A/N : brief author 's note prior to the chapter. This chapter is from Teddy 's point of view, as I wanted to compose the particular of what happened during the mission to enchant Greyback. An article in the Prophet just would n't do it justice. Leslie Townes Hope you enjoy !


shimmy lupine had been a Jnr Auror for nearly eight calendar month. In that clock time he had n't done much in price of fighting dark magician, and virtually of the missions he 'd gone on had been rather boring. Up until the Azkaban break-out most of his work had consisted of paperwork and the occasional stake-out. Being an Auror, Teddy had discovered, was a lot Sir Thomas More than chasing down Dark wizards and saving people 's lives.

It was for this very understanding that Teddy had been surprised when his godfather, Harry Potter, had approached him the premature day and told him of his young assignment. He, Teddy Lupin, brand-new Junior Auror, had been assigned to the charge of capturing break away werewolf, Fenrir Limnodromus griseus. Johnny, the like werewolf who had infected his father with lycanthropy decades ago. Greyback, one of Britain 's most wanted fugitive.

The missionary station, Harry had informed him, was very sensitive in nature and had to be handled with discretion. There was to be no mention of it to anyone outside of the people assigned to it. There were very few people assigned to the mission and they included Harry himself, the Head of the regularization and command of Magical beast, and Ron Weasley. That was it. A few others had been assigned to keep an eye on the small fry Reb attacked the previous month, but they were n't to be directly involved with the Greyback mission itself.

Harry had explained the details of the military mission, including the fact that the all thing had been Albus 's idea, along with one of his Quaker, who happened to be the read/write head of the Regulation and Control of Magical fauna 's son. Who also happened to be a werewolf. It took Teddy a few bit to wrap his psyche around the intact berth. To constitute matter even more harebrained, Albus 's loup-garou protagonist was the Brother of Teddy 's friend, Amy.

But when it came down to it, all of this meant that slip was going on his first real mission as an Auror.

Harry had instructed him to point up at the Hog 's Head, in disguise, at seven o'clock. Once there, he was to Holy Order a drink and sit at the bar, avoiding contact with everyone. Harry, Ron, and Walter Eckerton were going to do the same.

Disguising himself was Teddy 's main strength. Before he Apparated to Hogmseade he morphed his aspect so he looked a few years elderly and his hair so that it was a generic brown semblance rather than its common cobalt blue. He finished off the looking by shrinking himself and adding a few British pound. After donning a tatterdemalion old cloak, Teddy turned on the topographic point and reappeared in the alley next to Weasleys'genius Wheezes.

Teddy peeked inside the building and saw George working. If he had n't been on a mission he would 've stopped to say hello, but instead he turned in the opposite direction and headed toward the Hog 's heading.

The pub was practically empty. There was an old witch at one of the table, nursing a drink, and a blighter sleeping at the end of the bar. Ron was already there, sitting at a tabular array with a goblet in strawman of him. He 'd clearly attempted to disguise himself, but there was no mistaking his red haircloth. Harry and Walter did n't look to be there yet.

Teddy ambled up to the bar, deciding at the last minute that his faker persona should walk with a limp. Aberforth was there and chemise ordered a Butterbeer. Probably not the usual drink for the Hog 's Head, but he needed to maintain his read/write head clear for the mission. He took the drink and began to sip it slowly, as he had no estimation how long he 'd postulate to pretend he was n't an Auror.

A half 60 minutes later the doorway opened again and Harry and Bruno Walter walked in. Walter joined Ron at his cover mesa while Harry went up to the bar. He sat next to Teddy.

"How 's it going, Aberforth ?"he asked quietly.

"Fine,"Aberforth grunted.

"We 're here on Ministry patronage,"Harry said."Might be here a few hours. Could be the completely night. Do you beware ?"

"Not at all,"Aberforth replied."Pub 's yours, although I 'll be leaving at eleven. Not much business on a Monday night."

"We 'll put away up when we leave,"Harry said.

Aberforth nodded and set a few more Butterbeers on the counter. Harry picked them up and gestured for Teddy to trace him to the back table, where Ron and Walter were now crouched over a piece of lambskin.

Teddy sat down next to Walter and Harry sat adjacent to him. He passed around the Butterbeers while Ron turned the parchment around so Teddy and Harry could see it. slip recognized it ; it was Albus 's map of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Currently, it was magically magnified to show the Shrieking Shack and the yard outside it. Only one dot was there. It was labeled 'Matthew Eckerton'and was stationary in the shriek shack.

"lunar month just rose,"Walter said quietly."Just a waiting game now."

No one had told him, but teddy bear knew the real rationality why he 'd been assigned to this mission, and it had nothing to do with his Auror acquisition. Sure, that had been a plus, but any of the early Junior Aurors were just as qualified. And the to the full Aurors were even more so. The reason was that he was the just Auror who was related to a werewolf, and thus would n't worry that a wolfman at Hogwarts was an integral part of this programme. It was also the reason why Harry and Ron were there, when Auror Paul Newman had previously been assigned to the grayback showcase. Walter Eckerton did n't want any risk of his son 's condition being leaked to the world, and putting Harry, Ron, and teddy bear on the case would see that it would n't.

"Are you for sure Johnny Reb is even going to show up ?"chemise asked quietly as he stared at the map.

"Fairly certain,"Walter said."lycanthrope are attracted to the call of their own kind and Greyback is set on creating his own pack of young werewolf. He spent the concluding full moon lurking around the shrieking Shack, after he attacked those children. He knows matt 's there. He 'll come back."

Teddy nodded. The mo ticked by and the pub grew quieter. The old hag left, taking her spyglass with her. The man sleeping at the bar snorted and rolled over, nearly falling off his stool. teddy finished his Butterbeer and set it next to the other vacate specs on the table, wondering if he should go order another or just persist seated.

At eleven o'clock Aberforth woke up the bloke at the bar and had to assist him to the door and then physically thrust him out of the pub. He gave a quick nod to Harry, Ron, Walter, and Teddy and then went upstairs.

"I suppose the disguises were a bit pointless,"Ron said as he pointed his wand at his cheek. His nose returned to its convention figure.

"fountainhead, with the Hog 's Head, you never know,"Harry said.

The group settled into silence again. Outside, there was the audio of faint howling. Teddy glanced at Walter and noticed that he winced slightly every time there was a particularly tawdry howl. Harry and Ron sent him sympathetic looks that teddy bear tried to mimic. He did n't possess any kids so he really had no musical theme what that was like, let alone having a kid with lycanthropy.

shift glanced down at the map and noticed three new point had appeared."Harry !"Teddy said as he pointed to the map.

All four men crowded around the map once more. One of the dots was indeed labeled 'Fenrir Greyback ,'but the others were names slip did n't recognize.

"George Meredith Jenner and Maxwell Jenner,"teddy read."Who are they ?"

"They must be other loup-garou,"Ron said.

"Or Animagi,"Harry pointed out.

"No,"Walter said as he shook his head."Those are the two minor who got bitten last month."

"You 're kidding,"Harry said."Dammit, this did n't hybridize my mind."

"Mine either,"Walter said.

"What about the others ?"Ron asked."Cardinal Newman and the two from the wolfman Control unit ?"

"There they are,"shimmy said as three new window pane suddenly appeared onto the map. They must 've Apparated."

"Yeah, well, they 'd have no chance following three lycanthrope on foundation,"Walter said.

"Let 's go,"Harry said as he stood up.

Teddy stood and drew his scepter. He followed the three older men out of the pub and shut the door behind him.

The Hog 's headway was not far away from the Shrieking Shack. Within three minutes they arrived and found Cardinal Newman and the other two wizards attempting to restrict the three werewolves.

"They 're the kids from last month !"one of the Werewolf Control building block employees shouted.

"Be thrifty with them !"Walter shouted back."They 've done nil haywire !"

"We 're trying !"

The two smaller loup-garou were currently attempting to aggress the Werewolf Control unit of measurement employees and John Henry Newman, while Reb seemed to wish far more about getting into the shriek shanty. He was a much declamatory wolf, grey in color, and had bright white-livered eye. He was on the porch, biting at the door, and not paying any care to the wizards around him. It seemed to Teddy that he had far More ascendency over himself than a formula werewolf.

Walter and Ron joined the wolfman Control Unit employees in trying to limit Meredith and Maxwell. It was a hard labor because they had to do it without hurting them. slip was fairly certain that the law would n't worry whether the two baby were hurt in the process, but that had never been how Bruno Walter ran the department.

Harry nodded to Teddy and they walked slowly up the lawn, their baton out in front of them. If they could just catch Calidris canutus by surprise then they 'd be able to conjure some roofy and restrain him before he even knew what was happening.

They were only 20 feet away when it happened. Greyback suddenly froze and then turned around. He must 've smelled them. With a loud snarl, he jumped the twenty feet separating them in one leap.

Teddy and Harry jumped back, sending spells forward as they did so. grayback lunged, the magic spell not seeming to impact him at all, and made a swipe at slip. Teddy jumped to the side and sent another looker at Greyback.

Battling a werewolf was very dissimilar from battling a ace, shimmy realized. And battling werewolf had not been covered in training. surely, they 'd learned and practiced the spells used against lycanthrope, but they 'd never performed them on actual werewolves. The main difference was that werewolves did n't give birth wands and thus could not cast spells. But at the Lapplander time, they had teeth, chela, and were much inviolable than the average human. Plus there was the fact that one bite would change by reversal you into one forever.

Teddy and Harry took turns sending Stunners at Reb and were able to confuse him enough that he did n't quite sleep together who to attack. As they worked, they were steadily moving closer and closer to the Shrieking Shack.

Rebel soon realized that he was being cornered back onto the porch and decided to take another leap forward. He snarled loudly and lunged toward Harry, nearly making contact. Teddy jumped forward and sent another looker toward Greyback.

greyback flew backward and slammed into the front doorway, his school principal making a sickening crunch as it collided with the doorknob. He slid down the threshold and landed on the floor, not moving.

teddy bear looked at Johnny Reb and then at Harry, who was getting up from the ground. Teddy had n't even realized that he 'd fallen over.

"Harry, you okay ?"chemise asked.

"Fine,"Harry said."You ?"

Teddy nodded and began to have a few timid pace toward Rebel. Harry was soon by his side.

"Is he ..."teddy bear began.

"I do n't mean so,"Harry said quietly."Just unconscious mind. Here."Harry muttered a magic spell and roofy flew from the end of his wand. They wrapped them around Limnodromus griseus until he was secure.

Teddy felt slightly disappointed. There was a part of him, a very small role, that wished he 'd killed knot. Greyback had been the one who 'd made his dad 's life miserable, and he 'd viciously snipe Victoire 's dad when he was n't even transformed. Yes, teddy had to admit, there was a part of him that wanted revenge. A contribution of him that wanted to be the one who finally killed Fenrir Greyback.

slip glanced over to the remainder of the group, but they 'd finished, too. Walter was currently tying the two loup-garou children up with ropes while the other men stood around watching. Ron looked up and met slip 's eyes, then walked over toward them.

"Done ?"Harry asked.

Ron nodded."They 're tied up and Stunned. I suppose we 'll suffer to keep Stunning them until the synodic month sets."

"So they were n't on Aconitum lycoctonum,"Harry said."Interesting."

"Walter said he 'll personally make a visit to their home in a few days to talk over precautions for adjacent month,"Ron said."But still, their parents must be imbecile. They could 've been killed."

"The parents are okay, then ?"Harry asked."I wonder what happened."

Ron nodded."Cardinal Newman said they locked the Kyd in the backyard shed but did n't put any wards up. It must 've been tardily for Greyback to break in."

"I wonder why they did n't listen to werewolf living military service,"Harry mused."I know for a fact they visited."

"wellspring, at to the lowest degree no one was hurt,"shimmy pointed out. He turned back to where the other werewolves had been tied up, but noticed that they were now being levitated to the porch of the Shrieking Shack by the lycanthrope ascendance Unit employees. Walter and Paul Leonard Newman were following them.

"What is that damn racket ?"Cardinal Newman exclaimed, nodding his oral sex to the screech Shack.

Walter glanced a the hovel and then turned to Newman."Ghosts. I 've heard that place has been haunted for years, long before I moved to this country."

Harry nodded."It 's been haunted since the 70s."

"Loud spook,"Newman muttered."Has the flavor partitioning ever looked into it ?"

"Multiple times,"Bruno Walter said."They 're peaceful wraith, just gimcrack. We have n't had too many complaints, so have n't bothered to do anything about it."

Teddy was amazed that Bruno Walter could lie so easily and freely. But he supposed that he 'd been doing it ever since his son became a werewolf, so he 'd gotten used to it.

"Let 's get this lot back to the Ministry,"Harry said, gesturing to the three unconscious mind werewolves. Newman, take either Lee or parking area back to the children 's house and inform their parents that they can pick them up at the Ministry tomorrow."

Newman and Lee, who was one of the Werewolf control Unit employees, Disapparated on the smear. Harry grabbed hold of Johnny Reb and instructed Walter and Parks, the other loup-garou Control Unit employee, to each shoot one of the children. With an exceptionally tacky quip, the entire radical Disapparated.
***


Each of the werewolf were set up in an examination way to wait the remaining hours until sunrise. shift, along with Walter, had been assigned to keeping ticker on knot, Stunning him when necessary. Harry, Ron, Parks, and Lee had been assigned to the shaver. Cardinal Newman got started on the paperwork.

"So if a werewolf were to possess somebody there to Stun them every hour or so while they were transformed, they 'd be harmless, right ?"Teddy asked as Bruno Walter Stunned knot for the fourth meter."Why do n't people do that ?"

"Repeated Stunning is n't healthy,"Walter replied."It 's why it 's not allowed on virtually prisoners. It 's only allowed on wolfman because they 're classified as Beasts and not Beings."

Teddy nodded."What does it do to them ?"

"Depends on the lycanthrope,"Walter said."It has no long-run effects on plenty, but others wind up ill or with memory loss."

"Ca n't say I 'll be too upset if it has any ill event on him,"teddy bear said as he nodded to Greyback.

"Me either,"Walter said.

"I have to ask,"Teddy began,"did you get into Regulation and control condition of Magical Creatures before or after your son was bitten ?"

"Before. Ironic, is n't it ?"

"Just a bit."

"It 's because of your father that my son is able to go to Hogwarts. I know you probably do n't even commend him, but I 'm forever thankful for him paving the way."

teddy nodded."I wish I could commemorate him. I suppose it was really Dumbledore, though, who let him go to Hogwarts."

"I never had the pleasure of meeting Albus Dumbledore. I wish I could say I have."

slip and Bruno Walter lapsed back into silence. Teddy could hardly believe that he was sitting in an interrogation room with the werewolf who had turned his father. If only his dad could see him now.

Walter glanced at his watch."Moon should be setting within the half hour."

shift gulped and he hoped Bruno Walter could n't hear his heart whipping. He had n't been nearly as nervous about facing Greyback as a wolf, but the idea of facing him as a homo was slightly terrifying. He almost wanted the next half hour to survive forever, but at the like time he did n't. It had been a very long day and he wanted to go home and quietus, eat, and see Victoire. Unfortunately, there was still a wad of paperwork ahead.

Greyback began to stir, but Bruno Walter did n't Stun him. Instead, he conjured a simple set of robes, set them on the table, stood up, and gestured for Teddy to keep an eye on him out into the corridor. shift did so, but looked at Bruno Walter quizzically.

"He ca n't escape. He 's got no wand and there 's anti-Apparition charms on the room,"Walter explained."He 'll be at his absolute weakest as he transforms and despite the evils he 's done, he deserves the regard of transforming alone."

Teddy was move. He himself would n't have even thought about that, but Walter had clearly been planning that all along. shimmy supposed it came from having a son who was a lycanthrope. If Teddy 's own father had lived, would he have alike thought ?

There were no silencing charms on the interrogation way. Soon the corridor was filled with howling and was then replaced by painful shrieks. The pipe up soon gave way to a retentive stream of profanity.

"Let 's go,"Walter said as he placed his hand on the doorknob.

teddy had no idea what to expect when he entered the room. He 'd only seen word picture of Greyback from the Prophet and black and white photograph never did a mortal justice.

Fenrir Greyback was crouched on top of the table, dressed in the habiliment that Walter had provided. His grey-haired hair was stringy and matted with dirt and blood line, and his face bore respective week 's worth of grey beard. His face was lined with deep wrinkles and Teddy realized that he had absolutely no idea how old the man was.

knot took a inscrutable sniff as Walter and shift entered. He grinned and let out a maniacal laughter."oral sex of the Department,"he muttered."speculation I 'm popular."

Teddy froze, all his training suddenly out the windowpane. He could hardly think that this man had attacked his father when he was only a fry. Fenrir greyback was far more sinister in person and shimmy felt a pang of sympathy for his founding father as a five-year-old.

"So you found me,"Rebel said."How 'd you do it ?"

"We were waiting for you, Greyback,"Bruno Walter said."We knew you 'd take back to Hogsmeade."

Greyback sneered."Yeah, wanted to go back for that loup-garou in the screaming Shack. He smelled new, impressionable."

Walter paled."You 'll never have the opportunity to go back."

"We 'll see,"Calidris canutus replied.

"Enough chat,"Bruno Walter said, turning to Teddy."apprehension him."

shimmy snapped out of his thoughts and immediately went back into Auror-mode. He set himself apart from the situation and ran on autopilot.

"Fenrir Greyback, I am Auror Ted Lupin and you 're under arrest,"Teddy began.

Rebel 's centre grew wide."Lupin. Any relation to Remus lupin ?"

"He was my sire,"shimmy said proudly.

"I made him who he was,"Greyback said as he stared directly into Teddy 's eyes."I changed his life."

"Fenrir Johnny Reb, you are under arrest,"Teddy repeated, ignoring him. He conjured a pair of handcuffs and walked over to Greyback."You have the right to remain silent. I suggest you use it,"he said as he cuffed the werewolf."If you choose not to be understood, anything you say can be used in your trial. You will give birth a run. If you can not discover representation, we will find it for you."

shimmy grabbed Greyback 's arm and pulled him off the table and into a suffer position. As he did so, he met the elder man 's eyes. They were sensationalistic, pure yellow, and completely unforgiving. He looked like the human face of evil, as if Reb had no human individual left. It was in that second that Teddy knew for surely that this werewolf held no similarities to his father. Limnodromus griseus lived to propagate evil, while Remus Lupin had lived to stop it.

shift slapped a set of handcuff on grayback. He opened the threshold and pushed greyback out into the corridor, still holding onto his arm. Bruno Walter followed and the two walked alongside each other as they led Greyback to the holding cells.

Harry was waiting for them when they arrived. He shoved Rebel into a cell and locked the door behind him.

"Your dad would be incredibly lofty of you,"Harry said to Teddy.

Teddy nodded and gave Harry a half-smile.


A/N : I hope you enjoyed the teddy chapter ! I had a lot of fun writing it. Thanks for all the lovely reviews !

The right teddy read to Johnny Reb are adapted from the Miranda Rights, created by the United States Supreme Court in 1966.


Albus awoke the next sunup to the auditory sensation of an owl pecking at the window. He rose from his bed and went to let it in. The owl was unfamiliar, but he vaguely recognized it as the stock of owl the Ministry of magic used. The missive was addressed to him, so Albus took it, let the owl back out into the frigidness, and set down on his bed to unfold it.

Albus-

We got him.

-Dad

That was all it said, but it did n't need to say anything else. His dad probably could n't say anything else in a letter, anyway. Albus folded up the parchment and shoved it into his bedside table. He glanced at the clock and realized there was no tip in going back to bed since classes would bulge out in two hr.

Instead, he got started on that calendar week 's magical spell interpretation while he waited for John the Evangelist to wake up. This took a good hour and when he finally did wake up, it took him fifteen minutes to fully wake up and get dressed. bathroom was not one for dayspring.

Albus waited until they were in the Great Hall for breakfast to state Gospel According to John about the letter from his dad, so that he could tell apart Kaden, Rose, and Amanda, too. Luckily they managed to regain a relatively secluded piece of the table.

"I got a letter of the alphabet from my dad this morning,"Albus said as he scooped eggs onto his home."They got him."

"Oh thank God !"blush wine exclaimed.

"Did he narrate you about it ?"John Lackland asked.

"No,"Albus said."But I 'm sure it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

The group decided to eat a very ready lunch later in order to visit lusterlessness before their afternoon classes. Albus wanted to severalize him about Limnodromus griseus as soon as possible.

Albus found it incredibly unmanageable to keep his mouth shut during potions because the quietus of his classmate were discussing Johnny Reb and whether he had attacked anyone the former night. Janie Creevey swore she saw him on the earth from her dorm window last night, but Karina and Marina said it was only a dog. Two of the Slytherins said they heard howling all Night, and Scorpio said one of the older bookman had received a letter of the alphabet from his brother claiming to own seen Greyback in Diagon back street. It seemed that Albus and his acquaintance were the alone ones in the full rook who knew Reb had been captured.

Scorpius Malfoy left potions early after speaking in rustle with Slughorn. Whatever it was it was a undecomposed self-justification since Slughorn actually let him go. Albus thought this was very funny, but did n't brood on it since his mind was still racing about Reb. He wanted details about the capture, but probably would n't get any until he read the article in the Prophet.

"Anyone know why Malfoy left ?"Saint John the Apostle asked as they hurried up to the Great Granville Stanley Hall for lunch.

"No idea,"Albus said."Maybe he was ill ?"

"He did n't look ill,"Gospel According to John said."I suppose if he is ill we 'll see him in the hospital wing."

Albus and his friends ate the fastest lunch they 'd ever eaten and induce up to the hospital flank. Kaden had Herbology after dejeuner and would need a good bit of time to get there, so they wanted to drop as much of lunch as possible in the infirmary wing.

dame Pomfrey was busy berating a student for trying to trance her fuzz pinko and had charmed it all off instead and did n't point out Albus and the others walk in. Only one bed was occupied and the pall were drawn around it.

"surmisal Malfoy 's not here,"John said as he led the group over to Matt 's bed.

John pulled the curtains back and Albus saw that matt was sitting up in bed, eating lunch. This month he was sporting a bandage wrapped around his entire caput and 1 on his hands as well. He seemed to be having a bit of trouble holding his sandwich.

"They better have caught him,"Matt said as he dropped his sandwich."Dammit. I ca n't go another month wrecking my hands."

"They did,"Albus said."My dad owled me this good morning, but he did n't give me any details."

"I knew he was there,"mat said."The wolf wanted to get out again and this time I banged my head repeatedly against the door."He gestured to the psyche bandages.

"I do n't opine you 'll throw to vex about that again,"John said."They 'll probably put twice as many guard duty on knot 's cell."

"I think this is the worst cephalalgia I 've ever had in my lifespan,"matt muttered.

John grinned mischievously."Shall Kaden and I do a repeat of death week 's prank ?"

Matt gave him a flavour of murder."If you do, I 'll kill you and I wo n't be creditworthy for my actions."

"Just kidding,"Gospel According to John said.

"Madam Pomfrey wants me to eat dejeuner and then she 's going to make me enough sleeping draught to kip until dinner party. I ca n't wait."

"Well, I 'm going to experience a lovely good afternoon of fertilizing magical plants with dragon droppings,"Kaden said."So aside from the turning into a skirt chaser thing and the raging headache, I 'm kind of jealous."

"I 'd take the dragon dung,"Matt said and then turned to Albus."Embry is announcing who gets to watch over the last public debate today, is n't he ?"

Albus shook his head."They 've actually put it off two more weeks. It was in the theme this morning. I guess they want it fresh in people 's minds or something. Plus, we 've got Quidditch Saturday and dueling Sunday."

"Is Gryffindor playing ?"Matt asked.

"Hufflepuff and Slytherin,"Albus said."If Hufflepuff win, then we 'll be ahead in compass point. But if Slytherin wins, we 'll probably be behind them."

"Here 's hoping for Hufflepuff, then,"Matt said. He glanced at his half-eaten sandwich."I think I 've given up on eating. I do n't have in mind to complain you lot out, but I 'm really looking forward to sleeping."

"Not a problem,"Albus said."We 'll see you later."

"I think I 'll be back tomorrow,"Matt said."Unless this worry does n't go away."

John glanced at the clock."Brilliant. There 's enough meter for me to run back to the Great student residence for an eclair before Transfiguration."

"I 'll join you,"Kaden said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

The female child decided that a moment sweet was in social club as well, so the whole group hurried back to the Great Hall before their next grade. On the way there Albus realized just how a lot better he felt now that greyback was once again behind bars.
***


"Teddy arrested him !"Albus exclaimed at breakfast the next morning. He 'd just finished reading the clause about Greyback.

"Seriously ?"rosiness exclaimed, grabbing the prophet."I did n't even get laid he went on that mission."

Albus nodded."It was him, my dad, your dad, and Matt 's dad. Plus Newman and a few Werewolf Control unit of measurement employees. And those kids who got attacked last week were captured, too. Apparently their parents did n't put any wards up on the shed they were in."

"That 's stupid person,"blush wine said.

"Was anyone trauma ?"Amanda asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Oh, look, they 've quoted Laurentis,"Rose said."Listen to this. 'Greyback 's recapture is wonderful news show for wizarding Britain. I applaud both the Auror department and the Department for the ordinance and restraint of Magical brute for their collaboration in this capture, especially Harry Potter and Walter Eckerton. However, there are still four captive at with child. The work is not done and we must recollect this before celebrating .'”

"Did they quote your uncle ?"john asked.

"No,"rosiness said."It says he has n't made a financial statement about it yet."

"I honestly think that this is only going to make his financial support of your dad feel better,"Amanda said."Laurentis can try, but this is a success. I mean, just look at the article. Absolutely nothing went legal injury with that seizure. There were three werewolves on the loose in Hogmseade and nobody got attacked. It 's that simple."

Albus had n't thought about it in that way, but it was on-key. Three liberate werewolves would normally be a nightmare for a subdued village like Hogsmeade, but thanks to the Aurors and the Werewolf Control unit of measurement employees, cypher got hurt.

"I 'll just be happy when this election is over,"Albus said.

"You 're telling me,"Cedric said as he sat down across from Albus."I do n't even care who wins anymore."
***


Hufflepuff somehow managed to squash Slytherin during Saturday 's Quidditch match. Albus chalked this up to the fact that Hufflepuff had the unspoilt squad they 'd had in years, and that Slytherin 's keeper had landed himself in the hospital wing after blowing up his potion on Friday, earning him a ban from the mate by Madam Pomfrey. But whatever the reason actually was, it was certainly beneficial to Gryffindor.

Albus awoke early on Sunday, suddenly riddled with nerves about the dueling tournament. This month 's tournament was the second base to last of the year since all the professor had agreed to end it earlier due to exams. Many of the seventh yr had expressed that they could n't oversee practices while studying for N.E.W.T.s. But this meant that Albus only had two to a greater extent opportunity to batten a win for his team, something that had n't happened yet this class.

Albus and Amanda were the first of their squad to come in the Great Hall before the tourney. The rest of the team trickled in slowly as they waited. Five minutes before the tournament was scheduled to start out, the lonesome person missing was Malfoy.

"It 's not like him to be late,"Amanda commented."Usually he 's here early telling you what an awful job as police chief you do."

"No, it 's not,"Albus agreed as he stood up to get a better look at the doors."I do n't see him."

"He was n't in potions the other day,"Amanda reminded Albus."Actually, I have n't seen him since he left potions early on Tuesday."

Albus thought back and realized Amanda was right."Oi !"he called to his mathematical group of Slytherin teammates."Any of you know where Scorpio Malfoy is ?"

"He went home,"one of the third twelvemonth said."No idea why. He has n't been here since Tuesday."

"He went household ?"Albus repeated, staring at the third twelvemonth."That 's odd."

The third year shrugged."He did n't secern anyone anything about it. He just left."

Albus had to acknowledge that this word gave him as much dashing hopes as muddiness. Scorpius Malfoy was one of the team 's substantially dueler, no subject how annoying he was.

"No one goes home when it 's not a holiday,"Amanda said.

"Yeah, not unless they 're really ill or something awful happened to their family,"Albus said.

"tending students !"Neville called out."The tournament is about to commence !"

Albus managed to advertize all thoughts of Malfoy out of his idea for the duration of the tourney. Most of his teammates dueled well, although only Albus and a few former 4th years won both their duel. In the end they secured one-third billet, which was certainly advantageously than a good fortune of the eternal rest of the team, but still was n't first. They were still in the running play for winning overall at the end of the time of year, but they 'd need to do really well in the final tournament.

Albus and Amanda met the rest of their friends in the Marauder 's Den after the tourney was over.

"Did Malfoy skim the tournament ?"John asked as soon as they entered."Not that I 'm complaining since your squad probably would 've beat mine if he had showed."

"Apparently he went family on Tuesday,"Albus said."I 'm assuming that 's why he left potions early, but no one has any idea why he went."

"Maybe his parents took him on holiday,"Matt said."They seem the type to do that."

"You 're not allowed to neglect division unless it 's a good excuse,"Rose pointed out."I do n't think going on vacation is a good excuse."

"I think something bad is happening to someone in his family,"Amanda said quietly."Remember that letter he was reading during drill ? And how quiet he 's been lately ?"

"I 'll ask Elsie Willinson,"rosiness said."I tutor her tomorrow. luck are that Malfoy told Felix about whatever 's going on so maybe Elsie knows, too."

But whatever was going on with Scorpio Malofy, Elsie Willinson was just as clueless as Albus and his friends. She either had no idea or refused to tell rosiness, despite the fact that rosiness prodded her about it ever ten minutes during their tutoring session on Mon.

Malfoy returned to course of instruction on Tuesday, walking into potions fifteen minute late, and Slughorn made no mention of his tardiness or the classes he missed the previous workweek. Albus attempted to check his face during class but he gave no cue about his emotions.

"Hey, Malfoy !"Albus shouted as they left the classroom a short while later.

Malfoy spun around and met Albus 's eye. He did n't attend raging, nor was he sneering. Instead, he just looked lost."What do you want, ceramicist ?"

"Missed you at the tournament Sabbatum,"Albus said, hoping Malfoy would separate him where he 'd been.

"Bet you did n't win without me,"Malfoy replied.

"third base lieu,"Albus answered."Where were you ?"

"None of your stage business, Potter,"Malfoy said as he turned around. He sped up and was soon lost in the sea of students hurrying to the Great Granville Stanley Hall for lunch.
***


The play along hebdomad passed quickly and Albus soon forgot about Malfoy and his occult disappearance. The election was now only a calendar week away and everyone in the castle, students, professors, and ghosts alike were talking about it. With only one debate remaining, it was up in the air as to who would win. The prophesier published a poll they 'd taken and neither candidate had a substantial lead on the other.

"Kingsley Shacklebolt, previous Head of the Auror section, was the lowest Minister of Magic selected by the Wizengamot,"professor depository financial institution said in class two days before the final debate."His excerpt was very flying and he stepped into office the day after Voldemort 's death. While most of the wizarding world knew that the Ministry needed an inspection and repair, they also needed individual to demand direction and monitor the inspection and repair.

"Shacklebolt held billet for three years while supervising the drastic variety that made the Ministry of magic the governing entity we see today."

Albus had met Kingsley Shacklebolt a few sentence and found him slightly intimidating, but funny at the Saame time. He just had a very require bearing and Albus was n't surprised he 'd been made Minister of legerdemain after the war.

"The three years Shacklebolt held office were very tumultuous. decisiveness had to be made, drastic one, and they were not easy. The initiatory and most obvious decision was the conclusion to alter the way the Wizengamot was set up. The Wizengamot as it was was incredibly profane. commend that prior to this redesign every pureblooded family held a seat on the Wizengamot, but this left half-blood and Muggle-born witches and adept without representation.

"Shacklebolt, along with the other Ministry officials working to reorganize the Wizengamot looked to the Muggle earthly concern for inspiration. The former Wizengamot bore more resemblance to the Muggle theater of master, the Upper planetary house of fantan. It was decided that the Wizengamot ought to more closely resemble the sign of Commons, the lower House of Parliament. In the Muggle humanity, these interpreter are called appendage of Parliament, MPs for little, and are elected. In the wizarding world, they are simply called members of the Wizengamot.

"extremity of the Wizengamot then began being elected by the universal public, much like MPs are elected in the Muggle world. Each member has a district, although figuring out these district was far more hard than it was in the Muggle world. Does anyone have a guess as to why ?"

Amanda raised her deal."Yes, Miss tagger ?"Banks said.

"beldame and wizards are n't as uniformly spread out throughout the United Kingdom,"Amanda explained."In the Muggle world the territorial dominion are very much based on towns, but wizards do n't really have towns."

"Correct,"Banks said."Because of this the districts, if shown on a map, would look vastly different in full term of size. For example, London has three ramify dominion because there is a very boastfully wizarding population in London. It 's far comfortable for sensation to blend in in a large city than a small town since affair generally go unnoticed in big cities. On the other mitt, Cambria only has two districts, and therefore two instance, since it 's much less densely populated by wizards."

Albus did n't have a clue as to who his territory 's representative was, or even what territory he lived in. It was one of three, as he now knew.

"I 've taken the liberty of printing a map with a list of all the representative and district bit,"Banks said as he began passing out mainsheet of parchment."I 'd risk a speculation than very few of you know what district you 're in or who your illustration is."

Albus looked at the sheet after he received it. London seemed to be divided into West London, North Greater London, and East/South London. due north Jack London, where Albus lived, was District Two, currently represented by a bloke named Oliver Prang.

"Elections are held every five years,"Banks said."None of the representative are up for election this year, but almost are up for election next year. None of you will be of age to vote in next yr 's election, but I suggest you read up on your representatives views and beliefs anyway.

"To entice you to pick up,"Banks continued as he walked around his desk,"I am assigning an essay, due in two weeks. physique out who your representative is and write me a foot-long essay detailing your representative 's belief and whether you agree with them or not. I suggest looking at old copies of the oracle as well as archived transcriptions of Wizengamot group meeting, both available in the subroutine library. You are receive to use any other sources as you see fit."

There was a universal moan from the category, which made Banks smiling. He always seemed to love assigning homework.

"Now onto the more charge news,"Banks said."This Saturday is the final debate and four of you will be able to attend to. I apologize in betterment for those whose name calling have not been chosen, but there simply were not adequate debates. As usual, the rest of you will mind to the debate in the Transfiguration of Jesus classroom.

"The two from Hufflepuff are Sam Bordeaux and sweet acacia Hornell. The Gryffindors are John Brickston and Janie Creevey. Your essay on this argumentation, to be formatted like the previous two, will be due in a week. year dismissed."

"I knew it would be me,"John said as the packed up."Bilius and Ethan have already gone and you two get to go every time."

"I had n't even realized that,"Albus said.

"Karina 's the just one of us who wo n't get to go,"Rose pointed out.

"That essay, though ..."John said."The one on our spokesperson. That 's going to take forever."

"Not if you do your research rightfield,"Rose said as they left the room.

"Any of you in District seven ?"can asked.

The rest of the mathematical group shook their heads. They compared territorial dominion numbers, but none of them were in the same. pink wine and lusterlessness were the snug, with their districts bordering on each other.

"I guess we 're all doing our own research then,"trick said with a sigh.

rosebush gave him a live up to smirk, clearly happy that she would n't have to cope with John attempting to bum off her enquiry. Albus wished that he and Rose were in the Saami territorial dominion because he, like John, did not relish doing this research. Usually they only had to use their textbooks for research, but not this clock time. This clock time, their textbooks would n't facilitate at all.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews ! It 's time for the annual Dobby awards at HPFF and nominations are now open ! oral sex to the forums to make your favorite story ( such as this one, *hint, hint* ). There is a link to the forums on the right incline of the Sir Frederick Handley Page. Be sure to read the prescript before you nominate ! We hate having to unfit taradiddle for broken regulation.

The entropy about the Muggle Ministry was adapted from the House of the Lords and the fantan Wikipedia pages. I hope I got everything right, but I 'm not British people, so feel exempt to designate out any errors.


As the hebdomad progressed Thomas More and more of the Prophet was dedicated to election reportage. By the time Sabbatum arrived it became nearly unacceptable to obtain a bingle clause that was n't about the election. There were newspaper column, interviews, command from the candidate, vox populi canvass, and to a greater extent. Albus was getting so tired of it that he did n't even glint at Saturday 's edition.

"Place your bets here !"

Albus glanced up from his breakfast to see King James I, Cedric, and Ben walking up the aisle between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff mesa carrying a jar filled with coins.

"We 're taking bets !"James River shouted."Any takers ?"

"What are you betting on ?"Albus asked."Who wins ?"

"No, that 's drilling,"James River said."We 're taking bets on how long it 'll lease the disputation moderator to bring up that crazy Aboriginal Australian bloke who kidnapped you live on yr. This debate is on International Magical Cooperation, after all."

It had n't even crossed Albus 's idea that utmost class 's incident would be brought up in this debate, but James was probably proper. It was the gravid international scandal wizarding Britain had seen in years.

"What 's your bet ?"Albus asked his brother.

"Ten minutes,"James said."We 've had a few people say it 'll come about right away and others who are giving it as long as a one-half hour."

"You do see that your dad 's the one moderating this debate, do n't you ?"rosebush asked, setting down her copy of the prophesier.

James, Cedric, and Ben exchanged a glance."Er, no, we did n't have a go at it that,"James River said."How do you know ?"

"Says right hand here in the paper,"blush wine said, pointing to it."He might not impart it up."

"I hope he does n't,"Matt muttered."I 'd rather just block Lubar 's existence."

"He might still bring it up,"James said."It was a fairly big incident."

rosebush shrugged."It 's possible."

"So what would Uncle Percy say if he knew you three were taking bets on the debate ?"Albus asked with a grin.

Cedric paled."He 's not going to observe out. Everyone who places a bet is sworn to secrecy. We 've had them sign something. If they say anything their faces will ferment orange."

"Is n't that like what Aunt Hermione did for the D.A ?"Albus asked.

"Sort of,"Cedric said."But we 've told people about it, so they know what they 're signing."

"Any bets, then ?"King James I asked.

Albus and his Friend all shook their promontory no. Last year 's incident was far too personal for them to place bets on whether it would be a public debate theme.

"We 're wasting meter, then,"St. James said as he led Cedric and Ben further down the aisle."situation your bets here !"

"They 're half-wit,"rosiness muttered.

Albus agreed.

An 60 minutes later Albus, Rose, mat, and St. John the Apostle were back in the Great Hall for the debate. Albus soon realized that this argument would be watched by even to a greater extent people than the past tense unity, with many citizenry standing in the backbone due to lack of seating. Personally, Albus thought nigh people would 've already made up their brain since the election was only four days away, but clearly it was still a pop event.

John had to sit with the early students who 'd been picked while Albus, pink wine, and Matt sat up front, like common. All of Albus 's cousins were there, including Peach State, who looked like she was forcing herself to smile.

"Hey, Georgia,"Albus said.

"Hi, Al,"GA replied."I 'm so sword lily this is nearly over."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed."How is the team ?"

Georgia 's fraud grin grew genuine."Oh, they 're wondrous ! Connor Blythe, the keeper, he put in his notice that he 's only going to do one more season after this one and he told me he 's recommending me to take his spot. Me ! And I 've only been on the team for a year !"

"That 's wondrous !"Albus exclaimed."You 'll have to get me tickets to your first match."

"Oh, I expect everyone in the menage to be there at my first match as permanent Keeper,"Empire State of the South said."And I want Dad right there in the battlefront row, cheering me on."

"Well, if he wins, he 'll have to keep supporting you,"Albus pointed out.

"Yes, well, I want it to be really,"Peach State said."We 'll see."

"Could everyone please contract their buttocks ?"Kendrick announced in a magically overdraw voice.

Empire State of the South left and went to her own seat, as did everyone else who was still standing. The way grew calm down and Kendrick took a few whole step forward.

"Thank you. I 'd like to welcome you all to Hogwarts. This is the last debate of the election and I appreciate the Ministry allowing Hogwarts to take such a big role in it. It has been a wondrous erudition opportunity for staff and students alike. Remember, Midweek is election day, so please cast your votes. Now, I would care to innovate today 's moderator, a man who needs no introduction, Mr. Harry ceramicist, drumhead of the Auror department !"

The room erupted in thunderous applause. It seemed that no matter how Laurentis tried to discredit Albus 's dad, no one could take away the fact that he remained the Boy Who Lived.

Harry walked forward and took his place behind the moderator 's podium."Thank you, thank you,"he said and the crowd grew quiet once more."Now, delight welcome our candidates, Mr. Percy Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

The campaigner received considerably less applause than Harry did, something Albus found incredibly funny. If his dad ever decided to run for Minister he 'd have the thing won before the race even began.

"I am trusted both our prospect know the normal by now. Five minute solution and five minute rebuttals,"Harry began."Mr. Weasley, you will begin."

Albus had to stifle his laughter at the fact that this dad called Uncle Walker Percy 'Mr. Weasley .'

"The first head is very superior general,"Harry said."In your opinion, how is Britain 's relationship with its strange neighbors ? Should the Ministry be making more than of an effort to do work with its neighbors or are things fine as they are ?"

"I think overall our ministry has a good relationship with strange ministries and regime,"Percy began."We have no current feuds with any strange countries and all foreign talks have gone well in the past few years. However, I believe there is always room for improvement when public speaking of relationships with other countries. There are always probability to reach out to our neighbor, and you never know when such relationships will be necessary."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"My opponent makes bonnie points,"Laurentis said."And while I feel that furthering our relationships with foreign ministries is an first-class approximation, I wonder if that is really where our energies should be focused right now. There are many issues we need to address here at house, and as Mr. Weasley said, our current human relationship with foreign Nation are good."

"The Department of International Magical Cooperation deals solely with international wizard cooperation,"Percy pointed out."Working to fix issues at home is obviously a good thought, but what do you opine this section does while we do that ?"

"Well, yes, of track, that department is always working on international return,"Laurentis said."I was merely speaking of the pastor and his contiguous officials."

"Thank you,"Harry said."Next question. The topic of changing the assortment of werewolves from animate being to being was brought up at the last debate. Both of you expressed no desire to land this up with the outside community. Have either of you changed your emplacement on this in Inner Light of the late capture of Fenrir Greyback ? If not, will you explain in more point why you feel the way you do ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

Albus glanced at Matt. Maybe now they 'd envision out exactly why Uncle Walker Percy did n't need to change the lycanthrope classification, Sir Thomas More than just it was n't worth the campaign.

"The gaining control of Fenrir Limnodromus griseus was undoubtedly a success. I hope cypher has misconstrued my news on that. The fact that it was done without any hurt, let alone human death, was nothing forgetful of amazing. The Aurors and lycanthrope Control whole employees who executed the plan of capture are to be applauded. However, I fail to see why the capture of one werewolf should affect our determination on the mathematical group as a unit. If anything, if werewolf had been classified as Beings during that capture the Aurors and werewolf ascendence Unit employees would not have been able to use the method acting of seizure they used. To be good, I fail to see any welfare of reclassification."

Albus felt Matt tense side by side to him. Laurentis really was clueless, was n't she ?

"Mr. Weasley."

"I agree with my opposition about the capture of Fenrir Greyback. However, I disagree with her about the potential welfare of reclassification. First, the Aurors and lycanthrope Control building block employees could have used the same methods they used last night, as brain of Department Walter Eckerton does not set aside any method of gaining control that would not be allowed if werewolves were classified as Beings. In terms of Department for the Regulation and control condition of Magical Creatures rule and regulation, wolfman are to be treated as Beings. This has been the case since Eckerton took over as Head over a year ago. Perhaps Ms. Laurentis is incognizant of this fact.

"As for benefit, those with lycanthropy would be able-bodied to secure job far more easily and would have the Saami rights given to goblins, house-elves, centaurs, vampires, and humans alike."

Apparently his uncle had much to a greater extent of an judgment than the one he gave at the last argumentation, Albus thought.

"Your time is up, Mr. Weasley,"Harry said."Your rebutter, Ms. Laurentis."

"Then perhaps Walter Eckerton ought to deal another look at the law,"Laurentis began."Because it is perfectly legal of him to use more harsh method to land loup-garou into seizure. But since this gaining control was a roaring success, I will not fault him for that. As for lycanthrope right wing, I have yet to hear of any ill by werewolves about their rights."

"That 's because they do n't quetch to you,"flatness muttered under his breath.

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

"As I did not have clip to fully serve the enquiry, I will continue,"Percy said."While it would be beneficial for loup-garou if they were reclassified as being, I do not reckon it 's feasible. It would require agreement from all Carry Nation, which is frankly asking a lot. I know for a fact Australia would never be on circuit board, and considering our rocky relationship with that particular country, I do not feel it is in our well involvement to set out talks of the reclassification of werewolves. In closing, I feel it would be a worthwhile endeavour, but given the unlikelihood of it amounting to anything, it would be a waste of manpower."

"Thank you,"Harry said."Next head. In paying attention to our rocky relationship with Australia, as Mr. Weasley put it, do you sense it would be beneficial to keep on trying to get Ralph Lubar extradited to the United Kingdom ? Mr. Weasley."

Albus glanced at his watch. Whoever betted on forty minutes would be very happy, he thought. Albus had been hoping this topic would n't be brought up, but he supposed it was too big of an egress not to be.

"If elected I would defer this decision to the Department of International Magical Cooperation, since they possess the necessary expertise on the field of study. However, it is my personal belief that it would be worth pursuing. I believe it is important to send a message that Ministry employees, even high-ranking official such as Ralph Lubar, are not above the law. What Lubar did was unspeakable and in no world should he get away with it."

"Ms. Laurenits."

"Notice how Mr. Weasley did not mention that his nephew was one of the children kidnapped by Lubar,"Laurentis pointed out."I think this might dapple his judgement a small. I disagree with him about this particular topic. We 've been trying to consume Ralph Lubar extradited for nearly a class and Australia has not budged. Why bother continuing to nominate efforts toward this when it is clear they will be fruitless ?"

"If we give up, it will be telling the public that anyone can go dedicate a crime in another area and not be punished,"Percy said."More than that, it demonstrates the putrescence of the Aboriginal Australian governing and having our citizens believe their government to be corrupt will not help oneself international magical cooperation."

"The possible putrescence of the Aussie government is not any of our line at the stream prison term. We can not coerce them to extradite Ralph Lubar and it is my personal judgment that they will never do so. I daresay that the Department of International Magical Cooperation has more than pressing topic to sell with."

"Thank you both,"Harry said."We have fourth dimension for one more question, but in ignitor of the fact that the election is on Wednesday, I am going to give each of the candidates a chance to make a general speech instead. Mr. Weasley, you may mouth first."

"Thank you, Harry."

Percy seemed ineffectual to call Harry 'Mr. thrower .'Albus giggled at this.

"I would like to thank prof Kendrick and the rest of the Hogwarts stave for being so accommodating, as well as the students. None of the pupil sitting in this elbow room right now were alive before the Ministry was reorganized in 1998 through 2001. None of the students in this way were alive during Voldemort 's reign of terror. They read about both of these in history Word of God, because to them, it is simply history. To me, and the balance of the adults in this room, the previous Ministry and Voldemort are our past, our memory. We remember the affright, the terra incognita, the fright.

"I was a role of the shake-up of the Ministry. We all know the class that have followed- the yr where we have lived without fear, without terror, without the unknown. I have been with the Ministry every measure of the way since Voldemort 's defeat and I will make it my duty to keep the peacefulness that we 've had for over xx old age. I will proceed this short because I, like about of you surely do, trust that the best manner of speaking is a curt speech. If you want a pastor who will continue the success of curate Hartwell 's time in office, vote for me, Sir Henry Percy Weasley, on Midweek. Thank you."

There was a smattering of clapping, but it did n't last prospicient. Albus had a tactile sensation that almost of the rest of the scholar wanted the election to be over.

"My opponent routinely brings up the past tense. He speaks of the war, Voldemort, and the old Ministry, but never once has he discussed the future, except in vague statements about keeping matter the Saami. It 's true that I was not involved with the shakeup of the Ministry over twenty years ago. I got into political relation later in life. But I do not feel that this will make me an substandard minister, nor do I cogitate it will be particularly good to Mr. Weasley.

"History is just that. History. We certainly need to take from our history to ensure that we do not draw the same fault we did before, but it is not necessary to have lived through account to be a successful leader. There are good deal of Ministry employees, even a few high-ranking official, who were not here during Voldemort 's reign. Walter Eckerton, for exercise, did not live in Great Britain during Voldemort 's reign. Yet he very successfully runs the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical tool.

"In brusque, I believe we need to concenter on our future rather than our past tense. If elected curate I will puddle progressive tense change in not only our ministry and laws, but our educational organisation as well. Things have been ran the Sami for over twenty years, and while I am not denying the success, I think we have needed variety for a while. miss prisoners are running free. Hogwarts moral are being taught the like way they were when these children 's grandparents were in school. The ministry, along with its police force and policies, needs to adapt as the years go by. If you feel change is needed, if you are at all upset about the way matter are, vote for me, Patricia Laurentis, on Wednesday."

There was another smattering off applause. Albus did n't applaud at all and neither did any of his cousins. If the election was based upon familial sustenance, Harry Hotspur would induce it in the bag.

"I think your uncle may have won my parents'support back,"lusterlessness said as they left the Great Hall.

"Yeah, he made himself sound a bit better today,"Albus replied."Laurentis just does n't get it."

"Nope,"lustrelessness said."But she does n't seem to make an issue with my dad, which is well if she gets elected."

"What if she wins and she stops trying to get Lubar extradited ?"Rose asked as they met up with John.

"She ca n't. The man is insane,"John said.

"Honestly, I think it would be better if he was n't extradited,"matte said quietly.

"Why ?"John asked incredulously."He kidnapped us and tried to bring Voldemort back !"

"He was n't really a part of that,"matt said."That was the Willinsons."

"But still,"Albus said."Why ?"

"Because if he gets extradited he 's going to be angry,"flatness explained."He 's got quite a temper. And when he does n't get his way he attempts to ruin the lifetime of those who stand in his way. Just think about it. If he were brought back here, what 's stopping him from making my ... condition ... public ?"

"He could n't do that,"Albus said."It 's illegal."

"You think Lubar would care ? He did it in Australia !"Matt snapped."He 's already broken the law. And even if he got in trouble for it nothing could direct what he said back. It sucks that he 's not getting punished, but I think it would be skilful if the public just forgot about the whole thing."

Albus had n't thought about it like that before. matte did have a tip. But there was a part of Albus that just wanted to see Lubar behind bars.

"summation, there 's no way Australia will extradite him,"lusterlessness said."Your uncle and Laurentis are both right about one thing. The Australian government is very corrupt, and I do n't cerebrate anything will happen until that corruption ends. Lubar wo n't be punished, and lycanthrope wo n't get reclassified as Beings."

"So even though you moved, the Australian government still has some ascendance over your life,"John said."That 's messed up."

"Yeah, it really is,"flatness agreed."But it 's the way the existence works."


A/N : Thanks for all the review article ! Once again, I 'd care to shamelessly plug my stories for Dobby nominations ! fountainhead over to the forums to nominate my ( or any other ) narration for a Dobby awarding ! Be sure to interpret the rules before nominating.


Albus had been hoping course of study would be suspended the day of the election, but there was no such fate. Kendrick organized it so that the Great mansion would be the polling place and that voting would not affect the general student body. Hogwarts was the point polling place for the district it was in, so there would be other people coming to the school to vote. Albus 's cousins who were of age ( Bradley, Fred, and Heather ) all voted after breakfast, as soon as the polling post had been set up.

Albus and his friends spent near of Herbology watching people walking from Hogsmeade to Hogwarts in order to vote. It was very perturb and Neville did n't gravel telling people to get back on task.

"When are we going to screw who won ?"John asked as they walked back to the castle for denial.

"It 'll be in the prophesier tomorrow morning,"Albus said."That 's the official observation, but I 'm certainly we 'll find out earlier. Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric have to go to the end of the election party tonight. It starts at six and the polls close at eight. They 're announcing the winner at the party at eight-thirty. Omar Bradley and Cedric will be back after that and I give it about five bit to spread around the castle."

John laughed."You do n't have to go to the party ?"

Albus shook his header."My parents gave me the choice. I said no. James and Lily are n't going, either."

"What about you two ?"John asked rosiness and Matt.

"No,"Rose said. flatness shook his head.

"Good,"lav said."We should have our own company here. A party to celebrate the end of this election. Maybe it 'll entail Embry will let up on the essays. Anyone else writing their debate essay during defence today ?"

For the preceding few calendar month most people had used refutation as a study vestibule. The worksheets Young assigned never took foresighted than fifteen minutes and he did n't seem to care what his educatee did with the rest of the division. Just as long as they were n't being loud. Albus did n't consider anyone had used any Skiving Snackbox Sweet in defence reaction this class, since there was n't lots full stop.

Albus, lustrelessness, and Amanda all still needed to write their essays as well. Rose had written hers immediately following the debate, but the eternal rest of them did n't see the need to do it redress away.

"I can always finish it in History of Magic, too,"King John said as they entered the castle.

"Let 's go peep in the Great Hall,"Albus said as he led his friends over to the right.

Albus glanced inside and saw that there were four small cubicles curtained off where the faculty table should 've been. A short queue of hoi polloi were off to one slope and seemed to be waiting their turn for the stall. It did n't look very exciting.

"Any comment on the election ?"

Albus turned and saw a reporter lurking near the doorway. He did n't recognize this particular reporter.

"No, thanks,"Albus said as he steered the group away from the Great mansion, and thus away from the reporter.

"I do n't think they 're allowed inside,"blush wine mentioned."So they ca n't get at the great unwashed who are voting."

"That makes horse sense,"Amanda said."wellspring, let 's go get those essays done with. Then we 'll never have to write essays on argumentation again."

Albus nodded. No more disputation essays. Now that would be a good affair.

The remnant of the day passed quickly. Albus, Matt, and Amanda managed to finish their essays during refutation, but trick only got halfway done. voting was suspended during tiffin and then again at dinner. Albus overheard a few of the sixth and one-seventh year talking about voting and the election during dinner. A dyad of Ravenclaws even got into an controversy about it.

"Let 's make a treaty now not to get in any battle over the next election when we can all vote,"Rose said as they watched one of the arguing Ravenclaws storm out of the Great Hall.

The rest of the group heartily agreed. Albus could n't imagine ruining a friendship over something as silly as an election.

"This party that Bradley and Cedric are going to,"John began,"it 's for both your uncle and Laurentis ?"

"Yeah,"Albus said.

"That 's going to be awkward when they announce the winner,"can said with a laugh.

"It 's supposed to promote good sportsmanship and that sort of matter,"Rose explained.

"Still ... I ca n't guess Laurentis being a skillful athletics,"St. John said.

After dinner Albus and his friends returned to the uncouth room, deciding that it might be interesting to drop the even there rather than the marauder 's Den. They also wanted to take heed firsthand from Bradley and Cedric who won.

The common way had the distinguishable look that Gryffindor had just won a Quidditch mates. James, Fred, heather mixture, grade, and Ben had taken it upon themselves to bear a party to keep the end of the election and thus the end of debate and essays on argument. There were cases of Butterbeer and trays of cooky and nobody was working on any homework.

"Maybe now affair can get back to normal,"Albus said as he opened a Butterbeer.

"If Uncle Percy wins things will never be formula again,"Rose pointed out.

Albus shrugged."I do n't know. Amanda seems fairly normal and her uncle 's the prime of life Minister."

"That 's because nobody here cares about the prime of life pastor,"Amanda said."At home everyone knows I 'm the niece of the Prime Minister. My sister and blood brother certainly are n't anonymous at their shoal. My sis 's at university now and she says it 's a bit better than it was in secondary school."

"Albus, you 're Harry thrower 's son,"lavatory said flatly."No matter what happens, you 're going to be well-known."

Albus supposed that was truthful, but sometimes he wished it was n't. Sometimes, he wished he could make his own way in the reality and not sustain his dad 's public figure tied to him.

"Did you ever get the map back from your dad ?"Matt asked.

"Yeah, why ?"

"Just curious,"Matt said.

Albus reached into his bag and pulled the map out. He 'd taken to carrying it around with him all the fourth dimension, but he was n't sure why. After setting it down on the board he revealed it and focused on the part that showed Hogwarts.

"There 's still a bunch of people voting,"Albus said, gesturing to the Great Hall. About a one-half 12 or so dots were milling about.

"Madam Rosmerta 's there,"Amanda pointed out."I wonder who she 's voting for."

"No idea,"Albus said. He glanced at his scout."Half hour until the polls close."

"How long do you think Bradley and Cedric will stay ?"Kaden asked.

"Probably not long after the declaration is made,"Albus answered."They do n't really care going to those things."

"Albus,"John said, pointing to the map."Is it just me or is Malfoy going into Moaning Myrtle 's toilet ?"

Albus peered down at the map. indisputable enough, a dot labeled 'Scorpius Malfoy'had just entered the minute floor fille 's lavatory. That did n't shit any sense.

"What the hell is he doing in there ?"flatness exclaimed."Why would anyone go in there ?"

"Myrtle 's there,"John commented."Look, she 's floating over toward him."

"But why ?"Albus asked, still utterly confused."Why would a bloke go in there ?"

"Maybe the map made a misunderstanding ?"Kaden suggested.

"Dad says the map never lies,"Albus explained."fountainhead, there 's only one way to find out. Let 's watch him."

"Sounds salutary to me,"Amanda said as she stood up."This party is getting boring anyway."

John and Kaden nodded their heads in agreement. pink wine raised her eyebrows.

"No way,"Matt said, shaking his head vehemently."There are n't enough Galleons in the world."

"Oh, issue forth on, it 's just a fille 's loo,"Amanda said."Look, there are n't even any miss in there besides Myrtle. And she 's a ghost !"

John laughed."myrtle 's got a bit of a crush."

"toilet, shut up !"Matt said, his cheek turning red.

Amanda and Rose burst out in laugh."Seriously ?"Amanda said.

"Yeah, we had hold in there once,"trick explained."myrtle spent the completely clock time flirting with lustrelessness. It was hilarious."

"I said, shut it !"Matt shouted.

"Oh, come on, she 's just a ghost."

"I 'm not going. I refuse."

"amercement,"John said."wooing yourself. resurrect ?"

"I 'll stay here, thanks,"Rose said."You 're wasting your time anyway. It 's not like he 'll tell you anything."

Albus did n't care. He still liked the estimation of going because it felt like he was doing something, making some sorting of progression on figuring out why Malfoy had been acting so oddly the retiring few months.

They did n't chafe bringing the Invisibility Cloak since there was still an time of day left until curfew. On their way there, they spotted Peeves unscrewing chandeliers in honor of Apr Fool 's Day, but ignored his yak.

Albus watched the map as they went. Malfoy remained in the lavatory as they walked quickly down escape of stair. But they got stuck on the stairs leading to the second floor corridor, after the stairs decided to run them directly to the outset floor rather than the second.

"He 's leaving !"Albus exclaimed as they got back on the stairs after their flimsy detour.

"Maybe we can view him on his way back to the dungeon,"Amanda suggested.

Albus nodded."Let 's delay here, then."

Their current location gave them an excellent view of the Great Hall. A few Ministry officials were currently carrying pieces of the voting cubicles out of the room, polling clearly over. It would only be about a one-half 60 minutes until they had a new Minister of magic trick.

lavatory nudged Albus."There he is."

Albus turned away from the Great Hall and saw Malfoy walking down the staircase. He looked extremely determined.

"Malfoy,"Albus said.

"ceramicist,"Malfoy replied.

Albus suddenly had no thought how he was going to ask Malfoy about why he was in the young woman 's loo without revealing the map. If they caught him in there it would 've been promiscuous to say they saw him going in there, but now he was just walking down the stairs, perfectly innocently. He 'd induce to be really careful about it.

"So why were you in a girl 's loo ?"Amanda asked.

So much for being careful, Albus thought.

Malfoy paled."Er, I wasn't."

"Yes, you were,"Amanda said."I was in there, too. Second floor, Moaning Vinca minor 's crapper ? Ring any bells ?"

"That loo was vacate,"Malfoy said quickly."I checked."

"Next prison term chink a bit harder,"Amanda said."I was in the last stall and when I heard you come in I had to stay there because you 're a bloke and it would just be weird to come out of a bathroom stalling and come face to face with a lad. I heard you talking to Myrtle, though."

"I ... er ... that 's not any of your ... occupation,"Malfoy stammered.

"Then do n't conduct your business concern in a fille 's loo,"Amanda said with a joke."Let 's go. We do n't want to miss the tidings about the new minister. Clearly Malfoy 's a bit unhinged."

Amanda turned and set off up the stair. Albus, John, and Kaden followed, leaving Malfoy frozen in their backwash. Albus glanced back and saw that he was still as pale as flatness is right before a wide-cut moon.

"Amanda, what was that ?"John exclaimed once they 'd arrive at the second floor.

"That felt good,"Amanda said."He just really irritates me, and this time we had something on him. I could tell Al did n't have it away how to ask him without telling him about the map. But I figured it 'd be pretty easy to pretend I 'd been in the loo with him."

"That 's brilliant,"John the Evangelist said.

Amanda grinned."I have my moments."

"Whatever it was, I do n't think he 'll be going in that loo anymore,"Albus said."I just wish we 'd figured out why he was in there in the first place."

"Seriously,"John said."The only way you 'd catch me in a girl 's loo is if you paid me a load of Galleons."

"Or you got detention."Amanda smirked.

"That does n't depend,"John said.

"Oh, shut it, both of you,"Albus said."Let 's travel rapidly up and get back to the common room."

When Albus, John, Kaden, and Amanda returned to the uncouth elbow room they were greeted by loud groans and sighing. Confused, Albus turned to his crony, who was nearest the portrait hole.

"We thought you lot were Bradley and Cedric,"James said.

"James, it 's not even eight-thirty yet,"Albus pointed out."They wo n't be back for at least a one-half hour."

"Oh, right."

Rose and Matt were in the eye of a game of chess. mat was losing spectacularly.

"Did you find him ?"mat asked as Rose 's bishop crushed his queen.

"Yeah, but not in the loo,"Albus said."Caught him on his way back to his common room. He would n't tell us a thing."

"Of course he did n't,"mat said."And he probably denied he was in the loo anyway."

"He would 've,"Albus said."But Amanda told him she 'd been in there and then told him off for being there. It was brilliant."

"Wish I could 've seen that. I 've always wanted to tell off Malfoy."

"You should 've occur,"John said."We did n't even see Myrtle."

"Still ... not taking any luck,"mat said."B. B. King to D6."

Rose instructed her knight to act unaired to matt 's king."checkmate.

matt sighed."One day, I 'll win."

"Me next !"Kaden exclaimed. Everyone else laughed."What ? I 've gotten better,"Kaden muttered.

Albus, John, Matt, and Amanda settled down to watch as Rose clobbered Kaden. Albus could 've sworn he saw Kaden 's chessman quiver as they were set up on the board. Rose 's queen was most definitely grinning maliciously. Over the next half hour Kaden 's composition were viciously slaughtered by rose 's, but not without putting up a combat. Kaden was in fact getting undecomposed.

"Exploding shot ?"Matt asked after Rose and Kaden repaired their chessmen.

"Yeah, all right,"Albus agreed. The others nodded.

Albus ran up to his dormitory to retrieve his Exploding Snap wag. As he returned, the portrait hole opened.

The entire vernacular room froze and was silent. Not a single person moved. Not a individual person said a word. Even the first gear years, who had been tossing a Quaffle around, were still. Albus stood on the bottom step to the hall and waited.

Tom Bradley walked inside, followed by Cedric. Neither seemed overly excited, but that did n't signify that Percy had n't won. After all, they, like Albus, did n't really desire Percy to be curate, but they did n't want Laurentis as Minister either.

"Well ?"James asked.

"Dad lost,"Thomas Bradley said quietly. He whispered something to James and then he turned and left the park room, followed by Cedric.

Albus could n't trust it. He had n't realized it until now, but he truly had believed that Uncle Percy would win. He had the musical accompaniment of Harry Potter. Did n't that stand for anything anymore ?

Albus returned to his friends and set the box of cards down on the table. He sat down and did n't say a word.

"What does this mean value ?"Amanda asked quietly."volition she do everything she said she was going to do ?"

"That and probably worse, too,"Albus said.

William James walked up to the tabular array."Al, Rose, we 're all going to the Room of Requirement. Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric want to give us More details."He glanced the relief of the grouping."Sorry, house only."

"We 'll see you later,"Albus said as he and arise stood up.

Albus, James, and rosiness walked to the way of prerequisite in silence. When they arrived they saw that the door was already there. They walked inside.

The residuum of their full cousin had already arrived. Albus took a seat on the finale leftover couch and St. James and pink wine sat on either position of him. nonentity was speaking, so he glanced around and watched all of his cousins.

Bradley, Cedric, Heather, Mark, Ben, Fred, Victor Hugo, Lily, James River, blush wine, and Angie. And himself. They were the center mathematical group of cousins. Not the one-time, not the young, but the ones in the middle, who never did anything first and never did anything live on. They were n't the first to go to Hogwarts and they would n't be the terminal to graduate. They stood by each former, through the soundly and through the bad.

Bradley and Cedric were n't seated. They were standing at the battlefront of the room, near its door. The entire elbow room was decorated like the den in the burrow, with mismatched furniture and organized chaos everywhere. Albus liked it.

"wellspring, Dad lost,"Bradley finally said."I already told you that ... but yeah. It was close. He only lost by a couple hundred ballot.

"How did he claim it ?"Scots heather asked.

"Graciously,"Bradley answered."Thanked everyone for their supporting and shook Laurentis 's hired man, of course."

Albus was n't surprised. Uncle Sir Henry Percy had and always would be the paradigm of a polite politician. But maybe that was n't enough to get elected.

"Is it terrible that I 'm happy he lost ?"Cedric asked as he squeezed onto the couch between James and Albus."Because I am, kind of."

"Just a bit,"Heather said."What is Uncle Percy going to do now ? I doubt Laurentis will go along him on."

"I had n't even thought of that,"Bradley said.

Neither had Albus, but it made sense. Percy was still employed by the Ministry, but his job was one of those jobs selected by the minister.

"He 's always worked for the Ministry,"Bradley continued."I do n't think he could do anything else."

The room descended into secretiveness. Nobody seemed to know what to say, Albus included. His belief on his uncle becoming minister had been all over the place for the yesteryear seven calendar month, but now that Harry Hotspur had actually lost, all Albus felt was disappointment. It was strange. Just last workweek he had been kind of hoping Percy would recede, and now that he had, Albus felt the complete opposite.

It was already past curfew for Lily, Hugo, and Angie, but cipher was telling them to go back to the common room. Albus was vaguely odd about what was going on in the common elbow room, but not rum enough to actually go back. matt, John, Kaden, and Amanda would tell him later.

What Albus was really upset about, more than anything, was what Laurentis was going to do to both the Ministry and Hogwarts. Laurentis had made it clear up that she was going to change the school, but Albus liked it the way it was. Then there were the variety to the Ministry, such as the dementors. How long would it take in for Laurentis to play them back ? Surely she had to go through proper channels to do it.

James, Tom Bradley, and Cedric were the first to return to the unwashed way, claiming they had to prepare proficient on all the wager they 'd taken. Albus had a feeling all three of them were now slightly in debt. Albus and rose returned a few minutes later, leaving the residue of their cousins talking quietly in the room of Requirement.

When they returned Matt, St. John, and Kaden were playing Exploding press stud. Amanda was writing a letter.

"Who are you writing to ?"pink wine asked.

"My uncle,"Amanda answered."I 've been keeping him updated on the election. He says he likes hearing it from me rather than waiting until the new curate arrives to touch him."

"Your uncle meets the diplomatic minister of thaumaturgy ?"John asked.

"Well, yes,"Amanda said."The two human beings do accept to coexist. Sometimes there are problems that affect both. Voldemort, for example. And Hartwell personally told my uncle about the escaped demise Eaters."

"That 's so unearthly,"Saint John the Apostle said.

"I told you about it earlier in the twelvemonth,"Amanda pointed out."That 's the alone reason I got to go to Hogwarts. My parents changed their minds at the last minute and happened to mention it to my uncle, laughing about the fact that they 'd actually said I could go. And then my uncle told them it was all true."

"I wonder how often that happens,"Albus mused,"Muggleborns not being capable to go to Hogwarts because their parents do n't believe."

Amanda shrugged."I 'm just lucky I was n't one of them."

"I think we all need a misdirection,"rosiness said and turned to Kaden, whose face was covered in ash."good deal out the cards again. Let 's play until we 're too tired."

Albus heartily agreed, and that was exactly what they did. Two hours later, all of their faces ashen, they were finally tired. But when Albus climbed into bed, his thoughts began racing and he found himself unable to sleep.


A/N : Sorry for the late update ! My birthday is tomorrow so I had booster up for the weekend and completely forgot. Thanks for all the review article !


The adjacent day 's edition of the Prophet was devoted entirely to election day and Laurentis 's win. The winner did not storm anyone in Hogwarts since Bradley and Cedric had spread that as soon as they returned. Albus still read the total front Thomas Nelson Page article at breakfast and he was glad he did, because the article still held surprises.

LAURENTIS profits ; BEGINS APPOINTING place

In the unaired race for curate of conjuration to
day of the month, nominee Patricia Laurentis won the
position last Night. crown closed at eight,
with the official victor announced at a closed
company at the Minister 's Mansion at eight-thirty.
Laurentis won by a mere 342 votes, which is the
closest race we have ever seen.

'I am of course very delight with this tour of
events ,'Laurentis said at the diplomatic minister 's
mansion house after the proclamation was made .'I am
very excited to be sworn in as Minister of
trick on May first. I feel I will be able to
give the public what they need, for they have
spoken and now it is my duty to give them what
I promised during my campaign. I of course
whirl my condolences to Hotspur Weasley. He truly
was a pleasure to run against over the preceding
seven months .'

'I offer my felicitation to my opponent ,'Percy
Weasley said to Daily Prophet reporters at the
minister 's manse. 'We both campaigned hard
and she won, fairly and square. I am frustrated,
of course, but I still congratulate her .'

Over the adjacent month Laurentis will settle who
she wishes to appoint to top Ministry positions,
before she is sworn in as Minister of illusion on
May first of this year. Laurentis is wasting no
meter with this, as she was seen at the Ministry
earlier this morning .'I already have citizenry
picked out for almost positions ,'she said upon
questioning .'I will be keeping a few of the
current functionary, but I will be replacing quite
a few in rescript to better link up the Ministry .'

One person has already confirmed his purpose
to take Laurentis up on her offering of a position.
Ironically, he is set to strike over Walker Percy Weasley 's
current position under Minister Hartwell .'I am
very pleased to declare that Draco Malfoy is
going to take the perspective of Senior
Undersecretary for the Drafting and Editing
of Laws. Draco Malfoy has been a friend of mine
for many years as we have worked together in the
Azkaban class for nearly a decade. I am very
excited to go forward working with him .'

Laurentis plans to herald the names of her
functionary as they confirm throughout the month.

"Malfoy 's dad ?"Albus exclaimed, in seismic disturbance."Since when is he chummy with Laurentis ?"

"Malfoy never said a Word,"Matt added, his eyes large.

"Of line he did n't,"Rose said."We 're not exactly his friends."

"Wait, remember in Hogsmeade back in October ?"Albus replied."When he talked about how my fellowship wo n't be running the wizarding earthly concern for long ? Not that my family has ever ran the wizarding universe ... But he seemed to know something we didn't."

"This must be it,"John the Evangelist said, staring at the paper."That 's a pretty top position, is n't it ?"

"secondment highest for drafting jurisprudence,"Rose said."Given his relationship with Laurentis anything he drafts will most likely pass."

"And who knows what his aspect are,"Albus said, craning his cervix to see the Slytherin mesa."Malfoy 's over there. I ca n't quite see his face, though."

"I 'm sure enough he 'll have something to say to you in Potions,"Amanda pointed out.

Albus had quite a few hours to wait to find out just what exactly Malfoy would hold to say to them. account of Magic, his first class of the day, was as boring as ever. Professor Binns showed absolutely no recognition that the election had taken post the previous day. Professor Patil was the complete opposition, making no motion to cover up her indignation at Laurentis 's win, which led her to swash up the desk she was attempting to transmogrify.

"Do you mean Laurentis will actually have teachers sacked ?"John asked as they walked to the Great Hall for dejeuner."Because if she does, Patil wo n't stand a chance."

Albus shook his drumhead."Only if they 're really dreaded teachers. Umbridge sacked a few in my dad 's fifth year and I think masses will be outraged if Laurentis does the same matter. Honestly, I think Binns and Young are the sole ones in danger."

"Could you sack a touch ?"whoremonger asked."I mean, where would he go ?"

"He 'd probably stick around and still try to instruct,"Albus said."I ca n't conceive of it would go over well."

"And Thomas Young ca n't get sacked,"John lamented."That 's where I do all my homework."

Albus secretly agreed, but did n't say anything because blush wine snorted in disgust.

Malfoy was waiting outside the potions dungeon when Albus and his supporter arrived after lunch. Gone from his face was the unnerve and partially sad expression, replaced by Malfoy 's usual haughty smug. Clearly his dad getting a top Ministry side had changed something.

"Hey, Potter,"Malfoy greeted him."extolment to your uncle on his loss. Ca n't thank him enough for that."

"I 'll be for sure to differentiate him,"Albus replied."He 'll be thrilled that he made a Malfoy happy. must be nice that your dad 's got some actual power now."

"And yours wo n't have any for long,"Malfoy said."Just another month."

"Nothing 's set for for certain about the Auror department,"Albus countered.

Malfoy laughed."I think I might recognise a bit to a greater extent than you on that. Laurentis was over at my house for dinner stopping point week."

"And you were here,"Albus said."You never mentioned that your dad 's friends with Laurentis."

"It never came up."

"Well now that you 're all glad again maybe you 'll actually show up for this month 's dueling tournament ?"

That wiped the smirk off Malfoy 's face. He turned stony and took a step closer to Albus."Do n't say a word about that. It 's none of your business."

"Touchy,"John commented.

"Stuff it, Brickston. This does n't fear you. Your parents will have force in the Ministry the day Hagrid adopts a normal pet."

"We 'll see who 's got the power the second one of your house winds up at St. Mungo 's,"lavatory snapped.

Malfoy paled."Just shut out up. The full point is, my dad 's going to cause a better position than yours."

"Nobody cares what your dad does for a living,"Matt said.

"Nobody asked you. At least my dad does n't contribute his employment domicile with him."Malfoy laughed.

John whipped out his wand."You always take it one too far, do n't you, Malfoy ?"

Malfoy took out his wand as well."I could say the same about you, Brickston."

"Wands away, boys."

Albus turned and saw Professor Slughorn standing in the doorway. He breathed a suspiration of reliever. The last thing St. John the Apostle needed was another detention.

"Get inside. division is starting in one minute."

Both privy and Malfoy were lucky they did n't get detention, Albus thought. Neither of them had thrown any whammy, but a stricter teacher would 've handed out detention just for having their wand drawn. Not Slughorn, though. Albus got the sense that Slughorn did n't like handing out detentions, probably because that meant having to superintend them.
***


The following few daylight passed without anymore view announcements from Laurentis. In fact, it was a relatively tranquility few days, especially when compared with the retiring seven months. For the first meter all year, there was fiddling coverage of the election, that is until they had political science on Tuesday. At the end of the lesson, Embry reminded them of their research essays on their voice, an naming that had completely slipped Albus 's nous. It was due in two days.

Apparently, it had slipped John and Matt 's minds as well. Rose and Amanda had been diligently working on theirs all week, only needing to save their conclusions. Amanda had even asked her uncle for assistance, devoting part of her essay to the similarities and remainder between the wizarding and Muggle governments.

"I guess we 'll be spending the eventide in the library,"Albus said as they headed to the Great Hall for dinner."

"Dammit,"Matt muttered."I 'm going to have to pen the entire matter tonight. The wide-cut moon 's tomorrow."

"Usually you 're much dependable about remembering to do assignments before that,"Rose commented.

"I know, but with the election and everything, I forgot,"Matt said.

"But you 'll be missing category on Thursday,"John pointed out."So you can turn it in Tues and get four extra days."

"I 've never done that with long-run assignments,"lustrelessness said."I do n't want to start now. Albus can turn it in, like usual."

"Let 's eat fast, then,"Albus said as they entered the Great Hall.

"Hey, Amanda, want to engage a walk around the lake before we write our ratiocination ?"Rose asked."The atmospheric condition 's so nice tonight we might as well take advantage."

"Of course !"Amanda agreed."Ca n't let that go to waste."

"Oh, shut up,"Albus muttered.

Forty-five transactions later Albus, mat, St. John, and Kaden had taken over one of the heavy tabular array in the depository library. Kaden had joined them since he had a metamorphosis essay due the future day and divination predictions to do. Albus was considering hexing two offset years at the table adjacent to them who kept giggling, if Madam Pince did n't get to them first. He wished that one of his friend lived in his district ; it would lay down this so very much loose.

Albus did deliver a clear-cut advantage over both Matt and John, in that his representative was far More well-known than theirs. Oliver Prang, who had been serving the north London territory, was on his fourth consecutive term, which amounted to over xv year. That was more than than Albus 's entire living. London in itself was a location that required far to a greater extent aid than former areas of the country, which resulted in far More information being usable on it. privy was able to locate a fair amount of entropy on his interpreter, Nadine Abernathy, but Matt, since he lived in one of the most remote orbit of England, had difficulty locating selective information on Marcus Whitby.

"Does this bloke even survive ?"Matt asked as he looked through the very lowest archive copy of the prophesier that was published during Whitby 's one term."Oh, here we go. Lovely. Now I know he exists. Here 's a judgment of conviction that mentions he won the election. And of course he won. He did n't own any opponents."mat groaned and banged his head teacher repeatedly on the tabular array."This is hopeless."

"You 've still got all the moment from Wizengamot meetings,"Albus said, pointing to the three big muckle of theme in the center of the table. He really did experience bad for Matt, though. It was bad enough having to do a paper like this, but having to do it when the to the full synodic month was only two daylight away ?

"I could probably just make stuff up,"mat said as he took the top few Page."I mean, honestly, could Embry possibly know anything about Marcus Whitby ? It 's the to the lowest degree densely dwell district in all of England."

"Embry probably knows everything about everyone,"John said."There. I 've got my introduction. Look at it this way. Your bloke 's only been in office for a year. So you 've got far less stuff to look through. It wo n't take as long."

"But if there is n't anything, then that does n't help oneself,"Matt muttered."Have you even read anything ?"

"A bit."John shrugged."Nadine Abernathy 's on her s term, so there 's not as often as Albus has got. But I read enough to write the introduction. Now I 'll read a bit more."

"You have a weird way of doing research."

Albus glanced up and saw that Rose and Amanda had returned, bags in handwriting. They sat down and pulled out their own essays, which looked very long.

Matt tossed the papers he 'd been looking at onto his rejection pile, which was so chaotic that lady Pince would probably have a middle onset if she saw it. He then let out a loud sigh and put his head in his hands.

"Could you please take pity on him ?"Albus asked Rose.

Rose looked up from her essay."I told you. You 're all doing this yourselves."

"His representative has only been in business office for a yr,"Albus explained."And the only if thing he 's found is one prison term in a Prophet from a year ago saying he won the election, which was against nobody. And the replete moonlight is tomorrow."

"Please, rose ?"Matt asked, picking his nous up to look at her. His face was flushed and he looked very frustrated.

"Your parents should 've moved somewhere less distant,"Kaden commented.

"They wanted to be in the middle of nowhere,"Matt said flatly."They did n't desire neighbors."

rosiness sighed."mulct. But only because you look so wretched. And mine was pretty strong, too, because my territory is also removed. Just let me finish my conclusion."

"Lucky,"John muttered."I do n't suppose you 'd help-"

"Absolutely not, John Lackland Brickston,"rosebush said and lowered her voice."As soon as you turn into a skirt chaser once a calendar month I 'll help you with your procrastination."

Albus turned back to his own essay and over the next four hours managed to get it half done. He did n't recall it was very good, but it was progress. John was about halfway done as well, so the two of them decided to call it a Nox. John settled in to assist Kaden with his fake prophecy prognostication. mat was still working on his, with much coaching job from pink wine.

"Did you rule anything ?"Albus asked.

"A bit,"Rose said."It 's not a lot. This bloke seriously has n't done anything. He 's hardly mentioned in any of these minutes."

Matt yawned."How long does this have to be again ?"

"A ft,"blush wine answered."You 've got another four inches to go."

"It 's nearly ten,"Albus mentioned."The library is going to close and we 've already missed curfew."

The library was now only filled with fifth through seventh years. It was certainly quieter.

"We should probably finish in the common elbow room, then,"rose said.

"I do n't remember I can,"Matt said."Too tired. I 'll finish it tomorrow since I 'll probably jump afternoon stratum anyway."

The group packed up their things and walked quickly back to the mutual elbow room. By some fortuity of luck they managed to debar the prefects and did n't get any hold from being out after curfew.

"No compulsory curfew tomorrow,"Kaden commented as they entered the common elbow room.

"With Reb caught they do n't need to do it anymore,"Albus pointed out.

"Thank God,"Matt replied."He wo n't be lurking around tomorrow."

"I just go for your dad was able to help those parents with the two kidskin,"Rose said.

"He 'll probably go do the cellblock himself,"matt said."At least for this calendar month. And I 'm sure they 've got Wolfsbane this month."

Albus nodded. It was going to be a undecomposed full moon for everyone involved.
***


Albus, mat, and John managed to get their essays done in time and turned in on Thursday. The wide moon was relatively normal, as replete moons go, without any composition of werewolf tone-beginning. matte wound up in the infirmary wing for two fully Clarence Day, having resorted to chewing on himself since the wolf no longer had the beguilement of Johnny Reb outside. But Albus had a tone lustrelessness preferred it that way. Greyback 's presence was just too creepy and too unknown.

A few days after the fully moon Henry James returned to the commons room fuming. Albus raised his eyebrows at his brother as he straightened a pile of career pamphlets that had once again appeared on the common way tables.

Epistle of James stomped over to Albus 's board, pulled up a electric chair, and squeezed himself between Albus and lusterlessness."life history advice,"he muttered.

"Did you just possess it ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, with Longbottom,"James River said."Neville always seemed so overnice when we were trivial and even in category he 's easily the best professor here. But for life history advice ? He 's awful !"

"Well, what did you speak about ?"

"Careers."

Rose snorted."Obviously."

"He wants me to break up something now. I do n't know what I want to do with my life sentence. I 'm only sixteen for God 's sake !"

"I think you have to nibble something so you can pick your N.E.W.T. classes next twelvemonth,"rosebush explained."Otherwise the teachers do n't know what to put you in."

"I know that,"James snapped."But I do n't want to do anything that 's going to take loads of N.E.W.T.s. I want to play Quidditch."

pink wine laughed."He did n't like that ?"

"No,"James muttered."So I told him about Georgia. And then he said that it 's not very common to be drafted by a professional squad and that even Peach State had a back-up program. That 's tidings to me. As far as I know she 's wanted to play Quidditch her totally life."

"She was going to design heather,"blush wine said."Still might, after she 's done with Quidditch. Why do n't you do that ?"

"Neville suggested it. But it requires Arithmancy most of the sentence and I have n't even done O.W.L. Arithmancy. I just want to submit the bare minimum of N.E.W.T.s and get done with it."

"And of path Neville did n't like that,"Rose said."Honestly, James IV, just pick something."

"But I ca n't !"James River said as he picked up a stack of folder."Look at these. hob Liaison, Gringott 's counterfeit Coin checker, security department round Trainer. They 're all all in boring."

"There 's loads of jobs in the Ministry and St. Mungo 's,"rose wine said.

James I snorted."No one would want me as their Healer."

Albus had to consort with that. James had about the Same power to rivet as a troll."Hey, you could train security trolls."

"I said that 's boring. And I do n't require to work for the Ministry. Not now that Laurentis has won. Just you lot hold back. You 'll ingest to go through this next year."

"I already know what I want to do,"Rose said."I 'm going to be a Healer, specializing in psychiatry."

"Of course you do,"James muttered.

"If it makes you finger better, mate, I 've no idea what I want to do,"John said.

"Me either,"Kaden agreed.

"You 're a third year,"James said flatly."It does n't matter that you do n't make love what you want to do. What about you, Al ?"

Albus shrugged. He had n't thought much about careers since the previous twelvemonth when Balladanis told him he could be a Presuler. The idea was very tempt, but he did n't require to tell anyone else about it.

"I suppose it does n't matter. The N.E.W.T.s I take are going to reckon on which O.W.L.s I actually pass."

"If you 'd give up complaining and start studying you 'd pass by more of them,"Rose pointed out.

"I suppose you 're right,"James said as he stood up."supposition I 'll go to the library."

"Jesse James, wait !"Rose shouted as James neared the portrait kettle of fish."Forgetting anything ?"

William James glanced down."Oh, right. Books."

James River ran up to his dormitory room and returned with his bag a hour later. Grinning at Albus and the others, he left the common room.

"I swear, I 'm not sure how we 're related,"Rose muttered.

"You 're telling me,"Albus replied."You 're still set on the Healer thing ?"

"More than ever,"blush wine said."It is Weird, knowing exactly what I want to do this early."

"You 're like my sister,"matt pointed out."You two really are alike. It 's form of weird."

"I like your sister,"pink wine said."So I 'll take that as a compliment. What about you ? Do you know what you want to do ?"

Matt laughed and picked up the Gringott 's pamphlet."Considering that wolfman are n't going to be changed from Beasts to Beings anytime soon, I do n't intend I 'm going to take in many selection to pick from."

"You never know,"Rose said."Who knows what will happen between now and when we graduate. Things could change."

"Still, it 's doubtful,"Matt said, turning to Amanda."Amanda ? You were awfully quiet when James River was here."

"It 's hard not to be. He 's rather flash himself. I 'm not for certain. I think I want to do something in the Ministry, though. I want to cook a difference."

"Excellent,"Matt said."You can alter everyone 's judgement about changing the werewolf classification."

Amanda smiled."You never know. It 's crossed my mind a few times."

"I just want to brew potions for a living,"Kaden announced as he leafed through the pamphlets.

"You 're mad,"lav said."You seem so pattern, otherwise. But seriously, nonentity enjoys potions."

"You can do that,"Matt said."You can become a Brewer. My Sister 's doing that along with her Healing degree."

Kaden 's eyes grew enceinte."wait, really ? That 's a real life history ?"

matte nodded."Not everyone can brew potions, so they need hoi polloi to brew them for them. You can work at St. Mungo 's and brew healing potions or you could turn for a society and brew potions to sell."

"sort of like a druggist, I suppose,"Amanda replied.

"Exactly,"rosiness said.

"Brilliant."Kaden grinned."Epistle of James will hate me now. third gear yr and I know what I 'm doing."

Albus laughed."You could change your mind."

Kaden shrugged."I suppose so."

Albus did n't really want to intend about what they would do after Hogwarts. It was three years away. He 'd rather enjoy the lay out, but Rose had always been the person to front to the future. She fantasized about their Hogwarts daytime when they were only six and now, she was fantasizing about what they 'd do after. Albus had never been the character to do that. There would be plenty of meter for the future in the future.


A/N : Thanks for all the inspection ! For those of you who read Beyond the Shadow, it made it through to the voting rung of the Dobbys ! capitulum over to the forums to vote for it. It was nominated in the Best OC category.


April went by quickly, as it usually did. The weather turned from chili and windy to warm and rainy, resulting in more than one muddy Quidditch praxis. Albus did n't take care the mud as much as he minded the length of the practices. Both Fred and Heather seemed determined to win the Quidditch Cup now that it was their seventh twelvemonth. They had n't won it yet, in all their eld at Hogwarts. Albus wanted to win, too, but not enough that he enjoyed practicing for five hours straight.

When he was n't on the pitch, near of Albus 's time was spent at dueling practice. The final lucifer of the year was on the last Sabbatum in April and Albus 's team was still in the track for a win of the entire tournament. They had n't won a 1 couple, but they were routinely in second place by only a few points. The squad that had gotten foremost place never did that well in former tournament, resulting in their overall point total being quite low.

When the conclusion Saturday in Apr arrived, far sooner than Albus would 've liked, he found himself incredibly anxious. He was n't nervous at all about his duels, but he was nervous for the squad. This was it. It was his last tournament in the Junior Dueling tournament. His lastly chance to prove himself as captain and gain a spot on Gryffindor 's dueling team future year.

All four captains of the house dueling teams were present at this tournament because they would be hand selecting players for their squad next twelvemonth. Unlike Quidditch, there were no try-outs for the dueling tourney.

"live tournament being on Malfoy 's team,"Amanda commented as Malfoy dueled a lady friend from Ravenclaw.

"Thank God,"Albus muttered. He could n't wait until he no longer had Malfoy on his squad."At least he 's acting normally today."

"At least he showed up,"Amanda pointed out.

"gunpoint to Malfoy !"Neville shouted."Albus Potter and lusterlessness Eckerton."

Albus groaned inwardly. He always felt abominable when he had to duel flatness because their skill story were so drastically different. At the same prison term he did n't want to go easy on his booster because the Gryffindor squad maitre d' was watching.

Albus and flatness bowed to each other and raised their scepter. Albus thought a dumb apology as he shot a peach at his best friend. matt dodged it and sent one back. Albus threw up a shell and then sent three straight lulu. The third one made inter-group communication and Matt collapsed onto the level, frozen.

"degree to Potter !"Neville declared. He waved his verge at Matt and the spell lifted.

"Sorry, better half,"Albus said as he helped Matt up.

"Do n't be,"Matt replied."You 're definitely getting on the squad next year."

Albus won his second affaire d'honneur as well. His team continued to win about of their duel, with some of his teammates winning their low affaire d'honneur ever. Amanda had begun a tally of all the points on a spare part bit of lambskin and their team was winning, with only a few duel left to go.

Kaden wound up dueling one of the Ravenclaws from Albus 's team during the finish duel of the day. Kaden lost spectacularly, which Albus was both happy and upset about.

A few minute of arc later Neville stepped into the center of one of the dueling rings."I am proud of to announce that we have a victor of both today 's tournament and the yr 's tournament boilersuit. Congratulations to Team septet for winning both today and the tourney overall ! Captain Albus Potter, delight come forward to assume the trophy."

Albus was momentarily stunned, until Amanda nudged him. The stallion Great Hall was applauding as he stepped over to the dueling rings. They 'd done it ! After a year, they 'd finally done it !

Albus shook Neville 's hand while a Hufflepuff took their film. The trophy was a bit smaller than the Quidditch Cup, but certainly not small by any mean. After a few more pictures were taken, including one pellet of the entire team, Albus joined Amanda and the two of them walked back to the common room.

"When will you find out if you got on Gryffindor 's dueling squad ?"she asked as they walked.

"Not until the summer,"Albus said."They send out letters."

"You 're pretty practically guaranteed a topographic point, after that win,"Amanda said."Malfoy, too, probably. And then you 'll get to duel each other."

"I 'm looking forward to that,"Albus said."Just a bit."

"Me, too,"Amanda agreed.

Albus 's friends were waiting in the common room when he and Amanda arrived. They offered congratulations and Butterbeer, which Albus drank quickly before heading outside for Quidditch practice.

Later that night, between his felicity about the win and enervation from Quidditch practice, Albus slept good than he had in months.
***


In April 's last unexpended days the Daily seer published at least one clause a day on Laurentis and her forthcoming swearing-in observance, as well as her picks for top functionary. Albus had n't recognized any gens of the officials, or the names of their line. Mostly they were jobs such as the one his Uncle Hotspur held under diplomatic minister Hartwell. Laurenits, as it seemed, was waiting until she became Minister to reveal the big positions, such as Albus 's dad 's place.

The Gryffindor table was unusually quiet the cockcrow of May first. Albus, along with all his cousins, were n't saying a word. Albus was thinking of his uncle Percy and how this should 've been his day, not Laurentis 's, and he was indisputable his cousins were thinking the same.

"I wish one of us could go to her ceremony,"Amanda said as she read the seer."It 's not going to be the like reading about it tomorrow."

"I heard they 're listening to it on the radio receiver in politics today,"John said."Wish we had it today. That would be much better than having actual class."

"I just want to know if my dad 's out of a job,"Albus said.

"Will he be completely sacked ?"Kaden asked.

"No. He just would n't be school principal Auror anymore,"Albus answered."It 'd still be awful, though."

"Saami here,"Matt agreed."Amy said that Dad 's really nervous about it."

"What metre is it happening ?"Rose asked.

"Ten-thirty,"Amanda said after consulting the paper.

"Right after history of Magic,"rosebush mused."So you lot will suffer concern of Magical Creatures and I 'll have Arithmancy. Is anyone else thinking that we should check out Uncle George V 's best-selling mathematical product this forenoon ?"

Albus thought he heard her wrong. Was his cousin actually suggesting they skip class ?

"Wait, rosebush,"John said."Are you saying we should skive off course of instruction ?"

rose grinned."I think this is going to be a bit more educational. I say we skive and sports meeting in the Marauder 's Den to listen on the wireless."

"I 'm in,"Albus said immediately. John, Matt, Amanda, and Kaden agreed.

"We 've got to project it carefully, though,"blush wine said."We ca n't all get ill at the same fourth dimension or it 'll look suspicious."

"I 've got a free period starting at ten-fifteen,"Kaden said."So I 'm all set."

rosebush nodded."That leaves five of us. Matt, do you have an issue with skipping all of chronicle of Magic ?"

lustrelessness laughed."Of course not."

"goodness. I think you ought to just skive off without using a Skiving Snackbox. No one will suspect anything."

"Aw, why ca n't I do that ?"John asked.

"Because if someone finds out and asks it 'll be easier for Matt go just say he felt ill, rather than you. I 'll use a epistaxis nougat in Arithmancy since I 'm the only one of us in that course of study. Al, John Lackland, Amanda, two of you can use something in chronicle of Magic and then the early one can use something right at the source of Care of Magical puppet. We meet in the Marauder 's Den by ten-thirty."

With the design decided upon, they set off for their cockcrow grade. St. John begged to be the one who used a puking pastil first in History of Magic and Albus and Amanda let him. He seemed strangely excited about it. Albus was just going to use the fever fudge.

prof Binns began droning on about the giant star Wars, a topic he seemed to enjoy for some intellect. He taught it each and every year without fail. Albus doodled aimlessly on his bill while taking surreptitious glances at John every so often.

"Um, professor ?"St. John the Apostle announced ten instant into the class.

Binns turned around, looking confused. It was rare that anyone ever interrupted him."Yes, Mr. Broggs ?"

"I do n't feel well-"John was cut off by his own vomit. His table was now covered with a pile of puke.

"Yes, yes, off to the infirmary,"Binns said as he returned his attending to the blackboard.

John hastily shoved the other end of the Sweet into his backtalk and vanished the vomiting before grabbing his bag ( which he never unpacked ), and left the room.

Amanda was following. She, like Albus, went the rubber path and had decided upon the fever fudge. prof Binns hardly seemed to notice that she felt ill, despite her announcing it to the class. He just waved her out and continued his lecture. Albus could 've probably used his own fever fudge right then and there, but he did n't remember it was worth the lowly risk of exposure.

Albus decided to eat the febrility fudge on his way to Care of Magical brute so he could leave immediately after arriving. The predator 's Den was quite a walk from Hagrid 's hut and he did n't want to lose any of the ceremony.

He felt the outcome of the fudge before even reaching Hagrid 's Hut. He had n't had a febricity in years and had forgotten just how awful they were.

"Hagrid ?"Albus asked as soon as he arrived.

"Albus !"Hagrid exclaimed."How are yeh ?"

"Not good,"Albus answered."I feel ill."

Hagrid 's face fell."Yeh don'aspect so well. Better go see Madam Pomfrey."

Albus nodded and turned around, walking quickly up the track. Once he was out of view of Hagrid, he shoved the former half of the fever fudge into his mouthpiece and felt immediately better. He 'd done it !

By the time he arrived at the Marauder 's Den it was nearly ten-thirty. The residuum of his friends were already there, huddled around a very old looking wireless.

"Albus !"rose wine exclaimed."Nearly thought you would n't take it !"

"I practically ran here,"Albus said as he tossed his bag onto the base and took a arse next to his cousin.

"Shhh !"Amanda said."It 's starting !"

"Good morning, listeners. We are broadcasting live from Courtroom Ten in the Ministry of thaumaturgy, where just minutes from now Patricia Laurentis will be sworn in as minister of magic trick for the United realm. It is standing room only in the courtroom, with additional spectators in the corridor."

Suddenly there was thunderous applause, drowning out the commentator 's vocalisation. It died down a few hour later.

"Patricia Laurentis has entered the court. She is making her way down the aisle, greeting citizenry on her way.

"Minister Hartwell, along with members of the Wizengamot are seated on the dais. Three senior members of the Wizengamot will trust Laurentis in."

More hand clapping. Then a new spokesperson. Albus recognized it as Minister Hartwell.

"Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. It has been my pleasance to serve you over the preceding ten years. I 'd care to take a moment to thank my party, Merlinus, for their financial support over the past times decade, as well as all of my top functionary and the rest of the Ministry employees. I 'll keep this abruptly and just say that I am going to miss serving you, but I have to admit that both my wife and I are looking forward to taking a nice, long holiday."

laughter, followed by applause.

"Thank you, minister Hartwell,"individual else said. Albus assumed it was one of the Wizengamot members."Ms. Laurentis, if you would delight step forward."There was a pause."Please repeat after me. I do hereby aver to serve up the United Kingdom-"

"I do hereby affirm to process the United Kingdom-"

"-to the right of my ability-"

"-to the best of my ability-"

"-and keep to the ideals of the Paracelsus party-"

"-and keep to the nonsuch of the Paracelsus party-"

"I swear to take heed to the masses and do what is best for them-"

"I swear to listen to the citizenry and do what is best for them-"

"-regardless of whether it is best for myself or the Ministry."

"-regardless of whether it is best for myself or the Ministry."

"I hereby adjudge Patricia Laurentis as the one-third Minister of deception post-War as of the kickoff of May, 2020, at xi o'clock in the morning. Ms. Laurentis, felicitation. Please welcome your new rector of conjuring trick, Patricia Laurentis !"

There was a smattering of polite applause, much smooth than the previous applause for Hartwell. Albus supposed it was a good occasion and no one wanted to seem too ecstatic.

"That was spry,"Albus said.

"She 's going to make a speech now,"rosiness said."Shhh."

"Thank you,"Laurentis said as the clapping died down."It is an honor to be standing before you as your Minister of Magic. I would like to get down by thanking the Paracelsus party for nominating me as campaigner and supporting me throughout my successful campaign-"

"doe she really need to say it was a successful drive ?"trick asked."I mean, it 's obvious that it was successful."

"Shut up !"rose said.

"-without your support I would never take in made it this far. I hope I am able-bodied to live up to the high expected value set by you and Minister Hartwell. I am trusted you are all anxious to take heed who I am appointing to Head of Department berth in the Ministry, so I wo n't waste any time getting to that."

Albus 's heart sped up. He glanced up and met mat 's gaze. Matt looked just as spooky as Albus felt.

"low gear, the section of Magical Law Enforcement. I am please to announce that Aplysia Balladanis will be taking over for former capitulum, Reena Barnes."

"What ? !"Albus exclaimed."Did I hear her right wing ?"

"Balladanis ?"Rose shouted at the like time."But he did n't even like the Ministry, did he ?"

"He said it was too restrictive,"Albus said."I guess he likes Laurentis."

lustrelessness groaned."That means he 's going to be around all the time. Not here, but this country."

"I definitely did n't see that one coming,"whoremonger said.

"Laurentis, Balladanis, Malfoy 's dad ..."Amanda mused.

"Shh !"Albus said."I heard her say Auror Department."

"-Robert Johnson will be replacing Harry Potter as school principal of the Auror Department-"

There was an audible pant from the audience. Albus sat stunned, processing the information. Part of him had been expecting this, but now that it had actually happened, it was still a jounce. It was very alike to the election results.

"I understand that this is a controversial choice, but I feel that the Ministry needs to be a united front end. I assure you that Robert President Johnson is an excellent Auror and will make a wonderful pass of Department."

Albus tuned the wireless out once Laurentis went on to the Department of Magical fare. He could find out his center pounding in his head and the rest of the world seemed so far away. It was almost surreal.

"Albus ?"Rose asked."Are you all right ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus said."She 's insane, right ?"

"Honestly, Albus, I 'm not surprised,"Rose said quietly."And your dad still has a job."

"But it 's the statement she made by doing it,"Amanda pointed out."She 's implying that he 's bad at his job."

"Exactly,"Albus said, glad that Amanda was able to put into discussion what he felt."first gear Uncle Walker Percy lost and now this."

"-Walter Eckerton will remain Head of the section for the Regulation and dominance of Magical Creatures-"

"Thank God !"lustrelessness exclaimed.

"goodness,"Albus said."At to the lowest degree there 's individual sane still in a Head position."

Albus only paid vague aid to the rest of the proclamation. He did n't recognize anyone, except for Malfoy 's dad when Laurentis reiterated that appointment. One thing was crystalise by the end, and that was no one in Albus 's family was in any of the brain positions.

rosebush switched the wireless off at the end of Laurentis 's speech. The champion doing the broadcast was interviewing a few people, but they were n't anyone of majuscule importance.

"Do you want to go to lunch ?"rosiness asked after a few minutes.

"Yeah, I suppose so,"Albus said as he stood up.

It was clear that Holy Writ had spread when Albus and his friends reached the Great hallway. Whichever class had had politics during the delivery must 've shared the news with the total palace, because everyone stared at Albus as he walked in. He did n't arrive at eye contact with anyone and made a beeline for the Gryffindor mesa, where he sat down next to James.

"So you heard,"James said quietly.

"I skived off class to heed resilient,"Albus explained."She wants a united ministry. What a freight of dragon dung."

"This is bad,"James said."This is really bad."

"She 's replaced more official than any parson, ever,"blush wine commented."She only kept three."

"I still have no theme why she kept my dad,"Matt replied."I mean, I 'm glad she did, but it does n't make any sense."

"Nothing she 's doing makes a bit of signified,"Albus muttered."But I guess masses must care her. She got elected."

"But now that she 's elected she can constitute who she wants,"Amanda said."I do n't think anyone actually thought she 'd replace your dad. I 've only been in the wizarding universe for four years and even I know that everyone loves your dad."

That 's what Albus had always thought, too. He hated the fact that he was always in the public eye because of it, but it was a constant quantity. It was normal for him. Now, he did n't know what to think.

"Look,"Amanda said as she pointed to the faculty table."I do n't think the instructor expected it, either."

Albus glanced up. Every single professor was abstruse in conversation, some even ignoring their solid food. Neville in particular looked stunned and disquieted. None of them looked happy.

Albus 's own scale was still empty and he had no desire to fill it. For as long as he could remember his dad had been pass of the Auror department, a job that he loved. Being the man who defeated Voldemort had given him an aura of being the ultimate Auror, something that had stayed with him for over xx years. Now, so many years later, it seemed to Albus that it was wearing off.

It was May first, 2020, almost exactly 23 age after his dad had defeated Voldemort. Albus thought it was slightly dry that this had happened almost to the day, 23 years later.

Albus looked around at his colleague Gryffindors. He knew that more than a few of them had voted for Laurentis, and therefore most probable supported her decision to supercede his dad as Head of the Auror Department. Not everyone was talking in whispers, with worried expressions. A few group were laughing, like they did n't give birth a care in the world. Either they just did n't give care about Laurentis 's determination, or they supported it. The persuasion was very unsettle. Laurentis herself was unsettling to Albus, and the more he thought about it, the more he did n't like that she was now the parson of Magic. He did n't care it at all.


A/N : Thanks for all the adorable follow-up !


The following week brought a raft of clause stating and re-stating everything Laurentis said in that first speech. A leaning of the new Ministry officials was printed multiple times. Albus found the column more interesting than the actual articles, mostly because there were quite a few proclaiming how pudding head it was of Laurentis to sack Harry Potter. However, it was n't until nearly a workweek after Laurentis officiall became minister that an article completely captured Albus 's care was published.

DEMENTORS TO return TO AZKABAN ;
HOGWARTS TO SEE modification

Newly elected pastor of conjuration
Patricia Laurentis officially signed
the law that will bestow Azkaban back
under the restraint of the dementors
late last night. Laurentis hopes
to have the dementors back by late
succeeding week. 'This has been a goal
of mine for years and I am very
happy that it is finally happening.
The wizarding universe will be far
safer now that our criminals will
be guarded once more by dementors .'

Bringing the dementors back to Azkaban
is the first of many modification the new
pastor will be enacting over the
next few hebdomad. Laurentis 's next
plan is to enact changes at Hogwarts.
'Over the next few workweek I will be
sending instance from the
department of Magical Education to
observe each prof. Each
professor will be required to reconcile
their program to the congressman
as well .'Professors planning on
retiring at the end of this year
will be exempt from this prerequisite,
as no changes will take home before
the end of term.

"wellspring, she 's done it,"Albus said as he set the clause down."A week from now Azkaban will have dementors."

"Mad,"Amanda muttered."She 's mad !"

"And she 's sending people to observe the instructor,"Albus said.

Amanda grabbed the article from Albus and scanned it quickly."Are any of them retiring ?"

"I did n't think so,"Albus said."But a few of them are quite old."

As if on cue, Professor Kendrick stood up."May I have your attention ? Thank you. nigh of you, I am sure, have read the Prophet. Over the adjacent few hebdomad every professor will be observed during one of his or her course. I ask you all to ignore the congresswoman and go about class as if they were n't there. That is how the Ministry will best get an savvy of how matter work at Hogwarts. Now, Professor Slughorn has an announcement to make."

professor Slughorn stood, although he was so short that it hardly made a remainder. He looked a bit unquiet and Albus got the feeling that he rarely ever addressed the intact scholar dead body at once.

"Yes, thank you, professor Kendrick,"Slughorn said."I just wanted to tell you all at once that I am going to retire at the end of term. I 've enjoyed my time at Hogwarts, but it 's highschool time I retire for good."

"Ten Galleons says he decided to retire after finding out he had to put forward his course of study to the Ministry,"Rose whispered after Slughorn sat back down.

"I 'm sure you 're right,"Albus agreed."Dad said he did n't even want to arrive back when our parents were in school."

"What about Whitney Young ?"Kaden asked."He doesn't even have a curriculum."

Albus burst out laughing."I had n't even thought of that. Bet he gets sacked."

"So that 'll be two new professor next twelvemonth,"John the Divine said.

rosebush groaned."And in our O.W.L. year, too."

"Do n't say that word !"James, who was sitting about five seating area down from Rose, shouted.

rose wine raised her brow."What word ?"

"O.W.L,"James said with a shudder."They 're only a month away."

"Guess you should 've started studying earlier,"pink wine said.

"Shut up,"James II muttered.

James was n't the sole one to make forgotten about O.W.L.s amidst all the election tidings. There seemed to be more delirious studying than usual, and not just from the twenty percent and seventh years. The entire castle had neglected to consider for their end-of-term exams. Later that Nox Albus, John, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden joined the concourse of people vying for tabular array in the program library in order to bone up in as much studying as possible. flatness could n't join them, as it was the to the full moon.

However, Albus had a hard time concentrating. His every thought was focused on the dementors in Azkaban or his dad 's job or the Ministry representatives at Hogwarts. rose wine, Amanda, and even Kaden were focusing on their perusal. John was playing with his quill. Suddenly, he stood up.

"Kaden ?"he asked."Think now would be a right metre ?"

Kaden grinned, setting down his record."Yeah, I think so."

"We 'll see you lot later,"lavatory said as Kaden got up."Do n't ask."

"That was weird,"Rose said once the two boys left.

"It 's probably their prank,"Albus pointed out.

Rose groaned."They 're right. I do n't want to know."

Albus had assumed that this would be a buffoonery that would make itself known right away, as nearly of John and Kaden 's frivolity worked that way. But by the side by side morning affair seemed perfectly fine at Hogwarts. The Slytherins'hair was still formula gloss and everything seemed calm and hush. Saint John and Kaden kept grinning at each other, so Albus was surely they 'd done something.

It took another full day for affair to piece up. Albus first noticed it at breakfast, when some of the Slytherins seemed a bit unsettled. They were squirming in their can and did n't look able to sit still. But it was only a few of them.

Albus raised his eyebrows questioningly at trick and Kaden.

"Should we tell him ?"John asked.

"Oh, I suppose now we could,"Kaden said as he leaned over to Albus."Itching powder in their laundry. The house-elves are very helpful with pranks."

Albus started laughing."Seriously ?"

Kaden nodded."Completely untraceable and the event wo n't all amount at once. It all depends on when they send their laundry out."

"That 's genius,"Albus said. John Lackland and Kaden 's clowning were most definitely improving over the age.

"What 's genius ?"

Albus looked up from his breakfast to see lustrelessness nudging a first year over so that he could sit down in future to John.

"madam Pomfrey let you out ?"Albus asked.

mat nodded."Yeah, I think she wanted me to stay longer, but I told her I needed to meditate. Why are these two ace ?"

"We did our japery on the Slytherins,"John explained and then lowered his voice."Itching powder in their wash. The house-elves helped."

"Okay, that is middling awe-inspiring,"Matt said."You wo n't get caught, either."

"Nope, it 's not likely,"John the Divine said."So, what should we do today ?"

"Study."

Albus looked up once more and saw that this time blush wine and Amanda had appeared, both heavily ladened down with books and mess of parchment. They wore very looks of determination.

"You 're all studying. All day,"Rose continued."Exams are in a calendar month and none of us are prepared. The election happened, it sucked, but it 's over. nada can be done. Albus, you 've been moping about your dad 's job for a hebdomad. John, Kaden, I 'm determined that you do well this yr. Matt, the full phase of the moon moon is over. All four of you are studying from now until exams."

"Aw, blush wine, c'mon-"

"No,"pink wine said."Studying. All of you. Amanda and I are going to get a table in the library and we expect all of you there in 15 minutes."

blush wine and Amanda left in a flourish of parchment and Bible, leaving Albus and the former male child to stare at each early open-mouthed. Albus knew his cousin was very academic and placed a high time value on her own education, but never before had she staged an treatment for his studying.

"She 's lost her head,"John said."If she 's like this now, what will go on next year for O.W.L.s ?"

"Do n't say that Christian Bible !"James shouted from down the table.

"I suppose we have n't got a option, do we ?"Matt asked as he shoved his eggs into his backtalk."Damn, I only just got back."

That was dead on target, Albus thought. He and his admirer quickly finished their breakfast and hurried up to the library, realizing once they arrived that they did n't get any of their rule book. They ran up to their dormitories to retrieve them and made it to the library five mo later than Rose insisted they be there.

Rose and Amanda had shoved two tables together and had spread all their record out over them. brothel keeper Pince was sitting behind the circulation desk, looking at them curiously, as if she could not remember a sentence mortal had frequented the library that early. The rest of the tables were deserted.

"What 's with the superfluous chairman ?"Albus asked as he dumped his books onto the table."There 's only six of us."

"Oh, that 's for Elsie,"rose wine said as she set sheepskin down at each seat.

"As in Elsie Willinson ?"Albus replied.

"Yes, that 's the lonesome Elsie we know,"Rose said."She needs aid poring over and I 'm her tutor."

"But she 's Felix Willinson 's sister,"John pointed out.

"And she needs help, John,"Rose said with a sigh."I 've been tutoring her all class and I 'm not going to intercept now."

matt nudged lavatory."It 's not a bad affair. Maybe she 'll tell us what her crony and Malfoy have been up to all year."

Albus had n't thought of that. Of course of instruction, Rose had n't had any chance getting Elsie to verbalise all twelvemonth, so chances were slim that he and the other boys would have success.

"Honestly, you lot are far too focused on Malfoy,"Rose said."You 've hardly studied all twelvemonth. Just sit down and set out reviewing Transfiguration Day. I 've made report pathfinder for every subject. You should bear them at your spots."

Albus picked a seat and sat down. Rose was organized to the full point of insanity. There were in fact study pathfinder for every subject, organized chronologically, from September until May. Albus was suddenly very grateful for his full cousin, despite her obvious insanity. This was going to attain studying so much easier.

"Wow, thanks Rose,"Albus said. The rest of the group muttered their concord.

Rose smiled."See ? It was a good idea. Now, we 'll examine until lunch and then have a break."

Lunch was about two hours away. That was n't too bad. Albus opened his Transfiguration book and settled in with that and the report guide. It took him about a half hour to work through distractions, but soon his intellect was only focused on Transfiguration.

Around him, the depository library quickly filled up. fifth and 7th class seemed the most excited about finding tables and searching the stacks, but scholar from every year and every house were submit. gentlewoman Pince spent the daybreak weaving throughout the table and looking over everyone 's articulatio humeri to get for sure they were working on school work. With exam so near, the library was now closed to everyone who was n't going to retool.

Elsie Willinson showed up a little after eleven. Albus watched as she tentatively made her way over to the table, clearly unsure of studying with so many citizenry. Albus was struck again by how similar she looked to Felix. It always form of diverted Albus when sib looked so alike, since he did n't really resemble either of his siblings. But Felix and Elsie Willinson were incredibly similar in looks.

Once Rose noticed Elsie, she immediately stood up and beckoned the starting time year over. Elsie seemed less nervous now that rosiness knew she was there, but she still avoided eye contact as she sat down and pulled her Word of God out of her bag. rosiness whispered something in her ear and she began reading her charm ledger.

Albus sighed and returned to his own employment. Getting Elsie Willinson to speak was going to be much more difficult than he thought.
***


blush wine 's revision Roger Sessions continued throughout the month of May. Albus did n't wish to admit it out gimcrack, but they were incredibly helpful and he was n't certainly he would run his exams if it were n't for blush wine. As the calendar month progressed, the sessions grew both in length and the number of participant. By the end of the commencement week their sketch group had grown to let in James, Ben, Cedric, and their friend Nathan, who all now feared failing their O.W.L.s.

Albus and James missed a few sessions for Quidditch practice, but as the Quidditch final John Drew closer, both of them agreed that Quidditch was just as significant as studying. Bradley and Calluna vulgaris were becoming more than and more anxious about the final, since it would determine whether Gryffindor won the Quidditch Cup. They were currently only a few full stop behind Ravenclaw and if they pulled off a win in the final, they would most probable win the cup as well.

The compeer took stead a workweek before O.W.L.s were scheduled to commence and Albus awoke more anxious than he had been for a Quidditch equal in ages. The match itself was going to be bittersweet since it would be the last fourth dimension he played with Heather and Fred as the other chaser on Gryffindor 's squad. Next year he 'd have two new Chasers and that was going to be incredibly strange.

Albus headed down to breakfast before his Quaker and encountered a few particularly itchy Slytherins on his way. Giggling to himself and enjoying the fact that Saint John and Kaden 's trick was still going on, calendar week later, he entered the Great dorm. On his way to the Gryffindor table, he was distracted by the batch of Malfoy, speaking with Felix Willinson, while carrying an overnight bag.

deciding that breakfast could wait, Albus crept over to the Slytherin board and attempted to crouch down behind a few seventh years. Unfortunately the Great Hall was too loud for proper eavesdropping, and Albus made a vow to always let an extendible Ear on his person from now on.

Malfoy stepped away from Felix Willinson and turned, allowing Albus to look at his face. He looked terrible. His eyes were red and it looked like he had n't slept in days. Very strange, Albus thought, as he rose to follow Malfoy out of the room.

Once in the entranceway hall, Malfoy immediately ran up the staircase, going far too fast for Albus to pursue. Albus stood following to the door to the Great Hall thinking about what Malfoy 's actions meant.

He was clearly upset about something, but what was it ? The overnight bag implied that he was going to be leaving the rook, but why ? Albus thought back to the dueling tournament that Malfoy missed. The two incidents must be connected, and it was quite possible that the letter of the alphabet Albus and Amanda saw Malfoy reading month ago was connected as well.

Albus did n't mention Malfoy to his friends when they came down to breakfast a few minutes later. As much as Albus wanted to discuss it with them, he knew that he needed to put it out of his mind for the duration of the mates. If there was ever a friction match for Albus not to be distracted, this was it.

The boldness on the team were tangible as they stood waiting to take the air onto the auction pitch. Fred did n't even grant a speech, since everyone knew how important the match was, both to Fred and Heather.

Ravenclaw had a respectable Quidditch team. They were easily the better squad in the school, although most Gryffindors would disagree. But the Gryffindor team was determined in this match, causing them to encounter fiercer than ever before.

Albus flew faster than he ever had before. He, Fred, and Heather had always worked very well together, but during this equal it almost seemed like they were one entity, sharing one brain. Albus 's entire psyche was focused on Quidditch and Quidditch only. Gone were the thoughts of his dad 's job, Laurentis, and Malfoy.

The mates only lasted an hr. Albus had n't even realized that Saint James caught the Snitch until the whistle was blown. Gryffindor won 420-260, their best win yet that year.

"We did it !"Fred shouted as he landed."We 've won the Cup !"

Albus could n't even hear the comment over the thundery applause of the spectators. professor Longbottom was holding the Quidditch Cup high over his head and was making his way through the crowd to Fred. Fred took the Cup and held it out to broom. Each held one side and raised it up. The Gryffindors were storming the pitch and Albus was sept up in the crowd, making it difficult to reach his team. Once he did, soul snapped their picture.

Albus was the happy he 'd felt in calendar week, ever since his team won the Dueling Tournament. It was his third year on the Quidditch team and they finally won the Cup. But he was even more glad for Fred and Heather than he was for himself since they 'd both been on the team since their second year and had never won the Cup.

Heather had tear streaming down her face and Fred was grinning encompassing than Albus had ever seen him. While neither of them were pursuing a calling in Quidditch, Quidditch had been their life sentence for the by six class. Winning the Cup in their seventh twelvemonth seemed more poignant than it would experience winning it any early year. Albus hoped that Gryffindor 's team was still as good as it was now when he got to 7th year. Winning again in his terminal year would be the skillful belief in the human race.
***


"Malfoy really did impart the castle,"Amanda announced at breakfast the succeeding day.

"How did you find that out ?"Albus asked.

"Weirdly enough, Moaning Myrtle."

"How would she know ?"

"I 've no idea,"Amanda said as she grabbed a few slicing of toast."I did n't ask."

"Well, I just found out why he left,"rose wine said as she set down the seer."His grandfather passed away."

"As in Lucius Malfoy ?"Albus said, taking the paper."The ex-Death eater ?"

"One in the same,"blush wine said."His obituary is in there."

"Why were you reading the obit ?"Matt asked.

"I was n't trying to. I was flipping through and happened to see it. It says he 's been ill for a spell,"Rose explained.

"That explains why he 's been acting so odd all yr,"Amanda said.

"And that howler he got months ago,"Kaden added.

Albus glanced at the necrology but did n't take it. As much as he disliked Malfoy, he could n't facilitate but feel drab for him. Albus could n't imagine what it would be like to misplace his grandfather, and despite Lucius Malfoy 's obvious faults, he was still Scorpio 's grandfather.

"I feel sort of bad for yelling at him about skipping that dueling tournament,"Albus muttered.

"You did n't get it on,"John said."And it 's not like he explained."

"Is n't anyone else a bit taken up with the fact that Moaning myrtle knew about him leaving the castle ?"Matt asked."She never leaves her loo. We saw Malfoy going into her loo a few hebdomad ago. Does n't that seem a bit too coincidental ?"

"You think he 's pay off chummy with Moaning myrtle ?"Albus asked.

matt shrugged."It looks like he has. Why else would she know about it ?"

"But why would he go into a young woman 's loo ?"John asked, wrinkling his nose."That 's just all-fired insane."

"auditory sensation like we need to pay a visit to Vinca minor,"Albus said.

Rose groaned."Really, Al ? He just lost his granddad for God 's sake."

"We 're not going to disoblige Malfoy,"Albus said."We 're just going to talk to Myrtle."

"numeration me out,"Rose said, shaking her principal.

"But you 're a daughter,"Albus pointed out."You could get in there so much well-off. Amanda ?"

"Sorry, Albus, but I 've really got to study,"Amanda said.

"We 'll go at dark, then,"Albus decided."John, Kaden, flatness ? Which of you is going with me ?"

"Not me,"lustrelessness said immediately.

"I 'll go,"toilet said.

"You 're both mad,"Rose said quietly."Mad."

Albus may stimulate been mad, but he could n't let this enigma go. His gut was telling him that Malfoy was up to something, despite his grandfather 's passing, and Albus was determined to find out what it was.


A/N : Sorry that the update is a day late ! I was really busy yesterday and did n't have a probability to update. Thanks for all the adorable reassessment ! I am very behind on answering them, but I 'll finish eventually !


The plan to spill to myrtle in the dead of Nox may have been a program that belonged solely to Albus and lav, but pink wine still had somewhat of a say over when it happened. examination were now only a week away and pink wine was only giving them one night off, for eternal sleep and clearing stress from the mind. Neither Albus or toilet dared hybridizing rose wine and skitter out on revision, which took office in the library until curfew and then in the coarse room until they all went to bed.

Their one night off occurred the night before their first exam. O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s had been going on for a fully workweek, but none of the fifth or seventh years were taking any Nox off, including James. Despite Rose 's insistence that he exact a night off, James insisted upon studying. It was quite a switch.

Albus and John spent the evening playing chess with Kaden. Matt had turned in early, still tired from the full moon, which had taken property two daylight earlier. rose wine and Amanda had disappeared into their dormitory, clearly set upon having some time away from the boys.

The common room emptied as the night progressed, and eventually John and Albus were the simply one left. It had n't taken long since to the highest degree people went to bed early because of exams. It was probably fairly pudden-head of Albus and whoremaster to detain up so late, but neither of them cared.

They waited an additional fifteen minutes in case person decided to yield to the common way, but no one did. Albus glanced at John and then pulled the invisibleness Cloak and the Marauder 's Map out of his bag. He carefully unfolded the map and set it out on the table. The coast was clear.

Albus and John stumbled out of the portraiture pickle and once they righted themselves, Albus threw the Cloak over them, under the Fat Lady 's strict gaze.

"Do n't expect me to let you in when you return,"she said."I 'm quite a exhausted."

The Fat Lady was always threatening this but she never seemed to urinate practiced on any of her scourge. Ignoring her, Albus and Gospel According to John set off along the corridor. John the Evangelist led the way while Albus kept his eyes glued to the Map, but the corridors remained empty. It seemed everyone, both pupil and professor, were getting a good nighttime 's rest before exams. Everyone that is, except for Albus and John.

Moaning Vinca minor was the only occupier of the endorsement level daughter 's lavatory. bathroom quietly pushed the door opened and Albus followed him in. Once inside, Albus pulled the Cloak off and held it under is right arm.

"myrtle ?"John shouted as he stepped into the room.

A splashing sound came from the last carrel and then Vinca minor 's ghostly manikin floated through the closed in stall door."Boys ? Why do n't you go use your own-"Myrtle cut herself off with a giggle. She floated toward Albus and King John and rested on the sinks."Oh, it 's you. Albus Potter. And his friend John Lackland. Where 's mat ? I rather fancy him ...."

"He, er, was n't feeling well,"Albus said, hoping that Matt 's absence would n't put Myrtle off from talking to them.

On the adverse, Vinca minor 's face lit up."Oh my ! I 've been feeling rather awful today myself. It 's a side result of dying, you know."

Albus did n't cogitate dying had any incline consequence former than dying and had always assumed being a ghost would n't be terrible, but Myrtle was very odd.

"But why are you here ?"Myrtle asked."You never visit me unless you 're in detention. It 's rather let down. No one ever thinks to confab pitiable Myrtle. Oh, Myrtle 's abruptly, they think, so she does n't take any visitors. Vinca minor does n't need any supporter ! All because she 's utter !"

"No, Myrtle, that is n't it at all,"Albus said quickly."It 's just, you live in a girl 's loo. We can only visit you now, in the middle of the night."

myrtle let out a loud sigh."I suppose. You are n't the only son who talk to me, you know. Some of them even dare come during the day. I suppose they 're a bit braver than you are, which is odd since they are n't Gryffindors."

Albus glanced at John the Divine. Maybe this was going to be light than he thought. Myrtle probably did n't throw any loyalties to Scorpius Malfoy.

"Which boys ?"Albus asked carefully, taking a step closer to myrtle.

"I only know one of their gens,"Myrtle said with a giggle."I know his epithet because his forefather used to derive and lecture to me when he was in schooling. But his son is n't quite as blabby and he did n't seem to care at all about me or my decease. He only wanted to know about the Chamber of Secrets-"

"The Chamber of Secrets ?"Albus exclaimed."Scorpius Malfoy wanted to acknowledge about the Chamber of mystery ?"

Myrtle brightened."Oh, you know him, too ! Yes, he did. He wanted to know exactly where the entrance was. He 'd already done quite a bit of research on it in the library. Rather odd, I thought, for a Slytherin, spending so much time in the depository library, but not in a bad way. But yes, he came in and asked me about the Chamber and I told him about my death and he did n't quite understand the connection at first. So I showed him the entrance and told him that he had to address like a snake in the grass to get in but he could n't figure it out."

"He tried to verbalize Parseltongue ?"Albus asked.

myrtle nodded."Sounded awful. Your dad was much better at it. Even that freckled boy managed to calculate it out during the Battle of Hogwarts, but Scorpio Malfoy was truly dreadful at it. That 's when I met the former boy. Scorpius left and came back a few years later with this early boy. He showed him the ingress and then they started talking about this miss named Elsie and the other boy thought that she would be able to open the Chamber."

"And when was this ?"Albus asked. The other boy must take in been Felix Willinson.

"Two week ago, maybe ?"Vinca minor said."Do you have intercourse why he wanted to get into the chamber of Secrets ? He refused to secern me."

"No,"Albus said, shaking his headland."We want to know, too."

"Well,"Myrtle began as she floated up to the ceiling."Please tell me when you find out. And succeeding clock time, take a leak sure that mat comes to visit, too."

"Er, sure enough,"Albus muttered."Is there anything else you know about Malfoy ?"

"No,"Myrtle said."You 're going to allow now, are n't you ?"

"Yeah,"Albus said."Exams tomorrow."

Albus threw the Cloak back over himself and whoremonger and they left. On the way back Albus explained the Chamber of arcanum to John, who only knew the piazza by name. By the time they returned to the common room John was just as shocked as Albus was about why Malfoy seemed to desire to get into the sleeping room of Secrets.

"Do you think Elsie Willinson can speak Parseltongue ?"bathroom asked as they climbed through the portrait fix ( the Fat Lady had not refused them entry ).

"I do n't recognise,"Albus said."It 's very rarified. I think we 're going to deliver to ask Rose."

"Bet she 'll love that, in the middle of exam,"John said with a laugh.
***


"Of course I have no idea if Elsie Willinson is a Parselmouth !"Rose exclaimed the next day during their lunch break in between test. Albus had just finished explaining what Myrtle had told them last Nox, as well as explaining the Chamber of Secrets for Matt, Amanda, and Kaden 's sake.

"Are you indisputable she has n't mentioned anything ?"Albus pressed.

"Positive ! And honestly, Albus, you need to get this out of your mind. It 's exam week. It 's not the time to be focusing on Malfoy. Whatever he does, it really does n't affect you."

Albus knew that, but it did n't do a affair for his curiosity. The fact remained that Malfoy was acting oddly, and if Felix Willinson was involved, it could n't be anything in force.

"They 're up to something, pink wine,"Albus said."I 'm telling you."

Rose groaned."Albus, I do n't care."

"Oi, Albus !"Henry James shouted as he jogged over to Albus 's seat."Did you see the Prophet this morning ?"

"No,"Albus replied. He, matt, and lavatory had both slept too late to let breakfast before their first exam.

Epistle of James slapped a written matter down on the table in front of Albus."That fella, Robert Johnson ? The one who took Dad 's space ? He 's revamped the full department, claiming that they 're going to have a 99 % capture rate."

"99 % ?"Albus repeated as he looked at the paper."That 's crazy."

JOHNSON REVAMPS AUROR DEPARTMENT

Newly appointed drumhead Auror, Robert
President Johnson, has spent the preceding month
revamping and reorganizing the Auror
section. LBJ has rewritten
rules and regulations for the department
as well as reorganized how Aurors
piece of work together. All Aurors have
attended workshops over the yesteryear calendar month
to familiarize themselves with the
new convention and policies.

'The Leslie Townes Hope is that we will be able to
capture criminals faster and easier ,'
Johnson said. 'The department has
been disorganized for age and this
has resulted in many criminals going
free for far longer than they should.
Between the new Auror Department policies
and the reinstatement of the dementors
in Azkaban, we should be able to capture
more criminals and keep them where they
belong- behind bars .'

While Johnson did not go into specific
of the policy and rules, stating that
these are sealed document, he assured
the wizarding public that they have
helped to streamline the department.
'With these new insurance policy I do n't see why
we should n't birth a 99 % capture rate
within a year .'

"What does that even mean, 99 % gaining control rate ?"Albus asked after setting the report down.

"No approximation,"James said."But I thought you 'd require to see it. I 've got to go. transfiguration practical this good afternoon and I need to practice."

"I wish they 'd say what the alteration actually were,"Albus said as his Brother left.

"They ca n't,"pink wine said."The newspaper publisher is right field about that."

"It 's not like the department was awful when Dad was in charge,"Albus continued."He captured Greyback, did n't he ?"

"I think Laurentis is crediting lusterlessness 's dad with that,"Rose commented."As much as it was both of them."

"That 's not fair,"flatness said.

"No, it 's not,"rosiness said as she glanced at her lookout."We 'd better get going. History of thaumaturgy exam."

Albus found it incredibly difficult to focus on his story of legerdemain exam, and while he was fairly trusted he passed it, he knew he had n't done well. There was just too practically to centre on. Between Malfoy and the Auror section, the live on things Albus wanted to think about were goblin rebellions and giant wars.

Later that night blush wine held another cogitation academic term in the subroutine library. Albus managed to sit next to Elsie Willinson, who ignored him completely. Albus spent more time staring at the Marauder 's Map and figuring out the in force way to bring up the topic of speaking Parseltongue with Elsie than any existent studying, but rose wine did n't seem to notice.

The following two days were nearly superposable to the first day of exams, with the exception of the subjects they were tested on. Exam in the morning, dejeuner, exam in the afternoon, studying, dinner, then more studying. The monotony was starting to get on Albus 's nervousness, but they were only halfway through exam week.

Elsie Willinson did n't point up to the study session Wednesday even. Albus was disappointed since he was finally going to bring up the topic of speaking Parseltongue with her, no matter how good it would be. Instead, he looked over his Potions notes while glancing at the Marauder 's Map every so often.

"Albus, what exactly are you looking for ?"pink wine asked.

Albus did n't really desire to say because he knew Rose would just roll her center, but he also knew she would n't let go of the case until he explained."Malfoy. He 's going to go back to the girl 's loo, and when he does, I want to follow him."

"That would be pudding head,"blush wine said."look at the past times three geezerhood. You 've gotten yourself involved with something stupe at the end of every year. Following Malfoy would just be asking for trouble."

Rose had a power point, Albus knew, but he did n't wish."It 's just Malfoy. He 's not going to snatch me."

"Famous last Bible,"Rose muttered."He 's probably just in his common room."

Albus checked the Map. Malfoy 's dot was definitely not in the coarse room. Albus 's heart sped up as he checked the balance of the Map. It took him a patch, but then he spotted Malfoy 's dot, making its way down the second base storey corridor. He was accompanied by none other than Felix and Elsie Willinson.

"He 's going,"Albus said."And he 's got Felix and Elsie with him. I 'm following him and you ca n't stop over me."

Rose groaned."Albus, don't-"

Albus ignored her and turned to the rest period of his friends."Are any of you coming with me ?"

"I am."Albus was shocked to see that the vocalization belonged to Amanda. Usually Amanda agreed with Rose.

"Amanda, really ?"Rose asked.

Amanda shrugged."I want a break from studying and I 'm just as rummy as Albus is."

"Count me out,"Matt muttered, turning red."I 'm not going anywhere near Myrtle."

"She asked about you hold out time,"John said with a grin.

Matt turned even redder."I 'd rather not know that."

"We 're in,"John said, speaking for himself and Kaden.

"You 've got an hour,"blush wine said."If you 're not back by then I 'm sending professor Longbottom after you."

"We 'll be back,"Albus said as he stood up. As if to further convince Rose of this, he left his rule book sitting on the mesa. John, Kaden, and Amanda did the same.

Albus did n't discommode with the Invisibility Cloak since it was n't past curfew. They 'd just stimulate to lurk near the loo until the coast was clear and stool pigeon in when no one was looking. All they needed was the Map for that.

The corridors were unusually vacuous and Albus attributed it to the fact that nigh of his fellow students were doing some last mo revision before the side by side day 's examination. It certainly made it easier to swipe into a young lady 's loo.

Albus watched the Map as they went and Malfoy and both Willinsons'pane entered Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom. They remained there for only a few minute of arc, and then disappeared off the Map.

"They must 've gotten into the Chamber of Secrets,"Albus explained."I bet the vulture did n't know about it so they could n't have put it on the Map."

It took another five bit for Albus, Saint John, Kaden, and Amanda to get to the loo. Once there Albus burst the door candid and ran inside. He stopped short-circuit in front of the sinks.

One of the cesspit was gone, having sunk into the floor. In its position was a expectant, pitch black hole. Myrtle was floating above it, her eyes bright.

"They did it,"Vinca minor said excitedly."Are you going to stick with them ?"

"I guess this answers the question of whether Elsie Willinson can speak snake,"John said.

"Is Matt ill again ?"Vinca minor asked.

"Er, yeah,"Albus said.

"He 's ill an awful lot of the sentence,"myrtle said."Tell him to amount see me when he 's better."

"Sure,"Albus said as he crept closer to the hole."I 'm going down there. You three are welcome to fall in me."Albus was determined. He 'd come this far and he was n't going to stop now. He needed to work out out what was going on.

"Is it a far drop ?"Amanda asked hesitantly.

"I think it 's Thomas More of a sloping trough,"Albus said."That 's what my dad said, anyway."

"There is n't a basilisk in there, is there ?"can asked.

"No,"Albus said."It 's dead."

"Then I 'm in,"St. John said.

"Me, too,"Amanda agreed.

"I 'd go down there even if there was a basilisk in there,"Kaden said."I 'll go first, if you want."

"Be my node,"Albus said, gesturing to the hole.

"If you die, you can live here,"Vinca minor said, giggling."I told Scorpius that and he told me that was another intellect why he ca n't die down there. I do n't think he likes me."

Albus ignored Myrtle and stepped aside so Kaden could jump into the maw. Kaden did so without a secondly glance.

"Are you okay ?"Albus asked once he heard a thud.

"Yeah, I 'm exquisitely !"Kaden shouted back.

Neither John or Amanda seemed slope to go adjacent, so Albus stepped to the very edge of the hole and looked down. He could n't see a thing. Deciding that it was better to just do it and not think too hard, he took a trench breath and jumped.

His dad had been right about it being more of a sliding board than a driblet down. The hollow was more of a sloping pipe and it was n't a bad slide at all. Soon, Albus landed at the derriere and saw Kaden, who had lit his wand.

Albus lit his own wand and took a feeling around. The place was very wet and it smelled terribly. The paries were dripping with cloudy water and the trading floor was covered in rock, mud, and what looked corresponding old snake peel.

"I think we 're near the lake,"Albus said, nodding to the dripping urine.

There was a whooshing noise behind Albus and something crashed into him, knocking him over. Albus let out a belly laugh and turned to see it was only Saint John the Apostle, who had n't landed gracefully.

"Sorry,"whoremaster muttered as he lit his own scepter. There was now adequate wand light to see clearly. The place was creepy. That was the only word for it.

Amanda landed without knocking anyone over and lit her scepter. Albus and Kaden waited for trick and Amanda to take a facial expression around.

"What do we do now ?"Kaden asked.

"Energy Department anyone hear anything ?"Albus asked. It seemed all in silent to Albus.

John shook his head."flatness should 've come. We need his lycanthrope hearing."

Albus nodded in correspondence."I guess we just follow the pipe. It looks like it only goes one way."

The others agreed. Albus led the way, his wand pointed in front of him, and they set off. No one radius. No one made any haphazardness whatsoever. Albus had his ears poised to hear even the quietest noise, hoping to hear some clew as to where Malfoy and the others had gone.

Ihey walked for what felt same miles before they heard even the faintest of disturbance. Albus noticed legion snake skins and the bones from decades-old beast. Then, just when Albus had a impression they were reaching the end of the musical passage, he heard a voice, clearly, as if it was right next to him.

"Albus ceramist. Well, well, is n't this a pleasant surprise."

Albus recognized the voice. It was Jarrett Willinson.


Cliffhanger ! I know. I 'm evil. Thank you for all the wonderful reviews ! I will respond to them, but I 've been quite meddling lately.

And now I 'll postulate a few moments to brag. On the 16th I went to NYC for J.K. Rowling 's issue for The Casual void. I got to cope with her and get a signed written matter of the book ! It was absolutely astonish. I blogged about it on the assembly, so please check it out !


Albus froze. He had n't heard that representative in over a yr and part of him thought he would n't ever hear it again. He always assumed Jarrett Willinson had stayed in Commonwealth of Australia, where absolutely no one was looking for him.

Slowly, Albus turned toward the vocalism. He pointed his lit wand in its direction and saw that there was a very modest opening to his left. It appeared to be another pipe, but one much small-scale than the one he and his protagonist had just been in. Albus crept toward it, trying not to do any dissonance.

He turned to John, Kaden, and Amanda."What do you cogitate ?"

"I think we should get out of here,"Kaden said immediately, stepping back."I thought we were just going after Malfoy."

"I bet Malfoy 's down there with him,"Saint John the Apostle said.

"But why ?"Amanda asked as she walked over to the tobacco pipe. She stuck her read/write head in, making her articulation echoey."Why would he amount back here ?"

"Can you see anything ?"Albus asked.

"Not much,"Amanda said, climbing fully into the pipe.

"We should just go back,"Kaden said, his voice wavering. All his courageousness from being the start to inscribe the bedchamber was gone.

"I do n't recognise,"Albus said."We 've come this far ..."

"Albus, I think Rose might 've been right,"Kaden said."Let 's just go-"

Kaden was interrupted by Amanda 's shrieking. There was a brassy splash, a clunk, and then more pipe. Albus turned quickly back to the tobacco pipe. Amanda was gone, a small-scale spate of debris in her place.

"Amanda !"Albus screamed, stepping over to the pipe.

"Albus !"she shouted back."Help !"

"What 's happening ?"John asked.

"Told you we should 've gone back !"Kaden shouted.

"Well, we ca n't go back now,"Albus said, climbing into the pipe."C'mon !"

Albus had to hunker down as he walked in order to fit through the pipe. whoremonger and Kaden followed him, occasionally tripping over rocks as they went. Albus splashed ahead of them, his sceptre lighting the few metrical unit in front of him. They followed Amanda 's shrieks until they grew muffled and disappeared all together.

Finally, the pipe emerged into a small bedchamber, not unlike a small interpretation of the chamber they 'd just been in. It was wetter than the rest of the bedroom of closed book and the far rampart contained a metal grate that appeared to let out into the lake. But the water system was n't going through it.

Albus 's care, however, was n't focused on the magically contained lake water. Instead, his heart drew to the collection of mass scattered throughout the sleeping accommodation. He breathed a sigh of rilievo when he saw Amanda, in the clutches of Jarrett Willinson, who had his verge pointed at her school principal. Albus was just happy they found her. Jarrett was flanked by his son, Quinton, who was looking a bit risky for wear. Azkaban did n't seem to deliver agreed with him and he now looked far older than his ahead of time twenties.

Scorpius, Felix, and Elsie were there as well, looking very uncomfortable. Elsie was shaking and had a end grip on her chum 's hand. Scorpius stood following to them and he seemed very upset. The only one who seemed at all okay with the situation was Felix, whose grimace seemed to be coming from his babe 's grip on his hand, not on the situation.

Albus did n't recognize the other three grownup at first. Then he remembered their pic from the oracle. The shorter cleaning woman was Dolores Umbridge, her grey hair greatly resembling a hive around her question. Her hide was deeply wrinkled and she did n't much resemble the person in the photograph, but her oculus and freakish grinning were the Same. The other woman was about a foundation taller and just as ugly. Her hair was stringy and mostly brown, with stripe of grey. Her nose was long, crooked, and boasted a gravid wart, giving her the expression of a classic Muggle 's version of a witch. All that was missing was the dark-green pelt. The man resembled her, although he was inadequate and more dumpy. Both were sneering. Albus assumed they were the Carrows.

"What are you doing here, thrower ?"Scorpius asked, clearly trying to go more positive than he was.

"Shut up, Malfoy,"Jarrett snapped."I 'll ask the interrogation. And I can only assumed they followed you three. Whether it was intentional on your parting, I have no idea."

"Ca n't we just go ?"Scorpius demanded."We did what you wanted-"

"No, no you did n't,"Jarrett cut off."You did what your father wanted and then you did division of what we wanted. And in this lies the problem."

Albus was thoroughly confused. His eyes went from Jarrett to Malfoy and back again, attempting to figure out what was going on. What exactly had Malfoy 's father asked him to do ?

"I never said I 'd do what you wanted us to do,"Malfoy muttered, averting his gaze.

"And yet you did."Jarrett sneered.

"But I did n't desire to !"Malfoy looked scared now. He pulled his wand out of his robe and held it up shakily.

"Oh, are you going to duel me ?"Jarrett asked, shifting Amanda in his arms so that he could point his wand at Malfoy.

"M-maybe."

Jarrett sighed."This is pathetic. I do n't like taking reward of fragile children, and yet here I am-"

"I 'm not flimsy !"Malfoy shouted.

"You just misplace your grandfather,"Jarrett said."You 're fragile. So is your Church Father, and he 's easy to deceive."

"He is not !"

At that percentage point Elsie started crying. It started out as small snivel but within ten bit blew up into loud shortness of breath. Everyone in the room turned to gaze at her. Albus felt bad. It was obvious she had n't wanted to be here.

"Oh, shut her up !"Jarrett said.

"Elsie, you have to be serenity,"Felix muttered.

"I just want to leave, Felix !"Elsie sobbed."I did n't want to do this. You know I did n't want to do this !"

"You did n't have a choice, Elsie. He 's our uncle and he needed our help."

"Could someone please just explain what 's going on ?"Kaden asked loudly."Or even improve, let go of Amanda so we can get out of here and let you lot get back to whatever it is you 're doing ?"

Jarrett laughed."Oh, she 's not going anywhere. You three are rid to exit. I really do n't care what the blaze you do."

Albus exchanged glance with lavatory and Kaden, who both shrugged. None of them were going to will, of course of study, but Albus was utterly confused. For the retiring four years Jarrett and Quinton Willinson had tried to kidnap him and now, all of a sudden, they wanted Amanda ? They 'd never wanted her before.

"Oh, you have n't put it together yet, have you ceramicist ? I thought you were smarter than that."

"Put what together ?"Albus asked, still confused.

Jarrett squeezed Amanda tighter."She 's the Prime rector 's niece, who happens to be a enchantress. She 's currently the best bargaining chip I could possibly consume. I only wish I 'd known about her to begin with, but thanks to your uncle the intact wizarding human race knows she 's the Prime diplomatic minister 's niece. I must give thanks that reporter.

"ceramist, do you realize how bad Laurentis would look if anything happened to the Muggle Prime curate 's niece a fiddling over a month after she took office ? And just days after her appointed Head Auror revolutionized the section ? Oh, it would await awful, ceramist. So we, all of us, are going to sit stiff until the Aurors get here and then I 'll stool my demands and the Aurors will give in because if they do n't, I 'll bolt down the prime Minister 's niece."

Albus 's sassing fell give. He stared at Jarrett, whose grin resembled that of a somebody who just won the drawing. Amanda looked terrified, her eyes darting everywhere and a few stray tears running down her cheeks.

"Of course you can impart, thrower,"Jarrett said."Go get your dad. Go get the other Aurors. It 'll only bring them here sooner. And do n't even try to hex me because if you do, this lot-"Jarrett gestured to the Carrows, Umbridge, and Quinton,"-will hex you. Your dad is n't a Ministry official anymore, ceramicist. It wo n't be as big of a crime if they hex you now."

Albus glanced at Umbridge and the Carrows. Umbridge did n't see like mortal adequate to of hexing anyone, given that she more closely resembled an unsound mental patient than a dangerous witch. But the Carrows, they looked capable of slaying. As for Quinton, he was n't much of a threat. Still, Albus, John, and Kaden were more outnumbered than they ever had been before.

"But why ca n't we leave behind ?"Malfoy asked, his articulation wavering."Or at least me ?"

"Because I might need you to do something else,"Jarrett snapped,"and I want you here because if I let you leave I doubt you 'll come back. I know you did n't bring us the daughter. She came with Potter, following you."

"Why does it matter ?"Malfoy asked."The point is she 's here now."

"I do n't think you would 've ever brought her to me, Malfoy."

"You 're in good order, I would n't ! And do you want to know why ? I never wanted to help you. That 's not why I agreed to this. I think you 're all idiots, to be honest."

Albus stared at Malfoy, completely shocked. Malfoy hated Albus, Amanda, and all their friend, so why would n't he have brought Amanda to Jarrett ?

"Then why are you here, Malfoy ?"

"To help my dad !"Malfoy said, his wand still pointed at Jarrett."I did n't sleep together you idiots were going to receive a plot of your own."

Jarrett laughed."Now you 're the moron. You think we 'd throw agreed to his secret plan if there had n't been something in it for us ? Meaning my son, here. Not these other three. I 'm not sure why they agreed to it. I 'm not even for sure Umbridge knows where she is, actually. She has n't said much of anything since the escape."

"Do you really think you 're going to get anything out of this ?"Malfoy demanded.

"Yes, I do,"Jarrett snapped.

Malfoy narrowed his eyes and then whipped around. In a thing of second gear, he sent five sequential hexes at the Carrows and Umbridge. Umbridge collapsed immediately, not moving. The Carrows both went for their sceptre, but were too wearisome. Malfoy sent two more smasher and the Carrows fell over, one on top of the other.

Malfoy turned back to Jarrett, breathing heavily."tone like the odds are a fiddling different now."

"Malfoy, what are you doing ?"Albus asked, still trying to wrap his wit around the fact that Scorpius Malfoy had just helped him.

"Shut up, Potter,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm not doing this for you."

"Scorpius, what is your problem ?"Felix asked, breaking free of his sister 's grip."I thought we were in on this together."

"I thought we were, too, until your uncle decided to do matter his way,"Malfoy said."It 's like I told you at the first ; I only did this for my father."

Albus still did n't know exactly what"this"was, but all that really mattered now was that they were no longer outnumbered.

"The Aurors are coming,"Malfoy said to Albus."If we can just hold them off-"

"How do you know the Aurors are coming ?"Albus asked.

"That does n't weigh now,"Malfoy said as he sent a beauty at Jarrett.

Albus turned to Saint John and Kaden."Focus on Quinton and Felix. No umbrage, but you are n't the honorable duelers and I do n't desire you to hit Amanda."

Saint John and Kaden nodded. Albus glanced at Malfoy, attempted to escape from off the Wyrd touch he had from being on Malfoy 's side, and started sending hex after hex at Jarrett. Jarrett, clearly unable to duel while holding Amanda, threw up a carapace and did n't hex back. Albus and Malfoy silently agreed to keep going, in an attempt to counteract the shield.

Albus heard a flash clangour and turned to his right field. detritus was settling near where the Carrows and Umbridge lay. Once it settled, Albus saw that a magnanimous bowlder had fallen from the roof and had landed on top of the female Carrow.

"I think she 's dead,"Kaden said.

Albus swallowed hard. Death had never crossed his mind when he 'd come down here. Trying to bear on it from his opinion, he returned to hexing Jarrett 's shield.

Kaden shouted something Albus could n't make out and Albus turned just in sentence to see him put down against the bulwark. Albus ran over and knelt succeeding to him."Kaden ! Kaden !"

Kaden stirred and looked at Albus."Albus ?"

"Kaden, thank God,"Albus whispered.

"I 've got an awful head ache,"Kaden muttered.

"Do n't light asleep,"Albus said."Stay awake. You 've probably got a concussion."

Albus heard splashing and looked up. Five genius stumbled through the pipe, their wand out.

"Wands up !"one of them shouted. Albus did n't recognize the voice."cypher move !"

"Are they all here ?"another asked.

"I believe so,"the first base one said as he walked around the room."smell like the tip was correct."

"Not so fast !"Jarrett shouted."I 've got a few demands."

"You 're in no position to make need,"the first Auror said.

"Albus ?"

Albus turned back to the piping and let out a suspiration of fill-in. His dad had been the fifth Auror to get in."Dad. Kaden needs to go the hospital wing. Now."

Harry knelt down following to Kaden and assessed him."We 'll have this lot rounded up soon. Then I 'll look at him."

"Let go of the girl, Willinson,"the initiatory Auror said. He took a few steps forward and Albus was able to see the side of his facial expression. It was Robert LBJ, the new capitulum Auror.

"She 's the efflorescence pastor 's niece,"Jarrett said."You 'd better be heedful, or I 'll kill her."

"You 're outnumbered, Willinson,"Johnson said."I would n't try anything if I were you."

"It 'll be a huge malicious gossip if she dies down here."

"Oh for God 's sake,"LBJ muttered."Expelliarmus !"Jarrett 's scepter flew in a perfect arc out of his hand and Lyndon Baines Johnson caught it."Petrificus Totalus !"

Jarrett attempted to put off the spell, but still retain grip of Amanda. He failed and collapsed to the flooring. Amanda ran forward and Harry caught hold of her, directing her to sit next to Albus and Kaden.

The Aurors conjured ropes and tied up Jarrett, Quinton, the Carrows, and Umbridge. None of them said a parole and none of them questioned any of the defendant. If Albus had n't known any better, he would 've thought the Aurors knew exactly what they were going to ascertain down here. It was all very confusing.

Johnson and the three unfamiliar Aurors grabbed hold of the outlaw and took them out of the chamber. Harry was left with Albus and the rest of the students.

"Dad, what 's going on ?"Albus asked.

"I have my suspicions, but unfortunately I do n't have any proof,"Harry said."Let 's get you up to the infirmary wing."

Harry carried Kaden, who had since passed out, and led the odd group out of the chamber and back to the pipe that led to Moaning Myrtle 's bath. Once there, he pointed his wand at the pipe and it turned into steps. A few arcminute later, they were back in the loo. Albus blinked a few times at the brightly lights and then his eyes rested upon Vinca minor, who was floating near the far stall.

"You 're back !"she shouted."Is he dead ?"Myrtle gestured to Kaden.

"No,"Albus said."Just unconscious."

"Oh."Myrtle seemed rather disappointed.

"Let 's go,"Harry said."infirmary wing."
***


Albus had no literal reason to stay on in the hospital wing. After muttering about how Albus and his friends were always getting into trouble, lady Pomfrey proclaimed him in perfect health. bathroom, Amanda, Scorpio, Felix, and Elsie were also fine. Kaden, on the early deal, had a concussion and was not allowed to sleep. Albus, John, and Amanda remained in the infirmary wing with him. rose and Matt joined them as well, despite the fact that it was well past curfew.

Harry left after delivering them to Madam Pomfrey, but promised to return in a few minute. That had been three hour ago and Albus was still waiting for him to come back, and for an explanation. They 'd explained the entire ordeal to mat and Rose, who both agreed that Malfoy 's behavior was very strange.

The room access to the hospital wing finally opened and Harry walked in, looking incredibly exhausted. Madam Pomfrey, upon seeing him, hurried off to her study.

"Kaden,"Harry said."How are you feeling ?"

"Like individual ran my school principal over with a truck,"Kaden said.

Harry chuckled."You 'll feel better soon."

"What was that about, Dad ?"Albus asked."Why was it almost like the Aurors expected all the prisoners to be there ?"

Harry sighed."No one knows for sure. The official record is that they received an anonymous tip, but none of the prisoners are explaining why they were in the chamber of Secrets or how they got in."

"When we were down there, Malfoy kept saying he was doing something for his dad, but he never said what it was,"Albus said.

"That helps affirm my theory,"Harry said."I suspect that Scorpius Malfoy, along with Felix Willinson, were instructed by Draco Malfoy to observe a desirable location to planetary house the captive for safe-keeping until Aurors could be brought in to capture them. This, of line, had to be done after the Auror section was reorganized by Henry Martyn Robert Johnson, in order to make both him and Laurentis look good. If Laurentis looks beneficial, Dragon Malfoy looks good."

"But that means that Laurentis and genus Draco Malfoy knew where the prisoners were,"Albus said.

"Yes, yes it does,"Harry said quietly.

"Uncle Harry,"Rose began."You do n't think that Laurentis organized that break-out, do you ?"

"It 's crossed my mind,"Harry said."But it 's irrelevant, because I have no cogent evidence. Nor do I have proof of my theory about Draco Malfoy and his son. Alecto Carrow is drained, Dolores Umbridge is clinically mad, and Amycus Carrow is n't talking. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson are n't talking, either, and I somehow doubt Scorpius Malfoy will rat out his father. So, for now at to the lowest degree, this will rest a theory."

"But Dad, it 's illegal,"Albus said.

"It is,"Harry replied."Do n't worry about it, Albus. The prisoners are back in Azkaban, which is all that topic right now."

"But Dad-"

"Albus. Worrying will do nothing. In my experience, the great unwashed who are corrupt like this are never able to keep it a mystery long. Whatever happens will happen."

"What about Scorpius ?"Amanda asked."Why did he swap slope like that ?"

"Scorpius Malfoy has had a rough year. His grandad has been quite ill for a long prison term, which has put stress on both of his parents and thus, on him. I am sure he was pressured into this by his Fatherhood and then when it came time for him to get further into it, by helping Jarrett Willinson get cargo area of Amanda, he realized he did n't want to be involved, not would his don have wanted him to be involved."

"Is he going to get in trouble ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Harry said."As far as the platter is concerned, Scorpius, Felix, and Elsie stumbled upon the prisoners just as you lot did."

"That does n't look fair,"Albus muttered.

"No, it does n't,"Harry said."But on the other hand, I think Scorpius Malfoy deserves a faulting this year. I think he 's grown up a lot over the past times few months. You might find that he 's not quite the bully he used to be."

"I 'll think that when I see it,"Matt muttered."I guess that 's why he wanted to get into the shriek Shack, though. Probably wanted it for the prisoners."

"I suspect that, too,"Harry said."I must say I 'm glad he chose the Chamber of Secrets."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed.

"I have to revert to the Ministry,"Harry said as he stood up."This will be in the composition tomorrow, although I have no thought what type of story they 're going to spin out or how involved you will be. Whatever they publish, do n't take it too hard. Please do not mention my theory to anyone. The shoemaker's last thing we need is an article in the oracle claiming that Harry thrower is a conspiracy theorist."

Albus laughed and said practiced night to his dad. ma'am Pomfrey let them sleep in the infirmary wing that night, considering how late it was. Kaden, of course, had to remain wake up. Albus was surprised by how light sleep came, considering what he 'd been through that Night, but it was nearly two in the morn. He realized with a sinking feeling that he still had exams the future day. Herbology and Ancient Runes. He hoped they would n't go too horribly.


A/N : Thanks for all the cover girl recapitulation ! I will be getting to them as soon as I can. The next chapter will the terminal in this novel. I 'm not sure when the one-fifth novel will be up since I have yet to come up with a concrete plot of land for it. I 'm going to take a fault to publish other taradiddle that I 've had in my fountainhead for a while.

It 's the end of October, which means it 's nearly NaNoWriMo time of year ! I 'll be continuing to update Between Here and Somewhere throughout November, as well as posting the conclusion chapter of this next Friday. But you wo n't see much else from me until December, as I 'll be busy writing an pilot fic.


Albus, trick, and mat overslept the next good morning. Albus awoke ten second before their Herbology exam and had to heat up John the Evangelist and matte, which is never a humble feat. It took a full five second to get them up, but soon they were running through the corridors knowing full well that they would be late. Unfortunately for Albus, none of his intellect was on Herbology. He could n't intercept thinking about what happened last night.

The son ran into greenhouse three five minutes late and as soon as they shut the door the entire class looked up from their test and stared at them. Albus got the distinguishable feeling that they all knew about hold up nighttime, whether from rumors or from the prophesier. Professor Longbottom got up from his stool and walked over to them.

"boy,"he said quietly.

"I 'm dreary we 're late, sir,"Albus said."We overslept-"

"Albus, it 's okay. I know what happened last Night. Just go take your seat. Your exams are already laid out."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus was very thankful that Herbology had been the exam he was of late for. Longbottom was the most understanding professor in the entire school. Albus settled down and managed to take the examination without falling asleep. While there were a few questions that he was n't indisputable about, he was quite confident that he at least passed.

By the fourth dimension the exam time period ended Albus was starving, as were whoremonger and matt. They, along with Rose and Amanda, headed immediately to the Great Hall for dejeuner. As they walked in, Albus again got the discrete flavour that everyone was staring at them.

"You should 've been at breakfast,"Amanda said."Everyone was talking about it and they kept coming over and asking me inquiry. There were a bunch of citizenry crowded around Malfoy, too."

"Do either of you have the Prophet ?"Albus asked as they sat down.

"Yeah, here,"rosebush said, handing it to him.

Albus unfolded the paper and set it down on his plate. lav and lustrelessness sat on either side of meat of him and read over his shoulder.

CONVICTS CAUGHT AT HOGWARTS

Newly appointed oral sex Auror, Henry M. Robert
Johnson, received an anonymous tip
late finis night that led him and four
early Aurors to Hogwarts School of
Witchcraft and Wizardry. The tip
told Aurors that escaped convicts
Amycus Carrow, Alecto Carrow,
Quinton Willinson, and Dolores
Umbridge could be found in the sleeping room
of Secrets mystifying under Hogwarts School.

The Chamber of Secrets, long since
regarded as a rumored hidden sleeping accommodation
beneath the school was proven to
exist in mid-1993. The bedchamber has
remained abandon since then.

All four escaped convicts, along with
Jarrett Willinson, wanted for a year
by the Auror Department, were found in
the sleeping room of Secrets by Robert President Andrew Johnson
and four other Aurors. Amycus Carrow,
Quinton Willinson, and Dolores Umbridge
have been returned to Azkaban prison.
Jarrett Willinson is currently being held
in Azkaban prison without bail. Alecto
Carrow was pronounced dead by Healers
late terminal dark, after the roof in
the sleeping room collapsed, crushing her
instantly.

Six Hogwarts bookman were found in the
sleeping room as well. Johnson has released
very little info on this aspect
of the night, but has said that Jarrett
Willinson captured one scholarly person with the
intentions of killing her if demands were
not met. The names of the students have
not been released.

It is unknown how the yard bird got into
the school. Weaknesses in the protective
ward are currently being addressed. 'We
wish to ascertain the public that Hogwarts
shoal remains as safe as ever. The problems
will be plow quickly. There is no
need to panic .'

"unknown quantity how the yardbird got into the schooltime ?"Albus said incredulously."They 've covered the whole thing up !"

"What did you expect, Albus ?"rose asked, shaking her psyche."Uncle Harry said it would happen."

"I bet that new Head Auror is in on it,"Albus muttered."He 'll probably say he investigated but all he 'll do is take in up tarradiddle to insure up what Laurentis did."

"You 're probably rightfield,"Rose said.

"Who 's right ?"Kaden asked as he sat down.

"Albus,"rosiness said.

"rich person you seen this rubbish ?"Albus asked, holding up the paper.

"Yeah,"Kaden replied."But honestly, I do n't like right now. I just want a sandwich. The foretelling exam was brutal. I had to tell Trelawney 's future in tea leaves."

lavatory laughed."What did you say ?"

"Told her she was going to meet an untimely decease at the manus of a digress Quaffle,"Kaden said.

rosiness groaned."Oh, Kaden, you didn't."

"She actually liked it,"Kaden said."Her huge heart lit up and everything."

"She likes expiry, Trelawney,"lav said."Or at least the construct of it."

"Wyrd,"Albus muttered.

Albus 's remaining exam took topographic point with little flash. Despite his nous not being on the material, he thought he did fairly well, and when the home run were released he discovered that he had passed everything. His Transfiguration mark was a bit low, but still passing.

The Hogwarts bookman, with their little memory spans, soon forgot about the debacle in the bedchamber of Secrets and moved on to other topics of word such as the summer holiday and the current Quidditch season. Albus certainly did n't mind this because it meant he was no longer the center of attention. Despite the fact that the prophet never released the names of the scholar in the Chamber, everyone knew it was Albus, John, Kaden, and Amanda, along with the three Slytherins.

"feeling, Laurentis has released a assertion about capturing the captive,"Rose said at breakfast on their day in the castle.

Albus groaned."This ca n't be good. Let 's hear it."

“'I wish to applaud the Auror department for their work in recapturing the remaining escaped criminals. The timely recapture after the shakeup of the Department only reinforces how important a decision it was to reorganize. With the new regulations and insurance policy in the Auror Department, organized by Henry M. Robert Lyndon Baines Johnson, the Aurors were able to capture the crook immediately after receiving the tip. We can most assuredly look forward to Sir Thomas More achiever from the Auror department .'”

"What a load of crap,"Albus said."Of class they were able to recapture them quickly after receiving that tip. They organized for the convicts to be in the Chamber in the showtime place."

"It 's like your dad said, though,"lustrelessness began."Everything will get revealed eventually. That 's not an easy enigma to keep, what they did."

"Hey, it looks like Embry 's going to pretend a speech,"Kaden said, gesturing toward the stave table.

professor Embry stood up and raised his hands for silence. This did nothing, of course of instruction."subdued !"Embry shouted."I have something I 'd like to say.

"Thank you,"he said, after everyone stopped talking."I just want to say what a pleasure it has been to teach you all this year. I never expected to teach and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you enjoyed taking my form as much as I enjoyed teaching it, and I hope you all have a bang-up appreciation and understanding of our government activity. Today is my last day at Hogwarts, as the political science course will not retain future year, and I am once again needed at the Ministry. Please do n't hesitate to owl me if you wish to receive a tour of the Ministry for academic purposes. I daresay that a few of you might have calling in political relation yourselves."

Embry sat back down and the entire room fit into applause. Albus was n't for certain if the applause was for Embry or for the fact that political relation would no longer be a form. Albus had n't minded the class, but one few class was to be appreciated.

"I learned something about politics this year, all right,"John muttered as the hand clapping settled down."And that 's that I never want to be a politician."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

"Cheers to that !"St. James shouted from a few rear end down.

"Oh, I do n't know."Amanda shrugged."I think it might be interesting."

Albus was n't at all surprise to get word Amanda say that. If any of his friends were to become pol, it would be Amanda.
***


Later that day Albus found himself at yet another Hogwarts graduation ceremony. He and rosebush had attended every single graduation ceremonial since starting Hogwarts, and one the year before, too. It had gotten to the point where he did n't pay lots attention to the speeches because they all sounded very alike to the ones he 'd learn before. During this ceremonial occasion, the only part Albus paid attention to was the part where Fred and Heather accepted their diploma, which took all of two minutes.

"wellspring, we survived,"Albus said to GA after the ceremony ended and everyone was milling around.

Empire State of the South grinned."That we did. It 's kind of surreal, to be good. Dad did n't win, so matter are no dissimilar than they were this sentence go twelvemonth, really."

Albus nodded."How is Uncle Sir Henry Percy doing ?"

Georgia shrugged."I 'm not sure. He does n't sing about it much. Actually, the weird thing is that whenever I go over there for dinner he spends a lot of meter asking about Quidditch. I think it 's mostly to keep me from asking about his lack of use, but I 'm not going to kick. Maybe he 'll even learn to like it. The Quidditch, I mean, not the deficiency of employment."

"He still has n't found a job ?"Albus asked.

"No. He could go back to the Ministry but he 'd give to do something where he 's not an genuine politician, since Laurentis would n't take him. I do n't think he wants to do that. He 's been helping Uncle George III with the store, but I do n't opine Uncle George really likes that. Says Dad 's too obsessive. But he 's too prissy to tell Dad he ca n't help."

"Albus !"rose shouted."We 've got to go. The passenger car are leaving."

Albus nodded to Rose and then turned back to Empire State of the South."I 'd better go. Let me recognise when your side by side match is. I want to go."

Sakartvelo grinned."Sure thing. See you soon, Al."

"Bye, Peach State,"Albus said as he turned to follow rosebush back to the castle, where they would pick up the thestral-drawn carriages back to Hogsmeade.
***


"I say we go to John the Divine 's star sign this year,"Matt said as the Hogwarts Express hurtled back to London.

"Are you mad ?"John asked, unwrapping a Chocolate Frog."I mean, really, are you ? You want to do to my house, where I have three crazy lilliputian sisters running about ?"

Matt shrugged."They ca n't be that bad."

"Says he who is the vernal in his sept,"Saint John said, looking at Albus for support.

"He 's right,"Albus agreed."And I 've only got one petty sister. wait a hour, Matt 's the alone one of us who does n't possess immature siblings, is n't he ?"

The others nodded."All right,"John said."Let 's turn over mat a very sentience of what having plenty of siblings is like. I 'll owl you and let you know when."

"Exploding walkover ?"Kaden asked, holding up a deck of batting order.

"Sure,"lustrelessness said. Everyone else nodded.

Kaden began to lot the cards, but before he finished, the compartment door slid subject. Albus, expecting one of his cousins, turned to the room access. It slid undetermined the rest of the way and Malfoy stood on the threshold, looking a bit unsure of himself. He was alone. Albus wondered where Felix was.

"What do you want ?"King John asked.

"Er, can I just talk to you lot ?"he asked quietly, stepping inside and sliding the room access behind him.

"Where 's Willinson ?"Albus asked, standing up.

"He 's no longer speaking to me,"Malfoy explained."After I hexed his uncle and as he put it, 'joined the early incline .'”

"What about Elsie ?"Rose asked, clearly concerned about the girl.

Malfoy shrugged."She 's always with Felix. She never said much around me."

"Is she really a parselmouth ?"Saint John asked."I assume she 's the one who got you into the sleeping accommodation ?"

"Yeah, she did, but she 's not a parselmouth. She 's just really good with lyric so she was able-bodied to fake it,"Malfoy explained.

There were a few bit of inapt quiet. Malfoy shifted his weight and leaned against the door.

"So,"Albus said."Why are you here, exactly ?"

Malfoy sighed."This yr sucked and I got caught up in a lot of matter that I did n't want to do, which is exactly what happened to my dad when he was at Hogwarts."

Albus was utterly confused as to why Malfoy was telling them all of this. He exchanged looks with flatness and then focused on Malfoy once more.

"But it 's just not worth it anymore,"Malfoy continued."Hating you lot. I know it was you who somehow got itching powder into all the Slytherins'laundry-"

"That was n't us,"Kaden said quickly, a slight too quickly.

"And we know you put the Goat in the vernacular room,"John added.

Malfoy nodded."As I was saying, it just does n't matter. Any of it."He turned to Matt."And I do n't wish that you 're a werewolf. Really. Sure, it 's weird and I have no idea why Kendrick even lets you be here-"

"I wo n't hesitate to hex you, you know,"whoremonger said, reaching into his robes for his wand.

Malfoy held up his hands."No, do n't. I guess what I 'm saying is that I think we should yell a truce."

"A cease-fire ?"Albus asked, raising his brow.

"Yeah, a truce,"Malfoy said."You all know my grandfather died this year. It makes all this fighting we do seem really stupid."

"You 're not saying we should be friends, are you ?"John asked incredulously.

Malfoy screwed up his side."God no. I 'm saying you lot stop only pranking the Slytherins, do n't tell anyone that I dueled on your side in the bedroom, and I wo n't narrate anyone Eckerton is a werewolf. I 'll really promise that, without any threat of expulsion."

Albus was skeptical. Could the death of Lucius Malfoy really prompt this change in Scorpius ?

"C'mon, armistice ?"Scorpius asked, sticking his bridge player out to Albus.

"Oh, just do it, Albus,"rosebush said."We 've got O.W.L.s adjacent year. You do n't call for this stupid feud distracting you. Or any of us."

"Fine, truce,"Albus said, shaking Scorpius 's handwriting.

Malfoy nodded."I guess I 'll go, then. See you around, Potter."

Malfoy turned and left the compartment. Albus did n't travel for a full minute."That was the strangest thing I 've ever seen,"he finally said, resuming his seat.

"I do n't guess any of us will ever to the full understand what happened there,"Rose said."But I think it 's a expert thing."

"Wyrd, though,"lusterlessness said."You think he means it ?"

The weirder thing was, was that Albus did actually trust him. There had been something in Malfoy 's middle that Albus had n't seen before. It was like Malfoy seemed aged somehow. He was no foresighted a kid, whose biggest headache was arguing with Albus over stupid things. Somehow, Malfoy had grown up.

Albus supposed they 'd all uprise up that year. They were going to be fifth years now, and Kaden would be a fourth yr, and that meant they were the honest-to-god students in the shoal. They were growing up. All of them. Even Malfoy.

"Makes me wonder what next yr will be like,"Amanda mused."Everything about this year has been strange."

"We 've got Laurentis reforming Hogwarts,"rose wine reminded them."I think it 'll be plenty strange."

Albus had nearly forgotten about that. He did n't want Hogwarts to change. Despite all that was going on in the out of doors world, Hogwarts had always remained the Saame. But now it was n't. Hogwarts was going to change.

Albus leaned back in his seat and stared out the window, watching the countryside fly by. He did n't sleep together what changes Hogwarts would see in the following year, but he did n't want to opine about it just yet. There was still a whole summer before that would happen, and Albus intended to enjoy it.


A/N : Thank you so much for all the livelihood and critique for this account ! You guys are amazing. I will be taking a break before continuing with this serial as I have other stories floating around in my head, but I 'll eventually come back to Albus. I 've no idea how long it 'll be, though.

In the meantime, please see to it out my piranha Era chronicle, Between Here and Somewhere ! And proceed checking back for my reassessment responses, because I will get to them.