Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On Christmas Eve the ceramicist went to Godric 's Hollow, like usual. It was completely dark by the fourth dimension they Apparated to the Burrow, but there was batch of light streaming out of the tall household 's windows. As they walked closer to the place, Albus could try the roars of laugh coming from inside.

`` Harry ! '' the door to the tunnel flew open and George stood in the doorway to greet them, a mug of eggnog in his hand. `` How are ya, checkmate ? ``

`` I 'm great, George. I see you 're already pledge, '' Harry grinned at him.

`` A drunkness only Mum 's eggnog can bring in, '' George IV went back into the theatre and Albus and his class followed.

Albus smiled to himself as he saw the common chaos that was Christmas Eve at his grandparents'house. His sea of redheaded cousin-german were milling around eating and laughing with each other. This was what Albus loved about Christmastime at the tunnel. He grabbed a couple cookie from the nearby table and went to find pink wine. She was sitting on the floor near the fireplace with Hugo, Victoire, and Teddy.

`` Albus ! '' she shouted over the noise, `` Over here ! ``

Albus pushed his way past GA and Gabriella who were laughing at something Fred was saying. `` Hi blush wine ! What 's been going on ? ``

`` Not much. Uncle George V, Uncle Bill, and Uncle Charlie are wino. My dad 's on his way and so is aunt Alicia. ``

`` Would n't be Christmastide Eve if they were n't, '' Albus laughed.

`` Gran 's been refilling the biscuit platters and talking with my mum and Aunt Fleur. I think she 's about to put on Celestina Warbeck, '' Rose gestured to the nearby tuner that mollie, Hermione, and Fleur were looking at. Fleur threw her handwriting up in the air and glared at mollie. `` Yup, here comes Celestina. ``

`` Mum hates her, '' Victoire shook her heading, `` She 'll be heading for the eggnog now. ``

Sure enough, Fleur poured herself a large mug of eggnog as Molly settled down to listen to the wireless. She was the solely one listening, though. Albus could take heed bits and pieces of a heated Quidditch give-and-take going on between his Uncle Charlie, Uncle George, Aunt Alicia, and Heather. Harry was making his way over to them now. It amazed Albus that his uncles and aunt could stock on a fully understandable Quidditch discourse while drunk.

`` How long are you staying, Victoire ? '' Albus asked.

`` Just until after Dec 25. I 've got to get back to St. Mungo 's in a yoke solar day. But I 've been here since yesterday when Amy left for Australia. I did n't require to be alone in the apartment, it would 've gotten awfully deadening. ``

`` You would n't have had to be alone, '' Teddy winked, `` And it would n't have been boring. ``

Victoire playfully slapped him. `` teddy ! Do n't let Mum hear you say that. ``

`` Oh, Albus, '' pink wine began, `` Both can and Amanda can come to my home on the 28th. Well, they can only derive over for the day, but that should be enough metre. Matt 's still not sure as shooting. He said he wo n't know until after he gets back from Australia. ``

`` Ok. Great, we can toy Quidditch ! ``

`` Quidditch ? '' Hugo snapped his top dog away from his umber anuran cards, `` Can I play ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus replied.

`` The 28th ? '' teddy bear commented, `` I 'll come over, too. I do n't have to be back at the Ministry until the 29th. I 'm up for some Quidditch. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` We can get a real game going. I 'll just assure my dad I 'm going domicile with you. '' Albus looked around the room and saw Harry in the midst of a Quidditch discussion. `` Hey, Dad ! ``

`` What is it, Al ? '' Harry got up and squeezed his way through the crowd over to Albus.

`` It 's all correct if I go to Rose 's mansion on the 28th, right ? And stay a couple twenty-four hour period ? ``

`` That would be fine, '' Harry said, `` But we 're actually going to Dudley 's house for New Year 's Eve, so we 'll come get you on the 31st before we leave. ``

`` We 're going to Dudley 's ? '' Albus stared at his dad.

`` Er, yeah, '' Harry gave Albus a half grin, `` Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon will be there as well .... ''

`` What ? ! ''

`` Dudley thought it would be a skilful idea, considering that Kaden is a wizard, '' Harry explained.

`` All right, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't really want to see Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon, but he did n't really induce a choice.

`` I 'm sure they 'll be ... civilized, at least, '' Harry gave Albus a hug before leaving to return his Quidditch discussion.

`` Well, at least I can come over for a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr., '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but you 've got to go see the Dursleys, '' Teddy screwed up his face in disgust.

`` It 's definitely going to be an interesting day, '' Albus replied.

`` I 'm for certain it 'll be okay, '' pink wine assured him. `` Plus, Kaden will be there. ``

`` That 'll make it even more interesting, '' Albus grinned.

`` You know, he 'd fit right in with this lot, '' Rose gestured to the loud and boisterous Weasley kinsfolk around them. `` Except without the red hair. ``

`` Hey, I have n't got red haircloth ! ''

`` Neither do I, '' Victoire agreed.

`` I do, '' Teddy laughed as he changed his pilus from its usual amobarbital sodium to red.

`` You 're not technically a Weasley, '' Rose commented.

`` Close enough. And anyway, who knows what 'll find in the future few years, '' Teddy winked at Victoire, who giggled. Teddy threw his arm around Victoire and kissed her.

`` better not let grannie see you doing that, '' rosebush warned.

`` Always a stickler for the rules, huh Rosie ? '' slip laughed and lengthened his haircloth until it was the perfective tense replica of Rose's.

`` Do n't do that ! '' Rose groaned, `` And I do break rules. Just ask Albus. ``

chemise shortened his hair again and turned to Albus. `` Really ? ``

`` She does, '' Albus confirmed, `` Quite a few times, actually. ``

`` This I 've got to get word. ``

`` Maybe another time, '' Albus glanced at rose wine. Albus had n't really decided whether or not to distinguish chemise about the new map. nigh of Rose 's and Albus 's most recent rule breaking was done in order to decipher it. Albus knew he was n't going to tell his cousins about it, but he was n't for certain about Teddy and James. One character of him thought they deserved to know, considering that their father and grandfather were both vulture, but on the early bridge player he sort of liked keeping it a secret.

`` Aw, come on, separate me. ``

`` Another clock time, '' Rose said adamantly.

`` Oh, amercement, '' Teddy huffed, `` But I will find out. ``

Albus spent the respite of the evening talking and playing games with rose wine, Teddy, and Victoire. He was really enjoying the time off from school and getting to drop time with his full family at once. By the time he climbed up to the attic bedroom that he shared with James I and a few of their cousins, he was tired and stuffed from all the cookie.

******

`` James ! Albus ! '' Albus snapped his center open at the phone of his name the next daybreak. He immediately recognized the voice as belonging to Lily. He heard her stride bounding into the elbow room. `` Albus, Saint James ! It 's Christmas ! wake up up ! ``

`` Hi Lily, '' Albus yawned.

`` Good, you 're up ! James ! Get up ! ``

`` I 'm up, I 'm up ! '' James mumbled.

`` We 've got presents, St. James the Apostle ! '' Lily grinned.

`` Right ! '' King James I said excitedly and Albus heard him crawling to the end of the top guff to his nap of presents.

`` I 'm going to spread out mine ! '' Lily shouted as she ran out of the room.

After Lily 's early wake-up yell, everyone in Albus 's room was up. Albus settled down to give his own pile of nowadays with the early boy. The first of all few boxes were filled with sweets and versatile Weasley 's thaumaturgist Wheezes intersection. The next was this twelvemonth 's Weasley jumper. It had a red quaffle stitched onto the front with a navy blueness background. `` Opened your jumper yet, James II ? ``

`` Sure did, '' King James replied, `` Red with a unripened Draco on it. ``

`` Mine 's blue angel with a red quaffle. ``

`` Excellent. ``

Albus opened the next few present tense, which consisted of numerous Good Book and early wearable particular. He also got a broom handle Servicing Kit, which would be useful since his Firebolt 2000 had a few twig that needed to be plucked. Albus saved the present from his parents for endure and was about to open up it when James gave an frantic shout from the bed above.

`` Whoa ! ``

`` What is it ? '' Cedric asked and jumped off his bed. Ben followed and the two of them ran over to Saint James the Apostle 's bed.

Albus crawled out of his bed and joined his cousin. `` What ? '' he asked.

James had a immense grin on his face as he held up a blank piece of lambskin. `` look what I got. ``

Albus stared at the parchment. `` You 're kidding ! Dad gave you the Marauder 's Map ? ``

`` He sure did ! '' St. James shouted.

`` This is utter ! '' Cedric exclaimed.

`` I ca n't conceive he gave it to you, '' Ben grinned.

`` That 's not bad, William James, '' Albus smiled, `` But why you and not me ? '' Albus could n't help but feel a minuscule left out, even though he now had his own Marauder 's Map that would potentially be better than the archetype. But his dad did n't make love about that, so why did he give the Map to James I ?

`` Dunno, '' James shrugged. `` What did they get you ? ``

`` Have n't opened it yet, '' Albus picked up the package from his parents and pluck off the wrapping.

What he saw made his backtalk fall undetermined in jar. This would explain why Epistle of James got the Map ! Sitting in the center of the torn swathe, was the invisibility Cloak. `` He, he gave me the Cloak, '' Albus whispered.

`` fountainhead, that 's why you did n't get the map, '' James River replied, `` This is glorious ! ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, pulling the cloak out of the wrapping. He laughed to himself as he thought of how he and rosebush went through all that trouble of stealing it earlier in the month and now he got it for Christmas. `` Guess this is why Dad wanted the Map back. ``

St. James the Apostle laughed, `` We gave it back only for him to render it to me. I think we ought to share them. ``

`` That 's a honest idea, '' Albus agreed, not mentioning that hopefully he would have his own map working soon.

`` And share them with us, too, '' Cedric gestured to himself and Ben.

`` Of trend we will, '' James I assured them. `` We just have to be sneaky about it. We ca n't let all of Hogwarts know we 've got these. ``

`` I 'm going to go William Tell Rose, '' Albus wrapped the Cloak around himself and left the elbow room. He had never worn the Cloak at the Burrow before and he thought it was really funny that he passed Eddie on the step and Eddie did n't even note him. He pushed open the room access to the room that Rose shared with Victoire, Georgia, Gabriella, and Heather and waited for the girls'reactions.

Heather jumped when she heard the door open and saw that no one was there. Victoire and Gabriella laughed and then shrugged. rosiness got up from her bed and walked cautiously over to the door.

`` Boo, '' Albus pulled the Cloak off and grinned.

All five girls shrieked as they saw Albus emerge from the Cloak, then they all started laughing. `` Where did you get that ? '' Rose demanded.

`` Dad gave it to me ! ''

`` He did ? '' Victoire stared in amazement. `` Wow, that is really capital. ``

`` I just ca n't believe he gave you that, '' Rose grinned, `` I 'll bet James is jealous. ``

`` He got the piranha 's Map, so he 's finely. ``

`` Wow ! '' Rose shouted, `` That 's incredible. And you can ploughshare them. ``

`` That 's the plan, '' Albus grinned. `` Well, I 'll see you lot downstairs. '' He wrapped the Cloak around himself once more and left the room. Albus could n't believe that his dad had actually given him the Cloak ! He did n't think Harry would ever give it up. The best part was that he was now even more like his grandfather had been at Hogwarts. Albus was even more of a Marauder now that he had the Cloak.

Albus continued down the stairs and into the kitchen of the Burrow. A few of his full cousin, aunts, and uncles were already up and starting to eat breakfast. Harry and Ginny were there as well, along with Lily. His grandmother was tending to multiple caldron at once, while simultaneously bringing respective point to the table. Albus watched them all for a few import before pulling the Cloak off and yelling, `` happy Yuletide ! ``

invoice choked on his coffee tree and acclaim it across the table at George, who had started laughing. Harry, who had probably been expecting this, grinned and looked at Ginny, who was smiling back. Lily was staring at Albus with her mouth full overt. Molly dropped the bowl of oatmeal she had been bringing to the tabular array. Everyone else looked at Albus with several face of jolt and amusement.

`` Albus ! '' Molly shrieked as she cleaned up the spilled oatmeal with a moving ridge of her scepter, `` Do n't do that ! ``

`` You gave him the Cloak ? '' George III asked.

`` Yep, '' Harry replied, `` I take it you 're enjoying it, Al ? ``

`` Sure am ! '' Albus went over to where his parents were sitting and gave them each a immense hug, `` Thanks ! ``

`` You 're welcome, '' Harry smiled, `` I figured you should be able to love it while you 're at Hogwarts, like I did. Although I expect you to use it more responsibly than I did. ``

`` I 'll try, '' Albus said, thinking of when he snuck down to the Whomping willow tree with it only two week ago. `` James and I are going to share it. Same with the Map. ``

`` Wait, you gave him the predator 's Map, too ? '' George V stared at Harry.

`` No, James got that. ``

`` I did n't think you 'd ever give that away, '' George III laughed.

`` fountainhead, I can digress the castling whenever I want and it wo n't matter who 's around, '' Harry explained, `` The male child ca n't. Plus, I did n't want to deny them the fun of it. ``

`` Are you sure that 's rubber, Harry ? '' Molly asked anxiously.

`` The castle is perfectly good, even at night. I 'm not saying I approve of you wandering around at night, '' Harry gave Albus a seat gaze, `` But there are more enchantments than ever protecting it. ``

`` That wo n't protect them from wizards already in the rook ! '' Molly commented, `` recall that Willinson kid last class ? ``

`` How could I forget ? Sometimes, you just have to take peril in fiat to endure a little. I trust the boys enough to know they wo n't go wandering around late at Night very often. And if you see anything suspicious on the Map, '' Harry turned to Albus, `` secern me about it right away. ``

Albus nodded. `` indisputable. '' He took a seat at the mesa, with the Cloak on his lap, just as James River ran into the room holding the Map in his hands.

`` Thanks, Dad ! '' Saint James the Apostle shouted, `` This is brilliant ! ``

`` I 'll tell you what I told Al. Do n't use that to bring out too many rules and if you see anything abnormal on it, recite me right away. ``

`` hello, Weasleys ! '' Teddy strolled into the room, his hair half green and half red. He sat down next to Albus and pulled a platter of eggs towards him. `` well-chosen Christmas. ``

`` I know your hair is Christmas colour in, but those two colors just should n't be paired together, '' King James shuddered as he noticed Teddy 's tomentum. `` I mean, Gryffindor and Slytherin at the same metre ? ``

`` It 's festal, '' chemise grinned. `` You want me to enamour yours to be red and viridity, too ? Just learned some excellent magic spell for that sort of thing in education. Not that I 'll take them. ``

`` No thanks, '' Henry James had a look of disgust on his brass. `` I 'll go along the plain red. ``

`` Is that ... '' Teddy looked at the parchment Saint James the Apostle was holding, `` The marauder 's Map ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! Sure is ! '' James handed it to teddy bear, `` Got it for Noel ! ``

`` That 's great ! '' teddy bear grinned. `` What did you get Albus ? Do n't think Harry could top that. ``

`` I got the Cloak. ``

slip turned to Albus, `` Really ? That 's nifty, too ! care I had an invisibility Cloak. ``

`` But you can cast those Disillusionment charms, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Not nearly as fun as that Cloak, though, '' teddy commented.

`` Oh, boys, '' Harry began, `` You 're going to have to contribution those with Lily once she gets to Hogwarts. ``

`` Aw, come on, '' James groaned.

`` If you do n't I 'll just slip them, '' Lily smirked, `` And obliterate them in my dormitory, which you two wo n't be able to get into. ``

`` She 's got a gunpoint, '' Ginny grinned.

`` We 'll share, '' Albus assured them. He would n't mind sharing with Lily, just as long as she kept the Cloak closed book. The live thing they needed was the entire castle knowing about it.

`` Good, '' Harry smiled, `` Now who 's up for a little winter Quidditch ? ``

`` Me ! '' Albus, James, Teddy, and mostly everyone else shouted at the Lapplander time.

******

Albus spent virtually of the day playing Quidditch outside with his mob. Eventually they all had to get in because they were too cold to play any retentive. Plus, it started snowing pretty gruelling and nobody wanted to lose the Snitch. Albus spent the repose of the day with Rose and reading a few of his new Word of God. The Cloak was passed around between his full cousin, and virtually of them were amazed Harry had given it to him, and a little jealous as well. James passed the Map around and everyone had fun watching the few dots that were left in the castle.

Christmas Day dinner came and went in its usual chaotic nation. It was loud and funny and Albus enjoyed every minute of arc of it. He went to bed belief very full and very content. The future day Albus 's aunts, uncles, and cousins all started to leave. Albus and rose 's class stayed for a couple more days, but they soon had to leave so Albus 's grandparents could go on holiday for New Year 's. Albus was actually excited to leave because he would be going to pink wine 's house and hopefully getting the stag print.

Albus landed in Rose 's life elbow room after Flooing from the burrow. His Uncle Ron, Rose, and Victor-Marie Hugo had already arrived and his auntie Hermione was right behind him. There was an owl waiting next to the window and Hermione ran over to let it in.

`` That 's Matt 's owl, '' Albus announced as he and Rose went over to call up the letter. Albus opened the envelope and scanned the alphabetic character, `` He can come, but only for tomorrow. We 're supposed to run across him at the Leaky cauldron at eleven. ``

`` Sure, '' Hermione smiled, `` Tell him that will act upon. ``

Albus found a quill and quickly scribbled a reply on the back of the letter and sent it off with the owl. He and Rose ran up the steps and into Rose 's way to tattle about program for getting the print.

`` I hope you 've got some estimate, '' Albus said as he shut rose 's door.

`` Of course I do, '' Rose grinned. `` We 'll tell my parents that we 're going to go exploring in the woods and we 'll look for a stag while we 're in there. Once we find one, we 'll all try and stun it- ''

`` What about the underage magic laws ? '' Albus definitely did n't need someone from the Ministry showing up shortly after they stunned a stag. The live thing he wanted to do was explicate why he had done it.

Rose laughed, `` Have n't you figured it out yet ? They ca n't tell apart who 's done the magic, only that magic 's been done. The Ministry has no way to separate if it was us or my parents who performed the magic. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. All last summer he could have done magic and the Ministry would n't get found out. `` Really ? ``

`` Yes, really. The Ministry just relies on parents to not let their kids use charming out of doors school. So I would n't hint doing it a lot. I 'm sure we 'd get in big trouble with our parents. I would n't even be suggesting we do this if there was another way to get the print. ``

Albus nodded. He did n't really require to dampen the law either, but what could they do ? There was no way to get a hart print if the stag was n't stunned. `` I just hope we actually find one tomorrow. ``

`` Me, too. But we do possess a duet Clarence Shepard Day Jr.. You 'll be here until the 31st, so that 's four solar day to get it. ``

`` Yeah, but John and Matt want to facilitate, too. ``

`` I know and we 'll try. Hey, I 'll bet Amanda 's gotten the dog print by now ! ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus said excitedly, `` So we 're pretty practically halfway there. ``

`` Yup, '' rosebush grinned.

`` Now we 've just got to find the charm to observe Kaden quiet, '' Albus replied.

`` You 're going to tell him everything after I find that charm ? '' Rose asked.

`` I think so. I mean, as long as the magic spell works he ca n't severalize anyone about it. It 's obvious now that he 's Wormtail, although I 'm sure as shooting he 'll be a better one. But it 's up to mat whether he wants to tell Kaden he 's a werewolf. ``

`` Is n't it variety of essential for this ? ``

`` Probably, but I ca n't exactly severalise Kaden that. ``

`` Yeah, you definitely ca n't, '' rose wine agreed.

`` Let 's just try and get the hart print first, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we 'll figure out the Kaden thing. ``


A/N : J.K. Rowling did State Department in an interview that Harry was n't going to give the map and the cloak to James River & Al, but it fits the plot so I 'm just ignoring that for this serial. Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Miguel, Johanne, Gospel According to Luke, Slytherinlover, wolverine83, Moonylupin, XDNLxtlz99, maraudersfan a w, and Jen for the inspection !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter.


Albus, Rose, and Hermione went to the Leaky Cauldron the adjacent day to fit mat and Amanda, who was also being dropped off there. John had arrived earlier by Floo and went with them as well. When they got there, both Matt and Amanda were already there.

`` Hi ! '' Albus greeted them as he stepped out of the Floo.

`` Hi Albus, '' lusterlessness grinned, `` How was your Christmas ? ''

`` It was brilliant, '' Albus replied, `` Wait public treasury you see what I got. ``

`` What ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Ca n't show you here, '' Albus whispered. `` I 'll show you when we get back. ``

`` Let 's go now, '' flatness said impatiently.

`` You kids go ahead, '' Hermione told them, `` I 've got a bit of shopping to do. ``

Albus bade bye-bye to his aunty and turned back to the Floo. Within seconds he was back in Rose 's living elbow room. A few minutes later all his Quaker were back as well.

Matt and Amanda stared around the room. `` Nice household, '' Amanda smiled.

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed, `` form of looks like mine. ``

`` Thanks, '' pink wine replied.

`` So, Albus, what did you get for Noel ? '' mat asked.

`` This, '' Albus pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak sac. He had been carrying it around with him ever since Christmas.

Matt let out a gasp. `` Whoa ! You really got the Cloak ? That 's completely amazing ! ``

`` I love that cloak, '' Amanda grinned.

`` And to opine we slip it just a few week ago, '' toilet snorted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus hissed, `` Uncle Ron and Victor-Marie Hugo are here. ``

`` Oh, sorry. ``

`` But this is n't all, '' Albus continued, `` James River got the Marauder 's Map. ``

`` He did n't ! '' John Lackland shouted.

`` He did. ``

`` You two are so lucky, '' Matt replied.

`` But we 'll ingest our own Map soon anyway, '' Amanda pointed out as she dug around in the bag she brought. She produced a crumpled piece of music of parchment with a paw photographic print on it that was slightly lowly than the loup-garou print.

`` You got it ! '' Albus took it from her. `` We 're halfway there now. ``

`` I hope it 'll work. Isaac Newton would n't abide still and the parchment is sort of crinkle. ``

`` I 'm sure it will work, '' Albus said.

`` Good thing we did n't have the mark go directly on the map, '' Matt replied.

`` So today we get the hart photographic print, '' Albus announced. `` Right after tiffin. ''

Everyone agreed and headed into the kitchen to scrounge up some food. Ron had already created an enormous sandwich and was eating it when Albus and the others walked in. They all liked the idea of making jumbo sandwiches and were soon eating alongside Ron. Albus thought John 's sandwich looked disgusting because it was piled high-pitched with dud, hole, and peanut butter. Rose shuddered as she saw him bite into it, but he thought it tasted delicious.

`` I ca n't trust you ate that entire matter, '' pink wine screwed up her face in disgust after privy ate the last bite of his lunch.

`` It was good, '' he shrugged.

`` Hey, Uncle Ron, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to go explore the forest. ``

`` All right. Have fun. But try and be back by three. Teddy 's coming over and so are King James I and your dad. We 're all going to spiel Quidditch. ``

`` Sure, we 'll be back by then, '' Albus was excited about playing Quidditch. It was always better when Teddy was there.

Once they were all done with luncheon, Rose and Albus led the way outside and over to the woods. The woods was situated next to the bombastic open field that was next to the house. Albus and Rose went exploring in it quite a bit and knew their way around it well. The group crunched across the play false laden area until they came to the forest 's edge. rosiness found the path they usually took and lead the group down it. `` preserve your eye pealed for a hart, '' she told everyone.

`` This reminds me of the forest near my old household in Commonwealth of Australia, '' mat commented after a few minutes of walking.

`` How was Australia this class ? '' Albus asked, remembering that his friend just returned to Britain the former day.

`` It was all right. No dissimilar than usual. It was boring of track, and my gran kept telling us how we should visit more often. ``

`` You 're not going to, are you ? '' John asked.

`` Do n't think so. Mum and Dad do n't really require to. Plus they want to go visit my Uncle Jack in New York this summer. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Amanda replied.

`` Yeah, I hope we get to go. ``

The radical continued walking into the forest until Rose announced that it would be unspoilt if they sat completely still and waited for a stag to walk by. She said their movement would dash the creatures away. Albus sat down in the snow behind a shrub with his Friend and watched and listened for animal. After a one-half 60 minutes of waiting, Albus was bored. How long was it going to take for a stag to pass over their path ? He would much rather just walk around to find one. rose seemed perfectly content to sit still, as did flatness. John Lackland had made a turgid stilt of play false globe, along with a snow thaumaturge. Amanda was busy creating a snow crone to go along with his wizard.

`` I 'm drill, '' John sighed as he made yet another C nut. `` How long is this going to take ? ``

`` I do n't know, '' Rose shrugged, `` We do n't see stags that often in here, so it might be a while. ``

Albus glanced at his watch, `` Well it 's just after two, so if we do n't find one soon, we 'll receive to go back. '' He stared into the timber and willed a stag to come. Albus was getting frustrated by this point. They needed that stag print for the map ! There was no spot else to find one. What if they could n't discover a stag before the end of the holiday ? They would give birth to await until the summer to search again. Albus could n't waitress that long. He wanted the map now.

`` delay, '' flatness stood up and turned around, `` I think I hear something over there. '' He pointed to a clump of bushes a dyad meters away.

`` I do n't take heed it, '' St. John the Apostle replied.

`` Shush ! '' mat whispered, `` You know I can hear things you ca n't. ``

mat started slowly making his way towards the cluster of George Herbert Walker Bush. Albus and the others followed behind, nobody saying a word. `` Wands ready, '' matt whispered.

Albus pulled out his sceptre and pointed it towards the bushes, his mind racing with excitement as he went. This was it ! They were going to get the stag photographic print ! region of Albus 's brain knew that this was n't necessarily a stag, but he did n't pay tending to that. What else could it be ? Most of the animals in the forest were too small to be rustling the bushes this much. As Albus got skinny to it, he could distinctly hear the footmark of the animal, and they were much too tatty to be a rabbit or a squirrel. There were n't many tumid animate being in the wood, snoop being some of the few. It could be a doe, but Albus hoped it wasn't.

The chemical group was now only a dyad feet away from the bushes. Everyone had their baton pointed at them, waiting for the beast to make its coming into court. The instant Albus saw the leave of absence part, he shouted, `` Stupefy ! ``

`` Stupefy ! '' rosebush, John, Matt, and Amanda all shouted at once.

Whatever was in the bushes jumped to the incline and missed all five stunning tour. `` Whoa ! What the bloody hell do you lot think you 're doing ! ''

It was slip. The disturbance Matt had heard in the bushes was teddy bear. Albus lowered his scepter and sighed. So much for finding a hart. Now that teddy was with them, they would no longer be able-bodied to look. Albus turned to his Friend and saw them all put their sceptre away.

teddy fully emerged from the bush and walked over to where Albus was with a befuddled aspect on his face. `` Do I even want to know what you 're up to ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, trying to think up an self-justification fast.

`` We 're just taking a walking in the forest and you scared us ! '' Rose announced, `` Sneaking up on us like that, what did you think we 'd do ? ``

`` Shriek, maybe ? '' shift gave them a askew grin, `` But not attack me. ``

`` So you were trying to scare away us ? '' rose said exasperatingly

`` A bit, yeah, '' slip laughed. `` Worked, did n't it ? ``

`` I 'll say, '' Rose muttered. Albus listened to the two of them but did n't add anything. He was forever thankful that his full cousin was a better prevaricator than he was.

`` It 's sort of common cold to be going for a hike, '' chemise commented, `` But Ron said you were here, so I figured I 'd see if I could find you. '' He eyed St. John 's pile of sweet sand verbena and grinned, `` Planning on having a snow ball fight ? ``

shimmy did n't wait for an answer and picked up a few of John 's Abronia elliptica. He threw one at Albus and the early at pink wine.

`` keep an eye on it ! '' Albus shouted as the snowball made contact with his fount. He spat out the snow and bend down to get to his own snow ball. He aimed it at slip but slip jumped out of the way and it hit Matt instead.

`` Hey ! '' lustrelessness shouted as he picked up one of John 's snowball and threw it at Albus. It landed square on Albus 's chest.

A few moments later, a huge snowball combat broke out. It was every man for himself for a while and Albus was getting pummeled by Teddy 's Abronia elliptica. He tried to get Teddy back, but Teddy was too quick for him. Instead, Albus decided to focus on Matt, who was trying to get Albus back for the snowball that had hit him instead of shift. pink wine eventually joined Albus in his attempt to get lusterlessness, while Amanda evened out the odds by joining Matt 's English. whoremaster, who seemed to be the solitary one with enough science to hit Teddy, was having a person-to-person competitiveness with the blue haired boy and was actually doing well.

The six of them were completely soaked by the time the fight ended. Matt and Amanda surrendered to Rose and Albus after the cousin decided to produce about twenty sweet sand verbena and lob them constantly at their two supporter. privy surrendered to Teddy a few minutes later, once Teddy decided to trance a batch of blow to turn itself into snowball, resulting in a never-ending supplying of ammo for slip. can did n't know that piece and was stuck mitt making his Charles Percy Snow balls while Teddy continuously sent snowballs at him.

`` Who 's up for Quidditch ? '' teddy bear asked as they were walking back through the forest to rose 's house.

`` M-maybe after I d-dry off, '' Albus shivered. The snow had completely penetrated his cloak and was now freezing it into an icicle. His friends nodded in agreement.

`` speech sound honest, '' Teddy replied, `` Harry and James should be at the firm by now.

A little while later, Albus found himself back at Rose 's house, where everyone was waiting for the Quidditch friction match to go. Albus, along with his friends, ran upstairs to dry off and shift quickly.

`` set ? '' chemise jumped up from the chair he was sitting on once Albus and his champion descended the stairs. `` Who has n't got a broom with them ? ``

`` Me, '' Amanda said. She was the only one. John and Matt, who both had Calluna vulgaris, had brought them knowing they would play Quidditch.

`` We 've got fifth wheel, '' Ron announced, holding a twain broom in his hand.

Once everyone had a broom to use, slip started to claim charge of creating squad. `` All right. Let 's see, we 've got Me, Harry, Ron, James, Albus, bathroom, Matt, Amanda, Victor Hugo, and Rose, are you playing ? ``

`` Sure, why not ? '' Rose shrugged.

`` Good, then we 've got ten role player. That 's five per team. So each team will have a searcher, a beater, a Keeper, and two chasers, that 'll ferment. I 'll be one of the searcher, '' he turned to Harry and James, `` Which one of you will be the former ? ``

`` You can, Henry James, '' Harry offered, `` I 'll do whatever is needed. ``

After a few arcminute of organizing, the two team were created. Albus 's team consisted of Teddy as quester, Ron as Keeper, Hugo as the just Beater, and lustrelessness and himself as the two Chasers. On the early team, James was searcher, Amanda was custodian, John was the Beater, and Rose and Harry as Chasers.

The two team trooped outside into the common cold winter day. It was just starting to pull the wool over someone's eyes a little, but Albus did n't mind. He would stay fresh warm while he was playing anyway. Harry and Ron conjured goal basket and everyone flew into the air. Hermione released the testis ( only one Bludger, since there were only two beaters ) and threw the Quaffle into the air, then conjured herself a professorship to watch.

The mate was nothing like the unity at Hogwarts. It was much more informal, and in a way, Albus enjoyed it more. There was only well-disposed competition between the two teams and no one got furious when someone dropped the Quaffle, which happened a lot. The two teams were pretty evenly matched in terms of Chasing skills. Albus, who was the only material Chaser on either team, was easily the respectable. Harry was a decently pursuer, but it was clean that Seeking was his existent attainment. rosebush was absolutely fearful and was the first to admit it. She was n't a big fan of flying in the kickoff topographic point and did n't care to take her hired hand off her ling in gild to fascinate and flip the Quaffle. lusterlessness was respectable than rose wine, but dropped the Quaffle numerous times. Albus and matte scored to a greater extent points than Harry and pink wine did.

Ron, of class, was a very good custodian and Amanda was as well. Albus was kind of surprised at this, because she never really played Quidditch before. Maybe she could try out for the Gryffindor team once Georgia left. John was an nonplus Beater and Albus already knew that he 'd be trying out for the team after Bradley and Ryan left. Victor Hugo was also a very good Beater and it was obvious he had received all the Quidditch cistron in his family. Then, of course, there were the Seekers. Both Teddy and King James were amazing quester and by far the two good players on either team.

After about an hour of playing, during which Albus was sure both Teddy and James had seen the fink but ignored it in decree to drag the game on longer, both Seekers flew directly up into the air. Everyone stopped what they were doing to check. A few second later, they both came flying back down and James had the snitch clutched in his hand.

`` I got it ! '' he shouted.

`` That puts your team ahead, '' Hermione announced, `` You won 270 to 210. ``

`` Yes ! '' Saint James exclaimed, landing on the ground. Albus and the rest of the players landed after him and congratulated him and his squad for winning. `` Ha ! I beat you at Quidditch, Teddy ! '' James gloated.

`` Yeah, yeah, good job, '' chemise sighed, `` Knew I should n't get trained you that well. ``

`` You 'll be saying otherwise when we win the Cup this year ! '' King James grinned, `` We already beat Slytherin. ``

`` I know, I was there, '' Teddy laughed, `` Anyway, I 'm just joking. ``

Despite the fact that his team did n't win, Albus was glad. He loved playing Quidditch with his sept, even More than playing on his theater squad. It was even better with his friends there, too. He walked back into the house with his friends and mob, frigid but very content. Hermione had made a plate of sandwiches for them, which everyone ate enthusiastically once they had dried off.

After all the food had been eaten, John Flooed back to his sign of the zodiac and Albus, blush wine, and Hermione went with mat and Amanda back to the Leaky caldron to meet their families. It had been a shortly visit, but a fun one nonetheless. Albus only wished that they had managed to get the stag print. He and rose were planning on trying again the adjacent day, and the next if it was necessary. They had three more Day to do it and Albus was determined to succeed.

******

Albus and Rose spent as very much fourth dimension as they could in the forest looking for stags the next day. When they were n't in the woods, they spent their fourth dimension in the library in Rose 's family, looking for a charm to hold back Kaden quiet.

`` There 's books in here that are n't in the school subroutine library, '' rose announced as they walked into the way after a particularly cold outing in the forest.

`` I 'm still not sure we should adopt a gap from looking for a hart, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's too cold out there now. Plus there 's a storm coming and it wo n't do us any good if we get lost out there. '' Rose went over to a book shelf and Albus followed. He had been in this room plenty of times before, just never to reckon for a specific charm.

`` How are we supposed to find one spell hidden in all these account book ? '' Albus sighed, `` We do n't even have a go at it what it 's called. ``

`` That 's what this is for, '' Rose slammed a heavy Holy Scripture down on the table nearest to the ledge she pulled it off of.

Albus looked at the book, `` An encyclopedia of Charms by Filius Flitwick. That 's who Mum and Dad had for Charms, is n't it ? ``

`` Yes, '' rose confirmed as she opened the covering, `` It 's a rather ingenious idea, really. All I 've got to do is take my verge, point it at the book, and say'I need a appealingness to celebrate mortal quiet'and it will flip to the right page. ``

`` That would certainly speed affair along, '' Albus replied. `` Try it. ``

`` All right, '' rosiness pointed her scepter at the book, `` I need a charm to keep someone quiet. '' The book 's varlet immediately started turning until they stopped about a after part of the way into the Holy Scripture. rear peered at it and then shook her promontory. `` Nope, that 's not it. This one 's just a silence charm. ``

`` Maybe you 've got to be more specific, '' Albus suggested.

Rose nodded. `` I need a magical spell to forbid someone from talking about something. '' The varlet started turning again and stopped a few mo later. Rose sighed after she read the description. `` This one charms a person 's lip shut. ``

Albus laughed, `` Well that would definitely keep Kaden from talking about the map ! ``

`` multitude might notice, though, '' Rose smirked, `` Although it does have it 's reward. I 'll try something else. ``

`` I think you 'd better tell the book exactly what we need the charm to do. Tell it that Kaden has to not talk about a specific matter. ``

`` Good idea, '' rose wine poised her verge above the Quran, `` I need to keep Kaden Durlsey from revealing secret about Matt Eckerton and about a map. He must only be able to talk about these arcanum with five former multitude and not refer them to anyone else. He should be able to converse normally about other topics. ``

`` That ought to be specific enough. '' Albus watched as the book hesitated for a few moments and then turn its pageboy to one of the hold up ones. Both rosebush and Albus leaned over the book while blush wine read aloud.

`` 'The Sileo Altus Charm is the most complex and intricate of the silencing magical spell. This appeal has the ability to hold on a somebody from revealing one particular part of information to others, unlike other silencing good luck charm which prevent a somebody from speaking at all. The spell also has the ability to affect others, which will ensue in the person the appeal is cast on to be able-bodied to discourse about the secret with those particular the great unwashed. When done correctly, this charm will last forever or until the counter charm is performed. The Sileo Altus magical spell keeps a soul 's hole-and-corner safe much like the Fidelius appeal keeps a person 's position secret and is said to be just as condom .'

`` Then there 's a whole bunch of spells that are required, '' rosebush scanned the remainder of the unveiling. `` There 's a spell that has to be performed on each person who is involved, one on Kaden, one on the secret-keeper- ''

`` There 's a secret keeper ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, I guess so. Then there 's the boilersuit charm, '' Rose continued, `` It sounds complicated. But I 'm up for it. This does n't really evidence me how to do it, though. There 's just a lean of spells. ``

Albus glanced at the entry, `` Oh, it says there 's more information in Charms of Protection by Natalia Journo. ``

`` You 're the right way, I had n't noticed that, '' Rose leaned over the volume again and read the deed of the commend book. `` I think we might actually birth that one. '' Rose jumped up from her seat and ran across the way. Albus sat back and watched her. He had no estimation how she could possibly know if she had that script or not. The entire way was filled with shelves and shelves of script. Albus would n't even know where to look to incur the book they needed.

Rose returned a few bit later with a Holy Scripture in her arms and a grinning on her face. `` We do induce it ! This was comfortable than I thought it would be. ``

`` I think doing the literal charm is going to off-set the ease of finding it, '' Albus pointed out.

rosebush shrugged, `` I think I can figure it out within a few hebdomad. '' She sat back down and opened the Quran.

Albus watched as his cousin-german flipped through the Page of the book until she found the good luck charm they were looking for. He was very glad that Rose was so aegir to learn new charms. It certainly helped that she was good at it, too. Albus had made a lot of progress in appealingness ever since Professor Cedonia arrived, but he was still modal. rosiness was easily the best in their stratum. That and her keenness to learn would certainly help if she was going to master this charm.

rose read in silence for a few moment and then turned to Albus. `` All right. This explains it pretty well. First, of course, we 've got to enjoin Kaden the secrets. Then we 've got to pick the secret custodian. I 'm thinking that I 'll have got to be the underground custodian since the secret keeper is the one to do the charms. ``

Albus nodded, `` I 'm ok with that. We 've just got to make sure as shooting flatness is. What does the secret keeper do ? ``

`` Just do the charms. And the secret keeper is the lone one who can perform the sideboard charm on Kaden. Normally the cloak-and-dagger custodian would be the only one the person could talk about the unavowed with as well. But we 'll use another charm to ascertain that Kaden can talk about the enigma with you, can, mat, and Amanda as well. ``

`` That sounds good, '' Albus replied. `` What else ? ``

`` well, the clandestine custodian performs a appealingness on themselves, which turns them into the secret keeper. Then they perform a charm on Kaden. Then Kaden will recite the secrets in detail. After that, the secret custodian performs another charm on Kaden. Then magical spell are performed on the relief of the people involved. Then a final sealing charm on everyone, including Kaden and the secluded custodian, and it 's done. ``

The musical theme of all those different piece made Albus 's brain hurt. `` Wow, that 's a lot of charms. We 've never done 1 that are a combination of multiple charms. ``

`` The transference spell is one of those, but it only uses two. This one is five. ``

`` What 's the counter appealingness involve ? '' Albus asked, thinking that maybe there would be a clock time when Kaden would mature and they would n't have to rely on magic to hold back him from spilling secrets to Malfoy.

`` Erm, it seems pretty much like the actual charm, '' pink wine looked back at the Bible, `` You pretty much go backwards, using dissimilar charms. ``

`` Makes sentiency. ``

`` I 'll start practicing as soon as we 're back at school, '' Rose shut the book and got up. `` I 'll bring the Scripture. Mum 'll never love, she 's got way too many to maintain racecourse of. ``

`` All right, '' Albus got up and followed her to the door, `` Now we 've just got to find that stag. ``

`` It 's going to have to hold back until tomorrow, Albus, '' Rose pointed to the windowpane. It was White person with swirling nose candy and the wind was howling. `` Mum and Dad 'll never let us out in that. ``

******

Albus was getting quite fed up with the stag search by the time late afternoon arrived the next day. He and Rose spent the total morning in the wood, taking a break for lunch, and then returning in the afternoon. Albus looked at his sentinel and saw that they would accept to be starting to devolve to the house soon. `` We 're never going to discover a hart ! '' he groaned.

Rose, who had brought the charm book they had found the previous day, looked up. `` You 've just got to be patient. I told you one wo n't add up if we 're noisy. ``

`` We 've been quiesce for the yesteryear two hr, '' Albus said flatly.

`` You 're not being quiet now, '' Rose whispered and returned to her book.

Albus sighed and stared out into the timberland. So far Albus had seen no lupus erythematosus than ten rabbits and four owl, but no stag. He was getting very cold session in the coke and his cloak had foresightful since soaked through. Albus was determined, however, and refused to go back to Rose 's house until they found a stag.

It had seemed so simple at first, to daze a stag in the forest and get its footprint. This was not supposed to be the laborious print to get. Looking back, even the werewolf one seemed easier. surely, they got locked out of Hogwarts, but they never got in bother for it. The dog print had been the easiest, since Amanda had a dog. The rat would be easy, too, once John managed to catch one.

Albus pulled out his wand and started to jab at the Snow sensation he had constructed earlier. The wand melted holes into the C. P. Snow wizard until it started to resemble a piece of snow swiss cheese. Albus was just beginning to do the same to the Snow hippogriff that had been formed after the wizard when rose wine poked him and hissed, `` Albus, aspect ! ``

Albus raised his top dog and looked in the direction rosebush was pointing. Directly in strawman of them was a royal looking doe, standing completely still and staring just to the left of where the two cousin-german were sitting. `` It 's just a doe, '' Albus whispered back, `` It wo n't work out. ``

`` I know, but there 's usually a hart around when there 's a doe. ``

Albus sat completely still with his wand facing towards the doe. rise up did the Saami and the two of them did n't locomote for a undecomposed five bit. The doe inched slowly ahead, walking to the left of Albus and Rose. Then Albus heard a rustling behind the doe and excitement washed over him as he saw a huge stag appear from behind a cluster of trees. `` This is it, '' he whispered to Rose. She nodded but did n't say anything. The stag walked towards the doe, who had turned around to look at her partner. `` On the numeration of three. One ... two ... three. Stupefy ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Stupefy ! '' Rose shouted at the same time.

The doe shot off like a rocket as soon as the cousins shouted the spell. The stag started to follow but was hit by Albus 's smasher. Rose 's tour hit a nearby Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and burned a small hole into the bark.

`` Excellent shot, Albus ! '' blush wine grinned at him as they ran towards the stag.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Let 's rushing. We wo n't feature much time before he wakes up, '' rose wine reached into her gown and pulled out a slice of parchment, a feeding bottle of ink, and a paint brush.

The stag was even full-grown up close. Its heart darted around nervously as rosebush painted the ink onto its presence hoof. Albus quickly pressed the parchment onto the hoof and pulled it away. A perfective tense hoof mark appeared on the parchment. `` This one 's good, '' Albus showed it to Rose.

`` Good, '' she put the stopper on her ink and stowed both it and the thicket back in her cloak, `` Now let 's go. He wo n't be happy when he wakes up. ``

Albus did n't need telling twice. He blew onto the parchment a few times to dry the ink and then put it in his cloak. The two cousin ran through the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and back to the theater. It only took them a few minutes as they were n't very far. Albus was thrilled that they had actually managed to get the print. The just print left was the rat one and then they would be able to try out the map.


A/N : duplicate long chapter and an other update ! Just to let everyone know, I 'll be away at a Harry Potter convention from tomorrow ( hence the early update ) until Sunday and although I 'll have my laptop with me, I might not give birth a probability to respond to your reviews. I 'll get to them afterwards, though.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, sinwillys822, Slytherinlover, maraudersfan a w, Miguel, Moonylupin, and drownzer for the reveiws !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower, Barbie, or Wii.


Albus 's kin came to nibble him up from rosebush 's star sign the next afternoon. They were all dressed in Muggle wearable, although Harry looked a little uncomfortable in his Muggle cause. Probably due to the tie, Albus thought. He could never understand why Muggles wore those.

`` Ready, Al ? '' Harry asked after a few transactions of visiting with rose 's family.

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied. He had to admit that he was a bit anxious about this dinner, but there was nothing he could do about it now. `` See you at schooltime, rosebush. ``

`` Bye, '' Rose smiled.

The rest of the ceramist and Weasleys said arrivederci to each other and then Albus disapparated with his family. They appeared in a disconsolate alley near a deserted street. Harry motioned for them to surveil him and the household started down the street. They made a few more than tour until they came upon a locality of median sized houses. The house all looked different, but seemed to be well cared for. It was a very quiet region with few masses out and about. There were a duo mass outside shoveling the newly fallen snow off their driveways, but none of them seemed to notice Albus and his family.

Eventually, Harry led them up a driveway towards a white-haired mansion Albus recognized as Kaden 's. Before they could even reach the door, it was thrown open and Kaden came running out. `` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` How are you ? ``

`` Great ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't tell apart you how much I 've missed schoolhouse. It seems so boring here compared to school. ``

`` I have n't missed it. I like being on holiday, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but it 's so slow without, '' Kaden whispered in Albus 's ear, `` Magic. ``

Albus stifled a laugh and followed Kaden into the house. Kaden led them to the keep room, where Dudley was fidgeting with his tie. Christina was setting out bowls of grapevine and ballock and Bethany was helping.

`` Get anything just for Christmastime ? '' Kaden asked Albus once they sat down on the sofa. `` I got a few new games for my Wii, a new football, a skateboard, and a caboodle of clothes. ``

`` What 's a Wii ? '' Albus asked.

`` telecasting plot system, '' Kaden explained, `` It 's really fun. I 'll present you sometime. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus nodded, `` I got some clothes, record book, a load of confection, stuff from my Uncle George I 's shop class, and my dad 's invisibility Cloak. ``

Kaden 's mouth fell open, `` He gave it to you ? ! ``

`` Yup, '' Albus grinned. He had told Kaden about the Cloak a patch ago, although Kaden had never seen it. He pulled it out of his bag and handed it to Kaden.

`` Whoa, that 's brilliant ! '' Kaden threw the cloak around himself, `` Look, I 'm inconspicuous ! ``

All the grownup looked over at him. `` Albus, you 'd amend put that away before Uncle Vernon and aunty Petunia get here, '' Harry warned. Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Kaden. He knew Uncle Vernon would be lupus erythematosus than enthusiastic about any form of magical object.

`` Er, speaking of my parents, '' Dudley shifted uncomfortably, `` They do n't, well, they are n't mindful that you 're, er, here tonight. ``

Albus watched as his parents looked at each other and then back at Dudley. `` What do you have in mind, Dudley ? '' Harry asked nervously.

`` I knew they would n't follow if they knew you were here, so I did n't narrate them, '' Dudley confessed.

Harry groaned, `` Dudley ... You know this could go horribly wrong. ``

`` fountainhead, I was variety of hoping you would all score up, '' Dudley mumbled.

Harry shook his oral sex and looked back at Ginny, who looked worried. Then the doorbell rang and Harry turned to Dudley. Dudley gave him a little smile and turned to get the door.

Albus gulped and looked at James. Albus could only ever withdraw seeing his Uncle Vernon once. Albus was only five or six at the time and the sole thing he remembered was Vernon asking Harry if Albus was'a addict like you are'. Albus had no desire to ever see the man again, and now he had to spend the evening with him.

The voices of Dudley greeting his parents started to get louder as they came into the living elbow room. Albus got up from the couch and stood next to King James I, who was hiding behind Harry. Vernon and Petunia followed Dudley into the room and their faces visibly paled as they saw the Potters.

`` Wha-wha, Dudley ? '' Vernon gaped at Harry and then looked at his son.

Albus watched as pandemonium broke out amongst the grownup. Vernon 's expression turned various dark glasses of red and royal as he tried to grasp what was happening. Petunia clung to her husband with a meld smell of dislike and fear on her face.

`` Vernon, Vernon ! Did you know they would be here ? '' Petunia asked shrilly.

Once Vernon regained his ability to speak coherently, he started yelling at Harry, who yelled back.

`` You ! '' Vernon pointed at Harry, `` Why are you here, boy ? ``

Christina stood near the entrance to the kitchen, looking uncomfortable. Bethany clung to her leg and hid her grimace, clearly afraid of her granddad 's shouting. Albus, Jesse James, Lily, and Kaden glanced around at the adult, paying ecstatic attending to the blossom out logical argument, but not saying a Bible. Ginny pursed her backtalk and watched her husband with a disapproving look. Albus had to let in that his Uncle Vernon was a bit scarey right now and Albus had no desire to cross route with him. Dudley looked unquiet as he tried to ready serenity between his relative. His voice was drowned out amongst Vernon and Harry 's yelling, and Petunia 's scream.

`` Mum, Dad, '' Dudley stood in battlefront of his parents, `` I invited them here, so we could all get reacquainted. ``

`` Why would you do that ? '' Vernon demanded.

`` Kaden 's a maven, Dad, so Harry 's a persona of his life history now. You know he 's one of Kaden 's teachers. ``

Vernon 's face turned from ghostly livid to a deep shade of purple. `` What could he possibly teach ? Abnormalness ? ``

`` thaumaturgy, Dad, it 's called magic, '' Dudley sighed.

Vernon 's eyes narrowed and he glared at Harry. `` You 're filling his head with all that debris you learned as a youngster ! Do n't stand for it, Dudley ! He 's got you tricked or something ! Send him to Smeltings ! ``

`` Dad, Harry did n't play a joke on me. Kaden 's a wizard and you 're just going to make to live with it, '' Dudley replied.

`` Nothing dear will come of this, Dudley ! I assure you of that ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` Vernon, '' Petunia put her handwriting on her husband 's arm, `` Let it go. ``

`` You do take in that this sort of abnormality is what got your sister killed ! ``

`` I 'm fully cognisant of what happened to my sister, '' Petunia snapped. `` This does n't take anything to do with that. It 's about accepting your grandson for who he is. '' Vernon continued glaring at Harry, but he did n't say anything.

`` Let 's all sit down, '' Dudley suggested.

`` And I 'll get us some drink ! '' Christina announced eagerly. She rushed into the kitchen and came back with a nursing bottle of brandy, a bottleful of wine, and a some glasses, along with fizzy drunkenness for the kids.

Vernon and Petunia regained their composure and Petunia gave Dudley a pearl crunching hug and smothered him with osculation. She then moved on and did the like with both her grandchildren, making sure to completely disregard Albus, James IV, and Lily. Albus sat down on the sofa and to his dislike, Vernon chose to sit next to him. After a few import of embarrassing silence, Vernon turned to Albus. `` So, '' he began, causing Albus to jump, `` You go to this, schooling, too ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied quickly, not looking at Vernon.

`` facial expression at me when I 'm talking to you, '' Vernon spat, `` I see manners are n't high on their priority list. What classes do you have there ? ``

Albus forced himself to look at Vernon. `` I 'm taking Transfiguration Day, Charms, Potions, Herbology, Astronomy, History of Magic, and defense team Against the Dark arts, '' he mumbled quietly.

Vernon seemed to funk at the strait of those names. `` I see. And are you any good at them ? ``

`` Um, I guess so, '' Albus replied. He was wishing more and more that he could have just stayed at rose 's theater instead of coming here. Why was Vernon questioning him ? Why not James or Kaden ?

`` What issue does your father teach ? '' Vernon barked.

`` Defense Against the nighttime humanities, '' Albus muttered.

`` And what is that, exactly ? ``

`` defensive attitude spells, dueling, clobber you use to overcome Dark wizard like Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, and prof Potter defeated Voldemort ! '' Kaden interrupted and for once Albus was grateful for his cousin 's big mouth.

`` So I 've heard, '' Vernon replied.

`` He 's a great teacher, gramps ! I love my new school. It 's much better than Muggle shoal, '' Kaden grinned. `` I 'll be right back. '' He ran up the step and came back a few arcsecond later with his wand. `` Look at this ! ``

Vernon narrowed his eyes and gazed at his grandson. `` You 've got one, too. ``

`` Of course I do ! '' Kaden laughed, `` I wish I could show up you some conjuring trick, though. I ca n't do it international schoolhouse. Hey, Professor ceramist can show you ! ``

`` No ! I ruddy hell think not ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` No thanks ! '' Petunia shouted at the like time.

Kaden looked disappointed. `` Sorry, Kaden, '' Harry with an excusatory look, `` Maybe another day. ``

`` Or never, '' Vernon muttered.

nobody said much after that. Albus preferred it that way. He was very glad that Uncle Vernon appeared to throw given up his doubt and answer academic term. Christina announced that dinner was quick a few minutes later, and everyone eagerly went into the dining room. Albus made sure that he was n't sitting succeeding to Vernon and relaxed a little as he began to eat.

The Dursleys dominated almost of the dinner party conversation, with Vernon and Petunia asking Dudley and Christina about what was new in their lives. They wanted to acknowledge every last detail, down to what grade Bethany had gotten on her modish book report in schoolhouse. Eventually they had exhausted this topic and the table descended into an cumbersome silence before Vernon started drilling Harry about his life.

`` So, boy, what exactly do you do for a animation ? '' Vernon barked.

`` I 'm the straits of the Auror department at the Ministry of trick, '' Harry smiled.

`` Auror ? '' Vernon repeated, `` What would that be ? ``

`` A Dark virtuoso catcher, '' Harry explained.

`` Oh, like a policeman. Would n't let guessed you 'd be in law enforcement, what with all the trouble you caused as a child. ``

Harry sighed, `` You know most of that was n't my fault. ``

`` Like the pits it was n't. It was all due to your irregularity, '' Vernon replied.

`` Dad, ca n't you just unload it ? '' Dudley asked.

`` No, Duddy, I wo n't ! Vernon slammed his clenched fist on the board, `` He 's obviously done something to Kaden to make him abnormal ! ``

That had to be the most ludicrous thing Albus had ever heard. A adept could not plow a Muggle into a wizard. If they could, there would n't be any Squibs in the mankind, and there would certainly be more wizards.

`` Oh come off it, Dad ! '' Dudley shouted. `` Harry did n't do this ! Kaden was born a wizard ! ``

`` No he was n't ! '' Vernon yelled, his typeface turning purple again. `` And I want the boy to modify him back ! ``

`` Uncle Vernon, listen to me, '' Harry announced, `` You ca n't call on someone into a genius, it just does n't influence. Kaden was born a wizard, which does n't surprise me at all. There is magical in his descent, the same thaumaturgy that was in my female parent 's and is in mine. ``

`` Wonderful, '' Vernon spat, `` And I suppose you 're going to recite me that Bethany will be abnormal, too ? ``

`` There 's a chance she 'll be a witch, yes, '' Harry told him.

`` I am not going to bear for anymore abonormalness in this family ! '' Vernon roared.

`` Vernon, there 's nothing we can do ! '' Petunia shrieked, `` I do n't like it either, but the boy did not do this ! ``

`` How do you know ? ``

`` Because my freak of a sister told me it 's not potential, that 's how ! ``

`` Do n't hollo her a freak ! '' Harry glared at both of them.

Petunia ignored him. `` I asked her, when I was an self-important shaver. I asked her if mortal could turn me into a witch before I knew any better. She said no. There is not one thing we can do to change Kaden. We just have to hope that he 's going to be fresh than my sister was and not get killed just out of school. ``

`` Fine, '' Vernon snapped, `` But I do n't like it. I do n't like it one bit. ``

`` Neither do I, neither do I, '' Petunia agree.

Albus glanced nervously from one adult to the next, hoping that the battle was over. He realized now how often Uncle Vernon and Aunt genus Petunia hated magic now. The two of them were still going on about how Albus 's grandmother had been killed, thirty-some twelvemonth later. Albus was still amazed that Vernon had actually blamed Harry for Kaden being a wizard. Albus knew Vernon disliked Harry, but he did n't reckon Vernon would still blame Harry for things he did n't like, this many days later.

`` You 'd be better off just keeping him out of that schooltime, '' Vernon announced after a few minutes of secrecy. `` There 's no law requiring him to go, is there ? ``

`` No, '' Dudley replied. `` But he likes it there, so he 's staying. ``

`` This is utterly ridiculous, '' Vernon muttered, `` Wait money box oleomargarine hears about it. ``

`` I hate Aunt marge, '' Kaden said loudly, causing Albus to snort into his juice. `` All she negotiation about is breeding pawl. ``

`` Do n't say that about your auntie, '' Vernon scolded.

`` What ? '' Kaden shrugged, `` Professor thrower must not like her either. ``

Harry, who had been laughing behind his glass, immediately stopped and looked at Kaden. `` Really, Kaden, it 's not nice to say you hate people. '' He turned to Vernon, `` You have n't told her ? ``

`` Of class I have n't ! '' Vernon raised his voice, `` Can you imagine what she is going to guess ? That someone, like, like you is actually have-to doe with to her ? She takes comfort in the fact that you are n't actually related to her ! But to have Kaden be one of your lot, she 'll be horrified ! And I should think so after you blew her up years ago ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden and Bethany shouted at the same metre. Kaden spat his juice out and started choking. Albus slapped him on the spinal column, trying to curb his own laughter. Harry told them this narrative a prospicient time ago and just thinking about it made Albus laugh.

`` That was n't his flaw ! '' Ginny came to Harry 's defending team, `` He could n't hold in it ! What your baby said about his parents was absolutely stinky and you know it ! ``

`` It was the truth ! '' Vernon shouted, rising to his feet.

`` No it was n't ! '' Ginny stood up as well.

`` What do you signify, blew her up ? '' Kaden asked.

`` His parents were imbecile and that 's why they were killed ! '' Vernon continued.

`` No they were n't ! '' Harry stood and stared at his uncle. Albus had rarely ever seen his father so angry before. `` They were working against Voldemort. ``

`` Another one of your lot who went on a down violent disorder ! '' Vernon yelled.

`` They should have just ignored him and minded their own business concern, '' Petunia announced. Albus did n't really think she should be telling someone to mind their own business, when she thrived off of gossip.

`` You could n't dismiss Voldemort ! '' Harry and Ginny said at the Saami time.

`` Can mortal please tell me how Aunt oleomargarine got blown up ? ! '' Kaden shouted again.

`` Dad, just block about it, all right ? Harry 's parents were n't slothful, '' Dudley pleaded.

`` Leave this to me, Dudley. You 're obviously under a bad influence right now. ``

Dudley heaved a Brobdingnagian sigh, `` Dad ... You 're forgetting that Harry saved my biography once ! ``

`` Oh, from those dementy matter ? They would n't have even been around if it were n't for the boy ! ``

`` The tip is that they were ! And Harry saved me from them ! He also kept us all safe while he was hunting down that Voldemort bloke. He did n't have to do that, you know. ``

`` What 's a dementy thing ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Dementors, '' Albus corrected, `` They 're these cloaked creatures that suck out your someone. ``

Kaden stared at Albus, `` They what ? ``

`` Suck out your soul, '' Albus repeated, `` They feed on well-chosen thoughts, until you 're only unexpended with the sad ones. ``

Kaden shuddered, `` They sound bloody horrible. Professor ceramicist saved Dad from one ? ``

`` Yeah, when they were 15. There 's a good luck charm, the Patronus Charm, that drives them away. It 's really advanced magic not taught until 7th year, but Dad learned in his third year. ``

`` Wow, your dad 's brilliant, '' Kaden grinned. `` But I do n't fancy running into one of those dementors. Have you ever seen one ? ``

`` No and I hope never to, '' Albus replied.

`` We would have been fine without those nutcase 'protecting'us ! '' Vernon raged.

`` No we would n't ! We 'd all be dead ! '' Dudley insisted.

`` What would that Voldemort bloke have wanted with us anyway ? '' Vernon bellowed, `` It 's not like we 're weirdos like him. ``

`` Do n't you get it ? '' Harry sighed, `` He did n't care about anyone ! He would 've killed anyone to get to me, including you. ``

`` Everybody, just exclude it ! '' The five grownup who were arguing turned to the source of the new voice that rang out louder than theirs. It was Christina. Everyone stopped arguing and stared at her. `` Thank you. Now I only understand region of this row, but everything you 're rowing about has happened in the past times. Ca n't you just put it behind you and try to get along ? expect at you, you 're standing there arguing about hooey you ca n't vary, in social movement of your minor. What kind of example are you setting ? Put aside your differences, if not for yourselves, do it for the kid. ``

The grownup said null for a few moments while Christina glared at every one of them. Eventually, Harry spoke, `` She 's flop. We should just try and get along. '' Ginny nodded in agreement.

`` That 's what I was trying to tell you, '' Dudley commented.

`` Fine, '' Vernon bicker, `` I 'll endure the boy. But you are making a dangerous misunderstanding with Kaden, Dudley. ``

`` good, '' Christina replied and stood up. `` I 'll go get the pud. ``

The residual of the dinner was much more enjoyable. Harry quickly told the tale of when he blew up Marge to douse Kaden and Bethany 's peculiarity, but there was no more mention of magic throughout the sleep of the meal. The conversation centered on topics that could be equally congenator to Muggles and virtuoso, such as the weather. Albus did n't say anything, choosing instead to quietly eat his pudding while listening to the adult'strained conversations. He was just happy that they were no longer arguing with each former.

After dinner, Albus, James, and Kaden escaped to Kaden 's bedroom, which he was eager to show off. The intact thing was decorated with various football paraphernalia, with a lot of stress on Manchester United. James found this highly entertaining and worn-out quite a few minutes laughing at the bill sticker, in which the histrion remained completely still. Kaden spent a while showing off his Xmas presents to Albus and Epistle of James and soon wanted to show them how to play his Wii.

Kaden led Albus and King James I back downstairs, where the grownup were discussing automobile over deep brown. Albus was very happy that he did not sustain to sit through that discussion. Albus followed as Kaden went down another flight of stairs and they descended into the cellar. The basement was clearly the playroom of the house, as it was cluttered with all form of Muggle toys. Lily and Bethany were playing with Bethany 's Barbies in one corner and neither of them paid much care as the son entered the room.

The Wii was set up in the middle of the elbow room and attached to a television that was against the wall. Albus had never played a Wii before and was kind of singular about it. King James I was as well, although he got sidetracked by a remote control car. He drove it all over the way, completely amazed at how the car seemed to move by magic.

`` The affair Muggles come up with, '' Epistle of James grinned as he joined Albus and Kaden in front of the television.

Kaden spent the next hour teaching James and Albus how to wager the Wii. They started with Kaden 's new racing plot, which was actually pretty complicated. It took Albus the better part of an hr to figure out how to play it. James caught on a bit faster, but neither of them could top Kaden in acquirement. Albus found that the game was incredibly fun and almost wished he had one at his house. Once they successfully learned the racing game, Kaden went on to teach them how to play a duad More plot. Lily eventually wandered over and wanted to larn, too. By the prison term midnight came around, all five of them were taking routine playing game and Albus was having a corking time.

Albus was kind of disappointed when his dad called them back upstairs to reckon down to the new twelvemonth and hoped that everyone was still acting civilly. They were, as Albus found when he entered the living room. It did n't really look like the adults were enjoying themselves, but they were at least acting polite, which was good enough for Albus.

Shortly after they rang in the new yr, Albus 's parents decided it was time to leave. Albus had no controversy against this because he was tired and did n't really want to spend anymore meter in the Sami house as Uncle Vernon. Harry politely shook hired hand with Vernon, said goodbye to petunia, and told Dudley he would owl him soon. Vernon kind of flinched at the honorable mention of the word 'owl .'Albus completely ignored Vernon and Petunia, and told Kaden he would see him on the geartrain drive back to schooling. Once the obligatory goodby were said, Albus and his family left the house, only to Apparate back to Grimmauld Place a few streets away.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Miguel, Moonylupin, Denas, Ginny, Luke, and drownzer for their recapitulation !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit that he was happy to be going back to Hogwarts. After the nearly fateful dinner party with the Dursleys, Albus spent his time working on homework or goofing off with James and Lily. By the end of the holiday he was actually kind of bored and happy to be seeing his ally again. Plus, the Sooner he got back to schooltime, the Sooner he could try out the new map.

The Potters met the Weasleys and the Dursleys at big businessman 's Cross and entered Platform 9 3/4 together. Both family line were running late again and Albus, blush wine, Jesse James, and Kaden only just made it onto the train before it left. James I immediately left to see his friends while Albus, Rose, and Kaden wandered around trying to incur their friends.

whoremonger and Amanda were sitting in one of the compartments in the middle of the gearing. Albus opened the door and walked in, followed by Rose and Kaden.

`` Hey ! '' John greeted them.

`` There you are, '' Amanda smirked, `` Almost miss the train again ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus laughed and sat down following to her. He wished more than anything that Kaden would leave so he could tell John and Amanda that he and Rose managed to get the stag photographic print. All the photographic print were currently residing in Albus 's bag, just waiting to be transferred onto the map.

`` So how was your family dinner ? '' trick grinned and looked from Albus to Kaden.

Albus and Kaden exchanged coup d'oeil. rose stifled a laugh. She had already heard about the dinner shortly after it happened.

`` It was ... eventful, '' Albus said. `` Not something I want to do again. ``

`` What happened ? '' lavatory asked eagerly.

`` My grandpa went mad, '' Kaden shook his head. `` And my grandma sort of did. ``

`` What did they do ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Well, they kind of did n't know we were coming, '' Albus began, `` So they started off by yelling about that. ``

`` Then they started shouting about how my dad should n't let me go to school here, '' Kaden continued.

`` And Uncle Vernon wound up claiming that Dad had somehow used a charm to turn Kaden into a champion, '' Albus explained.

John the Evangelist and Amanda burst out laughing. `` You 're kidding ! '' lav exclaimed. `` He actually thought that ? ! ``

`` Sure did, '' Albus grinned. Now that the dinner was behind him, he was able-bodied to laugh about it. Looking back, his Uncle Vernon did look mad, and not nearly as scary as Albus first thought.

`` And my grandma of all people told him it was n't possible, '' Kaden laughed. `` Apparently she wanted to be a hag when she was a kid. But the unspoiled share was when Grandpa brought up auntie Marge. ``

`` Who 's that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` My grandpa 's sister, '' Kaden explained, `` I ca n't stand her. But apparently professor thrower blew her up when he was 13 ! ``

John and Amanda started howling with laughter. `` That is absolutely brilliant ! '' John shouted.

`` This I 've got to hear ! '' Amanda grinned.

Albus smiled at them and told the narration of his aunt Marge. John and Amanda laughed even harder when they had heard the whole thing.

`` What happened next ? '' John asked once he had calmed down.

`` fountainhead, we went down to the basement and played with Kaden 's Muggle television games, which was a lot of fun. ``

`` And the adults stayed upstairs, '' Kaden added. `` Which was probably damn awkward. ``

`` Then we left shortly after midnight, '' Albus told them. `` Hey, Kaden, what happened after we left ? ``

`` Oh, yeah. Grandpa tried to win over Dad to not let me go back to Hogwarts. He thought Dad would be more likely to fit without you lot there. Dad told him to stop and eventually he gave up and left. ``

`` You going to do that again anytime soon ? '' privy asked.

`` Hopefully not, '' Albus replied.

`` Let 's do it at your house future, '' Kaden grinned, `` I want to see a wizard planetary house. ``

`` I doubt Dad will let Uncle Vernon and aunt Petunia in the business firm, '' Albus told him, `` But you 're welcome to come. ``

`` Over the summer, then, '' Kaden said.

`` We 'll come, too, '' rosiness announced. John and Amanda nodded. `` And Matt. ``

Kaden looked around the compartment and then back at Albus. `` Where is he, anyway ? ``

`` Er, he had some, er, healer fitting, '' Albus said quickly. Hopefully that would gratify Kaden 's curiosity.

`` Oh, for that disease he 's got ? ``

`` Yeah, the one you ca n't say a matter about to anybody, '' Albus glared at him, `` And that includes this. Do n't tell anyone where he is. ``

Kaden nodded. `` I wo n't. I 'll maintain away from Malfoy and Willinson. ``

`` goodness, '' Albus said.

******

Over the next few days, Albus kept trying to see some time to severalise John the Divine and Amanda about the stag print, but it was laborious to shake Kaden off. It seemed the solely times they were away from him was when they were in course of instruction or in their dorm at night. Neither were honest opportunities to speak about the map.

In the meantime, Malfoy was trying to visualise out why matte was n't in schoolhouse. The entire moon was n't until the following week, so Albus was going to have to endure Malfoy 's questioning for a while longer. Nothing seemed to satisfy him. Albus was also preoccupied with what was going to happen this wide moonlight. He was kind of worried about Matt taking the new Aconitum lycoctonum potion.

All the students and teacher seemed to be falling into their usual routines. Dueling and Quidditch practices started up again. Both Kate and Sakartvelo were working their team hard and Albus was feeling the gist. Between that and the increase amount of homework the teacher were intent on assigning, he had hardly any time for anything else.

A couple days into the terminal figure, Kaden finally had one of his tutoring sessions. Albus and his friends seized the opportunity and ran to the way of Requirement as soon as Kaden left the usual room.

`` Finally ! '' John exclaimed as he threw himself onto one of the couches in the way. `` I thought I was going to die of curio ! ``

`` I never thought we 'd get away from him ! '' Amanda said as she sat down next to him.

`` It 'll be easier once blush wine frame out the charm to maintain him smooth, '' Albus replied.

`` You found one ! '' whoremonger sat up and stared at Rose.

`` Sure did, '' rose grinned and pulled the book of charm from her house out of her bag. She opened it to the proper page and handed it to John and Amanda.

The two of them read it for a few second. `` This is unbelievable, '' Amanda smiled, `` You think you can do it ? ``

`` presumption a bit of practice, certainly, '' Rose replied. `` We just have to establish sure lustrelessness agrees to it. ``

`` I 'm sure he will, '' lavatory said, `` I mean, this charm will definitely go on Kaden from telling anyone. ``

`` I 'll pop working on it now, '' Rose took the account book back, `` I have n't started yet because I do n't want anyone to ask why I 'm trying to study it. ``

`` So, did you get the hart mark ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked eagerly.

`` Sure did ! '' Albus reached into his bag and pulled out the three print. `` We just postulate the rat now. ``

John picked them up and looked at him. `` Excellent ! I 'll try and get the rat soon. Then we can channelize them. ``

`` We should wait for Matt, '' Albus told him, `` He 's a function of this as much as we are. ``

`` Oh, yeah, that 's a good estimate, '' John set the prints down on a nearby table. `` You know, I think this is the first time we 've been in here without him. ``

`` I think you 're in good order, '' Albus commented. It was kind of strange, really. All the other times they had been in the room, mat had been the one to ask for it. Nobody said anything for a few minutes. Albus could tell that everyone was thinking the same thing he was, what would happen with mat 's new potion.

`` Well, he 'll be back soon, '' privy said after a while.

`` As long as cipher goes untimely, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Yeah, but just think if this potion works. That would be with child, would n't it ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, but he could n't help but think the new potion would n't work any skilful than the old one. Why should it ? If Matt was resistant to wolfbane potion, why should a different multifariousness of it work ?

The four of them spent the remainder of the even in the Room. blush wine worked steadily on figuring out the appealingness, but did n't really get anywhere. It was an extremely unmanageable charm, after all. Albus, John, and Amanda worked on their homework and talked about what they thought the new map would have on it.

******

Albus became more and more anxious as the full moon approached. His friends seemed to as well, and John especially developed a very abruptly fuse. Kaden seemed to get the brunt of this but he took it in stride. The Night of the actual wax moon, Albus had Quidditch praxis. He became so distracted during it that Georgia called for a break during practice and demanded to recognise why Albus was dropping so many Quaffles. He lied and told her he was worried about a Transfiguration Day exam the next day. Luckily she seemed to live with this and wished him luck on his exam. Albus tried superfluous hard during the s one-half of practice but still missed a lot of gentle passes.

Albus entered the commons way after practice feeling incredibly sore but not at all run down. He had been hit with numerous bludgers due to his lack of concentration. Normally Albus would have got been exhausted after such a exercise but he was too anxious to be tired tonight.

His friends were sitting at their usual board which was covered in homework. Not that much of it was being done. Kaden was the only one feverishly working away at an essay. John, Amanda, and even Rose were staring off into nothing with their unaffected preparation in presence of them. Albus quickly stowed his heather in his hall and joined his friends at the table.

`` Hey, '' Albus said as he sat down future to Rose.

`` Hi, '' Rose mumbled. St. John and Amanda gave equally unenthusiastic greetings.

`` Hi Albus ! '' Kaden looked up, `` I 'm beaming you 're back. This lot has been incredibly wearisome. ``

Even at a time like this, Albus could n't avail but laugh at Kaden 's cluelessness. `` Hi, Kaden. ``

`` How was drill ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not that heavy. I got hit with a couple bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' Kaden winced.

`` Yeah, my arm hurts pretty bad, '' Albus commented.

`` Just go see Madam Pomfrey, '' rose wine suggested, `` Your arm looks nasty. ``

Albus glanced at his arm. It had turned a lovely purplish blue colouration in the time since he had received the coke. `` All right field, '' he stood up. `` I 'll see you in a bit. ``

Kaden stood up as well. `` I 'll total with you. ``

Albus did n't sense like telling Kaden not to bother, so he nodded and Kaden followed him out of the plebeian room. Albus did n't talk much on the way to the infirmary wing, but Kaden kept up a streaming comment about what went on in his course of instruction that day. Kaden must have felt the pauperization to ploughshare it even though nothing particularly stimulate had happened that day. The corridors were utterly deserted and Kaden 's vocalisation seemed awfully flashy. Albus glanced at his lookout man and saw that it was almost curfew. He wished he had brought his invisibility Cloak. Of form, none of the instructor could chip in him detention for being out of his common room in order to go see dame Pomfrey, could they ?

Albus pushed the door to the hospital wing open slowly and saw that ma'am Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, writing something, and glancing out the window every few seconds. The moonlight was streaming through and illuminating one of the bottom. There were n't any patients in the Barbara Ward, which Albus thought was kind of strange. Albus rarely ever saw the property empty. He walked quietly up to madam Pomfrey and Kaden followed. The nanny did n't even seem to birth noticed them make out in.

`` Er, excuse me, dame Pomfrey ? '' Albus said once he was a brace feet in movement of the desk.

The nursemaid jumped and looked up, clutching her affection. `` Oh, Albus ! You scared me. What are you doing here ? ``

It suddenly occurred to Albus that Madam Pomfrey was probably thinking about flatness as well, since she usually took care of him after the full Sun Myung Moon. `` I got hit with a couple bludgers at praxis tonight. I was, er, kind of distracted. ``

Madam Pomfrey stood up and gave him a charitable flavor. `` I understand. Let me see. ``

Albus held out his arm and lady Pomfrey clucked her tongue as she inspected it. She pulled out her verge and touched it to his arm, muttering a piece as she did so. Albus 's arm felt warm and tingly, and then normal again. The infliction was gone.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` No problem. Anywhere else ? ``

`` I got hit on my backrest too and it kind of hurts. I 've got no mind if it 's bruised or not. ``

Madam Pomfrey looked at Albus 's back and performed the same healing magic spell. It felt immensely better.

`` I think that 's it, '' Albus said once she was done.

`` You 'd better be off to bed, then, '' she said. `` I 'm certain I 'll be seeing you soon. ``

Albus nodded and turned to allow. He and Kaden were soon back in the evacuate corridor.

`` Why were you distracted during practice ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Shush, '' Albus hissed, `` metamorphosis examination tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, that 's probably why John, Rose, and Amanda were so calm. ``

`` Yeah, that was it. ``

The two of them continued their trek to the common way until they practically bumped into two other people as they turned a corner.

`` Watch it ! '' a frigidness vocalisation shouted and shoved Albus aside.

Albus pulled out his wand and lit it, shoving the spark in the faces of the two alien. They were Malfoy and Willinson. `` You watch it, '' Albus muttered.

`` Get your verge out of my face, '' Malfoy seethed. `` What are you doing here anyway ? ``

`` What are you doing here ? '' Albus asked.

`` None of your business. ``

`` You just answered your own question, then. ``

Malfoy turned to Kaden. `` Ah, it 's the Mudblood cousin. ``

`` Do n't call up him that ! '' Albus shouted.

Malfoy ignored him and continued to glare at Kaden. `` Maybe you know where Eckerton is these Clarence Shepard Day Jr. ? ``

Kaden glanced nervously at Albus before answering. `` Uh, no, I do n't. ``

`` mulct, '' Malfoy snapped. `` I know you wo n't say anything with ceramist around anyway. I 'll just wait until you 're alone. C'mon, Willinson, we 're leaving. ``

`` You 'll do no such matter, Mr. Malfoy, '' someone said from behind Albus.

Albus jumped in fright and turned around to see professor Patil. Great, he thought, now they were going to wind up in detention. Why did they always wind up in detention with Malfoy ?

`` What are you four doing out of bed ? '' Patil asked briskly, `` You know you 're not allowed to be wandering around after hr. ``

`` Uh, '' Malfoy stammered, `` We were, er, uh, well we just wanted to, um- ''

`` Do n't bother, Mr. Maloy, '' Patil cut him off. `` Whatever lie you come up with is not going to convince me. '' She turned to Albus and Kaden, `` I 'm assuming you were not out for a stroll with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Willinson ? ``

`` No, '' Albus confirmed, `` I was actually just in the hospital flank. I got hurt at Quidditch practice. Kaden was with me. ``

Patil looked at Kaden. `` Is that confessedly, Mr. Dursley ? ``

`` Yes, ma'am, '' Kaden replied quietly.

`` We were there, too, Professor ! '' Malfoy shouted out, `` Willinson stabbed himself with his quill pen while we were doing homework. ``

Patil glanced at him skeptically. `` Well, we 'll just go see Madam Pomfrey and sustain all your fib. ``

Any colouration that had been in Malfoy 's fount drained. The four boys quietly followed professor Patil to the hospital fender. Albus was very let off. Madam Pomfrey would tell Patil that he and Kaden had been there, and then she would n't move over them detention.

Patil opened the doors to the hospital extension, but lady Pomfrey was no thirster there. Patil motioned for the boys to stay there and she strode over to the nanny 's office. She knocked lightly and waited for ma'am Pomfrey to appear.

`` I hope I 'm not bothering you, '' Patil said once lady Pomfrey came out.

`` Not at all, Padma, '' Madam Pomfrey smiled, `` I was n't departed. Is there something you need ? ``

`` I was wondering if any of these four boy, '' she gestured to Albus, Kaden, and the two Slytherins, `` Were here recently ? I caught them all out of bed and all of them insist they were here. ``

Madam Pomfrey gazed at the boys. `` Well, Albus and Kaden were here about fifteen arcminute ago, but I have n't seen the early two in quite a while. ``

`` That 's what I thought, '' Patil nodded, `` Thank you. ``

`` Not a problem, '' the nurse replied.

`` I 'll submit you two back to your unwashed room, '' Patil said to Albus and Kaden. `` As for you, '' she glared at Malfoy and Willinson, `` You will amount back to my office and we shall put for detainment. ``

Malfoy and Willinson sulked and muttered under their breath as the five of them exited the ward. Albus laughed to himself on their way back to Gryffindor Tower. Malfoy and Willinson were glaring dagger at Albus and Kaden the all way back, but Albus just smirked at them. They could n't do anything now anyway, not with Patil around. But surely they would blame Albus and Kaden for their detention and Albus would have to view out the next few days.

******

Albus did n't slumber very well that night, despite his tiredness from Quidditch praxis. He fell asleep in the wee time of day of the forenoon and woke up only a few hours later. John was just as exhausted and the two of them stumbled down into the vulgar room, only to find rose wine slumped over a book at their common table.

`` pink wine ! '' Albus shook his cousin 's shoulder, `` Wake up ! ``

Rose slowly lifted her top dog and then jumped at the mountain of Albus and John. `` Wha-what are you two doing ? ``

`` Uh, it 's morn, Rose, '' Albus explained, `` We 've got to get to Transfiguration Day in an time of day. ``

`` Oh ! '' rose wine jumped up and pushed her bushy hair out of her face.

`` What were you doing down here ? Did you ever go to bed ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, could n't log Z's, '' rose wine shrugged, `` So I came back down and worked on the Sileo Altus charm. I just ca n't figure it out. It 's driving me mad ! ``

`` That 's a really high up layer charm, Rose. You know it 's going to take you a patch, '' Albus reminded her.

`` I know, I know. I 'll get it eventually, '' pink wine sighed, `` I guess I 'll go change and come up Amanda. Then we can go down to breakfast. ``

A few minutes later, Albus and his friend walked to the Great Hall. Albus noticed Malfoy and Willinson at the Slytherin tabular array as they walked by and both of the Slytherins were shooting daggers at Albus.

Kaden was already at the Gryffindor table and immediately hailed Albus and the others to sit near him.

`` Did you see Malfoy this morning ? '' Kaden asked once Albus had sat down.

`` Yeah, he 's not too well-chosen. ``

`` Wonder when his detention is ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Who knows, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't particularly like when Malfoy and Willinson were going to function detention.

Kaden began to speak about some potion he was going to be brewing that day, but Albus tuned him out. All Albus seemed to be able to think about at the moment was whether the new potion matt had taken worked.

As if on cue, a expectant brown owl flew down and landed neatly succeeding to Albus 's plate.

`` You 've got a letter of the alphabet ! '' Kaden shouted eagerly.

`` I know, '' Albus rolled his middle and pulled the letter off the owl 's leg. He gave the owl a few chip of toast and the large bird flew off.

Rose, who was on Albus 's early position, looked over his shoulder as he looked at the envelope. John and Amanda were leaning over the board and Kaden was leaning over Albus 's other shoulder.

`` Wonder who it 's from, '' Kaden said.

`` It 's from mat, '' Albus told him. `` That was his owl. ``

`` Maybe he 's telling you when he 's coming back ! '' Kaden shouted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus, Saint John the Apostle, blush wine, and Amanda said at once.

`` Well, we 'd better be off to Transfiguration of Jesus, '' Albus said and gave rosiness a pregnant glance.

`` Yes, we 'd better, '' pink wine stood up.

`` Are n't you going to open it ? '' Kaden asked.

`` On the way, '' Albus told him.

`` I 'll come, too ! ``

Albus sighed and got up from the table. He could n't afford that alphabetic character in front of Kaden. pink wine, privy, and Amanda got up as well and followed Albus out of the Great Hall. Kaden was right behind him, but Albus did n't dare open it yet. Kaden stalled in the incoming student residence, but eventually gave up and headed down to the keep for Potions.

`` Well, now we have n't got time to read it, '' Albus groaned and glanced at his picket. `` Why could n't he have left Sooner ? ``

`` 'Cause he 's Kaden, '' John shook his head.

`` We 'll just read it after History of Magic, '' rose said as they climbed the stair, `` We 've got the unhurt afternoon off. ``

The dayspring dragged by at an extremely dim tread, in Albus 's opinion. Transfiguration of Jesus was n't too bad, since it was a practical lesson. Malfoy descended upon Albus and the others after the socio-economic class was over, wanting to live where Matt was. Albus lied and told him Matt was having a deep vacation with his grandparents and then took off for History of deception, ignoring Malfoy 's charge about detainment that followed.

History of conjuration was as ho-hum as usual. Albus thought he saw the clock 's manpower go backwards at one point. He passed promissory note with John and Amanda while blush wine took banknote. She seemed to have inherited her mother 's ability to stay awake during that class. St. John nodded off at one point and Albus had to jab him awake with his pinion. prof Binns did n't even seem to notice.

After History of Magic finally ended, Albus and his protagonist went to the Great Hall to snaffle a quick luncheon. Kaden was there when they arrived and immediately launched into an explanation of the potion he had just brewed. Apparently it was so telling that Slughorn gave him a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate and an invitation to the future Slug club meeting.

`` What ? ! '' Albus choked on his pumpkin juice.

`` Yup, '' Kaden grinned. `` The next coming together is this Sat. He told me that a lot of your cousin-german go. ``

`` Er, yeah, they do, '' Albus coughed. He had not been expecting Kaden to get invited to any Slug nine group meeting. Albus had n't even gone to any since the previous year. He just told Slughorn he had Quidditch practice session or too much prep to go. Slughorn had n't even had his Yuletide company this yr. Albus was n't certain why, but he was guessing it was because he had n't been capable to find anyone renowned to attend.

`` But he said you 're always too busy to go, '' Kaden said, `` Will you go to this one ? ``

Albus groaned inwardly, `` Oh, I do n't know .... ''

`` Please ? '' Kaden pleaded.

`` Fine, '' Albus sighed. It could n't be that bad now that Quinton Willinson was gone. And it was just one coming together. `` But just this once. And if Empire State of the South calls for Quidditch practice, I wo n't go to the encounter. ``

`` Yay ! '' Kaden shouted.

Once Kaden left for his next class, Albus and his booster went straight for the Room of requisite. Albus and pink wine sat on one of the couch while can and Amanda sat on the opposite one. Albus reached into his bag and found the letter.

`` Here it goes, '' Albus whispered.

`` That potion better have worked, '' John the Divine said.

Albus tore open the gasbag and unfolded the letter. He read it aloud.

Dear Albus, Rose, John, and Amanda,

Last night Matt told me to spell you
and evidence you what happened if he couldn't.
Since he ca n't, you have probably guessed
that the potion did not work.

`` shucks ! '' john shouted.

Matt will explain more when he gets back to
Hogwarts. I 'll just say that it 's not defective
than usual. He 's at St. Mungo 's right hand now so
the Healers can observe the after affects of
the potion and the transformation.

He only has to stay in St. Mungo 's overnight
and then tomorrow he 'll be back at home. I 'm
pretty sure he 'll be back at Hogwarts on
Sunday, but we 're not exactly sure.

Bob Hope you are all doing well. I 'll see you
soon, maybe at the succeeding Gryffindor
Quidditch match.

From,
Amy

Albus folded up the letter and looked at his admirer. `` fountainhead, I guess that 's it, then. ``

`` At least it was n't any sorry, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` Yeah, '' rose agreed.

cypher said anything for a few arcminute. Albus felt very let down that the potion had n't worked, but he was sure it did n't even come close to what Matt was feeling.

`` Maybe he 'll let us turn Animagi now, '' John the Evangelist suggested.

rosiness glared at him, `` He wo n't. He 's still in that report, which means he 's still got to shoot that potion for the succeeding two years or so. Then there 'll probably be another one for him to try out. And maybe that one will crop. ``

`` Well, it would still be cool to go an Animagus. ``

`` Then you can do it when you 're elderly, '' Rose said, `` You could n't do it now anyway, it 's too advance. ``

`` Albus 's gramps did it. ``

`` When he was in fifth class, '' rosebush reminded him.

`` fine, three More age then, '' John shrugged.

rosebush sighed, `` matt wo n't let you get together him on the full lunation, though. And I would n't suggest doing it behind his binding. ``

`` I wo n't, '' John assured her, `` I just think it would be a fun thing to do, be an Animagus. ``

`` Definitely, '' rose wine agreed.

Albus and his Quaker spent the better part of the adjacent hour talking about what they would do if they could transform into animate being. They all agreed that listening in on people 's conversations and sneaking up on people like Malfoy would be top on the list of stuff to do. Eventually, rosebush insisted that they all start their homework, which took them most of the evening to complete.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Denas, Moonylupin, phoenixy friend, drownzer, and potterfan296 for their reexamination !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that Quinton Willinson was no retentive at Hogwarts, Albus still dreaded the bullet baseball club confluence on Sabbatum. His rational side told him that it would n't be nearly as bad with Willinson gone, but Albus still was n't looking forward to it.

Kaden, on the early hand, spent the days leading up to Saturday talking non-stop about the Slug Club meeting. Albus had already explained in detail what they involved, but that did n't end Kaden from constantly wondering aloud about what the meeting would be like.

Saturday arrived quickly and Albus was still without an excuse to not assist the meeting. Peach State had not called for Quidditch practice that day, mainly due to the fact that the Ravenclaws booked the lurch all morning and the Slytherins had it all afternoon. The two sign were scheduled to play each former the followers Saturday.

`` It 's fourth dimension for the Slug order confluence, Albus ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly a few minutes before eleven.

Albus sighed and got up out of his chair in the vulgar room. `` See you lot in a piddling piece, '' he said to John and Amanda.

`` wealthy person loads of fun ! '' John laughed.

`` See you later, '' Amanda grinned.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose, who had also decided to go, set off for the dungeon. Albus hoped he would only take to outride for a little spell, maybe an hour at most. Just long enough for Kaden to see what the get together were like.

The confluence was held in the Potions classroom and a few students were milling about when Albus, rosebush, and Kaden walked into the room. Albus recognized most of them from last year 's meetings. A few of his cousins were there as well, but not all of them. James was n't there, but Albus knew he had dueling praxis that day. Albus was also glad to take down that Felix Willinson was not there. Of course, after what happened with Quinton and his sire, Albus guessed he should n't be surprised that Quinton 's cousin-german would n't be invited to the lick Club.

There was a table wide of food for thought along one of the side walls and near everyone was crowding around it trying to get some lunch. Slughorn had a plate of food in movement of him and was sitting at a great table in the front of the room.

Albus led rosebush and Kaden over to the board and picked up a plate.

`` What is this material ? '' Kaden pointed to a disk of some sort of meat.

`` Pheasant, '' Albus replied. Slughorn always served pheasant at his meetings. Albus tried it last year and hated it.

Kaden shrugged and piled the pheasant onto his plate. Once Albus and his friend had gotten enough food, they sat down at the table across from Slughorn. Shortly after, everyone else had sat down at the table as well.

`` Good to see you all again ! '' Slughorn greeted them and then turned to Albus. `` And Albus and Rose ! I 'm very felicitous that you two decided to come ! How have social class been going ? ``

`` good, '' Albus replied.

`` Excellent, excellent, '' Slughorn nodded, `` We also have someone new here today. This is Kaden Dursley, '' Slughorn gestured to Kaden. `` He 's Albus 's cousin and is turning out to be quite the Potions brewer ! Lily 's factor must be coming out in you ! ``

Kaden grinned, `` Potions is fun. lashings better than metamorphosis. ``

Slughorn laughed, `` Do n't let Professor Patil hear you say that. But I daresay I agree with you. ``

Kaden laughed as well and then took a large raciness of pheasant. Albus watched him as he did so, wondering if he 'd care it. Kaden chewed for a few moments before a big grin appeared on his face.

`` This stuff is excellent ! ``

`` I 'm sword lily you like it ! '' Slughorn said.

Albus chuckled to himself. Of course of action Kaden liked the pheasant. If there was one thing Albus had learned about his cousin over the past tense six month, it was that he 'd eat pretty practically anything. This was obviously something he had inherited from his father.

Slughorn soon launched into a lengthy account of what he did over his holiday and who he had spent time with. ( `` Barry Ryan used to play for Ireland, you know. '' ) Albus found the whole affair rather boring but he noticed that Kaden seemed to pay heed on Slughorn 's every tidings. rose seemed to be paying attention as well, but probably only out of courtesy.

Albus let his mind wander as Slughorn continued talking about his dinner party with Barry Ryan. lusterlessness was supposed to retort to Hogwarts the side by side day, which meant that in as little as twenty-four time of day, they could be having the map working. wellspring, if they could sneak away to the elbow room of requirement, that is. Albus hoped Rose would have that charm working soon. Then they could just do all of this with Kaden. It would make it a whole lot easier. Of track, matt still had n't said that he agreed to tell Kaden even with the magical spell. Albus kept forgetting about that role. But why would n't he agree ? The charm seemed like it would work well.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose wound up staying until the end of the meeting. Kaden was enthralled by the total matter and Albus knew he would resist to go out early. Albus was incredibly bored by the meter the thing was over and pink wine looked as bored as Albus felt. Once the confluence was finally over, the three of them said goodbye to Slughorn and left the dungeons.

`` That was so chill, '' Kaden grinned.

`` boring 's to a greater extent like it, '' Albus replied.

`` How can you think it was boring ? '' Kaden stared at Albus, `` Slughorn knows so many famous hoi polloi. ``

`` Trust me, it gets old after a while, '' Albus said.

`` well, are you two going to the next one ? ''

Albus looked at blush wine. She did n't look like she wanted to go to the next one either. `` Er, well, I might sustain Quidditch practice. ``

`` And I 'll probably have too much homework, '' rose wine explained.

`` I 'd go even if I did give too much homework, '' Kaden told them.

`` That really is n't a unspoilt idea, '' Rose warned him. `` You 'll get behind. ``

Albus laughed as Rose launched into a treatment about how important meter management is and how prep should always hail first. The three of them were nearly to the green elbow room by the time blush wine finished and Kaden was wearing a vacuous look on his face, much like the one Albus had worn during the type slug lodge meeting.

******

`` Got any musical theme what sentence he 's coming back ? '' whoremaster asked shortly after lunch the next day in the common room.

`` No mind, '' Albus shrugged.

Albus, John, Kaden, rose, and Amanda were all sitting around their usual mesa in the common room. Rose and Kaden were playing chess and it was apparent that rose was going easy on Kaden. The two of them had been playing the same plot for XV proceedings. If rosiness wanted to, she probably could have beat Kaden in five minute of arc. John and Amanda were both working on the metamorphosis essay that was due the next day. Albus had already finished that finicky essay and was watching Rose and Kaden 's chess game match.

`` tabby to D3, '' Kaden said. The queen gave Kaden a menacing blaze and then reluctantly moved to the square.

`` Bishop to D3. '' blush wine 's bishop smashed Kaden 's world-beater to musical composition. `` checkmate, '' Rose grinned.

`` shite, '' Kaden muttered as his king dropped its brand in defeat.

`` You 're getting a bit better, '' rosiness said as she repaired all the pieces with a wafture of her wand.

`` Do you have Quidditch drill today, Albus ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah. Georgia managed to reserve the pitch for an hr after dinner. The Hufflepuffs were n't too happy, but Georgia got it first. ``

`` I hope matt gets back before you leave, '' Amanda said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed. `` But Amy did n't say when he 'd be coming back. ``

`` He 's going to possess a incumbrance of homework to spend a penny up, '' Kaden announced.

`` That sounds like something you 'd say, Rose, '' lavatory laughed.

`` How 's your essay coming, John ? '' rosiness smirked.

`` Yeah, yeah. I 've got the first paragraph done, '' John grumbled.

`` I 've only got one more to go, '' Amanda said.

`` privation to flirt again, blush wine ? '' Kaden asked.

Rose shrugged. `` Sure, why not. ``

Rose and Kaden set up their pieces and started to play again. Albus watched them. It was pretty risible to watch the two of them recreate chess. Kaden would sit there forever figuring out what move to make and once he made it, Rose would smile and incite one of her own small-arm within indorsement. Rose 's relocation usually involved killing one of Kaden 's pieces.

The portrait hole to the usual room opened a few minutes later and Albus looked up. Matt was just climbing through and headed straight for Albus 's table once he noticed them.

`` Hey, Matt ! '' Albus grinned, `` Welcome back ! ``

`` Hi Albus, '' Matt grinned back. He looked tired, but happy. There was still a yellowish contusion on his brow, but early than that he looked fine.

privy, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden all looked up from what they were doing and greeted Matt as well. Matt grabbed a chair from a nearby board and sat down next to Albus.

`` How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` All right hand, '' matte shrugged.

`` Er, Kaden, '' Albus began, `` You know how you said Matt 's got a lot of homework to make up ? ``

`` Uh-huh, '' Kaden nodded as rose wine declared checkmate once again, `` shite ! ``

`` Well, it would probably be a secure idea for him to go see all the teachers now about it. So, we 'll all go with him to do that, since we 're in his class. We 'll help oneself. You can quell here since you 'd probably be bored. ``

`` Ok, I 've got my own homework to start on anyway. ``

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` John ? Amanda, rosiness ? You can number with us. ``

`` Sure, anything to put off finishing this essay, '' trick closed his book and stood up.

Once they were out of the common room and into the corridor, Matt turned around and looked at Albus. `` You 're not really making me go collect all my homework are you ? ``

Albus laughed, `` No. Just had to think of an apology for Kaden to rest there while we went to the way. ``

`` Good, '' John said, `` I do n't really desire to go garner your homework with you. ``

`` You wo n't have to. I 've already gotten it. They owled it to me over the holiday. I 've already finished it all, '' Matt explained.

`` You 're far along than John, then, '' rosiness laughed.

`` Shut it, pink wine, '' John said.

The five friends continued their base on balls to the room of necessity, which manifested itself in its usual form for them. They walked into the Room and settled onto the usual vermilion and amber furniture.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened with this new potion ? ``

`` Well, it did n't work the way it was supposed to, but Amy already told you that, '' Matt said.

`` Did it help at all ? '' Rose asked.

`` Nope. ``

`` And you 'll still have to keep taking it ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah, that 's what stinks, '' Matt sighed. `` It did n't work the way it was supposed to, but it did other material. ``

`` I thought it was n't going to have any bad effects, '' Albus said.

`` They were n't really life-threatening side effects. It just made me really tired. ``

`` But you 're always tired before the full lunar month, '' toilet pointed out.

`` I know, but the potion made it regretful. Usually I can at to the lowest degree go to morning stratum on the day of the full-of-the-moon moon but with the new potion I 'll just catch some Z's right through them. It makes me tired as soon as I start taking it, which is a calendar week before the full Sun Myung Moon, just like the regular wolfsbane was. ``

`` So you 'll be tired for an full week ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` The therapist are trying to find a potion to counteract the fatigue, but I doubt they 'll make one in meter for next month. ``

`` I do n't get why you have to keep taking it if it does n't even crop, '' bathroom shook his head.

`` Because they have to give sure it was n't just a fluke or something. That 's the matter about these studies, they have to do multiple trial to canvas the core and stuff and nonsense. ``

`` There 's a prospect it might turn next month ? '' Amanda asked confusedly.

`` I suppose, but I doubt it. ``

`` You do n't seem that upset or anything, '' Rose commented.

`` I honestly did n't consider it was going to mould. My parents told me not to get my hopes up about any of these experimental potions. Plus, this was only the first one I 've tried. They 'll come in up with others. ``

`` I just hope one of them actually works, '' lavatory replied.

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed, `` You 've got no idea how much I wish that.

`` Let 's not talk about it anymore now, though. You 've got to assure me if you got the stag print ! It 's been driving me mad for week now. ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus grinned. He had almost forgotten about that. Almost being the key word. The new map was always on Albus 's idea now. `` We got it. rosebush and I did. ``

`` Brilliant ! '' Matt exclaimed.

`` And I 've got the transfer charm all worked out, '' Rose told him.

`` John the Evangelist 's just got to get the rat print, '' Albus said.

`` I 'm working on it ! '' privy replied, `` It 's tough than you 'd retrieve to tell apart a rat during Potions. ``

`` Well, we 've got dual Potions tomorrow, so try then. Slughorn 'll be having us brew the unscathed form probably, so just maintain your eye out, '' Albus told him.

`` I will. I 'll pay Thomas More tending to potential rats than to my potion, '' John Lackland grinned.

`` I would n't intimate that, '' Rose smirked. `` It 'll irrupt or something, since you 've got Goyle as a partner. ``

`` Eh, I 'll take one failing grade if I can get the rat print, '' John shrugged.

`` fountainhead, try to get the rat without destroying your potion, '' rose sighed.

`` Just imagine, this sentence tomorrow, we may ingest the map working, '' matte commented, `` That would be awful. ``

`` We 'll have to get away from Kaden first, '' Amanda pointed out.

`` And I 'm not entirely sure as shooting the map will play after we do this, '' Albus said, `` It almost seems too simple. ``

Albus had been thinking this for a few days now. They had had an incredibly leisurely prison term getting the mark. Almost too easy a fourth dimension. Dogs, stags, and puke were quite common and anyone who could honk a childlike Petrificus Totalus charm could get those prints. The only one that would be difficult for the average wizard to get was the werewolf mark. Even so, Albus did n't reckon the Marauders would make it this easy to access the map.

`` I 've been thinking the same affair, '' Rose agreed.

John groaned, `` That would take in. ``

`` We 'll get it eventually, '' Albus assured him. `` Plus, the map said we had to be like the vulture. We have n't done anything that only the Marauders could have done so far. We got a crew of paw mark. Anyone can do that. ``

`` Not anyone could get a werewolf mark, '' John pointed out.

`` I know. But it 's not something only the vulture could ingest done, '' Albus told him.

`` Speaking of the Marauders, '' toilet turned to Rose, `` How 's the Sileo Altus charm coming ? ``

`` The what ? '' flatness asked.

`` Oh, yeah, we 've got to separate you about that, '' toilet said. `` Want to explicate it, Rose ? ``

`` Sure, '' blush wine shrugged, `` It 's a good luck charm I found in a book at my house. It 's a way to make sure as shooting someone keeps something a secret. form of like the Fidelius Charm, only it 's for verbal enigma, not topographic point. Whomever performs the good luck charm is the mystery keeper and only that soul can undo the charm. After the spell is performed, the individual ca n't verbalise about the mysterious with anyone except the closed book keeper and anyone else who was involved in the charm performing. It 's a way to keep Kaden from telling anyone that you 're a wolfman. ``

Albus held his hint as Rose explained and hoped that Matt would remember it was a near theme. Albus watched as Matt thought about what blush wine had said. Albus could n't really differentiate what he thought. lusterlessness looked a bit surprise, almost like he did n't think rose would have ever found a charm to do that.

`` Well, what do you think ? '' Albus asked after a few moments silence.

`` I 'm not certain, '' Matt said quietly, `` leave it really work ? ``

`` I 'm pretty sure it will, '' pink wine said, `` The lonesome matter that will get the better of it is Veritaserum. ``

`` And what if Kaden drinks Veritaserum ? '' Matt asked.

`` When would he toast that ? '' John raised his eyebrows.

`` I do n't have sex, '' flatness sighed, `` But he could. ``

`` I really do n't think he would. ``

`` What if he did ? What if he spewed all about me in the centre of the Great G. Stanley Hall or something ? ``

`` I doubt he 's ever going to salute any Veritaserum, '' rosiness said,"And even if he did, individual would have to ask him if you were a werewolf. He would n't just randomly starting telling people."

`` Is there even any of that in the castle ? '' Amanda asked.

`` There 's some in Slughorn 's private Potions cupboard, but that 's it, '' Albus answered, `` But that 's locked anyway. ``

`` See ? Hardly any chance of Kaden drinking any, '' Saint John the Apostle said.

`` Yeah, but still ... I do n't know ... '' mat groaned, `` I just do n't really desire to severalise him. ``

`` I know. Just think about it, ok ? '' Albus gave matte a half smile.

`` All right field, '' Matt sighed, `` We do n't postulate Kaden yet, do we ? ``

`` No, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm not sure as shooting when we 'll need him. The map just said we had to be like the vulture, which means we 'll need someone to be Wormtail at some point. ``

`` And I want to test that charm out before we use it on Kaden, '' Matt said.

`` We will, '' Rose assured him, `` I 've got to recitation it anyway. ``

`` So, anyone got any secrets we can practice with ? '' John grinned mischievously.

******

`` Settle down, settle down, '' Slughorn barked at his class.

Albus turned around in his tush. He had been talking to bathroom, who was sitting behind him next to Goyle. Albus was sitting adjacent to Limbert and flatness was looking thoroughly miserable future to Maloy in the succeeding row over at the front. Slughorn was still plowing forward with his inter-house partners in class, but Albus did n't imagine it was helping to decrease the hostility between Gryffindor and Slytherin. So far, the best that had happened was dumb abhorrence during pragmatic moral and jinxing and hexing at worst. Based on the petty duel between Ethan and Garth Octavius the previous calendar week, it was only a issue of meter before affair really got out of hand.

`` Thank you, '' Slughorn said once everyone was paying attention, `` Today you 'll be brewing the Confusion Potion I taught you about on Fri. He waved his wand at the blackboard, `` focus are on the board. You have the integral class. ``

`` Light the fire, '' Limbert grunted as he got up from his chair.

Albus nodded and pulled out his scepter. Albus and Limbert had come to an unsaid accord with brewing potions. Limbert would collect ingredients while Albus lit the ardour and unpacked all the various scales and knives. Then, Albus would organise the ingredients while Limbert added them and stirred the cauldron. Albus was ok with this since Limbert was a better Potions brewer than he was.

Limbert returned with the fixings and Albus started chopping them. He never said anything to Limbert while they worked and Limbert never said anything to Albus besides the episodic 'pass the asphodel'or something of the like.

Albus listened to everyone else in the course of instruction as he chopped up element. He thought it was especially amusing to listen to John and Goyle.

`` No, that 's not clockwise, '' John groaned, `` You 're stirring counter-clockwise. ``

`` Oh. ``

`` Stir it the former way ! '' St. John the Apostle shouted.

Albus stifled a gag and glanced to his left, where rosiness and Vivien Leigh Montague were having a similar conversation.

`` They 've got to be chopped ok than that. It says minced, not diced, '' Rose instructed.

`` They look amercement to me, '' Leigh snapped.

`` No, they wo n't play like that. Let me do it, '' blush wine grabbed a knife and started mincing the shrivelfig.

`` fine. You do the whole thing if you 're so smart, '' Leigh huffed.

`` You can stir the cauldron. Clockwise, '' blush wine replied.

Albus was n't close enough to either Amanda or Matt to hear what was going on at their tables. It looked like Amanda and Dalila Avish were working much the Lapp way Albus and Limbert were, since neither of their mouths were moving. Malfoy appeared to be yelling at Matt for something, but Albus could n't quite make out what it was. matt got up from the table with a stadium fully of something and then emptied it in the bin. When he returned to his tabular array, he started carefully chopping something up. Albus was guessing it was more than of whatever he had thrown away.

Albus continued mincing his shrivelfig and listened mostly to trick and Goyle. Limbert kept smirking every so often, which gave Albus the stamp he was listening to John and Goyle, too.

`` keep inspiration CLOCKWISE for another minute, '' St. John the Apostle said slowly and clearly, `` Then switch to COUNTERCLOCKWISE. I 've got to go get something. Do n't do anything besides the stirring. ``

Goyle grunted and Albus heard lavatory get up. Albus felt a spur in his slope and looked up to see john standing next to him. `` What ? '' Albus whispered.

John pointed to a recess of the room, near the cupboard of ingredients. There was a enceinte rat sitting there. Albus shuddered and looked back at John.

`` I 'll be back, '' John winked at him.

Albus tried to rivet on his shrivelfig, but he could n't break glancing up at John. He was almost to the cupboard now, and the rat still had n't moved. Albus watched as John pointed his sceptre at the rat, but he could n't find out what spell out trick was using due to the noise in the room. Luckily everyone was concentrating on their potions and not paying an ounce of attention to John. Albus grimaced as privy picked up the rat and shoved it inside his gown. Albus was incredibly glad that bathroom was willing to do the rat print. The sentiment of putting a rat in his robes creeped Albus out.

John went into the cupboard for a few present moment and came back out carrying a jar of something. Probably a blanket news report, Albus thought.

`` Got it, '' trick whispered to Albus on his way back to his desk.

`` Excellent, '' Albus said.

Suddenly there was a loud explosion from somewhere behind Albus and he felt a hot liquid kingdom on his head and drip down the back of his robes.

`` Ouch ! '' he and Limbert shouted at the Sami time.

`` Boody Inferno ! '' John exclaimed as the Orange potion landed on the nominal head of his robes.

chaos erupted in the classroom. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at the irrupt potion. Albus turned around and saw that the explosion had come from bathroom and Goyle 's caldron. Goyle was wearing a stupefied reflection on his face and was staring into quad while holding his ladle in the air. His case was covered with potion as well as his robe. His haircloth was singed and there was a small fervor on his table.

Albus could find the potion burning down his back and it hurt like hell. It felt like his skin was on fire. He got up from his chairperson and felt his back. His gown were burnt straight through. John 's and Limbert 's were as well.

`` What did you do ? '' Slughorn asked as he strode to King John and Goyle 's table.

`` Uh ..., '' Goyle stared up at the ceiling.

`` You must 've gotten potion in your mouth, '' Slughorn shook his brain. `` infirmary Wing. Who else got hit ? ``

`` I did, '' Albus, John, Limbert, as well as Karina and Celeste Yeardly ( who had been sitting behind John and Goyle ) said at the same time.

`` hospital extension, all of you, '' Slughorn replied, `` If one of you could please draw surely Mr. Goyle arrives there, that would be appreciated. ``

Limbert immediately dragged Goyle out of the elbow room with Celeste following. Albus and John walked a piddling mode behind them and Karina behind them.

`` Idiot, '' John the Divine muttered as they climbed the stairs out of the dungeons.

`` What did he do ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not a clue, '' St. John the Apostle shrugged, `` Not what I told him to do. ``

`` I heard you talking to him. It seemed pretty aboveboard. ``

`` Well, he 's dumber than a troll, '' privy groaned, `` Merlin this hooey burns. ``

`` At to the lowest degree we did n't eat any of it, '' Albus pointed to Goyle, who was stumbling down the corridor like he was drunk.

`` True, '' john laughed and then lowered his voice, `` Hey, it was worth it since I got the rat. ``

`` That matter 's not still in your robes, is it ? '' Albus glanced warily at John.

`` Er, yeah, have n't had a hazard to aim it out. ``

`` I just hope it stays stunned. ``

`` It should, '' John said as they followed Goyle and Limbert into the Hospital Wing.

Madam Pomfrey was already engaged taking aid of a daughter who had gotten bitten by something in concern of Magical Creatures and told them they would take in to wait. Once she had finished healing the girl, she moved on to Goyle, since he was n't able to sit still and was wandering around the room tripping over things. She took charge of Limbert, Celeste, and Karina, and then moved on to the bed Albus and St. John were sitting on.

`` You lot again ? '' she sighed, `` I 'm surprise it 's only the two of you. ``

`` Well, flatness, rose wine, and Amanda were all too far away to be hit by the potion, '' Albus explained.

`` I swear the lot of you are exactly like your grandfather and his Quaker, '' Madam Pomfrey shook her head as she handed Albus a potion.

John, who had just started drinking his own potion, choked and coughed the potion up onto the bed. He turned and grinned at Albus, who grinned back. fountainhead, Albus thought, that was the cosmopolitan idea of the map.

ma'am Pomfrey sighed and with a Wave of her scepter the potion was cleaned up. `` Drink the sleep of it, '' she instructed them.

Madam Pomfrey applied some sorting of ointment to their burns and a few minutes later they were allowed to leave. The nurse told them to go directly to their dorm to get new robes and that she did n't want to see them in the hospital wing for the next few weeks.

`` Fat fortune that 'll happen, '' John the Evangelist smirked as they started back to Gryffindor Tower.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. It seemed like one of them was always winding up in the Hospital Wing. Albus himself had already been there twice since returning to schooling after the Yule holiday.

`` Next Quidditch match is what, in three weeks ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

`` Just about, '' Albus said.

`` Then you might be back there soon, '' trick joked.

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` I did n't land myself there last equal. ``


A/N : Extra long chapter ! Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, Miguel, invisiblecloak, potterfan296, Gospel of Luke, and drownzer for the brushup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist or wiener Sinatra.


Albus and Saint John were immediately bombarded by Kaden when they entered the plebeian way. rose, Amanda, and flatness were standing just behind Kaden with smirks on their faces.

`` Did your cauldron really irrupt ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` The potion did, '' John replied, `` And it was completely Goyle 's break, really. I gave him directions as to what to do and he screwed it up. ``

`` You know, '' rosebush said, `` You 're not exactly the C. H. Best potion brewer either, John. ``

`` Are you two all right ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah. dame Pomfrey sorted everything out, '' Albus assured her.

`` So what are you doing this night, Albus ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he followed Albus and John to the dorm room access.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had been planning on grabbing a speedy dinner with his admirer after he changed robes, and then foreland to the Room to try out the new map. They had all the paw prints ( John had gone up to the dormitory room ahead of Albus with the rat and got the print from it. Albus did n't want to experience what happened to the rat afterwards ) now, so Albus was impatient to try it out. But they would n't be able to if Kaden was around.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

Kaden spent the entire eve with Albus and his friends. Normally, this really would n't have got bothered Albus, but that night his cousin was driving him mad. All Albus wanted to do was try out the map, but he could n't think up a good excuse for them to go somewhere and not let Kaden be. So they spent the evening in the rough-cut room, working on homework.

Albus and his supporter were far too occupy the next few days to try out the new map. Albus had Quidditch practice on Tuesday and Th and dueling praxis on Midweek. Rose had dueling practice on Friday. bathroom normally had his exercise on Sabbatum, but due to the Quidditch match, it had been rescheduled for Sunday. Any bit of time where neither Albus or his Friend had any practice, Kaden was around. It was n't until Sabbatum, following Slytherin 's striking loss to Ravenclaw, that they were finally able to try out the map. Kaden had been recruited to tutor a fellow first class in Potions and was going to be spending a few hours in the dungeons after the Quidditch match.

`` cum on, let 's go try it now, '' Albus whispered to his friends after Kaden left the common room.

`` Got the mark ? '' lustrelessness asked.

Albus nodded and grabbed his bag. They quickly left the common way and ran for the elbow room of Requirement. They almost bumped into a Ravenclaw prefect, but luckily he was feeling generous ( most likely due to the Quidditch win ) and did n't scold them for running in the corridors.

Matt paced three time in front of the empty wall and as soon as the door appeared, the five ally ran inside. Albus set his bag down on the table and everyone crowded around it. Albus pulled out all four prints and the map.

`` All right field, '' Albus unfolded the map, `` Rose, you 're good with the charm, right ? ``

rose wine nodded, `` I 've practiced it and it works every time. ``

`` Good, '' Albus stared at the map, unsure of how to begin, `` Er, maybe I should do what I did net time to get it to differentiate us we 've got to turn up we know the Marauders ? ``

`` Probably, '' Rose agreed.

`` delay ! '' John shouted, `` Can I do it this clock time ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus shrugged and handed King John the map.

`` Excellent, '' John grinned and pointed his wand at the map, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Padfoot. ``

Ink appeared on the map, but not nearly as much as when Albus had done it earlier in the year.

'No, you 're not .'

The ink disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

`` What ? '' lav shouted, `` But it worked last time ! ``

Albus 's hopes plummeted. Why was n't it working now ? Was it on some kind of a timekeeper ? Like it could only work on a sure day of the calendar month ? He had been so excited about getting the new map to work, and now it would n't even assure them to prove they knew the Marauders.

`` Let me try, '' Matt grabbed the parchment and pointed his wand at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Moony. ``

'No, you 're not .'The map said once again.

`` This sucking, '' privy muttered, `` It worked last time. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to be Albus, '' Rose suggested.

Albus wordlessly grabbed the map and pointed his own wand at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The ink he had been expecting to appear rose to the aerofoil of the parchment and formed the fellow words.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the predator 's Map, second variant .'

`` Ha ! '' Albus grinned in fervor, `` There it is ! ``

`` But why did n't it work for us ? '' can asked dejectedly. `` Does that mean value we ca n't be Padfoot and Moony ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus sighed. He really hoped his booster would be able-bodied to be Padfoot and Moony. Who else could be Padfoot and Moony ? The map would n't even work without mortal to be Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail. Albus could n't do it alone.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs. However, you could be the second Prongs .'

`` See ? Why did n't it say 'However, you could be the second Padfoot'when I did it ? ``

'When four boys, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendly relationship and deviltry, they may give themselves as the next genesis of vulture. These four friend must each represent one of the marauder, for if even one is missing, this map will not exploit. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the secrets of the Marauders. Prove that you know, and you may cover along the path of uncovering .'

'The itinerary of discovery ? I never knew you were so poetical, Mr. Prongs .'

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

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

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

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

'The predator wish you near luck .'

`` Well, now what ? '' john asked.

`` I guess we 've just got to transfer the paw prints, '' Albus said tentatively.

rose wine picked up the paw prints and the map, setting them down in front of her. She pulled out her wand and muttered an conjuration at the werewolf photographic print. Then she muttered another incantation at the map. The werewolf print appeared on the map, just as it had been on the other piece of parchment.

`` That, was crashing astound, '' John said in awe.

Albus agreed. He was forever grateful that his first cousin was so brainy. Albus did n't think he 'd ever be able to draw out off something like that. At least not until he was at least in twenty percent year.

rosiness repeated the procedure with the dog, stag, and rat photographic print, positioning them in the exact Saami way that the piddling mark that the vulture had put on the map.

`` There, '' she said once she was done.

The five friends stared at the map for a few seconds, waiting for something to happen. The paw photographic print were n't doing anything and neither was the map. No new ink had appeared and the paw prints were n't disappearing or anything.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Maybe I 've got to severalise the map that we know the Marauders ? ``

`` Worth a shot, '' John shrugged.

Albus pulled the map over to him and tapped his sceptre to it, `` I, Albus Severus thrower, the second Prongs, know the Marauders. ``

The paw photographic print quickly faded until there was nothing left but a blank parchment. Albus glanced up and looked at his friends before returning his regard to the new map.

'Prongs agrees that you do know the Marauders, and is especially yarn-dye that you managed to get a werewolf paw print .'

`` It worked ! '' Albus shouted happily.

'Due to your obvious cognition of the Marauders'secrets, we shall now tell you More about this map. When the marauder were seventh year, they realized that within a few short circuit calendar month, they would be gone from Hogwarts, and the school would be left without their chief mischief makers.

'Prongs suggested-'

'Do you always talk about yourself in the thirdly person, Prongs ?'

'Only when I have a accident of brilliance, Padfoot .'

'Not too often then, right ?'

'Oh, get on with the account, Prongs .'

'Calm yourself, Moony. You 're letting your furry self show .'

'Shut it, Prongs .'

'All right. Anyway, I ( happy now, Padfoot ? ) had a virgule of glare that the predator could see a way to check that they would never be gone from Hogwarts .'

`` I knew it ! '' blush wine shouted in glee, `` I knew that was what this was about ! ``

'The Marauders decided to create another map. The first map was only the rootage. The Marauders wanted to incur a way to put themselves into a map, in society to facilitate the next generation of maleficence makers. That is what this map is about.

'However, not just anyone would be able-bodied to bear access to the map .'

'Yeah, we would n't require any old dunderheads stumbling upon it .'

'Right, Padfoot. Or even worse, having Slytherins get their slimy paws on it .'

'I shudder at that view, Moony. Anyway, the predator had to visualise out a way to ensure that only those worthy would be able to access this map. The Marauder 's Map is actually quite mere to compute out, compared to this one. All you have to do to unfold that is say a sure phrasal idiom. For this map, you have to be a certain mortal to open it.

'You may or may not sustain figured out that in order to get the first bit of information out of this map, you have to be a parentage relative of one of the Marauders. However, not everyone representing the predator must be related. Because, you know, we might not all have nipper .'

'Yeah, you would n't want to be passing along any genes, Prongs .'

'Better mine than yours, Padfoot .'

`` That 's why only Albus could do it ! '' John shouted.

Albus felt immense easement from this. John the Evangelist and Matt would be able to symbolise Padfoot and Moony.

`` So really, only James, Lily, Teddy, my dad, and I could get it open, '' Albus said.

'The residue of you must be Gryffindor boy, because we want you to be like us .'

'Lily wo n't like that, Prongs .'

'I know, Moony, but Lily does n't know about this. I do n't plan on telling her, either .'

`` guesswork that counts out my sister, '' Albus commented.

'So, now you 've proven that you know the Marauders. Your succeeding stride is to prove that you are the next piranha .'

The ink slowly faded once again until the parchment was as lacuna as before.

Albus stared at it for a few second, thinking about what he had just found out. The map was n't going to work yet. He had been so surely that all they 'd have to do was essay they knew the Marauders. But now they had yet another affair to do. They had to show that they were the next piranha. How were they going to do that ?

`` That was weird, '' John said.

`` I 'll say, '' Matt agreed, `` They did n't even really tell us what it was a map of. ``

`` Yeah, they just said they wanted to produce certainly they 'd never provide Hogwarts. Like the map is a voice of them, '' lav replied.

`` To be honest, it sounds a bit like a Horcrux, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, but it 's not like they put their souls in there, pink wine, '' Albus pointed out. `` It 's like the Marauder 's Map. It 's just enchanted. ``

`` I still wish we knew what it was a map of, '' John muttered, `` I mean, this is n't average ! We spend weeks getting those paw prints and we still have n't figured the map out. ``

`` I knew you 'd have to do something like this, '' rose wine said, `` Otherwise it would n't count if there were four of you to stand for the Marauders. If it was just this, Albus could accept done the whole thing himself. ``

She made a effective point. Albus had n't really thought about that, but it was true. They had to do something that required each of them to stage one of the Marauders.

`` I guess we 've got to turn up we are the piranha, then, '' Albus said, `` Wonder what that involves. ``

`` Maybe we 've got to do something the Marauders would have done, '' mat suggested.

`` Like turn illegal Animagi ? '' lav grinned mischievously.

`` No ! '' Matt sighed, `` I told you, you 're not doing that ! ``

`` I do n't think that 's it, '' rose began, `` How would you go about proving to a art object of composition that you 're illegal Animagi ? ``

`` Maybe we 've got to pluck a Brobdingnagian prank or something, '' Albus said.

`` Again, how would you bear witness that to the map ? '' Rose asked.

`` wellspring, does anyone make any other ideas ? '' Albus asked.

`` We 'll think of something, '' Amanda said, `` I mean, there 's got to be a way. ``

`` Of trend their is ! '' blush wine said, `` We 've just got to go to the program library and see if we can notice anything there. ``

`` We ca n't do anything anyway until you 've got that Sileo Altus charm down, rosebush, '' Albus pointed out.

`` right field, '' rosiness replied, `` It 's coming along well. I just need to get some practice. Anyone want to be my tester ? ``

`` I will ! '' Saint John the Apostle shouted and jumped up out of his chair.

`` Ok, do here, '' blush wine got up and went to the other side of the room.

Albus watched as the two of them worked. First, they had to think up a arcanum, which took a good bit of time. John Lackland finally suggested that the mysterious be 'Filch the likes of to dance in the moonlight with a longsighted hold mop with Frank Frank Sinatra medicine playing in the background .'

Albus burst out laughing at that. `` Filch ? terpsichore ? ``

`` Yes, '' John said in a serious tone, `` I saw him once. He was rubbing the mop read/write head to his face and had on a smell of pure joy. ``

`` And soon you wo n't be able to tell anyone about it, '' Amanda grinned. `` What a ignominy. ``

`` Yes, it is, is n't it ? '' John the Evangelist laughed. `` You lot can still spread it around, though. ``

`` Ok, whoremaster, let 's try it, '' rosebush said.

Rose pointed her sceptre at herself and recited the charm that would make her the underground keeper. Then, she pointed her wand at John and said a slightly different charm.

`` Now you say the secret, trick. ``

`` Filch likes to trip the light fantastic in the moonlight with a foresighted hold mop with Frank Francis Albert Sinatra music playing in the background knowledge, '' John the Evangelist smirked.

`` Good, '' Rose replied and then performed another charm on Saint John. `` I 'm not ready to try including other people yet, so trick will only be able-bodied to spill about Filch 's piddling habit to me. ``

Rose waved her wand around in an intricate pattern and then said one survive incantation. She lowered her wand and stared at John. Then she turned to face Albus.

`` There. Now you can try asking him about it, Albus. ``

Albus grinned, `` All rightfulness. So, John, heard anything interesting about Filch lately ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' John shouted, `` Actually, just the early night I saw him and he was- '' whoremaster 's mouth continued moving but no speech sound was coming out of it.

Albus and Amanda burst out laughing. John looked like a fish out of weewee. `` I think it worked ! '' Albus shouted.

Rose was staring at John with a cold-shoulder look of disappointment. `` Not quite. He was n't even supposed to be able to move his mouth. You know, in pillowcase people can read lips. I guess it 's a jump, though. ``

`` Definitely. I mean, this is a really advanced charm. You ca n't have expected to get it on the first try, '' Albus pointed out. Although, he did form of think rose expected to get it on the firstly try.

`` I suppose, '' Rose sighed, `` I 'll just undo it. ``

rose wine waved her wand around and muttered some more incantation. `` Ok, he should be able to talk about it now. ``

`` Heard anything funny about Filch recently ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he likes to dance with a long handle mop by moonlight while Frank Sinatra plays in the background signal, '' King John told her.

`` expression like the countercharm worked, '' Albus said.

`` But that 's not even what we 'll demand, '' pink wine pointed out, `` We 're not going to perform the countercharm on Kaden. Not for another few long time at to the lowest degree. ``

`` Yeah, but it 's lucky for Gospel According to John that it worked, '' Albus grinned, `` Otherwise he would n't be able to share Filch 's cloak-and-dagger joyfulness of life. ``

******

Over the following few Clarence Day, trick actually did share that Filch liked to dance with a recollective handle mop by the Moon with wiener Frank Sinatra acting in the background. All he had to do was mention it to a few other Gryffindors at meal times and the bit of tittle-tattle was soon spreading throughout the schooling. The reactions from students ranged from hysterical laughter to raised supercilium to exclamations of 'Who the hell is Frank Sinatra ?'Albus could n't help but smirk every clip he heard his fellow scholarly person mentioning the story.

Filch, on the other hired hand, was actively trying to rule the culprit. There was n't really any point, since he would n't be able to find who started it, but he tried. He spent the years prowling the entrance hall and listening in on students'conversations, trying to observe out any sort of data regarding the false storey. Whenever the students noticed him, they would break open out laughing, which would cause Filch to start muttering about 'rotten students'and 'ought to whip them all'.

Filch 's chief suspect was Kaden, which Albus found sort of good story. Kaden of row had laughed the loudest when he heard the story. Since Filch had developed an intense disapproval for Kaden since their detention month ago, he gave Kaden baleful stares every time Kaden passed him in the corridors. Kaden just found this funny, since he knew toilet had invented the story.

The story about Filch provided a nice break from the intense poring over that all the scholarly person were occupied with. Like common, the teacher had increased the prep after the holiday. Albus was glad it was n't yet his O.W.L. year and he could n't imagine how he would wield to deal with that in three short years. Along with preparation, Albus also had Quidditch and dueling recitation. Both Georgia and Kate had increased praxis times in lodge to ready for the upcoming match and tournament. The third dueling tournament was to contract shoes the first weekend of February and Quidditch on the following weekend. Albus now had Quidditch recitation on Mondays, Tues, Th, and Sabbatum. Dueling recitation were as common, not mandatory, but were now not only on Wednesday, but on Fridays as well. The only day Albus had off was William Ashley Sunday, which did n't make lots time for him to try and see out how to essay he was like the piranha to the new map.

The break of day of the Dueling Tournament was moth-eaten, snowy, and blustery. Albus was very happy the Quidditch match was n't that day. He got up a few hours before the tournament started and went down to breakfast with his friends.

`` I ca n't wait until I can duel next year, '' Kaden said in between bit of egg.

`` It 's not really as aplomb as it 's made out to be, '' privy commented, `` A lot of waiting around time during tournaments. ``

`` That 's because there 's so many of us, '' Rose explained, `` In the regular Dueling Club, the one that you can only be in if you 're fifth year or above, not everyone gets on the teams. It 's like Quidditch and you have to try out. ``

`` That sounds better, '' toilet said, `` But I do n't hump if I 'd give the team. ``

`` I know I would n't, '' Amanda replied.

`` You 're getting considerably, '' Albus assured her, `` You might have it by the time you 're a fifth yr. ``

`` Yeah, that 's the decimal point of the junior 's club, '' pink wine said, `` So you can get better. They do n't bear us all to be expert duelers. ``

`` Albus is, '' Amanda grinned, `` He 's brilliant. ``

Albus felt his face bit red, `` Well, I 'm not that corking ... I mean, there are load of people who are salutary than me. ``

`` Not on our team, '' Amanda continued, `` He 's beat almost everyone on the team. ``

`` Yeah, everyone except Malfoy, '' Albus muttered. He still had n't managed to overreach Malfoy during their practice session duels.

`` That 's secure, though ! '' Rose sighed, `` You 're both fantabulous duelist, so you 've got a goodness team ! ``

Albus shrugged. He form of would rather just be able to flummox Malfoy than beat the other squad, but he did n't mention anything about it.

Albus and his friends continued their public lecture about dueling throughout breakfast and as they sat around the common room afterwards. Soon, it was time for them to go down to the dueling bedchamber for the tournament.

They passed Filch on their way down the stairs, and he was muttering to himself as usual.

`` damn minor ... better when Umbridge was around ... wonderment if she 'll come back ... she 'd let me whip them ... ''

`` I swear he 's gotten more mad over the twelvemonth, '' whoremaster muttered to Albus as they passed him.

`` Dad says he 's getting senile, '' Albus whispered back.

The dueling sleeping accommodation was packed with pupil, just like the past two tourney. Albus and Amanda squeezed their way through the crowd to their usual mesa, where their team was sitting.

`` Hi Albus, Amanda, '' Kate greeted them. `` set up to win ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned.

The tournament got under way a few minutes later. It was much like the past two tourney, with a lot of sitting around time. Albus was happy that he and Amanda were on the same squad so they were able to verbalize to each other in between affaire d'honneur.

Albus won both of his affaire d'honneur, just like the finis two tourney. So did Malfoy and once again, Albus found that he was kind of glad and form of angry about that. Amanda won one of her duels, which Albus was very felicitous about. He knew half her dueling event were from spunk and the fact that she thought she would n't do well.

Rose, John the Evangelist, and Matt each won one of their duels as well. Albus clapped for them even though they were on other team, which earned him glares from Malfoy. Albus did n't handle, though. Malfoy could sulk as long as he wanted, it was n't going to cease Albus from cheering for his friends.

The breaker point were tallied after the shoemaker's last duel and whoremaster 's squad was declared the winner. Albus was slightly disappointed, but there were still three Sir Thomas More tournaments before the final. Harry announced the point totals for the total twelvemonth and rose wine 's team was in first space so far. In irregular was the team led by Hufflepuff Paul Galivant and in third gear was John 's team, led by Albus 's full cousin Bradley.

Albus did n't recall that the inter-house dueling was decreasing the rivalry between theatre. Albus was n't anymore fond of the Slytherins than he had been in the showtime of the year. None of the Slytherins really got along with the Gryffindors on his squad, and vice versa. He was n't exactly trusted how it was working with the fixture dueling nightclub, but he had overheard Sir Henry Morton Stanley complaining about how uncooperative the Slytherins on his team were. But that was months ago and he did n't make out what had been going on with it recently.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan296, Miguel, Saint Luke, and mischiefmaker09 for their reviews !

I wrote my first vulture Era account, side of meat effect May Include Gratitude and tactile sensation of wellspring Being, which is a one-shot from lady Pomfrey 's point of view. It 's on my source Page, if you 're interested. I 'd love it if you read and reviewed it !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Matt 's natal day was a few days after the Dueling tourney. Albus and his friends did n't cast him a party like they had last year. That had mostly been done to cheer him up since he had been in the infirmary fender at the clip. This twelvemonth they went down to the kitchens and got a cake, and then ate it in their student residence. Kaden went with him and was amazed by the kitchens, with all the house-elves around. His reaction was laughable to watch than Amanda 's the previous yr. He stood there with his mouth one-half clear and then ran around grabbing as much food as possible.

By the prison term the Quidditch match arrived the surveil Saturday, Albus was utterly exhausted. Between Quidditch practice and homework, he hardly had anytime to kip. Throw in a trip down to the kitchens for Matt 's birthday after Quidditch practice the former dark, and Albus was ready to kip through an full day.

Albus yawned, got out of bed, and looked out the window. He had been hoping that the raging blizzard would have let up, but it had n't. Wonderful, he thought, Henry James would n't be catching the snitcher quickly in this weather.

A few hours later, Albus bade his friends goodbye and headed down to the changing rooms at the Quidditch pitching. His friends had bundled themselves up in as very much scarlet and gold clothing as they owned and were ready to huddle together against the howling wind for a few hours of Quidditch. John, lusterlessness, and Amanda did n't seem to mind the weather at all and were excited about the match. rose, on the other hand, clearly would receive rather spent the afternoon in the castle studying. Kaden still liked football better than Quidditch and Albus had a opinion he would n't induce minded the tempest if he was watching a football game.

`` Ok ! '' Georgia shouted a few instant after Albus entered the changing rooms, `` Everyone come over here ! ``

`` I know the weather is n't ideal, '' Georgia began once everyone was gathered around her, `` But we 've played in worse than this ! ``

`` Yeah, if you count that alluvion we played in during third twelvemonth, '' Fred muttered, `` But former than that .... ''

Georgia glared at Fred, `` Anyway, we 're playing Hufflepuff, so we 'll win. Harper 's still captain, but it 's her utmost yr, so she 'll be dead set on getting the Cup. That means she 'll have trained her team even harder. They 've got a new Keeper, though. Someone named Tanner Royce. He 's a twenty percent class. Other than him, the squad 's the same as shoemaker's last year. So, with that, get out there and kick some Badger ass ! ``

Albus grinned to himself as he picked up his broom and started to walk to the doorway. Georgia was a nifty captain, but was n't much for long thread spoken communication.

`` Albus, '' Georgia whispered and put her hired man on his shoulder.

`` Yeah ? ``

`` You 're, er, less nervous this friction match, right ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus smiled, remembering how he had told her he was extremely uneasy the terminal match. In reality, he 'd been too preoccupied with the new map. certainly, he 'd been a small flighty, but not as very much as Georgia thought he had been. This equal, however, he was n't nearly as cark, although he still was a bit nervous. `` I 'm a bit nervous, but not as very much. ``

`` Good, '' Georgia grinned and walked out the door and onto the pitch.

Albus followed his cousin onto the pitch and was immediately hit by the forceful winds that were prevailing.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff match ! '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd Bessie Smith 's voice sounded over the pitch. It sounded faint and form of far away in the wind. `` It 's bloody cold out here so let 's micturate it quick !

`` Here are the Gryffindors ! Captain Georgia Weasley, followed by Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James thrower, Thomas Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, and Heather Weasley !

`` And the Hufflepuffs ! police captain Jessica harpist, followed by Shawn Ames, Lisa Galivant, Andy Kaper, Stacey Manson, Anna Reilly, and sixpence Royce ! ``

Professor Oteski motioned for Georgia and harpist to shake hands and as soon as they did so, Albus and the rest of the players rose into the air. Oteski released the balls and Heather immediately took self-will of the Quaffle.

`` And Heather 's got the Quaffle ! She passes to Fred, then back to Heather, and to Albus. ``

Albus caught the Quaffle and started flying towards the Hufflepuff goals. He was amazed that he had actually caught it since the weather was so awful. He could hardly see two infantry in nominal head of him. His robes were already soaked with snow and ice and he was frigidly frigid. Nevertheless, he kept flying towards the finish until he had to stop short and toss the Quaffle back to Heather, since he almost flew flat into an oncoming Hufflepuff chaser.

Heather caught the Quaffle and flew it the rest of the way to the goal. She threw it in and it easily went past Hufflepuff 's new Keeper.

`` finish ! Ten-zero Gryffindor ! Now hurry up and grab that Snitch, James ! I 'm freezing my bloody- ''

`` Smith ! '' Patil shouted, `` look out your language ! ``

`` Sorry, prof. ``

The Quaffle was now back in fun and was in Hufflepuff self-control. Albus was n't even certainly which Chaser had it, but he knew it was a Hufflepuff. Whichever Hufflepuff had the Quaffle managed to take it to the Gryffindor goal, but GA saved it.

Fred took the Quaffle and flew it back to the other end of the pitch, scoring another goal for Gryffindor.

The game continued this way for the next half time of day. Hufflepuff managed to score two goals, but Gryffindor scored about eight. Albus currently had the Quaffle and was flying straight at the Hufflepuff goals.

He narrowly avoided a bludger and both Hufflepuff beaters, but soon he was within throwing space of the goal. He faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle at the left ring. Royce tried to deliver it, but he was n't quick enough.

`` destination ! Albus potter has scored against Hufflepuff ! The mark is now 90-20 Gryffindor ! ``

Albus was rapturous. That was the first destination he had ever scored in a Quidditch mate. Up until now, all he 'd done were aid. Albus took a victory lap around the pitch and then caught the Quaffle from heather.

Albus managed to score another goal and Heather scored two to a greater extent in the next one-half hour of the couple. Hufflepuff scored a few More goals, but were still far behind. By now, Albus was certainly he had turned into an icicle and was getting a bit sick of flying around in the cold. He was even getting a bit of a vexation from it. Albus was n't even sure if he 'd recognize if St. James the Apostle or Galivant caught the fink, due to the increasingly bad visibleness and snowfall. The blizzard seemed to be getting worse by the second. If Hogwarts actually called off Quidditch, they would have called it off a piece ago.

A few minutes later, cheers broke out in the stands and Albus was for certain someone must stimulate caught the Snitch. He was very happy to shoot down his heather and knew he 'd be even happier when he finally got into the warm park room.

The respite of his team was shouting in gleefulness and were surrounding St. James the Apostle. He must suffer caught the Snitch, Albus thought. The eternal rest of the Gryffindors were swarming the pitch and soon Epistle of James was lifted onto a few citizenry 's articulatio humeri. Albus joined the throngs of his house and started his way back to the castle.

On his way back to the rough-cut room, numerous people stopped him in order to congratulate him on the win. Albus was thrilled that they had won, but all he really wanted to do was bump his protagonist and get into some warm robe. King James loved the attending he got after winning a Quidditch match, but Albus could take it or leave it. Right now, he could entrust it since his headache was getting worsened.

The company in the green room was just getting started when Albus entered a few second later. Someone must have snuck down to the kitchens because there was an entire tabular array filled with food. mortal else had obviously gotten into Hogsmeade because just about everyone had a butterbeer in their hand.

Somebody shoved a butterbeer into Albus 's deal as he made his way through the crowd. James was in the thick of it as usual and was rehashing how he caught the Snitch.

`` And I saw it lurking near one of the end posts. Galivant was on the other end of the pitch, so I knew she had no hope ... '' James was saying to a couple of giggling girls.

The sleep of the team was nearby and were digging into the food that was on one of the tables.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Peach State shouted as he passed, `` I knew you could get over those nerves ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled as he went up the stairs to his dormitory.

Albus quickly changed out of his frigidness, wet robes and felt a bit better afterwards. He went back down to the vernacular elbow room and it was even Richard Buckminster Fuller than before. It looked like all the Gryffindors had returned from the sales pitch and the party was in to the full swing.

Albus found his friends sitting at their usual table and they all seemed to be enjoying the party.

`` Albus ! '' lav shouted as Albus sat down, `` Brilliant performing ! ``

`` Definitely, '' Matt agreed.

`` You 're quite a unspoilt pursuer, Albus, '' Rose said, `` Although I honestly do n't know why they did n't invalidate the peer with this blizzard ... ''

`` Cancel the match ? '' John stared at her, `` Never ! ``

`` If it was football, it would 've been canceled, '' Kaden commented.

`` Yeah, because you would n't be able to run around in two foundation of snow, '' John laughed, `` But Quidditch is in the air, so it does n't matter. ``

`` Will you two just quit arguing about football game ? '' Rose sighed.

`` Just trying to turn Kaden into a proper wizard, '' Saint John the Apostle shrugged.

`` Quidditch is hardly the definition of a proper wizard, '' rosiness said, `` I believe potion brewing is a bit more important and I 'm sure Kaden could instruct you a thing about it, Mr. Exploding Potions. ``

`` That was Goyle 's flaw, '' john muttered.

`` Why do n't all three of you just stop arguing ? '' Albus snapped. His head was pounding and listening to his friends'contention was not helping.

`` What 's with you ? '' John asked, `` We 're not fighting anymore than rule. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to do that he 's been flying around in a blizzard for the past two hours ? '' rosiness suggested, `` If they 'd just have canceled the match- ''

`` They do n't cancel Quidditch ! '' John shouted and then turned to matte, `` You understand this, do n't you ? ``

`` It 's admittedly, '' lusterlessness agreed, `` Quidditch is n't ever canceled for trivial things like blizzards. ``

`` I think the atmospheric condition just makes it more interesting, '' Amanda commented.

`` Not you too ! '' rose wine groaned.

`` football 's only played in the warmly months anyway, '' Kaden said, `` They would n't even schedule an outdoor football match in the wintertime. ``

`` fountainhead that 's boring, '' John replied.

Albus leaned his head on his hand and closed his eye while trying to swim out his champion conversation. John, rosiness, and Kaden continued to fence about the merits of Quidditch and football. matte and Amanda stayed out of it for the most component part and seemed kind of amused with the entire thing. Albus was n't, though. He wished they 'd just close up. Albus 's head was steadily feeling worse, like he was being hit with a bludger over and over again. Besides that, he still had n't completely warmed up from the match and was shivering, despite his dry robes.

`` I think football would be a nice sport if it were played on brooms, '' John Lackland said.

`` Oh come on, John ! '' rosebush sighed, `` Be serious ! You ca n't toy football on ling. How would you kick the ball ? ``

`` Not to mention that Muggles play football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Muggles ca n't fly ! ``

`` I 'm not saying that Muggles should play football on Calluna vulgaris. I meant if football game were ever played by whizz, it should be done on Scots heather. ``

football game on brooms, Albus thought, what an insane idea. His Quaker were now trying to merge football and Quidditch.

`` Albus, are you all right ? '' Matt asked.

Albus opened his center and lifted his head off his hand. `` I dunno. ``

`` You do n't reckon that great, '' Matt said concernedly.

John, rosiness, and Kaden stopped arguing and looked at Albus.

`` Yeah, you look worse than lusterlessness does when he gets sick of, '' Kaden said loudly.

`` Thanks, '' lustrelessness muttered.

`` Matt 's right, '' Rose said, `` You do calculate awful, Albus. ``

`` I 've got a concern, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You should go see Madam Pomfrey, '' Kaden told him.

`` I think I 'll just go to bed, '' Albus got up from his chair, `` I have n't really sleep much the retiring few Night. I 'm probably just tired. ``

Albus stumbled over to the dormitory door, feeling worse than he had a few minute ago. He collapsed into his bed and fell asleep arcminute later.

******

Albus awoke with a start and he was n't sure how very much clip had passed since he went to catch some Z's. He still felt extremely tired and his question still hurt. He groaned and closed his eyes again, wanting only to sleep for a few days straight.

right wing when he was about to drift off again, someone threw the curtains back and Albus 's bed was flooded in light.

`` Ugh, '' Albus groaned and covered his center with his manus. `` What was that for ? ``

`` You 've slept almost an stallion day, '' someone said.

Albus moved his hands and slowly opened his eyes. Saint John the Apostle was standing over his bed with a look of business on his expression.

`` And I 'd wish to kip a bit more if you do n't mind, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You slept through dinner last night, and breakfast and tiffin today. Are n't you hungry ? ``

`` Not really. ``

`` Are you sure you 're ok ? '' Gospel According to John asked, `` Rose sent me up here to check on you. ``

Honestly, Albus was n't sure he was ok. He could n't remember the end meter he had slept an intact day. But right now all he wanted was for John to go away so he could sleep some more.

`` I 'll be fine once I sleep some more, '' Albus replied and rolled over away from John.

`` If you 're indisputable, '' John said quietly and closed the curtains.

It did n't take Albus long to flow back asleep. He had some unusual aspiration that involved Teddy telling him his broom broke and he 'd have to recreate Quidditch without it by running around on the ground. Then, instead of a Quaffle, the compeer was played with a football.

Albus woke up briefly after one of these dreams, only to find that the dormitory was grim. He could try Ethan 's muffle snoring and an owl hooting outside. Unfortunately, he did n't palpate any better than he had when lav woke him up. In fact, he now felt worse. Every one of his muscleman were aching, like he had fallen from his broom during the equal. But Albus could n't recall falling from his Scots heather. When had the friction match been anyway ? Yesterday or the day before ? Albus could n't even remember and he did n't even have it off what day it was currently.

`` Albus ! '' Someone shouted. Albus was dreaming about Quidditch again and someone was hitting him with their beater 's bat.

`` Quit it, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Albus, are you all right ? ``

`` Go away, '' Albus said, `` And stop smacking me with that beater 's bat. ``

`` Beater 's bat ? '' they repeated, `` That 's it, I 'm getting Professor Potter. ``

`` I 'll go, '' soul else said, `` You stay here with him. ``

Whoever had been hitting Albus with the bat had stopped, and he was grateful. GA had taken the bat away and was now yelling at its owner. Then she announced that they would be playing football instead of Quidditch. Saint James the Apostle complained loudly, since there were n't any quester in football.

`` Albus, wake up ! ``

`` I think Kaden said you 'll stimulate to play refutation, James, '' Albus mumbled in his eternal sleep. `` There is n't a sneak in football. ``

`` bent on, Albus, lavatory 's getting your dad. ``

`` My dad ? He 'll have to play defending team, too. ``

`` What 's wrong ? '' someone new shouted.

`` He 's been sleeping since after the mates, professor ceramist. I think he 's puke. ``

`` Since after the match ? ``

`` Er, yeah. We thought he was just tired, but he 's been sleeping for two days. ``

`` The match ? '' Albus muttered, `` Did we beat Slytherpuff yet ? ``

Albus felt himself being lifted out of his bed and into someone 's arms. He rested his head on their shoulder and shivered as his mantle fell back onto the bed. Albus fell back into a deep sopor and next woke up as he was being laid down on another bed.

Albus heard people talking all around him, but he could n't ready out what they were saying. someone poured a few disgusting potions down his throat and forced him to swallow up them. There was more muttering around him, but Albus soon drifted off to sleep again.

The elbow room was quieter when Albus next woke up. He opened his centre and looked around. Where was he ? Albus was certain he had fallen asleep in his dormitory, but now it looked as if he was in the infirmary Wing. The shoes was nearly deserted, keep open for Madam Pomfrey sitting at her desk. Albus yawned and tried to sit up, but he was still featherbrained. The skillful thing was that his head felt a lot substantially. However, his dead body still ached.

dame Pomfrey looked up from her desk and got up once she saw that Albus was awake. She grabbed a few bottleful and put them on a tray, which she then carried over to Albus 's bed and set it on the bedside table.

`` trade good, you 're up, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey said as she poured one of the potions into a cup, `` You gave us all quite a fright. ``

`` What time is it ? '' Albus asked, still confused about what he was doing there.

`` Just after six o'clock. ``

`` Er, and what day ? ``

`` Monday, '' the nurse said as she thrust the cup under Albus 's nose, `` Drink that. ``

Albus downed the potion quickly, `` Yuck. It 's really Monday ? I 've missed category ? ``

`` I 'd say so. ``

`` Er, what exactly happened ? I mean, I went to bed in my dormitory and now I 'm here ... ''

`` You 're ill, '' Madam Pomfrey said, `` You 've caught the flu. Your friends told me you slept for almost two days and then they went to get your father since you were n't getting any better and had started becoming delirious. You 've been here since around lunch time. ``

`` Oh. Well, how farsighted do I have to stick around ? ``

`` Another two daytime, probably, '' Madam Pomfrey told him. `` Now I want you to pledge these early two potions and eat that bowl of soup. ``

Albus nodded and Madam Pomfrey strode back over to her desk. Albus thought back and could vaguely retrieve being taken out of his dorm room, but it was only a foggy remembering. The last thing he could really commemorate well was the Quidditch friction match. He was very happy he had n't fallen ill before the match.

No sooner had Albus drank the starting time potion that the doors to the hospital Wing swung open and John, Matt, rose wine, and Amanda came bursting through. brothel keeper Pomfrey got up quickly from her desk and met them halfway.

`` Is Albus awake ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yes, he 's only just woken up. I suppose you can visit him for a few minutes. But calmly ! He needs to perch ! ``

`` Albus ! '' blush wine shrieked when she ran over to his bed, `` Thank merlin you 're all right ! ``

`` How are you ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Doing substantially ? '' John asked.

`` well, '' Matt said with a half smile on his pale brass, `` This is a switch. ``

Albus grinned at him, `` Yeah, ca n't really think of a time where it was you visiting me here. ``

`` What exactly have you got anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Flu, '' Albus answered, `` But I 'm getting better. Not nearly as tired as before. ``

`` I would hope so, '' St. John smirked, `` You slept two solar day. ``

`` I 'll probably sleep another two, '' Albus said, `` Pomfrey said I 've got to stay another two days. ``

`` We 'll be here together, then, '' lustrelessness replied.

Albus looked at his friend, who was looking a bit exhausted himself. `` When 's the full moon again ? ``

`` Tomorrow, '' Matt sighed.

`` Did you take that new potion ? '' Albus asked.

Matt nodded, `` Yeah, and I 'm more knackered than usual. ``

`` He fell asleep in account of Magic and almost fell asleep in Potions, '' Gospel According to John said.

`` fountainhead, you did n't sleep through two whole days like I did, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I 've done it before. I 've slept through more than two days actually. I think four is my record. ``

`` All right field ! '' dame Pomfrey announced, `` clip for you lot to be off to bed, especially you, Matt. And Albus needs to repose. ``

`` See you tomorrow, '' Albus said as his booster left the room.

`` Sure will, '' flatness replied.

Albus slept on and off throughout the Nox and the succeeding morning. He was still tired, but felt much better when he woke up late the next daybreak. His dad had stopped by earliest before form, but Albus fell back asleep after he left.

lady Pomfrey was fussing over him and giving him legion potions to drink. Albus was the simply patient in the integral Barbara Ward, so the nanny 's fussing was all focused on him.

The nurse had been giving Albus what must have been his 10th glass of water that dawn when the doors to the ward opened. lustrelessness stumbled inside and walked shakily over to the bed next to Albus 's. He collapsed onto it and winced in pain.

dame Pomfrey immediately put down the water pitcher and descended upon Matt.

`` You 're here earlier than usual, '' she said as she felt his head, `` And you 're burning up. ``

`` Why are you here earlier ? '' Albus asked once brothel keeper Pomfrey had gone to get another potion.

`` Tired, '' lusterlessness mumbled, `` hide asleep in Defense and your dad told me to do here. ``

`` Is it the new potion ? ``

`` Yeah, it does n't exactly help much, does it ? ``

`` I thought you said they were going to find something to neutralize the part of it that makes you pall, '' Albus said.

`` They are, they just have n't found it yet. ``

`` Oh. ``

Madam Pomfrey returned a present moment later and gave mat a few potions. He drank them and was asleep proceedings later. Albus was n't really fatigue, but he fell asleep anyway out of lack of anything else to do.

John the Evangelist, pink wine, and Amanda stopped by after dinner to see Albus and Matt, but Madam Pomfrey did n't let them stay put long. Matt had been asleep anyway. Shortly after their champion left, dame Pomfrey woke lusterlessness up and took him down to the Whomping Wilow.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Moonylupin, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and Denas for their review article !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus awoke the next dawn, he felt much considerably. In fact, he felt mostly normal. He was n't achy anymore and his brain felt better as well. He hungrily ate all the breakfast ma'am Pomfrey provided.

The same could n't be said for matte, who was looking a great deal uncollectible than the old day. He was either gone or unconscious mind, Albus was betting on the latter, and he had numerous cuts and scrapes on his nerve. His right arm and os frontale were covered in a heavy bandages.

`` So when can I impart ? '' Albus asked as ma'am Pomfrey performed some kind of enchantment on Matt.

`` Later today, most likely, '' she said after she 'd finished her incantation.

Albus sighed. He had been hoping he 'd be able to entrust that morning. He was starting to sense incredibly bored with the infirmary extension, although not bored enough to bulge the homework rosebush had brought the premature evening.

Albus spent the remainder of the morning drifting in and out of sleep out of want of anything else to do. madam Pomfrey gave him a few More nasty degustation potions and lunch, which Albus ate ravenously. After going two days without food, he was starving.

The room access to the hospital annex opened just as Albus was finishing his lunch. John, Rose, and Amanda walked inside and immediately headed for Albus 's bed. gentlewoman Pomfrey was in her bureau and did n't seem to notice the visitors.

`` Hey, how are you ? '' Rose asked.

`` Bored, '' Albus replied.

`` That 's beneficial, '' Rose grinned.

`` Are you better now ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Pretty much. ma'am Pomfrey wo n't let me leave until later, though. Wish she 'd let me leave now. ``

`` She just wants to create for sure you 're completely better, '' rose wine said, `` And it 's not like you 're missing class since this is our afternoon off. ``

`` Exactly ! '' John sighed, `` He could be doing lots unspoilt clobber on his good afternoon off if he was n't here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Like figuring out the new map. ``

`` How are we going to do that anyway ? '' bathroom asked.

`` Go to the library, '' Albus replied, `` We 've got to look for ways of proving who we are. ``

John groaned, `` And I doubt there will just be a volume titled Prove Who You Are to a patch of sheepskin. ``

`` Probably not, '' Rose laughed. `` But we 'll feel out somehow. ``

`` qualification anymore forward motion on the appealingness for Kaden ? '' Albus asked.

`` A bit, yeah. I tried it again last Nox on John and this time he could n't even go his mouth like last clock time. Now I 've just got to visualise out how to regard other people in the enigma. ``

`` And then all we 've got to do is convince Matt that the spell is goofproof, '' John said.

Everyone glanced over at lustrelessness 's bed, where he was still sleeping.

`` He been asleep all day ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Ever since I 've been awake. ``

lustrelessness groaned and opened his eye, `` You lot here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` Horrible, '' Matt said flatly, `` My head is killing me. Were you talking about me ? ``

`` A bit, '' John the Evangelist said, `` Just about that magical spell for Kaden. We 're going to get working on the map once you two are out of here. Got to find some way to prove to it that we 're like the piranha. ``

`` audio beneficial, '' mat yawned.

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked, `` Albus is leaving later today. ``

`` No idea, '' Matt said, `` Not until at least tomorrow night. might be out in fourth dimension for astronomy. ``

`` Ca n't you not be outside when the moon is close to full moon ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Only when it 's waxing. When it 's waning I 'm fine. ``

`` So, we 'll design on working on the map this weekend, then, '' Albus said. `` Unless any of you catch what I had. ``

`` Hope not, '' John said. `` Maybe Malfoy will catch it, '' he added gleefully.

`` John, that 's not funny, '' rosiness scolded, `` He 'd be really sick. ``

`` He 'd get better. Albus is ok now. ``

Albus heard a room access open and Madam Pomfrey came strolling out of her government agency. She looked up and saw the crowd around Albus and flatness 's seam and made a beeline for them.

`` What are you lot doing here ? '' she demanded.

`` Visiting Albus and Matt, '' Rose answered.

`` Oh, you 're waken ! '' the nurse exclaimed and went over to Matt 's bed, apparently forgetting that Rose, john, and Amanda had burst in without her permission. `` How do you finger ? ``

`` Awful, '' matt replied. `` My head hurts and so does pretty lots everything else. ``

`` You must have hit your head much regretful than common last night, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed, `` You had quite the concussion earlier. I 'll go get some pain potions. ``

She returned a minute later with a potion for flatness, who drank it in one gulp.

`` Now, you three have to leave, '' Madam Pomfrey said to rose wine, John, and flatness, `` Albus will be out later and you can see him then. ``

tedium set in for Albus shortly after his friends left. lusterlessness had fallen back asleep quickly after he took his pain potion. Albus could n't even sleep anymore because he had already slept so a lot that day.

******

`` What are we supposed to be looking for anyway ? '' lavatory sighed as he slammed a book shut.

Albus, John, lusterlessness, Rose, and Amanda were all crowded around a secluded table in the program library. It was covered in books that covered all sorts of topics. The five of them had spent the last hour searching for room to prove to the new map that they were like the marauder. So far, nobody had found anything useful.

`` I do n't know, '' Albus replied, `` Anything that might try that we 're like the vulture. ``

`` That 's not very specific, '' trick muttered, `` I really do n't want to spend an entire Saturday here. ``

`` It 'll do you some beneficial, '' Rose said.

`` wishing we could just use that ledger that you used to find the early magical spell, '' Albus said to rosebush, thinking of Flitwick 's book.

`` Me too, but it 's in the Restricted division, '' Rose said.

`` Why ca n't we just get professor Potter to give us a tone ? Bet he would, '' privy said.

`` Bet he would n't, '' Albus disagreed, `` He 'd know we 're up to something. ``

`` Besides, '' Rose interjected, `` It might not be a Charm we 're looking for. ``

`` We 're just going to give to go along looking, '' Albus said as he opened another Word. `` But I 've got Quidditch practice in a half 60 minutes. ``

`` We 'll just look every fourth dimension we can get away from Kaden, '' Matt suggested.

`` Where is he anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. Come to think of it, he had n't seen Kaden since breakfast. It was kind of strange since Kaden spent every waking here and now of his day ( when he was n't in class ) no to a lesser extent than four substructure away from Albus.

`` There he is, '' mat pointed to somewhere behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw his cousin running through the library with a clipboard in his hand.

`` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' madam Pince shouted even forte, `` Or I 'll throw you all out ! ``

`` Albus, '' Kaden said more quietly as he sat down in an abandon chair at their table.

Albus eyed Kaden 's clipboard but he could n't scan what it said. `` Hi Kaden. ``

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied, `` volition you sign my petition ? ``

`` orison ? '' Albus asked, `` What in the name of Merlin are you petitioning for ? ``

`` TVs in the rough-cut rooms, '' Kaden grinned.

`` What ? ! '' John Lackland and lusterlessness shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' Madam Pince screeched.

Rose laughed, `` What on solid ground for ? ``

`` I would n't heed having a TV in the common room, '' Amanda commented.

`` Exactly, '' Kaden said, `` It 's hard enough for us Muggle-borns to adjust to Hogwarts and if we had TVs, it would constitute it easier. ``

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' can laughed.

`` Nope, not kidding, '' Kaden said, `` I 've got loads of signatures already. I 'm not really sure how many I 'll need, though. I figure I 'll try and get as many as I can in a few days and then present it to prof Longbottom. ``

Albus tried to repress his grin, but he could n't. The idea of Kaden trying to get television set put into the common rooms was just too funny. There would be no way any of the teachers would agree to it even if everyone in Hogwarts signed the petition.

`` So will you sign it ? '' Kaden asked, `` If this goes through, I 'll try for computers next. ``

`` Computers, '' mat laughed, `` You 're mad. ``

`` I 'll sign, '' Amanda grabbed the clipboard and quill.

`` Sure, why not ? '' Albus shrugged. It could n't bruise to sign the matter, and he was sure Kaden would n't stop bugging them unless they did.

toilet and Matt signed as well, although they were laughing the wholly time. rose wine signed a bit reluctantly, but she eventually gave in.

`` So what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked after Rose finished signing.

`` Homework, '' Albus replied automatically.

Kaden stared at the large chain reactor of script, `` Second year must be bloody insane. ``

`` Oh, it is, '' lavatory said, `` You wo n't have any fourth dimension to keep an eye on any TV. ``

`` I 'll realise prison term, '' Kaden said as he stood up, `` Well, I 'm going to get Thomas More theme song. ``

Albus watched as his cousin went from table to table trying to get people to sign. Some of them liked the thought and signed willingly. Others laughed until Kaden gave up and others looked at him like he was crazy. Eventually, lady Pince found out what he was doing and threw him out of the library.

`` Your cousin is the weirdest chap I 've ever met, '' John said after Kaden was kicked out.

`` Yeah, he is a bit strange, '' Albus agreed and closed the Holy Writ he was reading, `` Well, I 'm off to practice. I 'll see you lot later. ``

After practice, Albus went to the plebeian room and found his friends sitting around their usual table doing homework. Unfortunately, none of them had found anything that would help them to examine that they were like the marauder. Albus was beginning to question if they 'd ever get that map working. Even if they did find a way to turn out they were like the Marauders, what would they have to do next ? How many things would they birth to do before they would actually be capable to see the map ? Albus had no estimation, but he knew the Marauders were n't going to ready this easy.

******

The rest of February passed quickly. Albus and his Quaker continued to flush the subroutine library for any sort of charm, while, or potion that would help them in their pursuit to let on the map. None of them found anything. Kaden thought they were all doing preparation as they searched the record every weekend. Rose was making progress with the Sileo Altus good luck charm, but it was n't quite perfected enough to use yet. rosiness was surely she 'd suffer it learned by the end of the month. Matt never said practically when the charm was brought up and Albus was hoping he would still check to tell Kaden once Rose perfected the charm.

Kaden 's petition to experience televisions put into the common way was rejected shortly after he gave it to Neville. Kaden did n't seem in the least bit discourage by this. He insisted it was rejected due to lack of convincing evidence as to how the televisions would do good the students. He was planning on resubmitting it along with a elaborated essay on the national later on in the term.

`` You know, Kaden, '' rosiness said at dinner party one nighttime, `` Even if the teacher accepted your postulation, the televisions would n't even do work here. There 's too much thaumaturgy. ``

`` Oh, I 'm certain there 's a charm that would counteract that, '' Kaden said.

`` It wo n't figure out, '' matt said, `` magic trick just does n't agree with electronics. This one time when we were visiting my Uncle Jack in the United States, Amy accidentally broke one of the metal detectors at the drome. It was n't her demerit or anything, the magic just interrupted it or something. The affair started beeping and would n't block until they turned it off. ``

John laughed, `` That would 've been hilarious to see. ``

`` Amy did n't opine so. She was mortified, '' lusterlessness said, `` It was a while ago, before we even moved here. I think she was fourteen. ``

`` Well, I still say they could happen a way, '' Kaden said.

`` Hey, look, '' Albus pointed to the header table. Professor Kendrick was standing up.

`` question what he 's got to say ? '' John asked.

`` Hope it 's nothing bad, '' Rose said.

`` He looks happy enough, '' Amanda commented.

`` May I have your attention ! '' Kendrick announced. The room fell silent. `` Thank you. Do n't interest, I 'm not giving out bad news. In fact, I think you 'll find this annunciation most exciting. ``

There was a full general murmur of excitement throughout the Great manor hall at this. Kendrick waited for everyone to stop talking before he continued.

`` If you 'll remember at the root of the twelvemonth, when I announced the alteration for the Dueling Club, that that would only be one part of the House unity effort. I am announcing today that the other professors and I have organized another unity event. It will be a scavenger hunt, with inter-house squad, of path. ``

Albus groaned. A scavenger hunt club would be fun, but not if he had to do it with Slytherins. Everyone else seemed to be in agreement, because there was a general groaning throughout.

`` I know you do n't wish it, but the school needs to be unified. Now, I will explain the event. It will not be like a regular pack rat Holman Hunt. It will take place on the succeeding three Saturdays. This Saturday will be for the low and second years. The chase will be for tierce and fourth years. The terminal will be for one-fifth, 6th, and seventh long time.

`` The other professors and I will be organizing the squad, which will consist of members of early eld and other houses. Each team will have about ten appendage. You will own one hr to complete the tasks given.

`` You will meet a list of point to obtain before this hour is up. There are rules, of course. Some of these items will be required to find without charming. We will be performing magical spell on these point and if we find that any of them were spelled, transfigured, conjured, charmed, etc. within the hour they will be disqualified.

`` However, the scavenger hunt will not only include a list of items to find. You will also receive multiple small beer sheet of paper. These will include both wizard and Muggle trivia.

`` Finally, each team will meet a brain-teaser, which if they deceiver correctly, will extend them on a quest throughout the castle and flat coat. When you reach the end, there will be a bit of information that must be returned to me. If you are successful, you 'll get a 100 stop bonus. However, there is also a faithlessly lead that will lead you to worthless selective information. If that is brought back, you 'll receive no bonus.

`` I will give you a more elaborated list of rules on the day of the event. Until then, keep your brains sharp and do n't get rid of anything you would otherwise deem useless, '' Kendrick smiled and returned to his seat.

Albus turned to his friends, `` This sounds, er, interesting. ``

`` It 's really an first-class idea, '' Rose grinned, `` I mean, there 's no way a single person would be able-bodied to attain all of it alone. It 's a enceinte mind for House 1. ``

`` It 'd be better if we did n't make to team up with Slytherins, '' John muttered.

`` But what if there 's something on that listing that 's in the Slytherin common room or something ? '' Rose pointed out.

lavatory groaned, `` I guess you 're right. ``

`` auditory sensation fun, though, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah. Wonder what we get if we win ? '' lusterlessness asked.

`` Hopefully some coupon to get out of homework or something, '' John said.

`` Since when have they given away those ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Now 's the everlasting time for them to start, '' John replied.

`` I hope I 'm on your team, Albus, '' Kaden piped up.

`` That would be great, '' Albus smiled, and he actually meant it. It sounded like there was going to be a lot of random stuff on that lean and if there was anyone in the school that had lode of random clobber, it was Kaden.

******

The following few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. seemed to drag on forever for Albus and the repose of the first and second gear geezerhood. Everyone was getting excited about the scavenger hunt and the teachers were getting a bit get at that nobody was paying attention in class.

Soon enough, Sabbatum arrived and Kendrick announced at lunch for all the outset and minute age to continue sitting after they were done eating. Once all the elder educatee left, Kendrick got to his feet once more.

`` Now, the minute you 've all been waiting for, '' Kendrick said, `` The pack rat hunting will get shortly. First, I have a few more rules to go over.

`` As I said earlier in the workweek, there are particular on this list that are not allowed to be created using magic. You may not conjure, transfigure, tour, or charm any of those detail. Asking an older scholar to do so is also against the formula. We have spells that will detect if any item was magicked during the minute of the scavenger hunt.

`` The particular must be found within the school and grounds. Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, the Whomping Willow, and Hagrid 's hut are all out of leaping and you may not search for particular in or around them. You may not ask honest-to-god pupil or teachers for supporter, nor may you owl family fellow member or former people. However, you may ask old scholar if they have any of the items on the list. It is up to them if they let you borrow them or not. Do not steal anything from anyone or there will be penalisation. You are permitted to use the library for supporter with the trivia. ``

rose 's aspect lit up at that and Albus knew she would be the official depository library researcher for her team.

`` There are going to be eight teams of approximately ten educatee each. Your theater prefects have your squad assignments. squad one and two are to gather at the Hufflepuff board, one at each end. Teams three and four at the Gryffindor table, five and six at Ravenclaw, and seven and eight at Slytherin. You will be given a few transactions to get organized in your teams and then the former prof will deal out the capture material. Each team is given one set of material, no more. If you lose it, tough fate. Now please see your prefects. ``

Albus got up from the table and looked around until he spotted Georgia. He and his friends wound their way through the crew until they managed to get to her.

`` Hey, Albus ! '' Empire State of the South grinned and looked at her clipboard, `` make ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm on a good team, right ? ``

`` Well, there are Slytherins on all the teams, if that 's what you mean, '' Empire State of the South laughed, `` Anyway, you 're on Team Two. ``

Albus nodded and waited for his friends to get their team assignments.

Georgia scanned her clipboard again, `` Let 's see, rose wine is on team One, bathroom is on squad Four, matt 's on Team Two ... ''

Albus grinned at flatness. He was relieved that one of his protagonist was on his team. Now all he had to do was hope Malfoy was n't on his team.

`` Amanda 's on Team quatern, and Kaden 's on squad Six, '' Georgia looked up at them, `` Have fun. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said and then turned to his supporter, `` supposition we 'll see you after. Good lot. ``

Albus and lusterlessness worked their way through the bunch to the Hufflepuff board along with Rose. Albus was a bit foiled that Kaden was n't on his team, but there was n't anything he could do about that. The chances were n't great that he would have two of his protagonist on his Saame team. He was just favorable he had one of his friend on the Sami team.

The Hufflepuff table was already filling with people from teams one and two. team Two was gathering at the one-half closest to the staff board, so Albus and matte made their way there.

There seemed to be a fairly fifty-fifty number of each mansion at the table. Besides Albus and matt, there was one other Gryffindor, a low gear year daughter Albus had seen but did n't know her name. There were also two Ravenclaws Albus did n't know, three Hufflepuffs, and two Slytherins. Albus groaned when he saw who the Slytherins were, Felix Willinson and Leigh Montague. Vivien Leigh was Rose 's potions pardner and not the abrupt quill in the box.

Felix Willinson narrowed his eyes when he saw Albus and flatness coming over. Albus found seats far away from him and sat down, waiting for the scavenger search to begin.

One of the Ravenclaws stood up a few instant later, `` Hi, I 'm Rachel Underwood and I 've been assigned as team captain. ``

Everyone muttered hello to her and Rachel had everyone introduce themselves. So far, Willinson and Montague did n't seem enthused about their team, but Rachel did n't pay any attending to their bad blood.

Professor Patil came over a little while later with a handful of parchment. Albus assumed they were the lists of stuff to look for and the trivia.

`` The hunt will start out in one arcminute ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The prof will give you your lists as soon as I say go. You 'll have one hour to be back here with as much stuff you can possibly get. ``

A mo later, Kendrick shot out a shower of blue sparks from his wand and Patil handed the mountain of parchment to Rachel.

`` All right ! '' Rachel shouted as she leafed through the parchment, `` We need someone to decode the conundrum and run around to get the incentive power point. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' the early Ravenclaw volunteered. Rachel nodded and handed him the sheepskin. He ran out of the Great Hall while reading the riddle.

`` Ok, here 's the trivia, '' Rachel continued, `` We 've got Famous crone and Wizards, Famous Muggles, What Not To Do While Interacting With Muggles, What Do You Know About Quidditch, and What Do You sleep together About Football. ``

Albus turned to mat and laughed. Kaden would surely bang the football one.

Rachel handed out the triviality to the mass who thought they 'd be able-bodied to do it. Willinson had n't taken any of the triviality rag, but Montague took the Quidditch one. Albus hoped she actually knew something about Quidditch.

`` Now we 've just got the lean of detail to find, '' Rachel announced to the remaining team appendage, which were Albus, mat, Willinson, and one of the Hufflepuffs. `` You four get started while I work on the trivia. Oh, but I 'll take attention of the costumes. You 'll just have to endure them. ``

Albus nodded and took the parchment from her. Costumes ? He hoped he would n't have to wear anything too humiliating. He set it down on the board and began to read it, with everyone else looking over his shoulder.

detail Are To Be Gathered Without Magic

-holly wand
-five vomit flavored Bertie Botts Beans
-Slytherin wearing Gryffindor gown
-Gryffindor wearing Slytherin robes
-light saber
-Dumbledore Chocolate frog bill
-twenty shoelaces tied together
-Quaffle signed by Joseph Oliver Wood
-Shooting Star broomstick
-Muggle pen
-copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
-a Nintendo DS
-girl dressed up as Godric Gryffindor
-boy dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff
-color changing ink
-beater bat
-drum sticks
-silver goblet
-Chudley cannon NJ
-six Extendable capitulum
-Muggle performing cards
-receipt from lady Malkins
-Argus Filch 's autograph
-the epithet of five Hogwarts theatre Elves
-rubber duck
-copy of Hogwarts, A account
-sneakoscope
-foe glass
-tea cozy
-Hogwarts graduation word picture
-band acquired immune deficiency syndrome
-green void potions bottle
-Beatles CD
-purple gloves
-Hershey 's chocolate bar
-My Little Hippogriff
-pet toad
-purple lambskin
-two batteries
-tortilla check

Albus looked up from the list and waited for everyone else to finish reading.

`` What the bloody hell is a CD ? '' Willinson asked.

`` Muggle way of listening to music, '' Albus explained, `` One of my cousin-german might have one. ``

`` I 've got one, '' the Hufflepuff, who Albus now knew to be Nelson Rodner, said.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Anyone else know they 've got some of this stuff ? ``

Everyone nodded.

`` Let 's go get the stuff we know we 've got and then contact back here, '' Albus said as he got up. `` Then we can work on the hooey we do n't. ``

The other three boys agreed and Albus ran out of the Great Hall with lusterlessness. The two of them ran as fast as they could up to Gryffindor Tower.


A/N : I ca n't admit mention for the pack rat hunt estimate. There is a resort in PA called Woodloch Pines that I go to every summer and they have scavenger James Henry Leigh Hunt like the one in this chapter. fill out with costumes, triviality, and the enigma. It 's a lot of fun.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Saint Luke, Moonylupin, EvilChaos, potterfan296, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, Miguel, Denas, and phoenixy friend for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or the idea for the scavenger hunt.


`` Willinson is acting civil, '' Albus commented as they were running up a trajectory of stairs.

`` Yeah, '' lusterlessness agreed, `` Kind of surprising. Either he really wants to win or he 's not as confident without Malfoy. ``

`` Probably both, '' Albus said, `` Whatever the rationality, we lucked out. ``

Everyone stared as Albus and Matt ran into the common elbow room completely out of breath. `` scavenger hunt, '' Albus muttered to his cousins Ben and Cedric as he ran by.

`` Excellent, '' Ben grinned, `` Ca n't wait until our act following Sabbatum. ``

Bilius was also in their student residence collecting items when Albus and lusterlessness entered. They nodded to each other, but did n't say anything.

Albus wrenched clear his luggage compartment and started rifling through it. He found a bag of Bertie Botts noodle, a Dumbledore chocolate salientian card, his copy of Hogwarts, A account, one Extendable Ear, and the photo album he found in the attic of his house. The commencement exercise picture in the rear would exploit for the Hogwarts graduation picture.

`` What have you got ? '' he asked Matt once he emerged from his trunk.

`` My wand 's holly, a muggle pen, banding aids, Chudley shank Garden State, and a Nintendo DS, although I 'm not sure why I still bother to bring it since it does n't act upon here. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Let 's get back to the Great Hall. ``

When Albus and flatness got back to the Hufflepuff table, Willinson and Rodner had already returned. There was a spate of poppycock on the table between them. Albus looked through it and saw that they now had a written matter of The Hobbit, colouration changing ink, a beater 's bat, Muggle playing cards, and a sneakoscope.

`` All right, we 've got a thoroughly starting time, '' Albus said as he added his and Matt 's material to the plenty. `` I guess we 'll take to ask the aged scholar to borrow the rest.

`` Rodner, '' Albus began, `` You see if you can get a light saber, a Quaffle signed by Joseph Oliver Wood, a Shooting Star broom handle, drum sticks, a receipt from Madam Malkin 's, foe ice, and a Beatles CD. ``

`` Sure, '' Rodner said and took off out of the room.

`` Willinson, '' Albus turned to the Slytherin, `` Go down to the kitchens and see if you can get a silver chalice, tortilla chipping, a tea cozy, the epithet of five theatre brownie, and a Hershey bar. ``

`` Why should I ? '' Willinson grumbled, `` Who put you in charge ? ``

`` Someone 's got to do it, '' Albus told him.

`` Make Eckerton do it. ``

`` Him and I are getting the rest, '' Albus replied, `` If you want to win, you 'll get the stuff. ``

`` fine, '' Willinson muttered and left the Great Hall.

`` Ok, that leaves the shoe laces, empty green potions bottle, over-embellished gloves, a My Little Hippogriff, a anuran, violet parchment, a rubber duck, two batteries, and five more than Extendable spike. Oh, and Filch 's autograph. ``

`` We 'll do that one terminal, '' Matt shuddered. `` We can probably just go back to the common room and ask if anyone 's got this stuff. ``

`` Good thought, '' Albus agreed.

The two son set off at a run back to their unwashed room. Luckily it was still packed with student and some of them grinned as Albus and Matt entered.

`` How 's it going ? '' Ben asked.

`` Good, '' Albus grinned back, `` But we 've got a bunch of stuff to find. Listen up everyone ! '' he shouted.

The full vulgar room quieted and turned to Albus. Albus was momentarily shocked that everyone actually stopped what they were doing to pay attending to him.

`` Er, we 're doing the scavenger Hunt and need some clobber. Has anyone got a My Little Hippogriff, purple glove, a toad, purple lambskin, a rubber duck's egg, stamp battery, or Extandable Ears ? Also, we need twenty shoe laces. I promise we 'll return it all once we 're done. ``

About half the student got up and went up to their student residence. A few second later they came back down with several item for Albus. He managed to take up a safe duck, majestic parchment, and a few extendable Ears. Plus he got at least twenty horseshoe laces.

`` That worked well, '' Albus said as he and lusterlessness left the room.

`` I 'd say so, '' matt agreed, `` Now Filch 's autograph. This ought to be fun. ``

Albus smacked his hand to his forehead, `` I should stimulate grabbed the map ! ``

Albus groaned and ran back to the vulgar room. Everyone laughed as he ran up to his dormitory and back down to the common elbow room. Albus ignored them and pointed his scepter to the map. A few seconds later he saw that Filch was lurking near the library.

Albus and mat took off for the library and spotted Filch a few yards away from the door.

`` How are we supposed to ask him ? '' Albus whispered.

`` No idea, '' lustrelessness said back.

Albus 's bosom sped up as he got closer to the old caretaker. `` Er, Mr. Filch ? '' he asked.

Filch startled and turned around. He saw Albus and smirked. `` Potter. Up to no trade good again ? In need of another detention, perhaps ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, `` Actually, I was just, er, well, we 're doing this magpie hunting. Maybe Kendrick told you about it. It 's to promote Inter House unity and we have to see all this hooey throughout the castle and- ''

`` We need your autograph, '' Matt interrupted, holding a piece of parchment and the Muggle pen in his outstretched hand.

Filch stared at them and then started muttering to himself. `` Do n't see why I should bother ... Students never do anything for me ... ''

Nevertheless, Filch took the pen and scribbled his gens onto the royal sheepskin. He thrust it wordlessly back into mat 's hand and shuffled off down the corridor.

`` That went better than expected, '' Matt said.

`` Yeah, thanks. I could n't really figure out how to ask him. ``

`` I figured, '' Matt grinned, `` Anyway, we still need a few things. Hey, Kendrick never mentioned anything about the Room. Do you think we could just ask it for the rest of this ? ``

Albus wondered why he had n't thought of that. It almost seemed like cheating, but Kendrick never said anything. `` That 's superb ! ``

The two of them set off for the Room, but when they got there, there was a Hufflepuff prefect milling around right in front of the Room. Albus slowly walked back and forth in front of it, keeping an eye on the prefect.

He was about to make his third head, when the prefect stopped him. `` Sorry, '' he said, `` You ca n't go in there if you 're in the magpie William Holman Hunt. Kendrick 's rule. ``

Albus sighed, `` All rightfield. ``

`` Of course, '' Matt muttered as they left, `` Kendrick could n't announce that linguistic rule because then everyone would find out about the Room. Oh, well. What have we got left ? ``

Albus handed matte the list and he looked it over for a few sec. `` Hey, I know Madam Pomfrey 's got commons potions nursing bottle. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Albus said, `` We 'd better hurry, there 's only fifteen minutes left. ``

They made it to the Hospital Wing in disc time. Albus pushed the doorway opened and walked in, followed by Matt.

`` I 've got patient role to tend to ! '' lady Pomfrey was shouting at a Ravenclaw first twelvemonth, `` I have n't got time for this magpie William Holman Hunt nonsense ! You 're the fifth part individual I 've had come in here looking for potions feeding bottle and band aid ! I have n't got any ! ``

The fille nodded and ran quickly out of the room, completely ignoring Albus and Matt as she went.

`` Er, she says she has n't got any, '' Albus whispered.

`` I know she does, '' Matt whispered back, `` Let me just ask her. ``

Albus shrugged and followed Matt over to the nurse, who was bent over one of the beds.

`` Hello, brothel keeper Pomfrey, '' Matt greeted her.

Madam Pomfrey turned around and her nark typeface softened immediately when she saw Matt.

`` Hello, Matt, love. Are you all right ? You look a bit flush, '' Madam Pomfrey said and put her helping hand to his forehead.

`` I 'm OK, '' lustrelessness assured her, `` I 've just been running around working on the pack rat hunt. ``

`` Not you, too, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed and then noticed Albus, `` Oh and Albus as well. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` We were just wondering if you might have an empty green potions bottle. ``

The nurse sighed and walked over to her potions locker. `` I suppose. Just be for certain to take back it. ``

Albus watched in shock as she returned with the precise item they were looking for. matt grinned at Albus and took the bottle.

`` Thanks, '' Matt smiled.

Madam Pomfrey shook her drumhead, `` No problem. Have fun, boys. ``

`` We will, '' matte said as he turned to allow for the room.

Albus followed him out the door, still in electric shock that the nanny had actually given them the nursing bottle when she had yelled at that first twelvemonth only minutes ago.

`` You 're certainly on her skilful side, '' Albus muttered after they left the room.

`` One of the few perquisite of being there once a month, '' lustrelessness said dryly.

`` We 'd better get back to the Great Hall, '' Albus said as he looked at his watch.

Albus and Matt ran as fast as they could plunk for to where their squad was. The rest of the squad was working hard to finish the remaining trivia. Rachel herself was dressed up as Godric Gryffindor, complete with a fake beard. Rodner was dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff.

However, neither was as funny as what Willinson was wearing. He was decked out in Gryffindor fine, with gown, a scarf joint, and a 'Loyal Gryffindor'hat. Albus could hardly stifle his laughter.

`` Do n't say a word, potter, '' Willinson growled.

`` Albus ! '' Rachel shouted, `` You 've got to dress up as a Slytherin ! The gown I 've got are too big for lusterlessness and Abby. '' Rachel pointed to the other Gryffindor on the team.

Albus groaned and Willinson burst out laughing. Albus reluctantly put on the Slytherin robe, scarf, and 'Slytherins Are C. H. Best'hat. It would only be for a few minutes and if it helped them win ....

Albus did feel a bit unusual in the Slytherin robe. He could n't help but recollect back to his sorting and how the hat had wanted to put him in Slytherin at first. If it had, he would be wearing these robes all the time. He might sustain even been more friendly with Malfoy at first. He probably would n't have really befriended John, mat, or Amanda if he 'd been in Slytherin. Albus shook the sentiment from his head and concentrated on the fact that he was just wearing the robe to help his team win.

Rachel took descent of the items on the lean as Matt tied all the shoestring together. It turns out that the merely thing they were missing were the light saber, Quaffle signed by Oliver woodwind instrument, Shooting Star broom handle, foe crank, Hershey 's bar, batrachian, and one battery. Rachel thought that was pretty good.

The other Ravenclaw returned a minute later and told everyone that he had finished the conundrum quest and had managed to get the bonus points.

`` Time is up ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professors will be around soon to jibe your list. They will also collect your small beer sheets which will be marked later today. The winner will be announced at dinner party tonight. ``

Patil came over to Albus 's team a few moments later and looked over their tilt. She took a pic of the four people who were dressed up, much to Albus 's disheartenment. Now there would be permanent evidence of his Slytherin moment. As soon as the moving picture was taken, Albus took off the gown and he noticed Willinson doing the same.

`` Ok, '' Patil announced as she gathered up the pieces of parchment, `` You can forget. Please regress anything you borrowed. ``

Albus and Matt gathered up their hooey as well as everything they 'd borrowed from various Gryffindors. They stopped by the Hospital Wing to generate the bottleful and then headed back to their common room.

The two of them passed out everyone 's stuff and then went to sit down at their common board. Rose, John Lackland, Amanda, and Kaden joined them shortly.

`` That was fun, '' Rose said as she sat down.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Even though we were with Slytherins. Willinson was n't too bad. ``

`` That 's honorable, '' John the Divine said, `` I caught a glimpse of him in the Gryffindor robes. Priceless. ``

`` Yeah, I thought so. Until I had to put on the Slytherin ones, '' Albus replied.

John burst out laughing, `` I wish I 'd seen that ! ``

`` You 'll be able to, '' Albus told him, `` Patil took a picture. ``

`` Excellent. ``

`` Did n't any of you lot have to snip up ? '' Albus asked.

`` I was Helga Hufflepuff, '' can said.

`` And I was Godric Gryffindor, '' Amanda added.

`` How did everyone do on the leaning of stuff to discover ? '' Matt asked.

`` I 'm fairly sure my squad was the only one with a light saber ! '' Kaden said excitedly, `` I 'm so sword lily I decided to bring it. ``

`` We did all right, '' rosebush shrugged, `` Missed a lot of stuff, but I think we did well in the trivium. ``

`` Of course you did, '' bathroom grinned. `` Hey, did anyone manage to find the potions bottle ? Slughorn did n't have any green ones and dame Pomfrey looked ready to hex me when I asked her. It 's not really fair that Kendrick put something on there that was unsufferable to get. ``

Albus grinned at lustrelessness, who grinned back.

`` What ? '' trick asked.

`` We got it, '' flatness told him.

`` How ? '' Kaden asked, `` brothel keeper Pomfrey was downright scary when I asked her. May have been because she was occupy fixing someone 's broken arm, but still .... ''

`` Matt asked her and she gave him one, '' Albus explained.

Matt shrugged, `` Simple, really. ``

John sighed, `` Well, you 're probably the only one in the school day who could get it. She 'd probably sacrifice you whatever you asked for. ``

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

`` Sorry, not telling, '' John replied.

Kaden sighed, `` Oh, part of that solid secret I ca n't roll in the hay about ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John said and then changed the subject, `` Hey, did any of you do the riddle affair ? ``

`` I did, '' Rose said, `` Want to hear it ? ``

`` Of course of action, '' John said.

`` Ok, I 'll see if you can get it. I thought it was a bit simple, really, '' Rose said. She pulled a piece of lambskin out of her gown and read off of it.

'' 'In an event known by wizards general
Where right and wickedness are forced to jar
A terrible personnel can now no longer reside.
A home where just one part of Voldemort died .'''

Albus looked at John, Matt, and Amanda and shrugged. He did n't think it was simple, but rosiness was good at those sort of things.

`` No idea, '' John the Evangelist announced.

`` Dunno, '' lusterlessness shrugged.

`` Hmm, '' Amanda muttered.

`` Do n't look at me, '' Kaden said.

`` The Great antechamber ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the blank space where Voldemort died.

`` Nope, '' Rose grinned, `` That was the joke contribution. It 's actually that monument outside, where Professor Longbottom killed Voldemort 's Snake. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus groaned, `` Of course ! Did n't even think of that. ``

`` How long did it take you to reckon it out ? '' matte asked.

`` Not long, '' blush wine smiled, `` But then I had to follow the cue to happen the bit of information to give Professor Kendrick. ``

`` And where was that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Library, '' pink wine grinned, `` Herbology section. ``

`` wonder how many squad got it, '' Albus thought aloud.

`` well, my team did, obviously, '' Rose said, `` And you said your squad did, Albus. What about you two ? ``

`` We did n't, '' bathroom sighed and Amanda shook her head.

`` We did, '' Kaden put in.

`` guessing we 'll find out tonight how everyone did, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, '' pink wine agreed, `` But I 'm not going to think about it now. mightiness as well get some prep done. ``

Albus managed to get half an essay done before dinner. Rose wrote an entire essay and did a set of homework questions. lusterlessness helped Amanda with her astronomy and still got his Herbology done. John and Kaden on the other hand, spent he respite of the afternoon goofing off and playing chess.

The excitement was running high in the Great Hall during dinner that evening. Everyone was comparing what they managed to find during the pack rat Hunt. Albus kept glancing up to the faculty table to see when Kendrick would take a leak the promulgation, but he seemed to be waiting until the last minute to do so.

After what seemed like forever, Kendrick got to his feet. `` in effect eve, everyone. I hope all the world-class and second twelvemonth enjoyed the Scavenger Hunt. It was certainly a success and I 'm for sure the older students will expect forward to their turns.

`` And, without any encourage waiting, I shall denote the results. The first, second, and 3rd place team will all be awarded medals.

`` In third place, with 572 points, squad Two ! '' Kendrick announced, `` Will the extremity of Team Two please come in up here. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up, `` third base place, that 's not bad ! ``

`` Yeah, I 'd say that 's pretty good, '' lusterlessness grinned and followed Albus up to the faculty table.

Albus and matt joined the rest of their team in movement of the staff table. Kendrick put a bronze decoration over each of their necks and pulled out a camera. He took a few pictures and then told them to deliver to their seats.

pink wine, Amanda, John, and Kaden congratulated Albus and lustrelessness as they sat back down. A few of Albus 's cousins patted him on the binding and told him good job.

`` Excellent, Albus, '' James grinned, `` But my team will get for the first time place next workweek. ``

`` I 'll believe it when I see it, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` And in second place, with 580 points, is squad Seven ! '' Kendrick announced.

The members of Team Seven ran up to the faculty mesa to get their silver medals and have their picture taken.

`` And in maiden station, with 673 points, is Team Six ! '' Kendrick shouted. `` felicitation to the winning team ! ``

`` Woohoo ! '' Kaden stood up and started jumping up and down as he ran up to the staff table, `` Yes ! ``

`` Wow, who would 've thought that, '' Rose grinned, `` Kaden 's squad won. ``

`` Well, he does have a very large measure of random clobber in his dorm, '' Albus commented.

`` I 'll bet it was the illumine saber that put his team over the bound, '' John shook his chief, `` I mean, I think his squad was the just one to get it. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I ca n't believe I won ! '' Kaden shouted as he sat back down with his big gold medal a few minute later.

`` Congratulations, '' Albus grinned, `` At least one of us got starting time seat. ``

`` We were so stuffy to second gear, '' Matt groaned, `` Eight measly points ! ``

`` Well, third 's goodness, '' John muttered, `` Better than not getting a medal at all. ``

`` Oh, John, it 's just a game, '' Amanda said, `` The degree is that we all had fun. ``

`` Congratulations to our winning squad and everyone else that participated, '' Kendrick said, `` I will be looking forward to the next round of drinks, third and fourth years, a calendar week from today ! ``

Albus hung his bronze medal from his bed postal service before he went to bed that night. He crawled beneath the covering feeling very content with third place. He had n't really been expecting to win at all. The Scavenger Hunt had been a lot of fun, and Albus hoped Kendrick would hold it again sometime. It had been so much fun, that Albus had n't even thought about the new map the full day. He made a mental government note to ask Rose about the Sileo Altus charm the next day. They would have to say Kaden about everything soon if they wanted to gain anymore progression on the map. Plus, they 'd have to research more about how to turn up to the map that they really were like the Marauders.


A/N : Bit of a shorter chapter, but the previous one was longer, so it evens out. Kaden has proved that it never hurts to have a light up cavalry sword, a lesson that my brother agrees with since he brought his wanton saber to LeakyCon and quite a few people told him they wished they 'd brought theirs.

I have created a site for my fan fic, where you can find case visibility and a blog about news and updates about my piece of writing. The link is on my visibility pageboy here. I 'd get laid for you to condition it out and leave comments in the News and Update section.

Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, who had to dress up as the Tin Man in last summertime 's scavenger hunt. Big thanks to my friend, blush wine, for coming up with the riddle. Thanks as well to EvilChaos, XDNLxtlz99, St. Luke, mischiefmaker92, drownzer, Moonylupin, Miguel, Denas, and Tonks for their reappraisal !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Throughout the balance of the month, pink wine continued to make progress on the Sileo Altus appealingness, and by the time April rolled around, she was surefooted in her ability to perform it. Albus wished the same could be said for the progress with finding out how to evidence to the map that he and his Friend were like the Marauders. Albus spent every waking moment that he was n't doing homework, attending Quidditch practice, or dueling recitation, in the library trying to find out a turn or spell that would bring. His endeavour were fruitless, though, because he still had n't found anything promising.

Albus also had another successful dueling tournament. He won both of his duel as did Malfoy, but their team still had n't won. Albus was beginning to doubt whether they 'd ever win.

Albus 's future Quidditch match was the first base Sat in April. He found himself distracted by the map even before he entered the changing room. They were playing Ravenclaw, and it was tough to say who had the bettor squad, Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Albus pushed thoughts of the map from his head as he walked into the changing room.

Peach State gave the team the usual pep talk, which this fourth dimension included telling them that if they won this match, they 'd be in the final. If Ravenclaw got lupus erythematosus than 180 period, then Ravenclaw might not puddle it to the final exam. Georgia did n't particularly care who they played in the terminal, just so long as they won.

The peer went smoothly, in Albus 's judgment. Much salutary than the previous mates, in which Albus got upchuck partway through. The weather was better for this match as well. Albus managed to keep from thinking about the map, which was dependable since it was a very high-scoring friction match for both sides and Albus was constantly being thrown the Quaffle. After only an hour of bid, James IV went into a dive and caught the Snitch, right out from under one of the Ravenclaw beater 's broom.

The common party in the common elbow room ensued after the students returned to the castling, but Albus was n't really occupy in it. Now that the peer was over, all he could think about was trying out the Sileo Altus charm on Kaden. Albus figured the best time to do it would be in the even and the best place would be the Room.

Shortly after rose wine had succeeded in performing the charm on John, Matt had reluctantly given into trying it with Kaden. His lonesome condition was first trying it with a harmless arcanum, and if that worked, to move onto the bigger one.

`` Are we doing it tonight ? '' John asked as he sipped his butterbeer.

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back, `` After dinner party. ``

The rest of the afternoon and dinner seemed to go by at an alarmingly tedious rate. Time seemed to go by much like it did in History of Magic.

`` Kaden, '' Albus said after they had finished eating, `` We 're not going to the common elbow room now. We 're going to show you a different room in the castle, one you 've never seen. ``

`` Excellent, '' Kaden grinned, `` What kind of room ? ``

`` You 'll see when we get there, '' Albus replied. `` Let 's go. ``

Kaden followed Albus and his friends through the castle, with a constant stream of questions that Albus ignored.

`` Are you sure this is going to make ? '' Matt whispered nervously as they stopped in social movement of the blank blank of wall where the Room of Requirement was.

`` Yes, '' Rose assured him, `` It will sour. ``

lustrelessness nodded and started pacing in front line of the wall.

`` Why did we stop ? '' Kaden asked, and then his center popped out of his head as he saw the door appear from nowhere. `` Wicked. ``

`` C'mon, '' Albus said as he opened the door.

`` What is this station ? '' Kaden asked in awe.

`` elbow room of Requirement, '' Albus told him, `` Room that gives you what you need. ``

`` I ca n't believe you did n't show me this yet ! ''

`` well, it 's not something we want you to tell anyone about. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said, `` So it 'll fall in me anything I ask it for ? I think I want an entire cake .... ''

`` It does n't do solid food, '' Rose explained.

`` Oh, well, it 's still brilliant. ``

`` Kaden, come in sit down, '' Albus told his cousin.

`` You 're all so quiet, '' Kaden said as he took a seat on the couch future to Albus, `` What 's going on ? ``

`` Well, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to test something. Rose found a appealingness that 's supposed to take a crap someone not be able-bodied to tell former people 's arcanum. If it works, we 're going to tell you a crowd of hooey and you wo n't be capable to tell anyone. ``

`` What are you going to say me ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` We have to make indisputable the charm works first, '' Albus sighed, `` Which is why we 're here. Rose is going to perform the charm, using your noesis of this room as the arcanum. If you have n't told anyone by next Saturday, we 'll tell you the eternal sleep of it. ``

`` amercement, '' Kaden sighed, `` I ca n't believe you wo n't tell me without this magical spell. ``

`` Um, Kaden, you 've told Malfoy stuff I told you not to differentiate anyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` That was n't my mistake ! ``

`` I know, but we 're not risking this. If you want to live the secrets, you 'll have to let Rose do the charm. ``

`` Ok, ok, I 'll do it, '' Kaden said.

`` trade good, '' Rose smiled, `` Now let 's get started. ``

It took rosebush about ten minutes to execute the charm. Kaden was thoroughly amazed by the appealingness and rosiness 's power to perform it.

`` Let 's mental test it, '' rose wine decided once they left the room. She pointed to a girl who was walking towards them. `` Go tell her about the room. ``

Kaden shrugged and ran up to the little girl, who looked to be around Kaden 's age and was in Hufflepuff.

`` Er, '' Kaden began, `` So there 's this place- '' Kaden turned around and looked confusedly at Albus, then turned back to the fille. `` Anyway, at this place, you can- ''

`` What 's wrong with you ? '' the young lady asked, trying to cover up her giggling. `` Are you ok ? ``

`` Fine, mulct, '' Kaden muttered, `` Never nous. ``

Kaden ran back to Albus and the others, blushing furiously. `` It worked, but now everyone 's going to think I 'm an idiot. ``

Albus laughed, `` No they wo n't. But that 's good that it worked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Kaden grinned, `` Definitely worth it. ``

******

Albus kept a penny-pinching eye on Kaden throughout the side by side week. As far as he could tell, his cousin did n't enjoin anyone about the Room of necessity. They tested the charm a few more times, telling Kaden to state someone about it, but Kaden was never able to. Albus was fully convinced that the Sileo Altus spell was a succeeder.

Kaden was positively beaming by the time Saturday arrived. Albus was sort of excited as well, because they would officially have Wormtail in their group of new vulture. Saint John, Rose, and Amanda were excited as well. The simply thing left to do after this would be to find a way to try to the map that they were like the marauder. Matt did n't seem excited at all. He was clearly uneasy about telling Kaden that he was a werewolf. It probably did n't aid that the full Moon was only a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. away. Albus could n't really blame lustrelessness for his spunk, but Albus was sure the spell would keep on to work.

After dinner, Albus led his acquaintance back to the elbow room of Requirement, with the new Map in his robes.

`` Ok, what 's the secret ? '' Kaden said as he bounced around the Room once they were inside.

`` You 've got to sit down first, '' Albus told him. `` And lusterlessness 's going to distinguish you the first one. ``

`` Oh ! '' A feel of comprehension appeared on Kaden 's nerve. `` Is this about how you get retch every calendar month ? ``

`` Yes, '' mat sighed.

`` And this is what you do n't want Malfoy to know about ? ``

`` Yes, '' mat said shortly, `` Now just let me order you what it is. ``

`` Sorry, '' Kaden muttered.

`` It 's ok, '' Matt said, `` First, you ca n't tell anyone this. I mean, do n't even try to test the magical spell like we 've been doing all week. You ca n't even try to tell anyone this. Never reference it to anyone except us. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said.

`` Good. Now, you know that loup-garou are real, right ? ``

Kaden nodded, `` What does that ingest to do with you getting sick ? ``

`` Everything, '' lustrelessness said quietly, `` I am a loup-garou. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That is the nerveless thing ever ! ``

`` No it 's not, '' Matt sighed, `` You do n't even really do it what happens when I turn into a werewolf. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I 've seen pic. ``

`` It 's not like that, '' Matt told him, `` I get sick a few days before the full moon, and then the night of the to the full moon, I turn into a Hugo Wolf and burn myself because there 's nothing else for me to burn. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden deflated, `` So where do you go when you turn into a wolf ? ``

`` A shack in Hogsmeade. ``

`` The shrieking shack ? ``

`` Yes, that, '' lusterlessness replied, `` I 'm the one who does the shrieking. ``

`` Now that is aplomb, '' Kaden grinned. `` How long have you been a lycanthrope ? ``

`` Since I was five. ``

`` That 's a farseeing time, '' Kaden said.

`` nearly of my sprightliness, '' Matt explained, `` It 's horrible, really. ``

`` And that 's the big closed book ? '' Kaden asked, `` Why ca n't anyone recognise that ? ``

`` Because almost necromancer do n't care lycanthrope, '' lustrelessness explained.

`` well that 's stupid. ``

`` Yeah, it is, but it 's reality. ``

`` But why is n't there a while to make you not a werewolf anymore ? Or a potion ? ``

`` trick does n't fix everything, '' Matt sighed.

`` Yeah, that 's what I 've been trying tell you for the entirely year, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But why ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` But there is a potion, called the Wolfsbane Potion, that 's supposed to make it so you keep your human mind when you turn into a wolf. So you do n't want to assault anyone or yourself. ``

`` Why do n't you strike that ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do, '' matte told him, `` Actually, I take a unlike diversity than about werewolf take. For some reason, Wolfsbane does n't influence for me. I 'm in this discipline at St. Mungo 's to figure out why and right now they 've got me taking a new kind of wolf's bane. ``

`` Department of Energy it work ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Matt replied, `` That 's sort of why I still bite myself every full moon. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. `` So someday they might witness a potion that will play ? ``

matte shrugged, `` Maybe. But I 'm not getting my Hope up. ``

`` So I 'll be charmed not to say anything about this ? '' Kaden asked after a few moments of silence.

`` Yes, '' Albus replied, pulling the new map out of his robes, `` And about this. ``

Albus spent the next half hour showing Kaden the new map. Kaden thought it was the in effect matter he had seen yet at Hogwarts and could n't wait for it to completely work.

`` So we need you to constitute tool Pettigrew, '' Albus said after he 'd finished explaining about the map.

`` prick Pettigrew ? '' Kaden raised his eyebrows, `` That evil bloke who betrayed your grandparents ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' Albus sighed.

`` You know my mum wanted to name me Peter, but Dad said no because he did n't want me to take the Lapp gens as that idiot, '' Kaden commented, `` So it 's my middle name. ``

`` perfective, '' John grinned, `` You even sort of portion his name. ``

`` Will you do it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I guess so, '' Kaden said slowly, `` I mean, it 's not like I 'm going to be like Pettigrew now. ``

`` No, '' Albus agreed, `` But you have to be sort of like him for it to work. And you are because you 've kind of got the Sami figure. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I guess. Anyway, when are you going to get the map to solve ? ``

`` Whenever we figure out how to prove to it that we 're like the piranha. Somehow we 've got to evidence the map that we are similar to the Marauders, '' Albus explained, `` Which is taking forever. ``

`` Oh, you mean like a finger print ? '' Kaden asked.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` You know, a finger print. Everyone 's is different, but your finger print is exchangeable to your congeneric. It 's how Muggle cops find people and stuff when they 're missing. And how they identify bodies. ``

`` A finger mark ! '' rosiness exclaimed, `` That 's it ! I ca n't believe I did n't think of it ! ``

`` What are you talking about ? '' John asked. `` Kaden just said everyone 's is different. So how will ours be like the marauder'? ``

`` Not Muggle digit mark, '' Rose said, `` thaumaturgist I. There 's a spell to get your Wizard 's digit Print. It reveals your name, congeneric, even your personality. ``

`` That 's kind of scary, '' Albus said, `` Anyone can bump that hooey out if they 've got your finger print ? ``

`` Yeah, '' rose wine shrugged, `` But I think it will mould for this. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus grinned. He could n't believe that Kaden had actually given Rose an musical theme about the map. Kaden had helped with it. If this finger's breadth print thing worked, they could have the map figured out in no time.

`` We 'll look for it tomorrow, '' Rose stood up and drew her verge, `` Now let 's do the good luck charm. ``

Albus nodded, feeling more excited than he had in months. They were so close, he could just find it. The map would be working soon. Of track, there was a nagging uncertainty in Albus 's gut that was telling him that there would be something to work out out even after the finger print thing.

******

`` What are you going to sign up for ? '' John asked as he glanced over the parchment all the second geezerhood had received just a minute earlier.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` What about you, lustrelessness ? ``

`` forethought of Magical fauna, '' matte replied, `` Not sure what else. ``

`` I 'll do that one, too, '' Albus decided and wrote it down on his sheepskin. `` Hagrid Thatch it, so it 'll be fun. ``

`` Sign me up, '' John said, `` I could use with a fun class. ``

`` You ought to recollect about what will be useful in your future career, '' Rose told them.

`` But I 've got no approximation what I want to do, '' John the Divine said.

Albus had no idea either. He had n't really thought about it. He thought being an Auror would be a honest job, but he was n't sure that that was what he wanted to do. He still had five years at Hogwarts anyway, why decide now ?

`` Me either, '' Amanda agreed, `` I think I 'll do tending of Magical tool, too. ``

`` I 'm taking Muggle Studies, '' Rose announced, `` Plus Arithmancy and antediluvian rune. ``

`` All three ? '' toilet asked, `` But we only have to withdraw two. ``

`` Yeah, but I want to take all of them. I 'd really care to take Care of Magical Creatures, too, but there 's not adequate time. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do Divination, '' John shrugged.

Rose snorted, `` Divination ? Mum says that should n't even be a subject. There 's no real learning involved. ``

`` But is it well-off ? '' King John asked.

`` Uncle Ron said all you 've got to do is pull in up predictions about your death if you 've got Trelawney, '' Albus explained.

`` Excellent, '' toilet scribbled onto his parchment, `` I 'll take that and hope I 've got Trelawney. ``

`` I 'm taking that, too, '' Amanda said, `` It actually sounds interesting. ``

`` Fine, '' blush wine sighed, `` But I still say it 's not really a case. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do Ancient Runes, '' Albus thought aloud, `` I think it 's gentle than Arithmancy. What about you, Matt ? What else do you think you 'll require ? ``

`` Ancient Runes sounds proficient, '' Matt yawned, `` I guess I 'll lead that. Amy took it. She hated it in Australia, but she said it 's estimable here. ``

`` I 'd take everything, '' Kaden announced, `` I could n't determine. ``

`` You ca n't take everything, '' Rose laughed, `` You 'd have to be in two property at once. ``

`` Oh, well I 'm jolly sure enough that 's unimaginable, '' Kaden sighed.

Albus turned and grinned at blush wine, who grinned back. Albus could only envisage Kaden 's chemical reaction to a time-turner.

`` Yeah, the most classes you can contain is three, '' Rose explained.

`` Then I 'll take three, '' Kaden decided.

`` Are you lot done choosing grade ? '' rosiness asked as she stood up, `` We 'd improve get to Transfiguration. ``

Albus spent the full Transfiguration class trying to grow his home plate into a bowl, and had almost managed to do it by the time the class was over. rose wine, of class, did it within ten minute and spent the remainder of the course of instruction helping Albus and the rest of their friends.

History of conjuring trick was as boring as ever. Matt slept the entire class, and Albus felt himself nod off a few times. Matt had seemed very tired in Transfiguration and probably would have fallen asleep in that division if it were n't for the fact that it was a practical example. This was n't surprise considering the fact that the full moon was the succeeding day. The Healers still had n't found something to counteract the side burden of extreme tiredness of the new wolfbane that lustrelessness was on.

Double Potions was after lunch, and Albus felt drowsy as soon as he walked into the way. This was odd since he had felt fine a moment before. He did n't seem to be the sole one who felt this either. Both John and Amanda yawned as soon as they sat down, and even pink wine 's eyes drooped a bit as she pulled out her parchment. matte laid his head down on the desk and fell asleep immediately.

`` right afternoon, everyone ! '' Slughorn said, `` Now, I 'm for sure you 're all feeling a bit tired, which is perfectly normal.

`` This, '' Slughorn gestured to a smoke caldron on his desk, `` Is Drowsiness Potion. All it takes is one whiff of this potion to put you into a Department of State of weariness. If you drink it, you 'll fall into an almost sleep-like state of matter for about a half hr. Of trend, you 'd know this if you did the version that was due today. ``

Albus remembered being assigned the meter reading, but he had n't done it. He had just been too engaged with Quidditch pattern, dueling praxis, and all his other prep.

`` You will be trying to brew this today, but you will only do half of it, '' Slughorn announced, `` It needs to simmer for about a week before you can complete it. education are on the board. ferment with your common partners. ``

Albus yawned and got up from his table. He joined Limbert at his table and lit the fire under the cauldron while Limbert collected ingredients.

The entire category was moving at a dumb pace than usual, and everyone was yawning every few minutes. It was form of strange. Nobody was arguing with their partners either. Albus wondered if Slughorn had picked this particular proposition potion for a grounds. The preceding hebdomad, a duel had broken out between John and Goyle, resulting in both of them being sent to the infirmary Wing for burn and then being assigned a week 's Charles Frederick Worth of detention.

Limbert returned wit the element and he and Albus started to prepare them, without exchanging any conversation. No different than usual.

Albus dumped some factor into the cauldron and began to evoke it. He watched lusterlessness and Malfoy as he did so. Malfoy had returned with ingredients and was prodding matt with his wand to get him to fire up up.

`` What are you doing ? '' Albus whispered to Malfoy.

`` Waking him up, '' Malfoy said.

`` Wha-what 's going on ? '' Matt lifted up his head.

`` Chop up those cherry source, '' Malfoy instructed. Albus was surprised with how steady Malfoy seemed.

lustrelessness nodded and picked up his knife. Albus went back to stirring his potion.

`` Professor ! '' Malfoy said after a few minutes. `` He keeps falling asleep. ``

Albus looked up from the beetle eyes he was mincing. matt was once again asleep on the table.

`` Ah, '' Slughorn waddled over to Matt and Malfoy 's table, `` The drowsiness Potion affects everyone differently. '' Slughorn shook flatness 's shoulder. `` Dear boy, you might desire to go to the hospital Wing. I do n't cogitate the fumes from this potion are agreeing with you. They 're not supposed to put you into a deep sopor. ``

flatness nodded and stood up. He stumbled and leaned back onto the desk.

`` Albus, '' Slughorn turned to Albus, `` Perhaps you could escort him. I 'm for certain Mr. Limbert can handle your potion. ``

`` All right, '' Albus laid down his knife and went over to where Matt was standing.

Albus grabbed his arm and led him out of the elbow room. Albus felt immediately better as soon as they shut the door. The sleepiness went away completely.

`` I 've got to sit down, '' matt mumbled and sat down on the floor.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked, sitting down next to him.

`` I dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` I 'm guessing that that potion just made me even more run down than I already am. ``

`` Do you find better now ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' Matt replied.

`` Then you 'd better get to the Hospital extension. ``

`` Yeah, I suppose. ``

ma'am Pomfrey wanted Matt to delay for the rest of the afternoon. Albus was n't even sure if she 'd let him leave at all before the full moonshine. Knowing the nursemaid, she probably wouldn't.

Matt never came back from the Hospital Wing that night, so Albus assumed lady Pomfrey was keeping him there until after the full moon Sun Myung Moon. Albus and the rest of his friends decided that as soon as lusterlessness was out of the Hospital Wing, they would start looking for the Wizard 's digit Print charm. rose wine was pretty for sure she had seen it in the subroutine library somewhere, but she could n't think where. That meant that they would expend hours scouring the entire library for it. This was in addition to all the extra studying they had to do now that the end of terminus exams were less than two month away. Albus just hoped they 'd be capable to figure out the map before school was over. It would be pointless to envision it out during the summer, when they would n't even be able to use it.


A/N : I hope everyone has enjoyed Half-Blood Prince or do enjoy it if you have n't seen it yet ! Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, EvilChaos, phoenixy friend, XDNLxtlz99, Tears of a Phoenix, Denas, Miguel, Saint Luke, and tranc3rooney for their reviews !