Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




mat did n't return to the vulgar room until Sunday good afternoon. Albus and his friends had spent most of the weekend doing homework and playing troll of Exploding elasticity. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really think about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his champion did n't get a chance to narrate Matt about what Kaden told Malfoy while he was in the infirmary wing because it had been very herd that weekend. Apparently, quite a few student had decided to practice their dueling for the upcoming match while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused gentlewoman Pomfrey to cause an awful lot to do. She looked very frazzled when Albus and the others visited lusterlessness on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the usual room with the others, doing preparation, when lustrelessness returned from the Hospital Wing. He still looked a bit tired and the cuts on his face were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much better than he had on Thursday. Albus closed his Holy Writ and glanced at his ally when lusterlessness came through the portrait hole.

`` What 's with you lot ? '' mat asked, `` You 're awfully tranquillize. ``

`` We 've, er, got to tell you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the Room. '' Albus got up and left the rough-cut room. His friends all followed, not saying a word of honor. Albus led them down the seventh floor corridor until they reached the painting of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three metre in front of it and opened the door that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his acquaintance asked for a plaza where they could be alone. There were a few soggy armchairs and couches, a hearth, and it was decorated in scarlet and gold.

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

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

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

`` wellspring, we 're obviously not going to tell you that, '' Albus gave a halfhearted laugh as he sat down on a professorship. pink wine, can, and Amanda sat down as well.

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

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

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

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

`` Malfoy ? ! '' mat interrupted with a looking of shock on his face.

`` It gets worse, '' Albus continued, `` You know how I told Kaden that you get disturbed every once in a while, so he would shut up last calendar month ? ``

`` Yeah ... ''

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

mat sank back into his chair and his aspect went deoxyephedrine blank. Albus was glad Rose told him to sit down, because if he had n't sustain been sitting he probably would have fainted. Albus watched as matte processed the data. After a few present moment he asked very quietly, `` What did he tell Malfoy ? ``

`` That you 've got some sort of wizard disease that madam Pomfrey ca n't cure, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't inspect your sick nan. ``

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

`` We 're going to try and score certainly he does n't, '' lav said adamantly.

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

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

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

`` No, he ca n't have, he just ca n't, '' matt whispered.

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

Matt nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and tells anyone, chances are I 'll sustain to leave. ``

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

`` How do you know ? ``

`` Rose is correct, '' Albus agreed, `` When the piranha were in school, Snape found out about Teddy 's dad and he still got to stay in schooltime. Dumbledore made him predict not to tell anyone. I 'm sure Kendrick would do the Lapplander affair. ``

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

`` rose wine had to arrest me and John the Divine from hexing him, '' Albus explained, `` But I yelled at him quite a bit. Have n't seen him much since and I do n't really want to. ``

`` But he 's your cousin-german, '' mat said.

`` Does n't count, '' Albus assured him, `` I hardly saw him at all until he started coming here. I told him not to tell anyone and he did, so I ca n't rely him anymore. And no one 's going to convert me to apologize this metre. ``

`` All right, '' lusterlessness replied. `` Let 's check here for a while. I think if I saw Kaden right now I 'd let to hex him. ``

rose groaned, `` What is with male child ? Do you always have to hex the great unwashed to puzzle out your trouble ? ``

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

`` Kaden 's not a Slytherin, '' pink wine commented.

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

******

The weekend before Halloween was a very stimulate one for the scholar at Hogwarts. There was the get-go Hogsmeade sojourn on Saturday, which the aged educatee were very sex about. Albus, of course of study, was n't allowed to go since he was a irregular year. James II made sure to lord this over him at every moment possible during the calendar week preceding the visit. James would be going on his first Hogsmeade sojourn, and Albus was certain that Hogwarts would be treated to a variety show of trick following. When James and his friends returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the park room with their bags bulging with what could only be Weasley 's Cartesian product, and quickly stowed it all in their student residence. Sure enough, at dinner that night, the scholar body was treated to a very entertaining meal. Somehow, Jesse James and his friends had managed to sneak a potion into the Slytherins'food that caused their hair and fingernails to turn scarlet and amber. The rest of the school laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to figure out how to turn their hair and nails back to normal.

`` Nothing will convert it, '' James I informed the Gryffindor mesa in between fits of laughter, `` Uncle George told me it will fatigue off within 24 minute, though. ``

`` Too bad it 's not permanent wave ! '' John laughed.

`` I was going to lay aside it for the day of the Quidditch friction match, '' James explained, `` But I just could n't await. ``

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

The fall out day was the first-class honours degree dueling tournament for the next-to-last dueling club. The former students had already had their start tourney the previous weekend. Albus 's cousin Stanley 's team had won. The tourney was to take property immediately following lunch, at one o'clock, and the endorse, tierce, and fourth years were filled with excitement about it.

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

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

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed.

`` I almost wish first years could get together the dueling club, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't listen beating him in front of the entire school. ``

`` I 'm probably just going to lose, no matter who I duel, '' Amanda sighed, `` The only thing I can do is disarm mortal, and I 'm not even that good at that. ``

`` Sure you are, '' Albus assured her, `` And if you duel a second year, or even a tierce class, you 'll have a chance at winning. Fourth years, on the other mitt, I 'm not sure as shooting any of us have got a chance at winning a duel with one of them. They probably know all sort of charm we do n't. ``

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

`` I guess, '' Albus agreed, `` But I still wish there were House team. I do n't like being on the Lapp team with Malfoy. ``

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

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

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

`` I 'm not sure as shooting about that, '' Albus said.

`` care ! '' prof Kendrick stood up, `` The next-to-last dueling tournament will commence shortly. Please make your way to the dueling bedroom. ``

Albus stood up, `` Well, secure fate everyone. '' Albus 's Quaker all wished each other safe luck as they got up and left the Great Hall. It was a bit odd being on disjoined teams, Albus thought. He wished his friends good hazard, but he wanted his own squad to win.

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of educatee filing into the dueling sleeping room near the Great Hall. They found Kate at one of the tables that had been set up for each team to wait at. Their team epithet, The Dueling flying lizard, was written on a slice of parchment that was stuck to the mesa. There was a realistic looking Draco breathing fire drawn on it. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the mesa, his hair still lustrous scarlet and Au. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the face-to-face end. A few minutes later, once everyone on their team had arrived, Kate began to speak.

`` Attention ! '' she shouted and the tabular array became restrained, `` Thanks. The tournament will set forth in a couple arcminute. I 'm sure we 'll do great. Everyone call up what you 've learned within the past month and you 'll do ticket. Just do your best and even if you do n't win today, there 's still next time. I know this inter-house team thing is toilsome, but I think everyone here has really come together to forge as a team, and I 'm majestic of all of you for that. So, with that, good chance ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the early fourth days on the team.

A minute later, prof Kendrick stood up at the movement of the room and raised his hands for quiet. The room fell silent and he began to speak. `` Welcome to the first Dueling tournament for the junior Dueling lodge. This is the outset of six qualifying tournaments of the year. At the end of the year, the top two teams will face off in a concluding tournament. There will be two affaire d'honneur going on simultaneously, with Professors Potter and Longbottom presiding over them. Every scholarly person will duel twice today. The winner of each duel will be awarded one point. At the end of the tournament, the team with the most degree will be declared the achiever. The points will part over to each tournament, after the sixth tournament, the two team with the most gunpoint will face off in the net. Now, each captain was given a listing of affaire d'honneur for today, so I will give you a few minutes to get organized and for the captain to inform their team of the agenda. unspoiled lot to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the agenda with her team. Albus 's number one affaire d'honneur was about halfway down the list and his second was the third to conclusion. The lone affair he could do now was wait until his turn came. Albus was growing steadily more nervous as clip wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him inhabit that down. Albus watched the commencement couple of duels while talking with Amanda. After a few duels, James 's round came and he lost to a Ravenclaw fourthly year. rose wine was up adjacent and she easily beat her third class Slytherin opposer. Quite a few of Albus 's teammates had dueled by now and almost of them had won. Before long, Amanda 's twist was up. Albus wished her luck and she went nervously to the dueling anchor ring that Neville was watching over.

Amanda was up against a second year Hufflepuff and the first-class honours degree part of the duel consisted of each of them mostly dodging the enchantment sent towards them. Eventually, Amanda managed to disarm her antagonist and won. She came back grinning ear to ear. Kate congratulated her as she sat back down next to Albus.

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

`` Thanks, '' Amanda grinned.

lustrelessness was up adjacent against a Slytherin quartern twelvemonth. The duel hardly lasted two minutes before the Slytherin used an pass on enchantment that caused Matt to mosh into the wall behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. professor Cedonia took Matt to the infirmary wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a pair detentions.

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

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

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

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

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

Malfoy scowled and turned away from Albus. A present moment later his name was called and he was off to duel a bloke Slytherin. It was a very fast step duel. Both of them were excellent duelers, but Malfoy won in the end. Albus was not certainly whether to be happy about this or not. He did n't have long to dwell on it, though, because a minute later, he was called.

Albus walked nervously to the dueling ring where Neville was and he faced his Ravenclaw opponent. He was dueling Carter Eubert, a fellow second yr.

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

Albus and Carter bowed to each early and took a dueling stance. Neville 's wand shot out red Spark and the duel began. Albus sent out a disarming spell, but Jimmy Carter easily blocked it. President Carter then sent one at Albus, but Albus was able to block it as well. This went on for five moment, each of them sending tour that the other blocked. Eventually, Albus managed to hit Carter with a tickling hex that had him bent over in laughter. Albus took vantage of this and disarmed him easily. He had done it ! He won !

`` head goes to ceramist, '' Neville announced. Albus and Carter shook hands and went back to their teams.

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

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` That was amazing dueling, Albus, '' Amanda greeted him, `` Carter 's good, too, but that tickling thing was swell. He could hardly travel. ``

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

The afternoon wore on and Albus found himself getting a bit bore with watching the dueling. It was taking all afternoon. John dueled Albus 's cousin, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an fantabulous dueler. Rose and Malfoy each won their second duels, while John and Amanda lost theirs. matte returned from the hospital fender in time for his secondment duel, but wound up losing to his third year Ravenclaw opponent. Albus dueled a third year Gryffindor in his second duel and narrowly won. His opponent did not look happy about this. Malfoy also won his second duel, which was against a third base or fourth year Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't sure which.

Eventually, all the duel finished and professor Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a wonderful job. Now, to announce the winner. I am delight to harbinger that the Flying capital of Arizona, captained by Barty Heath of Slytherin have come in first post with 23 points ! Thank you, everyone. The next tournament will take away place at the end of November or beginning of December. Your captains will be informed of the exact date as it comes closer. ``

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

Albus and Amanda made their way out of the room, but realized they would never find their friends in the crowd. `` We 'll meet them in the vulgar room, '' Albus said as they started up the stairs.

When they got to the common elbow room, it was already good with students rehashing constituent of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to James 's account of his duel. James had won his secondly duel and appeared to be very lofty of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found John and Matt sitting at their usual table. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few moments later were joined by Rose, who was glowing.

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

`` Thanks, '' rose wine replied, `` I was n't sure we were going to win. Heath is n't the great police captain. I think we just have naturally good duelers on our team. Carter is amazing, although not as good as you, Albus. ``

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

`` Glad I 'm not on his team, '' John muttered, `` Ca n't trust I lost both my affaire d'honneur. ``

`` You 'll do punter next time, '' Albus assured him.

`` At least you did n't weave up in the hospital backstage, '' Matt commented, `` I 'm the only one that did. Figures. ``

John the Evangelist laughed a bit at this, `` I think you 've got some kind of attractiveness for that place. ``

`` Oh shut it, '' mat replied.

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

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

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

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

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

`` And no exams ! '' can grinned. Albus liked this as well. So far, the lone gradation they had in that social class were from essays they had been assigned as homework. Cedonia had not given them a exclusive in division test.

`` I 'm not certainly I like that, '' Rose sighed. The four early students looked at her like she was mental.

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

`` How is she supposed to acknowledge if we 've mastered the good luck charm if she does n't test us ? ''

`` She watches us in course of instruction to see if we 've improved, '' Albus replied.

`` And those essays for preparation, '' matte commented.

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

`` Those are three age away ! '' whoremaster sighed.

`` Two and a half, '' Rose corrected him, `` And it 's better to take up preparing early. ``

`` All I know is that I 've learned more than appeal this twelvemonth than last twelvemonth, '' Albus said.

`` Well, I 'm going to ask her about it on Tuesday, '' Rose replied.

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the same clip. Albus liked Cedonia 's flair of teaching and he did n't want her to start up giving them exams like the former instructor did. Without charms exams, Albus had less to worry about. Hopefully, Cedonia would brush off Rose 's supplication for exams and continue the way she had been.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some pumpkin juice when the mail service arrived on Tuesday good morning. He looked up and noticed a small brown owl flying towards him. He immediately recognized it as Victoire 's owl. `` Victoire 's sent me something, '' Albus announced as the owl landed next to his plate. Albus took the varsity letter and gave the owl a patch of toast before it flew off.

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

Albus turned the envelope over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a couplet letters so far this year, most of them sent along with Amy 's letters to Matt. These usually arrived a couple 24-hour interval after the broad Sun Myung Moon, as Amy always wanted to know how lusterlessness was. Since the full moon had been a few weeks ago, Albus was curious as to what Victoire had to tell them. He opened the letter and began to read it. rosiness, Matt, John, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

honey Albus, matt, rose wine, John the Evangelist, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying classes and not making too
practically trouble. kudos on your achiever in the dueling tournament,
especially you, Rose. I hope there are many great victories to follow. Good
luck in your starting time Quidditch couple, Albus. We hope to be able-bodied to attend, but
it depends on piece of work and therapist breeding schedules.

Training has been going well. We 've been attending class in the morning
and training at St. Mungo 's in the afternoon, like always. teddy has been
very busybodied with Auror preparation as well.

By now you 're probably wondering why we 're writing to you now, as it 's not
our common metre to publish. We 're not for sure if you read the Prophet regularly,
which is why we 're telling you this in a letter. Quinton Willinson was
spotted yesterday-

Albus immediately stopped reading the letter and glanced at his ally. As Albus fell back into his schooltime procedure, he had almost forgotten about Washburn and the Willinsons. He felt his fear come back as soon as he read that Willinson had been spotted. Albus returned his eyes to the letter without saying anything.

He was spotted in a Muggle settlement in Southern England, quite far from Hogwarts. The Aurors are already on his prat and are tracking him this very
second. shift heard about it while he was at training, and we decided to
give you a question up. Uncle Harry will probably tell you as well.

Do n't worry about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under control. full luck with Quidditch, dueling, and year, and we
hope to see you soon.

Love,
Victoire, Teddy, and Amy

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` It explains why professor Potter is n't here, '' Matt commented.

Albus looked up at the staff table and noticed that his begetter was missing. `` Guess so. ``

`` Do n't vex, '' Rose said, `` I mean, it 's variety of effective that someone spotted him. Before they had no leads, and now they sort of know where he is. ``

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

`` Could I see the prophet ? '' Rose asked one of the aged scholarly person who was sitting across from her. The girl nodded and handed her the theme. `` Let 's find the clause. '' pink wine scanned the front end Page and found a scant article on the left position of the pageboy. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle townspeople, Hythe, in Southern England early yesterday morning. A sorcerer who prefers not to be named in this article saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror department since his attack on Head Auror and defensive structure Against the Dark Arts instructor at Hogwarts schoolhouse of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter, last Spring. Five underage Hogwarts students were also attacked. Willinson, along with his father, Jaret Willinson, and the former appealingness professor, Jameson Washburn, attacked Potter and the five students on the basis. Potter declined comment for this article. The top dog Auror has informed the wizarding populace that all three men are dangerous and not to attempt to push them. If any of them are seen, people are requested to inform the Ministry immediately. Ministry Aurors responded to the sighting and are currently investigating .'''

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

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

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

`` wellspring, hopefully Professor ceramist will catch them before they get the hazard, '' Matt replied, `` Anyway, I hope Amy and Victoire come to the Quidditch match. I have n't seen Amy in geezerhood. ``

Albus looked over and saw that Matt was looking a bit sad. Albus knew he and Amy were very close, but had n't really thought about how unlike it must be for matte this yr. Albus did n't think Matt had ever gone this farseeing without seeing her. `` They 'll probably add up, '' Albus assured him, `` And if they ca n't, they 'll visit when they can. ``

`` Yeah, '' lustrelessness gave a lukewarm smile.

`` We 'd ameliorate get to appeal, '' rose announced. The five second years got up from the mesa and made their way out of the Great Hall. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting side by side to James, talking animatedly about something. James did n't come out too happy about this and had the look of someone pretending to heed, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about James having to deal with Kaden, but not bad enough to make up with his cousin.

Professor Cedonia spent the for the first time half of class teaching the charm for tying place, and during the secondly half, the class practiced. Unlike last yr, Albus thoroughly enjoyed practical deterrent example in appeal. professor Cedonia did not take care them talking with each other as they practiced, and although she watched their progress, she did n't hover like Washburn had done.

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

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

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

`` Thank you, prof, '' blush wine replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to ingest any examination in this class ? ``

Everyone in the entire elbow room stopped what they were doing and looked over at rose. Most of them looked horror-struck, but a few appeared to also be wondering if they would receive any test. Since they had spell with the Ravenclaws, this did n't really storm Albus.

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the former teachers at this school, do not consider in testing scholarly person in the formal way. I prefer to delegate essays that are done outside of grade, where you are loose to use your playscript, to valuate your cognition of hypothesis. As far as pragmatic exam go, I prefer to measure your progress in course of instruction. If I have any belief that you are not mastering the project at hand, I will give you spear carrier help until you can master it. However, in accordance with Hogwarts tradition, there will be a hardheaded exam at the end of the semester. The possibility examination will be an essay that you can complete using your book, in class. ``

`` Oh, '' rosebush said. She looked a bit daze. `` All right. ``

`` If you 'd like an test, I will make one for you, but no one else will have to need it unless they want to, '' Cedonia announced.

`` No, that 's all right wing, '' pink wine replied.

`` Excellent. I assure you, blush wine, that you will have a perfect reason of s year Charms by the time the twelvemonth is up, and you will be in excellent material body to incite on to third gear class. ``

rose nodded and Cedonia walked back to the front of the room. Albus turned to John and grinned. `` Yes, no exams ! '' he said.

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

`` Well, I suppose she form of is testing us, '' Matt explained, `` Just in a different way. I 've never had a teacher like her before. ``

`` Me, neither, '' john said.

Albus nodded. All of his teacher in master school had been like the ones at Hogwarts, with conventional test and homework. `` I went to a Muggle school and all of the teacher gave us exam. Rose went to the same one. ``

`` Saami here, '' bathroom replied, `` rule Muggle shoal. ``

`` Not me, '' flatness announced, `` I was home-schooled. You can probably gauge why. Amy went to Muggle school, though. ``

`` All the teachers were like Cedonia at my school, '' Amanda turned around to talk to the boys. `` We did n't have test or ground level or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to school. Except when I made strange stuff happen. People thought I was weird. Turns out I was, but in a good way, '' she laughed.

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

`` We do n't really ingest any hateful teacher this year, '' Albus commented.

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

`` Who knows about side by side year, though, '' Matt replied, `` We 'll start new discipline and who knows what those instructor will be like. ``

`` Hagrid teaches charge of Magical beast and he 's outstanding, '' Albus told them.

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

`` Do n't even go there, '' matt grinned back. `` Amy says the Ancient Runes teacher is nice. ``

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

`` No way am I taking that, '' Matt announced, `` I do n't want to acknowledge what my time to come holds. ``

`` Arithmancy sounds really occupy, '' rosebush said, `` And Empire State of the South told me the teacher is exacting, but not signify. ``

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

`` I wish I could take them all, '' Rose sighed.

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't recollect it would turn out well. '' Albus and Rose shared a laugh that the others did n't really sympathise. Albus saw their confused faces and decided to recount them about Hermione 's third gear year agenda sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in time for Albus 's refutation category on Thursday. Harry called Albus up to his desk after class. Albus had been anxiously waiting the whole class to see if Harry managed to take in Quinton Willinson. Albus had a feeling he had n't because there was n't any citation of it in the Prophet that dawn.

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

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

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

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

Harry sighed again and put his hand around his son 's shoulder. `` I 'm sorry, Al. He got away. We got some more leads, though. Talked to a few Muggles and a thaumaturge who were around when Quinton showed up. I still have n't heard anything about Quinton 's Church Father or Washburn. But we 're still searching and it 's only a thing of time. ``

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

`` I 'm not going to deny it. They probably will come back here. But there is a bombastic amount of protective cover around the school. Last class, it was easy for them to be on the grounds since Washburn was a professor and Quinton was a student here. They do n't consume that going for them now. And I do n't think any of them could step foot in Hogsmeade without someone alerting me or the Ministry. ``

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

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

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

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

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

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the uncouth room the future calendar week completely tired out from Quidditch Practice. The for the first time catch, against Slytherin, was on Saturday and Georgia was having them practice every evening. It had been a drizzly eventide and Albus 's robe were soaked. He went up to his dormitory to put away his broom and alteration. Once he was done, he grabbed his books and went back to the common room to do his prep. When he got there, he could n't find his ally anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dormitory, Albus had just been up there.

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

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

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus gave a wear upon smiling, `` They 're pathetic. ``

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

`` Yeah, '' Ethan agreed, `` rose and Amanda were with them. Matt did n't look so serious. Maybe they went to the hospital wing. ``

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the wax synodic month was the following night. They must stimulate gone to the way of Requirement. Albus had also momentarily forgotten about the Room due to the fact that Kaden was always hanging around them, and they did not want him to know about the Room.

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

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

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

Rose, John, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on pieces of parchment and they looked up as Albus came in. matte was sleeping on a nearby death chair and did n't mark Albus.

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

`` Sounds good, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a chair and sat down following to privy. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

`` Transfiguration of Jesus, '' John groaned, `` octonary inch essay due tomorrow. I 've got four inch so far. ``

`` History of thaumaturgy, '' Amanda said, `` Also due tomorrow. ``

`` I finished those a while ago, '' rosiness commented, `` Now I 'm doing Herbology. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus started to leaf through his History of legerdemain playscript, but he could n't concentrate. It was n't past curfew now ; what if Malfoy was exploring the tree right now ? Albus closed his Good Book and started rifling through his bag. He pulled out the Marauder 's Map and set it down on the table.

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

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

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

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

`` Why 's that ? '' lavatory asked skeptically.

`` He 'll get in big difficulty if he gets caught, '' Rose reminded him.

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

Albus was relieved that Malfoy was n't currently trying to get into the Whomping willow tree, but he did fit in with John that Malfoy would eventually try. The affair was, what were the luck of it happening while Albus was looking at the map ? Not very high. And what would Albus do if he did see Malfoy near the Tree ? Albus had no idea. He sighed as he whispered, `` rascality managed. '' Albus watched as all the ink disappeared from the map. He still did n't require to do his preparation, but he had to. He started to put the map back in his bag, but the quite a little of a small sucker on one of the corner made him stop.

Albus slowly lifted the map back out of his bag and stared at the niche. He had never seen any sign on the map after he wiped it clean before. But this mark was so minuscule it could receive easily been missed. He peered at the midget marking until he noticed what it was. It was four paw prints. A wolf, dog, stag, and rat photographic print. It obviously meant the Marauders. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to stare at the paw prints, wracking his psyche to try and call back why it seemed so familiar.

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

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

rose wine, John, and Amanda all leaned in to appear at the mug. pink wine furrowed her brow and tilted her head as she looked at it. `` Why did the Marauders have this thing halt on the map ? All the former ink disappears. Now it 's just a random piece of parchment with these paw prints on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw prints before. The piece of parchment that fell out of the exposure album in the Attic of Grimmauld Place ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the course of the shoal year. The symbols were exactly the same. They must mean something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his seat. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the attic at my house, whoremaster ? ``

John nodded his heading. `` Yeah ... ''

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

Realization dawned on bathroom 's side. `` Oh ! I 'd forgotten about that ! Do you still accept it ? ``

`` Yup ! '' Albus shouted excitedly, `` In my tree trunk. I 'll go get it ! '' Albus ran out of the room, leaving a very excited privy and a thoroughly confused rose wine and Amanda.



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

The musical theme for Cedonia 's commandment style and the school Amanda used to go to came from a school that used to be near where I live. It recently closed due to lack of backing. But the scholar did n't have tests or receive grades. They also got to choose whatever they wanted to read. It was a really interesting idea and it worked well until it closed. I never went there, but I always thought it was neat.

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

Be on the observatory for my newest report, aliveness Is Good, which is a prequel to Secrets Within that chronicles how Albus, Rose, Matt, Gospel According to John, and Amanda received their Hogwarts varsity letter. I 'm hoping to post the first chapter sometime side by side calendar week, as I have Spring Break.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus ran all the way to the Gryffindor uncouth room, narrowly avoiding another prefect. He went to his dormitory room, dug through his torso, and found the parchment. He was so glad he had n't left it in the attic. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the vernacular room, ignoring the strange stares he was receiving from his dude classmates. When he got back to the Room, John was in the process of explaining to rosiness and Amanda about what they had found in the attic. `` I 've got it ! '' Albus shouted. He ran back to the mesa and spread the parchment out on the table.

`` You 're good ! '' rose wine grinned, `` Exactly the same mark. ``

`` But it 's just a clean spell of parchment, '' Amanda reminded him.

`` I know, but there 's definitely something cryptic about it. Why would the Marauders put this symbolisation on it if it meant nothing ? ''

`` I think you 're right, Albus, '' can agreed, `` I do n't make love much about the Marauders, but from what you 've told me, there 's no way this is just a random piece of sheepskin. ``

pink wine looked from the map to the new piece of sheepskin and back. `` Hmm, I wonder if this is like the map ? Do you think we have to say something to get it to work ? Maybe it 's an annex of the map, Hogsmeade perhaps ? ``

Albus thought for a consequence. That form of made sensory faculty. The marauder frequented Hogsmeade quite a bit, during their full moon jaunts. Maybe they wanted a map of the village as well. `` There 's only one way to find out, '' he grabbed his wand and tapped the piece of parchment, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no near. ``

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

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would like to congratulate you, as you have obviously found the predator 's Map and figured out how to use it. However, he assures you that the Marauders would not use the same incantation for this particular point .'
Albus and Rose burst out laughing. This firearm of lambskin was sort of like the map ! There was something charming about it, but it obviously was n't the same as the map. John the Evangelist smirked and shook his head.

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

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's magic. The marauders either found or invented some kind of magic spell that enabled the Marauder 's Map to convey with mass who try to use it and they 've done the same thing with this. '' Albus pulled the predator 's Map in front of him and tapped his wand to it, `` Watch this. I, Albus Severus Potter, need you to show yourself. ``

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

'Mr. Moony would like to would like to tell Mr. Potter to hold on his dirty hands off the parchment.

Mr. Wormtail agrees with Mr. Moony and would like to add that despite the fact that Mr. Potter contribution a firstly name with the schoolmaster, it does not give him the sureness do what he pleases.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would care to add that Mr. Potter 's heart public figure has got to be the most ignominious epithet he has ever heard.

Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, Mr. Wormtail, and Mr. Prongs, and would like to be able to insult Mr. thrower 's last public figure, but smell he is unable to do so .'
Amanda and Gospel According to John started laughing hysterically after they finished reading the map. `` Does it do that to anyone ? '' trick asked.

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

`` I did n't cognise Kendrick 's first public figure was Albus, '' Amanda commented.

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

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

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

`` But, '' Rose continued, `` Do you mean they might have wanted another item that only they could record ? ``

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

`` That other piece of sheepskin. Maybe it 's something that the marauder did n't want anyone to be able to record. ``

`` But then we could n't translate it, '' Albus sighed. It did kind of shuffling sense that the Marauders wanted something to be buck private. But then why did they put the same mark on both parchments ?

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

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

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

`` I 'm not sure, '' pink wine replied, `` I mean, there 's probably some kind of conjuration that only enables a few the great unwashed to read it. Kind of like a Fidelius Charm for Scripture or something. ``

Albus grabbed the sheepskin and pointed his sceptre at it. The only way to find out if something would reveal it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to make hassle. '' Nothing happened. `` I want to make roguery. I am going to deplume a harlequinade on someone. I promise I will make trouble. '' Albus tried many different mutation on the incantation for the Marauder 's Map, but nothing worked.

`` It wo n't operate, Albus, '' pink wine said after a piece, `` You ought to just do your prep. ``

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

`` If it 's something only the marauder can record, then you 've got to be a Marauder to read it, '' John sighed.

`` That 's it ! '' Albus shouted. He had been thinking the incantation was like the Marauder 's Map, but it must be something that would testify you 're a marauder. `` I solemnly swear that I am a Marauder. '' zippo happened. Albus sighed. He had been so sure that that would induce worked.

`` Maybe you have to say which piranha you are, '' John suggested.

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

Albus kind of agreed with Rose at this distributor point, but he was willing to try anything. But which Marauder ? Prongs. It had to be. Prongs was his grandfather. If this was going to work for anyone, it would work for him. He was related to one of the Marauders. Albus pointed his scepter at the sheepskin with his tenderness beating fast. `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

Albus held his breather as he watched the lambskin. John, blush wine, and Amanda watched as well. Albus 's eyes bugged out as he saw ink appearing across the parchment. `` It worked ! '' he whispered. His protagonist nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus began to record as the words formed completely.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the predator 's Map, mo Edition .'
`` second map ? '' John looked up, `` I thought there was only one. ``

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

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

`` postponement, '' rose wine pointed at the parchment. `` It 's not done. ``

'However, you could be the second Prongs .'
`` What ? ! '' Albus looked up in muddiness. Was this some form of joke ? How could there be another Prongs ? And how could Albus be that bit Prongs ?

`` What is this lambskin ? '' John asked curiously.

`` Either it 's a joke or a highly advanced magical object, '' rosiness remarked. The four supporter continued to watch as more publish appeared.

'When four boy, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and mischief, they may present themselves as the succeeding generation of piranha .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the lambskin. The next propagation of vulture ? What had his grandfather and his Friend done ?

`` This is incredible, '' Rose whispered.

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

'The route of find ? I never knew you were so poetic, Mr. Prongs .'

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

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

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

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

'The Marauders wish you effective luck .'

The ink disappeared from the lambskin and Albus looked up at his champion. `` What in the name of Falco columbarius is this ? ``

`` I think it 's something the Marauders invented to ensure that they would never be gone from this schoolhouse, '' Rose said in awe, `` It 's amazing. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Amanda grinned, `` Probably the proficient magic affair I 've seen yet. ``

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

`` How are we going to happen out the balance ? '' toilet asked.

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

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

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

`` Why could n't we ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

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

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

Albus did n't think it would work, but he did n't conceive it could really harm anything either. `` Worth a shaft. '' Albus picked up the parchment and stared at it. This seemed really silly when he thought about it. He was about to talk to a piece of sheepskin. `` Here goes nothing. Let 's see, Moony is a werewolf. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a stag, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat. ``

Albus and the others watched the lambskin. A few actor's line appeared on it. Could it birth actually worked ?

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

`` We 'll just have got to think on it, '' Albus replied. He had no melodic theme how they were to turn out to the new map that they knew the marauder'closed book, but he had to find out. This lambskin was perhaps even more concern and magical than the Marauder 's Map, and he was going to figure it out.

`` What are you lot doing ? '' Matt sat up and was looking around with a befuddle flavor on his side. `` What time is it ? ``

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

Albus, John, rose, and Amanda spent the future few minute explaining about the new map to Matt. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbol on the Marauder 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to register the writing, and how they had to prove that they knew the Marauders'secret. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is bright, '' Matt commented.

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

`` wellspring, I know what we can do while we 're trying to visualize it out how to prove we know the Marauders, '' John announced, `` We 've got to figure out who we 're going to present. ``

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

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

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's face fell as he realized that someone was going to have to stage Wormtail. nonentity was going to want to be him.

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

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

`` He 's Padfoot, '' Matt yawned, `` He 's got to be. He 's truehearted like a dog. Remember that detention stopping point year in the prize elbow room, when he yelled at Washburn ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Hey, it 's not our fault the Marauders wanted it to be male child, '' Albus shrugged, `` But you can help oneself us enter the unscathed affair out. ``

`` right now, we 've got to find a Wormtail, '' Amanda said. `` Who else are you three in force acquaintance with ? ``

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

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

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

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

`` No problem, '' John smiled.

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

Albus thought about this. It could exercise. But could they really find somebody they could trust enough to reveal Matt 's secret ? Or, did they even have to reveal it ? Was it possible to do this without telling the one-quarter person ? `` Let 's just preserve our center out for someone who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll think about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them know about Matt, at least not for a patch. Is that all right, lusterlessness ? ``

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

`` sound like a plan, then, '' whoremonger said.

`` We 'd better get back to the common way, '' rosebush looked at her watch, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

Albus and the others left the elbow room and walked back to Gryffindor Tower. Albus thought about the new map and what it could possibly guard. It was obviously a more involved map than the Marauder 's Map. Albus could only ideate what was actually on it. The prognosis of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even chance out. What were the luck of them finding someone who would be bequeath to interpret Wormtail ? And if they did encounter that person, could they figure out the map without telling that person that matt was a werewolf ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



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

The prequel to secret Within, sprightliness Is Good, has been posted and the first chapter is up. I 'll be updating it weekly, near likely on Tuesdays.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


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

His school oeuvre was n't the only thing suffering, either. Albus was also having a difficult clip paying attention during Quidditch practice. Seeing as the match against Slytherin was on Saturday, this could n't have happened at a worse fourth dimension. GA had to yell at him at to the lowest degree five times during recitation on Fri, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' Georgia said once pattern was over and everyone was starting to go back to the palace, `` check here for a s, I need to speak to you. ``

Albus trudged over to Georgia. She had a grim tone on her face that made Albus feel awful. He knew he had played horrible during pattern, but he just could n't get the map out of his head. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what Georgia wanted to utter to him about.

`` Albus, '' Georgia began, `` I know you 're a terrific pursuer. That is why I chose you to be on the squad. It was not because you are my cousin. If one of the early people who tried out played better than you, they would feature gotten in. You know perfectly well that I do not toy favorites. ``

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

`` You play wonderfully with Fred and Heather, which is why I chose you. You 've had experience working with them, and I thought that would help us. I think I know why your acting has declined over the past few twenty-four hours, '' Georgia softened her gaze, `` You 're anxious. ``

Albus glanced up when his cousin said this. To distinguish the truth, Albus had n't even thought about being nervous. But he was more than willing to pick his terrible playing on boldness. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely nervous during my first off mate as well. But you are going to do hunky-dory. We 're going to suppress Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll prove all those citizenry wrong who thought I was favoring my family, '' Georgia grinned.

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

`` Good, '' Sakartvelo replied, `` Now let 's get back to the rook. ``

******

Despite Albus 's lack of spunk the past tense few days, he was certainly making up for it on Saturday sunrise. He woke up with butterfly in his stomach and could n't manage to eat anything for breakfast. speculative yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to decoct on this match. His place on the team rested on it.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' matt asked. He had returned from the infirmary Wing the late evening and was looking often better. Judging by his tone of phonation, Albus suspected that Matt looked respectable than he did.

`` Yeah, just skittish, '' Albus mumbled. He had n't told any of his friends about Georgia 's talk of the town last night.

`` Well, you 'd better win, '' Gabe bourne, the fourth-year who Albus had beat during try-outs was glaring at him. `` If not, Empire State of the South made a big mistake in choosing one of her full cousin over me. ``

`` Shove off, Bourne, '' Bradley sat down across from Albus and glared at Gabe. Gabe turned to glare at Omar Nelson Bradley and then stalked off to the early end of the table. `` Do n't worry about him. He thinks he 's best at everything. We 'll demo him. ``

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

Soon enough, Empire State of the South announced that the squad needed to go to the changing room. Albus 's friends wished him luck as he left with the team. The bulk of the Gryffindor table cheered as they left, with bourn and one of his friends glaring at Albus, but not clapping. Albus changed into his Quidditch robe in secrecy while the eternal sleep of the team talked animatedly around him. It seemed like Albus was the only one who was nervous about this match.

`` fourth dimension to go, everyone ! '' Georgia announced.

Albus grabbed his broom and followed the rest of the team out onto the rake, with his heart pounding fast. He gazed up at the crowd, never realizing before how many people actually attended Hogwarts. It was one matter to work Quidditch during practice, but in front of everyone ? Albus was for sure he 'd fall off his ling and humble the entire team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor squad ! '' Albus heard the familiar voice of Todd Smith booming over the lurch. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus potter, James thrower, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, GA Weasley, and Calluna vulgaris Weasley ! Georgia is the new captain this year, and Albus ceramist has replaced Samantha Meyers as Chaser. Will he be capable to live up to her legacy ? Only metre will tell. ``

Albus gulped when he heard that. Why did Sir Alexander Robertus Todd let to say that ? Albus felt as if every eye in the stadium was focused on him. Albus stood succeeding to James as they waited for the Slytherin team to come onto the battlefield. William James sent him a supportive smile that Albus returned nervously.

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

Albus remembered GA telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin Seeker from last year, had been utterly incompetent of catching the sneaker. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as feckless, but he doubted it.

`` setting your brooms, '' Professor Oteski announced, `` Ready, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's tin whistle. He took a few thick intimation to straighten out his psyche and tried to block out the crowd 's cheering and booing. He glanced around the tar and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the other side of the playing area in Holy Order to get away from Odele, who was flying right next to him. With his faster broom, he was away from her in no meter. He could do this, Albus thought.

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

Albus flew after him, but he had already managed to make it past both Bludgers and was heading directly towards Peach State. He threw the Quaffle and it sailed into the left wing most hoop.

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

Albus groaned and flew towards the Gryffindor end. He zigzagged through the other players, dodging both the Bludgers. Albus was very good at maneuvering his Calluna vulgaris and avoiding other musician. He saw that both ling and Fred were covered by Slytherin Chasers as everyone waited for the Empire State of the South to discombobulate the Quaffle back into play. Empire State of the South faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle to the left field. Albus immediately flew towards it, and with his fast new broom, grabbed the Quaffle just as Fielding tried to catch it.

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

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

Albus ignored Smith 's commentary and continued flying. He passed Henry James, who gave him a thumb up. fielding was hot on his tail now. Albus looked around, he needed to pass the Quaffle. Calluna vulgaris was open and Albus gave the Quaffle a hard toss. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin goal posts. She threw it at the middle hoop and it sailed through.

`` Score ! '' Joseph Smith announced, `` Heather Weasley has scored, making the game tied with 10 points each. ``

Albus grinned at Scots heather and flew to the Slytherin goal posts. He waited for Goyle to toss the Quaffle back out, and let his mind wander to the map. Albus had n't really thought about it at all so far, which was good. Who could they get to represent Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the meter. Every person he passed in the halls made Albus marvel, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never find anyone. Albus, John, and matt were destined to just be a chemical group of three friends, and that was n't going to work for the new map. Why would n't it just swallow Rose or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of course, neither missy would check to representing the double-crosser that was shaft Pettigrew anyway.

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

During the residual of the mates, Albus found his mind drifting more and more towards the map. He dropped the Quaffle Sir Thomas More than a few times, earning disapproving face from Empire State of the South. Although he had n't scored a single goal, he did help Heather and Fred score a few each. Unfortunately this was n't enough, and soon Slytherin was ahead.

`` Another goal for Slytherin ! '' Smith shouted, `` Making the score 120-80 Slytherin ! ``

Albus groaned and looked around at his teammates. Peach State looked tense, Heather and Fred looked determined, Omar Bradley and Ryan looked angry, and James looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the snitcher. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor goal posts. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to score.

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

Albus nodded and sped down the sales pitch. He could do this. He just had to get his mind off the map. There would be plenty of sentence to figure it out later. Quidditch, Quaffle, scoring goal, that was what he had to think about now. Fred passed him the Quaffle and he continued flying towards Goyle. Fielding was on his tooshie again and he passed the Quaffle to ling, who was open.

All of a sudden, James IV whooshed by Albus, heading straight for Ryan. Albus looked over quizzically and realized that Saint James the Apostle must have seen the sneaker. Garth Octavius followed St. James but he was n't quick enough. Saint James grabbed the Snitch, which was idling near Ryan 's arm, and pulled out of the diva. He held it up with a prideful grin.

`` ceramicist has caught the snitcher ! '' Smith announced happily, `` Gryffindor wins with 230 points ! ``

Cheers erupted in the viewpoint, with the Gryffindors storming the pitch. Albus landed happily next to William James. It was over, his outset Quidditch catch was over. He breathed a sigh of succor. They had won, Albus was not going to be kicked off the team. He stood there grinning with the rest of the team as their blighter Gryffindors clapped them on the backs and high-fived them. Albus had never been a fan of this sort of thing before, but he did n't really mind it right now.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John broke through the crew, followed by flatness, rosebush, and Amanda.

`` Excellent, '' matte grinned.

`` You were amazing, '' Rose agreed.

`` commodity match, '' Amanda added.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` But I did n't even seduce any goal. ``

`` Energy n't matter, '' lustrelessness replied, `` You had quite a few aid, and we won so it 's all good. ``

`` political party in the rough-cut elbow room ! '' one of the onetime students shouted. Everyone else cheered and the crowd started to move slowly to the castle.

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

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, although heart were only a part of why he had n't played one hundred percent that day.

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

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His mother did worry a lot, although she did cause a trade good reason. His phratry always seemed to attract trouble, and he was mildly surprise that he escaped his first match with only a youngster bruise from a Bludger.

Albus walked to the common room with his friends and when they got there the common elbow room was already filling up. Everyone congratulated Albus as he entered, telling him what a neat job he did that day. Albus smiled at them and thanked them, but he broke into a huge grin when he saw Victoire and Amy sitting at one of the tables.

`` You made it ! '' Albus shouted over the haphazardness. `` Did you see the match ? ``

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

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

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

`` We left right after James caught the Snitch to go to Hogsmeade to get party supplies, '' Victoire gestured to the magnanimous amount of money of food and butterbeer.

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

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

Amy reached into her robes and pulled out her verge. `` I 'll heal it for you. '' Amy muttered an incantation and Albus 's arm immediately felt better.

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

`` goodness, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're able to heal minor cutting off and contusion right now, although most of the stuff we 've learned is theoretical. It 's all quite fascinating, though. ``

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

Victoire laughed, `` Not for another two age. It 's a long process. ``

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

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

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

`` Of grade you would n't, '' Gospel According to John laughed.

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

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

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

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

`` I think I 'd rather have someone wave their wand than have someone stick me with a needle, '' Albus shook his header. Sometimes he just did n't understand the matter Muggles did.

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

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

`` What are stitches ? '' John asked.

`` They sew your pelt together, '' mat explained.

`` Sew ? '' St. John had a disgusted look on his face, `` Like what they do with apparel ? That 's mental. ``

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

`` Albus ! '' James walked over to their tabular array with a butterbeer in his hand. `` Great first match ! ``

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

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

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

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

Albus was startled by the change in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the past few days. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not want to be around him anymore and found his own friends. Albus had not really paid a great deal care to his little cousin since he told Malfoy that lusterlessness gets sick every month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

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

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

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

`` Er, '' Albus looked at Matt and then back at James, `` He kind of told soul something that I told him to keep open tranquilize about. ``

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

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

`` Be friends with him again ! ''

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

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

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

`` Kaden, '' Albus replied.

`` Good job on the match. ``

`` Thanks. ``

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

`` Did n't guess he 'd depart annoying James, '' rosiness commented.

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

`` I take it you 're not going to apologize ? '' lustrelessness asked.

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

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

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

******

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

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

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

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

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

`` Well, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old school and my old friends. petty did I know that I would come to screw this place even more and make even estimable friends. ``

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

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

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

`` wellspring, he 's very annoying, to say the least. He thinks everything about the magical world is wonderful and that conjuration can resolve everything, '' Albus explained.

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

`` Yeah, but he did n't seem to understand, '' Albus replied, `` Anyway, he latched himself onto me and started following us around everywhere. It got very pestiferous, but we tolerated it. Then, the day of the first full synodic month, Kaden got sick and Madam Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really amazed him and he came back to the vulgar room praising brothel keeper Pomfrey and her potions. He came over to where we were sitting and he noticed how ill lustrelessness looked. ``

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

`` Yeah, he insisted that matte go see Madam Pomfrey. I tried to explicate that magic could n't fix everything, but he just would n't heed. We told him to kibosh going on and on about healing potions, but he would n't. Matt left because he had to go to the Hospital Wing, and I yelled at Kaden. However, the fight did n't last long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't have intercourse about Matt, therefore he had no melodic theme that what he said was hurtful. I explained to Kaden once again that there were things that deception could n't solve, and that Matt had a disease that magic could n't solve- ''

`` You did n't enjoin him, did you ? '' Amy asked Matt anxiously.

`` Of grade not, '' Matt assured her, `` He 's still got no idea. ``

`` Good. ``

`` After that, we just kind of accepted that Kaden would be around us all the fourth dimension and got used to him, '' Albus continued, `` But then he decided to investigate the Whomping willow. ``

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the exact same fourth dimension. Amy 's nerve lost all vividness as she stared at Albus.

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

Amy turned to her brother with a flavor of fear on her face. `` Did he travel along it ? '' she whispered.

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

The young woman nodded their heads. Albus had owled Amy and explained about the detention on the Astronomy tugboat, but had not told her why they were in detention.

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

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

`` You 're right wing, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some strange rationality, known only to my stupefied full cousin, he decided to evidence Scorpius Malfoy that matte gets sick every once and a while, and tell him about the Whomping Willow ! ``

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

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

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

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

`` Not skilful, this is not serious, '' Amy started tempo, `` Have you told any of the teachers ? ``

`` No, '' lusterlessness answered.

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

Matt stood up, his look as pale as Amy 's. `` All rightfield. '' He reluctantly followed his sis out of the Room.

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

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

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

`` Albus, '' Victoire said quietly, `` I know what Kaden did was horrible. Hell, I 'm mad at him now and I do n't really know him. But I really think there is more to this than meets the eye. I do n't know why he told Malfoy, but I do n't believe he just randomly decided to state Malfoy. I really think you ought to think about forgiving him, or at least asking him why he told Malfoy. ``

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

`` I kind of agree with Victoire, '' blush wine whispered, `` I do n't think he really meant to leave Malfoy clue about Matt 's lycanthropy. ``

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

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

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` Fine, '' Rose snapped.

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

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

`` He had some kind of Auror training thing today, '' Victoire responded, `` Training is passably acute. And it 's at all variety of wild time of day. I guess they 're preparing him for what it 'll be like when he 's a fully trained Auror. ``

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

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



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his friends sat around the way of Requirement for the next half hour, waiting for lustrelessness to come back. Nobody said very much, but Albus could tell apart that they were all worried about what was going to happen. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the threshold to the room open. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

matte ran over to his friends with a smile on his face. `` Not much. ``

`` You do n't have to leave ? '' pink wine asked.

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

`` That 's keen ! '' Albus replied. He was very salvage. It would not have been fair for matte to have to leave Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's foolishness.

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

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

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

`` commodity, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' can said tentatively, `` cypher can get into the passageway now ? ``

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

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

Matt turned and glared at him, `` Are you mad ? There 's no way I 'd use up you into the shrieking shack. ``

`` It could induce been like our own coarse room, '' lav continued.

`` No way. Nope. Not going to happen, '' flatness said flatly.

`` All right, o.k., '' King John sighed, `` Would 've been cool, though. ``

******

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

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

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He looked up towards the ceiling as the mail bird of Minerva started to arrive. blush wine 's sept owl made a beeline for her and stood waiting for her to take the letter off.

Rose took the alphabetic character and gave her owl a piece of goner. She opened the alphabetic character and read for a few minutes before reemerging from behind it with a Brobdingnagian grin on her face. `` professor Longbottom 's wife has had her babe ! Her name is Lucy capital of Maine. That explains why Professor Longbottom is n't here. ``

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

`` You know, I never really believe about the teachers having fellowship, '' lusterlessness commented.

`` Well, we met professor Longbottom 's wife at the Leaky caldron over the summertime, '' John pointed out.

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

`` Oh, yeah, '' St. John remembered, `` And prof Potter obviously has a family. '' John the Evangelist grinned at Albus.

`` He does ? '' Albus opened his centre across-the-board in a look of fake shock. `` I never knew ! ``

lusterlessness laughed, `` I wonder about the other teacher, though. ``

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

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

Albus stole a coup d'oeil at Kaden, who was steadily turning more pink. Albus glared at him and this made him turn a promising subtlety of red.

`` As an bestow precaution, I have put a few Mary Augusta Arnold Ward around it that will inform me when individual disregard my rules. There will be dangerous penalty for anyone who is caught around the tree, '' Kendrick said sternly.

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

Most of the other educatee started whispering among themselves, no incertitude wondering why this could be considered a 'lighter banker's bill'.

`` Yes, yes, no need to care. Professor Longbottom 's wife has had a baby girl and he will be gone for a few weeks. professor Sprout, who taught here years ago has offered to take his place until he returns, '' Kendrick gestured to the elder witch.

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

`` I believe that is all. I hope everyone has a good William Ashley Sunday and is well rested for grade tomorrow, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` I hope Sprout is dainty, '' matt said as he and the others wandered around the reason after breakfast. It was a very soft day for November and most of the students were outside enjoying the weather.

`` She is, '' Albus assured him. `` My parents had her. So did to the highest degree of my aunt and uncles. ``

`` Mine, too, '' John said.

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

`` Good, '' lustrelessness smiled, `` It seems like we have n't got any mean teacher this year. ``

The group spent the morning wandering around the earth, putting off the homework they should possess been doing. They talked some more about the map, but nobody had any mind as to how to get it to knead or who could constitute Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to question if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a wholly lot easier than trying to keep off him, like he had been doing the past calendar month and a half.

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

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

`` well, I 'd been hoping we could just ignore him, '' Albus told her.

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

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

`` I still do n't care him, '' whoremonger said adamantly, `` I mean, maybe if he 'd learn how to shut his backtalk, I 'd like him right. ``

`` Maybe there 's some sort of turn we can use to get him not to let the cat out of the bag about things he 's not supposed to, '' Amanda laughed.

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

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

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

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

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

`` wishing to go back to the castle ? '' lavatory asked a little while later. It was starting to get windier and clouds were rolling in. It would probably rain soon.

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've got to notice Slughorn, '' rosebush announced as she stood up. `` I need to talk to him about that finally essay. Want to come, Amanda ? '' Amanda nodded and the two lady friend took off for the castle.

`` Bet she thinks she lost a point on it, '' John the Evangelist laughed.

`` Probably, '' Albus grinned as the three boys started walking back to the castle. They joined the large group of students now running towards the castle as it got darker outside.

`` What do you desire to do ? '' Gospel According to John asked as they climbed the stairs.

`` Want to go to the elbow room ? '' flatness suggested.

`` sound good, maybe we can estimate out how to work the new map, '' Albus said. `` After all, once I talk to Kaden, we wo n't be able to filch off there without him wondering where we are. ``

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

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

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

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

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

Matt said goose egg but pulled his two Quaker into a nearby vacate schoolroom. He shut the door and turned to face his Quaker. `` There 's people whispering just around the recess. ``

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

`` Are you mad ? '' John stared at him, `` We were the just unity out there. ``

`` I 'm serious ! '' Matt said.

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

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

`` Oh, right, '' Albus replied, remembering that werewolves did get superior audience. `` Well, what was it ? ``

`` There 's at to the lowest degree two people out there and one sounds scared, '' mat explained.

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

`` Yeah, definitely students. ``

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

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

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

`` maintain out your wands, '' Matt instructed as he opened the door. The boy crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the street corner. As they got closer, Albus could commence to prepare out bits of conversation.

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

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

Albus quickened his gait. Someone was going to hex someone. He had to block off them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the voices, but he could n't quite spot them.

The boy rounded the turning point and Albus saw why he recognized the part. Scorpius Malfoy and Felix Willinson were standing with their wands pointed at Kaden, who was leaning on the wall, his bridge player shakily holding his wand out in front of him. Albus stopped in his lead, and Saint John the Apostle and Matt did the Lapplander. Neither Malfoy, Willinson, or Kaden had noticed them yet.

`` Just tell me what 's beyond the burrow, Dursley, '' Willinson snarled.

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

`` Liar, '' Malfoy raised his sceptre a little higher.

That was it. Albus could n't bear to take in Malfoy interrogating his cousin like that. All his sulfurous persuasion toward Kaden flew out the window the moment Albus saw Kaden 's terrified side. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's scepter sailed out of his mitt and landed on the story a few metrical unit down the corridor. St. John ran forward and grabbed it.

Albus and lustrelessness stepped forward as Malfoy and Willinson turned around. `` Well, if it is n't ceramist, '' Malfoy spat. `` What can you possibly require ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

At the Lapp clip, lav shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' and Willinson 's wand sailed neatly into John Lackland 's hand.

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

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

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

`` amercement, '' Malfoy smirked, `` infer your cousin will get hexed. ``

john burst out laughing, `` Good circumstances with that, seeing as I 've got your sceptre. ``

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

`` Dueling in the corridors, '' a panting articulation behind them said. `` That 's against the rules. ``

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

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

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

`` If I 've learned anything over the year, '' Filch growled, `` It 's that Slytherins are never devoid. ``

Albus stifled a laugh as he followed Filch down the hall. nobody said anything as Filch led them into his cramped office. It was very difficult for the six boys to fit inside and everyone was too secretive for quilt.

Filch went through his common number of filling out forms and filing them in the make up locker. He smirked as he filed Albus 's form. `` Seems you 'll have a file cabinet nearly as big as your beginner and gramps 's by the time you graduate. ``

Albus said nix as Filch continued to fill out and lodge his frame. After what seemed like an hour, but was probably only a few minutes, Filch finished. `` You 'll have two night 's hold. Tonight and tomorrow night. match me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't experience to be asked twice. He was the first one out the doorway, followed quickly by matt, John, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the dungeon, Albus began to lead his admirer up the stairs. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor tower. Kaden stuck to them like person had affixed a permanent sticking charm on him, but Albus did n't listen. He needed to talk to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the reason he told Malfoy about the passageway in the Whomping Willow ?

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

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

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

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

`` For telling Malfoy, '' Kaden explained. `` I know you 're mad at me and I 'm dreary, '' his vocalism cracked. `` And I 'm no-good for landing you lot in detention, again. ``

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

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

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

`` And I 'm sorry, Albus, '' Kaden 's eyes watered, `` I really am. They just both pointed their wands at me, and I do n't know any good hexes, and I just got frighten away, and I know Gryffindors are supposed to be dauntless, but they told me they 'd hex me if I did n't tell them what I knew. So I did, and before I realized it I mentioned the Whomping willow tree. ``

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

`` And it was too belatedly, '' Kaden continued, `` They were going to hex me if I did n't tell them. So I told them there was a tunnel but I did n't make love where it went. They did n't believe me, though. They 've been trying to get me to recount them about once a hebdomad and I get hexed every time. Madam Pomfrey fixes it, though. ``

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

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

`` Kaden, sometimes you do things that I just do n't empathise, '' Albus explained, `` But I 'll always give care about you. You 're my cousin and nil can shift that. ``

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

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

Kaden nodded, tears starting to shed out of his centre. `` You 're not mad at me anymore ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Just tell me following fourth dimension they do that. And try not to evidence anyone the affair I tell you in common soldier anymore. ``

Kaden nodded and turned to John and lustrelessness. `` Are you two still mad at me ? ``

John and lustrelessness looked at each former and then judder their question. `` No, we 've been mad at you long enough, '' matte told him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Once you see the cannon play, you 'll modify your thinker, '' Matt told him as he stood up.

`` The Cannons ? '' John laughed and walked over to the doorway, `` Are you the insane one now ? ``

`` Not at the moment, no, '' matte smirked. John Lackland and Albus burst out laughing at whoremaster 's choice of countersign and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

`` Another thing I do n't get to sleep together ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yup, '' the three early son said at the same time.

`` Anyway, '' John continued as they left the room, `` The Cannons are the rack up team, you do n't want to see them make for. It 's not like they 'll attain it to the League Cup. ``

Matt punched him playfully in the arm, `` Do n't diss my squad like that. It 's not same Puddlemre United is doing a good deal unspoilt. ``

This time it was St. John the Apostle 's turn to punch Matt in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the shank can ever go for to be. ``

John and matte continued their contestation all the way down into the plebeian way, with Kaden paying rapt attention. Albus smiled as he watched them. Maybe Kaden could fit in with their mathematical group after all.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't take long for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's radical of ally. By the end of the week, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their usual routine of doing prep in the common elbow room after dinner. Of class, that did not set out until after the boys served their detention with Filch. The caretaker had them plum almost every bath in the entire castle. This was a tense affair due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the detainment alongside them. Albus was quite happy when the detention was over.

All in all, school was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his stratum and Quidditch and the Dueling Club were going well, too. Albus managed to squeeze aside his thoughts of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased Georgia greatly. The downside to having Kaden back was that Albus and his other friends could n't really sneak off to the room of Requirement anymore, unless they wanted to bring Kaden. They all liked Kaden well enough, but none of them really wanted the younger boy to have intercourse about the elbow room yet. That, and they did n't want Kaden to know about the map. He did n't even experience about the regular vulture 's Map. So, Albus had no option but to just think about the map, rather than mess up around with it.

As November turned into December, coke fell upon the grounds and students of all ages flocked to them to have snow ball conflict. Albus and his supporter took voice in quite a few, usually being crushed by the elder students. Albus enjoyed these battle immensely, but thoughts of the new map were always in the binding of his mind. He just wished they could get some time away from Kaden to enquire it some more. The opportunity to do just that arose one day in the beginning of December. Kaden was not doing too well in transfiguration and one of the sure-enough Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few other first long time in the library.

Albus immediately shut his appeal playscript after Kaden left the common way. `` All right hand, he 's gone. Let 's go to the elbow room. ``

`` You 're awfully eagre for him to pass on, '' John smirked, `` I thought you did n't mind him so much now. ``

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

`` Do you think you know how to shape it ? '' Matt asked.

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

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

The group left the crowded mutual elbow room and followed the fellow way to the elbow room. Once there, they took their common seats and waited for Albus tell them his idea.

`` Well, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and fan out it out on the table. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, retrieve what I tried to state the map last time ? I think I should write that on the map. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Er, no, but- ''

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

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

`` Thank you, rosebush. ``

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

Albus nodded. That made horse sense. `` All rightfield. '' He took a bass breathing space. `` Here it goes. I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The familiar ink appeared on the sheepskin, telling Albus that he needed to leaven he knew all the Marauders'secrets. He looked up at his friends, who were all wearing feeling of anticipation. Albus grabbed a quill and an ink pot. He poised his quill over the parchment and wrote in very tiny letters,

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

'Close, but not quite .'

Albus let out a tacky groan as the run-in dissolved. `` I really thought that would be it ! ``

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

`` Does n't matter anyway, we do n't ingest a Wormtail, '' matt pointed out.

`` I think that would have been too obvious anyway, '' rosiness explained, `` It 's got to be something More subtle. ``

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

`` Well, '' pink wine began, `` We 've got to call up that these are the Marauders. And I 'm sure they wanted to prepare it difficult for whoever found this map. ``

`` commodity point, '' John said.

`` This most probably holds Thomas More information about Hogwarts than the vulture 's Map did, and possibly Hogsmeade as well, '' Rose continued, `` So we 've got to think about this the way they would 've. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. Of course the piranha would n't have just had them write something on the map. It was too comfortable. `` Right, so they liked getting in trouble. They would probably want us to do something that might get us in trouble. ``

`` And nigh likely dangerous, '' Rose added.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. The Marauders spent their Hogwarts calling causing trouble and doing life-threatening matter. They obviously would want the great unwashed just as daring to be the next Marauders.

`` How can it be dangerous to examine that we know their secrets ? '' Saint John asked.

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

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

`` We could drag paw mark on it, '' John laughed.

rose 's cheek lit up. `` John, that 's it ! ``

`` drafting paw prints ? '' John stared at her, `` How 's that dangerous ? ``

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

The estimation sounded ridiculous to Albus, but it did seem like the kind of thing the vulture would do. It would definitely be severe to get the paw print, and difficult as well. Not many people would actually be able to get them all. It was subtle as well. No one would get any idea what the paw prints would mean unless they knew the Marauders'closed book. The only if matter he did n't wish about it was the mind of a bunch of animals trampling the map.

They all stared at pink wine, who was looking quite happy with the idea. Eventually, Albus spoke. `` Are you sure ? ``

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

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

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

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

`` Good idea, Rose, '' John agreed.

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

`` Makes sense, '' matte replied.

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

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

`` Good stop, '' Rose sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few consequence, then Rose had another mind. `` What if we use different pieces of lambskin and then use a transference charm to put them on the map ? ``

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

They all stared at each other and excite their drumhead. `` Er, that might be a problem, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm reasonably trusted that magic spell is well past O.W.L. ``

`` I 'll learn it, '' blush wine told him, `` I 'm sure as shooting I can obtain it in the library somewhere. ``

`` We 're favourable you 're such a book worm, pink wine, '' John laughed.

`` All right field, so we 're going to try this, '' Albus said adamantly. He was up for trying anything. Even if it did n't function, they would still be making procession. `` Rose, you start figuring out the transfer charm, and the respite of us will get the paw prints. ``

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

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

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

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

`` It might postulate me a patch to fancy out the charm anyway, '' blush wine commented.

Albus had wanted to cypher out the map before Dec 25 as well, but considering the fact that there were n't any firedog in Hogwarts, that would n't be possible. `` I think we can find a rat somewhere in the castle. Probably near the donjon. ``

`` Great, Slytherin soil, '' John groaned.

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

Albus glanced around at his friends. He was n't real fond of rats and would favor not to throw to conduct one around in his bag all day.

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

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

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

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

`` That 's what the predator would cause wanted, '' Albus told her.

`` We do n't have to go to the Forbidden wood, '' Rose announced, `` We 've just got to go to a timber. I live right near a wood, Albus and I can try and get the photographic print over Christmas. ``

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

`` The wolfman one, '' mat whispered. Albus and the others turned to front at Matt. He had been very tranquillity over the yesteryear few bit and Albus noticed that he was paler than usual. Albus could read why. The werewolf paw mark could possibly be the most unsafe one to get.

`` You know, '' rosebush said quietly, `` This is why the paw print thing makes so much sense to me. I highly doubt a regular woman chaser mark is going to work. And if this really is the way to get the map to put to work, the only way to get a werewolf paw mark would be if a werewolf was at Hogwarts. ``

Albus thought about this and it made everlasting sense. This would be one way for the vulture to make sure as shooting that the new vulture would accept at least one similarity to the original. `` But how do we get it ? We obviously ca n't go into the shrieking shanty the night of the full moon. ``

The room fell tranquillity as everyone tried to think of a way that they could safely get a lycanthrope 's paw mark. Albus had no idea. They could n't exactly try and stun Matt while he was transformed like they were planning on doing with the rat and the stag.

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

Albus and the rest of his Friend said naught but watched as they waited for Matt to lucubrate. Albus could recite that Matt really did n't want to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to work ?

`` We go down to the scream shack a couplet Clarence Day before the wide moonlight and mystify a few musical composition of self-inking parchment to the floor. Hopefully I 'll ill-treat on one of them and we 'll have a paw print, '' matt explained quietly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` You three can go, '' Rose gestured to Albus, lustrelessness, and John, `` You 're going to be the new Marauders anyway. ``

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

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

`` Oh, right. ``

`` When 's the next broad moon ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

`` Perfect, '' pink wine grinned, `` And I 'll pop out searching the library for the charm. Hopefully we 'll possess it figured out right after Christmas. ``

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

`` Well, I 've got homework to do, '' blush wine announced as she pulled out a few books from her bag.

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

The radical worked silently on their prep for a while, only talking when they needed to ask dubiousness about it. Albus tried his best to rivet on his Transfiguration of Jesus essay, but his mind kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw prints faster. Albus was very anxious to find out what this map had in store for them. Of course, they still had to find someone to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to push that thinking from his mind.

`` It 's so tranquil, '' John said, tapping his quill on his book.

`` Nice, is n't it ? '' Rose smiled.

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

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

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

`` He looks up to Albus, '' rosebush explained, `` To him, Albus ca n't do anything ill-timed. ``

That 's it ! Albus dropped his pinion and stared at rosebush. Of course ! Why had n't he realized it before ? Kaden did stick to them around and practically idolise the ground they walked on. Kaden was Wormtail.

`` Albus ? '' pink wine asked. `` Are you all right ? ``

Albus shook his straits and looked at Rose. `` I 'm alright. Better than that, actually, '' he grinned. `` You 've just given me an idea as to who can be Wormtail. ``

`` Who ? '' privy asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? ! '' John, Matt, Rose, and Amanda shouted at once.

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' Rose asked.

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

`` Not really, '' Saint John said.

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

`` Not really, '' Gospel According to John said after a few moments quiet.

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

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

Albus looked at his friends for a moment before responding. Albus talked the to the lowest degree about Wormtail than all the other Marauders. Obviously, Albus felt a cryptical hatred for Simon Peter Pettigrew, and this resulted in him not wanting to spill about him. So Albus 's acquaintance really did n't know a completely lot about him. Just the portion that had to do with him betraying Albus 's grandparents. `` Well, we 've got to retrieve that when the predator made this map they were Quaker with Wormtail. He had n't betrayed them yet. He did possess good qualities, as much as I hate saying that, '' Albus said grimly.

`` So what are these timber ? '' john asked skeptically.

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

`` Like Kaden does with you three, '' rose wine commented, a look of actualisation appearing on her side.

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

`` Sounds like Kaden, '' Matt agreed.

`` Definitely, '' John replied.

`` You know, '' rosiness began, `` Wormtail obviously caved under threat and Kaden did, too. ``

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

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

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

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' rose said, `` I think he wo n't mind as long as he gets to be a component of this. ``

`` The map 's not the only matter we 're going to have to narrate him, is it ? '' Matt said quietly, `` He 's going to find out out what I am. ``

This was the part that Albus had tried to forefend thinking about ever since he first realized what they had to do to work the new map. Whoever was going to represent Wormtail was going to rule out that lustrelessness was a werewolf, there was no avoiding it. It was part of the ground that Albus had n't really thought about who would be Wormtail. Albus knew matte did n't desire anyone else to obtain out. He never even really enjoin Albus and the others. They had found out on their own. Albus knew Kaden would never feel out on his own ; he was just too oblivious. He needed to recognise, though, if he was going to be a theatrical role of this. Otherwise, he could n't really be one of the new marauder. Albus just had a gut feeling about that. But was it worth it to narrate him ? Especially when he already told Malfoy everything Albus had told him to hold open secret ? Albus sighed, `` I think so. If we 're going to do this, Kaden will have to know. ``

`` We ca n't do it then, '' flatness said adamantly, `` I ca n't separate him. I just ca n't. He 'll tell Malfoy and then the whole of Slytherin will lie with and then soon the hale school will make love and they 'll enjoin their parents and they 'll complain and Kendrick will have to recoil me out. But then it wo n't matter anyway because all of Wizarding United Kingdom will love and no one will desire to be around me or my household again and it will be just like Australia- ''

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

`` How do you know ? '' Matt whispered in a trembling voice.

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

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

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

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

`` Just listen to me for a arcminute, '' rosiness said loudly. `` Remember what Amanda said about a spell to keep Kaden from giving away anymore secrets ? '' Everyone nodded. `` wellspring, I 'm pretty sure there is a tour like that, '' pink wine grinned.

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

`` Yes. I vaguely remember reading about it in a book. I 'm sure if I went to the depository library I could line up it, '' Rose explained. `` I 'll just wait for it when I 'm researching the transference appealingness. ``

Albus 's Bob Hope soared high again, `` excellent ! Would you be leave to tell him if Rose found this trance ? ``

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

pink wine nodded, `` Yeah, I could do that. ``

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could feel it. They would unlock the enigma of this new parchment. Albus was so exhilarate with the medical prognosis of finally discovering what the new map held, he could hardly catch some Z's that night. He was n't the only one, either. Albus heard flatness and John tossing and turning all night, over the auditory sensation of Ethan and Bilius 's snoring. Although, Albus suspected Matt 's sleepless night was more due to nervus than excitement. Judging by the spirit on his face as they went back to the rough-cut way that eventide, he was still reluctant to let Kaden in on his biggest secret.



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



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the adjacent morning, he found that he was overcome with nerves about stealing his father 's Invisibility Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the inflammation about the map the night before that he had n't really given it a second thought process. But now that the idea had simmered overnight, he realized that the program might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the Invisibility Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the previous year. Of course, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to hook it back right after he was done with his late Night promenade to the screaming shanty, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even likely ? Albus had no estimate how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't give birth much use for it at Hogwarts because teachers could roam around wherever and whenever they wanted.

Albus did n't even have it off where his father kept the cloak. He was planning on just trying a summoning charm as Henry James had done to call up the marauder 's Map. Albus just hoped that the cloak attempt would go just as smoothly. Harry still had n't noticed that the Map was missing. Either that or he knew James took it and was just letting him keep it. As Albus 's intellection went to the master Marauder 's Map, he remembered that he still had n't given it back to James.

Albus remained distracted throughout his morning classes and by the time lunch came, he was almost as skittish as he had been for the first Quidditch match. nobody said much as Albus picked at his food, well cipher except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his morning time class until he had to leave for Potions a short-change patch later. Once he was gone, Albus was give up to spill about their program. `` I 'm not for sure if this is going to exercise. ``

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

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

`` It 's got to work, '' St. John the Apostle insisted, `` How else will we mouse down to, '' he lowered his voice, `` you know, without being caught ? ``

`` There is n't any other way, '' flatness replied, `` We 'll get caught if we do n't take in the cloak. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` trust me, Albus, '' rose said, `` It 'll work. We 'll purloin the cloak back before Uncle Harry even knows it 's gone. ``

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the staff table, `` We 'll just look a couple more minutes. ``

`` I do n't think we should all go, '' Rose announced, `` It 'll take care suspicious if we all go into his office. I think just me and Albus should go. ``

`` Good theme, '' Matt agreed, `` No one will reckon anything of it if the two of you go into his office. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the best way to do it. If all five of them went, chance are they would make decent disturbance to attract another teacher. Albus was relieved that blush wine was going to go, though. She was much better at summoning appeal than Albus was.

`` We 'll wait for you in the elbow room, '' flatness stood up. Gospel According to John and Amanda followed suit. `` See you in a bit. ``

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

Albus and rosiness had lingered long enough at the table that the corridors were practically empty, keep for a few rambling students who were much more intent on making it to class than giving Albus and Rose a arcsecond glance. They quietly made their way to Harry 's position, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning Myrtle 's can. Judging from the trashy vociferation that were emitted from the lav, Peeves had just finished making fun of short myrtle.

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

Rose did n't depend in phased in the least. `` Just use Alohamora. ``

Albus looked at her skeptically. Why would Harry bother to put away his door with a charm that anyone could open up ?

`` Just do it, '' pink wine insisted, `` He 's got a magical spell on there that recognizes his sorcerous signature. Yours will be close decent to his that it 'll open up for you, too. It worked with James last year. It wo n't work with me, though. I tried. Epistle of James thought it was incredibly rum. ``

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

Harry 's power looked much like it had the cobbler's last time Albus had been in it. parchment, Christian Bible, and early assorted objects were strewn around all over the place, cluttering up the desk, couch, and hot seat. The bedroom threshold had been left open and Albus could see that that room was just as messy, with robes laying on the bed and copies of the vaticinator on the floor.

`` Does he ever clean up ? '' rose wine asked disgustedly, `` I mean, really. This is spoiled than James 's elbow room. ``

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

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

blush wine must have been thinking the Sami thing. She wrenched the trunk unfastened and pointed her wand at it. `` Accio invisibility Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

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

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

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

`` We 'll do it the hard way, '' rosebush sighed, `` You take the wardrobe, I 'll lease the trunk. ''

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

`` Got it ! '' rose announced, `` underside of the trunk ! ``

Albus felt an immense backup man as Rose held up the cloak. They did it ! They actually found the cloak ! Nothing was stopping them now. They were going to discover out the arcanum of the second map.

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

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

assuagement washed over Albus when he made it into the Room a few minutes later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's gist still beat dissipated with adrenaline as he ran into the Room and grinned at his protagonist. The thrill of what he and rosebush had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the invisibility Cloak. It was the firstly Marauder-like thing he had done. He knew this was exactly what the Marauders had wanted him to do. To fracture ruler and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' can ran over with a inkling of agitation in his centre. Matt and Amanda were right behind him sporting identical smile on their faces.

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

`` It was incredibly sluttish, '' Rose laughed. `` I found it right in Uncle Harry 's body. ``

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

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

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

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

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

Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Amanda. bathroom and Matt stood next to him as he threw the cloak over their headland. Albus had been under the cloak with James, Lily, and his full cousin before, so he was used to how cramped it was, but his Quaker weren't.

`` Watch it, '' John snapped as Matt stepped on his foot.

`` Sorry, '' Matt muttered. `` This is going to be difficult. ``

`` Can you see us ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nope, '' Rose said, `` Walk around the room a few clip. ``

The son walked slowly around the room, making sure not to queer any of their limbs. bathroom and Matt started to get the hang of it after a few minutes of practice and they were soon able to go a little faster.

`` Perfect, '' Amanda announced after the quaternary time they circled the room. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What Nox should we do this ? '' John asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Saturday because I 've got Quidditch practice that good morning and I 'm going to stimulate to get some sleep Friday night or Georgia will drop the whole metre yelling at me to wake up, '' Albus explained, `` That good with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' John agreed. lusterlessness nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Saturday night, we sneak into the Shrieking hovel. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the trouble maker, Albus, '' Rose laughed, `` The Marauders would be proud. ``

******

The following day rosiness decided to embark on her research on the transference charm. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't take yearn to find the rectify book. blush wine found it in a copy of Advanced appealingness and after she read a bit about the charm she decided that it was going to be difficult but not unimaginable for her to do. She decided to dominate that charm before trying to incur the spell to keep Kaden quiet. That one was going to be backbreaking to find since they did n't even bonk the name of it. Rose checked out the Advanced Charms book under the menacing public eye of ma'am Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to demand what they were up to and deny them the book. But, she could n't since the book was n't in the Restricted Section.

Rose spent the following few days trying to cypher the magical spell out. There was n't much Albus could do to help her, so he just did his prep and watched her. Albus thought the charm looked incredibly complicated and he was gladiolus that Rose had volunteered to learn it. Rose was having a bit of difficulty mastering the charm, though. By the prison term Sabbatum night rolled around, she still had n't managed to reproduce much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The charm was well beyond the O.W.L. level and it stood to reason that it would be hard for her. This did not causa Rose well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one matter that drove Rose mad, it was having bother learning something.

`` Why do n't you engage a happy chance ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the common elbow room on Sat night. `` You 've been at it for sidereal day. ``

`` Maybe you 're right, '' blush wine sighed. She had been trying for the past 60 minutes to reproduce her figure onto another while of lambskin. `` I 'll just decompress for a while. '' She pulled out her Transfiguration Good Book and opened it to one of the afterward chapters.

`` I do n't cognise how you can think that relaxing, '' John the Evangelist screwed up his face in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` Extra credit charms prep, '' Rose lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that Rose would need special credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' Rose explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're smart. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' rose smiled at him.

Albus had no doubtfulness that rose wine would figure the appeal out eventually. It was just taking her longsighted than she expected. Albus was in no spate because the charm would be useless until they got all the paw mark they needed. That would n't happen until after Christmas. Saint John the Apostle had n't managed to find a rat in Potions on Fri, but he was keeping his oculus peeled.

The chemical group stayed in the common room for another brace hours, waiting until it was completely empty. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his fatigue duty and went up to his residence hall. Eventually, Albus and his friends were the only if unity left.

`` make ? '' Albus asked. John the Divine and Matt nodded. Albus rummaged in his bag and pulled out the cloak. `` I 've got the parchment in my robe. I think we 're set. ``

`` Let 's do it, '' toilet stood up.

`` commodity luck, '' Amanda said as the three male child pulled the cloak around themselves. `` We 'll be waiting. ``

`` See you in a bit, '' rose told them as she held the portrait receptive for them to leave. `` Do n't get caught. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus assured her. `` I 've got the Map. '' Albus was n't nearly as nervous about sneaking out of the castling as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking more rules this evening than he had the former day. He figured it had something to do with the fact that stealing the cloak was something his male parent would be disappointed in, whereas sneaking out would just get him in difficulty with another teacher.

Whatever the reason, Albus felt almost excited about this evening. The only sentence he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his first Occlumency dream the previous year. Tonight 's escapade was a much ameliorate circumstance. Besides, Albus was a bit charge about following the burrow to the Whomping Willow and seeing the inside of the Shrieking hutch. He felt kind of guilty about this because he knew Matt did n't need them to and was only agreeing to this for the sake of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to terminate before they started down the stairs. He took out the Map and scanned it for a couple mo. Filch was currently striding along the third floor corridor. They would have to be careful about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a classroom on the quarter floor, no doubt wreaking havoc for one of the teacher to fix in the morning. Luckily, all of the teachers were in their position. All they had to interest about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, John, and mat continued their cautious trek down to the entryway anteroom, with Albus glancing at the Map every few minutes. The boys made it down to the third floor corridor without fuss, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about insolent children. Albus gave his champion a disquieted look as they quietly moved towards the skinny step case. Albus held his breather as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three inconspicuous boys. Albus was very happy when they made it onto the second level and even felicitous when they got to the front threshold and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one thing that could have gone faulty with their plan. move up had tried to teach him a few More complex unlocking spells but he was n't very dependable at them and was hoping he would n't need to use them.

`` Made it ! '' lavatory let out a Brobdingnagian breath once the castle room access were shut.

`` Not quite, '' Matt replied.

`` Yeah, but at to the lowest degree we can speak now. I wish this cloak would cover up noise, too. Reckon we can remove the cloak off ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered immediately. `` What if one of the instructor is looking out the window ? Or if Hagrid is wandering around ? '' Albus loved Hagrid, but he would n't need to have to explicate why he was sneaking down to the Whomping Willow in the dead of Nox if the lovable half-giant caught them.

The three male child continued along the itinerary that lead them through the grounds. There was about six inches of snow on the footing and the air was bitingly cold. Albus was glad he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to check the Map every twain of minutes, but so far the primer coat were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be able to walk firm once they were on the grounds, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to stay concealed under the cloak and it was even heavy now because Matt was slowing down. `` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked after the cloak almost slipped off of him.

`` mulct, '' he panted. `` Just the moonshine. Let 's celebrate going. ``

Albus looked from his booster 's run down nerve to the sky. The almost broad moon was shining down on the ground, illuminating it adequate that Albus had n't bothered to dismount his baton. `` We should have done this earlier in the week, '' Albus commented, remembering the disastrous detention with Filch the other month.

`` No, I 'm mulct, '' Matt assured him, `` It wo n't be full until Tuesday. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and John slowed down their stride to rival Matt 's, although Albus thought it would be full for them to speed up in order to reach the tree diagram faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping willow. The three male child paused just beyond the reach of the arm and Albus and John looked to Matt for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able-bodied to get into the muddle wearing the cloak, '' matt explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his robes. `` All right hand, '' Matt continued, pulling out his wand. `` I 'll just disable the Ward. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his wand at the tree. Albus strained to heed to the go but he could n't hear it.

`` Now what ? '' John asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

matt walked around to the former side of the tree with Albus and John following. Matt hang over, searched through the blow, and picked up a long marijuana cigarette, stumbling and shivering a piddling as he stood up. He pressed his hand to his school principal, wincing a piddling. `` concern, '' he answered to Albus and John 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the tree 's outgrowth and stuck the long stick into the tree 's trunks. The branches immediately suspend and the Whomping Willow looked just as tame as any of the other tree diagram on the grounds. `` Quick, before they start again, '' lusterlessness stumbled towards the tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the burrow once, gestured for John to go first. Albus followed his Friend and made it into the hole just as the leg started flailing again. Albus and John lit their verge and looked around the halter tunnel while matt put the wards back up.

`` Let 's go, '' lusterlessness announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly jolly sang-froid, '' John said in awe as they started down the passage, `` Kinda spooky, but cool. '' lustrelessness sent him a dirty looking. `` I mean, besides the whole werewolf affair, '' privy replied quickly.

Albus could see what John meant. It was kind of a smashing tunnel, although very dark and form of damp. The effective matter was that it was slightly ardent than outside. The ceiling was low and Albus had to scrunch down a little in social club to take the air. There were rocks and roots along the route, but the whole ambiance was quite wind up. Albus loved wandering through secret passageways and this one was n't any unlike. He was excited about finally being able-bodied to accompany it. His dad had told him about this tunnel and the Shrieking Shack numerous clip, but always said no when Albus asked if he could go explore it. Now he was finally getting to do it. Granted, he was breaking about a dozen school rules to do it, but it was worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt like at least a half hour. The thrill of it was beginning to wear off as Albus got colder. The month of December was not a convenient clock time to be doing this. By the metre they reached the screaming Shack, Albus was ready to cower into his warm four-poster bed and go to kip. John the Evangelist 's upheaval had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the long, chilly walk. Matt, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the moonlight, did n't count much better than he had earlier. He looked incredibly exhausted and was breathing as heavily as if he 'd just run a marathon.

`` How do you possibly induce it here before the full moon ? '' John asked, out of breath. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the time you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' Matt replied in between breathing place, `` dame Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` Well, next clock time I ca n't sleep I 'll just walk up and down this a few times, '' John joked.

`` In. Here, '' lustrelessness panted as he opened an old looking doorway that creaked as he opened it. Albus and Saint John the Apostle quietly followed him through it, into a very creaky looking room.

Albus was shocked at what he saw. Broken furniture lay everywhere, a lot of it covered in dried blood. There was n't anything that remained unbroken. art object of tables, chairman, and couch were all over the place with bite marks on them. There was a staircase nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on numerous meter. Albus swallowed as he realized that his friend was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' John asked slowly.

Matt glared at him. `` Use your brain, '' he snapped.

Gospel According to John looked from him to the go bad piece of furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Matt sighed and sat down on the floor near the fireplace. He leaned his point against the wall. `` See why I did n't really want you to come here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and John nodded.

`` It 's one matter for you to know what I am, '' mat continued, `` But another to see what I actually do, what I could do ... '' his voice trailed off.

Albus knew what he wanted to say, but could n't. What he could do if he was n't in the Shrieking Shack during the full Moon. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the wildcat. ``

`` I guess, '' lusterlessness said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' Saint John the Apostle replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and matte shouted at the Saame time.

`` Become Animagi, '' John repeated, `` If we 're trying to become the next vulture, we might as well do it properly. ``



A/N : Bit of a cliffy ! But I had to start a new chapter somewhere. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, Denas, myself, and Luke for their brushup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to take on the thought did bilk his psyche every once in a while. But really, it was n't very naturalistic. Yes, the predator had done it, but they were golden it had worked out all right. There was a intellect that hardly anyone could become an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only back age. The Marauders had n't done it until their one-fifth year. They were exceptionally smart, too. Well, three of them were. Albus did n't recollect he was anywhere near good enough at Transfiguration to pull up it off. rose was probably the only if one of them who had a hazard at succeeding. And even though rose wine did not hesitate to dampen rules when she needed to, there was no way she would agree to this. `` Oh seed on, John, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' John asked, `` The Marauders did it. ``

`` They were really smart, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smart. And what did you get on your last August 6 test ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' John corrected him, `` And we 'd enter it out. come up could help us. ``

`` But this is n't as simple as figuring out a magic spell for class ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's unsafe. What if we ca n't vary back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? pink wine does n't know everything. Even she would let worry with this. ``

`` It 's worth the danger, '' whoremaster said adamantly, `` I do n't worry if I mess up a few times. I 'll just try again. ``

`` That 's the thing. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the chance to try again. My dad explained this all to me over the summertime. He talked to me about becoming an Animagus as soon as school day was over hold up year because he knew the thought would hybridize my mind. He 'll know if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd reckon trying when we 're erstwhile, but definitely not right now. ``

John sighed, `` It would be slap-up if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new Marauders then. Imagine if we could even change into the Lapplander animals the marauder were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that John seemed to assume the fact that Albus was n't going to budge on the issue. `` I do n't know if I 'd be a stag, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' John asked, grinning.

Albus smirked, `` Not really. He 'd probably be one of those yappy dogs, not a big cool dog like you 'd be, but a tiny chihuahua or something that 's always bark and jump. ``

`` Definitely, '' Saint John the Apostle laughed, `` It could n't hurt to inquiry Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for extra quotation. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` Energy n't matter, '' lusterlessness said quietly. He had been exceptionally quiet ever since St. John the Apostle had first mentioned the mind. `` You ca n't become Animagi with me on the full moon. ``

`` Why ? '' John asked. `` We know it 's unsafe. I do n't care. ``

`` It 's not that. You think I have n't thought about you lot becoming Animagi ? That my parents have n't thought about doing it ? Amy ? They have. My parents have ever since we found out Wolfsbane did n't work for me. Amy has ever since she first saw me after a transformation. My parents actually started working on it. But then they decided to give birth me do the Wolfsbane study instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the full phase of the moon lunar month, I wo n't offend myself and it 'll seem like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up the work big sentence. My parents decided it would be near for me to find a potion that would play than to have to swear on other people 's Animagus abilities. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very happy. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a minuscule excuse. He did n't require to turn an Animagus behind his dad 's dorsum. It was one thing to steal the Invisibility Cloak for a couple twenty-four hours, but to pussyfoot around as an animal every full Sun Myung Moon ? That was just too closelipped for Albus 's liking. He hoped that John would give up on the idea now.

`` But if the study ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't terminate you from trying. ``

`` Sounds carnival, '' John replied, `` How long does the study go ? ``

`` No idea. Probably at least another two years. It all depends on how many different forms of wolf's bane citizenry come up with, '' Matt closed his eyes and leaned his headway against the wall again.

`` Headache still there ? '' Albus asked. mat nodded without opening his optic. `` Let 's rush up, then. Where should we put the parchment ? ``

`` Room behind the stairs, '' Matt shakily stood up. `` That way Madam Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' John gently pushed his friend back onto the floor. `` How much parchment should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you bring ? ``

`` About a half roll, '' Albus pulled a partially used roll of parchment out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. Chances are to the highest degree of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the stairs with John following and saw the small room matte was talking about. It was also filled with various separate objet d'art of furniture. `` We should n't have done this tonight. I did n't even recollect about the moonlight. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his head as he bent down to move some of the furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the time with the detention. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can kip all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped pieces off the drum roll of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' John yawned. `` Was n't expecting the tunnel to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a prospicient way from the grounds to Hogsmeade, so it makes sense. ``

Albus finished ripping the parchment and the two boy each took a pot to stick on to the floor. It took them a few minute of arc and once they were done, the room was covered in part of parchment.

`` I can see why he did n't desire dame Pomfrey to see, '' John laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely raise some questions, '' Albus lit his own wand. `` Let 's just hope this works. I ca n't see any other way to safely get a werewolf 's paw mark. ``

The two boys took one Sir Thomas More look at the parchment coated room and then went back to the large main room. matt was right wing where they left him, leaning against a partially impoverished chair. Albus nudged him awake.

`` Finished ? '' Matt yawned.

`` Yup, let 's get back to the castle, '' Albus helped his friend up and the three of them left the shack.

The trip back through the tunnel took a lot longer than when they were going to the hovel. All three male child were incredibly tired and the thrill had worn off for Albus and John. Albus glanced at his spotter as they neared the end of the tunnel and saw that it was nearly 1:30. He was very sword lily they had done this on a weekend.

`` It 's operose getting out than getting in, '' Matt said tiredly as he removed the wards. `` Whoever goes first has to dodge the outgrowth and then push the knot on the body for the other two. ``

Albus and can looked at each other, for both of them knew matte was too exhausted to be able to evade the arm properly. `` I 'll do it, '' Albus told him, `` I 'm making you get the rat. '' Albus climbed up the bulwark and crawled out of the hole. He was immediately hit in the shoulder joint with one of the flailing leg. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the automobile trunk for the knot. His deal made contact with it and the ramification immediately froze. `` You can come out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the invisibleness Cloak out of his cloak. flatness appeared out of the hole first and shuddered as the moonshine hit him. John was right behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once Matt re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' John asked Albus once they were back on the course leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the articulatio humeri, '' Albus replied. His berm stung and he could feel some blood dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see Madam Pomfrey. She would know immediately what gave him the wound and would no doubt assert on knowing what they were up to.

The boys trudged along through the cold-blooded night air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that thick clouds were moving in. It would probably snow soon. Of line, Albus would be much too tired the succeeding day to enjoy it, so it did n't much matter. It was worth it, though. Within a few days they would have one of the four paw prints needed to unlock the mystery of the new map.

A little while later they reached the castle doors. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the sixth floor and Peeves was in Moaning Vinca minor 's john. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the handle of the door and pushed. It did not budge. He tried again, but no portion. `` Filch must 've remembered to lock in it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those spells Rose taught you, '' lavatory suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his wand at the handgrip. He muttered a spell but the threshold remained interlace. He tried a few More, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a terrified tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' lavatory questioned and pushed the door himself, `` What do we do now ? ``

`` What do you mean we 're locked out ? '' matt groaned, `` It was just unlocked a duo hours ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't stick out here all nighttime ! '' mat 's voice cracked, `` We 'll freeze ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as panic filled his body. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the palace and into the tunnel without getting caught that the thought of being locked out had n't even crossed his psyche. I mean, what were the prospect of the doors being unlocked when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't stay out here, it was freezing and would hoodwink soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any chance either of you knows how to call forth a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the only way he knew to reach Rose and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' John asked. `` We 're only second base years. ``

`` fountainhead, have you got any bright theme on how to separate rose wine and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

St. John the Apostle thought for a arcminute before answering, `` You could demote into the broom shed and steal a Calluna vulgaris. Then fly it up to Gryffindor Tower. ``

`` Now you 're mad. I 'll get seen by someone. What if one of the professor is looking out their window ? Or one of the pupil ? ``

`` Wear the Invisibility Cloak, '' John replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then Rose and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, right, '' John sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in trouble, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't think of something else soon, they would have to go to Hagrid's.

`` Well, we 've got to recall of something soon. He 's got to get away from the synodic month, '' John gestured to mat who was leaning against the doorway and breathing heavily.

`` The synodic month 's almost covered by swarm, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll suffer to worry about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' John the Divine groaned. `` Maybe we can draw in up in piles of snow like masher do and go along warm that way. ``

`` Very funny, '' Albus said flatly. He was really starting to get worried now. What would occur if they did go to Hagrid 's ? They 'd surely get in bother, but how a good deal ? Would they just get detention or would it be speculative ? Points would be taken away for certain, and that would not go over well with the other Gryffindors.

`` Hey, wait ! '' St. John the Apostle 's face brightened a bit, `` What about the screech hovel ? We could just go back there and spend the night. Then we 'll swipe back in tomorrow morning after Filch has unlocked the doors again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a moment. `` Not actually a bad approximation. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

lav grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked lusterlessness in the side.

`` What ? '' matte opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the Shack, '' trick explained.

`` Great, '' lustrelessness said sarcastically, `` I get to spend another dark there. You two could n't occur up with a dissimilar idea ? ``

`` Nope, '' John answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty brainy myself, so unless you 've got a right one, we 're going. ``

flatness sighed, `` Oh, fine. But we 're not making a habit of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' whoremonger laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' lusterlessness groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't help but feel a tiny bit excited about spending the night in the Shack. It would definitely be the worst thing he had ever done, as far as breaking rules was concerned. He also felt nervous about it. What if they did get caught ? What if pink wine and Amanda started to get worried and told individual about their program ? Albus pushed that thought out of his mind. Rose would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in trouble. But they were n't in that big of worry. The three of them would spend the night in the hut and that would be that. When aurora came they would sneak back into the castle and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be kind of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit grievous. Something the vulture would have done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The trip back to the hutch, though exhausting, was uneventful. John Lackland, like Albus, had a flavour of hullabaloo in his oculus when the three of them entered the shack once more. lusterlessness looked like he did n't care where they were, as long as there was some place he could sleep.

`` This is middling cool, '' John grinned, `` Spending the Night in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be inhuman, though, '' mat shivered, `` There are n't any heating spell in here. ``

`` Warmer than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his robes. `` Are there any lights in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' flatness replied. `` We 'll just have to keep our wands lit. ``

`` What do you want to do now ? '' John asked with a smell of mischief-making on his face, `` So many opening in this billet .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' lusterlessness suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the night in the shanty, was extremely tired and all he wanted to do was sleep. `` Are there any bottom here ? ``

`` One, '' Matt answered. He led Albus and lav up the stairs and into the only bedroom. There was one big bed and a wardrobe, both surprisingly still intact. `` They 're charmed to be indestructible, '' mat answered Albus 's questioning look.

John hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is excellent for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' lustrelessness joined him on the bed and started jumping as well. `` You 're right, it is quite nice for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was good for jumping. Even better than James River 's. James I, Albus, and Lily had spent many hours jumping on James II 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their mother. The male child continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a couple hour. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a story his aunt Hermione had told him about rascal jumping on a bed.

`` What 's so shady ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` Just wondering who 'll be the first to come off and break his head, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' can asked and lusterlessness started to express joy as well.

`` It 's a Muggle write up, '' Albus explained and proceeded to tell John the story of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for stories, '' can shook his head and jumped off the bed, landing on his feet like a cat. `` I do n't believe any of us are going to break our heads. ``

`` Mine tactile property like it 's broken, '' flatness announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't land as gracefully as bathroom and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down next to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt pointed his lit wand at his arm. `` No blood. ``

`` good, '' Saint John replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can nobble back in before a lot of people wake up. ``

`` There 's more than blankets in the press, '' matte yawned as he got back on the bed and curled up beneath the mantle that was already on the bed.

Albus and John each grabbed a couple cover and got into the bed alongside Matt. It was a sound thing the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much bigger than the four-poster bottom in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already at peace, '' John commented as he lay down.

`` good, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his headache will go away. Good night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the next morning to slivers of light shining through the boarded up windowpane. Boarded up windows ? There were n't boarded up windowpane in the dormitory. Albus 's eyes shot undetermined and he glanced around at his milieu. Oh, right field. The memories of the previous Nox flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the shrieking Shack. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more tired this break of day than he had the former Nox. One face at his watch told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four hours of nap. Just as well, Albus thought. They had to get back to the castle quickly anyway, if they wanted to sneak back in without anyone noticing.

Albus nudged John awake and winced. He pulled up the sleeve of his gown and saw that the cut from the Whomping Willow looked thoroughly disgusting. It was probably taint and would take a trip to the hospital extension. Albus shook John with his uninjured arm. `` whoremaster, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me sleep, '' John groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't handle, '' john murmured.

`` I 'll advertise you out of bed, '' Albus warned. John muttered something incoherent and did n't move. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled John over to the edge of the bed. He gave him one final nudge and John fell off the border of the bed with a loud thump.

`` What the hell ? '' King John shouted, sitting up with a dazed looking on his face.

`` I told you to get up, '' Albus leaned over the bed and laughed. `` We 've got to get back to the castling or someone 's going to see us come out of the Tree. ``

`` Oh, fine, '' John grumbled, `` But I 'm going back to bed once we get back. ``

`` You and me both, '' Albus agreed and got out of bed. He picked up the spare blankets and stowed them back in the wardrobe so dame Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to labour him off the bed too ? '' John the Divine pointed to flatness 's sleeping anatomy as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the DoJ ? '' Saint John muttered.

Albus grinned and shook Matt awake. `` We 've got to get back to the castle. We 'll kip more there. ``

matte groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just stay here. ``

`` I would n't suggest it, '' Saint John the Apostle responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you trust that ? ``

mat laughed and looked from John to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The boys left the shack quickly and started the long journey back to the Whomping Willow. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very glad that he did n't give any classes today. He had homework, but he was n't even going to opine about that until he got at least another six hours of sleep. One quick check of the map told him that the seacoast was clean before they emerged from the tree.

The three of them donned the Invisibility Cloak as soon as Matt was finished warding the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and they set off for the castle. Since it was still early, the exclusively one on the basis was Hagrid. There were various more inches of snow and by the time they boys were back at the castle doors, their robes were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the castling, it had started sowing again.

`` blush wine and Amanda are in the Great Radclyffe Hall, '' Albus pointed to their two Transportation on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the entree hall, so I think we 're good. '' Albus pushed the doors subject and the three unseeable boy slipped inside. Albus immediately pulled the wet cloak off of them and hid it in his gown. `` We should probably go talk of the town to Rose and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see madam Pomfrey sometime, '' Matt told them, `` My arm still hurts, look. '' He pulled the sleeve of his robes up and showed them his black and blue arm. `` I do n't consider it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My shoulder still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll make to go, too. ``

At that here and now, rose wine and Amanda left the Great Hall and stopped a pair feet away from the son. St. John the Apostle pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both missy had a combination of sculptural relief and choler on their faces. Rose was fuming by the time she stomped over to Albus. `` Where. Were. You, '' she demanded.

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled. He never liked being on the receiving end of his full cousin 's anger.

`` Room, now, '' Rose seethed and stalked off towards the step with Amanda at her side.

Albus, John, and mat followed wordlessly. All theme of going to the infirmary extension were driven from Albus 's intellect. Of course, after seeing Rose, he would much rather have been bombarded with questions about his shoulder than going to the Room with his cousin.

Nobody said a word until they were in the Room. Albus, John, and lustrelessness sat English by face on the sofa, but Rose and Amanda remained standing in front end of them. `` Explain yourselves ! '' rosiness shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

Rose cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll secernate you about our Nox first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the shanty in the midsection of the night, but it had to be done. What other pick did we birth ? It was safer than the alternative. How else were you going to get the paw mark ? I thought the plan would work. We had it all set. You three would hook down there and put the parchment on the base and then sneak back up. Simple. '' rosiness stopped and began to pace around the room.

`` There were all kinds of things that could 've gone wrong, '' Amanda picked up where Rose left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the instructor. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the grounds ? There are all sorts of beast wandering around at night. Not to mention the Whomping Willow itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to cerebrate when you three never showed up ? ! '' Rose raised her vocalisation even mellow, if that was potential. `` If you had been caught by Filch or a instructor, you would 've came back to Gryffindor eventually ! BUT YOU NEVER DID ! ``

`` But Rose- '' John pleaded. Albus sent him a word of advice look. He knew it was never good to cut off blush wine when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, John ! We thought some form of animal had you ! Or even unsound, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and kidnapped you or something ! Then you sneak back into the rook this morning, looking like you 've just been at a party or something !

`` You kept us up all night worrying, when you probably just decided to give some fun last night. You know I was this close to telling Uncle Harry this daybreak. I wanted to last night, but Amanda convinced me to wait until break of the day. Of course of study now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a couple detentions would teach you not to continue out all night ! ``

`` rose wine, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us explain. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' Rose glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did last night was n't just stupidity. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The doors to the palace were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the castle. I tried all the appeal you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to spend the Nox in the Shrieking Shack. And you 're right, it was variety of fun. ``

rose wine and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a Good Book for the next minute. Albus and the early boys did n't dare say a discussion either. `` Well, '' Rose said quietly, `` Er, that does explain things. I 'm, uh, sorry I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' rosebush began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a warm bank bill telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at to the lowest degree bang what was going on. ``

Albus, John, and Matt turned to attend at each other. Albus felt his cheeks turning red. Of course ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The but means of communication Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the result was there all along, a simple owl. He could induce just made a quick slip to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're imbecile, '' John muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our idiots, '' blush wine laughed. `` Now, are you going to enjoin us about your little adventure ? ``

Albus, King John, and Matt spent the following half hour relaying every particular of their slip to the Shrieking Shack the old night. rosiness and Amanda both found it very entertaining, especially the part about Albus pushing whoremonger off the bed.

After they were done telling the story, all five of them went to the hospital wing so Albus and Matt could get their injury healed. gentlewoman Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the Ward was completely deserted of former patients. She took one look at the Gryffindors and came bustling out from behind the desk. `` You lot again ? What have you gotten yourselves into this time ? ``

`` Just these two, '' John pointed at Albus and Matt.

ma'am Pomfrey took one operose feeling at Matt and announced, `` You were extraneous shoemaker's last dark. Was individual giving you detention ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

Madam Pomfrey looked at him for a few seconds longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and Matt sat down on one of the beds and Madam Pomfrey returned a few moments later with a tray laden with potions. She told Matt to fuddle them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' mat pulled up his sleeve, `` I tripped over a Word. ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey clucked her lingua and pulled out her wand. She had his arm healed in an instant. `` I trust you 'll get some sleep today ? Or do I have to wee you stay here ? ``

`` I 'll log Z's, I promise, '' Matt replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nurse turned to Albus.

`` trauma my shoulder, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the subject. He pulled up his arm to reveal his injured shoulder.

Madam Pomfrey studied it for a bit, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nanny looked at the injury for a footling while longer and she looked from Albus to flatness and back again. `` I know how you got that, '' she replied.

`` Er, '' Albus stuttered. Great, after all that, they were still going to get in trouble.

`` Whatever you boys did last night, do n't do it again, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then mat in the eye, `` I wo n't tell professor Longbottom this meter, or your father, '' she said to Albus, `` But next fourth dimension I will. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of easement as Madam Pomfrey healed his shoulder with one Gustavus Franklin Swift wave of her sceptre. He 'd have no bother keeping his word to the nursemaid. There was no way that he was going to iterate terminal dark. wellspring, unless they needed to for the map. But he 'd try hard not to get hit by the Whomping willow following time.

`` You 're all set, '' madam Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some sleep, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would have no job doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The radical went back to the common room and the boy immediately headed for their dormitory. Albus changed into his pyjama and climbed into his warm four-poster bed, feeling very satisfied that they had n't been caught at all.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Denas, Alex, Luke, smirkyhaha, Moonylupin, and hermionieforever for their reappraisal !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the clock time Albus woke up it was already dinner time, which was good because he was starving. lav and Matt woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling practically unspoilt now that they 'd develop a adequate amount of sleep.

`` prepare to do that again ? '' John asked as he was putting on his shoes.

Despite the fact that Albus did take in fun on their adventure utmost night, he did not desire to repeat it. `` Are you genial ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' bathroom laughed.

`` You do realize that we 'll get to go get the paw print, '' Matt reminded them.

Albus and John looked at each other. The truth was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just bestow with you back to the castle ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious mind, '' lusterlessness replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped Matt would be capable to get the paw mark. What were the chances that they 'd be able to filch down to the hovel again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't forget to lock the doorway twice. Plus, what would happen if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a loud voice shouted as soon as Albus, John, and Matt descended into the common room. Kaden came running over to them with his common look of excitement in his eyes.

`` Hey, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` We 're just going to dinner. ``

`` Me, too. I 'll go with you, '' Kaden fell into step alongside Albus. `` Where have you lot been all day anyway ? ``

`` Uh, sleeping upstairs, '' Albus replied.

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked skeptically, `` Because I asked Rose if you were in your dormitory and she said you were n't. ``

`` I assure you we were, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hmm, well, I wonder why she told me you were n't. ``

`` Who knows ? She 's a girl, they do strange things, '' John said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' matt answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up late doing homework hold up dark, '' St. John lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after first off year. They bombard you with even more prep. ``

`` guessing I 've got that to look forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The boy did spend their total even doing all the homework they had n't done the night before. Kaden stared at them the whole clip, no uncertainty intellection of next twelvemonth, when he would have to pass his whole weekend doing prep. Albus felt kind of bad that they told him that and he was now variety of dreading his secondly year, but he 'd line up out soon enough that that was n't confessedly. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a word about the new map until Rose found the appeal to keep him quiet about it.

******

The day of the full moon came quickly and Albus could n't boil down on any of his class. He could only think about the map, and how they would be one stride closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon know if another trip to the shack was going to be requirement. Of row, it may be that more than one more than trip would be needed, if they did n't get the footprint tonight. There was the possibility that all the parchment would be destroyed. Albus did n't want to think about that, though. He just clung to the approximation that they would be able to get a paw print tonight and that Matt would be able to bring it back the future morning.

Matt skipped his afternoon course of study and spent the time sleeping in the Room of prerequisite. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner and snuck out of the Great Hall before Kaden noticed, they went up to the room. They did n't have a lot time before Matt had to go to the hospital wing and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how farsighted that tunnel is, I feel even sorrier for him, '' St. John the Apostle said quietly on their way to the uncouth room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't know how he does it. He could barely get to the hospital wing. ``

`` Hi, cat ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the unwashed room. Albus, John, rosiness, and Amanda went over to the table Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with parchment and book, and sat down. `` Where 's Matt ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the hospital wing, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Because of that disease I was n't supposed to state anyone about ? ``

`` right field, '' Albus confirmed. His cousin could be so dumb sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his ledger and tried to centralise on his homework. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the next day, which he was very arouse about. Albus tried to tune him out, but he could n't. Albus had a impression even if Kaden was n't running a streaming commentary about his potions class he still would n't be able to concentrate. His unhurt brain was consumed with thought about the map. He sighed and closed his book. None of his homework was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really feel like doing homework tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' John muttered and continued writing his DADA essay that was due the next day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an idea that would occupy both his and Kaden 's eve. `` Ever played chess ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum taught me. ``

`` Ever played thaumaturge 's Chess ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's boldness lit up, `` Wizards have their own chess game ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll teach you. Be right back. '' Albus ran up to his student residence and rummaged around in his bole until he found a chess board, his chessmen, and an old set of chessmen for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more excited than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` fun cheat. It 's pretty often like Muggle chess, but with some differences. You call back how to play Muggle cheat ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` Well, with thaumaturgist 's chess game everyone has their own chessmen. These are mine, '' Albus held up his white chessman. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this spare set. I think it used to belong to my Uncle Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of inkiness chessmen.

`` Are you any good at chess ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all right wing. Not as unspoilt as James II, and not nearly as good as rose. My Uncle Ron, Rose 's dad, is the best at it. No one 's ever able-bodied to flap him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like pattern ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own spell. `` White goes first. Oh, and you do n't move your pieces. Just order the pieces which distance to move to. ``

`` tell apart them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you mean, secern them ? ``

`` Just lookout, '' Albus put down his net piece and muttered instructions for his pawn to go two squares ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the white pawn moved by itself. `` They 'll do that if I tell them, too ? ``

`` They 're supposed to. But they might not desire to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his cat's-paw to move forward two squares and it did so without hesitation. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than regular chess. ``

The game continued for a few more mo and then one of Kaden 's instrument wound up in the course of Albus 's castle. Albus commanded the castling forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the park room turned around to look at him. `` Your castle killed my instrument ! That 's mental ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a spell to furbish up them, '' Albus explained.

`` volition my firearm kill yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few play later, Kaden got the opportunity to order one of his man to obliterate one of Albus 's. Kaden 's nerve was full of glee as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's instrument. The biz continued and Albus started to get the flavour that Kaden just liked watching the firearm destroy each other. This became especially unmistakable when Kaden only had his male monarch, a horse, his castle, and three pawns left. Albus was only missing one rook, both bishops, and five or so cat's-paw. Kaden 's chessmen were not very well-chosen about this and his world-beater and knight actually got into what appeared to be a heated argument about whether or not they were going to continue to heed to Kaden. Eventually, his king matt out refused to move and Albus won by default. Nevertheless, it was one of the most amusing games of chess Ablus had ever played. John, Amanda, and even Rose gave up on their preparation and watched the survive part of the game.

`` I think you need your own chess piece, '' Albus told Kaden as he repaired the broken man. `` I 'm not sure as shooting if these will be bequeath to listen to you anymore. ``

`` well it 's no wonder, '' Rose commented, `` All he did was differentiate them to walk right into destruction traps. ``

`` It 's suspect to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe next fourth dimension you 'll actually try and win, '' rose wine smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chessman for Yule. ``

`` That would be a good idea, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them proficient than these one. ``

******

Albus did n't catch some Z's very well that Night and he was very tired the next sunrise. All he could recollect about was the paw photographic print and whether or not their program worked. Luckily Albus only had two classes that day and then he would be capable to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the hospital backstage after this, right ? '' John whispered to Albus during a idea numbing History of Magic lesson. Binns was currently droning on about the account of the captivity of House Elves. Rose was the only one paying attention, although Albus had no melodic theme why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the story of House Elves, having been lectured about it by Rose 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you need luncheon first ? ``

`` Of course I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's make it fast. ``

`` I should n't have bothered asking, '' Albus laughed.

`` How much thirster until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in forepart of him and John the Evangelist, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his watch. `` Fifteen second. But it 'll palpate like thirty. ``

`` Why do we need to roll in the hay about House Elves anyway ? '' Gospel According to John asked

`` They 're an authoritative constituent of wizarding history ! '' Rose replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's slow, though, '' John the Evangelist responded and flicked a piece of parchment at the Hufflepuff sitting at the desk next to him. `` We should learn about something more shake. Like the goliath Wars. ``

`` Binns 'll make even that boring, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's upright than this. ``

`` Even the history of cauldrons and their effects on wizarding fellowship ? '' Amanda laughed. That lesson, which had taken place the previous class, had been the worst one yet. Albus was sure everyone, including Rose, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never head, '' St. John groaned. `` I do n't even want to think about that one. Or the 14 edge essay we had to write on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and miss Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd like to share with the class ? ``

`` No, sir, '' Gospel According to John replied.

`` Good, good, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, British House Elves started to get contact with the American house Elves, which resulted in a kind of firm Elf oneness .... ''

`` Kill me now, '' whoremonger muttered.

`` Five More minutes ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this firm Elf stuff, '' Amanda whispered.

whoremonger snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes history. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is worse than maths in Muggle school, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate maths, '' John agreed, `` I 'm sword lily we do n't have to take them here. Mum taught me some and it was ugly. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy future year, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that socio-economic class either.

`` No way, '' can shook his heading, `` I 'll bet Kaden would like it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this class. ``

`` He does. He told me the early day, '' Amanda announced.

`` Likes everything except Quidditch, '' John sighed, `` There 's something wrong with that kid. ``

`` 12 in essay about the guild for the forwarding of Elfish Welfare for following class, '' Binns droned a minute before the form was over.

The moment the bell rang, Albus and his admirer shot up out of their chairs and ran out the door. `` This 'll be cake, '' Albus laughed, `` An essay on Spew ! ``

`` It 's S.P.E.W. ! '' Rose laughed as she caught up with him.

`` good, you can do mine ! '' John told him.

`` Sorry, one boring essay per night, yours would put me over my limit, '' Albus faked an apologetic look. `` Oh, come on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd wish to drop my time. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see Matt. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of students that were flooding into the Great mansion. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor table and Albus and the others were able to shovel down food at the opposite end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their hurried tiffin, they ran up to the hospital wing. `` I hope he was able to get the paw mark, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't envision walking through that tunnel again, '' John agreed.

The curtains were pulled around Matt 's common bed at the far end of the ward. cipher was in any of the other beds. gentlewoman Pomfrey was officious preparing potions when the group of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to recognize them. `` Oh, it 's you lot. I figured you 'd be showing up soon. He 's sleeping right now, I 'm afraid you 'll cause to wait. ``

`` Please, Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't stay long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be serenity, too, '' King John commented, `` You can throw us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the rules, '' the nanny replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to make out back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a gruff vocalisation came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' lady Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the pall, `` You know he needs to lie ! ``

`` Well, he 's awake now, so we can stay, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` Fine, '' lady Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a short while. '' She left them alone and went back to her potions.

`` Sorry for waking you up, '' Albus said as he closed the pall again. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right, '' Matt replied. He looked much like he usually did after a full Moon, with several bandage all over. `` You did n't wake me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' Rose asked.

`` You 'll never guess who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he come to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go visit Matt unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't think. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in course of study and he and Kaden got covered in it. Willinson got the brunt of it and while Kaden was waiting for his turn to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. gentlewoman Pomfrey would n't tell him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here last Nox. Madam Pomfrey came to dedicate me potion while they were here and Kaden saw me. Then he asked if he could see me, so I pretended to be asleep. ``

`` So Willinson knew you were here ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he 's going to secern Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in Transfiguration this morning, '' Rose pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't matter then. ``

Albus was just itching to experience if matte had managed to get the paw print. He had thought Matt would make for it up right away, but the Kaden thing must 've made him forget about it. `` Did you get the print ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in fate, '' Matt smiled, `` I did manage to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's right there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather torn musical composition of lambskin. But in the middle was a very tumid paw mark consisting of a variety of ink, mud, and blood. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And variety of revenue, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` Perfect. ``

`` One down, three to go, '' John commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the former three are a bit well-situated. '' Albus was feeling very good about their design now. The hardest paw mark was done and soon they would have the other three.

`` And the appeal is working very much better now, '' Rose announced, `` I started to get the hang of it live on dark. I 'll probably have it done before Christmas. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can set about looking for that magical spell to hold Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to provide ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow eve or Fri forenoon, probably, '' matt told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to bound off astronomy. ``

`` What a shame, '' John faked a flavour of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an hour looking at sensation. ''

`` We 'll be sure to get all the prep for you, '' rose wine told him.

`` Oh do n't worry about it, '' Matt laughed. `` What did I miss in form yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not a lot, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted devil's apples again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoon into forks in transfiguration. And we learned all about the story of House Elves in story of Magic. It was one of the most boring classes yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' Matt agreed.

`` Was not, '' rose argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling practice, '' Amanda said. `` The following duel is Saturday. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely forgotten about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the loup-garou print for the map that the dueling cabaret had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, rose wine, '' John grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' Rose smirked, `` Ca n't forget him. ``

`` You should challenge him to a cheat match, '' John decided, `` It 'll be fun to take in. ``

`` I 'll circumvent him in two minutes flat, '' rose laughed.

`` Kaden plays wizard 's chess game ? '' matt asked.

`` Albus taught him last dark. You 've got to watch it sometime. It 's hilarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to catch the patch get smashed so by the end of the game, his part refused to listen to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' rosebush changed the bailiwick, `` Take back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't birth to purloin back into the shack. ``

Albus really did n't need to dedicate back the cloak. He liked it. But he knew he had to. `` I guess. ``

`` We 'll do it after we get kicked out of here, '' privy suggested.

`` Which is good now, '' lady Pomfrey pulled back the pall and set a tray of potions down on the bedside table. `` metre for you four to result. He needs to slumber. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' lusterlessness waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' Rose whispered as soon as they 'd shut the door to the hospital wing.

Albus nodded and started to take the air to his dad 's office. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few scholarly person wandering around, but no one paid a great deal attending as Albus unlocked the door to Harry 's office and lead his ally inside.

`` facial expression like my house, '' John, who had never been in Harry 's post before, announced, `` A thoroughgoing mess. My whole family is messy. ``

`` My mum 's a neat freak. She 'd have a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' John gave Amanda a weird look.

`` supposition it 's a Muggle face. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the various stuff and went over to the bedroom room access. He pushed it undetermined and went inside, with his ally following. The trunk was just where it had been the hebdomad before and Albus lifted the lid. He pulled the cloak out of his bag and looked at it one more time before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd found it. `` fountainhead, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' John replied as he gazed around the way. `` Wonder what else we could detect in here ? ``

`` John ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` Look at this ! '' john leaped over a pile of books and picked up a picture that was sitting on top of the wardrobe. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle toddler. ``

Albus grabbed the picture out of John 's bridge player and looked at it. Sure enough, it was a moving picture of Albus, James IV, and Lily, right after Lily was born. St. James, who must stimulate been three or four, was holding a tiny baby with a enceinte amount of money of red fuzz. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's bridge player and making her wave.

`` You were an adorable little kid, Albus, '' John smirked. `` So was James. ``

`` I 'm for certain you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the painting back. `` Now let 's get out of here before my dad gets back. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Saturday was soon upon them and with it came a howling blow storm. Albus was very happy that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch match. He had played Quidditch in snow before, but never in conditions that prevented him from seeing his own hands in nominal head of him. Today 's storm was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going outside, but he need n't hold bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the number 1 place.

After lunch, half the school migrated into the dueling room and waited for the tourney to begin. Albus and Amanda said so long to their protagonist and sat down at the table they had been at the previous tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the only remaining buns, which happened to be side by side to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a ass next to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` Potter, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tournament commenced much as it had the premature time, only this time everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around time and Albus was very happy that Amanda was on his squad so he had somebody to sing to. So far, there were still stress between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's plan to have everyone get along was not working.

After about a half time of day, it was finally Albus 's turn to duel. Malfoy had just completed his first duel and nonplus his Ravenclaw opponent. Albus congratulated him as he went up to the dueling expanse. He was up against a Hufflepuff third base year. Albus and the other boy bowed and the two of them started dueling. The Hufflepuff sent two jinxes at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a trip whammy and then disarmed him. The whole thing took about a minute.

`` spot to potter around ! '' Neville announced.

`` secure job, Albus ! '' Kate and Amanda said in unison once Albus returned to his seat.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Hardly counts, '' Malfoy commented, `` You dueled a bloody Hufflepuff. A first off year could 've tucker that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the same matter. ``

`` Your short friend is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling area that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that Matt was about to duel one of the other Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't reckon that good. ``

Albus personally thought lustrelessness looked all right, considering he had just gotten out of the Hospital Wing the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was cast. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your dolt first cousin told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't holler him stupid. And the Hat knows meliorate than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't differentiate Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would have been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your cousin 's got anymore information that I 'd wish to know. ``

`` Do n't go near my cousin, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In case you have n't realized by now, you 're on the Lapp team. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to watch the eternal rest of flatness 's affaire d'honneur. It took him a while, but lusterlessness did eventually beat the Hufflepuff. He looked worn out, but happy. `` Told you he could beat him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky shot, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't babble out to each former for the remainder of the tournament. Both boys won their adjacent duels, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her first affaire d'honneur and won her moment. whoremonger won his low gear and lost his second. Matt lost his second one and Rose managed to win both of hers. But despite their best endeavor, none of their teams won the tournament. It did n't really matter though because the full stop were so closing. The final tournament was still very up in the air and any of the team had a chance of making it.

******

The remaining days until the end of term went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Yule vacation this year because it meant that Albus and his friends would produce two more of the paw prints needed for the map. rose wine had just perfected the transfer charm and had already started searching for the charm to keep Kaden quiet. After Christmas, the alone thing left to do would be to get the rat print. Albus thought it was quite funny that the minuscule and theoretically well-off mark to get was taking the longest. john had yet to superintend to get a rat during potions category and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every sentence I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' John vented the evening before their last day of course of instruction. The group of Gryffindors were in the Room of Requirement, enjoying some peace and quietly while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with cheeseflower or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just stupefy it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' john muttered, `` I 'd been trying to stun them across the way. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would notice that ? '' Rose said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, rosebush. ``

`` Well, you 've got plenty of time to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the denounce photographic print. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' rose replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the stag, Albus. You can fare over to my sign after we leave the tunnel. ``

`` speech sound estimable, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the burrow the whole holiday anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Rose smirked, `` Gran and Granddad are going on holiday together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really manage to think about, Rose, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few days after Christmas and spend new year 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the holiday ? ``

`` The usual, '' John the Divine said immediately, `` All my cousin-german coming over at versatile fourth dimension. Should be unbalanced as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your house sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your cousins are mad, but I really do n't think your category is as insane as mine is. ``

`` I 'm sure it is. My great-great grandpa is coming this twelvemonth. He 's screaming, especially after he 's had a twain firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great grandpa swallow firewhiskey ? '' Matt laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling laughable taradiddle about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should hook him up with Auntie Muriel, eh rosebush ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the funniest thing ever, '' Rose grinned.

`` Your great-great grandpa sounds like our auntie Muriel. She 's 127 and honey to chitchat, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad relation, '' Amanda commented, `` My family unit sounds reasonably formula compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Hanukkah, so that makes up for it, '' whoremaster replied, `` I mean, who would n't like eight days of presents ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the best thing ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle friend who celebrates both. But she does n't get presents on every night of Feast of Lights, '' Matt told them.

`` I get small presents each night and then one big one on the last night, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still cool, '' John said, `` So, Matt, do you throw to go impose your grandparents this year ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' mat groaned, `` Of course I do. But only for five days this yr. We 're leaving right before new year 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few day before term commencement. ``

`` That 's skilful, '' Albus smiled. `` At to the lowest degree you do n't induce to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The sole thing to do down there is homework or read. It 's not like I can play Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can come over to rosiness 's house with me. Then we can run Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should come too, John and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm sure my parents will let me, '' John replied.

`` I can probably only continue a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Hanukah is late this yr and starts on Christmas, so it 'll still be going on on the 28th. I 'll have got to be home by the evening. ``

`` That 'll work on. Maybe we can all get the stag print together, '' Albus said.

`` trade good idea, '' John grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably tell you now, just in case I do n't get to go to rose 's house, '' matte began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the train with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his friend, who was looking a little forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the beginning of the terminus. The full-of-the-moon moonlight 's on the 9th and someone has to observe me once I start taking it a few twenty-four hour period before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the aurora after and stay a couple days. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really sure as shooting what to say. He wished more than ever that someone would just discover a potion that would knead for him.

`` Look on the bright incline, '' John said, `` At least you do n't have to transubstantiate at your grandparents star sign again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never sustain to do that again, '' Matt shook his heading, `` But let 's talk about something else. Did you see in the Prophet that the shank almost won that game against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American English team they were playing for practice. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 points ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's faithful ! '' lusterlessness grinned, `` They 're making a comeback, I just know it ! ``

`` Well, with a epithet like 'Finches', what do you anticipate ? It would n't possess surprised me if the cannon beat them, '' toilet laughed, `` Well, maybe a piddling. But seriously, who names a team the 'Finches'? ``

******

The condition ended the next day with a knock, literally. Saint James the Apostle and a few of his friends thought it would be laughable to put a few Weasley firework into the suits of armor and charm them to go off at sealed meter during the day. After the tenth explosion the teachers gave up trying to learn anything and just let their educatee do what they wanted during grade, within understanding of course. Unfortunately for James and his friends, Professor Cedonia spotted them refilling the armor on the second gear floor corridor with fresh firework and gave them one of her rarified detentions. For this one, they had to cleanse every single wooing of armor on the endorse floor corridor that evening. Epistle of James said it was Worth it, though.

`` We really ought to come up with a few honorable prank, '' trick decided as they were traveling through the hills on the train. `` That 's what the Marauders did, was antic people, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very safe at coming up with japery. That was James 's area of expertise. Plus, if the effect of such trick was cleaning suits of armour, Albus really did n't want to pull a whole lot of pranks. `` Maybe a few minor ones, that do n't get us in immense trouble. ``

`` I 'm for certain we could do some of those. There 's loads of stuff and nonsense we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one James did before the first dueling tournament, '' Matt laughed.

The rest of the geartrain ride went quickly and soon Albus and his friends found themselves at King 's Cross. Albus climbed off the train and saw his parents standing with Rose 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, Saint John grabbed his arm and steered him in another direction. `` C'mon, you can meet my great-great grandfather ! ``

Albus saw a very frail, completely bald, old man with a yearn blanched beard standing future to John 's parents. John lead their group over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave John a pissed hug, `` How 're thing at that school ? How is professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died years ago, grandfather, like I told you over the summer. Like I tell you every summertime, '' John the Evangelist stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new teachers, a cluster of young'ins I bet ! Back in my day none of the teacher were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new schoolmaster .... ''

`` granddaddy, '' John shook his head, `` The teachers are fine. But I want you to meet my admirer. This is lustrelessness Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` potter ! ? '' John 's great-great granddad peered into Albus 's centre and grinned, `` Albus Potter ? Well I 'll be. If it is n't Harry Potter 's son ! I remember back in the days of You-know-who and nobody thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes little Harry potter and fag ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should take place again ? Harry ceramist makes 'im disappear again and for unspoilt this sentence ! ``

Albus, who was used to this kind of tending but not mortal shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to neglect the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, nice to meet you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these girls ? Have you got yourself two lady friend, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't urge it. I did it once and curve up with no girlfriends after they found out ! ``

`` No, granddaddy, '' John laughed, `` They 're just protagonist. Amanda tagger and rose Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the redhead. Just wait trough you 're older. ``

`` Just friends, Grandpa, '' John 's cheek turned red.

`` He 's like the male adaptation of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' John 's grandfather shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the elderly man would be able to discover him. `` I used to fuck a Muriel ! Went to school with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in decades ! ``

Albus looked at Rose. What a conjunction. `` Er, Albus and I have an Aunt Muriel Weasley, '' rosiness giggled.

`` Well I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm for sure she 'd screw that, '' rosiness smiled.

`` We 're going to have to go now, '' john 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' King John waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` William Tell your dad I said hi ! '' Gospel According to John 's great-great grandpa shouted.

******

Albus spent the next few days hanging around Grimmauld topographic point with James II and the residue of his crime syndicate. Lily was thrilled to have both her brother and her dad nursing home and she had been demanding to know everything that had gone on the past times terminus.

`` That way I 'll have a go at it everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Christmastide Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to separate you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a glass of juice, `` It 's a surprise. ``

`` That 's not fair, '' Lily whined.

`` cypher told me or Al how we got sorted, so how is it not fair for you not to get it on ? '' St. James the Apostle asked.

`` I 'm the youngest. I should lie with everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few geezerhood ! And then all the Muggle-born tike will ask me dubiousness and I 'll be able to serve them. ``

`` You 'll find out soon enough, Lily, '' Ginny assured her.

`` How much longer ? '' Lily asked excitedly.

`` There 's still 9 calendar month. ``

`` That 's forever ! ``

`` She 's going to be a nightmare this summertime, '' James whispered to Albus.

`` Morning, everyone ! '' Harry descended the steps into the kitchen and pulled up a chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the prophet, `` Have you seen the piranha 's Map ? ``

James choked on his juice and sprayed it across the tabular array at Albus, as he turned bright red.

`` Ew, watch it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, James ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` amercement. The article on the front of the paper, it 's, er, shocking, '' Jesse James blushed some more and pointed to the figurehead of the Prophet, which was facing him.

`` enchantress Tries to Decrease Size of Her Ears, charm Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. People ought to be more measured ! '' Jesse James sputtered. He gave Albus a tone that Albus interpreted to signify 'meet me upstairs'. James excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No estimation, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go change, '' Albus jumped up and followed King James I. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to have to give it back. Albus was going to leave out it, but it would only be a issue of clock time before he had the other one working.

`` Albus ! '' James pulled him into the drawing room and shut the door. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I kind of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to have to sneak it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` delay, Albus ! '' James grabbed his arm, `` The affair is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from foot to foot looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't find it ! '' James River whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't deliver lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not funny ! '' James insisted.

`` You did n't lose it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you months ago and did n't want to give it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' James shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd lost it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't weigh now. We 've got to impart it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` Well you stole it from Dad in the first gear place, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of fuss ! ``

He had a point there. If Albus had n't get been in Kendrick 's power the former yr, Saint James the Apostle never would have taken the map in the commencement place. `` All right. I 'll just go sneak it into his room. Maybe he 'll think he just forgot to lend it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's promise so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his chamber. He knew his dad would want the map back eventually, he just had n't given it much thought. At least he had n't noticed it was missing at school. Albus threw open his tree trunk and rifled through his shoal poppycock. He still had n't unpacked everything or packed a bag for his stay at the Burrow. The map was inside the picture record album Albus found over the summer, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't want the marauder 's Map to decode the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'elbow room. He shoved the map under a mint of justificative deception books and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' James asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a stack of Quran, with one recess sticking out. ``

`` Perfect. You might want to go change your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, right field, '' Albus looked down at his juice splattered t-shirt, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No job, '' James laughed, `` Come to me for all your succus spraying needs. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his eyes as he left the way to change his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, Gospel of Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their reexamination !