Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




matt did n't return to the common room until Sunday afternoon. Albus and his Friend had spent to the highest degree of the weekend doing prep and playing beat of Exploding press stud. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really recollect about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his acquaintance did n't get a chance to tell matt about what Kaden told Malfoy while he was in the hospital offstage because it had been very push that weekend. Apparently, quite a few educatee had decided to practice their dueling for the upcoming friction match while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused gentlewoman Pomfrey to have an awful lot to do. She looked very frazzle when Albus and the others visited Matt on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the uncouth room with the others, doing homework, when Matt returned from the hospital Wing. He still looked a bit tired and the cuts on his boldness were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much substantially than he had on Thursday. Albus closed his Book and glanced at his friends when Matt came through the portrayal hole.

`` What 's with you lot ? '' matt asked, `` You 're awfully restrained. ``

`` We 've, er, got to tell you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the elbow room. '' Albus got up and left the unwashed room. His friends all followed, not saying a Son. Albus led them down the 7th floor corridor until they reached the house painting of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three prison term in front man of it and opened the door that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his acquaintance asked for a place where they could be alone. There were a few squashy armchairs and couches, a open fireplace, and it was decorated in scarlet and gold.

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

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

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

`` wellspring, we 're obviously not going to tell apart you that, '' Albus gave a half-hearted laugh as he sat down on a chairman. Rose, St. John, and Amanda sat down as well.

`` well, get on with it, '' lusterlessness said.

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

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

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

`` Malfoy ? ! '' Matt interrupted with a look of shock on his face.

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

`` Yeah ... ''

`` And I made him anticipate not to tell anyone, '' Albus said quickly, `` But for some ground he told Malfoy. ``

Matt sank back into his hot seat and his face went chalk livid. Albus was glad Rose told him to sit down, because if he had n't have been sitting he probably would have fainted. Albus watched as lusterlessness processed the data. After a few moment he asked very quietly, `` What did he tell Malfoy ? ``

`` That you 've got some kind of thaumaturgist disease that gentlewoman Pomfrey ca n't cure, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't visit your barf grandma. ``

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

`` We 're going to try and defecate sure he does n't, '' John said adamantly.

`` But you ca n't really lay off him ! All he 's got to do is a bit of enquiry and he 'll know everything, '' flatness moaned.

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

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

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

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

matt nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and tells anyone, probability are I 'll accept to bequeath. ``

`` No, you wo n't, '' rose wine assured him.

`` How do you know ? ``

`` Rose is right, '' Albus agreed, `` When the marauder were in schoolhouse, Snape found out about chemise 's dad and he still got to stay in schooltime. Dumbledore made him promise not to secernate anyone. I 'm sure Kendrick would do the same affair. ``

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

`` pink wine had to cease me and John the Divine from hexing him, '' Albus explained, `` But I yelled at him quite a bit. Have n't seen him often since and I do n't really desire to. ``

`` But he 's your cousin, '' lusterlessness said.

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

`` All rightfulness, '' Matt replied. `` Let 's stoppage here for a while. I think if I saw Kaden right now I 'd have to hex him. ``

rose wine groaned, `` What is with boy ? Do you always have to hex people to resolve your problems ? ``

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

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

`` What he did was a moderately Slytherin affair to do, '' Albus replied. cypher argued with that.

******

The weekend before Halloween was a very stimulate one for the student at Hogwarts. There was the first Hogsmeade visit on Sat, which the old student were very excited about. Albus, of course, was n't allowed to go since he was a irregular class. James made certain to lord this over him at every second possible during the week preceding the visit. James would be going on his first Hogsmeade visit, and Albus was trusted that Hogwarts would be treated to a form of pranks following. When James and his friend returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the common room with their bags bulging with what could only be Weasley 's merchandise, and quickly stowed it all in their dormitory. Sure enough, at dinner that Nox, the student physical structure was treated to a very entertaining meal. Somehow, James and his Quaker had managed to mouse a potion into the Slytherins'food that caused their hair and fingernails to plough scarlet and gold. The quietus of the school laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to figure out how to reverse their tomentum and nails back to normal.

`` zero will change it, '' James River informed the Gryffindor table in between scene of laugh, `` Uncle George VI told me it will wear off within 24 hours, though. ``

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

`` I was going to save up it for the day of the Quidditch match, '' King James I explained, `` But I just could n't look. ``

`` I ca n't fault you, '' Albus grinned. He looked up at the faculty table and saw his dad trying to smother his laughter, but he was n't succeeding. The other members of the staff were smiling slightly, except for Slughorn, who was looking a bit distraught at the visual modality of his house decked out in Gryffindor colors.

The keep abreast day was the first dueling tournament for the junior dueling club. The one-time pupil had already had their first tourney the former weekend. Albus 's cousin John Rowlands 's team had won. The tourney was to read place immediately following lunch, at one o'clock, and the 2nd, tierce, and one-fourth years were filled with excitement about it.

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

`` I do n't either, '' bathroom agreed, `` But we might have to. It 'll be all right. None of us know any go that could do any lasting damage. I 'm just hoping I get to duel Malfoy. ``

`` Me, too, '' matte agreed.

`` I almost wish first-class honours degree years could join the dueling club, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't mind beating him in front of the entire schoolhouse. ``

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

`` Sure you are, '' Albus assured her, `` And if you duel a 2d twelvemonth, or even a third gear twelvemonth, you 'll deliver a probability at winning. Fourth years, on the other hand, I 'm not sure any of us have got a chance at winning a affaire d'honneur with one of them. They probably know all kind of turn we do n't. ``

`` Albus, '' Rose began, `` think of that the teams have people from all years on them. I do n't intend any squad has an advantage over another. ``

`` I guess, '' Albus agreed, `` But I still wish there were planetary house team. I do n't care being on the same team with Malfoy. ``

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

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

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

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

`` Attention ! '' prof Kendrick stood up, `` The junior dueling tourney will commence shortly. Please make your way to the dueling sleeping accommodation. ``

Albus stood up, `` Well, expert circumstances everyone. '' Albus 's friends all wished each other good luck as they got up and left the Great manse. It was a bit odd being on separate teams, Albus thought. He wished his Friend honorable portion, but he wanted his own team to win.

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of scholar filing into the dueling bedroom near the Great Asaph Hall. They found Kate at one of the board that had been set up for each team to wait at. Their squad name, The Dueling Dragons, was written on a piece of lambskin that was stuck to the mesa. There was a realistic looking dragon breathing fervour drawn on it. Scorpio Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the tabular array, his whisker still bright vermilion and atomic number 79. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the opposite end. A few minutes later, once everyone on their squad had arrived, Kate began to speak.

`` tending ! '' she shouted and the table became quiet, `` Thanks. The tournament will start in a duet transactions. I 'm sure we 'll do large. Everyone remember what you 've learned within the past calendar month and you 'll do fine. Just do your best and even if you do n't win today, there 's still next sentence. I know this inter-house squad thing is hard, but I think everyone here has really come together to work as a team, and I 'm gallant of all of you for that. So, with that, sound luck ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the early fourth years on the team.

A second later, Professor Kendrick stood up at the movement of the room and raised his hands for quiesce. The way fell silent and he began to speak. `` Welcome to the first Dueling tourney for the Juniors Dueling golf club. This is the first of all of six qualifying tournament of the yr. At the end of the class, the top two teams will face off in a final examination tournament. There will be two duels going on simultaneously, with Professors Potter and Longbottom presiding over them. Every student will duel twice today. The winner of each duel will be awarded one point. At the end of the tournament, the squad with the most compass point will be declared the winner. The points will persona over to each tournament, after the sixth tournament, the two teams with the most points will confront off in the final. Now, each captain was given a lean of affaire d'honneur for today, so I will leave you a few transactions to get organized and for the police captain to inform their teams of the schedule. honorable hazard to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the schedule with her team. Albus 's first affaire d'honneur was about halfway down the leaning and his second was the third to last. The lone affair he could do now was wait until his turn came. Albus was growing steadily more queasy as time wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him populate that down. Albus watched the first mates of duels while talking with Amanda. After a few duels, James 's turning came and he lost to a Ravenclaw fourth year. rose wine was up next and she easily beat her third year Slytherin opponent. Quite a few of Albus 's teammate had dueled by now and nigh of them had won. Before long, Amanda 's number was up. Albus wished her circumstances and she went nervously to the dueling ring that Neville was watching over.

Amanda was up against a secondment year Hufflepuff and the first contribution of the duel consisted of each of them mostly dodging the while sent towards them. Eventually, Amanda managed to disarm her opponent and won. She came back grinning ear to ear. Kate congratulated her as she sat back down next to Albus.

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

`` Thanks, '' Amanda grinned.

Matt was up following against a Slytherin fourth year. The affaire d'honneur hardly lasted two mo before the Slytherin used an advanced spell that caused lusterlessness to slam into the rampart behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. Professor Cedonia took Matt to the hospital wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a couple detentions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus walked nervously to the dueling ring where Neville was and he faced his Ravenclaw adversary. He was dueling carter Eubert, a familiar second year.

`` Both of you know the rules, '' Neville said to them, `` You can start when I let out red light. ``

Albus and James Earl Carter Jr. bowed to each other and took a dueling position. Neville 's wand guessing out red electric discharge and the affaire d'honneur began. Albus sent out a disarming go, but Carter easily blocked it. Carter then sent one at Albus, but Albus was capable to stuff it as well. This went on for five minute, each of them sending while that the former blocked. Eventually, Albus managed to hit Jimmy Carter with a tickling hex that had him bent over in laughter. Albus took vantage of this and disarmed him easily. He had done it ! He won !

`` Point goes to thrower, '' Neville announced. Albus and Carter shook work force and went back to their teams.

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

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

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

`` I 'll own to remember that if I ever duel him again, '' Albus said.

The afternoon wore on and Albus found himself getting a bit drill with watching the dueling. It was taking all good afternoon. Gospel According to John dueled Albus 's cousin, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an first-class dueler. Rose and Malfoy each won their second duel, while bathroom and Amanda lost theirs. Matt returned from the hospital annex in time for his sec duel, but wound up losing to his third gear year Ravenclaw opposition. Albus dueled a 3rd yr Gryffindor in his second duel and narrowly won. His opponent did not look happy about this. Malfoy also won his second duel, which was against a third base or quarter year Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't sure enough which.

Eventually, all the duel finished and prof Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a terrific job. Now, to announce the succeeder. I am pleased to annunciate that the Flying phoenix, captained by Barty heathland of Slytherin have come in first place with 23 decimal point ! Thank you, everyone. The next tournament will engage place at the end of November or beginning of December. Your captains will be informed of the exact date as it comes closer. ``

`` We 'll win next fourth dimension, '' Kate assured her squad as they got up. `` See everyone at practice on Wed. ``

Albus and Amanda made their way out of the room, but realized they would never feel their friends in the gang. `` We 'll contact them in the common way, '' Albus said as they started up the stairs.

When they got to the common elbow room, it was already full moon with scholarly person rehashing parts of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to James 's explanation of his duels. James had won his secondment duel and appeared to be very majestic of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found John and Matt sitting at their common board. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few moments later were joined by rosiness, who was glowing.

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

`` Thanks, '' blush wine replied, `` I was n't sure we were going to win. Heath is n't the enceinte senior pilot. I think we just have naturally good duelers on our squad. James Earl Carter is amazing, although not as serious as you, Albus. ``

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

`` Glad I 'm not on his team, '' bathroom muttered, `` Ca n't believe I lost both my duel. ``

`` You 'll do better side by side time, '' Albus assured him.

`` At least you did n't wander up in the infirmary fender, '' Matt commented, `` I 'm the only if one that did. soma. ``

John laughed a bit at this, `` I think you 've got some kind of attraction for that topographic point. ``

`` Oh shut it, '' flatness replied.

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

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

`` Oh, yeah, I 'm okay, '' Matt assured him, `` gentlewoman Pomfrey healed my arm in an instant, but she was fretting over me as usual. prof Cedonia convinced her to let me go back for my second duel. ``

`` Good, '' Amanda said, `` I like Professor Cedonia. She reminds me of the teachers I had in primary feather schoolhouse. ``

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

`` And no exams ! '' John grinned. Albus liked this as well. So far, the entirely grades they had in that class were from essays they had been assigned as homework. Cedonia had not given them a I in course of instruction test.

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

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

`` How is she supposed to know if we 've mastered the magical spell if she does n't test us ? ''

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

`` And those essays for homework, '' flatness commented.

`` But those are n't at all what the O.W.L.s will be like, '' Rose reminded them, `` We 've got to get used to taking examination in magical spell. ``

`` Those are three years away ! '' John sighed.

`` Two and a half, '' blush wine corrected him, `` And it 's better to start preparing early. ``

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

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

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the Lapp meter. Albus liked Cedonia 's style of teaching and he did n't want her to get giving them exams like the other teachers did. Without good luck charm exams, Albus had less to worry about. Hopefully, Cedonia would ignore pink wine 's supplication for exams and continue the way she had been.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some pumpkin vine juice when the post arrived on Tuesday first light. He looked up and noticed a small brown owl flying towards him. He immediately recognized it as Victoire 's owl. `` Victoire 's sent me something, '' Albus announced as the owl landed next to his plate. Albus took the letter and gave the owl a piece of pledge before it flew off.

`` facial expression, it 's addressed to all of us, '' pink wine commented as she glanced at the letter.

Albus turned the envelope over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a duo letter of the alphabet so far this year, most of them sent along with Amy 's letters to Matt. These usually arrived a couple mean solar day after the full moon, as Amy always wanted to know how Matt was. Since the full moon had been a few weeks ago, Albus was curious as to what Victoire had to secernate them. He opened the alphabetic character and began to record it. Rose, matte, John the Divine, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

Dear Albus, Matt, Rose, John, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying classes and not making too
much fuss. felicitation on your successes in the dueling tournament,
especially you, rose. I hope there are many great victory to come. Good
hazard in your world-class Quidditch lucifer, Albus. We hope to be able to attend, but
it depends on employment and therapist training schedules.

breeding has been going well. We 've been attending category in the cockcrow
and training at St. Mungo 's in the good afternoon, like always. Teddy has been
very engaged with Auror education as well.

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

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

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

Do n't concern about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under control. Good fate with Quidditch, dueling, and course of study, and we
hope to see you soon.

beloved,
Victoire, Teddy, and Amy

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` It explains why professor thrower is n't here, '' flatness commented.

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

`` Do n't worry, '' Rose said, `` I mean, it 's kind of good that someone spotted him. Before they had no star, and now they sort of know where he is. ``

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

`` Could I see the vaticinator ? '' Rose asked one of the sometime students who was sitting across from her. The daughter nodded and handed her the paper. `` Let 's get hold the clause. '' Rose scanned the social movement Thomas Nelson Page and found a forgetful article on the pass on side of the page. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle town, Hythe, in Southern England early yesterday morning. A star who prefers not to be named in this article saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror department since his attack on Head Auror and United States Department of Defense Against the night humanities teacher at Hogwarts schoolhouse of Witchcraft and wizardry, Harry ceramist, hold out Spring. Five underage Hogwarts pupil were also attacked. Willinson, along with his father, Jaret Willinson, and the previous Charms professor, Jameson Washburn, attacked Potter and the five students on the priming. Potter declined comment for this article. The straits Auror has informed the wizarding populace that all three men are dangerous and not to assay to push them. If any of them are seen, masses are requested to inform the Ministry immediately. Ministry Aurors responded to the sighting and are currently investigating .'''

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

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

`` But they 're going to come back, '' Rose sighed, `` To witness the, you-know-whats. ``

`` Well, hopefully Professor potter will enchant them before they get the probability, '' lustrelessness replied, `` Anyway, I hope Amy and Victoire come to the Quidditch match. I have n't seen Amy in historic period. ``

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

`` Yeah, '' Matt gave a half-hearted smile.

`` We 'd break get to spell, '' Rose announced. The five mo years got up from the table and made their way out of the Great Hall. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting adjacent to James I, talking animatedly about something. King James I did n't appear too happy about this and had the smell of somebody pretending to listen, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about James having to make out with Kaden, but not bad enough to do up with his cousin.

professor Cedonia spent the first half of class teaching the magical spell for tying shoes, and during the second half, the class practiced. Unlike last year, Albus thoroughly enjoyed practical deterrent example in Charms. Professor Cedonia did not listen them talking with each other as they practiced, and although she watched their progression, she did n't hover like Washburn had done.

`` self-justification me, prof ? '' Rose announced shortly after she succeeded in charming her shoes to tie themselves.

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

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

`` Thank you, Professor, '' blush wine replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to deliver any exams in this class ? ``

Everyone in the entire elbow room stopped what they were doing and looked over at Rose. nigh of them looked horrified, but a few appeared to also be wondering if they would have any exams. Since they had Charms with the Ravenclaws, this did n't really surprise Albus.

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the other instructor at this school, do not trust in testing bookman in the conventional way. I prefer to assign essays that are done outside of class, where you are innocent to use your books, to assess your noesis of hypothesis. As far as practical exams go, I prefer to assess your progress in class. If I have any belief that you are not mastering the task at hired hand, I will give you duplicate help until you can master it. However, in accordance with Hogwarts custom, there will be a practical exam at the end of the semester. The hypothesis exam will be an essay that you can fill out using your volume, in family. ``

`` Oh, '' pink wine said. She looked a bit stupefy. `` All right. ``

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

`` No, that 's all right, '' rose wine replied.

`` Excellent. I assure you, Rose, that you will have a perfect intellect of second yr Charms by the clip the year is up, and you will be in excellent condition to strike on to third base year. ``

rose wine nodded and Cedonia walked back to the battlefront of the elbow room. Albus turned to bathroom and grinned. `` Yes, no exams ! '' he said.

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

`` well, I suppose she sort of is testing us, '' mat explained, `` Just in a dissimilar way. I 've never had a instructor like her before. ``

`` Me, neither, '' lav said.

Albus nodded. All of his teacher in primary school had been like the ace at Hogwarts, with conventional exams and homework. `` I went to a Muggle schoolhouse and all of the teachers gave us test. move up went to the same one. ``

`` Same here, '' John replied, `` Normal Muggle schooling. ``

`` Not me, '' Matt announced, `` I was home-schooled. You can probably reckon why. Amy went to Muggle schooling, though. ``

`` All the teachers were like Cedonia at my school, '' Amanda turned around to talk to the male child. `` We did n't ingest examination or grades or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to school. Except when I made unknown stuff happen. People thought I was Weird. Turns out I was, but in a undecomposed way, '' she laughed.

`` I suppose this will mold, '' Rose sighed, `` She is assessing us, just in a different way. At to the lowest degree she 's nice. Everyone seems to care her. ``

`` We do n't really ingest any hateful instructor this twelvemonth, '' Albus commented.

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

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

`` Hagrid Edward Thatch Care of Magical animate being and he 's great, '' Albus told them.

`` What form of magical creatures ? '' toilet grinned at Matt.

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

`` Trelawney 's kind of strange, but courteous enough, '' Albus commented. `` She teaches Divination. ''

`` No way am I taking that, '' matte announced, `` I do n't want to know what my future holds. ``

`` Arithmancy sounds really concern, '' rosebush said, `` And Georgia told me the teacher is strict, but not have in mind. ``

`` fountainhead, good, '' Albus replied, `` But we 've got calendar month before we have to make up one's mind what new subjects we 'll contain. ``

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

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't think it would move around out well. '' Albus and rosiness shared a jape that the others did n't really understand. Albus saw their obnubilate faces and decided to recite them about Hermione 's third year schedule sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in time for Albus 's defensive structure course on Thursday. Harry called Albus up to his desk after class. Albus had been anxiously waiting the whole grade to see if Harry managed to entrance Quinton Willinson. Albus had a feeling he had n't because there was n't any mention of it in the vaticinator that sunup.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` I 'm not going to deny it. They probably will get along back here. But there is a large amount of money of tribute around the school. end yr, it was easy for them to be on the grounds since Washburn was a prof and Quinton was a student here. They do n't own that going for them now. And I do n't think any of them could step foot in Hogsmeade without someone alerting me or the Ministry. ``

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

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

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

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

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

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the park room the next workweek completely tired out from Quidditch Practice. The first mate, against Slytherin, was on Saturday and Georgia was having them practice every eventide. It had been a drizzly evening and Albus 's robes were soaked. He went up to his dormitory to put away his broom and change. Once he was done, he grabbed his books and went back to the common way to do his homework. When he got there, he could n't get hold his friends anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dormitory, Albus had just been up there.

Albus squeezed his way through the crowd common room until he found Bilius and Ethan studying at a nearby board. `` Have you seen John and Matt anywhere ? '' Albus asked.

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

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus gave a commonplace grin, `` They 're pathetic. ``

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

`` Yeah, '' Ethan agreed, `` rose wine and Amanda were with them. mat did n't look so good. Maybe they went to the infirmary wing. ``

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the to the full moon was the future night. They must give gone to the elbow room of prerequisite. Albus had also momentarily forgotten about the Room due to the fact that Kaden was always hanging around them, and they did not want him to acknowledge about the Room.

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

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

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

Rose, John, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on spell of parchment and they looked up as Albus came in. mat was sleeping on a nearby professorship and did n't point out Albus.

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

`` Sounds skillful, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a death chair and sat down next to John. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

`` Transfiguration, '' John groaned, `` Eight inch essay due tomorrow. I 've got four in so far. ``

`` History of conjuring trick, '' Amanda said, `` Also due tomorrow. ``

`` I finished those a piece ago, '' rose commented, `` Now I 'm doing Herbology. ``

`` I still have the History of deception stuff to do, '' Albus said as he pulled out his chronicle book of account. `` How long has he been asleep ? '' Albus pointed to Matt.

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

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

`` That 's what we told him, '' rose wine explained without looking up from her record book. `` I think he gets kind of frantic and does n't believe straight at this prison term of the month. ``

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

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

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

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

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

Albus searched the map for a few instant before his centre rested on Malfoy 's dot. He breathed a sigh of relief as he saw that Malfoy 's dot was currently residing in the Slytherin common elbow room. `` He 's in his rough-cut room. ``

`` Oh, upright, '' blush wine smiled. `` I really do n't think he 's going to inquire that tree. ``

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

`` He 'll get in big trouble if he gets caught, '' blush wine reminded him.

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

Albus was relieved that Malfoy was n't currently trying to get into the Whomping willow, but he did jibe with King John that Malfoy would eventually try. The thing was, what were the luck of it happening while Albus was looking at the map ? Not very richly. And what would Albus do if he did see Malfoy near the tree ? Albus had no idea. He sighed as he whispered, `` rascality managed. '' Albus watched as all the ink disappeared from the map. He still did n't desire to do his homework, but he had to. He started to put the map back in his bag, but the sight of a low mark on one of the recess made him stop.

Albus slowly lifted the map back out of his bag and stared at the quoin. He had never seen any Simon Marks on the map after he wiped it clean before. But this bull's eye was so low it could have easily been missed. He peered at the tiny grading until he noticed what it was. It was four paw prints. A brute, dog, hart, and rat print. It obviously meant the marauder. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to stare at the paw print, wracking his brain to try and retrieve why it seemed so familiar.

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

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

Rose, John, and Amanda all leaned in to look at the mark. rose wine furrowed her brow and tilted her chief as she looked at it. `` Why did the Marauders have this thing stoppage on the map ? All the other ink disappears. Now it 's just a random piece of parchment with these paw prints on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw prints before. The part of sheepskin that fell out of the photo album in the attic of Grimmauld piazza ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the course of the school twelvemonth. The symbolic representation were exactly the same. They must mean something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his seat. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the attic at my household, John ? ``

John nodded his mind. `` Yeah ... ''

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

Realization dawned on trick 's face. `` Oh ! I 'd forgotten about that ! Do you still have it ? ``

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



A/N : Sorry for the cliffhanger, but the adjacent chapter is long and I had to split it up somewhere.

The idea for Cedonia 's education fashion and the schoolhouse Amanda used to go to came from a schooltime that used to be near where I live. It recently closed due to lack of funding. But the students did n't have tests or receive grades. They also got to choose whatever they wanted to consider. It was a really interesting estimation and it worked well until it closed. I never went there, but I always thought it was neat.

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

Be on the lookout for my fresh storey, Life Is Good, which is a prequel to secret Within that chronicles how Albus, Rose, Matt, trick, and Amanda received their Hogwarts alphabetic character. I 'm hoping to stake the first chapter sometime next week, as I have Spring Break.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus ran all the way to the Gryffindor common way, narrowly avoiding another prefect. He went to his dormitory room, dug through his trunk, and found the parchment. He was so glad he had n't left it in the attic. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the common room, ignoring the unknown stares he was receiving from his fella schoolfellow. When he got back to the elbow room, can was in the summons of explaining to rosebush and Amanda about what they had found in the attic. `` I 've got it ! '' Albus shouted. He ran back to the board and spread the parchment out on the table.

`` You 're right hand ! '' Rose grinned, `` Exactly the like mark. ``

`` But it 's just a space piece of parchment, '' Amanda reminded him.

`` I know, but there 's definitely something mystical about it. Why would the predator put this symbol on it if it meant nix ? ''

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

Rose looked from the map to the new objet d'art of parchment and back. `` Hmm, I wonder if this is like the map ? Do you think we have to say something to get it to work ? Maybe it 's an wing of the map, Hogsmeade perhaps ? ``

Albus thought for a present moment. That form of made signified. The marauder frequented Hogsmeade quite a bit, during their full moon pleasure trip. Maybe they wanted a map of the settlement as well. `` There 's only one way to discover out, '' he grabbed his sceptre and tapped the piece of lambskin, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no ripe. ``

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

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would like to plume you, as you have obviously found the Marauder 's Map and figured out how to use it. However, he assures you that the marauder would not use the like incantation for this exceptional item .'
Albus and rose wine burst out laughing. This bit of sheepskin was sort of like the map ! There was something wizard about it, but it obviously was n't the Lapp as the map. John Lackland smirked and shook his head.

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

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's legerdemain. The marauders either found or invented some sort of magical spell that enabled the Marauder 's Map to commune with people who try to use it and they 've done the same thing with this. '' Albus pulled the piranha 's Map in front of him and tapped his wand to it, `` view this. I, Albus Severus Potter, demand you to demo yourself. ``

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

'Mr. Moony would care to would like to tell Mr. ceramicist to keep his dirty hands off the parchment.

Mr. Wormtail agrees with Mr. Moony and would like to add that despite the fact that Mr. Potter parcel a first gear name with the headmaster, it does not pass him the authority do what he pleases.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would like to add that Mr. Potter 's middle gens has got to be the most opprobrious public figure he has ever heard.

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

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

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

`` It 's not, '' Albus explained, `` When the predator were in schooling, Albus Dumbledore was master. And the predator hated Snape, so they always insult my gens. Except my grandpa, he 's never able to oversee it. ``

`` That 's pretty impressive deception, '' lav said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

`` You know, '' rosiness began, `` If the Marauders did n't desire anyone else reading that map, they would have just put a appeal on it that prevented anyone except themselves to translate it. I reckon they hoped soul would eventually observe out how to read it. ``

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

`` But, '' Rose continued, `` Do you reckon they might have wanted another detail that only they could learn ? ``

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

`` That other small-arm of lambskin. Maybe it 's something that the Marauders did n't desire anyone to be capable to read. ``

`` But then we could n't understand it, '' Albus sighed. It did sort of brand gumption that the marauder wanted something to be private. But then why did they put the Lapplander scar on both parchment ?

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

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

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

`` I 'm not sure, '' rosiness replied, `` I mean, there 's probably some kind of conjuring trick that only enables a few people to read it. kind of like a Fidelius appeal for books or something. ``

Albus grabbed the lambskin and pointed his verge at it. The exclusively way to find out if something would reveal it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to seduce trouble. '' zero happened. `` I want to make mischief. I am going to perpetrate a prank on person. I promise I will shit trouble. '' Albus tried many dissimilar variations on the conjuration for the marauder 's Map, but nothing worked.

`` It wo n't sour, Albus, '' Rose said after a patch, `` You ought to just do your preparation. ``

Albus did n't need to do his homework. He wanted to make up the lambskin work. Right now, he did n't wish about anything else. `` There 's got to be something. ``

`` If it 's something only the vulture can read, then you 've got to be a piranha to read it, '' Saint John the Apostle sighed.

`` That 's it ! '' Albus shouted. He had been thinking the incantation was like the piranha 's Map, but it must be something that would prove you 're a predator. `` I solemnly swear that I am a Marauder. '' goose egg happened. Albus sighed. He had been so surely that that would throw worked.

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

`` Oh come off it ! '' rosebush shouted, `` There 's going to be some sort of charm on it to see if he really is a predator. Just saying so is n't going to work. ``

Albus kind of agreed with Rose at this point, but he was willing to try anything. But which Marauder ? Prongs. It had to be. Prongs was his grandfather. If this was going to act for anyone, it would figure out for him. He was related to one of the marauder. Albus pointed his baton at the lambskin with his heart beating fast. `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

Albus held his breath as he watched the parchment. John, rosebush, and Amanda watched as well. Albus 's eyes bugged out as he saw ink appearing across the parchment. `` It worked ! '' he whispered. His friends nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus began to record as the Holy Writ formed completely.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the marauder 's Map, Second edition .'
`` Second map ? '' John looked up, `` I thought there was only one. ``

`` So did I, '' Albus replied. He stared at the sheepskin as more words appeared across it. lav, Rose, and Amanda all watched with him, no one saying a word.

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

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

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

`` What is this parchment ? '' King John asked curiously.

`` Either it 's a prank or a highly advanced magical object, '' pink wine remarked. The four friends continued to watch as more authorship appeared.

'When four son, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and devilry, they may represent themselves as the side by side coevals of Marauders .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the parchment. The next genesis of vulture ? What had his grandpa and his ally done ?

`` This is incredible, '' rosiness whispered.

'These four friends must each exemplify one of the Marauders, for if even one is missing, this map will not puzzle out. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the secret of the Marauders. Prove that you know, and you may extend along the path of discovery .'

'The way of find ? I never knew you were so poetical, Mr. Prongs .'

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

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

'Mr. Moony advises that whomever is reading this ignore Mr. Prongs and Mr. Padfoot and bulge out proving that they know the predator .'

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

'The Marauders wish you good lot .'

The ink disappeared from the parchment and Albus looked up at his friend. `` What in the public figure of Merlin is this ? ``

`` I think it 's something the marauder invented to ensure that they would never be gone from this shoal, '' blush wine said in awe, `` It 's awing. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Amanda grinned, `` Probably the salutary magical thing I 've seen yet. ``

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

`` How are we going to get out the rest period ? '' John asked.

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

`` We already know their heavy secrets, '' rose wine said, `` But how would we essay it to a patch of parchment. ``

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

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

`` Seems too dim-witted, '' rose said.

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

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

Albus and the others watched the parchment. A few words appeared on it. Could it take in actually worked ?

'Nice try .'
`` I told you it would n't make for, '' blush wine smirked, `` It 's got to be more elusive than that. ``

`` We 'll just have to think on it, '' Albus replied. He had no idea how they were to turn up to the new map that they knew the vulture'secret, but he had to find out out. This lambskin was perhaps even more interesting and wizard than the piranha 's Map, and he was going to compute it out.

`` What are you lot doing ? '' Matt sat up and was looking around with a confuse expression on his face. `` What time is it ? ``

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

Albus, Saint John, pink wine, and Amanda spent the next few minutes explaining about the new map to matte. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbol on the marauder 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to demonstrate the piece of writing, and how they had to bear witness that they knew the piranha'secrets. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is brilliant, '' Matt commented.

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

`` Well, I know what we can do while we 're trying to work out it out how to essay we know the piranha, '' John announced, `` We 've got to figure out who we 're going to be. ``

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

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

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's face fell as he realized that someone was going to have to present Wormtail. cipher was going to desire to be him.

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

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

`` He 's Padfoot, '' matt yawned, `` He 's got to be. He 's firm like a dog. Remember that detainment last twelvemonth in the trophy elbow room, when he yelled at Washburn ? ``

Saint John the Apostle grinned sheepishly, `` I could be Padfoot. ``

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

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

`` You do n't have got to, '' Albus told her, `` The map clearly said four son, four Gryffindor boys to be particular. ``

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

`` Hey, it 's not our geological fault the Marauders wanted it to be boys, '' Albus shrugged, `` But you can help us compute the whole thing out. ``

`` Right now, we 've got to see a Wormtail, '' Amanda said. `` Who else are you three good friends with ? ``

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

The booster all looked at Matt, whose grimace had paled at hearing this. Albus had n't thought about that. He did n't want anyone who resembled St. Peter Pettigrew finding out about Matt. If that 's what it took to find out the arcanum of this map, then the map would just bide secret.

`` We 're not doing it, '' can said adamantly, `` No one like Wormtail is going to see out that matte is wolfman. ``

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

`` No problem, '' John the Divine smiled.

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

Albus thought about this. It could work. But could they really find person they could hope enough to let out matte 's undercover ? Or, did they even have to reveal it ? Was it possible to do this without telling the quartern person ? `` Let 's just keep our heart out for individual who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll recollect about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them live about Matt, at least not for a while. Is that all rightfield, Matt ? ``

lusterlessness had fallen asleep again and jerked his head up when he heard his figure. `` Huh ? Oh, yeah, that 's all right. ``

`` audio like a plan, then, '' Saint John said.

`` We 'd amend get back to the common room, '' Rose looked at her picket, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

Albus and the others left the way and walked back to Gryffindor tug. Albus thought about the new map and what it could possibly hold. It was obviously a more postulate map than the Marauder 's Map. Albus could only imagine what was actually on it. The scene of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even find out. What were the luck of them finding someone who would be unforced to make up Wormtail ? And if they did encounter that mortal, could they figure out the map without telling that someone that Matt was a wolfman ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



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

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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the next few days, Albus constantly thought about the new map. He kept it in his bag all the time and found himself looking at it whenever he got the probability. He read the cue again and again, hoping to detect something he missed before that would tell him how to rise that he knew the Marauders'secrets. Albus found that he could n't really boil down on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions test on Friday because he had so a good deal trouble settling down to study the night before.

His school work was n't the only thing suffering, either. Albus was also having a difficult clip paying aid during Quidditch recitation. Seeing as the match against Slytherin was on Sat, this could n't have happened at a worse prison term. Georgia had to shout at him at least five times during drill on Friday, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' Georgia said once practice was over and everyone was starting to go back to the castling, `` stay here for a second base, I need to talk to you. ``

Albus trudged over to GA. She had a blue look on her face that made Albus finger terribly. He knew he had played horrible during drill, but he just could n't get the map out of his head. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what Peach State wanted to talk to him about.

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

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

`` You play wonderfully with Fred and broom, which is why I chose you. You 've had experience working with them, and I thought that would avail us. I think I know why your playing has declined over the past few mean solar day, '' Georgia softened her gaze, `` You 're uneasy. ``

Albus glanced up when his cousin said this. To tell the truth, Albus had n't even thought about being nervous. But he was More than willing to charge his nasty acting on nerves. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely nervous during my world-class match as well. But you are going to do finely. We 're going to crush Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll raise all those people wrong who thought I was favoring my family, '' Georgia grinned.

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

`` Good, '' Peach State replied, `` Now let 's get back to the castle. ``

******

Despite Albus 's lack of nerves the by few daylight, he was certainly making up for it on Saturday forenoon. He woke up with butterfly stroke in his stomach and could n't manage to eat anything for breakfast. spoilt yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to concentrate on this match. His place on the team rested on it.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' flatness asked. He had returned from the hospital Wing the late evening and was looking much better. Judging by his musical note of voice, Albus suspected that lusterlessness looked easily than he did.

`` Yeah, just nervous, '' Albus mumbled. He had n't told any of his admirer about Georgia 's talk last night.

`` wellspring, you 'd better win, '' Gabe bourne, the fourth-year who Albus had beat during try-outs was glaring at him. `` If not, Georgia made a big misunderstanding in choosing one of her first cousin over me. ``

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

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

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

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

Albus grabbed his broom and followed the rest of the team out onto the auction pitch, with his mettle pounding fast. He gazed up at the crowd, never realizing before how many people actually attended Hogwarts. It was one thing to play Quidditch during praxis, but in front of everyone ? Albus was sure he 'd fall off his broom and humiliate the integral team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor team ! '' Albus heard the comrade voice of Lord Todd Smith booming over the pitch. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus potter, James ceramicist, Thomas Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Georgia Weasley, and heather mixture Weasley ! Georgia is the new captain this year, and Albus ceramist has replaced Samantha Meyers as Chaser. Will he be able to know up to her legacy ? Only time will tell. ``

Albus gulped when he heard that. Why did Todd have to say that ? Albus felt as if every eye in the stadium was focused on him. Albus stood next to James as they waited for the Slytherin team to come onto the field. Saint James the Apostle sent him a supportive smile that Albus returned nervously.

`` And here are the Slytherins ! Ferris Fielding, Talan flint, Lance Goyle, Peyton James Langston Hughes, Garth Octavius, Hailey Odele, and Jackson Naiser ! The Slytherins have replaced their Seeker since hold out year. Garth Octavius is the new Seeker. ``

Albus remembered Georgia telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin Seeker from close year, had been utterly incapable of catching the Snitch. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as inept, but he doubted it.

`` riding horse your broom, '' Professor Oteski announced, `` Ready, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's pennywhistle. He took a few deep intimation to clear his forefront and tried to stuff out the crowd 's cheering and booing. He glanced around the tar and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the other side of meat of the playing field in order to get away from Odele, who was flying right future to him. With his faster broom, he was away from her in no sentence. He could do this, Albus thought.

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

Albus flew after him, but he had already managed to make it past both Bludgers and was heading full-strength towards Georgia. He threw the Quaffle and it sailed into the left most hoop.

`` Score ! Slytherin scores the first destination of the secret plan, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Sweeney Todd announced.

Albus groaned and flew towards the Gryffindor end. He zigzagged through the other actor, dodging both the Bludgers. Albus was very good at maneuvering his broom and avoiding other role player. He saw that both ling and Fred were covered by Slytherin chaser as everyone waited for the Georgia to befuddle the Quaffle back into gaming. Georgia faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle to the left. Albus immediately flew towards it, and with his fast new heather, grabbed the Quaffle just as Fielding tried to catch it.

Albus turned his Calluna vulgaris around and sped like lightning towards the other end of the pitch. He looked all around him, noticing that the Slytherin pursuer were closing in, while the beaters aimed both Bludgers at him. Albus flew straight up and avoided all of them.

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

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

`` Score ! '' Bessie Smith announced, `` Scots heather Weasley has scored, making the secret plan tied with 10 spot each. ``

Albus grinned at Heather and flew to the Slytherin goal mail. He waited for Goyle to jactitate the Quaffle back out, and let his thinker wander to the map. Albus had n't really thought about it at all so far, which was salutary. Who could they get to represent Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the time. Every person he passed in the lobby made Albus wonder, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never find anyone. Albus, John, and matte were destined to just be a group of three acquaintance, and that was n't going to crop for the new map. Why would n't it just take on pink wine or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of course of action, neither miss would agree to representing the traitor that was Peter Pettigrew anyway.

`` Albus ! '' A loud voice jerked Albus back into the compeer. He looked up and saw that Scots heather was glaring at him. He shook his chief and started flying again.

During the balance of the match, Albus found his judgment drifting more and more towards the map. He dropped the Quaffle more than than a few times, earning disapproving flavor from Georgia. Although he had n't scored a exclusive goal, he did avail Heather and Fred score a few each. Unfortunately this was n't enough, and soon Slytherin was ahead.

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

Albus groaned and looked around at his mate. Georgia looked tense, Heather and Fred looked determined, Bradley and Ryan looked angry, and James I looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the sneak. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor destination Emily Post. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to score.

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

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

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

`` Potter has caught the stoolie ! '' Smith announced happily, `` Gryffindor wins with 230 distributor point ! ``

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

`` Great job, Albus ! '' St. John the Apostle broke through the crowd, followed by matte, Rose, and Amanda.

`` Excellent, '' mat grinned.

`` You were awe-inspiring, '' Rose agreed.

`` Good match, '' Amanda added.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` But I did n't even make any goals. ``

`` Department of Energy n't weigh, '' flatness replied, `` You had quite a few assists, and we won so it 's all salutary. ``

`` company in the common way ! '' one of the older educatee shouted. Everyone else cheered and the crew started to move slowly to the castle.

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

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

`` Of row you will. The first base peer is always the most stressful, '' Harry replied.

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

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

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His mother did interest a lot, although she did consume a good intellect. His class always seemed to draw in trouble, and he was mildly surprised that he escaped his first equal with only a venial contusion from a Bludger.

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

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

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

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` commodity, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're able to heal minor slice and bruises right now, although most of the stuff we 've learned is theoretical. It 's all quite entrancing, though. ``

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

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

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

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

`` I would n't bear in mind, '' blush wine grinned.

`` Of course of study you would n't, '' John laughed.

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

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

`` If Muggles use phonograph needle, then I agree, '' Saint John the Apostle said.

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

`` I think I 'd rather induce someone wave their wand than have someone bind me with a needle, '' Albus shook his point. Sometimes he just did n't see the thing Muggles did.

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

Albus, Rose, and Victoire laughed. They had all heard the history of their grandpa 's experiment with Muggle stitches. `` My grandfather had them once, '' Albus grinned, `` Did n't move around out too well. ``

`` What are stitches ? '' John asked.

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

`` Sew ? '' John had a disgusted feel on his aspect, `` Like what they do with clothes ? That 's mental. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus was startled by the modification in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the past few days. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not need to be around him anymore and found his own booster. Albus had not really paid a lot care to his picayune cousin since he told Malfoy that flatness gets pallid every calendar month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

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

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

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

`` Er, '' Albus looked at Matt and then back at James, `` He kind of told someone something that I told him to sustain calm down about. ``

`` wellspring, whatever that was, you should make up with him, '' James I replied, `` He 's been moping around me for the past month and it 's getting on my boldness. ``

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

`` Be friend with him again ! ''

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

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

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

`` Kaden, '' Albus replied.

`` Good job on the match. ``

`` Thanks. ``

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

`` Did n't consider he 'd start annoying Saint James the Apostle, '' Rose commented.

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

`` I take it you 're not going to rationalise ? '' Matt asked.

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

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

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

******

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

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

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

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

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

`` wellspring, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old school and my old Quaker. Little did I know that I would come in to love this post even more and take a shit even undecomposed admirer. ``

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

Albus sat down next to her, while his Friend and Amy took butt on various early chairs and couch. `` Have you ever met Kaden ? '' Albus asked his cousin.

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

`` Well, he 's very bother, to say the least. He thinks everything about the charming world is wonderful and that charming can solve everything, '' Albus explained.

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

`` Yeah, but he did n't appear to understand, '' Albus replied, `` Anyway, he latched himself onto me and started following us around everywhere. It got very irritating, but we tolerated it. Then, the day of the number 1 wide moon, Kaden got honk and Madam Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really astonish him and he came back to the plebeian room praising gentlewoman Pomfrey and her potions. He came over to where we were sitting and he noticed how ill Matt looked. ``

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

`` Yeah, he insisted that matt go see Madam Pomfrey. I tried to explain that magic could n't fix everything, but he just would n't listen. We told him to give up going on and on about healing potions, but he would n't. Matt left because he had to go to the infirmary Wing, and I yelled at Kaden. However, the engagement did n't last long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't know about Matt, therefore he had no idea that what he said was hurtful. I explained to Kaden once again that there were things that magic could n't solve, and that flatness had a disease that legerdemain could n't solve- ''

`` You did n't tell him, did you ? '' Amy asked matt anxiously.

`` Of course of action not, '' lusterlessness assured her, `` He 's still got no mind. ``

`` Good. ``

`` After that, we just form of accepted that Kaden would be around us all the sentence and got used to him, '' Albus continued, `` But then he decided to inquire the Whomping Willow. ``

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the exact like meter. Amy 's face lost all gloss as she stared at Albus.

`` He did. We were lying around the grounds after Quidditch pattern and Kaden wanted to look into it. We told him legion clip not to, but he did anyway. He got hit a span times, but eventually he wound up inside the tunnel. ``

Amy turned to her Brother with a look of awe on her nerve. `` Did he travel along it ? '' she whispered.

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

The female child nodded their heads. Albus had owled Amy and explained about the detention on the uranology tug, but had not told her why they were in detention.

`` Right after we got out of Filch 's government agency, we took Kaden up to our dorm room and persuaded him not to ever attend for that tunnel again or to tell anyone about it. He said he would n't, '' Albus continued, `` Just like he said he would n't tell anyone that Matt had a disease that could n't be fixed by magic trick. ``

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

`` You 're right, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some strange reason, known only to my dolt first cousin, he decided to tell Scorpius Malfoy that Matt gets unbalanced every once and a patch, and tell him about the Whomping Willow ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Both girls shouted and stood up with flavour of angriness on their faces.

`` And Malfoy has been trying to find oneself out where I go every month and now he 's got more clues. Up until now we 've been telling him that I have to chat my purge gran, but that wo n't work anymore, '' flatness explained. `` It 's only a issue of clock time before he finds out. ``

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

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

`` Not good, this is not good, '' Amy started pacing, `` Have you told any of the teachers ? ``

`` No, '' flatness answered.

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

Matt stood up, his human face as pale as Amy 's. `` All right. '' He reluctantly followed his sister out of the Room.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` I know that ! '' Albus shouted, `` Kaden does n't even know about it ! But I told him not to severalize and he did n't take heed. We ca n't entrust him with anything ! Everything I 've told him not to recite, he 's told someone, and it was Malfoy of all mass ! You realize that if I forgive him, he 'll start following us around again. He 'll get more leery about Matt and eventually he 's going to find out. And what do you think he 'll do then ? We 'll tell him not to say anything, and he will. He 'll probably tell Malfoy. ``

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

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` amercement, '' Rose snapped.

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

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

`` He had some sort of Auror training matter today, '' Victoire responded, `` breeding is pretty vivid. And it 's at all kinds of crazy minute. I guess they 're preparing him for what it 'll be like when he 's a fully trained Auror. ``

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

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



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his acquaintance sat around the Room of requirement for the next half 60 minutes, waiting for flatness to fall back. Nobody said a lot, but Albus could tell apart that they were all worried about what was going to fall out. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the door to the room open up. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

matte ran over to his booster with a smile on his side. `` Not much. ``

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

`` Nope ! '' mat grinned. `` Kendrick said he 'd ask precaution of it and no one 's going to be able to get into the passageway anymore. ``

`` That 's nifty ! '' Albus replied. He was very assuage. It would not have been fair for Matt to have to leave Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's stupidity.

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

`` We did n't really think of it at the sentence, '' whoremaster commented.

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

`` trade good, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' Saint John the Apostle said tentatively, `` Nobody can get into the passage now ? ``

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

`` Oh, '' lavatory said, `` I was sort of hoping we could go explore it some time. ``

lusterlessness turned and glared at him, `` Are you insane ? There 's no way I 'd take you into the screech shack. ``

`` It could have been like our own uncouth elbow room, '' John continued.

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

`` All right, fine, '' John sighed, `` Would 've been poise, though. ``

******

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

`` Who 's that old ma'am up there ? '' Amanda pointed to the staff table. There was a little old hag with a patched and frayed hat sitting where prof Longbottom usually sat.

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He looked up towards the cap as the Emily Price Post owl started to come. Rose 's family unit owl made a beeline for her and stood waiting for her to consume the letter off.

Rose took the alphabetic character and gave her owl a piece of pledge. She opened the letter and read for a few mo before reemerging from behind it with a huge grinning on her expression. `` Professor Longbottom 's wife has had her baby ! Her name is Lucy Augusta. That explains why Professor Longbottom is n't here. ``

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

`` You know, I never really believe about the teacher having family line, '' Matt commented.

`` Well, we met professor Longbottom 's wife at the Leaky Cauldron over the summer, '' St. John pointed out.

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

`` Oh, yeah, '' trick remembered, `` And prof Potter obviously has a home. '' John grinned at Albus.

`` He does ? '' Albus opened his oculus wide in a face of fake shock. `` I never knew ! ``

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

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

`` May I have your attention ? '' Kendrick stood up and banged his spoon against his goblet. `` Thank you. I have two proclamation this morning. The initiative one is that it has come to my attention that a few of you have not heeded my warnings about staying away from the Whomping willow. I must secernate you again how serious it is. ``

Albus stole a glance at Kaden, who was steadily turning more tap. Albus glared at him and this made him turn a bright shade of red.

`` As an added guard, I have put a few Aaron Montgomery Ward around it that will inform me when person disregard my ruler. There will be severe punishment for anyone who is caught around the tree, '' Kendrick said sternly.

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

Most of the other students started whispering among themselves, no dubiousness wondering why this could be considered a 'lighter note'.

`` Yes, yes, no need to care. professor Longbottom 's wife has had a baby girlfriend and he will be gone for a few weeks. prof Sprout, who taught here twelvemonth ago has offered to aim his blank space until he returns, '' Kendrick gestured to the older witch.

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

`` I believe that is all. I hope everyone has a good Lord's Day and is well rested for social class tomorrow, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` I hope Sprout is squeamish, '' Matt said as he and the others wandered around the land after breakfast. It was a very mild day for November and about of the students were outside enjoying the weather.

`` She is, '' Albus assured him. `` My parents had her. So did nigh of my auntie and uncles. ``

`` Mine, too, '' John said.

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

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

The chemical group spent the sunrise wandering around the land, putting off the preparation they should feature been doing. They talked some more about the map, but nobody had any idea as to how to get it to work or who could play Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to wonder if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a totally lot easier than trying to fend off him, like he had been doing the retiring month and a half.

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

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

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

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

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

`` I still do n't like him, '' privy said adamantly, `` I mean, maybe if he 'd hear how to exclude his mouthpiece, I 'd wish him considerably. ``

`` Maybe there 's some form of spell we can use to get him not to talk about affair he 's not supposed to, '' Amanda laughed.

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

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

Albus stared at his friend. Albus did not recollect matt would ever be friendly with Kaden again, but what he said actually made good sense. Malfoy was going to find out. `` It 's all right with you if I forgive him ? ``

`` Yeah, '' matte said, `` He 's your first cousin. If I had any cousin-german, I 'd need to be well-disposed with them. ``

Albus sighed. He knew the the right way matter to do was to just forgive Kaden. Albus knew that as soon as he made up with Kaden, Kaden would go hovering around them again. He just wished Kaden would find his own friends. But it did n't attend like that was going to pass anytime soon. Every clock time Albus saw Kaden, he was either alone or with Jesse James.

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

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've got to find Slughorn, '' pink wine announced as she stood up. `` I need to talk to him about that last essay. Want to come, Amanda ? '' Amanda nodded and the two missy took off for the castle.

`` Bet she thinks she lost a detail on it, '' bathroom laughed.

`` Probably, '' Albus grinned as the three son started walking back to the castle. They joined the tumid chemical group of pupil now running towards the castle as it got darker outside.

`` What do you want to do ? '' John asked as they climbed the stairs.

`` Want to go to the room ? '' Matt suggested.

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

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

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

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

`` No theme. I guess we 'll just have to mess with it while Kaden 's in class. ``

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

mat said nothing but pulled his two friends into a nearby void classroom. He shut the doorway and turned to face up his acquaintance. `` There 's people whispering just around the corner. ``

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

`` Are you mad ? '' John stared at him, `` We were the only if one out there. ``

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

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

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

`` Oh, right, '' Albus replied, remembering that werewolves did let Superior hearing. `` Well, what was it ? ``

`` There 's at least two people out there and one sounds scared, '' matte explained.

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

`` Yeah, definitely students. ``

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

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

Albus was unresolved if he wanted to go see who was whispering around the corner or not. He was definitely curious, but he did n't want to get hexed. Eventually, his curiosity beat out his fear. `` All right hand. ``

`` prevail out your wands, '' flatness instructed as he opened the door. The son crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the corner. As they got closer, Albus could take off to make out bits of conversation.

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

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

Albus quickened his pace. Someone was going to hex person. He had to hold on them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the part, but he could n't quite place them.

The boys rounded the nook and Albus saw why he recognized the spokesperson. Scorpius Malfoy and Felix Willinson were standing with their verge pointed at Kaden, who was leaning on the wall, his helping hand shakily holding his wand out in figurehead of him. Albus stopped in his rail, and John and flatness did the same. Neither Malfoy, Willinson, or Kaden had noticed them yet.

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

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

`` Liar, '' Malfoy raised his baton a niggling higher.

That was it. Albus could n't birth to watch Malfoy interrogating his cousin like that. All his bitter thought process toward Kaden flew out the window the second Albus saw Kaden 's terrified human face. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's scepter sailed out of his hired man and landed on the floor a few feet down the corridor. John ran forward and grabbed it.

Albus and Matt stepped forward as Malfoy and Willinson turned around. `` Well, if it is n't Potter, '' Malfoy gaiter. `` What can you possibly want ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

At the same time, John shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' and Willinson 's wand sailed neatly into Saint John 's hand.

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

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

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

`` Fine, '' Malfoy smirked, `` Guess your cousin-german will get jinxed. ``

John burst out laughing, `` good portion with that, seeing as I 've got your sceptre. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Filch went through his usual turn of filling out forms and filing them in the right cabinet. He smirked as he filed Albus 's form. `` Seems you 'll ingest a file cabinet nearly as big as your don and grandad 's by the sentence you graduate. ``

Albus said nothing as Filch continued to fill out and file his forms. After what seemed like an 60 minutes, but was probably only a few minutes, Filch finished. `` You 'll have two dark 's detention. Tonight and tomorrow night. run across me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't have to be asked twice. He was the first one out the room access, followed quickly by Matt, John, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the dungeon, Albus began to guide his champion up the step. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor towboat. Kaden stuck to them like someone had affixed a lasting sticking spell on him, but Albus did n't listen. He needed to talk to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the reason he told Malfoy about the passageway in the Whomping willow ?

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

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

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

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

`` For telling Malfoy, '' Kaden explained. `` I know you 're mad at me and I 'm good-for-nothing, '' his phonation cracked. `` And I 'm sorry for landing you lot in detention, again. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` And it was too late, '' Kaden continued, `` They were going to hex me if I did n't recite them. So I told them there was a tunnel but I did n't experience where it went. They did n't believe me, though. They 've been trying to get me to severalise them about once a week and I get hex every time. brothel keeper Pomfrey fixes it, though. ``

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

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

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

`` I know, and I 'm really no-good about everything, '' Kaden replied, `` I wanted to keep it all a secret, but- ''

`` It 's all right, '' Albus cut him off. Kaden was obviously lamentable about what he had done. Albus was starting to experience really bad that he had ignored his cousin for so long, especially when he was being threatened by Slytherins. `` And I 'm no-count I did n't listen to you before. ``

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

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Just tell me next clock time they do that. And try not to tell anyone the thing I tell you in private anymore. ``

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

St. John and Matt looked at each other and then rock their heads. `` No, we 've been mad at you long enough, '' lusterlessness told him.

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

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

`` Did n't reckon so, '' Kaden replied, `` But it was worth a shot. Anyway, I have n't had a hazard to tell you, but I still think football is ameliorate than Quidditch. ``

`` Are you mad ? ! '' privy and mat shouted at the like time. Both of them had feeling of disgust on their faces.

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

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

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

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

`` Once you see the shank play, you 'll alter your judgement, '' Matt told him as he stood up.

`` The carom ? '' Saint John laughed and walked over to the doorway, `` Are you the harebrained one now ? ``

`` Not at the moment, no, '' matt smirked. lavatory and Albus burst out laughing at John 's choice of Word and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

`` Another thing I do n't get to have sex ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yup, '' the three other boys said at the same time.

`` Anyway, '' whoremaster continued as they left the room, `` The Cannons are the worst team, you do n't want to see them play. It 's not like they 'll hold it to the league Cup. ``

mat punched him playfully in the arm, `` Do n't insult my squad like that. It 's not ilk Puddlemre United is doing a great deal intimately. ``

This time it was Saint John 's turn to plug Matt in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the shank can ever trust to be. ``

John and lusterlessness continued their controversy all the way down into the common room, with Kaden paying rapt attention. Albus smiled as he watched them. Maybe Kaden could fit in with their group after all.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't take long for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's group of protagonist. By the end of the week, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their common routine of doing homework in the park room after dinner party. Of line, that did not commence until after the boys served their detention with Filch. The caretaker had them unclouded almost every toilet in the intact castle. This was a tense affair due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the custody alongside them. Albus was quite happy when the hold was over.

All in all, school was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his grade and Quidditch and the Dueling Club were going well, too. Albus managed to shove aside his thought of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased Georgia greatly. The downside to having Kaden vertebral column was that Albus and his other friends could n't really sneak off to the Room of Requirement anymore, unless they wanted to convey Kaden. They all liked Kaden well enough, but none of them really wanted the untried boy to have a go at it about the Room yet. That, and they did n't want Kaden to love about the map. He did n't even get it on about the fixture marauder 's Map. So, Albus had no choice but to just think about the map, rather than mess up around with it.

As November turned into December, blow fell upon the grounds and students of all ages flocked to them to have snow ball engagement. Albus and his admirer took office in quite a few, usually being crushed by the older educatee. Albus enjoyed these fights immensely, but thoughts of the new map were always in the binding of his mind. He just wished they could have some time away from Kaden to enquire it some more. The chance to do just that rebel one day in the offset of Dec. Kaden was not doing too well in Transfiguration and one of the quondam Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few other first class in the library.

Albus immediately shut his Charms Good Book after Kaden left the common room. `` All right, he 's gone. Let 's go to the Room. ``

`` You 're awfully aegir for him to lead, '' lav smirked, `` I thought you did n't mind him so much now. ``

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

`` Do you think you know how to form it ? '' lusterlessness asked.

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

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

The chemical group left the crowd together coarse room and followed the fellow course to the room. Once there, they took their common fanny and waited for Albus tell them his idea.

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

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

Matt and Amanda stared at Albus in shock, but Rose did n't appear fazed at all.

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

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

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

`` Er, no, but- ''

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

`` I agree, Albus, '' rose announced.

`` Thank you, Rose. ``

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

Albus nodded. That made sense. `` All right. '' He took a deep breath. `` Here it goes. I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The familiar ink appeared on the lambskin, telling Albus that he needed to prove he knew all the vulture'enigma. He looked up at his friends, who were all wearing expression of prediction. Albus grabbed a quill and an ink pot. He poised his quill over the lambskin and wrote in very lilliputian letters,

'Moony is a wolfman. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a hart, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat .'
Albus put the calamus down and stared at the parchment. Everyone watched in complete secretiveness. The ink disappeared into the map and Amanda let out a pant. A few second later, new Logos appeared.

'Close, but not quite .'

Albus let out a loud groan as the words dissolved. `` I really thought that would be it ! ``

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

`` Department of Energy n't weigh anyway, we do n't possess a Wormtail, '' matte pointed out.

`` I think that would hold been too obvious anyway, '' blush wine explained, `` It 's got to be something more elusive. ``

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

`` Well, '' Rose began, `` We 've got to call up that these are the marauder. And I 'm indisputable they wanted to make it unmanageable for whoever found this map. ``

`` dependable point in time, '' John said.

`` This most likely holds more information about Hogwarts than the Marauder 's Map did, and possibly Hogsmeade as well, '' rosebush continued, `` So we 've got to think about this the way they would 've. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. Of row the marauder would n't feature just had them write something on the map. It was too easy. `` Right, so they liked getting in hassle. They would probably require us to do something that might get us in trouble. ``

`` And near likely grievous, '' rosebush added.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the more it made sensory faculty. The Marauders spent their Hogwarts vocation causing bother and doing grievous matter. They obviously would want people just as daring to be the next Marauders.

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

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

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

`` We could force paw prints on it, '' John laughed.

Rose 's face lit up. `` lavatory, that 's it ! ``

`` lottery paw prints ? '' whoremaster stared at her, `` How 's that dangerous ? ``

`` No, not that. But the paw mark idea, '' Rose grinned mischievously, `` We 've got to get a loup-garou, stag, dog, and rat paw print onto the map. ``

The idea sounded preposterous to Albus, but it did seem like the kind of thing the Marauders would do. It would definitely be serious to get the paw prints, and difficult as well. Not many people would actually be capable to get them all. It was pernicious as well. No one would have any idea what the paw photographic print would think of unless they knew the Marauders'secrets. The only affair he did n't care about it was the mind of a gang of creature trampling the map.

They all stared at Rose, who was looking quite happy with the musical theme. Eventually, Albus spoke. `` Are you sure ? ``

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

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

`` Is that a word ? '' pink wine laughed.

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

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

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

`` brand sense, '' matt replied.

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

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

`` estimable full stop, '' rose wine sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few second, then Rose had another approximation. `` What if we use different piece of parchment and then use a transference charm to put them on the map ? ``

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

They all stared at each former and throw off their psyche. `` Er, that might be a problem, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm pretty certain that charm is well past O.W.L. ``

`` I 'll read it, '' Rose told him, `` I 'm sure I can detect it in the library somewhere. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` It might take me a while to figure out the charm anyway, '' Rose commented.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` That 's what the Marauders would have wanted, '' Albus told her.

`` We do n't have to go to the Forbidden Forest, '' rosebush announced, `` We 've just got to go to a forest. I live right near a forest, Albus and I can try and get the print over Christmas Day. ``

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

`` The werewolf one, '' flatness whispered. Albus and the others turned to look at Matt. He had been very quiet over the by few moment and Albus noticed that he was paler than usual. Albus could understand why. The werewolf paw print could possibly be the most dangerous one to get.

`` You know, '' blush wine said quietly, `` This is why the paw mark thing makes so lots sense to me. I highly doubt a regular wolf print is going to work. And if this really is the way to get the map to work, the exclusively way to get a werewolf paw print would be if a werewolf was at Hogwarts. ``

Albus thought about this and it made utter common sense. This would be one way for the piranha to make sure that the new Marauders would have at least one similarity to the originals. `` But how do we get it ? We obviously ca n't go into the screech hutch the night of the full moon. ``

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

`` All rightfield, '' Matt sighed after a few minutes. `` I 've got an theme. ``

Albus and the rest of his protagonist said nothing but watched as they waited for Matt to elaborate. Albus could tell that mat really did n't require to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to exploit ?

`` We go down to the Shrieking Shack a twin Clarence Day before the full moon and stick a few pieces of self-inking sheepskin to the floor. Hopefully I 'll step on one of them and we 'll have a paw print, '' matte explained quietly.

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

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

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

`` Not if we use my dad 's invisibleness cloak, '' Albus grinned. `` I 'll sneak into his study sometime when he 's in class and take over it. ``

`` Really ? '' lusterlessness half-smiled. `` That would be great. ``

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

`` You three can go, '' rosiness gestured to Albus, matt, and bathroom, `` You 're going to be the new Marauders anyway. ``

`` knack on, '' John interrupted, `` I thought Kendrick put up wards on the Whomping Willow. How are we going to get in without him knowing ? ``

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

`` Oh, right. ``

`` When 's the next full moonlight ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

`` Perfect, '' Rose grinned, `` And I 'll start searching the subroutine library for the charm. Hopefully we 'll birth it figured out right after Yule. ``

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

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

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

The group worked silently on their homework for a while, only talking when they needed to ask inquiry about it. Albus tried his best to condense on his Transfiguration essay, but his mind kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw photographic print faster. Albus was very anxious to find out what this map had in store for them. Of trend, they still had to find person to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to push that thought from his mind.

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

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

`` Not really, '' lavatory replied, `` It 's too quiet. I 've kind of gotten used to Kaden 's tawdriness. ``

`` It is kind of strange not having him around tonight, '' Albus agreed. He had form of gotten used to Kaden 's unremitting presence over the past few weeks. Albus would even go so far as to say that he was starting to become Friend with his cousin.

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

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

That 's it ! Albus dropped his flight feather and stared at pink wine. Of track ! Why had n't he realized it before ? Kaden did follow them around and practically revere the ground they walked on. Kaden was Wormtail.

`` Albus ? '' Rose asked. `` Are you all right ? ``

Albus shook his head and looked at rose wine. `` I 'm fine. substantially than that, actually, '' he grinned. `` You 've just given me an idea as to who can be Wormtail. ``

`` Who ? '' John asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

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

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' blush wine asked.

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

`` Not really, '' John said.

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

`` Not really, '' King John said after a few moments muteness.

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

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

Albus looked at his Quaker for a bit before responding. Albus talked the least about Wormtail than all the other predator. Obviously, Albus felt a deep hatred for Simon Peter Pettigrew, and this resulted in him not wanting to blab about him. So Albus 's Friend really did n't know a unit lot about him. Just the parts that had to do with him betraying Albus 's grandparents. `` Well, we 've got to think back that when the Marauders made this map they were friends with Wormtail. He had n't betrayed them yet. He did take good qualities, as practically as I hate saying that, '' Albus said grimly.

`` So what are these qualities ? '' John asked skeptically.

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

`` Like Kaden does with you three, '' Rose commented, a flavor of realisation appearing on her face.

`` Exactly, '' Albus said, well-chosen that individual was finally understanding, `` And he used to do whatever they wanted. ``

`` auditory sensation like Kaden, '' Matt agreed.

`` Definitely, '' John replied.

`` You know, '' Rose began, `` Wormtail obviously caved under threats and Kaden did, too. ``

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

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

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

`` Oh, I do n't sleep with, '' pink wine said, `` I think he wo n't bear in mind as long as he gets to be a role of this. ``

`` The map 's not the only affair we 're going to have to order him, is it ? '' lusterlessness said quietly, `` He 's going to observe out what I am. ``

This was the part that Albus had tried to invalidate thinking about ever since he first realized what they had to do to do work the new map. Whoever was going to comprise Wormtail was going to find out that lustrelessness was a loup-garou, there was no avoiding it. It was parting of the rationality that Albus had n't really thought about who would be Wormtail. Albus knew Matt did n't want anyone else to observe out. He never even really enjoin Albus and the others. They had found out on their own. Albus knew Kaden would never find out on his own ; he was just too forgetful. He needed to cognize, though, if he was going to be a part of this. Otherwise, he could n't really be one of the new Marauders. Albus just had a gut feeling about that. But was it worth it to tell him ? Especially when he already told Malfoy everything Albus had told him to stay fresh secret ? Albus sighed, `` I think so. If we 're going to do this, Kaden will receive to know. ``

`` We ca n't do it then, '' matt said adamantly, `` I ca n't severalize him. I just ca n't. He 'll tell Malfoy and then the whole of Slytherin will make love and then soon the entirely school will know and they 'll tell their parents and they 'll complain and Kendrick will birth to kick back me out. But then it wo n't matter anyway because all of Wizarding United Kingdom will have intercourse and no one will desire to be around me or my sept again and it will be just like Australia- ''

`` flatness, '' Albus cut him off. He was getting hysteric. `` calm air down, that 's not going to happen. ``

`` How do you sleep with ? '' Matt whispered in a shaky voice.

`` Because Kaden wo n't secern anyone, '' pink wine interjected.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Yes. I vaguely commemorate reading about it in a book. I 'm for sure if I went to the library I could find it, '' rose wine explained. `` I 'll just look for it when I 'm researching the transference good luck charm. ``

Albus 's hopes soared high school again, `` Excellent ! Would you be unforced to tell apart him if Rose found this spell ? ``

Albus held his breather as he watched mat think about it. `` I, '' mat paused, `` Suppose that could go .... But, only if we try out the magical spell with a less important arcanum first. ``

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

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could feel it. They would unlock the enigma of this new parchment. Albus was so tickle pink with the aspect of finally discovering what the new map held, he could hardly sleep that night. He was n't the only one, either. Albus heard Matt and whoremonger tossing and turning all night, over the audio of Ethan and Bilius 's snoring. Although, Albus suspected matt 's sleepless night was more due to nervus than hullabaloo. Judging by the spirit on his cheek as they went back to the park way that evening, he was still loath to let Kaden in on his full-grown secret.



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



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the next dawning, he found that he was overcome with nerves about stealing his father 's invisibleness Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the excitement about the map the night before that he had n't really given it a secondly thought. But now that the idea had simmered overnight, he realized that the plan might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the invisibleness Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the previous twelvemonth. Of course of action, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to sneak it back right after he was done with his late night saunter to the shrieking hut, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even likely ? Albus had no thought how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't have a lot use for it at Hogwarts because teacher could roam around wherever and whenever they wanted.

Albus did n't even know where his father kept the cloak. He was planning on just trying a summoning charm as James had done to regain the Marauder 's Map. Albus just hoped that the cloak try would go just as smoothly. Harry still had n't noticed that the Map was missing. Either that or he knew King James I took it and was just letting him keep it. As Albus 's thoughts went to the master copy Marauder 's Map, he remembered that he still had n't given it back to King James.

Albus remained distracted throughout his morning grade and by the time lunch came, he was almost as nervous as he had been for the outset Quidditch couple. Nobody said much as Albus picked at his nutrient, well cipher except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his morning socio-economic class until he had to leave for Potions a brusque spell later. Once he was gone, Albus was free to talk about their program. `` I 'm not sure if this is going to work. ``

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

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

`` It 's got to forge, '' John Lackland insisted, `` How else will we sneak down to, '' he lowered his voice, `` you know, without being caught ? ``

`` There is n't any early way, '' Matt replied, `` We 'll get get if we do n't experience the cloak. ``

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

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

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

`` Right, '' Saint John the Apostle agreed, `` So we 're off to steal the cloak. ``

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

`` faith me, Albus, '' Rose said, `` It 'll do work. We 'll swipe the cloak back before Uncle Harry even knows it 's gone. ``

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the stave table, `` We 'll just wait a pair to a greater extent minutes. ``

`` I do n't recall we should all go, '' rose announced, `` It 'll look mistrustful if we all go into his spot. I think just me and Albus should go. ``

`` Good idea, '' lustrelessness agreed, `` No one will conceive anything of it if the two of you go into his function. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the easily way to do it. If all five of them went, luck are they would make plenty noise to draw another teacher. Albus was relieved that Rose was going to go, though. She was much better at summoning appeal than Albus was.

`` We 'll wait for you in the elbow room, '' Matt stood up. St. John and Amanda followed suit. `` See you in a bit. ``

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

Albus and Rose had lingered long enough at the tabular array that the corridors were practically empty, save for a few straggling students who were much more intent on making it to class than giving Albus and Rose a second glance. They quietly made their way to Harry 's agency, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning Vinca minor 's lavatory. Judging from the loud cries that were emitted from the bath, Peeves had just finished making fun of poor Myrtle.

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

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

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

`` Just do it, '' Rose insisted, `` He 's got a good luck charm on there that recognizes his witching signature tune. Yours will be close enough to his that it 'll spread for you, too. It worked with St. James the Apostle last year. It wo n't work with me, though. I tried. James thought it was incredibly funny. ``

`` All right wing, '' Albus replied and pointed his sceptre at the lock. `` Alohomora. '' The lock chamber clicked and Albus turned the hold. It opened. The cousin quietly crept inside, carefully shutting the door behind them.

Harry 's office looked much like it had the last prison term Albus had been in it. Parchment, leger, and other miscellaneous aim were strewn around all over the place, cluttering up the desk, couch, and professorship. The bedroom door had been left open and Albus could see that that room was just as messy, with robes laying on the bed and copy of the prophesier on the floor.

`` Does he ever pick up ? '' Rose asked disgustedly, `` I mean, really. This is regretful than James I 's room. ``

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

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

rosiness must take in been thinking the Same thing. She wrenched the body open and pointed her wand at it. `` Accio invisibility Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

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

`` delay, '' rose said as she crept closer to Harry 's trunk, `` I 'm somewhat certain Uncle Harry mentioned that you ca n't use a summons magic spell on the cloak. ``

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

`` We 'll do it the arduous way, '' Rose sighed, `` You take the wardrobe, I 'll take the trunk. ''

Albus shook his heading as he stepped over to his dad 's press. This was going to train forever. They would certainly get caught before they found it. Albus carefully weeded through his dad 's material, being careful to put it all back exactly as he found it.

`` Got it ! '' blush wine announced, `` Bottom of the trunk ! ``

Albus felt an immense relief as Rose held up the cloak. They did it ! They actually found the cloak ! Nothing was stopping them now. They were going to find out the mystery of the instant map.

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

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

moderation washed over Albus when he made it into the Room a few min later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's spunk still beat tight with adrenaline as he ran into the Room and grinned at his Friend. The shiver of what he and Rose had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the Invisibility Cloak. It was the kickoff Marauder-like matter he had done. He knew this was exactly what the marauder had wanted him to do. To break normal and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' John ran over with a gleaming of excitement in his eyes. flatness and Amanda were right wing behind him sporting indistinguishable grins on their faces.

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

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

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

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

Matt put the cloak on and disappeared from view. He reappeared a few minute later. `` That is so cool. ``

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

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

Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Amanda. John and flatness stood next to him as he threw the cloak over their heads. Albus had been under the cloak with St. James the Apostle, Lily, and his first cousin before, so he was used to how strangle it was, but his friends weren't.

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

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

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

`` Nope, '' pink wine said, `` Walk around the room a few fourth dimension. ``

The male child walked slowly around the room, making sure not to let out any of their limbs. lavatory and Matt started to get the hang of it after a few minutes of exercise and they were soon able-bodied to go a trivial faster.

`` Perfect, '' Amanda announced after the twenty-five percent clip they circled the room. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What Night should we do this ? '' trick asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Saturday because I 've got Quidditch practice that first light and I 'm going to birth to get some sleep Friday Night or Georgia will spend the whole time yelling at me to arouse up, '' Albus explained, `` That good with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' toilet agreed. matt nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Sabbatum Nox, we sneak into the Shrieking hut. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the hassle maker, Albus, '' Rose laughed, `` The Marauders would be proud. ``

******

The next day rose decided to start her research on the transference charm. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't take prospicient to find the in good order book. blush wine found it in a transcript of Advanced magic spell and after she read a bit about the charm she decided that it was going to be difficult but not impossible for her to do. She decided to master that magic spell before trying to find the charm to proceed Kaden quiet. That one was going to be difficult to discover since they did n't even make out the name of it. Rose checked out the Advanced Charms Word of God under the menacing blaze of madam Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to ask what they were up to and deny them the book. But, she could n't since the Quran was n't in the Restricted Section.

Rose spent the side by side few days trying to envision the charm out. There was n't much Albus could do to avail her, so he just did his prep and watched her. Albus thought the charm looked incredibly complicated and he was beaming that rose wine had volunteered to learn it. pink wine was having a bit of difficulty mastering the spell, though. By the time Saturday Night rolled around, she still had n't managed to reproduce much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The charm was well beyond the O.W.L. level and it stood to reason that it would be toilsome for her. This did not case Rose well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one thing that drove Rose mad, it was having trouble learning something.

`` Why do n't you take a open frame ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the common way on Saturday night. `` You 've been at it for Clarence Day. ``

`` Maybe you 're good, '' Rose sighed. She had been trying for the past hour to multiply her name onto another piece of parchment. `` I 'll just relax for a while. '' She pulled out her Transfiguration Koran and opened it to one of the later chapters.

`` I do n't know how you can consider that relaxing, '' Saint John the Apostle screwed up his face in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` duplicate credit magic spell homework, '' Rose lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that Rose would necessitate extra credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' Rose explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're chic. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' Rose smiled at him.

Albus had no doubt that pink wine would project the appealingness out eventually. It was just taking her recollective than she expected. Albus was in no rush because the spell would be useless until they got all the paw prints they needed. That would n't happen until after Christmastime. John the Divine had n't managed to find a rat in Potions on Friday, but he was keeping his eyes peeled.

The group stayed in the common room for another duo hours, waiting until it was completely evacuate. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his fatigue and went up to his dormitory. Eventually, Albus and his booster were the only ones left.

`` gear up ? '' Albus asked. John and matte nodded. Albus rummaged in his bag and pulled out the cloak. `` I 've got the parchment in my robe. I think we 're set. ``

`` Let 's do it, '' John the Evangelist stood up.

`` good luck, '' Amanda said as the three male child pulled the cloak around themselves. `` We 'll be waiting. ``

`` See you in a bit, '' rosiness told them as she held the portrayal open for them to pass on. `` Do n't get caught. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus assured her. `` I 've got the Map. '' Albus was n't nearly as nervous about sneaking out of the castle as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking More regulation this evening than he had the other day. He figured it had something to do with the fact that stealing the cloak was something his Father would be disappointed in, whereas sneaking out would just get him in fuss with another teacher.

Whatever the reasonableness, Albus felt almost excited about this evening. The only time he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his first Occlumency dream the old class. Tonight 's escapade was a much better circumstance. Besides, Albus was a bit commove about following the tunnel to the Whomping willow tree and seeing the inside of the Shrieking hovel. He felt sort of guilty about this because he knew lusterlessness did n't want them to and was only agreeing to this for the sake of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to stop over before they started down the stairs. He took out the Map and scanned it for a couple second. Filch was currently striding along the one-third floor corridor. They would have to be careful about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a classroom on the quarter floor, no uncertainty wreaking havoc for one of the teachers to fix in the morning. Luckily, all of the teachers were in their federal agency. All they had to worry about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, John, and Matt continued their cautious trek down to the incoming Hall, with Albus glancing at the Map every few minutes. The boys made it down to the tierce floor corridor without problem, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about bald-faced children. Albus gave his friends a occupy look as they quietly moved towards the penny-pinching step case. Albus held his breath as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three invisible boys. Albus was very glad when they made it onto the second floor and even felicitous when they got to the front doors and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one affair that could have gone wrong with their plan. ascend had tried to teach him a few more coordination compound unlocking patch but he was n't very good at them and was hoping he would n't ask to use them.

`` Made it ! '' trick let out a Brobdingnagian breath once the castling door were shut.

`` Not quite, '' lustrelessness replied.

`` Yeah, but at to the lowest degree we can lecture now. I wish this cloak would cover up noise, too. Reckon we can take the cloak off ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered immediately. `` What if one of the instructor is looking out the window ? Or if Hagrid is wandering around ? '' Albus loved Hagrid, but he would n't want to have to excuse why he was sneaking down to the Whomping Willow in the dead of nighttime if the loveable half-giant caught them.

The three male child continued along the path that lead them through the background. There was about six inches of C on the ground and the air was bitingly cold. Albus was gladiola he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to check the Map every couple of minutes, but so far the reason were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be able to walk faster once they were on the grounds, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to stay concealed under the cloak and it was even laborious now because Matt was slowing down. `` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked after the cloak almost slipped off of him.

`` amercement, '' he panted. `` Just the moon. Let 's keep going. ``

Albus looked from his friend 's tired human face to the sky. The almost full Moon was shining down on the ground, illuminating it enough that Albus had n't bothered to light his wand. `` We should have done this earlier in the hebdomad, '' Albus commented, remembering the fateful detainment with Filch the other month.

`` No, I 'm alright, '' lusterlessness assured him, `` It wo n't be wax until Tuesday. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and John slowed down their pace to play off Matt 's, although Albus thought it would be just for them to speed up in fiat to strain the tree faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping willow tree. The three boys paused just beyond the reach of the branches and Albus and John looked to Matt for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able-bodied to get into the hole wearing the cloak, '' matt explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his robes. `` All right wing, '' lustrelessness continued, pulling out his wand. `` I 'll just disable the wards. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his verge at the tree. Albus strained to mind to the spell but he could n't try it.

`` Now what ? '' John asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

Matt walked around to the other side of the tree with Albus and John following. matte bent over, searched through the snow, and picked up a prospicient marijuana cigarette, stumbling and shivering a trivial as he stood up. He pressed his hand to his heading, wincing a petty. `` concern, '' he answered to Albus and John 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the tree 's branches and stuck the long spliff into the tree 's trunks. The limb immediately freeze out and the Whomping Willow looked just as tame as any of the other tree diagram on the grounds. `` Quick, before they start again, '' mat stumbled towards the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the tunnel once, gestured for John to go first. Albus followed his friend and made it into the golf hole just as the ramification started flailing again. Albus and whoremaster lit their wands and looked around the cramped burrow while lusterlessness put the Montgomery Ward back up.

`` Let 's go, '' mat announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly pretty cool, '' King John said in awe as they started down the passageway, `` Kinda spooky, but poise. '' matt sent him a dirty expression. `` I mean, besides the whole werewolf thing, '' John Lackland replied quickly.

Albus could see what St. John meant. It was kind of a groovy tunnel, although very dark and variety of damp. The commodity matter was that it was slightly warmer than outside. The ceiling was low and Albus had to hunker down down a little in order to walk. There were John Rock and roots along the path, but the whole atmospheric state was quite exciting. Albus loved wandering through mystic passageways and this one was n't any different. He was excited about finally being able to follow it. His dad had told him about this tunnel and the shrieking Shack numerous times, but always said no when Albus asked if he could go explore it. Now he was finally getting to do it. Granted, he was breaking about a dozen school rules to do it, but it was Charles Frederick Worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt like at to the lowest degree a half minute. The thrill of it was beginning to wear off as Albus got colder. The month of Dec was not a convenient sentence to be doing this. By the time they reached the Shrieking Shack, Albus was ready to crawl into his warm four-poster bed and go to slumber. John 's inflammation had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the foresighted, chilly walk. flatness, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the moonlight, did n't seem much easily than he had earlier. He looked incredibly exhausted and was breathing as heavily as if he 'd just run a marathon.

`` How do you possibly stool it here before the full synodic month ? '' Gospel According to John asked, out of breath. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the time you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' Matt replied in between breathing space, `` brothel keeper Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` Well, adjacent time I ca n't log Z's I 'll just walk up and down this a few times, '' trick joked.

`` In. Here, '' Matt panted as he opened an old looking door that creaked as he opened it. Albus and John quietly followed him through it, into a very decrepit looking room.

Albus was shocked at what he saw. Broken piece of furniture lay everywhere, a lot of it covered in dry out blood. There was n't anything that remained unbroken. Pieces of tables, chairperson, and couches were all over the place with collation patsy on them. There was a staircase nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on numerous times. Albus swallowed as he realized that his Quaker was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' John asked slowly.

lustrelessness glared at him. `` Use your mastermind, '' he snapped.

John looked from him to the offend furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Matt sighed and sat down on the level near the fireplace. He leaned his forefront against the rampart. `` See why I did n't really want you to number here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and toilet nodded.

`` It 's one thing for you to know what I am, '' Matt continued, `` But another to see what I actually do, what I could do ... '' his voice trailed off.

Albus knew what he wanted to say, but could n't. What he could do if he was n't in the Shrieking hut during the good moonlight. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the woman chaser. ``

`` I guess, '' lusterlessness said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' Gospel According to John replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and Matt shouted at the same time.

`` Become Animagi, '' lav repeated, `` If we 're trying to get the next Marauders, we might as well do it properly. ``



A/N : Bit of a cliffy ! But I had to begin a new chapter somewhere. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, Denas, myself, and Gospel According to Luke for their review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit the thought did hybridize his judgement every once in a while. But really, it was n't very realistic. Yes, the Marauders had done it, but they were lucky it had worked out all right. There was a reason that hardly anyone could become an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only second old age. The vulture had n't done it until their fifth year. They were exceptionally smart, too. Well, three of them were. Albus did n't reckon he was anywhere near commodity enough at Transfiguration to pull it off. rose wine was probably the only one of them who had a fortune at succeeding. And even though rosiness did not hesitate to break principle when she needed to, there was no way she would agree to this. `` Oh come on, John, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' John asked, `` The vulture did it. ``

`` They were really overbold, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smart. And what did you get on your last Transfiguration run ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' John corrected him, `` And we 'd figure it out. Rose could serve us. ``

`` But this is n't as round-eyed as figuring out a spell for grade ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's severe. What if we ca n't alter back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? Rose does n't have a go at it everything. Even she would have trouble with this. ``

`` It 's worth the risk, '' John said adamantly, `` I do n't worry if I mess up a few metre. I 'll just try again. ``

`` That 's the matter. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the chance to try again. My dad explained this all to me over the summer. He talked to me about becoming an Animagus as soon as school was over conclusion year because he knew the thought would cross my intellect. He 'll know if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd believe trying when we 're older, but definitely not right now. ``

John sighed, `` It would be peachy if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new Marauders then. conceive of if we could even switch into the like animals the predator were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that King John seemed to go for the fact that Albus was n't going to budge on the issue. `` I do n't know if I 'd be a hart, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' King John asked, grinning.

Albus smirked, `` Not really. He 'd probably be one of those yappy weenie, not a big assuredness dog like you 'd be, but a petite chihuahua or something that 's always skin and jumping. ``

`` Definitely, '' Saint John laughed, `` It could n't hurt to enquiry Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for duplicate credit rating. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` Department of Energy n't matter, '' mat said quietly. He had been exceptionally quiet ever since toilet had first mentioned the approximation. `` You ca n't go Animagi with me on the wide moonlight. ``

`` Why ? '' can asked. `` We know it 's dangerous. I do n't care. ``

`` It 's not that. You think I have n't thought about you lot becoming Animagi ? That my parents have n't thought about doing it ? Amy ? They have. My parents have ever since we found out Aconitum lycoctonum did n't influence for me. Amy has ever since she first saw me after a shift. My parents actually started working on it. But then they decided to give me do the wolfbane study instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the full phase of the moon moon, I wo n't hurt myself and it 'll appear like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up the field big clock time. My parents decided it would be better for me to find a potion that would work than to accept to bank on other masses 's Animagus power. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very well-chosen. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a footling protruding. He did n't want to become an Animagus behind his dad 's back. It was one matter to steal the Invisibility Cloak for a couplet mean solar day, but to swipe around as an animal every full moon ? That was just too secretive for Albus 's liking. He hoped that john would give up on the idea now.

`` But if the study ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't stop you from trying. ``

`` audio carnival, '' John replied, `` How long does the subject area go ? ``

`` No approximation. Probably at to the lowest degree another two twelvemonth. It all depends on how many different frame of Wolfsbane masses come up with, '' matte closed his eyes and leaned his head against the rampart again.

`` Headache still there ? '' Albus asked. Matt nodded without opening his eyes. `` Let 's hurry up, then. Where should we put the sheepskin ? ``

`` Room behind the stairs, '' matte shakily stood up. `` That way Madam Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' John the Evangelist gently pushed his friend back onto the story. `` How a lot parchment should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you contribute ? ``

`` About a half roll, '' Albus pulled a partially used roster of lambskin out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. chance are nearly of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the stair with john following and saw the small way flatness was talking about. It was also filled with various interrupt pieces of article of furniture. `` We should n't take done this tonight. I did n't even think about the Sun Myung Moon. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his head as he bent down to proceed some of the piece of furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the prison term with the detention. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can sleep all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped musical composition off the roll of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' John yawned. `` Was n't expecting the tunnel to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a hanker way from the grounds to Hogsmeade, so it makes sense. ``

Albus finished ripping the parchment and the two son each took a stack to affix to the floor. It took them a few minute of arc and once they were done, the room was covered in piece of parchment.

`` I can see why he did n't desire lady Pomfrey to see, '' John laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely heighten some interrogation, '' Albus lit his own scepter. `` Let 's just trust this works. I ca n't see any other way to safely get a lycanthrope 's paw photographic print. ``

The two son took one more look at the parchment coated room and then went back to the with child main elbow room. lustrelessness was right where they left him, leaning against a partially broken chairman. Albus nudged him awaken.

`` Finished ? '' Matt yawned.

`` Yup, let 's get back to the castle, '' Albus helped his friend up and the three of them left the shack.

The trip back through the tunnel took a lot longer than when they were going to the shack. All three boy were incredibly tired and the kick had worn off for Albus and John. Albus glanced at his watch as they neared the end of the burrow and saw that it was nearly 1:30. He was very glad they had done this on a weekend.

`` It 's surd getting out than getting in, '' lustrelessness said tiredly as he removed the Montgomery Ward. `` Whoever goes first has to sidestep the branches and then push the knot on the trunk for the former two. ``

Albus and John looked at each other, for both of them knew Matt was too exhausted to be able to circumvent the branches properly. `` I 'll do it, '' Albus told him, `` I 'm making you get the rat. '' Albus climbed up the wall and crawled out of the kettle of fish. He was immediately hit in the shoulder with one of the flailing offshoot. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the automobile trunk for the grayback. His hand made impinging with it and the ramification immediately froze. `` You can come out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak. Matt appeared out of the maw first and shuddered as the moonlight hit him. John was right behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once Matt re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' John Lackland asked Albus once they were back on the path leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the shoulder, '' Albus replied. His shoulder stung and he could experience some profligate dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see madam Pomfrey. She would know immediately what gave him the wound and would no doubt insist on knowing what they were up to.

The boys trudged along through the cold night air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that buddy-buddy cloud were moving in. It would probably hoodwink soon. Of trend, Albus would be much too tired the succeeding day to revel it, so it did n't much thing. It was worth it, though. Within a few solar day they would have one of the four paw prints needed to unlock the closed book of the new map.

A little while later they reached the castle doors. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the one-sixth floor and Peeves was in Moaning Vinca minor 's can. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the handle of the threshold and pushed. It did not budge. He tried again, but no luck. `` Filch must 've remembered to lock it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those spells Rose taught you, '' lav suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his verge at the handle. He muttered a spell but the door remained lock up. He tried a few more, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a panic-struck tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' John questioned and pushed the door himself, `` What do we do now ? ``

`` What do you intend we 're locked out ? '' lusterlessness groaned, `` It was just unlocked a couple hours ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't stay out here all night ! '' matt 's voice cracked, `` We 'll stop dead ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as scare filled his body. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the castle and into the tunnel without getting caught that the thought of being locked out had n't even crossed his creative thinker. I mean, what were the prospect of the doors being unlocked when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't stay out here, it was freezing and would pull the wool over someone's eyes soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any prospect either of you knows how to conjure a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the only way he knew to meet Rose and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' John asked. `` We 're only second years. ``

`` well, have you got any shiny ideas on how to tell rose wine and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

John thought for a minute before answering, `` You could break into the heather shed and steal a heather. Then fly it up to Gryffindor tower. ``

`` Now you 're mad. I 'll get seen by mortal. What if one of the professors is looking out their window ? Or one of the students ? ``

`` Wear the invisibility Cloak, '' toilet replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then Rose and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, right, '' John sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in trouble, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't think of something else soon, they would possess to go to Hagrid's.

`` wellspring, we 've got to think of something soon. He 's got to get away from the moon, '' bathroom gestured to matte who was leaning against the door and breathing heavily.

`` The moonshine 's almost covered by clouds, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll take in to interest about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' Saint John the Apostle groaned. `` Maybe we can kink up in dozens of snow like masher do and keep warm that way. ``

`` Very funny, '' Albus said flatly. He was really starting to get worried now. What would happen if they did go to Hagrid 's ? They 'd surely get in fuss, but how much ? Would they just get detention or would it be worse ? Points would be taken away for sure, and that would not go over well with the other Gryffindors.

`` Hey, delay ! '' John 's case brightened a bit, `` What about the shriek Shack ? We could just go back there and spend the Night. Then we 'll lift back in tomorrow morning after Filch has unlocked the room access again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a moment. `` Not actually a bad approximation. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

John grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked Matt in the side.

`` What ? '' Matt opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the Shack, '' John explained.

`` Great, '' matt said sarcastically, `` I get to pass another dark there. You two could n't come up with a different approximation ? ``

`` Nope, '' John Lackland answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty superb myself, so unless you 've got a unspoilt one, we 're going. ``

matte sighed, `` Oh, o.k.. But we 're not making a substance abuse of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' trick laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' Matt groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't help oneself but feel a lilliputian bit shake about spending the nighttime in the Shack. It would definitely be the worst thing he had ever done, as far as breaking rules was concerned. He also felt aflutter about it. What if they did get caught ? What if Rose and Amanda started to get upset and told somebody about their plan ? Albus pushed that thought out of his mind. Rose would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in trouble. But they were n't in that big of difficulty. The three of them would spend the dark in the shack and that would be that. When break of the day came they would hook back into the castle and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be kind of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit dangerous. Something the predator would give done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The misstep back to the shack, though exhausting, was uneventful. John, like Albus, had a aspect of fervour in his oculus when the three of them entered the shack once more. matt looked like he did n't give care where they were, as long as there was some place he could sleep.

`` This is pretty cool, '' John grinned, `` Spending the night in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be cold-blooded, though, '' Matt shivered, `` There are n't any warming charms in here. ``

`` Warmer than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his robes. `` Are there any luminousness in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' Matt replied. `` We 'll just have to keep our wands lit. ``

`` What do you want to do now ? '' John asked with a look of mischief on his typeface, `` So many hypothesis in this place .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' Matt suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the Nox in the shack, was extremely tire and all he wanted to do was sleep. `` Are there any bed here ? ``

`` One, '' lusterlessness answered. He led Albus and John the Divine up the stair and into the only sleeping accommodation. There was one large bed and a closet, both surprisingly still intact. `` They 're charmed to be indestructible, '' matte answered Albus 's questioning look.

John hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is excellent for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' Matt joined him on the bed and started jumping as well. `` You 're right, it is quite an prissy for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was proficient for jumping. Even punter than St. James the Apostle 's. James, Albus, and Lily had spent many hours jumping on James 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their mother. The boys continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a duad minutes. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a story his auntie Hermione had told him about rascal jumping on a bed.

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

`` Just wondering who 'll be the first to fall down off and discontinue his principal, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' St. John asked and Matt started to express joy as well.

`` It 's a Muggle tarradiddle, '' Albus explained and proceeded to enjoin John the story of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for stories, '' John shook his nous and jumped off the bed, landing on his groundwork like a cat. `` I do n't believe any of us are going to discover our head. ``

`` Mine smell like it 's broken, '' Matt announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't put down as gracefully as John the Evangelist and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down next to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt pointed his lit wand at his arm. `` No rake. ``

`` Good, '' John replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can sneak back in before a lot of citizenry wake up. ``

`` There 's to a greater extent mantle in the wardrobe, '' Matt yawned as he got back on the bed and curled up beneath the mantle that was already on the bed.

Albus and John each grabbed a couple mantle and got into the bed alongside lustrelessness. It was a good affair the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much grown than the four-poster beds in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already asleep, '' John commented as he lay down.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his headache will go away. Good Nox. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the next morning to shaving of illume shining through the boarded up Windows. Boarded up windows ? There were n't boarded up windows in the dormitory. Albus 's eyes shot unresolved and he glanced around at his surroundings. Oh, right. The memories of the former night flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the Shrieking hutch. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more commonplace this morning than he had the late nighttime. One look at his ticker told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four hours of sleep. Just as well, Albus thought. They had to get back to the castle quickly anyway, if they wanted to sneak back in without anyone noticing.

Albus nudged Gospel According to John awake and winced. He pulled up the sleeve of his gown and saw that the cut from the Whomping willow looked thoroughly disgusting. It was probably infected and would expect a trip to the hospital wing. Albus shook lavatory with his uninjured arm. `` lavatory, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me quietus, '' Saint John the Apostle groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't worry, '' Saint John murmured.

`` I 'll force you out of bed, '' Albus warned. John muttered something incoherent and did n't move. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled whoremaster over to the boundary of the bed. He gave him one last jog and John fell off the edge of the bed with a meretricious thump.

`` What the pit ? '' John shouted, sitting up with a dazed flavor on his face.

`` I told you to get up, '' Albus leaned over the bed and laughed. `` We 've got to get back to the castling or someone 's going to see us number out of the tree. ``

`` Oh, fine, '' whoremonger grumbled, `` But I 'm going back to bed once we get back. ``

`` You and me both, '' Albus agreed and got out of bed. He picked up the spare blankets and stowed them back in the wardrobe so lady Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to labour him off the bed too ? '' John Lackland pointed to mat 's sleeping grade as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the justice ? '' lav muttered.

Albus grinned and shook lustrelessness awake. `` We 've got to get back to the castle. We 'll log Z's More there. ``

Matt groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just stay here. ``

`` I would n't intimate it, '' toilet responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you think that ? ``

matte laughed and looked from John the Evangelist to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The boy left the shack quickly and started the long journey back to the Whomping willow. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very glad that he did n't have any course of instruction today. He had homework, but he was n't even going to call back about that until he got at least another six hours of sleep. One nimble halt of the map told him that the coast was shed light on before they emerged from the tree.

The three of them donned the invisibleness Cloak as soon as Matt was finished warding the tree and they set off for the castle. Since it was still early, the exclusively one on the primer coat was Hagrid. There were several more column inch of C and by the clock time they boys were back at the castle doorway, their robe were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the castle, it had started sowing again.

`` Rose and Amanda are in the Great Hall, '' Albus pointed to their two dots on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the entranceway Radclyffe Hall, so I think we 're good. '' Albus pushed the door open and the three inconspicuous boys slipped inside. Albus immediately pulled the wet cloak off of them and hid it in his robes. `` We should probably go talk to Rose and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see Madam Pomfrey sometime, '' Matt told them, `` My arm still hurts, feel. '' He pulled the sleeve of his robes up and showed them his total darkness and blue arm. `` I do n't intend it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My shoulder joint still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll have to go, too. ``

At that import, pink wine and Amanda left the Great Hall and stopped a duet feet away from the male child. John pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both young lady had a combination of rest period and ira on their faces. Rose was fuming by the clock time she stomped over to Albus. `` Where. Were. You, '' she demanded.

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled. He never liked being on the receiving end of his cousin 's anger.

`` Room, now, '' blush wine seethed and stalked off towards the stairs with Amanda at her side.

Albus, John, and lusterlessness followed wordlessly. All ideas of going to the hospital annex were driven from Albus 's mind. Of course, after seeing Rose, he would much rather have been bombarded with questions about his shoulder than going to the way with his cousin.

Nobody said a word until they were in the Room. Albus, trick, and Matt sat face by side on the couch, but Rose and Amanda remained standing in front line of them. `` excuse yourselves ! '' blush wine shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

rose wine cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll tell you about our night first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the hovel in the middle of the dark, but it had to be done. What early option did we give birth ? It was safe than the alternative. How else were you going to get the paw print ? I thought the design would go. We had it all set. You three would mouse down there and put the parchment on the floor and then sneak back up. Simple. '' rose wine stopped and began to pace around the room.

`` There were all kinds of things that could 've gone wrong, '' Amanda picked up where rosiness left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the teachers. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the curtilage ? There are all sorts of fauna wandering around at night. Not to mention the Whomping willow tree itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to cogitate when you three never showed up ? ! '' rose raised her vocalism even higher, if that was possible. `` If you had been caught by Filch or a instructor, you would 've came back to Gryffindor eventually ! BUT YOU NEVER DID ! ``

`` But Rose- '' John pleaded. Albus sent him a word of advice look. He knew it was never good to interrupt Rose when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, John ! We thought some form of animal had you ! Or even forged, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and kidnapped you or something ! Then you sneak back into the palace this first light, looking like you 've just been at a party or something !

`` You kept us up all night torment, when you probably just decided to have some fun end night. You know I was this close to telling Uncle Harry this good morning. I wanted to endure night, but Amanda convinced me to hold back until morning. Of grade now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a dyad detentions would teach you not to stay out all night ! ``

`` Rose, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us explain. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' rose wine glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did last nighttime was n't just stupidity. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The doors to the castle were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the castle. I tried all the charms you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to spend the night in the Shrieking hutch. And you 're right, it was kind of fun. ``

blush wine and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a word for the next moment. Albus and the early boy did n't defy say a word either. `` Well, '' rose said quietly, `` Er, that does explain things. I 'm, uh, good-for-naught I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' Rose began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a warm note telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at least make love what was going on. ``

Albus, John Lackland, and Matt turned to look at each other. Albus felt his cheeks turn red. Of course of study ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The simply means of communicating Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the answer was there all along, a uncomplicated owl. He could have just made a fast trip to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're cretin, '' St. John muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our idiots, '' rosiness laughed. `` Now, are you going to recite us about your little adventure ? ``

Albus, John, and matte spent the next half hour relaying every particular of their trips to the Shrieking hutch the previous Nox. rose and Amanda both found it very entertaining, especially the part about Albus pushing John off the bed.

After they were done telling the story, all five of them went to the hospital wing so Albus and lustrelessness could get their injury healed. lady Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the Aaron Montgomery Ward was completely deserted of early patients. She took one look at the Gryffindors and came bustling out from behind the desk. `` You lot again ? What have you gotten yourselves into this prison term ? ``

`` Just these two, '' Saint John pointed at Albus and Matt.

ma'am Pomfrey took one arduous face at Matt and announced, `` You were outdoor survive nighttime. Was individual giving you detention ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

Madam Pomfrey looked at him for a few second base longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and Matt sat down on one of the bed and ma'am Pomfrey returned a few moments later with a tray laden with potions. She told lustrelessness to drink them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' matte pulled up his sleeve, `` I tripped over a Good Book. ``

Madam Pomfrey clucked her tongue and pulled out her wand. She had his arm healed in an instant. `` I trust you 'll get some sleep today ? Or do I have to make you stay here ? ``

`` I 'll sleep, I promise, '' Matt replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nanny turned to Albus.

`` Hurt my berm, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the subject. He pulled up his sleeve to reveal his spite shoulder.

lady Pomfrey studied it for a moment, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nurse looked at the harm for a picayune while longer and she looked from Albus to lustrelessness and back again. `` I know how you got that, '' she replied.

`` Er, '' Albus stuttered. Great, after all that, they were still going to get in trouble.

`` Whatever you boys did live Night, do n't do it again, '' lady Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then matte in the eye, `` I wo n't tell apart professor Longbottom this metre, or your father, '' she said to Albus, `` But next time I will. ``

Albus breathed a suspiration of relief as Madam Pomfrey healed his shoulder with one Jonathan Swift wafture of her wand. He 'd have no worry keeping his Good Book to the nanny. There was no way that he was going to repeat close night. Well, unless they needed to for the map. But he 'd try hard not to get hit by the Whomping willow following time.

`` You 're all set, '' lady Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some nap, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would birth no problem doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The group went back to the common room and the boys immediately headed for their dormitory. Albus changed into his pajama and climbed into his warm four-poster bed, feeling very satisfied that they had n't been caught at all.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Denas, Alex, Luke, smirkyhaha, Moonylupin, and hermionieforever for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the time Albus woke up it was already dinner party clip, which was full because he was starving. Saint John the Apostle and Matt woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling much serious now that they 'd get down a decent quantity of sleep.

`` Ready to do that again ? '' John asked as he was putting on his skid.

Despite the fact that Albus did feature fun on their dangerous undertaking go night, he did not require to double it. `` Are you mental ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' can laughed.

`` You do realize that we 'll have to go get the paw mark, '' Matt reminded them.

Albus and John the Divine looked at each other. The Sojourner Truth was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just bring with you back to the castle ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious, '' Matt replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped Matt would be able to get the paw print. What were the fortune that they 'd be able to sneak down to the shack again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't bury to lock the doors twice. Plus, what would happen if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a forte articulation shouted as soon as Albus, John, and mat descended into the common room. Kaden came running over to them with his usual facial expression of upheaval in his eyes.

`` Hey, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` We 're just going to dinner. ``

`` Me, too. I 'll go with you, '' Kaden fell into step alongside Albus. `` Where have you lot been all day anyway ? ``

`` Uh, sleeping upstairs, '' Albus replied.

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked skeptically, `` Because I asked rose wine if you were in your dorm room and she said you were n't. ``

`` I assure you we were, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hmm, well, I wonder why she told me you were n't. ``

`` Who knows ? She 's a girl, they do strange things, '' lavatory said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' matte answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up latterly doing homework last night, '' John lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after offset year. They bombard you with even more prep. ``

`` dead reckoning I 've got that to await forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The boys did spend their entire evening doing all the homework they had n't done the Nox before. Kaden stared at them the whole time, no doubtfulness mentation of following year, when he would have to spend his whole weekend doing preparation. Albus felt kind of bad that they told him that and he was now sort of dreading his irregular year, but he 'd find out soon enough that that was n't genuine. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a word about the new map until Rose found the charm to go on him quiet about it.

******

The day of the full moon came quickly and Albus could n't digest on any of his social class. He could only reckon about the map, and how they would be one step closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon lie with if another trip to the hut was going to be necessary. Of row, it may be that Sir Thomas More than one more than misstep would be needed, if they did n't get the footmark tonight. There was the possibleness that all the parchment would be destroyed. Albus did n't desire to think about that, though. He just clung to the theme that they would be able to get a paw photographic print tonight and that Matt would be able to bring it back the next morning.

mat skipped his afternoon category and spent the fourth dimension sleeping in the elbow room of Requirement. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner and snuck out of the Great anteroom before Kaden noticed, they went up to the Room. They did n't take in much time before Matt had to go to the hospital wing and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how prospicient that tunnel is, I feel even disconsolate for him, '' John said quietly on their way to the common room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't screw how he does it. He could barely get to the hospital wing. ``

`` Hi, guy cable ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the green room. Albus, Gospel According to John, Rose, and Amanda went over to the mesa Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with parchment and book, and sat down. `` Where 's lusterlessness ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the infirmary flank, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Because of that disease I was n't supposed to say anyone about ? ``

`` right wing, '' Albus confirmed. His cousin could be so impenetrable sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his books and tried to concentrate on his prep. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the following day, which he was very excited about. Albus tried to tune him out, but he could n't. Albus had a smell even if Kaden was n't running a streaming commentary about his potions year he still would n't be able to pore. His altogether mind was consumed with thoughts about the map. He sighed and closed his book. None of his homework was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really experience like doing homework tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' John muttered and continued writing his DADA essay that was due the side by side day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an idea that would occupy both his and Kaden 's evenings. `` Ever played chess ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum taught me. ``

`` Ever played hotshot 's Chess ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's face lit up, `` champion have their own chess game ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll teach you. Be correct back. '' Albus ran up to his dormitory and rummaged around in his trunk until he found a chess board, his chessman, and an old set of chessmen for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more energize than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` gambol chess. It 's pretty a great deal like Muggle chess, but with some deviation. You remember how to play Muggle chess ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` Well, with Wizard 's Chess everyone has their own chessmen. These are mine, '' Albus held up his whiteness chessmen. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this spare set. I think it used to go to my Uncle Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of black chessmen.

`` Are you any good at Bromus secalinus ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all right wing. Not as practiced as James, and not nearly as good as rose. My Uncle Ron, rose wine 's dad, is the best at it. No one 's ever able-bodied to amaze him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like normal ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own opus. `` White goes first. Oh, and you do n't move your small-arm. Just assure the pieces which space to move to. ``

`` Tell them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you mean, recount them ? ``

`` Just ticker, '' Albus put down his final piece and muttered instructions for his pawn to move two squares ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the white pawn moved by itself. `` They 'll do that if I tell them, too ? ``

`` They 're supposed to. But they might not need to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his instrument to impress forward two squares and it did so without indisposition. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than regular chess. ``

The game continued for a few more transactions and then one of Kaden 's pawns wound up in the way of life of Albus 's castle. Albus commanded the castle forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the common room turned around to look at him. `` Your castle killed my pawn ! That 's genial ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a spell to bushel them, '' Albus explained.

`` Will my pieces pop yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few number later, Kaden got the chance to order one of his opus to toss off one of Albus 's. Kaden 's face was full of gleefulness as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's pawns. The plot continued and Albus started to get the feeling that Kaden just liked watching the part destroy each former. This became especially apparent when Kaden only had his king, a horse, his castles, and three pawns left. Albus was only missing one castle, both bishops, and five or so cat's-paw. Kaden 's chessman were not very happy about this and his king and knight actually got into what appeared to be a het line about whether or not they were going to continue to take heed to Kaden. Eventually, his king unconditional out refused to proceed and Albus won by default. Nevertheless, it was one of the most amusing games of Bromus secalinus Ablus had ever played. john, Amanda, and even Rose gave up on their homework and watched the last theatrical role of the game.

`` I think you need your own chessmen, '' Albus told Kaden as he repaired the broken pieces. `` I 'm not sure if these will be willing to listen to you anymore. ``

`` Well it 's no wonderment, '' rosebush commented, `` All he did was tell them to walk right into end bunker. ``

`` It 's funny to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe succeeding clock time you 'll actually try and win, '' rosebush smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chess piece for Noel. ``

`` That would be a good idea, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them just than these ones. ``

******

Albus did n't catch some Z's very well that dark and he was very tired the next morning. All he could imagine about was the paw print and whether or not their architectural plan worked. Luckily Albus only had two classes that day and then he would be able to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the hospital wing after this, right ? '' John whispered to Albus during a mind numbing chronicle of Magic lesson. Binns was currently droning on about the history of the enslavement of House Elves. pink wine was the only one paying attention, although Albus had no idea why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the history of firm Elves, having been lectured about it by rose wine 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you want lunch first ? ``

`` Of course I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's make it fast. ``

`` I should n't deliver bothered asking, '' Albus laughed.

`` How much longer until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in front of him and Saint John, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his lookout man. `` Fifteen minutes. But it 'll experience like 30. ``

`` Why do we postulate to roll in the hay about planetary house Elves anyway ? '' John Lackland asked

`` They 're an of import part of wizarding history ! '' Rose replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's deadening, though, '' lav responded and flicked a piece of sheepskin at the Hufflepuff posing at the desk next to him. `` We should learn about something more turn on. Like the Giant state of war. ``

`` Binns 'll pull in even that boring, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's in force than this. ``

`` Even the history of cauldrons and their effects on wizarding society ? '' Amanda laughed. That deterrent example, which had taken place the previous class, had been the sorry one yet. Albus was sure everyone, including Rose, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never mind, '' John groaned. `` I do n't even want to think about that one. Or the 14 inch essay we had to write on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and Miss Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd like to share with the class ? ``

`` No, sir, '' lavatory replied.

`` Good, good, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, British House Elves started to stimulate liaison with the American House hob, which resulted in a kind of House Elf unity .... ''

`` Kill me now, '' trick muttered.

`` Five more arcminute ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this House Elf stuff, '' Amanda whispered.

John snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes account. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is worsened than maths in Muggle school, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate maths, '' privy agreed, `` I 'm glad we do n't have to fill them here. Mum taught me some and it was atrocious. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy future year, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that class either.

`` No way, '' John shook his head, `` I 'll bet Kaden would care it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this social class. ``

`` He does. He told me the former day, '' Amanda announced.

`` Likes everything except Quidditch, '' St. John sighed, `` There 's something unseasonable with that kid. ``

`` Twelve inch essay about the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare for next class, '' Binns droned a second before the class was over.

The mo the bell rang, Albus and his Friend shot up out of their chairman and ran out the doorway. `` This 'll be patty, '' Albus laughed, `` An essay on Spew ! ``

`` It 's S.P.E.W. ! '' Rose laughed as she caught up with him.

`` Good, you can do mine ! '' bathroom told him.

`` Sorry, one drilling essay per night, yours would put me over my limit, '' Albus faked an apologetic look. `` Oh, hail on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd like to pass my clock time. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see Matt. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of students that were flooding into the Great Hall. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor table and Albus and the others were able to shovel down food at the antonym end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their speed luncheon, they ran up to the hospital wing. `` I hope he was capable to get the paw print, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't fancy walking through that tunnel again, '' whoremonger agreed.

The curtains were pulled around Matt 's usual bed at the far end of the Aaron Montgomery Ward. Nobody was in any of the former bed. madam Pomfrey was busy preparing potions when the grouping of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to recognise them. `` Oh, it 's you lot. I figured you 'd be showing up soon. He 's sleeping right now, I 'm afraid you 'll have to wait. ``

`` Please, gentlewoman Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't stick long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be serenity, too, '' can commented, `` You can give us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the rules, '' the nursemaid replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to come back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a hoarse voice came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' Madam Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the drape, `` You know he needs to rest ! ``

`` well, he 's awake now, so we can stay, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` fine, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a short-change while. '' She left them alone and went back to her potions.

`` Sorry for waking you up, '' Albus said as he closed the pall again. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right wing, '' matte replied. He looked much like he usually did after a wide moon, with several bandages all over. `` You did n't wake me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' rosiness asked.

`` You 'll never guess who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he get along to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go sojourn Matt unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't think. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in grade and he and Kaden got covered in it. Willinson got the brunt of it and while Kaden was waiting for his spell to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. Madam Pomfrey would n't state him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here last Night. Madam Pomfrey came to ease up me potion while they were here and Kaden saw me. Then he asked if he could see me, so I pretended to be asleep. ``

`` So Willinson knew you were here ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he 's going to tell Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in metamorphosis this dawn, '' Rose pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't matter then. ``

Albus was just itching to know if mat had managed to get the paw print. He had thought matt would bring it up right away, but the Kaden thing must 've made him leave about it. `` Did you get the print ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in fortune, '' Matt smiled, `` I did manage to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's correct there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather torn art object of lambskin. But in the center was a very large paw print consisting of a mixture of ink, mud, and blood. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And kind of gross, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` Perfect. ``

`` One down, three to go, '' whoremonger commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the other three are a bit easier. '' Albus was feeling very salutary about their program now. The hardest paw print was done and soon they would have the other three.

`` And the appealingness is working much better now, '' Rose announced, `` I started to get the knack of it last night. I 'll probably feature it done before Christmas. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can start looking for that magic spell to keep Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow even or Fri first light, probably, '' Matt told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to skip Astronomy. ``

`` What a shame, '' John faked a look of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an hr looking at stars. ''

`` We 'll be sure to get all the homework for you, '' pink wine told him.

`` Oh do n't worry about it, '' mat laughed. `` What did I miss in class yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not a good deal, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted mandrakes again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoons into forks in transfiguration. And we learned all about the account of home elf in story of conjuration. It was one of the most boring classes yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' Matt agreed.

`` Was not, '' Rose argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling practice, '' Amanda said. `` The future duel is Sabbatum. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely forgotten about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the lycanthrope print for the map that the dueling club had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, rosebush, '' bathroom grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' Rose smirked, `` Ca n't bury him. ``

`` You should challenge him to a cheat match, '' John Lackland decided, `` It 'll be fun to watch. ``

`` I 'll perplex him in two minutes apartment, '' pink wine laughed.

`` Kaden plays wizard 's chess ? '' mat asked.

`` Albus taught him go nighttime. You 've got to watch it sometime. It 's hilarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to watch the pieces get smashed so by the end of the plot, his man refused to listen to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' rose changed the subject, `` Take back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't have to sneak back into the shack. ``

Albus really did n't want to give back the cloak. He liked it. But he knew he had to. `` I guess. ``

`` We 'll do it after we get kicked out of here, '' John suggested.

`` Which is in good order now, '' lady Pomfrey pulled back the pall and set a tray of potions down on the bedside table. `` Time for you four to pass on. He needs to log Z's. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' flatness waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' pink wine whispered as soon as they 'd shut the door to the hospital wing.

Albus nodded and started to walk to his dad 's office. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few students wandering around, but no one paid often attention as Albus unlocked the threshold to Harry 's office and result his acquaintance inside.

`` looking like my house, '' John, who had never been in Harry 's post before, announced, `` A staring mess. My whole family is messy. ``

`` My mum 's a swell junky. She 'd have a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' John gave Amanda a weird look.

`` guessing it 's a Muggle expression. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the several stuff and nonsense and went over to the bedroom threshold. He pushed it candid and went inside, with his supporter following. The bole was just where it had been the week before and Albus lifted the lid. He pulled the cloak out of his bag and looked at it one more time before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd constitute it. `` Well, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' Saint John replied as he gazed around the room. `` Wonder what else we could recover in here ? ``

`` John ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` Look at this ! '' John leaped over a pile of Bible and picked up a picture that was sitting on top of the wardrobe. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle toddler. ``

Albus grabbed the flick out of lavatory 's script and looked at it. Sure enough, it was a picture of Albus, Henry James, and Lily, right after Lily was born. William James, who must feature been three or four, was holding a tiny baby with a large amount of red pilus. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's hand and making her wave.

`` You were an adorable little kid, Albus, '' privy smirked. `` So was James. ``

`` I 'm sure you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the picture back. `` Now let 's get out of here before my dad gets back. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Saint Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Saturday was soon upon them and with it came a howling Baron Snow of Leicester tempest. Albus was very happy that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch lucifer. He had played Quidditch in snow before, but never in shape that prevented him from seeing his own hired hand in presence of him. Today 's storm was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going alfresco, but he need n't have bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the first place.

After lunch, half the school migrated into the dueling room and waited for the tournament to start. Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their friends and sat down at the table they had been at the former tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the only remaining seat, which happened to be next to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a seat next to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` ceramist, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tourney commenced much as it had the late fourth dimension, only this clock time everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around time and Albus was very happy that Amanda was on his team so he had mortal to talk to. So far, there were still stress between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's plan to accept everyone get along was not working.

After about a half hour, it was finally Albus 's turn to duel. Malfoy had just completed his first duel and outwit his Ravenclaw opposer. Albus congratulated him as he went up to the dueling surface area. He was up against a Hufflepuff third base year. Albus and the former boy bowed and the two of them started dueling. The Hufflepuff sent two jinxes at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a trip curse and then disarmed him. The whole thing took about a minute.

`` Point to muck about ! '' Neville announced.

`` sound job, Albus ! '' Kate and Amanda said in unison once Albus returned to his seat.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Hardly counts, '' Malfoy commented, `` You dueled a bloody Hufflepuff. A number one year could 've beat that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the same matter. ``

`` Your shortstop ally is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling area that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that mat was about to duel one of the other Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't look that near. ``

Albus personally thought mat looked all rightfield, considering he had just gotten out of the infirmary Wing the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was sick. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your stupe cousin told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't call him stupe. And the Hat knows better than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't narrate Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would birth been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your cousin 's got anymore information that I 'd like to know. ``

`` Do n't go near my cousin, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In lawsuit you have n't realized by now, you 're on the same squad. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to follow the relaxation of matte 's duel. It took him a while, but matte did eventually pound the Hufflepuff. He looked fag out out, but happy. `` Told you he could pound him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky shot, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't talk to each other for the repose of the tournament. Both boys won their adjacent duels, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her first duel and won her second. John won his firstly and lost his second. matte lost his endorsement one and Rose managed to win both of hers. But despite their honest effort, none of their teams won the tournament. It did n't really matter though because the tip were so conclude. The net tournament was still very up in the air and any of the teams had a prospect of making it.

******

The remaining days until the end of full term went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Christmas holiday this year because it meant that Albus and his friends would assume two more of the paw print needed for the map. rosebush had just perfected the transference magic spell and had already started searching for the charm to hold Kaden quiet. After Christmas, the only thing left to do would be to get the rat print. Albus thought it was quite curious that the minuscule and theoretically easiest print to get was taking the longsighted. Saint John had yet to deal to get a rat during potions class and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every clip I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' John vented the eve before their last day of classes. The group of Gryffindors were in the way of Requirement, enjoying some peace and smooth while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with cheese or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just stun it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' John muttered, `` I 'd been trying to sandbag them across the way. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would notice that ? '' Rose said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, rosebush. ``

`` wellspring, you 've got heap of time to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the stag prints. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' Rose replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the stag, Albus. You can hail over to my home after we leave the Burrow. ``

`` Sounds good, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the Burrow the whole holiday anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Rose smirked, `` Gran and Granddad are going on holiday together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really care to opine about, rosiness, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few days after Christmas and expend new yr 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the holiday ? ``

`` The usual, '' John said immediately, `` All my cousins coming over at various times. Should be crazy as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your firm sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your full cousin are mad, but I really do n't think your family is as insane as mine is. ``

`` I 'm sure it is. My great-great granddaddy is coming this year. He 's screaming, especially after he 's had a pair off firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great granddad drinks firewhiskey ? '' Matt laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling farcical account about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should hook him up with auntie Muriel, eh rosebush ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the funniest thing ever, '' Rose grinned.

`` Your great-great granddad audio like our aunt Muriel. She 's 127 and erotic love to gossip, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad relatives, '' Amanda commented, `` My family sounds pretty normal compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Hanukkah, so that makes up for it, '' St. John the Apostle replied, `` I mean, who would n't like eight sidereal day of presents ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the best thing ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle friend who celebrates both. But she does n't get present tense on every night of Hanukkah, '' mat told them.

`` I get small presents each dark and then one big one on the last night, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still nerveless, '' John said, `` So, Matt, do you have to go visit your grandparents this year ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't cue me, '' mat groaned, `` Of course I do. But only for five days this yr. We 're leaving right before new year 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few daytime before terminal figure starts. ``

`` That 's in force, '' Albus smiled. `` At least you do n't have to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The only thing to do down there is prep or read. It 's not like I can play Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can amount over to Rose 's home with me. Then we can wager Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should come too, Gospel According to John and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm certainly my parents will let me, '' John replied.

`` I can probably only stay a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Hanukah is late this class and starts on Yuletide, so it 'll still be going on on the 28th. I 'll have to be home by the evening. ``

`` That 'll work. Maybe we can all get the stag photographic print together, '' Albus said.

`` good idea, '' John grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably tell you now, just in case I do n't get to go to Rose 's planetary house, '' mat began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the geartrain with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his supporter, who was looking a piffling forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the beginning of the condition. The broad moon 's on the 9th and someone has to observe me once I start taking it a few daylight before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the morning after and delay a couple days. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really sure what to say. He wished more than ever that someone would just find out a potion that would exercise for him.

`` front on the bright incline, '' St. John the Apostle said, `` At least you do n't stimulate to transmute at your grandparents mansion again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never have to do that again, '' Matt shook his oral sex, `` But let 's babble out about something else. Did you see in the Prophet that the Cannons almost won that game against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American English squad they were playing for practice. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 stop ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's close ! '' Matt grinned, `` They 're making a comeback, I just know it ! ``

`` fountainhead, with a public figure like 'Finches', what do you expect ? It would n't have surprised me if the carom beat them, '' King John laughed, `` Well, maybe a piffling. But seriously, who names a squad the 'Finches'? ``

******

The full term ended the next day with a strike, literally. James and a few of his acquaintance thought it would be risible to put a few Weasley fireworks into the suit of clothes of armor and charm them to go off at certain clock time during the day. After the one-tenth explosion the teachers gave up trying to teach anything and just let their bookman do what they wanted during class, within reason of course. Unfortunately for James and his ally, prof Cedonia spotted them refilling the armor on the second base corridor with refreshing fireworks and gave them one of her rare custody. For this one, they had to clean every unmarried suit of armor on the mo floor corridor that evening. St. James said it was worth it, though.

`` We really ought to come up with a few honest buffoonery, '' John decided as they were traveling through the hills on the train. `` That 's what the piranha did, was prank people, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very well at coming up with pranks. That was James 's area of expertise. Plus, if the answer of such pranks was cleaning suit of armor, Albus really did n't require to pull a whole lot of frivolity. `` Maybe a few minor ones, that do n't get us in Brobdingnagian trouble. ``

`` I 'm for certain we could do some of those. There 's loads of poppycock we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one Epistle of James did before the showtime dueling tournament, '' Matt laughed.

The rest period of the string ride went quickly and soon Albus and his friends found themselves at King 's crown of thorns. Albus climbed off the train and saw his parents standing with rose wine 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, John grabbed his arm and steered him in another direction. `` C'mon, you can meet my great-great granddad ! ``

Albus saw a very imperfect, completely bald, old man with a long white face fungus standing adjacent to John 's parents. John lead their group over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave john a blotto hug, `` How 're matter at that school ? How is Professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died years ago, gramps, like I told you over the summer. Like I tell you every summer, '' John stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new instructor, a bunch of young'ins I bet ! Back in my day none of the teachers were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new master .... ''

`` Grandpa, '' lav shook his foreland, `` The teacher are amercement. But I want you to fill my ally. This is matt Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` Potter ! ? '' John 's great-great grandpa peered into Albus 's center and grinned, `` Albus ceramicist ? well I 'll be. If it is n't Harry ceramist 's son ! I remember back in the mean solar day of You-know-who and cypher thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes little Harry potter and poof ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should materialise again ? Harry Potter makes 'im disappear again and for near this time ! ``

Albus, who was used to this kind of aid but not someone shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to brush off the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, squeamish to come across you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these fille ? Have you got yourself two girlfriends, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't recommend it. I did it once and wound up with no girl after they found out ! ``

`` No, Grandpa, '' John the Evangelist laughed, `` They 're just friends. Amanda Tagger and rose wine Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the redhead. Just time lag till you 're older. ``

`` Just friends, granddaddy, '' John 's nerve turned red.

`` He 's like the male version of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' John 's grandpa shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the aged man would be able-bodied to hear him. `` I used to recognize a Muriel ! Went to school with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in decades ! ``

Albus looked at Rose. What a coincidence. `` Er, Albus and I have an aunty Muriel Weasley, '' blush wine giggled.

`` well I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm indisputable she 'd love that, '' Rose smiled.

`` We 're going to birth to go now, '' St. John 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' Saint John waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` Tell your dad I said hi ! '' privy 's great-great grandpa shouted.

******

Albus spent the next few days hanging around Grimmauld station with James and the balance of his home. Lily was thrilled to have both her brothers and her dad home and she had been demanding to know everything that had gone on the retiring term.

`` That way I 'll lie with everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Xmas Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to severalize you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a glass of juice, `` It 's a surprise. ``

`` That 's not fair, '' Lily whined.

`` nonentity told me or Al how we got sorted, so how is it not fair for you not to bonk ? '' James asked.

`` I 'm the immature. I should know everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few years ! And then all the Muggle-born kids will ask me questions and I 'll be capable to answer them. ``

`` You 'll find out soon enough, Lily, '' Ginny assured her.

`` How much longer ? '' Lily asked excitedly.

`` There 's still 9 calendar month. ``

`` That 's forever ! ``

`` She 's going to be a nightmare this summer, '' James whispered to Albus.

`` morning, everyone ! '' Harry descended the footprint into the kitchen and pulled up a chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the Prophet, `` Have you seen the vulture 's Map ? ``

James choked on his juice and sprayed it across the tabular array at Albus, as he turned bright red.

`` Ew, follow it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, James ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` amercement. The article on the front of the theme, it 's, er, shocking, '' James blushed some more and pointed to the front of the seer, which was facing him.

`` beldame Tries to step-down size of it of Her pinna, appealingness Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. People ought to be more careful ! '' James sputtered. He gave Albus a look that Albus interpreted to think of 'meet me on a higher floor'. St. James the Apostle excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No idea, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go modification, '' Albus jumped up and followed Epistle of James. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to have to give it back. Albus was going to lose it, but it would only be a matter of clock time before he had the former one working.

`` Albus ! '' James pulled him into the drawing elbow room and shut the doorway. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I kind of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to have to slip it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` wait, Albus ! '' James grabbed his arm, `` The affair is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from foot to foot up looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't come up it ! '' James whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't cause lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not funny ! '' James insisted.

`` You did n't lose it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you month ago and did n't require to render it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' James shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd lost it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't count now. We 've got to yield it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` Well you stole it from Dad in the first place, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of fuss ! ``

He had a dot there. If Albus had n't have been in Kendrick 's agency the late year, James never would experience taken the map in the first place. `` All right hand. I 'll just go pussyfoot it into his way. Maybe he 'll call up he just forgot to bring it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's hope so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his bedroom. He knew his dad would want the map back eventually, he just had n't given it much thought. At least he had n't noticed it was missing at shoal. Albus threw open his torso and rifled through his schoolhouse stuff and nonsense. He still had n't unpacked everything or packed a bag for his stay at the Burrow. The map was inside the photo album Albus found over the summertime, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't need the predator 's Map to decipher the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'room. He shoved the map under a stilt of defensive trick book and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' James asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a stack of books, with one corner sticking out. ``

`` Perfect. You might want to go switch your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus looked down at his succus splattered jersey, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No problem, '' James laughed, `` seed to me for all your juice spraying needs. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his eyes as he left the room to change his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their reviews !