. ``

The ceramicist arrived on chopine 9 3/4 with fifteen minutes to spare, which was actually earlier than they had arrived the previous class. They met Kaden and his family as well as Rose, Victor-Marie Hugo and their parents. Harry and Ron loaded all the trunks onto the wagon train and then returned to say goodbye.

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

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

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

Once everyone had said goodbye, Albus headed to the gearing with Rose and Kaden. James immediately left to detect his supporter, and Lily and Hugo followed Albus and pink wine. They climbed on just before the train started moving and waved to their parents until the train left the station.

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

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

`` Hi, Albus, blush wine, Kaden, '' lustrelessness greeted them.

Kaden sat down next to John and Rose sat next to Amanda. Hugo and Lily sat down near Ashtyn and the three of them immediately started talking about the sort and the Hogwarts houses. Albus, who had been listening to Lily mouth about that all summertime, did not want to enter in that conversation.

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

`` What ? '' Matt asked.

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

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

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

`` Any estimation what it is ? '' matte asked.

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

`` Just that it was something exciting, '' blush wine sighed, `` The only thing I can believe of is the Triwizard Tournament. ``

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

`` Did n't someone die the last meter they had that ? '' John asked.

Albus nodded. `` The Triwizard tournament is a contest that involves three wizarding schools : Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A champion from each schooling participates in three magical task and whichever wiz wins gets the Triwizard Cup.

`` The finish time they had it was in my dad 's fourth year and a dying Eater tricked the cup into choosing my dad as a fourth champion. He won, but the other Hogwarts champion, Cedric Diggory, died during the final undertaking. ``

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

`` No, '' rose shook her head, `` There 's no way they 'd do that again. At least not for old age. Cedric 's death is too fresh in a lot of people 's minds to have that tourney again. So I have no thought what my dad and Uncle Harry were talking about. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` I bet Georgia would introduce, '' Albus commented.

`` No doubt about that, '' Rose agreed.

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

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

`` All my dad said was that he was fairish, '' Albus sighed, `` He sort of dodged the interrogation when I asked if he was nice. ``

`` That 's a bad signaling, '' Matt groaned.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Dunno, '' John shrugged, `` We 'll suppose of something. ``

`` That, '' blush wine sighed, `` Has got to be the dumbest idea you 've come up with. And that includes microwaving the egg. ''

`` Well, have you got any better estimation ? '' John asked.

`` Why do n't we just time lag and see what the instructor is like before we start thinking about getting him sacked ? '' Rose suggested.

The rest of the train ride passed quickly. The full compartment participated in an Exploding gingersnap competition, which rose wine won. Then they bought a large amount of bite from the trolley. Albus fell asleep shortly after he finished eating and the adjacent thing he knew, rose was nudging him wake up and telling him to change into his gown.

The sky had turned dark and the atmospheric condition stormy while Albus had been sleeping. skag sounded and lightning flashed as he pulled on his robe. He was very glad he was n't going to be crossing the Black person Lake like Lily was. He 'd much rather take a thestral-pulled passenger car and rest dry.

The train pulled into Hogsmeade station and Albus joined the throngs of pupil heading out into the rainy weather condition. He heard Hagrid calling the first years and said goodbye to Lily, Victor Hugo, and Ashtyn. Albus found an empty carriage and led his friends inside.

`` The firstly years are going to get soaked, '' John said as he wrung out his hat onto the bottom of the carriage.

`` Spooky crossing the lake in this atmospheric condition, '' Kaden grinned, `` Makes me compliments I was crossing the lake. ``

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

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

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

`` William James purposely tipped his sauceboat when he crossed the lake, '' Albus said. He still remembered his mother receiving an owl telling her about that. She wasted no time in getting a wow off to James.

`` That 's brilliant ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` regard I 'd thought of that. ``

`` Me, too ! '' John agreed.

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

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

The residuum of the head trip up to the castle was spent discussing the likelihood of one of the gravy boat being tipped over by the Giant Squid. John the Evangelist and Kaden decided that they wanted to see the hulk squid that yr and agreed to require a swimming in the Black person Lake during the first available weekend.

The full Entrance Hall was covered in water by the time Albus and his friends entered the castle. Albus was sure Filch would cause a hippogriff when he saw it. Albus led his friends to the fellow Gryffindor table and sat down, tidal bore for the spread to start.

Albus scanned the staff board and his heart rested on the only unfamiliar case. A tail looking man with his black pilus cut in a Muggle military flair was sitting completely still. His eyes seemed to imbue every scholar in the stallion room at the Lapp clip. Albus did not get the sense that this instructor would be nice, although he lacked the hatred that Washburn had emanated.

`` That must be the new Defense teacher, '' flatness whispered to Albus, `` Merlin, he does not look glad. ``

`` expression like his side is frozen that way, '' Kaden muttered.

`` I would n't desire to be on his bad side, '' Albus replied.

`` Looks to me like he had a bit too much U-No-Poo, '' John laughed.

Albus snorted and shook his principal. It did kind of look like the professor had a bit too lots of that sealed Weasley product. His Uncle Percy wore that same tone when his Uncle George put U-No-Poo in his tea over the summer.

The Great G. Stanley Hall immediately quieted down as Professor Patil led the first years into the elbow room and towards the stave table. They congregated near the three-legged faeces upon which the sort Hat sat.

`` They look light than concluding year 's number one year, '' trick whispered as the sort Hat began singing.

`` They are, '' Kaden agreed, `` I was n't that inadequate last year. ``

`` Yeah, you actually were, '' King John replied, `` Hey, lusterlessness, I think these first of all years might actually be brusk than you. A few of them, that is. ``

Matt rolled his centre. `` At least I 'm not a camelopard like you. ``

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

`` And so does lack of height, '' Matt pointed out, `` At least I did n't have to stand still while Madam Malkin poked me with acerate leaf like you did. ``

`` Shush ! '' rose hissed, `` They 're starting the classification ! ``

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

`` Brickston, Ashtyn ! '' Patil announced.

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

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

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

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

Albus did n't really pay attending to the next few Sortings. He vaguely recognized a few public figure, but did n't really know any of them. He snapped back into reality when he heard Patil announce, `` Potter, Lily ! ``

Lily ran forward with almost as a good deal excitement as Ashtyn. The hat took a lilliputian more time to decide than it had with Ashtyn, but it soon shouted, `` Gryffindor ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

professor Kendrick stood up. `` Welcome, students and staff ! As common, I will lay aside all the speech making for after the feast. '' He waved his scepter and sat back down.

Food appeared on all the favorable plates and Albus helped himself to some of everything. He was thirsty, although this year he had form of wanted Kendrick to declare what the exciting affair was before the feast.

The topics of discourse varied greatly during the feast, and Albus mostly listened. privy and Matt had a heated argument about the Quidditch season, primarily the Chudley carom'spectacular loss to the Holyhead Harpies that had taken place a few days previously. Rose chattered non-stop about the new social class she was taking and bombarded her older full cousin with enquiry about them. Albus was amazed she had any questions left, since she had done the same thing during the Weasley crime syndicate dinner party prior to the commencement of term.

Kaden talked to whoever would take heed about the candidate of adding Muggle technology to Hogwarts. Albus groaned to himself as he heard Kaden assure one of the first days about his petition to have televisions put into the common rooms. Amanda listened to Kaden, although it did n't seem like she was nearly as excited as Kaden was.

`` So, how was the trip across the lake ? '' privy asked Ashtyn as the desserts appeared.

`` Wet, '' Ashtyn replied.

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

`` No, '' Ashtyn laughed.

`` Hagrid said he had anti-tipping magic spell put on them after James tipped his a few years ago, '' Victor Hugo announced.

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

A little while later, the prosperous home base became clean-living once again and Albus looked eagerly up at the faculty table.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


professor Kendrick rose to his feet. `` May I have your aid ! '' he shouted and the room quieted down, `` Thank you. Now, I have a few rather boring proclamation, two somewhat arouse single, and one really exciting one. I shall get down with the tiresome ones.

`` As usual, the forest and Whomping willow are out of bounds to everyone. If you wish to try-out for your house 's Quidditch team, give your epithet to your chief of star sign. The Dueling Club and Junior 's Dueling nine will be starting up again and once meetings have been set up, I shall let you know.

`` As for the somewhat charge announcements, we have a new Defense Against the dark Arts teacher. Please welcome prof Balladanis. ``

The after part looking professor stood up for a few seconds and received mediocre applause. He resumed his prat and Professor Kendrick turned back to the students.

`` The other somewhat interest annunciation is that Hogwarts will be patrolled by Aurors a few days a week. After last year 's incident, the Ministry has deemed this a requisite guard to ask. The Aurors are positive that Jarrett Willinson and Jameson Washburn will try to recall to Hogwarts at some compass point this year. I do not tell you this to frighten away you, but to wee-wee you mindful of the situation. If anyone sees any untrusting conduct or has any information regarding the whereabouts of either fugitive, delight tell a teacher. ``

The total Gryffindor tabular array turned to Albus and his friend at this declaration. Albus felt his human face turn red and he stared down at his plate. He really hated all the attention he got from what happened the old two years.

`` And now, '' Kendrick continued, `` I have a very exciting announcement to reach. ``

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

`` beginning, I would like you all to call back the inter-house dueling from final stage year. ``

The entire hall groaned and people started whispering amongst themselves.

`` placidity down, '' Kendrick said, `` There was a rationality why I enacted that finis year. More than just school unity, that is. I wanted the school to become more united because of an result that is taking place this class. An event that will put us into rivalry with other wizard schools- ''

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

`` No, '' Kendrick replied, `` This is not the Triwzard tournament. It is a unlike rivalry that will imply more than just one educatee from each schooling.

`` Tomorrow evening, shortly before dinner, a quality group of scholar from the Adirondack Academy of trick, which is in New House of York land, and the Australian School of black magic will travel to Hogwarts, where they will live and attend classes for the continuance of the twelvemonth. ``

Albus turned to wait at Matt, who was gaping at Kendrick.

`` The students from both schools will be Sorted into the four Hogwarts houses during a peculiar categorisation observance tomorrow evening. They will know in whichever house they are Sorted into and pay heed year with those in their yr. I expect you all to plow them like they are comrade Hogwarts students.

`` However, you will also be competing against them. There are two events. The get-go is Qudditch. Each of the schooling has created a Quidditch squad comprised of the ripe Quidditch participant in their respective school. We will be doing the same affair here. The three teams will play each other throughout the year and whichever squad wins shall receive the Quidditch Cup for Schools.

`` The other event will be dueling. Each of the schools has also put together a team of the outdo dueller in their various schooltime. Again, we shall do the Saami. The tourney will put to work much like the Dueling guild works here. ``

The entire schoolhouse started talking at once. Albus thought the solid thing was brainy. It was like the Triwizard tourney, only less serious. Maybe he could even participate. He was a in good order chaser and dueler.

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

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

`` I do n't call back they will, '' Rose said, `` Quidditch is n't that life-threatening. ``

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

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Amanda agreed.

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

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

`` Crap, '' Kaden muttered.

`` If you want to try out, kick in your name to your point of house. Try-outs for both teams will most likely be next weekend. I believe that is all I have to say for now. First years, please follow a prefect to your park elbow room. expert Night, everyone. ``

Albus got up from the table and walked to Gryffindor tower with his Friend. They talked about the challenger the integral clip. Albus was incredibly excited about the vista of playing for the Hogwarts Quidditch team, and a little nervous at the like fourth dimension. Of course, his probability of getting picked were kind of slim. He was the youthful Chaser eligible to try out.

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

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

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

`` You wo n't be, '' pink wine said, `` The whole full stop is to have a Hogwarts squad, not a Gryffindor squad. ``

`` Albus and King James I will get picked, '' Kaden said adamantly, `` You two are both great Quidditch players. ``

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

`` Energy Department n't matter, '' John assured him, `` They 'll be searching for accomplishment, not age. ``

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

`` Probably professor Oteski, '' James said, `` And maybe the heads of firm will help. ``

Albus and his friends talked about the Quidditch contest for another few mo before retiring to their dormitories for the night. Albus climbed into his comrade four-poster bed, but found that he was too emotional to sleep. The more he thought about the Hogwarts Quidditch team, the more he thought he actually had a fortune of making it. He was also excited about having the Australian and American students at Hogwarts. He had n't really met many strange witch and star before, not including his Aunt Fleur 's family. Matt and Amy and their parents were the closest he 'd come, and they 'd been living in England for a patch. matte did n't appear very stimulate about the whole affair, though. In fact, he had remained rather quiet ever since Kendrick made the announcement.

******

It was easily to feel the agitation at Hogwarts the next day. Since it was Billy Sunday, category were n't starting yet. Most people slept late, and the chief topic of conversation in the Great hallway at lunchtime was the competition and the bookman from Australia and New York.

Georgia organized a gad of the moment Quidditch exercise for the Gryffindor team in orderliness to prepare for the Hogwarts Team try-outs. Albus and the eternal sleep of the squad practiced for at least two hours that afternoon.

`` You 're a shoo-in, James IV, '' Albus told his brother as the two of them began to take the air off the pitch, `` Everyone knows you 're the better Seeker in the school. ``

`` wellspring, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are the sole other houses that are keeping their Seekers from last yr, '' James pointed out, `` So I 'll only be competing against Lisa Galivant and Miranda Corner. ``

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

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

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

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

matte had hardly said a word the total day. He was normally quiet, but it was never a honorable sign when he was completely mute. Albus knew better than to ask why, but he was still peculiar. He had a flavour it had to do with the Aboriginal Australian students.

`` Hey, '' Albus sat down side by side to Matt.

`` Hi, '' lustrelessness mumbled.

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

`` Rose is in the program library researching about the magical schools in Australia and New York, '' Matt explained, `` Amanda is with her. ``

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

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

Albus nodded. Matt was going to have a voiceless time finding someplace in the school where no one was talking about the competitions.

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

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

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

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

Albus had n't even thought about that. He turned to look at Matt. He looked quite upset about the hale thing. Albus had no idea what to say.

`` I do n't desire the headmaster to add up here, '' Matt said quietly, `` I know that 's dullard, really. I mean, he 's never met me. And we moved five years ago. He probably would n't even recognize my hold out name. ``

`` It 's not pudden-head, '' Albus assured him. Albus could n't really conceive of what this was like for mat, though. He supposed the only matter close would be if Washburn came back to teach or something. `` But I do n't think you 'll really come into contact with their headmaster much. You ca n't try out for the Quidditch team or the Dueling Team, so I do n't conceive you 'll do much more than passing game him in the corridor. ``

`` I guess, '' matt sighed, `` It 's just going to be so uncanny. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But I do n't cogitate anything will happen. This is Kendrick 's school. Even if the Australian schoolmaster is here, he ca n't really do anything. He 's got no control over anything here. ``

lusterlessness nodded. `` That 's true. I had n't really thought about that. ``

Albus stood up. `` Come on, let 's go regain John and Kaden. I 'm sure we can convince them not to talk about the competitor. We could ask them how their plans for swimming in the Black Lake are coming. ``

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

The rest of the afternoon went by very quickly. Shortly before dinner, Albus and his booster made their way into the Great Granville Stanley Hall. The entire room was buzzing with excitement. Albus noticed that nearly all of the professors were wearing dress robes. The only when one who was n't was professor Balladanis, who as wearing the Saami black gown as the previous day.

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

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

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

`` Oh, maybe it was the Adirondack Academy of legerdemain, '' Hugo replied.

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

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

`` My sister used to go to the Australian schooling of necromancy, '' Matt explained, `` And my uncle lives in New York. I 've seen that school, too. ``

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

`` Hey, Hugo, '' Kaden grinned, `` Guess what the initials of Australian School of necromancy are ? ``

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

`` tranquillity, please ! '' Kendrick shouted over the bunch, `` The students from the Adirondack Academy of thaumaturgy shall be arriving at any bit ! ``

No Oklahoman had Kendrick finished his sentence, the great unwashed began to whisper and release their headway towards the door. Albus craned his head word up and saw a tall man striding into the Great Hall. He was wearing US Navy blue robes and had a rather enceinte amount of messy grey hair's-breadth on his chief. Behind him were a XII or so scholarly person wearing monovular blueness robes. nearly of the students looked to be a few years older than Albus. They all stared around at the Great Hall, a couple of them pointing excitedly at the ceiling.

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

`` Let me introduce Professor Marvin Roberts, headmaster of the Adirondack Academy of Magic, and his pupil, '' Kendrick announced, `` Welcome to Hogwarts. ``

Albus and the ease of the Hogwarts student eubstance burst into clapping. Once it died down, Kendrick opened his oral cavity again.

`` And now, if I 'm not mistaken, the scholar from the Australian schoolhouse of Sorcery are arriving at the very moment. ``

Albus turned back towards the door and saw another man entering the way. He wore emerald unripened robes and was completely bald. He made up for the lack of tomentum on his fountainhead by sporting a pointy mustache and goatee. He was n't nearly as tall as Roberts, but not short either. He walked purposefully towards the staff table with his group of pupil clad in matching emerald green robe following him.

Albus noticed that mat did n't take his eyes off the man. It was almost like he was frozen in spot, except for his eyes, which followed the man to the stave mesa.

`` Now I 'll introduce Professor Addair Killigan, '' Kendrick said, `` And the bookman of the Australian School of Sorcery. ``

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

`` Thank you, '' Kendrick said once the clapping stopped, `` Now, we shall possess a extra Sorting ceremony in edict to regain out which house you belong in. The four business firm are Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. While you are here at Hogwarts, you will dwell in your house student residence, spend free time in your house commons rooms, and attend classes with the other students in your house. ``

`` You know, it 'll be interesting to see if they adopt the planetary house prejudices like we have, '' rosiness whispered, `` What if two of them are really in effect friends and then one is sorted into Gryffindor and the other into Slytherin ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged. rose wine had a point, though.

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

professor Patil stood up and walked around to the other slope of the stave table. She was holding the three-legged stool and the Sorting Hat. She set the hat down on the feces and it burst into song.

There were loud gasps from all of the students from the early two schoolhouse. A few of the Hogwarts student giggled at this. All the foreign educatee stared intently at the hat and whispered amongst themselves.

`` When I call your name, come sit on the BM and put on the hat. It will tell you which sign of the zodiac you 're in and then you can go sit at the appropriate table, '' Patil said after the hat stopped singing. `` Gracie Allen, Gregory. ``

A tall and gangling boy with messy brown hair stepped away from the group and sat down on the stool. He was wearing navy Amytal robes, so he must have been from New York.

`` Slytherin ! '' the hat shouted. Saint Gregory I Ethan Allen took the hat off and went to fall in the Slytherin table.

The Sorting continued and Albus clapped loudly whenever anyone got Sorted into Gryffindor. So far, all the new Gryffindors looked at to the lowest degree two eld older than Albus.

`` I think that bloke is going to sustain to recede the greenness robe, '' St. John commented as one of the Aussie students was Sorted into Gryffindor, `` It 's just not formula to wear green gown when you 're a Gryffindor. ``

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

`` Do they even have home at the Aboriginal Australian school day of Sorcery ? '' toilet wondered aloud, `` I mean, all their robes look alike. ``

`` They do, '' Matt told him, `` But those are the plain shoal robes. ``

`` I 'm guessing they wanted to expect unified, '' Rose suggested, `` I doubt Albus will bear Gryffindor Quidditch robes when he plays on the house squad. They 'll probably feature peculiar Hogwarts robes. ``

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

`` Morales, Linda, '' Patil shouted.

Albus turned back to the sort and saw a rather brusk girlfriend footfall forward. Albus watched as she walked towards the three-legged faecal matter and he could n't take his optic off her. She was beautiful. There was n't really any early way to report her. Albus had n't ever seen a girl as pretty as she was. Her morose Brown hair cascaded down her back in soft undulation. It did n't quite equate her surprisingly pale skin, but it was beautiful nonetheless. Her light skin went well with her emerald green robes. She looked a bit aflutter as she sat down and Patil dropped the hat on her head.

Albus turned to look at his friends. Matt, John, and Kaden were all staring at the girl. So was Epistle of James. In fact, all the boys at the Gryffindor board seemed to be staring at her. The girls were whispering to each other and glancing up at Linda Morales every so often.

The hat seemed to be taking forever to decide. The entire Great lobby had erupted in whispers. Finally, the lip of the hat explosion open and shouted out, `` Gryffindor ! ``

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

`` Bloody hell, '' lav whispered as she took a seat a few places down from Albus.

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

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

Albus shook his straits to unclutter his thoughts and tried to turn his attending back to the sort. A little patch later, the last student was Sorted into Hufflepuff and Patil and the other headmasters took tail end behind the faculty table.

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

None of the new educatee had sat near Albus and his champion, so they did n't get a chance to really get to know any of them. nearly of them were older anyway. Albus 's first cousin struck up conversations with a few of them, though. Albus did card that Linda was n't saying much, despite the fact that she had quite a few Gryffindors trying to talk to her.

`` Well, I certainly hope everyone enjoyed the feast, '' Kendrick announced after the shell cleaned themselves of afters, `` I have just a few proclamation. The new students need to remove note of hand of the fact that the wood and the Whomping willow tree are out of bounds. There is also a rather large lean of nix objects. The integral leaning can be viewed on the caretaker 's door, which is located on this degree. Or, you can ask your fellow students. Anyone with the live gens of Weasley has a particularly extensive noesis on the field. ``

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

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

When Albus and his supporter returned to the Gryffindor mutual room, Linda Morales was already there, surrounded by a rather large grouping of boys and a couple missy. She did n't come out to be enjoying it, though. She looked as spooky as she had been in the Great Hall and was mostly just nodding.

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

`` Probably, '' Amanda agreed.

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

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

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

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

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

`` He 's been quiet all eventide, '' John commented as matte left.

Albus leaned over to John. `` That Killigan bloke, the master, is the reason he could n't go to schoolhouse in Australia, '' Albus whispered.

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

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


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awing people who have read and reviewed this !


Dislcaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


As it turned out, Albus did n't consume to wait until form to know if Linda team spirit was his age or not. Rose and Amanda burst out of the girls'dormitory as Albus, Matt, and john were heading down to breakfast.

`` Albus ! '' Rose caught up with him, `` Linda is our age. She 's in our hall. ``

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

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

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

`` girlfriend, '' John muttered, `` I 'll never understand them. ``

The chemical group hurried down to the Great Hall and ate a quick breakfast before their low gear form. Neville handed out docket and Albus saw that he had maintenance of Magical Creatures first.

`` Blimey, this docket is packed, '' John said as they headed out of the castle towards Hagrid 's hut.

`` Well, we are taking two extra classes now, '' Albus pointed out.

`` marvel who we 'll have this class with, '' lusterlessness said.

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

`` Maybe Linda 's taking this stratum, '' John said hopefully.

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

`` Yeah, but this class would be the everlasting clock time to do that ! '' John pointed out.

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

`` 'Ello, everyone ! '' Hagrid said as he stepped out of his hut a few minute later, `` Welcome to caution o'Magical Creatures. ``

`` Hi, Hagrid, '' Albus grinned.

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

Flobberworms, Albus thought. Flobberworms were about the least exciting magical creatures in the macrocosm. Albus wished they were doing something a bit more wind up.

`` Nobody ? '' Hagrid said, `` Well, I know they are n't the most excitin'creatures, but we 've got to get down somewhere. Now, flobberworms are low White worms .... ''

Albus listened as Hagrid explained about flobberworms, but he did n't take any musical note. rosebush would have, but Albus did n't see the point. Flobberworms were pretty basic.

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

Albus and his champion each took a worm and began the tedious project of recording the dirt ball'every movement and sketching them. Albus thought the residuum of the class was rather boring and was a bit disappoint. He had variety of been expecting Hagrid to bring in some form of dangerous animal, like he had when his dad was at Hogwarts. Although, come to think of it, his cousins had said Hagrid had adopted a more normal curriculum.

`` I wish Hagrid would bring in a dragon or something, '' John said as they made their way back to the castle for Transfiguration.

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

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

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

`` Sure, '' Albus grinned and started to walk towards her table.

`` wait, '' Matt said, `` There 's only two behind. And do you really want to sit in the straw man ? ``

`` Er, that 's unfeigned, '' John the Divine said, `` We 'll sit behind her then. ``

Albus vaguely wondered why Matt so set on not sitting with Linda, but he did n't dwell on it and sat down at the board behind Linda. Patil walked in a here and now later and everyone quieted down.

`` For the offset few classes we shall be learning about a very unmanageable arm of metamorphosis, '' Patil said after she took attending, `` And it is called the Animagus Transfiguration. Can anyone assure me what that is ? ``

Albus smirked as Rose 's hand shot into the air. Albus knew the answer, of path, but he was perfectly happy to let pink wine answer.

`` Yes, Miss team spirit ? '' Patil pointed to Linda.

Albus turned away from pink wine and saw that Linda had half-way raised her hand. The rest of the social class was staring at her as well, probably because Rose always answered the prelude interrogation in class.

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

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

Albus noticed that Rose was staring in shock at Linda. He had to choke a jest at this.

Patil went on to describe Animagi in more than point and Albus took a few preeminence.

`` Can anyone name a registered Animagus they may experience heard about in another class ? '' Patil asked.

Both Rose and Linda 's helping hand shot up into the air. Patil called on rosiness this time.

`` Minerva McGonagall, '' pink wine answered.

`` Yes, she turns into a cat. She used to learn Transfiguration here and was the Headmistress for a few yr. How about an illegal Animagus ? ``

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

`` Rita Skeeter, '' rose grinned.

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

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

`` You 've got some competition, rose wine, '' King John grinned as they walked down the corridor.

`` Shut up, '' rosebush muttered.

`` She might beat up you on the succeeding exam, '' John laughed.

`` And your full stop is ? '' rose wine snapped.

They walked the rest of the way in secrecy, as no one wanted to set Rose off even more. Albus had no approximation she would get that competitive about grades. Although after two yr of easily being the smartest in their class, Rose had n't previously had any competition.

Half the Gryffindor table was roaring with laughter when they arrived for lunch. James quickly filled Albus in on the fact that Hugo had exploded his low potion earlier in the dawn and was apparently quite majestic of it.

`` fountainhead, you 'll experience no competition from him, '' bathroom muttered to rose. rose wine sent him a shrivelled look and sat down to eat.

Albus spent lunch telling Kaden about tending of Magical Creatures. Despite the fact that they learned about flobberworms, Kaden was jealous.

The third year Gryffindors had doubled potions after lunch, with the Slytherins again. Slughorn started the class with a followup of the previous yr 's potions. Once again, Rose and Linda both knew the result to every question. Then, when Slughorn had them brew a new potion, both blush wine and Linda tied for best potion. Slughorn gave them each a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate. Albus was quite surprise that Linda seemed as smart as blush wine. He had never met anyone his age who could compete with rosebush with gradation. can was right. jump did experience some competition.

******

`` fountainhead, fourth dimension to go meet the new Defense instructor, '' Albus said as he finished breakfast the next morning.

`` I wish your dad was still teaching, '' Matt sighed.

`` Yeah, '' John agreed, `` The new instructor looks like the sort of bloke who gives a lot of homework. ``

`` You really ought to just keep an undecided mind, '' Rose commented as they left the Great Hall.

`` Easy for you to say, '' John muttered, `` You 're capriciously smart. ``

`` You have got to be kidding me ! '' Albus groaned as they reached the classroom, `` We 're with the Slytherins, again ! ``

`` Great, '' lustrelessness sighed, `` Three twelvemonth in a row, what are the chances of that ? ``

Albus led the way into the classroom. Linda Morales was already seated at one of the forepart tables. rosebush and Amanda immediately took the early battlefront table.

`` Let 's sit in the back, '' Matt muttered.

Albus nodded. He really did n't require to sit near the movement. The teacher was already there and was wearing an undecipherable verbalism. If he turned out to be mean, Albus preferred to be as far away as possible.

The classroom looked exactly the Saame as it had the class before, except for a luggage compartment that was sitting in figurehead of the teacher 's desk.

A few more students trickled in and once the ship's bell rang, the teacher waved his wand and the door slammed loudly. Albus jumped in surprise and snapped his care back to the new teacher.

He walked slowly from behind his desk and stood in front of it. He was holding a musical composition of parchment and a quill feather. Albus noticed that he was wearing the same Joseph Black robes, except now he noticed that there were intricately designed silver fastenings on them.

`` Please raise your hand and say 'present'when I call your name, '' he said in a stern voice. He ran through the list, fixing each student with a piercing gaze when he called on them.

`` Brilliant, '' he said flatly, `` All here. I am prof Balladanis, as you all know from Professor Kendrick 's speech. You will handle me as prof Balladanis, or professor, or Sir. I will not tolerate speaking out of go or misbehaviour of any kind in my classroom. I expect all homework and other assignments to be completed on clock time, no exculpation. ``

Professor Balladanis began to pace back and Forth River in social movement of his desk. `` As you shall bring out throughout the year, I take defensive magic very seriously. '' He paused and glared sharply at Linda and Janie Creevey, who had sat next to Linda.

`` Defensive magic is a very very important offset of magic. I would draw the argument that is the most important. It can save your living. It has saved my aliveness on legion occasions. I have no doubt that your premature two geezerhood of teaching were very across-the-board and I am indisputable you all have a canonic noesis of defensive spells courtesy of Professor potter. ``

Balladanis stopped pacing and paused before continuing his actor's line. `` However, the third year Defense Department Against the Dark Arts curriculum focuses on defense against dark creatures. '' He turned to Albus 's table and gave Albus, Matt, and privy a piercing stare.

`` I will be continuing the curriculum that has been used in this school since after the terminal fight, '' Balladanis continued, `` I have looked over the curriculum and have deemed it acceptable. I immensely approve of the first day 's example for one-third class. I 've always thought a hardheaded glide slope was expert for Defense Department, although I do expect you to carefully learn your text book as well.

`` In this box, '' Balladanis gestured to the body, which jumped a footling as he touched it, `` Lives a boggart. Can anyone tell me what a boggart is ? ``

rose wine and Linda 's hands shot up into the air. Balladanis smirked and pointed to Rose. `` Yes, Miss ... ? ``

`` Weasley, sir, '' Rose replied, `` A boggart is a shape shifter. It takes the chassis of whatever scares you most. No one knows what one really looks like. ``

Balladanis nodded. `` Correct. 5 points to Gryffindor. Boggarts, '' he began pacing again, `` take aim the frame of whatever scares us well-nigh. The boggart focuses on the close person and turns into whatever scares them.

`` We will feature an advantage over our boggart. There are a lot of us, which means the boggart will turn confused about what to turn into. However, that is not enough. There is a essential incantation for defeating boggarts. It is 'Riddikulus'. Repeat after me, 'Riddikulus'. ``

`` Riddikulus, '' Albus said along with everyone else.

`` Good, '' Balladanis said, although his interpreter was n't exactly cheerful, `` You 'll also need to guess of a way to flex whatever your most feared affair is into something shady. laugh is what really finishes off a boggart. Then, think of that as you 're saying the incantation. Now, get out your wands and stand up. ``

Albus pulled his wand out of his bag and stood up. He was n't even for sure what he was most afraid of. snake in the grass ? No, he really did n't fear snakes. Spiders ? Nope, not them either. He had no musical theme what that boggart was going to sprain into, and that made it even scarier.

Balladanis waved his wand and all the tabular array and president moved to the face of the classroom. `` Form a line, '' he instructed.

Everyone pushed to be at the front of the course. Albus wound up being towards the binding, behind John and in front of Matt.

`` Miss Weasley, '' Balladanis motioned for rose wine to maltreat forward, `` Perhaps you could go first. ``

Rose nodded and stepped out of the crease. She stood in nominal head of the proboscis with her verge raised. Albus had no idea what the boggart would turn into for Rose either. Nor did he have a clue what lav and Amanda 's boggarts would be. He had an inkling about Matt 's, though.

Balladanis stood off to the English and pointed his wand at the body. The lid slowly opened and out stepped ... Neville. Albus gaped at the boggart.

The boggart Neville opened his mouthpiece. `` I 'm sorry, rosiness, you did not get the gamey grades in your year. You 've been beaten. ``

Oh, Albus thought, that kind of made sense. For a moment there, Albus actually thought rosebush was afraid of Neville, which was ridiculous.

`` Riddikulus ! '' Rose shouted.

The boggart Neville swayed, but did n't see any dissimilar. He opened his mouth again. `` Rose, you have beaten everyone in the entire school day ! You have the best grades in the history of Hogwarts. ``

Albus smirked. It was n't entirely suspicious, but it fit Rose perfectly.

`` Interesting, '' Balladanis muttered, `` succeeding ! ``

blush wine stood off to the side and grinned as Amanda stepped forward. Albus watched as the boggart turned into a very large snake.

Amanda stared at it for a few bit and then shouted, `` Riddikulus ! '' The serpent twirled around and tied itself into a knot. Amanda, along with most of the rest of the class, burst out laughing. Amanda stepped to the side next to Rose and Janie Creevey stepped forward.

Janie 's boggart turned into a heavyweight rat, which then got transformed into tiny mouse. A few Slytherins were up after her, and then it was Linda esprit de corps 's turn.

Albus watched intently as the boggart that had previously been a dragon number into a raging fervency. Linda raised her wand and shouted, `` Riddikulus ! '' The flame turned into a waterfall and Linda joined the growing chemical group of students off to the side.

Marina Jordan-Bell was next, and her boggart turned into a spider, as did her Sister, Karina 's. Karina had a bit of trouble, but eventually managed to turn the wanderer rainbow colors. Ethan and a distich of the Slytherins had difficultness as well.

Vivien Leigh Montague charmed her mummy boggart into a strait jacket and then it was can 's bend. He stepped forward and the mummy turned into a merry andrew. A clown, discharge with a big red nozzle and huge shoes.

Albus could hear a few of the other educatee snickering already. Albus was n't exactly a fan of clown, but he could guess of at to the lowest degree ten things that were scarier than them.

`` Riddikulus ! '' John shouted. The merry andrew boggart started to take the air forward, but it tripped over its ridiculously great feet, which were growing at an alarming rate. The intact social class burst out in the brassy laughter yet as bathroom joined Rose and Amanda.

Albus took a bass breath and stepped forward. The goofball with the huge feet started spinning again and when it stopped, it looked like professor Oteski. The Oteski boggart stepped towards Albus.

`` You did not make the Hogwarts Quidditch team, '' it said.

Albus gulped. get along to remember of it, that was what he was most afraid of at that moment. But how could he pee it funny. He racked his brains as the Oteski boggart continued walking towards him.

`` Riddikulus ! '' Albus shouted.

The boggart spun around again and then stopped. `` You did make the team ! '' it said, `` In fact, everyone is on the team ! All of Hogwarts will act as at once and therefore win the contender ! ``

Albus laughed at the idea of a Quidditch team consisting of over 200 people on it and joined John at the side of the classroom. Albus watched as flatness stepped forward.

`` Hey, Potter, '' Scorpio whispered, `` I bet the boggart wo n't screw what to turn into with Eckerton. He 's afraid of everything. ``

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Albus growled.

`` quiet over there ! '' Balladanis shouted. Albus immediately shut his mouth and Scorpio did n't say anything else.

The boggart was spinning around again and when it stopped, it did n't flex into the bright full lunation that Albus had been expecting. It had turned into a very dark looking man. He was skinny and rather curt and had a mop of untidy Brown hair on his forefront. It was n't like Oral Roberts 's hairsbreadth, though. This bloke 's fuzz was sinewy and dirty looking. His eyes were piercing, not unlike Balladanis 's, and he was sneering at flatness. Albus did n't recognize who it was. He had n't seen anyone that resembled the boggart.

The boggart stepped slowly towards mat, who looked frozen in place. Albus could see his scepter shaking in his manus.

`` Who 's that bloke ? '' King John whispered.

`` No idea, '' Albus said.

Albus continued to catch as the boggart advanced towards matt. Balladanis was n't doing anything besides watching with an unreadable expression on his typeface.

The boggart was now only a couple feet away from lusterlessness, who still was n't doing anything. The boggart began to slowly raise its helping hand and muttered something that Albus could n't quite catch.

At that mo, lustrelessness seemed to unfreeze. He stepped back and all of a sudden ran towards the door. He wrenched it open and disappeared from the way. Everyone who had already faced the boggart started whispering amongst themselves

Albus turned to John, who shrugged. Albus could n't even begin to imagine why matte was afraid of that strange man, but he could sense that it went beyond a pattern fear.

`` I 'm going after him, '' Albus whispered to whoremonger. John nodded and Albus ran from the room without asking Balladanis or even looking back at him.

Albus could find out Balladanis trying to quieten the relief of the students down as he walked quickly down the corridor. Matt was n't anywhere to be found. Albus continued to walk down the corridor, not really knowing where he was going. Where would Matt go ? The student residence ? elbow room of Requirement ? piranha 's Den ? That was it, Albus thought. That 's where matt would go. After all, only a few masses knew about that.

Albus walked through the empty corridors, thankful that nobody else was wandering around. He glanced at his sentry. There was only ten bit left in class.

The fifth flooring corridor was also deserted. Albus quickly pulled up the arm on the capture suit of armor and then searched the antonym rampart for the midget paw prints. He found them and glanced up and down the corridor once more before wrenching the door open.

The room looked empty when Albus stepped inside. In fact, it looked just like they left it at the end of the previous year. Albus had n't been in it for calendar month. He quietly walked further into the room and headed straight person for mat 's alcove.

lustrelessness was sitting on his four-poster bed, just staring directly at the paries in front of him. Albus wordlessly sat down on the bed, not surely of what to say. Matt did n't even recognize the fact that Albus was there. Either that or he did n't notice.

`` Er, are you ok ? '' Albus asked after a few minute of awkward silence.

Matt looked over at him. He did n't look all right field. His face was pale whiten. `` I guess, '' he said quietly, `` But everyone probably thinks I 'm afraid of everything now. Nobody else ran out of the room. ``

`` Maybe everyone else 's boggarts were n't as scarey, '' Albus suggested.

`` Maybe, '' matt muttered.

Albus heard the door open and he craned his head around to see that rose wine, John, and Amanda had come inside. bathroom and the missy walked over to where Albus and Matt were.

`` We 've got your bag, '' John said as he dropped Albus and Matt 's purse on the floor.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` Are you all right ? '' John asked Matt.

`` Yeah, '' flatness sighed.

`` What have we got side by side ? '' Albus asked.

`` Herbology, '' rose answered, `` And we 'd better go if we do n't want to be late. ``

`` Are you coming ? '' Albus asked flatness.

`` Yeah, '' matte got up off the bed, `` Let 's go. I just hope we do n't induce it with the Slytherins. I 'd bet my live on Galleon that Malfoy 's going to ca-ca fun of me for this for rest of the class. ``

Albus would consume been willing to bet that as well. Fortunately, the third yr Gryffindors had Herbology with the Ravenclaws that year. A few of the other Gryffindors stole quick coup d'oeil at lusterlessness during the beginning constituent of the socio-economic class, but nobody said anything to him. Neville quizzed them about a few plant they had learned about the premature year for a few minutes. Rose and Linda answered all of them. Then he gave a unsubtle overview of what they 'd be doing that year.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


After tiffin, Albus, rose, and Matt headed to Ancient rune while John and Amanda went to soothsaying. Albus did n't really know what to carry from antediluvian runic letter, nor did he recognize anything about the teacher. Matt had told them that Amy said the instructor was prissy enough.

Albus, Rose, and flatness sat down at one of the tabular array in the eye of the way and waited for the teacher. Linda Morales was already seated at one of the front mesa. Albus wondered how she always seemed to be the number 1 to arrive to any class. There was also an assortment of Hufflepuffs in the room. Albus, Rose, matt, and Linda appeared to be the only Gryffindors taking the class, though.

The prof walked in a few bit later. She was a suddenly woman with curly grey hair's-breadth and a patient look on her face.

`` hello, '' she smiled, `` I 'm professor Sturly. ``

She took attendance and then gave a extended lecture about what the study of Ancient Runes was. Albus kind of thought she could make condensed it and he found himself zoning out about halfway through. Rose was paying rhapsodic attending and Albus had a feeling this would become one of her favorite classes.

Towards the end of the form, Sturly gave an overview of the inaugural chapter in their book and then assigned the rest of the chapter for preparation. The chapter covered a variety of canonical runes that Albus and the rest of the students would have got to memorize.

Charms consisted of rosebush and Linda alternatively answering every motion Cedonia threw at them. Albus had a feeling it would become a regular happening in all the division he had with both Rose and Linda.

`` How was soothsaying ? '' Albus asked his friends after dinner party as they were sitting around the Marauder 's Den.

`` Entertaining, '' lavatory laughed, `` I think it 'll be my easiest class. ``

`` So, who did Trelawney say would die this yr ? '' blush wine asked.

`` What ? ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` someone 's going to die ? ``

`` No, '' Rose sighed, `` Trelawney just predicts person 's death every year. The student in question has never actually died during that twelvemonth. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden shrugged, `` So she 's not a real psychic ? ``

`` You mean a vaticinator ? '' rosiness asked, `` Well, she has made a few real predictions. She 's the one who spoke the prophecy about Albus 's dad. But can she really predict the future with vitreous silica balls and such ? I doubt it. I really doubt anyone can do that. I 'm surely there are tangible visionary out there, but they 're extremely rarefied. soothsaying is a very obscure offset of magic trick that is difficult to interpret. My mum says we should n't put much faith in it. ''

`` I still think it would be bright to know the futurity, though, '' Kaden grinned.

`` I do n't have it off, '' lusterlessness shrugged, `` I 've always thought the future was best bequeath unknown. ``

`` I 've always thought so, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` So, who 's going to snuff it ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Jimmy Carter Eubert, '' John replied, `` That Ravenclaw we shared a boat with when we crossed the lake in first base twelvemonth. I have to say that I 'm protruding it was n't me. ``

`` Me, too, '' Amanda agreed.

Rose groaned. `` I 've told you that it 's not literal ! Trelawney has never accurately predicted a scholar 's Death. She predicted my Uncle Harry 's destruction and he 's still alive ! ``

`` Yeah, but did n't he nearly die at the end of his third year ? '' John asked.

`` Key word, nearly, '' blush wine replied, `` Plus, he faced destruction pretty much every year. ``

`` Ok, ok, '' whoremonger said, `` But I 'm still gladiolus she did n't predict my dying, even if it 's not a really prevision. ``

`` So how was ancient Runes ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Really interesting ! '' Rose said excitedly and proceeded to feed a comment on how the socio-economic class had went. However, Kaden seemed to be the simply one really intrigued by it.

Albus and his protagonist spent the remnant of the eventide in the Marauder 's Den. Once they had exhausted the theme of their first two days of division, they moved on to the Quidditch competition and Albus 's probability of making the Hogwarts team. Everyone thought Albus had a good chance of making it, except Albus. Then they talked a bit about their approaching Hogsmeade head trip, although that topic kind of made Kaden jealous. John brought up the topic of Linda Morales, but both Rose and matt did n't want to talk about her at all.

Eventually, they had to turn back to Gryffindor tower in parliamentary law not to ruin curfew. On his way up to his dorm room, Albus noticed that Linda once again was surrounded by a group of admirers, but appeared not to be enjoying it at all.

******

`` No ! I do n't want to go ! Dad, do n't make me go ! ''

Albus 's optic snapped open. He peered at the clock and saw that it was just after two in the daybreak. He could hear someone tossing and turning and mumbling in their sopor in the bed next to him.

`` Please, I do n't want to. Just let me go home. ``

Albus was wide awake now. The talking was coming from Matt 's bed and Albus knew he was having a nightmare. Albus had been woken up by matte 's nightmares on numerous occasions, especially during commencement year. They always seemed to come around the wide moon. Although, Albus was pretty surely that the good moon was n't for a few week. This nightmare sounded regretful anyway.

The gumming continued for another few minutes and then stopped all of a sudden. Albus heard the bed creak and footstep crossing the elbow room until they disappeared altogether. Albus sat up and waited a few arcminute before quietly getting out of bed. He stepped into his slipper and padded across the room and carefully shut the door behind him. None of the other boy had woken up.

The common room was dark and discharge when Albus got there. The fire had long since died out and Albus shivered slightly as he stumbled around the room. There was feeble sceptre light coming from one of the corners. Albus walked slowly towards it and saw lusterlessness sitting curled up in one of the president, staring at the floor.

Matt startled when he saw Albus. `` Oh, Albus, '' he sighed, `` What are you doing up ? ``

Albus shrugged and sat down in the chair next to Matt 's. `` Followed you down here. ``

`` Oh, did I wake you up ? ``

`` Sort of, '' Albus replied, `` But it 's ok. I just came to see if you were all right. I mean, first the boggart and then that nightmare- ''

`` How do you get laid I had a incubus ? '' lusterlessness asked.

`` I sort of heard you mumbling, '' Albus answered, `` You were talking in your quietus. ``

`` Oh. ``

`` Listen, '' Albus paused, `` You do n't have to tell me, but I was form of wondering who that bloke was that your boggart was. I mean, I kind of thought it would be a full phase of the moon moon. ``

`` So did I, '' matte said quietly, `` Which is constituent of why I freaked out so much. ``

Albus nodded, wondering if Matt was going to keep on or not.

`` I know I have n't told you much about what happened when I lived in Australia, '' Matt began.

Albus nodded again. All he really knew about matte 's animation in Australia was that he had lived in a planetary house and his dad had been the Head of the section for the ordinance and Control of Magical Creatures.

`` That bloke the boggart turned into is the current nous of the Department for the regulation and Control of Magical wight, '' Matt continued, `` He replaced my dad. But before that, he was the Head of the werewolf mastery unit of measurement. ``

Albus was still a bit confused about why he was Matt 's boggart, but he figured it would be best to just not say anything.

`` While my parents were in the process of finding out where to move, a law was passed that all lycanthrope had to transform in a Ministry approved centre if their place of transformation failed an inspection. Mine failed. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus gaped at him, `` But your dad was- ''

`` The top dog of the department, I know. They passed the law while we were visiting New York. My parents refused to let me metamorphose at one of the Ministry centers, so they broke the law and were fined. The first prison term that happened, my dad was fired over it.

`` But that bloke, Ralph Lubar is his name, would n't founder up until I transformed in one of the nitty-gritty. My parents said it was because he hated my dad so much. The two of them had some sorting of long term row going on or something. I do n't roll in the hay the details. But anyway, '' matt paused, `` Eventually, Lubar was capable to pass a law that made it effectual for the Ministry to exact loup-garou by force to one of the transformation centers. He flooed to our house, grabbed me, and flooed to the Ministry approved heart and soul before my parents had a chance to lay off him. ''

Albus stared at Matt. He could hardly think what he was hearing. What was even more unbelievable, was that it had been legal. How could it be legal to basically abduct a kid for a Night ?

`` I do n't recollect any of it, '' lustrelessness said quietly, `` Except for what happens in the nightmares I have. It was horrible, though. The former lycanthrope were all adults and they all sorting of ganged up on me. I spent a day or so at the hospital in Australia and then my parents had me transferred to St. Mungo 's because they wanted Healer Sterling to take care of me. I spent three week there. ``

`` Well, it makes sense that you were so daunt of that boggart, '' Albus said, `` Lubar is one of the most ugly wizards I 've ever heard of. ''

matte nodded and shifted slightly. `` I thought I was over it. I mean, it was over five eld ago. I really thought that boggart would turn into a full moon. But I guess having Killigan here brought everything back. I thought all that stuff that happened in Australia was behind me, but I guess not. ``

`` Nothing like that is going to materialize here, '' Albus said quietly, `` Lubar has no control over our Ministry. He 's in Commonwealth of Australia. ``

`` I guess you 're rightfulness, '' Matt sighed, `` I think I 'll go see if Madam Pomfrey will give me any dreamless eternal sleep potion. Could I use the Invisibility Cloak ? ``

`` Yeah, of course, '' Albus said as he stood up. He had a flavour that Madam Pomfrey would definitely give him the dreamless sleep and probably try and win over him to drop the Night in the Hospital wing as well.

Albus and mat quietly walked back to the dormitory and Albus dug out the Cloak, as well as the second edition Marauder 's Map, and handed them to flatness. Once Matt had left the room, Albus climbed back into bed.

Albus lay awake thinking about what matte had told him for a piece. His own boggart of not making the Hogwarts Quidditch team seemed very undistinguished now that he knew the details about Matt 's boggart. That did n't make Albus any less nervous about the try-outs, though.

******

Albus and the other Gryffindor third year, as well as the Ravenclaws, started out the next day with chronicle of Magic. All Albus learned during the hour was that third class History of Magic was equally as tiresome as second gear year. August 6 consisted of another lecturing on Animagi and Albus noticed that John the Evangelist paid a considerably more amount of attention than he usually did. Albus thought this was pointless, though, since they had already established the previous twelvemonth that they would not turn Animagi.

Care of Magical fauna was after lunch and the class moved on to the slightly more interesting bowtruckles. Albus was very grateful for the break they had afterwards, when Rose went to Muggle Studies.

`` It 's only the third day and I 'm already vomit of preparation, '' Albus muttered as they entered the vulture 's Den.

`` So do n't do it, '' John said as he pulled a Chocolate toad out of his bag.

`` You should do that Divination homework, '' Amanda said, `` You know, the one where we predict what happens to us following Wednesday. ``

`` Already did it, '' John announced.

Albus, Matt, and Amanda all stared in cushion at toilet. St. John the Apostle never ever did homework early. He was always the one finishing the survive seam of an essay as the teacher took attendance.

`` What ? '' whoremonger shrugged, `` I occasionally do ingurgitate before it 's due. ``

`` No, actually, you do n't, '' flatness smirked.

`` fortune telling 's different. It 's fun to spend a penny up faux predictions. ``

`` So what 's happening to you side by side Wednesday ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I 'm going to ruin my neck when I fall off my broom. ``

`` lavatory, you do n't even play Quidditch, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Trelawney wo n't care. ``

Albus personally thought it was a barren of sentence to amount up with fake predictions for Divination, but that was probably why he had n't signed up for the class.

`` Oh, did we ever tell you what Balladanis 's boggart was ? '' John asked Albus and Matt.

`` Nope, '' Matt said.

Amanda burst out laughing. `` You 're going to love this. ``

`` Yeah, '' John grinned, `` When the two of you left, the boggart got a bit confused because no one was standing that close to it. Everyone was whispering and not paying an ounce of attending to it, so Balladanis stepped in nominal head of it and you 'll never judge what it turned into ! ``

`` A loup-garou ? '' matt asked.

`` No, but that would have been singular, too, '' John laughed, `` Anyway, it turned into a woman. ``

`` A cleaning woman ? '' Albus raised his eyebrows.

`` Yeah, '' privy said, `` A tall, skinny, picket faced woman. Her pelt was as pale as Linda 's. Her fuzz was a bit lighter, but still a drab brown. The adult female just form of walked over to Balladanis with a grin on her face. She was kind of pretty in an odd variety of way. ``

`` Now that is weird, '' Albus replied, `` Why in the public figure of Merlin would he be afraid of women ? ``

`` Maybe it was a specific woman, '' matt pointed out.

That would make more signified. After all, lusterlessness was n't afraid of all men. His boggart had turned into a particular man. But Albus did think it was kind of odd that Balladanis, the poop man who hated Dark artwork, would be afraid of a witch. Albus would ingest thought he 'd be afraid of some variety of scary wickedness creature.

`` Who do you think she was ? '' matt asked.

John shrugged. `` His wife ? ``

Albus smirked. `` Well, that would be shady. ``

`` My dad put-on that he 's afraid of my mum at times, '' John replied, `` But I doubt his boggart would turn into her. ``

`` Maybe she 's some variety of dour witch that he 's faced in the past, '' Amanda suggested.

`` Good thought ! '' mat agreed, `` Maybe she was a Death feeder. ``

`` I do n't know if he fought in the War or not, though, '' Albus said, `` My dad 's never mentioned his name before and he does n't really seem like the kind of fella to just stay in the background, does he ? ``

`` I guess not, '' Matt replied, `` She could still be an malevolent witch, though. ``

`` That does piss the most sense, '' John said, `` She must be really malefic. I mean, Balladanis does n't look like he 'd be afraid of anything. ``

`` Everyone 's afraid of something, '' Albus pointed out, `` But yeah, she must be evil. ``

`` What did Balladanis do to ca-ca her funny remark ? '' Matt asked.

`` Turned her into some variety of statue, '' John the Evangelist answered, `` It was strange, like she was petrified. She just froze in place. And then Balladanis banished it to the torso. ``

`` How is that comical ? '' Albus asked.

`` No estimation, '' John Lackland shrugged, `` Just adds to the mystery story that is Balladanis. ``

`` I 'm still not for certain I like him, '' Matt commented.

`` Me, neither, '' Albus agreed.

`` But hey, at least he did n't give us any homework on the foremost day, '' John the Divine pointed out.

******

The succeeding day Albus found himself yet again sitting in the rear of the Defense classroom in between Matt and St. John. Malfoy kept turning around in his seat and smirking at flatness. Albus was glaring at him, silently daring him to say anything about Matt 's experience with the boggart.

Balladanis stormed into the way a few proceedings later in a way that reminded Albus of Washburn. The course immediately quieted down and Malfoy faced forward in his butt. Balladanis quickly ran through attendance and then stared at his students.

`` well, some of you were successful with last family 's boggart, '' Balladanis began, `` However, there were quite a few of you who were n't. ``

Malfoy yet again turned around and looked at flatness, this sentence unable to stifle his laughter.

`` tranquility, Mr. Malfoy, '' Balladanis growled, `` Five pointedness from Slytherin. ``

Albus could n't facilitate but grin at that. At least Balladanis was n't favoring Slytherin.

`` Therefore, we will uphold battling the boggart until you all have winner with the go, '' Balldanis continued, `` I do not want any of you to slip through the cracks and skate through this division on the tails of more than successful students. That may process while at Hogwarts, but the moment you get out into the substantial reality, it will abruptly end. Without a BASIC noesis of justificatory spells, you will meet an ill-timed end at the hands of dark wizards. ``

This teacher was making it seem like they were in the midst of a war. Albus knew it was important to be able to oppose yourself, but he thought Balladanis was acting like everyone was out to get you. It sort of reminded him of what his parents, aunts, and uncles had said about Mad-Eye Moody.

`` Dark wizards love finding victim with little knowledge of defensive magical spell. The scholarly person who skirt by with acceptable brand and just barely guide each exam, without really understanding anything. They also love people who read book after Scripture and feign to understand everything. And while these people may have a good knowledge of defensive spell, they may not possess the skills necessary to perform them, '' Balldanis 's eyes rested on Rose and Linda.

`` I want everyone in this room to have more than than the basic skill needed to do defensive skills. I want everyone to be able to issue forth off better in a duel. I want everyone to be able to fight themselves against dark creature and necromancer alike.

`` Starting with the boggart, I will not take a breather until every pupil is adequate to of performing every go we learn in this family. I will assign spear carrier object lesson to those I deem it necessary. You will issue forth in for extra aid. I do not care if it interferes with guild or Quidditch practice. Quidditch will be of petty assistance when you are facing a dark hotshot or creature.

`` Stand up ! '' Balladanis ordered. The socio-economic class scrambled to their feet and Balladanis moved the desks aside.

`` Sir ! '' Malfoy called out, `` What if we 've already had succeeder with the boggart ? ``

`` Then you 'll do it again, '' Balladanis replied, `` practice session makes perfective tense. ``

The class lined up in strawman of the trunk. Albus and his friends wound up being in the dorsum, and Albus did n't think mat minded this in the least. He looked very nervous at the vista of seeing the Lubar boggart again and Albus could n't blame him.

The credit line moved much faster this time than the last grade. Everyone who had had problems with the boggart during the previous class seemed to do a better job this time.

Albus stepped forward once it was his turn and the boggart once again turned into Oteski, who told him he did not take a leak the squad. Albus vaguely wondered what the boggart would grow into after the try-out, if they battled it after that. He shouted the go and moved to the side to stand next to rose and Amanda.

John was next and battled his goofball boggart in the same way he had the former day. He stepped to the English and Matt walked slowly towards the boggart.

`` Two Galleons says he runs again, '' Malfoy whispered in Albus 's ear.

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Albus and John said at the Saami time.

The boggart once again turned into Lubar and mat slowly raised his wand, which was shaking.

`` R-R-Ridikkulus, '' Matt whispered. Nothing happened and the boggart advanced towards Matt.

`` Louder, '' Balladanis told him.

`` R-Ridikkulus ! '' lustrelessness shouted. Still zilch. His wand arm was shaking even harder.

`` R-Ridikkulus ! '' he shouted once again.

This clock time, the boggart spun around and when it stopped, Lubar was decked out in a black and E. B. White striped prison house outfit with a ball and Ernst Boris Chain attached to his right on leg.

`` Looks like you owe us two Galleons, '' St. John the Apostle smirked at Malfoy.

`` Not a chance, Brickston, '' Malfoy growled.

`` Good job, '' Albus grinned as Matt joined the group.

Balladanis already had the boggart shut in the trunk when Albus looked back at his teacher.

`` That 's enough for today, '' Balladanis announced. `` You, '' he pointed at matte, `` come see me. ``

lusterlessness glanced at Albus and then walked slowly towards Balldanis as the rest of the family left the room. Albus and his ally lingered near the doorway, but Balladanis gestured for them to entrust. They reluctantly left, but waited just outside the doorway.

`` What did he want ? '' Albus asked once Matt exited the room.

`` I have to go in for extra supporter, '' flatness groaned, `` Until I can confront the boggart successfully. ``

`` But you were successful, '' Saint John the Apostle pointed out.

`` Not successful enough for Balladanis. ``

`` Somehow, I do n't recall anyone would be successful enough for him, '' Rose muttered.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` That was some speech he gave at the source of class. ``

Albus still did n't know what to imagine of their new Defense professor. He seemed very strict and Albus did n't really feel well-to-do with him, but on the early hand, he seemed very knowledgeable in defensive spells. Albus had a feeling they 'd learn a lot from him, and even though they were n't involved in a war at the second, Albus knew defensive structure skills were always crucial to have. That 's what his father had told him ever since he could call up. Albus had grown up knowing the need for defense lawyers against the dark arts. He just had never had it taught to him in such a forceful strict way.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The remainder of the hebdomad went by quickly. Albus spent all his spare fourth dimension on the Quidditch tar, trying to hone his skill for the try-outs on Saturday. Unfortunately, the Slytherin Quidditch team booked the pitch all Fri evening, so Albus was ineffectual to cram in a final stage minute pattern session.

Instead, Albus sat in the common room with the ease of his friends, trying to pen an essay for Transfiguration. He was supposed to inquiry a far-famed Animagi and indite a foot long essay about him or her. Albus had wanted to write about his granddaddy, but given the fact that Prongs 's Animagus status had been a secret, Albus did n't think such an essay would function. So, Albus eventually decided to write about McGonagall. He had a feeling half the social class would indite about her.

`` What are McGonagall 's scoring ? '' John asked, proving Albus 's theory.

`` Spectacle marks around her heart, '' Albus answered as he stared at his mostly space piece of parchment.

`` Thanks, '' John grinned, `` You just saved me 15 minutes of research. ``

`` No job, '' Albus replied. He was n't sure why the essay was taking him so long. He knew a slap-up pot about McGonagall and her Animagus capabilities. He supposed he just had his judgment on former things, like the Quidditch try-outs.

`` How can she even concentrate on her studying ? '' Rose sighed loudly.

`` Who ? '' Albus asked.

`` Linda esprit de corps, '' blush wine muttered, with a hint of contempt in her vocalisation, `` Just tone at her. ``

Albus turned around and saw Linda sitting at a table with a clustering of books and lambskin strewn about it. There was quite a crowd of boys surrounding her, including Bilius, Ethan, St. James, Ben, Cedric, Nathan, and a few second yr Albus did n't sleep with the names of. They all seemed to be talking at once while Linda had her eyes fixed on one of the books.

`` fountainhead, from what you 've said, she 's so freakishly saucy she does n't call for to study, '' Kaden said.

`` Humph, '' Rose huffed, `` Everyone needs to study. ``

`` I think you 're jealous, rose wine, '' Albus smirked.

`` Am not, '' blush wine replied.

`` I wonder what position she plays, '' John mused.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` position. You know, in Quidditch, '' Saint John the Apostle explained, `` She must be on the Australian team. Since she 's our age, she ca n't be on the dueling team. ``

`` quester, '' pink wine said.

`` How do you have sex ? '' Albus asked.

`` Karina asked her one day in the dormitory, '' Rose explained.

`` Who 's a Seeker ? '' Matt dropped his bag onto the table and sat down in the chair next to Albus.

`` Linda Morales, '' Albus told him, `` How was your boggart lesson ? ``

`` Wyrd, '' mat replied, `` Balladanis was n't stern like he is in division. ``

`` Really ? '' Kaden gaped, `` I do n't recall I could imagine him not strict. ``

`` Yeah. I would n't say he was nice, but he did n't act like he does in course of study. ``

`` What did he do ? '' King John asked.

`` well, I walked in and he was sitting at his desk. So I walked up to him and he got up and went over to the luggage compartment. He did n't say much, just told me to conflict the boggart. And then I did. Over and over again until I thought I was going to go mad. ``

`` That sounds like Balladanis, '' Kaden interrupted.

`` I know, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm getting there. Anyway, eventually he told me I could hold back. Then he told me to sit down and that he wanted to verbalize to me. He basically told me the same thing he told everyone in class the other day. But he changed it a bit. ``

mat lowered his phonation. `` He said that the power point of defense force course of instruction was n't only to see how to defend ourselves against the gloomy fine art. He said it 's also to instruct us why the dark artistry are so horrifying. He then went on to tell me that it was especially important for me to recognize that. ``

`` That is weird, '' Albus said quietly, `` You do n't think he said that because of, well, you know. ``

`` Yeah, I think he did, '' lustrelessness replied, `` But he did n't say it in a mean way or anything. It was just really really odd. ``

`` I 'll say, '' privy agreed, `` Do you take to go there again ? ``

`` Unfortunately, yes, '' mat muttered, `` He wants me to go every Friday until he says I do n't throw to anymore. ``

`` How did it go with the boggart, though ? '' Rose asked.

`` I thought it went ok. I mean, I 'm doing better than I was. But he still wants me to go in for extra assistant. ``

`` fountainhead, '' Kaden said after a few instant, `` This just proves that Balladanis is a very very unknown instructor. ``

******

Albus awoke riddled with boldness the next daybreak. It reminded him of the nerves he had only one year ago prior to the Gryffindor squad try-outs. Only this was ten times worse. He felt like he 'd deplete a few live pygmy quilt and they were bouncing around his abdomen trying to escape.

Try-outs were to be held shortly after dejeuner and Albus spent all aurora talking with his confrere Gryffindor mate in the commons room. Georgia spent over an time of day talking about the persuasiveness and weaknesses of the other citizenry who would be trying out. Albus only sorting of paid attention. The rest of the squad seemed excited and not nearly as nervous as Albus. Albus thought William James was lucky ; he was only competing against Lisa Galivant of Hufflepuff and Miranda box of Ravenclaw, as Slytherin was getting a new seeker that year.

Albus sat with his team at lunch, although he did n't eat a good deal. Georgia continued talking about everything they 'd need to make out for the try-outs. The other Gryffindors kept coming up to him and wishing him luck. All Albus could manage to do was nod and mutter 'thanks'.

In an effort to keep order on the Quidditch pitch, the master had banned the residual of the scholar from watching the try-outs. Albus was very grateful of this and was kind of relieved when GA finally announced that they should leave for the pitch. Albus 's Friend wished him luck and he left the Great mansion house following James.

The walk to the pitch was quiet. Georgia had stopped her running commentary on the strategy of the quietus of the Hogwarts Quidditch players and everyone else seemed to realize they were more nervous than they thought.

Albus took a deep breath as he entered the pitch and adjusted his broom on his shoulder joint. He tried to think positive thoughts and followed his team onto the pitch. Then, he stopped in his track and felt his jaw drop to the ground.

Standing in the middle of the pitch, following to prof Oteski, Longbottom, Slughorn, Patil, and Polo, was none other than Teddy lupin. Standing with Teddy and the professors were Oliver Sir Henry Joseph Wood and President Tyler state highway, the school principal Boy from Albus 's start year.

`` What 's Teddy doing here ? '' James whispered.

`` No mind, '' Albus whispered back, wondering the same thing. Why was Teddy there ? He had n't mentioned anything over the summer about doing anything at Hogwarts that year.

Albus stood with his team and looked at the eternal sleep of the scholar who were trying out. The Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff thespian were already there. Amongst the Ravenclaws were Kate Waverly, the Keeper ; Natalie cablegram, Damien Waverly, and Dan Burke, the pursuer ; Zack Valentino and Allie Davis, the Beaters ; Miranda box, the searcher. Their total team was trying out, like the Gryffindor team.

The Hufflepuffs had a few LE players trying out. Their Keeper, tanner Royce was there, along with Anna Reilly and Shawn Ames, the Chasers. One of their Beaters, Andy Kaper was there. Albus remembered that their other Beater had graduated the late yr. Lisa Galivant, their Seeker, was there as well, looking determined.

The Slytherins showed up a few bit later. Leading them was their new maitre d'hotel, Ferris Fielding, who was a chaser. His fellow chaser were Peyton Haines and Hailey Odele. Their remaining Beater, Talan Flint, glared at the Gryffindor team as he walked by.

professor Oteski gazed around the pitch and then looked at his watch. He said something to the four oral sex of houses and then cleared his throat. Albus stopped watching the Slytherins and turned to Oteski.

`` I think everyone 's here now, '' Oteski began, `` number 1, I want to enter you to your Head headwaiter and your assistant captain. Oliver Sir Henry Wood, formerly of Puddlemere United, has agreed to captain the team. ``

There was a very aloud round of clapping and a few whistles from the crowd of students. Albus grinned and clapped until the clapping began to quiet down.

`` And your Assistant Captains are sometime pupil you probably all recall. slip Lupin, erstwhile Seeker and maitre d' of the Gryffindor squad, and Tyler Pike, one-time quester and captain of the Ravenclaw team will be your assistant police captain. ``

Albus clapped hard enough to seduce his hands damage. He had no idea Teddy was going to assist run the Hogwarts team ! shift must experience had a hard meter keeping that a enigma over the summer.

`` You will all try out this afternoon and I, along with your senior pilot and heads of houses will take the determination tonight. The last list of the squad as well as the taciturnity participant will be posted in your common rooms late tomorrow.

`` Now, I thought we 'd set about with the quester. Everyone else please go sit in the bandstand. ``

Albus and the vast legal age of the crowd drifted towards the pedestal. James, Lisa, and Miranda remained in the pitch. Miranda was a tertiary year and Lisa was a quarter yr. Albus thought James had a pretty practiced chance of making the team. He had beaten both of the other Seekers numerous times.

Albus paid some attention to James 's try-out, but mostly he was thinking about his own try-out. Eventually, James and the other seeker finished and Oteski called for the Keepers. Sakartvelo practically ran down to the lurch, followed by the former two steward. Albus watched and he was pretty confident Georgia would make the squad as well. After Georgia returned with a vast grinning on her face, Oteski called the Beaters down. Albus 's cousin, Bradley, as well as Ryan O'Malley did well with their try-out, but so did the other Beaters.

Finally, Oteski announced for the Chasers to enter the pitch. Albus stood up with his cousin, Heather and Fred, and walked nervously down to the slant. Teddy flashed him a grin as he entered the pitch.

There were ten other pursuer besides Albus ; the worst chance of all the positions to get a blot on the team.

`` Ok, I want everyone to fly around the pitching a few times, '' Joseph Oliver Natalie Wood announced.

Albus mounted his Scots heather and flew into the air. His boldness seemed to settle down down as he felt the wind blowing against his face. Just think of it as another Quidditch equal, he thought as he flew amongst the former pursuer hopefuls.

The thought of try-outs being like a Quidditch compeer carried Albus through the unit try-out. He was still flighty and did drop a few Quaffles, but all in all, it was n't as bad as he thought it would have been. The rest of the chaser had dropped a few Quaffles as well. Albus still was n't sure he 'd make the team, but at least he had n't made a fool of himself.

`` Everyone did great, '' Oliver Wood said at the end of the try-out, `` We 'll cook our decision and send the team list tomorrow. I 'll be seeing some of you really soon. ``

The group started to disband and Teddy made his way towards the Gryffindor team.

`` teddy ! '' Georgia shouted, `` I ca n't believe you might be my police captain again ! How in the name of pigeon hawk did you keep this a hush-hush ? ``

Teddy shrugged. `` Honestly, I 'm not even sure. I guess I variety of liked knowing something you lot did n't. ``

Sakartvelo groaned. `` Oh, shut it, shimmy. ``

`` You all did really well, though, '' chemise grinned.

`` Yeah, but there 's so many other chaser, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Al, even if you do n't make it, you 're a glorious chaser and you 'll still make the house Quidditch. That 's still going on during this unscathed thing. ``

`` Oi, shimmy ! '' Tyler expressway called, `` Get a motion on, we 've got to discuss the team ! ``

`` I 'll see you later, Al, everyone else, '' Teddy waved as he left.

Albus left the pitch with the repose of his squad, who were all talking animatedly about the highlights of the try-outs. Albus was thrilled that teddy bear was going to be one of the captains and it made him hope for a post on the team even more than he had before.

Albus and the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team were greeted by raucous applause when they returned to the mutual room. Albus thought it was kind of premature, since none of them were actually on the team yet, but it was still gracious. Rose, Matt, and Amanda were sitting at their usual mesa and Albus went over to them.

`` How was the try-out ? '' Matt asked immediately.

`` wagerer than I thought, '' Albus replied as he sat down, `` I think I have a slight chance of making it. ``

`` That 's good, '' matt grinned.

`` Oh, and Teddy 's one of the captains ! '' Albus told them.

`` Really ? '' Rose said, `` Who are the others ? ``

`` President Tyler superhighway, the Head Boy from our offset year, and Oliver Wood- ''

`` trick is going to be thrilled when he finds that out, '' lustrelessness interrupted.

Albus grinned. King Oliver Wood had gone to Slughorn 's Dec 25 party in their first yr and whoremaster had given him a Quaffle to sign. lavatory was a big help of Oliver wood and Puddlemere United.

`` Where is St. John the Apostle anyway ? '' Albus asked, `` And Kaden ? ``

`` In the Marauder 's Den, '' flatness answered, `` Plotting. They 're planning on swimming in the lake tomorrow with the Giant Squid. ``

`` I 'm rather afraid of what sort of plotting they 're doing, '' Rose muttered, `` If swim requires plotting, cipher good will come of it. ``

`` I take it you three do n't require to join them ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Definitely not, '' Amanda said.

`` Are you insane, Albus ? '' rose wine raised her supercilium, `` Of path not. ``

`` Nope, '' Matt shook his head, `` I 'd rather not get in trouble this soon into the year. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` I do n't want to either. '' Albus and his booster had gotten into quite a bit of bother, mostly because of Kaden, the previous year and Albus was hoping he 'd keep Filch 's detention to a minimum this year.

`` The two of them are going to be in detention more often than they 're not, '' Rose muttered.

`` That would n't surprise me, '' Albus replied. John had always been the trouble-maker of Albus 's mathematical group, even before Kaden entered the scene. And then when Kaden had arrived, naught was going to stop him. Now John had someone to conspire with for all of his wicked schemes.

******

Although Albus and Matt flat out refused to swim in the lake with John and Kaden, the two wicked son managed to convince them to at least lookout man by the side of the lake. However, rose and Amanda refused to be anywhere near the lake when this took place. Rose insisted that she needed to commit the day to studying and Amanda decided to join her. Albus had a spirit pink wine 's increased sum of money of studying had a lot to do with Linda Morales, but knew better than to cite this to his cousin.

John and Kaden walked excitedly ahead of Albus and Matt on their way out of the castling the succeeding day. Albus still had no idea what exactly they were planning on doing, and for that he was grateful. If John and Kaden got caught, Albus preferred to not bonk anything about it, so he could abnegate his involvement.

There were a few students sitting around the lake enjoying the warm lately summer day when the boys arrived. Albus and Matt chose a spot underneath a turgid beech tree and sat back to watch the event unfold.

trick and Kaden grinned at each early and then pulled off their shirts and shoes, so they were only wearing shorts. A few first gear year girls who were sitting near Albus and lustrelessness giggled and began whispering to each former. Albus turned to Matt and rolled his eyes. lusterlessness stifled a laugh.

`` This is n't going to end well, '' Albus said.

`` But it will be entertaining to ascertain, '' flatness laughed.

Gospel According to John and Kaden began to obnoxiously extend by the bound of the weewee. Albus had a feeling they were doing it only to try and gain the aid of the few students who were n't watching them. Next, they bent down to the weewee and felt the temperature.

`` Bloody hell ! '' John shouted, `` It 's freezing ! ``

`` That means we 'll just jump right in ! '' Kaden announced. He turned around and walked away, and then took a running start into the lake. He landed with a garish spattering that soaked John, who was still standing by the edge.

`` They 're mad, '' Albus grinned.

`` All right, here it goes ! '' whoremonger shouted and followed Kaden into the piss, `` Falco columbarius, that 's cold ! ``

Albus laughed as trick and Kaden got used to the water. The two of them were flailing around and shrieking like fiddling young lady. They had gained quite a few on-lookers who were standing around the lake laughing their heading off.

Albus may not have wanted to do something this crazy himself, but he was having a good time watching his admirer do it. The two of them got used to the body of water and then began swimming around.

However, merely swimming in the blackness Lake was n't that exciting. Albus knew they had something else up their sleeve ( or lack thereof ) and it was only a matter of time until they put their plan into action.

privy and Kaden were just beginning to have a competition to see who could remain underwater the prospicient when a farseeing tentacle appeared out of the weewee a few feet behind them.

`` Ooo ! '' a fille shouted, `` It 's the squid ! ``

Both John and Kaden turned around. `` Yes ! '' they both shouted at the like meter, `` The calamari has arrived ! ``

Albus watched as can and Kaden swam towards the tentacle, wondering what sort of torment they were going to inflict upon the squid. He did n't intend the squid was particularly dangerous, but who knew what it would do if it was provoked.

John and Kaden treaded pee on either side of the tentacle and then began to thrill it. This earned a cluster of loudly gasps and to a greater extent hysteric laughter from the crowd.

A few more of the squid 's tentacles appeared out of the water and two of them smacked King John and Kaden on their heads.

`` Hey ! '' John shouted and pushed the tentacle away.

Then, the squid 's head emerged from the airfoil of the urine. A few of the young young lady who were watching began to shriek and the older bookman laughed even harder. Albus was laughing and shaking his caput at the Same time. He could n't avail but laugh at his champion'betise. They should ingest known that the squid would try and vibrate back. And it had more arms than St. John and Kaden combined.

lavatory and Kaden grinned at each early and then drown towards the binding of the squid as it rose out of the piss. They grabbed onto its spinal column and began to ride it. Albus gaped as the squid began to swim around with St. John the Apostle and Kaden on top of it. The two of them had actually decided to tantalise the Giant Squid.

`` They 're idiots, '' Matt commented.

Albus nodded as the calamari swam closer and finisher to the shoring. The onlookers retreated and scattered as it drew nearer. John and Kaden both looked thrilled, until the squid propelled them onto the shore. They landed in the grass and the squid returned into the murky depths of the lake.

Albus jumped up and ran towards John and Kaden, followed by mat. He squeezed his way through the crowd and looked down at his two friends.

`` Urgh, '' John Lackland groaned as he sat up, rubbing his head.

`` That was incredibly stupid, '' Albus grinned, `` And very entertaining. ``

`` Let 's do it again ! '' Kaden said excitedly as he examined his arm, which was bleeding.

`` How can you actually want to do it again when the squid threw you five substructure into the air ? '' Matt asked.

`` It was fun, '' Kaden shrugged.

`` Move aside ! '' a female person voice shouted.

The bunch immediately dispersed and multitude ran towards the castle and to other expanse of the grounds.

Albus looked up and saw Professor Patil striding towards them. Albus groaned. He knew they would n't get away with this.

`` I 've just been informed that the two of you were riding the Giant Squid ! '' Patil shouted at whoremonger and Kaden, `` Is that honest ? ``

`` Er- '' John began.

`` well ... '' Kaden said.

`` Of course it is ! '' Patil replied, `` Look at you ! I 'm very foiled ! I thought it was a given not to swim in that lake and the fact that you provoked the calamari ... '' she shook her head teacher, `` Well, you two will postulate to go to the Hospital Wing and then I 'll ascribe you detention. ``

John and Kaden stood up and nodded. The quiver that had been on their faces just present moment before, was completely gone.

`` And what about you two ? '' Patil said to Albus and lusterlessness, `` Were you involved ? I see you 're both dry, but I 've noticed that the four of you are always getting in trouble together. ``

`` They did n't do it, prof, '' Kaden announced.

`` Yeah, '' John agreed, `` They did n't even know what we were going to do. ``

Albus felt a surge of gratitude for his friend, especially Kaden. Just a year ago, Kaden had been getting all four of them in trouble for things only he had done. Now, he was actually telling teacher that Albus was n't involved. True, Albus had n't been involved, but it was the rule of it.

Patil nodded. `` All rightfield. Mr. Brickston, Mr. Dursley, you 'll call for to accompany me. Mr. potter and Mr. Eckerton, you may give to your plebeian room. ``

Albus did n't need to be told twice. He and Matt took off towards the castle and once they were out of earshot of Patil, started talking about can and Kaden 's adventure.

`` I think the two of them could I handedly cause the destruction of the entire castling, '' Albus laughed.

`` It 's only a matter of when they 'll do it, '' lusterlessness smirked, `` Let 's see, Kaden 's already tormented the Whomping willow, and now they 've tormented the Giant squid. What 'll be next ? ``

`` Filch 's new cat ? '' Albus suggested.

`` Filch would do it that, '' Matt replied.

At some head in between the end of the close class and the commencement of this one, Filch had obtained another cat. Albus had heard stories about his former cat, Mrs. Norris, from his parents, aunts, and uncles, but had never actually met her. She had died before Albus was born. Apparently Filch had been so overcome by heartbreak that he had n't gotten another one, until now.

The new cat, Josie, was a young sprightly kitten, whose only resemblance to Mrs. Norris was her uncanny ability to settle educatee who were breaking principle. All the educatee took an immediate dislike to Josie and turned in the early charge when they saw her little orange body emerge from around the corner.

People were already talking about whoremaster and Kaden 's swim in the lake when Albus and Matt entered the Gryffindor common way. Albus had a feeling it would be weeks before anyone forgot about it.

Albus and Matt spotted Rose and Amanda and sat down at their tabular array. It was spread with numerous books and rolls of parchment and quill feather. The just other table that rivaled its amount of money of books was the one Linda Morales was sitting at.

`` I take it you 've heard about toilet and Kaden 's incident with the calamary ? '' Albus asked.

`` Bits and bit, '' rosiness muttered without looking up.

Albus and Matt launched into the entire tarradiddle and Amanda was in stitches by the meter they finished.

`` Those two are going to be expelled if they 're not careful, '' pink wine said as she frantically scribbled something onto a drum roll of parchment.

Albus looked curiously at his cousin. Rose had always been a stickler for prep, but never had he seen her this obsessed with it unless it was right before the end of term test. And this was only the outset week of school.

`` Rose, why do n't you take a break ? '' Albus suggested. He was actually kind of worried about her. Studying was good, but too much was kind of unhealthy.

`` Ca n't, '' Rose muttered, `` My Potions essay is only a roll and a half of sheepskin. ``

Albus gaped at her, `` Rose, you do recognise that Slughorn only wants a one-half a roll, right ? ``

blush wine nodded. `` Yeah, but Janie said that Linda 's essay is already two bankroll. So I 've got to make mine at least that long. ``

`` Rose, '' Albus sighed, `` Your essay does n't cause to be longer than Linda 's. ``

`` Yes, it does, '' rosiness insisted.

Albus sighed and sat back in his chair. He knew it was a lost cause. His cousin had that determined look in her eyes and Albus knew there was no convincing her that she did n't have to be so competitive with Linda.

`` I think she field so much because she does n't really have any champion here, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` What ? '' Albus looked at her incredulously. At any given moment, Linda was surrounded by at least five other people. She was easily the most democratic of all the Australian students. `` spirit at her ! She 's got eight masses talking to her at once ! ``

Amanda groaned. `` They 're not her friends. They just think she 's pretty. She does n't even want them around. They do all the talking. All she does is sit there and field. Plus, ever notice how she 's never around any of the other Australian students ? ``

Albus looked at Linda again. Amanda was right. Linda was n't actually talking to any of the students around her. And come to think of it, he had n't seen her talk to any of the other Australian pupil either. `` wonderment why that is ? ``

Amanda shrugged. `` fountainhead, all the other Aussie educatee are a lot older than her. All her friends are probably still in Australia. ``

`` She could befriend any of those blighter near her, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Again, they 're only there because they think she 's pretty, '' Amanda sighed, `` But she 's really really placid. Her for the first time Night here, she did n't say a word in the dorm room. Now, Janie 's really the solely one she talks to. I mean, being shy is one thing, but never talking at all ? ``

Albus turned to Linda once again. It was kind of odd for her never to verbalise to anyone, besides the instructor. It was like the only matter she wanted to do was study. Her compulsion with preparation seemed to be ten clip that of Rose 's and Albus was n't sure if rosiness could keep up.


A/N : Big thanks to PotterCast for giving me the idea for the titan squid incident ! The deed for this chapter was also made up by PotterCast. It 's used in one of their interview with J.K. Rowling podcasts.

As usual, thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight and all the awing people who have read and reviewed this chronicle !

Also, I am yet again doing NaNoWriMo, so if I 'm ever late on updates or seeming to take a long time to respond reviews, that 's why !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


John and Kaden returned to the uncouth elbow room an hour or so later, completely healed and scolded. They had a week 's worth of detention with Filch and fifty dollar bill points taken from Gryffindor. The former Gryffindors had been congratulating John and Kaden on their nerve and stupidity until they heard about the points. After that, privy and Kaden were glared at and ignored by their house-mates.

The boys joined rosebush and Amanda in their studying once the inflammation died down. All of the boys had neglected their homework over the weekend.

Albus tried to focus on his Potions essay, but he could n't. The list of who made the Hogwarts Quidditch team was going to be up within the following few hr. Albus kept stealing glimpse at the message board as if the list would suddenly appear there.

It did n't help that various extremity of the Gryffindor Quidditch team were coming up to Albus and trying to get his notion of whether they made the team or not. How was he supposed to know if they made the team ? He was the youngest one trying out. If anyone was going to be asking about whether they made the team, it should be Albus.

Would it even be that bad if Albus did n't make it ? He was n't certain. He did want to micturate the team. He wanted that Thomas More than anything, but at the Lapplander time, he knew it was going to be a lot of employment and quite nerve wracking. It would be a bigger deal than playing for Gryffindor, that was for indisputable. The entire shoal would be watching his chasing skills and hoping he would win. Albus loved playing Quidditch, but if he was honest with himself, he did n't like a unanimous lot of people watching him. Making the Hogwarts team would control that hundreds of masses would be watching him.

Albus managed to write about half his essay before dinner, but he did n't opine it was very good. Oh, well, he thought. One failed essay would n't weigh in the longsighted run.

He went down to dinner with his admirer, but did n't take part much in their conversations. In fact, he was probably as quiet as Linda.

Albus glanced up at the staff table. His eyes rested upon professor Oteski, who was deep in conversation with a hoary Auror who had been assigned to patrol Hogwarts for the week. Oteski had probably already decided on the team. Albus hoped he 'd hurry up and stake the list.

`` Albus ! '' Sakartvelo nearly collided with Albus on his trek back up to the Gryffindor commons room after dinner, `` The list is posted ! '' GA turned around and sprinted back to the common room.

Albus took a deeply breath and his heart sped up. This was it, he thought. Within a few minutes, he 'd know whether he made the team or not.

There was a large bunch around the content instrument panel when Albus entered the way. James IV burst out of the crowd with a vast grin on his face.

`` I made it ! '' he shouted, `` I 'm the Hogwarts quester ! ``

The intact common way volley into applause. Albus grinned through his spunk and patted his pal on the back.

`` What about me ? '' Albus whispered to James, `` Did I make it ? ``

`` Look for yourself, '' James grinned and pushed him towards the substance board.

`` I do n't intend I can, '' Albus sighed. This was bad than concluding year when he tried out for the Gryffindor team.

`` You have to, '' John insisted.

Albus took a deep breathing spell and squeezed his way through the crew. He closed his optic and then stared at the list.

Keeper- Georgia Weasley, Gryffindor, 7th year.

That did n't surprise Albus in the least. In fact, he would consume been shocked if Sakartvelo had n't made the squad. No wonder she looked so excited when she ran into Albus.

Chaser- Damien Waverly, Ravenclaw, 7th year.
Chaser- Anna Reilly, Hufflepuff, 7th year.
Chaser- Ferris Fielding, Slytherin, 7th year.

Albus felt a wave of disappointment overcome him. He had n't made it. All the other Chasers were one-seventh years, and police captain of their several house teams at that. Why had he thought he 'd be able to contend with them ?

He continued to study the listing. There were still the reserve actor after all.

Beater- Andy Kaper, Hufflepuff, 5th year.
Beater- Allie Davis, Ravenclaw, 4th year.

So, Saint James was n't going to be the only one who was n't a seventh year on the squad. That was good. But still, most of the squad were seventh twelvemonth. All the team captains made the team. That made good sense. As police chief, they were most probably the ripe Quidditch players in the school.

Seeker- James Potter, Gryffindor, 4th year.

taciturnity Players

Keeper- Kate Waverly, Ravenclaw, 5th year.

Kate would be happy, Albus thought. She had been Albus 's dueling captain conclusion twelvemonth. She was gracious and Albus was happy she at to the lowest degree got to be the reserve Keeper.

Chaser- Hailey Odelle, Slytherin, 7th year.
Chaser- Albus Potter, Gryffindor, 3rd year.

Albus gaped at the leaning. He blinked and read it again, just to construct sure his optic were working properly. They were. He, Albus Severus thrower, was one of the reserve Chasers ! Suddenly, the dashing hopes was gone and Albus felt as glad as he would have if he made the regular team. reticence was better than cypher after all. Plus, there would n't be as much pressure.

Beater- Talan Flint, Slytherin, 5th year.
Seeker- Lisa Galivant, Hufflepuff, 4th year.

Albus turned around and walked back to where his blood brother and friends were gathered.

`` I 'm a reserve pursuer, '' he announced.

`` See ! '' James grinned, `` Told you you 'd make it ! ``

`` Well, I 'm not actually on the team, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Yeah, you are, '' James contradicted, `` Did n't you say at the arse where it said the reservation thespian have to go to practices and everything ? ``

`` Er, no, '' Albus shrugged sheepishly. He had n't noticed much after his own name.

`` well, that 's what it said, '' James continued, `` First praxis is on Sat. ``

Albus tried to work on his Potions essay later that evening, but it was no use. The vulgar room was in the midst of a party that usually only followed a spectacular win at Quidditch. Peach State, James, and eventually Albus were thrown into the throng of it and he quickly gave up on his essay. No one else, besides Rose and Linda, was working on homework and Albus figured it would be pointless to even try. Maybe Slughorn would n't have enough time to even get to Albus 's essay due to the duration of Rose 's and Linda's.

******

In fact, the rest of the week was much like that Night in the Gryffindor park room. Albus seemed to pull care wherever he went. On his way to social class, in course, even on his way to the bathroom, hoi polloi came up to him and congratulated him. Students who he had never even talked to before were telling him what a brilliant Chaser he was. All in all, he was kind of shocked at the whole thing. It 's not like he was one of the main chaser on the team.

Albus 's Quaker were variety of enjoying the whole thing. They were kind of attracting attention by affiliation. John and Kaden were already known as 'those Gryffindor fella who rode the giant squid'and now had the tot up fame of being some of Albus 's stuffy friends. rosebush seemed oblivious to the whole matter and devoted to a greater extent time than ever to studying. Matt and Amanda seemed to wish they would n't draw so often attention.

evening Lily and Hugo were attracting attention by being the sister and cousin of the Hogwarts quester. Albus 's fame paled in comparability to James 's. Saint James the Apostle had a chemical group of supporter following him all the clock time. Lily and Hugo told anyone they could that they were the sister and cousin of James. Ashtyn, John 's sister, told everyone she was the Sister of one of the blokes who rode the Giant calamary and that her brother was acquaintance with Albus.

Saint John and Kaden had nightly detentions with Filch and both boy came back quietly cursing Filch every even. Apparently the caretaker was as ruthless as ever with his detentions.

The detention was n't the alone thing John earned from his slip into the lake either. On Monday morning, he was blessed with a Howler from his mother. Instead of running into the Entrance Hall like near scholar did with their scream, John opened it at the Gryffindor table and the total room, including the teachers, listened to John 's mum shrieking at the top of her lungs about how stupid he had been. toilet said it was worth it, though, and was n't fazed at all by the Howler.

Albus was relieved when the calendar week was finally over. He was hoping that the excitement of the Hogwarts Quidditch team being picked would die down over the weekend.

On Saturday good afternoon, Albus left his friends in the vernacular room and walked with Georgia and James River to the Quidditch pitch.

Oliver Wood, John Tyler Pike, and Teddy were already there, along with a few of the team members. Albus stood with Georgia and James as they waited for the repose of the team to evince up.

`` showtime, I 'd wish to say congratulations, '' King Oliver announced once everyone arrived, `` You are now the Hogwarts Quidditch Team. I 'm Oliver woods and I will be your captain. chemise and John Tyler are here to help.

`` Now, I know veritable Quidditch is still going on, so we 'll take to turn around each house 's practice agenda. I 've looked at those and I think Sabbatum good afternoon will do work best for recitation. For now, we 'll stick with once a week recitation and increase if necessary.

`` I thought we 'd go by doing a few Mandrillus leucophaeus, just so everyone can get used to playing with each early. I know it 'll be an adaptation, since you usually compete against the early home, not dally on the Same team as them. ``

An adjustment was an understatement, Albus thought. As the drill progressed, it became apparent that it was extremely difficult to bring with fellow member of other theatre. Albus found that it was instinct to try and save the Quaffle away from his chap Chasers rather than to pass it to them.

Sir Henry Wood, slip, and President Tyler tried to get everyone to lick together, but Albus thought it would look at More than one practice. Everyone was rather subdued by the time the drill ended. Nobody had been able to work together, except for James and Lisa. The two of them actually cooperated. But the chaser and Beaters in particular had a tough metre working together. Ferris Fielding, Hailey Odelle, and Talan flint left the pitch muttering about how they could n't work with 'bloody Gryffindors'.

Sir Henry Wood looked ready to scream and throw things by the prison term everyone left. He was whispering to teddy bear and Tyler as Albus left with James and Georgia.

`` That was a disaster, '' Georgia groaned on their way back to the castle.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` I do n't recognize how this is going to work out. ``

`` It 's got to go, '' James said adamantly, `` I mean, Lisa and I practiced just fine with each former. Why ca n't everyone else ? ``

`` It 's Fielding and Odelle, '' Albus muttered, `` They would n't pass anyone else the Quaffle ! It 's like they 're trying to prove they 're the best Chasers ! ``

`` well, they 're retard, then, '' James said, `` And they better stop if they want to actually win this. ``

Albus definitely agreed with that. Henry Fielding and Odelle certainly were n't acting like squad player. Fielding had actually pushed Albus out of the way in ordination to get the Quaffle before him.

Albus felt rather depressed about the practice for the respite of the day. It seemed that the sign of the zodiac rivalry really were dreaded. Albus would be the first to take on that the dislike Slytherin and certainly was n't lining up to become Best ally with any of them, but he was leave to put the rivalry behind him for the sake of the Quidditch tournament. But it did n't seem like many other members of the team wanted to do so.

Luckily for Albus, the fame of being a reserve player on the team seemed to minify during the side by side workweek. He was able-bodied to catch up on his homework and spend sentence with just his booster, without anyone else following him.

Of course, disbursement time with rose was beginning to be pointless. Albus could n't think the finis metre he 'd had a real conversation with her or seen her without a record book open in front of her.

`` Rose, you 've got to give it a sleep, '' Albus said the following Saturday. He was sitting in the common room, killing clip before the second Quidditch drill. `` No one can possibly study this much. ``

`` I can, '' pink wine muttered as she read, `` Linda can. She studies at Night. I woke up in the centre of the dark and saw her reading. I do n't reckon she sleeps. I 've heard her sneek out in the middle of the nighttime before. I think she goes into the usual room and written report. ``

Albus stared at Rose. He had never seen her like this. Usually rose wine was rational number. `` Rose, I 'm sober. look at a break. ``

`` No, '' rosebush said adamantly.

Albus sighed and got up to go to practice. He was really worried about Rose. Unfortunately, Quidditch practice did nothing to lift his life. The practice was another tragedy.

`` All right, all right hand ! '' Sir Henry Wood shouted and motioned for everyone to fly down.

Albus landed adjacent to James and looked at Mrs. Henry Wood. He was looking very very stern and determined.

`` We 've had two practices, '' Wood began to gait, `` Two pattern and you 're still flying like you 're a team comprised of five-year-olds. Five-year-olds who do n't get along. I 'm sick of it. I agreed to captain the team because I thought you 'd be the in force of Hogwarts 's Quidditch thespian. The ones who could someday play professionally. But I 've been sorely disappointed.

`` The sign rivalry are disrupting your acting. I 've got as much Gryffindor pridefulness as the side by side Gryffindor, but I would put that aside if I had gotten the opportunity to do this piece I was in schooling. This is the opportunity of a life-time. You realize that there will be scouts for professional team at these matches ?

`` In actual life, you 're going to suffer to figure out with hoi polloi you do n't care. So you 'd meliorate get used to it. All I have to say is that if you do n't shape up and put the petit larceny bickering aside, I will not hesitate to kick you off the squad. I 'll fall in you a hebdomad to do it. If any of you are still fighting next Saturday, you 're off the team. pattern is over. ``

No one said a word as they filed out of the pitch. Albus thought Mrs. Henry Wood 's speech communication had been good. He was cast of the fight as well. He 'd put the competition aside for the sake of Quidditch. After all, Albus was on the same dueling squad as Scorpio Malfoy and they acted civilly towards each other. Albus wondered if the Australian and New York team had had this many consequence with getting along. He had n't watched any of their practice, but Georgia had. She said both teams were incredibly good.

******

`` I ca n't exact it anymore ! '' Rose shouted as she slammed her book down on the board, which startled lustrelessness out of his preparation and impending full lunation induced slumber.

Albus and his booster were in the piranha 's Den, working on the embarrassment of homework they had been assigned on that particular Monday. Albus, who had been watching Rose turn steadily more strain and snappish over the by few Clarence Shepard Day Jr., knew it was only a matter of clock time before she cracked.

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

`` No ! '' rosiness shouted so loudly that Matt winced and rubbed his head. `` I 'm not ok ! I ca n't take it ! I just ca n't ! Nothing I do is practiced enough, nothing ! I just ca n't pose her. She got a higher grade on that Potions essay and she answered more than query in Transfiguration of Jesus today. Not to remark the fact that she does n't reckon like she 's going to fall asleep at any moment, like John was so sort to point out about me earliest. '' Rose glared at John.

Saint John the Apostle shrugged. `` Well, you do .... ''

`` I know ! '' Rose shouted.

Albus looked at his first cousin. She did await ready to fall asleep at any instant. Her eyes had purple bag under them and were bloodshot. Combine that with the fact that she was nearly in crying, and she looked awful. In fact, she looked an awe-inspiring lot like matt did.

`` Rose, '' Amanda said quietly, `` You do n't birth to pulsate her at everything. ``

`` But I do ! '' rosiness wailed, `` I do n't even know why, but I do ! ``

`` expression, '' Amanda continued, `` She 's from Australia. They might learn stuff in a different society down there. Maybe she 's already learned this. But eventually, we 'll get to something she has n't learned and then maybe she wo n't vanquish you. ``

`` Maybe, '' Rose sighed and poked matte, `` matt ! Do you know what they 're learning in Australia now ? Amy went there, did she tell you ? ``

Matt groaned and glared at Rose. `` No, how would I know ? Amy went there years ago. '' He stood up and walked slowly over to his bed and collapsed onto it.

`` Did I say something ? '' Rose asked.

Albus sighed, `` You just woke him up. Do you even know what tomorrow is ? ``

`` Tomorrow ? '' blush wine asked, `` What 's pregnant about tomorrow ? Oh, we 've got a Defense essay due ! I have to cut mine ! ``

`` No, '' Albus groaned, `` Tomorrow 's the full moon. ``

blush wine froze. `` Oh, Merlin. I had n't even realized. ``

`` I figured, '' Albus said, `` Listen, you 're not doing anymore homework tonight. ``

`` But I need to edit- ''

`` No, '' Albus said, `` You need a break. ``

`` Albus is rightfulness, '' Amanda agreed and took Rose 's spate of Book away, `` You 're not studying for the rest of the Night. ``

`` Uh, ok, '' Rose smiled nervously, `` I can do that. I mean, what 's the mop up that can fall out ? ``

blush wine did n't seem to hump what to do with herself. Albus found it difficult to focus on his own prep as he watched rosebush gait around the room, trying to visualize out something to do. Eventually, she settled on helping Kaden with his transfiguration essay. Albus and Amanda exchanged glance at this, but neither of them said anything since rosiness was n't technically doing any homework. She was merely helping Kaden.

Albus, Matt, John, and Kaden wound up spending the night in the Marauder 's Den. Matt had been so auditory sensation asleep by the time curfew arrived, that no one wanted to arouse him up nor did anyone need to leave behind him there alone. Albus certainly did n't mind. He liked spending the night there. It gave him a kind of connecter with his grandfather.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, and all the amazing people who have read and reviewed this !

Here 's the Weasley Family Tree, to help oneself everyone keep running of them.
Wealsey-Potter-Dursley kin Tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( hag ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 19 Stanley, 18 Sakartvelo, 7th yr
Gabriella, 7th year heather, 6th year Bradley, 5th class
Ben, 4th twelvemonth Mark, 5th year Cedric, 4th twelvemonth
Eddie, 7 long time old Samantha & Lindy ( Gemini ), 8 days old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 6th year Rose, 3rd twelvemonth James, 4th twelvemonth
Angie, 10 years old Hugo, 1st year Albus, 3rdd yr
Lily, 1st class

Dudley-Christina ( Muggle )
Kaden- 2nd class
Bethany- 8 years old

*all in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Rose handed in her unedited essay to Balladanis the next dayspring. Albus did notice her scribbling some conclusion infinitesimal sentences onto it as Balladanis collected the essays.

Defense Against the iniquity Arts continued to be the foreign family in Albus 's docket. Balladanis expressed such a strong dislike for the iniquity arts that he started nearly every year with a buns lecturing about why they were learning defensive attitude charm and why the wickedness humanities were bad. His eyes tended to rest on mat and for some odd reason, Linda, whenever he gave these talks and Albus got the impression it made Matt extremely uncomfortable. Albus could n't blame him. He certainly would n't want to be under the teacher 's eye like that.

Albus could n't really say whether he enjoyed Balladanis 's form or not. It had been nearly a month since the term started, but Albus still did n't know whether he liked the class or not. It was definitely different than when his dad taught. Balladanis was strict, but a good teacher.

The rest of the day went by quickly. Albus listened to John tease Rose during Herbology since she was fretting about her Defense essay. Ancient runic letter was rather ho-hum and Albus doodled idly on his preeminence while Matt fell asleep on his. charm was rather fun since they worked on Cheering charm and Albus left the way grinning profusely, along with well-nigh of the other category. flatness in particular looked strange with a huge grin across his picket fatigued face.

lustrelessness left for the Shrieking Shack shortly after dinner and Albus went to the Marauder 's Den with his booster where they distracted Rose from her studying by playing Wizard 's Chess.

The next day Albus truly began to realize how occupy his 3rd year docket was. For the yesteryear two eld, he and his friends almost always had time to visit lustrelessness in the Hospital flank in between grade. This year, however, they did n't induce time until after dinner party. Albus was positively exhausted by that point, as he had stayed up tardy working on homework the night before, and still had Dueling ball club practice afterwards. Lynley Anderson, the fourth twelvemonth Hufflepuff who had replaced Kate as sea captain, had insisted that the solid team attend that get together, as it was the first one and there were new 2nd years on the squad. Kaden was n't put on Albus 's squad, but he was put on Saint John 's team, much to the delight of both boys.

Hectic was really the just way to distinguish Albus 's sprightliness at Hogwarts. As September turned into October, it only got busier. Gryffindor Quidditch team practice session picked up again and along with Hogwarts Quidditch practices and Dueling night club practices, Albus hardly had anytime to rest.

The Hogwarts Quidditch squad was shaping up nicely after forest 's stern admonition during the instant exercise. That and the fact that they now practiced on both Tuesdays and Saturdays. Even the Slytherin team appendage were beginning to work together. They did n't really acknowledge their mate outside of exercise, but Albus did n't care as long as they got along with everyone during practice.

Albus was really starting to relish the Hogwarts Quidditch team. He was actually beginning to care he could wreak in the first match, which would be taking space towards the end of Oct.

`` First Hogsmeade weekend ! '' trick said excitedly to Albus one Friday evening as Albus was trying to catch up on his prep. Kaden was standing next to him. Albus guessed they had just returned from Dueling Club practice.

`` When ? '' Albus asked without looking up.

`` October 27th, '' Gospel According to John grinned, `` Ca n't expect ! ``

`` Yeah, it 'll be brilliant, '' Albus agreed, hoping he would n't have too lots prep to go.

`` That 's not all, either, '' trick went on, `` There 's a Halloween party that night. ``

`` You mean the Halloween feast ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, there 's an existent political party ! '' Saint John the Apostle said, `` But it 's not on Halloween, it 's on the 27th. It 's because of the tournament. So we can mingle with the extraneous students. Or at least that 's what the bill sticker on the bill board says. ``

Albus nodded. He really had n't had that much contact with the strange student. Sure, he 'd seen them in the corridors and the vulgar way and stuff, but that was about it. The alone one who was around his age was Linda and she still did n't look to talk to anyone.

`` And, '' John continued, `` Costumes are encouraged. ``

`` Costumes ? '' Albus asked, finally looking up.

`` Yeah, costumes, '' John Lackland grinned, `` We get to dress up ! This is going to be brainy ! ``

`` What should we dress up as ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

`` We 'll cypher it out later, '' toilet said, `` Where 's everyone else ? ``

`` rosiness and Amanda are at the program library, '' Albus told him, `` And Matt 's with Balladanis. ``

`` Merlin, is he ever going to give up about that boggart ? '' John asked.

`` Knowing Balladanis, probably not, '' Albus said.

`` wellspring, let 's go to the program library, '' John announced, `` We 've got to tell blush wine and Amanda about Hogsmeade. ``

Albus was all too eager to check to this. He was thoroughly queasy of trying to arrest up on all his homework. It was skillful to withdraw a pause every now and then anyway.

Albus pushed open the door to the library a little while later, fully expecting to see blush wine up to her cubital joint in Word furiously scribbling away on a roll of parchment that was nearly used up. He gazed around the library and he spotted blush wine 's shaggy-haired red hairsbreadth and walked towards her table.

Rose was up to her cubitus in homework. In fact, there were so many books on blush wine and Amanda 's board that you could no longer see the actual table. What Albus was n't expecting to see was a tertiary person at their mesa. Linda morale

Albus stopped short-change a few feet from the table. He turned to look at toilet, who looked equally shocked.

`` Is that- '' John began.

`` Linda Morales ? '' Albus gaped. He blinked twice to urinate certain he was n't seeing things. After all, he was quite tired. But even after he blinked, Linda was still sitting across from Rose and Amanda.

All three of the girls were working quietly. In fact, none of them even seemed to find the others.

Albus slowly walked towards the table and King John followed. Albus was n't entirely sure what to say. He had n't had much interaction with Linda. Albus had hardly said hello to her since she arrived at Hogwarts. He was n't trying to ignore her or anything ; it had just ended up that way. Linda had n't shown any real interest group in making acquaintance with Albus or any of his ally. Yet here she was, doing prep at the same board as Rose of all people. Albus had n't the slightest idea why either.

`` pink wine, '' Albus whispered once they arrived at the table.

Rose startled and then looked up at Albus. `` What ? I 'm trying to study ! ``

`` Can I talk to you ? '' Albus glanced at Linda, `` Alone ? ``

Rose sighed loudly. `` Fine, but make it warm. ``

Albus led his first cousin over to a deserted sphere of the library. John took Rose 's vacated seat and began to whisper to Amanda about the Hogsmeade visit.

`` All right, what is it ? '' rose wine asked once they were alone.

`` Could n't facilitate but notice that you were studying with Linda ... '' Albus 's vocalisation trailed off. He really did n't recognise what he wanted to say to Rose about it.

`` Oh, well ... '' rosiness began, `` I guess I just realized I was being pudding head in trying to compete with her. ``

Albus smirked, `` Yeah, you were. But I told you that loads of times and you did n't listen. ``

blush wine sighed. `` I know. Amanda 's the one who convinced me to stop trying to compete with her. She said Linda would know a lot about Australian wizarding story and I could larn a lot from her if I stopped with the contest thing. ``

Of course, Albus thought. Appealing to Rose 's love of learning would definitely turn. Although he had n't really been trying to have Rose and Linda go booster. He just wanted Rose to ease up on the studying.

`` I guess, if you ca n't vanquish 'em, you might as well join 'em, '' Rose shrugged.

`` So now you 're ally with her ? '' Albus asked.

`` That 's where it gets complicated, '' pink wine sighed, `` You see, she still does n't really talk to us. ``

`` How did you wreathe up studying with her then ? '' Albus was still thoroughly confused.

`` Amanda and I came in and she was sitting alone at the mesa, so I asked if we could join her. She just nodded and moved her books over. She has n't said anything yet. ``

Albus nodded. `` I do n't think I 've heard her say anything outside of class. ``

`` Neither have I, '' Rose said, `` Amanda and I figure we 'll just be dainty to her and maybe she 'll begin talking to us. ``

Albus thought that was probably a good idea. She was the competition, but even if they played against each former on the Quidditch squad, that did n't intend they could n't be friends off of it. Linda seemed gracious enough. Of course it was hard to tell since she had n't said much. And she certainly was pretty. Albus could n't traverse that. Linda was n't surrounded by half the manlike universe of Gryffindor every eve for nothing.

`` Oh, the first Hogsmeade visit 's on October 27th, '' Albus said, suddenly remembering the cause he had gone to see rosiness in the first place, `` Followed by a Halloween political party in the Great manor hall. ``

`` That sounds like fun, '' Rose grinned, `` And maybe Linda will want to go with us. ``

`` And it 's a dress up political party, '' Albus told her.

`` This could get worry, '' Rose said.

******

Albus did n't get a clue as to when he 'd actually take in metre to figure out his costume for the Halloween party. St. John thought it would be cool if their radical 's costumes coordinated, but that was the lowest thing on Albus 's mind.

The weekend seemed to literally fly by for Albus, meaning he was on the Quidditch lurch more than he was off it. He had heard stories about Grant Wood 's mercilessness when it comes to practice from his dad and standardized news report about Teddy from his older cousin-german. Having the two of them captain one squad seemed to create practice that lasted nearly five 60 minutes, with scant jailbreak every so often. Albus would never again complain about Georgia 's distance of practices.

Albus had a fleeting idea that since he was a reserve player, he would n't make to practice as much as everyone else, but Grant Wood shot that down during that Saturday 's pattern. He said he saw no reason for the backlog players to be any lupus erythematosus set up for the upcoming match than the regular role player.

It was n't that Albus did n't enjoy Quidditch practice. He did, and very much so. He loved Quidditch, but too a good deal of anything could run a person down.

Albus spent a lot of his Dominicus on the Quidditch pitch as well, in the center of a drenching rain. Peach State had scheduled Gryffindor Quidditch practice that day and she flat out refused to delete due to rain. James IV had asked. He was even Sir Thomas More run down than Albus, since either shift or Tyler were constantly training the two quester during Hogwarts Quidditch practice.

Albus returned to Gryffindor tower after eating a late dinner with the Gryffindor team Dominicus evening, realizing he had no idea what his admirer had spent the weekend doing. He had seen them on juncture, but well-nigh of his free time had been spent doing prep or sleeping. Two things he still had to do.

Albus grabbed his bag from his student residence and walked down to the herd common room. He saw rosebush, Amanda, and Linda at one table, but his other friends were no where in sight. The girls looked very absorbed in their homework, so Albus decided to go contain the Marauder 's Den for his early friends.

By the time Albus made it to the Marauder 's Den, he felt ready for a near twelve hour sleep. Unfortunately, he still had mass of preparation to do. Albus sighed to himself and opened the door to the room. He paused in the entrance, surprised to see that mat was the only one there.

`` Hey, lusterlessness, '' Albus said as he sat down at the table.

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' lustrelessness looked up and smiled, `` I was wondering when you 'd show up. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus said wryly, `` I never thought Sakartvelo would end practice. ``

`` make me glad I 'm not on the Quidditch team, '' flatness commented.

`` Where are bathroom and Kaden ? ``

`` Detention, again, '' matt smirked.

`` What did they do this prison term ? '' Albus groaned. John Lackland and Kaden had been earning quite a few detentions every calendar week. Albus was quite beaming they were n't involving him in their pranks, since he had no uncommitted time in his docket for detention.

`` They were levitating rolls of bathroom newspaper around the corridors and charming them to hit multitude in the head yesterday, '' Matt explained, `` I think you were at Quidditch practice. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus laughed, `` Wonder what they 're in for this time. ``

`` No mind, '' Matt said.

`` What are you doing here ? blush wine and Amanda are in the common room. ``

`` Yeah, I know. But they 're with Linda, '' flatness muttered.

`` Oh, ok, '' Albus replied, a little baffled. He still did n't quite translate why lustrelessness did n't seem to wish Linda. Sure, she was from Australia, but matte was n't avoiding anyone else from Australia. Of course, the rest of the Australian students were older and flatness would n't really suffer to avoid them.

`` John said Rose is actually trying to become supporter with Linda. ``

`` She is, '' Albus confirmed, `` She 's finally realized that it 's pointless to try and compete with Linda. ``

`` I guess that 's secure, '' Matt shrugged.

John and Kaden burst into the room a short piece later, successfully ending the conversation about rose and Linda. Both of them were freely cursing Filch, who had made them clean the entryway mansion house without conjuring trick. Once they finally seemed to run out of curses, all four boys settled into doing their homework and no one brought up the issue of Linda again. Albus still thought it was odd how Matt seemed to have taken a dislike to her, although Linda herself was rather odd, in Albus 's opinion.

rose wine and Amanda joined Linda at her table during Transfiguration the future day. Linda had arrived before them, as always, and did n't look to acknowledge or care that Rose and Amanda sat on either side of her.

The Lapplander matter happened in double Potions after lunch. Rose, Amanda, and Linda even worked together on that day 's potion. Slughorn had decided to render up on the inter-house couplet idea of the previous class, which Albus was very grateful for. Linda had previously worked alone on her potions because there was an odd issue of people in the family, but Slughorn did n't object to all three miss working together. In fact, he seemed thrilled that the two chic citizenry in the socio-economic class were now working with each other.

`` Ah, yes ! '' Slughorn exclaimed excitedly as he peered into their cauldron, `` Your potion is turning just the right shade of special K. ``

Albus looked up from his and Matt 's slightly brownish potion and saw Slughorn gently stirring the girls'cauldron.

`` Ours is better, '' Malfoy muttered from behind Albus. He was working with Mahalia Jackson Limbert, Albus 's partner from the late year. Malfoy and Limbert were easily the two best Slytherin potion-brewers in the class.

Albus turned around and looked at Malfoy 's cauldron. It was indeed the slump shade of green.

`` And what are you looking at, Potter ? '' Malfoy asked, `` covetous that I 'm Limbert 's partner now ? I doubt your potions grade will be be that good with Eckerton as your collaborator. ``

`` At least I 'm partnering with him for a reason other than trying to get a enough course, '' Albus glowered at him.

`` Yeah, well ... '' Malfoy 's vocalisation trailed off.

Albus smirked to himself and turned back around, happy that Malfoy could n't come up with a good comeback.

At the end of the class, Slughorn announced that rose, Amanda, and Linda 's potion had been the best, much to Malfoy 's dismay.

`` You 'd better check out at the Dueling tourney, '' Malfoy seethed as they left the room.

`` We 're on the Saami team, Malfoy, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I was n't talking to you, '' Malfoy turned and glared at Rose, Amanda, and Linda.

`` Is that a threat, Malfoy ? '' John asked loudly.

`` I think you can cypher that out for yourself, Brickston, '' Malfoy said as he turned in the counsel of the Slytherin common way, flanked by Limbert and Goyle.

`` He 's just overjealous, '' Rose muttered as they made their way out of the dungeons.

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed, `` But he 's a good dueler, much as I hate to admit it. ``

`` Chances are, I wo n't even duel him, Albus, '' Rose sighed, `` And even if I do, there 's only so many spells he 's allowed to use. ``

Albus did n't bother reminding rose about the Slytherin who used a forbidden curse on lusterlessness endure class. Albus was kind of concern about one of his friends having to duel Malfoy. Malfoy was the sole one Albus had ever dueled and did n't cope to stupefy. And Albus had beaten bookman who were two years older than he was.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


`` All right, we need to come up with a good costume estimation, '' Saint John the Apostle announced the following Saturday as he flew poorly made parchment airplane around the Marauder 's Den.

`` Definitely, '' Kaden agreed as his much better lambskin aeroplane flew gracefully over toilet 's straits and landed softly on the couch.

`` Anyone got any thought ? '' Matt asked.

`` Have n't even thought about it, '' Albus muttered as he tried not to move anymore muscles than he had to. He just completed a four hour Hogwarts Quidditch practice, which mainly focused on dodging Bludgers. Unfortunately, Albus had n't dodged them all.

`` You should go see Madam Pomfrey, '' flatness told him.

`` I 've already been there twice this week, '' Albus groaned, `` If this keeps up, I 'll break your phonograph record. I 'm fine, I just require sleep. Georgia canceled practice for tomorrow because of the Dueling Tournament, so I think I 'll be fine. ``

`` spinal column to the costumes, '' John said, `` I was thinking that we could be the vulture. You know, their animal physical body. ``

Albus craned his head to see St. John the Apostle. John looked quite excited by this idea. Albus had to admit that it was a pretty good idea. He could supplement fake antlers to his promontory. Or see if one of his older cousin-german could transfigure some onto his head.

`` That 's vivid ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

`` I like it, '' Albus grinned.

`` No bloody way, '' Matt said flatly, `` I am not dressing up as a werewolf in front line of the full schoolhouse. ``

Albus had n't even thought about that. No, there was definitely no way matte could do that.

`` Oh, right, '' John sighed, `` Sorry, had n't thought about that. ``

`` How about we just dress up as the marauder in their human forms ? '' Albus suggested. All he 'd have to do is get a pair of round black glasses and he 'd be set.

`` I do n't know ... '' Matt said, `` Everyone knows shimmy 's dad was a loup-garou. What if they realize that I 'm one, too, since I dressed up as him ? ``

`` I bet people will just call up we dressed up as them because of Albus, '' bathroom pointed out, `` And somebody would throw to be Moony. Might as well be you. You probably look the most like him anyway. ``

`` He does, '' Albus said.

`` See ? '' John replied.

`` Yeah, but still ... '' Matt sighed.

`` It does n't matter, '' Kaden said, `` Because there is no way that I am dressing up as Pettigrew unless it 's his rat sort. ``

That Albus could definitely sympathize. `` Ok, so I guess we 're not doing the Marauders thing. ``

`` Too bad, '' St. John the Apostle sighed, `` Would 've been cool off. ``

`` Says the bloke who would n't have to coif up as a traitor, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` And we 're back to feather one, '' Albus said, `` Any other melodic theme ? ``

`` The instrumentalist from Puddlemere United ? '' John suggested after a few minutes. `` You know, if rose, Amanda, and Linda joined us, we 'd cause enough masses to be the entire team. ``

`` Why not the Cannons ? '' matt asked.

`` Because they 're frightfully, '' toilet groaned.

`` Are not, '' Matt refuted.

`` Are to, '' John the Divine said, `` Let 's be Puddlemere. ``

`` carom, '' matt said adamantly.

`` Manchester United, '' Kaden interrupted.

`` Who ? '' John and lusterlessness said at the same time.

`` Manchester United, '' Kaden repeated, `` Football squad. ``

Both John the Divine and lusterlessness groaned. `` Puddlemere, '' trick said once again.

`` Cannons. ``

`` Manchester. ''

`` Puddlemere. ``

`` None of them ! '' Albus shouted. He was already pettish due to his aching sinew and fatigue from Quidditch practice. The final thing he wanted to do was listen to his admirer tiff about Quidditch and football teams.

`` Well, have you got any other ideas ? '' lav asked.

`` Actually, yeah, '' Albus replied. Matt 's mention of not wanting to dress up as a werewolf had sparked an musical theme. Albus had been mulling it over while his champion argued about Quidditch teams.

`` What is it ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Well, I kind of thought it would be full-strength to use Muggle costumes, '' Albus said, `` You know, we can dress up as things Muggles usually dress up as on Halloween. ``

matt, trick, and Kaden stared at Albus for a few instant. Albus shrugged. He had thought it was a good idea, but maybe his fatigue was clouding his thinking. Then, all three of his admirer broke out in huge grins.

`` That 's brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted, `` No one else will conceive of it ! ``

`` Yeah, '' St. John the Apostle agreed, `` We 'll be the alone single at the company with Muggle costumes. ``

`` As long as I do n't have to dress up as a werewolf, I 'm all right with it, '' matt said.

Albus grinned. `` effective. Kaden, what are some classic Muggle costumes ? ``

`` ghostwriter, witches, vampires, underframe, mummies, '' Kaden rattled off, `` Oh, and automaton. Frankenstein, too. ``

Albus had no estimation who Frankenstein's monster was and he was n't in the mood to listen to Kaden explain it, but the other ideas were well. `` Who wants to be what ? '' Albus asked.

`` mat should be a lamia, '' Kaden grinned.

`` Why 's that ? '' Albus asked.

`` Vampires and wolfman are soul enemy, '' Kaden explained, `` At to the lowest degree in the Muggle world. ``

`` In this Earth, too, '' Matt muttered, `` And I 'm not dressing up as a vampire. ``

`` Aw, come on, '' John said.

`` No, '' lusterlessness said adamantly, `` I 'm being a ghost. The simply interrogative sentence is, how do I realise myself transparent. ``

`` Aw, no ! '' Kaden sighed, `` When Muggles dress as ghostwriter, they just put a ashen sheet with eye holes over themselves. That 's what Muggles think trace are. White. ``

`` Oh, that makes things easier, '' Matt laughed, `` But seriously ? ``

`` Yep, '' Kaden laughed, `` White tack. Now, what about the rest of us ? ``

A half an hour later, everyone had settled on what they were going to dress up as. With Kaden 's avail, that is. Albus, Matt, and John really had no idea as to what Muggles wore when they dressed up for Hallowe'en. King John insisted on being a lamia, much to Matt 's disgust. However, John was going to be a classic Muggle vampire. The ugly, waxy, blood-stained lips, turn into a bat type of vampire that Muggles thought of when they heard the parole 'vampire'. Albus did n't eff much about vampires, but he knew they were n't completely like the ones Muggles thought of.

Kaden was going to garb up as a mummy, which was a very simple costume. All he 'd throw to do was incur a bunch of slip of blanched cloth. Albus said he 'd beak some up in Hogsmeade.

Albus was going to be a skeleton, which was the most difficult of all the costumes. He was going to buy a bootleg long-sleeve T-shirt and a pair of blacken trouser and then paint on bones in white paint. He was hoping Amanda would be capable to serve with it. She was the simply one in their group who had any esthetic talent.

`` Maybe the girls can be beldam, '' Kaden suggested.

`` They are witches, '' John the Divine smirked.

`` You know what I mean, '' Kaden sighed.

`` I know, '' John grinned, `` Hey, Albus, catch ! ``

Albus snapped his eyes spread just in time to see a Quaffle ejaculate soaring across the room. It hit him right in the tummy before he had a fortune to catch it.

`` Oh, ow ! '' Albus groaned and curled up, `` That 's where I got hit with a Bludger ! ``

`` Brilliant, King John, '' Matt sighed, `` Are you ok, Albus ? ``

Albus squeezed his oculus shut and nodded. It did ache. It hurt a lot. A lot more than it should, he thought. He was sick of getting pelted by Bludgers during practice.

`` Albus ? '' lav asked worriedly, `` Merlin, I 'm distressing. I did n't think of to hit you with it. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus whispered. He inhaled sharply. Now it was getting hard to breath. This was not good.

`` Albus, you 've got to go to the infirmary offstage, '' lusterlessness announced. He walked over to Albus and helped him off the couch. `` C'mon. ``

Albus nodded. There was no tip in objecting. He knew he had to go. But honestly, three times in one week seemed excessive.

The infirmary annex was empty when Albus stumbled inside, being supported by Matt and Saint John, a little while later. lady Pomfrey came out of her office staff when she heard the door open. She saw who it was and threw her hired man up in the air.

`` You again ! '' she groaned, `` Let me guess. Quidditch ? ``

Albus nodded and collapsed onto the approximate bed.

`` Well, what did you injure this sentence ? '' the nanny asked.

`` Bludger in the breadbasket, '' Albus replied, not bothering to advert that John hit him with a Quaffle as well.

Madam Pomfrey clucked her tongue and waved her wand over Albus. `` Broken rib. That 's the second one this week, '' she waved her baton again and pressed it to Albus 's ribs. Then she bustled away to a Potions cupboard.

Albus 's stomach immediately felt better and he sank back into the bed. The rest of his muscles still ached, though, and he wanted nothing more than to accrue asleep right there.

ma'am Pomfrey returned a few transactions later and hurtle a potion into Albus 's workforce. He drank it quickly and grimaced at the disgusting taste.

`` You 're staying the dark, '' she announced in a tone that Albus knew not to argue with. Not that he really felt like arguing anyway. He was just too exhausted.

brothel keeper Pomfrey turned to lusterlessness, can, and Kaden. `` You lot can yield to Gryffindor. Albus needs to rest. ``

Albus 's friends said good night and then left the room.

`` I 'll be speaking with prof Kendrick, '' dame Pomfrey muttered to herself, `` Honestly, what was he thinking ? Twice the amount of Quidditch ? Twice the amount of accidental injury is what I say ! ``

Albus did n't take in the faintest idea as to what Madam Pomfrey wanted Kendrick to do, but he did n't imagine about it for long. Exhaustion overcame him and he was asleep within minutes.

******

Albus awoke feeling honorable than he had in years. One facial expression at the clock told him why. He had slept over 12 60 minutes. It was just after eleven o'clock. Two minute until the Dueling tournament. Albus pulled the blankets off and started to get up.

`` Where do you remember you 're going ? '' lady Pomfrey appeared at his bed.

`` Er, the commons room ? '' Albus slowly sat back down, `` The Dueling tournament is in two hours. ``

`` Dueling ? You think I 'm going to let you duel ? '' ma'am Pomfrey demanded.

`` Well, yeah, '' Albus muttered. number to suppose of it, he actually was n't surprised that the nurse was n't going to let him duel.

`` Definitely not ! '' she exclaimed, `` You 're spending the day in bed ! ``

`` Come on ! '' Albus groaned, `` delight ? '' He had to duel. He was practically the best on his team. What would Malfoy say when he did n't present up ?

`` I wo n't have it ! '' Madam Pomfrey said, `` You were abruptly on your metrical foot final stage night ! You 're going to rest today ! ``

Albus groaned in defeat. He was going to miss the first Dueling tournament of the yr, because of a Quidditch injury. His two favourite things to do were now conflicting with each other.

brothel keeper Pomfrey brought a tray of breakfast, or maybe it should accept been lunch, for Albus a little while later. He was n't in the mood to eat, though. Why could n't he just go to the tournament ? He felt all right now.

matt, John, Kaden, Amanda, rosiness, and for some reason, Linda, burst into the hospital extension just as Albus was finishing up his food. ma'am Pomfrey looked a bit taken aback at the amount of visitant, but she did n't say anything.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted, `` Dueling 's in an minute. You going to be getting out of here soon ? ``

`` She wo n't let me go, '' Albus muttered.

`` What ? '' John exclaimed, `` Why not ? ``

`` She says I need to rest, '' Albus explained.

`` Honestly, it would take surprised me if she did let you go, '' mat commented.

`` I 'll convince her, Albus, '' John announced and walked over to where madam Pomfrey was organizing potions. `` You 've got to let Albus duel. ``

`` I do not have to do any such thing, '' she replied, not looking up.

`` But it 's Kaden 's 1st tournament, '' privy pointed out.

`` I would n't care if it was Falco columbarius 's first tournament, I 'm not letting Albus go. ``

`` Please ? '' Saint John begged.

`` No, '' she said, `` And if you do n't stop arguing, I 'll make you leave. ``

St. John sighed and walked glumly back to Albus 's bed. `` Sorry, '' he muttered, `` And this was sort of my fault since I threw that Quaffle at you. ``

`` No it was n't, '' Albus assured him, `` A Quaffle would n't deliver broke my rib. It was that Bludger from Quidditch recitation. ``

`` But still ... '' John said.

Albus 's friend remained in the infirmary Wing until it was time for them to go to the Dueling Tournament. It was sort of tense, and Albus could only attribute this to the fact that Linda was there. It was strange how someone who never said a word could cause the rest of Albus 's friends to remain quiet as well.

After his friends left, Albus was filled with boredom. The Hospital annexe really was a ho-hum place, especially when you were n't actually sick or injured. Albus began to matter the cracks on the ceiling, but lost path after 467.

It was n't until after the tournament was over that Madam Pomfrey actually let Albus leave. He figured she had n't let him leave behind sooner since then she would 've had no way to know he would n't go to the tournament.

Albus jumped out of bed as soon as he promised dame Pomfrey that he would n't encounter Quidditch that day. He ran as fast as he could down to the dueling chamber, hoping that the tournament was still going on.

Unfortunately, scholarly person were already streaming out of the room chattering excitedly about the tourney. Albus sighed dejectedly and slumped against the wall, where he waited for his friends.

`` Hey, Albus, '' Matt said.

`` Oh, hey, matte, '' Albus replied, `` Who won ? ``

`` My team. No thanks to me, of grade. ``

`` Who 'd Malfoy duel ? '' Albus asked, thinking of his threat to Rose and Amanda.

`` Some Slytherin second yr and a Ravenclaw 4th year, '' Matt answered.

Albus nodded, relieved that he had n't dueled either rosiness or Amanda.

`` Albus ! '' someone shouted excitedly.

Albus turned around and saw Kaden with a huge smile on his boldness. John was standing next to him, looking equally happy.

`` Hey, privy, Kaden, '' Albus smiled.

`` I won one of my affaire d'honneur ! '' Kaden announced, `` I dueled a Ravenclaw and I actually beat him ! ``

`` That 's great, '' Albus told him, still wishing that he had gotten to pulsate a Ravenclaw. Or a Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Gryffindor.

`` But he was horribly beaten in his second duel, '' John laughed.

`` At least I won one of them, '' Kaden smirked.

`` Yeah, yeah, '' John muttered.

`` Did you lose both ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, '' Saint John sighed.

The son set off for Gryffindor tower, figuring they 'd hitch up with the girls once they were up there. Albus was eagre to see Amanda because he wanted to know how his squad had done.

Amanda, pink wine, and Linda were talking about the tournament when Albus entered the common room. He was shocked to see that Linda was actually talking. Although, she immediately stopped when Albus and the former boy showed up.

Apparently Albus 's team had came in second home. Amanda said they were only two points behind Matt 's team, which caused Albus to bid even more that he had been there. He could take easily gotten the two item they needed. Amanda said that Malfoy thought the Same thing, because he shouted angrily about Albus not being there once they announced the winner. Albus was kind of amused by this. He never thought Malfoy would ever be lamenting Albus 's absence from anything.

The group, including Linda, spent the remainder of the afternoon in the vernacular room. It was sort of odd, though. Linda did n't say a Scripture, yet Rose and Amanda tried to engage her in every conversation. matte remained almost completely mute, whispering quietly so only Albus and John could see what he was saying. Kaden of course did n't comment any of this and talked as loudly as he usually did. It did n't really help that diverse son kept coming up to Linda and asking her useless enquiry about Australia and Quidditch and various other topics. Linda gave them very short, quiet reply. John paid rapturous attention to every short matter she said.

`` So, '' Rose began, `` first base Quidditch couple in a hebdomad. Commonwealth of Australia versus New York. Are you nervous, Linda ? ``

Albus stared at Rose. He could n't remember the last clip Rose actually brought up Quidditch in a conversation.

`` A bit, '' Linda muttered, not looking up.

`` wellspring, I hope you win, '' Rose smiled, `` Since Hogwarts is n't playing. ``

`` Thanks, '' Linda whispered.

Albus was looking forward to the first lucifer. He was glad he was n't playing in it. His team would be able to assess both Australia and New York 's science before they played either squad. That was definitely proficient for strategy. Then when they actually played, they 'd be able to use the team 's weakness to their advantage. Wood had given them specific directions to look for weaknesses in both teams. Of form, chance are Albus would n't be playing in the first Hogwarts compeer, or really any of the matches.

Albus walked down to dinner with his supporter and Linda sat in between Rose and Amanda. He glanced absentmindedly at the staff table as he scooped mashed Solanum tuberosum onto his denture and noticed a new virtuoso talking with the headmaster from Commonwealth of Australia. He was a rather myopic man, compared to Killigan, and his face seemed to have absolutely no emotion on it. His dirty blonde tomentum sat flat on his headland and fell over his eye. He was wearing plain pitch-black robes.

`` I wonder who that cuss is, '' Albus said to John as he pointed at the staff table.

`` Dunno, '' John the Evangelist shrugged, not really seeming interested.

Rose turned to appear at him. `` Probably some fella from Australia, I 'd be guessing. I imagine a few people from Commonwealth of Australia and New York will visit to see what 's going on with the tournament. ``

`` Recognize him, Matt ? '' Albus asked.

flatness looked up and then quickly turned away. `` No. ``

`` How about you, Linda ? '' rose wine asked.

`` No, '' Linda whispered.

Albus shrugged and returned to his dinner. It seemed like he was really the only one matter to in the unfamiliar wizard at the staff tabular array. Was he really only there to see the tournament ? The Quidditch friction match was n't for another week, so why was he there already ? Would he really be spending the completely week at Hogwarts ?

Kendrick stood up after dinner started to wind down. Albus immediately stopped eating and paid attention. Maybe he was going to tell everyone who the foreign superstar was.

`` If I could experience your attention for just one moment, '' Kendrick announced, `` Thank you. When I first began to unionize this contest, I always thought we would continue with the usual Hogwarts Quidditch Cup tournament like common, but I did n't recall about what affect it would have on the players who would play on both their house team and the Hogwarts team. ``

Albus had a notion he knew where this was going and it had everything to do with that talk of the town Madam Pomfrey said she was going to have with Kendrick. Albus sank modest in his seat and tried not to look at anyone.

`` It 's come to my aid that playing on two Quidditch teams at once is much Sir Thomas More work than could have been anticipated. Therefore, I have decided to call off the Quidditch Cup tournament for this year only, while the tournament is going on. ``

`` What ? ! '' Over half the room erupted in various shout and scoffing. Albus sank even lower in his seat. This was all his geological fault. He was the one who had been to the hospital Wing so many times that week. He had gotten Quidditch canceled for the whole school.

`` serenity down, '' Kendrick shouted, `` It 's what 's respectable for the actor. Plus, it 's been rather tight to squeeze in so many practice for so many squad. We only have one Quidditch pitch. With four less team to hold, it 'll be easier to schedule practices. This is my final word on the subject. Remember that we still have splendid Quidditch going on this class. ``

`` I should n't give gone to see Madam Pomfrey last nighttime, '' Albus muttered.

`` Albus, this is n't your fault, '' rosiness assured him, `` You 're not the only one who 's been offend numerous times. ``

That was true. Pretty a great deal everyone on the Hogwarts team had been to see madam Pomfrey at to the lowest degree once a workweek since the start of term. So maybe it was n't all his fault. Plus, there was the scheduling conflicts on the pitch. Albus had witnessed a few scrap between the mansion captains that certainly could n't be adept for teamwork on the Hogwarts team.

Albus had to accept that lifespan would be a lot easier without Gryffindor team drill. Now he would only be practicing Quidditch twice a week. Well, Sir Henry Wood would probably increase it to three multiplication now that Kendrick canceled the sign of the zodiac Quidditch. But even that would be LE than he had been doing. He might even have an evening or two off a week now.

The Gryffindor team was sitting together in the common room when Albus returned. Georgia immediately flagged him over.

`` I still do n't wish it, '' Fred sighed, `` Now I do n't get to trifle at all this year. ``

`` Yeah, well I do n't get to play for Gryffindor in my seventh twelvemonth, but it really is for the best, '' Georgia said.

`` I 'll say, '' James agreed, `` I 'm already behind on prep and it 's only October. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus said.

`` Just think, Fred, '' Heather began, `` Next year, one of us will be captain. ``

`` It 'll be me, '' Fred announced.

`` Really ? '' Heather raised an eyebrow.

`` Yeah, Gryffindor 's had two girl captains recently. It 's time for another fella. ``

Heather rolled her heart. `` Not if I 'm a better leader. ``

`` What makes you think it 'll be either of you ? '' Thomas Bradley asked, `` It might be Ryan or I. We 'll be 6th yr. They do n't always choose seventh years. ``

`` Maybe, '' Fred replied, `` I 'm still going to miss it, though. ``

`` We could trifle pick-up matches on the weekends, '' Ryan suggested.

`` I guess, '' Fred sighed.

Albus remained tranquillity for the rest of the sentence with the team. Although he did n't find fault himself for the cancellation of house Quidditch, he felt shamefaced that he was relieved it was canceled. But most of the squad was far from glad about it. In fact, it seemed like only Saint James and Albus were relieved.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this story ! You guy wire are awesome !

Frankenstien belongs to The Virgin Shelley.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was amazed at how much extra metre he had now that he did not have to go to Gryffindor Quidditch practice session. During the side by side calendar week, he got all his homework done on time and got a comely amount of sleep. Plus, he made fewer tripper to the infirmary fender, which he attributed to having more sleep.

Classes were going well. Albus was very glad they had moved onto more exciting puppet in caution of Magical tool. They were n't up to hippogriffs or thestrals, but nifflers were certainly entertaining. Despite the rather boring commencement, Care of Magical tool was quickly becoming one of Albus 's best-loved category. He seemed to have an phylogenetic relation for the form of animals they learned about ; something Hagrid was quick to notice.

Arithmancy was turning out to be variety of dry, but Albus was just felicitous he was n't taking Divination. Even lav was beginning to get bore of making up role player prognostication for Trelawney. 'What 's the dot ?'he had shouted out angrily one Night as they were working on preparation. Albus was n't capable to suppress his grinning at that, which earned him a Divination volume to the head when St. John the Apostle saw Albus 's smirk.

Defense Against the dark Arts continued to be the strangest division Albus had ever attended. He was beginning to think he was enjoying it, but still was n't for certain. He liked the division, but was n't sure if he liked Balladanis himself.

The professor continued to be a mystery to educatee of all years. Hours were spent debating his background in the common room. He seemed to ask full stop away equally from each mansion, which either meant he was extremely fair or had never attended Hogwarts himself. Quite a few students had asked their parents if they 'd ever heard of Balladanis ( namely, had they gone to school day with him ), but so far none of the parents had.

Balladanis 's teaching methods were certainly unparalleled. Albus could count on one hand the number of actual public lecture he had had in that course of study. about all the object lesson were pragmatic, but not in the Lapp way Harry had done them. Harry 's method had been very caring and all about trying. Balladanis 's methods were more abrasive and focused on succeeder. He insisted that everyone deliver the goods and refused to let anyone arrest until they did, even if it meant coming in for excess help.

The total of students going in for extra helper was increasing quickly. Matt was no longer seen as watery or odd for having to go in for additional help. Nearly half of Albus 's class was spending extra clip with Balladanis at to the lowest degree once a week. The professor still had n't let Matt barricade going.

`` standstill up ! '' Balladanis barked at Albus 's class.

These two words were frequently spoken by the prof. Albus wondered why he did n't just do away with the desks all together instead of having to move them at the origin of each class.

`` Get a motility on ! '' he shouted, `` Unless you think your book will attack you. hold can only get you so far. You need to practice ! ``

The class spent nearly an hour practicing the enchantment to repel grindylows and once the bell rang, Balladanis announced that they 'd be practicing on actual grindylows in the next class.

`` Brickston ! '' Balladanis announced, `` You 'll be coming in for extra help tomorrow night. You may come up the Same metre Eckerton does. ``

Albus did n't think can had done that bad with the spell. It had taken him a patch, but by the end of the class he had managed it. Albus was beginning to mean that by the end of the yr, everyone would be going in for excess help.

`` He 's certifiably insane, '' John the Evangelist muttered as they walked to potions after they left the denial classroom.

`` Well, I 'm sort of glad you 're going in for supporter, '' flatness said, `` You can go on Amanda and I fellowship. ``

`` That 's nearly all of us going in for avail, '' Rose commented, `` Just Al and Linda and I. ``

Kaden had been going for help nearly as long as lustrelessness had. Amanda had started a few days ago.

`` Albus wo n't ever birth to go, '' Matt said, `` He 's too good at defence reaction. ``

`` I 'm not that keen at it, '' Albus muttered quietly. Sure, he managed all the spells, but it 's not like they were very advanced.

******

`` What do you guess Balladanis did before he taught here ? '' Kaden mused late the next day.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I think he was an Auror, '' trick said, `` I mean, he obviously hates the dark arts. ``

`` No, '' Albus shook his head, `` My dad would have mentioned that. ``

`` Maybe he was a foreign Auror, '' John suggested.

`` But he sounds British, '' Matt pointed out.

`` So do you, for the most part, but you 're from Australia, '' John countered.

`` Really ? I always thought I sounded Australian. ``

`` You do a bit. But your parents sound more than Aboriginal Australian than you do. Same with Amy, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Matt shrugged, `` So I guess he could be foreign. ``

`` Why did he come in teach here, then ? '' Albus asked.

No one had an answer to that. Albus was really peculiar to what the answer was, but it 's not like he could actually ask the prof. In fact, the idea of being alone with Balladanis variety of scared him. He was really glad he did n't make to see the professor outside of class.

The beginning Inter-School Dueling tournament was scheduled to bring position the future day. The intact school was buzzing about it. It was the get-go big competition between the three schools. Albus did n't know a totally lot of people who were on the Hogwarts Dueling team. Just his cousin, Fred. Despite this, he was still excited. Albus absolutely loved dueling and wished he was old enough to be on the school day team.

The tournament was taking blank space in the Great Hall, since the dueling chamber was much too small to accommodate the stallion schooltime. Albus walked with his ally into the way and saw that all the tables had disappeared. They were replaced with parent point of view, form of like the Quidditch pitching. Albus found hindquarters towards the front line and waited impatiently for the tournament to begin.

The dueling orbit was a leaven weapons platform in front of the base. On the other English of it was a littler set of stands, in which all the instructor were filing into. The mysterious virtuoso who had been seen talking to Killigan, but never introduced, was sitting next to the Australian headmaster, but neither of them were talking. Both wore identical tone of determination mingled with enchantment. A enchantress Albus did n't recognize was seated adjacent to Roberts and the two of them were talking. Albus assumed she was from New House of York. The Auror who had been assigned to patrol Hogwarts that calendar week was talking with Albus 's Uncle Percy, who had came to symbolize the Ministry. Neither Albus 's dad nor his Uncle Ron were there, so Albus assumed they were meddling with work.

Once all the pupil, teachers, and assorted former spectators were seated, Professor Kendrick stood up and everyone quieted down.

`` Welcome, students, staff, and visitors to the start Dueling tournament between Hogwarts, the Australian schoolhouse of black magic, and the Adirondack academy of conjuration. All three school day will duel this afternoon. Each school 's squad has five students and each scholarly person will take part in two duels. Whichever scholar wins the duel gets a stage for their school. The schooltime with the most decimal point will win. But prevent in mind that this is just the first of many tournaments that will subscribe home during this yr. Now, here are the teams. '' Kendrick gestured to a door on the side of the room.

The door opened and prof Longbottom led the Hogwarts squad into the way. The former two shoal'teams followed and Albus did n't agnize either of their professors. He had n't really thought about the former teams'captains before. He variety of figured they had them, but had n't seen them before. He guessed they just came to Hogwarts for practices. They must bear set up some form of special floo association with the school.

The tournament commenced in much the same way the Junior Dueling clubhouse had, except only one affaire d'honneur took place at a time. The patch used were much more progress, too. The magic spell that Slytherin had used on Matt during the premature days paled in comparison to the ones being used by the older students. Albus was absolutely fascinated. He paid rapt tending and wished that he could con such forward-looking spells.

The tournament took nearly two hours, but Albus was n't bored at all. In fact, he was kind of disappointed when the last duel was over.

Professor Kendrick tallied the percentage point and then rose once again. `` Thank you everyone. Each and every student performed well today. However, this is a tournament and I must declare a succeeder. And that winner is the Adirondack academy of legerdemain. Congratulations to them ! ``

There was a small-scale amount of money of loud applause from the New Yorkers who were in the audience, as well as some civilized hand clapping from everyone else. Albus sighed and clapped politely along with most of his fellow students.

`` wellspring, it 's only the kickoff tournament, '' Matt said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Plus there 's Quidditch. ``

`` And we 've got a superb Quidditch team ! '' John grinned as he stood up, `` Now we 've just got to hope that one of those other Chasers breaks something so Albus can encounter next week. ``

`` John ! '' rosiness scolded.

`` I 'm only kidding, '' John shrugged, `` Sort of. ``

`` We could just give one of them the Orange end of a regurgitation pastille, '' Kaden suggested, `` And not collapse them the purple half. ``

`` Would n't work, '' toilet sighed, `` dame Pomfrey recognizes those things now. ``

`` I know I probably wo n't get to play, '' Albus said as they left the room, `` You do n't need to put down yourselves in detention to get me a place on the team. ``

`` We know, '' Kaden said, `` We 're just joking. ``

Albus figured they were, but when it came to those two, one just never knew.

******

Albus stowed his ling in his dorm late Tuesday evening following a particularly tiring Quidditch practice. woodwind instrument 's focus during this finical practice had been end scoring, so Albus had worked hard the entire two minute. At least the focus had n't been on dodging Bludgers. He yawned, grabbed his bag and headed out of the mutual room. He walked slowly to the marauder 's Den, thinking he could squeeze a bit of homework in before bed.

`` Albus ! '' someone shouted as Albus reached the courtship of armor in front of the room.

Albus turned around and saw pink wine, red hair flying behind her, running down the corridor towards him. `` rose wine ? ``

`` Albus ! '' Rose panted, `` I saw you leave the common room. ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus shrugged. He usually did his homework in the marauder 's Den since it was quieter and easier to concentrate.

`` I wanted to talk to you, '' rose said.

`` Ok, '' Albus said as he located the paw prints on the opposite rampart, `` We can utter in here. ``

`` Actually, '' Rose said, `` I sort of wanted to talk to you alone. Are matt, John, and Kaden in there ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus replied. What did rosebush deprivation to talk about that she did n't want their other friends to see ? `` I did n't see them in the unwashed elbow room. ``

`` Well, I 'd rather talk to you alone, first, '' rosebush shifted nervously from infantry to foot.

Albus looked at her strangely. Rose rarely ever looked nervous, especially when she was talking to Albus. What could she possibly have to separate him ?

`` Er, all right, '' Albus said slowly, `` I guess we could detect an vacuous classroom or something .... ''

`` Good, '' blush wine nodded and took off down the corridor. Albus ran after her and she found an empty classroom. Albus followed her into it and shut the doorway behind him. `` What is it ? ``

rosiness paced around the room for a bit, wringing her hired hand together, before letting out a tacky sigh and leaning up against one of the desks. `` It 's about Linda. ``

Albus blinked. Linda ? He barely knew her. What could heighten possibly cause to say about Linda ? `` Linda ? ``

`` Yes, Linda, '' rosiness sighed, `` You know Amanda and I are sort of becoming friends with her. Well, we are friends with her now. She talks to us. I think she misses Australia. Anyway, I was sort of thinking it would be good if she started to make booster here. You know, like you. And maybe Matt, John, and Kaden. ``

Albus still had no thought why rose felt the need to babble to him alone about this. She wanted Albus to befriend Linda. How was he going to do that if Linda did n't say a word around him ? Not to name the fact that lusterlessness did n't appear to wish her.

`` Er, why exactly did n't you require Matt, John, and Kaden to hear this ? '' Albus asked, `` You ca n't really wait them to turn friends with Linda unless you tell them you want them to. ``

`` I know that, '' Rose groaned, `` But the four of you are always holing up in the Marauder 's Den, so I hardly see any of you anymore. What I wanted to have a go at it was whether Linda could come into the vulture 's Den with us. ``

Albus stared at his cousin. So that was what she wanted to let the cat out of the bag about. `` You want Linda to do into the marauder 's Den ? ``

`` Yes, '' blush wine nodded, `` She 's in the unwashed elbow room with Amanda. Can she ? I 'll go get them right now if you say yes. ``

`` postponement, postponement, '' Albus shook his head, `` It 's not up to me. ``

`` Yes it is ! '' rosebush replied, `` You found that map. It 's yours, so the elbow room is yours. ``

`` No it 's not, '' Albus said, `` It 's Matt, John, and Kaden 's, too. All four of us had to puzzle out to get that map to show up and to witness the room. If it were n't for them, it would still be a blank bit of parchment. ``

`` But- ''

`` No, rose wine, '' Albus said irritably, `` I ca n't just let you bring random people into the room without asking everyone. ``

Albus and his ally had n't really thought much about whether they 'd let other multitude into the room, but Albus knew he could n't do it without talking to them. Letting Rose and Amanda in had been a given, since they helped with it, but Linda certainly had n't helped.

`` I have to talk to mat, John, and Kaden, '' Albus told her, `` I can talk to them now, if you want. ``

`` All right, '' blush wine sighed and stood up.

Neither of the cousins said a word to each other as they walked back to the vulture 's Den. Albus was still rather bewildered by this whole thing. First, he had never really talked to his Quaker about letting other people into the predator 's Den. He always assumed it would be their hole-and-corner. He was n't entirely sure he wanted anyone else in it, no thing what his friends thought. Second, it was rather out of character for rose to be this unwritten and demanding. Whether this was due to the increased piece of work load, the sudden competition in class brought on by Linda, or something else entirely, Albus did n't know.

Albus took a rich breathing space as he opened the door to the room and glanced at Rose. She was looking more nervous than before. Albus walked into the room and break. John and Kaden were lounging on the level, playing a rather ruffian secret plan of chess ( the two of them could turn any dining table plot into something forcible ), while their neglected homework sat haphazardly on the table. matte was paying vague aid to the game while stretched out on the couch. It did n't surprise Albus that he was n't doing much, since the full Moon was the succeeding Nox. St. John the Apostle and Kaden looked up when they heard the doorway open.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How was praxis ? ``

`` rosebush ! '' John the Divine grinned, `` I was beginning to think you 'd block about this place. I do n't think I 've seen you here in over a month. ``

`` Hey, john, Kaden, '' Albus smiled, `` drill was good. What have you lot been up to ? ``

`` Beating Kaden at chess, '' John explained.

`` Hey, I beat you once ! '' Kaden countered.

`` Only once, '' John repeated, `` I 've won four games. ``

`` I 'm surprise neither of you have detention tonight, '' Albus smirked.

`` They almost did, '' Matt announced, `` Professor Longbottom caught them sneaking into the girlfriend 's toilet- ''

`` What were you doing in there ? '' Albus raised his eyebrows.

`` We were going to put dung bombs in there, '' Kaden explained.

`` Anyway, '' Matt continued, `` Longbottom took ruth on them since they 're already doing so many detentions and only took away full point. ``

`` professor Longbottom is great, '' John grinned.

`` I would n't require him to let you off again, '' lustrelessness pointed out.

`` Want to play chess, Rose ? '' John asked, `` I could use with some real rival. ``

`` Hey ! '' Kaden crossed his arms across his chest, `` I 'm real competition. ``

Albus glanced at Rose. `` Er, Rose has something she wanted to ask us, '' Albus said quietly.

Rose glared at Albus. Clearly she wanted him to institute up the topic. Albus gave her a immediate shake of his head. There was no way he was going to ask. She was the one who wanted Linda there.

`` fountainhead, what is it ? '' whoremonger asked, `` If it 's about prep, I 'll have you know that I 've already finished most of it. ``

`` It 's not about homework, '' Rose sighed and sat down on the end of the couch that lusterlessness was n't occupying.

Albus settled himself into an armchair opposite the sofa and waited for his cousin to continue.

Rose took a deep breathing space. `` You lot know Amanda and I have variety of become supporter with Linda, right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John the Evangelist said and Kaden nodded.

`` well, since then Amanda and I have been spending more time in the common way with her. But you lot still hang out here all the meter .... '' her voice trailed off.

`` Well, yeah, because this room is so very much better than the usual room, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` I know, '' pink wine sighed, `` And I do miss being with all of you, but at the like time, Linda 's my friend now, too. ``

`` So spend time with all of us, '' John said, `` I 'm for certain Linda would be fine by herself for a few hours a day so you can be here with us. ``

Rose groaned. `` That was n't what I had in mind. What I want is for all of us to drop time together. As in you lot can become ally with Linda, too. She needs more than friends. ``

`` She does n't tattle, '' Kaden said.

`` She does when she gets to screw you, '' blush wine explained.

`` So what you 're saying, '' St. John began, `` Is that you want us to check hanging out in this vivid way and go back to the irksome common way ? ``

`` No, of trend not, '' blush wine replied, `` I want all of us to hang out here. Linda, too. ``

The room was completely silent. Albus watched his friends'reactions with great interest. Both John and Kaden gaped at blush wine and then turned to wait at Albus. They then turned their heads back to rosebush, but did n't say anything. Matt suddenly sat up, optic wide open, and stared at Rose with an incredulous look on his face.

Nobody said a word for what must have been nearly five min. Albus kept looking from Rose to his friends and back. blush wine was looking nervously at everybody in bout and then sending pleading coup d'oeil at Albus. Albus was about to spread his mouth, when Matt finally broke the stony silence.

`` No, '' he said. It was hardly more than a whisper, but was very forceful.

`` We have n't let anyone else in, '' whoremaster pointed out, `` Why should Linda be the first-class honours degree ? ``

Kaden turned to Albus. `` What do you think, Albus ? ``

`` Er- '' Albus began.

`` Why not ? '' blush wine demanded, `` She 's mine and Amanda 's friend. ``

`` But she 's not our protagonist, '' trick said.

`` But she could be ! '' Rose insisted.

`` Then we 'll turn booster with her before we let her in the room ! '' Saint John the Apostle replied, `` It 's still our secret. We have n't even told teddy bear about it yet. ``

Albus turned and looked at trick. He had n't even thought about that. John had a gunpoint. They had n't told shift about the room yet. Or his dad. Should n't they see it before other the great unwashed did ?

`` If anyone has the right to have sex about this room, it 's Teddy and my dad, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Yes, but they are n't here, '' Rose pointed out, `` come on, why wo n't you let her in ? ``

`` We do n't experience her, '' John said.

`` She 's got no association to it, '' Albus said.

`` I like keeping it a clandestine, '' Kaden said.

`` You could acknowledge her ! '' Rose shouted, `` Then she would have connections to it. And it would still be a enigma. ``

`` Look, Rose, '' flatness said loudly, `` We 're not going to let her in ! You ca n't win over us otherwise ! ``

Albus, John, and Kaden turned to look at each other. Albus had never heard matte recruit his voice like that, and certainly not with Rose.

`` And what 's your reason why she ca n't ? '' Rose asked icily.

Matt glared at her. `` They 're the same as Albus, John, and Kaden 's ! ``

`` You just do n't like her ! '' rose shouted.

`` So what if I do n't ? '' flatness asked hotly.

`` You do n't even know her ! You have n't said one word to her the entirely time she 's been here ! ``

`` Neither has she ! '' lusterlessness yelled.

`` You lot are so stubborn ! '' rose wine huffed, `` I just do n't get why you wo n't let her- ''

`` Do you really want to have sex why ? '' matt raised his articulation even louder, `` I honestly would n't guess I 'd have to tell you ! You 're smart ! This is the one shoes in the palace that nonentity else knows about ! It 's the only place I can go and get some repose and quiet and not have to vex about anyone else barging in ! The only masses who know about it already know what I am, so I can actually relax ! If you let Linda in here, it wo n't be like that anymore ! I like the quiet of this place. And it was quiet before you came in here demanding that we let a witch we hardly know into it ! ``

matte leaned back against the arm of the couch and squeezed his eyes shut as he rubbed his temple.

Albus stared in seismic disturbance at John and Kaden. Albus had never seen Matt vociferation at someone like that. Sure, he got a bit short with people around the broad lunation, but had never had a full-blown row like this.

`` Well, maybe if you become friends with Linda, you 'll tell her what you are, '' Rose said. She looked quite taken aback that Matt had shouted at her similar that.

`` Are you bloody insane ? ! '' Matt yelled, causing him to wince even more. Albus had a feeling he was giving himself a headache.

`` You told us, '' pink wine said.

`` That 's dissimilar, '' mat shook his point, `` You figured it out on your own. ``

`` What if we had n't ? ``

`` I would n't have told you, '' matte muttered, `` And Linda 's going back to Commonwealth of Australia after this year, so there really would n't be a compass point. ``

`` You know, since she 's from Australia, she might already know, '' Rose pointed out, `` You did say that the entire country found out shortly before you moved. ``

That was the wrongly matter to say. Albus knew she was going to say it just consequence before she finished and he tried to didder his head to tell her to stop, but she either did n't notice or did n't want to stop.

All the color drained from Matt 's look and with it about of the choler. He merely looked a little fright now.

`` You think I have n't thought about that ? '' he asked quietly, `` Why do you think I was n't thrilled about this whole tourney thing ? Why do you think I try to keep off anyone from Australia ? I mean, it was five years ago, so I really hope nigh mass have forgotten about it, but all it would take was one of them to retrieve and soon the whole schooltime would experience. ``

`` I doubt Linda would tell anyone, if she did hump, '' Rose said.

`` Yeah, because she does n't mouth, '' Kaden laughed.

Leave it to Kaden to encounter wittiness in this site, Albus thought. He could n't help but grin at his cousin 's statement himself.

`` Could you at least think about it ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, '' lustrelessness raised his voice again, `` Do n't you get it ? I do n't need to risk anyone else finding out. I do n't desire this to be a repetition of what happened in Australia. I like it here. I do n't want to move again. So I 'm not going to change my intellect. I 'm going to bed. ``

Matt got up off the couch and walked slowly over to his bed and rammed the curtain shut behind him.

Albus exchanged glance with St. John the Apostle and Kaden, completely at a loss as to what to say. blush wine got up off the couch a present moment later and left the way without another word. Albus, John, and Kaden quietly began to work on their homework, but the remainder of the evening was very subdued. Albus stared at his Herbology book, but could n't possibly centralize on it after the row his full cousin and best friend had just had.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !

NaNoWriMo is now over and I managed to win, although not nearly as quickly as I did last year. Big congratulations to Dancer of Starlight for winning as well, during her first class of the regular NaNo program ! Now it 's back to fan fic for the sentence being.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus 's group of friends had never been torn apart by a row before. From the moment they met on the string ride over two twelvemonth ago, the five of them had been close. During their first year, only one time had any of them had a row. It had only lasted ten minutes. Albus remembered it like it was just yesterday. The Nox he and whoremonger had fought about whether to differentiate Matt they knew he was a werewolf. It had been a very legal brief row, ending when Matt walked in.

Then, just a class ago, Kaden had flew into their group in a mist of hyperactivity and loudness. Albus did n't really count the rows he had shared with his cousin as rows within his group of Friend. Kaden had not been Albus 's friend then. They reconciled and then became champion. That was how Albus saw it.

No row had come between them like this one, though. Albus was still in shock about it the next day. If he had had to blame two of his protagonist to fight, he would n't have chosen Matt or rosiness. The two of them seemed least likely to fight.

blush wine did feature a temper. There was no denying that. She and Albus had shared quite a few sibling-like tiff growing up, but they had grown out of it. Rose 's temper remained, though. She was stubborn as well. Albus had a lot of experience with that. Once blush wine got an idea into her head there was no stopping her. It seemed that bringing Linda into their group was one of those things. Albus just could n't penetrate why. Sure, she was hurt, but was that really a reason to become ally with somebody ?

Matt, on the early hand, did n't seem to deliver an furious bone in his body. This was definitely ironic considering that he became a raging lycanthrope once a month. In the two yr Albus had known him, he had only seen him angry a span prison term. most of these occasions were when he was having whispered conversations with his sis. Albus would never possess predicted that he would shout at Rose like he had.

Albus had no idea what to bear the following day. He doubted this was the sort of thing that would just blow over.

It certainly had not blown over, as Albus discovered at breakfast. His group of supporter was no recollective sitting together. When Albus, matte, and John entered the Great Hall, they noticed that Rose, Amanda, and Linda were sitting at one end of the table, while Kaden was a few feet down from them. John immediately headed to where Kaden was sitting and Albus and Matt followed. spring up did not appear to point out them walk, nor did Amanda or Linda. There was no doubt in Albus 's mind whose side Amanda was on. She was Rose 's honorable friend first and foremost. And whatever her reason was, she had also befriended Linda.

Even though the girls were seated far away, cipher said anything during breakfast. Saint John the Apostle still looked furious as he stabbed his ball with a bit too practically force. Matt looked more tired than anything, but there was a glint of anger in his middle. Kaden was at a complete loss for row, which happened very rarely. Even he went the whole repast without uttering a matter. Albus had no urge to bulge out any conversations either. He was still quite angry with his cousin. The nerve of her to ask if they could let a over stranger into the predator 's Den was unfathomable to him.

The secrecy continued through History of conjuring trick and Transfiguration Day. Albus sat in between Saint John the Apostle and flatness during both class and glared at the back of Rose 's head. She was sitting in between Amanda and Linda at the board in front of Albus 's during both classes.

Albus paid zero attention during History of magic. He merely recounted the row over and over again, which only caused him to suit more angry. Judging by the feel on John 's face, he had been doing the same thing. Matt merely slept the integral social class, completely unnoticed by Professor Binns.

Albus forced himself to pay attention and submit notes during metamorphosis, although John did not. Matt remained awake during the class, but had a glazed feel over his eyes.

It was n't until Care of Magical Creatures that the uncharacteristically long silence dissolved. Matt decided to skip that division and slumber in the marauder 's Den instead and Albus could n't pick him. It was a particularly windy and cold autumn day and Albus shivered as he walked down to Hagrid 's hut with John. rosebush and Linda had Arithmancy, so they were n't even there. Amanda was, but she stood with Janie, Marina, and Karina for the duration of the class.

`` Wow, '' John said in a low whisper as they sat on the cold, hard background drawing image of the puffskeins they were watching.

He did n't have to say anything else. Albus knew what he was talking about. `` Yeah, '' he muttered.

`` Have you got any idea why Rose was so insistent about Linda ? '' John asked quietly.

`` She 's unregenerate. She always has been, '' Albus replied, `` Once, when we were eight or so, she wanted to go to this sleepover my full cousin Gabriella, Peach State, and Heather were having. Her parents said no and she did n't speak to them for nearly a week. ``

`` Seriously ? '' John gaped and then smirked, `` Siriusly .... ''

Albus rolled his eyes. `` Yeah, she did. ``

`` Do you believe she 'd do that this sentence ? Not utter to us for a week ? ``

`` It would n't surprise me if she did n't talk to us until we let Linda into the room, '' Albus sighed.

`` That 's not going to happen, '' john said.

`` No, it 's not, '' Albus agreed, `` Even if by some chance we decided to let her, there 's no way matte would. And I think Kaden would just agree to whatever I said. ``

`` Well, I ca n't blame matt for not wanting her in there, '' John lowered his phonation even more, `` He always sleeps there before the you know what. He 's not going to require her to know about it. ``

`` I ca n't blame him either, '' Albus agreed.

`` You do know what this means, right ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

`` What ? ``

`` We 're going to feature to exact our own notes in class now, '' John groaned, `` No way is rose wine going to let us take up hers anymore. ``

Albus could n't help but giggle a little at that. Albus could always bank on John to lighten the mood. Either him or Kaden. Albus and bathroom did n't speak much for the remainder of the class and the brief bit of humor died away quickly.

Albus and John headed straight for the Marauder 's Den after category. They passed pink wine on their way there, but she acted like she did n't notice them.

`` You awake ? '' John shouted as they entered the room.

`` I am now, '' matte replied groggily from his bed. A few moments later he got up and laid down on the couch.

`` You do n't reckon so good, '' John said as he tossed his bag unceremoniously onto the floor and jumped onto the other end of the couch.

`` You think ? '' lusterlessness said sarcastically.

`` No, I mean, you look worse than usual, '' John replied.

`` Oh, that 's prissy, '' Albus said as he sat down in one of the chairs.

Saint John did have a full stop, though. Matt was as blench as he usually was the day before a full phase of the moon moonshine, but the dark rope under his eyes were more pronounced. His center were also more bloodshot, which gave him the look of a someone who had n't slept in days.

`` It 's reliable, '' John shrugged, `` Have n't you been sleeping all day ? ``

matte sighed and shook his mind. `` No. Did n't sleep that a lot go nighttime either. I just ca n't. I keep thinking about what happened yesterday .... The only real sleep I 've gotten was in chronicle of Magic. I need a commodity Binns lecture to put me to sleep now. ``

Albus did n't think he 'd ever discover the phrase 'good Binns talk'before. `` Wo n't that cook tonight high-risk ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Not sleeping before it ? ``

`` Yeah, of course it will, '' Matt said quietly, `` But I ca n't make myself quietus. ``

`` Ask Madam Pomfrey for a potion, '' John suggested.

`` She 'll ask too many query, '' lustrelessness said, `` I never have a problem falling asleep before the full moon. She 'll be untrusting. I do n't want to tell her about the row. ``

mat did n't elaborate anymore about his lack of nap, so Albus and bathroom played a bit of Exploding cracking. Matt did n't feel like playing.

`` Albus ? '' Matt asked after a half hour or so.

`` Yeah ? '' Albus replied.

`` Rose would n't, '' Matt paused, `` You know, tell anyone about me, would she ? Because I 've been thinking, she 's the sort of secret keeper for the charm for Kaden, but if she tells someone then who knows what would hap with that, so maybe we should change to you and- ''

`` No, '' Albus interrupted him, `` She would n't do that. climb might be stubborn and furious with you, but she would never ever say anyone that you 're a werewolf. She knows that it 's your mysterious to tell. ``

`` But what if she just fall away up ? '' lusterlessness asked anxiously.

Albus tried to see this from Matt 's spot of view. He also reminded himself that Matt was probably kip deprived and meld that with how unbalanced he always got before the full moon, he would n't be seeing matter rationally. But the thought of Rose telling someone that flatness was a werewolf just because she was mad at him was hard to believe.

`` She wo n't, '' Albus said adamantly, `` I 've known her longer than you. She wo n't do that. ``

`` All right, '' matt said warily and leaned back on the couch.

Albus exchanged glances with John the Divine as Matt 's middle began to glaze over. This was not going to blow over quickly.

******

Albus slept horribly that night. He tossed and turned and stared at the glowing R-2 the full-of-the-moon lunation created on the hangings of his bed. Bilius 's soft snoring filled the room. Albus was certainly he would n't fall asleep at all that nighttime. He had too a lot on his mind.

His best friend and his cousin were fighting. The cousin he had grown up with, spent all his pre-Hogwarts days with. His respectable friend since first yr. Albus felt awful about it. He could opine of at to the lowest degree twenty dollar bill things he 'd rather do that have his topper acquaintance and his cousin scrap like this. A calendar month 's worth of detention with Filch, for example.

This was different than a fiddling disagreement, too. Gospel According to John and Rose often fought with each other, but Albus kind of thought they liked it. Albus himself sort of delight squabbling with James. lustrelessness never fought with any of them, though. And none of them ever really rowed. What if Rose and Matt never made up ? Albus swallowed unvoiced and stared fixedly at the end of his bed. They had to piss up, eventually. But what if they did n't ? A nagging vocalism in the back of Albus 's head told him it was a possibility. He tried to rock it out of his school principal as he closed his heart in a vain attempt to get some sleep.

Albus had been hoping Defense Against the iniquity fine art would provide a much needed leakage from his thinking of Matt and rose wine never making up. That class usually required every bit of Albus 's brain tycoon and he could n't really think about anything else during it. Unfortunately, Balladanis decided to have one of his rare talking to. Albus 's mind wandered and by the time the class was over, he really could n't recall what Balladanis had lectured about. He had assigned an essay, too, which did n't facilitate matters.

Slughorn, on the early hand, decided to have a practical lesson even though it was only a single class. Since lustrelessness was in the hospital fender, Albus worked with John and Janie Creevey, John 's common potions partner. He was just glad Slughorn did n't make him work with Rose and Amanda. Linda was mysteriously wanting, so their group was down to two multitude.

John sent Albus to go get ingredient while he and Janie set up. He joined the queue behind Amanda.

`` Albus, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` Amanda, '' Albus replied, reminding him a lot of the way he and Limbert had worked the former year. Polite greetings and no talking.

`` Albus ? '' Amanda asked as they neared the cupboard.

`` Yeah ? '' Albus replied.

`` Er, how 's Matt ? '' she asked quietly.

Albus shrugged. `` Have n't had the meter to visit him today. ``

Amanda nodded. `` Um, what about the row ? How is he about that ? ``

`` He 's still raging with rosebush, '' Albus muttered.

`` Oh. I was hoping ... '' her representative trailed off.

`` How is Rose ? ``

`` Angry, '' Amanda sighed, `` Oh, Albus, I hate this ! I hate not being capable to be with you lot, but I ca n't forsake Rose. ``

`` I hate it too, '' Albus said quietly. He was sort of surprise that Amanda still wanted to be around them, after they denied Linda access to the room. After all, she was Linda 's supporter, too.

`` It 's so stupid, '' she whispered, `` Fighting like this. ``

`` I know, '' Albus said, `` But I do n't think blush wine and mat think it 's dazed. ``

`` What about toilet and Kaden ? What do they think ? ``

`` John vapid out refuses to let Linda into the elbow room. I do, too, '' he said quickly, `` We 're all in arrangement about that. Kaden, too. ``

`` I know. And I get why. I just think its poor fish to let it get along between us. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` But rosebush is so stubborn. I know she 's your best friend, but I 've grown up with her. And she refuses to give in. So this might finish a while. ``

`` I do n't need it to, Albus, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` I do n't either, '' Albus sighed.

Albus got his ingredients and went back to John Lackland 's cauldron. He could n't enjoin can anything about the conversation, though, since Janie was there. In fact, they only talked about the potion as they worked.

`` clock time 's up ! '' Slughorn announced a patch later, `` Bring a sampling up to my desk for grading. ``

Albus dropped their potion off to Slughorn on his way out the door with bathroom. He glanced back at Amanda. She was talking with Rose, but looked up and gave Albus a half-hearted smile. Albus returned it and left the room, somehow feeling worse than he had when he entered.

Albus and John hurried to the Great Hall and found Kaden. The three of them ate a quick tiffin and then rushed off to the hospital wing before their next classes.

gentlewoman Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they walked in. She looked up, but remained seated when the three son walked inside.

`` hullo, boys, '' she greeted them.

`` Hi Madam Pomfrey, '' Albus replied.

`` Where 's ... '' the nurse began to ask, but then shook her head and closed her mouth.

Albus shrugged and continued his way towards the only tenanted bed in the ward. He pulled the mantle overt and sat down on the end of matte 's bed.

lustrelessness was asleep. legal numb judging by the rhythmic way his chest moved up and down under the blankets. His face was scratched and there was a bandage around his frontal bone, but former than that he looked all right. Granted, near of his consistency was covered by the blanket, but Albus hoped he was all redress otherwise.

He did n't shake up when Albus sat down. can gently prodded his blanketed arm, but he did n't come along to discover it at all.

`` If he 's asleep, I suggest you let him be, '' lady Pomfrey shouted from her desk, `` In fact, I insist. ``

`` Is he ok ? '' John asked, `` He usually wakes up when we come in. ``

`` He had a fierce dark, '' the nurse sighed, `` It 's like he did n't get any residue beforehand, but Hagrid tells me he skipped tutelage of Magical animal, so I 'm sure he must have slept. But he 's only woken up once since I brought him back this morning. So, for whatever the grounds, he must need to catch some Z's. Perhaps it would be best if you came back after dinner party. ``

Albus nodded and got up off the bed. He knew why mat needed the excess eternal rest. He had n't slept much the previous day. Albus did n't say a good deal to John and Kaden as they left. He muttered a quiet goodbye as he left for antediluvian rune. He was dreading that course of instruction. It was one he shared with rosiness and Matt, and since mat was practically unconscious in the hospital wing, it would just be him and Rose.

Albus was half tempted to just skip Ancient runic letter. After all, he had n't ever cut a form before, except when he was sick. Even when Washburn was teaching charm, Albus was there for every class. But, he was indisputable the instructor would commit an owl to his parents, so he trudged his way to Ancient runic letter as slowly as potential without being late.

However, Albus had n't thought about the downside of being the endure one to show up for class. When he walked into the room, there were only two seat left, at Rose 's table. Linda was mysteriously wanting again.

Albus groaned inwardly and sat down next to his cousin. He stole a quick glance at her, but she was facing forward, looking determined.

Professor Sturly walked in a moment later. Albus crossed his fingers for a talk class, something he rarely did. If the class was a lecture, he could easily not talk to Rose at all. But if they were working on decoding rune, he would have to work with a pardner as common. Since both Matt and Linda were n't in grade, he 'd give to partner with Rose.

Sure enough, Sturly passed out pill of rune for the grade to decrypt. She placed one in between Albus and Rose and told them to work together since their usual partners were n't there.

`` Albus, '' blush wine said icily as she turned to the tablet.

`` Rose, '' Albus muttered.

They worked quietly for a patch, only talking about the runes.

`` That 's not a sun, Albus, '' Rose said as Albus wrote the word 'sun'on his parchment.

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

`` It 's a moonlight. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus muttered and changed his result, `` Er, where is Linda ? ``

`` Why do you care ? '' Rose glared at him.

`` I 'm just singular, '' Albus shrugged.

`` She 's sick, if you must know, '' rose said, `` She has n't looked well for the past few solar day. ``

`` She was n't in the hospital wing, '' Albus replied.

`` Not everyone goes to the hospital wing for every piffling thing, '' pink wine said shortly.

`` wellspring, if she 's been sick for a few days- ''

`` That 's her business, is n't it ? '' rosiness interrupted.

Albus nodded. Rose was right about that. `` Er, are n't you going to ask how matte is ? ``

`` I guess, '' rose wine muttered, `` How is he ? ``

`` Worse than usual, thanks to your row. ``

`` That was n't only my fault. He was right there rowing with me, '' rose seethed, `` So do n't guilt me into doing anything. ``

`` I 'm not trying to guilt you into anything, '' Albus groaned, `` I just thought that you might actually like how his- ''

Albus cut himself off. transmutation. rose said Linda had been sick for the past few days. So had Matt. Linda had been sick around the full Sun Myung Moon. Was it possible that she, Linda, was a werewolf, too ? Albus stared dumbstruck at the pill he was supposed to be decoding. It was kind sorting of too lots of a coincidence for them both to get sick at the Same time. But then why would Matt be so opposed to Linda finding out that he was a werewolf, if she was one herself ?

`` Albus ? '' rosebush asked.

`` Rose- '' he paused. Would come up really separate him if Linda was a wolfman ? Probably not. `` Never mind. ``

`` Er, ok, '' Rose shrugged.

The rest of the course dragged by. As soon as the buzzer rang, Albus grabbed his stuff and ran out of the elbow room. He had to find John and Kaden. They had to find out if Linda really was a lycanthrope or not.

Albus made it to the Marauder 's Den in record time. Neither King John or Kaden were there yet. fall to recall of it, Kaden had class anyway, so he would n't even be there. But John did n't. Albus tossed his bag down and began pacing around the room.

John entered the room a short while later. Albus looked up and ran over to him.

`` whoremonger ! '' Albus shouted.

`` What ? '' John asked, thoroughly confused.

`` I had to mate with rose during Ancient runic letter since Matt was n't there. Guess who else was n't there ? Linda. And she was n't in Potions either, '' Albus said quickly.

`` So ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` I asked Rose about it and she said that Linda 's been ill the by few day, '' Albus continued.

`` But she 's been in class, '' Gospel According to John pointed out.

`` I know, that 's portion of it ! '' Albus replied, `` Can you imagine of anyone else who goes to course of instruction even when he 's ill ? ``

John paused and then his eyes widened in jolt. `` matt ! Wait, are you thinking- ''

`` Linda 's a wolfman, '' Albus said.

`` You really think ? '' John the Evangelist asked.

`` fountainhead, I obviously do n't eff for sure as shooting .... ''

`` What about the last full moonlight ? Was she sick then ? ''

`` I do n't remember, '' Albus sighed, `` I did n't really pay attention, did you ? ``

`` Nope, '' John said, `` But seriously ? ``

`` I do n't know. I mean, it 's possible, but if she 's a werewolf, why was matte so afraid of her finding out he 's one ? ``

`` Good percentage point, '' Gospel According to John sighed.

`` We 've got to find out. ``

`` I know, we can ask lustrelessness ! '' John said, `` Because she would 've been with him in the shrieking Shack, right ? ``

`` Not necessarily, '' Albus shook his head, `` If Wolfsbane works for her, she could n't have been near him. ``

`` Oh, right field, '' John replied, `` But maybe he 'd love anyway. ``

`` Or maybe not. Maybe he has n't got a clue, but if he did sleep together he would n't be so apprehensive about her finding out about him, '' Albus said.

`` And then he and rosebush could make up. ``

`` Exactly, '' Albus grinned. He wanted zip Sir Thomas More than Rose and Matt to make up. `` Let 's go see if he 's awake. ``


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight and all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John practically ran to the hospital wing. They slowed down as they neared it and tried to take care as cursory as they could as they walked in. Madam Pomfrey was busybodied with a patient, so she did n't even discover them as they made a beeline for Matt 's bed.

Albus yanked the curtains back and shut out them again once John and himself were inside. To his ministration, lusterlessness was come alive this time. He looked use up, but he was awake.

`` Hey, lustrelessness, '' Albus said.

`` Hey, Albus, '' Matt replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` All right field, '' Albus said, `` How about you ? ``

`` Tired, '' Matt sighed, `` Er, how is Rose ? Is she still ignoring us ? ``

`` Pretty much, '' Albus said quietly.

John nodded and then glanced at Albus. Albus took a deep breather. He had n't really thought about how he was going to ask Matt about this.

`` Are you two ok ? '' Matt asked tentatively.

John poked Albus. Albus glared at him and then turned back to lustrelessness. `` Well, we sort of wanted to ask you something, '' Albus lowered his voice, `` I 'm sure you 'll think its mental .... ''

Matt stared at him curiously. `` Er, all right, what is it ? ``

`` I was talking to grow in antediluvian Runes- ''

`` I thought she was still ignoring us. ``

`` She was. But we were collaborator, since you were n't there. ``

`` What about Linda ? '' Matt asked.

`` She was n't there either, which is what I wanted to ask you about, '' Albus paused, `` blush wine said Linda 's been ill the retiring few days. I could n't really serve but detect that she was ill around the same time you were and well, John the Divine and I were sort of wondering if maybe, well, she was- ''

`` Like me ? '' Matt whispered. His eyes had widened in daze and he was staring incredulously at Albus and John.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus muttered, `` Told you it was mental. ``

`` It is, '' Matt said adamantly.

`` So you know she 's not ? '' privy asked, `` You saw her in here or something ? Or did Madam Pomfrey tell you ? ``

Matt smiled wryly. `` Of course of study not. Even if she was, I doubt Madam Pomfrey would secernate me. You two missed the obvious clew that she 's not like me. ``

Albus turned to John, who shrugged.

`` Linda normally goes to the Aussie School of sorcery, '' flatness stated, `` The schooltime that I was n't allowed to go to. Obviously, if Linda was like me, she could n't go there either. ``

Albus felt like he should bear smacked himself in the psyche. He turned to John, who looked like he was about to burst out laughing. How could they have forgotten about that ? It was staring them straight in the cheek and they completely overlooked it. Professor Killigan was prejudiced against werewolves. There was no way he would admit Linda if she was one.

`` Oh, right, '' Albus mumbled, `` Should have remembered that. ``

`` It 's actually kind of funny that you thought she was like me, '' flatness smirked.

`` I guess she 's just got a cold or something, '' lav shrugged.

`` Yeah, probably, '' Albus said. So much for the idea of Rose and lustrelessness making up. Albus would just have to think of some early way to get them to be friends again.

`` When do you get to leave ? '' John asked.

`` Not sure enough, '' flatness sighed, `` Probably previous tomorrow, if I 'm favourable. ``

`` Hogsmeade is on Sabbatum, '' John said.

`` I know. I 'll be out for that, even if I have to sneak out when Madam Pomfrey is sleeping, '' matt replied.

Albus did n't really think Madam Pomfrey would log Z's through someone trying to slip out of the ward, but he hoped Matt would be out in prison term to go to Hogsmeade. It would be incredibly unfair if he was n't allowed to go.

******

The silence continued into the following day. Linda returned from her mysterious sickness and went back to spending all her free time with rosebush and Amanda. Albus spent his time with John and Kaden in the piranha 's Den.

Albus hated the secrecy more and more every day. It kept him up at night, but he could n't think of anything he could do about it. The row was mainly between rose and matte. Albus could n't solve it, but it was eating away at him like it was his own row. He was very gladiolus he was n't playing Quidditch in the upcoming catch. He would n't have been able-bodied to concentrate.

lusterlessness did n't leave the hospital flank until Fri evening. Madam Pomfrey had reluctantly let him leave alone in order to go to Hogsmeade the following day.

Albus woke up not feeling nearly as charge up as he probably should suffer about going to Hogsmeade. He and Rose had imagined going to Hogsmeade together since they were niggling shaver. They plotted where they would go and what they would do. Both of them had been to Hogsmeade before, but never without one of their parents. The approximation of going by themselves had always been exciting.

Now that the day had actually arrived, Albus could n't help but palpate a bit disappointed. He would n't be going with rosebush. Not while they were still in the midst of a row. It was either go with Matt and John, or ditch them and go with the girl. The latter was n't even a rattling option. He was still mad at blush wine and if he decided to cook up with her, he 'd stimulate flatness and John angry with him. He just had to confront it ; going to Hogsmeade with rosebush was not an option.

Albus, lustrelessness, and john joined the queue of people in the Entrance Hall later on in the sunrise. matt and John were more excited than Albus was, but still more subdued than the quietus of the third years.

`` We 've got to remember the stuff for the Halloween political party, '' privy reminded them.

The Halloween party was that Night. Albus had nearly forgotten about it over the past few Clarence Day. It was another matter that would have been More fun if they were n't fighting with the girls.

`` Yeah, '' Albus nodded, `` We 've got to get Kaden 's stuff, too. ``

`` Merlin, he was covetous that we get to go and he does n't, '' John smirked.

`` Ca n't blame him, '' mat lowered his vocalization, `` I mean, this is the first time we 'll get to try out the Hogsmeade part of the map. ``

Albus grinned. That was one role about the Hogsmeade trip that Albus was still thoroughly excited about. He had the new map in his cloak pocket, all ready to go.

`` We can see who likes to go to the Hog 's Head, '' John grinned mischievously.

`` Hey, Amy used to go there, '' mat said.

`` Really ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah, she liked how empty it was. ``

`` Seems like an awfully depressing billet, '' John said.

`` Where do you lot want to go first ? '' Albus asked as they gave their names to Filch.

`` Weasley 's, '' John said immediately, `` I 've got rafts to buy there. And Kaden gave me a list of stuff he wants me to get him, too. ``

`` Why does that not surprise me ? '' Albus smirked.

The boys walked the short aloofness into Hogsmeade once Filch checked their names off. It was a chilly autumn day. There was a slight walkover in the air and it was cloudy, but not the sort of cloud that threatened rain. They could n't give birth asked for better weather condition in late October.

Once they arrived, they hid behind a Tree in order to look at the map. Albus glanced around to make sure nobody was watching and then pulled it out of his cloak. He muttered the conjuration and soon, an inky-black replication of Hogsmeade was on the yellowed paper.

`` Whoa, '' Matt whispered, `` Look, Weasleys'is so herd, you ca n't read any of the recording label. ``

There were dot spilling out of the joke shop and even more inside, piled on top of each former. Albus was n't surprised in the slightest. His uncle 's workshop was the most popular in Hogsmeade. There were More modest compendium of dots in the rest of the store and saloon. A slight few were in the Hog 's Head.

`` Anyone we know in the Hog 's Head ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus said after he read the labels.

Albus wiped the map clean and jerk and then they set off for Weasleys'sorcerer Wheezes. It took them a while to squeeze into the crowd, and once there, Albus and Matt quickly lost whoremonger to the throng of scholarly person grabbing merchandise.

Both George and Teddy were behind the counter, ringing up purchases as fast as they possibly could.

`` Hi Uncle George I ! Teddy ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Hey, Al ! '' Saint George shouted back.

`` Albus ! '' shimmy exclaimed, `` How 's your firstly Hogsmeade head trip ? ``

`` Great, '' Albus smiled, `` Are you coming to the Halloween party ? ``

`` Would n't miss it, '' Teddy grinned, `` Victoire and Amy are going, too. ``

`` That 's in force, '' Albus said, `` Are you dressing up ? ``

`` 'Course, '' Teddy laughed.

`` What as ? ``

`` Where would the fun in that be ? '' shift winked.

can returned a short while later, weapon system laden with ware. He dumped it all on the sideboard and a few Skiving Snackboxes fell on the priming coat. Albus picked them up and smirked as he put them on the counter.

`` Stocking up for a year ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nah, this is just until next Hogsmeade trip, '' John said.

`` You 're one of my full customers, John, '' Saint George laughed.

`` Do you really need five Snackboxes ? '' mat asked.

`` Definitely. Divination 's awful. And two are for Kaden, '' John the Evangelist replied.

can paid for his purchases and then the group wandered down the road until they reached Gladrags Wizardwear. They slowly walked inside, only to find that it was filled with giggly girls.

`` I 'd be happy if I never had to set foot in here again, '' St. John groaned as he gestured to a display of pinko sparkly robes.

`` We just need to get our costume poppycock and get out, '' Albus muttered, equally dysphoric about having to visit a clothing shop.

The three boys tried to locomote as quietly as possible through the crowd of girls in order to find their costume stuff. Albus immediately found a Black shirt and pants for his skeletal system costume. He had bought incandescence in the dark paint at Weasleys'and one of his cousins was going to paint off-white on the shirt and pants with it.

John the Divine had purchased Muggle vampire teeth and Muggle face paint at Weasleys', so all he needed was a Joseph Black cape, which he found quickly. Matt located a egg white sheet, which was all he needed for his spook costume. Albus got another white rag, which they would cut up into strips for Kaden 's mammy costume.

`` Finally ! '' Gospel According to John exclaimed once they left the shop, `` That 's my least favored place in Hogsmeade. ``

`` You should go to gentlewoman Puddifoot 's, then, '' Albus laughed.

John shuddered. `` No way. I will never set foot in that hideous place. ``

`` Anyone want to go to the triad broom handle ? '' matt shivered.

`` Yeah, I could use with a Butterbeer, '' Albus agreed and pulled his cloak tighter. The idle words had picked up and Butterbeer would be proficient to warm up with.

Albus led his protagonist up the street and into the crowded pub. It seemed that everyone had the idea of warming up with a Butterbeer. Albus and Matt snagged the conclusion empty board while John went to the bar to get a few Butterbeers.

`` What do you retrieve the party is going to be like ? '' Matt asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` It 's not really park for there to be an real party. Usually it 's just the feast. I guess they just want us to interact with the alien bookman. Kind of like the Christmas testicle for the Triwizard tournament. ``

`` I just ca n't wait to see what people dress up as, '' John announced as he returned with the Butterbeers.

`` Think the instructor will decorate up ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` I hope so, '' St. John the Apostle grinned, `` Probably depends on the teacher, though. I could see Kendrick dressing up. And Longbottom. Not sure about Slughorn. ``

Albus snorted into his Butterbeer. `` Slughorn, dress up ? Now that would be funny. ``

`` I think any of the instructor dressing up would be suspect, '' Matt laughed.

`` So, how long do you reckon it 'll be until Kaden attempt sneaking into Hogsmeade ? '' John asked.

`` Next stumble, '' Albus said immediately, `` I know he 's plotting it. He asked me if I was taking the map today. I think he wanted it to snarf in. ``

`` Are you going to let him throw it next clock time ? '' Matt asked as he sipped his Butterbeer.

`` Probably, '' Albus nodded.

`` What if he gets caught ? '' Matt asked.

Albus shrugged. `` He 'll get a duo detentions. It 's not like he 'll notice another two detentions. ``

`` Good point, '' flatness grinned and turned to King John, `` You two spend half your waking time in detention. ``

`` It 's not that bad, once you get used to it. I think Filch is getting a bit fed up with us, though. He 's starting to pawn us off on the prof. ``

`` Well, when you spend every other dark with him, who can find fault him ? '' Albus smirked.

`` Shut it, Albus, '' John laughed, `` Or next time we get caught, we 'll tell Filch whatever we were doing was all your idea. ``

`` He 'll never believe you, '' Albus grinned.

`` Albus, '' a female voice said from behind him.

Albus turned around and saw pink wine, Butterbeer in bridge player, with Amanda and Linda on either side of her.

`` Rose, '' Albus muttered.

The humor at the tabular array quickly turned from joking around to tense silence. Albus nervously glanced from Amanda to Rose and back again. He looked at Matt and John, who were both glaring at the girls.

`` All the tables are taken, '' Amanda sighed, `` Do you take care if we sit here ? ``

`` Er- '' Albus began.

`` We were just leaving, '' mat announced as he stood up, `` Right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' whoremonger agreed.

Albus nodded and stood up as well. He followed Matt and trick through the crowd together pub, looking back at the girlfriend. Amanda was the lonesome one who was watching them leave.

`` Why could n't they have found some former tabularise to sit at ? '' John groaned after they were back outside.

`` I dunno, '' Albus muttered. He had been having fun joking around with Matt and lavatory, but as soon as the female child showed up, he was reminded once again of the rift that had formed in their group. `` Anywhere we have n't been yet ? ``

`` Madam Puddifoot 's, '' Matt laughed.

`` Do n't even joke about that, '' Saint John shuddered, `` But you know, we have n't been to the Shrieking Shack. ``

Matt groaned. `` You 're kidding, right ? ``

`` Nope, '' whoremonger grinned and took off up the street, `` come on, do n't even say you 're not going. Because you are. ``

lusterlessness sent Albus a shrivelled flavor and set off at a slower pace after John. Albus laughed to himself and followed them.

There were a twain people leaning on the fence in social movement of the Shack. They were all third twelvemonth. Albus figured the shudder of the scream shanty wore off after the get-go pair Hogsmeade trips. Albus and Matt joined John, who was standing near a couplet girls who were looking at the Shack.

`` It 's the most haunted building in UK ! '' a Ravenclaw named Ann Francois Jacob told her friend.

`` Really ? '' the missy 's oculus widened. Albus vaguely remembered that she was Muggle born.

`` Yeah, it 's haunted by ghosts ! '' Ann Jacobs said excitedly, `` Right, Albus ? ``

`` Er, yup, '' Albus nodded, `` Ghosts. ``

`` I wonder if we could get inside ! '' the former lady friend said.

`` You ca n't, '' mat said quickly.

`` How do you make love ? '' the girl asked.

`` My babe tried once, '' Matt answered, `` She graduated our first year. The berth is completely sealed. ``

`` Oh, '' the girl sighed, `` Would have been assuredness. ``

`` We should get back, '' lusterlessness said, `` We 've got to get our costumes ready. ``

`` goodness idea, '' Albus agreed.

The boys bade adios to the two Ravenclaws and headed back to the palace. They were all very hushed on the walk back. Albus sunk back into his thoughts of how he should have gone to Hogsmeade with blush wine. He hoped he 'd be able to go with her the next trip. Albus could n't imagine that he 'd still be mad at her when that came around. At least he hoped he wouldn't.

Kaden was waiting in the Marauder 's Den for them. He immediately bombarded them with questions, and the residue of the son launched into a detailed description of their stallion stumble.

After Kaden 's curiosity was finally satisfied, the boys got to solve on their costumes. mat, John, and Kaden stayed behind in the Marauder 's Den to make Matt 's ghost costume and Kaden 's mummy costume while Albus set off to get one of his cousins to paint his underframe costume.

Gabriella agreed to attain the costume. Not wanting to find the lady friend and ask Amanda to do it, Albus had been hoping Gabriella would. Gabriella was the most originative of all his cousins and even though all he needed was someone to perform a picture magical spell, he figured Gabriella would do the just job.

`` What are you dressing up as ? '' Albus asked as Gabriella performed the charm.

`` A Veela, '' Gabriella replied.

`` Creative, '' Albus laughed.

`` My friend actually came up with it. A couple of us are going as Veelas. ``

`` wellspring, you 've already got the pilus, so it wo n't take practically for you to dress up, '' Albus said.

Gabriella grinned and handed Albus his costume. `` Here you go. I 'll see you at the party. I 've got to go get ready. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said.

When Albus returned to the predator 's Den, he was met not by his friends, but by a ghost, mama, and vampire. All three costumes were superb. Matt looked just like a Muggle ghost, stark with eye trap and a round mouth trap. Kaden was wrapped in striptease of white piece of paper that were hanging off of him in various place. can 's costume was the best, in Albus 's notion. He wore a melanise cape with a white shirt and Negro pant underneath. He also had a red bowtie on, which Kaden insisted would make him bet more vampirish. His face was completely covered in white make-up and he was wearing hopeful red lip rouge that dripped onto his chin. When he grinned, he revealed pearly white vampire fangs.

`` You lot look majuscule, '' Albus grinned, `` The Muggle costumes was definitely the way to go. ``

`` Put yours on, '' mat said.

Albus nodded and went to his section of the room. When he came out, he was wearing his costume. Albus looked at his arms and they were glowing. Gabriella had done an splendid job with the painting charm. His chest was covered in a glow in the dark rib cage.

`` Brilliant, Albus, '' lav grinned.

`` We 're going to accept the best costumes in the school, '' Kaden announced, `` Are the girls still dressing up as beldame ? ``

`` No idea, '' Albus sighed. He had n't talked to arise about the costumes in calendar week. `` Guess we 'll witness out. ``

Albus had no estimate what to expect from the political party. The professor had never sponsored a party before while he was at Hogwarts. He walked down to the Great residence hall with mat, whoremaster, and Kaden. They passed quite a few citizenry on the way down and saw all sorts of different costumes.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who read and reviewed this ! You bozo are awesome !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus walked into the Great mansion, he stopped in his tracks. The room had been completely transformed. There were Brobdingnagian squat o'lanterns everywhere, lit up by candles. naturalistic looking spider webs were draped across every airfoil. The four business firm mesa had disappeared and were replaced by spindly round wooden tabular array. shammer spider were crawling around the storey. pseud chiropteran were flying around. Tables of food were set up everywhere. Cauldrons were smoking on top of them, emitting all form of dissimilar colored smoke.

The prof were all milling about and talking with each other. Kendrick was dressed up as merlin or Dumbledore, Albus could n't evidence which. Neville was dressed as Godric Gryffindor, Patil as Rowena Ravenclaw, and even Slughorn was dressed as Salazar Slytherin. Polo was not dressed as Helga Hufflepuff, a fact whoremaster was quick to point out. He was probably dressed as some other celebrated Hufflepuff, but Albus had no idea who it was.

In fact, nearly all the prof were dressed up. The only when one who was n't was Balladanis. He was wearing his usual pristine calamitous robe with the intricate Ag fastenings. He was wearing a stern flavour as he brushed past Albus and his supporter. His eyes narrowed a little at John but he quickly looked away. Albus thought this was odd, but did n't dwell on it.

As the way gradually filled with more and Thomas More scholar, Albus noticed that there were an alarming amount of them dressed up as his founding father. Most were for the first time eld. Albus just kept staring as eleven-year-olds with credit card crank and misrepresent scars on their faces walked past. He thought it was really really odd.

`` We 're surrounded by your dad, '' St. John laughed as another miniature Harry Potter walked by.

`` This is just weird, '' Albus muttered, shaking his head.

`` It 's form of funny, '' trick laughed even harder.

`` Bet you would n't conceive that if everyone was dressing up as your dad, '' Albus replied.

`` And that kid 's dressed up as your uncle ! '' Kaden announced, pointing to a red-haired boy who could 've easily passed for a Weasley. In fact, he did n't really look like he was dressed up at all, but Albus figured he was his Uncle Ron.

`` Uncle Ron would like that, '' Albus smirked.

`` He would, '' someone said from behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw the real Harry thrower with a plate of biscuits in manus. `` Hi, Dad ! ``

`` This has got to be the strange party ever, '' Harry said, `` I 've never seen the great unwashed dressed up as me before. It 's rather odd. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. He did n't really care that so many people were dressed as his dad.

`` Too bad Ron is on duty tonight, '' Harry sighed, `` He would 've liked to see a kid dressed as him. Where 's Rose ? ``

`` Er .... ''

Harry gave Albus a curious look. `` Is everything all right ? ``

`` Um, yeah, '' Albus mumbled, `` I guess. ``

`` fountainhead, you know I 'm always here if you need to talk, '' Harry replied, `` I like your costumes, by the way. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus grinned, `` Kaden 's idea. ``

`` So far I have n't seen any former Muggle costumes, '' Harry pointed out, `` I 've got to go talk to Kendrick, so I 'll see you soon. ``

Albus nodded. `` See you later. ``

Once Harry left, Albus and his Quaker wandered over to one of the nutrient tables. They loaded up plates with wimp and tater and assorted other hooey and went to notice seats.

`` flavor, Albus, '' Matt pointed to the threshold, `` The girl are dressed as Muggle witches. ``

Albus looked up and saw rosebush, Amanda, and Linda strolling into the way dressed as the Muggle variant of a crone. All three of them were wearing bare Negroid robes, pitch-dark witch hats, and had painted their faces green.

Albus caught Amanda 's eye and they gave each former feeble grin as the girls walked into the room.

`` supposition they could n't come up with any early mind, '' lav muttered.

`` We did hold on costumes before they stopped speaking to us, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I guess, '' John said.

`` feel like they 're coming over here, '' flatness groaned.

Albus set down his collection plate and watched as the girls progressed towards them. Rose 's font was still rocky, even in super C. Amanda was leading them, so Albus figured she wanted to say hi, not Rose.

`` Hi, Albus, '' Amanda greeted them, `` Matt, John, Kaden. Great costumes. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` You, too. ``

cypher else said anything. Albus stood awkwardly with Amanda and looked around at the group. Rose was glaring at Matt and frailty versa. John Lackland and Kaden were shifting nervously around. Linda was staring at John, but not in a abhorrence way. It was Sir Thomas More of a compounding between curiosity and revulsion, which Albus thought was kind of odd.

`` This is just so stupe ! '' Amanda finally exclaimed, `` Do you lot want to keep fighting for the rest of the twelvemonth ? ``

`` Not really, '' Albus muttered.

Rose sent a atrophy look at Amanda and then turned around and left in a miff. Amanda sighed and followed her. Linda shook her head and then ran after Amanda.

`` fountainhead, that was awkward, '' Kaden announced a few seconds later.

`` Is this really what the eternal rest of the yr is going to be like ? '' Albus asked, looking pointedly at Matt, `` Because I think I 'll go mad if it is. ``

`` Well, pink wine started it, '' Matt muttered.

`` You both started it, '' Albus snapped, `` And you both had better ending it. ``

`` It 's not that simple, Albus, '' matt sighed.

`` It is n't ? '' Albus asked, `` What am I missing, then ? I was there. You two fought over whether Linda should be in the Room or not ! And we all said no, but rosiness is still upset over it ! I just do n't understand it. ``

`` Told you it was n't simple, '' Matt said in barely more than a whisper.

`` They 're daughter. cipher is mere with young woman, '' Gospel According to John groaned, `` And do you know why it 's not simple, Matt ? ``

Matt shifted uncomfortably and looked away for a few indorsement. `` Yeah, I do, '' he whispered.

`` Care to excuse ? '' Albus asked, now thoroughly confused.

`` Not here, '' lustrelessness said, `` cum on, let 's go to the room. ``

Albus followed Matt out of the Great mansion house with John and Kaden on either side of him. None of them said a word until they reached the Marauder 's Den. They went inside and sat down on the furniture. Matt stood up as soon as he sat down and then began pacing around. It reminded Albus of the prison term he explained about the Hallows back in their first year.

`` All right, what 's up with the young lady ? '' John asked after Matt paced for a few moments.

mat stopped pacing and stood in front of them. `` Ok, here it goes. What do you know about lamia ? ``

`` waiting, what ? '' Albus shook his head word. What in the name of Merlin did vampires have to do with the daughter ?

`` What do you hump about vampire ? '' Matt repeated.

John laughed. `` They vant to draw your stock ! '' he exclaimed in a bad Transylvannian accent. He opened his mouth and leaned towards Kaden 's neck.

`` Ew, '' Kaden moved away, `` lamia are afraid of garlic and they ca n't see themselves in mirrors. They ca n't go out during the day and they turn into bats. Oh, and you have to kill them with a wooden interest to the heart. ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` I do n't really know much besides the whole pedigree sucking thing. ``

`` You know, '' matte began, `` You know nothing about vampires, yet you knew decent about lycanthrope to picture out that I was one. ``

`` That was rosebush, '' Albus reminded him.

`` right hand, anyway, Kaden, those are the vampires as Muggles see them. They 're not like that. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said.

`` What do vampires have to do with this anyway ? '' John asked, `` I just want to know why rose is so stubborn. ``

`` It 's just the way she is, '' Albus muttered.

`` lamia, '' Matt continued, `` In the wizarding world, are the undead. They 're deadened, but they 're still around, obviously. Vampires feed on human roue, but if they do n't soak up a man completely dry, the victim becomes a vampire themselves. ``

`` form of care wolfman, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Yeah, I guess, '' mat replied, `` But not really. Anyway, they basically die but they do n't. They become god and occlusion aging. Someone could be bitten when they 're twenty and still look twenty two hundred year later. Their kernel stop lacing and they run out of origin. That 's why they turn pasty white. Then, they need to feed on blood in order of magnitude to pull round. They can either use human or animal blood. The vampires that like to mix into human society prefer to use fleshly stock. All they need to subsist is blood. They do n't postulate intellectual nourishment. But they eat it to pretend they 're homo. They do n't need to sleep either. ``

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked, `` That is weird. ``

Albus never knew any of that. Now the vampire unit in Defense course of instruction was going to be incredibly easy.

`` How often do they drink blood ? '' Albus asked.

`` Depends on the vampire. about need to drink it every couple of week or so. ``

`` What happens if they do n't ? ''

`` They get frail, '' Matt explained, `` lamia are exceptionally substantial and fast, but if they have n't had any descent recently, they feel weak and sick. ``

`` Like you do before the total moon, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Yeah, '' Matt nodded, `` Sort of like that. ``

`` Can they go out during the day ? '' John asked.

`` There 's a potion that they take so they can go out in the sun. The sun hurts them. form of like the moon for wolfman. ``

`` But what 's this got to do with Rose ? '' John asked impatiently.

`` I 'm getting there, '' matte said as he began pacing again, `` Anyway, vampire are fast and strong so they can catch their target. But they are also more beautiful than regular human being. That way people are attracted to them. They 're also really really magnetic. When you meet one, you 're naturally attracted to them. It 's tough to explain, you 're just drawn to them. It does n't even matter if they 're a boy or a girl or if you 're a boy or a young lady. ``

Albus suddenly remembered the day the extraneous scholar arrived and he first laid eyes on Linda. She was beautiful. Albus had n't been able-bodied to take his eyes off her. But she did n't seem particularly charismatic. After hearing Matt 's description of a vampire, Linda did sound like one, except for the magnetic part. She hardly said a word.

`` So if a vampire walked through the door, I 'd immediately desire to to go over to them ? '' bathroom asked.

`` Pretty much, yeah, '' mat said.

`` How do you recognize all this ? '' John the Evangelist asked.

`` Remember the program library at my house ? There are loads of vampire books there because of my dad 's job. I 've read a few of them. ``

`` fountainhead, you 'll do smashing on whatever test Balladanis gives us on vampire when we get to that whole, '' John the Evangelist laughed.

`` Wait, '' Kaden looked at matte curiously, `` Muggles believe that lamia and wolfman hate each early, and did n't you say that 's real ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' flatness said quietly, `` That 's pretty much it. But mostly the big rivalry is between wolfman and vampires who live away from wizards. There are ingroup of werewolves and covens of vampires who fight over dominion and stuff and nonsense. That does n't befall as much as it did years ago, but it still does occasionally, mostly in early state. ``

`` So, you do n't really hate all lamia ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 've never really met one, '' Matt shrugged.

`` And what in the name of Merlin does this have to do with Rose rowing with us ? '' John asked exasperatingly.

Albus was getting a bit impatient as well. Sure, he liked hearing about lamia. They were kind of interesting, but he mainly wanted to bang what Matt knew about Rose.

`` Linda is a vampire, '' Matt said simply.

The room was silent for a few minutes. Albus stared at matte. Linda was a vampire ? It was potential. She did fit some of the device characteristic, but it was still hard to grasp. Albus had never met a lamia before, let alone one that was his age.

`` When did you calculate that out ? '' Albus asked.

`` As soon as she walked past the Gryffindor table, '' Matt answered.

John looked at him in awe. `` Wow, that 's telling. You ought to go into the section for the ordinance and control condition of Magical creature. ``

`` Now that would be even more ironic than my dad working there, '' Matt laughed, `` But I would have known she was a lamia even if I did n't cognize so much about them. werewolf and lamia can instantly recognize each other. ``

`` How ? '' Albus asked.

`` Smell, '' Matt said, `` Vampires have a typical look, but regular wizards ca n't tell. Werewolves can, though. And lamia can smack werewolves. ``

`` And you did n't tell us ? '' John asked incredulously.

`` I did n't see the stage, until now. ``

`` Did n't see the point ? There 's a lamia at Hogwarts and you did n't imagine to enjoin us ? '' John shook his mind, `` There 's always a understanding to separate us that kind of material. ``

Matt shrugged. `` Well, you know now. ``

Albus was still processing the information. Linda was a vampire. Matt knew Linda was a vampire from the scratch line. loup-garou can smell vampire. lamia can smell lycanthrope. That meant-

`` waiting, '' Albus began, `` Linda knows you 're a lycanthrope, does n't she ? ``

Matt sighed. `` Yes, she probably does. ``

`` Then why does it count if she gets to go in the vulture 's Den ? '' John the Evangelist asked, `` Not that I want to let her in. ``

`` It 's the principle of the thing ! '' Matt replied, `` I just do n't see why Killigan let her go to his school but he would n't let me ! I know it 's poor fish to avoid her because of that because it 's not her fault, but I just do n't get it. ``

Albus had n't even thought of that. flatness was right ; it did n't make horse sense. How was letting a lamia into a school any unlike from letting a werewolf ?

`` But if you had been let in, you would n't let moved here, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, and I 'm glad we moved, but it 's just not sightly, '' flatness sighed.

`` So, '' Kaden said loudly, `` There 's a vampire at Hogwarts. Who 's blood is she sucking ? ``

"That, is actually a skillful question, '' Albus said.

`` I have no idea, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm guessing she 's sucking fauna pedigree. Probably hunts in the timberland. ``

`` What about the wholly 'vampires are charismatic'thing ? '' Albus asked. Even if Linda did need to soak up human blood, he had no idea how she 'd manage to lure a man towards her. She seemed to debar as many people as possible.

mat smiled wryly, `` That 's where it gets interesting. The three of you do n't see her as charismatic, right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said. John and Kaden nodded.

`` That 's what I thought. It 's because you 're booster with me. ``

Albus turned to look at John and Kaden. Both of them looked as confused as Albus felt.

`` postponement, what ? '' John asked.

`` Even way back when there were more packs of werewolves and covens of vampires running about, it was possible for mankind to associate with one or the other. Occasionally, a pack of werewolves would sort of 'adopt'a human and the human would live with the pack. I mean, the man would will for the full moonlight, but live with the pack the remainder of the month. But if the human came upon a vampire, the human would be completely undesirable to a vampire because they were affiliated with werewolves. ``

`` And we 're affiliated with you, so Linda would n't want to suck our blood, even if she did take up human origin ? '' Albus asked.

`` Exactly, '' Matt replied, `` Remember how everyone seemed to flock around Linda when she first came here ? Everyone except us. Even blush wine disliked her backbone then. ``

`` But she does n't now, '' Kaden reminded him.

`` I know. That 's because as rosebush started spending More time with Linda, she spent less time with us, with me. She became less affiliated with me, so to speak. And then when we had that row, well, now she 's just affiliated with Linda. She 's completely under Linda 's charisma. ``

Rose was affiliated with a vampire ? Did this mean there was no hope of her reconciling with Matt ? Albus groaned inwardly. He really did n't like Linda now. She was putting a vast rift into their group.

`` Is it possible for a person to be friends with both a werewolf and a vampire ? '' Albus asked quietly.

`` I think so, '' lusterlessness sighed, `` But Rose wo n't even talk to us. ``

`` I think the but way she will is if we agree to let Linda into the Marauder 's Den, '' Albus muttered, `` She 's just so stubborn. ``

`` But we do n't require to let her in here, '' John Lackland groaned.

`` No, we do n't, '' Matt agreed.

`` Do you think rosiness knows she 's a lamia ? '' Albus asked. rosebush was smart, but if she had found out Linda was a vampire, she probably would have told him. She told him lustrelessness was a werewolf, after all. Unless of course she discovered Linda was a vampire after the row.

`` No idea, '' matte shrugged, `` Do you know if she knows anything about vampire ? ``

`` Probably not much, '' Albus answered.

`` Then she might not. Linda 's obviously trying to hold in that she 's a vampire. I bet she 'll regain out when we do the vampire unit in Defense, though. ``

`` Unless we tell her first, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Are we going to ? '' trick asked.

`` Would she even mind ? '' Matt asked.

`` I sort of think we should at least try to tell her, '' Albus said, `` And Amanda, too. ``

`` I suppose, '' Matt sighed, `` But they 're always around Linda. ``

`` We 'll just have to wait until she 's at Quidditch practice. I think the Aboriginal Australian team practices on Monday, so I guess we 'll hold off until then, '' Albus said.

The room descended into secrecy for a few instant. Linda had definitely spiked Albus 's curiosity. He was mostly peculiar about why Linda had been allowed to go to the Australian school of Sorcery but mat had n't. What was the difference in letting a vampire attend than a werewolf ? Even if Linda did imbibe animal descent, there was still the potential for her to suck human being blood.

`` Bloody infernal region, '' Kaden let out a low whistle, `` A lamia at Hogwarts. ``

Albus nodded. Kaden pretty much summed up what Albus was thinking. Linda being a vampire had shocked him more than mat being a werewolf. He was n't sure why, but maybe it was because Teddy 's dad had been a werewolf and he attended Hogwarts, but as far as Albus knew, no vampires had ever been there.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atmosphere at Hogwats the next day reminded Albus a lot of what it was like the day of the Quidditch Final. It was the day of the first Quidditch mates of the Inter-School competition. Australia would be playing New York. Albus was excited, but not as shake as he would possess been if Hogwarts was playing. He did n't particularly handle who won this match. He was odd about Linda 's seeking skills, though.

`` Hi, Al, '' soul said from behind Albus as he walked down to the slant with lusterlessness, John, and Kaden.

Albus turned around and saw his dad. `` Hi, Dad ! Here to see the catch ? Or are you on duty ? ``

`` Just to see the friction match, '' Harry grinned, `` I 'm hoping to be able to see them all, especially the ones you and James get to play in. ``

`` I do n't really get to play in any of them, '' Albus pointed out.

`` You never know, '' Harry said, `` Well, I 'm sitting with Neville, so I 'll see you after the match. ``

`` Bye, Dad, '' Albus waved as he ran ahead of them.

The boys found nice tush and waited for the match to begin. The atmospheric condition was particularly nice, especially for a late October day. The sun was out and there was only a rebuff cinch in the unseasonably warmly air.

`` It 's sort of odd to not be rooting for Gryffindor, '' matte said.

Albus agreed. Nobody was segregated into theatre sections like they usually were during Quidditch mates. `` I do n't eff who to root for. ``

`` Me either, '' St. John lowered his voice, `` I mostly just want to see how Linda plays. Never seen a vampire sport Quidditch before. ``

`` She must be good. She 's only a second year and she 's on the squad, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But she 's immortal, '' lusterlessness reminded them, `` So she 's probably ten old than us at least. ``

Albus still found that view of vampires very unusual. He sighed to himself and focused on the delivery, where a few mass were milling about. Albus could make out Professors Kendrick, Richard J. Roberts, and Killigan, along with a few early people Albus did n't recognize.

`` Welcome, students, staff, and guests to the commencement Quidditch peer of the contention ! '' Kendrick shouted over the crowd a few min later, `` This will function exactly like regular Quidditch matches. Ludo commercial traveler of the Department of Magical Sports will peer review this match. And now, I give you the Quidditch team of the Adirondack Academy of legerdemain and the Aussie school day of black magic ! ``

The New Yorkers were dressed in blue Quidditch robes and the Aboriginal Australian were dressed in green. Both teams entered the pitch with brooms in their hands. Albus watched as each of their captains shook hands. bagman blew a whistle and all fifteen of them rose into the air.

`` And they 're off ! '' Lord Todd David Roland Smith, who was apparently the observer for the inter-school lucifer, shouted, `` Haberino of New York catches the Quaffle and is flying to the Australian goal Emily Price Post .... ''

It was a very fast step match. The Quaffle passed back and forth between thespian faster than Bessie Smith could announce. Albus was very impressed. He also doubted he could fly as well as them and was sort of glad he was n't playing.

Albus knew he should pay the nigh attention to the Chasers, but he could n't help but goggle at Linda as she flew around the pitch shot. She was noticeably faster than the repose of the musician. Her form was practically a blur every time she darted in between the rest of the players.

`` Merlin, she 's fasting ! '' Albus exclaimed as Linda went from one end of the auction pitch to the early in mere seconds.

`` I do n't think I 've ever seen anyone fly that fasting ! '' John gaped, `` And I 've been to freight of Puddlemere couple ! ``

`` Well, that would explain it, '' Matt smirked.

`` Puddlemere has mint of fast broadside ! '' John shouted, `` It 's you who 's probably never seen anyone fly fast, what with you being a cannon fan .... ''

Matt rolled his center. `` She 's fast because of what she is. ``

Albus nodded. He kind of figured that. It did n't seem funfair, though. None of the other team had a vampire for a Seeker. James II obviously was n't a vampire and Albus doubted the New York Seeker was one either. He was a lot tiresome than Linda. It seemed like there should be some form of rule that would forbid Linda from being on the Australian squad. Although, Albus was n't sure as shooting Kendrick and Bartholomew Roberts knew Linda was a vampire.

`` New House of York scores ! '' Smith shouted, `` 40-20 New York ! ``

Linda may own been fast, but New York seemed to deliver salutary chaser. Their style of playing reminded Albus of how he played with his cousins. When Albus played with Heather and Fred, it was almost like they shared a brain.

All of a sudden, Linda shot across the auction pitch, from the Australian goals to the tail of the New York finish. Albus stood up and watched the New York Seeker flew after her, but was m behind. Linda dove for the ground and vanish back into the air clutching something in her hand.

`` Is that ? '' John began.

`` The stoolie ? '' Kaden gaped.

`` It is, '' Albus stared as the two teams descended to the ground. It had only been fifteen minute since the match started !

`` Linda Morales of Australia has caught the sneak ! '' Captain John Smith announced, `` Commonwealth of Australia wins 170-40 ! ``

`` That was the straightaway secret plan of Quidditch I 've ever seen, '' Saint John said.

Everyone agreed. Albus had never seen anyone catch the canary that fast before. If the early matches were like this one, Australia was going to give birth the competition in the bag.

`` I 'm guessing this match wo n't be followed by a party in the common room ? '' Kaden asked as the son got up from their seats.

`` Probably not, '' Albus laughed, `` Hogwarts did n't play, so we 've really got nothing to celebrate. ``

`` Linda 's in Gryffindor, though, '' John Lackland pointed out.

`` Yeah, but I 'm betting most of the Gryffindors are going to be a bit upset at Linda 's seeking accomplishment. I mean, James is good, but even he 's going to bear problems going up against Linda. I think she 'd even move over Teddy a run for his money, '' Albus pointed out.

`` James can beat her, '' John said confidently as they began the journey back to shoal, `` He 's a brilliant Seeker. ``

`` But she 's dissolute, '' Albus sighed.

`` She 's bound to steal up eventually, '' Kaden said hopefully.

Albus certainly hoped so. Maybe the Beaters could just constantly pelt her with Bludgers throughout the whole match so she would n't possess a chance to observe the Snitch.

They continued to walk alongside the timber on their way to the castle. The hair on the back of Albus 's neck opening bristled and he looked quickly over his shoulder. It felt like soul was watching him. He stopped in his tracks and looked into the forest. He saw a non-white figure jump behind a tree. mortal was in there.

`` Why 'd you block, Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` There 's someone in the timber, '' Albus whispered.

`` Hagrid ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` No, '' Albus shook his head, `` Too small to be Hagrid. ``

`` We should go find out who it is, '' Saint John announced.

`` Are you mental ? '' Matt said, `` Whoever 's in there could be a manslayer or something ! ''

Albus was n't sure as shooting about that, but he was sure that he was curious. He wanted to fuck who was lurking about the forest after a Quidditch match.

`` Maybe we should, '' Albus said.

mat sighed. `` Albus, you 're supposed to be the sane one. ``

`` I want to go see who it is, '' Kaden said.

`` It 's the Forbidden timberland ! '' flatness groaned, `` Forbidden ! If we get caught, we 'll be in immense trouble ! spirit at everyone walking around. Someone is going to catch us. ``

That was a honorable stop. But at the Sami time, Albus really wanted to know who it was. He could n't just stand there and not go find out who the mysterious figure was ....

`` Al, '' a vocalism said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. His dad was standing there, looking at him curiously. `` Oh, hi Dad. ``

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

`` Er, there 's mortal in the forest, '' Albus replied.

Harry peered into the woodland and then turned back to Albus with a dingy look on his face. `` Thanks for letting me make out, Al. I 'll check it out. I want all four of you to go back to the palace and go straight to Gryffindor Tower. ``

`` Who do you remember it is ? '' Albus asked. His dad seemed rather worried.

`` I have a few guesses, '' Harry replied, `` If it 's anyone important, I 'll let you experience. ``

Albus nodded and started to take the air back to the castle with his friends. He glanced back at his dad and saw his Patronus running game in the opposite direction. A few hoi polloi were pointing at it and whispering.

`` Who do you think it is ? '' Kaden asked.

Albus shrugged. `` Dunno. I mean, the but people I can think of are Washburn and Willinson, but they have n't been sighted in months. ``

`` It 's got to be one of them, '' John said, `` Why else would your dad get so worried about it ? ``

`` But he could n't even see who it was, '' lusterlessness pointed out, `` It might turn out to be nix. ``

`` Scary, though, '' Kaden shivered, `` One of them coming back. I mean, I 've never met either of them, but if they 're anything like Quinton .... ''

`` Do n't interest, '' Albus assured him, `` We 'll just go back to the unwashed room and we 'll be fine. ``

The boys hurried back into the castle and up to Gryffindor column. Most of the mass around them were talking about the couple, but Albus overheard a few mass talking about his dad 's Patronus.

The Gryffindor mutual elbow room was packed when they entered it. There was a very declamatory group of multitude in the middle shouting about Quidditch and Albus had no doubt that Linda was in the middle of it, even if she did n't want to be. Albus did n't see pink wine or Amanda anywhere and figured they were with Linda. Albus had a fleeting thought that he needed to say them about what he saw, but decided not to since Rose was n't speaking with him. He just did n't sense like telling her anything important while she was still giving him the silent treatment. He was starting to feel a bit dejected that it had been going on so long.

Albus and his friends found a table and sat down. They were quickly joined by Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn.

`` Can you believe she caught the stoolie that fast ? '' Lily asked.

`` That was incredible, '' Albus agreed, `` But she 's going to make it hard to pulsate Australia. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Hugo sighed, `` Everyone is trying to figure out how she 's so fast. Fred thought she had some sort of especial broom, but she denied it. ``

`` Well, she obviously would n't admit to that, '' Ashtyn rolled her eyes.

`` Maybe blush wine could ask her, '' Lily suggested.

`` I doubt Rose would do that, '' Albus muttered.

`` Are you still rowing with her ? '' Lily asked.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus said.

`` Why ? cipher 's told me what your row was even about, '' Lily huffed.

`` It 's not your business enterprise, Lily, '' Albus sighed.

`` Come on, '' Lily whined, `` I 'm your Sister. ``

`` And I do n't tell you everything, '' Albus said, `` So give it a rest. ``

`` Can I have everyone 's attention ? '' someone shouted from the portraiture hole.

Albus looked up and saw Neville standing there. Everyone immediately quieted down. teacher rarely went into the common room. In fact, the only time they did was when something bad happened or when Gryffindor had a spectacular Quidditch win.

`` I do n't need anyone leaving the common room for now, '' Neville said in an unusually strict tone.

`` What 's going on ? '' Georgia asked.

`` somebody was spotted near Hogsmeade and in the timberland, '' Neville replied.

`` Who ? '' Fred asked.

`` The Aurors do n't want us to unwrap that information yet, '' Neville said, `` I 'll be back when we know more. ``

Neville left and the common room erupted into rustle. Albus turned to his friends, who had all turned a few shades lighter after hearing Neville 's announcement.

`` It 's got to be, '' Matt whispered, `` They would n't shut us in if it was n't someone unsafe. ``

Albus nodded and swallowed hard. He knew he was perfectly safe in the commons elbow room, but could n't help feeling a bit mark.

`` I bet it 's Washburn ! '' somebody shouted from across the common room.

`` Who 's Washburn ? '' one of the first years piped up.

`` evilness Charms teacher, '' someone replied.

`` Yeah ! '' Ashtyn said, `` He tried to kill my comrade ! ``

`` Mine, too ! '' Lily put in.

`` And he tried to toss off my sister, '' Hugo added.

Lily, Ashtyn, and Victor-Marie Hugo started telling the other number one year what had happened to Albus and his friends. Albus groaned and shook his head as all four football team year olds watched him.

`` want we could go to the room, '' Albus muttered.

`` Let 's go to the dormitory, '' trick suggested, `` I 'll bet it 's empty. ``

The boys left the common elbow room ( much to the dismay of Lily, Hugo, Ashtyn, and their growing group of on-lookers ) and went up to Albus 's dormitory, which was thankfully empty.

Albus, flatness, and John the Divine all sat on their bottom and Kaden sat on the metrical unit of Albus 's. None of them said a Son. Albus supposed that deeply down in his nous he knew Washburn would come back, but he tried not to think about it. He figured Washburn was after the Resurrection rock. That meant he would n't try and interrupt into the castle, did n't it ?

No, it did n't. Albus 's gaze fell upon his trunk, where the Invisibility Cloak resided. If Washburn still wanted to connect the Hallows, he 'd ask that cloak. Albus gulped. Washburn was going to try and break into the castle. Albus did n't experience when, but he knew it would happen at some point.

******

Harry never returned to the palace to tell Albus what had happened. Neville came back to the common elbow room an hr or so later and told everyone they were rid to forget if they wanted to, but he did n't give away any contingent. Albus and his friends stayed in the common elbow room, hoping Harry would eventually find Albus, but he never did.

The Great manor hall was filled with much to a greater extent yack than was normal on Monday morning. Albus and his friends sat down at the Gryffindor table and James immediately passed Albus a transcript of the Daily Prophet.

`` They did n't catch him, '' Saint James the Apostle said as he tossed Albus the paper.

Albus took it and all four boys read the strawman Page article at the same time.

Washburn Sighted in Hogsmeade ; Mysterious Man Sighted in woods

Jameson Washburn, wanted for torturing underage
bookman and the illegal use of Legilimency on an
underage scholar, was sighted by an anonymous witch
in Hogsmeade yesterday afternoon.

The sighting took place a few 60 minutes after the first
Quidditch match in the tournament between Hogwarts,
the Aboriginal Australian school of Sorcery, and the Adirondack
academy of Magic. The anon. witch stated that
'a man ran from behind the Hog 's top dog up towards the
hills. He looked like Washburn .'

Harry thrower, head word of the Auror Department, was on the
Hogwarts grounds at the time and reported quickly to
the scene. No mark of Washburn were found and ceramist
is surely he had Disapparated quickly.

Potter had previously been investigating the Forbidden
woods, after receiving a tip from a student that
individual had been lurking around. cipher was found.

Hogwarts shoal of Witchcraft and Wizardry went into
lock down after the supposed sighting of Washburn.
scholarly person were not informed about the situation. The
Auror department has not said whether extra
protection will be given to the school. Currently, an
Auror is assigned to the school at all times, after the
kidnapping of a student by Quinton Willinson ( currently
residing in Azkaban ) last Spring.

'We do n't want masses to vex. We 're not even for certain
whether either sighting was actually Washburn or not ,'
potter told reporters.

Albus set down the composition and turned to bet at his champion. There was no uncertainty in his judgment that that man in the forest had been Washburn. He had gotten away again. For someone who seemed incompetent at just about everything, Washburn certainly was sound at escaping.

`` I wonder where he 's hiding, '' John said, `` I mean, he 's probably somewhere around here, you 'd think ? ``

`` I bet he Apparated someplace far away, '' Albus replied, `` He 's not going to want to stick around and get caught. ``

`` Yeah, that 's true, '' whoremaster said, `` But I bet he 'll be back. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed, `` Willinson might even go with him. I wonder where he is. ``

`` I hope he 's far away from here, '' lusterlessness said, `` We 'd better get to category. ``

Albus was happy that they had upkeep of Magical Creatures first because he would be capable to retain talking about Washburn as they observed firecrabs.

`` You do n't guess they 'll call off the Hogsmeade trips, do you ? '' John asked once they had walked a safe distance away from the Slytherins.

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` They did n't cancel them when Canicula escaped from Azkaban. ``

`` I hope they wo n't, '' John Lackland said, `` They could just have Aurors patrolling the Greenwich Village. That 'll preserve Washburn away. ``

`` There are already Aurors patrolling the school, '' flatness pointed out, `` So I 'm sure they 'll be patrolling Hogsmeade now, too. ``

`` Just as long as they do n't contribute any dementors here, I 'll be well-chosen, '' Albus shivered. He had never actually seen a dementor, but he knew enough about them to reverence them.

`` fountainhead, that did n't exactly work out well when Canicula had escaped, did it ? '' John replied.

`` I know, but still .... '' Albus 's voice trailed off.

`` Dementors do n't even guard Azkaban anymore, so I do n't see why they would get sent here, '' Saint John said as he stopped his firecrab from escaping.

`` I wonder where they went, '' Albus pondered, `` I 've never seen one. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his principal, `` But that 's a practiced breaker point. What did bump to them all ? ``

`` That 's one thing my dad never told me, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I 've never seen one either, '' Matt shivered, `` But my dad has. He 's had to get by with them at work- ''

`` So he knows where they were sent ? '' John Lackland interrupted.

`` No, '' flatness shook his head, `` He dealt with them in Australia. There are a lot of them on the outback. There 's hardly anyone living around there, so every once in a patch, they 'll descend on some bantam township they come upon. Then some witch or wizard reports it and my dad or someone else from his office would sustain to go cleared them out. ``

`` That would be a horrible job, '' John said quietly.

`` He hated it, '' lusterlessness replied, `` He 'd come dwelling all rickety and down and Mum would feast him tons of chocolate. Then they 'd go talk of the town by themselves. He refused to tell me and Amy what he hears when he comes across dementors, though. Amy asked freight of times, but he never told. ``

`` My dad wo n't recite me what he hears either, '' Albus said, `` It 's got to be awfully. ``

`` Neither of my parents have ever seen dementors, '' John said, `` I think my parents lead relatively pattern lives compared to yours. ``

`` No one in my family line leads a normal spirit, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine either, '' flatness agreed.

`` Well, hopefully your dad will overtake Washburn and Willinson and then you can experience a somewhat pattern sprightliness, Albus, '' Saint John the Apostle said.

`` Maybe, '' Albus shrugged.

`` As for me, I like a small excitement in spirit, '' whoremonger grinned.

`` You can accept all of mine, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine, too, '' Matt smirked.

`` Nah, '' St. John shook his top dog, `` I 'll make my own. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


In all the fervour of the possible sighting of Washburn in Hogsmeade, Albus nearly forgot about talking to rebel that evening. He was sitting in the unwashed room trying to read his defence Against the nighttime Arts book when privy prodded him.

`` What ? '' Albus looked up at John.

`` Linda just went to Quidditch practice, '' privy gestured to the portrait golf hole, which just closed behind someone, `` We can talk to blush wine now. ``

Albus nodded and closed his record. He had to admit that he was a bit aflutter about telling rose wine that Linda was a vampire. He had a feeling she would n't use up it well. They were going to hold to break this to her very nicely.

It was n't that Albus was worried that Rose would be upset that Linda was a lamia. Albus knew that would n't trouble her in the slightest. It was the fact that Albus was the one who figured it out that he was worried about. Albus fully expected Rose to traverse that Linda was a vampire for the fillet of sole reason that she had n't figured it out herself.

`` I guess we 'd better, '' Albus said as he got up. He glanced around the common way and his center rested on the table Rose and Amanda were sitting at.

Albus walked over to her table with Matt, John, and Kaden following. The two daughter looked to be working on homework.

`` Rose, '' Albus sat down future to her, `` We need to talk to you about something. ``

Rose put down her quill and looked up. `` Is it about Washburn ? If you 're worried about him coming back, do n't be. He ca n't get into the castle. ``

`` It 's not about him, '' Albus sighed, although he had a feeling Washburn could get into the castling if he wanted.

`` Then what ? '' rose wine said shortly.

`` It 's about Linda- ''

`` Then I do n't need to hear it, '' rosebush interrupted.

`` Rose, it 's important, '' Albus insisted, `` Just come public lecture to us. ``

`` No, '' rose said a bit louder, `` I know you lot do n't care her, but I do. And I do n't need you telling me who I can and ca n't be booster with. ``

`` That 's not what we 're going to tell you, '' Albus groaned, `` There 's just something about her you should make out. ``

`` Just talk to them, blush wine, '' Amanda said, `` To be honest, I 'm sick of you ignoring them. ``

Rose looked a bit taken aback. `` All rightfield, fine. '' She shoved her books into her bag a bit harder than necessary and stood up.

Albus said nil but lead everyone out of the rough-cut way. Nobody said a Word of God until they were in the predator 's Den. Rose sat in one of the death chair and folded her arms across her chest.

`` What ? '' she asked, `` What do you possibly have to tell me ? ``

Albus glanced at Matt, who nodded. Albus took a deep breathing space. `` Linda is a vampire, '' he said quietly.

rosiness 's backtalk fell outdoors and then she burst out laughing. `` Are you bloody insane ? How in the name of Merlin did you possibly derive up with that stupid musical theme ? ``

Albus groaned. `` It 's not a poor fish theme. It 's true. And mat told us. ``

Rose rolled her eyes and glared at flatness. `` Of course of action. You 're the one who hates Linda the most. ``

`` pink wine, it 's truthful ! '' flatness insisted, `` Do you honestly think that I would just randomly claim someone was a lamia ? For all the departure between vampires and wolfman, they both get discriminated against. ``

`` Oh, I do n't bang. Maybe because you want me to stop being friends with her ? '' blush wine shouted.

`` well, that would be stupid of me because I know you would n't break being admirer with her because of that, '' Matt said quietly, `` After all, you 're acquaintance with me. Or at to the lowest degree you used to be. ``

`` I still am, '' Rose whispered.

Albus smiled to himself. That was promising. Maybe their friendly relationship was n't totally destroyed.

`` But do n't you lot think that if Linda was a vampire, I would give birth figured it out ? '' Rose asked, `` I mean, I was the only if one to visualize out that Matt 's a werewolf. ``

`` How much do you jazz about vampires, Rose ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, not much, I guess, '' rosebush said sheepishly, `` But still, how do you know ? ``

Albus opened his bag and pulled out his Defense book. He tossed it at pink wine. `` Read the bit about vampires. ``

pink wine caught the book and opened it up. She began to read it with Amanda Reading over her shoulder joint. A few minutes later, Rose set the book down. Her face was pale.

`` You 're the right way, '' she whispered and then turned to Matt, `` Is that why you do n't like her ? ``

`` form of, '' Matt shrugged, `` It 's not the fact that she 's a lamia. It 's the fact that she knows I 'm a werewolf. ``

`` Oh, '' rose nodded, `` And she 's from Commonwealth of Australia and Killigan does n't like werewolves. I get it. But, wait, how come Killigan lets Linda go to school but he would n't let you ? ``

`` No thought, '' lusterlessness sighed, `` It 's a mystery. ``

The room descended into an awkward silence and Albus looked at all of his Quaker. rosebush still looked a trivial ball over and Amanda did as well.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` Are you going to keep ignoring us, Rose ? ``

`` Are you going to let Linda come in here ? '' rosiness asked.

`` No way, '' Albus, Matt, privy, and Kaden said at once.

blush wine sighed. `` Fine. I 've missed you lot, but I am still going to drop time with Linda. I guess I 'll just split my time, then. ``

Albus grinned. `` trade good. But side by side Hogsmeade trip, you 're coming with us. ``

******

Over the future couple of weeks, Rose and Amanda began spending More and more time with Albus and the former boy. Albus was thrilled about it, especially since after a few days passed, it was like blush wine and Matt had n't rowed at all. Nobody ever brought up the issue of Linda, though. Rose and Amanda both played out time with Linda, usually in the program library, but Albus did n't particularly listen. He kind of care having time to spend just with mat, King John, and Kaden.

Gospel According to John and Kaden found it increasingly difficult to pull pranks due to the fact that Hogwarts was being patrolled by more Aurors since the Washburn sighting. teacher, prefects, and the psyche boy and girl were also patrolling more often than they used to. Albus was secretly glad about this since he had an increasing veneration of Washburn breaking into his dormitory to steal the invisibility Cloak. John the Evangelist and Kaden, on the other hand, came back to the common way ranting about how they could n't pull off some prank or the other due to an Auror or prefect finding them. Matt did n't seem to have an view on the subject and Albus suspected he would be happy so long as Killigan stayed away from him.

The next Quidditch match was in the first of December, and although that was still a month away, Wood increased praxis to three days a week instead of two. Wood was especially tough on James since the next match would be between Hogwarts and Australia. Mrs. Henry Wood was determined to beat Australia and that think of James would have to try and fly faster than Linda. Teddy was working with him one on one during all the practices.

The next junior dueling tournament was coming up as well and Albus was determined to actually duel during this one. He did n't care if both his peg were broken, he would still go.

Between his various exercise and classes, Albus did n't have a great deal time for anything else. All his teachers were increasing the work lode, especially Balladanis. He started packing Thomas More and more into each lesson and had begun assigning hebdomadal essays. And since all the lessons were hard-nosed, Albus had to translate the record to do the essays. There were no bank bill from course to use.

Albus and the residual of the scholarly person no longer bothered taking their books and parchment out at the commencement of class. In fact, the majority of Albus 's class did n't even devil sitting down. Albus wondered why Balladanis even bothered to put the desks back at the end of class, since he had yet to take heed of any of the years having an actual lecture in that class.

Due to this, Albus was completely shocked when Balladanis told the stratum to sit down at the beginning of defence reaction in the beginning of Nov. Albus turned to Matt and bathroom, who looked equally storm. Balladanis, on the other bridge player, was acting like this was perfectly normal.

Albus sat down in between Matt and lav amongst the voicelessness of the rest period of the class.

Balladanis stood in figurehead of his desk and looked out at the scholarly person. There was a large trunk in front man of him which reminded Albus of the first day of class. But why would Balladanis bring a Boggart back to class ? Matt told Albus that Balladanis was n't even using Boggarts in his help sessions anymore.

`` Today 's lesson will be theatrical role lecture, '' Balladanis announced, `` The reason for this being that the fussy creature we are studying today is not in your schoolbook Scripture. ``

The family erupted in more whispering and Albus distinctly heard rosiness gasp.

`` settee down, '' Balladanis said, `` The animal is not in your book because it is extremely rare and most wizards will go their integral lives without ever encountering one. Because of this, it is not normally in a third gear year program. The beast is usually studied in upgrade N.E.W.T. denial Against the Dark artistry only. I however, believe this wight is extremely beneficial to third yr defence and am adding it in, despite the fact that it is not in your book. ``

Albus was on the edge of his seat now. He was staring directly at the proboscis in front of Balladanis, where the beast probably resided. It could n't be that dangerous, could it ? Otherwise, Balladanis would n't have brought one. Although, there was n't a good deal that Balladanis could do that would actually surprise Albus. He was a very odd teacher.

`` The wight I am talking about is an anamatek, '' Balladanis said as he began pacing back and forth in front of the proboscis. He stopped in front man of Rose, Amanda, and Linda 's table. `` Department of Energy anyone screw what an anamatek is ? ``

Albus had never heard of one in his life. Rose did n't put her manus up either. The only hand in the class that went up was Linda's.

`` Yes, Miss Morales, '' Balladanis said.

`` An anamatek is a shape-shifter, but it is unlike from a boggart. anamateks are forced to change into whatever form the sorcerer controlling them wants, '' Linda explained.

`` Correct, '' Balladanis began pacing again, `` anamateks are very strong and powerful wight. It takes a very impregnable and powerful enchantress or wizard to see them. Not many are able to do so. But if a witch or wizard can, the anamatek must transform into whatever form the wizard wants.

`` This of trend is very dangerous if a iniquity wizard gets go for of one. Can you imagine if Voldemort had been capable to operate a few anamateks and had them transform into chimera ? ``

The entire elbow room was silent. Albus shivered at the thought of an army of chimaeras, especially in the hands of Voldemort.

`` Luckily for us, anamateks are extremely rare and the legal age of wizards ca n't control one, let alone an army of them. The few anamateks that exist in the reality reside in warmly climates and they prefer to ride out out of sight amongst Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or bushes. Anamateks are rarely sighted in Britain and I would venture that there are n't More than four or five in the intact land. They are a bit more common in warm climates such as the West Saxon United States, Latin America, South America, Africa, and Commonwealth of Australia. However, you could look all of these countries extensively and never come across one.

`` Anamateks do not like maven because they do not want to be controlled. Not only can wizards insure what the anamatek turns into, they can also have it do whatever they please. When they are not controlled, they can become into whatever they like and usually choose a particularly dangerous tool in order to dissuade wizards from capturing them. They can not, however, turn into homo, for the well-nigh portion. There are exceptions to that. Certain mightily hag and wizards have had success turning them into mankind, but they do not act like humans. No anamatek can turn into a human on its own. ``

Balladanis paused and stopped side by side to his automobile trunk. `` I have captured an anamatek. I captured it many years ago and it has been under my control ever since. Having an anamatek at my disposal provides a great learn opportunity for all of you. Can anyone guess why ? ``

rosebush 's manus crack into the air. `` Yes, Miss Weasley, '' Balladanis said.

`` You can have it turn into whatever we 're studying and we can instruct to oppose it instead of having to contend a real one. That way, you can verify what its doing and none of us will get hurt, '' rose answered.

`` Correct, '' Balladanis said, `` Before category, I performed a magic spell which caused the anamatek to turn into a kappa, which I hope you are all aware that we are currently studying. When I say so, get up and mold a argumentation in front of my desk. You will be performing the spell you learned last class to try and repel the anamatek, which is going to face and act exactly like a kappa. ``

`` Sir ? '' Malfoy raised his hand.

`` Yes, Mr. Malfoy ? ``

`` Sir, are you going to tell us the spell to bring an anamatek under a adept 's control ? ``

`` No, Mr. Malfoy, I am not, '' Balladanis said darkly, `` First, it 's not just one go, it is a set of extremely difficult enchantment, beyond N.E.W.T. level. mo, there is lots disputation as to whether the spells are Dark trick or not. Third, it would be purposeless since none of you would have the capableness of performing such illusion and will likely never have the chance to perform it. Fourth, the headmaster would not be happy if I did so. I will also not ratify any notes to allow any of you into the Restricted Section of the library to research the while. ``

Malfoy scowled at this and Albus stifled a laugh. It did n't surprise him in the slightest that Malfoy would desire to learn the spells. Albus was extremely singular as to how Balladanis managed to perform them, and how he had come across the anamatek in the first place. Albus doubted that he would tell that story, though. Balladanis never talked about his yesteryear.

`` Everyone get up ! '' Balladanis shouted.

Albus hastily stood up and watched as the residual of the family did the Lapplander. blush wine and Linda shoved their notes into their grip, but nobody else had bothered to take eminence. The thought had n't even crossed Albus 's mind. He was so used to not taking notes in Defense.

Balladanis moved the mesa to the position of the room and Albus joined the waiting line forming in front of the trunk. He stood on his tip-toes and peered around John to try and catch a glimpse of the anamatek when it emerged from the trunk.

Balladanis pointed his wand at the torso and it shot open. Nothing happened for a few moment and then a slimy, scaley kappa crept up over the top of the trunk and climbed out. It stretched out its netlike handwriting and started towards Janie Creevey, who was first in the line.

Janie held up her wand and muttered the charm. The kappa was shot back towards the trunk and Balladanis nodded at Janie. She stepped to the side and Karina walked forward as the kappa recovered.

The queue moved forward and Albus was able to get a good smell at the anamatek. It looked exactly like a kappa. If Albus did n't know any sound, he would say that it was a real kappa.

Balladanis made everyone perform the magical spell until they could do it successfully. Rose and Linda got it on their first attempt, but Amanda had a bit of trouble. Albus had a touch she would be working with the anamatek in her next extra aid session. John managed to have success on his offset try and he stepped to the side of meat and Albus stepped forward.

The anamatek crept towards Albus, who held up his wand. Kappas did n't really scare him in the slightest, yet his heart had begun pounding faster. The anamatek is what scared him a bit. The thing had the potential difference to change into something life-threatening like a chimaera at any minute. How much control did Balladanis really have over the thing ?

Albus shouted the magical spell and the anamatek was thrown back against the torso and landed with a loud crack.

`` Very good, Mr. thrower, '' Balladanis smiled ever so slightly, `` A few of the rest of you might bid to learn note of the forcefulness Mr. Potter put behind his trance. A learn kappa would sustain been capable to recover very quickly from most of your spells. Mr. ceramist, on the other mitt, would have been able to miss if this had been a real kappa. ``

lustrelessness 's turn of events was next and Albus stood following to John the Divine to watch him. The kappa was only slightly deterred by matt 's first tour and he had to try about three clip to get it to work.

`` Now I know what Balladanis is going to have me do tomorrow night, '' flatness whispered to Albus as they watched Malfoy require on the kappa.

Malfoy sent the kappa slamming into the body with almost as much violence as Albus had, earning him a slight smile from Balladanis as well.

`` Where in the name of pigeon hawk did Balladanis get that matter ? '' John exclaimed after they 'd impart the classroom.

`` No melodic theme, '' Albus shrugged, `` But I wish he 'd evidence us. ``

`` He wo n't, '' lusterlessness sighed.

`` I know, but I still want to know, '' John said, `` And what did he do for a living before this ? I mean, I do n't think teachers normally come upon anamateks. ``

`` Probably not. I do n't think my dad has ever seen one and he 's an Auror, '' Albus pointed out.

`` They are extremely rare in Britain, '' Rose ran up next to Albus, `` I bet Balladanis lived in some early country before he started teaching here. Africa or Australia or one of those places where anamateks are more usual. ``

`` Yeah, but they 're not exactly common in those situation either. My dad has n't seen one either and he worked with magical animal in Commonwealth of Australia for years, '' Matt said.

`` I 'm surprised Kendrick lets him have that affair in the school, '' Amanda said.

`` I doubt Kendrick knows about it, '' Albus replied.

If Kendrick had n't known about the anamatek before, he most likely did by the end of the day. The entire schooling was buzzing about it. Apparently Balladanis had not only shown it to his thirdly years, but back and 4th through seventh years as well. The common room was filled with yakety-yak about it after dinner, as well as extremely green-eyed low gear yr. Lily, Victor Hugo, and Ashtyn whined about not being able to see it.

`` Are you cook for Quidditch praxis, Al ? '' GA said to Albus as Lily and her booster left.

Albus looked up. Georgia 's case was T. H. White and she looked more than a little scared. Albus stared at her curiously.

`` Yeah. But, Sakartvelo, are you ok ? ``

`` I 'll be fine, '' she assured him, `` Balladanis had that anamatek thing routine into a dementor during social class right wing before dinner party. We spent the total class trying to cast Patronuses against it. Let me tell apart you, that anamatek was just like a dementor. '' Georgia closed her eyes and shuddered.

`` You should birth some chocolate, '' Albus told her and pulled a chocolate frog out of his bag. He tossed it to her.

Georgia caught it and ripped it candid. `` Thanks. Let 's go discovery James. ``

Albus said bye-bye to his friend and went to go find James with GA. He felt a bit enervate that Balladanis had used the anamatek as a dementor. Having it move around into a kappa was one thing, but a dementor ? They were really dangerous. As far as Albus knew, the Patronus charm was n't actually practiced on dementors until Auror training. Part of Albus hoped that Kendrick would ban the anamatek from the school before he started learning the Patronus spell in seventh year.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Much to Albus 's surprisal, the anamatek was still sitting in Balladanis 's classroom the following course. Albus really thought Kendrick would have made him get rid of it. The course of study continued practicing on it and after a few session with it, Albus got used to the fact that it was an anamatek. As long as it did n't turn into a dementor or a chimera or something else really grievous, Albus did n't mind.

Practicing on the anamatek was a lot like practicing dueling anyway. That 's how Albus saw it. Defense stratum were beginning to be a lot like dueling pattern. Albus was very glad about this, especially since the next dueling tournament was quickly upon him. It took place on a Saturday in the heart of November, the day before the second inter-school dueling tournament.

`` Nice to see that you actually showed up today, ceramicist, '' Malfoy smirked as Albus and Amanda sat down at their squad table.

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Lynley Anderson said as she walked past Albus, `` Or you wo n't duel in the next tournament. ``

Malfoy scowled and Albus smiled to himself. He sat down and looked to the front of the way. The usual dueling rings were set up and Neville was standing in front of one. Balladanis was standing in front of the other one. He must have been chosen to be the other professor in charge of the dueling club since Albus 's dad left.

The tournament began a short while later and Albus sat back to wait for his turn. As much as Albus loved dueling, he could n't abide having to wait while everyone else dueled. He could n't expect until he was a fifth part year and could try out for the fixture dueling nightspot. The teams were much smaller for that and Albus would get to duel more during each tourney. If he made the team, that is.

`` Albus ceramist and Kaden Dursley, '' Balladanis announced.

Albus looked up and stared at him. Kaden ? Albus turned to gape at Amanda, who shrugged. Albus was going to have to duel Kaden ? Albus had yet to duel any of his cousins.

Albus got up and walked towards the ring. Kaden was already there when he arrived. Albus and Kaden bowed to each early and then raised their wands.

`` Begin, '' Balladanis said.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted and pointed his wand at Kaden while silently apologizing to him. He really did n't desire to duel Kaden.

Kaden 's wand flew from his manus and Albus caught it. Albus looked up at Balladanis. Balladanis was looking at Albus with his piercing stare and Albus quickly looked away.

`` Point to Potter, '' Balladanis said without taking his centre off Albus.

Albus handed Kaden back his wand and went back to his team 's table. Lynley and Amanda congratulated him and he sat back down.

`` I ca n't think they had you duel Kaden, '' Amanda giggled.

Albus shrugged. It had n't been much of a fight. Albus rarely had fuss dueling anyone during the tournaments. The solitary person who Albus ever had difficulty dueling was Malfoy, and he was on Albus 's team.

Albus was n't really thinking much about having to duel Kaden. He could n't get the look Balladanis had given him out of his psyche. It was variety of like the looks he 'd received in course, only more intimidating. There was a mite of curiosity mixed in with something Albus could n't key out. It was almost like he was trying to scan Albus 's psyche, but Albus had had decent experience with that to know that Balladanis was n't doing it.

Malfoy was up next and he dueled James. It was a very fast-paced and shake up affaire d'honneur. In the end, Malfoy managed to disarm Saint James the Apostle. Albus had no melodic theme how he felt about this. Part of him was well-chosen that his team got the dot, but on the other hand, the thought of his brother losing to Malfoy was rather unsettling.

James had a mutinous look on his cheek as he grabbed his sceptre out of Malfoy 's outstretched script. He stormed back to his table without a s coup d'oeil at Malfoy or Balladanis.

Albus looked back to Balladanis and saw him giving Malfoy the Lapp odd look he had given Albus earlier. Albus had no idea what to make of that. Balldanis had n't looked at anyone else like that.

The following mortal Albus dueled was a bit more take exception, but Albus still disarmed her within three moment. She was a one-fourth twelvemonth Ravenclaw who had the reputation of being the impertinent of all the one-quarter years.

Balladanis gave Albus the same strange expression as he awarded him the point. Albus quickly gave the missy back her wand and went back to his table.

Albus 's team narrowly won the tournament. Lynley congratulated everyone and said the integral squad had improved greatly since the finish tourney. Albus and Amanda got up and joined the concourse of masses leaving the way. They headed up to the common way, where they had agreed to meet their friends after the tournament.

`` Good job, '' St. John said as he sat down next to Albus.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled.

`` Yeah, '' Kaden agreed, `` I mean, you beat me passably quickly. ``

`` Albus is the best dueler out of all of us, '' matt said as he joined them.

`` Balladanis was certainly interested, '' John said, `` What was up with him looking at you like that ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus said, `` It was really odd. ``

`` He was looking at Malfoy like that, too, '' rosiness said as she and Linda sat down.

`` I 'll bet it 's because you 're both such safe dueler, '' Matt replied, `` I hate to admit it, but Malfoy is really good. ``

`` Did you see St. James 's expression after Malfoy beat him ? '' John laughed, `` That was pretty amusing. ``

`` I do n't mean James would harmonize with you, '' Albus smirked.

`` Well, we should probably do some homework, '' blush wine said.

Everyone groaned but nobody disagreed. Albus went up to his dormitory and returned with his record book. He cracked open his Herbology book and started an essay that was due on Tuesday.

`` You 're from Australia, are n't you ? ``

Albus 's header snapped up. Linda was staring curiously at Matt, whose eyes were darting about. Everyone else was now staring at Linda. Albus did n't think he had ever heard her talk outside of class.

`` Er, why do you think that ? '' Matt asked nervously.

`` The other day after Defense, you mentioned that your dad had n't seen an anamatek even though he worked down there, '' Linda explained.

`` Oh, yeah, '' Matt muttered, `` I did used to live there. ``

`` Why did you move ? '' Linda asked.

`` My dad 's job, '' flatness said.

`` Oh, '' Linda replied, `` Well, if you had n't, we could have gone to school together. ``

Matt mumbled something under his breath.

`` What ? '' Linda asked.

`` Nothing, '' matte said and closed his volume, `` I 'm, er, going to the program library. ``

Albus closed his own book and got up to fall out matt, but he had already left. Albus sighed and looked at Rose, who was slowly shaking her head. That was exactly why lustrelessness had wanted to stay away from Linda and Albus could n't pick him.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in secrecy in the common room. Albus managed to finish his Herbology essay just before dinner. He had no idea if flatness actually went to the program library, but found him in the Great vestibule at dinner. He made no citation of what Linda had said, so Albus did n't take it up. Albus only had enough clip to eat a quick dinner anyway, because he had Quidditch drill afterwards.

******

`` All right wing, that 's sufficiency for today, '' Balladanis announced as the Vanessa Stephen rang the following Tues, `` will your essays on my desk on your way out. ``

Albus stowed his wand in his robes and rummaged around in his bag for his essay. For some reasonableness, Balladanis always collected essays at the end of class. Albus had no idea why. All the early instructor collected them at the beginning, presumably to prevent students from frantically scribbling their essay during class the day it was due. That would be impossible in Balladanis 's class, though.

`` ceramicist, Malfoy ! '' Balldanis shouted, `` Please see me before you leave. ``

`` Looks like you 're getting surplus helper, too, '' toilet laughed, `` Welcome to the club. ``

`` Somehow I doubt that, '' lusterlessness replied, `` Albus was the solely one to stimulate that anamatek to fly halfway across the elbow room today. fountainhead, besides Malfoy. ``

Albus shrugged and muttered that he 'd meet them in Herbology. His heart started beating a bit faster as he placed his essay on the pile and stood in front of Balladanis 's desk. Why did he want to see him anyway ? Could Balladanis really think he needed extra aid ?

Malfoy tossed his essay onto the pile and then leaned up on Balladanis 's desk as he watched the residuum of the grade leave.

`` Stand up, Malfoy, '' Balladanis said as he shut the anamatek 's trunk and walked over to his desk.

Malfoy jumped and quickly stood up straight. Albus stifled a laugh and turned to Balladanis, whose cheek was expressionless.

Balladanis walked over to the door, shut it, and returned to his desk. `` I could n't help but notice that both of you won both of your affaire d'honneur death Saturday. ``

`` I always win both of my duel, '' Malfoy said pompously.

`` I thought so, '' Balladanis replied, ignoring Malfoy 's less than respectful tone, `` I 'm assuming the Sami goes for you, Mr. potter ? ``

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus nodded.

`` Have either of you ever been defeated in a affaire d'honneur before ? ``

`` I 've disarmed ceramist during practice, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` And I 've disarmed you, Malfoy, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` Any other times ? '' Balladanis asked.

Albus opened his mouth, but Balladanis interrupted him.

`` During the dueling tournaments, Mr. ceramicist. I have heard about your altercation with Jameson Washburn, Jarret Willinson, and his son. ``

`` No early times, '' Albus replied.

`` I could cause defeated Washburn, '' Malfoy announced.

`` I sincerely doubt that, '' Balladanis said, much to Albus 's pleasure, `` But that is not what I have asked to talk over with you. I have noticed, both in socio-economic class and during dueling tournaments, that the two of you seem to possess exceeding skill when it comes to dueling. You 're dueling acquirement appears to be much gamy than the third or even fourth year level.

`` Therefore, I would like to train both of you privately. There is only so often you can learn in a large group with those whose skill is less than your own. I will be able to teach you spells you would n't normally see until fourth or one-fifth year. Are either of you concerned ? ``

`` Of course, '' Malfoy said immediately.

Albus could n't believe it. His family and friends always told him he was an excellent duellist, but somehow having Balladanis tell him meant more. Balladanis was incredibly hard to please, and not only did he intend Albus was a smashing duelist, he was offering to teach him more modern piece. That was incredibly exciting. Albus would be able to learn spells that James I had n't learned yet.

`` Yes, I 'd like that, '' Albus grinned, thinking it would be brainy to shell St. James in a duel.

`` I shall see you on Fri at eight, then, '' Balladanis told them, `` After I am done tutoring the less skillful in your class. '' He pulled out two pieces of paper and scribbled onto both of them. `` Give these to your teachers, as you are quite belated to social class by now. Get out of here. ``

Albus took his note and left the elbow room feeling that Friday was an incredibly long time away. common soldier dueling lessons. He could n't wait. certain, they 'd be with Malfoy, but Albus was willing to put up with him in order to larn come along spells.

Albus hurried to Herbology, but the class was already well into that day 's example by the meter he arrived. He handed his bank bill to Neville and then sat down succeeding to matt, who was shoveling turd into an empty pot.

`` What did Balladanis want ? '' flatness asked.

`` You 're never going to consider this, '' Albus said as he pulled on his gloves, `` Balladanis wants to give Malfoy and me secret dueling deterrent example. He wants to teach us shape up charm that we would n't normally learn until twenty-five percent or fifth year. ``

`` You 're kidding, '' mat said in awe.

`` Nope, '' Albus grinned.

`` But why ? '' Matt asked, `` Did he say why he 's teaching you ? ``

`` Just because he thinks we 're good duelers, I guess. ``

`` Well, you are a proficient dueler, Albus, '' Matt agreed, `` When do you pop ? ``

`` Friday at eight. Right after your help session, actually, '' Albus answered.

`` I 'm not going to the assistance session this workweek, '' Matt lowered his interpreter, `` And you 'll be having loads more fun than me. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus whispered, remembering that the full phase of the moon moon was Friday night, `` I 'll let you know how it goes, though. ``

After Herbology was over, Albus told John, Rose, and Amanda about Balladanis 's dueling object lesson and then had to repeat it to Kaden when they ate lunch. All of them were excited about it, especially Kaden. Albus suspected he was a bit envious, too.

The residuum of the week seemed to creep by at a flobberworm 's pace. It was n't wish Albus did n't have anything to proceed him busybodied, but he just could n't recollect about anything former than the dueling deterrent example.

`` Albus, you 've got to stop tapping your quill, '' rosiness said shortly, `` It 's driving me mad. ``

Albus and his friends were in the piranha 's Den. It was Fri evening and dinner had just ended. Albus was trying to reduce on homework, but it was n't working. Rose and Amanda were both reading. Linda had mysteriously disappeared after her end family and Rose and Amanda had been with Albus and the early boy ever since. John and Kaden were discussing a prank that involved charming gobstones to follow the Aurors and prefects around as they patrolled the corridors. rosiness had already advised against this, but St. John and Kaden did n't listen. Matt was laying on the couch with his eyes closed, but he was n't asleep. John and Kaden kept asking him things and he 'd reply with very short answers.

`` Sorry, '' Albus muttered and dropped his quill.

`` So where 's Linda tonight ? '' John Lackland asked.

`` I dunno, '' rose shrugged, `` She did n't look that great today, though. ``

`` Then she 's probably sucking some animate being 's blood in the timber, '' Matt announced.

`` fountainhead, there 's a adorable characterisation, '' Kaden said loudly, `` Linda biting the neck of some helpless animal and sucking the life out of it. Think of all the ancestry. It must get all over her face and cervix. That 's pretty staring. ``

`` Thanks for that image, Kaden, '' lusterlessness replied.

`` It 's well than her sucking human descent, '' Rose pointed out.

`` That 's true, '' Kaden agreed, `` So, should we fill the gobstones with stink sap before we charm them ? ``

`` Of trend ! '' John grinned.

`` And that 's my cue to bequeath, '' Matt sat up slowly and rubbed his head, `` I 'll see you lot tomorrow, probably. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll see you in the daybreak, '' Albus assured him.

`` rich person fun, '' Kaden said.

`` Fun, '' matte muttered on his way out, `` That 's a word I 've never used to key out it. ``

`` We 'd better go, too, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah, time to go sit through an extra Defense object lesson, '' John groaned as he stood up.

`` I thought you did n't bear in mind them, '' Rose said.

`` I do n't. They just get old after a while, '' John sighed as he and Amanda left.

Albus worked on his prep for the next hour, mainly because there was n't anything else to do. surface was working on her own homework and did n't look to desire to do anything else. The minute dragged by at an incredibly slow rate, but eventually Albus packed up his Koran, said goodbye to rosebush, and left for Balladanis 's room.

The threshold was half-way open when Albus arrived. He took a deep breath, suddenly overcome by nerve, and knocked lightly. There was no reply. Albus pushed the door undetermined and walked very slowly inside.

The room was dim. The solely light stemmed from a few torches lit on the walls. It was obviously the same classroom he had defence stratum in, but it looked completely different in the evening.

There was n't anyone left in the room from the spare Defense object lesson earlier. Albus had passed John and Amanda in the corridor. They both wished him good portion.

Albus looked around the elbow room and saw the trunk that contained the anamatek sitting unnaturally still in straw man of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis himself was also sitting unnaturally still at his desk. He stared directly into Albus 's center and Albus, remembering the Occlumency lesson he received two old age prior, quickly averted his own oculus and began to close his mind.

`` You know Occlumency, Mr. thrower, '' Balladanis said not as a interrogative sentence, but as a statement.

Albus nodded as Balladanis slowly rose from his chair and walked around to the front of his desk. Albus took a step back and nearly collided with the battlefront table. He swallowed nervously and kept his center off of Balladanis.

Albus had always been a fiddling wary of Balladanis, but now he had to hold that he was a bit scared. The only way for Balladanis to make love that Albus had been practicing Occlumency was if he had actually been performing Legilimency. Albus had enough experience with teachers performing Legilimency on him and he did n't need to do go through that again. The sole matter Albus was thinking about then was how he could leave the room without Balladanis getting suspicious. He wished he had a Puking cough drop or something in his pocket.

`` Who taught you ? '' Balladanis asked.

`` My auntie Hermione, '' Albus muttered. He wondered where Malfoy was. That had to be the low gear and probably only time he would ever care Malfoy to be present.

`` Hermione Weasley, '' Balladanis mused, `` Yes, she is one of the most complete Occlumenses of her generation. ``

Albus 's chief snapped towards the room access as he heard step enter the room. He breathed a sigh of rest and had to repress a laughter at the fact that he was happy Malfoy was in the room.

`` Mr. Malfoy, you 're lately, '' Balladanis said.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Malfoy muttered.

`` Sit down, '' Balladanis pointed to the front table.

Albus turned around and sat as quickly as he could in one of the electric chair. Malfoy took his time in sauntering over and sat in the professorship next to him.

`` Mr. Potter. Mr. Malfoy, '' Balladanis began to pace in front of them, `` By now I am sure as shooting you are both cognisant of my stance on the wickedness prowess. If not, I suggest paying a bit more attention in class.

`` You may also be mindful of my devotion to helping the students who are struggling in my division. I hold extra help school term every unity day after dinner. However, I also wish to help those who are truly talented to pass their true up potential.

`` You two are the most talented duellist in the third year, '' Balladanis paused and looked at each of them in the eye, `` I would argue that you are the most talented duellist amongst the scholar below one-fifth twelvemonth. I would even wager that you could yield a couple of the sixth years a run for their Galleons. ``

Albus stared at Balladanis. He did n't opine he was that good of a dueler. He knew he could get nearly of the educatee in the Junior 's Dueling nightspot, but sixth years ? They were doing N.E.W.T. Defense classes. They knew tour Albus had never even heard of.

`` I would n't go picking fights with sixth geezerhood, though, '' Balladanis continued, `` They know spells you do not. What I mean is that you have the endowment to study spells that the sixth years are learning. The spells I am currently teaching in course are incredibly simple for the two of you. What I hope to do is teach you magical spell that are more than at your level. Now, stand up, the both of you. Let 's see what you can do. ``

Albus stood up and pulled out his wand. He had no approximation what Balladanis wanted him to do. Would they be practicing on the anamatek ?

Balladanis waved his wand and the desks moved to the incline of the classroom. Another moving ridge and the brightness level increased. `` I would wish you to duel each other. Use any trance that you have learned in shoal. Do not use any piece you have picked up elsewhere. madam Pomfrey would not be well-chosen with me if I sent the two of you to the Hospital fender with missing arm. restrain going until I say to turn back. ``

Albus could n't trust it. He was getting to duel Malfoy ! He had been wanting to do that ever since Kendrick had first announced the dueling club. The little practice affaire d'honneur they did were n't really what he had wanted to do, though.

Albus raised his wand and stared at Malfoy. Malfoy was smirking and pointing his wand at Albus. The two of them bowed and Albus took a stone's throw forward.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Albus shouted and pointed his wand at Malfoy.

Malfoy easily dodged the spell and sent a titillation hex at Albus. Albus threw up a shield and then tried to demilitarize Malfoy. Malfoy jumped onto a nearby desk and the spell collided with a chair which collapsed.

The duel continued in this matter for quite some time. Albus tried as hard as he could to actually hit Malfoy with a patch, but Malfoy kept dodging and blocking them. It was driving Albus mad. He kept thinking of everything Malfoy had done to him in the by two years and how often he wanted to beat out him in this duel. If he beat Malfoy, he 'd have something on him for the rest period of the year.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted for what must have been the 10th time.

Malfoy dodged it and sent the Lapp piece at Albus. Albus jumped and the spell hit Balladanis 's desk.

`` That 's plenty ! '' Balladanis shouted.

Albus lowered his wand and glared at Malfoy. Albus shoved his wand back in his robes and looked around to see a chair that remained intact. He found one and collapsed into it. That duel had been exhausting.

`` well, that was certainly interest, '' Balladanis gave a rare smiling, `` Not a scratch on either of you but my classroom has been destroyed. It seems that I was not premature in my sound judgment of your dueling skills.

`` Have either of you thought about what you want to do when you get out of Hogwarts ? ``

Albus stared curiously at Balladanis. That was an sharp change in conversation. Albus had never thought about life beyond Hogwarts. He was only thirteen. He never thought there was any indigence to think about it yet.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Not really. I mean, I always thought being an Auror would be interesting. ``

`` Indeed it would, '' Balladanis said, `` Your father certainly is happy with it. How about you, Mr. Malfoy ? ``

`` No idea, '' Malfoy replied.

`` There are many things you can do with dueling skill such as yours. I would hint looking into it, '' Balladanis said.

`` But sir, we 're solely third yr, '' Malfoy scoffed, `` Is n't it a bit early ? ``

`` I already knew what I wanted to do at thirteen, '' Balladanis said quietly.

`` And what is that exactly ? '' Malfoy asked.

Balladanis gave Malfoy the unknown look Albus had ever seen. It was a combination of unhappiness, anger, and pridefulness.

`` I do not wish to hash out that, '' Balladanis said, `` Perhaps you will receive out someday. For now, I think it best we call it a night. If you wish to learn march on enchantment, return at this time next week and we will begin. ``

`` I 'll be here, sir, '' Malfoy said as he walked out the door.

`` Thanks, prof, '' Albus said as he followed.

`` Mr. Potter, '' Balladanis said, `` Please recite Mr. Eckerton that it will not do for him to skip his extra supporter sessions. ``

`` But sir, '' Albus looked at him incredulously, `` You know what tonight is. He could n't possibly bear gone. ``

`` The moon did n't grow until after the session was over. I do not hire apology. ``

Albus sighed to himself as he left. Balladanis had been teaching him for over two calendar month and he still surprised Albus all the meter. Albus had seen a different incline of him that night. He did truly hate the wickedness Arts, that was something Albus did not doubt. But he had also performed Legilimency on him. Albus did n't mean he could ever trust a teacher that did that. Not after his experience with Washburn.


A/N : To resolve a common question hoi polloi have left in reviews, I came up with the anamatek, but based it off of boggarts in the HP series. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


`` What did Balladanis teach you ? '' was the first thing mat asked Albus when he went to see him the following afternoon.

Albus had given every piddling detail about the evening to his former friends once he returned to the dormitory afterwards and they were affect. John 's first reaction had been that perhaps Albus would be capable to encounter out what Balladanis did before he began teaching.

`` He did n't really instruct us anything, '' Albus explained to Matt, who looked exhausted but was paying ecstatic tending. `` I dueled Malfoy. ``

`` Wow, '' Matt looked strike, `` How was that ? ``

`` Neither of us won, '' Albus sighed, `` Balladanis made us blockade because we pretty much destroyed his classroom. ``

`` I wish I had seen it, '' John chimed in, `` Bet the look on Balladanis 's face was priceless. ``

`` He just looked impressed. He was n't furious or anything, '' Albus told them, `` Then he asked us what we wanted to do with our animation. ``

`` Like what kind of job you want to get ? '' Matt raised his supercilium, `` You 're only thirteen. ``

`` Yeah, I thought it was strange, '' Albus shrugged, `` But he said I should mean about doing something that would put my dueling skills to use. ``

`` Like an Auror ? '' flatness asked.

`` I do n't cerebrate so. I mentioned that and he kind of made it seem like that would n't put my dueling acquirement to use. ``

`` I ca n't think of any other job that you 'd duel more than that, '' matte replied.

`` I have no approximation what I want to do with my lifespan, '' Kaden announced.

`` Me either, '' Saint John said, `` I say we 've got deal of time to figure it out. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Madam Pomfrey stuck her fountainhead in between the drapery, `` And you certainly do not have to figure it out now. It 's fourth dimension for you lot to forget. ``

Albus, John, and Kaden reluctantly left the infirmary annex, lamenting the fact that gentlewoman Pomfrey had n't let them ride out very long. They had no estimate why the nurse had shortened visiting sentence so much, considering that flatness had n't seemed worse than usual, but they never understood why Madam Pomfrey did most of the things she did.

******

Albus 's week could be easily summed up in two Scripture. Quidditch and homework. Normally he would only kick about the latter, but Oliver woodwind instrument was like a Muggle drill sergeant-at-law when it came to Quidditch. Since the lucifer was on Saturday, Oliver was insisting on day-by-day practices. Albus and the former alternates had to be at every practice because according to Oliver, 'you never know when someone will get nauseous or jinxed rightfulness before a match .'

In fact, Oliver even wanted them to recitation on Fri Nox, the night before the lucifer. Albus was n't too felicitous about this since he had his lesson with Balladanis at eight. That was the same time Quidditch practice let out, so he had to run to the defense mechanism schoolroom still completely covered in mud from practice.

He ran into the classroom ten proceedings late, heart pounding with worry about what Balladanis was going to say.

`` Mr. Potter, you 're recently, '' Balladanis said as Albus entered the elbow room. He and Malfoy were sitting at the presence desk.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus said as he joined them, `` Quidditch practice session. ``

`` So I gathered, '' Balladanis eyed Albus 's muddy gown, `` I was just telling Mr. Malfoy about the responsibility that come with learning get along dueling spells. ``

Balladanis pulled out his verge and pointed it at Albus. Albus 's robe were clean and dry and he muttered a thank you to the professor. Malfoy was smirking to himself.

`` The most crucial responsibleness is that you can not and I repeat, can not, use the tour I teach you here in the junior dueling tournament. It would give your team an unfair advantage and you could inadvertently injure your opponent. The spells I teach you are not to be used outside this classroom, unless I instruct you otherwise.

`` You are not to duel your feller pupil in the corridors with these spell. Nor are you to use them against your siblings and cousin-german, '' his eyes rested on Albus.

`` I also feel the pauperization to warn you that these piece are more exhausting than the unity you have been learning. They use a lot of magic free energy and do not be surprised if you feel as though you have just run a marathon, '' he turned to Albus again, `` Or played in a very tenacious Quidditch equal. ``

Balladanis stood up and gestured for the boy to do the Saame. Once they did, Balladanis moved the desks aside and stood in between where Albus and Malfoy stood.

`` I am going to have you sour on your shield good luck charm first- ''

`` I already know how to do a shield charm, '' Malfoy announced.

`` I am well aware of that, Mr. Malfoy, and I do ask that you not interrogate my teaching elan, '' Balladanis said darkly, `` The shield charms you have been using are relatively weak and fade away after only a few spells are cast against them.

`` With a fair bit of practice and mental tightness, one is able to keep the shell up for long periods of sentence in order to block multiple spells. Really skilled dueler can even hold on the carapace up while casting other piece. That is quite useful, as you can conceive of. It is also possible to shield a great many the great unwashed with just one person 's shield charm, which is also very utilitarian. Some shield charms can even protect one against magical creature approach, '' Balladanis lowered his voice and averted his eyes at this, which Albus cerebration was odd.

`` It takes a lot of assiduousness to maintain postponement of a shell charm for so long, which is why the appeal can be difficult. I doubt either of you will produce a long term shield charm tonight, so do n't be disappointed. Wands out, both of you, and we 'll see how long you can bear the appeal, without any tour hitting it. ``

Albus held up his sceptre and muttered the conjuration for the shield good luck charm. He had practiced this charm numerous times before, usually with somebody else trying to hex him at the same clip. It was quite easy to just hold it there and even form of boring. He and Malfoy just stared at each other and Albus doubted that either of them were going to drop their cuticle. It would be like admitting defeat to the other.

After what must have been at least ten minutes of holding the shield charm, Albus found he was getting tired. His arm ached from holding his wand up and from throwing so many Quaffles at exercise earlier. Malfoy had the advantage since he did n't have Quidditch drill. Much to Albus 's consternation, he noticed his buckler starting to fizzle. He was n't going to be able to bind it much longer and Malfoy 's still looked strong.

Balladanis looked at his watch. `` Let the shield go, '' he instructed, `` Wands down. ``

Relieved, Albus lowered his weary hired hand and then sat down in a chair. Balladanis was right when he said advanced carapace were exhausting.

`` Very good, '' Balladanis said, `` Stand up again. Now I 'll see how many trance each of your carapace can defy. ``

Albus and Malfoy both put their shields up again and Balladanis sent disarming magical spell at both of them. Albus could palpate his shield faltering after the first charm and did n't think it would last as long as Malfoy's.

Albus 's shield fizzled out after three charms. Malfoy 's dismantled after four. He had the biggest smirk on his face afterwards, but did n't say anything. He probably did n't want to triumph in front of Balladanis. Albus knew he 'd learn about it the next time they had a course of instruction together, though.

If only he had n't had Quidditch practice ! Then Albus would stimulate beaten Malfoy. Or at least tied with him.

`` That 's enough for tonight, '' Balladanis said as he eyed Albus. Albus had a intuitive feeling that he looked absolutely exhausted.

`` Looks like I 'm the substantially dueler, '' Malfoy said once they were out of the room.

`` That 's not what it meant, '' Albus muttered, `` We did n't even duel each early. I could beat you in a real duel. ``

`` And I could beat both of you, '' a Slytherin Prefect, who was making his rhythm, said as he walked by, `` So get to your dorm. ``

Albus had no idea if he could beat the Prefect or not but he did n't want to hold fast around to lose house points. Plus, it was a good excuse to stop talking to Malfoy.

******

The excitement that filled the Great G. Stanley Hall the next first light reminded Albus yet again of the previous year 's Quidditch finals. Only this was n't a final. It was the Hogwarts versus Australia mate, the commencement match Hogwarts was going to act in.

The Hogwarts squad did not sit together at breakfast or luncheon. There was considerable disputation at practice the previous Nox about this. Oliver Natalie Wood, Tyler motorway, and Teddy all wanted the team to sit together in order to nip in last minute strategizing, but nobody could agree on which table to sit at.

In the end, shift sat with the Gryffindor players at the Gryffindor mesa, Tyler sat with the Ravenclaw participant at the Ravenclaw table, and Oliver walked from table to hold over giving out final stage infinitesimal advice. Albus thought this worked out hunky-dory since Oliver did n't seem to be able to sit still for Thomas More than a minute.

Albus was kind of relieved that nobody on the Hogwarts team came down with Spattergroit or lost a finger in potions form because he did n't really desire to play. He loved Quidditch, but so much was at stake. He wanted to merely watch the first base couple that Hogwarts participated in. Then, if right before the next match, one of the Chasers came down with a cold and Madam Pomfrey forbid them from playing, Albus would gladly remove their place.

The excitement only increased as Albus and his booster walked to the tar. Rose and Amanda were there, although Linda was n't. Albus thought this was only fitting since Hogwarts was playing against Australia in this match.

"Welcome, everyone !"Sir Alexander Robertus Todd Smith 's voice boomed over the crowd,"Hogwarts is playing its showtime match in the Cup and they are up against Australia ! The Hogwarts team is captained by Oliver wood with help from Ted lupin and Tyler freeway !

"The squad is comprised of Georgia Weasley as Keeper ; Damien Waverly, Anna Reilly, and Ferris Fielding as pursuer ; Andy Kaper and Allie John Davis as Beaters ; and Saint James thrower as Seeker.

"The bighearted inflammation in this match is whether King James I potter will be capable to work over Aboriginal Australian Seeker Linda Morales, who shocked everyone with her speed and lightness in the last match. ceramist, of course, is the son and nephew of legendary Gryffindor Seekers Harry Potter and Charlie Weasley. He is also being coached by Gryffindor 's other legendary quester, Ted lupin, and is on his way towards becoming another legend in the theatre of Gryffindor."

"Not being very modest about James II, is he ?"Rose muttered to Albus.

"No, not really,"Albus replied, happy that he was n't in James 's position.

"The captains excite hands,"Smith continues,"And they 're off !"

All fourteen thespian, one-half in emerald viridity Aboriginal Australian robe and half in black Hogwarts ones, rose into the air. Whoever decided on the colors must not own been thinking about visibility. If it was a rainy, snowy, or foggy day, you would n't be able-bodied to state the difference between the two colors.

The match was fast-paced like the start one had been. All of the Hogwarts players were superb and as far as Albus could tell, equally matched against Commonwealth of Australia.

The teams were tied fifteen minutes into the match, each with 120 point in time. The Quaffle exchanged hands so often that Albus had a voiceless time keeping up. Rose had already given up and was talking to Amanda about something. Matt, John, and Kaden were all trying to keep up with the match.

It happened so fast that if Albus had blinked, he would stimulate missed the whole affair. Linda had been hovering above the Hogwarts goal office and then she shot down towards the background, pulling out of her dive with the golden stool pigeon in her clench. James had been adjacent to her and was a few metres above her when she caught it. Just like that, in a matter of minute, the catch was over.

"Linda team spirit has captured the sneaker, which means Australia wins 270-120,"Smith announced less than enthusiastically.

"She caught it ?"John gaped,"But she was above the goal posts two endorsement ago !"

"No one can fly that fast !"Albus agreed.

"It ca n't be over !"lustrelessness exclaimed,"It just started twenty minutes ago !"

Everyone around Albus was talking about how immobile Linda flew to the Snitch. Albus and his friend descended onto the pitch and Albus quickly lost them in the sea of people. He pushed his way through the crowd until he found his team.

"They 've got to be cheating !"Andy Kaper shouted to Teddy,"They 've rigged her broom or something !"

"All the brooms were fully checked before the couple,"shift reminded him.

"wellspring, moderate it again !"Andy exclaimed,"There 's a speed magic spell on that thing, I guarantee it."

"We 'll hold it checked again,"Wood assured him.

"I want a rematch,"GA muttered,"They 've got to be cheating. Even a Firebolt 2000 ca n't fly that fast."

"We 're only going to get a rematch if there is something amiss with that broom,"Wood sighed.

"I want an unofficial flying rival between her and St. James the Apostle,"Damien Waverly said,"There 's no way she 's a better flyer than he is."

King James was the only one not talking. He appeared to be in cushion. The entire team was shouting around him, but he did n't look to get a line any of it.

"Epistle of James ?"Albus asked tentatively.

Jesse James jumped and looked at Albus without saying a password. Then he trudged off to the changing room. No one else noticed that he left.

No one had noticed Albus show up either, so he joined the crowd of people going back up to the palace. He figured it would be easier to verbalize to the Epistle of James once he returned to the common room.

The plebeian room was ominously silent when Albus walked through the portrayal hole. Most people were sitting, staring into place, and not talking to anyone. It was a scene more fitting to someone just dying than a suffer Quidditch friction match. None of the Aussie who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including Linda, were there. Albus briefly wondered where they were going to go, now that they 'd probably be chased out of every vulgar room.

Albus 's booster were sitting at their usual table and Albus joined them. Rose and Amanda were whispering to each other, but King John and Matt were unsounded. Kaden was rifling through a stack of chocolate frog cards.

The compeer had been the definition of anti-climactic. Hogwarts had spent hebdomad preparing for it, working every day well past when the sun set. Homework had been ignored and studying put off. All so Hogwarts could beat Australia. Then, Linda Morales had caught the Snitch XX instant into the match. Linda Morales, the only one who had managed to best Henry James Potter at Quidditch.

"You know,"Kaden set down his cards,"If Saint James the Apostle and Linda had a kid, he or she would be the unspoilt seeker in the world."

Nobody responded. Albus thought it would be more in all probability to become secure supporter with a chimera than James and Linda to get get married and have a kid. Not to cite the fact that vampire could n't bear children. Kaden probably did n't know that, though.

"I just do n't get it,"whoremaster mumbled,"She must 've cheated."

"You just do n't desire to take that Hogwarts might not have the best Quidditch actor in the world,"rosiness muttered.

"Let 's go to the piranha 's Den,"mat whispered as he stood up.

Albus did n't fuck why flatness wanted to go there, but considering how depressingly unruffled the common room was, he was n't about to object.

They passed no one except an Auror on their way to the room. Everyone must have been lamenting the Quidditch loss in their common rooms.

"Finally,"Kaden said as he collapsed onto one of the couches in the room,"Now we can actually talk. The common room is depressing."

"What do you expect ?"John groaned,"We lost our first mach. We 're in last place."

"No, we 're not,"pink wine said,"New York lost to Commonwealth of Australia with only 40 spot. They 're in hold out place."

"Does n't weigh,"John shook his foreland,"We still lost."

"No one 's ever going to puzzle Commonwealth of Australia,"Albus sighed.

"You 're probably right hand,"mat said darkly,"Remember the in conclusion friction match ? How quickly she caught the stool pigeon ? I knew she 'd be fast, but I thought maybe she 'd slow down to even affair up a bit. This compeer proves that wrong. She 's using the fact that she 's a vampire to her advantage."

"That 's completely unfair !"John shouted,"Why would Kendrick let her do that ?"

"He obviously does n't know,"Rose sighed.

"So, she is cheating,"Albus said.

"Technically, she 's not,"Matt replied,"She 's just really skilled at Quidditch. vampire, and werewolf, have really keen seeing in order to,"he paused,"Catch target. She 's better at seeing a snitcher than any human."

"Then why do n't you bring seeker against her !"Kaden exclaimed, grinning at the estimate,"That would be more fair."

lusterlessness burst out laughing."You did n't see me at flying lessons in first year. I 'm an frightening bill. for certain, I could see the stoolpigeon, but I 'd fall off my broom trying to enamor it."

"Oh,"Kaden deflated.

"Plus she 's super fast,"John pointed out,"And Matt 's not. No offense or anything."

"None taken,"Matt said.

"So, what are we going to do about this ?"Albus asked,"If she does n't stop, Australia 's going to win this competition."

"I think rose wine should peach to her,"John suggested.

"Why ?"rosebush asked.

"Because she likes you and you like her,"whoremonger said,"Just tell her to fly a little slower."

"Yeah, right,"Rose rolled her eyes,"Believe it or not, she 's about as fanatical about Quidditch as you lot are. No way is she going to harmonize to that."

"It 's true,"Amanda agreed.

The room descended into secretiveness. The only other affair Albus could consider of to do would be to evidence Kendrick that Linda was a vampire. That would get her off the Australian Quidditch team for for sure. However, Albus did n't really desire to do that. Rose would hex him to adjacent century and she 'd probably never speak to him again. It would be a lot like if pink wine told individual Matt was a werewolf and if that happened, Albus would feature the same reaction. Not that Rose would ever do that.

They stayed in the predator 's Den until dinner. Dinner was much more chasten than normal and Epistle of James never made an appearance. Linda was sitting at the far end of the Gryffindor table with only associate Aboriginal Australian near her. That kind of surprised Albus since he had never once seen her interact with anyone besides rose and Amanda.

"Albus,"mortal put their hand on Albus 's shoulder.

Albus turned around and saw his dad, wearing the Lapplander forlorn look all the scholarly person were wearing.

"Dad,"he said,"Were you at the equal ?"

"Yeah, I was sitting with Lily,"Harry nodded,"Have you seen James ?"

"Have n't seen him since right after the couple. He went into the changing rooms. Actually, I have n't seen slip either. Maybe he 's with James."

"merlin, I hope so,"Harry ran a paw through his pilus,"I 've checked everywhere I can think of. Makes me wish I had n't given him the map."

"You can use mine,"Albus suggested,"But I want to go with you."

"All right,"Harry said,"Let 's go."

Albus said good-bye to his friends and walked up to Gryffindor Tower with his dad. He ran up to his dormitory once he was there and retrieved the map. The dormitory was empty-bellied, so Albus and his dad looked at it there.

They scoured the Hogwarts section of the map for nearly five minutes before coming to the decision that James was no longer in the school.

"Bloody hell,"Harry muttered,"Where did he go ?"

Albus pressed the number two in the corner of the map with his wand and the map of Hogsmeade appeared. This one was a bit more difficult to search than the Hogwarts one had been. Most of the Hogwarts scholarly person had been in the Great dormitory. Everyone was spread out in Hogsmeade.

Two acid made Albus freezing. Two dots were in the screeching hutch. A finisher tone told him they were slip and James. Albus gasped. Why were they there ? How did they get in for that matter ?

"Dad,"Albus pointed to the Shrieking Shack.

"The scream shanty ?"Harry shouted and stood up.

Albus followed him out of the dormitory and then out of the common elbow room."How 'd they get in ?"Albus asked once they were walking through the corridors.

"Teddy knows the counter-charm for those ward,"Harry muttered.

"Why ?"

"Everyone who goes through Auror training learns a very large variety of counter-charms. One of them was bound to work on that tree. Now, he was n't supposed to use them outside of training, so I really have no clue what he was thinking,"Harry explained

It had gotten cold and blowy outside since the match, which really made Albus question why chemise and James would go to the Shrieking Shack of all places. The decrepit old building had no heat, for Merlin 's sake.

Albus dodged a branch from the Whomping willow as they neared it. Harry aimed his wand at the bottom and muttered the counter-charm. Then he froze the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. Albus hurried after him into the passageway.

The paseo to the shrieking Shack was tonic and soundless. Albus, who had been on the receiving end of many a lecture from his dad, knew that both Teddy and James were going to get one once they made it to the Shack.

Harry carefully opened the door and walked into the smooth old edifice. Hushed voices could be heard from the back room. Albus followed his dad back there.

Teddy and James were both sitting on the floor. James looked a complete mess, still wearing his muddy Quidditch gown and his face was all blotchy. Teddy did n't look much better, although his robe were a bit cleaner.

"teddy bear. James,"Harry said sternly when he entered,"What in the name of Merlin 's bloomers are you doing in this office ?"

Both boys snapped their heads up at the sound of Harry 's voice.

"Trying to convince James not to piss the biggest mistake of his life,"Teddy muttered.

"That sounds a bit overdramatic,"Harry said.

"He wants to throw in the towel the Quidditch team,"Teddy said dryly.

"That is the most idiotic thing I 've heard,"Albus shouted,"You ca n't do that !"

"Albus,"Harry warned.

Albus shut his mouth, but he still thought the very idea of King James quitting the squad was mental. They 'd have no hope of ever beating New York, let alone Australia, without James.

"Twenty instant, Dad,"James said in barely more than a whispering,"Twenty minutes."

"We 've all had our bad matches,"Harry said quietly as he sat down next to James,"I fell off my broom in my third year and lost a match."

"Because of the dementors,"James muttered,"There were n't any dementors at this match."

"James II, I 'm afraid everyone has made you out to be the unbeatable Seeker. Sweeney Todd 's comment today proved that. The stakes are set so high with you that when you do lose a match, it completely shocks everyone. It 's kind of unfair, actually, because cipher can win every match,"Harry replied,"You 're not the invincible searcher, I 'm afraid. And running away will get you nowhere."

"I suppose,"James sighed.

"You 're playing New York succeeding,"Harry reminded him,"They lost to Commonwealth of Australia sooner than we did. I think you have a chance at catching the Snitch then."

"I guess,"James replied.

"So you wo n't quit ?"Albus asked, ineffective to keep quiesce any longer.

"No,"Saint James said.

"Good. Because Lisa Galivant is nowhere near as skillful as you. You 're the skillful searcher Hogwarts has got,"Albus told him.

"Thanks, Al,"James gave him a half-smile,"Too bad Australia 's got a better one."

Albus nodded, wishing that he could just tell Saint James why Linda was so thoroughly. But he had sort of promised rosiness he wouldn't.


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

I 've written a new Sung fic, Lie to Me. It 's a Remus/Tonks and is in no way connected to my Albus series, but if you guys want to check into it out, that would be amazing !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On their way back to the castle, Harry gave Teddy and James that talk Albus had been expecting him to give. Albus walked a trivial ways behind them. Far enough to make them reckon they had privacy, but close enough that Albus could hear what they were saying.

Harry made it clear that he was not impressed that shimmy was taking advantage of the magical spell he was learning in training. In fact, Harry said if he caught Teddy doing it again, he 'd have to report it.

Then he told James that the screech hut was well out of limit and that if he went in there again, he 'd report James to Professor Longbottom. Albus doubted either of them would set foot in the seat again.

"Why did n't you just go to the way of demand if you wanted secrecy ?"Harry asked before leaving James and Albus in the entryway Hall.

shift and King James looked at each early and then laughed."It was otherwise occupied,"chemise grinned,"Fred 's got himself a girl. They were enjoying the privacy of the Room of Requirement."

Harry smiled and shook his head."side by side clock time, just ask Neville if he 'll let you verbalize in his study. I 'm sure he will. I 'll see you boys after terminal figure is over, then."

Albus and James said goodbye to their dad and Teddy and then walked back up to Gryffindor towboat in secretiveness. James was obviously still upset over the couple and Albus did n't need to say anything to make it worse.

"They 're doing a full investigating of Linda 's broom !"rose wine announced when Albus found them in the common room. James II had gone directly up to his dormitory.

"Yeah, Wood 's just told us,"John continued,"Stripping it down, plus they 're interviewing the Aboriginal Australian chieftain, headmaster, and everyone on the team, including Linda."

"Wow,"Albus was impressed. They would n't find anything, of course, but it was still nice that they were taking this seriously,"Wish it would actually help."

"Me, too,"privy agreed,"So where was James IV ?"

"The shrieking shack,"Albus whispered.

Matt dumped his ink bottle all over his homework and swore."How 'd he get in ?"

"He was with teddy bear and shimmy knows the counter-charm from Auror training,"Albus said quietly,"But he was n't supposed to use it outside of training, so my dad told him if he does it again he 'll get in hassle. Do n't worry, neither of them will go in there again."

"Still, of all the places they could 've gone ..."Matt 's representative trailed off.

"Why were they there ?"Rose asked as she siphoned the ink off of Matt 's homework.

"Jesse James was thinking of quitting the team,"Albus whispered,"Do n't occupy, he did n't,"he said quickly when he saw the sicken look on St. John the Apostle 's face.

"Well, thank Falco columbarius for that,"John said.

******

It must give birth been a slack news day the next day. One of those days where the front pageboy article of the Prophet was about a young wizard who had graciously volunteered his time in the come together Mary Augusta Arnold Ward at St. Mungo 's or an aged hag who passed away, leaving her chance to her cats.

That is, if it were n't for the fact that the Department of Magical Games and Sports and the department for International Magical Cooperation doing an all out investigation on the Australian School of Sorcery 's Quidditch team, Linda Morales and her Scots heather in particular.

Albus was quite appall to see the lengthy article by Rita Skeeter on the forepart page. He hardly ate any breakfast as he read it out gimcrack to his admirer before classes.

The Australian schooltime of Sorcery : Did They tare ?

In a rival of Quidditch and dueling, which reminds
many a crone and wizard of the thrilling and slightly
more dangerous Triwizard tourney, accusation came
yesterday of whether the team from Commonwealth of Australia cheated.

A match was held between the Hogwarts and Australian
squad yesterday afternoon and was over in twenty minutes.
The score was 270-110, in party favour of Australia. Linda
Morales, 13, of Commonwealth of Australia, caught the Snitch in what
some people believe to be an impossibly fast speed.

"It was like one minute she was flying above the auction pitch
and I blinked and then she was on the background with the
Snitch in her hand,"one Hogwarts student said.

Many other scholarly person and a few staff members recalled
the same matter. The many attestator of this near
impossible flying have fueled the investigation.

If it is discovered that Australia used any charms,
potions, torment, hex, or anything else deemed
impossible by International Quidditch banner,
a rematch will be played between Hogwarts and
Australia.

"We do n't know what we 're going to find,"Ian
Herkimer, of the department of Magical secret plan and
Sports, said recently yesterday,"On the one hand, it
is nearly impossible for a baker's dozen class old girl
to fly that fasting on the Calluna vulgaris she was using. On
the early hand, all the brooms used in this
competition were extensively searched for charms
before the mates. It could very well be that Whitney Moore Young Jr.
Linda morale is just an exceptionally good
Quidditch thespian. If that is the case, then scouts
from professional team may bid to pay attention
to this competition."

Perhaps the most intriguing part of this story is
that the Hogwarts searcher is none other than James IV
Potter, son of the legendary Gryffindor searcher
Harry ceramist. James Potter, 15, has lived up to
his sire 's reputation in the past and has never
lost a catch this quickly before. Neither James
or his father were useable for comment.

Is Linda morale a cheater ? Or is she merely the
succeeding greatest Quidditch star ?

"Great,"Albus set down the newspaper,"First she 's going to win this competition and then be drafted to play for Puddlemere United."

"We do n't have to worry about her playing for the Cannons,"John smirked,"That would get rid of their terribly reputation."

"That would be a bad affair because ... ?"Matt said.

"I would n't get to make fun of them anymore,"bathroom grinned.

"Not a bad thing,"flatness replied.

The entire school was talking about the article all day long. Everywhere Albus went, somebody was discussing it. Most likely due to this, King James spent the day in his dormitory.

"Why 'd Skeeter have to stick James in that clause,"Albus lamented as he, lusterlessness, John, and Kaden wandered the corridors. rosebush and Amanda had gone to find Linda, to see if she knew anymore details about the investigation.

"Because she 's Rita Skeeter,"Gospel According to John said,"She never writes an article without sticking your dad in it somehow."

"I know. Rita Skeeter 's horrible,"Albus said.

"There are a few reporter in Australia who could give her a run for her money,"lusterlessness muttered.

"So irresponsible !"a quieten voice said from a classroom they were passing.

Albus stopped. He did n't recognize the spokesperson and it did n't vocalise glad. He gestured for his friends to kibosh as well and paused to listen.

"We 're already skating on thin ice !"the man was saying,"low she catches the fink ten min into the first match and now she flies too fast for people to see and beats King James I ceramicist ? Now there 's an investigation for merlin 's sake !"

"I did n't recognise she was going to do that !"another man said,"I made it sack to her that she could only fly slightly substantially than the other player !"

"Told you they were cheating,"John whispered.

"We were n't the single arguing with you,"Albus replied,"That was Rose."

"The gent doing the yelling is the Australian master,"flatness said.

"The other one 's probably the captain, then,"Albus said.

"Well, you must not ingest told her sufficiency because now she 's on the social movement page of the Prophet and the Ministry is investigating ! Do you have any musical theme what 's going to pass if anyone finds out ?"the headmaster raised his voice.

"Of line I do !"

"Let me refreshen your memory anyway. We 'll both be fired and Australia will be out of the competition. Hell, we 'll be lucky to get away with amercement and no jail time !"

"That would n't be a bad thing,"King John muttered.

"You hear that ?"the headmaster barked,"Someone 's out there."

Albus turned in affright to his admirer and before he could run, the doorway opened all the way and Albus was staring at who he assumed to be the Aussie Quidditch chieftain. The man was tall and gangly, the perfect figure for a Chaser. His hair was messy in a way that reminded Albus of his forefather, but this man 's hair was luminance brown.

The schoolmaster appeared behind the man, along with a surly looking boy who must 've been around Teddy 's age. Albus assumed he was the assistant captain.

"Well, who have we here,"the headmaster smirked.

Albus was frozen in place. The back of his mind said to run, but he could n't get his legs to work. He was staring the bloke who was so prepossess against werewolves that he refused to let mat attend his school in the face.

"You 're the potter boy,"the master continued,"The younger one."

Albus forced himself to nod only because he did n't really want to be mistaken for James at the moment.

"That means ..."Killigan 's eyes moved from Albus to John, Kaden, and then Matt,"That one of you is probably,"his eyes rested on Matt and then he smiled,"The Eckerton boy. I was told you were here."

Albus turned to bet at matte, who was now almost as white-hot as professor Binns. Albus shook his caput, grabbed flatness 's arm, and took off running game. The step behind him told him that can and Kaden were following.

Albus did n't quit running until he made it to the Marauder 's Den. He completely ignored the Prefect who told him not to run in the corridors and Filch 's new cat.

"Bloody hell on earth, how did he pull off to envision out which one of us you were ?"John Lackland asked lusterlessness once they shut the threshold,"He has n't seen you in eld !"

"Lucky guessing,"Kaden shrugged.

Matt shook his headland."No. None of you lot have blonde hair."

"But still, how does he know I 'm friend with you ?"Albus asked,"Of all the blonde haired students here, he picked you. He somehow knows we 're ally. Remember, he said 'you must be the Potter boy', which is n't unnatural. Everyone knows who I am. But then he said 'which means you must be the Eckerton boy .'Someone 's telling him about you."

"So much for trying to discount him,"Matt groaned,"Now he knows who I am. merlin knows what he 's going to try to do now."

"Why does he even care ?"Kaden asked,"I thought he did n't desire you at his school day. If he hates werewolf so much, would n't it make more horse sense that he dismiss you ?"

Kaden had a peak. Albus had n't really thought about it before, but it was kind of strange that Killigan would be so interested in mat. But then, why would he let a vampire give ear his schooling ?

"That actually makes a lot of mother wit, Kaden,"Matt said,"Why does he manage ?"

Albus did n't know, but something told him it meant nothing respectable. Whatever Killigan was doing here, it went deeper than just trying to win a Quidditch tournament by having a vampire for a Seeker.

******

It took the Ministry three sidereal day to complete the probe. During this meter numerous Ministry officials appeared at the school and held audience with Killigan, the Australian captains, and the Aboriginal Australian thespian. They even interviewed Saint James, King Oliver woodwind instrument, Lord Todd Joseph Smith, and Professor Kendrick. Albus heard that every broom on the Aussie squad had been stripped and checked for illegal magic.

The results were announced before Rita Skeeter wrote another article. A Ministry official read them at dinner Wednesday evening.

"Upon close inspection of all the Australian broomsticks as well as extensive consultation with everyone involved, the Ministry is able-bodied to say that Linda Morales 's capture of the snitcher was a result of pure endowment and nothing illegal. I thank you all for your cooperation during this meter,"he said and then resumed his stern future to Kendrick.

The Great Hall erupted in angry shout. Everyone was staring at Linda and it looked like she wanted to disappear. rosebush and Amanda were sitting on either side of her and pink wine was whispering to her.

Albus and his friends were n't expecting anything different, but they had to act wild for appearing 's sake and it was not difficult to do so.

Kendrick eventually had to place upright up and tell everyone to quiet down. It worked, but nobody stopped talking about the results.

It was still possible for Hogwarts to win the contest. If they won every match from now on and continued doing well in dueling. The competition was n't even half over, so there was tidy sum of time to pull ahead. However, the fortune of doing so were low so long as Linda was playing Seeker for Australia.

The residue of the week passed with continual Quidditch word. James was still abnormally subdued and sat quietly with Ben, Cedric, and Nate every eve in the common way. Albus was hoping it would blow over during the vacation. It was strange seeing his Brother so quiet.

There was a Hogsmeade visit that Saturday and true to her word, rosebush went with Albus and his booster instead of Linda.

It was a particularly low temperature and blustery winter day with a steady snowfall that had already dumped six inches on the grounds. This was n't nearly enough snow to hold on people out of Hogsmeade and all the shops were entire to capacity.

Kaden had begged Albus to give him the map so he could lift in, but Albus refused. The Hogsmeade visit before Dec 25 seemed too speculative. Too many pupil went on that one. The valentine 's Day one would be better, when the other students were too absorbed in their love lives to notice a sec year in Hogsmeade.

"Let 's go get Butterbeer first,"Amanda suggested as they made their way into the village,"I 'm already immobilize solid."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

The triplet Broomsitcks was already packed, but they managed to happen a table and Albus went to get five Butterbeers. When he returned, everyone was talking about what they were doing for the holidays.

"My mum has decided she wants one of my aunts to do Xmas this year,"John the Evangelist said,"She 's done Christmas at our home since she and my dad got married and it 's finally assume her out. The rummy thing is that none of my auntie really know what to do, so my mum is doing as much piece of work as she always does."

"I ca n't imagine Christmastide not being at the Burrow,"Rose said.

"Me either,"Albus replied as he set down the Butterbeer,"The Burrow is just so Christmasy."

"Believe it or not, but I 'm not going to Australia for Christmas this yr,"Matt announced.

toilet spit out his Butterbeer."What ?"he coughed,"You always go to Australia."

"I know,"matte said,"Never had a Noel anyplace else."

"Why ?"Albus asked.

"well, you know how my dad 's going to be the new caput of the Department of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. He officially starts on January moment. But the Ministry is throwing a fancy company for him on New twelvemonth 's Eve. He did n't really want it, but they insisted. So, we 've got to go to that. Hopefully it 'll be respectable than the parties my grandparents have."

"Rose and I will probably go to that, too. My dad 's always invited to those thing since he 's brain of the Auror Department. My whole family goes to them. There 's always something to do, especially if James is feeling particularly mischievous. Rose 's parents get invited, too. So does my Uncle Walker Percy,"Albus explained.

flatness grinned."Well if you lot are there it wo n't be bad."

"This political party 's going to be anything but boring,"Albus grinned.

"Never thought I 'd wish I was going to a fancy party,"Saint John the Apostle sighed,"How about you, Amanda ? Any company ?"

"Nope,"Amanda laughed,"Just spending time with my family."

They finished their Butterbeer and went back out into the C. Honeydukes was their first plosive consonant, where Matt proceeded to buy enough chocolate to eat all of Gryffindor. His self-justification was that it was for Christmastide presents, but Albus doubted as to whether the chocolate would ever make it home.

Honeydukes was really too crowded to last out in very long, as were well-nigh of the former shops. They wound up just wandering up and down high school Street until they got to the Shrieking Shack.

After a very abbreviated Abronia elliptica fight rosiness suggested they just go back to the schooling and spend metre in the piranha 's Den. Nobody argued since they were all cold and wet from the snow.

******

The adjacent two weeks went by in a blur for Albus. It seemed like he just went from one Quidditch pattern to another, with dueling practice and lesson with Balladanis thrown in. Albus had started making onward motion with his shield charm, but so had Malfoy and neither of them were amend than the other.

At their utmost moral of the condition, Balladanis reiterated how significant it was for them not to practice while at home. He then told them to throw a good holiday and be ready to knead even harder when they returned.

Linda 's astonish apprehension of the fink had already started to blow over before terminal figure ended. Everyone seemed much more centre on getting a few weeks off from school than a lost Quidditch match. This helped return James to his normal self and he finished off the term with his usual pre-holiday prank.

This one was a fiddling less harmless as he just charmed the suits of armor to sing Christmas carols at random times of the day. Of grade, the carols were alternated with 'Hogwarts will win the Cup'and 'Hogwarts is better at Quidditch than Australia'and 'Hogwarts will wash up New York in the next match'. St. James the Apostle was never caught, though.

Eventually the Christmas carol wore off as did the pro-Hogwarts message and everyone packed and got ready to go home. Albus wondered for a minute what it would be like to quell at school over the holiday. He knew his dad had done nearly every twelvemonth, but Albus could n't imagine not being with his category for Christmas.

Albus and his champion found a compartment towards the back of the string and settled in for the long journeying.

"What are the Australian and American nestling doing for Dec 25 ?"Kaden asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"Some of them are going domicile, but most are just staying at Hogwarts. Linda 's staying,"rosiness told them.

"I bet it was Linda,"King John muttered absentmindedly.

"What ?"Albus asked.

"Linda. I 'll bet every Canute the Great in my sac that she 's the one who told Killigan who matt was,"John explained.

"You 're just mad at Linda for winning the catch,"Rose rolled her eyes,"She did not tell apart Killigan."

"Why not ?"Albus asked,"He 's her master. Why would n't she enjoin him ?"

"I do n't know. I just do n't guess she did,"pink wine muttered.

"Even that does n't explain why Killigan wanted to do it,"Amanda pointed out.

"Which means we have to find out,"Albus said.

"Find out what ?"Matt asked sleepily. The full moon was that Nox and he had fallen asleep as soon as they got on the train.

"Why Killigan was so matter to in you that time we spied on him,"Albus explained.

"Oh,"matt said as he leaned his psyche against the windowpane,"How are we going to do that ?"

Albus did n't do it. All he knew was that it could be problematic and there was a big hazard of them getting in trouble. An unnerve secrecy fell upon the compartment. No one knew how they were going to get answers.

"Do you think Linda 's teammate know she 's a vampire ?"Kaden asked towards the end of the journeying.

Albus, who had been drifting off to log Z's, lifted his capitulum up."dear question."

"They do n't,"rose answered,"They just think she 's really good."

"Interesting,"Albus said,"I bet she would n't be allowed to trifle professionally."

"She would n't,"John confirmed,"Vampires ca n't play professional Quidditch. It 's unjust to the rest of the teams."

"I 'd pay a lot of money to see two team of vampires playing Quidditch against each other,"Albus grinned.

"You would n't be able to see them,"John laughed,"They 'd be flying too fast."

"I 'd like to see vampires play football,"Kaden announced.

"Of form you would,"whoremaster rolled his eyes.

The boys spent the rest of the trip discussing vampire Quidditch while Rose and Amanda played Muggle card game. Before foresightful they were in London.

All of their parents were standing together on the platform. Albus said a quick bye-bye to matt before his parents hurried him out of the place.


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

For those who are interested, I posted a form of epilogue/short sequel to In Moon 's vestige. It 's called Life Amidst the Moonlight and is on my writer 's page.