Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Pouring a can of pea soup into the sewer and pretending it was vomit ? No, he 'd done that the concluding prison term. Ketchup on the olfactory organ, pretending it was blood ? No, that one was just pudden-head. Faking a vexation ? Nope, his mum would just turn that around on him and tell him it was his own defect for staying up too late the previous night.

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

Ever since Kaden awoke at noon, he had been trying to recall up a dependable excuse to skip going to dinner at his grandparents'household later that day. His grandparents were possibly the most unacceptable multitude on the face of the planet, keep for his Aunt Marge.

Kaden had never liked his grandparents. sure, they 'd showered him with eternal talent on his birthday and Noel, but that was the only way they showed their affection. Well, aside from his granny 's ivory shattering hugs, which were surprisingly sloshed considering her belittled frame. His grandparents were downright boring, their conversations ranging from the weather to what the succeeding door neighbor were doing that morning.

However, the absolute worst thing Kaden 's grandparents had done was ensure that he had to go to Smelting 's in the declension. Smelting 's was an elite school that his grandfather and his founding father had both attended. Kaden had visited numerous sentence and hated everything about it. He hated the awful uniforms, the stuck-up professors, and the kids who constantly argued about whose father had the best job.

Kaden had told his parents that he did n't desire to go. At first, his Father was will to consider letting him attend public school with all his champion, but after his grandfather had his say, there was no discussing the matter. Smelting 's it was. And after that, he would surely be destined to work for Grunnings, the same drill company that his grandfather and father worked for. What a tedious life.

Perhaps if he tried tangible surd, Kaden would be able to give himself a febrility. He 'd done it once, a few eld ago. His parents had wanted him to wait on some sort of work related party for his grandfather, and Kaden had been dreading it. half hour before they were supposed to pull up stakes, his temperature spiked to five stage above normal and he 'd been able to skip the party. The best part was, the fever had been gone within the hour.

He had no estimate how he 'd done it, though. Kaden concentrated hard, thinking of hot matter such as vent and the Equator, but even after fifteen minutes of thought, he still felt perfectly normal. It must have been a flue, the early time. mustiness 've just been a random fever.

There was a subdued knock on his door and Kaden hastily got out of his bed. He opened the door, revealing his mother standing in the room access. She was a short circuit woman with straight brown whisker, the like color as his own, that was level with her chin.

"Kaden, good, you 're awake,"she smiled."Your grandpa wants to see you in your Smelting 's undifferentiated tonight. He 's contract a new digital photographic camera and needs to train some pictures of you in it."

Kaden groaned."But I wore it hold up clip I saw him."

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

"Fine,"Kaden muttered.

His mother left and Kaden shut the door again. She had always been the peacekeeper in the family unit. Whether dousing argument between Kaden and his seven-year-old sister, Bethany, or easing the stress between Kaden and his grandparents, she was always keeping the peace.

Not ten minutes later the door burst clear and Bethany practically flew into the room. She never knocked, something Kaden would normally yell at her for. However, this sentence he was too shocked at her appearance to nettle shouting.

Bethany was wearing a princess outfit, sodding with aglitter brake shoe and a crown. She was grinning ear to ear and her farsighted blonde hair was curled.

"Why are you wearing that ?"Kaden asked. Bethany was n't normally the girly type and preferred to get into jean and a tee shirt while kicking a football around with Kaden.

"nanna Petunia got it for me,"Bethany grinned,"It 's so much honest than the other princess costumes I 've seen. Now Grandpa Vernon can remove moving-picture show of me, too."

"compliments he 'd just take pictures of you,"Kaden muttered.

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

"Lovely,"Kaden replied.

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

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

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

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

"hullo,"the man greeted them. He was shorter than Kaden 's father, but taller than Kaden. His blonde hair looked windswept and he had a happy grin on his face.

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

"Are your parents in ?"the man asked.

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

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

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

More funny than ever, Kaden glared at Bethany until she turned around and ran into the kitchen. Kaden turned back to the man and watched him. He seemed skillful enough, still smiling as he stood on the stoup. Kaden assumed he was selling something, perhaps the unknown dress-like rig he was wearing ? If that was the case, then he 'd have no luck at the Dursley 's mansion. At least he had n't showed up at Kaden 's grandparents'house, though. He certainly would n't be smiling after that. Petunia and Vernon hated anything abnormal and that would certainly admit men wearing dresses.

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

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

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

"My public figure is Professor Neville Longbottom,"the man said as he stuck out his hand."I have something I wish to discuss with you. May I come in ?"

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

Kaden held the threshold clear and Neville Longbottom stepped inside. Kaden followed as his parents lead them into the life room. Christina ran to bring drunkenness while Neville settled himself onto one of the couches. Dudley sat in the president across from him, looking confused and slightly shocked. Bethany was staring at Neville.

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

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

"This may fall as a bit of a jolt for you,"Neville began."But I am a professor at Hogwarts."

Dudley spat out his tonic and started coughing. Christina let out a belittled gasp and turned to look at Dudley, who had gone pale lily-white. The two shared a look and then turned back to Neville.

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

"That 's a dullard public figure,"Bethany announced.

"You do n't stand for,"Dudley began, ignoring Bethany."You ca n't be serious. This has got to be a joke !"

"It 's not a gag,"Neville assured him."I 've come to offer up Kaden a place at Hogwarts."

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

Kaden was fully alert now. What sort of school was Hogwarts ? And what had he done to earn a place ? He had n't applied to any former schools besides Smelting 's. Of course of study, if this Hogwarts school really was offering him a billet, he wanted to go. Anything was effective than Smelting's.

"But what is Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked.

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

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

"Not much,"Dudley muttered.

"You told them Harry 's parents were killed in a car crash, did n't you,"Neville said, to a greater extent as a statement than a question.

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

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

"wellspring, you 're going to suffer to explain now,"Neville said."I 'll wait. Unless you 'd rather I do it-"

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

"Of form I 'm going !"Kaden shouted."Dad, you know I do n't want to go to Smelting 's and here 's the complete reasonableness not to !"

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

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

"sufficiency,"Christina said loudly."flavour, Dudley, we knew this could happen. It runs in the genes ! He 's been making odd thing happen for years. We tried to cut the signs, but we knew it might happen. And frankly, I 'm happy. You and I both know he would n't have been well-chosen going to Smelting 's. I also could n't deal less about what your parents think. You 're a develop man, Dudley, make decisiveness regarding your kids based on what you think, not what your parents think."

What ran in his genes ? It could n't be intelligence operation. Kaden knew he was average, no better than most of the kidskin his age. Maybe it was football skills ? Kaden was a fair football player, but no one else in his house was particularly good. How would that run in his genes ?

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

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

Dudley looked up and his eyes met Kaden 's."Hogwarts is a school day. A special school that Harry attended when we were small fry. It 's a school of magic, for witches and wizards-"

"Wait,"Kaden interrupted."magic trick ? Like Abra Kadabra and deception wands and clobber ?"

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

Kaden watched skeptically as Neville pointed his sceptre at his meth of soda water. He muttered something in a different language and the glass began to float. Kaden gaped as he glass floated around the room and then back to Neville. Neville caught it and then pocketed his wand.

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

"Apparently so,"Dudley said.

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

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

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

Neville grinned."Yes, that would be magic. Did that go on to you ?"

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

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

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

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

"Voldemort,"Neville muttered.

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

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

"James and Albus are currently attending Hogwarts, but Lily is too Brigham Young,"Neville explained."And Voldemort was defeated years ago ; no need to worry."

Kaden nodded. Quite a few doubt were going through his caput, but he could n't envision out which to ask first.

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

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

Kaden took the letter and ripped it heart-to-heart. It was printed on thicker paper than what he was used to, almost like the kind of paper he imagined people wrote on centuries ago.

He unfolded it and show it loudly to his parents and Bethany. It told him of his acceptance and was signed by the lieutenant headmistress, prof Padma Patil. Then it said that the Hogwarts express would leave from king 's crisscross station on September first, from a platform 9 3/4.

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

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

"Muggles ?"Kaden repeated.

"People who ca n't perform deception, such as your parents,"Neville explained.

"Oh,"Kaden replied as he unfolded the tilt of supply. It was full of odd books such as Magical herbaceous plant and fungus kingdom, brass scales, and even a pewter cauldron. If his father had n't get already known about deception, he would 've thought the hale affair was a joke.

"I can take you to London and show you where Diagon Alley is, if you would like,"Neville suggested.

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

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

"Am I a crone ?"Bethany asked.

"Well, I 'm not sure as shooting,"Neville answered."If you get a varsity letter the summer you 're eleven then you 're a Wiccan. If not, then you 're not a witch."

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

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

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

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

"What do you teach ?"Kaden asked.

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

Kaden watched as Neville left the sign of the zodiac and then turned his tending to his parents. Dudley had slowly sat down on the nearest chairman and let out a small-scale moan.
***


The only strait at dinner was the Chinaman of utensils hitting the Taiwan collection plate and the forte burp that Kaden let out after chugging half a chalk of soda, earning him a stern regard from his grandmother. It seemed that nobody could think of anything to lecture about. Even the usual topics of the conditions, variation, and study had been exhausted.

Kaden and Bethany had been given exacting orders by their father not to mention anything about Hogwarts, Harry, or magic trick whatsoever. Kaden 's grandparents hated magic with a Passion of Christ, something that kind of entertained Kaden but seemed to frighten his father. Kaden has also learned that his grandparents did not like Harry due to his being a wizard, which explained why he rarely saw Harry or his small fry.

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

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

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

"football ..."Vernon muttered."Better than aught, I suppose. Smelting 's does have an first-class football team. I 'll devote the charabanc a ring and let him do it you 'll be joining."

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

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

"We 'll take to bulk you up, too,"Petunia commented as she placed another pork chopper on Kaden 's plate.

"I 've already been to the school twice,"Vernon said as he took another heavy swig of brandy."rundle with all your professors and they 're quite arouse to meet you. recollective cable of Dursley men who attended Smelting 's, you know."

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

"What was that ?"Vernon asked.

"zippo,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden really did n't like lying to his grandparents. His parents had always taught him that lying was wrong, but now he knew that they had been lying to him his hale lifetime about Harry. Now, he had to lie to his grandparents. How long would he have to prevent lying ?

"Dudley had a wonderful sentence at Smelting 's,"petunia commented as she refilled Vernon 's brandy Methedrine."Another chalk, Dudley ?"

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

"Every vacation, coming home with wonderful history of your Quaker and all you 'd done during the yesteryear term ..."Petunia smiled as she reminisced.

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

Not really, Kaden thought. More like he had the ceramicist blood. Or perhaps not. He was n't technically related to the potter side of the family, just the Sir Arthur John Evans incline. So he had Sir Arthur John Evans blood.

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

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

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

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

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

Christina stood up."I 'd care to peach with you in private, Dudley."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Public school ?"Vernon roared.

populace schooling ? Kaden mentation. Was his dad really going to change one lie for another ?

"He wants to stay with his Friend, Dad,"Dudley said."We just ca n't drive him to go somewhere that he does n't want to go."

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

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

"It 's horrific, genus Petunia. The boy wo n't get a proper education in public shoal,"Vernon insisted.

Kaden wished the footing would open up and eat up him whole. Was that the sort of affair he could do with magic ? It would be very useful for dinners with his grandparents.

"You 'll rue this, Dudley,"Vernon said."Mark my words. Smelting 's is the only suited school out there. He 's going to miss out on a lot."

Kaden glanced up and glared at his granddad, who luckily did not notice. Why was he so against any schooltime besides Smelting 's ? He knew the ground why Dudley did n't want his grandfather to love he was attending Hogwarts, but would it really be that awful if they told him ? Did he really hate deception that much ? But he, Kaden, was a wizard. A wizard just like Harry, and Vernon hated Harry and all wiz. Did that mean his own grandfather would hate him, Kaden ? It gave Kaden a sickening feeling in the pit of his venter and he pushed his plate away.

"May I be excused ?"Kaden asked quietly.

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

Kaden escaped the dining room and ran upstairs to the little bedroom. He knew it had been Harry 's sleeping room, although it no longer contained any remnant of his maven cousin. It was neat as could be, decorated in pastels and flowers. Kaden sat on the bed and stared out the window.

Earlier in the day he 'd felt so shake up about finding out that he was a wiz. It explained all the strange things he 'd done in the past. The fever was not the only time something inexplicable had happened to him. Once, he had fallen off his bicycle, landed hard on his wrist, and suffered no more than a incision. Another time he 'd result a library Scripture at home base that he had meant to take back to school, only to find that it had appeared in his rucksack during lunch.

Why had n't his dad told him about Harry being a wizard ? Perhaps there was some sort of law preventing mavin telling Muggles about magic ? That would explain why most Muggles did not know about magic. But his mother had known. Dudley had clearly told her. Harry must induce done strange things as a child and Kaden wondered if his own Father-God had realized what Kaden was when he did strange affair.

There was a bang on the threshold a few minutes later. Christina popped her drumhead into the elbow room and told Kaden they were leaving. She looked wild. Kaden nodded and quickly followed her down the stairs and out the door, without even saying good day to his grandparents.
***


The next few week were both wind up and clumsy. Kaden put up a calendar on his wall to numerate down the days until he got to leave for Hogwarts. Harry had said he would take them to Diagon bowling alley a few weeks before term started and Kaden was very much looking forward to that.

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

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

The intimacy was very quiet at beginning, with nobody knowing what to say and the only phrases mentioned being"strait the salt"or"could I stimulate some more brandy, delight ?"Kaden did not say a single countersign, which even he knew was rare, since he liked to talk a lot.

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

Dudley and Christina exchanged glances."No, actually, Kaden was never going to look world school day,"Dudley said quietly."He 's been selected to go to a small-scale, private school in Scotland. He did n't apply, but he 's been selected to attend."

"Then why did you tell us-"

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

Kaden watched as both of his grandparents visibly paled. Vernon dropped his brandy meth. genus Petunia let out what could only be described as a small close call. Vernon 's face then turned the purple color it did when he got angry.

petunia squeaked again and Vernon slammed his fist down on the table."That position ! That place where the boy went. Where ABNORMAL people go. You ca n't honestly be thinking of sending Kaden there ? ! I wo n't ingest it, I wo n't !"

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

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

"A feeling about what ?"petunia asked.

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

Vernon gave Kaden a very strange feeling, one that made Kaden find mildly uncomfortable. It was a weird mix of confusion, anger, and the slightest bit of revulsion, as if he could not stand to think that mortal actually related to him was a wizard. Vernon had surely prided himself on the fact that he was not actually related to Harry.

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

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

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

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

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

Kaden could n't care less about Smelting 's. He was just happy he 'd never cause to set foot in the place again. Anything would be better than Smelting 's and what fiddling he knew about Hogwarts was better. He just wished his grandfather would be a petty Sir Thomas More accepting. Kaden may not stimulate particularly liked his granddad, but he still loved him and hated feeling as if it was not mutual.

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

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

Vernon chose to snub this and continued eating. The table settled into uncomfortable secrecy once more and Kaden managed to choke down a few bites of chicken before petunia brought out sweet. She served Kaden a very large helping of pud, but he only ate a few bites before stopping.

Kaden and his fellowship did not linger after pudding was finished. No one seemed disposed to chaffer any longer. Vernon and Petunia walked them to the door, but Vernon beckoned Kaden into the support room before they left.

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

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

Kaden lay in bed that night feeling very content. His grandparents may not have been felicitous about his attending Hogwarts, but they did not look to hate him for being a magician, and that was as salutary as he expected. Plus, the following day he would get to go to Diagon bowling alley with Harry and the rest of his charming cousins. It would be his first taste of the magical Earth and he could not expect.


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

If you enjoyed this, check out Albus Potter and the rail They Left keister, in which Kaden 's news report is continued in.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus Severus Potter stared out his bedroom windowpane and watched as an owl flew cheeseparing and tightlipped to Grimmauld office. The sun was just above the sensible horizon and was already shining brightly into Albus 's room. Albus ran a hand through his messy black hair as he waited for the owl. True, he did n't really know if the owl was for him or not, but he was eager to see. He was the but one awake at this hour anyway. His pal Jesse James was surely sleeping in, as he had been doing all summer. Albus slept in for the 1st few calendar week, but after a while the novelty wore off and he started rising at an in the first place hour. Albus watched the owl through his green center as it soared towards his windowpane. Albus leaned over and opened the door latch, and the owl landed on his desk.

It was a large browned screech owl that Albus immediately recognized as his booster, Matt Eckerton 's. It stood proudly on top of Albus 's transfiguration book with its leg sticking out, waiting for Albus to undo its letter. Albus went over to the owl and retrieved the letter. Once he did so, the owl flapped its wings and flew out the windowpane once more. Albus flopped down onto his bed and ripped open the gasbag. It had been hebdomad since he had survive seen his admirer from Hogwarts and eagerly anticipated their letter of the alphabet. John Brickston and lusterlessness Eckerton had each written him a yoke time. Albus unfolded the alphabetic character and silently record it.

Albus,

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

We 're going to meet up with you in Diagon alleyway, since we 're not
on the Floo meshwork. John tells me he 's visiting some of his
full cousin right before your party, but that he 'll be able to stay at
your house after.

I ca n't wait until the party. affair at my theater are dreadfully
boring. And my parents have been kinda depressed. Amy
moved out endure workweek. You probably already bonk that since
Victoire went with her. But Mum 's been crying a lot. She 's
talking about how her baby is all grown up.

Anyway, I 'll see you in a few calendar week !
Your booster,
matt

Albus grinned broadly as he set Matt 's letter down next to John 's most recent one. He was thrilled that both of his best champion would be able-bodied to go to his birthday party. bathroom had said yes right-hand away, but Matt 's parents were very protective of him and had to be convinced. Both of his admirer would wrap up spending about a workweek with Albus and he could n't wait. Albus wondered what Mrs. Eckerton would do with herself while her son was at Grimmauld station. Albus had only met the charwoman twice, but he got the feeling that she was even more protective of her children than his own granny was. He could only imagine what Matt 's mum was doing now that her girl had moved out. Only a week before, Matt 's sister, Amy, and Albus 's cousin-german, Victoire, had moved into a apartment in John Griffith Chaney. The two of them were beginning their Healer training in September.

Albus heard footsteps running down the hall that he recognized immediately as his little babe Lily 's. He glanced at the clock and saw that it was nearly nine. His mother must be up, too. Albus got up from the bed and got dressed. He opened the door and went down to the kitchen. When he got there, he saw his female parent standing near the fervidness tending to a cauldron. Lily was sitting at the mesa in her jammies, playing with her pet pygmy puff.

Albus sat down next to her and watched her as she fed the diminished animal mavin O's.

`` Hi, Albus ! '' she said cheerfully, `` Wan na run Martin ? ``

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

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

`` Sounds good, '' Albus said as his breadbasket growled, `` I got a letter from mat just now. He can come to the party and he 's coming a few daytime early. ``

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

`` Would young master like any pumpkin juice ? '' Kreacher appeared at Albus 's side carrying a flagon of juice and a cup.

`` Sure, thanks, Kreacher, '' Albus told the sign of the zodiac elf. Albus liked Kreacher. He was always there to help whenever Albus needed him. Harry had told him that Kreacher was not always this squeamish, but Albus could hardly imagine it.

Albus took the spyglass of autumn pumpkin juice and grabbed the copy of the morning oracle that was laying nearby. He immediately opened it to the Quidditch section. `` Ha ! '' he laughed when he saw the newspaper headline, `` I wonder if Matt 's read this ! ``

Ginny glanced over at Albus 's yell and looked at him quizzically. `` The Chudley carom just lost another biz. Their newest quester tripped over his own broom as he was kicking off from the ground and gave himself a melanise eye, '' Albus laughed. `` Matt supports the Cannons. ``

`` Who supports the Cannons ? '' James came slowly down the stairs, yawning as he rubbed his eyes.

`` mat does, '' Albus said and he tossed James the paper, `` Read that. ``

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

Albus nodded in agreement as he started eating the burgoo that Ginny had served him. He discussed Quidditch with James and his mother for the next one-half hour. All of them agreed that the Cannons had no chance of ever making it to the league Cup. When Albus had finished his oatmeal, Harry came stumbling down the stair in his pajamas.

`` There 's rolled oats in the cauldron, beloved, '' Ginny smiled warmly at him and got up from the table. She planted a quick candy kiss on his face as he reached for an hollow bowl.

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

`` Someday you 'll understand, James IV, '' Ginny laughed, `` Someday soon, female child wo n't cause cooties anymore. ``

`` That 's already happened, '' Saint James the Apostle muttered quietly so only Albus could get wind him, `` It 's just I 'll never need to see my own parents doing that. ``

`` Do you receive to go into employment today ? '' Ginny asked as Harry sat down adjacent to her at the table.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The whole Potter category played game after game of chess, until James was declared the champion. By the time lunch rolled around, Albus was regorge of the plot. `` Can we go play Quidditch after dejeuner ? '' he asked.

`` Maybe, '' Harry said in between bites. Harry often took them to roleplay Quidditch at Rose 's house. Since the Potters lived in John Griffith Chaney, they really could n't play Quidditch at their own menage. `` blush wine wo n't be there, though. They 're visiting aunty Hermione 's parents. ``

`` That 's all right, '' Albus said, `` blush wine does n't really the likes of Quidditch anyway. ``

`` I 'll never understand that, '' St. James the Apostle sighed.

At that moment, Albus heard a gamey pitched ring coming from the kitchen tabulator. He looked over and saw the small Mobile River sound that always sat succeeding on the window sill. The potter did not possess many Muggle devices in their sign of the zodiac, but they did sustain one telephone in vitrine they had to touch any Muggles. Usually the sound was just used when Harry talked to his first cousin, Dudley. But James and Albus had given the number to their Muggle born friends. Amanda had called Albus earlier in the summer to tell him that she would be able to go to his party.

Harry glanced at Ginny, who shrugged. It was obvious that neither of them were expecting a call. Harry wordlessly got up from the table and answered the telephone set. `` hello ? '' he said. He went placidity for a few second while whoever was on the other end told him something. Harry 's oculus widened in impact and a grin scatter cross his grimace. `` What ? Are you sober ? Dudley, that 's glorious ! ``

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

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

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

Harry talked for a few Thomas More arcminute and then hung up the phone. He started laughing as he sat back down at the tabular array. `` Just spoken with Dudley .... ''

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

`` You 'll never pretend .... ''

`` So tell us ! '' Ginny replied.

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

Albus 's mouth fell open. Harry 's cousin, Dudley, had two kids. The older one, Kaden, was a little younger than Albus. Dudley had never been a fan of magic and Albus could only opine what he would cerebrate of his own son being a wizard.

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

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

`` I would call up not, '' Ginny said, `` Merlin, they 're going to flip. ``

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

`` commodity, '' Ginny agreed, `` I would n't even need to be in the Same room as your auntie and uncle the moment they find out about Kaden. ``

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

`` wonderment what house he 'll be in, '' Albus said as he tossed around one of Jesse James 's practice Snitches.

`` I 'd guess Hufflepuff, '' James commented. Albus had to harmonise with that. He had met his full cousin, Kaden, before and he 'd look the Hufflepuff sort. King James had managed to pull quite a few pranks on him over the years and he did n't appear to be the sharp-worded quill in the box. Albus remembered the cobbler's last metre they 'd seen Kaden. It had been a couple years ago. Albus and his family tended to bring down the Dursleys every couple of years, but the Dursleys had never been to Grimmauld Place. Albus guessed it was probably because Kaden and his sister did n't get it on about magic. Well, they did now, Albus thought.

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

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

`` I ca n't wait to see him eat Bertie Bott 's Beans for the for the first time prison term, '' Albus grinned mischievously, `` The first fourth dimension Amanda had one of those, she spat it out in John 's aspect. ``

`` I guess he 's coming to Diagon back street with us. Dudley, too, probably, '' Jesse James said, `` That 'll be interest. ``

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

`` Just wait until Kaden asks for his get-go broom, '' James grinned.

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

`` Definitely, '' King James I agreed. `` This is going to be a keen twelvemonth, I can finger it ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Or who 's goal in animation is to become the succeeding Voldemort. ``

`` Or who stares at you so menacingly you ca n't even do the wide-eyed magic spell. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah ! '' the boys shouted at the same time. James River grabbed his broom off the top of his desk and found a Quaffle, along with a pattern Snitch.

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

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

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

Albus followed his dad and William James down the stair and into the drafting room. Harry grabbed a handful of Floo powder, threw it into the fire, and shouted, `` Ron and Hermione Weasley 's household ! '' James followed after him, and then Albus.

Albus landed in his Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione 's living room. Their firm was a minuscule, intimate place in the middle of a bailiwick with a forest nearby. It seemed strangely quiet without anyone else in it. Albus, St. James, and their dad headed out the door and into the field of honor. Albus watched as Harry pulled out his wand and muttered a few charm that would keep the Snitch from roaming too far.

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

Harry and James agreed and mounted their brooms as well. The two of them were up in the air before Albus was, due to their superior Calluna vulgaris. Albus saw James discharge the Snitch and waitress a few second before taking off after it. Harry had the Quaffle in his paw and once Albus was in the air, he passed it to him. Whipping out his wand, Harry conjured a with child wooden hoop and suspended it in mid-air.

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

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

Harry laughed and conjured a few more than hoops. Albus flew around him for a little while before sending the Quaffle into the left most hoop. Harry was too slow and the Quaffle sailed through.

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

They continued playing for a couple hours, taking short breaks to rest. Albus managed to score a lot of end, with Harry only blocking a dyad. After a while of catching and releasing the snitcher, James II joined Albus and the two of them teamed up against Harry. Harry was n't able-bodied to save many goals with both his son passing the Quaffle back and Forth. Eventually, they all got tired and decided to foretell it a day. Albus flooed back to Grimmauld seat tired, but happy.



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

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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




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

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

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

`` Listen, Dudley, '' Harry began, `` I 've got to guide Albus to Diagon back street. Yes, that 's the place Kaden will go to get his stuff and nonsense. Ok, I 'll talk to you later. Bye. '' Harry closed the phone and set it down on the windowsill.

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

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

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

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

Everyone else in the pub looked over at the fireplace that Harry and Albus just came through. Harry nodded to the drunken sorcerer as he and Albus walked past the bar. The crowd parted in guild to allow them through. Once they made it through the crowd, Albus spotted matte and his parents at one of the mesa in the back. Albus hurried over to him with Harry following closely behind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` fine, '' Hannah grinned, `` Just a couple to a greater extent month and there will be another sister Longbottom ! So, what can I get you ? ``

The group ordered their nutrient and a inadequate while later it arrived. Albus and Matt spent the whole sentence telling each other about their workweek apart while the adults talked quietly with each other.

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

`` What ? '' Matt asked.

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

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

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

`` What ? ! '' matte spat out a mouthful of Cucurbita pepo juice.

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

`` Sorry, Mum, '' Matt wiped the pumpkin juice up off the board and turned back to Albus, `` Are you sober ? ``

`` Yup, he got his letter a couple weeks ago, '' Albus told him, `` Mad, is n't it ? Of course, it is n't that surprising. I mean, there 's obviously charming in the family. ``

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

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

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

Albus, lusterlessness, and his parents stood up as well, `` See you then, '' Mr. Ecketon replied and turned to lusterlessness, `` Have fun, and do n't cook too often trouble. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Er, yeah, but not in a couple years, '' flatness eyed the fireplace nervously.

`` You 'll be fine, '' Harry told him, `` Just contrive the pulverization in and say 'Number 12 Grimmauld plaza .'''

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

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

Albus threw it into the fire and shouted, `` Number 12 Grimmuald blank space ! '' He was whisked away in a swirl of viridity fire and came out in the drawing way of his home. He quickly stepped away and waited for Matt and his dad to appear.

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

`` You 'd improve step away, '' Albus pulled mat away from the fire just before Harry appeared.

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah, it used to be Sirius 's house, '' Albus told him, `` It was a lot different then. It had a lot of creepy and Dark material in it. The Black family was pretty involved in the darkness Arts. Except for Sirius, and his pal genus Regulus changed his panorama at the end of his life and tried to destroy a Horcrux. Anyway, my dad managed to get nearly of the Dark stuff and nonsense out. ``

`` Well, that 's expert, '' Matt said as they entered the next floor.

`` My way 's the live on one on the right, but inaugural I 've got to shew you something, '' Albus led lusterlessness into one of the former elbow room, `` This is James I 's room. But it used to be Sirius 's. ``

`` Your pal 's not very neat, is he ? '' Matt asked as he stepped over a tidy sum of marked-up schooltime gown and books.

`` Nope, he 's not, '' Albus said and walked over to one of the paries, `` Here 's what I wanted to show you, '' he pointed to a movie of four son, `` Sirius put a bunch of pictures up on the wall and no one can get them off. My dad covered up most of them, but he left this one. It 's my granddaddy, Sirius, Teddy 's dad, and Peter Pettigrew. ``

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

`` Yup, '' Albus told him, `` thought you 'd care to see it. ``

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

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

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

******

A few twenty-four hours later, St. John arrived at Grimmauld Place. The boy spent their time playing games and talking. John was just as shocked as mat was that Kaden was a sorcerer. Harry took them to Rose 's house to diddle Quidditch a few times. Amanda was there and the five of them managed to do a bit of homework after Rose prodded them a few clip.

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

`` I dunno, '' Matt threw the Quaffle to Albus, `` What do you want to do ? ``

`` Hmm, '' Albus caught the Quaffle and stopped to recollect. He had given his champion the grand hitch of Grimmauld property as soon as they 'd arrived, but there was one place he had yet to show them. `` Want to research the Ionic dialect ? '' he grinned mischievously.

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

`` All sorts of old stuff and nonsense, '' Albus replied. `` I do n't go up there very often, but it 's not bad for exploring. ``

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

Albus led his admirer down the hall and towards the stairs. They climbed all the way up to the top and opened the room access. The attic of figure 12 Grimmauld topographic point was a very bombastic room, filled with old boxes and furniture. It was dark, cramped, and dusty and hard to move around in. `` Here we are, '' Albus announced and walked into the room.

`` Whoa, '' whoremonger exclaimed, `` What is all this hooey ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` What 's in there ? '' matt had walked over to the alone door leading off the room, besides the one they had come in.

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

`` Why not ? '' Matt asked curiously.

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

`` What did she do to make you keep her up here ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

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

`` She sounds frightful, '' mat agreed.

`` I bet she was tough when she was active, '' Albus commented. The two of them walked back over to the box John was rifling through.

`` wait at all this ! '' John grinned, `` The whole box is filled with visualise stuff. chalice, silverware. '' John the Divine pulled out a very large candelabrum and examined it. `` Are those, snakes ? '' he pointed to the parts of the candelabra that would control candles. Each of them was a Snake River 's head, and the candle would sit in the Hydra 's mouth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Uh, yeah, all wolfman are, '' lusterlessness explained.

`` That 's interesting, '' John said.

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

`` fountainhead, '' Matt grinned, `` There 's not a lot silver in the Gryffindor plebeian way. It 's too Slytherin. '' The male child all laughed.

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

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

John agreed and put down the tray and teapot. lusterlessness looked very grateful as they started wandering around the dome. Albus and John peered into the boxes, looking for one that did n't have any silver in it.

`` Are there any without ash gray ? '' King John asked after they 'd looked at at least ten unlike boxes.

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

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

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

`` And this, '' John pulled out an old copy of 1000 Magical Herbs and kingdom Fungi. `` Bet it has n't changed in the least. ``

`` Broken Snitch, '' mat announced, `` Broken Sneakoscope, a few dungbombs, busted quill feather, nothing too exciting. ``

`` Wait, what 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a humble, worn out leather al-Qur'an at the buns. It did n't look much like a text Koran. Albus reached into the box and pulled it out. He opened it up in silence, while John and Matt looked over his shoulder. On the first Thomas Nelson Page was a picture of four son. `` It 's picture album, '' he murmured. He flipped through the next few pages, noticing that the film were always of the Saami four boys, though occasionally one or two of them were missing.

`` Who are they ? '' John the Evangelist asked.

`` I think they 're the predator, '' Albus pointed to a exposure of a messy haired boy with glasses, `` Because that is definitely my grandpa. ``

`` Makes signified, since it was in Sirius 's box, '' St. John agreed, `` Which one is Sirius ? ``

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus replied. He continued to deform the pages, looking at each picture. It was a bit strange looking at all these pic and seeing the Marauders at Hogwarts. There were motion-picture show of them in their dorm, in the common way, on the grounds, in Hogsmeade. There was even one of them with the Whomping Willow in the background knowledge. There were also a couple of King James playing Quidditch. In all the motion picture, all four male child waved wildly at Albus, Saint John, and Matt. They all looked so happy. It felt weird to fuck that only a few geezerhood after these scene had been taken, shaft would betray King James I and Lily. The marauder had trusted each other with their living, literally. Kind of like how Albus trusted his friends. But they would never betray each other. Albus knew that. None of them were rats like Pettigrew was.

Towards the end of the photograph album, a girl started appearing in a lot of the pictures. She would ingest her arms wrapped around James and would kiss him every once in a while.

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

`` My grandmother, '' Albus explained. `` I think this has all their age of Hogwarts in it. '' Albus flipped to the very end page and saw that the lastly delineation was of all the Marauders, plus Lily, standing in presence of the lake in their schoolhouse robe, holding diplomas. They all wore huge grins on their faces.

`` graduation, '' whoremonger commented.

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

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

`` I think I 'll observe it, '' Albus replied. `` I mean, no one 's going to leave out it if it 's up here. '' Albus closed the exposure record album and a folded up small-arm of parchment fell out.

`` What 's this ? '' Matt picked it up. `` feel lacuna. ``

Albus took it from him, unfolded it, and examined it. It was almost vacuous. In one of the corners were four very small paw photographic print. `` No it 's not. reckon, '' Albus pointed to the corner.

John and matt peered at the lambskin and looked at the paw photographic print. `` What 's that mean ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

`` I 've never seen it before, '' Albus replied, `` But I think it 's supposed to represent the Marauders. I 'm guessing they 're a wolf, dog, stag, and rat photographic print. ``

`` It 's dummy, though, '' John commented, `` I mean besides that. Why would Sirius keep an old piece of sheepskin ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. But in his gut, he had a feeling that it was n't a meaningless composition of sheepskin. After all, to the norm someone, the marauder 's Map was just a meaningless piece of parchment. Albus shoved the parchment back in the album, which he then shoved at the bottom of his trunk once the son returned to Albus 's room.

******

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

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

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

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

`` Like my confront ? '' Albus hinted.

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

`` Are we going by floo ? '' flatness eyed the hearth warily.

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

Harry was right. This sentence, matte did not inhale nearly as a good deal dope and managed to not fall over as he arrived at the tunnel. When they got there, the theater was already crowded with people.

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

`` Thanks, Grandmum, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Wow, I ca n't imagine having this many cousin-german, '' lustrelessness replied, `` Well, I have n't got any first cousin. ``

The mathematical group managed to make it through the crowd and into the backyard. They saw Harry and Ron setting up the table magically. A few of Albus 's cousins were in the air on Calluna vulgaris and a few others were playing with the gnomes in the garden. Albus spotted blush wine and Amanda at a nearby table.

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

`` hi, '' Rose and Amanda greeted them. `` Did you just get here ? '' rosebush asked.

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

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

`` Us, too. ``

`` I hate flooing, '' Amanda groaned, `` Took me fifteen arcminute to stop cough. ``

`` It gets better, '' Matt assured her, `` I had n't done it in old age, but I did it to get to Albus 's firm. pick out me forever to intercept coughing. But then when we came here, I was okay. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Wow, '' rosiness replied, `` Still ca n't think it. ``

`` Me, neither, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hi, kids ! '' poster had appeared future to the table, holding what appeared to be a mammoth Gryffindor lion. `` Everyone 's arrived, so I think we 're going to do the pinata soon. ``

`` Brilliant ! '' Albus grinned.

peak set the pinata down on the tabular array and glanced out across the yard. `` Oi ! slip ! wish to do the pinata ? ``

Teddy, who had turned his tomentum scarlet and Au for the occasion, came running over to the table. `` Sure ! We doing it in the center of the yard ? ``

`` That would probably be best, '' Bill replied. The two of them set off to clear a place for the pinata.

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

`` Hang it on ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

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

`` All right ! '' handbill shouted, `` Albus and pink wine first, then youngest to oldest. ``

rose wine went first. Bill put a blind-fold charm over her eyes and handed her an old broom. slip levitated the pinata and flung it around Rose. After a few poorly aimed collision, her turn was over. Albus was up side by side. He took the Calluna vulgaris from blush wine and was blind-folded. He loved this part of his birthday political party, but he was never very good at it.

`` To the right ! '' someone shouted. Albus swung the heather around to his right, but did n't make contact with anything. shift always made it difficult.

`` I bet you anything that Bradley 's going to collapse it loose, '' Albus said once his go was over. `` He does at everyone 's parties. ``

`` well, this is the kind of thing a beater would be good at, '' Rose pointed out.

`` I know, '' Albus replied. The pinata bashing continued for a while and no one had managed to even touch it. Teddy was laughing hysterically as everyone flung the Scots heather around. Soon, all the piffling kids had finished and Albus 's booster were up. Amanda was the first base one to actually touch the pinata with the ling, but she did n't stimulate any progress in smashing it open. Matt actually managed to hit himself in the head teacher with the broom, instead of the tumid Gryffindor lion.

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

John was up next and he hit the pinata with a loud crunch that sounded like it should receive smashed the all matter. `` Yes ! '' he shouted.

`` Sorry, it 's a magically reinforced pinata since there 's so many of us, '' teddy grinned, `` It 'll guide a few more of those. ``

As usual, Tom Bradley was the one to give the last setback to the pinata. Everyone rushed forward to grab the Henry Sweet that had fallen out of it. Albus and his protagonist each got a great bag of sweets.

`` Time for present ! '' Molly shouted over the gang. Albus and Rose sat down at one one of the tables next to two with child big bucks of nowadays. They alternated opening them, each receiving a lot of books, sweets, Weasley thaumaturgist Wheezes mathematical product, and versatile clothing token. Soon, there was just one present left.

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

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

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

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

`` You will, '' William James assured him.

`` I 'm going to try it out now ! '' Albus grinned. He ran to the midsection of the curtilage with his friends and full cousin following. He mounted the broom and took off into the air. The evening child's play felt cool as he soared higher and in high spirits. It flew just like Georgia 's did. The acceleration was wonderful and it turned at the thin touch. Albus flew around the railway yard for a few minutes, enjoying the thrill that only flying could work. Albus had loved flying and Quidditch for as long as he could remember. He had received his low gear toy broom on his first birthday. He promptly crashed into a tree the next day and broke it. Albus had gotten a lot better at flying since then, but he still was n't nearly as goodness as James was. After a few more arcminute, Albus descended and landed on the ground.

`` How is it ? '' John asked.

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

`` Of course ! '' John took the heather and flew off into the sky. Albus spent the next half hour lending his broom to his full cousin and acquaintance. They all agreed that it was a superb ling and that Albus was for certain to make pursuer on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

Molly served dinner shortly after everyone had tried out Albus 's new broom. The discussion centered mainly around Quidditch, like it often did when all the Weasleys got together. With such a gravid number of people, there was always a expert bit of disagreement about which teams were the best. lustrelessness was thrilled that Albus 's Uncle Ron was a Chudley shank fan and the two of them defended their squad to the rest of the group.

The eve ended with a brilliant Gryffindor social lion shaped coat that molly had made. Hermione had enchanted it to yawl realistically when it was for the first time cut. Shortly after everyone finished their cake, they started going house. Albus 's household were some of the last to leave.

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

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

Albus stepped out of the fireplace at Grimmauld topographic point and waited for Saint John and Matt. They appeared a few arcminute later, and the three of them went up to Albus 's room.

`` That was really fun, Albus, '' Matt yawned as they lay down to go to kip, `` Your family is fun. Makes me regard I had some cousin. ``

`` You 're receive to ploughshare mine, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine, too, '' John the Divine agreed, `` If you think Albus 's family unit is nuts, you should fill mine. You 'll meet one of my cousins this year. It 's her first twelvemonth at Hogwarts. All my cousins are jr. than me. ``

`` The only one of my cousin coming to Hogwarts this year is Kaden, '' Albus told them.

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

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

`` Night, '' St. John the Apostle replied.

`` night, '' lusterlessness said.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other baby and my blood brother. Thanks also to XDNLxtlz99, teddysxxgirl, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, and ginnyweasleypotter87 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




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

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

Albus sighed. He, Harry, John Lackland, and Matt were all standing outside the Leaky caldron. The Muggle side. It was a few 24-hour interval after Albus and Rose 's birthday party and Matt was meeting his parents to go home in a couple hours. Harry had agreed to take them a few 60 minutes early so they could buy their new books. Harry also decided that it would be a honorable time to take Dudley and Kaden shopping for Kaden 's provision.

A few minutes later a drear sedan pulled up to the curb. A rather large blond-haired man stepped out, along with a short-change brunette charwoman, and two kids. Albus recognized the boy as Kaden. He was scant, only an column inch or so marvelous than Matt, and a bit on the plump side. His hair was brown and looked in pauperization of a cut. Kaden 's younger sister, Bethany, had inherited her don 's blond hair and was about a headway scant than Kaden. Albus thought she was seven, but he was n't certain.

`` Hello, Dudley, '' Harry extended his hand to his cousin.

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

`` Why do n't we go inside the pub and we 'll talk more there ? '' Harry suggested and opened the threshold to the Leaky caldron. Everyone filed inside. The Durlseys stared around, gaping at everything in sight while they followed Harry out the endorse doorway. Harry took out his wand, tapped one of the bricks, and Diagon Alley appeared in social movement of them. `` This is Diagon Alley. ``

`` This is where you got all your, your conjuring trick stuff ? '' Dudley gaped.

`` Sure is, '' Harry grinned, `` The maiden thing you 'll require to do is set up an chronicle at Gringotts. '' He pointed to the large albumen building at the end of the street. `` Pounds wo n't buy much here. You have to use wizard money, Galleons, Sickles, and Canute. ``

Albus really did n't want to go to Gringotts and time lag while the Durlseys learned about hotshot money. `` Dad, can me, John, and matte go look at the shops by ourselves ? ``

`` I suppose so, '' Harry said after he thought for a second, `` I 'll film Dudley and Christina to Gringotts and indicate them around. Why do n't you take Kaden with you ? '' he suggested. `` We can meet you at fanfare and Blotts in an hour. ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said, happy to not have to go to Gringotts, `` Let 's go. '' The boys set off down the street, none of them really for certain where to go first. Kaden seemed to be gazing in awe at everything he saw. Albus led them to a bench outside Quality Quidditch supplying. `` Ok, Kaden, these are my friends, lav and matt. ``

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

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

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Are there a lot of kids whose parents are n't witches and star ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

Kaden 's back talk fell open, `` Like witches do in motion picture ? ``

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

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

Albus, lavatory, and matt spent a good XX minutes telling Kaden all about Quidditch.

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

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

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

`` Well, there 's no football at Hogwarts, '' lav told him, `` It 's Quidditch or nothing. Just wait until you first fly a broom, you 'll vary your mind about football game. ``

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

`` Not on my theater team. First geezerhood are n't allowed to play. And this class the only opening night is for a pursuer. My office is Beater. But Albus is trying out. ``

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

`` Yup. I hope I make it. James is already on the squad. He 's the searcher. One of the best Gryffindor has ever had, '' Albus said.

`` What 's Gryffindor ? ''

`` DOE n't bang much about Hogwarts, does he ? '' John whispered to Albus.

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

`` What ? ! ''

`` wellspring, technically Slytherins are cunning, but most of the evil witches and wizards were in Slytherin. ``

`` How do you get sorted ? ``

`` Ca n't tell you, '' Albus grinned, `` It 's part of the fun not to know. ``

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied, `` All my cousins are, too. ``

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

`` Let 's go to Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, '' St. John suggested. Although he looked a lilliputian taken aback that Kaden did n't desire to await at heather anymore.

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

`` Whoa ! What is this spot ? '' Kaden gazed around at the inside of George Weasley 's shop with a look of awe on his face.

`` Joke store, '' lav told him, `` Best workshop in Diagon skittle alley. ``

`` Why thank you, John ! '' George IV greeted them. `` Hello, Albus ! Hi, lusterlessness ! ``

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

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

Kaden nodded and stared at George VI. After a few bit, he asked, `` What on worldly concern happened to your ear ? ``

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

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

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

`` Positive ; he thinks football 's good than Quidditch, '' Albus told him.

`` I 'm sure that 'll change after he sees Quidditch, '' George III replied. `` fountainhead, I 've got to get back to piece of work. See you later, Albus. ``

`` Bye, '' Albus said as George V went back behind the counter. Albus started looking around the shop with John the Divine and Matt while Kaden bounced from one display to the future, announcing how brilliant everything was and asking the other son more questions.

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

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

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

`` To get out of boring classes, '' Matt explained, `` Once you 've sat through one of Binns 's family, you 'll read. ``

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

`` extendible Ears, '' Albus told him, remembering when he used them live Christmas only to take in his dad talking about the Hallows. `` You use them to listen in on conversations people are having. ``

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

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

The boys waved good day to Saint George and left the shop class. Albus, lustrelessness, and lav listened as Kaden commented on everything they passed on their way to the book store. Albus hoped that his cousin would simmer down down once he was more used to the Wizarding existence. They continued their walk to tucket and Blotts while explaining about sorcerous soma of transportation to Kaden. He was amazed that wizards could appear and disappear 'just like that', as he put it and snapped his fingers.

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

`` Yeah ! Albus has told me about Quidditch and apparition and Flooing and all sorts of magic hardheaded jocularity particular, '' Kaden grinned.

`` Well, let 's go get your script now, '' Harry said as the group walked into the store. flourish and Blotts was quite vacuous today. There were only a few other people inside, none of whom Albus recognized. Harry and the Dursleys took the boys'listing to a sales individual while the boys started looking around.

Albus, John the Evangelist, and flatness had been to this book computer storage numerous times and did n't ascertain anything exciting about it. The three of them would rather have been in caliber Quidditch provision. Kaden, on the other handwriting, seemed as delirious there as he had been in George II 's shop. He ran all over the shop, picking up random books and bringing them back to bear witness the early boys.

`` face at this ! '' he panted, running back to Albus for what must have been the tenth meter, `` It 's a book about brewing potions ! Am I going to get to do that ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied wearily. He had already given this response in reply to questions about charms, transfiguration, and defensive spells.

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

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

toilet stifled a laugh, `` Just wait until he gets his 1st Potions essay. He wo n't be too thrilled about it then. ``

`` await at this Book ! '' Kaden came running back a few instant later with a Book entitled, Dark Creatures : How to Protect Yourself. `` It 's got gormandize about lamia and werewolves in it ! I did n't know those were literal ! ``

Albus felt matte stiffen next to him. Albus glanced at him and saw the flavor of panic on his face. Albus immediately took the Koran from Kaden, `` Yeah, they 're real. But they 're aught like the single in Muggle fairy tale. And you do n't need to show this ledger. It 's too encourage. You 've got to startle out with the basics. '' Albus quickly stuffed the Quran onto a nearby shelf. He did not need Kaden to register about the prejudice wizards had about werewolves.

Kaden took off into another segment of the depot and Matt relaxed. `` That was ending, '' he whispered.

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

`` Thanks. ``

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

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

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

Harry, Kaden, and the rest of the Dursleys walked ahead of Albus and his friends on their way to Ollivander 's. Kaden was practically skipping up the street in his excitation about his wand. In demarcation, Matt was starting to tire out due to the upcoming full-of-the-moon moon. By the fourth dimension Albus, John, and matte got to Ollivander 's, Kaden was already trying out his 1st scepter. He gave it a wave and one of the empty wand boxes on Ollivander 's desk exploded. Kaden thought that the explosion was full-strength, but Ollivander disagreed. Kaden tried out wands for the side by side XV hour before finding one that created gold sparks when he waved it. Dudley paid for the scepter and the chemical group left the store. The next diaphragm was the Apothecary and then dame Malkin 's. An hr later, Kaden was all set for his first year at Hogwarts.

Once they were done shopping, the group met Matt 's parents at the Leaky Cauldron. Everyone was hungry, so they all decided to eat dinner party together. Albus, privy, matt, and Kaden sat at their own mesa while the adults and Bethany sat at the other.

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

`` I 'm going to visit some to a greater extent of my first cousin after I go habitation, '' whoremaster told them.

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

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

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

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

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

`` I 'll explicate sometime else, when we 're alone, '' he gave a meaningful glimpse at Kaden, `` Maybe on the string. But do n't vex about it, I 'm fine. ``

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

`` We should probably get going, '' Mr. and Mrs. Eckerton stood up and walked over to Albus 's tabular array. Mrs. Eckerton sent a worried feel at her son. matte was resting his nous on his paw and had his oculus closed. `` Are you all right, dear ? '' she asked quietly.

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

Harry and the Dursleys got up and said their goodbyes to Matt 's parents. Mr. Eckerton drew Matt into a pissed hug, and the three of them Disapparated.

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

`` You 'll get to, '' Albus told him, `` When you 're in your sixth year, you can take example. And then when you 're XVII, you take a test to get your license. ``

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

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

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

`` Yeah, but I prefer Flooing. ``

`` So do I, '' St. John told him, `` But Matt likes side-along phantom better. ``

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

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

Albus waved bye as the Dursleys left the pub to go back into the Muggle human race. Albus was n't sure what to think about Kaden. He had n't seen him in years, but he 'd be seeing a lot of him now. Kaden was definitely a clump of zip, that was for for sure. Kaden seemed to reckon that everything in the wizarding world was expectant. He was going to be in for a rude awakening when he learned about Voldemort and other wickedness wizards.



Wealsey-Potter-Dursley Family Tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( beldame ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 18 Sir Henry Morton Stanley, 7th year Georgia, 6th year
Gabriella, 6th year Heather, 5th year Bradley, 4th year
Ben, 3rd year Mark, 4th year Cedric, 3rd year
Eddie, 6 years old Samantha & Lindy ( Twin ), 7 geezerhood old

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

Dudley-Christina ( Muggle )
Kaden- 1st year
Bethany- 7 old age old

*all in Gryffindor*



A/N : Thanks to my babe and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my former sister and my Brother. And thanks to ginnyweasley98, smirkyhaha, sinwillys822, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their revue !

I also want to bid everyone to check out my meet the author page on the forums. There 's a link to it in my profile. Feel unfreeze to ask about my stories or writiing in general there.


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


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

Albus sped up as he pushed his tram through the crowded big businessman 's hybrid post. James River was redress following to him, pushing his own trolley. Their parents and Lily were in front of them, walking as fast as they could without actually running. The thrower were running late, very late. It was September first and the Hogwart 's limited would be leaving in exactly fifteen mo. The unscathed forenoon had been very rushed. Albus woke up late and St. James the Apostle woke up even later. Albus had stayed up until midnight the dark before working on his transfiguration essay, and James always woke up late. Then, Saint James could n't find his practice canary and refused to leave behind before he found it. Lily finally found it in a cauldron that was in the kitchen. No one was really sure how it got there.

But because of all this, the ceramist fellowship was now practically running through King 's Cross, trying to get to Platform 9 3/4 on time. This was earning them many strange looks from the Muggles, especially due to the fact that they had two irritated owls on their trolleys.

`` St. James, you first ! '' Ginny shouted as they reached the barrier between platforms 9 and 10. Albus watched as his Brother disappeared into a seemingly solid wall.

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

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

Albus nodded and ran through the barrier. A few second later, Albus was standing on platform 9 3/4, and blush wine was running up to him.

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

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

`` A bit ? ! The train 's leaving in seven minute of arc ! ``

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

`` I 'll load up your short pants, '' Ron appeared and took James River and Albus 's trolley to the train.

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

`` We 're always effective, Mum, '' James grinned and slapped Albus on the back, `` Right, Al ? ``

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

Ginny gave them a stern look, `` I do n't desire any owls from professor Kendrick. ``

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

`` Five minutes until the geartrain leaves ! '' Hermione told them.

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

At that moment, Kaden burst through the roadblock with a vast smiling on his case. Harry was behind him, pushing another tram. Ron grabbed it and ran it over to the train.

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

`` You 've got to get on the railroad train now ! '' Ginny shouted as she herded everyone over to one of the train doorway. She gave St. James the Apostle and Albus a quick hug and kiss. `` Bye, kids ! Be serious, all of you ! ``

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

`` Bye, Mum, bye Dad, bye Lily ! '' Albus shouted as he climbed onto the train. Kaden and pink wine got on after him. James jumped on just as the train was starting to incite.

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

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

`` C'mon, rose, '' Albus started to take the air down the corridor, `` Let 's go find John, matte, and Amanda. ``

`` How does that body of work ? '' Kaden asked while he followed Albus and Rose, `` I mean, how on terra firma can you go through a hearty brick bulwark ? ``

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

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

Albus and blush wine continued down the corridor, peeking into compartments as they looked for their friends. Kaden followed fold behind, still wanting to peach about the barrier. Anything remotely magical seemed to excite him, and Albus had to stifle a laugh as he thought about what Kaden was going to do when he saw the Sorting Hat.

`` There they are, '' pink wine announced when they were halfway down the railroad train. blush wine pulled outdoors the door and they walked inside. John, Matt, Amanda, and a girl with hanker, black, curly tomentum Albus had never seen before were sitting inside.

`` I was wondering when you two would present up, '' john grinned.

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

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

`` Hey ! It was n't my fault. Henry James would n't exit until he found his practice session fink. ``

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

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

`` Hi, '' Isabelle said quietly.

`` how-do-you-do, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm Albus Potter. ``

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

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

`` Wow, '' Isabelle replied.

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah. ``

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

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

`` He 's been going on about the roadblock for the yesteryear ten min, '' Albus whispered to John and Matt.

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

`` How was your holiday in Ireland, Amanda ? '' pink wine asked.

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

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

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

`` Mine was good, '' John said, `` Visited Isabelle 's family and we all went to Diagon alley together. zilch too excite. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` He was the appeal teacher, '' Albus told him, `` He got fired for trying to steal, er, certain things that would help oneself him achieve Voldemort 's ideals. And he started a duel with me, John the Evangelist, Amanda, flatness, and Rose. One of his acquaintance dueled with my dad, too. It was pretty bad. ``

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

Albus sighed and looked at rosiness, who shrugged. It was going to be a long slip. Albus turned to Kaden and explained all about Voldemort. He left out the voice about the Hallows, though, as he was n't sure if his dad would want him to tell Kaden. `` So you see, not all ace are good, '' Albus finished.

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

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied.

The radical spent much of the rest of the journey talking about who the next Charms teacher would be, Quidditch, the Dueling night club ( which they 'd be allowed to join this year, as second class ), and a enceinte trade of former stuff. Around lunch time, the witch came around with the streetcar and everyone bought bombastic amounts of food. Everyone had a lot of fun watching Kaden try all the wizard afters. Kaden announced that he liked Bertie Botts Every tone bonce best, despite the fact that the first one he tried was a vomit flavor. When he opened his first burnt umber Frog, he was shocked that it could hop and even more aghast when he saw the picture of Rowena Ravenclaw disappear from the posting that came with it.

After they polished off the rest of the dessert, the conversation turned to which houses Kaden and Isabelle wanted to be in. Apparently whoremonger and Isabelle 's family consisted of an be number of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Isabelle 's dad had been a Gryffindor and her mum had been a Hufflepuff. Isabelle did n't really care if she was in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, but she knew she did n't require to be in Slytherin. She decided that Ravenclaw would n't be bad, but she wanted to be some place where her crime syndicate had been. Kaden on the other hand, definitely wanted to be in Gryffindor. Albus was n't too for certain he 'd twine up there, still thinking that his cousin-german was more of a Hufflepuff, but he did n't recount Kaden this.

Soon the string made it to Hogsmeade place and it was time for everyone to get off. Albus and his acquaintance joined the large crew of scholar exiting onto the platform.

`` fir tree'years ! fir tree'old age ! '' Hagrid called out.

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

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

`` My first cousin Kaden 's starting this year, and John the Evangelist 's cousin, Isabelle, '' Albus gestured to the two first old age standing near him.

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

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

Kaden started laughing, `` I ca n't hold back to get a line how to do something like that. ``

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

`` Finally, '' Albus muttered as he lead his friend to the carriages, `` I thought he 'd never pass on us alone. '' Albus liked Kaden, but found his constant company to be taxing.

`` I kinda like him, '' toilet laughed, `` He 's got spunk. ``

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

`` Gee, thanks, '' John laughed and sat down next to Albus. Rose, Amanda, and lusterlessness followed after, and sat down on the seat across from them.

`` So, Matt, you were awfully hush on the caravan, '' Albus began, `` Something happen during the finally section of the summer ? ``

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

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus said.

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

Albus nodded and remembered back to earlier in the year where flatness had briefly explained about a study as to why wolf's bane Potion had no burden on him and early werewolves.

`` I know I did n't tell you a whole lot about it, but it 's the reason I was at St. Mungo 's. soul has to observe me after every transformation. Usually Madam Pomfrey or my parents do it, but the healer like to do it at least twice a yr. ``

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

`` That makes good sense, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, but that 's not all. I figure I should probably tell you a bit more about the study. It started when I was 8. For the first-class honours degree 2 yr, I did n't get any Wolfsbane potion. The next 2 years, I got habitue Wolfsbane. Not that it made much of a difference. ``

`` I wonder why, '' Albus said. He had been curious about this cogitation ever since Matt told him about it the previous condition, but Albus had been loath to ask about it.

`` Dunno. No one does, that 's why they 're doing it, '' Matt told them, `` But anyway, the therapist and Potion brewers that are working on the wolfbane have come up with anther diversity and I 'm going to startle trying it out. ``

`` When ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` I think in January, because I 'll be home on Christmas shift. I 've got to take it a couple years beforehand and it 'll be proficient if someone can look out closely, '' matt told them.

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

`` No, '' Matt said quietly. `` That 's the point of the study, to try out the potions. ``

Albus glanced at mat. He looked a bit scared at the prospect of taking an unseasoned potion. No curiosity he had been placidity on the railroad train. Albus was n't trusted if he would want to aim an untested potion. Of trend, if the potion worked, mat 's living would drastically change for the better. But what if it did n't work, what if it had ugly side effects ?

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

`` Oh, yeah, they do n't think it 'll ache me. They 're just not certain if it will stimulate the effect it 's supposed to, '' Matt assured them, `` But it is a bit shivery. ``

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed, `` I 'd say so. ``

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

******

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, remembering how frightful he 'd been of being in Slytherin the previous year. He still had n't told his champion that the sorting Hat had considered it, and he was n't sure if he ever would.

`` There 's Kaden, '' rose pointed to Albus 's cousin, who was standing right at the straw man of the group.

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

professor Patil motioned for the room to be quiet and the Sorting Hat burst out in song. Albus had to smother a laugh as he saw Kaden 's mouth open in shock. Albus knew that hat would amaze his cousin. Kaden turned around and whispered something to Isabelle, who nodded. Once the hat stopped singing, Professor Patil started the sort. The start two students were both sorted into Ravenclaw.

`` Brickston, Isabelle, '' Patil called, and St. John the Apostle 's cousin walked over to the stool. Patil dropped the hat on her top dog and a few moments later, it shouted out, `` Hufflepuff ! '' Isabelle got up and joined her gent Hufflepuffs.

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

`` Well, you said there are a lot of Hufflepuffs in your phratry, '' blush wine pointed out.

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

`` Dursley, Kaden, '' Patil announced. Kaden ran forward immediately and sat down on the throne, with a big smile on his expression.

Patil put the hat on his head and after a few moment, it opened its brim all-inclusive and announced, `` Gryffindor ! ``

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

`` fountainhead, the hat did pack an awfully long fourth dimension to decide, '' rosebush pointed out. `` Maybe he 's got expression of all the family. ``

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

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

`` Wo n't be the weirdest affair you 'll see here, '' Albus told him, thinking of Nearly Headless Nick, the portrayal on the rampart ( Sir Cadogan in item ), the Whomping willow tree, Moaning Myrtle, and numerous early look of the rook that Kaden would experience never seen before.

The sorting continued and the grouping of first geezerhood dwindled until there were only a distich students left. Albus had n't recognized any of the other first years, besides Kaden and Isabelle. He thought this must accept been the world-class year in a longsighted time that a Weasley had n't been sorted.

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

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

`` Must be some relation, '' John shrugged.

`` Maybe a cousin ? '' pink wine suggested, `` I remember Slughorn mentioning that Willinson was an only child at one of the type slug Club meetings finish year. ``

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

`` Felix Willinson might not be like his cousin, '' Rose pointed out.

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

`` May I have your attention, please ! '' Albus and his friends stopped talking and looked up to see that Kendrick had stood up. `` Thank you. I do take a few offset of term announcements, but I think they can await until after the feast. Enjoy. '' Kendrick waved his arms and food appeared on the favorable platters.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted loudly, `` That 's fucking brilliant ! ``

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

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

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

`` Wut, is'goob foob, '' John replied with his mouth broad of potatoes.

`` That 's disgusting, St. John, '' rose screwed up her face in disgust.

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

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

`` What ? '' matte asked Kaden.

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

Matt glanced at Albus, clearly unsure about what to tell Kaden. Albus glanced at his other Quaker, who all shrugged. `` Er, '' Albus began, `` remember what I said about the good luck charm instructor on the geartrain ? '' Kaden nodded, while stuffing his face with the relief of his roll.

`` well, Professor Washburn was n't the only one in on that affaire d'honneur. Some wizard named Jarett Willinson was fighting alongside Washburn ; we think he 's the one who was in charge. He has a son, Quinton, who was a seventh year last year. Quinton drove us mad all death twelvemonth and then fought along with Washburn and his dad. We 're all trying to figure out if Felix is related. We think he is, only probably just a full cousin because Quinton does n't have any siblings. ``

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

Throughout the remainder of the banquet, Albus talked to his friends about Felix Willinson and whether or not he was anything like Quinton. pink wine wanted to return him the benefit of the doubtfulness and wait and see if he shared the same views as Quinton. Saint John the Apostle, on the other hired hand, was gear up to hex him as soon as the feast was over. He figured that Felix must concur with Quinton, since he was in Slytherin. lustrelessness and Amanda both agreed that Felix probably did agree with his cousin-german, but did n't think they should start hexing him before they really met him. Albus was n't certainly what to intend, and he just thought they should avoid Felix, not trying to be favorable with him or hex him.

Kaden received a overnice impact when Nearly-Headless snick decided it would be his denture he would appear out of during the fiesta. Kaden dropped his bankroll in surprise, but another one of his huge smiling appeared on his expression shortly after. He gazed around in astonishment and watched all the ghosts circling the room. Albus laughed and told him that they even had a ghostwriter teacher. Kaden was amazed by this and said he could n't waitress for that class.

`` It 's just account of trick, '' lusterlessness told him, `` Boringest class in the school. Best one for sleeping, though. ``

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

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

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

`` cartel me, the thrill wears off after the inaugural day, '' lustrelessness said.

A few minute of arc later the food disappeared and comeuppance appeared just bit later. Kaden and Saint John the Apostle immediately piled their dental plate with every pudding there was. Albus and his booster informed Kaden about the rest of their prof and they all speculated about the new good luck charm teacher. Albus had noticed one new teacher sitting at the faculty tabular array and assumed she was the new appealingness teacher. She was an old witch, with her gray hair pulled back in a pie-eyed bun. She was very skinny and Albus was guessing she was quite tall, but it was hard to recount as she was sitting down. Albus thought she had an almost bird-like appearance.

`` Your attention, please, '' Kendrick stood up once again and the students quieted down, `` Thank you. I hope everyone had a good summer and are ready to get back to studying. I have a few start-of-term announcements, as well as one rather big announcement. ''

rustling immediately erupted in the room, as to what this big announcement could be. Kendrick waited a few bit before continuing, `` Anyway, first I 'd care to usher in you to our new spell teacher, Professor Cedonia. '' The old witch stood up and Albus noticed that she was, indeed, very marvellous. She gave a small wafture and sat back down again. `` I also need to cue you that the Forbidden Forest is, as always, out of bounds, as is the Whomping Willow. ``

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

`` Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that dueling in the corridors is disallow. Also, that the list of forbidden objects now includes the new 'Extra-Strength dung Bombs'that have just been released at Weasleys'whizz Wheezes. All other intersection available for purchase there are also prohibit and scholarly person may inspect the entire leaning on Mr. Filch 's room access. ``

Albus, who had experienced the impression of one of his uncle 's new droppings bomb calorimeter, could see why they were banned, but knew the ban would n't stop people from using them. He laughed to himself as he remembered the look on his gran 's face when Uncle George brought one of the muck dud to the end of summer get together at the Burrow.

`` If you want to try out for your house 's Quidditch team, delight give way your name to your head of family. I think those are all the usual announcements. Now, onto the more exciting announcement, '' Kendrick paused and none of the students said a Son, `` It has come to my attending that the tensions between the sign of the zodiac have been increasing over the by few years. I know that certain houses have always had rivalries, '' Kendrick turned to look at the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables before continuing, `` But I think the rivalry has gotten too large. I believe we need Sir Thomas More 1. A great Muggle man once said'A planetary house divided against itself can not stand-'''

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

`` Thank you, Mr. Weasley, '' Kendrick said sternly, `` I was talking about Hogwarts as a unit. I, along with the other prof, believe that their is too much House rivalry. Therefore, we will be taking stride this year to alleviate it. ``

`` This wo n't be ripe, '' lavatory muttered under his breath, `` I can see it coming, we 're going to have to be friendly with the Slytherins. ``

`` We have decided to modify the Dueling golf club, '' Kendrick continued, `` This year, unlike past years, we will have inter planetary house team. ``

`` What ! ? '' almost of the Great Hall erupted into cry of utter amazement. The Gryffindors were glaring at the Slytherins, and vice versa.

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

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

`` Thank you for proving my point, '' Kendrick shouted over the haphazardness. The way quieted down immediately, `` As I said, there is too much rivalry. I believe this will help alleviate it. You will ingest to make together with member of other theater in ordering to win the dueling championship. There will be to a greater extent details to survey during the inaugural get together of the Dueling club. As always, the club is assailable to second year and above. ``

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

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` Sorry. First years do n't know enough turn to join. But you can join adjacent year. '' Kaden scowled and turned back to the headmaster.

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

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

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

`` I think those are all the announcements I have for now. I suggest you all get a upright dark 's rest for classes tomorrow break of the day. First years, please accompany a Prefect to your common way. Good nighttime, everyone, '' Kendrick sat back down.

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

`` Yeah, this could get messy, '' matt agreed, `` I 'm not sure as shooting it 's going to give birth the outcome Kendrick wants. ``

`` Oh, I do n't have it away, '' rosiness shrugged, `` I kind of think it 's a upright thought. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Good, me too, '' Matt told them, `` Just feature to hope I 'm not with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

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

Albus and his friends continued their trek to Gryffindor tugboat, and the conversation turned to the new Charms teacher. None of them could infer what Professor Cedonia was like, but they all assumed she was rigid. She had a very stern flavour about her all during the feast. When they got to the mutual elbow room, they all decided to train Kendrick up on his advice and turn in too soon. They were all tired from the journey to Hogwarts. Albus got into his warm four-poster bed, and realized that with professor Washburn gone, he would n't have anymore of those Legilimency dreams he had last-place class. With that happy view in his head, Albus drifted off into a reposeful sleep.



A/N : Thanks to my baby and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my former sister and my brother. Thanks also to sinwillys822, Moonylupin, TheAlbusPotterCritic, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, and Draco ginger for their follow-up !

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

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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` What have we got succeeding ? '' whoremaster asked at lunch the next day. The Gryffindor second years had just gotten back from a particularly dull account of Magic class. Before that, they had Transfiguration, which was almost as boring as History of Magic.

Albus looked at his schedule, `` two-base hit Potions. I hope we 're not with the Slytherins this year. ``

`` Yeah, we 're already with them for August 6, '' lustrelessness groaned.

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

`` English people ? '' John laughed, `` Why in the name of pigeon hawk would they teach us to speak English ? ``

`` Muggles take English people course of instruction in school, John, '' Amanda sighed, `` They learn grammar and punctuation and read literature. ``

`` Oh, '' lav replied, `` Sounds deadening. ``

`` It is, '' Kaden announced, `` Anyway, I had Uncle Harry for defense reaction first this morning ; it was so smashing. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus and his friends walked out of the Great Hall and towards the stairs that lead to the dungeon.

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

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

`` Oh, merlin ! '' lavatory shouted once they reached the dungeons, `` We 're with the Slytherins again ! ``

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

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

`` Ah, my two favorite Houses together again ! '' Slughorn grinned and clapped his hands together, `` Just let me run through attendance very quick. '' Slughorn read off the name calling of all the students, `` Excellent, fantabulous, we 're all here !

`` Now, seeing as we have a two-baser class today, I thought a little competition would be appropriate ! Let 's see how much you remember from last year. The spouse that brew the adept Forgetfullness Potion will each get a tumid slab of Honeyduke 's cocoa ! '' Slughorn glanced around at his educatee. The Gryffindors were on one side of meat of the room, Slytherins on the other, much like it had been in the previous yr.

`` I 'm certainly you all heard Professor Kendrick 's speech final nighttime, about the fact that the shoal needs to be more unified, '' Slughorn continued in an uncharacteristically sober tone, `` Therefore, I have decided that it would be a expert estimation to have inter-house partners this twelvemonth. ``

Albus turned to mat and mouthed, Good idea ? matt was looking as shocked as Albus felt. Neither of them wanted to work on Potions with any of the Slytherins. How could Slughorn think this would be a good idea ? Albus thought it would most likely movement more explosion than usual.

Once the class stopped groaning, Slughorn continued, `` I, for one, agree with the headmaster in that there needs to be LE tension between the houses. So, delight stop moaning. I 'm sure you 'll feel that you can work together for the afternoon. I will read off the pairs and then you may move. ``

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

Albus glanced at lusterlessness who had a look of utter repulsion on his face. He was shaking his heading and mouthing the word 'no'. Albus knew that matt would have rather worked with any Slytherin former than Scorpio. Albus turned his promontory slightly and saw that Scorpio had a smug look on his face. He probably thought he 'd find out Matt 's secret now. But he would n't, not if Albus could do anything about it.

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

Could be worse, Albus thought. He did n't really do it Jackson, although he did know that Mahalia Jackson was an splendid Potions brewer. Albus was decent with Potions, but not nearly as ripe as Jackson.

`` Bilius Mansfield is with Saint Patrick Parlan and Leigh Montague is with rosebush Weasley, '' Slughorn looked up from his lambskin and tapped his wand on the Shirley Temple Black circuit card. Instructions appeared on it. `` There you go ! ``

Albus gave lusterlessness a half-hearted grinning that matte did not return, and Albus got up to unite Jackson Limbert at his desk. Scorpius Malfoy got up and took Albus 's vacated tooshie. `` Limbert, '' Albus nodded as he set his cauldron down on the desk.

`` Potter, '' Limbert nodded back. `` I 'll get the factor, you light a ardor. ``

Albus nodded and lit a fire beneath his cauldron as Limbert joined the queue of students getting fixings from the cupboard. Limbert returned a few minute of arc later and he and Albus started to prepare the component. They worked in silence the whole time. Albus did n't bang what Slughorn was thinking. The best he could probably hope for was what Albus and Limbert were doing ; working civilly with each other, but not talking. Albus dropped a few beetles into the caldron and looked around at everyone else. It seemed like Albus and Limbert were some of the few who were getting along. Scorpius Malfoy was whispering something to flatness, that matt was trying hard to ignore. rose wine was telling Leigh something and Leigh looked like she was ready to hex rose. John was correcting Goyle, who was stirring his caldron in the unseasonable direction, and bathroom looked like he wanted to scream. Amanda and Delila seemed to be getting along all right wing, but like Albus and Limbert, were n't talking.

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

He leaned over the caldron and prodded it with his wand. `` Excellent ! Well done, boys ! I think we have a achiever ! '' Slughorn produced two bars of umber and gave them to Albus and Limbert. `` Please learn chapter one of your script and publish a six column inch sum-up of it for next class. ``

Albus and his friends cleaned up their caldron as quickly as they could. They met up with each other just outside the dungeon threshold. `` Well, that was n't as bad as I thought it would be, '' Albus said.

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

`` I think Goyle 's actually dumber than a troll, '' John commented, `` Does n't have intercourse the difference between clockwise and counter-clockwise. ``

`` Leigh is a bit smarter than that, '' pink wine replied, `` But she wo n't listen to a word I say, so we were both doing the same direction over again ! ``

`` At to the lowest degree you were n't with Malfoy, '' Matt said, `` He spent the hale metre asking me I would be visiting my gran this yr. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Worked out expert, '' John the Divine said, `` You got the hot chocolate. ``

******

The future good morning, after breakfast, the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw second yr found themselves waiting outside the magic spell classroom. None of them had met the new instructor and they were all eager to see what she was comparable. Albus did n't worry what she was like, as long as she was nicer than Washburn. Shortly after the Alexander Bell rang, prof Cedonia came ambling up the corridor. She did n't say a word to her educatee as she unlocked the door. Albus filed inside with the others and sat down at a tabular array with St. John and Matt.

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

`` Only if she tries to read my head, '' Albus whispered back.

`` silence, please, '' Professor Cedonia said in a calm, but forceful, voice. `` Thank you. I 'll just run through the attendance. '' Cedonia called out all their names and when she was gratify that everyone was there, she walked out from behind her desk. `` Now, I know your concluding year of didactics in this discipline was less than satisfactory, and I hope to change that for this year. I know some of you, '' her eyes fell upon Albus 's mesa, `` Spent more time in detention with Professor Washburn than in division with him. I do not believe that that is a just way of teaching. Now, do n't get me incorrectly, if there is any misbehavior, I will give custody, but I do not hand them out lightly. I would much rather find out why a student is misbehaving and employment to fix it, than just hand out detentions like they 're free sampling. ``

`` I think I 'm going to like her, '' matt whispered. Albus and John nodded.

`` For example, some students cause chaos because they are bored with social class. I do not desire you to be bored in my classroom. If you are, please feel free to let me have sex before you start causing any pandemonium.

`` Now, with that in idea, I 'd like to start off with a review of last year. Please take out your sheepskin and quills. ``

The rest of the class was rather enjoyable, Albus thought. They spent half of it taking musical note, which Cedonia actually made pretty fun. She kept everyone engaged, but did n't storm you to answer a query you did n't lie with, like Washburn had done. The other half was spent practicing magic spell they had learned last year. Albus found that he was much unspoiled at Charms when he was n't being watched by a teacher who hated him. He actually managed to levitate his schoolbook a couple groundwork in the air and he did n't set anything or anyone on fire.

`` I 'm going to like appealingness this class, '' trick announced as they walked out of the room.

`` Me, too, '' lusterlessness agreed, `` I wish we 'd had her last twelvemonth. ``

`` I like her style, too, '' rosiness commented, `` She is n't going to be giving out a lot of custody. I like that. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus nodded, `` I 'm going to have so much more gratis time this year without all the detentions, '' he joked.

`` You 'll just birth to do other things to earn detentions, '' John the Evangelist laughed, `` Like draw pranks on the Slytherins. ``

`` It 'd be better just to tick them at the Dueling Club, '' rosiness said, `` You could n't get in bother for that. ``

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

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

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

`` When 's the foremost meeting, anyway ? '' Matt asked.

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

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

`` Good, '' Albus said, relieved that lusterlessness would not be missing the initiative Dueling clubhouse meeting.

******

The repose of the hebdomad passed by quickly. Albus and his friends fell right back into their common Hogwarts routine. They spent their evening in the common way either doing homework or just talking and playing games. Kaden usually spent the eventide with him. Kaden seemed to pass time with Albus 's group rather than the other Gryffindor first years. Albus was not sure why, and was starting to become a bit annoyed at the fact that Kaden was always around. The lone time Albus seemed to get away from Kaden was during form. form were going well so far. Albus was doing a great deal better in spell with prof Cedonia, and was doing about the same as the old year in the relief of his classes.

When Saturday arrived, everyone was talking about the Dueling Club. The first meeting was taking space that afternoon, after luncheon. Albus and his friends went immediately to the Dueling room after they finished eating. When they got there, it seemed like everyone in the whole shoal was joining. fountainhead, everyone except the start years.

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

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

`` Quiet, please ! '' Harry shouted out over the crowd. Everyone stopped talking and turned to count at him. `` Thanks. Now, like past years, we 're having Junior Dueling as well as the steady Dueling Club. If you 're indorsement, third gear, or fourth year, you have to join the junior Club. If you 're in twenty percent year or above, please follow Professor Longbottom to the next room where you will cause your encounter. ``

`` wellspring that 's a relief, '' mat commented as the elderly students left the way, `` I did n't fancy dueling with one-seventh years. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` My cousin John Rowlands is a brilliant dueler. I would n't need to be paired up against him. ``

`` Oh, I do n't have a go at it, '' John grinned and pulled out his wand, `` I bet I could involve on a seventh year. ``

`` Yeah, sure, '' Rose rolled her eyes.

`` Wands away ! '' Harry shouted, and lav quickly stowed his verge. `` Now, as you know, Professor Kendrick has decided that we will not have got House teams this class. There will be eight squad, just like terminal year, but they will have fellow member from each sign of the zodiac on them. ``

There was a collective groan from the crew. Everyone was standing in groups consisting of students of their own theatre. Albus sighed, he had kind of hoped that Professor Kendrick would convert his creative thinker, but it did n't appear that way.

`` Yes, I know none of you are happy about it. And frankly, I 'm not sure if it will make to a lesser extent latent hostility between the firm, but it 's worth a try. Now, once we get everything organized, this will work much like Quidditch. Each team captain will set up practice times, and there will be competitions throughout the year. Unlike Quidditch, there is no trying out ; everyone gets on a team.

`` offset, I 'll tell you who the headwaiter will be. Professor Longbottom and I picked them at the end of finis year, based on your execution. All the captains are fourth years. There are two from each house.

`` They are Omar Bradley Weasley, Tasha Kasey, Kate Waverly, Leo Davies, Apr Finch-Fletchley, Paul Galivant, Nadine Neal, and Barty heathland. ``

There was a with child amount of cheering and groaning at the announcement of the maitre d'hotel. Albus did n't cognise any of the sea captain besides his cousin-german, Bradley. He hoped he was on Thomas Bradley 's squad.

The repose of the meeting consisted of Harry putting everyone onto a team. Albus found it rather boring and spent the unanimous time talking to his ally. Eventually, he was put on a team. He was on Kate Waverly 's team, along with Amanda. They were the only two Gryffindor first years on that team. James was n't on it either. Albus was happy he was on Kate 's team. She was a Ravenclaw and on the Quidditch team. Albus was very ease that his captain was not a Slytherin. However, shortly after Harry told Albus he was on Kate 's team, he found out that Scorpius Malfoy was on his squad. He was not looking forward to having to cooperate with Malfoy. He had hoped he would be able to duel Malfoy, but it did n't look like that would be happening.

`` I 'm so glad I 'm not on Malfoy 's squad, '' Matt said, as they entered the vulgar room after the meeting was over.

`` Yeah, well, me and Amanda are, '' Albus groaned and threw himself into one of the chairs.

`` But you are n't his Potions married person, '' Matt pointed out, `` I 'd go mad if I had to be on his dueling team, too. ``

`` skillful point, '' Albus sighed, `` But you really lucked out. You have my cousin for your captain. ``

`` At to the lowest degree you have n't got a Slytherin for your captain ! '' John shouted. Rose nodded. She and John both had Slytherin headwaiter, but not the Sami ones. whoremaster 's captain was Nadine Neal and pink wine 's was Barty Heath.

`` Oh, you 'll survive, '' Amanda laughed.

`` Easy for you to say, with your Ravenclaw captain, '' John muttered.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden came running out of the door leading to the son'dorm, `` How was dueling ? Was it fun ? Did you win ? Was the other guy unconscious for a while ? Is he still unconscious mind ? '' Kaden sat down excitedly in the death chair next to Albus's.

Albus sighed ; he had yet to see his cousin without his endless amount of Energy Department. Albus was beginning to enquire if Kaden could nail down down enough to slumber. `` Er, we did n't really duel today, Kaden. It was just an informational encounter. We got assigned squad, though. ``

`` Neat ! Who 's on your squad ? ``

`` Me, Amanda, Cedric, and a bunch of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins that I do n't know. Our master is Kate Waverly, she 's a Ravenclaw. ``

Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't wait to conjoin the Dueling Club next class. I 'll ticktock everyone ! '' He pulled out his scepter and waved it around. It produced a trickle of water that landed on Albus 's head.

`` watch it ! '' Albus shouted and shook the water out of his middle, `` And put your sceptre away.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden replied and put his wand into his robe. `` What are you going to do now ? ``

`` Probably go down to the Quidditch lurch and practice for try-outs tomorrow, '' Albus told him.

`` Ooo ! Can I hail, delight ? Flying object lesson start succeeding workweek. I ca n't wait ! Can I try out your broom ? '' Kaden begged.

Albus did not want Kaden on his new heather. Kaden had never flown before and Albus was trusted he would gate-crash it. `` You can come watch, I guess. But sorry, you ca n't try out my broom. ``

Kaden 's face fell a bit, but he still looked excite, `` All right, let 's go ! At to the lowest degree I can observe you play Quidditch. I still do n't see how it can be proficient than football. ``

`` It is, '' Albus replied adamantly. He stood up and turned to his friend, `` You lot want to come ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely ! '' John stood up. `` I 'll bring my Scots heather and service you practice session. ``

`` I 'll occur, '' Matt agreed.

`` Do n't recollect so, '' pink wine replied, `` I 'm going to do some homework. Want to outride here with me, Amanda. '' Rose gave Amanda a look.

`` Sure, '' Amanda said, `` See you later, Albus. ``

Albus and can grabbed their brooms from their dormitory and the four son left the coarse room.

`` rosebush and Amanda are probably having girl public lecture, '' King John grinned.

`` Yeah, they 're probably talking about us, '' Albus laughed.

Albus, Saint John the Apostle, Matt, and Kaden spent the rest of the afternoon playing Quidditch. Kaden watched the whole clip, amazed that brooms could enable hoi polloi to fly. He still thought football was better, but Albus assured him that after he saw a peer, he would deepen his mind. John let Matt fly his heather for a little while and Albus practiced his pursuer science with both of them. By the sentence night fell, and Albus was exhausted, John and Matt were sure he would get on the team.



A/N : Thanks to my sis and beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to my other babe and my brother. Thanks to ginnyweasley98, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their limited review !

Just to let everyone cognize, the following chapter might not be up until Fri of succeeding workweek instead of Th. I might suffer to switch over my update day to Friday instead of Thursday from now on, since school day is starting and my Thursdays are going to be quite busy.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus woke up the following day feeling very skittish. The Quidditch try-outs were n't until the afternoon, but Albus did n't eat much breakfast anyway. He spent most of the morning in the usual room with his friends, trying to get some homework done, but found that he could n't condense. Eventually he gave up and played a few rounds of Exploding child's play with Saint John, who was putting off his prep until the end minute.

Harry stopped by the Gryffindor board during lunch and wished Albus good destiny. Shortly after lunch, Albus headed down to the Quidditch pitch shot with his new broom over his shoulder. blush wine, John, Matt, and Amanda went with him.

`` Albus, hey, Albus ! '' Albus turned around as he was leaving the palace to see Kaden running out of the Great Hall.

`` What ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was queasy to get down to the tar and see how many other people were trying out. He did n't want to be late.

`` Are you going to try-outs now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, can I come up ? '' Kaden asked hopefully.

`` Sure, '' Albus answered and stepped out of the castle. The grouping continued their walk to the pitch, listening to Kaden talk animatedly about his first week at Hogwarts. Albus did n't think Kaden would ever run out of matter to say, and found his constant jabbering a bit irritating. Albus was n't in the modality to hear about how prof Patil had yelled at half of Kaden 's transfiguration grade the late day. Soon, Albus just adopted the policy of smiling and nodding when Kaden paused, like he did with his other younger first cousin. Right now, all Albus wanted to do was concentrate on his try-out.

John, matt, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden went to go sit in the stands while Albus went down to the vauntingly crew of Gryffindors trying out. Albus turned his attention to the other Chaser wannabee gathered around him. There was a 7th year boy who Albus vaguely recognized as one of Stanley 's champion, two burly looking one-sixth year boys who looked like they 'd pee salutary Beaters than Chasers, a couple fifth yr girls, quite a few fourth and third gear days, and even a bunch of first years. After a few more minutes of waiting, the Gryffindor team emerged from the cabinet room, lead by Albus 's full cousin, Georgia. Georgia had become the new captain over the summer. Albus distinctly remembered the morning she got the letter of the alphabet informing her of her captaincy. Her head had appeared in the fireplace at Grimmauld Place, where she shouted the news so loudly, Ginny had dropped the ladle she was stirring porridge with.

`` care, please ! '' Georgia shouted over the crowd. She had a very loud voice and everyone was quiet immediately. `` Thanks. Now, there 's only one available smudge this twelvemonth, for chaser. And I 'm not kicking any of last year 's players off, so if any of you are seeking a position former than chaser, clear off now. ``

There were a few moan from the bunch, and the two sixth yr son stalked off the field of view. One of the fourth geezerhood left as well.

`` Also, I 'm drear but the principle have not changed since live year, and first years are not allowed on the team. I encourage you to try out again when we next have available emplacement. '' The rather large group of starting time years scowled and left the rake in a huff.

`` Well, now that that 's taken aid of, '' Peach State pulled out a clip board, `` offset, I 'll need to see you all fly around the pitch. fifth through 7th geezerhood first. ``

Albus watched as the older student flew around the pitch a few times. Georgia watched them carefully and wrote line on her clip plug-in. Albus thought they all flew remarkably well except for one of the fifth year girls. She kept lurching downwards every time she accelerated, almost falling off her broom. After a few turns around the rake, the previous students landed next to GA.

`` goodness. But I 'm sorry, Carrie, '' Peach State turned to the fifth yr who did n't fly very well, `` I do n't think you 're cut out for this. '' The girl shrugged and went to sit in the stall. She did n't seem too thwarted and Albus suspected the only intellect she tried out was because the other twenty percent year girlfriend did n't want to do it alone.

Next, it was Albus 's turning to fly around the pitch shot. He took off along with the third and 4th old age. Once in the air, he started feeling better about the try-out. He could do this, he was a good aviator. He sped around the rake, going faster than the other students. Albus noticed that they were great aviator as well, even better than the seventh and one-fifth days who had flown earlier.

`` Excellent, '' Georgia grinned as Albus landed in front man of her. The others landed shortly after. `` Now I just have to see how well you work with Quaffles and the quietus of the team. ``

During the next component of the try-outs, all the Chaser hopefuls went up into the air along with the rest of the squad and passed the Quaffle back and Forth. Albus only dropped it once. The Sami could n't be said for everyone else. Everyone else dropped it at least once. The only other somebody who only dropped it once was one of the quaternary class, Gabe Bourne.

`` You all did expectant, '' Empire State of the South smiled after they finished tossing the Quaffle around, `` But I have narrowed it down to Gabe Bourne and Albus thrower. '' The other aspirer sighed and left the pitch.

After this, Georgia simulated a veridical catch, in order to line up out who fit best with the team. Albus, who had played Chaser with his full cousin numerous times, worked quite well with broom and Fred. Albus already knew the way they played and found that it was very easy to communicate with them while he was flying.

`` All right wing, '' GA announced once everyone had landed, `` I 've decided on Albus ceramicist. I 'm sorry, Gabe, finger free to try-out again another meter. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus grinned. The rest period of the team clapped him on the shoulder and congratulated him.

`` I knew you 'd get it, Albus, '' James I grinned.

`` fig, '' Gabe muttered as he left the pitch, `` Had to foot your cousin. Are n't there enough of them on the team ? ``

`` He 's just jealous, '' King James commented. `` You obviously worked better with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Thanks, James, '' Albus grinned. He did n't worry what Gabe Bourne thought. He was on the team !

`` Great job, Albus ! '' whoremonger shouted as he ran onto the pitch. `` I knew you 'd get it. ``

`` Yeah, congratulations ! '' lustrelessness agreed. Rose and Amanda grinned.

`` Brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Maybe I 'll get to be on the team someday. ``

`` I thought you liked football, '' Albus laughed.

`` I do, football 's still better than Quidditch, '' Kaden assured him, `` But flying is splendid. ``

`` Quidditch is better, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` But I 'll see you lot up in the castle. We 're going to stay put and practice a bit. ``

Albus and the rest of the team spent the unit good afternoon practicing. Albus loved every bit of it. Georgia was very felicitous that Albus worked so well with Calluna vulgaris and Fred. Usually, when a team got a new Chaser it took a couple weeks for the new Chaser to get used to the team, but Albus fit rightfulness in. Empire State of the South was sure as shooting they would be cook for the initiatory mate, and they might even be able to win the Quidditch Cup again.

******

Albus climbed through the portraiture hole the keep up Th feeling thoroughly worn out. The Quidditch team had just practiced for two minute and Albus just got back from snagging a late supper afterwards. The team was only practicing a couple dark a week, but it was enough that Albus hardly had any time for anything former than homework. He could only guess what it would be like when they were practicing every Night of the hebdomad.

Albus immediately spotted John and Matt sitting at their usual table in the back. He looked longingly at the threshold leading to the dormitory. All he wanted to do was sleep, but they had Astronomy at midnight that Night. Albus ran up to the dormitory for a few minutes to deposit his broom and get his school bag, wishing all the piece that he could just fall in into bed.

`` Hi, guys, '' Albus said as he sunk into a president at the mesa his friends were at.

`` Hi, Albus, '' lav greeted him, `` You look almost as bad as Matt does. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied flatly, but he knew he looked exhausted. Although not nearly as exhausted as flatness did. The broad moon was that night Matt was sleeping with his read/write head on his transfiguration book.

`` How was pattern ? '' John asked, without looking up from her account of Magic notes.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` And I got hit with two Bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, massaging his left wing arm where both Bludgers had made contact. He heard the portrayal heart-to-heart and saw Kaden coming in, looking more subdued than he usually did. He made a beeline for Albus and sat down next to him.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Hi, Albus. ``

`` Er, is something wrong ? '' Albus asked. He was n't used to seeing Kaden so quiet.

`` Patil assigned another essay today. A foot long ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that lusterlessness woke up. `` A whole foot ! ``

Albus looked at John and both of them burst out laughing.

`` What 's so curious ? '' Kaden asked loudly, his voice returning to its usual tone.

`` It 's just, '' Albus grinned, `` that you seemed so in love with everything sorcerous and it did n't seem like you thought anything was bad in the magical world and here at Hogwarts. You loved every single socio-economic class and did n't have a ailment. I knew that would shift once you 'd been assigned a tenacious essay. ``

`` Haha, '' Kaden replied flatly, `` But still ! I mean, get along on, how can I spell a foot long essay about transfiguring matchsticks into needles ? It 's not that complicated ! You mutter an incantation and your match changes, that 's all there is to it ! There 's no way I can stretch that into a foundation unless I write as big as Bethany does and I do n't think Patil would like it if I wrote like a seven-year-old. ``

`` A foot is nothing, '' Albus told him, `` Eventually, you 'll be doing essays that are two rolls of lambskin. ``

`` Two bankroll ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How is that possible ? It 's not ! I give up ! ``

`` Could you talk quieter ? '' Matt whispered.

Kaden paused long enough to look at Matt. `` You look dire. You should go see Madam Pomfrey. You know sorcerous fixes everything ! It 's perplex. I had a cold the other day and she gave me a potion and it was gone in an instant ! ``

`` She ca n't fix this, '' Matt muttered.

`` sure enough she can. I saw her fix this bloke 's off-white with her wand. It was brilliant. She 'll receive you substantially in no sentence, '' Kaden assured him.

`` No she wo n't, '' mat said quietly.

Albus and whoremaster shot Kaden warning looks. Albus willed his cousin-german to stop talking now. Kaden had absolutely no estimate what matte went through every month. Albus was getting fed up with Kaden 's belief that everything about the wizarding domain was wondrous and that charming fixed everything.

`` Yeah she will, '' Kaden pressed, `` Just go ask her for a potion. ``

`` Just draw a blank it, '' Matt replied a bit more loudly, and stood up. He turned to Albus and John, `` I have to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, right ? ``

`` Of course, '' Albus assured him.

`` Yeah, we 'll see you then, '' John said, `` Want me to total ? ``

`` No, I 'm delicately, '' Matt replied and left the common room.

`` Is he going to see gentlewoman Pomfrey ? '' Kaden asked, `` I do n't roll in the hay why he did n't go right when he got disgorge. Seems stupid to me. ``

That was the lowest straw. Albus had had it with Kaden. He turned to his cousin-german with a look of rage in his center. `` Kaden, just shut it ! '' he shouted. `` Do n't visit him dolt ! You 've got no idea what illness he 's got, '' Albus whispered so that only Kaden and john could hear him, but his voice was every bit as forceful as it had been when he was shouting. `` And get it through your head that conjuring trick does not fix everything ! There are some matter that ma'am Pomfrey ca n't fix with potions. Do n't ever tell him to just go see Madam Pomfrey so she can make it all better. Because she ca n't. ``

Kaden stared at Albus and did n't say a word. His usual cheery grin faded away and was replaced by a look of shock and scathe. `` Sorry, '' he mumbled and got up from the table. He ran over to the dormitory and went up the stairs without so a great deal as a glance back to Albus.

Albus looked at John Lackland, who was wearing a tone of shock on his boldness as well. `` I do n't call up I 've ever heard you yell at anyone like that. Besides me, of grade, when we were fighting over whether to tell Matt we knew he was a werewolf, '' John Lackland said quietly.

`` Yeah, well, he was really starting to get on my nerves, '' Albus replied, `` And this was it. He should n't stimulate done that. He should have stopped talking when mat said Madam Pomfrey could n't assist him. ``

`` But how was he supposed to know ? '' Gospel According to John asked, `` Do n't you cerebrate you were a bit harsh ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Not when it comes to this. He 's got to learn not to butt against into Matt 's illness, especially if he 's going to be around us all the metre. ``

`` I 'm not certainly he will anymore, '' John replied.

The two friends sat in secrecy for the next few min. Albus thought about what lavatory had said. Maybe he had been too abrasive. Maybe he should have just told Kaden not to bother mat. But Kaden had practically called mat stupid, had n't he ? That was uncalled for. Could what Albus said really been enough to dissuade Kaden from disbursement time with Albus and the others ? Albus was n't surely. He was n't even surely if he wanted Kaden to stop expenditure time with him. As much as Kaden annoyed him, he had grown used to his younger full cousin being around.

`` You 're awfully quiet over here, '' Rose said as she and Amanda sat down at the table. `` Oh, did Matt leave ? ``

Albus nodded. `` How is he ? '' rose wine asked.

`` He 'd have been better if it was n't for Kaden, '' John pointed out.

Rose groaned, `` What did he do ? ``

`` I was wondering why Kaden was n't here, '' Amanda said, `` It 's form of odd seeing you without him around, Albus. ``

`` Kaden insisted that flatness go get a potion from dame Pomfrey because he looked sick, '' John told the girls. Albus was perfectly willing to let Saint John the Apostle secernate the story. `` And of track he looked sick, considering what tonight is. But Kaden did n't know that, of course, and he would n't stop telling lustrelessness how magic can fix everything. ``

`` Oh, did he really ? '' Rose sighed, `` Then what happened ? ``

`` Matt left. I think he really did make to leave then, but I 'm sure as shooting he was pretty irritated by Kaden, '' toilet continued.

`` I 'll bet, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Your cousin does n't always bed the advantageously thing to say, Albus. ``

`` That 's why Albus yelled at him, '' bathroom announced.

`` What ? ! '' both young woman shouted at the same time.

`` Yup, '' King John replied, `` Probably would have turned into a big row if Kaden had n't have just left. He 's in his residence hall right now. ``

`` Oh, Albus, you did n't, '' rosiness sighed.

`` I did, '' Albus said, a petty annoyed that blush wine seemed disappointed, `` And you would have to if you 'd been there. I just told him I was tired of him talking about how magic fixes everything. I told him that there are some things that Madam Pomfrey 's potions wo n't fix and not to bring up them around matte. I also yelled at him because he practically called Matt stupid. Kaden said matte was stupid person for not getting a potion when he first got grim. ``

`` I see your decimal point, '' rosiness replied, `` But honestly, Albus, you could have said it without yelling. I think Kaden 's having a rough metre adjusting and making friends. Having you angry with him is n't going to facilitate things. ``

`` Maybe if he learned to be quiet once and a while, he 'd pee friends, '' Albus muttered.

`` fountainhead, you can apologize in the good morning, '' rose wine told him, while taking out her homework.

`` Apologize ? He 's the one who 's got to excuse to mat, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` He does n't even recognize why that turnover Matt, '' Rose insisted, `` And unless you plan on telling him, he 's probably not going to apologize. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. There was no way he was going to severalise Kaden that Matt was a werewolf. `` All right wing, fine. I 'll apologize. But if he does that again, I 'll yell at him again and I wo n't rationalize. ``

`` And I 'll be right there yelling with you, '' John assured him.

`` male child, '' rosiness muttered to Amanda, who nodded.

******

Albus was extremely wear upon when he trudged down to breakfast with his champion the next morning. Due to Astronomy, he had n't gotten to bed until 1:30 am, and had had about six 60 minutes of eternal rest. Albus had n't seen Kaden at all that forenoon, which was foreign because Kaden usually waited for Albus in the common room before breakfast. Albus figured he was probably still upset about the previous night. Albus really did n't want to apologize, but he supposed he would receive to.

Albus sat down and poured himself a chicken feed of orangeness juice. He was beaming that it was a relatively slowly day. doubled Herbology in the first light and then a single category of Potions after dejeuner. Following Potions, Albus and his friend would go sojourn matte in the Hospital extension. Albus felt like he would rather pass the day in the infirmary fender sleeping instead of going to year, but he knew that would n't happen.

The billet owls flew into the room and Albus noticed his female parent 's owl flying towards him. The owl landed next to Albus, Albus took the letter of the alphabet, and the owl was off again.

`` letter of the alphabet from aunty Ginny ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus told her and opened the letter.

Dear Al,

How are you ? I hope your outset two weeks have gone well.
I 'm gladiolus the new appeal instructor is nice, and I do hope
you 'll acquit yourself in her class.

Congratulations on making the Quidditch team ! I 'm so
proud of you. Lily is very charge as well and is
telling me that she is going to become the new
Keeper after Georgia graduates. We 'll see about that.

Dudley called in conclusion night and told me about the row
you had with Kaden final stage night. I realize that Kaden
may have been less than sympathetic with Matt, but
please apologize to him. Kaden is having a rough
time adjusting to Hogwarts. I know it seems like
he loves everything wizardly, but he has not made a
wholly lot of booster. He needs you to be kind to
him and include him in your activities.

With beloved,
Mum

Albus folded the alphabetic character and sighed. Even his mother wanted him to apologize to Kaden. Did n't anyone sympathize that Kaden had been out of transmission line lowest nighttime ? lavatory seemed to reckon so, but thought Albus should let been nicer about it.

`` auntie Ginny agrees with me, '' rose commented.

`` Her and everyone else, '' Albus muttered. He still did n't really need to excuse to Kaden.

`` Well, looks like you 'll have to apologise later, '' rosiness announced and stood up, `` We 've got to get to Herbology. ``

Relieved that he had an self-justification not to excuse now, Albus made his way to the greenhouses with his friends. Neville spent the lesson teaching about Mandrakes and helping the category to re-pot them. Albus found rather easy, but not everyone in the year did. One of the Mandrakes attached itself to Karina 's hair and would n't let go until Neville stunned it.

Albus did n't see Kaden at lunch and did n't bear clip to go find him before Potions, not that he minded. He was still mad at Kaden and did not want to apologize. Potions was pretty boring because all Slughorn did was lecture. Albus felt himself nodding off a few times, only to be prodded awake by Rose who was sitting next to him.



A/N : Thanks to my babe and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my former sister and my brother. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, ginnyweasley98, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




After Potions, Albus and his friends went to chaffer mat like they usually did after a full moon. Albus was relieved that they did n't run into Kaden on the way there. He was n't sure as shooting what he would say in order to shake off his cousin if Kaden decided to try and gossip flatness with them.

`` hello, Kyd, '' Madam Pomfrey greeted them as they entered the Montgomery Ward. She was used to them visiting by then and left them alone as long as they were n't too loud.

Albus made a beeline for the bed Matt usually stayed in and pulled back the mantle. Matt was sporting numerous deletion all over his typeface and arms, a black eye, and bruises all along his arms. He was also asleep.

`` Aww, he 's quiescency, '' John grinned mischievously as he shut the curtain behind them.

`` Well, that 's not really storm, '' Rose commented, `` Maybe we should hail back later. ``

`` No, I 'm awake, '' Matt mumbled hoarsely and opened his eyes a bit. `` Is Kaden here ? ``

`` Nope, have n't seen him since last dark, '' Albus told him.

Matt breathed a sigh of relief, `` good. I was trying to come up with a something to tell him as to why I 'm here, but now I do n't have to. ``

`` I do n't think you 're going to cause to occupy about that, '' John replied.

`` Why not ? I 'm for sure he 'll ask. He 's always hanging around. And shoemaker's last Nox he was so bloody irritating. I think I would 've had a go at him if I had n't had a splitting head ache. ``

`` Albus had a go at him, '' can told him, and proceeded to narrate Matt what had happened after he left.

`` Wow, Albus, '' Matt said quietly when Gospel According to John had finished, `` Thanks, I guess. ``

`` No problem. I 'm not going to let him butt against into why you 're upchuck all the time, '' Albus said.

`` And you have n't seen him since ? '' Matt asked.

`` Nope. He got really upset, I think. And Mum says I 've got to apologize to him. I do n't really want to, though, '' Albus answered.

`` Well, you probably should. He is your cousin, after all. But I ca n't say I 'd mind if he did n't drop as much metre with us, '' Matt told him.

`` I know, me too, '' Albus responded. `` Anyway, how are you ? ``

`` Been better, been worse, '' lustrelessness replied, `` Got a few broken ribs, but dame Pomfrey fixed them. I 'm just a bit sore. And tired, of grade. ``

`` When do you get to get out ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably Sunday, '' Matt yawned.

`` Do you want us to leave so you can sleep ? '' rosiness asked.

`` No, I 've got all dark to sleep. secernate me what I missed in class. ``

`` Well, a mandrake root attached itself to Karina 's hair in Herbology, '' Albus told him.

`` Bet she loved that, '' Matt stifled a laugh.

`` And Albus fell asleep in Potions, '' pink wine announced, `` I had to wake him up a few fourth dimension. ``

`` I was n't benumbed. I was just closing my optic for a bit, '' Albus insisted. `` Slughorn was just talking and it was boring. I had Quidditch drill yesterday and uranology. I 'm outwear. ``

`` What did I miss in astronomy ? ``

`` Not much. Just review, mostly. Phases of the moon, that kind of thing, '' Albus replied.

`` I think I 've got those down pretty well, '' Matt laughed. Everyone else started laughing, too. Albus was glad that Matt was getting to be more well-off about talking and joking about his condition with them.

Albus and the others spent the rest of the sentence until dinner in the Hospital fender with mat. Once dinner party time came, Madam Pomfrey chased them out. Albus knew he 'd bear to spill the beans to Kaden soon, but he did n't get the opportunity to during dinner. After they finished eating, Albus and his friends went up to the common room to get started on their growing stack of homework.

`` You should go talk to Kaden now, '' pink wine said as she looked up from her notes.

Albus sighed. He had just gotten started on an essay that he really did n't palpate like writing, but he 'd rather write it than talk of the town to Kaden. `` I do n't even see him in here, Rose. ``

`` He 's over there, sitting by himself, '' blush wine pointed behind Albus.

`` Just get it over with, Albus, '' whoremaster told him as he twirled his quill around his fingers, `` You 've got to do it sometime. Just apologize and assure him not to disoblige matte anymore. piddle sure he knows that, because if he does that again I 'll squall at him, too. And I 'm a great deal louder than you, '' John grinned.

`` He 's your cousin, Albus, you 've got to at least be cultivated to him, '' Amanda said, `` Even if you 're not best admirer. ``

`` That 'll never occur, '' Albus rolled his eyes. `` Oh, fine, I 'll go public lecture to him. ``

Albus got up from the table and squeezed his way through the crowd plebeian room to the electric chair Kaden was sitting in. Kaden was leafing through his potions text book and writing the occasional note down on a piece of parchment. `` Er, hi Kaden, '' Albus said and sat down in the president opposite his cousin. `` Could I talk to you ? ``

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Kaden replied quietly, `` I thought you were still mad at me. ``

`` That 's what I wanted to tattle to you about. ``

`` Oh, well, go ahead, '' Kaden closed his potions book.

`` I guess I just want to say I 'm sorry for yelling at you last dark, '' Albus said as he picked at a free thread on the chair. `` I did n't really mean to discompose you. I just wanted you to stop telling Matt to go to the Hospital extension. He told you to quit and you did n't. ``

`` fountainhead, I thought Madam Pomfrey could just give him a potion and he 'd be all better, you know, like illusion, '' Kaden gave a half-hearted laughter, `` I just do n't get why anyone would n't go get a potion when they 're sick. ``

Albus sighed. He knew it was time for Kaden to understand that magic did n't fix everything. `` Kaden, you 've got to understand that conjuration ca n't fix everything. I do n't opine you get that yet. I know it 's hard to get into the wizardly public after living in the Muggle one for eleven yr. Well, actually, I guess I do n't know that. You 'd be better off talking to Amanda about that, or my dad, or my aunty Hermione- ''

`` I think illusion is damn magnificent ! '' Kaden interrupted.

`` That 's the matter ! '' Albus stared his cousin in the eye, `` Not all magic is brilliant ! And it wo n't fix everything ! ``

`` I do n't see why it ca n't, '' Kaden shrugged, `` It 's deception after all. ``

`` This is why nearly Muggles do n't recognize about conjuring trick. Most of them think witching can fix all their problems, just like you do, '' Albus explained, `` But it ca n't. And I guess you 'll just have to learn that for yourself, if you do n't believe me. ``

`` I think I do believe you, Albus, '' Kaden replied, `` And I already know that not all magic is good. I remember what you told me about Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, I think you do have sex that, '' Albus agreed, `` But back to the other thing. You 've got to understand that there are some, er, '' Albus chose his words carefully so as not to give away matte 's secret, `` illnesses, that ca n't be fixed by conjuring trick. They 're worse than your modal cold or flu, and the healer, those are magical doctors, have n't found cures yet. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. Albus could tell he was giving this a beneficial bit of thought. `` But why ca n't you just flap your scepter and make it better ? ``

Albus sighed. This was severely than he thought. He tried to opine of a way of putting this in a Muggle perspective. Amanda would be better at this, he thought. Or even Rose. `` I 'm not sure exactly why. It just wo n't cultivate. I surmise magical healing is n't that different than Muggle medicine. healer try to find cures just like Dr. do. Doctors ca n't fix everything either, like cancer, '' Albus remembered a Muggle disease he heard his dad talking about once, one that was very toilsome to heal. `` doc try to fix it and sometimes they do, but there 's no cure. ``

Kaden 's eyes opened panoptic and he whispered, `` mat 's got genus Cancer ? ``

`` Oh, no ! '' Albus exclaimed, `` star do n't get that ; it 's a Muggle disease. And what he 's got is n't the charming version of it. He 's not going to die from it. He just gets sick every once and a piece. What you 've got to empathise is that gentlewoman Pomfrey ca n't fix it with potions. So, you should n't tell him to go get some. Just do n't mention anything like that. And definitely do n't send for him dullard for not going to see Madam Pomfrey, '' Albus said sternly.

Kaden nodded his head solemnly. Finally he seemed to be getting it, Albus thought. `` But what has he got ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had hoped this would n't come up, but he knew it would. `` I ca n't say you. That 's for him to secernate you, if he wants to. And honestly, I do n't consider he will. So do n't ask him, ever. ``

`` You know what it is, right Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, I do, '' Albus replied. `` Oh, and do n't talk about this with anyone else, besides me. Not any of the other number one years, or anyone. Do n't remark that you know anything whatsoever about him getting sick. prognosticate me you wo n't. ``

Kaden looked questioningly at his cousin-german. `` I wo n't. But why is it so closelipped ? ``

`` It 's all function of what it is, and that 's all I 'm going to say, '' Albus stood up.

`` All right field, so you 're not mad anymore ? ''

`` No, '' Albus replied. `` I 've got to go finish an essay. You want to get along sit with us ? '' Albus was n't sure what his Friend would think of Kaden sitting with them, heck he was n't really sure if he wanted Kaden to sit with them, but it seemed like the mightily matter to do.

A huge grin appeared on Kaden 's face and he stood up. `` Yeah, of course ! ``

Albus walked back to his friends, Kaden following like a puppy, and he knew things were back to normal.

******

`` Hey, Albus, '' Kate Waverly sat down following to Albus at breakfast the following Monday.

`` Oh, hi Kate, '' Albus said once he 'd swallowed his mouthful of eggs.

`` Listen, I 've been trying to find a sentence for dueling practice, '' she began, `` It 's been harder than I thought it 'd be. I obviously ca n't do it during Quidditch exercise. I do n't recollect the whole team will be able to forgather at the same time ; it just wo n't wreak. But that 's all right. The team I was on in conclusion class rarely ever met at the same time. I 've been talking to everyone and it looks like Midweek eventide will wreak for a lot of people. Can you produce it ? ``

Albus thought for a present moment. He had been wondering when the low gear dueling practice would take home. King John and blush wine had already been to their for the first time practices. lusterlessness missed his because it took place while he was in the infirmary backstage. `` I should be able to make it, '' he told Kate.

Kate grinned, `` Great. How about you, Amanda ? '' she turned to Amanda, who was sitting across from Albus.

`` Sure, I 'll be there. I have n't gotten anything else to do besides homework, '' she laughed.

`` Perfect. The meeting will be in the dueling room, seven in the eve. I 've already talked to prof Potter and he said it 's unloose. I 've got to go talking to the Slytherins now. I 've been saving them for last, '' she groaned and walked over to the Slytherin table.

`` Finally, we 're having a merging ! '' Albus said excitedly. `` I ca n't hold off to start dueling masses. ``

`` Me too, '' Amanda grinned.

`` It 's pretty brilliant, '' John told them, `` We have n't really learned any new spells yet, but I got to disarm a couple multitude. ``

`` I disarmed a couple tierce eld at my meeting, '' rose wine announced. `` I 'm charge about learning new enchantment, though. ``

`` Wish I had n't missed mine, '' Matt muttered.

`` You 'll make it to the side by side one, '' Albus assured him, `` You heard Kate, not everyone makes it to every meeting. ``

`` Can I go with you to the merging, Albus ? Please ? '' Kaden begged.

`` I do n't opine you can, sorry, '' Albus told him, `` First years are n't allowed. ``

Kaden mumbled something that sounded like 'stupid rule'and left to go to his offset class.

`` We ought to go, too, '' blush wine announced. Albus and his friends left the Great Hall and made their way to Transfiguration.

The next few twenty-four hour period seemed to drag on for an eternity. Albus was very excited about the dueling exercise and he did not feel like concentrating on anything else. He momentarily forgot about it during Quidditch practice on Tuesday, but once that was finished, he was back to waiting impatiently for dueling.

After dinner on Wednesday, Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their champion and made their way to the dueling room. When they got there, they saw 7 or 8 former students, along with Kate Waverly milling about. Albus noticed that the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs were all talking with each other, but the Slytherins were sulking by themselves in one corner.

A couple more scholarly person ran into the way as Albus and Amanda went over to the group of non-Slytherins. Harry walked in a moment later, and stood next to Kate in the front of the room.

Kate looked at the clock and then back at the squad. `` All right wing, I think most of us are here. I 'm Kate Waverly, 4th year Ravenclaw, as nearly of you know. I know a lot of you are n't happy about the inter-house teams this year, but we 'll have to cover with it. It 's not easy for me, either. Last year, captains only had to oblige one Quidditch team, this year we have to accommodate four.

`` Professor Potter, Professor Longbottom, or one of the early professors will oversee the practice, at least for the start few. But if you have an issue, please come to me first because I 'm the captain. Now, for our first get together, I 'd just care to assess what dueling skills you 've got. So pair off and disarm each other. Disarm only. ``

Albus and Amanda stepped a few feet apart and faced each other. `` Ready ? '' Amanda asked.

Albus grinned, `` You know, if this was a real duel, you would n't ask me if I 'm set up. ``

`` I know, '' Amanda laughed, `` I 'm just used to it. ``

`` It 's all right hand. ``

A few second later, Amanda shouted out, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his scepter shakiness in his hand, but it stayed there. `` That was a dependable try, '' he said.

`` I 've done it in class, '' Amanda told him.

`` I know. I 've seen you. ``

`` You try now. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus pointed his verge at Amanda and shouted, `` Exeplliarmus ! '' Amanda 's wand flew out of her hand and it landed at Albus 's feet.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Kate shouted from across the room.

`` Nice one, '' Amanda told him.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` You try again. ``

Albus and Amanda disarmed each early for the future fifteen minute. Amanda managed to disarm Albus a couple clip, but she was n't nearly as good at it as Albus was.

`` All right ! '' Kate shouted, `` Switch partners, everyone ! Preferably someone who 's not in your house. ``

`` potter, '' Malfoy appeared future to Albus, smirking at him, `` Let me show everyone how much of a ripe dueller I am. ``

`` Bring it on, Malfoy, '' Albus growled, suddenly wanting to hex Malfoy, rather than just disarm him.

`` Too bad we 're not on separate teams, '' Malfoy commented, `` Then I could wipe the floor with you in a real duel. Oh, well, this 'll have to do. ``

`` Bit wide of yourself, are n't you ? '' Albus muttered, raising his wand.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy shouted. Albus 's wand flew out of his hired hand and landed a duad feet away. `` Told you, '' he laughed. `` I am a better duelist than you. ``

`` I have n't tried disarming you yet, Malfoy, '' Albus replied, `` Do n't numerate your Snidgets before they hatch. ``

`` dedicate me your forged, Potter, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted with all the military unit he could rally. Malfoy 's wand left his hand and landed a pair off groundwork away, just as Albus 's had done. `` There, we 're even. ``

`` We 'll never be even, potter, '' Malfoy replied haughtily.

`` Great job, everyone ! '' Kate announced, `` That 's adequate for now. I see we have some great duelist in here. With a minuscule practice, I 'm trusted we 'll puzzle the former team. I think for simplicity, I 'll hold recitation every week this Same day and time. It might be in a unlike room occasionally, and I 'll let you know if it is. Do n't worry if you ca n't create all the merging. Just try and make as many as you can. I 'll see everyone next week. ``

`` That was pretty fun, '' Amanda said as they were getting ready to leave.

`` Yeah, although I could do without Malfoy, '' Albus replied

`` Hey, Al, '' Harry put his arm around his son, `` Could I talk to you for a bit ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and then turned to Amanda, `` I 'll see you in the mutual elbow room. ``

`` All rightfield, '' Amanda left the room.

`` I have n't had a hazard to mouth to you much, '' Harry said once the room was empty. He walked over to a couple chairs and sat down in one. He patted the one side by side to him. `` How have you been ? ``

`` Great. I love Quidditch, '' Albus grinned and sat down in the chair next to his dad.

`` I 'm glad you made the team, although I heard some of the other Gryffindors were n't too happy. ``

`` Yeah, a couplet thought I just got on the team because GA 's police chief. And Ryan 's the simply one who 's not a Weasley or a potter on the squad now, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm sure that 's not why you made the team, '' Harry assured him. `` You 're a great Chaser. ``

`` And I 'm already used to working with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Exactly, you were the best one, '' Harry agreed, `` How have division been ? ``

`` Fine. Charms is much unspoiled than last year. I like prof Cedonia. ``

`` She 's very nice. She 's definitely not the common kind of instructor Hogwarts has, but that 's not really a bad thing, '' Harry commented.

`` Yeah, she has n't given out many detentions, '' Albus told him.

`` But she has her course under control. I think the other teachers could learn a lot from her. ``

`` I 'd hump it if nobody gave out detention anymore, '' Albus grinned.

`` That 's not really what I meant, but anyway, '' Harry continued, `` I heard you had some hassle with Kaden recently. Mum sent me an owl about it. ``

Albus felt his cheeks act red. `` Er, yeah, but it 's all worked out now. I 'm not mad at him anymore. ``

`` Glad to hear it, '' Harry smiled, `` If you have anymore problems, feel free to get along to me. I know Kaden can be a bit, er, exuberant, to put it nicely. ``

Albus laughed, `` I 'll say. He just does n't know when to quit sometimes. ``

`` Some people are like that, '' Harry stood up. `` It 's getting late. You should probably go back to Gryffindor. ``

`` All right, '' Albus stood up as well and gave his dad a hug. `` G'night, Dad. ``

`` 'Night, Al, '' Harry gave his son a hug back and the two of them left the room.




Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Nor do I own 'Bothering Snape'or anything else related to thrower Puppet Pals.




The second half of September passed the same way the first one-half had. Albus 's days were filled with classes, homework, Quidditch practice, and dueling practice. Albus was really enjoying both Quidditch and dueling, although he liked Quidditch better. Kate had begun teaching them new trance in dueling, and it was fun, but Malfoy kept trying to married person up with Albus during practices. Albus suspected that Malfoy was trying to bewilder Albus in one of the practice duel, but he had yet to succeed. The showtime dueling sports meeting was n't until the end of October and Kate felt that the team would be fully prepared by then.

Kaden was quickly becoming a permanent fixture in Albus 's grouping of Quaker. After Albus apologized and invited Kaden to sit with them in the common room, he just never left. He was always with them whenever they were n't in year and because of this, Albus and his supporter were spending much less time in the Room of Requirement than they had the second one-half of their first yr. They seemed to have come to an wordless arrangement not to picture Kaden the room, and Albus was perfectly happy with this. After all, there might eventually come a day when Albus and the others needed to be alone, without Kaden, and the way might be the only if berth in Hogwarts where they could go.

The endorsement Lord's Day of Oct, Albus found himself looking for his friends after a particularly tenacious Quidditch practice. He shouldered his broom, feeling very worn-out, and headed back to the palace. It was a warm fall day, not a cloud in the sky, and a poise breeze was blowing. It had been the perfect day for Quidditch practice. Albus had gotten his first taste of Quidditch practice in the rain a couple hebdomad back and he had n't enjoyed it in the slightest.

On his way back to the castle, Albus noticed John and matte sitting a couple yards away from the Whomping willow, beneath another Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. Kaden was wandering around nearby, playing with what appeared to be a round piece of plastic attached to a hanker drawstring. Albus went over to Saint John and flatness and sat down next to them.

`` How was practice ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` What have you been up to ? ``

`` Sitting around, putting off doing our homework, '' St. John grinned.

`` And watching Kaden play with that Muggle toy, '' Matt laughed.

`` What is that affair ? '' Albus stared at the man of plastic as it went up and down on the string.

`` He calls it a 'yo-yo', '' John explained. `` Never seen anything like it. ``

`` I think I had one when I was really little, '' flatness commented, `` But I must sustain lost it ages ago. ``

`` How long has he been playing with it ? '' Albus asked, amazed that Kaden, who could n't sit still for fifteen minutes, could feature the attention span to roleplay with that toy.

`` About fifteen minutes, '' Matt told him, `` But I think he 's noticed you, Albus. ``

Sure enough, Kaden pocketed his yo-yo and ran over to Albus. `` Hi Albus ! How was Quidditch practice ? ``

`` Good, '' Albus told him, `` Tiring, but good. ``

`` I was watching. I think I 'd like to be a Beater, it looks like fun to whack those Bludgers around, '' Kaden grinned.

Albus, who personally thought Kaden should not be allowed near a Beater 's bat after he nearly put individual 's eye out with his wand a couple time, laughed. `` Well, we wo n't be needing a new Beater for a while, '' he turned to John and lusterlessness, `` Where are Rose and Amanda ? ``

`` Up in the castling, doing homework, probably, '' John replied, `` They did n't want to come up outside. ``

Kaden stood up and stared at the Whomping willow. `` D'you think that tree could bolt down someone ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus said.

`` wonderment why they planted it, then, '' Kaden started to walk a little nearer to the tree.

Albus glanced at his booster and saw a facial expression of panic appear in mat 's eyes. Why was it that Kaden always seemed to question the things that had to do with matte 's being a lycanthrope ?

`` Er, Dumbledore probably thought it was funny, '' Albus lied.

`` He was mad, then, '' Kaden inched even closer to the tree diagram, whose thrashing branches were now just a mates base away from him.

`` A bit, yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he was vivid, too. ``

`` It 's so strange, though. I 've never seen a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree like this, '' Kaden started to circle the tree.

`` That 's because it 's charming, '' Albus told him.

`` You should probably maltreat back, Kaden, '' flatness warned him.

`` I 'll be careful, '' Kaden took a few more than steps towards the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. He was now within reaching of its offset. `` Must be a strong tree. '' He started to try and touch one of the subdivision, but the tree diagram got there showtime and hit him on the leg with one of its branches. `` Ouch ! '' Kaden shrieked.

Albus, Matt, and John all stood up and ran over to him, but not close enough that they could get hit.

`` Kaden, I told you not to go near it ! '' Matt shouted.

`` It did n't even smash the skin. I 'm fine, '' Kaden assured him and went back to inspecting the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. But the tree did n't care Kaden around it and started to hit him more forcefully. `` Ow ! ``

Albus rushed forward, dodging outgrowth as he went. `` Kaden, movement ! ``

But Kaden did n't move away from the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. A branch hit him in the head and knocked him over. He stood up a little and peered closer at the Tree 's base.

`` Kaden, get away from there ! '' Matt screamed in a very shaky tone. `` I 'm serious, travel ! ``

`` I think there 's a hole down there ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

Albus saw all the coloring material drain from Matt 's font, and he knew that Kaden had just found out how to get into the cloak-and-dagger passageway that led to the screech Shack. Albus was about to go grab Kaden away from the tree, when he disappeared from sight.

`` Oh, no, oh, no ! '' lustrelessness shrieked, shaking his straits back and forth.

Albus rushed forward towards the tree. It hit him on his shoulder joint and his head as he tried to evade the branches. He crept closer, still getting hit, and saw the hole Kaden was talking about. But it did n't seem like there was any way to get into it without being killed. Albus had no idea how Kaden had done it.

flatness ran forward and grabbed a long ramification that was on the basis. He wordlessly shoved it into the root of the tree, and the branches stopped. Albus turned to seem at him, but he said zilch. Albus quickly jumped into the hole and found Kaden crouching in the entrance of a prospicient tunnel.

`` This is pose ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I 've found a secret passageway ! ``

`` Listen, Kaden, we 've got to get out of here, '' Albus said urgently.

`` Aw, add up on, Albus. Let 's observe it ! ``

`` No, Kaden, we ca n't, '' Albus insisted.

`` You do n't seem very excited, '' Kaden commented and he stared at Albus for a few endorsement. `` I know, you already know about this, do n't you ? ``

`` Er, I, '' Albus tried to think up something to tell Kaden. He was n't a very good lier, `` Fine, I do already cognise about it. My dad told me about it. But I have n't been in it. scholar are n't supposed to go in it. That 's why we 've got to leave, we 'll be in huge trouble. ``

`` Do you cognize where it leads ? '' Kaden asked.

`` No, '' Albus lied. He figured he 'd be able-bodied to pull that lie off, and he did n't require to say Kaden where the passage led to. `` Now let 's go. ``

Kaden sighed, `` fine. But you 're ruining the fun. ``

Albus did n't say another word. He quickly climbed out of the hole, hoping that whatever mat had done to hold on the ramification was still working. Luckily, it was, and Albus was able to climb out without receiving anymore injuries. Kaden climbed out behind him, the huge smile still on his face.

John and Matt were standing nearby, but not near enough to be hit with offshoot. lustrelessness was looking livid as a ghost, clearly worried that Kaden had found the Shrieking shack. Albus was just about to separate his Friend that Kaden had n't gone down the tunnel when he heard a voice behind him.

`` Playing with the Whomping Willow. That is clearly against the rule. ``

Albus turned around and saw Filch making his way slowly towards them. Great, he thought, this is just what they needed.

`` Yes, yes, '' Filch wheezed, `` Follow me, delinquent. ``

Albus turned to seem at John and Matt. John was looking pretty calm, but lusterlessness was still as pale as Nearly Headless Nick. Kaden also looked a bit worried, but not nearly as practically as Matt. Albus was a piffling nervous as well. He had never gotten in problem with the caretaker before. He had heard revulsion taradiddle about Filch and was n't sure which ones were true.

Albus followed Filch up to the rook in between John and matt. Kaden was walking a little path behind them. None of them said a word. Filch was muttering to himself as he slowly lead the group up to the castle. They continued following Filch through the rook while other students stared at them. The other students were whispering amongst themselves as Albus and the others passed. Albus stared at the priming and tried to discount them. Why was his trouble fashioning always so publicized ? Of course, this was n't even his fault, Albus thought bitterly. It was all Kaden 's fault. Why did he take in to keep on messing with the tree ? He never seemed to want to let anything go. When he got an idea into his read/write head, he never seemed to let go of it until Albus either yelled at him or physically stopped him.

Filch led them into a lowly, cramped, dark office filled with various Muggle cleaning implements. There were only 3 chairs in the way, one of which was behind Filch 's desk and he sat in it immediately. Matt took one of the other chairwoman, as he appeared so aflutter that he might faint. Kaden immediately started snooping around the office, while Albus and John remained standing and watching Filch 's every move.

`` It 's in here somewhere, '' Filch muttered as he rifled through a storage locker. `` Let 's see. B. scrapper towards teachers, bothering planetary house elves, bothering magic wight, bothering Snape, bothering other scholar, ah, here it is ! Bothering the Whomping willow tree. '' Filch grinned and pulled out a piece of parchment. He set it down on his desk and looked up at Albus and the others.

Albus glanced at John, who shrugged. None of them had ever been in Filch 's office before and had no melodic theme what to expect. Albus was prepared for the worse, including being shackled to the rampart, as his cousin Fred told him Filch had done.

`` Quite the group of trouble manufacturing business you are, '' Filch muttered, `` I 've got the anatomy right here, already made. Had quite a few others torment that tree in the past times, especially after it was first planted. ``

Albus had his doubts as to whether Filch actually knew why the tree was planted. lustrelessness seemed to be getting more anxious with every quotation of the Whomping willow, and Albus could n't blame him.

Filch opened his mouth and was about to say something when there was a crash behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw Kaden standing with a few dozen Fanged Frisbees at his feet. He was holding one in his bridge player and there was an discharge box next to him.

`` Do n't touch anything ! '' Filch shouted and ran out from behind his desk. He yanked the Frisbee out of Kaden 's hired hand and picked up the others. He shoved the box back on the shelf and went back behind his desk.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden mumbled. Filch ignored him.

`` Back to your penalization, '' Filch continued, picking up a pinion. `` full moon names ? ``

For a split second, Albus considered giving Filch a role player name, but figured it would do no good with his dad as a teacher. `` Albus Severus Potter. ``

Filch wrote his figure down and a grin spread across his typeface. `` Following in your father 's pace ? And your grandfather 's ? Yes, yes, I have an integral drawer in my filing cabinet dedicated to your grandfather and his delinquent friends. I do believe he once bothered the Whomping willow as well. ``

Albus ignored Filch 's reminiscing. He had not been bothering that tree. He had been saving Kaden from it. Although what Filch said had sparked his rarity. Why had his granddaddy messed with the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ? He knew his granddaddy loved to make trouble, but that tree concealed one of his best friend 's secrets. Maybe it had happened before he knew about it, Albus thought.

`` What about the eternal sleep of you delinquents ? '' Filch growled.

`` King John Malcolm Brickston, '' lavatory replied. Filch wrote it down and glared at Matt.

`` Matthew Conan Eckerton, '' matt mumbled very softly.

`` And you ? '' Filch glared at Kaden after he wrote down Matt 's name.

`` Kaden Peter Dursley, '' Kaden announced.

`` Right, '' Filch finished filling out the form and put it into his very enceinte filing locker. `` Your punishment. Three Night'detention. Tonight you 'll be scrubbing cauldrons, Muggle style of course, in the Potions room. Tomorrow you can do transmission line. And Monday you 'll clean the uranology Tower, without conjuration as well. Meet me in the donjon 8pm sharp tonight. Now get out of here. ``

Albus wrenched the door open and ran out of the federal agency as fast as he could. III night of hold ! Two of which would be spent doing Muggle cleaning ! That was harsh. Albus was wild now. Why did Kaden have to go near that Tree ? None of them would be in this mess hall if he had n't. Albus stalked all the way up to Gryffindor Tower, with John and mat next to him, nobody saying a word. Kaden ran along aside them, trying to get them to talk to him. Albus knew what they had to do now. They had to make indisputable Kaden did not tell anyone about that tunnel.

When they climbed through the portrayal mess, Albus was relieved to see that both Bilius and Ethan were in the common room. That meant the dormitory was free and Albus could talk to Kaden up there. He wordlessly led the mathematical group to the dormitory and shut the room access behind them.

`` Ok, what is haywire with you lot ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Why are you so tranquility ? ``

`` We just got in bother because of you ! '' Albus shouted.

`` well, sorry ! '' Kaden responded, `` But it 's not that bad, it 's just cleaning. ``

`` Three Night Worth ! '' lustrelessness groaned, `` And I did n't even do anything. Neither did John the Evangelist or Albus. ``

`` Albus was in that burrow with me, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Only to get you out ! '' Albus reminded him, `` And if you remember, we told you numerous metre to go out that tree alone. This is what I was talking about last month, Kaden. You never stop when mass ask you to. And I 've been in Hogwarts longer than you have, if I tell you to finish doing something, chances are there 's a effective reason for it ! And this one just seemed like common sentience to me ! 'Do n't go near the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that could stamp out you .'Why on dry land would n't you listen to that ? ``

`` Jeesh, Albus, '' Kaden replied, a little quieter, `` I was just queer about it. ``

`` peculiarity killed the kneazle, '' John muttered.

`` What ? '' Kaden stared at him.

`` Kneazle, it 's a magical animal, '' John explained.

`` Oh, well, Muggles just say curiosity killed the cat. ``

`` That 's strange, '' John said.

`` Anyway, '' Albus continued, `` You ca n't tell anyone about that tunnel and I mean anyone. Not your mum, not your dad, not your sis, not any of the former first years, no Muggles or wizard, young or old, '' Albus turned to John and Matt, `` Have I left anything out ? ``

`` Do n't secern any beast either, '' Saint John the Apostle added, `` Or what appear to be nonliving objects either, you never know in this place. ``

Kaden stared at them with a confused look on his cheek. `` Why not ? It looks to be a clandestine passageway ! ``

If it was possible, lusterlessness seemed to sour even whiter. `` Do n't tell anyone, '' he said forcefully. `` And do n't go back into it. Ever. ``

Kaden sighed. `` You lot take all the fun away. ``

`` trustingness me, Kaden, what 's beyond that tunnel is n't fun, '' Albus told him.

`` But you said you did n't sleep together what was beyond it ! ``

Oh, right, Albus thought. This was why he was a bad lier. He could never keep the lies straight. Now what was he going to say ? `` Oh, er, well, I variety of do know. But trust me, it 's goose egg good. It 's not even that exciting, pretty boring really. ``

`` And you 're not going to tell me what it is, are you ? '' Kaden looked at all of them.

`` Nope, '' whoremonger replied.

`` So you all know where it goes ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' privy answered.

`` I just do n't get it. You lot appear to be keeping quite a few things secret from me. Are they peculiar arcanum only multitude with necromancer parents can know ? '' Kaden asked darkly.

Albus was shocked. Where had his cousin come up with something like that ? `` No ! Of trend not ! Why in the name of Merlin 's byssus would you think that ? ``

`` Certain people here seem to think Muggle-borns should n't be taught magic, '' Kaden explained.

Albus knew this, of course. He just had n't known that they were bothering Kaden. `` Who, Kaden ? And are they doing this to you ? ``

`` Um, yeah, a bit, '' Kaden muttered, `` Mainly Felix Willinson. ``

Albus groaned. He should have known. Felix had n't bothered Albus at all so far, but apparently he, like his cousin-german, enjoyed bullying other scholar. `` Just stay away from him. And if he bothers you again, just tell me. I 'll get my cousins to set him straight. ``

`` All right field, '' Kaden replied, `` And I really am gloomy about the Whomping Willow thing. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus assured him. `` We 'll just deliver you do most of the cleaning these following few Night, '' he grinned.



A/N : Thanks to my beta and sister, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my brother. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Niki Lily, drownzer, XDNLxtlz99, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their limited review !


Diclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Nor do I own Monty Python, Spamalot, or any of their relate material.




Albus never thought he would have a worse detention than the one he had cleaning the trophy room the previous year. He thought Washburn had been the risky person to own detention with, but he was awry. Albus went through his whole first year without getting in trouble with Filch, and he was very happy about that. By the sentence he finished his second detainment on Monday night, he was beginning to wish he was doing detention with Washburn instead. At least Washburn had n't breathed down his neck the stallion prison term. Filch spent all of Dominicus nighttime staring at them while they scrubbed cauldrons, and all of the former night staring at them as they churned out line after argumentation. Filch seemed to look at joy in watching the students rub their mitt raw while scrubbing the cauldrons. Of trend, the production line could cause been considered a overnice break in between the two cleaning events.

By the clock time Albus trudged into the common room on Tuesday evening after Quidditch pattern, he was set to be done with detention. But no such luck ; it was their final examination night and Filch was trusted to bask every minute of it. Albus quickly dropped his broom off in his dorm and went back to the common way to spend the ten minutes they had before they had to leave behind for detention.

`` The end thing I want to do is go clean something, '' Albus groaned.

`` spirit like you need to cleanse your clothes, '' John laughed.

Albus shot him a dirty look. `` What do you expect ? It 's raining and it 's marshy and I just spent 45 minute of arc flying around. ``

`` I know, '' John grinned.

`` GA was n't happy about me leaving early, '' Albus told him. `` She 's ruthless. ``

`` I 'll bet, '' John agreed.

`` Hey, where 's matt ? '' Albus asked, looking around the vernacular room.

`` Room of requisite, '' John replied. `` Been there since rightfulness after you left for practice. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus said, remembering that the fully moonlight was the following even. `` Why are n't you there with him ? ``

`` Wanted to, '' trick sighed, `` Could n't excite Kaden. He 's been with me ever since you left. In fact, I think that 's why Matt left. He could n't get any residuum with Kaden around. ``

`` But he 's not here now, '' Albus commented, noticing that Kaden was n't in the vulgar room.

`` He went to put his Word of God in his residence hall, '' toilet explained, `` I 'm sure he 'll be back at any minute. ``

As if on cue, Kaden came flying out of the threshold leading to the dorm room and made a beeline for Albus and John Lackland. `` gear up ? It 's the shoemaker's last night ! '' Kaden announced.

`` Yes, we know, '' King John said, `` You 've been telling us that all day. ``

`` Where 's flatness ? Have n't seen him since dinner. He 'd better speed up, wherever he is, '' Kaden peered around the room.

Albus and Saint John the Apostle exchanged looks. `` I 'll find him, '' Albus replied quickly. `` You two go on ahead. ``

This time it was john 's turn to dedicate Albus a disgusted look. He clearly did n't want to be the one who had to go to detention with Kaden. `` amercement. See you later, Rose, Amanda. ``

`` Enjoy yourselves, '' Rose replied.

`` See you later, '' Amanda waved.

Albus gave lav and Kaden a minute 's read/write head start before he left the common room and went to the Room of Requirement. He did n't want Kaden to find out where he was going. Once the glide was unmortgaged, he paced three times in figurehead of the blank wall on the 7th floor and waited for the door to appear. It materialized just like always and Albus went quietly inside. The room was dark and Albus could hardly see where he was going. He wished there was some unhorse. Immediately, torches lit up along the walls and revealed a four-poster bed in the middle of the small room.

Albus walked quickly over to the bed and wrenched the suspension open. Once he saw how exhausted flatness looked, he immediately felt guilty about how he had complained about being too tired from Quidditch praxis to do detention. His exhaustion was nothing compared to Matt's.

`` C'mon, we 've got hold, '' Albus gently poked his friend.

lusterlessness opened his eyes and sat up, wincing. `` Already ? All right. '' He slowly got up out of bed and stretched.

Albus led the way out of the room and to the astronomy Tower. Neither of them said anything for about of the journey, but Albus knew they were both thinking the same thing. They wished they did n't have to do detention that night.

`` Where are John and Kaden ? '' Matt asked, suddenly realizing that they were n't there.

`` They went on ahead. Did n't want Kaden to eff about the room. ``

`` Oh, yeah, thanks for that, '' Matt replied.

Albus and matte slowly climbed the stairs leading to the tug, and once they reached the top, Albus opened the door and the two of them arrived. Luckily, it had stopped raining and the clouds had even dissipated. The almost full moon was shedding luminance upon the Tower, enough that Albus and the others would be capable to do their detention with only a couple torches. Albus noticed Matt shudder and screw up his eyes as the moonlight hit him. Albus figured it was probably giving him a splitting headache at best.

`` You 're latterly, '' growled Filch, who gestured to John the Evangelist and Kaden. The two of them were already scrubbing telescopes.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus mumbled, not elaborating on why they were late.

`` Another dark 's detainment, I think, '' Filch replied, `` Tomorrow Nox. You can persist in cleaning cauldrons. There are still some left field. ``

Albus glanced at Matt who did n't even seem to be paying care to Filch. He looked too officious trying not to be sick. There was no way that lustrelessness could possibly do hold the observe evening. He would just get to distinguish prof Longbottom about it the next day. Albus, however, groaned, as he would be adequate to of doing custody the future night. However, he would have to miss dueling pattern. At to the lowest degree Kate was n't uptight about them missing practice like Georgia was.

`` Well, what are you waiting for ? '' Filch growled at Albus and lustrelessness, `` jump scrubbing ! ``

Albus picked up a rag out of the bucketful that was standing nearby and ran quickly to where Saint John the Apostle and Kaden were scrubbing. He was partway there when he realized mat was still standing near the door. He did n't appeared to have moved since they entered the column. Filch was glaring at him, looking like he was ready to set off with fury. Albus grabbed Matt by the arm without looking at Filch and led him over to the telescopes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus whispered and started to scavenge the nearest telescope.

`` F-fine, '' Matt stuttered. Albus looked at him and noticed that he was shivering.

Albus turned to look at St. John who shrugged with confusion. `` It 's a lot defective than last night, '' Albus muttered. During the previous night 's detention, Matt had nodded off a few times, but he had been capable of producing a good bit of lines. Tonight, Matt appeared to be frozen in place and definitely would n't be getting often cleansing done.

`` wellspring, it is the night before, '' John whispered so quietly that Albus could barely pick up him.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he seems sick than virtually nights before. ``

`` Dunno why, '' bathroom replied, `` We 'd break hide him from Filch, though. Filch will know he 's not cleaning. '' Albus nodded and moved to the other face of Matt.

`` What 's wrongfulness with him ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Is he sick again ? ``

Albus and lavatory shot Kaden ominous tone and Kaden immediately shut up. `` I was just wondering, '' he muttered a minute later.

`` Remember what I told you final meter ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Do n't bring it up. ``

`` quiet down ! '' Filch shouted loudly.

lustrelessness jumped and looked at Albus with a facial expression of confusion on his face. `` What 're we doing ? '' he mumbled.

`` custody, '' Albus replied, `` Listen, d'you want to go to the Hospital offstage ? ``

`` No, it 's not tonight, it 's tomorrow dark, '' he said and slouched onto the scope he was supposed to be cleaning.

`` I said still ! '' Filch yelled and waltzed over to the male child, `` Get to crop potter and Eckerton. ``

Albus and the others worked in silence for the next half minute. John and Albus worked carefully down the row of telescopes, making sure Matt was between them at all multiplication so it would look like he was cleaning. Kaden worked on Albus 's other side, looking much more cheery than the other three boy did.

`` Finland, Suomi, Finland ... '' he sung quietly, `` That 's the state for me .... ''

`` What ? '' Albus whispered. Kaden had been humming that song for the past five minutes and it was driving Albus mad. He had never heard it before and it sounded quite strange.

Kaden stopped singing and looked at Albus. `` Oh, come on ! You 've never heard of Monty python ? Spamalot, the Broadway play ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, wondering what that song could have to do with a Python. There had n't been any mention of snakes in it.

Kaden sighed. `` I love the wizarding world, but you lot are really lacking in high gear character entertainment. Would it kill you to learn TV and movies ? Monty Python is a movie, and a pretty funny one at that. You can check it at my house sometime. Spamalot is a Broadway maneuver based on it. They turned it into a film a few years back. ``

Albus was still a bit confounded about the song, but he figured he 'd understand it if he ever watched the moving picture. He had seen a few Muggle films before, but never Monty python or Spamalot. His Aunt Hermione had a TV, but she did n't let Albus look out it very often. `` You 'll rot your mind out ! '' she always told him, `` Now go interpret a record book ! ``

Albus and Kaden went back to their cleansing, and Kaden started humming a new song. Albus assumed it also was from Monty Python since it sounded just as confusing as the old one. It had something to do with fish.

`` hitch that infernal humming ! '' Filch screamed.

`` Sorry, sir ! '' Kaden replied. Filch scowled. Clearly he was angry about Kaden talking to him, but he could n't lecture him again since what Kaden had said was polite.

The remainder of the detention was spent in almost over muteness. Every once and a while, Kaden would try to engage the others in conversation, but it was always stopped by Filch. Luckily, Filch never realized that Matt had n't done an ounce of cleanup. He seemed to busy glaring at Kaden and telling him to shut up. Albus realized that Filch probably had an eternal grievance against Kaden now, which Kaden seemed oblivious to. It would not surprise Albus if Kaden had a file that rivaled his granddaddy 's by the time he graduated. By the metre the detainment was over, matt was leaning against Albus, although he seemed thoroughly unaware of it. Albus had caught Kaden staring at Matt a few multiplication, but as soon as Albus sent him a dirty look, Kaden went back to cleaning.

`` All right, you 're done, '' Filch growled, `` Get out of here or you 'll be out of bed after curfew. Then you 'll get another hold. '' He smirked. Filch picked up the cleaning supplies and ambled down the stairs before Albus and the others.

`` We 're done now, '' Albus gently woke Matt up.

`` Done with what ? '' Matt mumbled without opening his eyes.

`` Detention, where we 've been for the go hour, '' Albus explained while looking at John the Evangelist. can pulled Matt off of Albus, but he stumbled fell against a telescope.

`` Ouch ! '' Matt shouted and grabbed his head.

`` We 've got to get back to the common room, and quick, '' Albus said, more to John than to Matt, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

`` What 're we going to do with him ? '' John asked. Matt was now leaning on whoremonger. `` I wish we could levitate him. ``

`` You ca n't ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` No, that 's much more bring forward than we 're able to do, '' Albus explained, `` And gloomy your vocalism. ``

`` Let 's just each get on one slope of him, '' trick threw one of matt 's weaponry over his shoulder joint and gestured for Albus to do the same.

Albus followed John 's tether and told Kaden to get the door. Albus, John, and Matt hobbled awkwardly down the stairs and back into the chief part of the castle. It was decelerate going and they 'd already missed curfew.

`` Good affair he 's alight, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, '' John agreed.

`` Ugh, '' lustrelessness winced and opened his heart, `` I think I 'm going to be sick. ``

Albus and John the Evangelist looked at each early for a split second before mat retched onto the floor in movement of them.

`` Ew, porcine ! '' Saint John the Apostle exclaimed.

`` Told you he was sick, '' Kaden said. He had been walking a few paces ahead of them and kept looking back, wanting to say something but afraid to.

`` We knew that, '' Albus snapped.

Matt retched a second sentence and Albus felt him prostration onto the story. Albus and whoremaster both grabbed his arms as he went down and slowed the fall. Now what were they going to do ?

`` lustrelessness ? '' Albus gently shook him and tried to get him to wake up, but it was no use.

`` What happened to him ? '' Kaden stared as Albus tried to wake Matt up.

`` Passed out, '' Albus said shortly. He was a bit annoyed that Kaden asked that. Was n't it obvious ?

`` I know that, '' Kaden replied, `` But why ? ``

`` How should I make out ? '' Albus snapped.

`` Will you two block arguing ? '' John interrupted. `` What are we going to do ? ``

Albus shrugged and thought. What were they going to do ? panic overtook him as he assessed the spot. They were out of bed after curfew and lustrelessness was passed out on the floor. It could n't get worse than this. There was no way for them to get flatness to the park elbow room or the hospital wing without levitating him. And none of them could hover a person. Albus looked at Matt and noticed he had begun shivering again. Albus took off his cloak and laid it over his Friend. `` Kaden, '' Albus began, `` Go get ma'am Pomfrey. ``

`` Why me ? '' Kaden asked nervously. He looked around at the dark corridor, clearly worried about walking through them alone.

`` Just do it ! '' Albus shouted.

Kaden looked taken aback at Albus 's gaudy tone. `` Ok, ok ! '' he replied and took off down the corridor, towards the stairs.

`` He 's going to be ok, right ? '' Albus asked quietly once Kaden was out of sight.

`` I dunno, '' John whispered back. `` But it 's been bad before and he 's always recovered alright. ``

The boys sat in quiet for the next couple minutes, watching for polarity of consciousness in their acquaintance. However, Matt remained unresponsive and very pale. Though he was still shivering, his os frontale glistened with sweat in the moonlight that was streaming in through a nearby window.

`` What 's that ? '' St. John asked, pointing down the corridor.

Albus looked where John the Divine was pointing and saw a figure floating towards him. He stood up and drew his wand and St. John did the Same. The figure came closer and closer, and soon Albus was able to crap it out. It was Peeves. Albus groaned inwardly. This was the cobbler's last thing they needed, Peeves announcing their presence to the whole castle.

`` Students out of bed ! '' Peeves shouted gleefully as he noticed the boys.

`` Shut up, Peeves ! '' Albus replied, very annoy at Peeves 's glad tone.

Peeves peered down at mat and then looked at toilet and Albus. `` Dueling, have we ? It seems that you two have won. But Mr. Filch wo n't like this ! No he wo n't ! Students out of bed and dueling, too ! ``

`` We have n't been dueling ! '' John insisted, `` Now get out of here ! ``

`` Ha-ha ! '' Peeves laughed, `` Peeves does n't take heed to students, no he does n't ! Peeves causal agent hassle when scholar are around ! ``

`` No, quiet ! '' Albus whispered.

Peeves cackled even louder and zoomed up and down the corridor. `` Students out of bed ! student out of bed ! ``

Albus and John gave each other panicked look. Albus had no approximation what to do to still the poltergeist. But if he did n't discontinue yelling, someone would surely witness out that they were there. Albus 's fears were soon realized as he heard hurried footsteps coming down the corridor. Albus wished he had his father 's invisibility cloak.

Peeves apparently heard them too, because he flew down towards them shouting, `` They 're over here ! Over here ! Students out of bed ! ``

`` Go away, Peeves ! '' a cheap stern voice shouted, `` Or I 'll get the Bloody baron ! ``

`` Yes, gentlewoman nursemaid, mam ! '' Peeves saluted and sped down the corridor, cackling madly.

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. It was just Madam Pomfrey. Albus watched as the nurse ran the rest of the way down the corridor. She was surprisingly fast for someone her age. Kaden was panting behind her, trying to stay fresh up.

dame Pomfrey rushed over to Albus, john, and Matt, and immediately bow down and put her hand on matte 's brow. `` What 's happened ? '' she asked briskly.

`` He collapsed, '' Albus told her.

The nanny clicked her tongue and conjured a stretcher. She waved her wand and Matt landed on top of it. `` Well, you can explain more once we get to the hospital wing. Quickly now. ``

Albus, John, and Kaden ran behind Madam Pomfrey all the way to the hospital wing. None of them said a intelligence, although it looked to Albus like Kaden was trying to keep himself from asking more questions. Minutes later, the group arrived at the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey barged through the threshold and immediately deposited matte onto a bed. She bustled around the ward, gathering potions while asking the son more questions.

`` Why were you out of your common room ? '' she asked.

`` Detention, '' Albus responded.

`` Where and with whom ? ``

`` Filch had us cleaning the entire uranology towboat, '' John replied with a disgusted tone.

Madam Pomfrey stopped rifling through her potion console and turned to look at King John. `` Astronomy Tower ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' John answered with a feeling of mix-up on his face.

`` Filch ! '' Madam Pomfrey shouted as she ran back to Matt 's bed, `` I 'll possess him for this ! I thought I made it open to him cobbler's last year when he had you scrubbing the bathroom ... I 'll hex him into adjacent year ! Merlin 's beard, the Astronomy towboat ! And tonight of all nights ! '' The nurse continued to run back and forth from her office, potion storage locker, and mat 's bed while muttering about Filch.

`` What 's she going on about ? '' Kaden whispered. Albus jumped. He 'd forgotten Kaden was there. `` What 's Filch got anything to do with him being sick ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 'll get him for this ! '' Madam Pomfrey shouted as she waved her baton over matt. `` I swear I will .... ''

Albus looked at ma'am Pomfrey and then back at Kaden. He chose to ignore Kaden 's question. The nurse was getting dangerously close to cluing Kaden into why Matt was there. If she was n't measured, she 'd kick in away everything.

`` I thought I 'd made it clear to him ! '' the nurse repeated while she poured a disgusting looking orangeness potion down matt 's throat. `` No detention on these nighttime and certainly not on the Astronomy Tower ! If he 'd been out there any thirster ... Well, I 'm not exactly sure as shooting what would birth happened ! ``

Kaden looked throughly confused. `` What 's the Astronomy towboat got to do with this ? ``

`` Of all the nights of the month- ''

`` dame Pomfrey ! '' Albus shouted, suddenly deciding that he had to get the nurse to stop rant. Madam Pomfrey looked up from what she was doing and glared at Albus. It generally was not a good idea to disturb her while she was working, but Albus had no selection. He ran over to where the nanny was standing. `` Sorry, ma'am, '' he whispered, `` It 's just, there are certain, er, things, that Kaden does n't know. '' Albus gestured to where his cousin was standing. `` And I know lusterlessness would prefer it if he did n't cognise, '' Albus gave her a pregnant looking at that he hoped would convey his thoughts.

Madam Pomfrey stared at him for a few seconds and then realization came over her. `` Oh ! Oh, my ! '' she whispered back, `` I ca n't trust I, well, right. So sorry about that. I 'll be a bit quieter. ``

Albus went back over to where Kaden and John were standing. John gave him a relieved look, but Kaden looked even more confused. `` What was that about ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Nothing, '' Albus gave Kaden another one of his 'shut up now'feel. Kaden immediately closed his mouth. Albus was getting good at conveying those feel now and Kaden seemed to obey right away, which was good.

`` All right, '' Madam Pomfrey walked back to the three son after a few Sir Thomas More minutes, `` He 's going to be fine. He 'll just ask to bide here for a pair off days. '' She looked at Albus and John when she said this, and Albus knew she meant that he would be staying until after the broad moon.

`` Ok, '' Albus nodded. `` We can confabulate him, right ? ``

`` Of course of action, dear, '' Madam Pomfrey 's expression softened. `` You know what meter are unspoiled. Now, you three unspoilt be off to your dormitory. It 's very late. If anyone closure you, just tell them you were with me. And do n't worry about seeing Filch. I 'm off to line up him now, and he 's going to be busy for quite a spell. ``

Albus nodded and had to stifle a laugh. He knew the nurse would be seeking out the caretaker and would be giving him a long and gaudy scolding at best.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Special thanks to my other sis and my brother for help with the Monty Python stuff and nonsense. speechmaking of Monty Python and Spamalot, I took some liberty in deciding that Spamalot was turned into a motion picture sometime during the present and 2017, when this takes place. Otherwise, Kaden could not have seen it as it sadly closed on Great White Way last calendar month ( before I got to see it, unfortunately ).

Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter or Spamalot



Albus and John did n't deliver a opportunity to secern Rose and Amanda about the hold until after lunch the adjacent day. It was their good afternoon off and they were relaxing in the Room of Requirement for a few minutes before they went to visit lusterlessness. It was the low time since the detention that Kaden was n't around. Kaden had classes all afternoon, so it was an idealistic meter to spill the beans about what had happened the premature Night. No one, not even rosiness, seemed to have any thought why Matt seemed so much sicker that Night than the other nights before full-of-the-moon lunation. Their only guesswork was that he was already worn out from the detentions on the previous two nighttime. Eventually, they just decided to go to the Hospital fender and ask flatness. Albus was sure as shooting he would narrate them. After all, he told them all about that study he was in.

However, when they arrived at the Hospital flank, Matt was go asleep. Madam Pomfrey informed them that he had woken up for a short while early that break of the day, but had fallen asleep soon after. He had been asleep ever since, and the nurse flat out refused to let them wake him up. She insisted that he needed all the remainder he could get before nightfall and that they could chit-chat him the following afternoon.

Albus and his booster were very subdued that evening. Albus had just returned to the common way after fulfilling his extra detention with Filch. It was just as miserable as the foremost cauldron-cleaning detention had been. When he got back to the park way, all his friends were doing prep and not saying much. Amanda was already back from dueling practice. Albus was worried about matte and he could evidence the others were as well. It kind of reminded him of that dark of the full lunation they stayed up waiting for sunrise to derive after Astronomy class the previous twelvemonth. Only this year, they had Kaden to fill up in the quietness that surrounded them.

`` And then Slughorn had to generate the whole class antidote ! '' Kaden laughed as he relayed his most recent potions grade. One of the former world-class eld had heated her cauldron too a good deal and caused the potion to explode all over the integral class. Albus and the others nodded their heads, like they had been doing for the past times half hour, and continued working on their respective homework.

`` Is n't it funny ? '' Kaden sighed, `` What 's wrong with you lot ? You 've been sitting there not saying anything for the past hour ! I thought you 'd at to the lowest degree jape at the estimation of everyone in my potions class having various function of their body rick brightly pink. ``

`` We 're just worried about Matt, '' Rose explained, not looking up from her good luck charm book.

`` Madam Pomfrey said he 'd be ok, '' Kaden reminded her.

`` She does n't know that, '' Rose replied.

`` trusted she does. She 's the nurse, '' Kaden grinned, `` And she can fix anything. ``

Albus sighed loudly, `` Not this again ! Listen, you just do n't understand. She ca n't know for sure that he 'll be ok. ''

This time it was Kaden 's spell to sigh, `` Well, I 'm not going to understand unless you tell me what 's incorrectly with him. ``

`` Not going to find, '' Albus muttered as he jotted down something on his parchment.

`` Someday I 'll weasel it out of you, '' Kaden said. A few sec later he started to express mirth. `` Weasel. Get it ? Weasley, weasel ! And you 're half Weasley ! ``

`` Very amusing, '' Albus murmured.

`` Oh, you 're no fun, '' Kaden said, still grinning at his own joke.

******

The adjacent day after Herbology, Albus and his Friend hurried up to their dormitory room to deposit their bags. Then they rushed to the Hospital Wing to see how Matt was. Luckily, Kaden was still in class. When they arrived at the hospital wing, Albus saw Matt 's usual bed with the curtains pulled around it and made a beeline for it. He was halfway there when Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the curtains and jumped as she saw Albus and the others.

`` Oh ! '' she clutched her pectus, `` You scared me ! I was n't expecting you until later. ``

`` Sorry, '' Albus replied, `` We decided to occur now since I 've got Quidditch recitation after dinner party. ``

`` Is that all right ? '' rosiness asked.

`` Yes, that 's exquisitely. Just for a few proceedings, '' the nursemaid regained her equanimity and bustled into her office.

Albus ran the rest period of the way to the bed and wrenched the pall open. matt was come alive and propped up on his pillows. He looked tired and was covered in diverse scar and bite, that looked a bit sorry than usual. `` Hey ! How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' flatness said tiredly. `` It was bad. ``

`` It looks it, '' can commented.

`` privy ! '' rose wine scolded.

`` What ? '' John shrugged.

`` It 's not that bad, '' rosiness said to Matt.

`` It 's very well, really, '' Matt assured John.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened during detainment ? ``

`` Honestly, I 'm not even certain, '' matte sighed, `` I do n't really commemorate it. ``

`` Really ? '' Rose raised her eyebrow, `` That 's odd. ``

`` Why do n't you two tell me what happened ? '' mat laughed.

`` All right field, '' Albus said, `` You kind of froze when we got up to the astronomy pillar and you would n't move. Filch yelled at us for being belatedly and assigned us another custody for last night- ''

`` L-last Nox ? '' Matt interrupted.

`` Yeah, scrubbing More caldron, '' Albus explained. `` I kinda figured something was wrong when you did n't object to it. ''

Matt groaned, `` I do n't even remember him saying that. Great, now I 've got another detention once I get out of here. Probably two since I missed it last night. ``

`` Oh, I do n't retrieve you 'll have to do any hold, '' Albus assured him, `` Filch did n't mention anything about you doing detention the whole time I was scrubbing caldron finish dark. You see, ma'am Pomfrey was livid when we told her what we had been doing for custody. ``

`` Yeah, '' can laughed, `` I 've never seen her so angry. She was storming around here, muttering and shouting and cursing Filch. It was kind of funny story, really. ``

`` Anyway, she said she was going to talk to Filch after we left the former night, '' Albus continued, `` I imagine she yelled at him quite a bit. I 'm sure she insisted that you not do anymore hold. ``

`` That 's a succour, '' Matt replied, `` So, what happened after Filch gave us another detention ? ``

`` I pulled you over to where john and Kaden were cleaning telescopes and John and I stood on either side of you, so it seemed like you were cleaning too. It was almost like you were in a kind of trance. You did n't seem to know what was going on. So I asked if you wanted to go to the hospital wing and you said no. Then St. John the Apostle, Kaden, and I cleaned for about an minute and a half. No one talked much except for Kaden. He kept humming random Song dynasty and Filch yelled at him. Then he told me what the songs were from. They were from a movie called Spamalot. Kaden insisted that I watch it sometime, '' Albus explained.

lusterlessness laughed, `` You should, it 's a really funny movie. ``

`` You 've seen it ? '' toilet asked.

`` Yeah. We 've got a TV at plate, since my mum is Muggle-born and she did n't desire to pay up TV, '' Matt replied.

`` I 've never seen it, '' Amanda commented, `` I 've heard of it, though. We should all watch it sometime. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Albus agreed. `` Anyway, once we left the uranology tug, we tried to get back to the common room, but you got sick partway there and passed out. I told Kaden to get Madam Pomfrey, and well, that was it. ``

`` And I do n't think of any of that, '' matte groaned and stared down at the bed.

`` It 's all right wing, '' Albus said quietly, `` You were n't really yourself. ``

`` Why 'd it encounter, though ? '' whoremaster asked after a few seconds, `` I mean, you 're usually tired the night before, but why was it that bad ? ``

`` Because I was in point moonlight, '' Matt whispered, `` The reason I get fag and chuck beforehand is because the lunation is getting fuller. The nighttime we did detention, it was practically wax. And I was outside in the moonlight for over an hr. ``

`` That would explain why Madam Pomfrey got so angry, '' trick said.

`` Yeah, '' flatness replied, `` Makes the transformation worse, too. Because I 'm already worn out from being in the Moon so long the nighttime before. ``

`` I do n't get it, though, '' Rose said, `` Why did n't you just enjoin Filch you could n't do detainment that Night ? ``

`` I do n't get it on, '' lustrelessness sighed, `` I guess I just did n't want any sort of extra treatment anymore. It makes people fishy. I do n't want anyone to wonder why I can pluck my detention nights. Plus, I did n't really get laid that would happen anyway. I knew I 'd be tired, but I did n't really know I 'd go into a trance like that. It had never happened before. My parents always made sure not to let me go outside the night before. ``

`` well, even so, you should n't do anymore detention like that the night before, '' rosebush insisted, `` It 'll crap you sicker. ``

`` I know, rosebush, '' Matt assured her, `` And madam Pomfrey talked to Filch and he 's not going to pay me anymore detentions at bad times. ``

`` You mean, she told Filch ? '' Albus asked. He knew Filch did n't hump about Matt 's condition, but he did n't think madam Pomfrey would actually tell him.

`` Oh, no, he does n't have intercourse. Madam Pomfrey just said that he needed to check off with her before assigning me detention due to 'health return that will remain individual'. And she made him depose not to tell anyone that he was checking detentions with her, or else she 'd make sure Kendrick kicked him out. ``

John let out a low whistle, `` Wow, remind me not to get on Madam Pomfrey 's bad side. ``

`` She 's definitely emphatic, '' Matt yawned and closed his eyes.

`` Are you all right ? '' rosiness asked.

`` Umm-hmm, '' flatness mumbled, `` I 've just got a headache. ``

At that moment, the curtains opened and Madam Pomfrey appeared with another potion. This one was a rich blue and Albus thought it looked disgusting. The hold took one look at Matt, shook her headland, and turned to Albus and the others. `` Time for you lot to leave. You 're welcome to visit again tomorrow. ``

Albus and his booster said goodbye to lustrelessness and left the hospital wing. Albus had just sufficiency time to grab dinner party before he had to be at the Quidditch pitch for recitation. Georgia thought the squad was doing wonderfully and was sure as shooting they would dumbfound Slytherin in the fist match in November.

******

`` So, where is my brilliant potions partner today ? '' Malfoy asked sarcastically as the Gryffindors and Slytherins left Slughorn 's keep the following afternoon.

`` Visiting his sick grannie, like usual, '' John replied shortly while glaring at Malfoy. `` Have n't you figured that out by now ? Whenever you ask where he is, he 's always visiting his grannie. ``

`` Funny, that 's not what Potter 's cousin said, '' Malfoy smirked. Jackson Limbert and Xavier Goyle nodded on either slope of him.

`` What ? '' Albus shouted. His cousins, except for Rose, probably did n't even know Matt left every month, let alone where he went. And rosebush obviously would n't tell Malfoy anything. `` Which cousin ? ``

`` The mud-blood, '' Malfoy said simply.

Kaden, Albus thought. Of course ! Albus had told Kaden that matt got sick every so often, he just had n't told him what the illness was. But why on earth was Kaden talking to Malfoy ?

`` Do n't call him that ! '' rosiness shouted, drawing her wand.

`` composure down, '' Malfoy replied, drawing his own wand. `` I mean it in the nicest way. ``

`` You do not ! '' privy shouted as he drew his wand.

`` wait ! '' Albus stood in between them and stared at Malfoy. `` Before anyone whammy anyone, I 've got to find out what this is about. What did Kaden say ? ``

`` He mentioned that Eckerton is vomit up all the clock time. Apparently he 's got some disease that Pomfrey ca n't cure and you wo n't tell him what it is, '' Malfoy replied smugly.

Albus felt the colouration drain from his font. He told Kaden not to severalise anyone about this ! And what had Kaden done ? He told Malfoy of all people ! Malfoy, the one someone Matt did not require knowing where he went every calendar month. Albus groaned. Malfoy now had a few Thomas More clew as to what was wrong with matt. With just a bit of inquiry he was certain to find out. `` When did he tell you this ? '' Albus growled. Rage and anger were building up inside of him, and not only towards Malfoy. If Kaden was anywhere near Albus right now, he was sure he 'd hex him.

`` survive night, '' Malfoy answered, `` Very interesting bit of data, if you ask me. ``

Albus did n't say another Bible to Malfoy. He turned and ran towards the stair and out of the dungeon. The footsteps behind him told him that his champion were following. Albus did n't give up to let them captivate up. All he cared about now was finding Kaden. He was angrier than he was the nighttime he yelled at Kaden. Albus knew if he found Kaden now, he 'd do more than just yell. He 'd hex him into the side by side century. What in the name of pigeon hawk had possessed Kaden to state Malfoy that Matt got sick ? Why Malfoy of all hoi polloi ? Albus knew Kaden was aware of the Gryffindor/Slytherin rivalry. Heck, Albus knew that Kaden himself did n't like Slytherins. Felix Willinson had made Kaden well cognisant of the prejudices many Slytherins felt. Yet, Kaden was obviously talking with Slytherins, and telling them things they should n't know.

`` Albus, where are you going ? '' rose wine shouted, as Albus ran up a flight of stairs.

`` To find Kaden, '' Albus growled.

`` I 'm going with you, '' John said. He sounded, if it was potential, even angrier than Albus felt. He sped up and fell into space beside Albus. `` I told you before that if he did this again, I 'd hex him. I 'm keeping my word. ``

`` Wait, Albus, John ! '' rose shouted again.

But Albus did n't wait. He continued up flights of stairs towards the Gryffindor common room. Students stared at them as they passed, but Albus did n't wish. Rose kept shouting after them, but both Albus and can ignored her. Amanda gave a few half-hearted shouts after them, but Albus could tell she did n't really deal if they tried to hex Kaden or not. Eventually, Albus and John the Evangelist made it to the coarse elbow room. They gave the Fat Lady the word and ran into the room. Albus immediately spotted Kaden sitting in a president, playing with what looked to be another Muggle toy. It was a cube with legion one-sided square all over it. It looked vaguely fellow. Albus thought he may have seen blush wine with one once. Albus ran over to Kaden and grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the dormitories while glaring at him.

`` Hey, what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked. He dropped his cube in surprise. `` What 's gotten into you, Albus ? ``

Albus said nothing as he dragged Kaden to his dormitory. trick followed without saying a Son, and shut the door behind them when they reached the dormitory. Albus let go of Kaden and glared at him for a few moments.

`` What is wrongfulness with you, Albus ? '' Kaden asked, glancing from Albus to John.

`` I should be asking you that, Kaden, '' Albus replied in a low vocalism. `` What were you doing talking to Scorpius Malfoy for ? ``

`` Scorpius Malfoy ? '' Kaden repeated as if trying to think of who that was. Then a aspect of recognition appeared on his boldness. `` Oh. ``

`` Yeah, 'oh ,''' Albus said, `` You were talking to him last dark ! ``

`` Uh ... '' Kaden shifted uneasily on his feet.

`` I told you not to tell anyone about lusterlessness getting sick ! '' Albus erupted. `` You promised you would n't tell ! This is exactly why I did n't want to tell you in the starting time topographic point ! You just ca n't keep your backtalk shut ! And Malfoy ! He 's been trying to find out about lustrelessness since the beginning of first year, and let me recount you nothing effective will pass off when he does come up out. And you know what you 've done ? '' Albus paused for result, but Kaden did n't say anything. `` YOU MADE IT EASIER FOR HIM TO FIND OUT ! ``

`` I did n't mean to- '' Kaden 's voice cracked.

`` I do n't care, '' Albus interrupted, `` The point is, you did ! How can you not mean to say someone something ? Especially somebody you never talk to in the clenched fist place ! ``

`` I- ''

`` Shut up, Kaden ! '' Albus shouted and drew his baton. John, who had been letting Albus consider the lead, drew his as well.

`` Wha-what 're you g-going to do ? '' Kaden shakily drew his own wand.

Suddenly, the room access volley afford and Rose and Amanda appeared, both of them clutching stitches in their sides and panting. `` Expelliarmus ! '' rosebush shouted. Albus 's wand left his paw and landed on the floor near Rose. rose wine disarmed John and then gathered both wands.

`` collapse it to me, rosiness, '' Albus growled.

`` No, '' Rose replied, `` I 'm not going to let you hex your own full cousin. ``

`` You heard what he did ! '' Albus shouted.

`` I know, and I 'm not glad about it either, '' Rose replied, `` But hexing him is n't going to fix it. You 'll just get hold. ``

On some level, Albus knew rosiness was rectify, but he still wanted to hex Kaden. Albus sighed. There was n't anything he could do now. All he could do is hope that Malfoy did n't put the clew together. That, and never swear Kaden to keep a secret again. `` Just get out of here, Kaden. ``

`` But- ''

`` I said, get out of here, '' Albus growled, `` Or I 'll resort to Muggle dueling. ``

Kaden bit his lip and turned towards the door. He looked back at Albus once before running out of the dormitory.

Albus threw himself down onto his bed after Kaden left. `` I 'm never telling him anything again. ``

`` I do n't find fault you, '' trick sighed, `` Why 'd he have to tell Malfoy anyway ? ``

`` I have n't got a clue, '' Albus replied, `` All I know is that this clock time, I 'm not forgiving him as easily. ``

`` I- '' rose started.

`` Do n't bother, rose, '' Albus interrupted, `` nada you say is going to make me justify to him. ``

`` I was n't going to say that ! '' Rose shouted, `` I was going to say that I agree with you. I mean, he does n't deserve to be friends with you if he 's going to go telling half the schooling things you told him in mystery. You told him not to tell, right ? ``

`` Of course I did ! '' Albus said, `` I all but told him I 'd hex him if he told anyone. ``

`` Exactly, '' blush wine replied, `` What if he tells Malfoy about the Whomping Willow ? ``

`` Merlin ! '' Albus suddenly sat up, `` I had n't thought of that ! ``

`` What if he already told Malfoy ? '' John said darkly.

`` Then he 's already investigated it, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Or at least sample. ``

`` And he 'll try again, '' Albus replied, `` I know, I 'll check the map a lot. '' Albus got up from his bed and went to his trunk. He rummaged around in it until he found the Marauder 's Map. He took out his wand and tapped it, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no salutary. ``

Ink appeared all over the map as Albus and the others crowded around it. Albus scanned it quickly for Malfoy. `` He 's in the Slytherin plebeian way, '' Albus pointed to Malfoy 's dot in the dungeon. `` I 'll just jibe it every once and a piece. ``

`` Good idea, '' trick said.

`` What are we going to tell Matt ? '' Rose asked quietly. `` We 've got to tell him about this. ``

In all the Chaos of finding Kaden and trying to hex him, Albus had n't thought about what they were going to recount lustrelessness. `` We 'll just accept to narrate him what happened, that 's all. I 'm not going to shroud that Kaden was the one who told Malfoy. If lusterlessness wants to hex him, he can go right wing ahead. ``

`` We 're not going to let him hex Kaden ! '' Rose insisted, `` He does n't postulate anymore detention. ``

`` Good decimal point, '' Amanda agreed. `` We 'll state him it was Kaden, but we wo n't let him hex him. ``

`` Matt will just have to quash Malfoy, '' John Lackland commented, `` I mean, there 's nothing we can do now. What 's done is done. We 'll all ward off Malfoy. ``

`` That 'll be firmly, '' Albus announced, `` Malfoy is Matt 's potions partner. And he 's on mine and Amanda 's dueling squad. ``

`` We 'll just feature to try, '' can sighed, `` Besides that, there 's not a lot we can do. That, and never trust Kaden with another secret. ``





A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Luke, Niki Lily, Moonylupin, Denas, and drownzer for their reviews !