Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Pouring a can of pea soup into the toilet and pretending it was vomit ? No, he 'd done that the last time. Ketchup on the nose, pretending it was blood ? No, that one was just stupid. Faking a headache ? Nope, his mum would just turn that around on him and tell him it was his own fault for staying up too late the late night.

Kaden Dursley sighed and sat up on his bed. He gazed out the window at the cloud cover sky. It was impossible to tell the time of day since the sun was blocked by clouds, but his clock said it was nearly one o'clock. It would probably rain down later, which only worsened Kaden 's mood.

Ever since Kaden awoke at noon, he had been trying to cerebrate up a skilful excuse to hop-skip going to dinner at his grandparents'house later that day. His grandparents were possibly the most unsufferable the great unwashed on the face of the planet, salve for his aunt Marge.

Kaden had never liked his grandparents. certain, they 'd showered him with endless gifts on his birthdays and Yule, but that was the solely way they showed their affectionateness. Well, aside from his grandmother 's bone shattering hugs, which were surprisingly tight considering her belittled framing. His grandparents were downright boring, their conversations ranging from the weather to what the next door neighbor were doing that morning.

However, the absolute worst affair Kaden 's grandparents had done was control that he had to go to Smelting 's in the fall. Smelting 's was an elect school that his grandfather and his father had both attended. Kaden had visited numerous clock time and hated everything about it. He hated the dreaded uniforms, the snotty professor, and the kidskin who constantly argued about whose father had the best job.

Kaden had told his parents that he did n't want to go. At 1st, his Father-God was uncoerced to consider letting him attend world schooling with all his friends, but after his grandfather had his say, there was no discussing the topic. Smelting 's it was. And after that, he would surely be destined to work for Grunnings, the same Mandrillus leucophaeus company that his granddad and father worked for. What a boring life.

Perhaps if he tried existent hard, Kaden would be able to throw himself a fever. He 'd done it once, a few years ago. His parents had wanted him to pay heed some sort of oeuvre related party for his grandad, and Kaden had been dreading it. half hour before they were supposed to exit, his temperature spiked to five degrees above normal and he 'd been able to skip the company. The best part was, the fever had been gone within the hour.

He had no approximation how he 'd done it, though. Kaden concentrated hard, thinking of hot things such as vent and the Equator, but even after fifteen transactions of thought process, he still felt perfectly normal. It must stimulate been a good fortune, the early time. Must 've just been a random fever.

There was a soft knock on his door and Kaden hastily got out of his bed. He opened the door, revealing his mother standing in the doorway. She was a little woman with straightaway brown hairsbreadth, the Saami coloring material as his own, that was level with her chin.

"Kaden, respectable, you 're awake,"she smiled."Your granddad wants to see you in your Smelting 's unvarying tonight. He 's gotten a new digital television camera and needs to necessitate some picture of you in it."

Kaden groaned."But I wore it last sentence I saw him."

"I know,"she said."But it 's really not a big deal, is it ?"

"Fine,"Kaden muttered.

His female parent left and Kaden shut the door again. She had always been the peacekeeper in the family. Whether dousing arguments between Kaden and his seven-year-old sister, Bethany, or easing the tension between Kaden and his grandparents, she was always keeping the peacefulness.

Not ten minutes later the door fit open and Bethany practically flew into the room. She never knocked, something Kaden would normally cry at her for. However, this time he was too shocked at her coming into court to irritate shouting.

Bethany was wearing a princess outfit, perfect with sparkly shoes and a crown. She was grinning ear to ear and her long blonde hair was curled.

"Why are you wearing that ?"Kaden asked. Bethany was n't normally the girly case and preferred to wear blue jean and a t-shirt while kicking a football around with Kaden.

"Grandma Petunia got it for me,"Bethany grinned,"It 's so lots better than the other princess costumes I 've seen. Now Grandpa Vernon can take moving picture of me, too."

"Wish he 'd just occupy pictures of you,"Kaden muttered.

"ma did my hair. Do you like it ?"Bethany asked.

"Lovely,"Kaden replied.

"I-"Bethany began, but stopped as the doorbell rang."I 'll get it !"she shrieked as she ran out of the room.

Kaden ran after her. She was n't supposed to get the door, and not only because of the reasons most parents would n't let their seven-year-old daughter answer the threshold. A few weeks ago she had purchased over fifty chocolate bars from a kid who was selling them, with their mum 's money.

"Bethany, relocation !"Kaden shouted as they reached the door.

Kaden pushed her out of the way and peered out the window. There was a man standing on their front porch wearing an turnout even stranger than Bethany 's. In fact, it kind of looked like Bethany 's. It was a dress. A grim robe-like dress. Kaden had to stifle his laughter as he opened the door.

"Hello,"the man greeted them. He was shorter than Kaden 's Padre, but improbable than Kaden. His blonde hair looked windswept and he had a happy smile on his face.

"Er, hi,"Kaden said, still trying not to laugh.

"Are your parents in ?"the man asked.

"Yeah,"Kaden answered."Bethany, go get them."

"Why are you wearing a dress ?"Bethany giggled.

"Not a apparel,"the man said."Go get your parents and I 'll explain."

More rummy than ever, Kaden glared at Bethany until she turned around and ran into the kitchen. Kaden turned back to the man and watched him. He seemed nice enough, still smiling as he stood on the stoep. Kaden assumed he was selling something, perhaps the strange dress-like outfit he was wearing ? If that was the case, then he 'd induce no luck at the Dursley 's theatre. At to the lowest degree he had n't showed up at Kaden 's grandparents'firm, though. He certainly would n't be smiling after that. genus Petunia and Vernon hated anything abnormal and that would certainly include men wearing dresses.

Bethany returned with their parents following behind her. Dudley was dressed in dungaree and a jersey that was stretched over his rather enceinte belly. His blonde hair was peachy and tidy, which Kaden was trusted was due to the dinner with his grandparents. Normally Dudley did n't fuss around with his hair's-breadth.

"Dudley and Christina Dursley ?"the strange man asked.

"Yes,"Dudley said as he furrowed his supercilium."Can I help you ?"

"My name is prof Neville Longbottom,"the man said as he stuck out his hand."I have something I wish to discourse with you. May I come in ?"

"I suppose,"Dudley said as he shook the professor 's hand.

Kaden held the door give and Neville Longbottom stepped inside. Kaden followed as his parents direct them into the aliveness room. Christina ran to fetch beverage while Neville settled himself onto one of the couches. Dudley sat in the chairwoman across from him, looking confused and slightly shocked. Bethany was staring at Neville.

Kaden sat down in a beanbag chair on the floor and waited for the adult to take up talking. He was glad his parents had n't kicked him and Bethany out of the room. He hated when they did that. It was rather superfluous anyway since Kaden had become very ace at listening in on his parents'conversations.

Christina returned with drinks and passed them out. Neville took a sip of his, set it down, and then turned to Dudley.

"This may come in as a bit of a shock for you,"Neville began."But I am a professor at Hogwarts."

Dudley spat out his soda and started coughing. Christina let out a minuscule gasp and turned to take care at Dudley, who had gone pale white. The two shared a expression and then turned back to Neville.

Kaden was more garbled than ever. What was Hogwarts ? A school ? Why would a professor from a school he 'd never heard of show up at his door ? His parents had obviously heard of it.

"That 's a stunned name,"Bethany announced.

"You do n't think of,"Dudley began, ignoring Bethany."You ca n't be grievous. This has got to be a joke !"

"It 's not a joke,"Neville assured him."I 've come to bid Kaden a lieu at Hogwarts."

"But, but,"Dudley said faintly."Oh my God."

Kaden was fully alert now. What variety of school was Hogwarts ? And what had he done to earn a topographic point ? He had n't applied to any other schooling besides Smelting 's. Of course of action, if this Hogwarts school really was offering him a place, he wanted to go. Anything was better than Smelting's.

"But what is Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked.

"Dudley,"Neville said quietly."What have you told your fry about Harry ?"

Harry ? What did Harry have to do with this ? Kaden had met his dad 's first cousin, Harry potter, only a few meter. All he knew was that Harry had three minor around his own age and that they lived in Jack London. For whatever reason, Kaden 's family rarely visited them. Kaden found this rather odd since his grandparents had raised Harry after Harry 's parents were killed in a car crash.

"Not much,"Dudley muttered.

"You told them Harry 's parents were killed in a car clank, did n't you,"Neville said, more as a program line than a question.

"What else was I supposed to say ?"Dudley groaned.

Kaden stared at his father, who was looking more and more uncomfortable. Had Harry 's parents really not died in a car wreck ? Why would his dad lie about that ?

"Well, you 're going to possess to explain now,"Neville said."I 'll look. Unless you 'd rather I do it-"

"No, no, I 'll do it !"Dudley exclaimed."But only if we decide that Kaden can look this school."

"Of path I 'm going !"Kaden shouted."Dad, you know I do n't require to go to Smelting 's and here 's the consummate cause not to !"

"I do n't have it off,"Dudley sighed."What will my parents say ?"

cipher said anything for a few second. Kaden continued to glare at his Father. He was sick of having to do what his grandparents wanted. Why would n't his own father control stick up for him ?

"Enough,"Christina said loudly."facial expression, Dudley, we knew this could happen. It runs in the genes ! He 's been making odd matter happen for years. We tried to ignore the signal, but we knew it might happen. And frankly, I 'm happy. You and I both know he would n't induce been happy going to Smelting 's. I also could n't deal less about what your parents think. You 're a turn man, Dudley, make decision regarding your Thomas Kyd based on what you think, not what your parents think."

What ran in his factor ? It could n't be intelligence. Kaden knew he was average out, no ripe than most of the kids his age. Maybe it was football skills ? Kaden was a bonny football game player, but no one else in his family was particularly good. How would that run in his genes ?

"All right,"Dudley said quietly."He can go."

"Excellent !"Kaden exclaimed."Now can somebody narrate me what Hogwarts is ? And what exactly I 've got running through my genes ?"

Dudley looked up and his eyes met Kaden 's."Hogwarts is a school. A especial schoolhouse that Harry attended when we were kids. It 's a school of deception, for crone and wizards-"

"time lag,"Kaden interrupted."Magic ? Like Abra Kadabra and witching wands and stuff ?"

"sceptre yes, but Abra Kadabra is not a spell,"Neville said as he pulled out a long joint which Kaden assumed was a wand.

Kaden watched skeptically as Neville pointed his baton at his glass of soda ash. He muttered something in a different linguistic communication and the drinking glass began to float. Kaden gaped as he glass floated around the room and then back to Neville. Neville caught it and then pocketed his wand.

"Holy shit,"Kaden gasped."So I 've got magic running through my cistron ?"

"Apparently so,"Dudley said.

"Then how total I ca n't do magic, like clear my homework magically do itself ?"Kaden asked.

"You are n't trained,"Neville said,"but even then you wo n't be capable to micturate homework do itself. Think, Kaden, has anything ever happened to you that you ca n't explain ?"

Kaden cerebration, then his eyes opened wide and he stared at Neville."What if a person really did n't desire to go somewhere and they got a fever all of a sudden and then it went away once they did n't have to go where they did n't want to ?"

Neville grinned."Yes, that would be charming. Did that happen to you ?"

"Er, yes,"Kaden said, avoiding his father 's oculus."But I did n't do it on intent. combine me, I 've tried to do it again and it does n't work."

"Of path you did n't do it on purpose."Neville laughed."thing like that happen to a lot of young witches and wizards."

"But what about Harry ?"Kaden asked."You said his parents did n't die in a car crash ?"

"They did n't,"Dudley said."They were murdered by an malefic wizard, Almighty something or the other-"

"Voldemort,"Neville muttered.

"right hand,"Dudley said."Harry was sent to live with my parents and I, who told him his parents died in a car crash. They told him nothing about magic or his parents. They thought if they ignored the magic, they could stamp it out of him. They hate magic. When he turned eleven a man showed up to tell him all about it and propose him a plaza at Hogwarts."

"So, do James, Albus, and Lily go to Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked."And is this Voldemort bloke still around ?"

"James IV and Albus are currently attending Hogwarts, but Lily is too Thomas Young,"Neville explained."And Voldemort was defeated days ago ; no motivation to worry."

Kaden nodded. Quite a few question were going through his straits, but he could n't see out which to ask first.

"So,"Dudley said."He 's going to have to get a- a wand ?"Dudley 's look paled a bit when he said 'wand'.

"Yes,"Neville smiled,"Everything you need can be found in Diagon Alley in London."He rose from his chair and pulled a letter out of his robe, handing it to Kaden."Your sufferance letter and lean of supplies."

Kaden took the letter and ripped it open. It was printed on thicker newspaper publisher than what he was used to, almost like the sort of composition he imagined multitude wrote on centuries ago.

He unfolded it and interpret it aloud to his parents and Bethany. It told him of his toleration and was signed by the deputy headmistress, Professor Padma Patil. Then it said that the Hogwarts Express would go away from King 's Cross station on September first, from a weapons platform 9 3/4.

"9 ¾ ?"Kaden asked questioningly."That 's not a rattling political platform, is it ?"

"It is,"Neville laughed."It 's hidden from Muggles."

"Muggles ?"Kaden repeated.

"masses who ca n't perform magic, such as your parents,"Neville explained.

"Oh,"Kaden replied as he unfolded the listing of supply. It was full of odd books such as Magical Herbs and fungus, administration scales, and even a pewter caldron. If his Father of the Church had n't have got already known about magic, he would 've thought the whole thing was a joke.

"I can accept you to British capital and demo you where Diagon Alley is, if you would wish,"Neville suggested.

"No, no, I think I 'll ask Harry,"Dudley said.

"That 's fine,"Neville replied."Do either of you have anymore questions ?"

"Am I a enchantress ?"Bethany asked.

"wellspring, I 'm not sure,"Neville answered."If you get a letter the summer you 're 11 then you 're a witch. If not, then you 're not a witch."

"Oh,"Bethany said disappointedly."I want to be a witch."

"I 'm certainly Kaden will state you all about Hogwarts once he 's there,"Neville assured her as he stood up."I 'm going to have to go, but if you 've got any questions, just get ahold of Harry."

"Thanks,"Dudley said as he shook Neville 's hand. He still looked in shock and not all the vividness had returned to his face.

"I 'll see you at Hogwarts,"Neville said to Kaden.

"What do you teach ?"Kaden asked.

"Herbology,"Neville replied."Magical plants."

Kaden watched as Neville left the planetary house and then turned his attention to his parents. Dudley had slowly sat down on the good chair and let out a small moan.
***


The exclusively speech sound at dinner was the click of utensils hitting the china plateful and the forte burp that Kaden let out after chugging half a glassful of soda ash, earning him a stern gaze from his grandmother. It seemed that nobody could think of anything to peach about. Even the usual issue of the weather, fun, and employment had been exhausted.

Kaden and Bethany had been given strict orders by their father not to bring up anything about Hogwarts, Harry, or magic whatsoever. Kaden 's grandparents hated magic with a warmth, something that sort of amuse Kaden but seemed to fright his Fatherhood. Kaden has also learned that his grandparents did not like Harry due to his being a wizard, which explained why he rarely saw Harry or his small fry.

Vernon and Petunia were still under the impression that Kaden was going to attend Smelting 's and Kaden had just endured an hour of having his photo taken by his grandfather while wearing his Smelting 's unvarying.

"You should get involved with boxing at Smelting 's,"Vernon said in between bit of potato."Your dad was a paladin boxer when he was there."

"I like football,"Kaden muttered while wondering if Hogwarts would take football. Wizards would still play sport, would n't they ?

"Football ..."Vernon muttered."Better than zilch, I suppose. Smelting 's does ingest an fantabulous football game team. I 'll commit the motorbus a hoop and let him recognise you 'll be joining."

"Well I 'm not sure yet what I 'll be joining,"Kaden said as he pushed his carrots around his plate.

"You 'll join a sport, though,"Vernon insisted."Boys grow into proper men when they play a sport."

"We 'll need to bulk you up, too,"petunia commented as she placed another porc chop on Kaden 's home plate.

"I 've already been to the school twice,"Vernon said as he took another large gulp of brandy."wheel spoke with all your professors and they 're quite excited to meet you. Long business line of Dursley men who attended Smelting 's, you know."

"Yeah, you 've mentioned it five prison term,"Kaden said under his breath.

"What was that ?"Vernon asked.

"cipher,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden really did n't wish lying to his grandparents. His parents had always taught him that lying was unseasonable, but now he knew that they had been lying to him his whole life about Harry. Now, he had to lie to his grandparents. How long would he have to keep open lying ?

"Dudley had a wonderful metre at Smelting 's,"Petunia commented as she refilled Vernon 's brandy glass."Another glass, Dudley ?"

"No, no, I 'm alright,"Dudley said. His own brandy glass was still half-full.

"Every vacation, coming home with wonderful write up of your friends and all you 'd done during the past term ..."Petunia smiled as she reminisced.

"And that 's where he started his boxing career !"Vernon said proudly."You 'll do us proud, Kaden. You 've got the Dursley blood."

Not really, Kaden thought. More like he had the potter pedigree. Or perhaps not. He was n't technically related to the ceramicist side of the house, just the Evans side. So he had Herbert McLean Evans blood.

"You know what ?"Christina said."That 's it. Dudley, we 're telling them."

"apprisal us what ?"Vernon asked, setting down his brandy glass.

"We ca n't,"Dudley hissed."We said we would n't severalize them tonight."

"This is ridiculous, Dudley,"Christina said."It 's not fair to the kids."

"Tell us what ?"Vernon asked, more loudly this time.

Christina stood up."I 'd like to talk with you in common soldier, Dudley."

Dudley got up and followed Christina out of the room. The two of them disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Kaden and Bethany alone with their grandparents. Petunia was sitting straight up, wearing a pinched verbal expression, and staring at the kitchen door. Vernon was sipping on his brandy again. It was all very awkward. Kaden pushed his uneaten food around on his dental plate and tried to avoid his granddad 's eye.

Christina and Dudley returned a few min later, Christina looking triumphant and Dudley looking uneasy. They resumed their seats and Christina gave Dudley a knowing look.

Dudley sighed and glanced at Vernon, before staring at his plate."Mum, Dad, we 've got to tell you something. Kaden 's not going to Smelting's."

Vernon dropped his brandy glass and it shattered onto the board. Petunia looked so shocked that she did not even move to clean it up."He 's WHAT ?"Vernon exclaimed.

"He 's not going,"Dudley said quickly."It 's not for him. He has n't wanted to go there from the starting time and we 're not going to pull him."

Kaden felt his grandfather staring at him, despite the fact that he was not looking up from his plate."That 's not confessedly, Kaden,"Vernon said.

"It is,"Kaden muttered. Kaden finally looked up and saw that his uncle was staring agape at Dudley. petunia looked mildly uncomfortable.

"Then where 's he going ?"Vernon asked."Not world school day. You know the subject that exist with them."

"Yes, populace school day,"Dudley said immediately. Christina turned and glared at him.

"populace school day ?"Vernon roared.

public school ? Kaden opinion. Was his dad really going to switch one lie for another ?

"He wants to last out with his friends, Dad,"Dudley said."We just ca n't wedge him to go somewhere that he does n't want to go."

"Every boy in our family has gone to Smelting 's !"Vernon exclaimed as he slammed his clenched fist down on the table."You ca n't stop that tradition."

"Vernon ..."genus Petunia said quietly."Kaden is their son. It 's up to them."

"It 's horrid, Petunia. The boy wo n't get a right pedagogy in public school,"Vernon insisted.

Kaden wished the ground would open up up and swallow up him solid. Was that the sort of thing he could do with magic ? It would be very useful for dinners with his grandparents.

"You 'll regret this, Dudley,"Vernon said."Mark my words. Smelting 's is the entirely suitable school out there. He 's going to pretermit out on a lot."

Kaden glanced up and glared at his grandfather, who luckily did not notice. Why was he so against any school besides Smelting 's ? He knew the intellect why Dudley did n't require his granddaddy to know he was attending Hogwarts, but would it really be that painful if they told him ? Did he really hate trick that often ? But he, Kaden, was a wizard. A sorcerer just like Harry, and Vernon hated Harry and all wizards. Did that signify his own grandfather would hate him, Kaden ? It gave Kaden a sickening feeling in the pit of his belly and he pushed his home base away.

"May I be excused ?"Kaden asked quietly.

"Yes, that 's all right,"Christina said as Vernon continued to shout.

Kaden escaped the dining way and ran upstairs to the small-scale chamber. He knew it had been Harry 's bedroom, although it no longer contained any remnants of his whizz cousin. It was bully as could be, decorated in pastels and bloom. Kaden sat on the bed and stared out the window.

Earlier in the day he 'd felt so excited about finding out that he was a necromancer. It explained all the strange things he 'd done in the past. The feverishness was not the only time something inexplicable had happened to him. Once, he had fallen off his cycle, landed hard on his wrist, and suffered no More than a incision. Another time he 'd left a subroutine library book at household that he had meant to bring back to school, only to find that it had appeared in his haversack during lunch.

Why had n't his dad told him about Harry being a wizard ? Perhaps there was some sort of law preventing thaumaturgist telling Muggles about deception ? That would explicate why most Muggles did not know about magic. But his mother had known. Dudley had clearly told her. Harry must have done foreign matter as a small fry and Kaden wondered if his own father had realized what Kaden was when he did unknown things.

There was a smash on the door a few minutes later. Christina popped her head into the room and told Kaden they were leaving. She looked angry. Kaden nodded and quickly followed her down the stairs and out the doorway, without even saying goodbye to his grandparents.
***


The following few weeks were both stir and embarrassing. Kaden put up a calendar on his wall to calculate down the days until he got to go out for Hogwarts. Harry had said he would take aim them to Diagon skittle alley a few week before term started and Kaden was very very much looking forward to that.

Kaden 's parents had a very big row in the 24-hour interval following the dinner at Vernon and Petunia 's. Christina insisted that they tell Vernon and genus Petunia about Kaden attending Hogwarts and Dudley still wanted to keep it a secret. In fact, during those few calendar week, they did not see Vernon and Petunia at all, when they normally saw them once a workweek.

It took a long time for Christina to convince Dudley that he should tell his parents about Kaden attending Hogwarts, but she finally did. In fact, it was the evening before Kaden and his kinsfolk were to go to Diagon back street with Harry that they went over to Vernon and petunia 's for dinner once more.

The affair was very quiet at showtime, with nobody knowing what to say and the only idiom mentioned being"base on balls the common salt"or"could I induce some more brandy, please ?"Kaden did not say a single word, which even he knew was rare, since he liked to blab out a lot.

It was Vernon who finally broke the silence."Still set on this public school, are you ?"

Dudley and Christina exchanged glances."No, actually, Kaden was never going to attend public school,"Dudley said quietly."He 's been selected to go to a small, common soldier school in Scotland. He did n't utilize, but he 's been selected to attend."

"Then why did you tell us-"

"He 's going to Hogwarts, Dad,"Dudley interrupted, clearly wanting to get it over with."There. I told you. He 's going to Hogwarts. Kaden is a wizard, just like Harry."

Kaden watched as both of his grandparents visibly paled. Vernon dropped his brandy glass. Petunia let out what could only be described as a pocket-size squeaker. Vernon 's face then turned the purplish color it did when he got angry.

Petunia squeaked again and Vernon slammed his fist down on the table."That post ! That blank space where the boy went. Where abnormal mass go. You ca n't honestly be thinking of sending Kaden there ? ! I wo n't give it, I wo n't !"

"It 's not up to you,"Christina said shortly."He 's our son."

"He 's going, Dad,"Dudley said quietly."Christina and I, we had a feeling ...."

"A intuitive feeling about what ?"Petunia asked.

"Kaden 's done strange matter,"Dudley answered."Like Harry did when we were kids. We never told him about magic, but we half expected this."Dudley left out the theatrical role about him debating whether or not to let Kaden attend.

Vernon gave Kaden a very unusual facial expression, one that made Kaden feel mildly uncomfortable. It was a weird mix of confusedness, anger, and the thin bit of revulsion, as if he could not remain firm to intend that someone actually related to him was a thaumaturge. Vernon had surely prided himself on the fact that he was not actually related to Harry.

"You do n't have to send him there,"Vernon said, after he tore his middle away from Kaden."It 's not required. You 're under no obligation-"

"He 's going, Dad,"Dudley said."It 's what 's best for him."

"No, it 's not !"Vernon exclaimed."He 'll get mixed up that Lapp crowd that your aunty did and you know what happened to her."

"She was murdered !"Dudley exclaimed."You ca n't find fault her for being murdered. And the lunatic who did it is gone."

"He 'd be better off at Smelting 's,"Vernon muttered as he poured himself another generous helping of brandy, in a new glass."Smelting 's wo n't be happy to pick up this."

Kaden could n't care less about Smelting 's. He was just happy he 'd never have to set metrical unit in the piazza again. Anything would be dependable than Smelting 's and what little he knew about Hogwarts was better. He just wished his grandfather would be a little Thomas More accepting. Kaden may not have particularly liked his grandfather, but he still loved him and hated feeling as if it was not mutual.

Vernon sighed and stared at Kaden once more. Kaden immediately looked down at his shell of uneaten food.

"Vernon,"Petunia said quietly."He 's still your grandson. You may not like that he 's a ace, but he 's still your grandson."

Vernon chose to neglect this and continued eating. The table settled into uncomfortable quiet once more and Kaden managed to choke down a few bites of chicken before genus Petunia brought out dessert. She served Kaden a very prominent helping of pudding, but he only ate a few pungency before stopping.

Kaden and his family did not linger after pudding was finished. No one seemed inclined to visit any longer. Vernon and Petunia walked them to the door, but Vernon beckoned Kaden into the support way before they left.

"Er,"Vernon began."Your grannie 's right. You are still my grandson. I ca n't say that I 'm not disappointed you 're not going to Smelting 's and I absolutely hate that other ... school day ... but you 're still my grandson."Vernon gave Kaden an awkward one-armed hug.

Kaden nodded, smiling. As far as he was concerned, that was as good as an excuse from his grandad. He caught up with his parents and Bethany, gave his grannie a hug, and they left.

Kaden lay in bed that Night feeling very content. His grandparents may not feature been well-chosen about his attendance Hogwarts, but they did not look to hate him for being a wizard, and that was as in force as he expected. Plus, the comply day he would get to go to Diagon Alley with Harry and the balance of his magic cousins. It would be his outset taste of the charming world and he could not wait.


A/N : Big thanks to my Skype writing group who helped me come up with a title of respect for this ! Especially to Mikayla, who came up with the form of address I used.

If you enjoyed this, check out Albus thrower and the cartroad They Left bottom, in which Kaden 's story is continued in.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus Severus potter stared out his bedroom windowpane and watched as an owl flew closer and tightlipped to Grimmauld Place. The sun was just above the skyline and was already shining brightly into Albus 's room. Albus ran a hand through his mussy black hair as he waited for the owl. True, he did n't really do it if the owl was for him or not, but he was tidal bore to see. He was the lonesome one awake at this hour anyway. His Brother James was surely sleeping in, as he had been doing all summer. Albus slept in for the first few weeks, but after a while the bauble wore off and he started rising at an earlier hour. Albus watched the owl through his green optic as it soared towards his window. Albus leaned over and opened the latch, and the owl landed on his desk.

It was a large brown screech owl that Albus immediately recognized as his friend, mat Eckerton 's. It stood proudly on top of Albus 's Transfiguration book with its leg sticking out, waiting for Albus to undo its letter of the alphabet. Albus went over to the owl and retrieved the letter. Once he did so, the owl flapped its annex and flew out the window once more. Albus flopped down onto his bed and ripped give the envelope. It had been weeks since he had conclusion seen his supporter from Hogwarts and eagerly anticipated their letters. John Brickston and Matt Eckerton had each written him a couple times. Albus unfolded the letter and silently read it.

Albus,

My parents said yes ! I can go to yours and Rose 's natal day company !
I really was n't sure if they 'd actually let me, but they 've been
talking to your parents a lot and they finally agreed. They 've got
it all arranged. I 'm going to go to your theater a couple days before
the party, in about three weeks, and I can detain a couple days after,
too. But then I 'll possess to go house ; you know why.

We 're going to meet up with you in Diagon skittle alley, since we 're not
on the Floo Network. St. John tells me he 's visiting some of his
cousins compensate before your party, but that he 'll be able-bodied to stay at
your business firm after.

I ca n't look until the political party. matter at my house are dreadfully
boring. And my parents have been kinda depressed. Amy
moved out last week. You probably already knew that since
Victoire went with her. But Mum 's been crying a lot. She 's
talking about how her baby is all grown up.

Anyway, I 'll see you in a few weeks !
Your friend,
Matt

Albus grinned broadly as he set flatness 's varsity letter down next to John 's most recent one. He was thrilled that both of his best friends would be able to go to his birthday party. John had said yes redress away, but mat 's parents were very protective of him and had to be convinced. Both of his friends would wind up spending about a week with Albus and he could n't expect. Albus wondered what Mrs. Eckerton would do with herself while her son was at Grimmauld space. Albus had only met the womanhood twice, but he got the feeling that she was even more protective of her children than his own grandmother was. He could only imagine what Matt 's mum was doing now that her daughter had moved out. Only a week before, lustrelessness 's Sister, Amy, and Albus 's first cousin, Victoire, had moved into a insipid in British capital. The two of them were beginning their healer education in September.

Albus heard footfall running down the hall that he recognized immediately as his little sister Lily 's. He glanced at the clock and saw that it was nearly nine. His mother must be up, too. Albus got up from the bed and got dressed. He opened the room access and went down to the kitchen. When he got there, he saw his female parent standing near the attack tending to a cauldron. Lily was sitting at the tabular array in her pyjama, playing with her pet pigmy puff.

Albus sat down next to her and watched her as she fed the pocket-size creature Wizard O's.

`` Hi, Albus ! '' she said cheerfully, `` Wan na feed martin ? ``

`` Er, no thanks, '' Albus told her.

`` Hi, Al, '' Ginny looked up from the caldron and smiled at him, `` I 'm cooking some oatmeal. ``

`` speech sound good, '' Albus said as his stomach growled, `` I got a letter from Matt just now. He can come to the party and he 's coming a few days early. ``

`` That 's wonderful, '' Ginny smiled and went back to stirring the cauldron.

`` Would Brigham Young master like any Cucurbita pepo juice ? '' Kreacher appeared at Albus 's face carrying a flagon of juice and a cup.

`` Sure, thanks, Kreacher, '' Albus told the firm elf. Albus liked Kreacher. He was always there to help whenever Albus needed him. Harry had told him that Kreacher was not always this nice, but Albus could hardly envisage it.

Albus took the glass of pumpkin juice and grabbed the written matter of the morning oracle that was laying nearby. He immediately opened it to the Quidditch department. `` Ha ! '' he laughed when he saw the headline, `` I wonder if lusterlessness 's read this ! ``

Ginny glanced over at Albus 's shout and looked at him quizzically. `` The Chudley carom just lost another game. Their young searcher tripped over his own broom as he was kicking off from the solid ground and gave himself a blackened eye, '' Albus laughed. `` lustrelessness supports the Cannons. ``

`` Who supports the carom ? '' Saint James the Apostle came slowly down the stair, yawning as he rubbed his eyes.

`` Matt does, '' Albus said and he tossed James the newspaper publisher, `` Read that. ``

James read the paper silently for a few minutes and then burst out laughing. `` They 're hopeless. ``

Albus nodded in agreement as he started eating the oatmeal that Ginny had served him. He discussed Quidditch with James and his female parent for the adjacent half hour. All of them agreed that the Cannons had no chance of ever making it to the League Cup. When Albus had finished his oatmeal, Harry came stumbling down the step in his pajamas.

`` There 's burgoo in the caldron, beloved, '' Ginny smiled warmly at him and got up from the table. She planted a quick kiss on his boldness as he reached for an empty bowl.

Albus twisted his human face up in disgust as James II shouted, `` Mum ! Ca n't you do that when we 're not looking ? ``

`` Someday you 'll understand, James, '' Ginny laughed, `` Someday soon, missy wo n't birth cooties anymore. ``

`` That 's already happened, '' Jesse James muttered quietly so only Albus could get a line him, `` It 's just I 'll never want to see my own parents doing that. ``

`` Do you birth to go into work today ? '' Ginny asked as Harry sat down side by side to her at the table.

`` No, thank Merlin, '' Harry told her, `` First Saturday off in a month. I had n't realized how far I got behind when I was teaching. ``

`` Have you decided if you 're teaching yet next twelvemonth ? '' Henry James asked. He and Albus had been asking their father this over and over again for the past calendar month, but he had yet to make a decision.

Harry sighed, `` I 'm still not certain. prof Kendrick is looking for another teacher, but he has n't found anyone yet. It would look as if people think the job 's cursed again. If he does n't find anyone else, I guess I 'll do it. ``

`` I hope you do teach, Dad, '' Albus told him, `` I like having you for a teacher. ``

Harry grinned, `` I 'm glad you like it. What do you say we have a Wizard 's Chess tournament after breakfast ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' Albus shouted excitedly. `` might actually have a chance at winning since Uncle Ron and Rose are n't here. ``

The completely Potter family played game after game of chess, until St. James the Apostle was declared the champion. By the time tiffin rolled around, Albus was sick of the secret plan. `` Can we go play Quidditch after tiffin ? '' he asked.

`` Maybe, '' Harry said in between chomp. Harry often took them to act as Quidditch at pink wine 's planetary house. Since the Potters lived in Jack London, they really could n't make for Quidditch at their own sign. `` Rose wo n't be there, though. They 're visiting auntie Hermione 's parents. ``

`` That 's all right, '' Albus said, `` rose does n't really like Quidditch anyway. ``

`` I 'll never understand that, '' James sighed.

At that moment, Albus heard a high pitched ring coming from the kitchen counter. He looked over and saw the little mobile headphone that always sat next on the windowpane sill. The thrower did not have many Muggle devices in their house, but they did feature one telephone in type they had to contact any Muggles. Usually the speech sound was just used when Harry talked to his cousin, Dudley. But James and Albus had given the numeral to their Muggle Max Born friends. Amanda had called Albus earlier in the summer to tell him that she would be able to go to his party.

Harry glanced at Ginny, who shrugged. It was obvious that neither of them were expecting a call. Harry wordlessly got up from the tabular array and answered the phone. `` Hello ? '' he said. He went hushed for a few moment while whoever was on the other end told him something. Harry 's eyes widened in shock and a smiling spread cross his face. `` What ? Are you good ? Dudley, that 's bright ! ``

Dudley ? Albus thought. Normally, Dudley only called around holidays and natal day. Even then, the conversations tended to be short and not filled with excitement like this one obviously was. Albus was very curious at this point and he glanced at James, who looked just as curious.

Harry 's turmoil calmed down a bit as he continued the conversation. `` Well, you 'll have to tell them sometime. Yes, I know they wo n't be thrilled, '' he paused, furrowing his brow as he listened. `` No, I 'm not going to tell them for you ! ``

Harry listened for a few moments as he started to pace alongside the counter. `` Hmm, well, if you 'd like, we 'll take him to Diagon alley with us when we go. You can occur, too, of course. ``

Harry talked for a few More minutes and then pay heed up the headphone. He started laughing as he sat back down at the table. `` Just spoken with Dudley .... ''

`` Yes, I 'd guessed that ! '' Ginny said quickly, `` What about ? ``

`` You 'll never guess .... ''

`` So say us ! '' Ginny replied.

`` Kaden is a wizard, '' Harry grinned.

Albus 's mouth fell undefendable. Harry 's cousin, Dudley, had two fry. The old one, Kaden, was a lilliputian untested than Albus. Dudley had never been a fan of conjuration and Albus could only imagine what he would think of his own son being a wizard.

`` You 're kidding ! '' Ginny shouted.

`` Nope, he got his letter this morning, '' Harry told them, `` The owl scared the heck out of Christina, but Dudley says Kaden is thrilled. '' Christina was Dudley 's wife. Dudley had told his wife about magic, but had not gone into swell contingent and neither of the kids knew anything about it. `` He 's not looking forward to telling Vernon and Petunia. ``

`` I would think not, '' Ginny said, `` Merlin, they 're going to flick. ``

`` Dudley actually asked me if I 'd tell them, '' Harry laughed, `` I told them definitely not. ``

`` Good, '' Ginny agreed, `` I would n't even want to be in the same elbow room as your aunty and uncle the minute they find out about Kaden. ``

Harry and Ginny continued to peach about Kaden even after James and Albus left the mesa. The two of them went up to King James 's elbow room, where they spent a few minutes discussing it themselves.

`` Wonder what planetary house he 'll be in, '' Albus said as he tossed around one of James 's exercise Snitches.

`` I 'd guess Hufflepuff, '' James commented. Albus had to fit with that. He had met his cousin-german, Kaden, before and he 'd appear the Hufflepuff sort. Saint James had managed to draw out quite a few pranks on him over the years and he did n't seem to be the acute quill in the box. Albus remembered the last time they 'd seen Kaden. It had been a brace years ago. Albus and his family tended to visit the Dursleys every couple of years, but the Dursleys had never been to Grimmauld Place. Albus guessed it was probably because Kaden and his sister did n't know about magic. Well, they did now, Albus thought.

`` Think he 'll be any good at Quidditch ? '' Albus asked.

`` Who knows ? '' James shrugged, `` He 's never been on a broom before, but look at Dad. ``

`` I ca n't await to see him eat Bertie Bott 's Beans for the first time, '' Albus grinned mischievously, `` The first metre Amanda had one of those, she spat it out in John 's face. ``

`` I guess he 's coming to Diagon Alley with us. Dudley, too, probably, '' James said, `` That 'll be concern. ``

`` Yeah, I ca n't await to see what Dudley thinks of the office, '' Albus laughed.

`` Just wait until Kaden asks for his first base heather, '' James grinned.

Albus burst out laughing, mentation of the look on Dudley 's face when Kaden announced he was going to represent Quidditch, `` We 'll have to teach him how to bet Quidditch ! ``

`` Definitely, '' James agreed. `` This is going to be a great twelvemonth, I can find it ! ``

`` That 's because you get to go to Hogsmeade this year, '' Albus reminded him.

`` I know, '' James grinned, `` I ca n't wait ! ``

`` plus, Washburn 's gone, '' Albus commented, `` Wonder who they 'll get to interchange him ? ``

`` Hopefully mortal who 's not a Slytherin-loving git. ``

`` Or who wants to slip the Hallows. ``

`` Or who 's goal in life sentence is to get the next Voldemort. ``

`` Or who stares at you so menacingly you ca n't even perform the wide-eyed enchantment. ``

`` Or who gives you detention every early day. ``

Saint James and Albus continued to list off Washburn 's faults, which quickly turned into insulting the way he looked, until they were both laughing so hard they were in tears. They were still laughing hysterically when Harry came into the elbow room a spell later.

`` What 's so funny ? '' he asked.

Albus stopped laughing and looked up at him, grinning, `` We, er, were talking about Washburn. ``

`` Ever notice how he 's kind of got a unibrow ? '' James asked, laughing.

`` I guess, '' Harry smiled. `` Anyway, do you two want to go toy Quidditch ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' the male child shouted at the Saame time. St. James the Apostle grabbed his broom off the top of his desk and found a Quaffle, along with a practice session Snitch.

Albus ran out of the room and grabbed one of his female parent 's old Scots heather from the nearby cupboard. It was old and started vibrating if you flew too fast, but it worked. He was hoping he would get a new broom if he made it onto the Quidditch team this twelvemonth. `` Ready, '' he said as he rejoined his dad and brother.

`` Are Mum and Lily coming ? '' James asked.

`` No, they 've got some shopping to do in Diagon alleyway, '' Harry told them as he left the elbow room, `` I think we 'll Floo. ``

Albus followed his dad and James down the stair and into the draft room. Harry grabbed a handful of Floo gunpowder, threw it into the firing, and shouted, `` Ron and Hermione Weasley 's theatre ! '' James followed after him, and then Albus.

Albus landed in his Uncle Ron and auntie Hermione 's living way. Their house was a pocket-sized, cozy post in the middle of a subject field with a forest nearby. It seemed strangely repose without anyone else in it. Albus, James, and their dad headed out the room access and into the playing field. Albus watched as Harry pulled out his scepter and muttered a few go that would keep the sneaker from roaming too far.

`` Let 's do some Quaffle drills, '' Albus suggested as he mounted his broom, `` I need to recitation for try-outs. ``

Harry and James agreed and mounted their Scots heather as well. The two of them were up in the air before Albus was, due to their superior brooms. Albus saw Henry James release the stool pigeon and hold off a few mo before taking off after it. Harry had the Quaffle in his deal and once Albus was in the air, he passed it to him. Whipping out his wand, Harry conjured a large wooden hoop and suspended it in mid-air.

`` There you go, Al, '' Harry grinned, `` Try and put the Quaffle through that. I 'll Keep. ``

`` You 've got to conjure two more, Dad, '' Albus told him, `` Otherwise it 's too wanton for you. ``

Harry laughed and conjured a few more hoops. Albus flew around him for a minuscule while before sending the Quaffle into the left most ring. Harry was too decelerate and the Quaffle sailed through.

`` right one ! '' Epistle of James shouted as he caught the Quaffle on the former slope. He tossed it to Harry, who then tossed it back to Albus.

They continued playing for a couple hours, taking little breaks to rest. Albus managed to nock a lot of goals, with Harry only blocking a couple. After a while of catching and releasing the stoolpigeon, James joined Albus and the two of them teamed up against Harry. Harry was n't capable to pull through many goals with both his sons passing the Quaffle back and forth. Eventually, they all got tired and decided to forebode it a day. Albus flooed back to Grimmauld Place tired, but happy.



A/N : Well, here it is, the first base chapter of the subsequence ! I hope everyone enjoyed it. Just a note of hand to any new readers out there, I highly recommend you read Albus Potter and the Secrets Within, which can be found on my author page.

Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my other sister and my brother.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` Can we go now, Dad ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was supposed to adjoin Matt at the Leaky Cauldron in five second, but Harry was on the phone talking to Dudley.

`` Dudley, you just have to tell them, all right ? '' Harry sighed, `` You ca n't keep it from them forever. ``

`` Dad ... '' Albus tapped his foot. Harry said he would take Albus to Diagon alleyway a one-half hour ago, but then Dudley had called. The two of them had been talking for the past thirty minutes.

`` Listen, Dudley, '' Harry began, `` I 've got to take Albus to Diagon bowling alley. Yes, that 's the blank space Kaden will go to get his stuff. Ok, I 'll talk to you later. Bye. '' Harry closed the phone and set it down on the windowsill.

`` Finally ! '' Albus sighed, `` Can we go now ? ``

`` Yes, '' Harry told him, `` Sorry about that. Dudley still has n't told Uncle Vernon and aunt Petunia about Kaden. I 've told him he 's got to do it soon. ``

Albus followed his dad to the fireplace and the two of them flooed to the Leaky Cauldron. The pub was very crowded since it was a Saturday. Albus tried to peek through the crowd in order to find his friend, but he did n't see Matt.

`` Hey, it 's Harry Potter ! '' someone sitting at the bar shouted. He was clearly salute. `` Hi Harry ceramist ! '' he waved lazily.

Everyone else in the pub looked over at the fireplace that Harry and Albus just came through. Harry nodded to the drunken adept as he and Albus walked past the bar. The crowd parted in order to tolerate them through. Once they made it through the crowd, Albus spotted lustrelessness and his parents at one of the tables in the book binding. Albus hurried over to him with Harry following closely behind.

`` mat ! '' Albus shouted as he sat down, `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm great ! How are you ? ``

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned, `` I 'm so happy you could come. ``

`` Me, too. I 've been bored out of my nous, '' Matt told him, `` I 've even started some of my homework. ``

`` Wow, you must 've been bored, '' Albus laughed.

Harry sat down side by side to Mr. Eckerton and the two of them stimulate hands. `` Why do n't we get some lunch ? '' Harry suggested. Everyone agreed.

`` Hi, Harry ! '' A pregnant Hannah Longbottom walked over to their table.

`` Hannah, how 've you been ? '' Harry asked.

`` Fine, '' Hannah grinned, `` Just a couple more months and there will be another infant Longbottom ! So, what can I get you ? ``

The group ordered their food and a unretentive while later it arrived. Albus and mat spent the solid clip telling each other about their weeks apart while the adults talked quietly with each other.

`` So guess what ? '' Albus said while eating a bit of his sandwich.

`` What ? '' Matt asked.

`` You know my cousin, Kaden ? '' Albus grinned.

`` Is he your dad 's cousin Dudley 's kid ? ''

`` Yeah, and he 's a wizard ! ``

`` What ? ! '' matt spat out a taste of pumpkin vine succus.

`` Matthew, '' Mrs Eckerton scolded, `` Be polite. ``

`` Sorry, Mum, '' flatness wiped the pumpkin juice up off the table and turned back to Albus, `` Are you serious ? ``

`` Yup, he got his alphabetic character a duet workweek ago, '' Albus told him, `` Mad, is n't it ? Of course, it is n't that surprising. I mean, there 's obviously magic in the family. ``

`` Yeah, '' flatness laughed, `` But what did your Uncle Vernon say ? ``

`` Dunno, Dudley has n't told him yet, '' Albus said, `` That 's why we were a little late. Dad was on the phone with Dudley trying to win over him to tell Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia. ``

`` We 'd better be getting home, '' Harry stood up, `` See you in a few days, Walter and Julie. ``

Albus, Matt, and his parents stood up as well, `` See you then, '' Mr. Ecketon replied and turned to Matt, `` Have fun, and do n't make too much worry. ``

Mrs. Eckerton hugged Matt tightly, `` I love you, Matthew. Do n't hesitate to owl if you need us. ``

`` I 'll be fine, Mum, '' Matt replied once his female parent stopped hugging him.

`` Do n't concern, Julie, '' Mr. Eckerton put an arm around his wife, `` Let 's go visit Amy before we go home. '' Mrs. Eckerton nodded and the two of them left the pub.

`` We 're flooing plate, '' Harry said as they walked over to the fireplace, `` Have you ever done that, lustrelessness ? ``

`` Er, yeah, but not in a couple age, '' Matt eyed the fireplace nervously.

`` You 'll be OK, '' Harry told him, `` Just throw the pulverisation in and say 'Number 12 Grimmauld blank space .'''

`` 12 Grimmauld post, '' Matt repeated, `` Got it. ``

`` You can go first, Al, '' Harry handed him the bag of floo gunpowder.

Albus threw it into the fire and shouted, `` issue 12 Grimmuald Place ! '' He was whisked away in a vortex of dark-green fire and came out in the drawing room of his house. He quickly stepped away and waited for Matt and his dad to appear.

A few transactions later, Matt fell out of the fire and landed on the floor. He was coughing and sputtering. `` I did n't like that, '' he groaned as he stood up.

`` You 'd better mistreat away, '' Albus pulled Matt away from the flak just before Harry appeared.

`` Are you all right ? '' Harry asked when he saw Matt coughing.

`` Yeah, I think so, '' Matt coughed, `` But I think I prefer specter. ``

`` You get used to it, '' Albus told him, `` Come on, you can throw your stuff in my way. ``

`` Wow, this is a pretty big house, '' Matt gazed around as he followed Albus up the stairs. `` Reminds me of the house we had in Australia. ``

`` Yeah, it used to be Dog Star 's house, '' Albus told him, `` It was a lot dissimilar then. It had a lot of creepy and Dark clobber in it. The Black kinsperson was pretty involved in the iniquity artistry. Except for Sothis, and his brother genus Regulus changed his views at the end of his life and tried to destroy a Horcrux. Anyway, my dad managed to get almost of the Dark stuff out. ``

`` wellspring, that 's well, '' Matt said as they entered the succeeding floor.

`` My room 's the utmost one on the right hand, but first I 've got to demo you something, '' Albus led Matt into one of the other rooms, `` This is James 's room. But it used to be Sirius 's. ``

`` Your pal 's not very neat, is he ? '' lustrelessness asked as he stepped over a voltaic pile of muddied schooling robe and books.

`` Nope, he 's not, '' Albus said and walked over to one of the walls, `` Here 's what I wanted to show you, '' he pointed to a image of four boy, `` Sothis put a gang of pictures up on the bulwark and no one can get them off. My dad covered up most of them, but he left this one. It 's my grandpa, Sirius, Teddy 's dad, and Peter Pettigrew. ``

`` Wow, '' Matt stared at the motion-picture show, `` So that 's Moony, the only other, you know, to have gone to Hogwarts ? ``

`` Yup, '' Albus told him, `` Thought you 'd wish to see it. ``

`` Yeah, thanks, '' Matt said, still looking at the picture.

`` fountainhead, do you need to go to my elbow room ? '' Albus asked after a few minutes.

`` Sure, '' Matt replied, turning away from the ikon. `` Let 's go. ``

******

A few solar day later, trick arrived at Grimmauld Place. The boy spent their time playing games and talking. John was just as shocked as Matt was that Kaden was a wizard. Harry took them to Rose 's house to trifle Quidditch a few sentence. Amanda was there and the five of them managed to do a bit of homework after Rose prodded them a few times.

`` So, what do you want to do now ? '' lavatory asked. The three boys were lounging around in Albus 's room, tossing a Quaffle back and forth.

`` I dunno, '' mat threw the Quaffle to Albus, `` What do you require to do ? ``

`` Hmm, '' Albus caught the Quaffle and stopped to think. He had given his champion the grand go of Grimmauld place as soon as they 'd arrived, but there was one seat he had yet to show them. `` Want to search the Attic ? '' he grinned mischievously.

`` Yeah ! '' john jumped up from the bed. `` What 's in it ? ``

`` All kind of old stuff, '' Albus replied. `` I do n't go up there very often, but it 's majuscule for exploring. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Matt agreed and got up.

Albus led his booster down the Marguerite Radclyffe Hall and towards the stairs. They climbed all the way up to the top and opened the room access. The attic of Number 12 Grimmauld Place was a very big room, filled with old boxes and article of furniture. It was dark, cramped, and stale and concentrated to travel around in. `` Here we are, '' Albus announced and walked into the room.

`` Whoa, '' John exclaimed, `` What is all this clobber ? ``

`` Mostly old Black family heirlooms and other stuff that belonged to the Black house. But some of it is my mum and dad 's. When they moved in, they moved a lot of the stuff that was here originally into the attic, '' Albus explained.

`` It 's not dangerous, is it ? '' Matt asked as he peered into one of the boxes.

`` Nah, '' Albus assured him, `` My parents got rid of all the grievous and dark material. ``

`` Wicked ! '' John shouted as he pulled out an old silver tea tray, `` I 'll bet this is deserving loads of galleons. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed and went over to study the tray, `` It 's got the Black family summit on it, too. ``

`` What 's in there ? '' lustrelessness had walked over to the exclusively door leading off the way, besides the one they had come in.

Albus jumped over three boxes and threw himself against the door. `` Do n't go in there ! '' he shouted.

`` Why not ? '' Matt asked curiously.

`` There 's a portrait of Sothis 's mum in there, '' Albus told them, `` She 's horrible. The portrait used to be in the hallway downstairs, but my dad managed to use a relocation appeal to get it up here. He could n't banish it from the house, though. There 's some form of charm on it that keeps it in the business firm. ``

`` What did she do to throw you preserve her up here ? '' John asked.

`` She insults everyone who comes into the house. The screaming 's awful. My Uncle Percy came up here once looking for some unornamented kitchen utensils and we had n't told him not to go in there. It took three hours to shut her up. ``

`` She sounds horrible, '' Matt agreed.

`` I bet she was worse when she was alert, '' Albus commented. The two of them walked back over to the box bathroom was rifling through.

`` count at all this ! '' bathroom grinned, `` The unharmed box is filled with partiality stuff. goblet, silverware. '' John pulled out a very bombastic candelabra and examined it. `` Are those, Hydra ? '' he pointed to the component part of the candelabra that would carry wax light. Each of them was a Hydra 's head, and the cd would sit in the Hydra 's mouth.

`` I think so, '' Albus took it from John and stared at it, `` That 's kind of creepy. No wonder it 's up here. ``

`` Not to mention the fact that it 's very Slytherin, '' John commented. Albus and John bent down and continued to depend through the box, while Matt watched them. `` Funny, '' John announced as he picked up yet another silver item. It was an old teapot that looked like it went with the tray, `` There 's not much gold up here. If the lightlessness were so rich, why did n't they have any gold ? ``

`` It 's too Gryffindor, '' Albus laughed.

`` True, '' whoremonger replied. He examined the teapot more closely. `` Hey, Matt, could you hand me that tray ? '' He pointed to the tea tray that he had set on the floor earlier.

`` Erm, '' Matt glanced from the try and then to toilet, `` Sorry, I ca n't. I 'm hypersensitized to silver. ``

`` Really ? '' John asked as he picked up the tray himself.

`` Uh, yeah, all werewolves are, '' flatness explained.

`` That 's matter to, '' King John said.

`` How did we go a whole year without knowing that ? '' Albus asked.

`` Well, '' flatness grinned, `` There 's not much silver in the Gryffindor common room. It 's too Slytherin. '' The boys all laughed.

`` These definitely go together, '' John announced, holding up the tray and teapot. `` I 'll bet there 's a unit set. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed and stood up, `` Let 's find another box, one that does n't have silver in it. ``

Gospel According to John agreed and put down the tray and teapot. matt looked very grateful as they started wandering around the attic. Albus and John peered into the box seat, looking for one that did n't own any silver in it.

`` Are there any without silver ? '' John the Evangelist asked after they 'd looked at at least ten dissimilar boxes.

`` Here ! '' Albus announced, pointing to a large box at the far end of the room. `` This says 'Sirius'on the side. I 'm sure there 's no silver in it. It would be too Slytherin. Plus, Sirius hated his family. ``

`` Excellent, '' Saint John sat down and opened the box. Albus and matte joined him and started pulling stuff and nonsense out.

`` await at these old robes, '' Albus held up a very old set of Gryffindor robes.

`` And this, '' lav pulled out an old copy of 1000 Magical Herbs and fungus kingdom. `` Bet it has n't changed in the to the lowest degree. ``

`` Broken snitcher, '' Matt announced, `` Broken Sneakoscope, a few dungbombs, broken shaft, nothing too exciting. ``

`` time lag, what 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a small-scale, worn out leather playscript at the behind. It did n't look much like a textual matter book. Albus reached into the box and pulled it out. He opened it up in silence, while John and Matt looked over his articulatio humeri. On the offset page was a image of four boys. `` It 's photograph album, '' he murmured. He flipped through the next few pages, noticing that the pictorial matter were always of the same four boy, though occasionally one or two of them were missing.

`` Who are they ? '' trick asked.

`` I think they 're the vulture, '' Albus pointed to a picture of a messy haired boy with glass, `` Because that is definitely my granddad. ``

`` shuffle sentience, since it was in Dog Star 's box, '' John agreed, `` Which one is Sothis ? ``

`` Probably him, '' Albus pointed to the tall, long haired boy. `` And the abruptly chubby one has got to be Peter Pettigrew. So, that 's Remus, '' Albus pointed to the skinny boy.

`` Wow, '' Matt whispered, `` question if your dad knows it was here. ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus replied. He continued to turn the pages, looking at each picture. It was a bit strange looking at all these image and seeing the Marauders at Hogwarts. There were picture show of them in their dormitory, in the common room, on the soil, in Hogsmeade. There was even one of them with the Whomping Willow in the background. There were also a couple of James playing Quidditch. In all the pictures, all four boy waved wildly at Albus, John, and matt. They all looked so happy. It felt weird to know that only a few years after these pictures had been taken, Peter would betray James I and Lily. The marauder had trusted each other with their lives, literally. Kind of like how Albus trusted his friends. But they would never betray each other. Albus knew that. None of them were rats like Pettigrew was.

Towards the end of the photograph album, a female child started appearing in a lot of the pictures. She would have her arms wrapped around St. James the Apostle and would kiss him every once in a while.

`` Who 's that ? '' Matt asked, pointing to the girl.

`` My grandmother, '' Albus explained. `` I think this has all their years of Hogwarts in it. '' Albus flipped to the very lowest page and saw that the shoemaker's last picture was of all the marauder, plus Lily, standing in presence of the lake in their schoolhouse gown, holding diploma. They all wore huge grin on their faces.

`` commencement, '' King John commented.

`` Yup, '' Albus replied, `` They look very happy there. ''

`` What are you going to do with it ? '' King John asked.

`` I think I 'll keep it, '' Albus replied. `` I mean, no one 's going to overlook it if it 's up here. '' Albus closed the picture album and a folded up opus of sheepskin fell out.

`` What 's this ? '' matte picked it up. `` Looks blank. ``

Albus took it from him, unfolded it, and examined it. It was almost dummy. In one of the corners were four very humble paw prints. `` No it 's not. Look, '' Albus pointed to the corner.

John and Matt peered at the parchment and looked at the paw prints. `` What 's that mean ? '' John asked.

`` I 've never seen it before, '' Albus replied, `` But I think it 's supposed to map the piranha. I 'm guessing they 're a Friedrich August Wolf, dog, stag, and rat prints. ``

`` It 's blank, though, '' John commented, `` I mean besides that. Why would Sirius keep an old art object of lambskin ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. But in his gut, he had a touch that it was n't a meaningless piece of lambskin. After all, to the average person, the Marauder 's Map was just a meaningless piece of parchment. Albus shoved the sheepskin back in the album, which he then shoved at the seat of his trunk once the son returned to Albus 's room.

******

`` Are you kids gear up to leave ? '' Harry shouted up the stairs, the day of Albus and Rose 's birthday party.

`` Yeah ! '' Albus shouted back. He ran down the stairs with John and Matt following him. They ran into the drawing room, where Albus 's parents were, along with James and Lily. `` We 're set up ! ``

`` trade good, '' Harry replied, `` Have you got everything, Ginny ? ``

`` I think so. I took most everything to the burrow earlier. ``

`` Like my stage ? '' Albus hinted.

`` Yes, like your acquaint, '' Ginny laughed.

`` Are we going by floo ? '' Matt eyed the fireplace warily.

`` I thought we would, '' Harry told him, `` Do n't worry, it 'll be better this metre. ``

Harry was right. This sentence, Matt did not inspire nearly as much smoke and managed to not fall over as he arrived at the burrow. When they got there, the house was already crowded with people.

`` Albus ! '' Molly Weasley came running over to them and gave Albus a big hug, `` glad Birthday ! ``

`` Thanks, Grandmum, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, are these your protagonist ? '' Molly asked.

`` Yeah, this is lav Brickston and Matt Eckerton, '' Albus gestured to his friends.

`` Nice to match you, '' Molly smiled, `` Now, Ginny, I need your help in the kitchen. Harry, would you assist Ron set up the tables in the grand ? ``

The grownup quickly left to set up for the company, leaving Albus and the other kids alone.

`` I 'm off to regain Cedric and Ben, '' James announced, `` See you later. ``

`` Let 's go to the yard, '' Albus suggested.

`` Is everyone here related to you ? '' lustrelessness asked as they walked through the house towards the back door.

`` Pretty practically, '' Albus laughed, `` If they 've got red hair, opportunity are they 're related. ``

`` Wow, I ca n't reckon having this many full cousin, '' matt replied, `` Well, I have n't got any cousins. ``

The mathematical group managed to make it through the crowd and into the backyard. They saw Harry and Ron setting up the tables magically. A few of Albus 's cousin-german were in the air on brooms and a few others were playing with the gnomes in the garden. Albus spotted rosebush and Amanda at a nearby table.

`` rosebush ! '' Albus ran over to them, `` Amanda ! ``

`` Hello, '' Rose and Amanda greeted them. `` Did you just get here ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Yeah, have you been here for a while ? '' Albus asked as he sat down.

`` For about a one-half hour. We flooed, '' rosebush told them.

`` Us, too. ``

`` I hate flooing, '' Amanda groaned, `` direct me fifteen instant to stop coughing. ``

`` It gets better, '' mat assured her, `` I had n't done it in years, but I did it to get to Albus 's house. lease me forever to stop coughing. But then when we came here, I was fine. ``

`` Did Kaden come with you ? '' Rose peered around at the chiliad like she was looking for Albus 's cousin.

`` Oh, no. Dad invited him, and Dudley, too. But they were having dinner with Uncle Vernon and Aunt petunia, '' Albus explained.

`` Did Dudley tell them ? '' Rose asked.

`` Sure did. Apparently Uncle Vernon went mad. He was shouting and swearing. Said he was n't going to have anymore freaks in the family. But Aunt Petunia got him to hold on. She 's actually ok with it. ``

`` Wow, '' Rose replied, `` Still ca n't believe it. ``

`` Me, neither, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hi, tyke ! '' Bill had appeared side by side to the table, holding what appeared to be a mammoth Gryffindor Panthera leo. `` Everyone 's arrived, so I think we 're going to do the pinata soon. ``

`` glorious ! '' Albus grinned.

Bill set the pinata down on the tabular array and glanced out across the yard. `` Oi ! Teddy ! Want to do the pinata ? ``

Teddy, who had turned his hair scarlet and gold for the occasion, came running over to the table. `` indisputable ! We doing it in the middle of the M ? ``

`` That would probably be skilful, '' Bill replied. The two of them set off to net a shoes for the pinata.

`` There 's no tree there, '' Amanda commented, `` What are they planning to attend it on ? ``

`` knack it on ? '' Albus asked.

`` fountainhead, yeah. That 's what you do with pinatas. You hang them on Tree so they 're in the air, '' Amanda said.

`` Oh ! That 's how Muggles do it ! '' Albus realized, `` Teddy 's just going to hover it. He 'll move it around and it 'll be really arduous to hit. ``

`` Whoever wants to do the pinata can come over here now ! '' shimmy shouted. All at once, all of Albus 's cousin-german ran over to Teddy. Albus, rosebush, and their Friend managed to push their way through the crowd to the front.

`` All right wing ! '' flier shouted, `` Albus and Rose first, then young to oldest. ``

blush wine went first. Bill put a blind-fold charm over her eyes and handed her an old ling. slip levitated the pinata and flung it around rose. After a few poorly aimed hits, her number was over. Albus was up next. He took the ling from blush wine and was blind-folded. He loved this part of his birthday political party, but he was never very full at it.

`` To the right ! '' someone shouted. Albus swung the broom around to his right field, but did n't defecate touch with anything. Teddy always made it difficult.

`` I bet you anything that Bradley 's going to break open it subject, '' Albus said once his crook was over. `` He does at everyone 's party. ``

`` Well, this is the sort of thing a beater would be dependable at, '' Rose pointed out.

`` I know, '' Albus replied. The pinata bashing continued for a while and no one had managed to even touch it. teddy bear was laughing hysterically as everyone flung the broom around. Soon, all the little shaver had finished and Albus 's friends were up. Amanda was the first one to actually partake the pinata with the broom, but she did n't make any progress in smashing it open. Matt actually managed to hit himself in the head with the Scots heather, instead of the large Gryffindor lion.

`` See, I was n't exactly lying when I told you I was clumsy last year, '' he whispered to Albus as he rubbed his head.

John was up future and he hit the pinata with a garish crunch that sounded like it should have smashed the whole affair. `` Yes ! '' he shouted.

`` Sorry, it 's a magically reinforced pinata since there 's so many of us, '' teddy bear grinned, `` It 'll get hold of a few Sir Thomas More of those. ``

As usual, Omar Bradley was the one to kick in the last reverse to the pinata. Everyone rushed forward to catch the Henry Sweet that had fallen out of it. Albus and his admirer each got a magnanimous bagful of sweets.

`` clip for present tense ! '' Molly shouted over the crowd. Albus and pink wine sat down at one one of the tabular array next to two gravid piles of presents. They alternated opening them, each receiving a lot of al-Qur'an, Henry Sweet, Weasley wiz Wheezes products, and versatile vesture token. Soon, there was just one present left.

`` It 's from us, Al, '' Harry smiled as he handed Albus a foresighted, rectangular box.

Albus took the box and tore the swathe off. Excitement washed over him as he saw what it was. `` A Firebolt 2000 ! '' he shouted, `` Wow ! This is damn brilliant ! Just like Georgia 's ! Thanks Mum and Dad ! ``

`` You 're welcome, '' Harry grinned, `` It 'll be perfect for when you get on the Quidditch team this year. ``

`` If I get on the team, '' Albus replied.

`` You will, '' James assured him.

`` I 'm going to try it out now ! '' Albus grinned. He ran to the middle of the yard with his champion and cousin-german following. He mounted the Calluna vulgaris and took off into the air. The even walkover felt chill as he soared mellow and higher. It flew just like Georgia 's did. The acceleration was wonderful and it turned at the little sense of touch. Albus flew around the pace for a few minute, enjoying the thrill that only flying could impart. Albus had loved flying and Quidditch for as long as he could call up. He had received his first toy broom on his low natal day. He promptly crashed into a tree the next day and broke it. Albus had gotten a lot practiced at flying since then, but he still was n't nearly as good as James IV was. After a few more than minutes, Albus descended and landed on the ground.

`` How is it ? '' lavatory asked.

`` Completely grand, '' Albus grinned, `` Want to try ? ``

`` Of row ! '' Saint John took the broom and flew off into the sky. Albus spent the next half hr lending his broom to his cousins and friend. They all agreed that it was a superb broom and that Albus was trusted to attain Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch squad.

molly served dinner shortly after everyone had tried out Albus 's new Scots heather. The word centered mainly around Quidditch, like it often did when all the Weasleys got together. With such a large turn of people, there was always a good bit of variance about which squad were the respectable. matt was thrilled that Albus 's Uncle Ron was a Chudley Cannons fan and the two of them defended their team to the eternal sleep of the group.

The evening ended with a magnificent Gryffindor Panthera leo shaped coat that Molly had made. Hermione had enchanted it to roar realistically when it was world-class cut. Shortly after everyone finished their cake, they started going home. Albus 's family were some of the last to leave.

`` I 'm going to Apparate abode with Lily, '' Harry said as they walked to the fireplace. Lily was asleep in his arms.

`` All right, '' Ginny replied. Harry turned on the daub and disappeared. `` You boys go first, '' Ginny gestured to the pot of floo gunpowder.

Albus stepped out of the fireplace at Grimmauld plaza and waited for John Lackland and lusterlessness. They appeared a few minutes later, and the three of them went up to Albus 's room.

`` That was really fun, Albus, '' Matt yawned as they lay down to go to sleep, `` Your family is fun. brand me care I had some cousins. ``

`` You 're welcome to share mine, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine, too, '' John agreed, `` If you think Albus 's folk is nuts, you should meet mine. You 'll meet one of my cousins this yr. It 's her offset class at Hogwarts. All my cousins are jr. than me. ``

`` The merely one of my cousins coming to Hogwarts this twelvemonth is Kaden, '' Albus told them.

`` Well, half of Gryffindor is your full cousin, Albus, '' John laughed, `` And if you make the Quidditch team, Ryan will be the alone non-Weasley and non-Potter on the team. ``

`` Yeah, we 're taking over, '' Albus joked. `` Well, safe night. ``

`` Night, '' john replied.

`` Night, '' flatness said.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early baby and my Brother. Thanks also to XDNLxtlz99, teddysxxgirl, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, and ginnyweasleypotter87 for their review article !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` Do you see them yet, Dad ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, not yet, '' Harry replied.

Albus sighed. He, Harry, toilet, and lusterlessness were all standing outside the Leaky caldron. The Muggle side. It was a few days after Albus and Rose 's birthday party and lusterlessness was meeting his parents to go home base in a brace hours. Harry had agreed to hire them a few minute early so they could buy their new books. Harry also decided that it would be a good meter to use up Dudley and Kaden shopping for Kaden 's supplies.

A few second later a dispirited sedan pulled up to the curb bit. A rather big blond-haired man stepped out, along with a unforesightful brunet woman, and two kids. Albus recognized the boy as Kaden. He was short, only an inch or so taller than Matt, and a bit on the chubby side. His hair's-breadth was brown and looked in want of a cut. Kaden 's vernal sister, Bethany, had inherited her Father of the Church 's blond hair and was about a headspring shorter than Kaden. Albus thought she was seven, but he was n't certain.

`` hello, Dudley, '' Harry extended his hired man to his first cousin.

`` Hi, Harry, '' Dudley took his hand and shook it.

`` Why do n't we go inside the pub and we 'll talk more there ? '' Harry suggested and opened the threshold to the Leaky Cauldron. Everyone filed inside. The Durlseys stared around, gaping at everything in good deal while they followed Harry out the back door. Harry took out his sceptre, tapped one of the bricks, and Diagon alley appeared in forepart of them. `` This is Diagon Alley. ``

`` This is where you got all your, your magic clobber ? '' Dudley gaped.

`` Sure is, '' Harry grinned, `` The maiden thing you 'll want to do is set up an account at Gringotts. '' He pointed to the bombastic white building at the end of the street. `` pound sign wo n't buy much here. You have to use genius money, Galleons, Sickles, and Canute the Great. ``

Albus really did n't need to go to Gringotts and wait while the Durlseys learned about wizard money. `` Dad, can me, John, and lustrelessness go look at the shops by ourselves ? ``

`` I suppose so, '' Harry said after he thought for a minute, `` I 'll take Dudley and Christina to Gringotts and show them around. Why do n't you take Kaden with you ? '' he suggested. `` We can get together you at Flourish and Blotts in an hour. ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said, happy to not have to go to Gringotts, `` Let 's go. '' The boys set off down the street, none of them really sure where to go first. Kaden seemed to be gazing in awe at everything he saw. Albus led them to a workbench outside timber Quidditch Supplies. `` Ok, Kaden, these are my friend, King John and flatness. ``

`` Are your parents witches and wizards, too ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, '' John replied. Matt nodded.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Are there a lot of youngster whose parents are n't crone and ace ? ``

`` A fair few, '' Albus answered, `` Our champion Amanda has Muggle parents. ``

`` I wish I 'd known about magic trick earlier, '' Kaden told them. `` What 's a Muggle, anyway ? ``

`` Do n't vex, you 'll catch up fast. Muggles are people who ca n't do magic. Like your parents, '' Albus told him, `` Let 's go into the Quidditch shop. ``

`` What 's Quidditch ? '' Kaden asked as they walked into the shop, `` Whoa ! There 's brooms in here ! Are we going to be clean something ? '' he asked skeptically.

John burst out laughing, `` clean-living with heather ? No way. We fly on them ! ``

Kaden 's oral cavity fell open, `` Like witches do in moving picture ? ``

bathroom laughed even harder, `` Yes, just like that ! ``

`` So what 's Quidditch ? '' Kaden asked again as he inspected a Firebolt 2000.

Albus, John, and matte spent a good twenty minute telling Kaden all about Quidditch.

`` That sounds very complicated, '' Kaden announced once they 'd finished.

`` I suppose, '' St. John the Apostle shrugged, `` But it 's fun, better than that sport Muggles bid. Football or something ? ``

`` Hey ! I play football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` And it 's fun. ``

`` fountainhead, there 's no football game at Hogwarts, '' trick told him, `` It 's Quidditch or nothing. Just wait until you first fly a broom, you 'll change your intellect about football. ``

`` Do you playact Quidditch ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not on my House team. First twelvemonth are n't allowed to play. And this year the just opening is for a pursuer. My locating is Beater. But Albus is trying out. ``

`` Oh, really ? '' Kaden looked at Albus.

`` Yup. I hope I make it. James is already on the team. He 's the quester. One of the C. H. Best Gryffindor has ever had, '' Albus said.

`` What 's Gryffindor ? ''

`` Does n't do it much about Hogwarts, does he ? '' John whispered to Albus.

Albus shook his read/write head. `` Gryffindor is one of the Houses at Hogwarts. You get sorted on your first day into one of the four houses. Gryffindor is usually where you go if you 're brave, Ravenclaw if you 're chic, Hufflepuff if you 're loyal, and Slytherin if you 're iniquity. ``

`` What ? ! ''

`` Well, technically Slytherins are cunning, but most of the malefic witches and genius were in Slytherin. ``

`` How do you get sorted ? ``

`` Ca n't tell you, '' Albus grinned, `` It 's component of the fun not to sleep together. ``

`` Are you all in Gryffindor ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied, `` All my full cousin are, too. ``

`` I hope I 'm there, '' Kaden replied. `` Can we go somewhere else ? I 'm sick of looking at brooms.

`` Let 's go to Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, '' John suggested. Although he looked a small taken aback that Kaden did n't require to look at Scots heather anymore.

The boy left the workshop and made their way to Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes. Kaden kept up a constant watercourse of questions the whole way there. By the time they made it to the workshop, Albus was getting a bit tired of answering them. Albus had remembered Kaden as being rather quiet, but now he seemed to be very hyper. Maybe the excitement of finding out he was a wizard had caused him to be more outgoing.

`` Whoa ! What is this place ? '' Kaden gazed around at the interior of George VI Weasley 's store with a tone of awe on his face.

`` put-on shop, '' Gospel According to John told him, `` Best shop in Diagon skittle alley. ``

`` Why thank you, bathroom ! '' George greeted them. `` Hello, Albus ! Hi, Matt ! ``

`` Hi, Uncle George II, '' Albus grinned, `` This is my cousin, Kaden. Dudley 's son. ``

`` Oh, yeah, Harry told me you 're a wizard, '' George turned to Kaden, `` If you 're ever in pauperism of any pranking item at Hogwarts, just send me an owl, I 'll get what you 're looking for. ``

Kaden nodded and stared at Saint George. After a few moments, he asked, `` What on earth happened to your ear ? ``

`` Lost it during the war against Voldemort, '' George told him, `` I 'm a bit holey now. ``

Kaden laughed, `` Holey, like a paragon ! ``

St. George turned to Albus, `` You sure he 's not a Weasley ? ``

`` positive ; he thinks football 's easily than Quidditch, '' Albus told him.

`` I 'm certain that 'll convert after he sees Quidditch, '' George replied. `` Well, I 've got to get back to work. See you later, Albus. ``

`` Bye, '' Albus said as George went back behind the counterpunch. Albus started looking around the workshop with John and Matt while Kaden bounced from one display to the next, announcing how brilliant everything was and asking the other boys more questions.

`` What are these ? '' Kaden pointed to a few Skiving Snackboxes.

`` Skiving Snackboxes, sweets that make you ill, '' Matt told him.

`` Why would you want to do that ? '' Kaden grimaced.

`` To get out of boring course of instruction, '' Matt explained, `` Once you 've sat through one of Binns 's year, you 'll understand. ``

`` And what are those ? '' Kaden pointed to a showing of Extendable Ears.

`` Extendable auricle, '' Albus told him, remembering when he used them finis Dec 25 only to overhear his dad talking about the Hallows. `` You use them to listen in on conversations people are having. ``

`` bid I had some money, '' Kaden sighed as he put back a package of Extendable Ears.

`` You will soon, once your parents are done at Gringotts, '' Albus told him, `` Speaking of which, we should probably manoeuvre back to flourish and Blotts. ``

The boy waved goodbye to George and left the shop. Albus, Matt, and Gospel According to John listened as Kaden commented on everything they passed on their way to the Holy Writ memory board. Albus hoped that his full cousin would calm down once he was more expend to the Wizarding man. They continued their walking to Flourish and Blotts while explaining about magical forms of transportation to Kaden. He was amazed that adept could look and disappear 'just like that', as he put it and snapped his fingers.

When they got to the Flourish and Blotts, Harry and the Dursleys were already waiting for them outside. `` Are you having fun ? '' Harry asked.

`` Yeah ! Albus has told me about Quidditch and fantasm and Flooing and all sorts of wizardly practical joke item, '' Kaden grinned.

`` Well, let 's go get your books now, '' Harry said as the mathematical group walked into the shop class. Flourish and Blotts was quite evacuate today. There were only a few former people inside, none of whom Albus recognized. Harry and the Dursleys took the boy'listing to a sales person while the boys started looking around.

Albus, John, and Matt had been to this Quran entrepot numerous clip and did n't witness anything exciting about it. The three of them would rather have been in lineament Quidditch Supplies. Kaden, on the early paw, seemed as energise there as he had been in George 's store. He ran all over the workshop, picking up random books and bringing them back to show the early boys.

`` look at this ! '' he panted, running back to Albus for what must ingest been the tenth clip, `` It 's a Word about brewing potions ! Am I going to get to do that ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied wearily. He had already given this answer in response to questions about appealingness, Transfiguration of Jesus, and defensive spells.

`` I ca n't expect ! '' Kaden shouted and disappeared into another row of books.

Albus turned to his champion and groaned. `` I do n't cogitate he 'll ever run out of excitement. ``

John stifled a laugh, `` Just wait until he gets his outset Potions essay. He wo n't be too thrilled about it then. ``

`` Look at this Good Book ! '' Kaden came running back a few minutes later with a book entitled, Dark beast : How to Protect Yourself. `` It 's got stuff about lamia and loup-garou in it ! I did n't have intercourse those were rattling ! ``

Albus felt Matt stiffen following to him. Albus glanced at him and saw the look of panic on his cheek. Albus immediately took the Koran from Kaden, `` Yeah, they 're real. But they 're nothing like the ones in Muggle sprite tales. And you do n't want to record this book. It 's too throw out. You 've got to depart out with the basics. '' Albus quickly stuffed the record book onto a nearby shelf. He did not want Kaden to show about the prejudice wizards had about loup-garou.

Kaden took off into another section of the stock and Matt relaxed. `` That was close, '' he whispered.

`` I 'm not going to let him buy into that werewolf prejudice, '' Albus assured him, `` Even though he 'll probably never determine out about you. ``

`` Thanks. ``

`` I 've got everyone 's books ! '' Harry announced as he, Dudley, Christina, and Bethany walked back to where the boys were standing.

`` Can we go get my wand now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he ran back from the other section of the store.

`` Sure, '' Dudley replied, `` You lead the way, Harry. ``

Harry, Kaden, and the rest of the Dursleys walked ahead of Albus and his supporter on their way to Ollivander 's. Kaden was practically skipping up the street in his agitation about his baton. In contrast, Matt was starting to tire out due to the upcoming wax Moon. By the clip Albus, John, and Matt got to Ollivander 's, Kaden was already trying out his first wand. He gave it a waving and one of the vacuous wand loge on Ollivander 's desk exploded. Kaden thought that the detonation was neat, but Ollivander disagreed. Kaden tried out wand for the following 15 minutes before finding one that created amber sparks when he waved it. Dudley paid for the wand and the chemical group left the workshop. The next plosive was the chemist and then Madam Malkin 's. An time of day later, Kaden was all set for his first year at Hogwarts.

Once they were done shopping, the mathematical group met Matt 's parents at the Leaky cauldron. Everyone was athirst, so they all decided to eat dinner together. Albus, privy, mat, and Kaden sat at their own board while the adults and Bethany sat at the other.

`` Ca n't believe the summer 's almost over, '' Albus said as he took a draught of butterbeer. `` What are you Guy doing for the rest of it ? ``

`` I 'm going to visit some more than of my cousins after I go home, '' John told them.

`` That 's probably what I 'm doing, too, '' Albus told them, `` And the big company we have at the end of every summer. That 's always awful. What are you doing Matt ? ``

Matt glanced up from his intellectual nourishment, which he was only picking at, and looked at Kaden before answering. Kaden was currently staring as a wizard at the succeeding table cut his steak with his wand. `` I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's, '' he whispered.

`` What 's St. Mungo 's ? '' Kaden asked loudly and turned his attention back to the former boys.

`` Wizard infirmary, '' Albus replied, hoping that Kaden would n't press for Sir Thomas More information. Luckily, at that consequence, a waitress came walking by while levitating two platters of food. Kaden immediately turned his attention to the levitating trays and did n't mention ask anything about St. Mungo's.

`` Why have you got to go there ? '' Albus asked very quietly, as he leaned in closer to lusterlessness. John leaned over as well.

`` I 'll explain sometime else, when we 're alone, '' he gave a meaningful coup d'oeil at Kaden, `` Maybe on the string. But do n't interest about it, I 'm o.k.. ``

Albus was n't very reassured by this. He did n't think citizenry went to St. Mungo 's when they were fine. But he did n't press for more information, he knew Matt disliked discussing his shape, especially around so many people.

`` We should probably get going, '' Mr. and Mrs. Eckerton stood up and walked over to Albus 's mesa. Mrs. Eckerton sent a disquieted look at her son. mat was resting his head on his hand and had his center closed. `` Are you all right, dear ? '' she asked quietly.

Matt lifted his head up and nodded. `` I 've just got a headache. I 'll see you on the train, Albus, John. Nice to encounter you, Kaden. ``

Harry and the Dursleys got up and said their sayonara to lustrelessness 's parents. Mr. Eckerton drew flatness into a tight hug, and the three of them Disapparated.

Kaden gawked at the place that lusterlessness and his parents had been just present moment before, `` That was brilliant. I want to do that. ``

`` You 'll get to, '' Albus told him, `` When you 're in your 6th year, you can take object lesson. And then when you 're seventeen, you take a examination to get your licence. ``

Kaden sighed, `` That 's so far away. But how come Matt got to do it now ? ``

`` He just did side-along Apparition. Someone who 's got their fantasm license can submit other multitude with them while they do it. ``

`` Have you done that before ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, but I prefer Flooing. ``

`` So do I, '' lavatory told him, `` But Matt likes side-along Apparition bettor. ``

`` Time to go, Kaden, '' Christina Durlsey came over to the table.

`` All right hand, '' Kaden sighed and stood up, `` I 'll see you guys on the railroad train. I ca n't wait ! ``

Albus waved good-by as the Dursleys left the pub to go back into the Muggle populace. Albus was n't for certain what to think about Kaden. He had n't seen him in years, but he 'd be seeing a lot of him now. Kaden was definitely a clump of energy, that was for sure. Kaden seemed to think that everything in the wizarding world was peachy. He was going to be in for a rude awakening when he learned about Voldemort and other malevolent wizards.



Wealsey-Potter-Dursley Family Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 18 Stanley, 7th year Georgia, 6th twelvemonth
Gabriella, 6th yr Heather, 5th year Bradley, 4th twelvemonth
Ben, 3rd year sign, 4th twelvemonth Cedric, 3rd year
Eddie, 6 old age old Samantha & lindy hop ( Twin Falls ), 7 days old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 5th year rosiness, 2nd year King James, 3rd year
Angie, 9 years old Hugo, 10 old age old Albus, 2nd year
Lily, 10 long time old

Dudley-Christina ( Muggle )
Kaden- 1st twelvemonth
Bethany- 7 years old

*all in Gryffindor*



A/N : Thanks to my sis and Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my other sis and my Brother. And thanks to ginnyweasley98, smirkyhaha, sinwillys822, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their limited review !

I also want to invite everyone to chequer out my sports meeting the source page on the forums. There 's a inter-group communication to it in my visibility. feeling give up to ask about my stories or writiing in universal there.


Disclaimer- As always, I do not own Harry Potter.


`` Hurry up ! '' Ginny called back to King James and Albus, `` It 's already quarter to eleven ! ``

Albus sped up as he pushed his streetcar through the crowded King 's Cross post. James was right on next to him, pushing his own trolley. Their parents and Lily were in front of them, walking as fast as they could without actually running. The Potters were running late, very late. It was Sept first and the Hogwart 's expressage would be leaving in exactly fifteen transactions. The hale daybreak had been very rush along. Albus woke up of late and James woke up even later. Albus had stayed up until midnight the night before working on his Transfiguration essay, and James IV always woke up late. Then, James could n't happen his practice fink and refused to forget before he found it. Lily finally found it in a cauldron that was in the kitchen. No one was really sure how it got there.

But because of all this, the thrower kinfolk was now practically running through King 's hybridisation, trying to get to Platform 9 3/4 on time. This was earning them many foreign looking at from the Muggles, especially due to the fact that they had two irritated hooter on their trolleys.

`` Epistle of James, you first ! '' Ginny shouted as they reached the roadblock between political program 9 and 10. Albus watched as his pal disappeared into a seemingly strong wall.

`` I 'll stay here and wait for the Dursleys, '' Harry said as he glanced at his picket. It appeared that the Dursleys were even later than the Potters.

`` All right, '' Ginny replied, `` Albus, you next. ``

Albus nodded and ran through the roadblock. A few instant later, Albus was standing on program 9 3/4, and Rose was running up to him.

`` Albus ! '' she shouted, `` There you are ! ``

`` Yeah, we 're running a bit recent. ``

`` A bit ? ! The caravan 's leaving in seven min ! ``

`` I know, '' Albus said as Ginny and Lily appeared behind him, `` But Kaden 's even later. ``

`` I 'll load your luggage compartment, '' Ron appeared and took James and Albus 's tram to the train.

`` Be good, St. James, '' Ginny warned, `` You, too, Albus. ``

`` We 're always good, Mum, '' St. James grinned and slapped Albus on the back, `` rightfulness, Al ? ``

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus grinned back.

Ginny gave them a stern looking at, `` I do n't require any hooter from professor Kendrick. ``

`` Aw, do n't concern, Mum, '' St. James laughed, `` You have n't gotten one yet. ``

`` Five minute until the train leaves ! '' Hermione told them.

`` Kaden better hurry up, '' Albus replied.

At that moment, Kaden burst through the barrier with a huge smiling on his face. Harry was behind him, pushing another streetcar. Ron grabbed it and ran it over to the train.

`` That was brilliant, '' Kaden announced as he joined the group.

`` You 've got to get on the string now ! '' Ginny shouted as she herded everyone over to one of the train room access. She gave James and Albus a warm hug and kiss. `` Bye, kidskin ! Be proficient, all of you ! ``

`` I 'll see you later at the fete, '' Harry gave each of his boy a hug.

`` Bye, Mum, bye Dad, bye Lily ! '' Albus shouted as he climbed onto the gear. Kaden and rose got on after him. James jumped on just as the geartrain was starting to move.

`` That was close, '' rose wine sighed as the train left the station.

`` Yeah, '' Saint James the Apostle agreed, `` But we made it. I 'll see you lot later. '' He ran down the train corridor to find his friends.

`` C'mon, Rose, '' Albus started to walk down the corridor, `` Let 's go find John, Matt, and Amanda. ``

`` How does that body of work ? '' Kaden asked while he followed Albus and rose wine, `` I mean, how on earth can you go through a solid brick wall ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` It 's illusion, you know. ``

`` Yeah, but still ... '' Kaden shrugged.

Albus and rosiness continued down the corridor, peeking into compartments as they looked for their Quaker. Kaden followed finish behind, still wanting to peach about the barrier. Anything remotely sorcerous seemed to excite him, and Albus had to stifle a laugh as he thought about what Kaden was going to do when he saw the sort Hat.

`` There they are, '' rose announced when they were halfway down the train. Rose pulled open the door and they walked inside. Gospel According to John, lusterlessness, Amanda, and a miss with long, black, curly hairsbreadth Albus had never seen before were sitting inside.

`` I was wondering when you two would usher up, '' John grinned.

`` Barely made it, '' Albus told him as he sat down succeeding to John.

`` I was on time, '' rosebush announced, smirking at Albus.

`` Hey ! It was n't my faulting. James would n't leave until he found his practice Snitch. ``

`` wellspring, you made it, that 's all that matters, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah, good affair you did n't miss the power train. I suppose you could 've just Flooed, but the caravan is better, '' John told them. `` By the way, this is my cousin, Isabelle, '' he gestured to the girl Albus had n't recognized. `` She 's just starting this year. ``

`` Hi, '' Isabelle said quietly.

`` hello, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm Albus Potter. ``

Isabelle 's middle opened wide and she stared at him. `` Really ? ``

Albus sighed, he was sick of going through this with everyone he met, `` Yes, really. ``

`` Wow, '' Isabelle replied.

`` I 'm Rose Weasley, '' rosiness told her, `` Albus 's cousin. '' Isabelle nodded, but did n't say anything.

`` Oh, Amanda, Isabelle, '' Albus said, `` This is my full cousin, Kaden. He 's Dudley 's son. ``

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Amanda smiled at him. Isabelle again just nodded.

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied and sat down next to Amanda. `` You 're, what 's the word of honor ? Muggle-born, too, right ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` Were n't you amazed by the barrier, too ? '' Kaden asked, `` I mean, it was just so foreign, going through a solid brick wall. ``

`` I suppose. It was form of scary at outset, but it does n't bother me much now. ``

`` He 's been going on about the barrier for the past tense ten minutes, '' Albus whispered to John and Matt.

`` Just wait until he first gets hexed, '' John whispered back, `` He wo n't be thinking everything 's brilliant then. ``

`` How was your holiday in Emerald Isle, Amanda ? '' Rose asked.

Amanda grinned, `` It was grand ! We went all over the stead, just wandering around and seeing everything. I kissed the Blarney Stone, too. ``

`` I 've done that ! '' Kaden announced.

`` I hope we go back sometime, I had a really just time, '' Amanda told them, `` How were the rest of your summers ? ``

`` Mine was honorable, '' John the Divine said, `` Visited Isabelle 's crime syndicate and we all went to Diagon Alley together. null too charge up. ``

`` I love Diagon Alley ! '' Kaden shouted, `` I ca n't waitress to go back there ! ``

`` Yeah, it 's a pretty neat plaza, '' Albus agreed, `` Went back there with James after you left, lavatory. former than that I spent the rest of my vacation doing homework and playing Quidditch. ``

`` Me, too, '' blush wine said, `` Although I mainly watched King James and Albus play Quidditch. ``

`` How about you, lusterlessness ? Do anything exciting ? '' Albus asked, looking at his friend. Albus really wanted to get it on why Matt had been in St. Mungo 's, but he knew that lusterlessness would not elaborate on it while Kaden and Isabelle were in the compartment.

`` Not really, '' Matt replied quickly, giving Albus a look that meant he would assure him later. `` So, I wonder who the new appeal teacher will be ? '' Matt asked, changing the subject.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` Anyone will be better than Washburn. ``

`` Who 's Washburn ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` And what happened to him ? ``

`` He was the Charms teacher, '' Albus told him, `` He got fired for trying to steal, er, sealed matter that would help him achieve Voldemort 's nonesuch. And he started a duel with me, John, Amanda, matte, and pink wine. One of his friends dueled with my dad, too. It was pretty bad. ``

`` Who 's Voldemort ? '' Kaden asked, `` And what things ? ``

Albus sighed and looked at Rose, who shrugged. It was going to be a long trip. Albus turned to Kaden and explained all about Voldemort. He left out the parting about the Hallows, though, as he was n't sure if his dad would need him to tell Kaden. `` So you see, not all wizards are serious, '' Albus finished.

Kaden stared at his cousin, lost for words for the firstly time. After a few moments he whispered, `` Blimey. So that 's why your crime syndicate 's illustrious ? Because my dad said you were, he just did n't tell me why. ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied.

The grouping spent much of the respite of the journey talking about who the future appealingness teacher would be, Quidditch, the Dueling Club ( which they 'd be allowed to join this twelvemonth, as second years ), and a keen hand of other stuff and nonsense. Around lunch prison term, the witch came around with the trolley and everyone bought great amounts of food. Everyone had a lot of fun watching Kaden try all the charming sweets. Kaden announced that he liked Bertie Botts Every savour dome better, despite the fact that the first one he tried was a vomit flavor. When he opened his showtime Chocolate Gaul, he was shocked that it could hop and even more shocked when he saw the icon of Rowena Ravenclaw disappear from the lineup that came with it.

After they polished off the balance of the dessert, the conversation turned to which theatre Kaden and Isabelle wanted to be in. Apparently John and Isabelle 's home consisted of an equal figure of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Isabelle 's dad had been a Gryffindor and her mum had been a Hufflepuff. Isabelle did n't really like if she was in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, but she knew she did n't desire to be in Slytherin. She decided that Ravenclaw would n't be bad, but she wanted to be some place where her family unit had been. Kaden on the former handwriting, definitely wanted to be in Gryffindor. Albus was n't too sure he 'd roll up there, still thinking that his first cousin was to a greater extent of a Hufflepuff, but he did n't tell Kaden this.

Soon the train made it to Hogsmeade station and it was time for everyone to get off. Albus and his friends joined the heavy crowd of students exiting onto the platform.

`` Firs'years ! fir tree'class ! '' Hagrid called out.

Albus lead his group over to him, `` Hi, Hagrid ! ``

`` 'Ello, Albus ! '' Hagrid greeted him.

`` My cousin Kaden 's starting this twelvemonth, and Saint John the Apostle 's full cousin, Isabelle, '' Albus gestured to the two kickoff geezerhood standing near him.

Kaden gaped at Hagrid, `` Are you the one who gave my dad a pig 's stern ? ``

`` Oh, yer Dudley 's son, then, '' Hagrid turned to Kaden, `` Tha'was me. ``

Kaden started laughing, `` I ca n't wait to learn how to do something like that. ``

`` Soon enough, soon enough, '' Hagrid told him, `` Le 's go, then, '' he said to Kaden and Isabelle. The two of them waved to Albus and the others, and followed Hagrid to the lake.

`` Finally, '' Albus muttered as he lead his admirer to the pushchair, `` I thought he 'd never leave us alone. '' Albus liked Kaden, but found his constant fellowship to be taxing.

`` I kinda like him, '' lav laughed, `` He 's got mettle. ``

`` Well, you 're kind of like him, John, '' Albus laughed and climbed into the nighest empty carriage. `` Although you 're a bit less plaguey, '' Albus turned around and grinned at his friend.

`` Gee, thanks, '' St. John laughed and sat down future to Albus. Rose, Amanda, and mat followed after, and sat down on the derriere across from them.

`` So, lustrelessness, you were awfully quiet on the wagon train, '' Albus began, `` Something happen during the last part of the summer ? ``

Matt sighed and glanced around at his Quaker, `` Yeah .... I just did n't want to tell you with Kaden and Isabelle around. ``

`` I figured, '' Albus replied, `` What happened ? Are you all right ? ``

`` I 'm fine, honestly. It 's just, remember over the summer when I said I was going to St. Mungo 's ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said.

`` And recall that study I told you about ? The one I 'm in ? ``

Albus nodded and remembered back to earlier in the year where matte had briefly explained about a bailiwick as to why wolf's bane Potion had no core on him and former werewolves.

`` I know I did n't tell you a whole lot about it, but it 's the understanding I was at St. Mungo 's. person has to honor me after every transformation. Usually Madam Pomfrey or my parents do it, but the Healers like to do it at to the lowest degree twice a yr. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus replied, relieved that Matt being severely injured was n't the reason he was in the hospital.

`` That makes horse sense, '' rosiness commented.

`` Yeah, but that 's not all. I figure I should probably recount you a bit more about the survey. It started when I was 8. For the starting time 2 years, I did n't get any Wolfsbane potion. The side by side 2 year, I got regular wolf's bane. Not that it made much of a difference. ``

`` I wonder why, '' Albus said. He had been queer about this study ever since Matt told him about it the old term, but Albus had been loath to ask about it.

`` Dunno. No one does, that 's why they 're doing it, '' flatness told them, `` But anyway, the healer and Potion brewer that are working on the Wolfsbane have come up with anther miscellanea and I 'm going to bulge out trying it out. ``

`` When ? '' John asked.

`` I think in January, because I 'll be home on Christmas break. I 've got to take it a couple mean solar day beforehand and it 'll be better if someone can watch closely, '' mat told them.

`` Has it been tested before ? '' rose asked.

`` No, '' Matt said quietly. `` That 's the spot of the work, to examine the potions. ``

Albus glanced at Matt. He looked a bit fright at the prognosis of taking an untested potion. No wonder he had been repose on the train. Albus was n't sure if he would desire to take an untried potion. Of course of instruction, if the potion worked, lustrelessness 's liveliness would drastically change for the beneficial. But what if it did n't turn, what if it had horrible side impression ?

`` But they 've been researching it, right ? '' Rose asked, `` I mean, they 're jolly sure it wo n't do anything bad ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, they do n't recall it 'll hurt me. They 're just not certain if it will bear the burden it 's supposed to, '' Matt assured them, `` But it is a bit scary. ``

`` Yeah, '' blush wine agreed, `` I 'd say so. ``

`` It 's worth it, though, if they ever find one that works for me. ``

******

`` Brings back store, does n't it ? '' lav said as the first years filed into the Great Hall.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, remembering how fearful he 'd been of being in Slytherin the former class. He still had n't told his friends that the Sorting Hat had considered it, and he was n't sure if he ever would.

`` There 's Kaden, '' Rose pointed to Albus 's cousin, who was standing right at the front of the group.

`` And Isabelle 's right behind him, '' John told them.

prof Patil motioned for the room to be quiet and the categorization Hat burst out in Sung. Albus had to stifle a laugh as he saw Kaden 's back talk exposed in shock. Albus knew that hat would flummox his full cousin. Kaden turned around and whispered something to Isabelle, who nodded. Once the hat stopped singing, prof Patil started the classification. The first two students were both sorted into Ravenclaw.

`` Brickston, Isabelle, '' Patil called, and John 's cousin-german walked over to the stool. Patil dropped the hat on her head and a few moments later, it shouted out, `` Hufflepuff ! '' Isabelle got up and joined her fellow Hufflepuffs.

`` Dang, '' lav said, `` I thought she 'd be here. ``

`` Well, you said there are a lot of Hufflepuffs in your family, '' Rose pointed out.

`` Yeah, I know, '' John sighed, `` Hufflepuff 's full, too. But it 's not nearly as good as Gryffindor. ``

`` Dursley, Kaden, '' Patil announced. Kaden ran forward immediately and sat down on the stool, with a big grin on his face.

Patil put the hat on his head and after a few arcminute, it opened its brim astray and announced, `` Gryffindor ! ``

Albus turned to look at Saint James, who was sitting a few seats down, wearing an superposable look of shock to the one Albus was. `` Gryffindor ? '' he mouthed, shaking his head. He was so for certain that Kaden would wind up in Hufflepuff.

`` well, the hat did pack an awfully yearn time to decide, '' Rose pointed out. `` Maybe he 's got aspects of all the firm. ``

Like me, Albus thought to himself. He looked up and saw Kaden running over to the Gryffindor table. Albus did n't think it possible, but his grin was even wider now. A few of the older Gryffindors congratulated him as he wedged his way in between Albus and Matt on the bench. `` Good job, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Thanks ! I still ca n't believe that hat can talk. uncanny matter I 've ever done, have a conversation with a hat, '' Kaden laughed.

`` Wo n't be the eldritch thing you 'll see here, '' Albus told him, thinking of Nearly Headless dent, the portraiture on the paries ( Sir Cadogan in specific ), the Whomping Willow, Moaning Myrtle, and numerous early aspects of the castle that Kaden would take in never seen before.

The sorting persist in and the radical of world-class age dwindled until there were only a mates students left. Albus had n't recognized any of the other outset years, besides Kaden and Isabelle. He thought this must have been the first year in a foresightful metre that a Weasley had n't been sorted.

`` Willinson, Felix, '' Patil announced. One of the two remaining male child walked sullenly to the can and waited for the hat to sort him. A few minute later, the hat shouted, `` Slytherin ! ``

`` Willinson ? '' Albus turned to look at his friends, who were all starting at each other, `` You do n't think- ''

`` mustiness be some relation, '' John Lackland shrugged.

`` Maybe a cousin ? '' rosiness suggested, `` I remember Slughorn mentioning that Willinson was an only tike at one of the punch ball club meetings last year. ``

`` Great, '' Albus sighed, `` I thought we 'd be done with Willinson after last year, but now we 'll let to deal with his cousin. ``

`` Felix Willinson might not be like his cousin-german, '' rosiness pointed out.

`` But he 's in Slytherin, '' whoremonger said adamantly.

`` May I have your attention, please ! '' Albus and his friends stopped talking and looked up to see that Kendrick had stood up. `` Thank you. I do make a few first of full term announcements, but I think they can wait until after the fete. Enjoy. '' Kendrick waved his weapon and intellectual nourishment appeared on the golden platters.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted loudly, `` That 's crashing bright ! ``

`` That 's how the solid food always appears, Kaden, '' Albus laughed and served himself a vauntingly fate of steak and kidney pie.

`` I could definitely get used to this, '' Kaden grinned as he piled his dental plate high with everything within reach.

`` Told you he was like you, '' Albus whispered to John as John filled his own plate with as much food as he possibly could.

`` Wut, is'goob foob, '' St. John replied with his oral fissure full of potatoes.

`` That 's disgusting, St. John the Apostle, '' Rose screwed up her face in disgust.

`` Wut were you wis'ring abo befo ? '' Kaden asked with portion of a roll in his mouth.

`` Ugh, he does it too ! '' Amanda commented.

`` What ? '' matt asked Kaden.

Kaden swallowed, `` I said, what were you whispering about before ? You know, when Felix Willinson got sorted. ``

Matt glanced at Albus, clearly unsure about what to tell Kaden. Albus glanced at his other friends, who all shrugged. `` Er, '' Albus began, `` Remember what I said about the Charms teacher on the train ? '' Kaden nodded, while stuffing his face with the rest of his roll.

`` Well, Professor Washburn was n't the solely one in on that duel. Some wizard named Jarett Willinson was fighting alongside Washburn ; we think he 's the one who was in burster. He has a son, Quinton, who was a seventh year end class. Quinton drove us mad all in conclusion year and then fought along with Washburn and his dad. We 're all trying to cipher out if Felix is related. We think he is, only probably just a cousin because Quinton does n't feature any siblings. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden replied and served himself another helping of Gallus gallus. He clearly was n't too worried about Felix Willinson.

Throughout the quietus of the fiesta, Albus talked to his Quaker about Felix Willinson and whether or not he was anything like Quinton. Rose wanted to sacrifice him the benefit of the uncertainty and wait and see if he shared the same aspect as Quinton. can, on the early paw, was ready to hex him as soon as the feast was over. He figured that Felix must agree with Quinton, since he was in Slytherin. lustrelessness and Amanda both agreed that Felix probably did fit with his cousin, but did n't guess they should start hexing him before they really met him. Albus was n't sure what to think, and he just thought they should avoid Felix, not trying to be friendly with him or hex him.

Kaden received a nice jar when Nearly-Headless Nick decided it would be his plate he would appear out of during the fete. Kaden dropped his roll in surprise, but another one of his immense grins appeared on his face shortly after. He gazed around in astonishment and watched all the ghosts circling the way. Albus laughed and told him that they even had a ghost teacher. Kaden was amazed by this and said he could n't await for that class.

`` It 's just story of Magic, '' lustrelessness told him, `` Boringest form in the shoal. best one for sleeping, though. ``

`` You 'd know, would n't you ? '' John joked.

`` Oh, shut it, john, '' Matt laughed, `` But seriously, Binns is the most drilling professor here. ``

Kaden looked a bit disappointed at this, `` Really ? How can a category be boring if it 's taught by a ghost ? ``

`` trustingness me, the thrill wears off after the first gear day, '' lustrelessness said.

A few minute later the food disappeared and deserts appeared just second later. Kaden and John immediately piled their scale with every pudding there was. Albus and his friends informed Kaden about the rest of their professor and they all speculated about the new Charms teacher. Albus had noticed one new teacher sitting at the faculty tabular array and assumed she was the new Charms instructor. She was an old crone, with her grey-headed haircloth pulled back in a tight bun. She was very scrawny and Albus was guessing she was quite tall, but it was hard to tell as she was sitting down. Albus thought she had an almost bird-like appearance.

`` Your attention, please, '' Kendrick stood up once again and the educatee quieted down, `` Thank you. I hope everyone had a full summertime and are set up to get back to studying. I have a few start-of-term proclamation, as well as one rather big declaration. ''

rustle immediately erupted in the way, as to what this big announcement could be. Kendrick waited a few moments before continuing, `` Anyway, first I 'd care to premise you to our new Charms teacher, prof Cedonia. '' The old witch stood up and Albus noticed that she was, indeed, very tall. She gave a pocket-sized waving and sat back down again. `` I also need to prompt you that the Forbidden Forest is, as always, out of bounds, as is the Whomping willow. ``

Kaden turned to Albus and mouthed, 'Whomping willow tree ?', with another look of amazement on his face. Albus chose to ignore this and went back to paying attention to the headmaster 's speech.

`` Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that dueling in the corridors is forbidden. Also, that the leaning of forbidden objects now includes the new 'Extra-Strength Dung turkey'that have just been released at Weasleys'virtuoso Wheezes. All other intersection available for purchase there are also forestall and students may inspect the fully listing on Mr. Filch 's door. ``

Albus, who had experienced the essence of one of his uncle 's new muck bombs, could read why they were banned, but knew the ban would n't stop citizenry from using them. He laughed to himself as he remembered the look on his grandmother 's grimace when Uncle George brought one of the dung bomb to the end of summer get together at the Burrow.

`` If you want to try out for your house 's Quidditch squad, please give your epithet to your head of family. I think those are all the common declaration. Now, onto the more exciting promulgation, '' Kendrick paused and none of the students said a word, `` It has come to my aid that the tensions between the sign of the zodiac have been increasing over the past tense few years. I know that certain houses have always had competition, '' Kendrick turned to calculate at the Gryffindor and Slytherin board before continuing, `` But I think the contention has gotten too large. I believe we need more unity. A slap-up Muggle man once said'A theater divided against itself can not stand-'''

`` But our house is n't divided, '' Cedric Weasley shouted out, `` Gryffindor is perfectly unified. ``

`` Thank you, Mr. Weasley, '' Kendrick said sternly, `` I was talking about Hogwarts as a whole. I, along with the other professor, believe that their is too much home rivalry. Therefore, we will be taking dance step this year to palliate it. ``

`` This wo n't be honest, '' John the Divine muttered under his breather, `` I can see it coming, we 're going to cause to be favorable with the Slytherins. ``

`` We have decided to convert the Dueling Club, '' Kendrick continued, `` This year, unlike past tense years, we will suffer inter house squad. ``

`` What ! ? '' most of the Great Hall erupted into shouts of utter astonishment. The Gryffindors were glaring at the Slytherins, and vice versa.

`` No way am I dueling with Gryffindors ! '' an older Slytherin shouted, `` I 'm only dueling against them ! ``

`` Well, we do n't need any bloody Slytherins on our team either ! '' Fred Weasley shouted back.

`` Thank you for proving my point, '' Kendrick shouted over the noise. The room quieted down immediately, `` As I said, there is too much competition. I believe this will help alleviate it. You will have to wreak together with members of early theater in order to win the dueling patronage. There will be more details to be during the first-class honours degree meeting of the Dueling Club. As always, the club is open to second gear years and above. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted loudly and turned to Albus, `` I ca n't join ? ``

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` Sorry. starting time years do n't know enough spells to link. But you can join succeeding class. '' Kaden scowled and turned back to the headmaster.

`` What about Quidditch ? '' James asked, `` That 's not inter house, is it ? ``

`` Of class not, Mr. Potter, do n't worry, '' Kendrick smiled, `` I believe I would be run out of the rook if I tried to start inter theater Quidditch. ``

`` He probably would, '' Albus replied quietly, so only his acquaintance could try him.

`` I think those are all the annunciation I have for now. I suggest you all get a proficient night 's rest for classes tomorrow sunrise. First years, delight follow a Prefect to your common elbow room. trade good night, everyone, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` Blimey, '' privy sighed and shook his head as he stood up, `` Inter house dueling. ``

`` Yeah, this could get mussy, '' Matt agreed, `` I 'm not surely it 's going to have the consequence Kendrick wants. ``

`` Oh, I do n't hump, '' Rose shrugged, `` I kind of think it 's a thoroughly idea. ``

`` I do n't think it 'll build us get along with Slytherins, '' Albus commented as they exited the Great Hall.

`` Nothing could do that, '' John said.

`` Are you guys still joining ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Definitely, '' Albus replied. John, Rose, and Amanda all nodded their heads.

`` goodness, me too, '' lusterlessness told them, `` Just cause to hope I 'm not with Scorpio Malfoy. ``

`` We 've all got to go for that, '' Albus agreed.

Albus and his friends continued their trek to Gryffindor towboat, and the conversation turned to the new appeal instructor. None of them could suppose what professor Cedonia was like, but they all assumed she was strict. She had a very rump tone about her all during the feast. When they got to the common room, they all decided to contract Kendrick up on his advice and spell in early. They were all tired from the journey to Hogwarts. Albus got into his warm four-poster bed, and realized that with prof Washburn gone, he would n't give birth anymore of those Legilimency dream he had go year. With that well-chosen mentation in his head, Albus drifted off into a restful sleep.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early sister and my brother. Thanks also to sinwillys822, Moonylupin, TheAlbusPotterCritic, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, and Draco ginger for their critical review !

Quote that Kendrick said in his speech was said by Abraham Lincoln and all credit goes to him.

I 've also written a new one-shot, That Night, which is about the night matt got bitten. If you want to curb it out, the link is in my profile.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` What have we got adjacent ? '' lav asked at tiffin the side by side day. The Gryffindor indorse twelvemonth had just gotten back from a particularly irksome account of Magic course of study. Before that, they had Transfiguration, which was almost as boring as history of Magic.

Albus looked at his schedule, `` duple Potions. I hope we 're not with the Slytherins this yr. ``

`` Yeah, we 're already with them for Transfiguration, '' flatness groaned.

`` Hi, everyone ! '' Kaden threw himself onto the bench next to Albus and started piling his plate with food, `` The grade are brilliant here ! There is n't any maths or English year ! ``

`` English ? '' John laughed, `` Why in the name of Merlin would they teach us to verbalise English ? ``

`` Muggles take English class in school, Saint John, '' Amanda sighed, `` They learn grammar and punctuation mark and read lit. ``

`` Oh, '' John replied, `` Sounds boring. ``

`` It is, '' Kaden announced, `` Anyway, I had Uncle Harry for Defense first this dayspring ; it was so full-strength. ``

`` Glad you liked it, '' Albus responded.

`` I ca n't look to use my wand for something, '' Kaden pulled out his verge and started waving it around.

`` Watch it ! '' lustrelessness shouted as Kaden nearly poked his eye out.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden put his scepter back in his robe.

`` You 'll use it soon, '' Albus assured him.

`` We 'd better get going to Potions, '' Rose stood up and grabbed her bag.

`` Potions ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That sounds fun ! Like chemistry. '' He pulled out his own schedule, `` I 've got it tomorrow, I ca n't waitress ! ``

Albus stood up, `` We 'll see you later, Kaden. ``

Albus and his friends walked out of the Great Hall and towards the step that lead to the donjon.

`` Is there anything Kaden is n't excited about ? '' lusterlessness asked.

`` I do n't remember so, '' Albus laughed, `` We 'll see what he 's like when exam time comes. ``

`` Oh, Falco columbarius ! '' John shouted once they reached the donjon, `` We 're with the Slytherins again ! ``

`` Of all the category to induce with them, '' Albus muttered.

The scholarly person stood outside the dungeon, in break radical of Gryffindors and Slytherins, waiting for Slughorn to arrive. He arrived a few minutes later and unlocked the door. Albus went inside with everyone else and sat down at one of the desks, next to mat.

`` Ah, my two best-loved Houses together again ! '' Slughorn grinned and clapped his hands together, `` Just let me run through attendance real number quick. '' Slughorn read off the gens of all the students, `` Excellent, fantabulous, we 're all here !

`` Now, seeing as we have a look-alike class today, I thought a niggling contest would be appropriate ! Let 's see how much you remember from close year. The cooperator that brew the best Forgetfullness Potion will each get a expectant slab of Honeyduke 's burnt umber ! '' Slughorn glanced around at his students. The Gryffindors were on one side of the room, Slytherins on the other, much like it had been in the previous year.

`` I 'm sure you all heard Professor Kendrick 's spoken communication last night, about the fact that the schoolhouse needs to be more unified, '' Slughorn continued in an uncharacteristically grievous tone, `` Therefore, I have decided that it would be a honest thought to have inter-house partners this yr. ``

Albus turned to lustrelessness and mouthed, Good idea ? matte was looking as shocked as Albus felt. Neither of them wanted to put to work on Potions with any of the Slytherins. How could Slughorn think this would be a good idea ? Albus thought it would most likely cause More detonation than usual.

Once the course stopped groaning, Slughorn continued, `` I, for one, agree with the headmaster in that there needs to be to a lesser extent tension between the houses. So, please terminate moaning. I 'm sure you 'll notice that you can form together for the afternoon. I will translate off the pairs and then you may move. ``

Slughorn picked up another bit of parchment and started reading off it, `` Dalila Avish is with Amanda Tagger, John Brickston is with Xavier Goyle, Janie Creevey is with Nessa Vaisey, lusterlessness Eckerton is with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

Albus glanced at Matt who had a spirit of utter repulsion on his face. He was shaking his head and mouthing the word of honor 'no'. Albus knew that matt would experience rather worked with any Slytherin other than Scorpius. Albus turned his head slightly and saw that Scorpius had a smug look on his face. He probably thought he 'd observe out lustrelessness 's arcanum now. But he would n't, not if Albus could do anything about it.

Slughorn continued reading names, `` Celeste Faxon is with Karina Jordan-Bell, Marina Jordan-Bell is with Elle Yeardley, Ethan Kesse is with Garth Octavius, Jesse Jackson Limbert is with Albus Potter. ``

Could be worse, Albus thought. He did n't really do it capital of Mississippi, although he did know that Jackson was an fantabulous Potions beer maker. Albus was decent with Potions, but not nearly as good as Jackson.

`` Bilius Mansfield is with St. Patrick Parlan and Leigh Montague is with blush wine Weasley, '' Slughorn looked up from his sheepskin and tapped his baton on the black board. Instructions appeared on it. `` There you go ! ``

Albus gave matte a half-hearted grinning that matt did not return, and Albus got up to join Thomas Jonathan Jackson Limbert at his desk. Scorpius Malfoy got up and took Albus 's annul seat. `` Limbert, '' Albus nodded as he set his caldron down on the desk.

`` Potter, '' Limbert nodded back. `` I 'll get the ingredients, you light a fire. ``

Albus nodded and lit a firing beneath his cauldron as Limbert joined the queue of students getting ingredients from the cupboard. Limbert returned a few minutes later and he and Albus started to groom the ingredient. They worked in silence the whole time. Albus did n't know what Slughorn was thinking. The effective he could probably hope for was what Albus and Limbert were doing ; working civilly with each other, but not talking. Albus dropped a few beetles into the cauldron and looked around at everyone else. It seemed like Albus and Limbert were some of the few who were getting along. Scorpio Malfoy was whispering something to lusterlessness, that lustrelessness was trying hard to dismiss. pink wine was telling Leigh something and Leigh looked like she was quick to hex rosebush. John was correcting Goyle, who was stirring his cauldron in the incorrectly direction, and John looked like he wanted to scream. Amanda and Delila seemed to be getting along all right, but like Albus and Limbert, were n't talking.

`` Time 's up ! '' Slughorn announced a while later. Albus stepped back from his cauldron as Slughorn started to examine the potions. He inspected each one, telling its proprietor what they could give birth done to make it better. Slughorn was impressed with Rose and Leigh 's potion, but not with any of the others. Finally, he made his way to Albus and Limbert 's cauldron.

He leaned over the cauldron and prodded it with his wand. `` Excellent ! wellspring done, boys ! I think we have a success ! '' Slughorn produced two bars of burnt umber and gave them to Albus and Limbert. `` Please read chapter one of your record and write a six inch summary of it for following class. ``

Albus and his booster cleaned up their cauldrons as quickly as they could. They met up with each other just outside the keep door. `` fountainhead, that was n't as bad as I thought it would be, '' Albus said.

mat, John, and rose all stared at him with aspect of disgust on their faces. `` Speak for yourself, '' mat muttered. privy and Rose both nodded.

`` I think Goyle 's actually dumber than a trolling, '' john commented, `` Does n't know the difference between clockwise and counter-clockwise. ``

`` Vivien Leigh is a bit smarter than that, '' blush wine replied, `` But she wo n't listen to a word I say, so we were both doing the Saame program line over again ! ``

`` At least you were n't with Malfoy, '' Matt said, `` He spent the whole clock time asking me I would be visiting my gran this year. ``

`` What did you say ? '' Albus asked.

`` That I would be, '' Matt answered, `` What else was I going to say ? You know I 'll be visiting her this year. '' He gave Albus a significant look.

`` I do n't know what Slughorn was thinking, '' Amanda sighed, `` We 're never going to all get along. I 'm just glad I was with Dalila. She 's not that bad. She 's very quiet, so we just ignored each other. ``

`` Well, you 're quiet too, '' Albus grinned, `` But yeah, that 's what Limbert and I did. ``

`` Worked out good, '' John said, `` You got the chocolate. ``

******

The following dawning, after breakfast, the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw 2d years found themselves waiting outside the Charms schoolroom. None of them had met the new teacher and they were all eager to see what she was like. Albus did n't care what she was like, as long as she was nicer than Washburn. Shortly after the ship's bell rang, Professor Cedonia came ambling up the corridor. She did n't say a word to her scholarly person as she unlocked the door. Albus filed inside with the others and sat down at a tabular array with John and Matt.

`` Gon na set her on fire, too ? '' John grinned at Albus.

`` Only if she tries to study my mind, '' Albus whispered back.

`` Quiet, please, '' Professor Cedonia said in a tranquillity, but forceful, voice. `` Thank you. I 'll just run through the attendance. '' Cedonia called out all their names and when she was satisfied that everyone was there, she walked out from behind her desk. `` Now, I know your net year of teaching in this bailiwick was less than satisfactory, and I hope to modify that for this twelvemonth. I know some of you, '' her eyes fell upon Albus 's table, `` Spent more time in custody with prof Washburn than in course of instruction with him. I do not conceive that that is a expert way of teaching. Now, do n't get me wrong, if there is any misbehaviour, I will give detentions, but I do not script them out lightly. I would much rather rule out why a scholarly person is misbehaving and work to fix it, than just break out custody like they 're free sample distribution. ``

`` I think I 'm going to wish her, '' matte whispered. Albus and bathroom nodded.

`` For case, some scholarly person cause pandemonium because they are bored with class. I do not want you to be bored in my schoolroom. If you are, please find free to let me know before you start causing any pandemonium.

`` Now, with that in mind, I 'd like to lead off off with a critical review of stopping point twelvemonth. Please take out your lambskin and quills. ``

The residual of the class was rather gratifying, Albus thought. They spent half of it taking notes, which Cedonia actually made moderately fun. She kept everyone engaged, but did n't force you to reply a interrogation you did n't experience, like Washburn had done. The former one-half was spent practicing spell they had learned last year. Albus found that he was much punter at appealingness when he was n't being watched by a teacher who hated him. He actually managed to levitate his text edition a couple understructure in the air and he did n't set anything or anyone on fire.

`` I 'm going to like magic spell this year, '' John announced as they walked out of the room.

`` Me, too, '' matte agreed, `` I wish we 'd had her lowest year. ``

`` I like her mode, too, '' Rose commented, `` She is n't going to be giving out a lot of detentions. I like that. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus nodded, `` I 'm going to take in so much more exempt clip this year without all the custody, '' he joked.

`` You 'll just have to do other thing to pull in hold, '' John laughed, `` Like pull frivolity on the Slytherins. ``

`` It 'd be better just to beat them at the Dueling cabaret, '' Rose said, `` You could n't get in worry for that. ``

`` Yeah, but they might be on our squad, '' John said disgustedly, `` And we probably wo n't all be on the same team. ``

Albus groaned, `` Now it 's not going to be as fun as I thought it would be. I do n't want to duel you lot. I want to duel the Slytherins. ``

`` Oh, you 'll get to duel them, too, '' pink wine assured him.

`` When 's the first encounter, anyway ? '' Matt asked.

`` This Saturday, '' Albus told him, `` Day before Quidditch try-outs. That 's not a, er, bad clip for you, is it ? ``

`` No, luckily it 's not, '' mat replied quietly, `` The you-know-what is n't until next Thursday. ``

`` Good, '' Albus said, relieved that Matt would not be missing the first Dueling Club meeting.

******

The rest of the calendar week passed by quickly. Albus and his friends fell right back into their usual Hogwarts function. They spent their eventide in the common room either doing homework or just talking and playing secret plan. Kaden usually spent the evening with him. Kaden seemed to spend sentence with Albus 's chemical group rather than the other Gryffindor first base geezerhood. Albus was not certainly why, and was starting to go a bit annoyed at the fact that Kaden was always around. The lonesome time Albus seemed to get away from Kaden was during classes. Classes were going well so far. Albus was doing a lot better in spell with professor Cedonia, and was doing about the Same as the former twelvemonth in the residual of his classes.

When Sabbatum arrived, everyone was talking about the Dueling social club. The first of all encounter was taking lieu that good afternoon, after lunch. Albus and his friends went immediately to the Dueling room after they finished eating. When they got there, it seemed like everyone in the unscathed school day was joining. wellspring, everyone except the first years.

`` Wow, '' Albus said as he looked around, `` Is everyone joining ? ``

`` Probably, '' Rose replied, `` There are n't many citizenry who do n't join. ``

`` silence, please ! '' Harry shouted out over the gang. Everyone stopped talking and turned to look at him. `` Thanks. Now, like past tense years, we 're having Junior Dueling as well as the regular Dueling lodge. If you 're second, third, or fourth class, you have to connect the Junior nightspot. If you 're in fifth part year or above, please follow prof Longbottom to the next elbow room where you will have your meeting. ``

`` fountainhead that 's a easing, '' Matt commented as the older students left the elbow room, `` I did n't fancy dueling with one-seventh years. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` My cousin Francis Edgar Stanley is a brilliant duellist. I would n't want to be paired up against him. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' John grinned and pulled out his verge, `` I bet I could take on a seventh class. ``

`` Yeah, certainly, '' Rose rolled her eyes.

`` Wands away ! '' Harry shouted, and whoremaster quickly stowed his scepter. `` Now, as you know, Professor Kendrick has decided that we will not give birth House team this year. There will be eight team, just like last year, but they will have phallus from each home on them. ``

There was a collective groan from the bunch. Everyone was standing in group consisting of bookman of their own theater. Albus sighed, he had kind of hoped that Professor Kendrick would change his psyche, but it did n't appear that way.

`` Yes, I know none of you are happy about it. And frankly, I 'm not sure if it will do lupus erythematosus tension between the business firm, but it 's worth a try. Now, once we get everything organized, this will work much like Quidditch. Each team captain will set up recitation multiplication, and there will be competitions throughout the yr. Unlike Quidditch, there is no trying out ; everyone gets on a team.

`` First, I 'll tell you who the sea captain will be. prof Longbottom and I picked them at the end of in conclusion year, based on your performance. All the police chief are one-fourth years. There are two from each house.

`` They are Bradley Weasley, Tasha Kasey, Kate Waverly, Leo Davy, Apr Finch-Fletchley, St. Paul Galivant, Nadine Neal, and Barty Heath. ``

There was a large amount of cheering and groaning at the declaration of the skipper. Albus did n't know any of the police chief besides his cousin, Bradley. He hoped he was on Bradley 's squad.

The rest of the meeting consisted of Harry putting everyone onto a squad. Albus found it rather boring and spent the whole meter talking to his protagonist. Eventually, he was put on a team. He was on Kate Waverly 's team, along with Amanda. They were the lone two Gryffindor first years on that team. James II was n't on it either. Albus was happy he was on Kate 's team. She was a Ravenclaw and on the Quidditch squad. Albus was very unbosom that his captain was not a Slytherin. However, shortly after Harry told Albus he was on Kate 's squad, he found out that Scorpius Malfoy was on his team. He was not looking forward to having to cooperate with Malfoy. He had hoped he would be able to duel Malfoy, but it did n't look like that would be happening.

`` I 'm so glad I 'm not on Malfoy 's team, '' Matt said, as they entered the common room after the meeting was over.

`` Yeah, well, me and Amanda are, '' Albus groaned and threw himself into one of the chairs.

`` But you are n't his Potions married person, '' mat pointed out, `` I 'd go mad if I had to be on his dueling squad, too. ``

`` dear point, '' Albus sighed, `` But you really lucked out. You have my cousin for your police chief. ``

`` At least you have n't got a Slytherin for your captain ! '' John the Divine shouted. pink wine nodded. She and John both had Slytherin captains, but not the Sami ones. John 's maitre d'hotel was Nadine Neal and Rose 's was Barty Heath.

`` Oh, you 'll survive, '' Amanda laughed.

`` Easy for you to say, with your Ravenclaw captain, '' John muttered.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden came running out of the door leading to the boy'dormitories, `` How was dueling ? Was it fun ? Did you win ? Was the other guy unconscious mind for a while ? Is he still unconscious mind ? '' Kaden sat down excitedly in the chair next to Albus's.

Albus sighed ; he had yet to see his cousin without his endless amount of energy. Albus was beginning to question if Kaden could adjudicate down enough to kip. `` Er, we did n't really duel today, Kaden. It was just an informational confluence. We got assigned teams, though. ``

`` Neat ! Who 's on your squad ? ``

`` Me, Amanda, Cedric, and a bunch of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins that I do n't know. Our captain is Kate Waverly, she 's a Ravenclaw. ``

Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't waitress to unite the Dueling Club next year. I 'll beat everyone ! '' He pulled out his scepter and waved it around. It produced a trickle of piddle that landed on Albus 's head.

`` Watch it ! '' Albus shouted and shook the water out of his eyes, `` And put your wand away.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden replied and put his wand into his gown. `` What are you going to do now ? ``

`` Probably go down to the Quidditch pitch and drill for try-outs tomorrow, '' Albus told him.

`` Ooo ! Can I fare, please ? Flying lessons start next week. I ca n't hold back ! Can I try out your Scots heather ? '' Kaden begged.

Albus did not want Kaden on his new Scots heather. Kaden had never flown before and Albus was sure he would crash it. `` You can make out lookout man, I guess. But regretful, you ca n't try out my broom. ``

Kaden 's side fell a bit, but he still looked shake up, `` All right, let 's go ! At least I can watch you play Quidditch. I still do n't see how it can be better than football game. ``

`` It is, '' Albus replied adamantly. He stood up and turned to his Friend, `` You lot want to follow ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely ! '' John stood up. `` I 'll bring my Scots heather and help you drill. ``

`` I 'll total, '' mat agreed.

`` Do n't think so, '' Rose replied, `` I 'm going to do some prep. Want to stay here with me, Amanda. '' Rose gave Amanda a look.

`` Sure, '' Amanda said, `` See you later, Albus. ``

Albus and John grabbed their Calluna vulgaris from their dorm room and the four male child left the common room.

`` Rose and Amanda are probably having girl talk, '' John the Divine grinned.

`` Yeah, they 're probably talking about us, '' Albus laughed.

Albus, Saint John, matt, and Kaden spent the rest of the afternoon playing Quidditch. Kaden watched the unhurt time, amazed that Calluna vulgaris could enable people to fly. He still thought football was better, but Albus assured him that after he saw a match, he would change his nous. John let Matt fly his broom for a small piece and Albus practiced his chaser acquirement with both of them. By the meter night fell, and Albus was exhausted, John and Matt were certain he would get on the team.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to my other Sister and my brother. Thanks to ginnyweasley98, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their revaluation !

Just to let everyone know, the next chapter might not be up until Friday of future calendar week instead of Thursday. I might deliver to switch my update day to Friday instead of Thursday from now on, since shoal is starting and my Thursdays are going to be quite busy.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus woke up the next day feeling very flighty. The Quidditch try-outs were n't until the afternoon, but Albus did n't eat practically breakfast anyway. He spent most of the morning in the unwashed elbow room with his friends, trying to get some homework done, but found that he could n't concentrate. Eventually he gave up and played a few rounds of Exploding walkover with lav, who was putting off his prep until the last minute.

Harry stopped by the Gryffindor table during lunch and wished Albus good luck. Shortly after lunch, Albus headed down to the Quidditch pitch with his new broom over his articulatio humeri. Rose, whoremaster, Matt, and Amanda went with him.

`` Albus, hey, Albus ! '' Albus turned around as he was leaving the castle to see Kaden running out of the Great Hall.

`` What ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was anxious to get down to the pitch and see how many other people were trying out. He did n't want to be late.

`` Are you going to try-outs now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, can I come ? '' Kaden asked hopefully.

`` Sure, '' Albus answered and stepped out of the castling. The group continued their walk to the pitch, listening to Kaden talk animatedly about his first week at Hogwarts. Albus did n't think Kaden would ever run out of things to say, and found his constant jabbering a bit irritating. Albus was n't in the mood to hear about how professor Patil had yelled at one-half of Kaden 's transfiguration social class the previous day. Soon, Albus just adopted the insurance policy of smiling and nodding when Kaden paused, like he did with his other younger full cousin. Right now, all Albus wanted to do was concentrate on his try-out.

John, Matt, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden went to go sit in the stand while Albus went down to the large crowd of Gryffindors trying out. Albus turned his attending to the other Chaser hopefuls gathered around him. There was a seventh yr boy who Albus vaguely recognized as one of Francis Edgar Stanley 's protagonist, two burly looking one-sixth year son who looked like they 'd pass water better Beaters than Chasers, a couple fifth year girls, quite a few fourth and tertiary years, and even a bunch of first old age. After a few more minutes of waiting, the Gryffindor team emerged from the footlocker room, pencil lead by Albus 's first cousin, Peach State. Georgia had become the new headwaiter over the summer. Albus distinctly remembered the morning she got the varsity letter informing her of her captaincy. Her headland had appeared in the open fireplace at Grimmauld Place, where she shouted the news so loudly, Ginny had dropped the laden she was stirring porridge with.

`` aid, please ! '' Georgia shouted over the bunch. She had a very loud voice and everyone was tranquil immediately. `` Thanks. Now, there 's only one available spot this class, for pursuer. And I 'm not kicking any of last class 's players off, so if any of you are seeking a position other than Chaser, clear off now. ``

There were a few groan from the bunch, and the two sixth year boys stalked off the field. One of the one-quarter years left as well.

`` Also, I 'm sorry but the rules have not changed since close year, and first years are not allowed on the team. I encourage you to try out again when we next have available positions. '' The rather enceinte group of number one old age scowled and left the pitch in a huff.

`` Well, now that that 's taken care of, '' Georgia pulled out a clip board, `` First, I 'll require to see you all fly around the sales talk. Fifth through seventh years first. ``

Albus watched as the older student flew around the rake a few times. Georgia watched them carefully and wrote short letter on her cartridge clip board. Albus thought they all flew remarkably well except for one of the fifth year girls. She kept lurching downwards every clip she accelerated, almost falling off her ling. After a few turns around the pitch, the senior students landed side by side to Georgia.

`` good. But I 'm deplorable, Carrie, '' GA turned to the fifth part year who did n't fly very well, `` I do n't recall you 're cut out for this. '' The girl shrugged and went to sit in the stands. She did n't look too frustrated and Albus suspected the only understanding she tried out was because the early one-fifth year girl did n't want to do it alone.

Next, it was Albus 's turn to fly around the pitch. He took off along with the one-third and fourth years. Once in the air, he started feeling better about the try-out. He could do this, he was a thoroughly flier. He sped around the pitch, going faster than the early scholarly person. Albus noticed that they were great throwaway as well, even better than the seventh and twenty percent class who had flown earlier.

`` Excellent, '' Georgia grinned as Albus landed in battlefront of her. The others landed shortly after. `` Now I just have to see how well you work with Quaffles and the relaxation of the team. ``

During the next voice of the try-outs, all the pursuer hopefuls went up into the air along with the rest of the team and passed the Quaffle back and forth. Albus only dropped it once. The Lapp could n't be said for everyone else. Everyone else dropped it at least once. The only former person who only dropped it once was one of the quarter years, Gabe Bourne.

`` You all did heavy, '' Georgia smiled after they finished tossing the Quaffle around, `` But I have narrowed it down to Gabe bourne and Albus Potter. '' The former hopeful sighed and left the pitch.

After this, Georgia simulated a real match, in order to find out who fit skillful with the team. Albus, who had played chaser with his full cousin numerous times, worked quite well with heather mixture and Fred. Albus already knew the way they played and found that it was very soft to communicate with them while he was flying.

`` All right, '' Peach State announced once everyone had landed, `` I 've decided on Albus ceramicist. I 'm no-count, Gabe, feel costless to try-out again another time. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus grinned. The rest of the team clapped him on the articulatio humeri and congratulated him.

`` I knew you 'd get it, Albus, '' James grinned.

`` bod, '' Gabe muttered as he left the pitch, `` Had to clean your cousin. Are n't there enough of them on the team ? ``

`` He 's just envious, '' James II commented. `` You obviously worked better with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Thanks, James, '' Albus grinned. He did n't care what Gabe Bourne thought. He was on the team !

`` Great job, Albus ! '' toilet shouted as he ran onto the pitch. `` I knew you 'd get it. ``

`` Yeah, congratulations ! '' Matt agreed. rose wine and Amanda grinned.

`` vivid ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Maybe I 'll get to be on the team someday. ``

`` I thought you liked football, '' Albus laughed.

`` I do, football 's still better than Quidditch, '' Kaden assured him, `` But flying is brilliant. ``

`` Quidditch is better, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` But I 'll see you lot up in the rook. We 're going to last out and drill a bit. ``

Albus and the remainder of the team spent the whole afternoon practicing. Albus loved every bit of it. Georgia was very glad that Albus worked so well with Scots heather and Fred. Usually, when a team got a new chaser it took a couple weeks for the new chaser to get used to the team, but Albus fit right-hand in. GA was indisputable they would be ready for the first match, and they might even be able to win the Quidditch Cup again.

******

Albus climbed through the portrait hole the following Th feeling thoroughly worn out. The Quidditch team had just practiced for two hours and Albus just got back from snagging a late supper afterwards. The team was only practicing a duo night a workweek, but it was enough that Albus hardly had any fourth dimension for anything other than preparation. He could only reckon what it would be like when they were practicing every Night of the week.

Albus immediately spotted bathroom and matt sitting at their usual mesa in the back. He looked longingly at the door leading to the dormitory room. All he wanted to do was sleep, but they had Astronomy at midnight that night. Albus ran up to the dormitory for a few second to bank his ling and get his shoal bag, wishing all the while that he could just collapse into bed.

`` Hi, bozo, '' Albus said as he sunk into a chair at the board his friends were at.

`` Hi, Albus, '' John greeted him, `` You look almost as bad as Matt does. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied flatly, but he knew he looked eject. Although not nearly as tucker out as lustrelessness did. The total lunar month was that night Matt was sleeping with his pass on his transfiguration book.

`` How was practice ? '' John asked, without looking up from her chronicle of conjuration notes.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` And I got hit with two Bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, massaging his left arm where both Bludgers had made impinging. He heard the portrait open and saw Kaden coming in, looking more quiet than he usually did. He made a beeline for Albus and sat down future to him.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Hi, Albus. ``

`` Er, is something haywire ? '' Albus asked. He was n't used to seeing Kaden so quiet.

`` Patil assigned another essay today. A foot long ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that Matt woke up. `` A whole foot ! ``

Albus looked at John and both of them burst out laughing.

`` What 's so mirthful ? '' Kaden asked loudly, his vox returning to its usual tone.

`` It 's just, '' Albus grinned, `` that you seemed so in dearest with everything magical and it did n't seem like you thought anything was bad in the magical world and here at Hogwarts. You loved every single class and did n't have a complaint. I knew that would change once you 'd been assigned a long essay. ``

`` Haha, '' Kaden replied flatly, `` But still ! I mean, make out on, how can I write a base long essay about transfiguring matchsticks into phonograph needle ? It 's not that complicated ! You mutter an incantation and your match variety, that 's all there is to it ! There 's no way I can stretch that into a foot unless I write as big as Bethany does and I do n't think Patil would care it if I wrote like a seven-year-old. ``

`` A foot is nothing, '' Albus told him, `` Eventually, you 'll be doing essays that are two rolls of parchment. ``

`` Two rolls ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How is that possible ? It 's not ! I give up ! ``

`` Could you talk quieter ? '' Matt whispered.

Kaden paused long enough to look at Matt. `` You look horrific. You should go see Madam Pomfrey. You know wizardly pickle everything ! It 's stupefy. I had a cold the other day and she gave me a potion and it was gone in an instant ! ``

`` She ca n't fix this, '' matt muttered.

`` Sure she can. I saw her fix this bloke 's bone with her wand. It was brilliant. She 'll have you wagerer in no time, '' Kaden assured him.

`` No she wo n't, '' Matt said quietly.

Albus and John shooting Kaden warning looks. Albus willed his full cousin to stop talking now. Kaden had absolutely no idea what Matt went through every month. Albus was getting fed up with Kaden 's belief that everything about the wizarding macrocosm was wonderful and that conjuration fixed everything.

`` Yeah she will, '' Kaden pressed, `` Just go ask her for a potion. ``

`` Just forget it, '' Matt replied a bit more loudly, and stood up. He turned to Albus and John, `` I have to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, right ? ``

`` Of course of study, '' Albus assured him.

`` Yeah, we 'll see you then, '' John Lackland said, `` Want me to come ? ``

`` No, I 'm fine, '' matte replied and left the plebeian room.

`` Is he going to see Madam Pomfrey ? '' Kaden asked, `` I do n't have intercourse why he did n't go right when he got sick. Seems pudden-head to me. ``

That was the last straw. Albus had had it with Kaden. He turned to his cousin-german with a look of rage in his center. `` Kaden, just shut it ! '' he shouted. `` Do n't address him stupe ! You 've got no melodic theme what illness he 's got, '' Albus whispered so that only Kaden and Saint John the Apostle could try him, but his voice was every bit as forceful as it had been when he was shouting. `` And get it through your head word that magic does not fix everything ! There are some things that Madam Pomfrey ca n't fix with potions. Do n't ever tell him to just go see Madam Pomfrey so she can make it all better. Because she ca n't. ``

Kaden stared at Albus and did n't say a give-and-take. His usual cheery smile faded away and was replaced by a face of shock and hurt. `` Sorry, '' he mumbled and got up from the tabular array. He ran over to the hall and went up the steps without so a great deal as a glance back to Albus.

Albus looked at John, who was wearing a look of shock on his face as well. `` I do n't think I 've ever heard you yell at anyone like that. Besides me, of track, when we were fighting over whether to tell lustrelessness we knew he was a loup-garou, '' lavatory said quietly.

`` Yeah, well, he was really starting to get on my nerves, '' Albus replied, `` And this was it. He should n't feature done that. He should have stopped talking when Matt said madam Pomfrey could n't help him. ``

`` But how was he supposed to know ? '' John Lackland asked, `` Do n't you intend you were a bit coarse ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Not when it comes to this. He 's got to memorise not to march into flatness 's illness, especially if he 's going to be around us all the time. ``

`` I 'm not sure as shooting he will anymore, '' John replied.

The two supporter sat in silence for the following few minutes. Albus thought about what bathroom had said. Maybe he had been too coarse. Maybe he should have just told Kaden not to inconvenience mat. But Kaden had practically called mat pudden-head, had n't he ? That was uncalled for. Could what Albus said really been enough to dissuade Kaden from spending time with Albus and the others ? Albus was n't sure. He was n't even sure if he wanted Kaden to break off outlay time with him. As much as Kaden annoyed him, he had grown used to his youthful full cousin being around.

`` You 're awfully quiet over here, '' blush wine said as she and Amanda sat down at the table. `` Oh, did matte pass on ? ``

Albus nodded. `` How is he ? '' rosebush asked.

`` He 'd ingest been honest if it was n't for Kaden, '' John pointed out.

rose wine groaned, `` What did he do ? ``

`` I was wondering why Kaden was n't here, '' Amanda said, `` It 's kind of odd seeing you without him around, Albus. ``

`` Kaden insisted that Matt go get a potion from madam Pomfrey because he looked disgorge, '' can told the girls. Albus was perfectly will to let privy say the tale. `` And of trend he looked sick, considering what tonight is. But Kaden did n't know that, of course of study, and he would n't terminate telling lusterlessness how wizard can fix everything. ``

`` Oh, did he really ? '' Rose sighed, `` Then what happened ? ``

`` lusterlessness left. I think he really did have to go away then, but I 'm sure he was pretty irritated by Kaden, '' John continued.

`` I 'll bet, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Your cousin does n't always know the best thing to say, Albus. ``

`` That 's why Albus yelled at him, '' John announced.

`` What ? ! '' both young lady shouted at the same time.

`` Yup, '' St. John replied, `` Probably would have turned into a big row if Kaden had n't have just left. He 's in his hall right now. ``

`` Oh, Albus, you did n't, '' Rose sighed.

`` I did, '' Albus said, a short annoyed that Rose seemed let down, `` And you would take to if you 'd been there. I just told him I was tired of him talking about how trick locating everything. I told him that there are some things that Madam Pomfrey 's potions wo n't fix and not to observe them around matte. I also yelled at him because he practically called Matt stupid. Kaden said Matt was dolt for not getting a potion when he first got sick. ``

`` I see your breaker point, '' rosebush replied, `` But honestly, Albus, you could get said it without yelling. I think Kaden 's having a grating time adjusting and making admirer. Having you angry with him is n't going to help oneself thing. ``

`` Maybe if he learned to be placidity once and a spell, he 'd make up Friend, '' Albus muttered.

`` wellspring, you can apologize in the morning, '' rose wine told him, while taking out her homework.

`` Apologize ? He 's the one who 's got to apologize to flatness, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` He does n't even know why that overturn lustrelessness, '' rose insisted, `` And unless you plan on telling him, he 's probably not going to apologize. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. There was no way he was going to tell Kaden that Matt was a wolfman. `` All rightfield, fine. I 'll justify. But if he does that again, I 'll yell at him again and I wo n't rationalize. ``

`` And I 'll be right there yelling with you, '' john assured him.

`` male child, '' Rose muttered to Amanda, who nodded.

******

Albus was extremely fag when he trudged down to breakfast with his booster the next good morning. Due to uranology, he had n't gotten to bed until 1:30 am, and had had about six hours of sleep. Albus had n't seen Kaden at all that morning, which was unusual because Kaden usually waited for Albus in the usual room before breakfast. Albus figured he was probably still upset about the former nighttime. Albus really did n't want to apologize, but he supposed he would have to.

Albus sat down and poured himself a glass of Orange River juice. He was glad that it was a relatively easy day. Double Herbology in the aurora and then a single class of Potions after tiffin. Following Potions, Albus and his protagonist would go visit mat in the infirmary Wing. Albus felt like he would rather spend the day in the hospital flank sleeping instead of going to class, but he knew that would n't happen.

The post bird of night flew into the room and Albus noticed his mother 's owl flying towards him. The owl landed succeeding to Albus, Albus took the varsity letter, and the owl was off again.

`` missive from aunty Ginny ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus told her and opened the letter.

Dear Al,

How are you ? I hope your first two hebdomad have gone well.
I 'm gladiolus the new charm teacher is nice, and I do hope
you 'll behave yourself in her class.

extolment on making the Quidditch team ! I 'm so
proud of you. Lily is very aroused as well and is
telling me that she is going to become the new
keeper after Georgia graduates. We 'll see about that.

Dudley called finally nighttime and told me about the row
you had with Kaden last night. I realize that Kaden
may cause been less than sympathetic with matte, but
please apologize to him. Kaden is having a crude
metre adjusting to Hogwarts. I know it seems like
he loves everything wizard, but he has not made a
whole lot of acquaintance. He needs you to be kind to
him and include him in your activities.

With love,
Mum

Albus folded the letter of the alphabet and sighed. Even his mother wanted him to apologize to Kaden. Did n't anyone see that Kaden had been out of line last nighttime ? John the Divine seemed to think so, but thought Albus should have been nicer about it.

`` Aunt Ginny agrees with me, '' Rose commented.

`` Her and everyone else, '' Albus muttered. He still did n't really want to rationalise to Kaden.

`` fountainhead, looks like you 'll have to apologize later, '' Rose announced and stood up, `` We 've got to get to Herbology. ``

Relieved that he had an exculpation not to apologise now, Albus made his way to the nursery with his friends. Neville spent the example teaching about devil's apples and helping the class to re-pot them. Albus found rather gentle, but not everyone in the division did. One of the devil's apples attached itself to Karina 's pilus and would n't let go until Neville stunned it.

Albus did n't see Kaden at lunch and did n't birth time to go find him before Potions, not that he minded. He was still mad at Kaden and did not desire to justify. Potions was pretty boring because all Slughorn did was lecture. Albus felt himself nodding off a few metre, only to be prodded awake by rose wine who was sitting next to him.



A/N : Thanks to my sis and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other Sister and my brother. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, ginnyweasley98, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




After Potions, Albus and his friends went to visit matt like they usually did after a full moon. Albus was relieved that they did n't run into Kaden on the way there. He was n't indisputable what he would say in order to agitate off his first cousin if Kaden decided to try and visit Matt with them.

`` howdy, kids, '' ma'am Pomfrey greeted them as they entered the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth. She was used to them visiting by then and left them alone as long as they were n't too loud.

Albus made a beeline for the bed mat usually stayed in and pulled back the curtains. mat was sporting legion cold shoulder all over his brass and arms, a bootleg eye, and bruises all along his subdivision. He was also asleep.

`` Aww, he 's sleeping, '' John grinned mischievously as he shut the curtain behind them.

`` wellspring, that 's not really surprising, '' rosiness commented, `` Maybe we should come back later. ``

`` No, I 'm arouse, '' Matt mumbled hoarsely and opened his eyes a bit. `` Is Kaden here ? ``

`` Nope, have n't seen him since live on night, '' Albus told him.

mat breathed a sigh of relief, `` undecomposed. I was trying to fall up with a something to tell him as to why I 'm here, but now I do n't have to. ``

`` I do n't remember you 're going to make to concern about that, '' John replied.

`` Why not ? I 'm sure he 'll ask. He 's always hanging around. And last night he was so bloody irritating. I think I would 've had a go at him if I had n't had a splitting headache. ``

`` Albus had a go at him, '' John told him, and proceeded to narrate Matt what had happened after he left.

`` Wow, Albus, '' Matt said quietly when John had finished, `` Thanks, I guess. ``

`` No problem. I 'm not going to let him butt into why you 're unhinged all the time, '' Albus said.

`` And you have n't seen him since ? '' matte asked.

`` Nope. He got really upset, I think. And Mum says I 've got to apologize to him. I do n't really desire to, though, '' Albus answered.

`` fountainhead, you probably should. He is your cousin-german, after all. But I ca n't say I 'd mind if he did n't drop as much sentence with us, '' matte told him.

`` I know, me too, '' Albus responded. `` Anyway, how are you ? ``

`` Been better, been bad, '' Matt replied, `` Got a few interrupt ribs, but dame Pomfrey fixed them. I 'm just a bit sore. And tired, of course of study. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably Sun, '' matt yawned.

`` Do you require us to leave so you can slumber ? '' rose wine asked.

`` No, I 've got all night to sleep. Tell me what I missed in class. ``

`` fountainhead, a mandrake root attached itself to Karina 's hair in Herbology, '' Albus told him.

`` Bet she loved that, '' Matt stifled a laugh.

`` And Albus fell asleep in Potions, '' rosebush announced, `` I had to rouse him up a few prison term. ``

`` I was n't at peace. I was just closing my eyes for a bit, '' Albus insisted. `` Slughorn was just talking and it was boring. I had Quidditch practice session yesterday and Astronomy. I 'm threadbare. ``

`` What did I miss in astronomy ? ``

`` Not much. Just review, mostly. stage of the Moon, that variety of thing, '' Albus replied.

`` I think I 've got those down pretty well, '' Matt laughed. Everyone else started laughing, too. Albus was happy that lustrelessness was getting to be more comfortable about talking and joking about his condition with them.

Albus and the others spent the remainder of the time until dinner party in the infirmary offstage with Matt. Once dinner time came, Madam Pomfrey chased them out. Albus knew he 'd have to talk to Kaden soon, but he did n't get the opportunity to during dinner. After they finished eating, Albus and his protagonist went up to the common room to get started on their growing pile of homework.

`` You should go talk to Kaden now, '' Rose said as she looked up from her notes.

Albus sighed. He had just gotten started on an essay that he really did n't feel like writing, but he 'd rather write it than public lecture to Kaden. `` I do n't even see him in here, Rose. ``

`` He 's over there, sitting by himself, '' rose pointed behind Albus.

`` Just get it over with, Albus, '' John told him as he twirled his quill pen around his fingers, `` You 've got to do it sometime. Just apologize and tell apart him not to nettle flatness anymore. take sure he knows that, because if he does that again I 'll yell at him, too. And I 'm a great deal gimcrack than you, '' King John grinned.

`` He 's your cousin, Albus, you 've got to at to the lowest degree be cultivated to him, '' Amanda said, `` Even if you 're not right friends. ``

`` That 'll never happen, '' Albus rolled his eyes. `` Oh, mulct, I 'll go talk to him. ``

Albus got up from the table and squeezed his way through the crowd vulgar room to the chairman Kaden was sitting in. Kaden was leafing through his potions text book and writing the episodic note down on a art object of parchment. `` Er, hi Kaden, '' Albus said and sat down in the chairman opposite his cousin. `` Could I talk to you ? ``

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Kaden replied quietly, `` I thought you were still mad at me. ``

`` That 's what I wanted to talk to you about. ``

`` Oh, well, go ahead, '' Kaden closed his potions book.

`` I guess I just want to say I 'm sorry for yelling at you last night, '' Albus said as he picked at a loose train of thought on the chair. `` I did n't really entail to upset you. I just wanted you to block telling flatness to go to the Hospital Wing. He told you to give up and you did n't. ``

`` well, I thought dame Pomfrey could just give him a potion and he 'd be all better, you know, like magic trick, '' Kaden gave a half-hearted jape, `` I just do n't get why anyone would n't go get a potion when they 're sick. ``

Albus sighed. He knew it was time for Kaden to understand that magic did n't fix everything. `` Kaden, you 've got to interpret that magic ca n't fix everything. I do n't think you get that yet. I know it 's voiceless to total into the magical mankind after living in the Muggle one for eleven years. Well, actually, I guess I do n't know that. You 'd be just off talking to Amanda about that, or my dad, or my auntie Hermione- ''

`` I think thaumaturgy is bloody glorious ! '' Kaden interrupted.

`` That 's the thing ! '' Albus stared his cousin in the eye, `` Not all illusion is brilliant ! And it wo n't fix everything ! ``

`` I do n't see why it ca n't, '' Kaden shrugged, `` It 's deception after all. ``

`` This is why most Muggles do n't make love about magic. Most of them think thaumaturgy can fix all their trouble, just like you do, '' Albus explained, `` But it ca n't. And I guess you 'll just have to hear that for yourself, if you do n't believe me. ``

`` I think I do believe you, Albus, '' Kaden replied, `` And I already know that not all trick is safe. I remember what you told me about Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, I think you do know that, '' Albus agreed, `` But back to the early thing. You 've got to understand that there are some, er, '' Albus chose his row carefully so as not to give away matte 's arcanum, `` sickness, that ca n't be fixed by deception. They 're worse than your average cold-blooded or flu, and the therapist, those are magical doctors, have n't found cure yet. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. Albus could tell he was giving this a salutary bit of thought. `` But why ca n't you just wave your sceptre and make it near ? ``

Albus sighed. This was harder than he thought. He tried to think of a way of putting this in a Muggle perspective. Amanda would be better at this, he thought. Or even rosiness. `` I 'm not indisputable exactly why. It just wo n't act. I supposition magical healing is n't that different than Muggle medication. therapist try to find cures just like doctors do. doctor ca n't fix everything either, like cancer, '' Albus remembered a Muggle disease he heard his dad talking about once, one that was very arduous to cure. `` physician try to fix it and sometimes they do, but there 's no cure. ``

Kaden 's eyes opened blanket and he whispered, `` mat 's got cancer ? ``

`` Oh, no ! '' Albus exclaimed, `` Wizards do n't get that ; it 's a Muggle disease. And what he 's got is n't the whiz variation of it. He 's not going to die from it. He just gets sick every once and a while. What you 've got to understand is that Madam Pomfrey ca n't fix it with potions. So, you should n't state him to go get some. Just do n't name anything like that. And definitely do n't name him stupefied for not going to see Madam Pomfrey, '' Albus said sternly.

Kaden nodded his fountainhead solemnly. Finally he seemed to be getting it, Albus thought. `` But what has he got ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had hoped this would n't come up, but he knew it would. `` I ca n't tell you. That 's for him to evidence you, if he wants to. And honestly, I do n't recall he will. So do n't ask him, ever. ``

`` You know what it is, right Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, I do, '' Albus replied. `` Oh, and do n't talk about this with anyone else, besides me. Not any of the other first years, or anyone. Do n't name that you know anything whatsoever about him getting sick. anticipate me you wo n't. ``

Kaden looked questioningly at his cousin. `` I wo n't. But why is it so close ? ``

`` It 's all part of what it is, and that 's all I 'm going to say, '' Albus stood up.

`` All right, so you 're not mad anymore ? ''

`` No, '' Albus replied. `` I 've got to go finish an essay. You want to come sit with us ? '' Albus was n't sure what his friends would think of Kaden sitting with them, heck he was n't really sure if he wanted Kaden to sit with them, but it seemed like the right matter to do.

A huge smile appeared on Kaden 's face and he stood up. `` Yeah, of course ! ``

Albus walked back to his acquaintance, Kaden following like a puppy, and he knew things were back to normal.

******

`` Hey, Albus, '' Kate Waverly sat down next to Albus at breakfast the following Monday.

`` Oh, hi Kate, '' Albus said once he 'd swallow up his mouthful of eggs.

`` Listen, I 've been trying to observe a fourth dimension for dueling practice, '' she began, `` It 's been harder than I thought it 'd be. I obviously ca n't do it during Quidditch practice. I do n't call up the unharmed team will be able-bodied to meet at the same clock time ; it just wo n't work. But that 's all right field. The team I was on last year rarely ever met at the Saame clip. I 've been talking to everyone and it looks like Wednesday evening will act upon for a lot of citizenry. Can you take a shit it ? ``

Albus thought for a here and now. He had been wondering when the first dueling practice would take place. John and pink wine had already been to their kickoff recitation. flatness missed his because it took place while he was in the hospital annexe. `` I should be able-bodied to seduce it, '' he told Kate.

Kate grinned, `` Great. How about you, Amanda ? '' she turned to Amanda, who was sitting across from Albus.

`` Sure, I 'll be there. I have n't gotten anything else to do besides homework, '' she laughed.

`` Perfect. The meeting will be in the dueling room, seven in the even. I 've already talked to Professor Potter and he said it 's free. I 've got to go talking to the Slytherins now. I 've been saving them for last, '' she groaned and walked over to the Slytherin table.

`` Finally, we 're having a meeting ! '' Albus said excitedly. `` I ca n't hold off to start dueling the great unwashed. ``

`` Me too, '' Amanda grinned.

`` It 's pretty brilliant, '' John told them, `` We have n't really learned any new spells yet, but I got to demilitarize a mate people. ``

`` I disarmed a couple third years at my meeting, '' rose announced. `` I 'm excited about learning new spells, though. ``

`` indirect request I had n't missed mine, '' lustrelessness muttered.

`` You 'll clear it to the future one, '' Albus assured him, `` You heard Kate, not everyone makes it to every confluence. ``

`` Can I go with you to the meeting, Albus ? Please ? '' Kaden begged.

`` I do n't think you can, sorry, '' Albus told him, `` First years are n't allowed. ``

Kaden mumbled something that sounded like 'stupid rule'and left to go to his first class.

`` We ought to go, too, '' blush wine announced. Albus and his friends left the Great anteroom and made their way to Transfiguration.

The adjacent few Clarence Day seemed to drag on for an eternity. Albus was very excited about the dueling practice and he did not sense like concentrating on anything else. He momentarily forgot about it during Quidditch practice session on Tues, but once that was finished, he was back to waiting impatiently for dueling.

After dinner on Wednesday, Albus and Amanda said arrivederci to their friends and made their way to the dueling room. When they got there, they saw 7 or 8 other bookman, along with Kate Waverly milling about. Albus noticed that the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs were all talking with each other, but the Slytherins were sulking by themselves in one corner.

A couple more scholar ran into the room as Albus and Amanda went over to the group of non-Slytherins. Harry walked in a moment later, and stood next to Kate in the front of the room.

Kate looked at the clock and then back at the team. `` All right field, I think near of us are here. I 'm Kate Waverly, 4th year Ravenclaw, as most of you know. I know a lot of you are n't happy about the inter-house teams this year, but we 'll hold to deal with it. It 's not easy for me, either. last-place year, captains only had to accommodate one Quidditch team, this yr we have to oblige four.

`` prof ceramicist, Professor Longbottom, or one of the early professors will supervise the practices, at least for the 1st few. But if you have an topic, delight derive to me first because I 'm the captain. Now, for our foremost coming together, I 'd just like to valuate what dueling skills you 've got. So pair off and demilitarise each other. Disarm only. ``

Albus and Amanda stepped a few feet apart and faced each other. `` quick ? '' Amanda asked.

Albus grinned, `` You know, if this was a real affaire d'honneur, you would n't ask me if I 'm ready. ``

`` I know, '' Amanda laughed, `` I 'm just used to it. ``

`` It 's all right. ``

A few mo later, Amanda shouted out, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his wand thrill in his manus, but it stayed there. `` That was a good try, '' he said.

`` I 've done it in division, '' Amanda told him.

`` I know. I 've seen you. ``

`` You try now. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus pointed his wand at Amanda and shouted, `` Exeplliarmus ! '' Amanda 's verge flew out of her hand and it landed at Albus 's feet.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Kate shouted from across the room.

`` Nice one, '' Amanda told him.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` You try again. ``

Albus and Amanda disarmed each early for the future fifteen minutes. Amanda managed to disarm Albus a duo metre, but she was n't nearly as dear at it as Albus was.

`` All right ! '' Kate shouted, `` Switch married person, everyone ! Preferably someone who 's not in your firm. ``

`` thrower, '' Malfoy appeared next to Albus, smirking at him, `` Let me present everyone how much of a proficient dueller I am. ``

`` Bring it on, Malfoy, '' Albus growled, suddenly wanting to hex Malfoy, rather than just disarm him.

`` Too bad we 're not on separate team, '' Malfoy commented, `` Then I could wipe the flooring with you in a material affaire d'honneur. Oh, well, this 'll induce to do. ``

`` Bit full of yourself, are n't you ? '' Albus muttered, raising his wand.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy shouted. Albus 's sceptre flew out of his hand and landed a couple feet away. `` Told you, '' he laughed. `` I am a dear dueler than you. ``

`` I have n't tried disarming you yet, Malfoy, '' Albus replied, `` Do n't count your Snidgets before they hatch. ``

`` consecrate me your whip, ceramist, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted with all the force play he could muster. Malfoy 's wand left his helping hand and landed a couple feet away, just as Albus 's had done. `` There, we 're even. ``

`` We 'll never be even, Potter, '' Malfoy replied haughtily.

`` Great job, everyone ! '' Kate announced, `` That 's enough for now. I see we have some great duelers in here. With a little drill, I 'm sure we 'll amaze the other team. I think for simplicity, I 'll withstand practice every week this same day and clip. It might be in a different room occasionally, and I 'll let you know if it is. Do n't concern if you ca n't make water all the meetings. Just try and piss as many as you can. I 'll see everyone side by side week. ``

`` That was pretty fun, '' Amanda said as they were getting set up to leave.

`` Yeah, although I could do without Malfoy, '' Albus replied

`` Hey, Al, '' Harry put his arm around his son, `` Could I babble out to you for a bit ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and then turned to Amanda, `` I 'll see you in the common elbow room. ``

`` All right wing, '' Amanda left the room.

`` I have n't had a prospect to talk to you much, '' Harry said once the room was empty. He walked over to a duo hot seat and sat down in one. He patted the one next to him. `` How have you been ? ``

`` Great. I love Quidditch, '' Albus grinned and sat down in the chairwoman next to his dad.

`` I 'm beaming you made the team, although I heard some of the other Gryffindors were n't too felicitous. ``

`` Yeah, a couple cerebration I just got on the team because Georgia 's police chief. And Ryan 's the only one who 's not a Weasley or a ceramicist on the team now, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm sure that 's not why you made the squad, '' Harry assured him. `` You 're a great pursuer. ``

`` And I 'm already used to working with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Exactly, you were the estimable one, '' Harry agreed, `` How have classes been ? ``

`` mulct. spell is much improve than last year. I like Professor Cedonia. ``

`` She 's very gracious. She 's definitely not the usual kind of instructor Hogwarts has, but that 's not really a bad matter, '' Harry commented.

`` Yeah, she has n't given out many detentions, '' Albus told him.

`` But she has her course of instruction under dominance. I think the former instructor could discover a lot from her. ``

`` I 'd screw it if nobody gave out hold anymore, '' Albus grinned.

`` That 's not really what I meant, but anyway, '' Harry continued, `` I heard you had some bother with Kaden recently. Mum sent me an owl about it. ``

Albus felt his impudence turn red. `` Er, yeah, but it 's all worked out now. I 'm not mad at him anymore. ``

`` glad to hear it, '' Harry smiled, `` If you have anymore problem, feel spare to come to me. I know Kaden can be a bit, er, exuberant, to put it nicely. ``

Albus laughed, `` I 'll say. He just does n't know when to quit sometimes. ``

`` Some people are like that, '' Harry stood up. `` It 's getting late. You should probably go back to Gryffindor. ``

`` All right, '' Albus stood up as well and gave his dad a hug. `` G'night, Dad. ``

`` 'Night, Al, '' Harry gave his son a hug back and the two of them left the room.




Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Nor do I own 'Bothering Snape'or anything else related to ceramist marionette Pals.




The secondly half of Sept passed the same way the first half had. Albus 's days were filled with classes, homework, Quidditch drill, and dueling practice. Albus was really enjoying both Quidditch and dueling, although he liked Quidditch better. Kate had begun teaching them new spells in dueling, and it was fun, but Malfoy kept trying to collaborator up with Albus during practices. Albus suspected that Malfoy was trying to drum Albus in one of the practice session duels, but he had yet to come after. The first dueling sports meeting was n't until the end of October and Kate felt that the team would be fully prepared by then.

Kaden was quickly becoming a permanent fixture in Albus 's group of friends. After Albus apologized and invited Kaden to sit with them in the common room, he just never left. He was always with them whenever they were n't in class and because of this, Albus and his friends were spending much less time in the Room of Requirement than they had the endorse half of their first year. They seemed to have come to an unexpressed agreement not to show Kaden the room, and Albus was perfectly happy with this. After all, there might eventually come a day when Albus and the others needed to be alone, without Kaden, and the Room might be the lonesome billet in Hogwarts where they could go.

The second Sunday of Oct, Albus found himself looking for his Friend after a particularly farseeing Quidditch practice. He shouldered his broom, feeling very worn-out, and headed back to the palace. It was a quick crepuscule day, not a cloud in the sky, and a cool breeze was blowing. It had been the perfect day for Quidditch practice session. Albus had gotten his inaugural taste of Quidditch recitation in the rain a couple workweek back and he had n't enjoyed it in the slightest.

On his way back to the castling, Albus noticed John and Matt sitting a twosome yards away from the Whomping Willow, beneath another tree. Kaden was wandering around nearby, playing with what appeared to be a rotund piece of plastic attached to a longsighted string. Albus went over to John and Matt and sat down succeeding to them.

`` How was practice ? '' matte asked.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` What have you been up to ? ``

`` Sitting around, putting off doing our preparation, '' Saint John the Apostle grinned.

`` And watching Kaden play with that Muggle toy, '' Matt laughed.

`` What is that thing ? '' Albus stared at the bit of credit card as it went up and down on the string.

`` He calls it a 'yo-yo', '' Saint John explained. `` Never seen anything like it. ``

`` I think I had one when I was really little, '' Matt commented, `` But I must have lost it ages ago. ``

`` How long has he been playing with it ? '' Albus asked, amazed that Kaden, who could n't sit still for fifteen minutes, could suffer the attention dyad to bring with that toy.

`` About 15 instant, '' Matt told him, `` But I think he 's noticed you, Albus. ``

Sure enough, Kaden pocketed his yo-yo and ran over to Albus. `` Hi Albus ! How was Quidditch practice ? ``

`` commodity, '' Albus told him, `` Tiring, but good. ``

`` I was watching. I think I 'd like to be a Beater, it looks like fun to wallop those Bludgers around, '' Kaden grinned.

Albus, who personally thought Kaden should not be allowed near a Beater 's bat after he nearly put someone 's eye out with his verge a distich times, laughed. `` Well, we wo n't be needing a new Beater for a piece, '' he turned to John and lusterlessness, `` Where are rose wine and Amanda ? ``

`` Up in the castle, doing prep, probably, '' toilet replied, `` They did n't desire to total outside. ``

Kaden stood up and stared at the Whomping willow. `` D'you think that tree could pour down person ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus said.

`` admiration why they planted it, then, '' Kaden started to walk a lilliputian close to the tree.

Albus glanced at his admirer and saw a look of terror appear in lusterlessness 's optic. Why was it that Kaden always seemed to question the things that had to do with matt 's being a werewolf ?

`` Er, Dumbledore probably thought it was funny, '' Albus lied.

`` He was mad, then, '' Kaden inched even closer to the tree, whose thrashing limb were now just a couple invertebrate foot away from him.

`` A bit, yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he was magnificent, too. ``

`` It 's so unusual, though. I 've never seen a tree like this, '' Kaden started to circulate the tree.

`` That 's because it 's magical, '' Albus told him.

`` You should probably step back, Kaden, '' matt warned him.

`` I 'll be careful, '' Kaden took a few more steps towards the tree. He was now within reach of its branches. `` must be a unassailable tree. '' He started to try and bear upon one of the outgrowth, but the Tree got there starting time and hit him on the leg with one of its subdivision. `` Ouch ! '' Kaden shrieked.

Albus, Matt, and John all stood up and ran over to him, but not close enough that they could get hit.

`` Kaden, I told you not to go near it ! '' Matt shouted.

`` It did n't even break the skin. I 'm all right, '' Kaden assured him and went back to inspecting the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. But the tree did n't care Kaden around it and started to hit him more forcefully. `` Ow ! ``

Albus rushed forward, dodging offshoot as he went. `` Kaden, move ! ``

But Kaden did n't move away from the tree. A subdivision hit him in the head and knocked him over. He stood up a little and peered closer at the tree 's base.

`` Kaden, get away from there ! '' Matt screamed in a very shaky timbre. `` I 'm serious, motivate ! ``

`` I think there 's a hole down there ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

Albus saw all the color drain from matte 's face, and he knew that Kaden had just found out how to get into the orphic passageway that led to the screeching hut. Albus was about to go grab Kaden away from the tree, when he disappeared from sight.

`` Oh, no, oh, no ! '' Matt shrieked, shaking his head teacher back and forth.

Albus rushed forward towards the tree. It hit him on his shoulder and his head as he tried to parry the offshoot. He crept closer, still getting hit, and saw the golf hole Kaden was talking about. But it did n't appear like there was any way to get into it without being killed. Albus had no thought how Kaden had done it.

Matt ran forward and grabbed a long leg that was on the basis. He wordlessly shoved it into the base of the tree, and the branches stopped. Albus turned to seem at him, but he said naught. Albus quickly jumped into the hole and found Kaden crouching in the incoming of a recollective tunnel.

`` This is flummox ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I 've found a secret passageway ! ``

`` Listen, Kaden, we 've got to get out of here, '' Albus said urgently.

`` Aw, come on, Albus. Let 's surveil it ! ``

`` No, Kaden, we ca n't, '' Albus insisted.

`` You do n't appear very excited, '' Kaden commented and he stared at Albus for a few seconds. `` I know, you already know about this, do n't you ? ``

`` Er, I, '' Albus tried to mean up something to tell Kaden. He was n't a very well lier, `` fine, I do already know about it. My dad told me about it. But I have n't been in it. Students are n't supposed to go in it. That 's why we 've got to leave, we 'll be in immense trouble. ``

`` Do you know where it leads ? '' Kaden asked.

`` No, '' Albus lied. He figured he 'd be able-bodied to rive that lie off, and he did n't want to distinguish Kaden where the passage led to. `` Now let 's go. ``

Kaden sighed, `` amercement. But you 're ruining the fun. ``

Albus did n't say another word. He quickly climbed out of the gob, hoping that whatever lustrelessness had done to stop the branch was still working. Luckily, it was, and Albus was able to climb out without receiving anymore wound. Kaden climbed out behind him, the Brobdingnagian grin still on his face.

john and Matt were standing nearby, but not near decent to be hit with outgrowth. Matt was looking whiteness as a wraith, clearly worried that Kaden had found the screeching Shack. Albus was just about to severalize his acquaintance that Kaden had n't gone down the tunnel when he heard a representative behind him.

`` Playing with the Whomping Willow. That is clearly against the rules. ``

Albus turned around and saw Filch making his way slowly towards them. Great, he thought, this is just what they needed.

`` Yes, yes, '' Filch wheezed, `` Follow me, delinquents. ``

Albus turned to attend at John and lusterlessness. John was looking pretty calm, but matt was still as pale as Nearly Headless snick. Kaden also looked a bit worried, but not nearly as much as matte. Albus was a little skittish as well. He had never gotten in problem with the caretaker before. He had heard repulsion news report about Filch and was n't sure which ones were true.

Albus followed Filch up to the castle in between Gospel According to John and mat. Kaden was walking a small ways behind them. None of them said a Logos. Filch was muttering to himself as he slowly lead the grouping up to the castling. They continued following Filch through the castling while other students stared at them. The other bookman were whispering amongst themselves as Albus and the others passed. Albus stared at the ground and tried to disregard them. Why was his worry fashioning always so bare ? Of path, this was n't even his shift, Albus thought bitterly. It was all Kaden 's fault. Why did he consume to keep messing with the tree ? He never seemed to want to let anything go. When he got an theme into his head, he never seemed to let go of it until Albus either yelled at him or physically stopped him.

Filch led them into a small, cramped, black office filled with various Muggle cleanup implements. There were only 3 chairs in the elbow room, one of which was behind Filch 's desk and he sat in it immediately. flatness took one of the other death chair, as he appeared so nervous that he might faint. Kaden immediately started snooping around the federal agency, while Albus and john remained standing and watching Filch 's every move.

`` It 's in here somewhere, '' Filch muttered as he rifled through a cabinet. `` Let 's see. B. combatant towards teachers, bothering business firm elves, bothering charming creatures, bothering Snape, bothering other pupil, ah, here it is ! Bothering the Whomping willow tree. '' Filch grinned and pulled out a piece of sheepskin. He set it down on his desk and looked up at Albus and the others.

Albus glanced at John, who shrugged. None of them had ever been in Filch 's billet before and had no musical theme what to carry. Albus was prepared for the worse, including being shackled to the wall, as his full cousin Fred told him Filch had done.

`` Quite the group of trouble Lord you are, '' Filch muttered, `` I 've got the strain rightfulness here, already made. Had quite a few others torment that tree in the yesteryear, especially after it was first planted. ``

Albus had his doubtfulness as to whether Filch actually knew why the tree was planted. Matt seemed to be getting more nervous with every cite of the Whomping Willow, and Albus could n't blame him.

Filch opened his mouth and was about to say something when there was a clash behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw Kaden standing with a few twelve Fanged Frisbees at his understructure. He was holding one in his hired man and there was an discharge box next to him.

`` Do n't touch anything ! '' Filch shouted and ran out from behind his desk. He yanked the Frisbee out of Kaden 's deal and picked up the others. He shoved the box back on the ledge and went back behind his desk.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden mumbled. Filch ignored him.

`` spine to your penalization, '' Filch continued, picking up a quill pen. `` full names ? ``

For a Split second, Albus considered giving Filch a fake figure, but figured it would do no goodness with his dad as a instructor. `` Albus Severus ceramist. ``

Filch wrote his epithet down and a smile spread across his face. `` Following in your Father 's footfall ? And your grandfather 's ? Yes, yes, I have an entire drawer in my filing cabinet dedicated to your granddaddy and his juvenile delinquent friends. I do think he once bothered the Whomping Willow as well. ``

Albus ignored Filch 's reminiscing. He had not been bothering that Tree. He had been saving Kaden from it. Although what Filch said had sparked his curiosity. Why had his granddad messed with the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ? He knew his grandfather loved to make trouble, but that tree concealed one of his best friend 's closed book. Maybe it had happened before he knew about it, Albus thought.

`` What about the rest of you delinquents ? '' Filch growled.

`` lavatory Malcolm Brickston, '' John replied. Filch wrote it down and glared at Matt.

`` Gospel According to Matthew Conan Eckerton, '' Matt mumbled very softly.

`` And you ? '' Filch glared at Kaden after he wrote down matte 's name.

`` Kaden Peter Dursley, '' Kaden announced.

`` right, '' Filch finished filling out the form and put it into his very boastfully filing storage locker. `` Your punishment. Three dark'detention. Tonight you 'll be scrubbing cauldrons, Muggle dash of path, in the Potions elbow room. Tomorrow you can do communication channel. And Monday you 'll strip the Astronomy tower, without magic as well. Meet me in the dungeon 8pm sharp tonight. Now get out of here. ``

Albus wrenched the doorway open and ran out of the office staff as fast as he could. triad nights of detention ! Two of which would be spent doing Muggle cleansing ! That was rough. Albus was tempestuous now. Why did Kaden experience to go near that Tree ? None of them would be in this quite a little if he had n't. Albus stalked all the way up to Gryffindor Tower, with trick and Matt adjacent to him, nonentity saying a discussion. Kaden ran along aside them, trying to get them to verbalise to him. Albus knew what they had to do now. They had to draw sure Kaden did not secern anyone about that tunnel.

When they climbed through the portrait jam, Albus was relieved to see that both Bilius and Ethan were in the usual room. That meant the dormitory was free and Albus could talk to Kaden up there. He wordlessly led the grouping to the student residence and shut the door behind them.

`` Ok, what is improper with you lot ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Why are you so placid ? ``

`` We just got in bother because of you ! '' Albus shouted.

`` wellspring, sorry ! '' Kaden responded, `` But it 's not that bad, it 's just cleanup. ``

`` ternary nights worth ! '' Matt groaned, `` And I did n't even do anything. Neither did lav or Albus. ``

`` Albus was in that burrow with me, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Only to get you out ! '' Albus reminded him, `` And if you remember, we told you numerous clock time to entrust that tree alone. This is what I was talking about hold out month, Kaden. You never lay off when mass ask you to. And I 've been in Hogwarts longer than you have, if I tell you to stop doing something, prospect are there 's a full reason for it ! And this one just seemed like common sensation to me ! 'Do n't go near the tree that could shoot down you .'Why on earth would n't you listen to that ? ``

`` Jeesh, Albus, '' Kaden replied, a short quieter, `` I was just curious about it. ``

`` oddment killed the kneazle, '' John muttered.

`` What ? '' Kaden stared at him.

`` Kneazle, it 's a magical wight, '' Gospel According to John explained.

`` Oh, well, Muggles just say oddity killed the cat. ``

`` That 's strange, '' lav said.

`` Anyway, '' Albus continued, `` You ca n't order anyone about that tunnel and I mean anyone. Not your mum, not your dad, not your Sister, not any of the former low years, no Muggles or Wizards, young or old, '' Albus turned to John and mat, `` Have I left anything out ? ``

`` Do n't differentiate any creature either, '' John added, `` Or what appear to be inanimate objects either, you never know in this shoes. ``

Kaden stared at them with a confused look on his face. `` Why not ? It looks to be a surreptitious passage ! ``

If it was potential, Matt seemed to plough even whiter. `` Do n't distinguish anyone, '' he said forcefully. `` And do n't go back into it. Ever. ``

Kaden sighed. `` You lot take all the fun away. ``

`` corporate trust me, Kaden, what 's beyond that tunnel is n't fun, '' Albus told him.

`` But you said you did n't fuck what was beyond it ! ``

Oh, right, Albus thought. This was why he was a bad lier. He could never retain the lies straight. Now what was he going to say ? `` Oh, er, well, I sort of do know. But trust me, it 's nothing right. It 's not even that exciting, pretty boring really. ``

`` And you 're not going to tell me what it is, are you ? '' Kaden looked at all of them.

`` Nope, '' John replied.

`` So you all know where it goes ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' trick answered.

`` I just do n't get it. You lot seem to be keeping quite a few affair secret from me. Are they special secrets only people with wizardly parents can love ? '' Kaden asked darkly.

Albus was shocked. Where had his full cousin follow up with something like that ? `` No ! Of course not ! Why in the epithet of Merlin 's byssus would you think that ? ``

`` Certain citizenry here seem to guess Muggle-borns should n't be taught magic trick, '' Kaden explained.

Albus knew this, of row. He just had n't known that they were bothering Kaden. `` Who, Kaden ? And are they doing this to you ? ``

`` Um, yeah, a bit, '' Kaden muttered, `` Mainly Felix Willinson. ``

Albus groaned. He should have known. Felix had n't bothered Albus at all so far, but apparently he, like his cousin-german, enjoyed bullying other students. `` Just stay away from him. And if he bothers you again, just tell me. I 'll get my cousin-german to set him straight. ``

`` All right, '' Kaden replied, `` And I really am sorry about the Whomping willow tree thing. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus assured him. `` We 'll just have you do most of the cleaning these next few Nox, '' he grinned.



A/N : Thanks to my beta and babe, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other babe and my brother. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Niki Lily, drownzer, XDNLxtlz99, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their reviews !


Diclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Nor do I own Monty python, Spamalot, or any of their related to material.




Albus never thought he would have a high-risk hold than the one he had cleaning the trophy way the late class. He thought Washburn had been the speculative person to have detainment with, but he was ill-timed. Albus went through his unit first twelvemonth without getting in trouble with Filch, and he was very felicitous about that. By the metre he finished his second hold on Monday Night, he was beginning to wish he was doing detention with Washburn instead. At to the lowest degree Washburn had n't breathed down his neck opening the total sentence. Filch spent all of Sunday night staring at them while they scrubbed cauldrons, and all of the late night staring at them as they churned out line after job. Filch seemed to take joy in watching the students rub their hands raw while scrubbing the caldron. Of course of instruction, the lines could have been considered a courteous respite in between the two cleanup events.

By the time Albus trudged into the common room on Tuesday evening after Quidditch practice, he was ready to be done with detention. But no such luck ; it was their net night and Filch was certainly to savor every minute of it. Albus quickly dropped his broom off in his dormitory and went back to the vernacular room to spend the ten mo they had before they had to leave for detention.

`` The last affair I want to do is go sporty something, '' Albus groaned.

`` Looks like you need to clean your clothes, '' St. John the Apostle laughed.

Albus shot him a dirty look. `` What do you expect ? It 's raining and it 's mucky and I just spent 45 minute flying around. ``

`` I know, '' John grinned.

`` Georgia was n't happy about me leaving other, '' Albus told him. `` She 's ruthless. ``

`` I 'll bet, '' John agreed.

`` Hey, where 's Matt ? '' Albus asked, looking around the common room.

`` way of essential, '' lav replied. `` Been there since rightfield after you left for practice. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus said, remembering that the full moon was the trace eve. `` Why are n't you there with him ? ``

`` Wanted to, '' John sighed, `` Could n't shake Kaden. He 's been with me ever since you left. In fact, I think that 's why Matt left. He could n't get any eternal rest with Kaden around. ``

`` But he 's not here now, '' Albus commented, noticing that Kaden was n't in the common room.

`` He went to put his rule book in his dormitory, '' whoremonger explained, `` I 'm certainly he 'll be back at any import. ``

As if on cue, Kaden came flying out of the room access leading to the dormitories and made a beeline for Albus and John. `` cook ? It 's the last Nox ! '' Kaden announced.

`` Yes, we know, '' john said, `` You 've been telling us that all day. ``

`` Where 's Matt ? Have n't seen him since dinner. He 'd better speed up, wherever he is, '' Kaden peered around the room.

Albus and John exchanged looks. `` I 'll find him, '' Albus replied quickly. `` You two go on ahead. ``

This clip it was St. John the Apostle 's play to give Albus a disgusted look. He clearly did n't want to be the one who had to go to detention with Kaden. `` Fine. See you later, rose, Amanda. ``

`` Enjoy yourselves, '' pink wine replied.

`` See you later, '' Amanda waved.

Albus gave Saint John and Kaden a minute 's top dog beginning before he left the common room and went to the Room of Requirement. He did n't want Kaden to find out where he was going. Once the coast was clear, he paced three times in nominal head of the blank paries on the 7th floor and waited for the room access to appear. It materialized just like always and Albus went quietly inside. The way was dark and Albus could hardly see where he was going. He wished there was some light. Immediately, flashlight lit up along the paries and revealed a four-poster bed in the heart of the little room.

Albus walked quickly over to the bed and wrenched the hangings unfastened. Once he saw how run down Matt looked, he immediately felt shamed about how he had complained about being too tired from Quidditch practice to do detention. His enfeeblement was cypher compared to Matt's.

`` C'mon, we 've got custody, '' Albus gently poked his friend.

Matt opened his eyes and sat up, wincing. `` Already ? All right hand. '' He slowly got up out of bed and stretched.

Albus led the way out of the room and to the uranology Tower. Neither of them said anything for well-nigh of the journeying, but Albus knew they were both thinking the same thing. They wished they did n't give birth to do detention that night.

`` Where are John the Evangelist and Kaden ? '' lustrelessness asked, suddenly realizing that they were n't there.

`` They went on ahead. Did n't need Kaden to know about the way. ``

`` Oh, yeah, thanks for that, '' Matt replied.

Albus and mat slowly climbed the stair leading to the towboat, and once they reached the top, Albus opened the door and the two of them arrived. Luckily, it had stopped raining and the clouds had even dissipated. The almost total moonshine was shedding light upon the tug, enough that Albus and the others would be able-bodied to do their detention with only a duet common mullein. Albus noticed Matt chill and screw up his eyes as the moonlight hit him. Albus figured it was probably giving him a splitting headache at best.

`` You 're latterly, '' growled Filch, who gestured to John the Evangelist and Kaden. The two of them were already scrubbing telescopes.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus mumbled, not elaborating on why they were late.

`` Another night 's detention, I think, '' Filch replied, `` Tomorrow dark. You can continue cleaning caldron. There are still some left field. ``

Albus glanced at mat who did n't even seem to be paying attention to Filch. He looked too busy trying not to be sick of. There was no way that Matt could possibly do detention the following evening. He would just have got to tell prof Longbottom about it the next day. Albus, however, groaned, as he would be subject of doing detention the side by side night. However, he would feature to miss dueling practice. At to the lowest degree Kate was n't nervy about them missing exercise like Sakartvelo was.

`` fountainhead, what are you waiting for ? '' Filch growled at Albus and flatness, `` starting line scrubbing ! ``

Albus picked up a rag out of the pail that was standing nearby and ran quickly to where John and Kaden were scrubbing. He was partway there when he realized Matt was still standing near the door. He did n't appeared to induce moved since they entered the Tower. Filch was glaring at him, looking like he was gear up to explode with hysteria. Albus grabbed Matt by the arm without looking at Filch and led him over to the telescopes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus whispered and started to clean the nearest telescope.

`` F-fine, '' Matt stuttered. Albus looked at him and noticed that he was shivering.

Albus turned to calculate at John who shrugged with discombobulation. `` It 's a lot worse than last dark, '' Albus muttered. During the old night 's detainment, Matt had nodded off a few fourth dimension, but he had been capable of producing a unspoilt bit of pedigree. Tonight, lustrelessness appeared to be frozen in home and definitely would n't be getting much cleaning done.

`` fountainhead, it is the Night before, '' john whispered so quietly that Albus could barely hear him.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he seems sicker than about nights before. ``

`` Dunno why, '' John replied, `` We 'd improve hide him from Filch, though. Filch will know he 's not cleaning. '' Albus nodded and moved to the early side of meat of Matt.

`` What 's wrong with him ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Is he sick again ? ``

Albus and John shot Kaden ominous looks and Kaden immediately shut up. `` I was just wondering, '' he muttered a minute later.

`` Remember what I told you last time ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Do n't bring in it up. ``

`` repose ! '' Filch shouted loudly.

lusterlessness jumped and looked at Albus with a spirit of confusion on his face. `` What 're we doing ? '' he mumbled.

`` Detention, '' Albus replied, `` Listen, d'you want to go to the Hospital extension ? ``

`` No, it 's not tonight, it 's tomorrow night, '' he said and slouched onto the scope he was supposed to be cleaning.

`` I said quiet ! '' Filch yelled and waltzed over to the boys, `` Get to mold Potter and Eckerton. ``

Albus and the others worked in silence for the side by side half 60 minutes. St. John the Apostle and Albus worked carefully down the row of telescope, making sure Matt was between them at all times so it would look like he was cleaning. Kaden worked on Albus 's other side, looking much more cheery than the former three boys did.

`` Republic of Finland, Finland, Finland ... '' he sung quietly, `` That 's the res publica for me .... ''

`` What ? '' Albus whispered. Kaden had been humming that Sung for the past five minutes and it was driving Albus mad. He had never heard it before and it sounded quite strange.

Kaden stopped singing and looked at Albus. `` Oh, come on ! You 've never heard of Monty Python ? Spamalot, the Broadway manoeuvre ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, wondering what that strain could have got to do with a python. There had n't been any quotation of snake in the grass in it.

Kaden sighed. `` I love the wizarding Earth, but you lot are really lacking in high up quality entertainment. Would it kill you to see TV and movies ? Monty Python is a flick, and a pretty fishy one at that. You can determine it at my house sometime. Spamalot is a Broadway play based on it. They turned it into a film a few age back. ``

Albus was still a bit confused about the vocal, but he figured he 'd understand it if he ever watched the motion picture. He had seen a few Muggle films before, but never Monty python or Spamalot. His Aunt Hermione had a TV, but she did n't let Albus look on it very often. `` You 'll rot your head out ! '' she always told him, `` Now go take a Quran ! ``

Albus and Kaden went back to their cleanup, and Kaden started humming a new song. Albus assumed it also was from Monty Python since it sounded just as confusing as the former one. It had something to do with fish.

`` check that goddam humming ! '' Filch screamed.

`` Sorry, sir ! '' Kaden replied. Filch scowled. Clearly he was angry about Kaden talking to him, but he could n't grouch him again since what Kaden had said was polite.

The remainder of the detention was spent in almost complete quiet. Every once and a patch, Kaden would try to engage the others in conversation, but it was always stopped by Filch. Luckily, Filch never realized that lustrelessness had n't done an ounce of cleaning. He seemed to occupy glaring at Kaden and telling him to shut up. Albus realized that Filch probably had an unceasing grudge against Kaden now, which Kaden seemed forgetful to. It would not surprise Albus if Kaden had a file that rivaled his grandfather 's by the time he graduated. By the metre the detention was over, matt was leaning against Albus, although he seemed thoroughly unaware of it. Albus had caught Kaden staring at Matt a few metre, but as soon as Albus sent him a dirty face, Kaden went back to cleaning.

`` All right, you 're done, '' Filch growled, `` Get out of here or you 'll be out of bed after curfew. Then you 'll get another custody. '' He smirked. Filch picked up the cleaning supply and ambled down the stairs before Albus and the others.

`` We 're done now, '' Albus gently woke Matt up.

`` Done with what ? '' Matt mumbled without opening his eyes.

`` Detention, where we 've been for the hold up hour, '' Albus explained while looking at John the Divine. King John pulled Matt off of Albus, but he stumbled fell against a telescope.

`` Ouch ! '' Matt shouted and grabbed his head.

`` We 've got to get back to the common room, and quick, '' Albus said, more to toilet than to flatness, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

`` What 're we going to do with him ? '' John asked. Matt was now leaning on toilet. `` I wish we could levitate him. ``

`` You ca n't ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` No, that 's much more modern than we 're able to do, '' Albus explained, `` And lower your part. ``

`` Let 's just each get on one side of him, '' John Lackland threw one of Matt 's limb over his shoulder and gestured for Albus to do the same.

Albus followed John 's lead-in and told Kaden to get the door. Albus, John, and Matt hobbled awkwardly down the steps and back into the primary part of the castle. It was slow down going and they 'd already missed curfew.

`` Good affair he 's lite, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, '' John the Divine agreed.

`` Ugh, '' flatness winced and opened his eyes, `` I think I 'm going to be sick. ``

Albus and John looked at each other for a split up endorsement before matte retched onto the base in front line of them.

`` Ew, gross ! '' John exclaimed.

`` Told you he was be sick, '' Kaden said. He had been walking a few paces ahead of them and kept looking back, wanting to say something but afraid to.

`` We knew that, '' Albus snapped.

lustrelessness retched a arcsecond time and Albus felt him crash onto the floor. Albus and Saint John the Apostle both grabbed his arms as he went down and slowed the drop. Now what were they going to do ?

`` Matt ? '' Albus gently shook him and tried to get him to wake up, but it was no use.

`` What happened to him ? '' Kaden stared as Albus tried to wake Matt up.

`` Passed out, '' Albus said shortly. He was a bit annoyed that Kaden asked that. Was n't it obvious ?

`` I know that, '' Kaden replied, `` But why ? ``

`` How should I acknowledge ? '' Albus snapped.

`` Will you two stop arguing ? '' John interrupted. `` What are we going to do ? ``

Albus shrugged and thought. What were they going to do ? terror overtook him as he assessed the site. They were out of bed after curfew and Matt was passed out on the floor. It could n't get worse than this. There was no way for them to get Matt to the common room or the hospital wing without levitating him. And none of them could levitate a person. Albus looked at mat and noticed he had begun shivering again. Albus took off his cloak and laid it over his friend. `` Kaden, '' Albus began, `` Go get brothel keeper Pomfrey. ``

`` Why me ? '' Kaden asked nervously. He looked around at the night corridor, clearly worried about walking through them alone.

`` Just do it ! '' Albus shouted.

Kaden looked taken aback at Albus 's brassy tonus. `` Ok, ok ! '' he replied and took off down the corridor, towards the stairs.

`` He 's going to be ok, right ? '' Albus asked quietly once Kaden was out of sight.

`` I dunno, '' John whispered back. `` But it 's been bad before and he 's always recovered mulct. ``

The boys sat in silence for the succeeding couple hour, watching for star sign of knowingness in their friend. However, mat remained unresponsive and very pale. Though he was still shivering, his forehead glistened with stew in the Moon that was streaming in through a nearby window.

`` What 's that ? '' Gospel According to John asked, pointing down the corridor.

Albus looked where John the Divine was pointing and saw a name floating towards him. He stood up and drew his baton and lav did the same. The figure came unaired and closer, and soon Albus was able to stool it out. It was Peeves. Albus groaned inwardly. This was the lowest thing they needed, Peeves announcing their presence to the whole castle.

`` Students out of bed ! '' Peeves shouted gleefully as he noticed the boys.

`` Shut up, Peeves ! '' Albus replied, very rile at Peeves 's glad tone.

Peeves peered down at Matt and then looked at lavatory and Albus. `` Dueling, have we ? It seems that you two have won. But Mr. Filch wo n't like this ! No he wo n't ! bookman out of bed and dueling, too ! ``

`` We have n't been dueling ! '' John insisted, `` Now get out of here ! ``

`` Ha-ha ! '' Peeves laughed, `` Peeves does n't listen to scholarly person, no he does n't ! Peeves movement bother when scholarly person are around ! ``

`` No, quiet ! '' Albus whispered.

Peeves cackled even louder and zoomed up and down the corridor. `` Students out of bed ! Students out of bed ! ``

Albus and Saint John the Apostle gave each other terrified tone. Albus had no idea what to do to hush the poltergeist. But if he did n't hold on cheering, someone would surely incur out that they were there. Albus 's fears were soon realized as he heard hurried footsteps coming down the corridor. Albus wished he had his beginner 's invisibility cloak.

Peeves apparently heard them too, because he flew down towards them shouting, `` They 're over here ! Over here ! pupil out of bed ! ``

`` Go away, Peeves ! '' a loud stern voice shouted, `` Or I 'll get the Bloody Baron ! ``

`` Yes, Madam nanny, mam ! '' Peeves saluted and sped down the corridor, cackling madly.

Albus breathed a suspiration of relief. It was just Madam Pomfrey. Albus watched as the nurse ran the respite of the way down the corridor. She was surprisingly fast for somebody her age. Kaden was panting behind her, trying to keep up.

gentlewoman Pomfrey rushed over to Albus, john, and matte, and immediately bow down and put her hand on matte 's forehead. `` What 's happened ? '' she asked briskly.

`` He collapsed, '' Albus told her.

The nurse clicked her natural language and conjured a stretcher. She waved her wand and Matt landed on top of it. `` Well, you can explain more once we get to the hospital fender. Quickly now. ``

Albus, John, and Kaden ran behind madam Pomfrey all the way to the hospital wing. None of them said a Word of God, although it looked to Albus like Kaden was trying to keep open himself from asking more dubiousness. Minutes later, the group arrived at the hospital fender. dame Pomfrey barged through the door and immediately deposited Matt onto a bed. She bustled around the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward, gathering potions while asking the boys more questions.

`` Why were you out of your common room ? '' she asked.

`` Detention, '' Albus responded.

`` Where and with whom ? ``

`` Filch had us cleaning the entire Astronomy Tower, '' toilet replied with a disgusted tone.

Madam Pomfrey stopped rifling through her potion cabinet and turned to search at John. `` uranology Tower ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' John answered with a flavour of muddiness on his face.

`` Filch ! '' Madam Pomfrey shouted as she ran back to lusterlessness 's bed, `` I 'll bear him for this ! I thought I made it clear to him live year when he had you scrubbing the lavatory ... I 'll hex him into next year ! merlin 's beard, the Astronomy tower ! And tonight of all dark ! '' The nurse continued to run back and forth from her office, potion locker, and Matt 's bed while muttering about Filch.

`` What 's she going on about ? '' Kaden whispered. Albus jumped. He 'd forgotten Kaden was there. `` What 's Filch got anything to do with him being sick ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 'll get him for this ! '' Madam Pomfrey shouted as she waved her wand over Matt. `` I swear I will .... ''

Albus looked at ma'am Pomfrey and then back at Kaden. He chose to ignore Kaden 's question. The nurse was getting dangerously close to cluing Kaden into why mat was there. If she was n't heedful, she 'd give away everything.

`` I thought I 'd clear it open to him ! '' the nurse repeated while she poured a disgusting looking orange potion down Matt 's throat. `` No detention on these dark and certainly not on the astronomy tugboat ! If he 'd been out there any longer ... fountainhead, I 'm not exactly trusted what would stimulate happened ! ``

Kaden looked throughly confused. `` What 's the Astronomy pillar got to do with this ? ``

`` Of all the Night of the month- ''

`` Madam Pomfrey ! '' Albus shouted, suddenly deciding that he had to get the nurse to check ranting. brothel keeper Pomfrey looked up from what she was doing and glared at Albus. It generally was not a skilful idea to interrupt her while she was working, but Albus had no choice. He ran over to where the nurse was standing. `` Sorry, gentlewoman, '' he whispered, `` It 's just, there are certain, er, matter, that Kaden does n't know. '' Albus gestured to where his cousin was standing. `` And I know Matt would prefer it if he did n't know, '' Albus gave her a significant feel that he hoped would take his thoughts.

Madam Pomfrey stared at him for a few irregular and then fruition came over her. `` Oh ! Oh, my ! '' she whispered back, `` I ca n't believe I, well, right. So sorry about that. I 'll be a bit quieter. ``

Albus went back over to where Kaden and can were standing. Saint John the Apostle gave him a relieved look, but Kaden looked even more confused. `` What was that about ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Nothing, '' Albus gave Kaden another one of his 'shut up now'aspect. Kaden immediately closed his mouth. Albus was getting good at conveying those looking at now and Kaden seemed to obey right away, which was good.

`` All right hand, '' madam Pomfrey walked back to the three boy after a few Sir Thomas More minutes, `` He 's going to be exquisitely. He 'll just necessitate to stay here for a couple days. '' She looked at Albus and King John when she said this, and Albus knew she meant that he would be staying until after the entire moon.

`` Ok, '' Albus nodded. `` We can visit him, right ? ``

`` Of course, dear, '' Madam Pomfrey 's formula softened. `` You know what sentence are good. Now, you three best be off to your dormitories. It 's very late. If anyone plosive consonant you, just distinguish them you were with me. And do n't worry about seeing Filch. I 'm off to witness him now, and he 's going to be busy for quite a patch. ``

Albus nodded and had to stifle a laugh. He knew the nurse would be seeking out the caretaker and would be giving him a long and loud scolding at best.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Special thanks to my former babe and my buddy for help with the Monty python material. Speaking of Monty Python and Spamalot, I took some indecorum in deciding that Spamalot was turned into a film sometime during the present and 2017, when this takes place. Otherwise, Kaden could not have seen it as it sadly closed on Broadway endure month ( before I got to see it, unfortunately ).

Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist or Spamalot



Albus and John did n't have a luck to recount Rose and Amanda about the detention until after tiffin the next day. It was their good afternoon off and they were relaxing in the elbow room of necessity for a few hour before they went to visit Matt. It was the showtime time since the hold that Kaden was n't around. Kaden had grade all afternoon, so it was an nonpareil time to talk about what had happened the old night. No one, not even Rose, seemed to consume any approximation why lustrelessness seemed so a lot sicker that Nox than the other Night before full Moon. Their only guess was that he was already worn out from the detainment on the old two Night. Eventually, they just decided to go to the Hospital Wing and ask Matt. Albus was sure he would order them. After all, he told them all about that field of study he was in.

However, when they arrived at the Hospital annexe, mat was sound asleep. dame Pomfrey informed them that he had woken up for a brusk while too soon that morning, but had fallen asleep soon after. He had been asleep ever since, and the nurse vapid out refused to let them awake him up. She insisted that he needed all the rest he could get before nightfall and that they could impose him the following afternoon.

Albus and his friends were very subdued that evening. Albus had just returned to the common room after fulfilling his extra detention with Filch. It was just as pathetic as the first cauldron-cleaning detention had been. When he got back to the green room, all his Friend were doing homework and not saying much. Amanda was already back from dueling exercise. Albus was worried about Matt and he could tell the others were as well. It kind of reminded him of that Nox of the fully Moon they stayed up waiting for morning to come after astronomy class the previous yr. Only this year, they had Kaden to fill in the quietness that surrounded them.

`` And then Slughorn had to give the whole division antidote ! '' Kaden laughed as he relayed his most recent potions class. One of the other initiative years had heated her cauldron too much and caused the potion to break loose all over the entire class. Albus and the others nodded their headway, like they had been doing for the past one-half time of day, and continued working on their respective homework.

`` Is n't it funny ? '' Kaden sighed, `` What 's wrong with you lot ? You 've been sitting there not saying anything for the past hr ! I thought you 'd at least jest at the approximation of everyone in my potions class having various character of their body plow bright garden pink. ``

`` We 're just worried about Matt, '' Rose explained, not looking up from her Charms book.

`` dame Pomfrey said he 'd be amercement, '' Kaden reminded her.

`` She does n't cognize that, '' pink wine replied.

`` sure she does. She 's the nurse, '' Kaden grinned, `` And she can fix anything. ``

Albus sighed loudly, `` Not this again ! Listen, you just do n't understand. She ca n't know for for certain that he 'll be ok. ''

This time it was Kaden 's turn to sigh, `` Well, I 'm not going to translate unless you tell me what 's wrongfulness with him. ``

`` Not going to happen, '' Albus muttered as he jotted down something on his parchment.

`` Someday I 'll weasel it out of you, '' Kaden said. A few seconds later he started to laugh. `` Weasel. Get it ? Weasley, weasel ! And you 're half Weasley ! ``

`` Very divert, '' Albus murmured.

`` Oh, you 're no fun, '' Kaden said, still grinning at his own joke.

******

The adjacent day after Herbology, Albus and his friend hurried up to their residence hall to deposit their bags. Then they rushed to the Hospital offstage to see how matte was. Luckily, Kaden was still in class. When they arrived at the hospital wing, Albus saw mat 's usual bed with the curtains pulled around it and made a beeline for it. He was halfway there when madam Pomfrey came out from behind the curtains and jumped as she saw Albus and the others.

`` Oh ! '' she clutched her chest, `` You scared me ! I was n't expecting you until later. ``

`` Sorry, '' Albus replied, `` We decided to come now since I 've got Quidditch pattern after dinner. ``

`` Is that all right wing ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yes, that 's fine. Just for a few bit, '' the nurse regained her composure and bustled into her office.

Albus ran the rest of the way to the bed and wrenched the drapery open. Matt was awake and propped up on his pillows. He looked tired and was covered in various scratches and sting, that looked a bit worse than usual. `` Hey ! How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' Matt said tiredly. `` It was bad. ``

`` It looks it, '' John commented.

`` Saint John the Apostle ! '' rosebush scolded.

`` What ? '' can shrugged.

`` It 's not that bad, '' pink wine said to Matt.

`` It 's fine, really, '' matte assured John.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened during custody ? ``

`` Honestly, I 'm not even sure, '' Matt sighed, `` I do n't really remember it. ``

`` Really ? '' rose wine raised her eyebrow, `` That 's odd. ``

`` Why do n't you two differentiate me what happened ? '' lusterlessness laughed.

`` All right, '' Albus said, `` You sort of froze when we got up to the astronomy tower and you would n't move. Filch yelled at us for being late and assigned us another detention for last night- ''

`` L-last Nox ? '' lustrelessness interrupted.

`` Yeah, scrubbing Thomas More caldron, '' Albus explained. `` I kinda figured something was wrong when you did n't object to it. ''

flatness groaned, `` I do n't even remember him saying that. Great, now I 've got another detention once I get out of here. Probably two since I missed it survive night. ``

`` Oh, I do n't call back you 'll take in to do any hold, '' Albus assured him, `` Filch did n't name anything about you doing detention the whole time I was scrubbing cauldron last night. You see, brothel keeper Pomfrey was livid when we told her what we had been doing for custody. ``

`` Yeah, '' John laughed, `` I 've never seen her so angry. She was storming around here, muttering and shouting and cursing Filch. It was form of funny, really. ``

`` Anyway, she said she was going to talk to Filch after we left the other night, '' Albus continued, `` I imagine she yelled at him quite a bit. I 'm sure she insisted that you not do anymore detention. ``

`` That 's a easing, '' mat replied, `` So, what happened after Filch gave us another detainment ? ``

`` I pulled you over to where john and Kaden were cleaning telescopes and King John and I stood on either slope of you, so it seemed like you were cleaning too. It was almost like you were in a sort of trance. You did n't seem to know what was going on. So I asked if you wanted to go to the hospital fender and you said no. Then John, Kaden, and I cleaned for about an time of day and a half. No one talked much except for Kaden. He kept humming random call and Filch yelled at him. Then he told me what the vocal were from. They were from a moving-picture show called Spamalot. Kaden insisted that I watch it sometime, '' Albus explained.

Matt laughed, `` You should, it 's a really peculiar motion-picture show. ``

`` You 've seen it ? '' bathroom asked.

`` Yeah. We 've got a TV at rest home, since my mum is Muggle-born and she did n't desire to give up TV, '' matt replied.

`` I 've never seen it, '' Amanda commented, `` I 've heard of it, though. We should all watch it sometime. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Albus agreed. `` Anyway, once we left the uranology Tower, we tried to get back to the common room, but you got queasy partway there and passed out. I told Kaden to get Madam Pomfrey, and well, that was it. ``

`` And I do n't retrieve any of that, '' Matt groaned and stared down at the bed.

`` It 's all rightfulness, '' Albus said quietly, `` You were n't really yourself. ``

`` Why 'd it happen, though ? '' privy asked after a few seconds, `` I mean, you 're usually tired the nighttime before, but why was it that bad ? ``

`` Because I was in take aim moonshine, '' Matt whispered, `` The reason I get tired and puke beforehand is because the moon is getting fuller. The Night we did detention, it was practically full. And I was outside in the moonlight for over an hr. ``

`` That would explain why Madam Pomfrey got so wild, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' lustrelessness replied, `` Makes the transmutation worse, too. Because I 'm already worn out from being in the moonlight so long the night before. ``

`` I do n't get it, though, '' Rose said, `` Why did n't you just severalize Filch you could n't do hold that night ? ``

`` I do n't acknowledge, '' matt sighed, `` I guess I just did n't need any sort of special treatment anymore. It makes people funny. I do n't require anyone to question why I can beak my detention nights. Plus, I did n't really know that would pass anyway. I knew I 'd be tired, but I did n't really know I 'd go into a trance like that. It had never happened before. My parents always made sure not to let me go outside the night before. ``

`` fountainhead, even so, you should n't do anymore detention like that the night before, '' Rose insisted, `` It 'll make you sicker. ``

`` I know, rosiness, '' mat assured her, `` And lady Pomfrey talked to Filch and he 's not going to give me anymore detentions at bad times. ``

`` You mean, she told Filch ? '' Albus asked. He knew Filch did n't eff about Matt 's status, but he did n't think dame Pomfrey would actually order him.

`` Oh, no, he does n't make love. Madam Pomfrey just said that he needed to mark off with her before assigning me detentions due to 'health consequence that will stay on private'. And she made him swear not to recount anyone that he was checking detentions with her, or else she 'd ready for certain Kendrick kicked him out. ``

Saint John the Apostle let out a low whistle, `` Wow, remind me not to get on ma'am Pomfrey 's bad side. ``

`` She 's definitely emphatic, '' Matt yawned and closed his eyes.

`` Are you all right ? '' rosiness asked.

`` Umm-hmm, '' lusterlessness mumbled, `` I 've just got a head ache. ``

At that moment, the mantle opened and Madam Pomfrey appeared with another potion. This one was a deeply blue and Albus thought it looked disgusting. The harbour took one spirit at lusterlessness, shook her foreland, and turned to Albus and the others. `` Time for you lot to leave. You 're welcome to visit again tomorrow. ``

Albus and his Friend said goodbye to Matt and left the infirmary wing. Albus had just enough prison term to grab dinner before he had to be at the Quidditch tar for practice. GA thought the squad was doing wonderfully and was sure they would beat out Slytherin in the clenched fist compeer in November.

******

`` So, where is my brilliant potions mate today ? '' Malfoy asked sarcastically as the Gryffindors and Slytherins left Slughorn 's donjon the following afternoon.

`` Visiting his sick gran, like usual, '' whoremaster replied shortly while glaring at Malfoy. `` Have n't you figured that out by now ? Whenever you ask where he is, he 's always visiting his gran. ``

`` Funny, that 's not what Potter 's cousin said, '' Malfoy smirked. Jackson Limbert and Xavier Goyle nodded on either side of him.

`` What ? '' Albus shouted. His cousins, except for Rose, probably did n't even know matt left every calendar month, let alone where he went. And Rose obviously would n't state Malfoy anything. `` Which cousin ? ``

`` The mud-blood, '' Malfoy said simply.

Kaden, Albus thought. Of course ! Albus had told Kaden that Matt got gruesome every so often, he just had n't told him what the illness was. But why on world was Kaden talking to Malfoy ?

`` Do n't prognosticate him that ! '' Rose shouted, drawing her wand.

`` calm air down, '' Malfoy replied, drawing his own wand. `` I mean it in the nicest way. ``

`` You do not ! '' John shouted as he drew his wand.

`` postponement ! '' Albus stood in between them and stared at Malfoy. `` Before anyone hexes anyone, I 've got to discover out what this is about. What did Kaden say ? ``

`` He mentioned that Eckerton is sick all the prison term. Apparently he 's got some disease that Pomfrey ca n't cure and you wo n't say him what it is, '' Malfoy replied smugly.

Albus felt the colouring drain from his nerve. He told Kaden not to tell anyone about this ! And what had Kaden done ? He told Malfoy of all multitude ! Malfoy, the one person mat did not desire knowing where he went every month. Albus groaned. Malfoy now had a few more clues as to what was wrong with Matt. With just a bit of research he was sure to find out. `` When did he secernate you this ? '' Albus growled. cult and choler were building up inside of him, and not only towards Malfoy. If Kaden was anywhere near Albus right now, he was sure he 'd hex him.

`` Last night, '' Malfoy answered, `` Very interesting bit of information, if you ask me. ``

Albus did n't say another word to Malfoy. He turned and ran towards the stairs and out of the keep. The step behind him told him that his friends were following. Albus did n't intercept to let them take in up. All he cared about now was finding Kaden. He was angrier than he was the night he yelled at Kaden. Albus knew if he found Kaden now, he 'd do Thomas More than just yell. He 'd hex him into the next century. What in the name of pigeon hawk had possessed Kaden to tell Malfoy that Matt got sick ? Why Malfoy of all people ? Albus knew Kaden was aware of the Gryffindor/Slytherin rivalry. Heck, Albus knew that Kaden himself did n't like Slytherins. Felix Willinson had made Kaden well aware of the bias many Slytherins felt. Yet, Kaden was obviously talking with Slytherins, and telling them matter they should n't know.

`` Albus, where are you going ? '' Rose shouted, as Albus ran up a flight of stairs.

`` To get Kaden, '' Albus growled.

`` I 'm going with you, '' bathroom said. He sounded, if it was possible, even tempestuous than Albus felt. He sped up and fell into place beside Albus. `` I told you before that if he did this again, I 'd hex him. I 'm keeping my word. ``

`` Wait, Albus, St. John ! '' rose wine shouted again.

But Albus did n't waitress. He continued up flying of stairs towards the Gryffindor usual elbow room. bookman stared at them as they passed, but Albus did n't give care. rosiness kept shouting after them, but both Albus and King John ignored her. Amanda gave a few half-hearted shouts after them, but Albus could tell she did n't really wish if they tried to hex Kaden or not. Eventually, Albus and Saint John made it to the park room. They gave the Fat Lady the password and ran into the way. Albus immediately spotted Kaden sitting in a chair, playing with what looked to be another Muggle toy. It was a square block with numerous colourize squares all over it. It looked vaguely comrade. Albus thought he may stimulate seen Rose with one once. Albus ran over to Kaden and grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the dormitory while glaring at him.

`` Hey, what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked. He dropped his cube in surprise. `` What 's gotten into you, Albus ? ``

Albus said aught as he dragged Kaden to his dormitory. John the Evangelist followed without saying a word, and shut the threshold behind them when they reached the dormitory. Albus let go of Kaden and glared at him for a few moments.

`` What is awry with you, Albus ? '' Kaden asked, glancing from Albus to John.

`` I should be asking you that, Kaden, '' Albus replied in a low interpreter. `` What were you doing talking to Scorpius Malfoy for ? ``

`` Scorpius Malfoy ? '' Kaden repeated as if trying to think of who that was. Then a spirit of actualization appeared on his nerve. `` Oh. ``

`` Yeah, 'oh ,''' Albus said, `` You were talking to him last night ! ``

`` Uh ... '' Kaden shifted uneasily on his feet.

`` I told you not to recite anyone about matte getting sickish ! '' Albus erupted. `` You promised you would n't distinguish ! This is exactly why I did n't desire to tell you in the number one place ! You just ca n't keep your mouthpiece shut ! And Malfoy ! He 's been trying to find out about lusterlessness since the beginning of commencement twelvemonth, and let me tell you zilch good will chance when he does find out. And you know what you 've done ? '' Albus paused for effect, but Kaden did n't say anything. `` YOU MADE IT EASIER FOR HIM TO breakthrough OUT ! ``

`` I did n't mean to- '' Kaden 's voice cracked.

`` I do n't care, '' Albus interrupted, `` The point is, you did ! How can you not mean to tell individual something ? Especially someone you never talk to in the fist piazza ! ``

`` I- ''

`` Shut up, Kaden ! '' Albus shouted and drew his wand. John the Evangelist, who had been letting Albus take the booster cable, drew his as well.

`` Wha-what 're you g-going to do ? '' Kaden shakily drew his own wand.

Suddenly, the door fit spread out and rose wine and Amanda appeared, both of them clutching stitches in their side and heaving. `` Expelliarmus ! '' Rose shouted. Albus 's wand left his hand and landed on the trading floor near pink wine. Rose disarmed John and then gathered both wands.

`` Give it to me, blush wine, '' Albus growled.

`` No, '' Rose replied, `` I 'm not going to let you hex your own cousin-german. ``

`` You heard what he did ! '' Albus shouted.

`` I know, and I 'm not well-chosen about it either, '' rosebush replied, `` But hexing him is n't going to fix it. You 'll just get detention. ``

On some tier, Albus knew Rose was right, but he still wanted to hex Kaden. Albus sighed. There was n't anything he could do now. All he could do is desire that Malfoy did n't put the clues together. That, and never confide Kaden to continue a secret again. `` Just get out of here, Kaden. ``

`` But- ''

`` I said, get out of here, '' Albus growled, `` Or I 'll resort to Muggle dueling. ``

Kaden bit his lip and turned towards the door. He looked back at Albus once before running out of the dormitory.

Albus threw himself down onto his bed after Kaden left. `` I 'm never telling him anything again. ``

`` I do n't blame you, '' John sighed, `` Why 'd he have to secernate Malfoy anyway ? ``

`` I have n't got a clue, '' Albus replied, `` All I know is that this clock time, I 'm not forgiving him as easily. ``

`` I- '' Rose started.

`` Do n't bother, Rose, '' Albus interrupted, `` Nothing you say is going to make me rationalise to him. ``

`` I was n't going to say that ! '' Rose shouted, `` I was going to say that I agree with you. I mean, he does n't deserve to be friends with you if he 's going to go telling half the shoal things you told him in enigma. You told him not to secernate, right ? ``

`` Of course of instruction I did ! '' Albus said, `` I all but told him I 'd hex him if he told anyone. ``

`` Exactly, '' rose replied, `` What if he tells Malfoy about the Whomping willow tree ? ``

`` merlin ! '' Albus suddenly sat up, `` I had n't thought of that ! ``

`` What if he already told Malfoy ? '' John said darkly.

`` Then he 's already investigated it, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Or at to the lowest degree tried. ``

`` And he 'll try again, '' Albus replied, `` I know, I 'll tally the map a lot. '' Albus got up from his bed and went to his trunk. He rummaged around in it until he found the vulture 's Map. He took out his wand and tapped it, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

Ink appeared all over the map as Albus and the others crowded around it. Albus scanned it quickly for Malfoy. `` He 's in the Slytherin common room, '' Albus pointed to Malfoy 's dot in the dungeon. `` I 'll just check off it every once and a while. ``

`` Good theme, '' John Lackland said.

`` What are we going to enjoin matt ? '' blush wine asked quietly. `` We 've got to tell him about this. ``

In all the chaos of finding Kaden and trying to hex him, Albus had n't thought about what they were going to recite Matt. `` We 'll just have to tell him what happened, that 's all. I 'm not going to conceal that Kaden was the one who told Malfoy. If Matt wants to hex him, he can go right ahead. ``

`` We 're not going to let him hex Kaden ! '' Rose insisted, `` He does n't need anymore detention. ``

`` commodity point, '' Amanda agreed. `` We 'll tell him it was Kaden, but we wo n't let him hex him. ``

`` flatness will just feature to forfend Malfoy, '' John commented, `` I mean, there 's nothing we can do now. What 's done is done. We 'll all avoid Malfoy. ``

`` That 'll be grueling, '' Albus announced, `` Malfoy is Matt 's potions partner. And he 's on mine and Amanda 's dueling team. ``

`` We 'll just have to try, '' whoremonger sighed, `` Besides that, there 's not very much we can do. That, and never commit Kaden with another enigma. ``





A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Saint Luke, Niki Lily, Moonylupin, Denas, and drownzer for their reappraisal !