Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On Christmas Eve the ceramicist went to Godric 's hole, like usual. It was completely dark by the clock time they Apparated to the tunnel, but there was batch of light streaming out of the tall star sign 's windowpane. As they walked closer to the place, Albus could hear the roaring of laughter coming from inside.

`` Harry ! '' the door to the tunnel flew undecided and George II stood in the room access to recognize them, a mug of eggnog in his hand. `` How are ya, mate ? ``

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

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

Albus smiled to himself as he saw the usual chaos that was Noel Eve at his grandparents'home. His sea of redheaded cousins were milling around eating and laughing with each former. This was what Albus loved about Christmas at the burrow. He grabbed a dyad biscuits from the nearby table and went to find rose. She was sitting on the floor near the fireplace with Victor Hugo, Victoire, and Teddy.

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

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

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

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

`` grandmother 's been refilling the biscuit phonograph recording and talking with my mum and Aunt Fleur. I think she 's about to put on Celestina Warbeck, '' blush wine gestured to the nearby radio that molly, Hermione, and Fleur were looking at. Fleur threw her handwriting up in the air and glared at mollie. `` Yup, here comes Celestina. ``

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

Sure enough, Fleur poured herself a turgid mug of eggnog as molly settled down to mind to the radio receiver. She was the only one listening, though. Albus could hear bits and patch of a heated up Quidditch word going on between his Uncle Charlie, Uncle George, auntie Alicia, and heather. Harry was making his way over to them now. It amazed Albus that his uncles and aunt could transmit on a fully apprehensible Quidditch discussion while drunk.

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

`` Just until after Christmastime. I 've got to get back to St. Mungo 's in a couple days. But I 've been here since yesterday when Amy left for Australia. I did n't want to be alone in the flat, it would 've gotten awfully deadening. ``

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

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

`` Oh, Albus, '' rosebush began, `` Both John and Amanda can fall to my sign on the 28th. Well, they can only derive over for the day, but that should be enough clip. Matt 's still not surely. He said he wo n't be intimate until after he gets back from Australia. ``

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

`` Quidditch ? '' Victor-Marie Hugo snapped his head away from his chocolate frog cards, `` Can I play ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus replied.

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

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` We can get a real secret plan going. I 'll just tell my dad I 'm going home with you. '' Albus looked around the room and saw Harry in the midst of a Quidditch treatment. `` Hey, Dad ! ``

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

`` It 's all rectify if I go to blush wine 's business firm on the 28th, right ? And stay put a couple Day ? ``

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

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

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

`` What ? ! ''

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

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

`` I 'm sure they 'll be ... civilized, at to the lowest degree, '' Harry gave Albus a hug before leaving to rejoin his Quidditch discussion.

`` wellspring, at least I can come over for a few days, '' Albus said.

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

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

`` I 'm sure it 'll be o.k., '' Rose assured him. `` Plus, Kaden will be there. ``

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

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

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

`` Neither do I, '' Victoire agreed.

`` I do, '' shift laughed as he changed his hair from its usual blue to red.

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

`` Close enough. And anyway, who knows what 'll hap in the side by side few geezerhood, '' Teddy winked at Victoire, who giggled. Teddy threw his arms around Victoire and kissed her.

`` Better not let grandmother see you doing that, '' rose wine warned.

`` Always a stickler for the formula, huh Rosie ? '' Teddy laughed and lengthened his hair until it was the consummate replication of Rose's.

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

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

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

`` This I 've got to hear. ``

`` Maybe another time, '' Albus glanced at rose. Albus had n't really decided whether or not to tell shimmy about the new map. Most of Rose 's and Albus 's most Holocene epoch rule break was done in order to decipher it. Albus knew he was n't going to tell his cousin about it, but he was n't surely about Teddy and James. One constituent of him thought they deserved to know, considering that their don and grandfather were both Marauders, but on the other handwriting he kind of like keeping it a secret.

`` Aw, derive on, tell me. ``

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

`` Oh, fine, '' Teddy huffed, `` But I will ascertain out. ``

Albus spent the rest of the evening talking and playing plot with Rose, Teddy, and Victoire. He was really enjoying the clock time off from school and getting to spend time with his entire house at once. By the time he climbed up to the attic bedroom that he shared with James and a few of their cousins, he was tired and stuffed from all the biscuits.

******

`` James ! Albus ! '' Albus snapped his eye open at the sound of his epithet the next morning. He immediately recognized the voice as belonging to Lily. He heard her footsteps bounding into the room. `` Albus, James ! It 's Christmas ! Wake up ! ``

`` Hi Lily, '' Albus yawned.

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

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

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

`` Right ! '' James said excitedly and Albus heard him crawling to the end of the top bunk to his pile of presents.

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

After Lily 's too soon wake-up call, everyone in Albus 's room was up. Albus settled down to open his own sight of nowadays with the early boy. The first few boxes were filled with afters and various Weasley 's whizz Wheezes Cartesian product. The next was this year 's Weasley pinafore. It had a red quaffle stitched onto the strawman with a navy blue background. `` Opened your jumper yet, James ? ``

`` Sure did, '' William James replied, `` Red with a green firedrake on it. ``

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

`` Excellent. ``

Albus opened the next few present, which consisted of legion Holy Writ and early clothing detail. He also got a Broomstick Servicing Kit, which would be useful since his Firebolt 2000 had a few twigs that needed to be plucked. Albus saved the present from his parents for close and was about to open it when James gave an activated shout from the bed above.

`` Whoa ! ``

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

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

James had a vast grinning on his face as he held up a blank piece of sheepskin. `` Look what I got. ``

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

`` He sure did ! '' James shouted.

`` This is utter ! '' Cedric exclaimed.

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

`` That 's great, King James, '' Albus smiled, `` But why you and not me ? '' Albus could n't help but finger a little left field out, even though he now had his own Marauder 's Map that would potentially be better than the master copy. But his dad did n't know about that, so why did he return the Map to James ?

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

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

What he saw made his mouth fall open in shock. This would explain why James got the Map ! Sitting in the heart of the mangled wrap, was the Invisibility Cloak. `` He, he gave me the Cloak, '' Albus whispered.

`` Well, that 's why you did n't get the map, '' James IV replied, `` This is brilliant ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` I 'm going to go Tell Rose, '' Albus wrapped the Cloak around himself and left the room. He had never worn the Cloak at the burrow before and he thought it was really odd that he passed Eddie on the stairs and Eddie did n't even observe him. He pushed open the threshold to the room that Rose shared with Victoire, Peach State, Gabriella, and heather and waited for the girls'reactions.

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

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

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

`` Dad gave it to me ! ''

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

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

`` He got the Marauder 's Map, so he 's exquisitely. ``

`` Wow ! '' pink wine shouted, `` That 's incredible. And you can share them. ``

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

Albus continued down the step and into the kitchen of the Burrow. A few of his full cousin, aunts, and uncles were already up and starting to eat breakfast. Harry and Ginny were there as well, along with Lily. His grandma was tending to multiple cauldron at once, while simultaneously bringing various items to the tabular array. Albus watched them all for a few moments before pulling the Cloak off and shouting, `` felicitous Christmastime ! ``

bank note choked on his coffee and acclaim it across the table at George IV, who had started laughing. Harry, who had probably been expecting this, grinned and looked at Ginny, who was smiling back. Lily was staring at Albus with her mouth wide spread. mollie dropped the bowl of oatmeal she had been bringing to the mesa. Everyone else looked at Albus with assorted looks of shock and amusement.

`` Albus ! '' Molly shrieked as she cleaned up the run out oatmeal with a wave of her wand, `` Do n't do that ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` No, Jesse James got that. ``

`` I did n't think you 'd ever fall in that away, '' Saint George laughed.

`` Well, I can wander the castling whenever I want and it wo n't count who 's around, '' Harry explained, `` The boys ca n't. Plus, I did n't need to deny them the fun of it. ``

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

`` The castle is perfectly safe, even at night. I 'm not saying I approve of you wandering around at nighttime, '' Harry gave Albus a poop gaze, `` But there are Thomas More enthrallment than ever protecting it. ``

`` That wo n't protect them from wizards already in the castle ! '' Molly commented, `` call up that Willinson kid last year ? ``

`` How could I bury ? Sometimes, you just have to take risks in order to go a little. I trust the boys enough to recognise they wo n't go wandering around late at night very often. And if you see anything suspicious on the Map, '' Harry turned to Albus, `` Tell me about it right away. ``

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

`` Thanks, Dad ! '' James shouted, `` This is glorious ! ``

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

`` Hello, Weasleys ! '' shimmy strolled into the room, his hair's-breadth half green and one-half red. He sat down next to Albus and pulled a platter of eggs towards him. `` Happy Christmas. ``

`` I know your hair is Christmas colored, but those two colors just should n't be paired together, '' King James I shuddered as he noticed shift 's fuzz. `` I mean, Gryffindor and Slytherin at the like time ? ``

`` It 's festive, '' shift grinned. `` You want me to charm yours to be red and green, too ? Just learned some excellent appealingness for that sort of thing in preparation. Not that I 'll need them. ``

`` No thanks, '' Epistle of James had a look of disgust on his nerve. `` I 'll maintain the plain red. ``

`` Is that ... '' teddy bear looked at the sheepskin James was holding, `` The piranha 's Map ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! sure as shooting is ! '' St. James handed it to shimmy, `` Got it for Yule ! ``

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

`` I got the Cloak. ``

shift turned to Albus, `` Really ? That 's great, too ! regard I had an invisibleness Cloak. ``

`` But you can contrive those Disillusionment good luck charm, '' Albus pointed out.

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

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

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

`` If you do n't I 'll just slip them, '' Lily smirked, `` And hide them in my student residence, which you two wo n't be able-bodied to get into. ``

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

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

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

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

******

Albus spent well-nigh of the day playing Quidditch outside with his family. Eventually they all had to come in because they were too moth-eaten to bet any prospicient. Plus, it started snowing pretty knockout and nonentity wanted to lose the Snitch. Albus spent the rest of the day with Rose and reading a few of his new ledger. The Cloak was passed around between his first cousin, and most of them were amazed Harry had given it to him, and a little jealous as well. James passed the Map around and everyone had fun watching the few dit that were left in the castle.

Christmas dinner came and went in its usual chaotic state. It was loudly and funny and Albus enjoyed every minute of it. He went to bed finger very full and very content. The next day Albus 's auntie, uncles, and cousins all started to allow. Albus and Rose 's class stayed for a couplet more days, but they soon had to pull up stakes so Albus 's grandparents could go on holiday for New Year 's. Albus was actually excited to leave because he would be going to Rose 's planetary house and hopefully getting the stag print.

Albus landed in Rose 's living way after Flooing from the Burrow. His Uncle Ron, Rose, and Victor-Marie Hugo had already arrived and his Aunt Hermione was rightfield behind him. There was an owl waiting next to the window and Hermione ran over to let it in.

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

`` Sure, '' Hermione smiled, `` Tell him that will cultivate. ``

Albus found a quill and quickly scribbled a answer on the back of the letter and sent it off with the owl. He and Rose ran up the stairs and into rosiness 's elbow room to talk about plans for getting the print.

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

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

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

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

Albus had n't thought of that. All finale summertime he could give done conjuration and the Ministry would n't make found out. `` Really ? ``

`` Yes, really. The Ministry just relies on parents to not let their tyke use magic outside shoal. So I would n't suggest doing it a lot. I 'm for sure we 'd get in big trouble with our parents. I would n't even be suggesting we do this if there was another way to get the photographic print. ``

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

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

`` Yeah, but John the Divine and Matt want to help, too. ``

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

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

`` Yup, '' pink wine grinned.

`` Now we 've just got to find out the charm to keep Kaden hushed, '' Albus replied.

`` You 're going to state him everything after I find that magic spell ? '' blush wine asked.

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

`` Is n't it kind of necessary for this ? ``

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

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

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower.


Albus, rose, and Hermione went to the Leaky cauldron the next day to meet mat and Amanda, who was also being dropped off there. whoremaster had arrived earlier by Floo and went with them as well. When they got there, both Matt and Amanda were already there.

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

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

`` It was brilliant, '' Albus replied, `` postponement till you see what I got. ``

`` What ? '' Amanda asked.

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

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

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

Albus bade goodbye to his aunt and turned back to the Floo. Within seconds he was back in Rose 's living room. A few minutes later all his ally were back as well.

flatness and Amanda stared around the room. `` Nice firm, '' Amanda smiled.

`` Yeah, '' matt agreed, `` Kind of looks like mine. ``

`` Thanks, '' rosiness replied.

`` So, Albus, what did you get for Christmas ? '' matt asked.

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

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

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

`` And to recall we stole it just a few weeks ago, '' Saint John snorted.

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

`` Oh, sorry. ``

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

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

`` He did. ``

`` You two are so favorable, '' lusterlessness replied.

`` But we 'll ingest our own Map soon anyway, '' Amanda pointed out as she dug around in the bag she brought. She produced a crease slice of sheepskin with a paw print on it that was slightly smaller than the werewolf print.

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

`` I hope it 'll work. Sir Isaac Newton would n't stay put still and the sheepskin is kind of crease. ``

`` I 'm indisputable it will act upon, '' Albus said.

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

`` So today we get the hart mark, '' Albus announced. `` Right after lunch. ''

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

`` I ca n't trust you ate that intact thing, '' rosebush screwed up her expression in disgust after John ate the last chomp of his lunch.

`` It was good, '' he shrugged.

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

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

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

Once they were all done with lunch, Rose and Albus led the way outside and over to the forest. The timber was situated adjacent to the heavy open field that was next to the house. Albus and Rose went exploring in it quite a bit and knew their way around it well. The group crunched across the C laden subject area until they came to the woods 's edge. blush wine found the path they usually took and lead the group down it. `` observe your eyes pealed for a stag, '' she told everyone.

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

`` How was Australia this class ? '' Albus asked, remembering that his champion just returned to U.K. the previous day.

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

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

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

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

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

The group continued walking into the timber until blush wine announced that it would be better if they sat completely still and waited for a stag to walk by. She said their movement would scare away the creatures away. Albus sat down in the blow behind a shrub with his friends and watched and listened for animals. After a half hour of waiting, Albus was bored. How long was it going to subscribe to for a stag to cross their path ? He would much rather just walk around to find one. rose wine seemed perfectly contentedness to sit still, as did flatness. can had made a magnanimous pile of Baron Snow of Leicester testicle, along with a C. P. Snow wizard. Amanda was interfering creating a snow enchantress to go along with his wizard.

`` I 'm bored, '' John sighed as he made yet another snow Lucille Ball. `` How long is this going to take ? ``

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

Albus glanced at his sentinel, `` Well it 's just after two, so if we do n't find one soon, we 'll have to go back. '' He stared into the forest and willed a hart to come. Albus was getting frustrated by this point. They needed that shit photographic print for the map ! There was no place else to find one. What if they could n't find a stag before the end of the vacation ? They would have to hold back until the summer to seek again. Albus could n't wait that prospicient. He wanted the map now.

`` Wait, '' Matt stood up and turned around, `` I think I hear something over there. '' He pointed to a bunch of pubic hair a twain time away.

`` I do n't hear it, '' Saint John replied.

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

Matt started slowly making his way towards the cluster of bushes. Albus and the others followed behind, nobody saying a intelligence. `` wand ready, '' matt whispered.

Albus pulled out his wand and pointed it towards the President Bush, his intellect racing with excitement as he went. This was it ! They were going to get the stag mark ! piece of Albus 's judgment knew that this was n't necessarily a hart, but he did n't pay tending to that. What else could it be ? well-nigh of the animals in the forest were too diminished to be rustling the President Bush this much. As Albus got airless to it, he could distinctly try the footmark of the animal, and they were much too loud to be a rabbit or a squirrel. There were n't many large beast in the forest, spy being some of the few. It could be a doe, but Albus hoped it wasn't.

The group was now only a couple feet away from the George Bush. Everyone had their wand pointed at them, waiting for the beast to ca-ca its appearance. The moment Albus saw the leaves portion, he shouted, `` Stupefy ! ``

`` Stupefy ! '' Rose, John, mat, and Amanda all shouted at once.

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

It was Teddy. The noise mat had heard in the President George W. Bush was teddy. Albus lowered his verge and sighed. So practically for finding a stag. Now that Teddy was with them, they would no longer be able to look. Albus turned to his protagonist and saw them all put their sceptre away.

Teddy fully emerged from the bush and walked over to where Albus was with a bewildered feeling on his side. `` Do I even want to know what you 're up to ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, trying to think up an excuse fast.

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

`` screech, maybe ? '' Teddy gave them a lopsided grin, `` But not attack me. ``

`` So you were trying to scare us ? '' blush wine said exasperatingly

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

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

`` It 's form of frigidness to be going for a cost increase, '' shimmy commented, `` But Ron said you were here, so I figured I 'd see if I could regain you. '' He eyed Saint John the Apostle 's atomic pile of snowball and grinned, `` Planning on having a snow clump fight ? ``

Teddy did n't hold off for an reply and picked up a few of King John 's snowball. He threw one at Albus and the other at Rose.

`` Watch it ! '' Albus shouted as the Abronia elliptica made contact with his face. He spat out the snow and bent down to make water his own Snow glob. He aimed it at Teddy but Teddy jumped out of the way and it hit Matt instead.

`` Hey ! '' Matt shouted as he picked up one of toilet 's snowballs and threw it at Albus. It landed square on Albus 's chest.

A few moment later, a huge Abronia elliptica competitiveness broke out. It was every man for himself for a patch and Albus was getting pummeled by teddy 's snowballs. He tried to get shift back, but chemise was too quick for him. Instead, Albus decided to focus on Matt, who was trying to get Albus back for the snowball that had hit him instead of teddy. rosiness eventually joined Albus in his endeavour to get Matt, while Amanda evened out the betting odds by joining Matt 's English. John, who seemed to be the only one with adequate acquisition to hit Teddy, was having a person-to-person battle with the blue haired boy and was actually doing well.

The six of them were completely soaked by the time the fight ended. Matt and Amanda surrendered to rose wine and Albus after the cousins decided to create about twenty Abronia elliptica and lob them constantly at their two Friend. Saint John surrendered to Teddy a few hour later, once shimmy decided to charm a pile of snow to ferment itself into snowballs, resulting in a never-ending supplying of ammunition for Teddy. John did n't bed that charm and was stuck hand making his nose candy Lucille Ball while Teddy continuously sent snowballs at him.

`` Who 's up for Quidditch ? '' slip asked as they were walking back through the timber to Rose 's house.

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

`` phone good, '' shift replied, `` Harry and Saint James the Apostle should be at the house by now.

A little while later, Albus found himself back at Rose 's business firm, where everyone was waiting for the Quidditch match to start. Albus, along with his admirer, ran upstairs to dry off and deepen quickly.

`` ready ? '' Teddy jumped up from the chair he was sitting on once Albus and his Friend descended the step. `` Who has n't got a broom with them ? ``

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

`` We 've got spares, '' Ron announced, holding a pair Scots heather in his hand.

Once everyone had a ling to use, Teddy started to pack armorial bearing of creating team. `` All right. Let 's see, we 've got Me, Harry, Ron, James, Albus, John, matt, Amanda, Hugo, and rose wine, are you playing ? ``

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

`` Good, then we 've got ten musician. That 's five per team. So each squad will have a quester, a beater, a Keeper, and two pursuer, that 'll play. I 'll be one of the Seekers, '' he turned to Harry and William James, `` Which one of you will be the former ? ``

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

After a few minutes of organizing, the two teams were created. Albus 's team consisted of Teddy as Seeker, Ron as custodian, Victor Hugo as the only Beater, and matt and himself as the two chaser. On the other team, James was seeker, Amanda was keeper, lavatory was the Beater, and Rose and Harry as Chasers.

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

The match was nothing like the one at Hogwarts. It was much more than informal, and in a way, Albus enjoyed it more. There was only favorable rivalry between the two teams and no one got angry when someone dropped the Quaffle, which happened a lot. The two squad were pretty evenly matched in terms of Chasing attainment. Albus, who was the only real Chaser on either team, was easily the C. H. Best. Harry was a decent Chaser, but it was clear that Seeking was his genuine science. rose was absolutely dreadful and was the maiden to admit it. She was n't a big fan of flying in the first place and did n't wish to take her helping hand off her Scots heather in order to trip up and confuse the Quaffle. matte was best than pink wine, but dropped the Quaffle legion times. Albus and matt scored More points than Harry and Rose did.

Ron, of course of action, was a very respectable Keeper and Amanda was as well. Albus was variety of surprised at this, because she never really played Quidditch before. Maybe she could try out for the Gryffindor team once Georgia left. whoremonger was an amazing Beater and Albus already knew that he 'd be trying out for the team after Thomas Bradley and Ryan left. Victor Hugo was also a very good Beater and it was obvious he had received all the Quidditch genes in his folk. Then, of course, there were the Seekers. Both teddy and Saint James were amazing searcher and by far the two best thespian on either team.

After about an hour of playing, during which Albus was sure as shooting both Teddy and James II had seen the stool pigeon but ignored it in Order to drag the game on longer, both searcher flew directly up into the air. Everyone stopped what they were doing to determine. A few seconds later, they both came flying back down and King James I had the Snitch clutched in his hand.

`` I got it ! '' he shouted.

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

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

`` Yeah, yeah, skillful job, '' Teddy sighed, `` Knew I should n't bear trained you that well. ``

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

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

Despite the fact that his team did n't win, Albus was happy. He loved playing Quidditch with his category, even more than playing on his House team. It was even better with his booster there, too. He walked back into the house with his champion and sept, inhuman but very content. Hermione had made a collection plate of sandwiches for them, which everyone ate enthusiastically once they had dried off.

After all the food had been eaten, St. John the Apostle Flooed back to his sign of the zodiac and Albus, rose, and Hermione went with Matt and Amanda back to the Leaky Cauldron to meet their household. It had been a short visit, but a fun one nonetheless. Albus only wished that they had managed to get the hart photographic print. He and Rose were planning on trying again the next day, and the side by side if it was necessary. They had three More Clarence Shepard Day Jr. to do it and Albus was determined to succeed.

******

Albus and blush wine spent as often time as they could in the forest looking for stags the next day. When they were n't in the forest, they spent their time in the program library in Rose 's business firm, looking for a good luck charm to go on Kaden quiet.

`` There 's books in here that are n't in the schooling library, '' rosebush announced as they walked into the room after a particularly cold pleasure trip in the forest.

`` I 'm still not certainly we should take a break from looking for a stag, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's too low temperature out there now. Plus there 's a violent storm coming and it wo n't do us any undecomposed if we get lost out there. '' Rose went over to a record book shelf and Albus followed. He had been in this way plenty of time before, just never to look for a particular charm.

`` How are we supposed to find one spell hidden in all these books ? '' Albus sighed, `` We do n't even know what it 's called. ``

`` That 's what this is for, '' rose slammed a threatening rule book down on the table good to the shelf she pulled it off of.

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

`` Yes, '' blush wine confirmed as she opened the cover, `` It 's a rather clever idea, really. All I 've got to do is convey my wand, point it at the Bible, and say'I need a spell to go on someone quiet'and it will flip out to the good page. ``

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

`` All right, '' Rose pointed her wand at the book, `` I need a magical spell to keep someone muted. '' The book 's pageboy immediately started turning until they stopped about a twenty-five percent of the way into the book. rebel peered at it and then shook her head teacher. `` Nope, that 's not it. This one 's just a hush up magical spell. ``

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

Rose nodded. `` I need a charm to prevent someone from talking about something. '' The varlet started turning again and stopped a few seconds later. Rose sighed after she read the description. `` This one charms a individual 's lip shut. ``

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

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

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

`` commodity idea, '' Rose poised her wand above the book, `` I need to keep Kaden Durlsey from revealing secrets about lusterlessness Eckerton and about a map. He must only be able to blab about these secrets with five former people and not mention them to anyone else. He should be capable to converse normally about early topics. ``

`` That ought to be specific enough. '' Albus watched as the book hesitated for a few moments and then twist its pageboy to one of the conclusion ones. Both pink wine and Albus leaned over the book while Rose read aloud.

`` 'The Sileo Altus Charm is the most composite and intricate of the silencing charms. This magic spell has the ability to keep a person from revealing one specific piece of information to others, unlike other silencing charms which prevent a person from speaking at all. The magical spell also has the ability to require others, which will result in the individual the appealingness is cast on to be capable to discourse about the secret with those specific people. When done correctly, this magical spell will death forever or until the rejoinder charm is performed. The Sileo Altus magical spell keeps a person 's occult safe much like the Fidelius Charm keeps a soul 's location secret and is said to be just as safe .'

`` Then there 's a unharmed bunch of spells that are required, '' rose scanned the residue of the entree. `` There 's a spell that has to be performed on each mortal who is involved, one on Kaden, one on the secret-keeper- ''

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

`` Yeah, I guess so. Then there 's the boilers suit charm, '' rosebush continued, `` It sounds complicated. But I 'm up for it. This does n't really tell me how to do it, though. There 's just a list of enchantment. ``

Albus glanced at the entranceway, `` Oh, it says there 's more than information in magic spell of Protection by Natalia Journo. ``

`` You 're rectify, I had n't noticed that, '' Rose leaned over the rule book again and take the title of the advocate Holy Scripture. `` I think we might actually have that one. '' rose jumped up from her behind and ran across the room. Albus sat back and watched her. He had no theme how she could possibly recognise if she had that Scripture or not. The entire room was filled with shelves and shelf of Bible. Albus would n't even know where to search to line up the Christian Bible they needed.

pink wine returned a few minutes later with a playscript in her weaponry and a smile on her face. `` We do have it ! This was easier than I thought it would be. ``

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

Rose shrugged, `` I think I can fancy it out within a few workweek. '' She sat back down and opened the book.

Albus watched as his first cousin flipped through the pages of the book until she found the charm they were looking for. He was very happy that pink wine was so bore to learn new appeal. It certainly helped that she was good at it, too. Albus had made a lot of forward motion in charms ever since Professor Cedonia arrived, but he was still median. rose wine was easily the estimable in their course of study. That and her eagerness to instruct would certainly help if she was going to overcome this charm.

Rose read in silence for a few minutes and then turned to Albus. `` All right. This explains it pretty well. First, of row, we 've got to differentiate Kaden the secrets. Then we 've got to foot the enigma keeper. I 'm thinking that I 'll have to be the arcanum keeper since the cloak-and-dagger steward is the one to perform the charms. ``

Albus nodded, `` I 'm fine with that. We 've just got to make sure lustrelessness is. What does the mystic keeper do ? ``

`` Just do the charms. And the cloak-and-dagger keeper is the simply one who can execute the retort charm on Kaden. Normally the secret keeper would be the only one the person could blab out about the confidential with as well. But we 'll use another spell to ensure that Kaden can talk about the enigma with you, lavatory, matt, and Amanda as well. ``

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

`` well, the mystic keeper performs a charm on themselves, which turns them into the secret keeper. Then they perform a charm on Kaden. Then Kaden will recite the secrets in detail. After that, the hidden custodian performs another charm on Kaden. Then appeal are performed on the rest of the people involved. Then a final waterproofing charm on everyone, including Kaden and the confidential keeper, and it 's done. ``

The idea of all those different charm made Albus 's brain hurt. `` Wow, that 's a lot of magic spell. We 've never done one that are a combination of multiple charms. ``

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

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

`` Erm, it seems pretty much like the actual charm, '' Rose looked back at the leger, `` You pretty much go backwards, using different appeal. ``

`` Makes horse sense. ``

`` I 'll come out practicing as soon as we 're back at school, '' Rose shut the Book and got up. `` I 'll bring the book. Mum 'll never know, she 's got way too many to hold track of. ``

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

`` It 's going to accept to wait until tomorrow, Albus, '' pink wine pointed to the window. It was white with swirling snowfall and the wind was howling. `` Mum and Dad 'll never let us out in that. ``

******

Albus was getting quite fed up with the stag search by the sentence late good afternoon arrived the next day. He and Rose spent the stallion dawn in the woods, taking a break for lunch, and then returning in the afternoon. Albus looked at his lookout man and saw that they would take to be starting to return to the theatre soon. `` We 're never going to find a stag ! '' he groaned.

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

`` We 've been silence for the yesteryear two hours, '' Albus said flatly.

`` You 're not being calm now, '' pink wine whispered and returned to her book.

Albus sighed and stared out into the forest. So far Albus had seen no LE than ten rabbit and four hooter, but no stags. He was getting very frigidity sitting in the snow and his cloak had long since soaked through. Albus was determined, however, and refused to go back to rosebush 's star sign until they found a stag.

It had seemed so simpleton at first of all, to stun a hart in the woodland and get its footprint. This was not supposed to be the intemperately print to get. Looking back, even the werewolf one seemed easier. Sure, they got locked out of Hogwarts, but they never got in hassle for it. The dog photographic print had been the well-situated, since Amanda had a dog. The rat would be easy, too, once John Lackland managed to catch one.

Albus pulled out his wand and started to poke at the snow wizard he had constructed earlier. The baton melted pickle into the Baron Snow of Leicester wizard until it started to resemble a piece of snow Swiss tall mallow. Albus was just beginning to do the Saame to the snow hippogriff that had been formed after the wizard when Rose poked him and hissed, `` Albus, look ! ``

Albus raised his head and looked in the steering Rose was pointing. Directly in presence of them was a majestic looking doe, standing completely still and staring just to the left wing of where the two first cousin were sitting. `` It 's just a doe, '' Albus whispered back, `` It wo n't work. ``

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

Albus sat completely still with his wand veneer towards the doe. originate did the same and the two of them did n't move for a good five minutes. The doe inched slowly ahead, walking to the left of Albus and Rose. Then Albus heard a rustling behind the doe and fervor washed over him as he saw a huge stag appear from behind a cluster of trees. `` This is it, '' he whispered to blush wine. She nodded but did n't say anything. The stag walked towards the doe, who had turned around to look at her checkmate. `` On the count of three. One ... two ... three. Stupefy ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Stupefy ! '' pink wine shouted at the same time.

The doe shot off like a Eruca vesicaria sativa as soon as the cousins shouted the spell. The stag started to trace but was hit by Albus 's looker. Rose 's spell hit a nearby tree and burned a belittled hole into the bark.

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

`` Thanks. ``

`` Let 's hurry. We wo n't bear much time before he wakes up, '' rose wine reached into her robes and pulled out a piece of parchment, a bottle of ink, and a paint brush.

The hart was even bigger up close. Its center darted around nervously as Rose painted the ink onto its figurehead hoof. Albus quickly pressed the sheepskin onto the hoof and pulled it away. A perfect hoof print appeared on the lambskin. `` This one 's trade good, '' Albus showed it to Rose.

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

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


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

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


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


Albus 's kinsperson came to clean him up from Rose 's house the next afternoon. They were all dressed in Muggle clothing, although Harry looked a trivial uncomfortable in his Muggle suit. Probably due to the tie, Albus thought. He could never understand why Muggles wore those.

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied. He had to accept that he was a bit nervous about this dinner, but there was zilch he could do about it now. `` See you at school, Rose. ``

`` Bye, '' Rose smiled.

The residue of the potter and Weasleys said goodbye to each former and then Albus disapparated with his menage. They appeared in a dark alley near a abandon street. Harry motioned for them to follow him and the phratry started down the street. They made a few more than turns until they came upon a neighborhood of average sized houses. The family all looked different, but seemed to be well cared for. It was a very repose neighborhood with few people out and about. There were a couplet people outside shoveling the newly fallen snow off their driveway, but none of them seemed to notice Albus and his mob.

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah, but it 's so boring without, '' Kaden whispered in Albus 's ear, `` trick. ``

Albus stifled a laugh and followed Kaden into the business firm. Kaden led them to the living room, where Dudley was fidgeting with his tie. Christina was setting out bowls of grapes and nuts and Bethany was helping.

`` Get anything practiced for Christmas ? '' Kaden asked Albus once they sat down on the couch. `` I got a few new plot for my Wii, a new football game, a skateboard, and a bunch of clothes. ``

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

`` Video game system, '' Kaden explained, `` It 's really fun. I 'll show you sometime. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus nodded, `` I got some apparel, book of account, a load of sweets, hooey from my Uncle George III 's shop, and my dad 's invisibility Cloak. ``

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

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

`` Whoa, that 's brainy ! '' Kaden threw the cloak around himself, `` await, I 'm unseeable ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` wellspring, I was kind of hoping you would all seduce up, '' Dudley mumbled.

Harry shook his head and looked back at Ginny, who looked worried. Then the bell rang and Harry turned to Dudley. Dudley gave him a small grin and turned to get the door.

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

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

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

Albus watched as bedlam broke out amongst the grownup. Vernon 's face turned assorted shades of red and purple as he tried to apprehend what was happening. petunia clung to her hubby with a combined feel of disapproval and fear on her expression.

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

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

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

Christina stood near the entrance to the kitchen, looking uncomfortable. Bethany clung to her leg and hid her face, clearly afraid of her gramps 's shouting. Albus, James, Lily, and Kaden glanced around at the grownup, paying rapturous aid to the blossom out argument, but not saying a word. Ginny pursed her back talk and watched her husband with a disapproving look. Albus had to admit that his Uncle Vernon was a bit scary right now and Albus had no desire to cross way of life with him. Dudley looked unquiet as he tried to take a crap peace between his relatives. His articulation was drowned out amongst Vernon and Harry 's yelling, and Petunia 's scream.

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

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

`` Kaden 's a wizard, Dad, so Harry 's a part of his life now. You know he 's one of Kaden 's teachers. ``

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

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

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

`` Dad, Harry did n't trick me. Kaden 's a wizard and you 're just going to possess to go with it, '' Dudley replied.

`` naught proficient will come of this, Dudley ! I assure you of that ! '' Vernon shouted.

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

`` You do actualize that this kind of abnormalcy is what got your sis killed ! ``

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

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

`` And I 'll get us some deglutition ! '' Christina announced eagerly. She rushed into the kitchen and came back with a bottle of brandy, a bottle of wine, and a some glasses, along with fizzing drinks for the Kid.

Vernon and Petunia regained their equanimity and Petunia gave Dudley a bone crunching hug and smothered him with buss. She then moved on and did the same with both her grandchildren, making sure to completely brush off Albus, James I, and Lily. Albus sat down on the lounge and to his disfavor, Vernon chose to sit next to him. After a few moment of ill at ease secrecy, Vernon turned to Albus. `` So, '' he began, causing Albus to jump out, `` You go to this, school day, too ? ``

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

`` Look at me when I 'm talking to you, '' Vernon spat, `` I see manners are n't high on their priority lean. What classes do you take away there ? ``

Albus forced himself to calculate at Vernon. `` I 'm taking Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Herbology, Astronomy, History of Magic, and vindication Against the Dark graphics, '' he mumbled quietly.

Vernon seemed to flinch at the phone of those figure. `` I see. And are you any adept at them ? ``

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

`` What subject does your Church Father Blackbeard ? '' Vernon barked.

`` Defense Against the darkness Arts, '' Albus muttered.

`` And what is that, exactly ? ``

`` defensive spells, dueling, stuff you use to overcome Dark wizards like Voldemort. ``

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

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

`` He 's a great instructor, Grandpa ! I love my new school. It 's much better than Muggle schoolhouse, '' Kaden grinned. `` I 'll be right back. '' He ran up the stair and came back a few moment later with his verge. `` appear at this ! ``

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

`` Of course I do ! '' Kaden laughed, `` I wish I could read you some legerdemain, though. I ca n't do it international school. Hey, Professor Potter can show you ! ``

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

`` No thanks ! '' genus Petunia shouted at the same time.

Kaden looked disappointed. `` Sorry, Kaden, '' Harry with an apologetic feeling, `` Maybe another day. ``

`` Or never, '' Vernon muttered.

Nobody said much after that. Albus preferred it that way. He was very happy that Uncle Vernon appeared to have given up his question and answer school term. Christina announced that dinner was ready a few minutes later, and everyone eagerly went into the dining room. Albus made sure that he was n't sitting side by side to Vernon and relaxed a slight as he began to eat.

The Dursleys dominated most of the dinner party conversation, with Vernon and Petunia asking Dudley and Christina about what was new in their lives. They wanted to love every death detail, down to what place Bethany had gotten on her a la mode Scripture theme in school. Eventually they had exhausted this topic and the table descended into an awkward silence before Vernon started drilling Harry about his life.

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

`` I 'm the question of the Auror Department at the Ministry of Magic, '' Harry smiled.

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

`` A Dark genius backstop, '' Harry explained.

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

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

`` Like Scheol it was n't. It was all due to your abnormality, '' Vernon replied.

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

`` No, Duddy, I wo n't ! Vernon slammed his fist on the table, `` He 's obviously done something to Kaden to build him unnatural ! ``

That had to be the most ridiculous thing Albus had ever heard. A sensation could not turn a Muggle into a hotshot. If they could, there would n't be any Squibs in the world, and there would certainly be more wizards.

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

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

`` Uncle Vernon, listen to me, '' Harry announced, `` You ca n't move around somebody into a hotshot, it just does n't work. Kaden was born a champion, which does n't surprise me at all. There is magic in his pedigree, the same magic that was in my mother 's and is in mine. ``

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

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

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

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

`` How do you sleep with ? ``

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

`` Do n't call her a addict ! '' Harry glared at both of them.

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

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

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

Albus glanced nervously from one grownup to the future, hoping that the fight was over. He realized now how much Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia hated magic now. The two of them were still going on about how Albus 's gran had been killed, thirty-some years later. Albus was still amazed that Vernon had actually blamed Harry for Kaden being a wizard. Albus knew Vernon disliked Harry, but he did n't conceive Vernon would still blame Harry for matter he did n't like, this many yr later.

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

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

`` This is utterly nonsensical, '' Vernon muttered, `` Wait public treasury oleomargarine hears about it. ``

`` I hate aunt Marge, '' Kaden said loudly, causing Albus to huff into his succus. `` All she talks about is breeding Canis familiaris. ``

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

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

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

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

`` What ? ! '' Kaden and Bethany shouted at the Saami time. Kaden spat his juice out and started choking. Albus slapped him on the back, trying to control his own laughter. Harry told them this story a long sentence ago and just thinking about it made Albus laugh.

`` That was n't his fault ! '' Ginny came to Harry 's defense, `` He could n't see it ! What your sister said about his parents was absolutely rotten and you know it ! ``

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

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

`` What do you mean, float her up ? '' Kaden asked.

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

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

`` Another one of your lot who went on a killing rampage ! '' Vernon yelled.

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

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

`` Can someone please tell me how aunty marge got blown up ? ! '' Kaden shouted again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Suck out your soul, '' Albus repeated, `` They feed on happy thoughts, until you 're only left with the sad ones. ``

Kaden shuddered, `` They sound all-fired frightful. Professor Potter saved Dad from one ? ``

`` Yeah, when they were 15. There 's a magic spell, the Patronus magic spell, that drives them away. It 's really advanced magic not taught until seventh year, but Dad learned in his thirdly yr. ``

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

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

`` We would get been OK without those nutcase 'protecting'us ! '' Vernon raged.

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

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

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

`` Everybody, just shut it ! '' The five adults who were arguing turned to the germ of the new vocalism that rang out louder than theirs. It was Christina. Everyone stopped arguing and stared at her. `` Thank you. Now I only understand parts of this row, but everything you 're rowing about has happened in the past times. Ca n't you just put it behind you and try to get along ? attend at you, you 're standing there arguing about stuff you ca n't exchange, in front of your baby. What kind of lesson are you setting ? Put aside your differences, if not for yourselves, do it for the kid. ``

The adults said nothing for a few present moment while Christina glared at every one of them. Eventually, Harry spoke, `` She 's right. We should just try and get along. '' Ginny nodded in agreement.

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

`` Fine, '' Vernon gaiter, `` I 'll tolerate the boy. But you are making a sober mistake with Kaden, Dudley. ``

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

The rest of the dinner party was much more pleasurable. Harry quickly told the narration of when he blew up marge to douse Kaden and Bethany 's curiosity, but there was no more quotation of magic throughout the rest of the meal. The conversation centered on theme that could be equally comparative to Muggles and wizard, such as the weather. Albus did n't say anything, choosing instead to quietly eat his pudding while listening to the adults'strained conversations. He was just glad that they were no longer arguing with each other.

After dinner, Albus, Epistle of James, and Kaden escaped to Kaden 's bedroom, which he was eager to point off. The entire affair was decorated with respective football paraphernalia, with a lot of emphasis on Manchester United. James found this highly entertaining and spent quite a few minutes laughing at the bill sticker, in which the participant remained completely still. Kaden spent a while showing off his Dec 25 presents to Albus and James and soon wanted to show them how to play his Wii.

Kaden led Albus and Epistle of James back downstairs, where the adults were discussing auto over coffee. Albus was very happy that he did not have to sit through that discussion. Albus followed as Kaden went down another flight of step and they descended into the basement. The cellar was clearly the playroom of the house, as it was cluttered with all sorts of Muggle toy dog. Lily and Bethany were playing with Bethany 's Barbies in one quoin and neither of them paid much attention as the boy entered the room.

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

`` The things Muggles come up with, '' James grinned as he joined Albus and Kaden in social movement of the television.

Kaden spent the following hour teaching James IV and Albus how to bring the Wii. They started with Kaden 's new racing secret plan, which was actually pretty complicated. It took Albus the better share of an hour to figure out how to play it. James caught on a bit faster, but neither of them could top Kaden in skill. Albus found that the biz was incredibly fun and almost wished he had one at his household. Once they successfully learned the racing game, Kaden went on to teach them how to work a couple more plot. Lily eventually wandered over and wanted to learn, too. By the time midnight came around, all five of them were taking turns playing games and Albus was having a great time.

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

Shortly after they rang in the new year, Albus 's parents decided it was time to leave. Albus had no arguing against this because he was tired and did n't really want to spend anymore time in the same planetary house as Uncle Vernon. Harry politely shook hands with Vernon, said goodbye to petunia, and told Dudley he would owl him soon. Vernon kind of flinched at the credit of the word 'owl .'Albus completely ignored Vernon and Petunia, and told Kaden he would see him on the train ride back to school. Once the obligatory goodbyes were said, Albus and his family left the house, only to Apparate back to Grimmauld home a few streets away.


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


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit that he was happy to be going back to Hogwarts. After the nearly disastrous dinner with the Dursleys, Albus spent his time working on homework or goofing off with James and Lily. By the end of the holiday he was actually kind of tire and well-chosen to be seeing his ally again. Plus, the sooner he got back to schoolhouse, the Oklahoman he could try out the new map.

The ceramicist met the Weasleys and the Dursleys at Rex 's Cross and entered Platform 9 3/4 together. Both families were running late again and Albus, Rose, Saint James the Apostle, and Kaden only just made it onto the train before it left. James immediately left to incur his friends while Albus, rose, and Kaden wandered around trying to find their friends.

bathroom and Amanda were sitting in one of the compartments in the midriff of the train. Albus opened the room access and walked in, followed by pink wine and Kaden.

`` Hey ! '' whoremonger greeted them.

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

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

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

Albus and Kaden exchanged glance. Rose stifled a jape. She had already heard about the dinner shortly after it happened.

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

`` What happened ? '' John asked eagerly.

`` My granddad went mad, '' Kaden shook his head. `` And my grandmother kind of did. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` And my grandma of all people told him it was n't possible, '' Kaden laughed. `` Apparently she wanted to be a witch when she was a kid. But the best component part was when grandad brought up Aunt marge. ``

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

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

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

`` This I 've got to take heed ! '' Amanda grinned.

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

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

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

`` And the grownup stayed upstairs, '' Kaden added. `` Which was probably bloody awkward. ``

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

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

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

`` Hopefully not, '' Albus replied.

`` Let 's do it at your house next, '' Kaden grinned, `` I want to see a sorcerer house. ``

`` I doubt Dad will let Uncle Vernon and aunt petunia in the house, '' Albus told him, `` But you 're welcome to arrive. ``

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

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

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

`` Er, he had some, er, healer appointment, '' Albus said quickly. Hopefully that would live up to Kaden 's curiosity.

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

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

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

`` commodity, '' Albus said.

******

Over the adjacent few twenty-four hours, Albus kept trying to detect some fourth dimension to tell John and Amanda about the stag print, but it was strong to shake Kaden off. It seemed the only times they were away from him was when they were in class or in their dormitory at Nox. Neither were good opportunities to verbalize about the map.

In the meantime, Malfoy was trying to estimate out why flatness was n't in school. The full moon was n't until the take after hebdomad, so Albus was going to stimulate to endure Malfoy 's questioning for a while longer. goose egg seemed to fill him. Albus was also preoccupied with what was going to materialise this replete lunation. He was kind of distressed about mat taking the new wolfsbane potion.

All the students and teachers seemed to be falling into their common routines. Dueling and Quidditch exercise started up again. Both Kate and Georgia were working their team hard and Albus was feeling the effects. Between that and the increased sum of homework the teachers were intent on assignment, he had hardly any time for anything else.

A couple days into the terminal figure, Kaden finally had one of his tutoring Roger Sessions. Albus and his friends seized the opportunity and ran to the Room of necessity as soon as Kaden left the common room.

`` Finally ! '' John exclaimed as he threw himself onto one of the lounge in the room. `` I thought I was going to die of wonder ! ``

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

`` It 'll be easy once Rose pattern out the charm to keep him still, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

`` precondition a bit of practice, sure, '' blush wine replied. `` We just have to make for certain Matt agrees to it. ``

`` I 'm surely he will, '' John said, `` I mean, this charm will definitely keep Kaden from telling anyone. ``

`` I 'll get down working on it now, '' pink wine took the Holy Scripture back, `` I have n't started yet because I do n't want anyone to ask why I 'm trying to learn it. ``

`` So, did you get the stag print ? '' St. John asked eagerly.

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

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

`` We should hold back for Matt, '' Albus told him, `` He 's a part of this as a lot as we are. ``

`` Oh, yeah, that 's a honest idea, '' toilet set the mark down on a nearby board. `` You know, I think this is the first gear time we 've been in here without him. ``

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

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

`` As long as nil goes wrong, '' Albus said quietly.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, but he could n't serve but think the new potion would n't work any skillful than the old one. Why should it ? If Matt was immune to Wolfsbane potion, why should a dissimilar change of it wreak ?

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

******

Albus became more and more unquiet as the replete moon approached. His friends seemed to as well, and John especially developed a very short fuse. Kaden seemed to get the brunt of this but he took it in stride. The night of the genuine fully moon, Albus had Quidditch pattern. He became so distracted during it that Georgia called for a shift during praxis and demanded to know why Albus was dropping so many Quaffles. He lied and told her he was worried about a Transfiguration Day exam the following day. Luckily she seemed to consent this and wished him luck on his examination. Albus tried extra hard during the arcsecond half of practice but still missed a lot of well-to-do passes.

Albus entered the common room after practice feeling incredibly sore but not at all tired. He had been hit with numerous bludgers due to his want of concentration. Normally Albus would have been exhausted after such a practice but he was too anxious to be tired tonight.

His Quaker were sitting at their usual table which was covered in homework. Not that much of it was being done. Kaden was the but one feverishly working away at an essay. bathroom, Amanda, and even Rose were staring off into nothing with their untouched homework in front of them. Albus quickly stowed his broom in his dormitory and joined his Friend at the table.

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

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

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

Even at a meter like this, Albus could n't help but gag at Kaden 's cluelessness. `` Hi, Kaden. ``

`` How was practice ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not that great. I got hit with a duet bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' Kaden winced.

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

`` Just go see gentlewoman Pomfrey, '' Rose suggested, `` Your arm looks nasty. ``

Albus glanced at his arm. It had turned a pin-up violet blue air color in the time since he had received the blow. `` All right field, '' he stood up. `` I 'll see you in a bit. ``

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

Albus did n't sense like telling Kaden not to bother, so he nodded and Kaden followed him out of the common room. Albus did n't blab much on the way to the infirmary wing, but Kaden kept up a streaming commentary about what went on in his classes that day. Kaden must have felt the motive to share it even though nothing particularly exciting had happened that day. The corridors were utterly deserted and Kaden 's voice seemed awfully gaudy. Albus glanced at his watch and saw that it was almost curfew. He wished he had brought his invisibleness Cloak. Of course, none of the teachers could give him detainment for being out of his green way in order to go see brothel keeper Pomfrey, could they ?

Albus pushed the door to the hospital wing undetermined slowly and saw that Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, writing something, and glancing out the window every few secondment. The moonlight was streaming through and illuminating one of the beds. There were n't any patient in the ward, which Albus thought was variety of strange. Albus rarely ever saw the piazza empty. He walked quietly up to Madam Pomfrey and Kaden followed. The nurse did n't even appear to feature noticed them come in.

`` Er, excuse me, ma'am Pomfrey ? '' Albus said once he was a couple foundation in front of the desk.

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

It suddenly occurred to Albus that dame Pomfrey was probably thinking about flatness as well, since she usually took care of him after the full moon. `` I got hit with a span bludgers at practice tonight. I was, er, kind of distracted. ``

Madam Pomfrey stood up and gave him a benevolent look. `` I understand. Let me see. ``

Albus held out his arm and Madam Pomfrey clucked her tongue as she inspected it. She pulled out her wand and touched it to his arm, muttering a enchantment as she did so. Albus 's arm felt warmly and tingly, and then normal again. The annoyance was gone.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` No trouble. Anywhere else ? ``

`` I got hit on my back too and it variety of suffering. I 've got no idea if it 's bruised or not. ``

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

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

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

Albus nodded and turned to leave. He and Kaden were soon back in the empty corridor.

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

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

`` Oh, that 's probably why John, rosebush, and Amanda were so quiet. ``

`` Yeah, that was it. ``

The two of them continued their trek to the plebeian room until they practically bumped into two former people as they turned a corner.

`` ascertain it ! '' a cold voice shouted and shoved Albus aside.

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

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

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

`` None of your stage business. ``

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

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

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

Malfoy ignored him and continued to glare at Kaden. `` Maybe you know where Eckerton is these days ? ``

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

`` Fine, '' Malfoy snapped. `` I know you wo n't say anything with thrower around anyway. I 'll just hold back until you 're alone. C'mon, Willinson, we 're leaving. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Yes, dame, '' Kaden replied quietly.

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

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

Any color that had been in Malfoy 's nerve drained. The four boys quietly followed prof Patil to the hospital wing. Albus was very relieved. dame Pomfrey would say Patil that he and Kaden had been there, and then she would n't give way them detention.

Patil opened the door to the hospital backstage, but Madam Pomfrey was no yearner there. Patil motioned for the son to stay there and she strode over to the nursemaid 's federal agency. She knocked lightly and waited for ma'am Pomfrey to appear.

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

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

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

madam Pomfrey gazed at the boys. `` well, Albus and Kaden were here about xv transactions ago, but I have n't seen the other two in quite a while. ``

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

`` Not a job, '' the suck replied.

`` I 'll hold you two back to your common room, '' Patil said to Albus and Kaden. `` As for you, '' she glared at Malfoy and Willinson, `` You will get along back to my power and we shall arrange for detention. ``

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

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that Nox, despite his weariness from Quidditch practice. He fell asleep in the wee hour of the forenoon and woke up only a few hours later. John was just as exhausted and the two of them stumbled down into the common elbow room, only to find rose wine slumped over a Christian Bible at their common table.

`` rosiness ! '' Albus shook his first cousin 's articulatio humeri, `` awaken up ! ``

blush wine slowly lifted her head and then jumped at the quite a little of Albus and John. `` Wha-what are you two doing ? ``

`` Uh, it 's morning, Rose, '' Albus explained, `` We 've got to get to Transfiguration in an hour. ``

`` Oh ! '' rose wine jumped up and pushed her shaggy-coated pilus out of her font.

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

`` No, could n't sleep, '' Rose shrugged, `` So I came back down and worked on the Sileo Altus Charm. I just ca n't visualise it out. It 's driving me mad ! ``

`` That 's a really highschool stratum charm, Rose. You know it 's going to admit you a while, '' Albus reminded her.

`` I know, I know. I 'll get it eventually, '' rosiness sighed, `` I guess I 'll go alteration and find oneself Amanda. Then we can go down to breakfast. ``

A few minutes later, Albus and his friends walked to the Great Hall. Albus noticed Malfoy and Willinson at the Slytherin mesa as they walked by and both of the Slytherins were shooting sticker at Albus.

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

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

`` Yeah, he 's not too happy. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Shush ! '' Albus, lavatory, Rose, and Amanda said at once.

`` wellspring, we 'd better be off to Transfiguration, '' Albus said and gave rosebush a meaning glance.

`` Yes, we 'd better, '' Rose stood up.

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

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

`` I 'll arrive, too ! ``

Albus sighed and got up from the table. He could n't spread that letter in front of Kaden. pink wine, John, and Amanda got up as well and followed Albus out of the Great entrance hall. Kaden was right behind him, but Albus did n't dare open it yet. Kaden stalled in the entering mansion house, but eventually gave up and headed down to the dungeons for Potions.

`` fountainhead, now we have n't got time to study it, '' Albus groaned and glanced at his watch. `` Why could n't he take in left sooner ? ``

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

`` We 'll just understand it after account of Magic, '' Rose said as they climbed the stairs, `` We 've got the whole afternoon off. ``

The morn dragged by at an extremely slow pace, in Albus 's sentiment. Transfiguration was n't too bad, since it was a hardheaded object lesson. Malfoy descended upon Albus and the others after the category was over, wanting to know where lusterlessness was. Albus lied and told him Matt was having a late holiday with his grandparents and then took off for story of legerdemain, ignoring Malfoy 's complaints about detention that followed.

History of magic was as tire as common. Albus thought he saw the clock 's mitt go backwards at one point. He passed notes with St. John the Apostle and Amanda while Rose took notes. She seemed to possess inherited her mother 's power to stay awake during that class. John nodded off at one full point and Albus had to prod him awake with his quill. Professor Binns did n't even seem to notice.

After history of trick finally ended, Albus and his acquaintance went to the Great mansion to seize a speedy lunch. Kaden was there when they arrived and immediately launched into an account of the potion he had just brewed. Apparently it was so impressive that Slughorn gave him a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate and an invitation to the next Slug Club meeting.

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

`` Yup, '' Kaden grinned. `` The next meeting is this Saturday. He told me that a lot of your cousins go. ``

`` Er, yeah, they do, '' Albus coughed. He had not been expecting Kaden to get invited to any sluggard nightclub meetings. Albus had n't even gone to any since the previous year. He just told Slughorn he had Quidditch practice or too practically homework to go. Slughorn had n't even had his Christmas party this year. Albus was n't surely why, but he was guessing it was because he had n't been able to notice anyone famous to attend.

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

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

`` Please ? '' Kaden pleaded.

`` amercement, '' Albus sighed. It could n't be that bad now that Quinton Willinson was gone. And it was just one meeting. `` But just this once. And if Sakartvelo calls for Quidditch practice, I wo n't go to the meeting. ``

`` Yay ! '' Kaden shouted.

Once Kaden left for his succeeding course of study, Albus and his supporter went straight for the Room of requirement. Albus and Rose sat on one of the couches while John and Amanda sat on the contrary one. Albus reached into his bag and found the letter.

`` Here it goes, '' Albus whispered.

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

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

honey Albus, Rose, John, and Amanda,

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

`` Damn ! '' John Lackland shouted.

Matt will explicate more when he gets back to
Hogwarts. I 'll just say that it 's not worse
than common. He 's at St. Mungo 's right now so
the healer can abide by the after affects of
the potion and the transformation.

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

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

From,
Amy

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed.

Nobody said anything for a few minutes. Albus felt very disappointed that the potion had n't worked, but he was sure as shooting it did n't even make out close to what Matt was feeling.

`` Maybe he 'll let us suit Animagi now, '' John suggested.

Rose glared at him, `` He wo n't. He 's still in that study, which means he 's still got to need that potion for the next two years or so. Then there 'll probably be another one for him to test. And maybe that one will act. ``

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

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

`` Albus 's grandfather did it. ``

`` When he was in fifth yr, '' rose wine reminded him.

`` Fine, three more years then, '' John shrugged.

blush wine sighed, `` Matt wo n't let you fall in him on the to the full moonshine, though. And I would n't advise doing it behind his back. ``

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

`` Definitely, '' rose agreed.

Albus and his champion spent the better part of the next time of day talking about what they would do if they could transform into beast. They all agreed that listening in on multitude 's conversations and sneaking up on people like Malfoy would be top on the lean of stuff to do. Eventually, Rose insisted that they all start their homework, which took them most of the eve to complete.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that Quinton Willinson was no longer at Hogwarts, Albus still dreaded the lick Club meeting on Saturday. His rational number side told him that it would n't be nearly as bad with Willinson gone, but Albus still was n't looking forward to it.

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

Sabbatum arrived quickly and Albus was still without an excuse to not attend the meeting. Peach State had not called for Quidditch practice that day, mainly due to the fact that the Ravenclaws booked the tar all morning and the Slytherins had it all afternoon. The two sign were scheduled to playact each other the watch Saturday.

`` It 's clip for the Slug nightclub get together, Albus ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly a few min before eleven.

Albus sighed and got up out of his chairman in the common room. `` See you lot in a trivial patch, '' he said to St. John and Amanda.

`` Have heaps of fun ! '' lav laughed.

`` See you later, '' Amanda grinned.

Albus, Kaden, and rose, who had also decided to go, set off for the dungeons. Albus hoped he would only let to remain for a footling while, maybe an hour at most. Just long enough for Kaden to see what the coming together were like.

The meeting was held in the Potions classroom and a few students were milling about when Albus, Rose, and Kaden walked into the room. Albus recognized most of them from cobbler's last yr 's meetings. A few of his cousins were there as well, but not all of them. James was n't there, but Albus knew he had dueling practice that day. Albus was also glad to note that Felix Willinson was not there. Of grade, after what happened with Quinton and his father, Albus guessed he should n't be surprised that Quinton 's cousin would n't be invited to the Slug Club.

There was a table full of food along one of the side of meat rampart and most everyone was crowding around it trying to get some dejeuner. Slughorn had a plate of nutrient in forepart of him and was sitting at a turgid table in the figurehead of the room.

Albus led Rose and Kaden over to the table and picked up a denture.

`` What is this stuff ? '' Kaden pointed to a platter of some sort of meat.

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

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

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

`` Good, '' Albus replied.

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

Kaden grinned, `` Potions is fun. Loads ameliorate than Transfiguration. ``

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

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

`` This material is excellent ! ``

`` I 'm glad you like it ! '' Slughorn said.

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

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

Albus let his judgement wander as Slughorn continued talking about his dinner with Barry Ryan. Matt was supposed to take back to Hogwarts the next day, which meant that in as petty as xxiv hour, they could be having the map working. Well, if they could nobble away to the elbow room of demand, that is. Albus hoped rosiness would throw that charm working soon. Then they could just do all of this with Kaden. It would ready it a completely lot easier. Of track, Matt still had n't said that he agreed to evidence Kaden even with the charm. Albus kept forgetting about that theatrical role. But why would n't he agree ? The charm seemed like it would work well.

Albus, Kaden, and rose wound up staying until the end of the coming together. Kaden was enthralled by the entire thing and Albus knew he would turn away to leave early on. Albus was incredibly bored by the metre the thing was over and rosiness looked as bored as Albus felt. Once the meeting was finally over, the three of them said good-bye to Slughorn and left the dungeons.

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

`` Boring 's more like it, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

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

`` And I 'll probably suffer too a great deal preparation, '' rose wine explained.

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

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

Albus laughed as rose launched into a give-and-take about how crucial time management is and how homework should always issue forth first. The three of them were nearly to the park elbow room by the time Rose finished and Kaden was wearing a blank look on his boldness, much like the one Albus had worn during the bullet baseball club meeting.

******

`` Got any melodic theme what prison term he 's coming back ? '' John asked shortly after dejeuner the succeeding day in the commons room.

`` No idea, '' Albus shrugged.

Albus, John, Kaden, rose, and Amanda were all sitting around their usual mesa in the common elbow room. blush wine and Kaden were playing chess and it was apparent that rose wine was going slow on Kaden. The two of them had been playing the same biz for xv minutes. If rose wine wanted to, she probably could have beat Kaden in five minutes. John and Amanda were both working on the Transfiguration of Jesus essay that was due the next day. Albus had already finished that special essay and was watching rose and Kaden 's chess match.

`` queen mole rat to D3, '' Kaden said. The poof gave Kaden a menacing spotlight and then reluctantly moved to the square.

`` Bishop to D3. '' Rose 's bishop smashed Kaden 's queen to pieces. `` Checkmate, '' Rose grinned.

`` dogshit, '' Kaden muttered as his baron dropped its sword in defeat.

`` You 're getting a bit better, '' Rose said as she repaired all the piece of music with a waving of her wand.

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

`` Yeah. Georgia managed to reserve the pitch for an time of day after dinner. The Hufflepuffs were n't too well-chosen, but Georgia got it first. ``

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

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

`` He 's going to get a load of homework to make up, '' Kaden announced.

`` That sounds like something you 'd say, rose wine, '' John laughed.

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

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

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

`` Want to make for again, rose wine ? '' Kaden asked.

rose wine shrugged. `` Sure, why not. ``

Rose and Kaden set up their pieces and started to work again. Albus watched them. It was pretty funny story to learn the two of them act chess. Kaden would sit there forever figuring out what relocation to shit and once he made it, rose would smile and actuate one of her own pieces within minute. blush wine 's moves usually involved killing one of Kaden 's pieces.

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

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

`` Hi Albus, '' matt grinned back. He looked tired, but glad. There was still a yellowish bruise on his forehead, but former than that he looked fine.

John, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden all looked up from what they were doing and greeted mat as well. flatness grabbed a chairwoman from a nearby tabular array and sat down succeeding to Albus.

`` How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` All right, '' lusterlessness shrugged.

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

`` Uh-huh, '' Kaden nodded as Rose declared checkmate once again, `` Crap ! ``

`` Well, it would probably be a good mind for him to go see all the teacher now about it. So, we 'll all go with him to do that, since we 're in his classes. We 'll help. You can stay here since you 'd probably be bored. ``

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

`` trade good, '' Albus replied, `` John ? Amanda, rose wine ? You can make out with us. ``

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

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

Albus laughed, `` No. Just had to think of an excuse for Kaden to abide there while we went to the elbow room. ``

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

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

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

`` Shut it, rose, '' John said.

The five protagonist continued their walk to the Room of Requirement, which manifested itself in its usual form for them. They walked into the Room and settled onto the usual scarlet and gold furniture.

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

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

`` Did it help at all ? '' rose wine asked.

`` Nope. ``

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

`` Yeah, that 's what stinks, '' mat sighed. `` It did n't function the way it was supposed to, but it did other hooey. ``

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

`` They were n't really serious side effects. It just made me really tired. ``

`` But you 're always tired before the full moon, '' St. John the Apostle pointed out.

`` I know, but the potion made it worse. Usually I can at least go to daybreak course of study on the day of the full Moon but with the new potion I 'll just kip right through them. It makes me tired as soon as I start taking it, which is a hebdomad before the full moon, just like the regular Wolfsbane was. ``

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

`` Dunno, '' flatness shrugged, `` The therapist are trying to feel a potion to counteract the fatigue duty, but I doubt they 'll have one in metre for adjacent month. ``

`` I do n't get why you have to hold back taking it if it does n't even figure out, '' Gospel According to John shook his head.

`` Because they have to take in for sure it was n't just a trematode or something. That 's the matter about these survey, they have to do multiple trial to psychoanalyze the event and stuff. ``

`` There 's a chance it might work out next month ? '' Amanda asked confusedly.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Let 's not blab out about it anymore now, though. You 've got to recount me if you got the give away photographic print ! It 's been driving me mad for workweek now. ``

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

`` Brilliant ! '' Matt exclaimed.

`` And I 've got the transference appeal all worked out, '' rosiness told him.

`` lav 's just got to get the rat photographic print, '' Albus said.

`` I 'm working on it ! '' John replied, `` It 's difficult than you 'd think to spot a rat during Potions. ``

`` fountainhead, we 've got Double Potions tomorrow, so try then. Slughorn 'll be having us brew the completely class probably, so just keep your eye out, '' Albus told him.

`` I will. I 'll pay more attention to potential drop rats than to my potion, '' lavatory grinned.

`` I would n't suggest that, '' Rose smirked. `` It 'll blow up or something, since you 've got Goyle as a collaborator. ``

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

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

`` Just think, this clock time tomorrow, we may experience the map working, '' lustrelessness commented, `` That would be awesome. ``

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

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

Albus had been thinking this for a few days now. They had had an incredibly well-situated prison term getting the mark. Almost too easy a sentence. detent, stag, and crumb were quite plebeian and anyone who could cast a simple Petrificus Totalus appealingness could get those prints. The only one that would be difficult for the average whiz to get was the lycanthrope print. Even so, Albus did n't think the Marauders would make it this gentle to access the map.

`` I 've been thinking the Lapp matter, '' rosiness agreed.

whoremaster groaned, `` That would suck up. ``

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

`` Not anyone could get a werewolf print, '' whoremaster pointed out.

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

`` Speaking of the Marauders, '' John turned to pink wine, `` How 's the Sileo Altus charm coming ? ``

`` The what ? '' flatness asked.

`` Oh, yeah, we 've got to distinguish you about that, '' St. John said. `` Want to explicate it, rose ? ``

`` Sure, '' Rose shrugged, `` It 's a appealingness I found in a playscript at my house. It 's a way to fix surely someone keeps something a mysterious. sort of like the Fidelius Charm, only it 's for verbal secrets, not places. Whomever performs the charm is the mystery Keeper and only that person can undo the charm. After the magic spell is performed, the person ca n't talk about the secret with anyone except the Secret custodian and anyone else who was involved in the appeal performing. It 's a way to retain Kaden from telling anyone that you 're a werewolf. ``

Albus held his breath as Rose explained and hoped that Matt would conceive it was a good idea. Albus watched as mat thought about what rose had said. Albus could n't really order what he thought. Matt looked a bit surprised, almost like he did n't opine rosiness would bear ever found a charm to do that.

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

`` I 'm not sure, '' mat said quietly, `` will it really work ? ``

`` I 'm somewhat sure it will, '' Rose said, `` The only thing that will defeat it is Veritaserum. ``

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

`` When would he drink that ? '' trick raised his eyebrows.

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

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

`` What if he did ? What if he spewed all about me in the middle of the Great Hall or something ? ``

`` I doubt he 's ever going to drink any Veritaserum, '' pink wine said,"And even if he did, someone would possess to ask him if you were a wolfman. He would n't just randomly start telling people."

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

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

`` See ? Hardly any fortune of Kaden drinking any, '' whoremaster said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

******

`` settle down, square up down, '' Slughorn barked at his class.

Albus turned around in his seat. He had been talking to John, who was sitting behind him succeeding to Goyle. Albus was sitting next to Limbert and lusterlessness was looking thoroughly hapless future to Maloy in the next row over at the straw man. Slughorn was still plowing forward with his inter-house collaborator in year, but Albus did n't think it was helping to decrease the hostility between Gryffindor and Slytherin. So far, the outflank that had happened was silent loathing during practical lessons and jinxing and hexing at worst. Based on the lilliputian affaire d'honneur between Ethan and Garth Octavius the former week, it was only a thing of time before matter really got out of hand.

`` Thank you, '' Slughorn said once everyone was paying attending, `` Today you 'll be brewing the Confusion Potion I taught you about on Friday. He waved his sceptre at the blackboard, `` Directions are on the board. You have the stallion class. ``

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

Albus nodded and pulled out his wand. Albus and Limbert had come to an unstated concord with brewing potions. Limbert would pile up ingredients while Albus lit the fire and unpacked all the various scales and tongue. Then, Albus would get up the ingredients while Limbert added them and stirred the cauldron. Albus was fine with this since Limbert was a better Potions brewer than he was.

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

Albus listened to everyone else in the class as he chopped up fixings. He thought it was especially amusing to take heed to toilet and Goyle.

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

`` Oh. ``

`` Stir it the other way ! '' John shouted.

Albus stifled a joke and glanced to his left hand, where Rose and Leigh Montague were having a exchangeable conversation.

`` They 've got to be chopped all right than that. It says minced, not diced, '' pink wine instructed.

`` They look mulct to me, '' Vivien Leigh snapped.

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

`` Fine. You do the whole matter if you 're so impertinent, '' Leigh huffed.

`` You can evoke the cauldron. Clockwise, '' rose replied.

Albus was n't close enough to either Amanda or Matt to get word what was going on at their board. It looked like Amanda and Dalila Avish were working much the same way Albus and Limbert were, since neither of their oral fissure were moving. Malfoy appeared to be yelling at Matt for something, but Albus could n't quite throw out what it was. flatness got up from the table with a sports stadium wide of something and then emptied it in the bin. When he returned to his board, he started carefully chopping something up. Albus was guessing it was more of whatever he had thrown away.

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

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

Goyle grunted and Albus heard John get up. Albus felt a goad in his side and looked up to see John standing next to him. `` What ? '' Albus whispered.

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

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

Albus tried to rivet on his shrivelfig, but he could n't arrest glancing up at John. He was almost to the cupboard now, and the rat still had n't moved. Albus watched as toilet pointed his wand at the rat, but he could n't hear what write John was using due to the haphazardness in the room. Luckily everyone was concentrating on their potions and not paying an ounce of attending to whoremaster. Albus grimaced as John picked up the rat and shoved it inside his gown. Albus was incredibly felicitous that John was will to do the rat print. The opinion of putting a rat in his robes creeped Albus out.

John went into the cupboard for a few moments and came back out carrying a jar of something. Probably a cover story, Albus thought.

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

`` Excellent, '' Albus said.

Suddenly there was a loud plosion from somewhere behind Albus and he felt a hot liquidness nation on his head and dribble down the rear of his robes.

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

`` Boody hellhole ! '' bathroom exclaimed as the orange potion landed on the front of his robes.

Pandemonium erupted in the schoolroom. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at the exploded potion. Albus turned around and saw that the explosion had come from John and Goyle 's cauldron. Goyle was wearing a vex expression on his face and was staring into space while holding his ladle in the air. His face was covered with potion as well as his robes. His hair was singed and there was a small fire on his table.

Albus could find the potion burning down his back and it hurt like netherworld. It felt like his tegument was on flak. He got up from his death chair and felt his dorsum. His robes were cauterise straight through. whoremaster 's and Limbert 's were as well.

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

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

`` You must 've gotten potion in your mouth, '' Slughorn shook his headland. `` hospital wing. Who else got hit ? ``

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

`` Hospital fender, all of you, '' Slughorn replied, `` If one of you could please make sure Mr. Goyle arrives there, that would be appreciated. ``

Limbert immediately dragged Goyle out of the way with Celeste following. Albus and John walked a little ways behind them and Karina behind them.

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

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

`` Not a clew, '' whoremaster shrugged, `` Not what I told him to do. ``

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

`` Well, he 's dumber than a round, '' John groaned, `` Merlin this stuff burns. ``

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

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

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

`` Er, yeah, have n't had a chance to take it out. ``

`` I just hope it stays stunned. ``

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

Madam Pomfrey was already busy taking charge of a girl who had gotten bitten by something in precaution of Magical tool and told them they would suffer to wait. Once she had finished healing the little girl, she moved on to Goyle, since he was n't able to sit still and was wandering around the room tripping over affair. She took attention of Limbert, Celeste, and Karina, and then moved on to the bed Albus and trick were sitting on.

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

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

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

Saint John the Apostle, who had just started drinking his own potion, choked and coughed the potion up onto the bed. He turned and grinned at Albus, who grinned back. well, Albus thought, that was the full general melodic theme of the map.

gentlewoman Pomfrey sighed and with a wave of her baton the potion was cleaned up. `` drink the rest of it, '' she instructed them.

gentlewoman Pomfrey applied some sort of salve to their Robert Burns and a few minutes later they were allowed to go out. The harbor told them to go directly to their dormitory to get new robes and that she did n't need to see them in the Hospital Wing for the next few weeks.

`` Fat chance that 'll happen, '' whoremaster smirked as they started back to Gryffindor Tower.

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

`` Next Quidditch friction match is what, in three calendar week ? '' lavatory asked.

`` Just about, '' Albus said.

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

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` I did n't land myself there conclusion match. ``


A/N : duplicate long chapter ! Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, Miguel, invisiblecloak, potterfan296, St. Luke, and drownzer for the recap !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or hotdog Sinatra.


Albus and John were immediately bombarded by Kaden when they entered the common elbow room. Rose, Amanda, and Matt were standing just behind Kaden with smirks on their faces.

`` Did your caldron really explode ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

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

`` You know, '' rose said, `` You 're not exactly the best potion beer maker either, John. ``

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

`` Oh, yeah. Madam Pomfrey sorted everything out, '' Albus assured her.

`` So what are you doing this night, Albus ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he followed Albus and whoremaster to the dormitory room door.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had been planning on grabbing a nimble dinner with his friend after he changed robe, and then head to the Room to try out the new map. They had all the paw prints ( John had gone up to the student residence ahead of Albus with the rat and got the print from it. Albus did n't need to live what happened to the rat afterwards ) now, so Albus was impatient to try it out. But they would n't be able to if Kaden was around.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

Kaden spent the entire even with Albus and his admirer. Normally, this really would n't throw bothered Albus, but that dark his cousin was driving him mad. All Albus wanted to do was try out the map, but he could n't think up a unspoiled alibi for them to go somewhere and not let Kaden conform to. So they spent the evening in the common elbow room, working on homework.

Albus and his champion were far too busy the next few days to try out the new map. Albus had Quidditch practice on Tuesday and Thursday and dueling drill on Wednesday. rose had dueling drill on Friday. trick normally had his exercise on Sat, but due to the Quidditch match, it had been rescheduled for Sunday. Any bit of fourth dimension where neither Albus or his Quaker had any practices, Kaden was around. It was n't until Saturday, following Slytherin 's spectacular personnel casualty to Ravenclaw, that they were finally able to try out the map. Kaden had been recruited to tutor a fellow first year in Potions and was going to be spending a few hours in the dungeon after the Quidditch match.

`` Come on, let 's go try it now, '' Albus whispered to his ally after Kaden left the vulgar room.

`` Got the photographic print ? '' Matt asked.

Albus nodded and grabbed his bag. They quickly left the common room and ran for the Room of requirement. They almost bumped into a Ravenclaw prefect, but luckily he was feeling generous ( most likely due to the Quidditch win ) and did n't scold them for running in the corridors.

flatness paced three times in strawman of the hollow paries and as soon as the door appeared, the five friends ran inside. Albus set his bag down on the mesa and everyone crowded around it. Albus pulled out all four prints and the map.

`` All right, '' Albus unfolded the map, `` rosiness, you 're proficient with the charm, right ? ``

blush wine nodded, `` I 've practiced it and it works every time. ``

`` Good, '' Albus stared at the map, unsure of how to begin, `` Er, maybe I should do what I did last prison term to get it to severalize us we 've got to shew we know the vulture ? ``

`` Probably, '' Rose agreed.

`` Wait ! '' John Lackland shouted, `` Can I do it this sentence ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus shrugged and handed John the map.

`` Excellent, '' John grinned and pointed his wand at the map, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Padfoot. ``

Ink appeared on the map, but not nearly as much as when Albus had done it earlier in the year.

'No, you 're not .'

The ink disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

`` What ? '' King John shouted, `` But it worked last time ! ``

Albus 's Leslie Townes Hope plummeted. Why was n't it working now ? Was it on some kind of a timer ? Like it could only bring on a sure day of the calendar month ? He had been so excited about getting the new map to puzzle out, and now it would n't even tell them to prove they knew the Marauders.

`` Let me try, '' Matt grabbed the sheepskin and pointed his baton at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Moony. ``

'No, you 're not .'The map said once again.

`` This sucking, '' John the Divine muttered, `` It worked last meter. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to be Albus, '' blush wine suggested.

Albus wordlessly grabbed the map and pointed his own wand at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The ink he had been expecting to appear rose to the surface of the lambskin and formed the conversant words.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the Marauder 's Map, second gear Edition .'

`` Ha ! '' Albus grinned in excitement, `` There it is ! ``

`` But why did n't it exercise for us ? '' John the Divine asked dejectedly. `` Does that mean we ca n't be Padfoot and Moony ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus sighed. He really hoped his friends would be able to be Padfoot and Moony. Who else could be Padfoot and Moony ? The map would n't even work without someone to be Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail. Albus could n't do it alone.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs. However, you could be the second Prongs .'

`` See ? Why did n't it say 'However, you could be the second base Padfoot'when I did it ? ``

'When four boy, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and shenanigan, they may present themselves as the next coevals of marauder. These four friends must each represent one of the Marauders, for if even one is missing, this map will not work. Before this goes any further, you must try out that you know the mystery of the piranha. Prove that you know, and you may uphold along the path of discovery .'

'The track of find ? I never knew you were so poetical, Mr. Prongs .'

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

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

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

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

'The marauder wishing you proficient luck .'

`` well, now what ? '' toilet asked.

`` I guess we 've just got to transfer the paw photographic print, '' Albus said tentatively.

blush wine picked up the paw prints and the map, setting them down in front of her. She pulled out her verge and muttered an incantation at the werewolf print. Then she muttered another conjuration at the map. The werewolf photographic print appeared on the map, just as it had been on the other piece of parchment.

`` That, was flaming amazing, '' privy said in awe.

Albus agreed. He was forever thankful that his cousin was so brilliant. Albus did n't think he 'd ever be able to pull off something like that. At least not until he was at least in 5th year.

blush wine repeated the procedure with the dog, stag, and rat mark, positioning them in the precise same way that the little bell ringer that the Marauders had put on the map.

`` There, '' she said once she was done.

The five champion stared at the map for a few seconds, waiting for something to bechance. The paw prints were n't doing anything and neither was the map. No new ink had appeared and the paw mark were n't disappearing or anything.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Maybe I 've got to narrate the map that we know the vulture ? ``

`` Worth a dead reckoning, '' John the Divine shrugged.

Albus pulled the map over to him and tapped his wand to it, `` I, Albus Severus ceramist, the second gear Prongs, know the Marauders. ``

The paw prints quickly faded until there was nothing left field but a blank shell parchment. Albus glanced up and looked at his friends before returning his gaze to the new map.

'Prongs agrees that you do know the vulture, and is especially impressed that you managed to get a werewolf paw mark .'

`` It worked ! '' Albus shouted happily.

'Due to your obvious knowledge of the Marauders'mystery, we shall now assure you more about this map. When the marauder were seventh class, they realized that within a few unawares months, they would be gone from Hogwarts, and the schoolhouse would be left without their honcho maleficence makers.

'Prongs suggested-'

'Do you always talk about yourself in the tierce somebody, Prongs ?'

'Only when I have a cerebrovascular accident of brilliance, Padfoot .'

'Not too often then, right ?'

'Oh, get on with the explanation, Prongs .'

'Calm yourself, Moony. You 're letting your furry self show .'

'Shut it, Prongs .'

'All right. Anyway, I ( happy now, Padfoot ? ) had a stroke of brilliance that the Marauders could find a way to assure that they would never be gone from Hogwarts .'

`` I knew it ! '' rose shouted in glee, `` I knew that was what this was about ! ``

'The Marauders decided to produce another map. The first base map was only the outset. The vulture wanted to find a way to put themselves into a map, in order to help the next generation of mischief makers. That is what this map is about.

'However, not just anyone would be capable to hold access to the map .'

'Yeah, we would n't want any old dunderheads stumbling upon it .'

'Right, Padfoot. Or even worse, having Slytherins get their vile paws on it .'

'I shudder at that thought, Moony. Anyway, the predator had to calculate out a way to ensure that only those worthy would be capable to access this map. The Marauder 's Map is actually quite simple to figure out, compared to this one. All you have to do to unfold that is say a certain phrase. For this map, you have to be a certain person to open it.

'You may or may not take in figured out that in order to get the commencement bit of info out of this map, you have to be a line congenator of one of the marauder. However, not everyone representing the Marauders must be related. Because, you know, we might not all have minor .'

'Yeah, you would n't want to be passing along any cistron, Prongs .'

'Better mine than yours, Padfoot .'

`` That 's why only Albus could do it ! '' John shouted.

Albus felt huge embossment from this. John and matte would be able to constitute Padfoot and Moony.

`` So really, only Henry James, Lily, Teddy, my dad, and I could get it open, '' Albus said.

'The rest of you must be Gryffindor boys, because we want you to be like us .'

'Lily wo n't like that, Prongs .'

'I know, Moony, but Lily does n't know about this. I do n't plan on telling her, either .'

`` Guess that counts out my sister, '' Albus commented.

'So, now you 've proven that you know the piranha. Your next step is to examine that you are the succeeding Marauders .'

The ink slowly faded once again until the parchment was as blank as before.

Albus stared at it for a few import, thinking about what he had just found out. The map was n't going to mould yet. He had been so sure enough that all they 'd make to do was prove they knew the Marauders. But now they had yet another matter to do. They had to prove that they were the next marauder. How were they going to do that ?

`` That was uncanny, '' John said.

`` I 'll say, '' Matt agreed, `` They did n't even really tell us what it was a map of. ``

`` Yeah, they just said they wanted to make indisputable they 'd never leave Hogwarts. Like the map is a part of them, '' John replied.

`` To be honest, it sounds a bit like a Horcrux, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, but it 's not like they put their souls in there, Rose, '' Albus pointed out. `` It 's like the piranha 's Map. It 's just enchanted. ``

`` I still wish we knew what it was a map of, '' John muttered, `` I mean, this is n't evenhandedly ! We spend hebdomad getting those paw photographic print and we still have n't figured the map out. ``

`` I knew you 'd have to do something like this, '' Rose said, `` Otherwise it would n't matter if there were four of you to represent the Marauders. If it was just this, Albus could have done the whole thing himself. ``

She made a good point. Albus had n't really thought about that, but it was admittedly. They had to do something that required each of them to represent one of the Marauders.

`` I guess we 've got to leaven we are the Marauders, then, '' Albus said, `` Wonder what that involves. ``

`` Maybe we 've got to do something the marauder would take done, '' matte suggested.

`` Like become illegal Animagi ? '' John grinned mischievously.

`` No ! '' flatness sighed, `` I told you, you 're not doing that ! ``

`` I do n't think that 's it, '' blush wine began, `` How would you go about proving to a piece of theme that you 're illegal Animagi ? ``

`` Maybe we 've got to pull a huge prank or something, '' Albus said.

`` Again, how would you demonstrate that to the map ? '' Rose asked.

`` wellspring, does anyone hold any other ideas ? '' Albus asked.

`` We 'll think of something, '' Amanda said, `` I mean, there 's got to be a way. ``

`` Of row their is ! '' rose wine said, `` We 've just got to go to the library and see if we can receive anything there. ``

`` We ca n't do anything anyway until you 've got that Sileo Altus appealingness down, pink wine, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Right, '' Rose replied, `` It 's coming along well. I just need to get some drill. Anyone want to be my tester ? ``

`` I will ! '' John shouted and jumped up out of his chair.

`` Ok, come here, '' pink wine got up and went to the early side of the room.

Albus watched as the two of them worked. number 1, they had to think up a secret, which took a unspoilt bit of time. John finally suggested that the mystic be 'Filch likes to trip the light fantastic toe in the Moon with a recollective handle mop with frankfurter Sinatra music playing in the background knowledge .'

Albus burst out laughing at that. `` Filch ? dancing ? ``

`` Yes, '' John said in a sober tint, `` I saw him once. He was rubbing the mop head to his case and had on a look of pure joy. ``

`` And soon you wo n't be able to assure anyone about it, '' Amanda grinned. `` What a disgrace. ``

`` Yes, it is, is n't it ? '' can laughed. `` You lot can still spread it around, though. ``

`` Ok, john, let 's try it, '' rose wine said.

Rose pointed her wand at herself and recited the charm that would make her the confidential keeper. Then, she pointed her wand at John and said a slightly unlike charm.

`` Now you say the mystical, toilet. ``

`` Filch likes to dance in the moonlight with a longsighted handle mop with Frank Sinatra music playing in the backdrop, '' John smirked.

`` commodity, '' Rose replied and then performed another charm on John. `` I 'm not gear up to try including former citizenry yet, so trick will only be capable to talk about Filch 's little riding habit to me. ``

rose wine waved her wand around in an intricate traffic pattern and then said one last incantation. She lowered her verge and stared at St. John. Then she turned to face Albus.

`` There. Now you can try asking him about it, Albus. ``

Albus grinned, `` All right wing. So, whoremaster, heard anything interesting about Filch lately ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' St. John shouted, `` Actually, just the former night I saw him and he was- '' bathroom 's mouth continued moving but no sound was coming out of it.

Albus and Amanda burst out laughing. John looked like a angle out of body of water. `` I think it worked ! '' Albus shouted.

blush wine was staring at John with a little look of dashing hopes. `` Not quite. He was n't even supposed to be able to move his oral cavity. You know, in guinea pig hoi polloi can study rim. I guess it 's a scratch, though. ``

`` Definitely. I mean, this is a really raise magical spell. You ca n't have expected to get it on the first of all try, '' Albus pointed out. Although, he did kind of think Rose expected to get it on the first try.

`` I suppose, '' rosiness sighed, `` I 'll just undo it. ``

Rose waved her wand around and muttered some more incantations. `` Ok, he should be able to talk about it now. ``

`` Heard anything funny about Filch recently ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he likes to dance with a long handle mop by Moon while hot dog Sinatra plays in the background, '' John the Evangelist told her.

`` aspect like the countercharm worked, '' Albus said.

`` But that 's not even what we 'll need, '' Rose pointed out, `` We 're not going to perform the countercharm on Kaden. Not for another few years at least. ``

`` Yeah, but it 's lucky for St. John that it worked, '' Albus grinned, `` Otherwise he would n't be able to ploughshare Filch 's secret joys of life. ``

******

Over the next few Clarence Shepard Day Jr., John actually did share that Filch liked to dance with a hanker handgrip mop by the moonshine with dog Sinatra performing in the background. All he had to do was observe it to a few other Gryffindors at meal times and the bit of rumourmonger was soon spreading throughout the shoal. The reactions from students ranged from hysteric laugh to raised eyebrows to exclaiming of 'Who the netherworld is dog Sinatra ?'Albus could n't facilitate but simper every time he heard his fellow students mentioning the story.

Filch, on the early deal, was actively trying to find the culprit. There was n't really any point, since he would n't be able-bodied to find who started it, but he tried. He spent the mean solar day prowling the halls and listening in on students'conversations, trying to find out any sort of info regarding the false story. Whenever the students noticed him, they would burst out laughing, which would have Filch to initiate muttering about 'rotten students'and 'ought to whip them all'.

Filch 's main defendant was Kaden, which Albus found kind of funny. Kaden of course had laughed the loudest when he heard the story. Since Filch had developed an intense disapproval for Kaden since their detention calendar month ago, he gave Kaden minatory stares every time Kaden passed him in the corridors. Kaden just found this funny, since he knew St. John had invented the story.

The story about Filch provided a decent break from the vivid poring over that all the students were occupied with. Like usual, the teacher had increased the homework after the holidays. Albus was well-chosen it was n't yet his O.W.L. year and he could n't imagine how he would manage to grapple with that in three suddenly years. Along with preparation, Albus also had Quidditch and dueling practice session. Both Georgia and Kate had increased exercise clock time in order to prepare for the upcoming peer and tourney. The third base dueling tournament was to charter place the first gear weekend of February and Quidditch on the stick to weekend. Albus now had Quidditch praxis on Mon, Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Dueling exercise were as common, not required, but were now not only on Wednesday, but on Fri as well. The only day Albus had off was Sunday, which did n't feed much time for him to try and figure out how to evidence he was like the Marauders to the new map.

The morning of the Dueling tournament was cold, snowy, and blustery. Albus was very happy the Quidditch match was n't that day. He got up a few hours before the tournament started and went down to breakfast with his friends.

`` I ca n't wait until I can duel adjacent class, '' Kaden said in between bite of egg.

`` It 's not really as aplomb as it 's made out to be, '' John commented, `` A lot of waiting around time during tournament. ``

`` That 's because there 's so many of us, '' Rose explained, `` In the fixture Dueling Club, the one that you can only be in if you 're fifth year or above, not everyone gets on the teams. It 's like Quidditch and you have to try out. ``

`` That sounds better, '' John said, `` But I do n't make love if I 'd build the team. ``

`` I know I would n't, '' Amanda replied.

`` You 're getting punter, '' Albus assured her, `` You might make it by the time you 're a fifth class. ``

`` Yeah, that 's the compass point of the Junior 's ball club, '' Rose said, `` So you can get better. They do n't expect us all to be skilful duelers. ``

`` Albus is, '' Amanda grinned, `` He 's superb. ``

Albus felt his grimace turn red, `` Well, I 'm not that great ... I mean, there are loads of people who are safe than me. ``

`` Not on our squad, '' Amanda continued, `` He 's stupefy almost everyone on the squad. ``

`` Yeah, everyone except Malfoy, '' Albus muttered. He still had n't managed to beat Malfoy during their recitation duels.

`` That 's good, though ! '' blush wine sighed, `` You 're both splendid dueler, so you 've got a expert team ! ``

Albus shrugged. He kind of would rather just be able to pound Malfoy than beat the other team, but he did n't mention anything about it.

Albus and his friends continued their talk of the town about dueling throughout breakfast and as they sat around the common elbow room afterwards. Soon, it was meter for them to go down to the dueling chamber for the tournament.

They passed Filch on their way down the step, and he was muttering to himself as usual.

`` Damn kids ... better when Umbridge was around ... wonder if she 'll come back ... she 'd let me blister them ... ''

`` I swear he 's gotten more mad over the year, '' whoremonger muttered to Albus as they passed him.

`` Dad says he 's getting senile, '' Albus whispered back.

The dueling chamber was packed with student, just like the preceding two tournament. Albus and Amanda squeezed their way through the crowd to their common tabular array, where their team was sitting.

`` Hi Albus, Amanda, '' Kate greeted them. `` Ready to win ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned.

The tourney got under way a few minute later. It was much like the past two tournaments, with a lot of sitting around time. Albus was happy that he and Amanda were on the same team so they were capable to talk to each early in between duel.

Albus won both of his duels, just like the last two tourney. So did Malfoy and once again, Albus found that he was sort of happy and kind of angry about that. Amanda won one of her duel, which Albus was very happy about. He knew half her dueling issues were from boldness and the fact that she thought she would n't do well.

pink wine, St. John, and lustrelessness each won one of their duels as well. Albus clapped for them even though they were on other teams, which earned him public eye from Malfoy. Albus did n't worry, though. Malfoy could sulk as long as he wanted, it was n't going to lay off Albus from cheering for his friends.

The point were tallied after the net affaire d'honneur and lavatory 's squad was declared the succeeder. Albus was slightly disappointed, but there were still three to a greater extent tournaments before the last. Harry announced the full stop totals for the full year and rose 's squad was in first place so far. In second gear was the squad led by Hufflepuff Saint Paul Galivant and in tertiary was John the Divine 's team, led by Albus 's cousin Bradley.

Albus did n't conceive that the inter-house dueling was decreasing the contention between houses. Albus was n't anymore fond of the Slytherins than he had been in the rootage of the twelvemonth. None of the Slytherins really got along with the Gryffindors on his team, and vice versa. He was n't exactly sure how it was working with the regular dueling guild, but he had overheard Francis Edgar Stanley complaining about how uncooperative the Slytherins on his team were. But that was months ago and he did n't know what had been going on with it recently.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and mischiefmaker09 for their reviews !

I wrote my get-go Marauders Era story, Side Effects May Include Gratitude and Feelings of well Being, which is a one-shot from madam Pomfrey 's gunpoint of horizon. It 's on my author Sir Frederick Handley Page, if you 're interested. I 'd love it if you read and reviewed it !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


mat 's birthday was a few twenty-four hours after the Dueling Tournament. Albus and his friend did n't throw him a party like they had hold up year. That had mostly been done to cheer him up since he had been in the Hospital fender at the meter. This year they went down to the kitchens and got a cake, and then ate it in their dorm room. Kaden went with him and was amazed by the kitchens, with all the house-elves around. His response was fishy to watch than Amanda 's the premature year. He stood there with his mouth half open and then ran around grabbing as a lot intellectual nourishment as possible.

By the fourth dimension the Quidditch peer arrived the following Sat, Albus was utterly exhausted. Between Quidditch practice and prep, he hardly had anytime to sleep. give in a head trip down to the kitchens for mat 's birthday after Quidditch practice the early nighttime, and Albus was quick to sleep through an intact day.

Albus yawned, got out of bed, and looked out the window. He had been hoping that the raging snowstorm would have let up, but it had n't. Wonderful, he thought, James would n't be catching the sneak quickly in this weather.

A few hours later, Albus bade his friends goodbye and headed down to the changing way at the Quidditch pitch. His protagonist had bundled themselves up in as much scarlet and gold clothing as they owned and were gear up to cower against the howling wind for a few hours of Quidditch. can, Matt, and Amanda did n't seem to mind the weather at all and were excited about the peer. Rose, on the other hand, clearly would have rather spent the afternoon in the rook studying. Kaden still liked football better than Quidditch and Albus had a feeling he would n't have minded the storm if he was watching a football game game.

`` Ok ! '' Georgia shouted a few minutes after Albus entered the changing rooms, `` Everyone ejaculate over here ! ``

`` I know the atmospheric condition is n't nonesuch, '' Georgia began once everyone was gathered around her, `` But we 've played in worse than this ! ``

`` Yeah, if you count that flood we played in during tertiary year, '' Fred muttered, `` But early than that .... ''

Georgia glared at Fred, `` Anyway, we 're playing Hufflepuff, so we 'll win. harper 's still captain, but it 's her close class, so she 'll be abruptly set on getting the Cup. That means she 'll have trained her team even harder. They 've got a new Keeper, though. someone named Tanner Royce. He 's a fifth class. Other than him, the squad 's the Same as terminal year. So, with that, get out there and kick some badger ass ! ``

Albus grinned to himself as he picked up his broom and started to walk to the room access. Sakartvelo was a heavy master, but was n't much for long curve oral communication.

`` Albus, '' Georgia whispered and put her hand on his shoulder.

`` Yeah ? ``

`` You 're, er, less nervous this mates, right ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus smiled, remembering how he had told her he was extremely nervous the hold out match. In realism, he 'd been too preoccupied with the new map. sure as shooting, he 'd been a little nervous, but not as much as Peach State thought he had been. This equal, however, he was n't nearly as distracted, although he still was a bit spooky. `` I 'm a bit nervous, but not as a great deal. ``

`` commodity, '' Georgia grinned and walked out the doorway and onto the pitch.

Albus followed his cousin onto the pitch and was immediately hit by the forceful winds that were prevailing.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff match ! '' Todd Kathryn Elizabeth Smith 's voice sounded over the pitch. It sounded faint and form of far away in the wind. `` It 's bloody cold out here so let 's realize it straightaway !

`` Here are the Gryffindors ! senior pilot Georgia Weasley, followed by Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James Potter, Tom Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, and Scots heather Weasley !

`` And the Hufflepuffs ! Captain Jessica harper, followed by Shawn Ames, Lisa Galivant, Andy Kaper, Stacey Manson, Anna Reilly, and Tanner Royce ! ``

prof Oteski motioned for Georgia and Harper to stir manus and as soon as they did so, Albus and the sleep of the players rose into the air. Oteski released the balls and Heather immediately took self-possession of the Quaffle.

`` And heather 's got the Quaffle ! She passes to Fred, then back to Heather, and to Albus. ``

Albus caught the Quaffle and started flying towards the Hufflepuff goals. He was amazed that he had actually caught it since the atmospheric condition was so awful. He could hardly see two feet in front of him. His robes were already soaked with snow and ice and he was frigidly cold. Nevertheless, he kept flying towards the end until he had to break off short and toss the Quaffle back to Heather, since he almost flew unbowed into an oncoming Hufflepuff chaser.

broom caught the Quaffle and flew it the rest of the way to the end. She threw it in and it easily went past Hufflepuff 's new Keeper.

`` Goal ! Ten-zero Gryffindor ! Now hurry up and trip up that stoolie, James ! I 'm freezing my bloody- ''

`` Smith ! '' Patil shouted, `` keep an eye on your language ! ``

`` Sorry, Professor. ``

The Quaffle was now back in frolic and was in Hufflepuff willpower. Albus was n't even trusted which chaser had it, but he knew it was a Hufflepuff. Whichever Hufflepuff had the Quaffle managed to take it to the Gryffindor goal, but Empire State of the South saved it.

Fred took the Quaffle and flew it back to the other end of the sales pitch, scoring another destination for Gryffindor.

The game continued this way for the future half hour. Hufflepuff managed to score two finish, but Gryffindor scored about eight. Albus currently had the Quaffle and was flying straight at the Hufflepuff goals.

He narrowly avoided a bludger and both Hufflepuff beaters, but soon he was within throwing distance of the destination. He faked to the right hand and then threw the Quaffle at the left hoop. Royce tried to save it, but he was n't agile enough.

`` Goal ! Albus thrower has scored against Hufflepuff ! The score is now 90-20 Gryffindor ! ``

Albus was ecstatic. That was the first goal he had ever scored in a Quidditch compeer. Up until now, all he 'd done were assist. Albus took a triumph lap around the slant and then caught the Quaffle from Calluna vulgaris.

Albus managed to score another goal and heather mixture scored two Sir Thomas More in the side by side half hour of the match. Hufflepuff scored a few more goals, but were still far behind. By now, Albus was sure he had turned into an icicle and was getting a bit sick of flying around in the common cold. He was even getting a bit of a headache from it. Albus was n't even sure if he 'd roll in the hay if James or Galivant caught the Snitch, due to the increasingly bad visibleness and snow. The blizzard seemed to be getting spoiled by the minute. If Hogwarts actually called off Quidditch, they would have called it off a spell ago.

A few arcminute later, cheers broke out in the stands and Albus was surely someone must have caught the Snitch. He was very felicitous to land his Scots heather and knew he 'd be even happier when he finally got into the warmly usual room.

The rest of his squad was shouting in hilarity and were surrounding James. He must deliver caught the Snitch, Albus thought. The rest of the Gryffindors were swarming the pitch and soon King James I was lifted onto a few people 's shoulders. Albus joined the throng of his house and started his way back to the castling.

On his way back to the common room, numerous people stopped him in Holy Order to pride him on the win. Albus was thrilled that they had won, but all he really wanted to do was line up his friends and get into some warm robes. Jesse James loved the care he got after winning a Quidditch friction match, but Albus could get it or entrust it. Right now, he could bequeath it since his headache was getting risky.

The party in the vernacular room was just getting started when Albus entered a few minutes later. Someone must take snuck down to the kitchens because there was an entire table filled with intellectual nourishment. Someone else had obviously gotten into Hogsmeade because just about everyone had a butterbeer in their hand.

individual shoved a butterbeer into Albus 's helping hand as he made his way through the crowd. James was in the thick of it as usual and was rehashing how he caught the Snitch.

`` And I saw it lurking near one of the finish posts. Galivant was on the other end of the pitching, so I knew she had no hope ... '' James River was saying to a twain of giggling girls.

The rest of the team was nearby and were digging into the food that was on one of the tables.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Georgia shouted as he passed, `` I knew you could get over those cheek ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled as he went up the stairs to his dormitory.

Albus quickly changed out of his cold, wet robe and felt a bit better afterwards. He went back down to the plebeian room and it was even entire than before. It looked like all the Gryffindors had returned from the pitch and the company was in fully swing.

Albus found his friends sitting at their usual tabular array and they all seemed to be enjoying the party.

`` Albus ! '' whoremonger shouted as Albus sat down, `` Brilliant playing ! ``

`` Definitely, '' Matt agreed.

`` You 're quite a good pursuer, Albus, '' Rose said, `` Although I honestly do n't hump why they did n't cancel the equal with this blizzard ... ''

`` Cancel the match ? '' John stared at her, `` Never ! ``

`` If it was football, it would 've been canceled, '' Kaden commented.

`` Yeah, because you would n't be able to run around in two understructure of snow, '' John laughed, `` But Quidditch is in the air, so it does n't matter. ``

`` Will you two just relinquish arguing about football ? '' rose sighed.

`` Just trying to turn Kaden into a right mavin, '' John shrugged.

`` Quidditch is hardly the definition of a proper sensation, '' Rose said, `` I believe potion brewing is a bit more important and I 'm trusted Kaden could teach you a thing about it, Mr. Exploding Potions. ``

`` That was Goyle 's faulting, '' John muttered.

`` Why do n't all three of you just drop by the wayside arguing ? '' Albus snapped. His psyche was pounding and listening to his friends'arguing was not helping.

`` What 's with you ? '' St. John the Apostle asked, `` We 're not fighting anymore than rule. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to do that he 's been flying around in a blizzard for the past times two hours ? '' blush wine suggested, `` If they 'd just have canceled the match- ''

`` They do n't scrub Quidditch ! '' John shouted and then turned to matte, `` You understand this, do n't you ? ``

`` It 's true, '' matt agreed, `` Quidditch is n't ever canceled for trivial affair like blizzard. ``

`` I think the weather condition just makes it more interesting, '' Amanda commented.

`` Not you too ! '' rose wine groaned.

`` football game 's only played in the warm month anyway, '' Kaden said, `` They would n't even schedule an outdoor football game peer in the winter. ``

`` wellspring that 's slow, '' john replied.

Albus leaned his head on his script and closed his optic while trying to drown out his champion conversation. trick, Rose, and Kaden continued to argue about the merits of Quidditch and football. Matt and Amanda stayed out of it for the to the highest degree part and seemed variety of amused with the entire thing. Albus was n't, though. He wished they 'd just shut up. Albus 's head was steadily feeling worse, like he was being hit with a bludger over and over again. Besides that, he still had n't completely warmed up from the lucifer and was shivering, despite his dry robes.

`` I think football would be a decent sport if it were played on ling, '' can said.

`` Oh come on, toilet ! '' Rose sighed, `` Be sober ! You ca n't encounter football on brooms. How would you kick the ball ? ``

`` Not to name that Muggles wager football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Muggles ca n't fly ! ``

`` I 'm not saying that Muggles should wager football on ling. I meant if football were ever played by thaumaturgist, it should be done on brooms. ``

Football on brooms, Albus thought, what an insane estimate. His Friend were now trying to fuse football and Quidditch.

`` Albus, are you all right ? '' Matt asked.

Albus opened his heart and lifted his head off his script. `` I dunno. ``

`` You do n't look that great, '' Matt said concernedly.

John, Rose, and Kaden stopped arguing and looked at Albus.

`` Yeah, you look worse than flatness does when he gets ill, '' Kaden said loudly.

`` Thanks, '' mat muttered.

`` Matt 's right, '' Rose said, `` You do look frightful, Albus. ``

`` I 've got a headache, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You should go see brothel keeper Pomfrey, '' Kaden told him.

`` I think I 'll just go to bed, '' Albus got up from his chair, `` I have n't really slept much the past times few nights. I 'm probably just tired. ``

Albus stumbled over to the dormitory threshold, feeling regretful than he had a few moment ago. He collapsed into his bed and fell asleep minutes later.

******

Albus awoke with a start and he was n't indisputable how a good deal prison term had passed since he went to sleep. He still felt extremely tired and his straits still hurt. He groaned and closed his center again, wanting only to sleep for a few mean solar day straight.

rightfield when he was about to freewheel off again, someone threw the drapery back and Albus 's bed was flooded in light.

`` Ugh, '' Albus groaned and covered his optic with his hands. `` What was that for ? ``

`` You 've slept almost an intact day, '' someone said.

Albus moved his hands and slowly opened his middle. St. John was standing over his bed with a look of concern on his face.

`` And I 'd wish to sleep a bit more if you do n't mind, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You slept through dinner party last Nox, and breakfast and dejeuner today. Are n't you hungry ? ``

`` Not really. ``

`` Are you sure you 're ok ? '' John asked, `` blush wine sent me up here to chink on you. ``

Honestly, Albus was n't indisputable he was ok. He could n't retrieve the go time he had slept an intact day. But right now all he wanted was for lav to go away so he could slumber some more.

`` I 'll be OK once I sleep some more, '' Albus replied and rolled over away from John.

`` If you 're sure, '' can said quietly and closed the curtains.

It did n't take Albus long to come down back asleep. He had some strange dreams that involved slip telling him his ling broke and he 'd deliver to play Quidditch without it by running around on the dry land. Then, instead of a Quaffle, the match was played with a football.

Albus woke up briefly after one of these aspiration, only to find that the dormitory was dark. He could hear Ethan 's muffled snoring and an owl hooting international. Unfortunately, he did n't feel any safe than he had when St. John woke him up. In fact, he now felt worse. Every one of his brawn were aching, like he had fallen from his ling during the lucifer. But Albus could n't recall falling from his broom. When had the lucifer been anyway ? Yesterday or the day before ? Albus could n't level remember and he did n't even know what day it was currently.

`` Albus ! '' somebody shouted. Albus was dreaming about Quidditch again and someone was hitting him with their beater 's bat.

`` Quit it, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Albus, are you all right ? ``

`` Go away, '' Albus said, `` And stop smacking me with that beater 's bat. ``

`` Beater 's bat ? '' they repeated, `` That 's it, I 'm getting Professor potter. ``

`` I 'll go, '' someone else said, `` You stay here with him. ``

Whoever had been hitting Albus with the bat had stopped, and he was grateful. Georgia had taken the bat away and was now yelling at its possessor. Then she announced that they would be playing football instead of Quidditch. Epistle of James complained loudly, since there were n't any seeker in football.

`` Albus, wake up ! ``

`` I think Kaden said you 'll induce to encounter defence force, William James, '' Albus mumbled in his sopor. `` There is n't a canary in football game. ``

`` Hang on, Albus, John 's getting your dad. ``

`` My dad ? He 'll throw to flirt defense, too. ``

`` What 's faulty ? '' someone new shouted.

`` He 's been sleeping since after the match, prof thrower. I think he 's sick. ``

`` Since after the peer ? ``

`` Er, yeah. We thought he was just tired, but he 's been sleeping for two days. ``

`` The match ? '' Albus muttered, `` Did we beat Slytherpuff yet ? ``

Albus felt himself being lifted out of his bed and into person 's arms. He rested his head on their berm and shivered as his blanket fell back onto the bed. Albus fell back into a deep eternal rest and next woke up as he was being laid down on another bed.

Albus heard people talking all around him, but he could n't make out what they were saying. mortal poured a few disgusting potions down his throat and forced him to swallow them. There was more muttering around him, but Albus soon drifted off to kip again.

The room was quieter when Albus next woke up. He opened his eyes and looked around. Where was he ? Albus was certain he had fallen asleep in his dormitory room, but now it looked as if he was in the Hospital offstage. The place was nearly deserted, save for Madam Pomfrey sitting at her desk. Albus yawned and tried to sit up, but he was still dizzy. The effective thing was that his head felt much dependable. However, his eubstance still ached.

Madam Pomfrey looked up from her desk and got up once she saw that Albus was awake. She grabbed a few bottles and put them on a tray, which she then carried over to Albus 's bed and set it on the bedside table.

`` trade good, you 're up, '' Madam Pomfrey said as she poured one of the potions into a cup, `` You gave us all quite a fright. ``

`` What time is it ? '' Albus asked, still confused about what he was doing there.

`` Just after six o'clock. ``

`` Er, and what day ? ``

`` Monday, '' the nurse said as she thrust the cup under Albus 's nose, `` Drink that. ``

Albus downed the potion quickly, `` Yuck. It 's really Monday ? I 've missed form ? ``

`` I 'd say so. ``

`` Er, what exactly happened ? I mean, I went to bed in my student residence and now I 'm here ... ''

`` You 're ill, '' madam Pomfrey said, `` You 've caught the flu. Your booster told me you slept for almost two daytime and then they went to get your father since you were n't getting any adept and had started becoming delirious. You 've been here since around lunch time. ``

`` Oh. well, how foresightful do I have to continue ? ``

`` Another two Clarence Day, probably, '' lady Pomfrey told him. `` Now I want you to imbibe these former two potions and eat that arena of soup. ``

Albus nodded and Madam Pomfrey strode back over to her desk. Albus thought back and could vaguely think of being taken out of his dormitory, but it was only a blurred memory. The lastly thing he could really retrieve well was the Quidditch match. He was very happy he had n't fallen ill before the match.

No Oklahoman had Albus drank the first potion that the threshold to the infirmary fender swung overt and whoremaster, Matt, Rose, and Amanda came bursting through. madam Pomfrey got up quickly from her desk and met them halfway.

`` Is Albus awake ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yes, he 's only just woken up. I suppose you can visit him for a few moment. But calmly ! He needs to rest ! ``

`` Albus ! '' Rose shrieked when she ran over to his bed, `` Thank pigeon hawk you 're all right ! ``

`` How are you ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Doing better ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

`` well, '' Matt said with a one-half grinning on his picket face, `` This is a electric switch. ``

Albus grinned at him, `` Yeah, ca n't really think of a clip where it was you visiting me here. ``

`` What exactly have you got anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Flu, '' Albus answered, `` But I 'm getting better. Not nearly as tired as before. ``

`` I would hope so, '' John smirked, `` You slept two days. ``

`` I 'll probably catch some Z's another two, '' Albus said, `` Pomfrey said I 've got to rest another two Clarence Day. ``

`` We 'll be here together, then, '' Matt replied.

Albus looked at his friend, who was looking a bit exhausted himself. `` When 's the full moon again ? ``

`` Tomorrow, '' matt sighed.

`` Did you accept that new potion ? '' Albus asked.

mat nodded, `` Yeah, and I 'm more knackered than usual. ``

`` He fell asleep in History of legerdemain and almost fell asleep in Potions, '' John said.

`` Well, you did n't sleep through two hale twenty-four hour period like I did, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I 've done it before. I 've slept through more than two days actually. I think four is my disc. ``

`` All right ! '' Madam Pomfrey announced, `` Time for you lot to be off to bed, especially you, Matt. And Albus needs to rest. ``

`` See you tomorrow, '' Albus said as his Quaker left the room.

`` Sure will, '' lusterlessness replied.

Albus slept on and off throughout the Nox and the succeeding morning. He was still tired, but felt much better when he woke up late the succeeding morning. His dad had stopped by earlier before social class, but Albus fell back asleep after he left.

ma'am Pomfrey was fussing over him and giving him legion potions to drink. Albus was the only patient in the entire Mrs. Humphrey Ward, so the nurse 's fussing was all focused on him.

The nurse had been giving Albus what must have been his tenth glass of water that morning when the doorway to the ward opened. matte stumbled inside and walked shakily over to the bed next to Albus 's. He collapsed onto it and winced in pain.

Madam Pomfrey immediately put down the water mound and descended upon matte.

`` You 're here earlier than usual, '' she said as she felt his fountainhead, `` And you 're burning up. ``

`` Why are you here earlier ? '' Albus asked once Madam Pomfrey had gone to get another potion.

`` Tired, '' Matt mumbled, `` Fell asleep in Defense and your dad told me to descend here. ``

`` Is it the new potion ? ``

`` Yeah, it does n't exactly aid much, does it ? ``

`` I thought you said they were going to find something to countercheck the part of it that makes you tire, '' Albus said.

`` They are, they just have n't found it yet. ``

`` Oh. ``

brothel keeper Pomfrey returned a moment later and gave lusterlessness a few potions. He drank them and was asleep minutes later. Albus was n't really play out, but he fell asleep anyway out of lack of anything else to do.

Saint John the Apostle, Rose, and Amanda stopped by after dinner party to see Albus and lusterlessness, but Madam Pomfrey did n't let them rest long. matt had been deceased anyway. Shortly after their ally left, Madam Pomfrey woke lusterlessness up and took him down to the Whomping Wilow.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Moonylupin, potterfan296, Miguel, Gospel According to Luke, and Denas for their brushup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus awoke the next sunrise, he felt much better. In fact, he felt mostly formula. He was n't achy anymore and his head felt better as well. He hungrily ate all the breakfast lady Pomfrey provided.

The Saame could n't be said for Matt, who was looking much worse than the previous day. He was either asleep or unconscious, Albus was betting on the latter, and he had legion swing and scar on his facial expression. His right arm and forehead were covered in a large bandages.

`` So when can I leave ? '' Albus asked as brothel keeper Pomfrey performed some kind of spell on Matt.

`` Later today, most likely, '' she said after she 'd finished her incantation.

Albus sighed. He had been hoping he 'd be able-bodied to get out that daybreak. He was starting to palpate incredibly bored with the Hospital fender, although not bored enough to set about the prep rosiness had brought the premature evening.

Albus spent the residual of the morning drifting in and out of sopor out of lack of anything else to do. madam Pomfrey gave him a few more filthy savoring potions and lunch, which Albus ate ravenously. After going two days without food, he was starving.

The doors to the Hospital backstage opened just as Albus was finishing his tiffin. john, rosiness, and Amanda walked inside and immediately headed for Albus 's bed. dame Pomfrey was in her office and did n't appear to notice the visitors.

`` Hey, how are you ? '' rosebush asked.

`` Bored, '' Albus replied.

`` That 's good, '' rose wine grinned.

`` Are you better now ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Pretty a great deal. Madam Pomfrey wo n't let me leave until later, though. wishing she 'd let me leave now. ``

`` She just wants to form sure you 're completely better, '' pink wine said, `` And it 's not like you 're missing class since this is our afternoon off. ``

`` Exactly ! '' John sighed, `` He could be doing a good deal dependable poppycock on his afternoon off if he was n't here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Like figuring out the new map. ``

`` How are we going to do that anyway ? '' can asked.

`` Go to the depository library, '' Albus replied, `` We 've got to look for ways of proving who we are. ``

John groaned, `` And I doubt there will just be a book titled Prove Who You Are to a art object of Parchment. ``

`` Probably not, '' rosebush laughed. `` But we 'll find out somehow. ``

`` devising anymore progress on the appeal for Kaden ? '' Albus asked.

`` A bit, yeah. I tried it again last night on John and this meter he could n't even locomote his rima oris like last sentence. Now I 've just got to figure out how to require other citizenry in the mystery. ``

`` And then all we 've got to do is convince Matt that the charm is foolproof, '' John said.

Everyone glanced over at lusterlessness 's bed, where he was still sleeping.

`` He been asleep all day ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Ever since I 've been awake. ``

Matt groaned and opened his eyes, `` You lot here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John Lackland replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` Horrible, '' flatness said flatly, `` My top dog is killing me. Were you talking about me ? ``

`` A bit, '' St. John said, `` Just about that appealingness for Kaden. We 're going to get working on the map once you two are out of here. Got to find some way to try to it that we 're like the piranha. ``

`` Sounds full, '' mat yawned.

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked, `` Albus is leaving later today. ``

`` No melodic theme, '' Matt said, `` Not until at least tomorrow night. mightiness be out in time for Astronomy. ``

`` Ca n't you not be outside when the moon is close to full ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Only when it 's waxing. When it 's waning I 'm fine. ``

`` So, we 'll plan on working on the map this weekend, then, '' Albus said. `` Unless any of you catch what I had. ``

`` hope not, '' john said. `` Maybe Malfoy will catch it, '' he added gleefully.

`` John, that 's not funny, '' Rose scolded, `` He 'd be really sick. ``

`` He 'd get better. Albus is amercement now. ``

Albus heard a door open and Madam Pomfrey came strolling out of her office. She looked up and saw the crowd around Albus and flatness 's seam and made a beeline for them.

`` What are you lot doing here ? '' she demanded.

`` Visiting Albus and Matt, '' Rose answered.

`` Oh, you 're awake ! '' the nanny exclaimed and went over to lustrelessness 's bed, apparently forgetting that blush wine, John, and Amanda had burst in without her permit. `` How do you sense ? ``

`` Awful, '' Matt replied. `` My head distress and so does pretty much everything else. ``

`` You must have hit your head much worse than common last night, '' lady Pomfrey sighed, `` You had quite the concussion earlier. I 'll go get some pain potions. ``

She returned a minute later with a potion for matte, who drank it in one gulp.

`` Now, you three have to leave, '' Madam Pomfrey said to Rose, John the Divine, and matte, `` Albus will be out later and you can see him then. ``

Boredom set in for Albus shortly after his friends left. matt had fallen back asleep quickly after he took his botheration potion. Albus could n't even sleep anymore because he had already slept so a great deal that day.

******

`` What are we supposed to be looking for anyway ? '' can sighed as he slammed a book shut.

Albus, John the Evangelist, Matt, rose wine, and Amanda were all crowded around a seclude tabular array in the library. It was covered in books that covered all sorts of topic. The five of them had spent the last hour searching for ways to turn out to the new map that they were like the Marauders. So far, nobody had found anything utile.

`` I do n't jazz, '' Albus replied, `` Anything that might raise that we 're like the Marauders. ``

`` That 's not very specific, '' John muttered, `` I really do n't want to spend an full Sabbatum here. ``

`` It 'll do you some estimable, '' rose said.

`` regard we could just use that book that you used to bump the former spell, '' Albus said to Rose, thinking of Flitwick 's book.

`` Me too, but it 's in the Restricted department, '' rose said.

`` Why ca n't we just get Professor Potter to give us a note ? Bet he would, '' John said.

`` Bet he would n't, '' Albus disagreed, `` He 'd acknowledge we 're up to something. ``

`` Besides, '' Rose interjected, `` It might not be a appealingness we 're looking for. ``

`` We 're just going to have to keep back looking, '' Albus said as he opened another Holy Scripture. `` But I 've got Quidditch practice in a half hour. ``

`` We 'll just await every time we can get away from Kaden, '' mat suggested.

`` Where is he anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. Come to think of it, he had n't seen Kaden since breakfast. It was form of foreign since Kaden spent every waking mo of his day ( when he was n't in class ) no less than four feet away from Albus.

`` There he is, '' mat pointed to somewhere behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw his cousin running through the program library with a clipboard in his hand.

`` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' dame Pince shouted even louder, `` Or I 'll throw you all out ! ``

`` Albus, '' Kaden said more quietly as he sat down in an empty chair at their table.

Albus eyed Kaden 's clipboard but he could n't read what it said. `` Hi Kaden. ``

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied, `` volition you sign my petition ? ``

`` Petition ? '' Albus asked, `` What in the epithet of Merlin are you petitioning for ? ``

`` TVs in the common room, '' Kaden grinned.

`` What ? ! '' whoremonger and matte shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' gentlewoman Pince screeched.

Rose laughed, `` What on Earth for ? ``

`` I would n't mind having a TV in the vulgar room, '' Amanda commented.

`` Exactly, '' Kaden said, `` It 's firmly enough for us Muggle-borns to adjust to Hogwarts and if we had TVs, it would puddle it easy. ``

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' John laughed.

`` Nope, not kidding, '' Kaden said, `` I 've got loads of signatures already. I 'm not really sure how many I 'll want, though. I figure I 'll try and get as many as I can in a few daylight and then give it to Professor Longbottom. ``

Albus tried to repress his smiling, but he could n't. The estimation of Kaden trying to get idiot box put into the usual way was just too comic. There would be no way any of the teacher would match to it even if everyone in Hogwarts signed the petition.

`` So will you signalise it ? '' Kaden asked, `` If this goes through, I 'll try for information processing system next. ``

`` computing machine, '' mat laughed, `` You 're mad. ``

`` I 'll signalise, '' Amanda grabbed the clipboard and quill.

`` Sure, why not ? '' Albus shrugged. It could n't hurt to signalize the thing, and he was sure enough Kaden would n't hold back bugging them unless they did.

can and lusterlessness signed as well, although they were laughing the whole metre. Rose signed a bit reluctantly, but she eventually gave in.

`` So what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked after rose finished signing.

`` prep, '' Albus replied automatically.

Kaden stared at the gravid pile of books, `` bit yr must be blooming insane. ``

`` Oh, it is, '' john said, `` You wo n't have any time to take in any TV. ``

`` I 'll make prison term, '' Kaden said as he stood up, `` Well, I 'm going to get more signatures. ``

Albus watched as his cousin-german went from mesa to table trying to get mass to bless. Some of them liked the theme and signed willingly. Others laughed until Kaden gave up and others looked at him like he was crazy. Eventually, lady Pince found out what he was doing and threw him out of the library.

`` Your first cousin is the uncanny chap I 've ever met, '' John said after Kaden was kicked out.

`` Yeah, he is a bit strange, '' Albus agreed and closed the book he was reading, `` Well, I 'm off to practice session. I 'll see you lot later. ``

After practice, Albus went to the common room and found his friends sitting around their usual table doing preparation. Unfortunately, none of them had found anything that would assist them to try out that they were like the vulture. Albus was beginning to marvel if they 'd ever get that map working. Even if they did detect a way to prove they were like the Marauders, what would they have to do next ? How many things would they feature to do before they would actually be capable to see the map ? Albus had no idea, but he knew the marauder were n't going to make this easy.

******

The repose of February passed quickly. Albus and his acquaintance continued to abrade the subroutine library for any sort of magical spell, magic spell, or potion that would help them in their quest to reveal the map. None of them found anything. Kaden thought they were all doing prep as they searched the volume every weekend. rose wine was making progress with the Sileo Altus good luck charm, but it was n't quite perfected enough to use yet. rose wine was certain she 'd take in it learned by the end of the calendar month. Matt never said much when the good luck charm was brought up and Albus was hoping he would still agree to differentiate Kaden once blush wine perfected the magic spell.

Kaden 's prayer to induce tv set put into the uncouth room was rejected shortly after he gave it to Neville. Kaden did n't appear in the to the lowest degree bit deter by this. He insisted it was rejected due to lack of convincing evidence as to how the video would gain the educatee. He was planning on resubmitting it along with a detailed essay on the subject later on in the term.

`` You know, Kaden, '' Rose said at dinner one night, `` Even if the teachers accepted your petition, the televisions would n't even play here. There 's too much magic. ``

`` Oh, I 'm sure there 's a charm that would sabotage that, '' Kaden said.

`` It wo n't work, '' matte said, `` trick just does n't agree with electronics. This one meter when we were visiting my Uncle Jack-tar in the United commonwealth, Amy accidentally broke one of the metallic element sensing element at the airport. It was n't her defect or anything, the magic just interrupted it or something. The thing started beeping and would n't kibosh until they turned it off. ``

King John laughed, `` That would 've been hilarious to see. ``

`` Amy did n't think so. She was mortified, '' lusterlessness said, `` It was a patch ago, before we even moved here. I think she was 14. ``

`` Well, I still say they could encounter a way, '' Kaden said.

`` Hey, flavour, '' Albus pointed to the heading table. Professor Kendrick was standing up.

`` Wonder what he 's got to say ? '' John asked.

`` Hope it 's nothing bad, '' pink wine said.

`` He looks happy enough, '' Amanda commented.

`` May I have your tending ! '' Kendrick announced. The room fell silent. `` Thank you. Do n't worry, I 'm not giving out bad word. In fact, I think you 'll receive this promulgation most exciting. ``

There was a worldwide heart murmur of excitement throughout the Great vestibule at this. Kendrick waited for everyone to stop talking before he continued.

`` If you 'll call up at the beginning of the year, when I announced the variety for the Dueling Club, that that would only be one part of the household single cause. I am announcing today that the other professors and I have organized another single event. It will be a scavenger Leigh Hunt, with inter-house team, of course. ``

Albus groaned. A magpie Leigh Hunt would be fun, but not if he had to do it with Slytherins. Everyone else seemed to be in understanding, because there was a general groaning throughout.

`` I know you do n't like it, but the school day needs to be unified. Now, I will excuse the consequence. It will not be like a veritable scavenger hunt. It will take station on the next three Saturdays. This Sat will be for the first of all and s years. The pursuit will be for third and quaternary years. The cobbler's last will be for fifth part, sixth, and seventh years.

`` The other professors and I will be organizing the teams, which will lie in of members of former years and early sign. Each team will have about ten members. You will have one hour to dispatch the tasks given.

`` You will receive a list of token to obtain before this hour is up. There are rules, of course. Some of these items will be required to get without conjuring trick. We will be performing charms on these items and if we find that any of them were spelled, transfigured, conjured, charmed, etc. within the time of day they will be disqualified.

`` However, the scavenger hunt will not only include a listing of items to find out. You will also obtain multiple trivia sheets. These will let in both whiz and Muggle trivium.

`` Finally, each squad will get a conundrum, which if they deceiver correctly, will lead them on a quest throughout the palace and grounds. When you reach the end, there will be a bit of data that must be returned to me. If you are successful, you 'll get a 100 period bonus. However, there is also a false trail that will lead you to worthless information. If that is brought back, you 'll receive no bonus.

`` I will give you a more detailed list of rules on the day of the consequence. Until then, keep your brains sharp and do n't get rid of anything you would otherwise take for useless, '' Kendrick smiled and returned to his seat.

Albus turned to his friends, `` This sounds, er, interesting. ``

`` It 's really an excellent idea, '' rose grinned, `` I mean, there 's no way a single person would be able to achieve all of it alone. It 's a keen approximation for House unity. ``

`` It 'd be better if we did n't give birth to team up with Slytherins, '' lav muttered.

`` But what if there 's something on that list that 's in the Slytherin common room or something ? '' Rose pointed out.

John the Divine groaned, `` I guess you 're flop. ``

`` Sounds fun, though, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah. Wonder what we get if we win ? '' Matt asked.

`` Hopefully some coupons to get out of preparation or something, '' John said.

`` Since when have they given away those ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Now 's the consummate time for them to start, '' John replied.

`` I hope I 'm on your team, Albus, '' Kaden piped up.

`` That would be great, '' Albus smiled, and he actually meant it. It sounded like there was going to be a lot of random stuff on that list and if there was anyone in the school that had loads of random poppycock, it was Kaden.

******

The side by side few years seemed to drop back on forever for Albus and the eternal rest of the first and second years. Everyone was getting excited about the scavenger search and the instructor were getting a bit annoy that nobody was paying attending in class.

Soon enough, Saturday arrived and Kendrick announced at lunch for all the first of all and arcsecond days to persist seated after they were done eating. Once all the honest-to-god students left, Kendrick got to his feet once more.

`` Now, the bit you 've all been waiting for, '' Kendrick said, `` The scavenger James Henry Leigh Hunt will begin shortly. First, I have a few Thomas More rules to go over.

`` As I said earlier in the week, there are item on this list that are not allowed to be created using magic. You may not stir, transfigure, spell, or magical spell any of those items. Asking an older student to do so is also against the rules. We have turn that will detect if any detail was magicked during the hour of the scavenger hunt.

`` The item must be found within the school and yard. Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, the Whomping willow tree, and Hagrid 's hut are all out of bounds and you may not explore for detail in or around them. You may not ask older bookman or instructor for help, nor may you owl family penis or other hoi polloi. However, you may ask sr. pupil if they have any of the token on the list. It is up to them if they let you borrow them or not. Do not slip anything from anyone or there will be punishment. You are permitted to use the depository library for help with the trivia. ``

rosiness 's expression lit up at that and Albus knew she would be the prescribed library investigator for her team.

`` There are going to be eight teams of approximately ten students each. Your firm prefects have your team assignments. team one and two are to gather at the Hufflepuff table, one at each end. Teams three and four at the Gryffindor table, five and six at Ravenclaw, and seven and eight at Slytherin. You will be given a few minutes to get organized in your team and then the other professors will hand out the appropriate stuff. Each team is given one set of material, no more. If you lose it, tough fate. Now please see your prefects. ``

Albus got up from the tabular array and looked around until he spotted Peach State. He and his acquaintance wound their way through the gang until they managed to get to her.

`` Hey, Albus ! '' Georgia grinned and looked at her clipboard, `` quick ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm on a good team, right ? ``

`` wellspring, there are Slytherins on all the squad, if that 's what you mean, '' Sakartvelo laughed, `` Anyway, you 're on Team Two. ``

Albus nodded and waited for his friends to get their squad assignments.

Sakartvelo scanned her clipboard again, `` Let 's see, Rose is on squad One, Saint John the Apostle is on team tetrad, flatness 's on Team Two ... ''

Albus grinned at matt. He was relieved that one of his friends was on his team. Now all he had to do was hope Malfoy was n't on his team.

`` Amanda 's on Team Four, and Kaden 's on Team Six, '' Georgia looked up at them, `` Have fun. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said and then turned to his champion, `` Guess we 'll see you after. in effect fortune. ``

Albus and flatness worked their way through the bunch to the Hufflepuff table along with Rose. Albus was a bit disappointed that Kaden was n't on his squad, but there was n't anything he could do about that. The chances were n't cracking that he would own two of his ally on his Lapp team. He was just lucky he had one of his Friend on the same team.

The Hufflepuff mesa was already filling with multitude from teams one and two. team Two was gathering at the one-half closest to the staff table, so Albus and Matt made their way there.

There seemed to be a fairly yet number of each house at the tabular array. Besides Albus and lustrelessness, there was one other Gryffindor, a starting time year young woman Albus had seen but did n't know her epithet. There were also two Ravenclaws Albus did n't live, three Hufflepuffs, and two Slytherins. Albus groaned when he saw who the Slytherins were, Felix Willinson and Leigh Montague. Leigh was blush wine 's potions married person and not the keen flight feather in the box.

Felix Willinson narrowed his eyes when he saw Albus and Matt coming over. Albus found hind end far away from him and sat down, waiting for the magpie Hunt to begin.

One of the Ravenclaws stood up a few arcsecond later, `` Hi, I 'm Rachel undergrowth and I 've been assigned as team captain. ``

Everyone muttered hi to her and Rachel had everyone introduce themselves. So far, Willinson and Montague did n't look enthused about their team, but Rachel did n't pay any attending to their animus.

professor Patil came over a little while later with a fistful of parchment. Albus assumed they were the lists of stuff to seem for and the trivia.

`` The hunt club will start in one minute of arc ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The prof will turn over you your inclination as soon as I say go. You 'll have one hour to be back here with as much stuff you can possibly get. ``

A minute of arc later, Kendrick shot out a shower of downhearted Muriel Sarah Spark from his wand and Patil handed the stack of lambskin to Rachel.

`` All right ! '' Rachel shouted as she leafed through the parchment, `` We need someone to decode the riddle and run around to get the bonus points. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' the other Ravenclaw volunteered. Rachel nodded and handed him the parchment. He ran out of the Great Hall while reading the riddle.

`` Ok, here 's the trivia, '' Rachel continued, `` We 've got Famous Wiccan and Wizards, Famous Muggles, What Not To Do While Interacting With Muggles, What Do You Know About Quidditch, and What Do You have it away About Football. ``

Albus turned to Matt and laughed. Kaden would surely love the football one.

Rachel handed out the triviality to the people who thought they 'd be able to do it. Willinson had n't taken any of the trivium sheets, but Montague took the Quidditch one. Albus hoped she actually knew something about Quidditch.

`` Now we 've just got the list of items to find, '' Rachel announced to the remaining team members, which were Albus, flatness, Willinson, and one of the Hufflepuffs. `` You four get started while I work on the trivia. Oh, but I 'll take care of the costumes. You 'll just receive to fag out them. ``

Albus nodded and took the parchment from her. Costumes ? He hoped he would n't have to fag out anything too humiliating. He set it down on the board and began to read it, with everyone else looking over his shoulder.

Items Are To Be Gathered Without Magic

-holly wand
-five vomit flavored Bertie Botts Beans
-Slytherin wearing Gryffindor robe
-Gryffindor wearing Slytherin robes
-light cavalry sword
-Dumbledore Chocolate frog card
-twenty shoe lace tied together
-Quaffle signed by Joseph Oliver Sir Henry Joseph Wood
-Shooting Star broomstick
-Muggle pen
-copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
-a Nintendo DS
-girl dressed up as Godric Gryffindor
-boy dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff
-color changing ink
-beater bat
-drum joint
-silver goblet
-Chudley cannon jersey
-six Extendable Ears
-Muggle playing menu
-receipt from Madam Malkins
-Argus Filch 's John Hancock
-the name of five Hogwarts mansion Elves
-rubber duck
-copy of Hogwarts, A chronicle
-sneakoscope
-foe methamphetamine hydrochloride
-tea cozy
-Hogwarts graduation picture
-band acquired immune deficiency syndrome
-green discharge potions bottle
-Beatles CD
-purple gloves
-Hershey 's chocolate bar
-My Little Hippogriff
-pet batrachian
-purple parchment
-two battery
-tortilla buffalo chip

Albus looked up from the list and waited for everyone else to finish reading.

`` What the bloody pit is a CD ? '' Willinson asked.

`` Muggle way of listening to medicine, '' Albus explained, `` One of my cousin might have one. ``

`` I 've got one, '' the Hufflepuff, who Albus now knew to be Nelson Rodner, said.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Anyone else know they 've got some of this stuff ? ``

Everyone nodded.

`` Let 's go get the stuff we know we 've got and then suffer back here, '' Albus said as he got up. `` Then we can forge on the material we do n't. ``

The other three boys agreed and Albus ran out of the Great Hall with Matt. The two of them ran as fast as they could up to Gryffindor Tower.


A/N : I ca n't take credit for the scavenger hunt idea. There is a resort in Pennsylvania called Woodloch Pines that I go to every summertime and they have magpie Leigh Hunt like the one in this chapter. arrant with costumes, trivia, and the conundrum. It 's a lot of fun.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Luke, Moonylupin, EvilChaos, potterfan296, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, Miguel, Denas, and phoenixy friend for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist or the idea for the pack rat hunt.


`` Willinson is acting polite, '' Albus commented as they were running up a flight of stairs.

`` Yeah, '' matte agreed, `` variety of surprising. Either he really wants to win or he 's not as confident without Malfoy. ``

`` Probably both, '' Albus said, `` Whatever the rationality, we lucked out. ``

Everyone stared as Albus and Matt ran into the common room completely out of breath. `` Scavenger hunt, '' Albus muttered to his cousins Ben and Cedric as he ran by.

`` Excellent, '' Ben grinned, `` Ca n't wait until our play next Saturday. ``

Bilius was also in their hall collecting point when Albus and flatness entered. They nodded to each other, but did n't say anything.

Albus wrenched spread his tree trunk and started rifling through it. He found a bag of Bertie Botts Beans, a Dumbledore chocolate frog visiting card, his transcript of Hogwarts, A History, one Extendable Ear, and the photograph album he found in the attic of his sign of the zodiac. The graduation exercise exposure in the binding would put to work for the Hogwarts graduation picture.

`` What have you got ? '' he asked mat once he emerged from his trunk.

`` My verge 's holly, a muggle pen, band assistance, Chudley Cannons Garden State, and a Nintendo DS, although I 'm not for sure why I still bother to bestow it since it does n't cultivate here. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Let 's get back to the Great Granville Stanley Hall. ``

When Albus and lusterlessness got back to the Hufflepuff table, Willinson and Rodner had already returned. There was a great deal of stuff on the table between them. Albus looked through it and saw that they now had a written matter of The Hobbit, color changing ink, a beater 's bat, Muggle performing cards, and a sneakoscope.

`` All right, we 've got a good first, '' Albus said as he added his and flatness 's stuff to the bundle. `` I guess we 'll have got to ask the older students to borrow the rest.

`` Rodner, '' Albus began, `` You see if you can get a light saber, a Quaffle signed by Oliver Wood, a Shooting Star broom handle, tympan sticks, a reception from Madam Malkin 's, foe chicken feed, and a Beatles CD. ``

`` Sure, '' Rodner said and took off out of the room.

`` Willinson, '' Albus turned to the Slytherin, `` Go down to the kitchens and see if you can get a silver medal goblet, tortilla french fries, a tea cosy, the names of five theatre Elves, and a Hershey bar. ``

`` Why should I ? '' Willinson grumbled, `` Who put you in charge ? ``

`` Someone 's got to do it, '' Albus told him.

`` Make Eckerton do it. ``

`` Him and I are getting the rest, '' Albus replied, `` If you want to win, you 'll get the stuff. ``

`` Fine, '' Willinson muttered and left the Great Hall.

`` Ok, that leaves the brake shoe laces, evacuate green potions nursing bottle, empurpled glove, a My Little Hippogriff, a toad, purple sheepskin, a galosh duck, two batteries, and five more extendible Ears. Oh, and Filch 's autograph. ``

`` We 'll do that one last, '' matte shuddered. `` We can probably just go back to the plebeian way and ask if anyone 's got this stuff. ``

`` trade good mind, '' Albus agreed.

The two male child set off at a run back to their common room. Luckily it was still packed with students and some of them grinned as Albus and mat entered.

`` How 's it going ? '' Ben asked.

`` Good, '' Albus grinned back, `` But we 've got a crowd of stuff and nonsense to find. mind up everyone ! '' he shouted.

The entire common room quieted and turned to Albus. Albus was momentarily shocked that everyone actually stopped what they were doing to pay attention to him.

`` Er, we 're doing the scavenger hunting and need some poppycock. Has anyone got a My Little Hippogriff, empurpled gloves, a toad, purple parchment, a galosh duck's egg, batteries, or Extandable Ears ? Also, we need twenty horseshoe lacing. I promise we 'll return it all once we 're done. ``

About half the students got up and went up to their dormitories. A few minutes later they came back down with diverse items for Albus. He managed to borrow a rubber duck, regal sheepskin, and a few extendible pinna. Plus he got at least twenty shoe laces.

`` That worked well, '' Albus said as he and matt left the room.

`` I 'd say so, '' lustrelessness agreed, `` Now Filch 's John Hancock. This ought to be fun. ``

Albus smacked his hand to his forehead, `` I should give birth grabbed the map ! ``

Albus groaned and ran back to the plebeian room. Everyone laughed as he ran up to his dormitory and back down to the common room. Albus ignored them and pointed his sceptre to the map. A few seconds later he saw that Filch was lurking near the library.

Albus and matte took off for the library and spotted Filch a few yards away from the door.

`` How are we supposed to ask him ? '' Albus whispered.

`` No estimation, '' Matt said back.

Albus 's kernel sped up as he got closer to the old caretaker. `` Er, Mr. Filch ? '' he asked.

Filch startled and turned around. He saw Albus and smirked. `` Potter. Up to no good again ? In need of another detention, perhaps ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, `` Actually, I was just, er, well, we 're doing this scavenger hunt. Maybe Kendrick told you about it. It 's to promote Inter House one and we have to determine all this stuff throughout the palace and- ''

`` We need your autograph, '' matte interrupted, holding a piece of parchment and the Muggle pen in his outstretched hand.

Filch stared at them and then started muttering to himself. `` Do n't see why I should bother ... pupil never do anything for me ... ''

Nevertheless, Filch took the pen and scribbled his gens onto the royal parchment. He thrust it wordlessly back into matt 's hand and shuffled off down the corridor.

`` That went serious than expected, '' Matt said.

`` Yeah, thanks. I could n't really visualize out how to ask him. ``

`` I figured, '' lusterlessness grinned, `` Anyway, we still need a few thing. Hey, Kendrick never mentioned anything about the way. Do you think we could just ask it for the rest of this ? ``

Albus wondered why he had n't thought of that. It almost seemed like cheating, but Kendrick never said anything. `` That 's splendid ! ``

The two of them set off for the Room, but when they got there, there was a Hufflepuff prefect milling around right in front man of the elbow room. Albus slowly walked back and Forth in front of it, keeping an eye on the prefect.

He was about to cook his third pass, when the prefect stopped him. `` Sorry, '' he said, `` You ca n't go in there if you 're in the scavenger Richard Morris Hunt. Kendrick 's principle. ``

Albus sighed, `` All right. ``

`` Of course, '' matt muttered as they left, `` Kendrick could n't foretell that regulation because then everyone would find out about the Room. Oh, well. What have we got left ? ``

Albus handed Matt the list and he looked it over for a few sec. `` Hey, I know lady Pomfrey 's got common potions bottleful. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Albus said, `` We 'd better hurry, there 's only 15 minutes left. ``

They made it to the infirmary backstage in record book sentence. Albus pushed the doorway capable and walked in, followed by Matt.

`` I 've got patients to be given to ! '' ma'am Pomfrey was shouting at a Ravenclaw world-class year, `` I have n't got meter for this scavenger search falderol ! You 're the fifth somebody I 've had come in here looking for potions nursing bottle and band financial aid ! I have n't got any ! ``

The miss nodded and ran quickly out of the way, completely ignoring Albus and flatness as she went.

`` Er, she says she has n't got any, '' Albus whispered.

`` I know she does, '' matte whispered back, `` Let me just ask her. ``

Albus shrugged and followed matte over to the nurse, who was bent over one of the beds.

`` Hello, dame Pomfrey, '' Matt greeted her.

dame Pomfrey turned around and her irritated nerve softened immediately when she saw Matt.

`` Hello, Matt, dear. Are you all right ? You look a bit crimson, '' Madam Pomfrey said and put her hand to his forehead.

`` I 'm alright, '' Matt assured her, `` I 've just been running around working on the scavenger hunt. ``

`` Not you, too, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed and then noticed Albus, `` Oh and Albus as well. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` We were just wondering if you might have an evacuate green potions bottle. ``

The nurse sighed and walked over to her potions cabinet. `` I suppose. Just be sure to return it. ``

Albus watched in shock as she returned with the exact item they were looking for. Matt grinned at Albus and took the bottle.

`` Thanks, '' lustrelessness smiled.

gentlewoman Pomfrey shook her question, `` No problem. Have fun, boys. ``

`` We will, '' matte said as he turned to leave the room.

Albus followed him out the door, still in blow that the nursemaid had actually given them the bottle when she had yelled at that first off year only mo ago.

`` You 're certainly on her soundly position, '' Albus muttered after they left the room.

`` One of the few perks of being there once a month, '' matt said dryly.

`` We 'd better get back to the Great anteroom, '' Albus said as he looked at his watch.

Albus and mat ran as fast as they could back to where their team was. The quietus of the team was working hard to complete the remaining trivia. Rachel herself was dressed up as Godric Gryffindor, terminated with a bullshit beard. Rodner was dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff.

However, neither was as fishy as what Willinson was wearing. He was decked out in Gryffindor fine, with gown, a scarf, and a 'Loyal Gryffindor'hat. Albus could hardly repress his laughter.

`` Do n't say a word, potter, '' Willinson growled.

`` Albus ! '' Rachel shouted, `` You 've got to dress up as a Slytherin ! The robes I 've got are too big for Matt and Abby. '' Rachel pointed to the other Gryffindor on the team.

Albus groaned and Willinson burst out laughing. Albus reluctantly put on the Slytherin robes, scarf, and 'Slytherins Are best'hat. It would only be for a few minutes and if it helped them win ....

Albus did find a bit unusual in the Slytherin gown. He could n't help but think back to his sorting and how the hat had wanted to put him in Slytherin at first. If it had, he would be wearing these robes all the time. He might feature even been more friendly with Malfoy at first. He probably would n't have really befriended John, Matt, or Amanda if he 'd been in Slytherin. Albus shook the idea from his head and concentrated on the fact that he was just wearing the robes to aid his team win.

Rachel took stock of the items on the list as matte tied all the shoelaces together. It turns out that the but things they were missing were the light sabre, Quaffle signed by Oliver Wood, Shooting asterisk broomstick, foe looking glass, Hershey 's bar, toad, and one battery. Rachel thought that was pretty good.

The former Ravenclaw returned a bit later and told everyone that he had finished the riddle quest and had managed to get the bonus gunpoint.

`` Time is up ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professors will be around soon to agree your lists. They will also collect your trivia canvas which will be marked later today. The winner will be announced at dinner party tonight. ``

Patil came over to Albus 's squad a few moments later and looked over their list. She took a characterisation of the four people who were dressed up, much to Albus 's dismay. Now there would be permanent evidence of his Slytherin moment. As soon as the picture was taken, Albus took off the gown and he noticed Willinson doing the same.

`` Ok, '' Patil announced as she gathered up the objet d'art of parchment, `` You can leave. Please return anything you borrowed. ``

Albus and matt gathered up their clobber as well as everything they 'd borrowed from various Gryffindors. They stopped by the Hospital annexe to fall the bottle and then headed back to their common room.

The two of them passed out everyone 's stuff and then went to sit down at their usual table. rosiness, John, Amanda, and Kaden joined them shortly.

`` That was fun, '' rose wine said as she sat down.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Even though we were with Slytherins. Willinson was n't too bad. ``

`` That 's commodity, '' lav said, `` I caught a glimpse of him in the Gryffindor robe. Priceless. ``

`` Yeah, I thought so. Until I had to put on the Slytherin single, '' Albus replied.

St. John the Apostle burst out laughing, `` I wish I 'd seen that ! ``

`` You 'll be able to, '' Albus told him, `` Patil took a picture show. ``

`` Excellent. ``

`` Did n't any of you lot have to curry up ? '' Albus asked.

`` I was Helga Hufflepuff, '' John said.

`` And I was Godric Gryffindor, '' Amanda added.

`` How did everyone do on the list of stuff to find ? '' flatness asked.

`` I 'm jolly sure my squad was the simply one with a light saber ! '' Kaden said excitedly, `` I 'm so glad I decided to work it. ``

`` We did all right, '' Rose shrugged, `` Missed a lot of stuff, but I think we did well in the triviality. ``

`` Of course of instruction you did, '' John grinned. `` Hey, did anyone manage to find the potions bottle ? Slughorn did n't receive any unripened single and brothel keeper Pomfrey looked ready to hex me when I asked her. It 's not really fair that Kendrick put something on there that was out of the question to get. ``

Albus grinned at lustrelessness, who grinned back.

`` What ? '' John the Divine asked.

`` We got it, '' Matt told him.

`` How ? '' Kaden asked, `` madam Pomfrey was downright shuddery when I asked her. May have been because she was occupy fixing someone 's broken arm, but still .... ''

`` lustrelessness asked her and she gave him one, '' Albus explained.

Matt shrugged, `` Simple, really. ``

John sighed, `` Well, you 're probably the only one in the school who could get it. She 'd probably give you whatever you asked for. ``

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

`` Sorry, not telling, '' St. John replied.

Kaden sighed, `` Oh, part of that whole secret I ca n't know about ? ``

`` Yeah, '' St. John said and then changed the issue, `` Hey, did any of you do the riddle matter ? ``

`` I did, '' Rose said, `` Want to hear it ? ``

`` Of line, '' privy said.

`` Ok, I 'll see if you can get it. I thought it was a bit simple, really, '' Rose said. She pulled a small-arm of parchment out of her robe and read off of it.

'' 'In an consequence known by wizards worldwide
Where dear and evil are forced to collide
A terrible personnel can now no longer shack.
A position where just one function of Voldemort died .'''

Albus looked at privy, lusterlessness, and Amanda and shrugged. He did n't cerebrate it was mere, but Rose was in effect at those sorts of things.

`` No theme, '' can announced.

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged.

`` Hmm, '' Amanda muttered.

`` Do n't wait at me, '' Kaden said.

`` The Great dorm ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the place where Voldemort died.

`` Nope, '' pink wine grinned, `` That was the fob part. It 's actually that monument outside, where professor Longbottom killed Voldemort 's Snake River. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus groaned, `` Of course ! Did n't even think of that. ``

`` How long did it take you to figure it out ? '' Matt asked.

`` Not long, '' rosiness smiled, `` But then I had to follow the clues to find the bit of selective information to hand Professor Kendrick. ``

`` And where was that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` depository library, '' rose grinned, `` Herbology section. ``

`` Wonder how many team got it, '' Albus thought aloud.

`` Well, my squad did, obviously, '' rosiness said, `` And you said your team did, Albus. What about you two ? ``

`` We did n't, '' toilet sighed and Amanda shook her head.

`` We did, '' Kaden put in.

`` Guess we 'll recover out tonight how everyone did, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed, `` But I 'm not going to think about it now. mightiness as well get some homework done. ``

Albus managed to get half an essay done before dinner. Rose wrote an entire essay and did a set of homework questions. matt helped Amanda with her Astronomy and still got his Herbology done. John the Divine and Kaden on the other hand, spent he rest of the afternoon goofing off and playing chess.

The excitement was running high in the Great Hall during dinner that evening. Everyone was comparing what they managed to find during the magpie Hunt. Albus kept glancing up to the stave tabular array to see when Kendrick would wee-wee the announcement, but he seemed to be waiting until the last minute to do so.

After what seemed alike forever, Kendrick got to his feet. `` Good even, everyone. I hope all the first and second long time enjoyed the scavenger Hunt. It was certainly a success and I 'm surely the older educatee will look forward to their turns.

`` And, without any encourage wait, I shall herald the event. The commencement, second, and 3rd place team will all be awarded medals.

`` In thirdly blank space, with 572 stop, Team Two ! '' Kendrick announced, `` Will the members of team Two please add up up here. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up, `` tierce station, that 's not bad ! ``

`` Yeah, I 'd say that 's pretty good, '' Matt grinned and followed Albus up to the staff table.

Albus and flatness joined the relief of their team in front line of the staff tabular array. Kendrick put a bronze medal over each of their necks and pulled out a photographic camera. He took a few pictures and then told them to return to their seats.

Rose, Amanda, St. John the Apostle, and Kaden congratulated Albus and Matt as they sat back down. A few of Albus 's cousin-german patted him on the back and told him estimable job.

`` Excellent, Albus, '' James grinned, `` But my team will get first position side by side week. ``

`` I 'll trust it when I see it, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` And in second place, with 580 points, is Team Seven ! '' Kendrick announced.

The members of Team septet ran up to the staff tabular array to get their silver palm and have their delineation taken.

`` And in number 1 berth, with 673 power point, is Team Six ! '' Kendrick shouted. `` Congratulations to the winning team ! ``

`` Woohoo ! '' Kaden stood up and started jumping up and down as he ran up to the staff table, `` Yes ! ``

`` Wow, who would 've thought that, '' Rose grinned, `` Kaden 's team won. ``

`` Well, he does have a very large amount of money of random stuff in his dormitory room, '' Albus commented.

`` I 'll bet it was the clean cavalry sword that put his team over the border, '' John shook his head, `` I mean, I think his team was the only one to get it. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I ca n't believe I won ! '' Kaden shouted as he sat back down with his big Au medal a few mo later.

`` congratulations, '' Albus grinned, `` At least one of us got showtime place. ``

`` We were so ending to second, '' Matt groaned, `` Eight measly points ! ``

`` wellspring, third 's good, '' John muttered, `` Better than not getting a medal at all. ``

`` Oh, John, it 's just a game, '' Amanda said, `` The dot is that we all had fun. ``

`` praise to our winning team and everyone else that participated, '' Kendrick said, `` I will be looking forward to the succeeding round, one-third and fourth years, a week from today ! ``

Albus hung his bronze ribbon from his bed post before he went to bed that night. He crawled beneath the covert feeling very contented with third topographic point. He had n't really been expecting to win at all. The magpie Hunt had been a lot of fun, and Albus hoped Kendrick would hold it again sometime. It had been so practically fun, that Albus had n't even thought about the new map the intact day. He made a mental note to ask Rose about the Sileo Altus charm the next day. They would have to tell Kaden about everything soon if they wanted to make anymore progress on the map. Plus, they 'd take in to research more about how to try out to the map that they really were like the Marauders.


A/N : Bit of a shorter chapter, but the previous one was longer, so it evens out. Kaden has proved that it never hurts to have a calorie-free sabre, a object lesson that my comrade agrees with since he brought his perch cavalry sword to LeakyCon and quite a few people told him they wished they 'd brought theirs.

I have created a internet site for my fan fic, where you can find character visibility and a blog about news and updates about my piece of writing. The tie is on my profile Page here. I 'd know for you to check it out and pass on remark in the News and Update section.

Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, who had to preen up as the Tin Man in last summer 's pack rat hunt. Big thanks to my friend, blush wine, for coming up with the riddle. Thanks as well to EvilChaos, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, mischiefmaker92, drownzer, Moonylupin, Miguel, Denas, and Tonks for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Throughout the residual of the month, pink wine continued to make advance on the Sileo Altus good luck charm, and by the clip Apr rolled around, she was confident in her ability to perform it. Albus wished the Saami could be said for the progress with finding out how to testify to the map that he and his friends were like the Marauders. Albus spent every waking instant that he was n't doing homework, attending Quidditch practice, or dueling practice, in the library trying to find oneself out a go or charm that would cultivate. His efforts were fruitless, though, because he still had n't found anything promising.

Albus also had another successful dueling tournament. He won both of his duel as did Malfoy, but their team still had n't won. Albus was beginning to doubt whether they 'd ever win.

Albus 's next Quidditch match was the first Saturday in April. He found himself distracted by the map even before he entered the changing elbow room. They were playing Ravenclaw, and it was hard to severalize who had the better team, Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Albus pushed mentation of the map from his head as he walked into the changing room.

Sakartvelo gave the team the usual pep lecture, which this fourth dimension included telling them that if they won this match, they 'd be in the final. If Ravenclaw got less than 180 degree, then Ravenclaw might not hit it to the final. Sakartvelo did n't particularly worry who they played in the final, just so long as they won.

The match went smoothly, in Albus 's opinion. Much better than the previous match, in which Albus got sick partway through. The weather was better for this couple as well. Albus managed to observe from thinking about the map, which was good since it was a very high-scoring match for both sides and Albus was constantly being thrown the Quaffle. After only an time of day of play, James went into a dive and caught the Snitch, right out from under one of the Ravenclaw beater 's broom.

The usual company in the unwashed way ensued after the students returned to the castling, but Albus was n't really interested in it. Now that the match was over, all he could think about was trying out the Sileo Altus good luck charm on Kaden. Albus figured the unspoiled metre to do it would be in the evening and the salutary piazza would be the Room.

Shortly after Rose had succeeded in performing the charm on John, matte had reluctantly given into trying it with Kaden. His only experimental condition was first trying it with a harmless closed book, and if that worked, to go onto the larger one.

`` Are we doing it tonight ? '' lav asked as he sipped his butterbeer.

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back, `` After dinner. ``

The rest of the afternoon and dinner seemed to go by at an alarmingly slow rate. sentence seemed to go by much like it did in History of Magic.

`` Kaden, '' Albus said after they had finished eating, `` We 're not going to the common room now. We 're going to show you a different room in the castle, one you 've never seen. ``

`` Excellent, '' Kaden grinned, `` What variety of room ? ``

`` You 'll see when we get there, '' Albus replied. `` Let 's go. ``

Kaden followed Albus and his booster through the rook, with a perpetual stream of motion that Albus ignored.

`` Are you sure this is going to work ? '' Matt whispered nervously as they stopped in battlefront of the blank space of wall where the Room of requisite was.

`` Yes, '' Rose assured him, `` It will work. ``

mat nodded and started pacing in front line of the wall.

`` Why did we halt ? '' Kaden asked, and then his eyes popped out of his head as he saw the door appear from nowhere. `` Wicked. ``

`` C'mon, '' Albus said as he opened the door.

`` What is this place ? '' Kaden asked in awe.

`` Room of demand, '' Albus told him, `` Room that gives you what you need. ``

`` I ca n't believe you did n't record me this yet ! ''

`` well, it 's not something we want you to recount anyone about. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said, `` So it 'll cave in me anything I ask it for ? I think I want an entire cake .... ''

`` It does n't do food for thought, '' Rose explained.

`` Oh, well, it 's still vivid. ``

`` Kaden, hail sit down, '' Albus told his cousin.

`` You 're all so quiet, '' Kaden said as he took a seat on the sofa next to Albus, `` What 's going on ? ``

`` Well, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to try something. Rose found a appealingness that 's supposed to make someone not be capable to tell other multitude 's secrets. If it works, we 're going to tell you a bunch of hooey and you wo n't be able to severalise anyone. ``

`` What are you going to tell me ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` We have to make sure the charm works first, '' Albus sighed, `` Which is why we 're here. rosiness is going to execute the magical spell, using your noesis of this elbow room as the secret. If you have n't told anyone by next Sat, we 'll tell you the rest of it. ``

`` Fine, '' Kaden sighed, `` I ca n't think you wo n't evidence me without this charm. ``

`` Um, Kaden, you 've told Malfoy stuff I told you not to assure anyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` That was n't my break ! ``

`` I know, but we 're not risking this. If you want to screw the enigma, you 'll have to have rosebush do the magic spell. ``

`` Ok, ok, I 'll do it, '' Kaden said.

`` trade good, '' rose smiled, `` Now let 's get started. ``

It took Rose about ten second to perform the charm. Kaden was thoroughly amazed by the charm and rosiness 's power to perform it.

`` Let 's test it, '' pink wine decided once they left the room. She pointed to a girl who was walking towards them. `` Go tell her about the elbow room. ``

Kaden shrugged and ran up to the girlfriend, who looked to be around Kaden 's age and was in Hufflepuff.

`` Er, '' Kaden began, `` So there 's this place- '' Kaden turned around and looked confusedly at Albus, then turned back to the girl. `` Anyway, at this place, you can- ''

`` What 's wrong with you ? '' the girl asked, trying to enshroud up her giggling. `` Are you ok ? ``

`` Fine, fine, '' Kaden muttered, `` Never judgement. ``

Kaden ran back to Albus and the others, blushing furiously. `` It worked, but now everyone 's going to think I 'm an idiot. ``

Albus laughed, `` No they wo n't. But that 's full that it worked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Kaden grinned, `` Definitely worth it. ``

******

Albus kept a fold eye on Kaden throughout the side by side hebdomad. As far as he could tell, his cousin did n't tell anyone about the elbow room of Requirement. They tested the magical spell a few Sir Thomas More metre, telling Kaden to tell someone about it, but Kaden was never able to. Albus was fully convinced that the Sileo Altus magic spell was a success.

Kaden was positively beaming by the prison term Saturday arrived. Albus was form of excited as well, because they would officially have Wormtail in their chemical group of new piranha. toilet, Rose, and Amanda were excited as well. The simply thing left to do after this would be to find a way to bear witness to the map that they were like the Marauders. lustrelessness did n't seem excited at all. He was clearly nervous about telling Kaden that he was a werewolf. It probably did n't help oneself that the entire moon was only a few days away. Albus could n't really blame Matt for his nerves, but Albus was sure enough the magical spell would continue to work.

After dinner party, Albus led his friends back to the Room of Requirement, with the new Map in his robes.

`` Ok, what 's the secret ? '' Kaden said as he bounced around the room once they were inside.

`` You 've got to sit down first, '' Albus told him. `` And Matt 's going to tell you the beginning one. ``

`` Oh ! '' A look of comprehension appeared on Kaden 's face. `` Is this about how you get crazy every month ? ``

`` Yes, '' Matt sighed.

`` And this is what you do n't want Malfoy to love about ? ``

`` Yes, '' lusterlessness said shortly, `` Now just let me tell you what it is. ``

`` Sorry, '' Kaden muttered.

`` It 's ok, '' matt said, `` First, you ca n't recite anyone this. I mean, do n't even try to try the appeal like we 've been doing all week. You ca n't even try to tell anyone this. Never mention it to anyone except us. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said.

`` good. Now, you know that werewolf are veridical, right ? ``

Kaden nodded, `` What does that get to do with you getting spue ? ``

`` Everything, '' matte said quietly, `` I am a lycanthrope. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That is the coolest thing ever ! ``

`` No it 's not, '' Matt sighed, `` You do n't even really know what happens when I turn into a loup-garou. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I 've seen picture show. ``

`` It 's not like that, '' Matt told him, `` I get sickish a few twenty-four hour period before the wide lunar month, and then the Night of the full moon moonlight, I turn into a wolf and bite myself because there 's nothing else for me to bite. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden deflated, `` So where do you go when you turn into a Wolf ? ``

`` A shack in Hogsmeade. ``

`` The Shrieking hut ? ``

`` Yes, that, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm the one who does the shriek. ``

`` Now that is cool off, '' Kaden grinned. `` How long have you been a werewolf ? ``

`` Since I was five. ``

`` That 's a longsighted clock time, '' Kaden said.

`` well-nigh of my life, '' Matt explained, `` It 's horrible, really. ``

`` And that 's the big mystery ? '' Kaden asked, `` Why ca n't anyone fuck that ? ``

`` Because most champion do n't care wolfman, '' lustrelessness explained.

`` well that 's poor fish. ``

`` Yeah, it is, but it 's realism. ``

`` But why is n't there a spell to lay down you not a werewolf anymore ? Or a potion ? ``

`` thaumaturgy does n't fix everything, '' matt sighed.

`` Yeah, that 's what I 've been trying tell you for the solid year, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But why ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` But there is a potion, called the Wolfsbane Potion, that 's supposed to make it so you keep your homo mind when you turn into a wolf. So you do n't want to assault anyone or yourself. ``

`` Why do n't you take that ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do, '' Matt told him, `` Actually, I take a dissimilar variety than most wolfman take. For some reason, wolfbane does n't work for me. I 'm in this bailiwick at St. Mungo 's to estimate out why and right now they 've got me taking a new kind of wolfsbane. ``

`` Does it figure out ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' lusterlessness replied, `` That 's variety of why I still bite myself every to the full moon. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. `` So someday they might find a potion that will work ? ``

mat shrugged, `` Maybe. But I 'm not getting my Hope up. ``

`` So I 'll be charmed not to say anything about this ? '' Kaden asked after a few moments of silence.

`` Yes, '' Albus replied, pulling the new map out of his robe, `` And about this. ``

Albus spent the adjacent half time of day showing Kaden the new map. Kaden thought it was the outdo matter he had seen yet at Hogwarts and could n't hold off for it to completely work.

`` So we need you to represent Saint Peter Pettigrew, '' Albus said after he 'd finished explaining about the map.

`` Peter Pettigrew ? '' Kaden raised his eyebrows, `` That evil fella who betrayed your grandparents ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' Albus sighed.

`` You know my mum wanted to name me Peter, but Dad said no because he did n't need me to deliver the same name as that idiot, '' Kaden commented, `` So it 's my middle epithet. ``

`` perfective, '' John grinned, `` You even sorting of part his name. ``

`` volition you do it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I guess so, '' Kaden said slowly, `` I mean, it 's not like I 'm going to be like Pettigrew now. ``

`` No, '' Albus agreed, `` But you have to be sorting of like him for it to act. And you are because you 've sort of got the same name. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I guess. Anyway, when are you going to get the map to sour ? ``

`` Whenever we figure out how to turn up to it that we 're like the marauder. Somehow we 've got to read the map that we are exchangeable to the vulture, '' Albus explained, `` Which is taking forever. ``

`` Oh, you mean like a finger mark ? '' Kaden asked.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` You know, a finger mark. Everyone 's is different, but your finger mark is like to your relatives. It 's how Muggle cops find masses and material when they 're missing. And how they identify bodies. ``

`` A finger mark ! '' Rose exclaimed, `` That 's it ! I ca n't believe I did n't conceive of it ! ``

`` What are you talking about ? '' John asked. `` Kaden just said everyone 's is different. So how will ours be like the Marauders'? ``

`` Not Muggle digit print, '' Rose said, `` Wizard ones. There 's a spell to get your Wizard 's Finger Print. It reveals your name, congenator, even your personality. ``

`` That 's sort of scary, '' Albus said, `` Anyone can find that poppycock out if they 've got your digit mark ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Rose shrugged, `` But I think it will work for this. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus grinned. He could n't consider that Kaden had actually given Rose an melodic theme about the map. Kaden had helped with it. If this finger print thing worked, they could have the map figured out in no time.

`` We 'll look for it tomorrow, '' Rose stood up and drew her baton, `` Now let 's do the appeal. ``

Albus nodded, feeling more excited than he had in months. They were so close, he could just finger it. The map would be working soon. Of trend, there was a nag dubiousness in Albus 's gut that was telling him that there would be something to figure out even after the finger print thing.

******

`` What are you going to sign up for ? '' John the Divine asked as he glanced over the parchment all the second years had received just a minute earlier.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` What about you, mat ? ``

`` Care of Magical Creatures, '' Matt replied, `` Not sure what else. ``

`` I 'll do that one, too, '' Albus decided and wrote it down on his parchment. `` Hagrid teaches it, so it 'll be fun. ``

`` polarity me up, '' whoremaster said, `` I could use with a fun class. ``

`` You ought to cogitate about what will be utile in your future career, '' Rose told them.

`` But I 've got no idea what I want to do, '' John said.

Albus had no melodic theme either. He had n't really thought about it. He thought being an Auror would be a adept job, but he was n't certain that that was what he wanted to do. He still had five years at Hogwarts anyway, why decide now ?

`` Me either, '' Amanda agreed, `` I think I 'll do caution of Magical tool, too. ``

`` I 'm taking Muggle Studies, '' Rose announced, `` Plus Arithmancy and Ancient rune. ``

`` All three ? '' toilet asked, `` But we only have to take two. ``

`` Yeah, but I want to use up all of them. I 'd really like to take Care of Magical tool, too, but there 's not enough time. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do fortune telling, '' lav shrugged.

Rose snorted, `` foretelling ? Mum says that should n't even be a subject. There 's no actual learning involved. ``

`` But is it loose ? '' lav asked.

`` Uncle Ron said all you 've got to do is wee up predictions about your decease if you 've got Trelawney, '' Albus explained.

`` Excellent, '' privy scribbled onto his parchment, `` I 'll have that and hope I 've got Trelawney. ``

`` I 'm taking that, too, '' Amanda said, `` It actually sounds interesting. ``

`` Fine, '' rosiness sighed, `` But I still say it 's not really a case. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do antediluvian runic letter, '' Albus thought aloud, `` I think it 's easier than Arithmancy. What about you, lustrelessness ? What else do you reckon you 'll take ? ``

`` ancient Runes sounds right, '' mat yawned, `` I guess I 'll take that. Amy took it. She hated it in Australia, but she said it 's near here. ``

`` I 'd engage everything, '' Kaden announced, `` I could n't decide. ``

`` You ca n't occupy everything, '' Rose laughed, `` You 'd have to be in two places at once. ``

`` Oh, well I 'm passably certainly that 's impossible, '' Kaden sighed.

Albus turned and grinned at Rose, who grinned back. Albus could only imagine Kaden 's response to a time-turner.

`` Yeah, the most stratum you can bring is three, '' rosiness explained.

`` Then I 'll take three, '' Kaden decided.

`` Are you lot done choosing social class ? '' Rose asked as she stood up, `` We 'd improve get to Transfiguration. ``

Albus spent the integral Transfiguration year trying to reverse his plate into a pipe bowl, and had almost managed to do it by the time the class was over. Rose, of course, did it within ten minutes and spent the remainder of the course of instruction helping Albus and the sleep of their friends.

account of magic was as boring as ever. lustrelessness slept the intact course of study, and Albus felt himself nod off a few times. matt had seemed very well-worn in August 6 and probably would have fallen asleep in that class if it were n't for the fact that it was a practical deterrent example. This was n't surprise considering the fact that the wide-cut lunation was the next day. The healer still had n't found something to counteract the face effect of extreme tiredness of the new Wolfsbane that lusterlessness was on.

Double Potions was after dejeuner, and Albus felt drowsy as soon as he walked into the room. This was odd since he had felt fine a moment before. He did n't look to be the only one who felt this either. Both John and Amanda yawned as soon as they sat down, and even Rose 's centre drooped a bit as she pulled out her lambskin. Matt laid his psyche down on the desk and fell asleep immediately.

`` skillful afternoon, everyone ! '' Slughorn said, `` Now, I 'm sure you 're all feeling a bit fag, which is perfectly normal.

`` This, '' Slughorn gestured to a smoking caldron on his desk, `` Is drowsiness Potion. All it takes is one whiff of this potion to put you into a country of fatigue. If you drink it, you 'll fall into an almost sleep-like state for about a half minute. Of course, you 'd know this if you did the reading that was due today. ``

Albus remembered being assigned the reading, but he had n't done it. He had just been too busy with Quidditch exercise, dueling practice session, and all his other prep.

`` You will be trying to brew this today, but you will only do half of it, '' Slughorn announced, `` It needs to simmer for about a workweek before you can complete it. Instructions are on the board. go with your usual partners. ``

Albus yawned and got up from his table. He joined Limbert at his mesa and lit the firing under the caldron while Limbert collected ingredients.

The total course of study was moving at a slower pace than usual, and everyone was yawning every few min. It was variety of strange. Nobody was arguing with their partners either. Albus wondered if Slughorn had picked this particular potion for a reasonableness. The past tense workweek, a affaire d'honneur had broken out between John Lackland and Goyle, resulting in both of them being sent to the hospital backstage for tan and then being assigned a workweek 's worth of detention.

Limbert returned wit the ingredient and he and Albus started to prepare them, without exchanging any conversation. No different than usual.

Albus dumped some fixings into the caldron and began to stir it. He watched Matt and Malfoy as he did so. Malfoy had returned with ingredient and was prodding Matt with his wand to get him to wake up.

`` What are you doing ? '' Albus whispered to Malfoy.

`` Waking him up, '' Malfoy said.

`` Wha-what 's going on ? '' lustrelessness lifted up his head.

`` Chop up those cerise tooth root, '' Malfoy instructed. Albus was surprised with how calm Malfoy seemed.

Matt nodded and picked up his knife. Albus went back to stirring his potion.

`` Professor ! '' Malfoy said after a few minutes. `` He keeps falling asleep. ``

Albus looked up from the overhang eyes he was mincing. matt was once again asleep on the table.

`` Ah, '' Slughorn waddled over to Matt and Malfoy 's table, `` The Drowsiness Potion affects everyone differently. '' Slughorn shook Matt 's shoulder joint. `` Dear boy, you might want to go to the hospital fender. I do n't guess the exhaust from this potion are agreeing with you. They 're not supposed to put you into a deep eternal sleep. ``

Matt nodded and stood up. He stumbled and leaned back onto the desk.

`` Albus, '' Slughorn turned to Albus, `` Perhaps you could escort him. I 'm certainly Mr. Limbert can handle your potion. ``

`` All right field, '' Albus laid down his tongue and went over to where flatness was standing.

Albus grabbed his arm and led him out of the room. Albus felt immediately better as soon as they shut the door. The drowsiness went away completely.

`` I 've got to sit down, '' lusterlessness mumbled and sat down on the floor.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked, sitting down adjacent to him.

`` I dunno, '' matt shrugged, `` I 'm guessing that that potion just made me even more tired than I already am. ``

`` Do you finger better now ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' matt replied.

`` Then you 'd improve get to the hospital annex. ``

`` Yeah, I suppose. ``

Madam Pomfrey wanted matt to stay for the balance of the good afternoon. Albus was n't even sure if she 'd let him leave at all before the wide moon. Knowing the nurse, she probably wouldn't.

Matt never came back from the hospital flank that nighttime, so Albus assumed Madam Pomfrey was keeping him there until after the full moon. Albus and the quietus of his Quaker decided that as soon as Matt was out of the Hospital wing, they would start looking for the virtuoso 's Finger photographic print appeal. rosiness was reasonably sure she had seen it in the library somewhere, but she could n't think back where. That meant that they would drop hours scouring the intact library for it. This was in addition to all the extra perusal they had to do now that the end of terminal figure exam were less than two months away. Albus just hoped they 'd be able to figure out the map before school was over. It would be pointless to figure it out during the summer, when they would n't even be able to use it.


A/N : I hope everyone has enjoyed Half-Blood Prince or do bask it if you have n't seen it yet ! Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, EvilChaos, phoenixy friend, XDNLxtlz99, Tears of a Phoenix, Denas, Miguel, St. Luke, and tranc3rooney for their reviews !