Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist.
Weasley kinfolk Tree is in the generator 's banknote at the bottom.


mollie Weasley did n't dare serve dinner party until after the Quidditch equal had been completed because even she did n't take the ability to drag Weasleys away from Quidditch. Teddy secured a win for his squad by practically stealing the fink out William James 's grasp and then everyone was off their heather and sitting at the large gang of table in record fourth dimension. After all, Quidditch was one of the best things one could do to get a big appetency. Albus was certainly quite hungry and in a very good mood as he had been on Teddy 's team.

Albus and Rose sat adjacent to each other in the middle of the chemical group of board and unfortunately Percy sat directly across from them. Early experience had taught them never to sit near Sir Henry Percy due to his habit of talking political science during dinner party, something that even bored Rose. The two of them looked at each other as Percy sat down and Albus readied himself for political conversation rather than Quidditch talk.

"I 'm telling you,"Percy said to no one in particular as he served himself some carrots,"something 's going to encounter. I guarantee it. It 's been too quiet in the Ministry lately. Personally I thought things would get a bit riled up last year when Bruno Walter Eckerton took over for MacVicar, but I suppose the two of them had similar views. to a greater extent similar than I expected anyway ..."

parting it to Percy to try and find something faulty with the Ministry when all was fine, Albus thought. He reached over rose wine to grab a steak and kidney pie and served a heaping constituent onto his plate.

"What do you think, Harry ?"Hotspur turned to Albus 's dad, who happened to be sitting next to him."Any stirrings in the Auror department that I may not have heard about ?"

"thing are middling calm, Sir Henry Percy,"Harry replied.

"Of track they are. I would 've heard if they were n't,"Harry Hotspur decided.

Albus was n't exactly sure what his uncle Percy actually did at the Ministry. He knew it had something to do with the diplomatic minister, but his literal title was so farseeing and complicated that Albus never bothered to recollect it.

"fountainhead, it 's an election year,"Percy pointed out."things never stay calm during election years. company announcements come showtime week of Sep and after that thing will be chaotic around the Ministry. gobs of body of work to do. Let me tell you, when I run for Minister-"

"Oh, here we go again !"Ron said loudly."When Percy runs for pastor. It 's never gon na happen, Perce. Honestly."

"I would vote for you, Percy,"mollie assured him."You would make a terrific minister. But this dinner is supposed to be about the kids. James ! And Ben and Cedric ! This is your O.W.L. class ! You three are going to do so wonderfully but you must still down a bit and study."

"Gran, really,"James muttered."We 're going to be hearing this from the instructor. Uncle Harry Hotspur, why do n't you secernate us more about your running for diplomatic minister ?"

"fountainhead, as a matter of fact."Walker Percy stood up."I have a rather charge up promulgation to make and I feel I must evidence my home first, before the rest of the Wizarding World."He paused, presumably for striking outcome."I will be formally announcing on Mon, September second that I will be running for Minister for April 's election."

There was sheer secrecy for about five arcsecond before a whole lot of thing happened at once. Ron, George, and Charlie burst out laughing. Hermione raised her eyebrows as far as they could go. Ginny, Bill, and Arthur all shouted loudly"Seriously ? ! ”. Molly shook her head teacher slightly and then jumped up from her chair, running towards Percy and finally enveloping him in a large hug and kissing him squarely on the forehead.

"Oh, Hotspur !"she exclaimed."I 'm so proud of you ! You 've been talking about it for years and I think it 's in high spirits time you actually did it. I always wanted a son who was this successful !"

"Mum !"Ron groaned."It 's not like your other Son have n't done anything. I 'm an Auror for pigeon hawk 's saki !"

"And you 're a fine good one, Ronald, but I ca n't ever see you being pastor. You just do n't have the ambition Percy does,"Molly said as she patted him on the shoulder.

gold was exchanging hands at the other end of the table. Cedric was grinning madly, so Albus assumed he had won some sort of bet involving when Percy would run for Minister. That bet must have been in the whole works for years.

Albus was personally stunned. He of course had been on the receiving end of many a Percy rant about what he 'd do when he ran for minister, but he had always believed Percy would n't ever do it. If Albus was honest with himself, he did n't really want Harry Hotspur running. His family was famous enough without having an genuine minister in it.

"Honestly, Mum, do you imagine he 's really going to win ?"Ron exclaimed."I mean, do n't get me unseasonable, Percy, I 'll vote for you, but what about the rest of the wizarding macrocosm ?"

"Walker Percy, do you really think you 're cut out for this ?"Harry asked skeptically.

"Why would n't I be ? I 've been involved with the Ministry for X !"

"I think what Harry 's trying to say is that you 're all bark and no snack,"Bill pointed out.

"I am not !"Percy shouted."And I would 've expected more support from my own family."

"We are supporting you,"Molly assured him.

"son,"President Arthur warned."Percy 's rightfield. If he wants to run for Minister he can without any of us making it difficult for him. You do n't throw to vote for him, but I wo n't have you arguing during dinner. You 'll upset your mum."

Everyone resumed their behind but Albus doubted they stopped talking about Hotspur running for Minister. They just continued to do so in miserable voices. For once, Albus was well-chosen he had chosen a seat near Percy.

"Do you make out who else is running ?"Hermione asked.

"Not sure,"Sir Henry Percy replied."Hartwell 's not running again, if that 's what you 're getting at. He 's had enough. But I 've got his support. After all, I am the senior Undersecretary for the Drafting and Editing of constabulary to the Minister."

So that 's what Harry Hotspur 's title was, Albus thought. He had no theme if that was a view that had a lot of top executive or not, but apparently it was enough to receive livelihood for a parson run.

"Hey, Dad,"Empire State of the South shouted from a little fashion down the table."I figure this is as good a sentence as any to state you that I 'm moving out tomorrow."

Percy choked on whatever he was eating."You 're what ?"

"Moving out. You know, leaving the nest. I 've got a 2-dimensional with a protagonist closer to the pitch. It 'll be more convenient, for work."

"Work,"Percy muttered."If Quidditch can be considered work."

"looking, I know how these elections work. You 're going to want to name yourself look like a family line man, so you 're not going to want to weigh me your crazy girl who only plays Quidditch and has no job. So you 'd better start thinking of me as your daughter who 's the newfangled modesty Keeper for the Kenmare Kestrals. It 'll sound in force to the press."

Percy stared at her with his oral cavity agape. He shook his pass slightly and resumed eating, without another watchword to Georgia. Sakartvelo looked smug, so Albus assumed she had won that fiddling argument.

Albus turned to pink wine and grinned. Empire State of the South certainly knew how to make Sir Henry Percy 's track for parson work to her advantage.

"Rose, have you heard from Linda yet ?"Albus asked, deciding not to unite the balance of his family in political conversation.

"Not yet."Rose shook her head."Her mum might have wanted her to waitress a bit after they settled in Canada, though. Have you heard anything about what the Ministry 's doing about Lubar ?"

"If anything 's changed Dad 's being really quiet about it,"Albus answered.

"It 's so amiss, though, that he can completely get away with what he did,"rosiness muttered."It 's like I could go to France, rob a bank, get back to England, and I 'd get away with it."

"You 're robbing a bank building ?"James shouted.

"Of class not,"Rose replied."It 's none of your business."

Albus and Rose did n't lay on the line talking about Lubar for the rest of the evening. Sure, the rest of their family unit cognise about what had happened but neither of them wanted to discuss their possibility with any of them.

The balance of the evening was rather out of lineament for usual Weasley family dinners. All the previous years'dinner party had consisted of talk of Hogwarts and the adults exclaiming how big everyone had gotten and how everyone was growing up. Usually whomever was starting Hogwarts for the start sentence would get a fair bit of attention, but this year Angie, who was starting, seemed to be forgotten. Instead all of the care was focused on Percy. The adult were talking political relation and Albus 's one-time cousins were placing bets on whether he 'd win or not.

Stanley was the number one to entrust as he had to go back to Romania the abide by morning. Charlie and Katherine had finished their twelvemonth in Roumania and had returned to England permanently the late calendar month. Victoire and teddy bear left shortly after that since they both had to cultivate the next day.

Hotspur was still discussing campaign tactics with Corrine, who was smiling and nodding the way Albus did when his full cousin were smaller and he had to dissemble he was interested in what they were saying, when Albus 's parents decided it was clock time to give. For the first time in his life, he was actually happy to go away and get back to Grimmauld Place. The before schooling dinner was supposed to be about everyone who was at Hogwarts, a clip to accept fun all together before school started, and this time it had n't been that. It had been about Percy.
******


By some shot of fate or miracle that had never descended upon the Potters before, James had packed his luggage compartment the night before they left for school. Albus was certainly that some kind of Revelation of Saint John the Divine was going to arrive soon because Percy running for Minister and the thrower arriving early for the Hogwarts express mail were two events that nobody ever thought would happen. Albus did n't wonder it, though. Instead he just used the chance to his advantage.

Kaden, who had met Albus at platform 9 ¾ prior to going through the roadblock, was not early, so the potter went through without him. Rose and her category were already there of row, so Albus said a fast goodbye to his parents before getting on the railroad train to find Rose. With any lot his friends would n't be there yet and he could talk to Rose alone. Usually there was naught he would n't verbalise to his friends about, but the strange feeling he had had about his family was something he only wanted to tattle to pink wine about.

rosebush was alone in a compartment about halfway down the train, reading one of her new textbooks. It was Arithmancy and Albus did n't have the little idea what any of the symbol in it meant. He chose the seat next to her and waited for her to be done meter reading whatever it was she was deciphering.

"I 'm witnessing a miracle, apparently,"Rose said after setting her book down.

"James IV packed lastly nighttime,"Albus answered.

"Again, I 'm witnessing a miracle."She laughed."Your mum is lucky if James River packs earlier than five mo before you leave."

"It 's definitely odd,"Albus agreed."Listen, do you get the smell matter are changing ?"

"Changing ? Like what 's happening with Willinson and Lubar and their lot ? Yeah, I think so. It 's been over three years, Al, and they still have n't gotten all of them in Azkaban at the Saami clip. I know they 're really stupid when it comes to dueling but I think they 're wise than anyone 's giving them credit for. Things are going to change, Al. The reality 's getting scarier,"Rose said quietly.

Albus swallowed heavy. That was in the back of his judgment of course of study, but he had never voiced it before. Nor was it what he had set out to talk to Rose about.

"I guess,"Albus replied."But I was n't really getting at that. I was thinking about our family."

"Oh,"was all Rose said. Both full cousin sat quietly for a minute before she continued."I know what you mean. What was up with that dinner at granny and Gramps 's ? It was all Percy. O.W.L.s were mentioned once and no one said anything about Angie starting Hogwarts."

"I know. It was odd. It just seems like everything 's changing. There are less of us at Hogwarts now so I guess that 's what 's going to happen-"

"There 's still a lot of us here,"pink wine interrupted."And Eddie and the similitude have n't even started yet. Plus it 's not like we even talked about Teddy, Victoire, Sir Henry Morton Stanley, and Empire State of the South. We talked about Percy for Merlin 's rice beer !"

"What do you call back will occur if he wins ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't know. I do n't think things will alter political-wise but I think it 's going to be really weird for Georgia and Thomas Bradley and Cedric. Even the twins will probably be effected. I mean, having your dad be the most authoritative mortal in the wizarding universe has got to be stressful."

"Tell me about it,"Albus muttered."Can you imagine if my dad ran for Minister ?"

"Walker Percy would n't bear a chance."

"Dad 'll never run, though,"Albus pointed out."I just think that things are already different from last-place year. Everyone 's going to be focused on Uncle Percy 's campaign."

"Things never stay the same, Al,"rosiness said.

"What 's not staying the same ?"John asked as he entered the compartment, followed by Kaden."I 'm hoping you 're talking about my Divination Deutschmark, Rose, because my parents nearly murdered me this past summer when they saw it."

"I think we 'll just have to mete out with your murder, King John, because that mark is not getting any gamey,"rosebush replied.

"Seriously, what were you talking about ?"Kaden asked as he sat down across from Rose.

"zero,"rose wine said quickly.

"I 'll tell apart you once Matt and Amanda get here,"Albus said, figuring he 'd assure them about Percy running for Minister.

"This is going to be the advantageously class ever !"Kaden said excitedly as he pulled a piece of lambskin out of his bag."flavor, it 's my Hogsmeade license mooring !"

"Excellent,"John replied."Now I do n't suffer to buy your dungbombs for you."

"Do you really have to buy dungbombs this year ?"flatness asked as he entered the compartment."They 're so nasty."

"Just for the Slytherin vulgar room,"John assured him."Our destination is to figure out how to get a few in there."

"Not going to work out,"Amanda said as she entered and sat down on the former side of pink wine."You ca n't get into someone else 's unwashed room unnoticed."

"That 's what Albus 's cloak is for,"Kaden said.

"Not if it 's going to smell like dungbomb after,"Albus said.

"Told you we should have just asked for his cloak without telling him what we were doing with it,"John the Divine told Kaden.

Kaden shrugged."All right, everyone 's here. state us what you and Rose were talking about before any of us got here."

"Fine."Albus took a bass intimation."fountainhead, my Uncle Walker Percy 's track for Minister."

"Seriously ?"toilet replied.

"Cool !"Kaden exclaimed.

"Why ?"Matt asked.

"Is n't he the one who 's been talking about doing that for days ?"Amanda asked.

"Yes,"Albus answered."He 's seriously running, it 's not that poise, I 'm honestly not certain why, and yes he 's been talking about it for years."

"Why does n't your dad run ?"Kaden asked.

Albus and Rose both burst out laughing."Because that 's the last thing he 'd ever desire to do. He would n't want anymore mogul than he 's already got. Whereas Percy, all of my uncles have always said is kind of king hungry,"Albus replied.

"Do you know who he 's running against ?"Amanda asked.

"Have n't a cue,"Albus said."They 're supposed to be announcing the campaigner on the second."

"What 's that got to do with everything changing ?"Kaden asked.

"It 's our house,"pink wine said quietly."Uncle Harry Hotspur is so rivet on the election and it has n't even really started yet. Georgia 's got it all figured out. Percy 's going to act he 's completely felicitous with her Quidditch playing just to make himself seem like a syndicate man, which he 's really not. He 's always been focused on work."

"That 's stupid,"bathroom said."GA 's not going to like that."

"She 's the one who brought it up,"Rose pointed out.

"He 's right, you know,"Amanda said.

"What do you mean, he 's right ?"Albus stared at her. She had a knowing smile splayed across her face.

"You, Rose, and Matt are n't the only ones of us who have fellowship in government,"Amanda said.

"But you 're a Muggle,"John replied.

"I never said the Ministry of Magic, St. John. I meant the Muggle Ministry. My uncle 's the prime minister."

Albus continued to stare at her. Amanda was always rather smooth and rarely talked about her family line. He always figured that was because she was so serenity and never guessed that it might be because her family was just as influential in the Muggle world as his was in the wizarding human race.

"Michael Smythe, that 's my uncle. He 's my mum 's brother,"Amanda elaborated."Imagine my mum 's surprisal when she told him that I was a Wiccan only to find out that he already knew about the wizarding world."

"So if Hotspur winnings ...,"Albus began, his interpreter trailing off.

"He 'll meet my Uncle mike,"Amanda finished."But as I was saying, Georgia does have it all figured out. If word gets out that Percy and her rowed about her Quidditch playing, it 's going to issue forth off wrongfulness in the press and lose him votes. So, he 'll keep it to himself and will be in the social movement row of every single one of her matches, pretending to be a huge Kenmare Kestrals fan."

"Wow, that seems so haywire,"rosiness muttered.

"It 's political science from the early English. The public wants people in power to bear a sealed image."

"Still, it 's like lying,"rose wine went on."Just another cause I am not getting into politics."

"My cousin Leanne went a short savage at university her first year, our first class at Hogwarts, and the Ministry hushed it all up. She was out partying and the paparazzi got a photo of her and put it on the screen of some rag, but that was the solely one. I know she partied more, but it was all hushed up."

"But it 's not like GA 's partying. She 's got Quidditch skills and is using them to make an honest living,"rose wine pointed out.

"I 'm not saying that 's bad. I 'm just saying your uncle wo n't want the public to love he 's not happy with her life history choice so he 's going to make himself look like a devoted father."

"See, everything 's changing."Albus sighed."Sometimes I just like I had a normal family."

"It 's not all it 's cracked up to be,"John said. Kaden nodded.

"It 's true, Albus,"Matt said."Amanda 's completely right hand. It 's the totally reason why my dad got sacked. The world did n't like that I was a werewolf, which is share of why the Ministry hushed it up. When it got out, nobody wanted him in politics anymore."

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. He never really thought about that before, but lusterlessness was good. Amanda was, too, but he never really put two and two together before Matt mentioned that. And now the same matter was happening with his folk. Hotspur was going to guess and while that did n't really directly effect him, how long would it take before the public did n't like the effigy he and the rest period of his cousin were presenting ?


A/N : From now on, updates for this will happen on the first base of every calendar month and updates for Beyond the Shadow will hap on the 15th. That way they 'll be spread out. Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this !

Here 's the Weasley-Potter Family Tree !

Bill-Fleur
Victoire- 20
Gabriella- 18
Ben- 5th yr

Charlie-Katherine ( enchantress )
Stanley- 19
Heather- 7th year
Mark- 6th year
Eddie- 8

Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Georgia- 18
Bradley- 6th twelvemonth
Cedric- 5th year
Samantha & Lindy ( Twin Falls ) - 9

George- Alicia Spinnet
Fred- 7th year
Angie- 1st year

Ron-Hermione
Rose- 4th year
Hugo- 2nd year

Ginny-Harry
James- 5th year
Albus- 4th year
Lily- 2nd year

*All in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was no acknowledgment of politics or Ministers throughout the residue of the train trip. Amanda did n't say anything else about her uncle being the prime pastor and how it had affected her family, but Albus was still really curious about it. How had she managed to keep that a enigma for three years ? Judging by rosebush 's chemical reaction, she did n't even know about it. Matt had n't even managed to keep it a cloak-and-dagger that he was a werewolf for a year. Granted, Albus and the others had figured it out, but still. Maybe Amanda was the better secret keeper in their group.

The talk lightened considerably as they made their way to Hogwarts, soon turning to the conversant subject of Quidditch and then to fantasizing about the new Defense instructor. privy was hoping for someone who let them do whatever they wanted whereas Rose wanted mortal who would actually teach, and not learn like Balladanis had. Albus did n't really worry, so long as the new teacher did n't like to harm his students, physically or emotionally.

As the power train neared Hogsmeade place, Albus and his ally changed into their robes and prepared to snuff it the train for the bumpy carriage ride up to the school. The journey was now so routine that they did so with little chattering and transferred to the coach with none of the fanfare of the previous two years. They were one-fourth years now and Hogwarts was comrade dominion. As fourth old age, they were well on their way to being the erstwhile pupil of the schoolhouse.

The Great antechamber was filled with laughter and excitement as the students found their prat at their business firm tables. Albus and his friends quickly found seats together at the Gryffindor table and all five glanced up to the staff table to find the new face that would be their Defense teacher. However, instead of the one unfamiliar face they expected, there were two unfamiliar faces.

"Which one 's the denial teacher ?"Kaden asked.

"Have n't the slightest,"Albus replied.

There were two new wizards sitting at the mesa. One was deep in conversation with professor Kendrick and the early was glancing around at the room, his centre never resting on the same thing or person for more than a few secondment. The former was wearing what looked to be Ministry robes, which made Albus question if he was an Auror, but then he noticed one of the Aurors from last year standing off to the side in his usual spot. The second new wizard was dressed in plain black robes and had nearly no hair's-breadth atop his question, but instead had a large face fungus and mustache, as if he was trying to compensate.

"I think the one talking to Kendrick is from the Ministry,"Albus said.

"That 's not a good signaling,"St. John replied."What 's the Ministry doing here on the first day ?"

"It 's not necessarily a bad affair,"Rose pointed out."Maybe they just want to take a leak sure everything is back to normal after the competition in conclusion year."

John opened his lip to reply but was silenced by the doors opening and prof Patil entering with the new for the first time years. They looked frighten off and petite, far diminished than the former year 's first twelvemonth. It was weird how they seemed to get smaller every year.

As with the premature year, Albus did n't pay any aid to anyone 's sorting unless their last figure was Potter or Weasley. This year, of course, there was only Angie entering Hogwarts from Albus 's large family line. She ran up to the three-legged-stool with as often enthusiasm as the rest of the phratry had and jammed the hat onto her head.

It remained there for all of three second before shouting"Gryffindor !"Angie ran from the stool to the excited shouts of the Gryffindors, her Brother Fred 's whistling ringing over the rest. Everyone at Hogwarts would have bet money on Angie being a Gryffindor, but everyone still liked to cheer.

For once Albus wished that Kendrick would fix announcements before the feast was served just so he could find out why there were two new whizz at the stave board, but like common, Kendrick waited until after the spread. Thus, the duration of the feast was spent speculating.

"The Ministry 's sent individual to observe,"Jesse James said confidently."Look at the past three old age. Every single one at least one of Al and his friends have gotten kidnapped by insane hotshot. Clearly the Ministry does n't conceive the instructor can protect us enough."

"That 's what the Aurors are for,"pink wine pointed out."What 's some Ministry bloke going to do that an Auror ca n't do ? I really do n't reckon that bloke is another Auror."

"I bet he 's here to inscribe people for the Ministry,"Fred suggested."You know, spend a yr with us seventh years and try to convert us that we should take on boring Ministry jobs. Bet Uncle Harry Hotspur 's the reason for it. Probably does n't want anymore of his kin to take in up Quidditch professionally."

"That 's nonsensical,"a seventh-year girl replied."He 's probably just the new denial teacher."

"Then who 's that former bloke ?"lusterlessness gestured to the bald man sitting future to Slughorn.

"Slughorn 's prospicient lost Twin ?"Kaden suggested."Seriously, shave his beard and he 'll depend just like Slughorn."

"Maybe Kendrick just wanted to invite someone to the Welcome fete,"Amanda pointed out."It could be as simple as that."

Albus doubted it. cypher was ever dewy-eyed when it came to life at Hogwarts. Finally, after what seemed the like eld, the puddings disappeared and Kendrick stood to pay his usual outset of term speech.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts. I give a ardent welcome to our new first years and hope you have enjoyed your first Hogwarts feast. I 'll prompt everyone that the timberland is out of bounds as well as the Whomping Willow. Those wishing to try out for their House Quidditch squad can give their names to their head of sign. Now, you may have noticed that there are two new staff member this twelvemonth even though only one position is vacant. The first is simple to explain and the second is a little more complicated.

"outset, I would like to welcome prof Elliot Young to Hogwarts. Professor Young is going to be taking over the defence reaction instructor position."Kendrick gestured to the man with the beard, while scattered applause was received from the bookman and other professors.

"Professor Ancient if you ask me,"whoremonger muttered.

"Many of you may be aware and quite a lot of you I 'm sure are not aware that this is an election twelvemonth for the Ministry of magic trick. Tomorrow the candidates running for Minister of magic will make their speeches announcing their electioneering, which will begin a seven month run time period. At the beginning of April, anyone who is of age will vote and the winner shall be announced. The fact that this is an election yr is a wonderful educational opportunity and I was n't about to let it hand us by. Therefore I have decided to add another course of study to the curriculum. It will fill once a week and in it you will pick up the ins and outs of our political system and its history.

"This is Professor Richard Embry."Kendrick gestured to the bloke sitting next to him, who then stood up."He is from the Ministry and has agreed to teach this new class that we have designed. The course of instruction will appear on your agenda that you will encounter tomorrow. Now, I suggest all of you turn in early as classes begin bright and early in the morning. Prefects, please see the first years to the common rooms."

Kendrick and the Ministry bloke both resumed their seats while Albus and his Friend rose. The joined the mob of students making their way out of the Great Hall and towards the main stairway. The Hufflepuffs and Slytherins broke away from the face pack to condescend to their dormitories and then the Ravenclaws left for their tower. Soon, Albus and his friend were only amongst fellow Gryffindors.

The common elbow room was buzzing with word about the new professor when they arrived. nigh of the youthful students had gone to bed, but the old pupil were making no motion to do so. Fred was posting a sign-up shroud for Quidditch try-outs on the notice board while Heather watched. Albus predicted that the two of them would act More like co-captains since there was no way Heather was going to let Fred make all of the team decisions this year.

"So now we have another course of study,"Gospel According to John muttered as they sat down at a board near the fire."More homework. Thomas More exams."

"It 's only once a week,"rosiness pointed out.

"But still, since when has anyone at Hogwarts had to take a class about politics ?"John asked.

"Never,"Albus replied.

"Muggles take division on political science,"Amanda pointed out."My sister took one last year and my cousin have taken them. I really do n't think it 's going to be that difficult."

"Yeah, it 's not like there 's going to be an O.W.L. for it,"rose said."Can you conceive that we 'll be taking O.W.L.s next twelvemonth ?"

Saint John groaned."Do we really have to talk about them already ?"

"Seriously,"mat agreed."They 're a long way off."

"Well, I think I 'm going to plow in,"rose wine said as she stood up."year start tomorrow."

"You sound like Kendrick,"Albus said, but he was feeling slightly tired himself.

Rose and Amanda left for the girls'residence hall a little while later. Albus and the other boy stayed up a while longer, but soon realized they were quite tired. They said goodnight to Kaden when they reached the tertiary days'dormitory and then continued on to their own. It had been a long day and Albus was make to go to sleep, just so he would n't have to call up about politics or the election anymore.
******


"Well, we 've got one of the new instructor today,"John said at breakfast the followers break of the day."We start off the day with Herbology and then have Defense right before lunch."

"When do we have that politics course of study ?"mat asked as he scooped a mountain of oatmeal onto his plate.

"Tomorrow, right hand before dinner,"John replied."pigeon hawk, that would 've been free time if we did n't have that bloody class."

"It could be fun, John,"pink wine said.

"I have n't got it until Friday aurora,"Kaden lamented."I think it will be fun. Muggle political sympathies are boring but thaumaturgy makes everything better."

"Bad intelligence is we have it with the Slytherins,"Albus said.

"Of course,"flatness muttered."Would n't gestate anything unlike. And we 've probably got potions with them again, right ?"

Albus glanced at his schedule."Yes."They had had potions with the Slytherins every yr now. Surely that could n't be accidental. Albus would have preferred they have no classes with the Slytherins, especially after what had happened in Defense the former year. The utmost thing he and lustrelessness needed was more contact with Scorpius Malfoy.

"commodity newsworthiness is that we 've got Defense with the Hufflepuffs this yr,"Amanda pointed out.

"Bet Kendrick did that on purpose after last class,"Saint John said."He 'd have to be an idiot to give us that course of instruction with the Slytherins again.

Everyone nodded in agreement. After the tantrum that had developed between Albus, John, and Scorpius Kendrick would probably never have the three of them in Defense class together again. Albus was grateful. He 'd drop the last few weeks of his third year avoiding Malfoy and was fully prepared to annul him for the remainder of his Hogwarts career. Unfortunately the Slytherin was on his dueling team.

The group hurriedly finished their breakfast and then parted shipway with Kaden before heading down to the greenhouse for Herbology. Herbology was one of those predictable classes where they never had to vex about anything terribly happening when it came to field of study matter or teachers. Neville was a bazaar teacher who made form interesting. Albus never had to vex about anything odd happening while in the greenhouse, unlike potions and defence reaction.

Everyone was slightly wary of the new Defense professor and thus the fundament in the back of the room were in gamy demand. Unfortunately the Hufflepuffs had had August 6 beforehand and had a much shorter walk, so they claimed all of the far rear. Albus, matte, and John had the misfortune of having to sit at one of the presence tables and all three boy were on edge.

The prof ambled into the elbow room just as class was scheduled to lead off. He had a very bombastic hatful of parchment, which he set on the desk before beginning to squall roll.

"I am Professor Edward Young,"he began after he finished with gyre."And welcome to fourth year Department of Defense Against the Dark Arts. This year we will concentre on iniquity curses, hexes, and superior general spells, all of which are detailed out in your textbook. You can call for your record book out now if you have n't already done so."

Albus rummaged in his bag and set his book on the table. Professor Young picked up the heap of sheepskin and began passing it out to the pupil. Albus feared that it was a quiz, as he glanced down at its fill-in-the-blank questions and unretentive answer questions.

"Please read the foremost chapter of your books and dispatch the worksheet by the end of the division,"Young said as he walked back to his desk. He said aught more and began to study what appeared to be a novel while stroking his beard.

Albus glanced at John the Evangelist and matte, unsure of whether Young would cry at him if he spoke in rustle to his friends. Actually, Young might not even hear him. He did appear to be quite old. But it was just so odd that Young assigned them reading and a worksheet on the first day of course. Would n't a speech brand more sense ? Albus could n't remember a time when a prof had n't lectured on the first day of class.

Everyone else seemed thoroughly confused as well. For the future five second everyone sent each other upset flavor and glances before finally cracking open their text edition, having realized that Young was n't going to do anything besides show his novel.

Albus began to read the number 1 chapter, which was dreadfully boring. It was about the most quotidian of dark hexes, if a iniquity hex could be considered mundane. The chapter did n't even mention inexcusable curses, which while ugly, were far more interesting than the introductory principle of what made a curse iniquity.

Albus finished his worksheet a few arcminute before Young put down his novel."Leave your worksheets here on my desk. There is n't any homework."

"That was the strangest class ever,"Albus said once they had left the room."Who gives a worksheet on the outset day of course ?"

"Someone who just wants to read their leger all day,"John replied."Works for me, since he did n't give any homework."

"Still, it was horribly drill,"Albus replied.

"Honestly, I 'm happy it 's boring after dealing with Balladanis net yr,"matt said.

"Somehow I do n't think this bloke is going to be bringing any Anamateks to division,"Albus said.

"An Anamatek would probably finish him off,"John replied."I do n't cogitate he could handle one."

"Not many the great unwashed could,"Albus pointed out.

When they arrived in the Great Hall, they were surprised to see Empire State of the South hurrying Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric out of the room.

"What 's legal injury ?"Albus asked, extremely confused as to why Georgia was at Hogwarts.

"Dad wants us there when he makes his big announcement."She rolled her eyes."We 're supposed to be there supporting him or something."

"What fourth dimension is it happening ?"Albus asked.

"One,"Georgia replied."Which means we 're already going to be later than Dad wants. It 'll be in the even Prophet."

"There is no way Georgia 's going to be able to act everything is fine between her and Uncle Percy for the all election,"Rose said once Sakartvelo and her brothers had left."She looked vexed already and he has n't even announced he 's running yet."

"She probably has to overlook practice for it,"Albus replied."I just want to do it who he 's running against."

"indirect request we could go watch,"rose said."I bet our parents are there."

"Of course they are,"Albus agreed."Matt 's dad is probably there, too."

"He is,"Matt said."Has n't got a clue as to who 's running, though."

"dead reckoning we 'll find oneself out tonight,"Albus said.
******


Albus did n't see Bradley or Cedric until dinner. He had been hoping to entrance one of them in between classes, but either their schedules did n't permit them to cross paths or the proclamation had gone until dinner. The disturbance in the Great vestibule was n't any flash than it usually was when Albus arrived, but then again he was n't quite sure as shooting how much the rest of the students cared about the election. However at the Gryffindor table, all of Albus 's first cousin were clustered at one end of the mesa, their heads leaned in to one another.

"look like a family get together or something,"Albus said.

"We 'll see you in the common room after dinner, then,"Amanda said as she pulled bathroom and Kaden towards the other end of the table, lusterlessness following.

Albus followed Rose to the far end of the table, where everyone else had already gathered. Albus squeezed his way in between Hugo and James while pink wine found a bottom future to Lily.

"Finally, you 're here,"Epistle of James said."Bradley and Cedric wo n't say a Scripture until everyone 's here."

"Otherwise we 'd just own to tell the story over and over again,"Bradley muttered.

"Well, go on,"Fred encouraged.

"It was basically a vast partiality party with a bunch of boring speeches,"Bradley began."A crowd of Ministry people and their wives or husbands and Dad was the snapper of attention, of course. Everyone knew he was running even though he had n't made his official announcement yet. It did n't get interesting until Dad and the enchantress he 's running against made their announcement-"

"Dad 's was pretty boring,"Cedric cut in."Talked about how he 's seen the Ministry through so many changes and how we need strong leadership to keep the charming community together and loyal. Mentioned Uncle Harry and Voldemort, of course. Then everyone clapped politely and the opposition stood up."

"The witch who 's actually running feeling like she was a mortarboard in a sometime life-time. Her olfactory organ is as pointy as a nose can get and she 's got this streamlined calamitous hair that was done up in a bun. She stood up there with a crew of masses who she introduced as her campaign squad,"Thomas Bradley said."But it was her speech that got the crew riled up. She kept putting trap in everything Dad said. Dad mentioned about how the wizarding world was a strong link up front but she talked about how breach are forming and the Ministry is slipping and change is needed again. She made all these elusive mentions of how the Aurors are n't as on top of things and how if we do n't do something the witching world will fall apart."

"That 's farcical !"Fred said."The wizard universe is fine."

"I thought they were just making their proclamation that they were running,"blush wine said."address do n't take up yet."

"Neither of them are going to blow an opportunity to get balloting,"broom pointed out."So do you two have to make anymore appearing ?"

"Yeah,"Thomas Bradley answered."Dad wants us all there for his beginning speech this weekend and he said there are going to be some argument here, so we have to sit up front with Mum at those."

"And the oracle wants to do a huge article on our family,"Cedric added."They 're doing one on the beldam, too."

"What 's her name ?"rosiness asked."And what does she do in the Ministry ?"

"Patricia Laurentis,"Cedric replied."She 's some sort of consultant to the current Minister. Her title 's just as confusing and long as Dad's."

"Weird that both the candidates were working under the stream minister,"Rose said.

"Well the company chose them."Cedric shrugged."I should get going, though. Have to go see Slughorn about what I missed earlier."

"Me too,"Omar Bradley said as he stood up."Patil probably wo n't be proud of that I missed the first lesson."

Cedric and Bradley left, leaving the quietus of the cousins to blab out about what they had just been told. Albus mostly listened while pushing his food for thought around his plate. What he had learned about Patricia Laurentis unnerved him a trivial and it was mostly because part of him thought she was right. Things were n't as perfect as his Uncle Hotspur thought. Willinson was still on the at large and not to mention the government issue with Lubar was still undetermined.

But Albus 's dad and the former Aurors were doing all they could, were n't they ? What could Patricia Laurentis do if she got elected ? There would still be the same Aurors working at the Ministry.

"Maybe Uncle Percy is the good person to be rector,"Calluna vulgaris said quietly."The Ministry has been working the same way since the Final Battle, has n't it ? And there have n't been anymore Voldemorts trying to gain power."

"But things ca n't always stay the Saame,"pink wine pointed out.

"Do you really think the Ministry needs to switch that a good deal ?"ling asked.

"I do n't recognize,"Rose said quietly."I just do n't think people are as united as Uncle Percy thinks."

"I 'm going to the common elbow room,"Albus said as he pushed his plate away. He was n't thirsty anymore.

pace behind him told him that Rose was following, just like he hoped she would."What were you getting at ? hoi polloi not being united ?"he asked once they were in an empty corridor.

"Not everyone agrees on everything, Albus,"rosiness said."Far from it. I think Uncle Percy 's slightly delusional about that. And think back what you told me about that odd bloke who gave your dad a word of advice at the Quidditch World Cup ?"

"That bloke ?"Albus laughed."He was insane !"

"I 'm not denying that, but he did have a point. In an election twelvemonth everything matters. Uncle Walker Percy 's aligned his beliefs with the stream diplomatic minister 's, which means if he 's elected he 's going to cover doing things the Lapplander way. The Ministry has n't caught Willinson for good in the three years they 've been searching and he 's slipped out of their hold numerous times. It 's not going to be difficult for that Laurentis lady to convince the great unwashed we need to change tactic, even if her tactic are n't groovy either."

Albus said zippo for a few consequence."How do you know all of this ?"

"I 've talked to Amanda Sir Thomas More than you have,"Rose replied."She knows how all of this oeuvre, and it 's really not that unlike in the Muggle world."

"So you think Laurentis is going to win ?"Albus asked.

Rose laughed."I never said that and it 's far too soon to tell. They have n't even debated yet. All I 'm saying is, Uncle Percy needs to open his eye a bit."

Albus did n't reply. He knew that his Uncle Percy 's political views were slightly different than the rest of his family 's, but they were still quite similar. If what Rose was saying was true, that meant that his whole phratry needed to open their eyes and Albus was n't for certain how he felt about that.


A/N : Sorry about the recent update. There were some site military issue. See the meeting place for Thomas More details about that. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and reviewing !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"You know, this politics year is taking away from our free people periods,"toilet said the following forenoon at breakfast. He shook his chief as he loaded his plate high with scrambled eggs and bacon.

Albus nodded and waited for Rose 's response about how they needed to take advantage of any learning opportunities, even if they meant lupus erythematosus free time, but it did n't arrive. Albus turned to look at her, thinking she might be ill. She was n't. Instead she was piling her own plate high with ballock and goner. Albus raised his supercilium at her.

"What ?"she demanded."Girls get athirst, too."

"Not that,"Albus replied."Saint John just complained about having another form and you did n't groan and tell him off."

"I kind of agree with him."Rose shrugged.

"Are you ill ?"Albus asked as he felt her forehead.

rose wine pushed his hand away."Stop it, Al. I 'm not saying I wo n't relish the class. I 'm just saying that we 're twenty-five percent years and O.W.L.s are closer than ever and we need all the time we can get to contemplate. Not that Saint John would use the prison term to study, mind you."

"There 's the rose wine we all know."John grinned as he stuffed his boldness with bacon.

"I think it 'll be a nice change,"Matt put in."Something different. Notice they gave us history of conjuring trick on two consecutive dayspring. enquire who the idiot was who did that."

"Lapplander one who always gives us classes with the Slytherins, I 'll bet,"Gospel According to John said."Double Potions this break of the day and I 'd bet my right arm and both my legs we 'll be with the Slytherins."

"Why not both your limb and ramification ?"Amanda asked.

"On the off-chance that I 'm wrong, I 'll need some sorting of limb to get around with,"John answered.

"I only had one course with the Slytherins live year,"Kaden said."You lot must induce fearful luck. I 'd better be off. Defense this morning."

"Good lot. That professor is uncanny,"John said.

"Ca n't be worse than lastly year,"Kaden replied as he got up and left.

Albus, Matt, Rose, and Amanda waited for John to finish his agglomerate of eggs before setting off for the dungeon. When they arrived the door was already opened and Albus saw that they were indeed wit the Slytherins again. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting at one of the front tabular array, looking rather smug. Albus averted his eye and continued to the back of the classroom, where he sat down in between Matt and St. John.

"Wonder what he 's so happy about,"Albus muttered as the rest of the scholarly person entered the room.

"I do n't know. But I do n't like it,"John said.

Slughorn chose that moment to waddle into the room so Albus and King John could not go forward their conversation."Welcome, welcome ! Ahh, my two favorite firm together again ! What luck. Well, well, receive to fourth class Potions. This is the twelvemonth that thing get difficult since you 'll be sitting your O.W.L.s next class ..."

"Why is it they 're talking about O.W.L.s this year ?"Albus whispered."They 're still over a class off."

"... Since today is a double class I thought we 'd set about brewing the number one potion in your text and see where your science lie after a summer of lounging about. Unless some of you happened to read your text books over the summer !"

Albus glanced at blush wine, who was sitting succeeding to Amanda at one of the battlefront mesa. She seemed to sit up high in her seat.

"Let 's get started, then. You can work out in pairs of your choosing. The pair that produces the scoop potion will win a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate."

John set off to figure out with Janie Creevey who lacked a pardner while Albus and Matt set up a caldron at their table.

"Remember your gloves,"Slughorn announced."If you touch the finished product your bridge player will immediately freeze."

"Does it seem odd to you that we have to think up a Freeze solvent with fire ?"mat asked as he stuck his wand under the cauldron to light the flame.

"Very,"Albus agreed."So now that we 've had Slughorn for three age, have you noticed that he always starts the year with a competition ?"

"Yeah. I bet he uses the Same course of study every year,"matt added."Ca n't guess that much changes in terminus of potion brewing."

"I bet our parents brewed the Lapplander potions,"Albus said.

"I wonder if it 's potential for this potion to irrupt,"Matt mused as he tossed a few pieces of sliced beetroot into the cauldron."

"wellspring, I suppose we 'll find out,"came a drawling voice from behind them. Albus turned around and saw Malfoy, carrying a few feeding bottle he must let gotten from the supply press."I 'm trusted you two will manage it, if it 's possible."

"Shut it, Malfoy,"Albus replied.

Malfoy glared at him and then stalked off towards his own table. Albus was slightly storm that he had left so quickly. It was strange.

"Weird of him to leave so soon,"Matt said, as if reading Albus 's mind.

"Yeah, if you ask me, he 's afraid of you now."

matte let out a laugh."Yeah, right. If anything he 's finally realized you 're a advantageously dueller than he is and he 's got to watch out. speech production of which, you think you 're going to be captain of your dueling team this year ?"

"It 's either going to be me or Malfoy,"Albus said.

With everything else that was going on that class, the close thing Albus needed was to be police chief of his dueling team, but he did not want Malfoy as captain either. He 'd take the extra study if just to keep on Malfoy from being in tutelage. Malfoy needed exponent like a blast-ended skrewt needed a flame thrower.

Albus and matte did not bodge up their potion by the end of the class. In fact, their potion had the like consistency that it was supposed to and while it was slightly off-color, it did supervise to stop dead the quill Slughorn stuck in it. Rose and Amanda won the umber, which was no surprisal to anyone.

Rose and Amanda shared their umber with the boys as they walked up to the Great Hall for lunch. Albus and matt told the girls and John about Malfoy 's freakish conduct and blush wine told them that they should just be happy he 's backing down, rather than psychoanalyse his motives.

The Great Hall was buzzing with activity when they entered it a few hour later. Albus sat down at the Gryffindor mesa and no sooner had he grabbed a roll did Calluna vulgaris toss a copy of the Prophet onto his plate.

"What 's this ?"Albus asked as he lifted up the paper.

"This morning 's Prophet. The hooter were late delivering it. Something about a storm in London,"Heather explained.

Albus set down his roll and opened the composition. There on the front Thomas Nelson Page was a pic of his Uncle Percy, smiling encompassing, in work out robes, shaking hands with a very tall woman, who was also smiling wide and wearing elaborate gown. Above the icon was the rubric,"candidate for minister of Magic Announced."

By this point rose and Matt had crowded on either side of Albus, while Amanda and King John hovered behind him, all trying to learn the article. Albus 's eyes traveled down the page so he could do the same.

In front of the full Ministry of Magic,
minister of religion hopefuls Walker Percy Ignatius Weasley and
Patricia Leigh Laurentis announced their
candidacy on September 3rd, 2029. Both
candidate work under Minister Hartwell, yet
are running against each other for opposite
parties.

Weasley, Senior Undersecretary for the
Drafting and Editing of Laws, has been
chosen to run for the Merlinus Party,
which is the party that flow rector
Hartwell represents. Laurentis, elder
consultant to Law Enforcement and Azkaban
Official has been chosen to run for the
Paracelsus Party.

A large crowd turned out for the promulgation,
which is only the first of many appearance
by both candidates. The first debate is
scheduled for Sep 8th, at the
Ministry of Magic.

"So that 's who your uncle 's run against,"matte said.

"shot so,"Albus replied.

"She looks a little like this maths teacher I had before I came to Hogwarts,"Amanda said."She was a scary Lady. I remember once I forgot to do my homework so I spent the entire morning in the loo before someone came looking for me."

"You can tell they both hate each other,"Matt said as he gestured to the picture."Sure they 're shaking hands and acting nice but clearly they both want to hex each other."

"It 's just weird that she works for Hartwell if she 's the opposite political party he is,"rosiness mused."Why would Hartwell have hired her ?"

"Maybe she switched parties ?"Amanda suggested."It happens in the Muggle world."

"Maybe,"rose wine said."It just seems fishy. Her switching parties and hinting at all these radical change. It just seems like something big is going to happen."

Albus could n't facilitate but have the same feeling. But all he could do was go for that his uncle won the election and Laurentis would not have the chance to exchange everything.

"Hey, Al, done with that paper ?"James called from down the table.

Albus nodded and passed the prophesier down, then settling in to eat dejeuner. There was no gunpoint worrying about the election now. It was months away. Plus, the politics family was later that day and Albus was incredibly curious about it.

Transfiguration seemed to drag by since it was the same as it was every year. Professor Patil explained about that class 's curriculum and how they needed to start thinking about O.W.L.s and the increased work load. It was all rather flat and all Albus wanted to do was get to political science since it was something new.

Finally Transfiguration was over and Albus and his admirer hurried to the fifth floor to the classroom where politics was held. They slowed down when they reached the room as none of them wanted to be the foremost to enter.

"We better not take in this with the Slytherins,"John muttered as they neared the doorway.

Albus peeked in the door."Nope, Hufflepuffs."

John let out an audible suspiration of relief and Albus pushed the door open as they entered. Only a few Hufflepuffs were there, seated towards the back, and the professor was nowhere in sight. rose immediately claimed a desk in the movement and Amanda chose one side by side to her, while Albus and the former son headed to the group of Hufflepuffs in the back.

"Do you guess there will be homework in this stratum ?"John asked as they sat down.

Albus raised his eyebrow."Is that a severe enquiry ?"

John shrugged."Well it 's not like there will be an O.W.L. We probably wo n't even deliver this class next year. So why would there be homework ?"

"Because it 's a year and this is Hogwarts,"Albus replied."I guarantee there will be homework."

The balance of the class filed in, filling in the seats that remained in the middle of the classroom. As the bell rang, Professor Embry entered, walking with an air that this socio-economic class would be all employment and no romp.

"commodity afternoon,"Professor Embry began as he shuffled a few papers on his desk."Welcome to Basic Wizarding political sympathies. I am professor Embry and you will address me such."

Embry stepped out from behind his desk and began to footstep the length of the classroom."I understand that nigh of you know absolutely nothing about political sympathies and take on that the Minister of magic trick is born the pastor and law just magically come into being. A select few of you,"his eyes rested on Albus, and then on Matt, and on two Hufflepuff girls,"have parents in the Ministry and may experience slightly more knowledge than the eternal rest, but that would be rather generous of me to assume.

"Hogwarts has not put very much stake in political educational activity before now, something that I feel is lacking in today 's education and wish to regenerate this year. The curriculum will include history of how our government came to be the way it is today as well as how the governance is currently run."

The course of instruction let out a corporate grown at the news account. Albus glanced at Rose, who was on the edge of her seat.

"But sir,"a particularly brave Hufflepufff boy announced,"we 've already learned the history. We take History of Magic."

Embry let out a short circuit jest."With Professor Binns ? If I may be frank, that man died before most of the history happened. Along with that, he 'll put a rock 'n' roll to sleep."Embry chuckled. No one in the class dared to laugh."I 'm going to give you a right chronicle of our modern font administration, starting with a brief overview of what the political science was like before the reign of Voldemort and a more comprehensive overview of what it is like today.

"I will also devote a grade period each to the way the government is run in France, the United Department of State, and Commonwealth of Australia. Now, since you were not aware that this class would guide place, you have not acquired books. Therefore I have purchased them for you. You are to plow them as library Book and take back them to me in similar status at the end of the class. Lest your parents be billed."

Embry flicked his verge and stacks of books flew out of a nearby cupboard. They landed softly in front of the students. Albus glanced down and interpret the championship. government and Government in Bodoni Wizarding Britain by Beatrice Holden. It looked about as dull as the cupboard it had come out of.

"Very unspoiled. Now, get out parchment and quills. I 'm not going to let the residue of this course of instruction period go to waste,"Embry said as he tapped his scepter on the board. bill immediately appeared on it.

Embry lectured for the remainder of the socio-economic class about how the first government was formed in Britain. It was incredibly dry. The only when reason Albus stayed awake was because he had to assume annotation. Literally had to. Embry caught a whoremonger not taking promissory note and threatened him with detention this Sabbatum if he did n't start.

"That 's all for today,"Embry said after the bell rang."Next class we 'll fast forward in prison term and learn about the government pre-Voldemort. Read the first chapter for homework and follow up with three thoughtful questions to lay to the remainder of the class. Dismissed."

"How does Hogwarts appeal the most bizarre instructor ?"Albus asked once they were out of earshot of the classroom.

"Kendrick must put it on the list of job requirements,"John the Divine replied."moldiness be out of your freaking mind to make this position."

"I think he 's professional,"rose piped in."It seems like we 'll really learn stuff."

"Why bother ?"can asked."It 's not like we 're old enough to experience a say in the government anyway."

"But we will one day,"Amanda pointed out."And to be dependable, I 'd be a bit afraid if everyone our age felt like you do, can. Muggles get political relation classes in schoolhouse. It makes signified that we should, too."

"She 's got a level, mate,"Matt said."Who has the power in your country matters. If you elect the wrong people, thing can go horribly wrong. Not everyone gets to elect their leaders, either. We do n't even get to do that fully. The spatial relation that Albus 's dad has and my dad hold ? In the United States, those are elected positions. Not here."

"And before Voldemort, we did n't even elect our minister,"pink wine said.

"How do you lot even know this clobber ?"John Lackland asked as they drew closer to the Gryffindor common room.

"Parents."Amanda shrugged."It 's amazing what you pick up when your parents think you 're too Cy Young to care to eavesdrop."

"Wait."John stopped in the centre of the corridor and looked at his friends."Wait. Now that we know about your uncle, you lot all have family involved with the Ministry, wether it 's the sorcerous ministry or the Muggle ministry."

Albus grinned sheepishly."conjecture so."

John Lackland groaned."This is insane. Why could n't I have picked pattern booster ?"

"formula is highly overrated,"lustrelessness said as they reached the Fat peeress.

******


The rest period of the week went by fairly quickly, in Albus 's persuasion. Everyone, bookman and teacher, fell back into their common Hogwarts subprogram and by the time Friday arrived Albus had a stack of homework as high as his bed and was more than ready for a few days off. But when he saw the notice board in the green room when he got back from Charms on Friday good afternoon, he knew that would not be entirely possible.

Fred had scheduled Quidditch practice on Saturday at eight in the morning.

"octet !"Albus exclaimed."In the forenoon ? Is he thoroughly insane ? It 's the low gear week back ! Even Georgia was n't crazy enough to do that."

"Tough fortune, match,"St. John the Apostle said as he tossed his bag onto a nearby sofa."eighter from Decatur in the morning. Let 's see, I 'll be snuggled up in bed. What about you, lustrelessness ? What will you be doing at eight in the morning ? Flying through the rain ? Trudging through the mud to the pitch ?"

"row not."Matt grinned."I 'll be cozy in bed, having an get ambition where I 'm playing for the Cannons. In perfect conditions of course."

"The Cannons are the only team you 'd ever have Bob Hope of playing for,"John replied.

Albus threw himself down on the lounge. Fred was insane. That was all there was to it. Well, he could apply for a professor placement once he graduated. He 'd meet the insanity requirement.

"Speak of the deuce,"whoremaster said as Fred entered the uncouth room.

"You !"Albus shouted as he got up."Why in the name of everything Merlin owns did you schedule praxis at eight in the morning on a Saturday ? Not everyone 's a seventh yr taking four classes. We ca n't all sleep in every bloody day."

Fred shrugged."Had to. Pitch is booked solid all weekend except for Saturday morning and evening. All the early theatre are having try-outs. We ca n't even curb our steward try-outs until future weekend because of it."

"Why not the eve then ?"

"Bradley 's got to defecate an appearance at Uncle Percy 's speech."Fred rolled his eyes.

"Then why have practice session at all ? We do n't need to train anyone new until we get a new Keeper,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's been a whole summer. We 're rust-brown. We 've got to start training early. I want that Quidditch trophy."

"We 've been playing Quidditch all summertime,"Albus said flatly.

"Look, Al, I 'm not changing it. Just peck with it,"Fred said as he continued up to his dormitory.

Albus spent the quietus of the evening fuming about recitation and cursing Fred under his breath, until Rose suggested they all go to the elbow room after dinner party. Albus reluctantly agreed, knowing that if they went to the Room he 'd be up half the dark and would only get a few hours'sleep.

In the end he was gladiolus rosiness suggested it. They spent the evening playacting Gobstones and Exploding Snap and listening to John and Kaden think up new ways to prank the Slytherins, and more specifically, Scorpius Malfoy. Eventually, Albus decided to call it a night and headed back to his dormitory, leaving his friends to go forward discussing whether it would be better to change state Malfoy 's haircloth red or purpleness.

Only a few inadequate hr later Albus found himself sneaking quietly out of his dormitory at an hour of day that was only meant to be seen on weekdays. He grabbed his broom and went to take on his mate in the common room.

No one looked glad. James was nodding off on the couch while Ryan attempted to tie his horseshoe without opening his eyes. Heather 's haircloth was sticking up at odd angle while she tried to tame it into a ponytail. Thomas Bradley was sulking in an armchair. Even Fred looked a little worse for wearing. But they trudged through the castle, only seeing Peeves loosening a few doorway hinges and Filch 's cat skulking behind a suit of armor.

The weather was at least nice and the four hours they spent on the pitch went by relatively fast. Albus and his teammates landed on the primer coat as the Slytherin Quidditch team made their way onto the pitch shot. Albus glared at them as they passed.

Without going up to his dormitory to commute, Albus headed into the Great Hall hoping there would be something good for lunch. Having skipped breakfast, he was starving. He spotted his friends halfway down the Gryffindor tabular array and after stowing his broom underneath the bench, he sat down and grabbed the nigh dish.

"You could at least shower world-class, Al,"Rose said."You stink."

"Too starved,"Albus replied.

"Albus !"Lily called from down the mesa. She got up and headed over to him."Mum and Dad sent this earlier."She handed him a piece of lambskin."They want us to go to the debate tonight since it 's the first one and all. We 're expected to Floo from Kendrick 's sketch to the Ministry at five."

Albus groaned as he read the missive."That gives me about four 60 minutes to relax and possibly do homework."

"Are you going to deliver to go to every debate ?"rosiness asked.

"Leslie Townes Hope not,"Albus replied in between bites."You do n't consume to go ?"

"Have n't gotten anything about it. Dad probably does n't even want to go himself so he wo n't make us. And Mum probably expects that it would just take away from my studies."

"This says I have to wear dress robes,"Albus muttered.

"At least you can tell us if anything dear happens,"Matt said.

"And what about you ? Your dad 's richly in the Ministry. Why are n't you going ?"Albus asked, dire to find individual else who could stay fresh him company.

"He already told me over the summer that I 'll only have to go to ones at Hogwarts. And then whatever parties the prospect will confuse for the functionary. Does n't think an election should have practically core on my biography,"Matt explained.

"Lucky,"Albus replied.

Albus made the most of the rest of the day. He and his friends took homework down to the lake, but it sat ignored under a beech Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree while they sat by the sharpness of the lake and dangled their foot in. Kaden swore the titan Squid tried to eat his invertebrate foot, but cipher believed him. rose and Amanda took a walk by themselves along the sharpness of the wood, insisting that none of the son follow.

Kaden pulled a Fanged Frisbee out of his bag once the girls left and the boys began tossing it around. This was great fun until the Frisbee decided it had had enough of being thrown and took out a section of Kaden 's haircloth, leaving his head bleeding rather profusely and Albus, John, and lusterlessness having to rush him to the hospital backstage. By the time Kaden 's mind had been bandaged up and all four had received a lecture on the danger of Fanged Frisbees ( Madam Pomfrey somehow figured out that that was the cause ) it was sentence for Albus to manoeuver back to Gryffindor Tower to get ready for the debate.


A/N : Sorry for the lack of a May update. School was insane. But I only have a twelvemonth left ! I 'm now household for the summertime and am having consequence getting my Internet to cooperate with HPFF. thing take a foresighted time to dilute and I can not respond to brush up. I will still take every review, but responses will exact a while since I have to be at the library to reply to them.

Since I last-place updated I 've had some topic with people plagiarizing my narration. I really hate that I have to tell you guys this, but it is against the principle to take anyone 's chronicle from here and put them on former land site. It 's also against the dominion to take plot of ground, role, etc without permission. I do not contribute my license for anyone to make my plot or characters. I 'm really happy that you guys like my tale, but please do n't take them.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


If there was one thing Albus hated it was getting dressed up for Ministry effect. He had always been slightly uncomfortable with his dad 's celebrity and Ministry position because he hated the tending. James had always been the type who would savor in the attention, enjoying when all the Ministry functionary proclaimed how big he was getting and how he was sure to be the wiz of Gryffindor 's Quidditch team. Lily was rather indifferent towards it. She never really expressed emotion about the care one way or another. She enjoyed getting dressed up but once they were at whatever party, she would go off and do her own thing. Albus just did not like it. He did not like getting his cheeks pinched by old dame and did not like random people telling him how tall he was getting. As he got older, he did not like it any more.

But it was a fact of life story and so Albus found himself once again forcing himself into a set of emerald green apparel robes. They were wrinkled, but he did n't know any sorting of ironing charm so he let them be. It 's not like anyone would be focused on him anyway. This was his Uncle Walker Percy 's dark and it seemed like this entire yr was going to be his Uncle Walker Percy 's year.

Albus tamed his hair with a bit of water and then met James, Lily, Bradley, and Cedric in the common room. James looked suave and perfectly well-situated in his blue apparel robes, whereas Bradley and Cedric looked like they were being force fed rotten fish in their matching grey robes. Lily was wearing a purple dress and as usual, did n't seem to take in an opinion about going to the debate.

"So you three got roped into this, too ?"Omar Nelson Bradley asked as they made their way to Kendrick 's study.

"Yeah, Mum sent us a letter this sunup,"Lily explained."I guess Dad thinks we should be at the number 1 one."

"At least you do n't own to go to all of them,"Bradley muttered.

The rest period of the trip to Kendrick 's study was silent. When they arrived they saw that Kendrick was in frock robes as well and was apparently escorting them to the Ministry and would outride to watch the debate. He handed them each a bit of Floo gunpowder and let them go first.

Albus stepped into the Floo after Henry James and soon found himself in the Ministry of conjuring trick 's entryway antechamber. The billet was far quieter than it was the last time he had been there, the following year, when he went with Matt to tell his dad about Lubar being at Hogwarts.

Kendrick led them to the lifts and down to the tourist court rooms."The solely property big enough to accommodate everyone witnessing the argument. Even still, it 's an invitation only event. It 's being broadcasted over the wireless, however. Kendrick stopped in strawman of motor hotel room ten and opened the doorway. The way was about half full. Albus spotted his mother 's bright red hair in the first row of seating. He followed Kendrick down the stairs.

Albus 's Aunt Corrine was sitting with his parents, along with a rather sour looking Sakartvelo and the similitude, who were both reading al-Qur'an. Kendrick began to speak quietly to Harry as Albus and the others filed into the row. St. James the Apostle, Thomas Bradley, and Cedric immediately began to utter of Quidditch and Albus listened in. They were speculating on who would show up for Keeper try-outs the come after weekend. Georgia immediately perked up and began giving the male child advice on who they should keep back an eye out for.

It soon became obvious that the left position of the nominal head row of the seats was reserved for Harry Hotspur 's family. They were joined by all of Albus 's aunts and uncles, as well as Victoire, teddy bear, and Stanley. In fact the simply one of his older cousins that was not there was Gabriella. Albus wanted to ask Victoire where she was but she was too far away.

Albus assumed that the first row on the powerful side was reserved for Laurentis 's kinfolk, although Albus did n't discern a 1 one of the people in that row. He turned around and focused on the people filing in. He recognized a few of them including matt 's parents and a few early Ministry functionary he 'd met before. matt 's parents sat down behind Albus 's parents, next to prof Kendrick. Albus briefly wished that lusterlessness had been forced to go, but quickly erased that view because what variety of friend would wish their best protagonist had to attend a political debate ?

The chatter in the room immediately subsided when rector Hartwell entered followed by a few of his unaired advisers. Behind them were Hotspur and Laurentis, both wearing Ministry robe. Hartwell and his advisor sat along a table at the presence of the room while Walker Percy and Laurentis stood behind stump, also at the front of the room. The Minister spoke with his advisers briefly while Percy and Laurentis smiled and waved at the crowd. Then one of the advisers rose from his seat.

He was a portly man, whose robes stretched very tightly across his middle. He was completely bald-pated and had no beard, but a very wide mustache. Aiming his wand at his own throat, he muttered a spell and then set his wand down.

"Welcome,"his voice boomed over the audience,"to the first disputation of the 2020 election for rector of magic. Our two candidate, Harry Hotspur Ignatius Weasley and Patricia Leigh Laurentis, join us tonight for an introductory debate on a variety of issues. My name is Wendell House of York and I am the head of the section of Magical transferral and will serve as moderator for tonight 's debate. I will impersonate the topic and each nominee will get five instant to reply, then two minutes for a rebutter.

"The initiatory topic is how our world is concealed from Muggles. Do you consider the flow Ministry is doing an adequate job ? What changes would you evoke ? Mr. Weasley, you may go first."

Albus yawned. Why could n't it be an energise topic like catching Dark mavin ? Or at to the lowest degree something relevant to his animation, like the lack of secure defense lawyers professor at Hogwarts. Now that would be a debate he 'd be interested in. Albus turned towards Sir Henry Percy and realized he had n't even been paying tending to a lot of his uncle 's response.

"... current constabulary do a acceptable job of concealing our universe from Muggles. trick sightings by Muggles are low in number and when they do pass off Obliviators do an splendid job of altering the memories of our Muggle neighbor ..."Percy droned on.

Albus turned to James who rolled his eye. Could they have come up with a more ho-hum topic ? Albus seriously doubted it. Except perhaps cauldron bottom thickness, which was a report Hotspur had done when he first started at the Ministry, according to Harry. Albus glanced at his dad. He was paying attention, but in that certain way of paying aid that meant he was really bored but was trying to forge it. Even Corrine looked slightly bored.

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Wendell York said."Ms. Laurentis, your turn."

"I disagree with Mr. Weasley,"Laurentis began."One sighting of our kind by Muggles is too many. Each time a Muggle taking into custody wad of an act of magic puts our entire existence at risk, and not only Britain 's wizarding domain. We have a responsibility to the Earth that we keep open our deception under wraps. According to last year 's statistic we were in the top five countries in footing of numbers of sightings. That 's not undecomposed ..."

Laurentis went on and on about various laws that could be enacted to ensure that Muggles did not see acts of magic until Wendell York cut her off. He then let Percy have his two instant rebuttal, during which he went on about how it was an impossible goal to try, to achieve no magic sightings by Muggles. Laurentis 's rebuttal was basically just a re-statement of her previous argument.

Albus tuned much of the public debate out, focusing instead on what he wanted to do during the current school class. He was a fourth yr, which meant he was no longer one of the younger kids. He 'd been on the Quidditch team for two year and now he was hoping he 'd be able to experience some say in how pattern went and how catch were played. Then there was the Dueling Club. Each of the eight teams had a captain and the skipper were one-quarter years. professor, mostly Neville, picked the headwaiter. Albus knew it would be down to either him or Scorpio and as much as he did not really want the responsibility of being captain, he did not want Scorpius to have power over him. He would use that to his advantage.

The debate wore on and Albus continued to not pay tending until he heard the give-and-take 'education'and 'Hogwarts'. That got his aid. It was Laurentis 's bit to go first.

"I think educational reform is the beneficial way to go. Hogwarts has been ran the Sami way for propagation and while no one can traverse that Headmaster Kendrick runs a wonderful school day, we also can not ignore that alteration could be made to do good the students. The world is a constantly changing space and education pauperism to keep up in order for our student to be better prepared.

"The class choices for object lesson. It is my reason that a new class has been added this yr about politics, which I think is greatly beneficial to scholar. But other than that the same course are offered now as have been offered for tenner. New grade need to be phased in while old ace that either no longer pursuit bookman need to be phased out. Obviously I am not talking about substance classes such as Potions and good luck charm, but elective.

"teacher also need to be kept up to particular date with Holocene epoch determination in their fields. They should not be teaching the same entropy I or my opponent learned at Hogwarts. They should be teaching the newest valid data available-"

"Thank you, Ms. Laurentis, but your time is up. Mr. Weasley."

"My opposition brings up an matter to stage, but even she admits that Headmaster Kendrick is running an first-class schoolhouse. I believe that some government ordinance is necessary, example being net year 's incident with professor Balladanis, but we as governance official do not have the training nor experience needed to properly run a shoal. I, as well as my opponent, would be kidding ourselves if we believed we could do a better job running Hogwarts than prof Kendrick.

"Just as professor most probable believe it outdo to leave law fashioning and the running of the country to those such as my antagonist and I, I believe it best to exit the running of Hogwarts to prof Kendrick and the early prof. In conclusion, I believe that Hogwarts is fine as is and if the headmaster thought he needed government assistance bringing about variety in curriculum he would ask."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"the moderator said."Ms. Laurentis, your rebuttal."

"I in no way stated that I am trying to run Hogwarts. Nor do I think I would do a better job of it than Professor Kendrick. I am merely stating that the students would benefit from more government treatment. If the Ministry had been more involved with teacher excerption, for example, we could experience possibly avoided hiring prof Balladanis death year."

"Mr. Weasley."

"My opponent is speculating. There is no way for anyone to say whether government officials would have found prof Balladanis to be an inappropriate professor during his consultation. In fact, I would slant towards the opposition, considering that neither I or my opposer have ever hired a professor before."

Both Percy and Laurentis were red in the boldness. Albus was surprised a Ministry sponsored debate could get so heated. He craned his head and turned around in purchase order to see what Kendrick 's response to all this was, but found that Kendrick was hiding his emotions far better than either Percy or Laurentis. It also seemed that everyone in the way was paying rapt care, including James I and Lily. The only when two people who were n't were Samantha and lindy.

There was one final exam question about law qualification that Albus did n't really understand, nor did he care to understand. He was far more interested in the Hogwarts query. Hotspur 's argument was far well, in his opinion. Hogwarts was all right the way it was. Why did Laurentis want to change everything ? What sorting of changes was she talking about, anyway ? He supposed the topic would be explored more specifically at the Department of Education themed debate which was scheduled to take place at Hogwarts the following month. But one thought process that Albus could not get out of his head was that if Laurentis won, what would happen to Hogwarts ?
******


"The only change I want to see at Hogwarts is less homework and fewer exams,"John said as he walked with Albus and the rest of their Quaker to the Great Hall.

A week had passed since the foremost debate and students were still talking about the possible alteration to Hogwarts. A very vauntingly to the full page feast had appeared in the Daily prophet the day after the debate, proclaiming that Laurentis wished to change Hogwarts. This had both educatee and professors up in arms and things were only beginning to calm down. The prof had been on edge the previous week, snapping at students for zippo and assigning excess homework. This resulted in the educatee being very distressed. Albus did not quite understand why everyone was letting it affect them so much. It 's not alike Laurentis had won. Yet.

It was early on Saturday morning and Albus and his friends were heading to the Great Hall for the first Junior 's Dueling order meeting of the year. Albus 's nerves were on end. It was at this first meeting that the police chief would be announced.

"If Scorpius gets captain I 'm going to murder something,"John muttered as they entered the Great Hall.

"You 're not even on his team,"pink wine said.

"I am and I could n't stand it if he won,"Amanda pointed out.

"If he 's captain, tournament are going to be dreaded,"privy countered."Plus, I 'm Al 's friend."

The Great mansion was in great deal topsy-turvydom, as it always was during the showtime meeting of the year. Two team were congregated at each tabular array and much to Albus 's disdain, his team was holding Court at the Slytherin table. He weaved his way through the disordered irregular old age who had yet to be assigned a squad and stood next to his squad. Scorpius was seated across the table from him.

"fountainhead, Potter, cook to be under my captaincy ?"Scorpius greeted him.

"I could say the same to you,"Albus replied."What makes you so surely you 'll get it ?"

"I 'm the amend duelist, obviously."Scorpius smirked.

"serenity, quiet everyone !"Neville shouted.

Albus turned away from Scorpius and swallowed the desire to make a semen back and paid attention to Neville instead. Professor Patil stood next to him. Albus supposed the new Defense professor had not had a desire to assist with the Dueling Club. Somehow, Albus was not surprised.

"Thank you,"Neville said."First I 'd wish to denote that prof Patil has graciously agreed to help me sponsor this year 's Dueling nightspot. As a monitor, all teams must take in a prof present during drill and it is up to the team captain to coordinate practice times and settle a professor to sit in. The prof does not deliver to be myself or Professor Patil. However, this year we are allowing one-seventh twelvemonth Dueling cabaret member to supervise as well. So as an alternative, you may ask a 7th year to supervise.

"showtime social club of patronage is this year 's second long time. I 've already assigned you to team and shall now interpret off the list."

Albus let his mind wander while Neville read off the list. The sole second class he knew were his sister, and she was assigned to Matt 's team, as well as Hugo, who was assigned to John and Kaden 's team. A craw of shy looking second old age had congregated at his own team 's spot and he smiled at them, encouraging them to take away seats next to the older students. There were five of them. Two boys and three girls. Three Ravenclaws, a Slytherin, and a Hufflepuff. No Gryffindors, but Albus could know with that.

"And now, what I am sure all the fourth years have been waiting for, captain proclamation ! Let me remind you that I, as well as the other professors who have been involved with this club have been watching you over the past two long time and have chosen not only exceptional duelers, but exceptional leader. Without further adieu.

"The police chief of Team One is Marina Jordan-Bell."

Cheers erupted for Marina, mostly from the Hufflepuff table, where her team was seated. Albus grinned. Marina was very nice and would make an excellent captain.

"The chieftain of Team Two is Harvey Tucker."

John and Kaden 's team. Harvey was a Ravenclaw and all Albus knew about him was that he knew every reply in every ace class.

"The captain of squad Three is putz Smith."

A Hufflepuff. His male parent had attended school with Albus 's parents and they had n't liked him much.

"The headwaiter of squad foursome is Lydia Thompson."

A rather snobby Slytherin whom was often seen with Scorpius. Scorpius grinned and clapped loudly for her.

"The captain of Team Five is Jace Johnson."

pink wine 's team. Jace was a Hufflepuff who did n't seem to ever be not felicitous. It was kind of bizarre, actually.

"The captain of Team Six is Raisha Sweeney."

A Hufflepuff that Albus did n't acknowledge well. He swallowed hard. Team seven-spot was next and that was his team.

"The headwaiter of Team Seven is Albus Potter."

bathroom 's whistle could be heard above everyone 's cheering. Albus grinned. His entire team ( relieve for Scorpius and his ally ) were clapping hard. He 'd done it. He 'd made captain ! All the uncertainties he 'd had over the summer about it had disappeared. He, Albus ceramicist, was the new captain of team Seven.

"The police captain of Team Eight is Dayton Coons."

Matt 's squad. Dayton was another Ravenclaw who had multiple encyclopedias in his brain.

"That 's all for today. Captains, please soma out a time for your start exercise, which should take post during the adjacent two weeks. Once you have a date, please see me to get a classroom. Then obtain a professor or 7th year to supervise.

Scorpio did not say one word as Albus talked with the rest of his team and figured out a exercise time that did not interfere with four different Quidditch teams, Gobstones Club, and Bromus secalinus Club. Eventually he settled on the come after Thursday eve. Neville assigned them to an empty schoolroom on the sixth floor. Albus figured he 'd ask a one-seventh twelvemonth to supervise rather than a prof. It was less intimidating for his first of all practice.

Albus 's Quaker joined him at the door to the Great Hall. Scorpius brushed past them, but did not say a intelligence. He looked like he was cook to slay someone. Albus thought he looked far too wild over a drop off captaincy. It was just the junior 's Dueling Club anyway.

"Did Malfoy say anything to you ?"John the Divine asked on their way back to Gryffindor.

"Not a word,"Albus replied.

"Do n't imagine about him,"rose said."What 's the pointedness ? You made captain and that 's all that matters."

Albus grinned."to the highest degree of the police chief are pretty decent, too. I mean Lydia 's kind of irritating, but the rest are n't bad."

"It 's going to be a good year for dueling, that 's for sure,"Matt agreed.

The six ally discussed dueling all the way back to the common room. When they entered they saw a sign that said 'Congratulations Albus and Marina !'Unopened butterbeers cluttered one of the mesa and all of Albus 's cousin were cracking them open. Marina was surrounded by her friends and Albus was accosted by his full cousin as soon as he entered. individual thrust a butterbeer into his helping hand and patted him on the back. He smiled as he looked out at the commons elbow room, at the party that his full cousin had thrown together for himself and Marina. lusterlessness was not only right about the fact that it would be a good year for dueling. It was going to be a good year in superior general.


A/N : So I bet you 're all disjointed about the name change ! Well, I 've been doing some thinking and a plot alteration was needed. The chapters that are already posted wo n't be affected. The change only affects what I have n't written yet. But the old statute title was n't going to work with the new plot of ground, so I had to change it. I like the new one better anyway. And do n't worry, Percy will still run for Minister. Actually, the new plot focuses more on that.

To reply in advance, because I know this will come up, I wo n't tell what the old plot was going to be. I 'd rather people not liken the old plot with the one that will actually be written.

If any of you are on the forum, you 'll eff about the cataclysm we had last week. Liza Potter on the archives ( and lizzacc on the forums ) has died. She was a fan of my Albus serial publication and told me once that they were the offset write up she ever read on HPFF. She will be missed. I am dedicating this write up to you, Liza.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The next day Albus found himself on the Quidditch pitch staring at all of the new Gryffindor custodian wannabe. There were a lot of them. Try-outs were scheduled to begin in fifteen transactions, yet the rake had been packed since before lunch. Albus speculated that some aspirant, including Victor-Marie Hugo, had not even taken a rupture for lunch. Poor Victor Hugo need n't have bothered skipping his repast since even an superfluous half hr of practice would not take in helped him.

Students from secondly through seventh year were hoping for a smudge on the team, including Janie Creevey. Albus recognized most of them, but there were a few older students whom he did not. Along with the Gryffindors, there were voice from other squad, surely there to check out Gryffindor 's new Keeper.

Albus stood on the sales pitch a few meters from the crowd, with his team. Fred was holding a clipboard and Heather was standing future to him, gazing out at the educatee hoping for a point. William James, Bradley, and Ryan were laughing about something.

"tranquillity, please, everyone !"Fred shouted. The Gryffindors immediately settled down. A few flew back down to the soil and dismounted, some not very gracefully."Thank you. We only need a Keeper this year. And if you ca n't Keep, you 're not going to get on the team. If you 're hoping to get in as Keeper and then take another 's spot when they graduate, you might as well not waste your time."

Wow, Albus thought to himself, Fred was channeling both Georgia and Samantha Meyers. Usually he would joke around at try-outs, but Albus supposed since he was now in charge, things had changed.

A few of the younger scholar walked slowly off the lurch and into the tie-up, looking clearly disappointed.

"All right then, I 'm going to accept you fly around the pitch to assess your basic flying acquisition. If you 're not up to par on that, you 'll be eliminated. Then we 'll act on to guarding the destination posts."

Albus stood back while Fred had the hopefuls fly circle around the pitch. Quite a few could not even get by to fly straight or do turns properly. About a quarter of them were eliminated during the showtime ten minutes. Half of the remaining Gryffindors were eliminated within the first ten minutes of goal keeping, including Victor-Marie Hugo. He hung his head as he walked to the stall, broom trailing behind him. Albus felt bad for him.

The rest of the of the students took long to do away with. After about an hour the amount had been narrowed down to ten and they all seemed to be like in skill.

"I think the exclusively fair way to do this is to get rid of anyone who misses a save. finale one standing, er, flying, gets the spot,"Fred announced.

It took another half hr to finish the try-outs. To Albus 's surprise, the victor was Janie Creevey. Albus had had no estimation that she even played Quidditch until he saw her at the try-outs. She grinned as she dismounted from her ling and accepted the congratulations from the rest of the team.

"Nice to have another girl,"Calluna vulgaris said."I thought I 'd be the only one after Georgia left."

"I thought your cousin Victor-Marie Hugo would get picked,"Ryan replied."Who knew he was the only Weasley who ca n't play Quidditch ?"

"Have you seen rose wine on a broom ?"Albus asked.

Janie grinned."I 've played since I was short. So happy to take in won the spotlight. When 's number one practice ?"

"right field now,"Fred said."We 've got the tar all afternoon."

Albus sighed. Fred was turning into Georgia. But Albus enjoyed Quidditch and it was a lustrous and sunny day, so it would n't be bad.

pattern lasted a few 60 minutes and Albus was thoroughly exhausted by the time it was over. He immediately went back to his dormitory to take aim a shower bath and then set off to situate his friends. Dinner would be served shortly and Albus was starved.

Albus 's supporter were in the Marauder 's Den, just where he had predicted when he did n't see them in the Gryffindor rough-cut elbow room when he had traipsed through after practice. lavatory and Kaden were playing cheat and Kaden was trouncing John the Divine, like usual. rosebush and Amanda were sitting on the couch discussing an essay that Cedonia had assigned the previous week. Matt was not there since the good moon had been the late night.

"Albus !"John exclaimed after Al had shut the door."So, who 's the new Gryffindor custodian ?"

"You 're never gon na think it, but Janie Creevey,"Albus answered as he collapsed onto a nearby president."Apparently she has been playing Quidditch for geezerhood and was just waiting for the Keeper position to open."

"Seriously ?"John asked."She never mentioned it all these days that we 've been brewing potions together."

"She 's probably too fussy making sure you do n't waste anything up,"Rose replied.

"Hey, I 'm full than Al and Matt are,"John muttered.

"speech production of lusterlessness, have you lot been to see him today ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, but he was asleep so dame Pomfrey did n't let us stay. Figured we 'd go after supper,"St. John answered.

"Let 's get going now,"Albus said, standing up."Should be starting soon."

Everyone nodded in correspondence and they set off towards the Great Hall. The corridors were filled with pupil who had spent the day outdoors and Albus felt very capacity walking alongside his booster, despite how every single one of his brawn ached from recitation.

"Shhhh, look !"whoremonger seethed as he grabbed the back of Albus 's shirt and pulled him into a doorway. Kaden, blush wine, and Amanda followed, all looking curiously at John.

"What is it ?"rosiness asked.

"Shush !"Gospel According to John whispered."It 's Scorpius and Willinson 's cousin. What was his name again ?"

"Felix,"Kaden muttered."Slimy git."

"Who 's that with them ?"Amanda asked.

Albus craned his head around the door skeleton. Scorpius and Felix were standing next to a few suits of armour, drumhead leaned in towards each other. There was a girl about a head shorter than Scorpius with them. She and Felix had the Lapp color tomentum, except hers was recollective and curly.

"She 's a first class. I remember seeing her a the Sorting but I do n't retrieve her public figure,"pink wine answered.

"I have half a creative thinker to salvage her from the two of them,"John muttered."She 'd be sound off not getting mixed up with the like of them."

"She 's a Slytherin,"Amanda pointed out."She could be just like them for all we know."

Scorpio began walking down the corridor and Felix and the girl followed. Albus and his friend watched them until they turned a corner, disappearing out of quite a little.

"Weird,"Albus said as they began walking to dinner once more."I 've never seen Malfoy befriending kickoff years, except for Willinson when he came here."

"You 're paranoiac,"rose wine said."They were just talking and they 're in the Saami house. Maybe she had a question or something."

"He 's Malfoy,"Albus responded."He 's up to something."

"Oh Merlin."Rose let out an exasperated sigh."Two week into the full term and you 're already picking a row with him."

"Remember last twelvemonth ?"Albus asked."I 'm only trying to ward off something like that again."

"amercement. But I 'm not getting involved,"Rose muttered.

Albus walked in silence the rest of the way to the Great Hall. blush wine may throw been right. Albus may take just been being paranoid, but deep down he had a feeling that Malfoy and Willinson were n't just talking about homework.
******


Matt returned from the hospital wing two days later and the calendar month wore on in its usual way. The prof were assigning more and more than homework and it took longer and longer to complete.

Once October arrived hullabaloo began to brew when the outset Hogsmeade weekend was announced. The visit was scheduled for the Saturday before Halloween and Kaden in detail was very activated. He never did manage to build it to Hogsmeade under the invisibleness Cloak the former twelvemonth.

Albus 's low dueling practice had gone particularly well. Albus had been pleasantly surprised. Even Scorpio had cooperated and done what Albus had told him to do, although that may cause been solely because Professor Cedonia had been present during the recitation. His team was shaping up well and he had in high spirits hopes for them winning many tournaments. Quidditch had been going equally as well. Janie had fit seamlessly into their team.

Albus wished he could say things were going equally well for the election. Ever since the first debate various magazines and radio show had been latching onto Percy 's financial statement about education and his want of willingness to change, as they had put it.

"Dad 's really stressed,"Bradley said one night at dinner party. The Weasleys and Potters were all eating together in order to discourse the election."Does n't write us as much and when he does it 's always about the election."

"Not to advert the five page spread that magician magazine is doing about our category,"Cedric muttered as he gnawed on a turkey leg."That 's sure to fuel the fire."

"When is that ?"Albus asked.

"Tomorrow,"Bradley answered."Only good persona is we got permission to lack all of our classes."

"Is it really going to be five varlet ?"James asked."What are they going to put in it ?"

"Dad 's life story,"Cedric answered."Plus a few paragraphs on each of us and Mum about our lives. Just a happy article about how we all love each former and Dad 's a family man. That 's what his campaign managing director wants to limn him as seeing that Laurentis does n't ingest any kids."

"And Uncle Percy has a whole lot,"James pointed out.

"Hey, you lot better sentinel out. When Dad told us about this he mentioned that they 're going to do another on the stallion Weasley-Potter clan,"Cedric announced.

"Did he say when ?"James asked.

"Around Yuletide, I think. Adds to the happy fellowship atmosphere,"Cedric explained.

"Then they ought to interview Uncle George when he 's had a bit too much eggnog."James laughed.

"When 's the next debate, anyway ?"Albus asked."Must be coming up soon."

"This weekend, actually,"Tom Bradley replied."At the Ministry again. I think this one 's direction on law existence and enforcement or something equally as boring."

"Do we have to go to it ?"Lily asked.

"I do n't imagine so,"James answered."Dad said we just had to go to the single at Hogwarts from now on."

"oral presentation of elections, what does everyone think of that politics class ?"Albus asked.

"Professor 's very intense,"James said in between morsel."But it 's not nearly as painful as the early classes. There 's no O.W.L. in it so it 's my flow favorite."

"Yeah and I think we 're at an advantage,"Cedric said."With our parents being in the Ministry and stuff. A few of my friends have absolutely no idea about anything to do with the Ministry so they 're having a hard time."

professor Embry seemed to be teaching the division in chronological order and thus was currently lecturing on how the Ministry was organized prior to the downslope of Voldemort. Albus thought it was a picayune boring but he had a feeling it would get more occupy once Embry started on the free fall of Voldemort.

"And that 's why the form is necessary,"rose wine said."Think about it. No class like this has been taught before, so where did the flow Ministry official learn the history of the Ministry ? Where did they learn about political science ? They learned it as they went, but did n't know much when they started. That 's a little scarey. People should have a go at it how their country is run."

Albus thought about what Rose had said as he chewed on his roll. She had a practiced head. Where had they learned it ? Had his Uncle Sir Henry Percy really known nothing about the Ministry when he started ? No, he could n't have. Walker Percy 's own Father of the Church had been in the Ministry as well. Still, it was Weird to think about.

Albus mostly listened during the residuum of dinner. He always felt slightly unsettled when the election was discussed and he was n't sure why. Nor could he forecast out whether he wanted Percy to win or not. Either way, spirit would be drastically different after Election Day, and Albus liked things the way they were.
******


"Now she wants to change Azkaban ?"Albus asked at breakfast a few solar day later. The law enforcement debate had taken place the dark before and the entire front Page of the prophet was devoted to it."Is n't changing Hogwarts enough ?"

Ministry hopefuls Percy Weasley and
Patricia Laurentis debated law creation
and enforcement last-place night at the Ministry
of Magic. Like the previous general argument,
sparks flew in this one, with each campaigner
speaking passionately about the topic.

'I 've worked in law existence for years ,'
Weasley began with. 'Since the frustration
of Voldemort, I think we can all agree that
affair are running smoothly. I intend to
guarantee that affair keep going the way they
are, with enforcement of Pentateuch that benefit
the intact wizarding residential area .'

Laurentis took a more revolutionary stance, in
her response to Weasley 's opinions.

'Sure, the Torah we have now are sufficient.
I 'm not denying that. But I think we need
to take a good hard looking at at how they are
enforced, or rather, not enforced. The
statistic are clear. Far more than felon
are being acquitted and even more are
being released from Azkaban. In my employment
at the prison house, I see many criminal being
released whom I do not think should be.
Not to remark the break-outs. There are
far too many. Law enforcement needs to change .'

Without a doubt, things are only going to
heat up. The candidate seem to let
completely different opinions on everything
from breeding to Torah. The next debate,
which will be on education, will get place
at Hogwarts on Saturday, November the 9th at
two in the afternoon.

"Does n't she run Azkaban ?"lusterlessness asked, taking the paper from Albus."So why has n't she changed it already ?"

"Probably does n't suffer the power,"Rose answered."The diplomatic minister has to bless off on virtually thing, unless all congresswoman and official disagree with him or her."

"So clearly there 's people who do n't harmonise with her,"matt replied.

"Think they 'll ever gibe with each early ?"Albus asked.

"Doubt it,"Amanda said."It 's like this in the Muggle elections, too. They 're usually perfect opposite. What I do n't infer is how she 's working under Hartwell when he and your uncle correspond on everything."

"Me either,"Rose agreed."dead reckoning we 're watching the succeeding debate."

"Yeah, it 'll be here,"Matt said."Embry will probably take a crap us do an essay on it, too."

"It wo n't be bad,"pink wine said."That will be the debate that will directly impact us. The election 's in April which means we 're going to have over three years of Hogwarts under whichever candidate is elected. If it 's Laurentis, all those change are going to affect us."

Bradley sat down next to Albus and threw a copy of champion powder store onto the table."Article 's out."

"That was fast,"Albus said.

"They wanted it to be out veracious around the debate,"Bradley muttered."You really ought to translate it. It 's awful."

"Rita Skeeter did n't do it, did she ?"Albus asked.

Thomas Bradley shook his head."This lady 's almost worse. trustingness me."

Rose, Amanda, John, Matt, and Kaden crowded around Albus as he flipped through the magazine. The article was in the middle, with the two varlet being a entire color photograph of Uncle Percy, auntie Corrine, and their kids. Percy and Corrine were sitting on their aliveness room couch, with Georgia in between them. All three were smiling and waving. Bradley and Cedric were leaning on either side of the couch and the twins were sitting in figurehead of it. Albus flipped the varlet and saw a very protracted clause, interspersed with various pictures of his family and boxes about each of those five cousins. The clause finished up on the follow page.

Upon entering the home of Minister of deception
candidate Percy Weasley 's Southampton home
I am storm to see that it does not seem
like the house of a Ministry candidate. It is
not filled with piles and scads of papers and
Weasley 's campaign manager is nowhere to be
found. Instead, the floor is cluttered with
toys belonging to the untested Weasley shaver,
nine-year-old Twin Falls, Samantha and lindy hop. A
denture of tender cooky sits upon the coffee
table and Weasley 's wife, Corrine, bustles
into the room carrying a tray of tea. Percy
enters as well, followed by the five Weasley
children.

'I prefer to keep the crusade at the Ministry ,'
Sir Henry Percy explains after I ask where his effort
fabric are. 'The hunting expedition is work. It is my
job. The house is for my kinsfolk .'

"Really ?"rosiness raised her eyebrows."She should 've seen his subject. That 's where all his campaign poppycock is."

The article went on to hash out Percy and his fathering acquirement. Albus grew Sir Thomas More and more disgusted as it went on. Percy had and always would be a workaholic, but the article was painting him to be father of the year. No wonder Bradley had not been pleased when giving Albus the article.

'I could not be more majestic of Sakartvelo ,'
Walker Percy said, speaking of his eldest daughter,
who currently plays as Reserve steward for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I 've been to a
number of her matches and it is crystalise
that she could have a foresighted vocation in
Quidditch .'

"What a load of dung !"Albus exclaimed."Uncle Percy has never once agreed with Georgia 's Quidditch career."

"Did he actually say that or was that reporter just saying he did ?"matte asked.

"Oh he said it,"Bradley, who had taken a tush a short ways down the table, answered."Not that he really thinks it."

Albus had had enough of the main article. His eyes glanced across the varlet and rested upon the pocket-sized box that discussed Georgia.

Empire State of the South Weasley, the eldest daughter
of Sir Henry Percy and Corrine, is 18 and
currently plays Reserve steward for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I love
Quidditch ,'Georgia said when the
theme was brought up. 'It 's freeing
and I look forward to playing for
Kenmare as a full custodian one day .'
Peach State 's ambition is to act for England.

Next to Empire State of the South 's box there was one for Bradley.

Bradley Weasley, the eldest son of
Hotspur and Corrine, is currently in
his sixth year at Hogwarts. He plays
Beater on Gryffindor 's Quidditch team.
'I like Quiditch, but I do n't need to
play professionally like Peach State. I
want to work for Gringotts some day .'

Then there was one for Cedric.

Cedric Weasley is in his fifth part class
at Hogwarts and is the prankster of
the class. 'Every Weasley family
has to get mortal who will play the
jape. It 's like a ruler or something.
I come up with the best ideas when I 'm
with my cousin James [ ceramicist ] .'Upon
asking Cedric what he wants to do after
Hogwarts, he replied, 'Have n't got a clue.
I think I 'll focus on getting through
my O.W.L.s first .'

The final box was for both Samantha and Lindy.

Samantha and Linda ( lindy hop ) Weasley are
nine years old and see a local anesthetic
primary election schoolhouse for Muggles. Both twins
ca n't wait to introduce Hogwarts in two
years .'I 'm going to be in Gryffindor,
just like my babe and sidekick ,'says
Samantha .'I do n't care what business firm I 'm
in, just as long as I can act as Quidditch.
wellspring, okay, I do n't require to be in Slytherin .'

"That,"Albus began as he set down the magazine,"was the worst article I 've ever read in my life."

"I shudder to opine what the one about our intact family will be like,"Rose muttered.

"Nah,"lav said."That one will be better because they wo n't make to make as a great deal up. Albus 's dad saved the whole wizarding Earth. They 'll just run that up."

"It was n't only him,"Albus pointed out."Are people really going to conceive all this ?"

Amanda nodded."Yeah, they will. They know zilch about your uncle 's family. Sure, they know all about your dad, but really, how much do they have a go at it about Percy ? Not much. They 're going to want to believe it and why should n't they ? They have no mind Harry Hotspur does n't approve of Georgia 's Quidditch career. It 's the same as in the Muggle world.

"It would be nice if people voted on candidate who shared their same views, but it honestly comes down to who presents the salutary movement. People are n't going to want someone in ability who has event with his own family."

"That 's stupid,"Kaden replied."gladiolus my family 's not involved with politics."

"My family is your kinsperson,"Albus pointed out.

"But I 'm not related to your Uncle Percy."

"You still call him Uncle Sir Henry Percy,"Albus said.

"Because he basically is. He 's just not my blood uncle."

"well, I can honestly say my family 's not in politics and I 'm very happy about that,"King John said.

Albus could not opine life without having family involved with the Ministry, but suddenly he felt slightly jealous of John. What would it have been like to bear parents who were n't famous ?


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this news report ! You guys are all gravel. Just as another reminder, I ca n't answer to reviews while I am dwelling house for the summertime, but I read every single one. If you have some sort of question that you need answered about my chronicle, please use my Ask the author pageboy at the meeting place or send me a PM there.

I have another chapter ready to go so that should be up shortly after I return from vacation next week. Hope everyone enjoys Deathly Hallows 2 this week !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The following week brought a tempest so long and so acute that Herbology and charge of Magical Creatures had to be canceled for the sec half of the week. It was thoroughly impossible to walk outside without being doubled over by the wind and the jr. bookman could not walk without being blown away. The rainfall was also so leaden that one would become hit it up within two minutes. The students secretly rejoiced, for the duplicate free time period were helpful to all.

It remained so rainy and windy that even Quidditch practice had to be canceled on Saturday. Not that Fred would have canceled it himself, but Kendrick announced a ban on going out of doors until the storm let up. Fred lamented this fact all of Friday eve and contemplated holding a strategy session in the unwashed elbow room instead, but heather mixture convinced him just to let it go.

Albus decided to withdraw the opportunity to spend the day at the library, something that John and Kaden reluctantly agreed with. Matt and Amanda joined them as well, for they had good deal of homework as well. Rose had mentioned something about tutoring a younger student and run off shortly after breakfast.

The program library was absolutely packed with students, most likely due to the conditions and not a burning desire of the Hogwarts population to study, and it took a well five minutes for Albus and his friend to place an abandon table. It was a lot louder than usual and lady Pince was glaring at each table of scholar in turn.

Albus set his pile of Quran down and got to work on a Potions essay that was due the chase week. He had n't started it, of course, but he had a few daytime to do it. He thought he was ahead of the biz anyway since he 'd normally be at Quidditch practice session and not even thinking about preparation.

St. John the Apostle and Kaden, as usual, were unable to get started on their homework right away and were scolded by Madam Pince twice before finally opening their Bible. Amanda immediately set to play on the Saami essay Albus was working on. mat cracked clear his Charms schoolbook but stared at the Lapplander varlet for five minute before Albus noticed that his eyes had glazed over. The October full moon was the following nighttime, so Albus was not storm.

"This is dead boring,"whoremaster muttered after they 'd been studying for an hour."political sympathies back before Voldemort is pointless. It 's completely different now, so why do we take to bother reading it ?"

"So we do n't earn the same mistakes,"Amanda said without looking up from her lambskin."Simple, really."

"You 're channeling Rose now,"whoremaster stated.

"Someone has to when she 's not here,"Amanda said.

"Would you rather do my prophecy foretelling ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah !"John the Evangelist exclaimed."Let 's see, how about you get blown away by the wind while you 're ignoring Kendrick 's rule against going outdoor ?"

"Perfect. That 'd be something I 'd do,"Kaden said as he scrawled it down."And then I can come up down with a nasty frigidity after being remote in the rainfall so long."

Albus rolled his eyes. The two of them had been harebrained to fill Divination in the first place, but at least they seemed to savor making up their phony prognostication. Albus grinned to himself as bathroom and Kaden snorted into their parchment, laughing over some nonsensical foretelling.

An minute later Albus had finished his essay, as had Amanda. The two of them had moved on to Transfiguration reading. John and Kaden had given up on homework and were planning an detailed buffoonery that involved a poulet, bird feed, and the Slytherin common room. Matt had been dozing on his spell book. Albus prodded him awake.

"How 's magic spell ?"Albus asked, grinning.

"Oh, er ..."matte glanced at his book and quickly wiped it with the sleeve of his robe."Great, really. Think I 'll head to the Den, actually."

Albus nodded."I 'll be there in a bit. Want to get some of this reading done."

John and Kaden rose to join flatness. They 'd been yelled at two More clock time and figured they 'd do better to plan in the Den.

"delay,"John said when he was only a few fundament from the tabular array."Is that Rose ?"He pointed to a brain of shaggy red haircloth at a nearby mesa."Who 's she with ? Is that-"He walked across the room and hid behind a book shelf to get a closer look.

Albus craned his brain. rose wine was sitting with a small girl. John returned a few second gear later.

"I thought so. It 's that missy we saw with Malfoy and Willinson a few week ago."

"wait, that Slytherin first twelvemonth ?"Albus asked. He 'd nearly forgotten about her, finally deciding that Scorpius probably was n't up to anything that involved her.

"Yeah, that 's her all right,"Saint John the Apostle said."What 's rosebush doing with her ?"

"She 's tutoring someone. moldiness be her,"Albus pointed out.

"Weird. Tutoring a Slytherin,"John replied.

"What 's it matter ?"Matt snapped."No point in standing here watching them. I 'm going to the Den."He hiked his bag up on his shoulder and headed for the door, not waiting for John and Kaden.

"What 's with him ?"John asked.

"You know what 's tomorrow. And honestly, what 's it thing if she 's tutoring that girl ?"Albus asked.

"You thought it meant something that she was with Scorpius but this you do n't worry about ?"

"It 's the Hogwarts tutoring program. I do n't think you get to control who you tutor,"Albus explained.

"I suppose."John sighed."wellspring, see you in a bit."

"See you,"Albus said as John and Kaden left.

Albus and Amanda studied for another hr before joining their friends in the Marauder 's Den. privy and Kaden were having a life-threatening word on how they were going to obtain a chicken and flatness was vocalize asleep on the couch. Albus and Amanda settled down with a deck of cards of Exploding Snap and played round after stave while listening to John Lackland and Kaden.

"I still say it 'll be well-fixed to have an older student transfigure something into a Gallus gallus,"Kaden said a full twenty arcminute later."I 'll bet one of Albus 's cousin will do it."

"Yeah, but I want this to be our japery. We could just go engage one of the chickens from Hagrid 's chicken chicken coop,"John replied.

"Sir Thomas More chance of getting caught. No one 's going to suspect if one of Al 's cousin-german is practicing their Transfiguration. But sneaking a chicken into the palace ? They 're fairly cheap with their squawking."

"Where 's the fun in no chance of getting caught ?"John asked.

"There will be tidy sum of fortune of getting caught when we 're getting into the Slytherin mutual elbow room. pigeon hawk only knows how we 're going to manage that."

The doorway opened and blush wine walked in."Why are you lot trying to get into the Slytherin common elbow room ?"

"You do n't want to know,"Amanda said."One of their pranks."

rose rolled her eyes and sat down next to Amanda, picking up a few cards to connect in on the next round.

"How was tutoring ?"toilet asked, abandoning the topic of chickens.

"Fine,"Rose answered."Same as always."

"How did you even get into tutoring ?"John replied.

"Why ? You want to tutor ?"blush wine smirked.

King John laughed."Definitely not. Just curious."

"professor Longbottom contacted me over the summertime. Fourth long time and above can be in the tutoring computer programme. The professors match you up with youthful educatee and I 've been tutoring a first year for a few weeks now."

"Yeah,"John said as he got up and walked over to where Rose was sitting."We saw you earlier. That girlfriend you 're tutoring ? That 's the same young woman that Malfoy and Willinson were talking to a few weeks ago."

"Wait, that one time that you and Al thought they were up to something ?"

"Yeah that fourth dimension. I was just wondering who she was."

Rose sighed."She 's Willinson 's lilliputian baby. Her name 's Elsie. She 's really nice, actually. still, does n't appear much like a Slytherin to me but her whole family 's been in Slytherin."

"Oh,"John said."speculation that 's why she was with Willinson and Malfoy. What do you tutor her in ?"

"Bit of everything,"rosiness answered."You lot want to go to dinner ?"

Everyone, except mat, who just wanted to sleep, agreed and they headed down to the Great Asaph Hall. Rose had been right. Nothing suspicious about Willinson 's sister tagging after him and Scorpius. Albus 's inherent aptitude had been wrong on that occasion.
******


Never in Albus 's life did he ever think there would be a prof who could top Professor Binns in terms of boring category. But prof Young had done the impossible. Twice a hebdomad Albus and his Quaker traipsed to Whitney Young 's schoolroom to work on a 1 worksheet. Loretta Young did goose egg else, except hand out worksheets. Said worksheets did not even take an full grade point to fill out, resulting in scholar using the remaining time to catch up on other prep, something that offspring neglected to notice. The only good constituent about the class was that Brigham Young never assigned homework.

"You think he 'll final stage the yr ?"Matt asked as they were leaving Young 's classroom.

"Do n't see why not,"Albus answered."Unless Laurentis is elected diplomatic minister and deems him unfit to teach."

"He does n't really teach,"Rose pointed out.

"But still, he 's break than Balladanis,"matt reasoned.

The residuum of Albus 's classes were decent, although most assigned too much preparation for his liking, but that was not anything new. As the end of October drew nearer, Albus became very charge up about the first Hogsmeade visit of the twelvemonth. It would be the number 1 sentence that all of Albus 's protagonist would get to go together and possibly the last, given how busy everyone was this year.

Albus nearly did not get to go to Hogsmeade when the day finally arrived. Fred had sprung an extra Quidditch practice on that day in lodge to make up for the missed practices due to the storm. However, the entire team was outraged and Heather threatened to hex Fred if he did not rescind the recitation. Albus was very relieved as it was a skillful day and perfective for Hogsmeade.

"I 've got to get a new camp of dungbombs,"Kaden said as they walked down the course from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade."Used them up ages ago."

"That the pack I sent you over the summertime ?"Saint John asked.

"Sure is. Did n't last too long."

"I need another Skiving Snackbox,"John announced."And lashings of early hooey from Weasleys'."

"And we need to go buy bird seminal fluid if we 're going to do that prank,"Kaden reminded him.

Albus and lusterlessness exchanged spirit. John and Kaden had finally agreed to ask one of Albus 's honest-to-goodness first cousin to transfigure them a chicken that they would then somehow sneak into the Slytherin common way. The birdseed was to dissipate throughout the seat in order to irritate the Slytherins even more.

"You two enjoy that,"Rose said."And do n't follow complaining to us when you get a month of hold, because there 's no possible way you can pilfer into the Slytherin coarse room without getting caught."

"We 'll own Albus 's cloak, obviously,"Kaden said.

"When are you going to do it ?"Albus asked.

"Around Allhallows Eve,"toilet answered.

"idiot,"rosiness muttered.

Weasleys'hotshot Wheezes was packed with students. Being the first off Hogsmeade weekend, most students had a severe want of pranking merchandise and needed to blood up. George was behind the heel counter ringing up purchase after purchase and waved at Albus as he walked in with his Quaker. They quickly scattered, each bearing towards the presentation that contained what they needed.

Albus wandered towards the Skiving Snackboxes and grabbed two, figuring that he would need to get out of demurrer at least once and story of trick a few times a calendar month. can and Kaden each had about five loge and Matt watched with a disgusted feel on his face. Since he missed at least a day or two of socio-economic class a calendar month due to his lycanthropy, he never understood why anyone would relieve oneself themselves ill to do so.

"Should 've gone there last,"John said as he lugged his base to the trine Broomsticks.

"Yeah, must retrieve that for side by side sentence,"Kaden agreed."But now, off to ingest a Butterbeer !"

Albus smiled. His first cousin had had Butterbeer before when the great unwashed snuck it back to the Gryffindor vernacular elbow room, but he 'd never had it in Hogsmeade before.

The three Broomsticks was crowded, but matt managed to grab a mesa in the spinal column. rosiness set off to get them all Butterbeers. They had been there for about fifteen minutes before Scorpio showed up, followed by Garth Octavius, Xavier Goyle, Felix Willinson, and Elsie Willinson. Scorpius surveyed the room and his optic rested upon Albus. Smirking, he sauntered over towards them.

"ceramist,"Malfoy greeted him. He nodded to each of Albus 's friends, glaring at lustrelessness, and then turned back to Albus."I expect you lot are make to duel next weekend."

"line we are,"Albus answered."The team 's plenty prepared. Last practice on Thursday."

"I 'll be there,"Scorpius replied."And I 'll be make to transmit the team on Sabbatum since the rest of our team could n't win a duel against a outset year."

"Shut it. Our team is all right,"Albus said coldly.

"Maybe if they had a decent police chief ..."Scorpius 's vox trailed off."But the professors love anyone whose last name is Potter or Weasley, just like everyone else in the world."

"They chose based on skill,"Albus replied, staring him in the eyes."Not constitute. Rose did n't crap captain and she 's a Weasley."

"But you 're a ceramicist and you get everything because your dad is the Boy Who Lived,"Scorpio pettifoggery, ignoring Albus 's comment."But I 've got news for you. Not everyone in the creation likes that your entire family runs the wizarding world and that cipher gets done without one of them signing off on it. Not everyone 's going to vote for your uncle, you know."

"Obviously,"Albus replied."And just so you know my household may be involved with the Ministry but it 's only because they want to help the great unwashed. And they 're only there because hoi polloi voted for them."

"No one voted for your dad,"Scorpius muttered. Then he turned to Matt."Or yours."

"People voted for Hartwell, who appointed them,"Albus said."And your dad works in the Ministry, too."

"That 's not the point."Scorpio took a step closer to Albus."The point in time is that your family might not be running this country much longer. So you 'd better lookout man out."

Scorpius turned to entrust and his friends followed."My phratry does n't run the earthly concern !"Albus shouted after him.

Albus resumed his behind after Malfoy left, not even realizing that he had rose from it in the foremost post."He 's just so stupefied !"Albus exclaimed."My family does n't run the country."

"He 's just jealous,"Amanda said."You got made police captain of our team and he hates that. Your dad 's famous and he 's jealous of that."

"His dad 's notable too,"Albus said darkly."Just for the wrong reasons."

"And Scorpius probably wishes his dad was illustrious for the right reasons,"Amanda replied.

"Do n't see why. Having a famed dad is n't always a good thing,"Albus muttered.

"Just ignore him,"Rose said."He 's just trying to get you angry with him."

"Clearly Kendrick 's threats have worn off,"Matt said quietly."I liked it in September when he just sort of disregard us."

"It does n't mean he 's going to tell anyone,"rose wine whispered."He 's just looking for a fight."

"It does n't count what he 's looking for. One berth of the knife is all it takes and my life at Hogwarts is done."

"And so would his,"Albus reminded his friend."Being at Hogwarts, becoming a manifest wizard, is everything to a Malfoy. He 'd be nothing more than a Squib if he were expelled."

"I guess."Matt sighed."What do you think he meant by your family not being in rush of the wizarding populace much longer ?"

"Probably thinks Laurentis is going to win."Albus shrugged."But that wo n't mean much. My dad will still be in charge of the Auror department."

"No,"Rose whispered."Have n't you been paying tending in government ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said, staring at her."What do you mean ?"

"okey, I guess Embry has n't really discussed it yet but I read ahead in the book. New parson can name new drumhead of the departments if they want to. Most do n't because so many new people makes for a bad transition flow, but it 's happened a few times. If Laurentis profits, she could interchange Uncle Harry,"Rose explained.

"Wait, seriously ?"Albus 's mouth fell open.

pink wine nodded."Seriously."

"And my dad, too,"Matt said.

"Yeah, yours, too,"Rose replied.

Albus stared at his half-finished Butterbeer. Having a new Minister was one thing, but having new caput of all the section ? The Ministry would be run in a completely dissimilar way. Nothing would persist the Saami. Nobody would supervene upon Harry potter as Head of the Auror department, though, would they ?

"No."Albus shook his promontory."No one would replace my dad. He 's a great Auror."

"He 's a expectant Auror, that 's true,"rose agreed,"but corking is an opinion. Hartwell thinks he 's a great Auror. Uncle Percy undoubtedly thinks he 's a great Auror. But if Laurentis gets elected, none of that will count. All that will matter is whether she think he 's a great Auror. And the dubiousness is, does she ?"

Albus swallowed."But that would have in mind my dad would be out of a job."

"No, he 'd just go back to being a regular Auror,"Rose said."Look, you do n't need to interest about it. I 'm sure enough Uncle Harry knows this."

"They do n't do that in Commonwealth of Australia. All the foreland have terms like the Minister. When their term is up, the current Minister can interchange them or keep back them, but they ca n't get replaced when their condition is n't up. Unless there 's a scandal and they have a hearing. Like with my dad."

"Does n't seem reasonable,"Albus said.

"It works both ways. If Uncle Percy wins he 'll get to supplant who he wants and he 'll no doubt replace Laurentis,"rosiness pointed out.

"I 'm surprised Hartwell has n't done that,"toilet said.

"She 's probably sustain quiet about her opinions so she could keep her situation while running,"Amanda replied.

"So why does n't he supervene upon her now ?"John the Evangelist asked.

"It would depend bad. Remember, one-half of politics is how you look to the public,"Amanda said."Which is why according to the Muggle Ministry, I attend a secluded boarding school in the United States, just in case anyone asks why the government minister 's niece disappears for most of the year. Which they have n't. Yet."

Albus shook his head."It 's so mix up. I do n't know how anyone keeps track of it."

"Luckily we do n't have to,"Kaden said."Let 's go to Honeyduke 's. I think we could all use with some chocolate."


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! Also big thanks to darkladyofslytherin and onestop hpfan18 because this chapter is the result of word state of war with them. You two are awing ! HPFF now loads properly on my Internet and I am able to reply to brush up, so I 'm slowly working through them. Keep a looking at out for responses !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"I say we do it on Allhallows Eve,"Kaden said adamantly while inspecting individual Bertie Bott 's Every look dome and tossing the nasty ones into a spile on the floor.

"That 's dazed,"John countered."Everyone 's going to be expecting a caper on Halloween. We should do it the day before."

"Why not Saturday ?"Albus suggested, glancing up from the last second essay he was working on."Maybe it 'll rattle them enough that they 'll miss the match."

The first-class honours degree Quidditch match of the season, Gryffindor versus Slytherin, was scheduled to take place on Saturday, two Clarence Shepard Day Jr. after Halloween.

"Again, the Prefects and professor will be expecting it,"John said.

"Why ?"Albus asked."We 've never pranked them before a match before, have we ?"

"You know, I really ca n't remember."

"Clearly a sign you 've pranked them too much,"rose wine pointed out.

Albus and the remainder of his friends were in the Marauder 's Den, attempting to settle on a day to put the chickens and poulet feed in the Slytherin common way. They 'd been arguing for a half hour and had n't agreed on anything. Albus and Matt, who had been leery on whether to participate in the prank at all, had decided that they would serve as look-outs while St. John and Kaden snuck into the green room.

"I think Wednesday would be a honest choice. Wednesday night. We 've got to do it really late, though. The number one year have Astronomy on Wednesdays, so we have to wait until they 're back in their dormitory room,"Saint John the Apostle explained."dark before Halloween-"

"By the time you manage to do it after Astronomy, it 'll technically be Halloween,"Amanda pointed out.

"But not Halloween night,"John said."Pre-Halloween."

"deviltry Night,"Amanda said.

"What ?"Albus asked.

Kaden threw another bean plant onto his pile and started laughing."You 're right !"

"mischievousness Nox,"Amanda repeated."It 's a Muggle thing. It 's when Muggles pull pranks and cause mayhem. It 's traditionally the night before Halloween or the night before Guy Fawkes Day, so if you pull this on Wednesday night or early Th morning, it 'll be on mischief-making Night."

privy grinned."perfective. Wizards do n't do that, so no one will be expecting a thing."

"Mostly it 's Americans and Canadians who celebrate before Halloween, though,"Amanda explained.

"I 'd rather do it before Allhallows Eve,"whoremonger said."We have Astronomy on Tues so the nighttime before Guy Fawkes Day would be harder."

Everyone nodded in agreement, except pink wine, who rolled her optic.

"Do you have everything you need ?"Matt asked.

"Not yet, but we have program. Tonight I 'm going to lurk by the Slytherin rough-cut room under the invisibility Cloak to get a line their password. Wednesday evening we 'll ask Bradley to metamorphose us a few chickens. Then, Al and matte will stand guard while Kaden and I let them unloose in the common way,"John explained.

"How in the name of Merlin are you going to sustain the poulet calm while you bring them to the dungeons ?"Rose asked.

"Stun them, of course,"Kaden answered."By the clip they wake up, we 'll be long gone."
***


Wednesday brought with it a huge thunderstorm which Albus saw as a rather ominous omen for military operation Slytherin Chickens as the harlequinade had been dubbed. As the day wore on Albus found himself having dubiety about the whole thing. former put-on had been harmless and had not broken any major schooltime convention, but this one broke at least ten. This could get them spoilt than a few detentions.

St. John the Apostle and Kaden seemed to have no such booking. Both of them were particularly joyful the integral day and St. John even returned from prophecy with a smile on his face, which never happened. lusterlessness seemed unbiassed to the unanimous thing and acted as common.

"You do recognise we 'll be getting three hours of nap, upside, tonight,"matt said after dinner, while they were attempting to do homework in the piranha 's Den."And that we have History of conjuring trick tomorrow morning."

John sighed."All right, maybe that was n't the expert bit of planning."

"Clearly not,"lusterlessness agreed.

Albus had a very difficult fourth dimension getting any homework done while they were waiting for the fourth dimension to arrive. He found himself drawing awful image of chicken in the borders on his Transfiguration essay. No one else was having a lot luck either. John and Kaden were playing chess and flatness was taking a nap. Rose and Amanda had holed away in the subroutine library, neither one wanting to be associated with the male child that night."We need alibis,"she had told Albus earlier."want to be seen by as many people as potential so there 's no hazard anyone will consider we were with you."

At one in the cockcrow the boys left the vulture 's Den and headed back to the uncouth room, where Bradley would be waiting for them. They encountered no one on their way back and only two or three lingering students were in the unwashed room. All of them went to bed within XV minutes and the boy were soon alone with Bradley.

Bradley pulled three pillows out from under one of the lounge and set them on a table."Three volaille going to be enough ?"

John nodded."I do n't opine we 'll be able to handle any more."

"You lot are either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid,"Bradley said as he pulled out his scepter."Even James has n't gotten into the Slytherin unwashed room."

"According to blush wine, we 're incredibly pudding head,"John said."But I think it 's smart as a whip. Has anyone ever gotten into the Slytherin common elbow room ?"

"My dad and Uncle Ron,"Albus said."But not to force a prank."

privy, Matt, and Kaden turned to look at Albus."I 'll explain later,"Albus said.

Bradley muttered an incantation and flicked his baton at each of the pillows. All three turned into chickens. One brown one, one Caucasian one, and one prominent black and brown rooster. The cock opened its mouth to crow and Bradley immediately silenced all three.

"Figured a rooster would be helpful,"Thomas Bradley said."Want me to stupefy them for you ?"

"Sure,"Albus said.

"Should last about a one-half hour and then you 'll stimulate to re-stun them,"Tom Bradley told them."I 'm going to take off. Remember, if you get caught, I did n't get the volaille for you. Ca n't afford another detention."

"Got it,"Albus assured him. Bradley took off to the dormitory and Albus turned to his friends. can was holding the rooster and Kaden was holding the two volaille."Back to the Den ?"

The boys spent the next two 60 minutes in the vulture 's Den, playing Exploding Snap and re-Stunning the chickens every half hr. Shortly after three in the morn Albus re-stunned the chickens one to a greater extent time and then threw the invisibleness Cloak over all four of them.

It was very difficult for all four boy to take the air under the Invisibility Cloak.
existence quartern geezerhood, they were all a lot larger than they had been in second base class when Albus had first received the Cloak. In fact, Albus could n't even call up the lowest time all four of them had gone under it at once. Albus in fussy had grown quite a few inches over the summer and was now as marvellous as John. The two of them had to take the air with their knee joint bent to secure their substructure would n't show.

The walk was uneventful. The boys did not even see Peeves or any of the spectre out for a night fourth dimension amble ( or float, which would probably be the more appropriate term ). flatness tripped going down the step once and nearly dropped a chicken, but since the corridors were void, no one heard the sound.

Once they had reached the entrance to the Slytherin common way John and Kaden slipped out from under the Cloak and scurried over to the door. John whispered the watchword and it opened. Both boys slipped inside and shut the door behind them.

Albus and Matt stood against the paries a little room down the corridor, giving them a prospect of the steps as well as the corridor. Neither of them said a Good Book while John and Kaden were pulling their prank because Filch 's cat had turned up and was pacing in front of them.

The next five minutes felt like an eternity and Albus was very exempt when lavatory and Kaden exited the coarse way and hurried back under the Cloak. John 's bag, which had contained the poulet feed, was now considerably lighter. Neither boy said a discussion to Albus and Matt as they walked back to Gryffindor Tower, for fear that soul would learn them.

They were walking down the second floor corridor when Albus heard stride behind him. He turned and saw Professor Cy Young walking slowly towards them, staring at the ceiling as he went. He appeared to be in deep thinking about something but then stopped and stared right where Albus and his admirer were. They were n't being quiet enough.

All four boys froze and looked at each other. Kaden grabbed all three of their jumpers and pulled them through the nearest door, while youth happened to be looking the early way. Once inside, Albus noticed that they were in a loo. A girl 's loo. And the floor was soaked.

"Merlin,"Albus muttered."We 're in Moaning myrtle 's bathroom."

As if on cue, there was a splash and then Albus felt the unpleasant sensation of a ghost floating through him.

"I know you 're there."Myrtle giggled."Harry ceramicist had one of those cloaks, too. You might as well take it off."

Albus reluctantly took off the Cloak. Brigham Young would n't be going into a young lady 's bath anyway.

"Ooo !"Myrtle shrieked."Harry ceramicist 's son ! What brings you to my toilette ?"She giggled again and batted her eyelashes.

"Er ..."Albus muttered, feeling very uncomfortable.

"We were just leaving,"John announced as he threw the Cloak over all four of them once more.

Thankfully Professor Brigham Young had left by the fourth dimension they exited the loo. The remainder of the journeying back to Gryffindor was as uneventful as the trek down to Slytherin.

The unwashed room was deserted when they returned under the disapproving brilliance of the Fat Lady, who had not been pleased when they woke her up. lav and Kaden immediately started laughing when they took the Cloak off.

"heroic poem !"Kaden exclaimed."There was no one in the usual room and we spread the feed and put the chicken each on their own sofa and left. The Slytherins are going to hold a rude awakening in a few hours."

"So are we,"lusterlessness said as he looked at his vigil."Almost four. We 'll get three and a half hour sleep if we 're lucky."

The male child headed back to their dormitories, but Albus was not tired yet. Adrenalin was still racing through his system. They had n't gotten caught. Yet. Would there be any way to trace the chickens back to the four of them ? Only if mortal saw them, but if anyone had seen them they would have gotten them in trouble right then and there, would n't they have ? Albus pushed the thought from his head. He settled into bed and thought about the reactions from the Slytherins the come morning.

Bilius 's alarm clock woke Albus up at eight the next sunrise and he rolled over and went back to kip. He woke up once more with twenty hour left until History of deception and had to skip breakfast. Albus woke mat and can up and the three of them ran through the corridors in order to make it to division on time.

They arrived with two minutes to spare and the elbow room was filled with laughter and chatter. The Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors were clearly excited about something and Albus had a smell he knew what it was.

Albus sat down and Bilius turned around in his behind, grinning at Albus."You three missed breakfast. Too bad. The Slytherins are all upset, fuming about chickens and muttering about getting revenge. Turns out someone snuck a rooster and two crybaby into their rough-cut room final night and spread chicken feed around. Apparently their plebeian elbow room was a spate and it took all of their Prefects to stupefy the poulet and land them to Hagrid. Wish I knew who pulled it off."

Albus attempted to feign shock and excitement."Seriously ? That 's glorious. Does anyone recognise who did it ?"

"Nope,"Bilius answered."All they know is that it was n't a Slytherin."

"They 'll never figure it out then. That 's three-fourths of the school to go through."

"And that 's what makes it so brilliant."

prof Binns floated through the blackboard and began to drone on about some sorting of hobgoblin rebellion. Albus rested his head on his hand and began to drowse off. Binns would n't even notice.

At lunch, following Transfiguration, everyone was still talking about the poulet. The Slytherins were sullen and were glaring at all the other theatre tables. The instructor did n't look at all upset about the whole affair, probably because the chickens had n't done that much damage. nada that could n't be easily repaired with the moving-picture show of a wand.

"Six in the morning !"Albus overheard a Slytherin grumble as he walked past the Gryffindor mesa."Can you imagine ? And the morning after we 'd been on the pitch for three hours."

Albus smirked behind his forkful of fret. If the buffoonery had messed with the Slytherins'training schedule, all the better. Albus had finally begun to relax. It did n't look like they were going to get in worry after all.

As Albus walked to the donjon with toilet, lusterlessness, blush wine, and Amanda he realized that his nap in History of Magic was most definitely wearing off. He was feeling the exhaustion and was very happy for the free period of time after potions. But he did n't dare vamoose potions because he was quite excited to listen Malfoy talk of the town about the chickens.

During this fussy grade they were finishing up an engorgement solution that they had started on Tuesday. While Shrinking Solution was a rather unproblematic potion that they had learned in their get-go twelvemonth, its similitude was more unmanageable and required simmering for forty-eight hours before the concluding ingredients could be added.

Albus retrieved all the essential fixings while his partner, Limbert, located their potion in the cupboard. Limbert, who was usually very insouciant about everything, was scowling and glared at Albus as he joined him at their table.

Just as Albus was beginning to chop his cultivated celery root, Malfoy appeared in front of the table. Albus looked up from his flora and looked Malfoy in the eye.

"potter,"Malfoy muttered."You would n't find to know which idiot Gryffindor put chicken in our common room, do you ?"

Albus snorted."Chickens, Malfoy ? I 'd heard something about that."

"Bloody birds,"Limbert muttered as he began to pulverize the rat lien they were supposed to put into their cauldron."Crowing at six in the crashing morning. Eating wimp provender all over the rough-cut room. Getting their feather and other stuff everywhere ...."

"What he said,"Malfoy replied."item is, one of your lot got into our common room and I want to know who."He folded his implements of war across his chest.

"Was n't any of 'my lot'as you say,"Albus answered, hoping that Malfoy could n't hear his heart buffeting in his chest."We ca n't get into your park way. Do n't take in the countersign. And even if we did, why would we want to ? It 's probably covered in snake slime."

"Well it was n't a Slytherin if that 's what you 're implying. And I doubt it was a Ravenclaw or a Hufflepuff. A Ravenclaw would n't do something that stupid and a Hufflepuff would n't be capable to calculate out how-"

Albus rose from his chair."That 's rude. I know mountain of Hufflepuffs that are smarter than you, Malfoy. And they 're the right way people, too."

"boy, get to work now. I believe your potion is overflowing in it 's caldron, Malfoy,"Slughorn said, gesturing to matte and Malfoy 's caldron, which was indeed overflowing. Matt was frantically waving his baton at it, trying to get it to stop.

"Oh for Merlin 's sake,"Malfoy muttered and stalked off towards his own mesa.

Albus breathed a sigh of easing and continued to chop his celery etymon. Limbert retrieved another rat lien, as the one he had been using was now hopelessly destroyed. He did n't talk to Albus for the remainder of the class except for the occasional"bye the knife"or"turn down the flame ”.

pursuit potions Albus, lusterlessness, and John immediately went upstairs to the. piranha 's Den to take a much needed nap. Rose went to Muggle Studies and Amanda went to the library. Albus fell asleep as soon as his top dog hit the pillow and did not wake up up until John swatted him with a pillow when it was clip for dinner.

The Slytherins were still complaining about the chickens during dinner and Albus and his ally giggled every time they heard something about them. About halfway through dinner, Professor Kendrick rose from his seat. Albus turned to look at Matt, who shrugged. Kendrick rarely made dinner speech communication when it was n't the start or end of term.

"Just a few announcements,"Kendrick said once the Great Hall quieted down."outset, I am sure you are all aware of the prank that took place in the Slytherin park room last Nox. I, nor do any of the teacher, have any mind who is creditworthy, but if we do find out, be mindful that those creditworthy will be punished. Entering another house 's common way is not tolerated and all educatee should take aim this as a monition, in case they have been inclined to do so themselves. Slytherins, please be advised that your word has been changed. If you are not cognizant of it, please see a Prefect.

"Second. Next weekend Hogwarts will host a few Ministry official including the Minister of magic, the head teacher of Magical Law Enforcement, the school principal of the Auror Department, the psyche of the section for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, as well as a few of the minister 's penny-pinching advisors. In addition, both candidate for diplomatic minister will be here as well. They will go far Fri Nox and ride out until Billy Sunday morning. Sabbatum they will be debating education here in the Great Hall.

"All student will consume the chance to watch the argument by a random drawing since we can not accommodate all of you in add-on to the Ministry officials and members of the general population that will be attending. The rest will mind via tuner in a few classrooms. All educatee are required to listen or watch. More information about that, such as how to come up out if you 've been selected to watch and what assignments you will have on the debate, will be distributed by professor Brigham Young in your politics class.

"I expect you all to bear yourselves and demonstrate to our Ministry that this is a place of learning. You are all representing Hogwarts, whether you are bookman, instructor, or staff. You will not commit pranks, especially not like the one that was pulled last night. You will respect the Ministry representatives. I will turn over you further information next week. In the meantime, start thinking up a few question to ask our candidates in typesetter's case they have clock time to do a question and answer session."Kendrick resumed his seat.

"Blimey, I 've never seen Kendrick act so serious,"John said quietly.

"Can you blame him ?"rose asked."Remember what Laurentis said about Hogwarts ? She all but said he was n't running the shoal properly. If she wins, hazard are he 's out of a job. He 's got to put on a good show next week if he 's got any hope of staying here if she wins."

"That 's insane !"Albus shouted. A few low years looked over at him and he lowered his voice."I mean, Kendrick took over as headmaster when McGonagall left and even before that he helped rebuild the place. How can she sack soul who helped rebuild Hogwarts ?"

"She ca n't if she 's not elected,"Amanda said."We just have to hope your uncle wins."

"Never thought I 'd say it, but I agree,"Albus replied."Georgia and Bradley and Cedric wo n't be glad but can you think what Hogwarts would be like if Laurentis won ?"

"I ca n't,"matte said."No one can because no one knows what she wants to do to convert it."

"Guess we 're going to find out future Sat,"Amanda said."Think any of us will get to look on it ?"

"We will,"Albus answered, gesturing to Matt and himself."Our dads are two of the representatives, so I bet we 'll sustain to sit with our families."

"I hope I get to,"Amanda said."It 's really fascinating, wizardly politics. In some slipway it 's completely the same as Muggle politics, only with magic involved. Really shows that we 're all people."

"Me too,"rosiness agreed.

"You can have my slate if I get one,"John told her."It 's going to be grueling to doze off if I 'm in the same room."

"Saami here,"Kaden said.

rosebush rolled her heart."You lot done eating ? Anyone up for spending the evening in the library ?"

The boy reluctantly agreed. They had neglected their homework the old night due to the buffoonery and had multiple assignments due the next day that they had not even started on. Albus thought longingly of his bed in Gryffindor tower and then resigned himself to the fact that he 'd be in the library until curfew.


A/N : Thanks to all who have read and reviewed this ! You guys are amazing. Big thanks to all my penning friends that I Holy Scripture war with. There are now too many to discover individually, but they are awesome.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The day after Halloween dawned with a violent thunderstorm, one that Albus hoped would pass before Saturday, when he would have to face Slytherin on the Quidditch pitch. Albus was feeling often better after a enough night 's rest, although he was dreading having to go to History of legerdemain inaugural thing in the morning again. Whose vivid idea was it to give them that class two mornings in a row ?

The office owls arrived as Albus was serving himself some bollock and he scanned the air for his family owl. He did n't see it and resumed piling his crustal plate with food. His parents only occasionally sent him Emily Price Post now that he was in fourth class and no longer needed a letter from them every other day. However, Albus did see his Uncle Harry Hotspur 's screech owl making a beeline towards Cedric, who was sitting across from Albus. Cedric set his branching down and untied the letter from the owl 's leg. The owl dipped his beak in Cedric 's juice and then took off.

Albus watched as Cedric read the letter and saw his human face go from vague curiosity to slight horror and then finally extreme disgust. Harry Hotspur 's letters were always interesting and it seemed as this one was no exception.

"unlikely !"Cedric shouted.

"What is it ?"James IV asked as he snatched the missive out of Cedric 's manus."Is he making you sit future to him while he debates succeeding week ?"

"Worse !"Cedric exclaimed."He thinks I was the one who put the chickens in the Slytherin common room !"

"Seriously ?"St. James asked as he settled down to read the letter."Let 's see ... Seriously disappointed in you ... taught you effective than this ... stunts like these could hurt my chance for a win in Apr ... must check to think about the consequences of your actions ... fifth year is for studying for your O.W.L.s ... clock time to arise up ..."

"See ?"Cedric said as he stabbed his bacon with a bit too much force."He really believes I did it. And with no evidence !"

"Oh now he 's bringing up your bit from that article. The part where you mentioned that you like pulling pranks. Oh and now he 's brought me into it ... Oh wait, hey ! He 's going to tell my parents that I was in on it too !"Saint James slammed the letter down."No way they 'll consider him without validation though."

"Which he has none of. Did you get to the percentage where he 's owling Kendrick, too ?"Cedric asked.

"Kendrick ca n't do anything without test copy,"James said.

"Yeah but our records are n't exactly fairly,"Cedric pointed out."Merlin, I wish I 'd thought up this prank. It was history worthy. I mean getting into the Slytherin common room ? I 've been dreaming about doing that since before first year."

"I wish we knew who did it. I 'd like to get some tips,"James added."They 're going to go down as Hogwarts legends."

Albus hoped that his furious blushing was n't noticeable. He could not believe that Percy actually believed Cedric pulled the joke without any evidence. Cedric could n't get in trouble without evidence, could he ? If he did, Albus would feel terrible. He already felt awful that Percy had even had the face to charge Cedric for something that Albus and his friends did, something Cedric had no part of.

"We 've just got to picture out who did it,"William James decided."To brighten our names."

Cedric nodded."Wo n't be that hard. No antic can be done without evidence left behind. It 's inconceivable to do in this billet. We 'll look for clew around our own common room because I think the Slytherins are right on. It was a Gryffindor."

"We should spill to the ghosts, too,"St. James said."They wander at all hours."

"right field,"Cedric agreed."substantially be off to class now, though.

Albus turned to John after his brother and cousin had left the mesa. John and Matt had both been sitting close enough to Cedric and James to hear the full conversation. Both boys were pallid than common and Albus was sure he was as well.

"myrtle saw us,"Matt whispered."We 'll be number one on their funny list."

"D'you think your own brother would move around us in ?"Saint John the Apostle asked.

Albus laughed."Of course he would. He 's my brother."

"Good point,"John muttered."What are we going to do ?"

"Hope myrtle does n't say anything,"Albus said.

"That 's it, we 're doomed."mat sighed.

"On the positive side of meat, we 'll be Hogwarts legends,"John said.

"William Tell that to my parents,"lusterlessness replied.

Albus thought about James and Cedric 's pursuit to figure out who pulled the chicken prank during the entireness of History of trick. They had n't left any traces behind except for talking to Vinca minor. And even that only proved that they were out of bed at four in the forenoon, not that they 'd left poulet in the Slytherin vernacular way. Sure, there might make been random chicken feathers in the mutual room that morning but the house imp would feature already cleaned them up. Then there was Bradley.

Omar Nelson Bradley. Albus 's belly dropped. Would Bradley rat out Albus in order to save his own brother from possible trouble ? Albus liked to cogitate not, especially since doing so would incriminate Bradley as well. But it was possible that Bradley would request Cedric to give him out of it when he told Kendrick in getting even for the information in the first place. Albus rubbed his brow. It was all so confuse and there were too many possibilities.

matt and John Lackland looked equally disturbed by the hypothesis. Both boys were sitting completely still, staring at professor Binns but not looking at him. flatness was absentmindedly doodling in his notebook. John was twirling his quill around in his hired hand and had splattered ink all over himself and his History of thaumaturgy book.

Albus was grateful that they had tending of Magical Creatures next, despite the steady cloudburst. They would be able to babble. Hagrid was currently teaching them about unicorns and this particular deterrent example he had an actual unicorn for them to notice and interact with. Luckily for Albus, John, and Matt, unicorns did not like son and thus had an excuse to hang back and talk.

"The only way they 're going to find out is if they talk to Tom Bradley and Omar Nelson Bradley tells them,"Albus said as they pretended to use up notes on the unicorn, which was currently surrounded by the young woman of the class.

"Or if they talk to Myrtle and put the clew together,"mat pointed out.

"What clues ?"John asked."We did n't leave anything behind."

"Not that you know of. But they were right when they said nothing can be done at Hogwarts without someone knowing about it. For all we know there was another spook lurking by the Slytherin vulgar room while we were there that we did n't posting,"lusterlessness explained."Or the fact that we were n't in the mutual room last night-"

"We 're rarely in the common elbow room,"John said."Not since we found the Marauder 's Den."

"True. They could also talk to Bilius or Ethan and recover out that we got back at four in the break of the day. Ethan woke up when we got back and asked what we were up to, remember ?"Matt said.

"That would n't tell them anything more than Vinca minor would,"Albus replied as he scrawled a few notation about how the unicorn was pawing at the ground.

"What if they find plumage or chicken provender or something ?"Matt asked.

"That will have all been cleaned up by now. The star sign elves clean everyday,"lav said."I think Albus is right. The only way they 'll live is if they talk to Bradley. Or if they just assume and ask us about it. Al, are you going to be able to lie to them if they ask you ?"

"Er ..."Albus 's interpreter trailed off. He knew how much of a rotten liar he was."To be honest ? Probably not."

Nobody said anything for a few moment. Each boy pretended to be absorbed in taking notes on the unicorn.

"There 's naught we can do, then,"Matt finally said."We ca n't stop them or tell them not to investigate because that would look suspicious. All we can do is hold off and hope they do n't see it out."

Albus nodded. matte was completely right, of line. But what Albus did n't say was that James and Cedric would figure it out. They were the school day tricker and for the low meter they 'd been out-pranked. The two were the schooling 's harlequinade experts and could easily watch over the trail that would pass them right to their own brother and cousin.
******


The tearing thunderstorm that had plagued Hogwarts the day before cleared up by Sat dayspring and the precondition could not have been practiced for Quidditch. It was gay, with fragile cloud covert and minuscule wind. The temperature was mild for Nov. weather condition would not be a cistron in this Quidditch mate. No, the team that won would win solely based on their science.

The Hogwarts population, both pupil and prof alike, were very excited for the match. family Quidditch had been suspended the old year in Holy Order for the Quidditch and Dueling competitions with the schools from New York and Australia, although the final mate in the Quidditch issue had been a disaster. Everyone at Hogwarts was ready for things to go back to formula and that included House Quidditch.

pattern also included the taunting that went on between the Gryffindors and Slytherins at breakfast right before the match. Malfoy informed Albus that he needed to watch out else he find himself in the Hospital fender for days. Albus ignored this because Malfoy was n't even on the Slytherin team and did n't own sufficiency Quidditch skill to be on a baby 's squad. He tried his serious to snub the taunt from the actual Slytherin team as well, but still found his stomach was a bit too nauseous to eat much more than toast.

The squad gathered around Fred in the changing elbow room shortly before the equal, set up to discover his first squad voice communication.

"I fully believe we can win this,"Fred began."Our praxis have gone very smoothly and it feels like Janie has played with us for years rather than only a few workweek. Slytherin plays dirty, though, so watch yourselves. They also have two new role player, a chaser and a Beater, whereas we only have one. The new Chaser is a second year and the new Beater is a third year, so I do n't cogitate we 'll have got much issue there. I 've seen them practice session and they still do n't work as a seamless team like we do. Just go out there and fiddle like we did two geezerhood ago and we 're indisputable to win."

The team stood up and followed Fred out onto the tar. The ground was soft beneath Albus 's feat, but not too dingy, which would hit for a good kick off. He stood in between Scots heather and James River while Fred went to shake hands with Henry Fielding, Slytherin 's captain.

Oteski shouted his desire for a clean peer and then the two police chief crunched each other 's manpower. Oteski released the Bludgers and stoolpigeon and then tossed the Quaffle into the air. Albus kicked off from the footing and flew towards the Quaffle, which had unfortunately been caught by Fielding.

"And they 're off !"Todd Smith announced."first household match in two years due to the break last year, during the competitions with the other schooling. Both team have some new faces this year. Slytherin has a new Chaser, second yr E. G. Marshall Belby, and a new Beater, third year Devonshire Wright. Gryffindor has a new Keeper, quarter year Janie Creevey ...."

Albus tore his attention from Smith as the fellow Gryffindor began to foretell the name of the rest of the players. Leaning forward on his heather, Albus soared to the other side of the auction pitch, where Fielding was attempting to befuddle the Quaffle into one of Gryffindor 's end posts.

"Spectacular salve by Creevey !"Smith shouted."Looks like she 's going to be an excellent custodian for Gryffindor. Gryffindor now in possession. broom Weasley in possession, passes to Albus thrower ...."

Albus caught the Quaffle, wedged it under his arm, and sped down to the other English of the pitch. He dodged two of Slytherin 's chaser but was hit by a Bludger sent from Wright and dropped the Quaffle. It was intercepted by Peyton Haines.

Albus swore loudly and tailed Haines as he turned around and headed towards Gryffindor. Fred managed to view the Quaffle after Haines was hit by a Bludger and tossed it back to Albus.

This time Albus made it to the Slytherin goal posts and feigned justly before sending the Quaffle soaring through the left hoop.

"score !"Smith announced."Albus ceramicist scores the start goal of the equal. Ten power point to Gryffindor !"

The rest of the match continued in the same fashion, with the Quaffle continuously exchanging custody, rendering it very hard for Smith to keep up with the comment. Gryffindor maintained a cheeseparing perpetual score of twenty dollar bill full stop ahead of the Slytherins. Albus scored two More goals and assisted on five more than. The Slytherin chaser looked more and more sicken as the match wore on.

An 60 minutes and a one-half into the couple Albus saw James II abandon his position above the rest of the players and fly towards the ground. Orion Pucey, Slytherin 's Seeker, followed.

"Looks like potter has seen the fink !"Kate Smith exclaimed.

Albus watched while flying the Quaffle to the Slytherin goal posts. James had his arm outstretched towards a glittering physical object when Devon Wright slammed her Beater 's bat towards a nearby Bludger. But the Bludger suddenly soared upward, leaving zippo in between the bat and James 's leg. Devonshire 's bat collided with James 's leg, sending him sprawling onto the ground. Albus stopped where he was.

The entire crew gasped, with the exception of the Slytherins, who were cheering. Pucey was flying around the pitch holding the struggling sneak in his outstretched hand. Albus ignored this and flew directly to James, who was hold tight his leg on the priming coat.

Albus abandoned his broom once he landed and hurried towards St. James the Apostle. He was surrounded by gentlewoman Pomfrey, Professor Oteski, Professor Kendrick, Professor Longbottom, the rest of the Gryffindor team, and surprisingly, Devon.

Albus paused to count at the lady friend. She was small, like about 2d long time are, but hefty. Her dirty blonde hair was in a mussy bun and her face was streaked with teardrop. As Albus got closer, he could hear that she was whispering"I 'm disconsolate"over and over again.

"Foul !"heather mixture shouted."That 's a foul ! I want a rematch !"

"Let 's get James II to the infirmary flank and then we 'll interest about a rematch,"Neville said as dame Pomfrey conjured a stretcher.

"Finally, person with some gumption around here,"dame Pomfrey muttered."All of you, out of the way !"

The crowd quickly dispersed as ma'am Pomfrey guided the stretcher towards the castle, followed by the gathered professors. After a few transactions, prof Patil ordered the rest of the educatee to get back to their vulgar room. Albus walked back to the castle with his team, who were heading straight to the Hospital flank.

James was resting once they got there, his leg bandaged but no longer broken. He no longer looked to be in pain, but looked like he wanted to hex the entire Slytherin team. ma'am Pomfrey appeared in front of them before they could pass Henry James 's bed.

"Ten minutes,"she said."That 's all."

"Are we getting a rematch ?"was the get-go thing out of Saint James the Apostle 's mouth."No one will tell me anything."

"They have n't said anything yet,"Fred replied."How 's the leg ?"

"mulct, now. Just a fiddling painful. lady Pomfrey said I can leave tomorrow afternoon,"James told them."We better get a rematch. That was a foul. I was two secondment from catching the Snitch when that new Beater went and hit me with her bat ! Who does she think she is ? Does n't she know the rules of Quidditch ? Or is that how Slytherin 's training their histrion these twenty-four hours ?"

"She was going for a Bludger,"Albus explained."You probably could n't see it because she was behind you, but there had been a Bludger. It flew up at the last second and she accidentally got your leg."

"How do they hump that ?"King James I asked."She might 've made that up."

"Everyone saw it,"Albus said quietly.

"It 's true,"Heather agreed."I do n't do it if they 'll return us a rematch."

The door to the Hospital annex opened, revealing the Beater in enquiry. She walked tentatively inner and stopped when she saw the entire Gryffindor team. Madam Pomfrey greeted her and they spoke in vocalisation too restrained to catch before she walked slowly over to Epistle of James 's bed.

"I know you probably hate me and I do n't fault you,"she whispered."But I really am sorry. It really was an accident. I swear it. It was my first match."

Albus glanced at the rest of his team. Their looks of confusion mirrored his own opinion.

"Er, well, thanks for the excuse, I guess,"James said.

"Is your leg ok ?"she asked.

"It 's mulct now,"King James replied.

Devon reached into her robes and pulled out a bar of Honeyduke 's hot chocolate. She handed it to Henry James, her optic staring at his bed and not meeting his glance the total prison term."Here,"she whispered.

"Er, thanks,"James River said as he took the chocolate.

"Um, I 'm going to go now. Bye,"Devonshire said and turned to run from the ward, before any of the Gryffindor team had time to respond.

"That was unknown,"James muttered after the doors had slammed shut."Anyone image some chocolate ?"

"She 's got a crush on you,"Ryan announced.

"Energy Department not,"Epistle of James argued.

"Have we ever had a Slytherin apologize for injuring one of us before, let alone make us chocolate ?"Fred asked."I 'm with Ryan on this one."

"well clearly some of them have scruples,"Albus replied."But yeah, she likes you."

"She 's dozen,"James said flatly.

"Girls mature faster than blokes."broom smirked."So, actually, she should be just about decent for you."

"Shut up,"St. James the Apostle muttered."Not sharing my chocolate anymore."

"Ten minutes are up !"brothel keeper Pomfrey announced as she returned to St. James the Apostle 's bed bearing a tray that contained a few filthy looking potions."And these are for you, James."

Albus and the eternal sleep of the team bade James II sayonara and left the infirmary Wing. They walked up to Gryffindor Tower together, but parted once they entered the common room. Albus found his friends at a mesa near the door to the dormitories and sat down to explain the intact Devon Wright thing.

"So she was actually upset that she had broken James 's leg ?"John asked.

"And she apologized ?"Matt added.

"And gave him chocolate ?"Kaden continued.

Albus nodded."Strange, is n't it ?"

"Very,"privy agreed."I 'm surprise she 's on the squad. Is n't it a necessity for the Slytherin team to be a fan of violence ?"

"She might not be on much longer, right ?"matte asked.

"It was an stroke,"Albus said."I already said that. The rest of the team saw it and so did half the professor. So there 's probably not going to be a rematch either."

"That 's not fair,"toilet muttered.

"It 's only the first match,"Albus pointed out."Plenty more meter to gain those points back. And their Seeker is awesome anyway. He could n't have caught that stoolpigeon if William James had n't feature been hit."

Albus, Matt, and John spent the end of the afternoon discussing Quidditch and Gryffindor 's opportunity of winning the Quidditch Cup. They factored in the acquirement level of all the instrumentalist on all the houses and the points earned so far, along with the potential weather handicap that were surely to come. Kaden paid attending, but did n't contribute much except for the occasional comment about how something was unlike in football. Amanda did the Saami, salve for the football game comments. Rose sighed and dug a book out of her bag and read it until they had finished.

professor Oteski was at supper that night, which was a rare happening due to the fact that he has a wife and young children in Hogsmeade and normally was only at the castle for social class and Quidditch compeer. Towards the end of the meal he rose, rendering the total Hall silent.

"The former professor and I have reviewed the upshot at today 's match,"Oteski began."We 've taken into account a few prime students'observations-"

"He interviewed me,"Fred said.

"-along with the professor'. I have come to the ending that the act of a Slytherin Beater hitting Gryffindor 's Seeker with her Beater 's Bat was an unfortunate accident. No disciplinary action will be taken against her, nor will a rematch be taking place."He resumed his seat.

All of Gryffindor groaned while Slytherin rejoiced. Albus glanced over at their board and saw that Devon Frank Lloyd Wright was the only Slytherin not shouting in excitation. Instead she had her head on her paw and was picking at her dinner. She was a very odd Slytherin, that was for sure.

"I really did n't intend there 'd be a rematch,"Fred said."But hear, we can still win. Losing the outset peer does n't mean we 'll lose the Cup."

"Someone 's going to have to state King James,"Scots heather replied."He wo n't be pleased. I 'm fairly certain he can count the number of times he has n't caught the Snitch on one hand."

Albus thought back to the prison term James had lost a match against Linda the vampire and hid in the shrieking Shack. Luckily his crony had come a long way from that and would not feel the want to obscure after missing the sneaker.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! I 'm back at school now, so I wo n't be writing as much. But I have a few chapters saved up, so I 'm hoping to update frequently for the next month at least.

If you are enjoying this story ( or any of my taradiddle ), head over to the meeting place and nominate one for a Dobby accolade ! Be sure as shooting to scan the rules before posting. : )


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was very relieved that he was not given the task of telling James that there would not be a rematch. Fred, being the headwaiter, took that job for himself and the rest of the team merely went with him. James was understandably upset, but did n't take the newsworthiness nearly as badly as Albus would bear expected. Perhaps he was maturing, if even a small amount of money. On Sunday, James was released from the Hospital Wing and spirit at Hogwarts returned to normal if only for a few days.

After a double course of study of potions and one year of Transfiguration on Tuesday, Albus and his protagonist had government and this was the day where they would witness out who would get to sit in the Great Granville Stanley Hall during the debate on Saturday. The Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were understandably more blabbermouthed in the bit before Professor Embry began form. Most of the student hoped that they would get to attend the disputation, with the exception of Saint John and a few of the Hufflepuffs. Albus and Matt would be attending it either way, so they doubted either of them would be picked. rose had also found out that since she was Percy 's niece, she would also get to see no matter what.

"Settle down, settle down,"Embry said once the clock struck three. He smiled and then quickly took attendance."I 'm very happy to see how excited you are for Saturday 's debate. It 's very agitate to see young hoi polloi so matter to in politics. Since I know none of you will pay attention during grade unless I announce who gets to attend before I begin, I will herald them now."

The class immediately began whispering until Embry located a piece of lambskin on his desk and cleared his throat."Now, a few of you are able to attend the debate without being chosen. mat Eckerton and Albus Potter, since both your father are point of departments at the Ministry you will be able to give ear. rose Weasley, since you are related to one of the nominee, you may attend as well. And not to worry, everyone else, they will not withdraw away spot from the unconstipated student body.

"One boy and one girlfriend were picked randomly from each twelvemonth, for each house. So eight students from each year were chosen total. For Hufflepuff the prosperous two are Olivia toll and Ronald Bones."

"Yes !"Ronald shouted. He was a rather loud, light-haired haired boy, who reminded Albus a lot of Kaden. Olivia just smiled. She was quieten, but as one of Hufflepuff 's Beaters, was quite forceful.

"And for Gryffindor we have Ethan Kesse and Marina Jordan-Bell,"Embry continued.

Both let out ecstatic outcry and the rest of the year clapped before everyone settled down. All four winning pupil were still grinning when Embry began speaking once more.

"Congratulations to all four of you. This will not be the only when debate to take place at Hogwarts and for the next one, dissimilar educatee will be chosen. Now, on Saturday, you are to cover to the Great Hall at ten o'clock in the dawning. The debate will begin at eleven. You will give your public figure to whichever professor is waiting by the doors and then a Prefect will show you to where you are supposed to sit. Lapplander goes for you, Matt, Albus, and Rose."

Embry set the parchment down on his desk and smiled as he walked closer to the board of his students."Now, what professor Kendrick has not told you yet, because it has only just been finalized, is that both prospect will be hosting two joint motion and answer sitting. These will be for educatee and Hogwarts staff only. The Lapp bookman chosen to serve the argument will be able to pay heed the question and result seance. It will acquire post at three in the Great dormitory. Please arrive at two-thirty.

"Everyone else will be listening to the debate on the wireless. Fourth class Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs will be in the August 6 classroom. Please news report there by ten-thirty. Everyone, no topic whether they are attending the argument or listening on the wireless are expected to write a substructure long essay on which candidate you thought was more successful in making their tip. It will be due at the beginning of future week 's class."

The integral course of instruction groaned at the mention of the essay. Embry ignored this and began his lecture. They had finally made it into the twentieth century, but were still far from learning about how everything in the Ministry changed after Voldemort was defeated.

The rest of the week passed very slowly. The Hogwarts student were getting very excited at the prospect of the candidate arriving for their debate, with the exception of Omar Bradley and Cedric. Even John and Kaden, neither of whom were going to advert the argumentation, were catching a little bit of excitement. Albus was rather shocked at how the majority of the scholarly person were getting involved with the election. Being someone who had grown up with politics and the Ministry of legerdemain, he was not quite as thrilled with the prospect, especially when reporters from the Daily Prophet showed up on Friday morning.

"lack to take bets on how quickly they find you ?"bathroom asked as they passed two reporters on their way to charge of Magical Creatures.

Albus glanced at the reporters. One was a very tall and lanky man, with mussy John Brown hair and considerable husk on his face. He was frantically writing down questions that the former newsperson, an equally marvelous woman with vast red lips and blackness hair, was asking an uncomfortable looking first gear year.

"Walk faster,"Albus nudged John as they neared the oak doors.

Albus had absolutely no desire to appear in any yield of the Daily Prophet. Neither of his parents liked reporters and that was a trait they had passed down to Albus. He made a mental note to warn Bradley and Cedric about them the side by side time he saw his two cousins.

In an endeavour to obviate the reporters, Albus, Matt, and whoremonger spent their free period after magic spell in the Marauder 's Den. With any chance when the Ministry officials arrived the reporters would give up trying to interview random Hogwarts students. Although Albus knew it was not random at all. At lunch, after forethought of Magical tool, he found out that no less than four of his cousins, along with Lily, had been interviewed that dawn.

The functionary were arriving just as Albus and his friends were heading to the Great Hall for dinner. They paused on the yard stairway while the blue-robed witches and wizards entered the Great Hall, gracefully avoiding the reporters that were standing side by side to the ingress to the Great vestibule. Albus recognized nearly all of them, including his dad, Uncle Percy, and mat 's dad.

The Staff table had been magically elongated enough to volunteer seats for all of the Ministry functionary, who had at sat down and began speaking with the professor. Albus and his friends all found seats at the Gryffindor table, near all his full cousin. Cedric was scowling while reading a letter. He then crumpled it up and then set fire to it with his wand.

"Dad still thinks we pulled that joke, James,"Cedric muttered."Says he 's going to make time to speak with me before he leaves."

"We 'll find out,"St. James said."We still have n't talked to all the ghosts."

"All except Moaning Myrtle."Cedric shuddered."I do n't project talking to her."

"She 's our last promise,"Jesse James said."We 're going to find her. After all this disputation stuff is over."

Albus let out a sigh of relief. He had two more than days. In all honesty, he 'd nearly bury about Cedric and James 's seeking to find out who put the chicken in the Slytherin unwashed room. But apparently his Brother and cousin had not.

Kendrick rose from his seat once the Great vestibule was fully."On behalf of myself, the rest of the Hogwarts stave, and the Hogwarts pupil physical structure, I 'd like to welcome our Ministry example to Hogwarts. Before we eat, I 'd care to introduce everyone.

"First, our prospect,"Kendrick gestured to Percy and Laurentis, who were both sitting immediately to his left."Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."Kendrick then gestured to the tall, rather portly man on his left."Our current minister of religion, Langston Hartwell."

The rest of the officials were interspersed amongst the professors. Kendrick gestured to a greyness haired Wiccan sitting in between prof Patil and Cedonia."fountainhead of Magical Law Enforcement. Reena Barnes."Next, Kendrick gestured to lustrelessness 's dad who was sitting side by side to Albus 's dad and prof Trelawney."forefront of the Department for the Control and ordinance of Magical Creatures. Walter Eckerton."

Half the Gryffindor table turned and looked at Matt, who gave a smile and shrugged. Never one to talk about his crime syndicate, almost of Gryffindor was unaware of who Matt 's dad was.

"I 'm trusted you all remember Harry Potter, head of the Auror Department,"Kendrick said as he gestured to Albus 's dad. He received louder applause than anyone else had.

Kendrick then introduced three of Hartwell 's other advisors, who had statute title that were just as yearn and jumble as Percy 's flow job title. Then, finally, Kendrick waved his hands and nutrient appeared on all the tables.

During dinner Fred announced that he had reluctantly canceled Quidditch pattern for the next day since it was scheduled for the same clock time as the question and response session. The quietus of dinner was spent figuring out which Gryffindors, besides the enceinte amount that were related to Hotspur, were going to attend the debate. Both trick 's slight sister, Asthyn, and James 's best friend, Nathan, were getting to attend.

After dessert had been served and consumed, Kendrick reminded everyone of the meter of the next day 's public debate and suggested they all turn in early. Albus wondered whether the ministry officials would be staying in the rook or Apparating back to their own homes for the dark. Cedric took off for the common room as soon as he had finished eating, in order of magnitude to avoid his father.

Albus and his Friend decided to stay in the common room that dark since everyone was so lively and the agitation was catching. John brought a deck of Exploding snapshot down from his torso and the six ally sat around a table acting for at to the lowest degree an hour. Kaden had just had the cards explode in his face when the door to the common way opened and soul gasped.

Everyone glanced over and the common room went dumb. Percy was standing in the doorway, looking very awkward and uncomfortable. His center landed on Cedric, who had been organizing his stock of Skiving Snackboxes with Saint James the Apostle and Nathan. Cedric went as blench as Moaning myrtle.

"Cedric,"Percy said quietly."I need to speak with you."

"I did n't do it, Dad !"Cedric exclaimed."I swear it !"

Albus shifted uncomfortably in his seat, glancing at his Friend. blush wine was giving him a disapproving look while Matt, Saint John, and Kaden looked equally uncomfortable. Amanda had raised her eyebrows. This was ridiculous. Why could n't Percy let it go or consider his son ? Or at least deal with it privately ? It was unjust of him to storm into the Gryffindor common room and shout out out his own son like that.

Percy shook his pass."Cedric, you 've pulled pranks like this ever since you were little. This one has you written all over it. You, too, James."

"But Dad-"

"No buts,"Percy said."This is not satisfactory. Now I 'd like to address with you privately."

Cedric did n't stir. Albus swallowed heavy and looked at Matt, St. John the Apostle, and Kaden each in turn. put-on were all in good fun, but not when innocent multitude were punished for them. And Albus had no doubt that Percy would punish Cedric whether he had cogent evidence or not. Cedric 's past betrayed him and Percy was too focused on winning the election to contribute his son the benefit of the dubiety. Albus did not like his cousin taking the fall for something he and his champion did. It just was not something he was comfortable with.

Matt gave a slight nod of his pass. bathroom and Kaden both shrugged and Albus took that to think of"do what you have to do ”. Albus sighed and stood up."Wait, Uncle Percy."

"Albus, this is none of your care,"Percy said."Cedric has to face his consequences."

"But he did n't do it !"Albus exclaimed."It was me. I did it."

Saint James burst out laughing."You, Al ? That 's Nice and all of you to try and hold back Cedric out of difficulty, but really ? You could n't get into the Slytherin vulgar room."

"It was n't only him,"St. John said, standing up."Kaden and I did most of it. Al was just a aspect out."

"I was, too,"Matt announced."It was the four of us."

Fred and a few of his Friend suddenly jumped up from their seats and bowed in front of Albus, lusterlessness, John the Evangelist, and Kaden."captain ! You are the kings."

The entire common elbow room exploded in clapping and whistles. Albus could n't facilitate but grin despite the fact that he knew he was going to be in trouble. Epistle of James gave Albus an odd flavor before breaking out in a wry grin himself. A few first years ran up and high-fived them. Victor Hugo was practically rolling on the floor laughing.

"sufficiency, enough !"Percy shouted."Albus, you 'd better come with me. You three as well."He gestured to matt, John, and Kaden.

Albus and his friends reluctantly followed Walker Percy out of the common room to Kendrick 's subject area. On the way there Albus could n't serve but notice that his uncle did n't really walk. He strutted, almost like he owned the place. Albus supposed he was remembering back to his Head Boy sidereal day. pass Boy was probably now well out of orbit for Albus, as was becoming a Prefect. Not like he really wanted to become a Prefect anyway.

Upon entering Kendrick 's study Albus was horrified to see that all of the Ministry functionary were there, including his own beginner. Matt had paled considerably on seeing his founding father as well. This was bad.

Kendrick glanced at the boy and then looked questioningly up at Percy."I think we need a moment of privacy,"Kendrick said to the officials,"except Harry and Walter."

The relaxation of the officials left the room, whispering to themselves as they went. Kendrick then resumed his tush behind his desk and conjured enough chairwoman for the remaining people. Albus took a seat in between mat and Kaden.

"What 's going on, Hotspur ?"Kendrick asked.

"I went to Gryffindor to have a chat with my son about that japery last week and as it turns out he was telling the truth."Albus was please to see that Sir Henry Percy looked slightly ashamed."As I was asking Cedric for a private talk, my nephew and his friends announced that they were the pranksters."

"They what ?"Harry exclaimed, looking at Albus."Is this about the crybaby in the Slytherin park room prank ?"

"Yes,"Percy confirmed."These four just confessed to it."

Matt 's dad let out a sigh and shook his head.

"Is this true, boys ?"Kendrick asked.

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied.

"I 'm very disappointed in you, Albus,"Harry said."This is the variety of matter I expect from King James, not from you."

"As am I in you, St. Matthew,"Walter added."You 've never been one to take out pranks."

"It was our idea,"Gospel According to John said, gesturing to himself and Kaden."All they did was go along a look out while we were in their common room."

"Nevertheless,"Kendrick said, folding his hand on his desk."All four of you broke school pattern and you will be punished. Fifty points from Gryffindor-"

Kaden gasped.

"-each,"Kendrick finished."And detention. As much as I 'd care to go your custody tomorrow we have other matters happening in this castle and none of the stave is free to supervise. You will pop your hold on Monday evening and you will cause it for a week."

"But sir-"Albus and matt said at once.

"No buts,"Kendrick said."You blatantly broke multiple schooling rules."

"But Quidditch and dueling ! That 's the week before the first tournament-"

"Your squad will have to view as practice without you, Mr. Potter,"Kendrick said shortly."You should accept thought about that before you participated in this mischief."

"Sir ?"matte asked quietly.

Kendrick sighed."Yes ?"

"The, er, fully synodic month is Tuesday,"Matt muttered.

"Right,"Kendrick replied."Attend the hold that you can and whichever ones you miss can be made up once you are better.

"Thank you,"Walter said,"for being understanding about that."

"Not a problem. lustrelessness 's office is vastly different from missed Quidditch practice."

Albus felt his cheek reddening. It had been a valid distributor point for him. Fred would murder him in his sleep when he found out Albus would miss at to the lowest degree two exercise for hold. He certainly would n't be applauding and bowing anymore.

"You 'll report to Filch 's office on Mon at seven. He 'll give you encourage instructions on what your detention will entail. Now, get back to Gryffindor Tower,"Kendrick said.

Albus rose from his butt. Harry did the Same."Al, you realize I 'm going to have to distinguish your female parent about this."

Albus nodded."Yes."

"She wo n't be pleased. But I do require to tell you that I 'm proud of the way you owned up to this when you realized Cedric was wrongfully accused. As foiled as I am that you pulled that joke, I am very happy to have such an honest son. I 'll see you tomorrow. consume a good night and call back, I always love you,"Harry said and gave Albus a hug.

"Love you too,"Albus said quietly.

flatness was having what was surely a similar public lecture with his own father and once they were finished, the four boys left Kendrick 's study and went immediately back to Gryffindor Tower.

"seven detentions,"John muttered as they walked up a set of stair."seven-spot. This is worse than that time in second year when we were caught near the Whomping Willow."

"Not to mention the points,"Albus replied.

"And detainment with Filch no less,"Matt said."I 'll be doing at to the lowest degree two of them on my own, too."

Kaden shrugged."Still seems deserving it."

John grinned."Most definitely Worth it."

Albus and Matt gave each other looks that clearly meant they disagreed. No, 200 points from Gryffindor, seven detentions with Filch, and no Quidditch practice for a week was not worth it.
***


In true Hogwarts manner by the future morning at Breakfast the entire school knew that it had been three Gryffindor quartern age and one Gryffindor third year that had managed to pussyfoot into the Slytherin common elbow room and sedimentation two chicken and a cock, as well as cover version the entire place in bird cum. Hufflepuff was especially excited about this because Gryffindor 's loss of 200 points put them in the lead for the House Cup. Gryffindor was now deadened lastly and the other Gryffindors were torn between their awe of Albus and his ally and their horror that the put-on had cost them so many points.

Rose and Amanda had burst out laughing when the son told them their fate the previous dark. They were raging about the loss of point in time, though. rosebush was especially disgusted by John and Kaden 's lack of remorse.

All the ministry officials were at the staff mesa, whereas the house tables were not nearly as full as the previous day. It seemed that some students had not heeded Kendrick 's suggestion about going to bed early.

There was a whoosh of wings and Albus looked up to see that the post owls had arrived. His core started beating faster and he swallowed hard upon seeing his mother 's owl holding a red envelope in its mouth.

"Oh no,"Albus whispered as the owl grew nearer. His supporter glanced up and saw the scream just as the owl was preparing for landing. It landed in front of Albus 's plate of ball and he took the sidesplitter in his hand before quickly running out of the Great Hall for the nearest bathroom.

The envelope was already hot when he arrived in the thankfully empty loo. He reluctantly opened it and the room was soon full with Ginny 's high pitched shouting.

"ALBUS SEVERUS POTTER, WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU ? I AM ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED TO HEAR THAT YOU WERE IN THE SLYTHERIN COMMON ROOM AND putting crybaby IN THERE NO LESS. I DO NOT fear THAT YOU WERE ONLY THE LOOK OUT. YOU MAY AS wellspring wealthy person BEEN IN THERE YOURSELF. YOU WERE BLATANTLY BREAKING MULTIPLE school RULES INCLUDING BEING OUT OF BED AFTER hour.

I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. THIS IS THE variety OF thing I EXPECT FROM JAMES, BUT EVEN JAMES KNOWS WHEN NOT TO CROSS THE LINE. AND YOU DID N'T JUST CROSS THE LINE. YOU JUMPED WAY OVER IT. AND TO rich person PERCY FIND OUT ABOUT THIS WHILE HE IS AT HOGWARTS FOR A DEBATE ? ! YOU KNOW WE HAVE TO dungeon UP APPEARANCES IN edict FOR HIM TO HAVE A CHANCE AT THIS ELECTION AND THIS DOES NOT HELP.

I HIGHLY APPROVE OF THE DETENTIONS AND LOSS OF POINTS. I CAN NOT SAY I WOULD BE DISAPPOINTED IF YOUR ENTIRE home WERE ANGRY WITH YOU OVER THIS. I EXPECT YOU WILL NOT DO THIS AGAIN. IF YOU DO YOU WILL sustain Sir Thomas More THAN JUST PUNISHMENT AT SCHOOL."

The letter exploded with a brief puff of smoke. Albus stood there staring at it for a few seconds. His mother had not even mentioned how his confession had saved Cedric. There was no mention of how she was majestic about his honesty, like his dad had been.

Albus heard a short laughter from behind him. He turned around and saw none former than Scorpius Malfoy leaning on one of the sinks, smirking.

"I knew it was one of you Gryffindors,"Malfoy said."Just did n't expect it to be you lot. Did n't think you 'd be smart enough to figure out our password."

"Just shut up, Malfoy,"Albus muttered as he pushed his way past the Slytherin on his way out of the loo.

"Loved the howler, by the way."Malfoy gave another laugh.

Albus groaned inwardly. He hoped Malfoy had n't heard much of it, but highly doubted it. Albus took a abstruse breathing place and walked back to the Great Hall. Perhaps with the debate coming in an hr, the ease of the educatee would forget about the joke and the loss of points and get hold something new to discuss.


A/N : Big thanks to my Skype writing grouping. You guys are all awesome ! Thanks for all the astonishing reviews ! The new banner was done by violet ephemeral at TDA. There 's a little under a hebdomad left to nominate stories for the Dobby Awards, so if you like this story, head over to the assembly and nominate it ! Just think back to record the rules first.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was a long queue of scholar waiting to get into the Great mansion after everyone left once breakfast was over. The Great G. Stanley Hall had been completely emptied in orderliness for the prof to develop it for the debate. Albus craned his question in attempt to see it. As far as he could tell it looked the like except the foresighted sign of the zodiac tables had been replaced by dustup of seating area. He, along with matt and Rose, were only a few students away from the front of the queue.

Once they made it to the forepart they gave their epithet to Professor Longbottom and then were tip inside by one of the Ravenclaw Prefects. grownup were milling about talking with each other and pupil were already seated. The first few row were cordoned off with rope and the Ravenclaw Prefect jumper cable Albus, rosebush, and lustrelessness to the third gear roped off row. He lifted the Mexican valium and told them to lodge all the way in, to the very end of the untenanted row. Albus sat in between blush wine and lustrelessness. It appeared that the roped off rows were reserved for Ministry official and their menage. Albus noticed that his mum was sitting in the movement row along with the rest of his aunts and uncles. Peach State was also in the front man row and was handing out coloring books and wax crayon to Samantha and Lindy.

Saint James, Ben, Lily, and Victor-Marie Hugo filed in following to resurrect a few minutes later. Albus saw that Cedric and Bradley, who had walked in with his siblings, were being lead to the social movement row. Fred, Angie, Heather, and Deutsche Mark finished out their row five minutes later. Albus gazed around the elbow room and spotted Victoire and Teddy sitting across the gangway. Stanley walked in with Gabriella and took seat next to Victoire and slip. Albus had to admit he was surprise to see them there. terminal he heard she was in France and he was in Romania.

The room soon became packed with the bookman who had won backside as well as other witches and wizards who had chosen to total. Albus recognized a few who worked in shop class in Hogsmeade including Madam Rosmerta. He turned to the front of the way and noticed that the faculty mesa had also disappeared and had been replaced with two podiums and a low mesa, just like the set up in the courtroom at the Ministry.

At exactly eleven o'clock the doors to the Great mansion were shut and people began to sit down. professor Kendrick entered the elbow room from one of its antechambers, followed by the rector, Albus 's dad, Matt 's dad, and the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Reena Barnes. The other Ministry officials were seated in the front row.

Kendrick lead them to the belittled board near the soapbox. All five, with the exception of Kendrick, sat. Kendrick walked to the strawman of the podiums and the consultation quieted.

"Welcome to the third debate. I welcome all of you to Hogwarts School of witchery and genius. Today 's argument will be on education. I 'd care to introduce today 's moderator, the forefront of the Department for the command and Regulation of Magical animal, Walter Eckerton."

The audience clapped and Albus whispered to matte, asking him if he knew his dad was moderating. Matt shook his head no and the two looked back to the front.

Kendrick had taken his nates and mat 's dad had rose."Now I 'd care to welcome our two nominee. Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."

There was more hand clapping as Percy and Laurentis walked out of the antechamber and took their situation behind the podiums. Once the hand clapping subsided, mat 's dad began to speak.

"Today 's debate will run similarly to past debates, with five arcminute responses and two minute rebuttals. All dubiousness and prompts will be about breeding. The debate will run for an hour and a half. After it is over, the room will be cleared and then tiffin will be served. After dejeuner there will be a short circuit break and then the student motion and answer session will take plaza in this Lapplander way. Without promote au revoir, the first question. Mr. Weasley, you will answer first.

"How do you feel about the Hogwarts forcible environment ? Do you sense it is adequate and contributing to learning or do you feel variety should be made ?"

Sir Henry Percy took a whole tone forward and smiled at the interview."I believe that the Hogwarts rook is very conducive to learning. Being in a secluded expanse provides little in the way of distraction to the students. Yet the proximity of the castle to Hogsmeade village gives scholarly person in third twelvemonth and above a much needed break. The exclusively change I think need to be made are to update what needs to be updated and doctor what needs to be repaired."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"lustrelessness 's dad said. He turned to Laurentis."Ms. Laurentis."

"I agree with Mr. Weasley. The Hogwarts castling is very conducive to learning and I see zero wrong with it the way it is. All of Mr. Weasley 's period are very valid."

Albus turned to mat and shrugged. That was odd. They actually agreed on something. matte 's dad seemed a little shocked by this as well, because he did not say anything for a few seconds after Laurentis quieted.

"All right. Since you two agree, I see no need for rebutter. Moving on to the succeeding motion. Ms. Laurentis, this clock time you will go first. How do you palpate about the electric current Hogwarts curriculum ? Do you finger the classes adequately prepare today 's Loretta Young multitude for livelihood in British people wizarding company ? What changes, if any, do you feel need to be made ?"

"The Hogwarts curriculum has not been updated in decades. In fact, the entirely new social class that has been introduced is this year 's division on political relation. Curricula is something that needs to shift with the times and be re-evaluated at least every other year. The world is a constantly changing place and what students learn motive to change with it. New grade should be offered and outdated classes should be removed. programme for socio-economic class that are kept demand to change in order to keep up with today 's research. Potions, for example, should not be taught the same way now as it was forty years ago, but unfortunately, that seems to be the case."

"Thank you. Mr. Weasley."

"The core curriculum of Hogwarts is alike to that of magical schools all over the world. The classes taught here offer basic and advanced education in topics that wizards need in order to function in bon ton. We can not stand here and advocate getting rid of Charms or Transfiguration in favor of some new subject that may or may not teach our students anything. Yes, the world is constantly changing, but the basic spells remain the Saame. Students forty old age ago used 'Alohomora'to open doorway and the spell remains the same today,"Percy argued.

"Your rebuttal, Ms. Laurentis."

"I am in no way insinuating that we should get rid of Charms or Transfiguration."She looked offended at Percy 's accusal."All I am saying is that we need to appear at the electives that are offered. The staple core course of instruction should obviously be kept, although they should be updated. Today 's professors are using the like school text they used 30 years ago, which is ridiculous considering how very much has changed in their fields-"

"Your time is up. Mr. Weasley."

Harry Hotspur seemed to puff up out his chest a bit."Those textbooks still teach the fundamentals ! How is a textbook written last year going to be any full at teaching a scholarly person how to conjure a cauldron ? Additionally, older textbooks have Thomas More used copies available making it more affordable for scholar from lower income home to purchase their books."

It seemed to Albus that they had gotten slightly off topic from the proposed doubt, but neither prospect seemed to notice or care.

"Next dubiousness. How do you feel about the way that instructor selection and valuation is handled at Hogwarts ? Do you sense any changes are needed ?"Mr. Eckerton asked."You may go first, Mr. Weasley."

"Traditionally, the Ministry has taken a very hands-off glide slope to teacher survival of the fittest and I believe this has worked well. Ministry functionary do not have the expertise to choose teachers and leaving this up to the Hogwarts stave has resulted in a very educated and well-rounded staff at Hogwarts. Following the reign of Voldemort, a diminished education section was founded in the Ministry to oversee things and while it is still very hands-off, I believe the small amount of regularization has served Hogwarts well,"Percy explained.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Laurentis smirked and then began."teacher selection, along with curriculum changes, is the the scene of Hogwarts that needs the most stem change, in my belief. While Professor Kendrick is a o.k. headmaster, I think more counsel is needed when it comes to choosing professor. For the past four old age, Hogwarts has been unable to secure a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for more than two yr. One only lasted a year. Other prof have been here for decades and yet others have remained even beyond their own death. There is aught untimely, of path, with aged teachers, but Hogwarts appears to have no way of evaluating these staff fellow member. They remain here, teaching, year after year, whether or not they are actually successful in providing students with an education."

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

Percy 's face had gained some colouring material that was not always there."I hardly think it is appropriate to blame Professor Kendrick for the luck of previous Defense prof. Upon interviewing them he had no way of knowing what would bechance in the end. As for the other prof, if you would look at the statistic of the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. results of the past few years you 'll see that the majority of scholar are passing. Might I add that those are regulated by the Ministry."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"I would agree that the Headmaster should not be held responsible for for one or two prof who should not have been hired in the first of all place, but Hogwarts has seen more than its fair contribution of unequal professor in the past few geezerhood. Clearly something is wrong. to a greater extent people need to be involved with programme and teacher selection."

"Next question,"Mr. Eckerton said."Do you experience that the security at Hogwarts is enough ? If not, what should be changed ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

If Albus was not mistaken, he could throw sworn he saw Laurentis sigh and give a slight eye pealing before beginning."Let 's just call it what it is, why do n't we ? Lack of security at Hogwarts ! The security here, if you can call off it that, is sorely lacking. Might I bring up the fact that for the past three class there had been a knockout break in security here ? Three years ago, a group of first years dueled the charm professor, a seventh year, and that one-seventh year 's father on the earth for a significant point of sentence before the prof stepped in. The following class, another for the first time twelvemonth was kidnapped by that Same seventh year, who had then graduated. Last twelvemonth, those same scholarly person were kidnapped and taken to Australia of all seat ! I think we could forgive one incident, but three-"

"Your fourth dimension is up,"Matt 's dad said."Mr. Weasley."

Percy was looking more and more disgruntled. His face now resembled his hair."Might I remind my opponent that following the incident three class ago, Aurors were stationed at Hogwarts and none of the watch over incidents resulted in any hold out terms to any of the students. Last year, the Aurors were slightly preoccupied by the disastrous rivalry that took place here. Hogwarts is protected by many enchantments and all the professor are up to of protecting the pupil. Last year 's incident was an extremely inauspicious accident-"

"One that nearly resulted in pupil deaths !"Laurentis shouted.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Albus felt like the entire room was staring at himself and Matt. Glancing around, he saw that this was true.

Laurentis ignored Mr. Eckerton."I remind the wizarding community of interests that the Aurors have yet to charm the genius of that incident. Which by the way was not the only incident last yr. Last year 's vindication Against the Dark Arts professor kept a highly dangerous animate being in the castle for months before anything was done. And by the time it was discovered, it took Walter Eckerton stepping in to accept it removed ! Then, the professor was allowed to bide, despite the fact that later on it was discovered that he had been terrorizing and humiliating students in his stratum all year, not to mention the fact that his curricula were not set aside. Following that atrocious breech in security, regarding the animate being, the same professor proceeded to divulge entropy that could compromise the life of another student-"

"That is enough, Ms. Laurentis !"Mr. Eckerton shouted."You are speaking out of turn."

Albus was unsure whether Matt 's dad was cutting her off because her time was up or because she was getting dangerously close to talking about Matt. Come to think of it, how did she even know about that ? She could n't possibly jazz about Matt 's condition, could she ? Albus glanced at lusterlessness, who was looking extremely pale.

"I believe we are out of sentence,"Mr. Eckerton continued. He looked quite flustered."Please going the room while tiffin is set up. You may return in a half hour."

Albus stood and waited for his twist to allow for the room. The entire gang was whispering amongst themselves and pointing at Albus and flatness every so often. He was tempted to hop lunch all together, except he was extremely hungry.
***


Albus managed to avoid speaking to any reporters before and during dejeuner, which proved difficult because they seemed to let multiplied during the debate. All seemed keen on interviewing him, mat, whoremonger, and Kaden in particular due to their having been kidnapped the previous June. Albus was quite relieved when the food in front of them vanished and the majority of the multitude in the room left in order for the question and answer session to occupy piazza.

Both prospect seemed to have regained their composure during the meal because Percy 's brass was no farseeing beet red and Laurentis had fixed her whisker and was wearing a smile. The newsman had been banned from the way for the duration of the session, much to their alarm. Matt 's dad also looked better and was standing in the straw man of the room in front of the podiums, waiting for everyone to sit down.

The room was often empty-bellied now, considering that only the students chosen to listen to the debate and the professor were allowed in the room. Albus and Matt managed to get a few fundament in the front row. King James I and Lily joined them.

Once the doorway had been shut and everyone had sat down, Mr. Eckerton stepped forward."Welcome to the motion and answer session. It will run for an minute and the candidates will reply as many questions as they can during that time. Please raise your hand if you have a question."Nothing about the outbursts during the debate was mentioned.

Albus could not think of anything to ask. He had absolutely no desire to speak to Laurentis and anything that he would want to ask Percy he could just ask at Christmastide or post him an owl. Not that he really had any questions for his uncle, either.

A tall Ravenclaw boy raised his hired man and Mr. Eckerton pointed to him."This question is for Ms. Laurentis,"the boy began."How exactly do you propose to make Hogwarts more secure ? I 'm nearly positive that the most gain ground charm are already used."

"That is very true,"Laurentis answered."I believe that we need to look outside the humanity of trance and break professors basic grooming in defense against interloper. I think a broadcast, similar to very basic Auror training, would benefit all staff greatly."

A Hufflepuff in pigtails had a question for both candidates next."Would either of you change the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams if you were elected ?"

"Only to fit better with any potential curriculum variety,"Laurentis replied."The changes would come later. Not for at to the lowest degree two years."

"nearly probable, no,"Percy said."The statistics prove that they work well as they are."

The question and result session continued in the same way, proving itself very unlike from the argument. It was quite the opposite, actually. Albus found himself very bored towards the end, his mind drifting towards what both nominee had said during the debate. He was very curious about what the Prophet would say about it the future day.

"We have time for one more question,"Mr. Eckerton finally said.

Albus let out a sigh of succour. A coup d'oeil at matte told him that his best booster was feeling the same way, since he was leaning back in his chair, his eye nearly closed.

Mr. Eckerton pointed to a lady friend sitting in the far back. Albus did n't spot her, but she had Ravenclaw robes on.

"This is for both of you, if either of you know anything about it. Ms. Laurentis, you were talking about Professor Balladanis in the debate and you mentioned something about him giving student information that they could use to threaten another student. Is that really true ? And what exactly happened ?"

Albus prodded flatness in the side and whispered to him what the enquiry had been. precondition Matt 's reaction, which was a aspect of utter affright, he almost wished he had n't bothered to awaken him up.

Mr. Eckerton stared at the student before turning to the candidates."You may reply the first part of the inquiry and that part only."

"It is rightful,"Laurentis said just as Percy had been opening his mouth to respond."professor Balladanis was not cut out for teaching and did not understand the fact that there is a line of descent between teaching to spread cognition and teaching to imperil others."

"Does it bear to do with the Anamatek ?"a Slytherin boy asked.

"Yes,"Hotspur said."The position were related."

"This is why I believe teacher need to be evaluated so we can deflect this eccentric of situation,"Laurentis explained.

"But what kind of information could endanger someone ? Was it in the curriculum ?"the Ravenclaw who had originally asked the interrogative said."Knowledge is power."

"It was not,"Laurentis answered."Which is exactly why it will be in effect for professor to get program that they stick to."

"I just do n't translate,"the Ravenclaw went on."If the great unwashed are kept in the dark they just blindly follow authority. I 've always believed that people should be taught everything possible."

Matt and his dad were both wearing similar expressions. Both looked extremely uncomfortable and his dad was fiddling with a clasp on his robes. Matt looked like he wanted his chair to accept him up.

"We 're all out of time,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thank you all for coming. The professor have requested that you all return to your green rooms and that you are free to go down comment to the newsperson that are waiting outside."

There was a shamble of electric chair as people got up and exited the room. lusterlessness grabbed Albus 's arm without saying anything, leading him directly to his Father-God, who was speaking to both the candidates.

"Dad,"Matt said quietly, not waiting for him to stop his conversation with Laurentis and Percy.

Mr. Eckerton turned around and his facial expression became sympathetic. He turned back to Laurentis and Percy."Excuse me. My son. I believe you can head up to Kendrick 's field of study and I will be there shortly."

Albus, lustrelessness, and Mr. Eckerton left Laurentis and Percy, who had now begun to argue about something, in the Great Hall and entered one of its antechamber. The way was furnished with a few couches and chairs. Albus chose an armchair while flatness and his dad sat down on a couch.

"I 'm really sad, Matt,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."I did not ask survive year to be brought up during this debate."

"It 's not your fault,"Matt replied as he picked at a escaped thread on the couch."It 's just the way she, Laurentis, was talking, I thought that maybe she .... Does she sleep together, Dad ? She seemed to know an awful lot about what Balladanis did."

"She does n't know,"Mr. Eckerton said immediately."The but people at the Ministry who know are in my department. However, she and the rest of the Ministry did have to know why I was filing a report on Balladanis last yr. I had to give reasons as to why I wanted him investigated on that report."

"Did you list exactly what he did, with the Anamatek and his werewolf deterrent example ?"Matt asked.

"No."Mr. Eckerton shook his head word."There are constabulary protecting nestling in this form of state of affairs and I was not legally required to bring up your name. All I had to say was that an anonymous student had felt threatened by a certain lesson that Balladanis taught. That was all that was needed to launch the probe. That alone would not experience gotten him sacked, but sufficiency grounds was found through interviewing student about his teaching methods that null else was needed. It was n't even mentioned that it was a tertiary year form in my original report."

"But she seemed to know so lots,"matt said.

"She does n't. Politicians embellish what they know in parliamentary law to get elected. You do n't have to vex. I suppose if she really wanted to she could calculate at the curriculum for Defense for that sentence of year and research and name it out, but it would pack a lot of study. And trust me, she does not have the time for that. Nor does she really have any grounds to give care what lesson it was or why a educatee was threatened or who that student was."

"But she said my liveliness had been at risk,"mat said.

"Again, that 's her embellishment."Mr. Eckerton half-smiled."The but ace who are really curious are your fellow scholar and this will blow over. They have no way of finding out."

"Good,"flatness replied, finally smiling a bit.

"I 'd meliorate get to the headmaster 's study,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up.

Albus waited while Matt said goodby to his dad and then the two boys headed back to Gryffindor column. The reporters had either scattered or had found students willing to be interviewed, for the boys came across no one but Prefects and a few showtime old age setting off dungbombs on their way back to the vulgar room. Albus was very beaming to hear that Laurentis did not acknowledge the specifics about what had happened with Balladanis the late twelvemonth, but he wished neither her or Sir Henry Percy would ever contribute it up again in a debate. Somehow, though, Albus doubted that it would n't be.


Sorry for the late update ! clock time has gotten away from me. Thanks to all who have read and reviewed. Big thanks to my Skype writing group ; you guys are amazing !

I have a new meet the Author thread on the assembly. There 's a link to it on my author pageboy. Please check into it out and ask me interrogative sentence !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The article in the Prophet on William Ashley Sunday proved to be just as unconscionable as the actual disputation had been. It took up the entire front Sir Frederick Handley Page and was ripe with quotation from both candidates and a few students, although none of Albus 's cousins had been quoted. The Ravenclaw who had asked the question about Balladanis at the question and answer session had not only been interviewed, but she had received her own clause located on the secondment varlet. Albus groaned when he opened the page and saw it, complete with a picture of the Ravenclaw in doubt. His booster quickly crowded around the newspaper to read it over his shoulder.

CENSORSHIP AT HOGWARTS ?

Yesterday 's newsworthy public debate at Hogwarts
schooling of witchcraft and Wizardry proved
not only to be a meter to watch about the
candidates'true opinions on magical
didactics, but possibly uncovered an emergence
of censoring that had been looked over
survive year.

Following the debate a question and answer
session was held for those lucky few
Hogwarts educatee who had gotten to sit
in the Great Hall during the argumentation. The
last question was asked by one-sixth year
Ravenclaw Elizabeth I House of York. During the argument
Patricia Laurentis brought up the topic
of the investigation of Professor Tethys
Balladanis, premature Defense Against
the darkness Arts prof ( see article on
forepart page ). York then questioned what
selective information had taught that according to
Laurentis"endangered a student 's life."

'I just wonder what entropy was being
taught because I 'm a firm truster that
students should never be denied
selective information. If it was bad enough
to endanger someone 's life-time, then trusted,
it should not be taught, but no one is
saying what the info was .'York
said in an interview following the
session.

After the question was asked, debate
moderator and Head of the Department for
the regulating and dominance of Magical
Creatures Walter Eckerton told the
candidates that they could not say
what the entropy was, just confirm
that the incident had happened. Eckerton
quickly wrapped up the academic session, stating
that they were out of time.

It is interesting to mention that Eckerton
is the necromancer who filed the complaint
thus launching the investigation of
Balladanis. When asked for a comment,
Eckerton said'I 'm the headway of the
Department for the regulation and mastery
of Magical tool. He had an Anamatek.
I was informed of the situation and had
to take action mechanism .'

The situation provided more than question
than result and it will be interesting
to find out whether this incident plays
a further role in April 's election.

Albus set down the report and pushed away his half-eaten breakfast. Why did the Prophet have to impress that ? It did n't seem relevant to the election. Balladanis had been sacked and was long gone. It was in the past.

"Your dad 's right,"Amanda said to Matt later on when they were in the Marauder 's Den."She 's just trying to make affair into a bigger slew so she can win more votes. Politicians turn the simplest affair into huge deals."

"I know, but still,"Matt said as he picked through a mint of Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor Beans."It 's like none of them realize that it 's my life history they 're making a big flock of."

"Honestly, I do n't think it 's actually the information that people want,"pink wine said, looking up from her Potions textbook."Think about it. If someone were to leak out the info, and say that Balladanis was teaching so a great deal about identifying werewolves that people could fancy out you were one, they 'd have zip else to talk about-"

"Yeah, because they 'd be talking about how there 's a lycanthrope at Hogwarts,"matte said.

"No, that 's not what I meant,"Rose replied."They 're interested in the bigger issue. The fact that there might be censorship at Hogwarts. They do n't deal what the information is that 's been censored. They just care that something 's been censored. And I think that if they really knew what it was, they 'd all agree that Balladanis had gone over the top."

"I guess,"lustrelessness said."But that 's the thing, no one 's going to really know what it is."

"It 'll all blow over soon enough,"Albus said."Next debate 's on law enforcement. Aurors, Azkaban, that sort of affair, and Laurentis runs Azkaban."

Albus spent much of Sunday good afternoon on the Quidditch pitch, which was a welcomed relief from discussing the debate and the election and Percy and Laurentis. He loved his admirer, but they all seemed to be able-bodied to discuss the election for ages and he could n't. Fred would make had them on the pitch shot thirster, but Hufflepuff had reserved it for the even.

The discussion of the censoring article seemed to quieten down the next day, if only because a good majority of the professor had all scheduled exams that day and everyone was meddling with last minute studying. Albus had exams in both Herbology and defensive measure Against the night Arts, although the latter was really no different from the usual worksheets. Luckily there was no exam in Care of Magical wight and then Albus had a loose period.

matt slept the entire relinquish time period and up until dinner in Leslie Townes Hope that he would be capable to take care that Night 's custody. He had no desire to do detention on his own, so he was hoping that he 'd be able-bodied to get away with just missing the side by side nighttime 's. He still looked absolutely exhausted even after the nap.

"If we 're doing anything outside I 'll have to leave,"flatness said as the four boys made their way to Filch 's study."Merlin I hope it 's not outside."

"Me, too,"John said."earth 's horribly muddy after last Nox 's storm."

"Bet the team will love that."Albus said They had pattern that night and Albus was missing it.

The son continued their way through the castle until they made it to Filch 's study. Albus knocked three times and then stood back, waiting for the ancient caretaker to open the door.

Filch was holding his cat, Josie, in his implements of war when he appeared in the threshold. He was scowling, the crease on his look showing to a greater extent than ever, and looked thoroughly disgusted at having to supervise the boys'detention. He let the cat down on the ground and she took a swat at Kaden 's robes before darting behind a nearby case of armor.

"You lot again,"Filch muttered as he shut the door behind him, despite the fact that the four son had n't had a join detention with Filch since 2d year."You 're scrubbing the 2nd floor lady friend 's bathroom. With toothbrushes, of course."Filch reached into his pocket and pulled out four grubby toothbrushes.

"That 's Moaning myrtle 's bathroom,"Albus whispered to his friends as they distributed their cleanup implements and followed Filch down the corridor.

Filch shooed them into the bathroom and leaned against the door, his arms across his chest, and scowled at them as they began. Albus squatted down and began to scrub the floor, John and Kaden doing the Same. The three had agreed to get the detention as easy as possible for Matt and thus left him the sinks.

Albus had n't been scrubbing for more than two minutes when he heard a splash behind him and a girlish giggle. He turned around and saw Vinca minor, smiling and winking at him. She floated over until she was hovering over the subdivision of trading floor that Albus was scrubbing.

"Albus Potter."She giggled again."You 're back to my gutter. Oh, but this time you 've been in trouble, have n't you ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus muttered.

"This is n't for what you did to the Slytherin common room, is it ?"Myrtle asked."Your blood brother asked me about that. I told him that you 'd been in here that night, hiding under your invisibility Cloak."

Albus flinched when she said the words"invisibility cloak"and hoped that Filch had had some hearing loss in his old age. The last thing Albus needed was for the caretaker to fuck he had an Invisibility Cloak.

"I did n't get it on you were pranking the Slytherins, though,"myrtle continued."I like boys who pull pranks, you know."Myrtle giggled again and floated closer to Albus, so airless that his hired hand was now inside her arm. He moved it away.

"You know, some twelvemonth I hardly get any boys coming in here,"Myrtle said as she floated towards lav."And this year there 's so many. I think you should make out visit me more often. It gets lonely in here, you know."

"Yeah, I imagine it 's quite lonely, being beat,"Kaden said.

Vinca minor let out an ear-piercing shriek and started wailing. She sped past Albus and into one of the stand, where she plunged herself into the toilet.

"medium type, is n't she ?"Kaden said.

There was another loud spatter and Myrtle was suddenly right in strawman of Kaden."You would be too if you were abruptly !"she shouted.

"But could n't you leave the loo ?"John Lackland asked."The other spook float about the castle all the time."

"farewell the loo ?"Myrtle repeated."Leave the loo ?"She said a bit louder."But this is where I died ! I find it 's best to guess about my death right here. right where it happened."

"Would n't it be less lonely with the other touch ?"John asked as he began to scrub one of the stalling doors.

"The other ghosts do n't understand,"Vinca minor lamented."They 're all satisfied being dead. Even the Grey gentlewoman and she 's always seemed slightly miserable. But no, none of them are as poor as me."Vinca minor seemed proud about that.

"Weird,"whoremonger muttered under his breath.

"Quiet !"Filch shouted."You 're in detention. No talking."

Myrtle resumed floating above the boys, letting out a flash wail every so often. Kaden and matte continued to scratch the floor while whoremonger scrubbed the stalls. Matt was still scrubbing the sink, but was going very slowly and winced every so often.

"You look miserable !"Myrtle exclaimed as matt 's manus slipped and he dropped his toothbrush. He bent down to pluck it up and leaned on the swallow hole, squeezing his eyes shut. Myrtle floated down to hover just above the sump next to him and smiled.

flatness said nothing and turned from myrtle, to get started on the sink on the former side of meat. Myrtle followed."You know, I 'm miserable here all the metre. I just sit here and contemplate my demise ..."myrtle continued.

myrtle continued to accompany matte around the bathroom while he was clearly trying to brush aside her and put as much aloofness between them as potential. He had no fortune with this since he was exhausted and myrtle was a ghost. Albus caught whoremonger 's eye as myrtle giggled for the twentieth time and the two shared a silent laugh.

After they 'd been scrubbing for nearly two hours Filch finally told them they could stop. Albus 's genu and hands were raw and he had a feeling he smelled strongly of cleaner. John and Kaden looked equally pathetic and Matt looked as bad as he did the morning after a full moonlight, only without the undercut and bites. Myrtle looked delighted at their misery.

"Visit me again soon !"she shouted after them as they left."Especially you,"she added to Matt with another giggle.

"Someone has a crunch on you,"lavatory said to Matt as soon as they were out of earshot of Filch.

"Shut up,"matte muttered.

"flatness and Vinca minor, what an endearing couple you 'd make,"whoremaster continued."You should go visit her. She seemed to be happier knowing that you were miserable."

"I said shut up about it !"lusterlessness shouted.

"Fine, was only making a prank,"John replied.

The boys walked in silence the rest of the way to Gryffindor Tower. They did not come across anyone else, which Albus was grateful for since he was uncertain as to whether it was past curfew or not. Once back in Gryffindor, Matt immediately went to the hall without saying another word to Albus, John, or Kaden.

"Leslie Townes Hope it 's not cleaning tomorrow,"John muttered as he sat down on the cheeseparing chair and pulled up his puff leg."Look at that. My knee 's all red."

"Matches my fingers,"Kaden added.

Albus would gladly brook through another day of Muggle cleaning if it meant the rest of the custody would be called off. He was missing two Quidditch practices and the last dueling practice before the first affaire d'honneur. Some captain he was, missing the last practice before their inaugural tournament. Their final practice was Thursday eventide and Albus would be off in detention, doing who knows what. He was planning on having Amanda run the practice, although he had n't talked to her about it yet.

The door to the common room opened and the Gryffindor Quidditch squad, minus Albus of form, trouped in. They all looked muddy, exhausted, and sweaty and Albus felt a pang of guilt as he watched them head up up to the dormitories to shower.

"Missed you, Al,"Fred said as he passed."You 're missing on Midweek, too, are n't you ?"

"Yeah,"Albus muttered."Sorry."

Fred nodded."Just do n't do it right before a match."

That was at least fortunate, Albus thought. They would n't be playing in another Quidditch lucifer until after the holidays, seeing as the following match was Hufflepuff versus Ravenclaw. However, he couldn't help but finger that missing dueling practice right before a tournament was worse than missing Quidditch practice right before a match.
***


Albus 's week did not improve the follow day, when he began it with two-bagger potions. Matt, feeling too ill to brew potions all morning, stayed in the dormitory to sleep, leaving Scorpius Malfoy without a partner to brew that day 's wart removal Potion. Even worse, Albus 's partner was also not in social class. Slughorn saw this as the pure opportunity to twin Albus with Malfoy.

Albus set up his cauldron while Malfoy stalked off to the potions cupboard to get the ingredients. He returned a short while later and began to chop a shrivelfig into perfectly sized pieces. Albus took the rat lien, dumped it into the cauldron, and began to budge it.

"Word is you and your friends got a week 's detention for that prank,"Malfoy said, not looking up from his shrivelfig.

"Yes. Not that it 's any of your job,"Albus responded.

"Oh, but it is."Malfoy smirked, finally looking up."You did n't by hazard get Thursday off from detention, did you ?"

"No,"Albus muttered. He took a few recondite breaths, trying to becalm himself down. He was stirring the cauldron far too quickly.

"That 's dueling drill,"Malfoy said, as if it had slipped Albus 's mind."Our own captain, missing exercise because of detention. I do n't suppose you 've found someone else to run practice, have you ?"

"If you 're angling for the job you 're out of circumstances,"Albus said as he threw another rat spleen into the cauldron with more force than was necessary."Amanda already said she 'd do it."That was n't necessarily true, as Albus had slept too late that forenoon to see Amanda at breakfast before they 'd had to go down to the dungeons.

"Tagger ?"Malfoy scoffed."I think the captain ought to induce at to the lowest degree some skill at dueling."

"Why does it weigh so much ?"Albus asked."It 's one practice ! It 's not like one practice would stimulate you captain."

"When the professors see what a better job of it I do-"

"One reasonableness, Malfoy,"Albus interrupted."Give me one intellect why you should do it over Amanda."

Malfoy 's look broke out in a malicious grin."One reason ? The moon 's going to be in an interesting form tonight."

Albus lowered his voice."You would n't. You ca n't. Kendrick would expel you."

"Only if he knew it was me who spilled the bean plant,"Malfoy pointed out.

Albus felt the blood drainage from his face. Why had he never thought of that ? Of trend there were ways Malfoy could let it slew without anyone knowing it was him."Fine,"Albus muttered."fine. You captain the squad on Thursday. But just that day. I do n't give detention on Sat afternoon."

"Fair enough,"Malfoy said, clearly satisfied at how things had turned out.

Albus took a parsnip and began to chop it with as much force as he could muster, imagining Malfoy 's smirking font upon the vegetable 's control surface. Luckily, Malfoy did not say another word to Albus throughout the entire grade, which gave Albus the constraint not to hex him into following century after they left Slughorn 's room.

The day continued in a downwards helix when Patil had them work on transfiguring rats into teacups and Albus 's teacup ran across his table and crashed onto the floor. Politics was no better because Professor Embry had the class discuss the past Saturday 's argument, something Albus just wanted to put behind him. He could n't serve but palpate as if the entire class was staring at him for the whole time of day since Embry brought up the theme of his kidnapping and the sacking of Professor Balladanis.

Kendrick sent Albus, lusterlessness, John, and Kaden an owl at dinner party informing them that their detention would direct place in Greenhouse Two, where professor Longbottom needed help transferring his Dragon dung fertilizer from a Brobdingnagian mess outside to various pots inside.

"Disgusting !"privy exclaimed upon reading the greenback."I get enough of that in Herbology."

"At to the lowest degree we 're with Longbottom and not Filch,"Albus pointed out."Matt will be missing this one, obviously."

John nodded."Where is he, by the way ? Have n't seen him all day."

"Probably still in the dormitory room. He was sound asleep when I went up there to catch my Transfiguration of Jesus book at lunch,"Albus said.

Kaden glanced at his vigil."We 're not even going to make time to go back there before detention. It 's six-thirty."

Albus set his fork down. He had been picking at his beef sweat, but not really eating it. He still had n't told his friends that Malfoy was going to be running his dueling practice later that week. Add that to the fact that now he would n't get to see Matt before the full moon and it was just turning out to be an horrendous evening.

Rose seemed to read Albus 's mind."We 'll go check on him after dinner,"she said. Amanda nodded.

John and Kaden polished off the rest of their meal and then the three boys set off for the nursery. The sun was just beginning to set as they walked across the ground and Albus knew that meant that Matt would be heading to the hospital Wing soon. He hoped Rose and Amanda would supervise to see him before he did.

Neville was waiting for them when they arrived, bearing four shovel and four sets of gloves.

"matte ca n't come tonight,"Albus said once they reached Neville.

Neville glanced at the sky."Oh, right. I 'd forgotten."He handed the male child the shovels and gloves."All of this,"he gestured to a large passel of manure,"needs to be moved into the pots in Greenhouse Two. You can bequeath once you 're finished."

Albus groaned inwardly as he looked at the raft. It must have been at least six pes high and as big around as the broom shed near the Quidditch pitch. It would take them at to the lowest degree an hour. He sighed as he pulled on his gloves and began to shovel the manure.

With all three son working steadily it took them an hour and a half to locomote all the manure. When they finally finished all Albus wanted to do was go up to Gryffindor tug and take the Earth 's longest shower. He felt worse than he did after a Quidditch praxis in the pouring rain.

"Two down, five to go,"john said after Neville parted direction with them on the secondly floor."I 'd never thought I 'd say this, but I 'd really like some lines."

"I just wish they 'd cancel Thursday 's,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, right, what are you doing about your dueling praxis ?"John asked.

Albus felt anger boiling up in him again just thinking about it."Malfoy 's taking over for the practice."

"Wait, seriously ?"John exclaimed."But Amanda 's on your team. She could have-"

"It 's complicated,"Albus muttered. For some cause he did n't desire to get into why Malfoy was going to be senior pilot for the night."And it 's only for a night."

King John gave Albus a strange look."I guess, but still ... Malfoy ? It 's going to go to his head."

"I know !"Albus exclaimed."I know, all right ? It 's not like I wanted to have detainment on Th and escape that practice session. I 'll prompt you that this prank was yours and Kaden 's thought. Not mine."

"I know,"toilet said."But Malfoy ..."his voice trailed off.

Albus spent a in effect half hour in the shower bath once he returned to Gryffindor and then collapsed into bed, wishing that he could wake up and happen out that the day had been an awful dream. Instead, he dreamed that Professor Kendrick decided to take away Albus 's captaincy and give it to Malfoy.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! This will be the only update this calendar month as I am currently working on NaNoWriMo.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


can got his care the following evening when the boys spent an 60 minutes doing cable with prof youth, which was slightly purposeless since Brigham Young paid absolutely no attention to them. After they were released, Albus, whoremonger, and Kaden immediately went to the Hospital backstage, as they had been ineffectual to inflict Matt earlier in the day.

Madam Pomfrey was refilling potion bottle when they arrived a short-circuit while later. The drapery were drawn around Matt 's usual bed while all the other beds remained empty.

"Hello, boys,"the nurse greeted them."I 'll let you visit for ten minutes, but curfew 's very soon."

Albus nodded and led john and Kaden to Matt 's bed, where he pulled back the curtains and entered the small area. Matt was laying in bed with a bandage around his leftover arm and another on his frontal bone.

"How are you feeling ?"Albus asked.

"Awful,"Matt replied."But I do n't want to blab about it. What 's new with you lot ?"

"Just did an hour of melodic phrase,"John said."And last Nox we had to shovel manure for Longbottom. You 're golden you missed that one. I swear I still smell like flying lizard dung."

"But now I have to do two detentions by myself. Possibly three,"lustrelessness lamented.

"Three ? You 're not going to get out of here tomorrow ?"Kaden asked. Usually Matt got out of the hospital Wing two days after the to the full moon.

"I will, but it just depends on what the hold is. If it 's product line then I can go but if it 's cleaning again then I 'll have to hop it. Madam Pomfrey wants me to rest tomorrow."

"Ca n't reckon of what else they 'd have us do,"St. John said."Guess what else ? Albus is having Malfoy run his dueling team 's practice tomorrow since he 'll be in detention."

"You 're what ? !"matte exclaimed."That 's mad, Albus."

Albus sighed."It 's one day. One drill. It 's not like I 'm giving him my team."

"Yeah, but there are other people on your squad,"matte pointed out."One of them could own captained it."

"As I told John and Kaden, it 's complicated,"Albus said."And it wo n't materialise again."

Matt shrugged, but he did n't seem convinced. The hold up thing Albus wanted to do was tell him the veridical reason why Malfoy was going to run the recitation. Matt did n't ask that on his photographic plate.

"Time 's up !"brothel keeper Pomfrey announced as she brought a tray of potions to Matt."precipitation back to Gryffindor. The endure thing the three of you need is another detention."

As it turned out, there were other affair that the prof thought of for the boys'detainment. Thursday evening they cleaned cauldrons without magic in Professor Slughorn 's classroom, something that Madam Pomfrey forbade Matt from doing, insisting that he turn in other instead. Albus spent the total detention thinking about what Malfoy was doing with his dueling team and counting down the minutes until he would be able to ask Amanda about it.

"He was really tight,"Amanda said once the boys were back in the common way after custody. Amanda had gotten out of dueling practice before they 'd finished detainment."A few of the second geezerhood were cursing him afterward. I heard them. Not that I blame them since he all out yelled at them for not being able-bodied to perform a Jelly-Legs Jinx."

"What does he expect ?"Albus replied."They 're indorsement years !"

"I tried to secernate him that, but he did n't give care,"Amanda said."He even yelled at a Slytherin."

"Seriously ?"Albus said."Wow."

"I 'm really glad Longbottom made you captain and not him,"Amanda continued."I think I 'd quit otherwise."

"I would 've lay off if he was on my team, period,"John said.

"He would n't last as police chief anyway,"Amanda pointed out."professor Cedonia was supervising and she had to order him to tone it down about five times and then once one of the secondment days was close to tears, she called an end to the practice."

Albus could n't serve but feel a bit of atonement that Malfoy made such a bad senior pilot, despite the fact that he did palpate bad for his teammates. He doubted Malfoy would terminate insisting that he should bear been made captain, but Albus doubted anything would stop that.

Sat brought with it a flash thunderstorm that rendered it nearly unsufferable to hear what anyone was saying in the Great hallway at breakfast. Albus was quite happy that Fred had not scheduled a Quidditch practice for that day, but hoped that the storm would calm down by the time the tournament began since his team would need to be capable to hear each former speak.

Malfoy was already seated at Team 7 's spot at the Hufflepuff table when Albus arrived later that afternoon. He was pleased to see that the rest of the squad was giving him a wide built in bed, including a few of the younger Slytherins.

"Albus !"one of the s year Hufflepuffs, Alice Jake, shouted when she saw him coming."So glad you 're back."

"Me, too."Albus grinned as he sat down in between her and another Hufflepuff."You lot ready ?"

There was a chorus of"yes 's"and a few nods of heads from Albus 's team. The lastly few dueller ran into the room and snagged the in conclusion few seats, which were unfortunately future to Malfoy.

Albus glanced at his picket. Five second until the tournament began. He felt like he should get to some sorting of spoken language, like all of his Quidditch senior pilot did before lucifer. But what was he supposed to say ?

"Er, well, here we are. The first-class honours degree tourney,"Albus began."You are all splendid dueler, each and every one of you. We 've all been practicing punishing and you 've all made keen betterment. We 're going to do great, but commemorate, just have fun. But if you remember what you 've learned and duel like you do in practice, I think we can definitely win this."

The rest of his squad ( sans Malfoy ) gave a hearty cheer and then turned to professor Longbottom, who had just called for aid. Albus 's team immediately quieted down.

"Welcome to the first dueling tournament !"Neville announced."It will run as it has in the past, with two duel happening simultaneously. Professor Cedonia is coming around with the tournament schedule, which will be given to each master. Please pay attention and know when you are to duel. Everyone will duel twice. prof Cedonia and I will each preside over a dueling circle and will foretell the winners. The first person to disarm their adversary will be given a point. Remember, you are only allowed to use spells you have learned in your classes. The foremost affaire d'honneur will start momentarily."

prof Cedonia handed Albus a musical composition of sheepskin and he set it down while his team crowded around him."I think it 'll be easier for me to let you make love when you 're to duel. I 'll evidence you two duel before you 're scheduled. Alice and Tucker, you 're first."

Albus glanced down the tilt and noticed that he was the ten percent duel in Neville 's ring and the seventeenth in Cedonia 's. That would give him plenty of fourth dimension to get used to organizing his squad. It was slightly overwhelming, having to constantly be paying care to the list and figuring out when everyone should be dueling. After a few duels, he managed to get the hang of it.

"Malfoy,"Albus said."You 're up in two affaire d'honneur, in Cedonia 's ring."

Malfoy nodded, but did n't say anything. He had not said a word the entire tournament, which was very uncharacteristic, and the relaxation of the team seemed to be set on ignoring him.

Albus handed the list to Amanda and headed to Neville 's dueling hoop, where he was set to duel John. Two Hufflepuffs from other teams were currently battling it out and Albus was adjacent. The shorter of the two Hufflepuffs finally managed to demilitarize his opponent.

"Point to Team Four !"Neville shouted as the two Hufflepuffs left."Albus thrower versus Gospel According to John Brickston."

Albus and John the Evangelist gave each other apologetic grin before obeisance and raising their wands, waiting for Neville 's okay.

"Ready, duel !"Neville shouted.

Albus immediately sent a leg-locker swearing at privy, who easily deflected it. John sent the same at Albus who also avoided it. Albus continued sending spells at John, who kept avoiding them, until he finally got hit with a Jelly-legs Curse and nearly lost his terms. In the clock time it took him to execute the counter-curse, Albus was able to hit him with Petrificus Totalus.

"Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted as John fell over. He caught John 's wand in his right hand and then turned to Neville, who was smiling.

"compass point to Team Seven !"

Neville performed the counter-curse on can and the two boys left the ring. Albus headed back to his table, where Malfoy was just heading to Cedonia 's dueling anchor ring.

Malfoy dueled a 2d year and won within two minutes. He was smirking as he walked back to the Hufflepuff table, but he returned to mediocre applause. It seemed that the rest of the team was still acid about Thursday 's practice.

The residue of the tourney went well. Both Albus and Malfoy won their arcsecond duels, although Malfoy had a lot more trouble since he dueled a companion fourth year.

"Attention, I 'd like to announce the succeeder !"Neville shouted a short while after the final duel. The intact way immediately quieted and looked up at Neville."Thank you. In third stead with 44 points is Team Four !"

cheerfulness erupted from the Ravenclaw table, where Team Little Joe was currently seated. Once they quieted down, Neville spoke."In indorse place with 52 period is Team VII !"

The balance of Albus 's team began to shout and cheer, but Albus was too stunned to do much of anything. He could n't believe it ! His outset ever tournament as captain and his squad had gotten second situation ! A few the great unwashed slapped him on the back and he broke out into a grin.

"And in first place, with 55 full point is squad Six !"Neville announced.

There were cheers from the other end of the Hufflepuff table, but Albus ignored them. He was still shocked that his own team had done so well.

"Great job, everyone !"he said once he regained his equanimity."I knew we could do it !"

The tabular array was filled with excitement and chatter and it continued even after they got up and began to leave the room. Albus was uneasy to get back to Gryffindor tower where he could fete his close win with his friends.

"Nice going, Potter,"Malfoy fuss as soon as they left the Great Hall."I bet if I were the captain we would 've won."

"We got minute,"Albus replied."That 's really good."

"commencement would 've been better,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm amazed we even got 2d considering how awful you are at practices."

"bettor than you,"Albus said."No one liked your practice session on Thursday. Did you notice how no one talked to you today ? They hated it."

"They 're just too used to you coddling them,"Malfoy said, taking a step closer to Albus.

"Well it does n't a lot topic because I 'm the captain and you 're not,"Albus said as he toyed with his wand, which he was still brandishing in his go forth mitt.

"For now,"Malfoy replied, eyeing Albus 's scepter."If you keep getting in trouble I bet they 'll replace you."

"C'mon, Albus."matte had appeared side by side to Albus."Let 's get back to the green room."

"Better listen to him."Malfoy gave a short laugh."You 'd think it 'd the other way around, though. Him attacking me rather than you. But I suppose that would only be in a certain clip of-"Malfoy glared knowingly at Matt.

"Shut up ! And remove that back,"Albus seethed, raising his wand.

"Seriously, Albus, let 's go !"lustrelessness grabbed the back of Albus 's robes and pulled him towards the staircase.

"Evil git,"Albus muttered, looking back at the crowd in the Entrance Hall. Malfoy was already gone."Why does he always have to add it up like that ?"

"It does n't matter,"matte said.

"Of course it matters !"Albus said indignantly."It 's insulting !"

"I 'm used to it,"lustrelessness said quietly.

"So what ?"Albus exclaimed."That does n't intend you should have to spend the rest of Hogwarts having him bring it up every day."

"And you hexing him would have solved everything ?"Matt asked."You just would 've capture another detention."

"Would 've been worth it,"Albus muttered.

"No, it would n't take,"lustrelessness argued."You 've just got to ignore him. I ignore him."

"I really hope that future year he 's not on my dueling squad,"Albus said.

"I do n't think he will. Did n't they go back to House teams for dueling for fifth through 7th eld this yr ?"matte asked.

"Did they ?"Albus asked.

"That 's what one of the sixth twelvemonth said,"matt answered.

"commodity,"Albus said."Then I just have to bear through this year."

Albus and Matt were the end of their friends to get back to Gryffindor, where it appeared that no one was doing homework. James had set a few fireworks off out the windowpane and everyone was watching them while eating platters upon record of biscuit.

"What are you lot celebrating ?"Albus asked James II as he took a biscuit.

James shrugged."Just the fact that we 've got a Saturday with nothing to do. wellspring, Cedric, Ben, Nathan, and I that is."

"Where have you two been ?"Rose asked as she walked up to Albus and mat. John and Kaden were behind her, a biscuit in each hand.

"Al nearly got into a duel with Malfoy in the incoming Marguerite Radclyffe Hall,"lusterlessness explained.

"Albus !"Amanda exclaimed."You ca n't get anymore custody !"

"I know, but he said something really vile,"Albus said and turned to John."You would 've hexed him."

"What did he say ?"rosiness asked.

"He said that he was surprised I was n't attacking him,"Matt said quietly.

"You 're rightfulness,"John growled."I would 've hexed him."

"See ?"Albus said.

"And I told you that it was n't Charles Frederick Worth detention over,"flatness repeated.

"But if it continues,"Rose said,"you 've got to tell Kendrick."

"I 'm not telling Kendrick,"lusterlessness insisted."I think he 's got enough to care about with the opening of the total school getting changed if Laurentis wins this election."
***


"Why in the name of merlin are we doing detention in the forest ?"Kaden asked at breakfast the next dayspring.

"Seriously,"John agreed."That 's not really detention, is it ? The wood is coolheaded. I 've always wanted to go in there."

"Are you two insane ?"Amanda asked."There 's all form of animate being in there."

"My babe did detention in the forest once,"Matt said."She had to glean these plants Slughorn needed and they could only be harvested the Nox of the entire moon."

"fountainhead that 's one detention you 'll never have to do."John the Evangelist laughed.

"Maybe we have to harvest some former sort of industrial plant ?"mat suggested, ignoring John 's input.

"Dunno."Albus shrugged. The alphabetic character they 'd received had not gone into specific. It just stated that they were to meet Hagrid near his hut at three that afternoon.

"At least you 're not going at night,"rosebush pointed out.

The few minute Albus and his friends had until detention went by rather quickly. They spent the hours in the green room alternating doing homework while participating in very orotund rhythm of Exploding picnic with nearly all of Albus and Rose 's cousin-german. Everyone was covered in ash by the time three o'clock rolled around and the boys had to run up to their dormitory to wash their faces before heading down to Hagrid 's hut.

Albus liked Hagrid. He had known the half-giant since he was little and was slightly confused as to how detention with Hagrid could possibly be considered detention. Perhaps Professor Kendrick was unaware that Albus and his ally visited Hagrid every so often and enjoyed spending fourth dimension with him.

Hagrid was already outside when Albus and the other three boys arrived, armed with his crossbow and Fang by his face. Albus swallowed hard upon seeing the crossbow. Did Hagrid really think they would take that ?

"'Ello, boys !"Hagrid greeted them."Fairly simple hold today. We 'll be collectin'unicorn tail hairs."

"Like getting them from unicorns ?"Kaden asked."I thought they did n't like boys."

Hagrid gave a booming laugh."No, no, Kaden. It 'd be a offense to take 'em right from the unicorn, wouldn'it. No, we 'll be gettin''em from Vannevar Bush and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. As the unicorns run past they get snagged. Let 's get goin'."

Fang let out a loud bark as they made their way to the woodland. Collecting unicorn hair. That was n't bad at all. But still, it was the timber and that was where Washburn and Willinson had spent a lot of their time the previous year. They would n't be back there, would they ? Obviously Washburn and Quinton Willinson were in Azkaban, but what about Quinton 's father ? Where was he ?

"What do we need unicorn whisker for ?"John asked as they entered the forest."No one here makes wands."

"Used for a lot More'n wands, aren'they,"Hagrid answered."Potions, mostly. Tha 's what we need 'em for. one-seventh age are brewing somethin'that needs unicorn fuzz so professor Kendrick volunteered you four to collect 'em. Slughorn 's too old to do it himself."

"That 's for sure enough,"John muttered to Albus.

It was very dismal in the timberland, despite the fact that it was day. All four boys lit their baton and Hagrid 's pink umbrella was providing to a greater extent faint than two sceptre combined. Hagrid had told them that they would n't find any hair until they were at least fifteen mo into the timber since unicorns rarely ventured near the sharpness.

The forest was very slow and it was hard for them to walk following to each early. Soon, they were forced to take the air ace file through a very small course that was riddled with Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree branches and rocks. Albus stumbled every so often and lusterlessness managed to pass over three times before anyone found any unicorn tail fuzz. Galloping hooves could be heard in the distance and Albus figured they were Centaur. His dad had told him that there was a herd of Centaurus in the forest, although Albus had never seen one before.

"Here we are,"Hagrid said after what had been at least a twenty dollar bill arcminute walk. He gestured to a nearby bush."Jus'have a facial expression around here and I 'm sure enough we 'll find plenty. This is a known surface area where unicorns live. Don'wander too far."

Hagrid had provided them all with pail in which to pull in the tomentum. Albus set off for the nearest George Walker Bush and found a few hairs snagged in the limb.

"Last detention,"John said as he worked alongside Albus."Thank Merlin."

"Speak for yourself,"Matt called out from a tree a few cadence away.

"Do you know what you have to do for your next ones ?"Albus asked.

"Lines, all three dark,"matte said."Easier, I suppose, than coming up with anything else when it 's just me."

"Better than cleaning lav again. Or digging up dragon dung,"Kaden said."Whoa, I just found a whole clump of hair."

After they 'd been working for a half hour Hagrid decided that they 'd collected enough. They set off re-tracing their footprint through the timber. Albus found it a little less scary on the pass back and he was n't sure whether it was because he had gotten used to the haphazardness or because he could see the sunlight at the sharpness. He was very relieved to notice that he did not see Jarrett Willinson anywhere in the forest, although now that the detainment was passed he realized that Willinson would n't go back there now that the Resurrection Harlan Stone was no farseeing there. No, Willinson was most likely still in Australia, where no one was looking for him. At to the lowest degree, Albus hoped he was.


Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! You guy cable are awing ! Sorry for the lack of updates lately. NaNo gave way to a excited finishing of all the newspaper I 'd neglected during November. But I won NaNo and classes are over so I 'm hoping to get a unspoiled bit of writing done within the next month.


The last few weeks of November provided the Hogwarts students and staff with a much needed period of calm. The following election debate would not take home until Dec and the the censorship at Hogwarts topic seemed to hold died out, with the Daily seer no longer publishing articles on it. Both Quidditch and dueling tournament were over for the term, leaving the bookman with a bit more fourth dimension to consecrate to their study. The adjacent Hogsmeade sojourn was scheduled for the endorse Sabbatum in December, a calendar week before term ended.

Albus enjoyed the humdrum of those few hebdomad. His days were filled with homework, Quidditch practice session, and dueling practice. Team heptad was very happy to give birth Albus back as their senior pilot and most continued to ignore Malfoy during exercise. Malfoy still reserved a exceptional glare of hatred for Albus and his ally, but he did not undertake to start anymore affaire d'honneur in the corridor, like he had after the dueling tournament.

December arrived with a snow storm that caused the Ravenclaw Quidditch squad to scrub two of their practices. This gave Fred the opportunity to book the pitch for two duplicate praxis, something that earned him a healthy dose of U-No-Poo in his daybreak pumpkin juice courtesy of James and Thomas Bradley. Albus was happy to see that the job of schooltime prankster had been rightfully returned to St. James and his admirer. The week of detentions had certainly dissuaded Albus from planning anymore pranks. The same could not be said for John and Kaden, who were plotting something, although Albus did not know what.

Albus, matt, and Amanda spent the first Saturday of Dec ignoring their prep in the marauder 's Den. The Slytherin team had the pitch for the entire day, which gave Albus a much needed break from Quidditch. John and Kaden 's positioning would probably only be found with the Marauder 's Map and Rose was tutoring in the library.

There was a tacky squawk from outside the room, which was Rose 's signal that she was outdoor and wished to be let in. Albus got up from his secret plan of Gobstones and let her in. She dropped her bag unceremoniously on the floor and flopped down on the couch.

"I 'm worried about Elsie,"rose wine said.

"Elsie ..."Albus prompted.

"Elsie Willinson !"she exclaimed."The first year I 've been tutoring all year."

"Oh yeah, the one with the moron for a brother and a cousin and uncle who want to bring back Voldemort. Yeah, I 'd be worried, too,"Albus said as he returned to his biz.

"No, I 'm not distressed about her stupid brother. I 'm worried about her."

"What, is she still failing all her subjects ?"Matt asked.

"No, she 's actually doing much respectable,"rose said."She 's just very tranquillity. She never talks about anything other than homework-"

"strait like you."Albus turned around and grinned at his cousin."Although you 're not quiet."

"I 'm serious, Albus,"Rose said flatly."Her brother walks her to the program library for our sessions and then picks her up when we 're done. I never see her with anyone other than him and occasionally Malfoy. I 've never seen her eat with anyone early than them, either."

"That is kind of strange,"Amanda said.

"See ?"rose said."Amanda thinks it 's weird."

"So she 's shy."Albus shrugged."I just do n't see what it 's got to do with you."

"It does n't really,"rosebush said quietly."But if she 's having takings. We all know about her family. If her brother 's keeping an eye on her there must be a reason."

Albus had n't thought about it that way. What if Felix Willinson was trying to observe an eye on his sister ?"If she 's doing something her family does n't care I bet she 's going against something they want."

"That 's what I thought,"pink wine agreed."Which means she 's trying to do something good. Or he 's trying to hit surely she does n't spill family secrets."

"You think they have More family arcanum than just wanting Voldemort back ?"matte asked.

"Of course they do,"Rose said."We only found out terminal class that they were related by marriage to Lubar. I mean, you never would 've guessed that in first or second year."

matte shuddered."Probably a good matter that I did n't. I probably would have refused to make out to Hogwarts."

"about pure-blooded families like them have night mystery,"Albus said as he fiddled with a Gobstone. It squirted him in the aspect and he rubbed the liquid on his robe."The ones that want the roue to remain pure and gourmandize. Like the Malfoys."

"And I 'd bet my last Galleon that Elsie Willinson found out one of those secrets and wants to tell someone,"Rose stated.

"You think it 's got to do with what they 're trying to do ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm sure it does."

"The lonesome problem for them is that Jarrett 's on his own now,"Amanda said."With the other two in jail, what 's he going to do ?"

"You 're forgetting about Lubar,"matt said darkly.

Rose got up and started walking around the room."To be dependable, I do n't bang how much he 's going to be involved, especially if this going to need topographic point in Britain. Think about it, live on twelvemonth he had the self-justification of the tourney to be here. He 's got no apology this year. He 's a Ministry official. A horrific one, but still a Ministry functionary. It 's not in his best stake to be trying to bring back Voldemort."

"That did n't even exploit,"Albus cut in."They ca n't get him back, even a ghostwriter of him, with the Resurrection Stone."

"Jarret Willinson was a Ministry official,"matt pointed out.

"He was a secretaire for the Obliviator role. That 's a minuscule different from a point position,"rosiness explained."Lubar has Sir Thomas More to lose."

"I say we try and figure out what Elsie 's keeping mystical and I bet it 'll have something to do with what Willinson is planning now. Because I guarantee he 's planning something,"Albus decided.

"How are we going to do that ?"Amanda asked."She 's always with Felix."

"Not when Rose is tutoring her."Albus turned to blush wine."You think you could try and get her to open up ?"

"fountainhead she 's not going to just come out and order me. I can try, but it 'll take a while,"Rose said.
***


Albus told Saint John the Apostle and Kaden about the conversation about Elsie later that night. John proclaimed that he knew something had been weird about that fille from the present moment they had seen her at the beginning of the class. Both male child agreed that they needed to happen out what it was she was keeping secret. Albus then asked them what prank they were planning, but John and Kaden mysteriously went smooth as soon as Albus brought the topic up.

Albus laid awake that nighttime for a long fourth dimension thinking about Elsie Willinson. He could not shake the figure of her with Felix and Malfoy in the beginning of the year from his mind. She had looked so timid and innocent, far too destitute and Pres Young to be involved with anything like what her menage was involved with. In fact, she reminded him a bit of Lily, although he was n't sure why since Lily was anything but timid.

Morning arrived shortly after Albus had fallen asleep and despite the fact that he 'd only baffle a few time of day sleep, he got up around six and decided to get a bit of reading done in the common room. He knew he would n't be able-bodied to hang back asleep.

Upon arriving in the common way, Albus thought he was still dreaming. He rubbed his optic and pinched himself to try and wake up, but it was no use. He was in fact awake. The double before his eyes was genuine, and it was awful to appear at.

The Gryffindor common elbow room was no longer red and Au. It was now decked out in commons and silver. The comfy lounge and death chair were gone and had been replaced instead with banner classroom chairwoman. Various banner were hung up in the room that depicted snakes. In fact, the Gryffindor common room now looked exactly as Albus imagined the Slytherin common room to see, except for it not being under the lake.

However, the sheer Slytherin-ness of the plebeian way was not the weird change, by a farsighted shot. The strangest new addition to the Gryffindor common room was a grey and white goat. It was standing in the middle of the room, its head down and buried in a book. The thing about caprine animal, though, was that they did not enjoy books the way people did. Goats ate account book. This goat was currently munching on The measure Good Book of patch : Grade Two. Albus 's centre drifted from the goat and around the way again, where he now noticed oddment of other books, pinion, homework, and even a cloak.

The goat looked up and stared at Albus. It let out a bleat and then went back to the leger. Albus crept a piffling closer and noticed that a signboard was affixed to the Goat. It said 'The Gryffindor Goat : Gryffindor 's new mascot. Gifted by the Slytherins. Next meter, cogitate twice about putting chickens in our common room .'

Albus stood in the middle of the room, his stare alternating from the goat to the note and back again. A goat ? That did n't even progress to any sentiency. Not only that, they were clearly trying to imitate whoremonger and Kaden 's prank. And changing the room into a Slytherin elbow room ? It was horrifying, absolutely horrifying.

Albus tore his optic away from the goat and ran back up the spiral staircase until he got to his own dorm room. He flicked on the lighting and Ethan, the unaccented sleeper of the bunch, rolled over and groaned.

"Everyone get up !"Albus shouted."Up, get up !"

"What ?"Ethan asked shortly."It 's like six in the morning !"

"I know it 's six in the morning !"Albus replied."Get up and go down to the vernacular room. Now."

Ethan slowly got out of bed and went over to Bilius 's bed to get him up. Albus woke John up and then the two of them woke flatness up while Bilius and Ethan went down to the commons way. Their vociferation of ira could be heard all the way in the dormitory.

"What is it ?"trick asked as he and Matt followed Albus back down the stairs.

"The Slytherins have had their revenge,"Albus said, handing can the note.

Albus took a detour to the third year 's dormitory to get Kaden up. Kaden 's roommates got up as well and soon there was a with child crowd in the green elbow room. By the meter Albus entered the room again, the first, indorse, and sixth years were all there. The seventh and twenty percent days were right behind him.

The common way was in chaos. Jesse James, Cedric, and Nathan were inspecting the goat. The prefects were all congregated in one topographic point, clearly trying to enter out what to do. A quarter of the students were standing stop dead, with looks of repugnance on their faces. Another quarter were laughing, despite the fact that the clowning had happened in Gryffindor. Hugo was wrestling the Capricorn the Goat for the copy of the Standard Good Book of Spells : Grade Two, which evidently was his.

The young lady'dormitory door opened and all the Gryffindor girls flooded out of it. Rose and Amanda made their way over to Albus and the rest of the son, who were receiving numerous stares and glares from their boyfriend scholar. Clearly a few of them were blaming Albus and his friends for the Slytherins'need for revenge.

"What in the public figure of pigeon hawk happened ?"rose asked.

John handed her the bank note."The Slytherins have had their revenge."

"Malfoy ?"Amanda asked.

"No way to know, is there ?"Albus replied.

"It 's got to be, though,"privy said."No one else hates us like he does."

"I bet a lot of Slytherins wanted revenge,"Rose said.

"All right, quiet everyone !"Albus 's cousin, sign, shouted over the bunch. He was one of the sixth yr Prefects."You 're all to get back up to your residence hall. I 'm going to fetch Professor Longbottom. Who 's the one who first saw this ?"

"I did,"Albus announced.

Mark sighed, as if thought he should have known."Al, delay down here. The residuum of you, back upstairs.

Rose handed Albus the note back and she and the relief of Albus 's friends turned to go back to their dormitories. There was a superior general muttering and whispers as everyone left. Soon, the unwashed room was abandon except for Albus, the Capricorn the Goat, and the six Prefects. Mark left in order to go get Professor Longbottom.

The Prefects whispered amongst themselves while marker was gone. Albus stood off to the face, as he did not get it on the Prefects very well. He recognized a few as friend of his cousins.

target returned ten minutes later with Professor Longbottom in tow. The herbology professor froze in mid-step when he entered the way. His gaze shifted from the new furniture to the caprine animal to the banners and back to the Goat.

"Albus discovered it,"Mark said.

Longbottom turned to Albus."And it looked like this when you found it ?"

"Mostly,"Albus answered."The Capricorn had been chewing on one of Victor Hugo 's books so he took that. And someone 's cloak had been here, but it was a Gryffindor cloak."

Longbottom sighed."All right, Albus, you can go back up to your dormitory."He turned to the Prefects."Let 's go through all this and see if we can chance any clew to figure out who it was."

Albus reluctantly went back up to his student residence, where he found not only all of his roommate but Kaden as well, discussing the buffoonery. They all turned to Albus when he entered.

"Find anything out ?"John asked.

"Nope,"Albus answered."The Prefects are helping Professor Longbottom go through everything for clues."

The boy whiled away the clip until breakfast by trading drinking chocolate toad frog board, playing cycle of Exploding Snap, and discussing the Quidditch season. lusterlessness fell back asleep after defending the Cannons to everyone else, but no one else was able to go back to bed.

Mark knocked on their door a few hours later and told them they were free to get up and go to breakfast. Albus woke flatness up and the male child went back down to the green room. It looked normal once More. All remnants of the Slytherins were gone and the caprine animal was nowhere in passel. The classroom chair had disappeared and the regular comfy couches were back. Albus was relieved to see their common room back to its common country, although that did zippo to fulfil his curiosity about who had done it.

"Wonder what they did with the goat,"Kaden said as they walked down tot he Great Hall.

"Probably gave it to Aberforth,"lusterlessness said.

"Aberforth ?"Kaden asked.

"Dumbledore 's comrade. He owns the Hog 's point in Hogsmeade. living butt in his pub. Wyrd bloke,"Matt answered.

"He keeps goats ? In his pub ?"Kaden repeated."Do they just wander around ?"

"Yeah,"matte said.

The Great entrance hall was populated only by Gryffindor educatee, which did not surprise Albus in the fragile given the early hour and the fact that it was Sun. The professors were all up having breakfast and were whispering amongst themselves. No dubiety that Longbottom had told them about the prank. Slughorn in particular looked enervate.

Rose convinced the rest of the group that it would be a good idea to head to the library after breakfast to take vantage of the fact that it would be void. Albus had a few essays that he 'd neglected and John and Kaden needed to take a shit up some new forecasting for Trelawney.

After a few hr of studying Albus felt his attention get-go to wander. The library had filled up since they had arrived and Madam Pince was watching over the place like a war hawk. The doors opened and Albus was surprised to see Elsie Willinson manner of walking in, followed by her Brother and Scorpius. Scorpio 's oculus met Albus 's and he veered from his piddling group in order to waltz over to Albus.

"How 's your common room ?"he asked with a smirk.

"Is that a confession ?"Albus replied as he stood up.

"Of course not. It 's all over the school. Everyone knows that your plebeian room looked like an denotation of mine this morning. And that Capricorn the Goat, I heard it ate a few Word. Serves you right after what you lot did to ours,"Malfoy said.

"We know you did it, Malfoy,"John said."Just waiting for the professor to try out it."

"If I did do it, and I 'm not saying I did, I would n't take left any evidence like you idiots obviously did."

"We did n't,"John said flatly."Albus confessed to preserve his first cousin and pal who had been wrongly accused."

"How noble."Malfoy laughed.

"Just tell me one thing,"Albus said."How did you get into the common room ?"That was what had been bothering Albus the most. He and his friends had used the invisibility Cloak to cipher out the Slytherin password, but how had Malfoy done it ? As far as he knew he did not experience an invisibility Cloak.

"I did n't,"Malfoy said."And if I did I would n't state you how I did it."With one more glower at Albus, the Slytherin walked away towards the table that Felix and Elsie had found.

"How did he get into our park way ?"Albus asked as he sat back down.

"No idea,"Matt said.

"I 'm betting he threatened a foremost year into telling him what it was,"John said."Would n't put it past him."

"You do n't live it was him,"Amanda pointed out.

"They 're never going to regain out who it was, either,"Rose said."Not unless they confess like you did. Otherwise no one would 've found out it was you."

"Guess it does n't really matter at this point."Albus sighed."They 've had their revenge."

"Which means it 's prison term for ours,"Kaden said as he grinned at John.

pink wine groaned."Really ? It 's just going to turn into a huge prank war if you have revenge."

"That 's the point,"Gospel According to John replied.

If lavatory and Kaden were trying to start a buffoonery war Albus did n't want any part of it. He had had sufficiency hold for a life-time and did not desire spending anymore of his Hogwarts career scrubbing bathrooms or doing line of products. Albus sighed and returned to his reading. John and Kaden got up and left the program library, presumably to act on their succeeding japery.

Later that day at dinner party Professor Kendrick gave a very hind end speech to the entire schoolhouse about breaking pattern, especially the rules about not entering common rooms that were not yours. It was very similar to the public lecture he gave after the chicken put-on, except this time Albus could order that the headmaster was even to a greater extent wild. Albus kept glancing at Malfoy during the words but the Slytherin boy did not look guilty at all. In fact he seemed disinterested in Kendrick 's speech.

The talk of Gryffindor 's goat ( as the clowning had now been dubbed ) died down by the middle of the week. Most of the castle was excited about the forthcoming Hogsmeade trip and then the winter holiday. professor Longbottom sent around a sign-up sheet for those student who wished to remain home during the holiday, although none of Albus 's booster signed it.

"I 've always wondered what it would be like to stay,"whoremonger said as prof Longbottom passed by.

"Me too,"Albus agreed."But my parents already said I ca n't this twelvemonth since there 's some big Ministry Christmastime party we 've got to go to. For the election and all."

"Same here,"Matt said."We 're not even going to Commonwealth of Australia because of it."

"Wow, that 's the second year in a row,"Albus replied.

Matt nodded."My grandparents are coming here and then we 're visiting them over the summer."

"I think we should all stay next year,"Kaden said."Then I can go a entirely school day yr without seeing my grandparents. Or Aunt Marge."

Albus agreed that that was a beneficial ground to stay at Hogwarts over the vacation."Yeah, that would be fun. My dad says the palace 's great at Christmas."

"It would be interesting to see what Christmas is like,"Amanda said. Amanda 's home was Jewish and notable Hanukkah.

"You 're welcome to come to our grandparents'house for Christmastime this yr,"Rose suggested.

Amanda grinned."I 'll ask my parents. I 'm trusted they 'll say yes since Hanukah was early this year and I 've already missed it anyway."

"Rose, you 've got post,"Albus said, gesturing to Rose 's family 's owl, which had just landed on the table.

"Oh, dear !"Rose said as she ripped open the letter. She scanned it for a moment before smiling widely."I wo n't be going to Hogsmeade with you."

"You wo n't be ?"Albus gave her a questioning look.

"No. Mum and Dad are taking me to the debate that 's that day. I owled them a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. ago to see if I could go and they said yes !"

"You want to go to another one ?"John asked.

"I 'd go to all of them if I could. They 're just so fascinating."She scanned the letter of the alphabet again."I 'm supposed to to to Kendrick 's study at ten on Sabbatum to floo home."

"What 's this one on ?"Albus asked.

"Law enforcement. The Auror section. How it 's run and and how tryout are run. I think it 's going to be the most interesting one since both Uncle Walker Percy and Laurentis have already hinted at their views on that topic."

That was for sure. This debate would probably be even more volatile than the one on teaching."You 'll have to let us know all the inside information,"Albus said.

"Oh I will,"Rose replied."It 's why I wanted to go. I 'd rather not learn everything second script from the Prophet."

She had a point there, Albus thought. Although he was sword lily that rosiness was the one going and not him. As lots as he thought the election was interesting, he 'd rather be in Hogsmeade with his friends than sitting in a courtroom listening to politicians all day.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this so far ! I 'm almost done with school ( forever ! ) so I 'm hoping to update Thomas More often.


The week leading up to the Hogsmeade slip dragged by very slowly. Albus was sealed that Wednesday in detail was at least twice as long as a normal day and by the time Fri finally decided to make an coming into court Albus was sure he would go insane from all the preparation he had to complete. Tuesday had been the full moon, but luckily matte left the hospital wing Thursday good afternoon and had been cleared by ma'am Pomfrey to go to Hogsmeade.

When Saturday arrived there was a welcomed break in the blizzard that had blanketed the Hogwarts grounds in two groundwork of snow. Albus and his ally slept late and by the time they woke up rose wine had already left to go to that day 's debate. Albus, flatness, and John quickly dressed and met Kaden and Amanda in the common room.

Fred accosted Albus as he was about to go away."Albus ! gladiolus I found you. I booked the pitch for today at three since there 's a break in the storm."

"But Fred, it 's Hogsmeade today,"Albus pointed out. As much as he loved Quidditch, Hogsmeade trip-up were rare social function and he had Christmas shopping to do.

"Exactly !"Fred exclaimed."So none of the other squad have booked the auction pitch. It 's booked solid the rest of the hebdomad and we need another practice in before fault starts."

Albus sighed. Fred was decent, of course. He glanced at his sentinel. It was noon, so if they hurried through lunch he would still accept a salutary two hours in the small town."All right. I 'll see you at three."

"Excellent,"Fred said."Just have to find James ...."

Amanda snorted and started laughing. Fred, who had turned to leave, stopped and looked back at her."What ?"

Albus, privy, flatness, and Kaden also looked questioningly at Amanda.

"Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you,"Amanda began."Rose and I were in the library last week and overheard James asking some Hufflepuff fifth part yr out. They 're going to Hogsmeade together today."

Fred burst out laughing."Wait, James has a particular date ?"

"James asked a girl out in the depository library ?"Albus joined Fred in his laughter.

"Do n't severalize him that rose wine and I overheard him,"Amanda said."He 'd dispatch us if he knew it was us who told."

"Bet he 's already in Hogsmeade, then,"Fred said, still laughing."They better not be in dame Puddifoot 's because I do n't fancy going in there to distinguish him about practice."

Albus was still laughing about the idea of James I asking a young lady out in the library of all places. He wondered who the Hufflepuff was. Maybe he 'd manage to catch a glance of them in Hogsmeade together.

"He 's not actually going to leave her to go to Quidditch practice,"Amanda shouted after Fred as he left the unwashed room.

"He will if the appointment 's going poorly,"Fred shouted back and disappeared into the corridor.

"Well let 's zip up and get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said."I want to see if I can calculate out who this young lady is."

Albus hurried out of the coarse room followed by his friends. They ate a very belt along dejeuner in the Great Hall and then ran outside and down the way of life to Hogsmeade. As they neared the Village Albus kept his eyes peeled for his brother.

"Where to first ?"flatness asked.

"Weasleys',"John and Kaden said together.

Albus and Matt shared a glance. They should have got known. They followed John and Kaden as the two mischievous boys led the way to Weasleys'whizz Wheezes.

The store was packed to content as it always was on Hogsmeade weekends. Albus waved to his Uncle George IV who was behind the counter ringing people up as fast as the till would let him. Teddy was working that weekend and was restocking a shelf of Skiving Snackboxes. Saint John the Apostle and Kaden each grabbed two as the male child passed.

Albus grabbed a few extendable Ears as his seemed to cause disappeared and a box of Deluxe Whizbangs for James for Christmas. He joined the recollective queue at the till and was joined by Saint John and Kaden who each had arms overflowing with products. Matt and Amanda were n't buying anything and were playing with a few pygmy drag that were in a John Milton Cage Jr. in the figurehead of the store.

"Neither of you have seen Jesse James, have you ?"Albus asked.

"Nope,"John said."Bet they 're at the Three Broomsticks."

"Or that place that Fred mentioned. Madam whatever ?"Kaden put in.

"Madam Puddifoot 's,"Albus said."Horrifying spot. Covered in ruffled things, and pink stuff."

"Let 's not go there,"Kaden said.

Albus and King John both agreed. They would face for James, just not at Madam Puddifoot 's. The waiting line moved relatively quickly and soon Albus, John, and Kaden had their provision.

The future plosive consonant was Honeyduke 's where everyone stocked up on candy and Albus bought a Christmas present for Lily. Then they made their way to the Quaffle Shop and then the ternary Broomsticks. Albus had yet to see Saint James the Apostle, but his time was quickly running out. He had a one-half hour before he had to point back to the castle for Quidditch practice.

John went to the bar to get five Butterbeers while the rest of the grouping found a board. Luckily Scorpio Malfoy was nowhere in sight. Albus gazed around the bar until he spotted his brother 's intimate red hairsbreadth. Unfortunately the girl he was with was facing away from Albus 's board so all he knew was that she had very long, very straight brown hair.

"There they are,"Albus whispered to Matt, Kaden, and Amanda."Any of you know who the young woman is ?"

"That 's Gabby Ellis,"John said as he returned with the Butterbeers."My full cousin knows her. She 's one of the one-fifth year prefects."

"Wait, so James II not only asked her out in the depository library, but she 's also a prefect ?"Albus exclaimed.

"conjecture so."John shrugged."I 'll never ask out a prefect. Now he 's going to have to watch his step."

"You realize that there 's a good chance one of us might be a prefect next class,"Amanda pointed out.

"Nah, they 'll pick Bilius or Ethan,"John said."They 'd never pluck me, Al, or matt after that prank."

"wellspring Rose is obviously going to be a prefect,"Amanda said.

"We 'll just have to filch around more future class,"lav said."Ca n't have a prefect knowing about our pranks."

"Dervish and Banges is still unoccupied,"Matt said, changing the study."Do n't you think that 's sort of odd ?"

Albus had n't really thought about it."Yeah, but no one 's going to need to buy a workshop where individual was murdered."

"Still, it 's just unusual,"Matt said as he sipped his Butterbeer.

"Someone might still own it,"Amanda pointed out."They might not require to do anything with it or sell it."

"Guess that 's a full point,"matt said.

"Look, St. James the Apostle and the girl are getting up,"Kaden said.

Albus turned and saw that James was indeed rising from his chair. Gabby did as well and the two of them walked side of meat by side of meat out of the pub. Gabby was pretty, Albus had to allow. Her eyes were bright and her cheek were pinko. James was grinning. Neither of them noticed Albus or the others on their way out the door.

"Think he 'll show to Quidditch practice ?"John asked.

"If he values his life,"Albus replied."Speaking of that, I should probably get going."

Albus said goodbye to his friends and headed back out into the cold. The sun was out and there was no wind, but it was still bitingly cold. He trudged his way through the Snow and stake up to the palace, where he ran up to Gryffindor tower to sink off his purchase and variety into his Quidditch robes.

The quietus of the team was already on the pitch when Albus arrived. Fred was arguing with James about something while the quietus of the squad stood off to the side.

"She 's not even on their team !"James shouted."She 's not going to steal any of our plays."

"But she 's still a Hufflepuff and this is a closed exercise !"Fred argued.

Albus glanced over to the stands and saw Gabby sitting there, wrapped in a very declamatory Hufflepuff blanket. She smiled and waved at Albus, who gave a slender wave back.

"I could n't just get out her. I promised we 'd expend the day together."

"And she wants to see you play Quidditch ?"Fred asked."Fine, fine. She can stay. Let 's just get going. We 're wasting time."

Fred and James joined the eternal rest of the group."All right wing !"Fred shouted."Let 's fly around the pitch a few clip to get warm up up."

Albus mounted his Scots heather and soared into the air. He joined the residue of the team in their flight of stairs around the pitch and lost himself in flying. It was dainty to just fly and bury about everything else that was on his mind.

The practice went incredibly well. It was their best practice in workweek since the conditions was cooperating. The Gryffindor team did not stimulate any issues with playing, but the weather was usually awed whenever they practiced. Fred insisted this was a skillful thing since it would help them get wind how to play in mate with bad experimental condition but no one else agreed. Albus was very happy to have a recitation where the term were idealistic. It made Quidditch so much more enjoyable.

James II and Gabby hurried off as soon as practice ended and the rest of the team walked back to the palace together. They were nearly back to Gryffindor column when Rose, Matt, lavatory, Kaden, and Amanda came running towards Albus, all five looking slightly terrified.

"What 's wrong ?"Fred asked.

"It 's nothing,"Rose said."We just postulate to talk to Albus."

"meet us in the elbow room after you stash your Calluna vulgaris,"matt whispered and the five of them hurried off.

Albus hurried into the common elbow room and up to his dormitory. He had absolutely no musical theme what was going on, but it must have just had to do with his friends because everyone else in the common elbow room was acting normally. Albus quickly put his Calluna vulgaris away and ran back out to the corridor.

It did n't film him long to give the vulture 's Den. All his friends were sitting quietly and looked up at him when he entered.

"What in the name of Merlin is going on ?"Albus asked.

"Two things,"Rose began."One, the argument. It was ... well ... insane is the only if word to draw it, really. And two, I 'll let everyone else explain that first."

"Malfoy was lurking near the Shrieking hut,"Matt said."After you went to Quidditch exercise we walked around the Village and noticed him. It looked like he was trying to get in."

"Did he ?"Albus asked.

"No, he ca n't,"Matt said."There 's Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth. It 's just odd. He was alone."

"Department of Energy he make out that that 's where you go ?"Albus replied as he sat down side by side to Rose.

matte shook his head."I 'm not really worried about it, either. It 's just very weird."

"Malfoy is protagonist with Felix Willinson so anything weird that he does indigence to be remembered,"Albus said darkly.

"That 's what I said,"John replied.

"He 's not the first one to be curious about the shrieking hutch,"Matt pointed out.

This was different, Albus thought. He would have expected Matt to be the one worried about this, not John.

"But he 's Malfoy ! It 's not sound that he 's trying to get in,"John said.

"wellspring he ca n't get in. And he already knows what I am,"Matt countered."Let 's just forget about it for now. What Rose has to say is far worse."

Albus turned to look at rosiness, who looked bowl over and slightly scared. That was strange in itself since Albus could hardly think back a time when Rose was scared.

"The debate was on law enforcement,"Rose said quietly."She wants to completely interchange the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. She wants to investigate every exclusive Auror and reorganize the department because she does n't think things are working as they are. She ... well ... she basically called your dad incompetent."

Albus stared at his cousin. He could not believe what he was hearing. Albus 's dad had been in charge of the Auror department for years and there had never been any complaints. How could Laurentis just insult him like that ?

"Which means she 's going to fall behind,"John said confidently."No one 's going to vote for somebody who insults Harry Potter."

"No,"blush wine whispered."They will. There 's been editorials in the prophesier for calendar week about how the current Ministry is n't working. She has support."

"That 's insane,"Albus said."What did Uncle Walker Percy do ?"

"Argued with her,"Rose said."Talked about all the good your dad has done, but she argued the right way back."

"What about everyone there ? Did they clap for her ?"Albus asked.

"Everyone clapped for everyone. They were all polite about it and there was no way to tell apart who supported who,"pink wine said."If you ask me, I think she 's going to replace all the Heads of departments who do n't agree with her. She 's going to require people in major power who are on her side."

"Which means my dad will be gone,"Albus said."Everyone knows he supports Uncle Percy. It 's obvious."

"So that leaves what, Matt 's dad 's job, heading of Magical Law Enforcement, school principal of Magical transport, and what else ?"John Lackland asked as he counted on his fingerbreadth."There 's got to be more."

"There are,"rosebush said as she stood up and began pacing around the elbow room."International Magical Cooperation, Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, Magical Games and variation, and then the department of Mysteries."

"Do you acknowledge anything about the school principal of those department ?"Saint John asked.

"The dame who 's straits of Magical Law Enforcement was here during the argument. She 's really old and Dad says Mum is a shoe-in for her job when she retires,"Rose said."But I do n't love much about the others. The gent in billing of Magical Transportation moderated the first debate."

"That 's eight stance,"Matt said quietly,"and she could put back all of them. That would wrap up being an entirely new Ministry."

"Essentially, yes,"rose said as she sank into an armchair."That 's why it 's so bad. There 's a reason most newly elected diplomatic minister do n't supplant everyone. It 's too much upheaval. But if she wants immediate change, it would be the easygoing way to get it done."

"What 's the next debate on ?"Amanda asked.

"Azkaban,"blush wine said."Originally they were going to debate Azkaban with law enforcement, but Laurnetis requested a assort Azkaban debate. She 's in charge of it, so I 'm not surprised."

"And when is it ?"Amanda replied.

"Just after the new year,"blush wine answered."Once we 're all back in schooltime. Then February 's debate is on magical creatures-"

"Oh that 's going to be safe,"matte said."Guess that 's when we 'll find out if my dad keeps his job after the election if she wins."

"And then in marching they debate International Magical Cooperation. Then it 's the election at the source of Apr,"rosebush continued."That one is going to hold place here. So is the Azkaban one."

"I still do n't think anyone 's going to vote for her,"John muttered."Anyone who sacks Harry Potter would n't get plenty votes."

"You 'd be surprised, John,"Amanda said."It sounds like she 's playing to everyone 's concern. I mean, I have n't been in the magical Earth long, but it seems like everyone fears another Voldemort. If she makes it seem like the current Ministry and Auror section are too lenient and hint at the hypothesis of another war, and then claims that she could squash it before it became a war, she would easily get the vote. People are easily persuaded."

"That 's exactly it,"Rose agreed.

The elbow room descended into uncomfortable silence. At the beginning of the school year, none of them had often interest in the election or the Ministry in worldwide, but now, just a few months later, Albus and his friends were learning just how much the resultant of the election would affect them. The possibility of drastic variety to both Hogwarts and the wizarding world did not sit well with Albus, especially if it meant both his and matte 's dads were out of a job.
***


The remaining week of school went by quickly. With the looming holidays and happy chance from school, hardly anyone in the castle was focusing on prep or the election. Instead, the yak that filled the Great Hall during meals was about Christmas and snowball fights and spending time with menage. Albus was sucked into the Christmas cheer as well, but the election was still on the book binding of his mind.

For Albus, rose, and the rest of the Weasley/Potter clan, the Christmas holiday would be wrapped up in the election. A New Year 's party at the minister of religion 's hall was scheduled for New class 's Eve, for all of the high-ranking functionary and their families, as well as Percy, Laurentis, and their family unit. All of Albus 's widen folk would be attending. But perhaps the most bizarre aspect of the holidays was the fact that Uncle Percy was going to tolerate a reporter from adept magazine publisher to follow him for not only the Ministry party, but Xmas at the tunnel as well.

"This is just weird !"Cedric exclaimed at breakfast the last day of term."A reporter ? At the Burrow ? And it says she 's going to be staying with us."

Cedric handed the letter back to Bradley, whom it had been addressed to. Bradley pulled out his verge and burned it, which seemed to be his new way of dealing with C. W. Post from his father.

"Did grandma match to this ?"James asked as he loaded his plate with bacon.

"She must 've,"Bradley said."Anything to get Dad elected, probably."

"I sort of agree with her,"Albus said."I do n't want that Laurentis woman to win."

"Neither do I, but I do n't want some reporter staying with us at the burrow,"Cedric said adamantly.

"supposition you wo n't be getting the real Weasley Yule experience,"Albus said to Amanda, whose parents had given permission to outride with rose wine for Christmas.

Amanda shrugged."Not a big deal. With your family, it 's bound to be interesting."

"You have no theme,"Albus said."We 'd break get to chronicle of Magic."

Albus got up and his friends followed. Despite the fact that it was the final stage day of terminal figure, professor Binns still gave a lecture. nobody paid him an apothecaries' ounce of attention. The rest of the prof did n't bother teaching any new material as they figured the pupil would just forget it over the shift. prof Cedonia set them a practical lesson, but did n't chew up them when they stopped charming their teacups to trip the light fantastic and instead talked about Christmas. Hagrid had a large bonfire going to keep them warm, but did n't instruct anything. Instead, he told the chronicle of Norberta and bawled about how a lot he missed her. In ancient Runes, there was an exam.

The following good morning Albus and his friends climbed aboard the Hogwarts Express for the trip back to London. On the Hogwarts express, Albus felt weirdly immune to everything that was happening in the wizarding macrocosm. He felt secure from Jarrett Willinson and somehow the election did n't appear as big a deal. The train was like its own slight universe with only scholarly person and sweets from the trolley ; on the wagon train, nothing bad could happen.


Long hiatus ! I apologize for that. I am now working on this for the second base one-half of June 's cantonment NaNoWriMo, so I 'm hoping to get a bunch of chapters written so I can go back to weekly updates. Thanks so often for all the revue !


"Remember, do n't say anything in battlefront of her you do n't want printed in the article,"Harry said as they walked toward the Burrow.

"testament she really publish anything ?"Lily asked.

"Yes,"Harry said.

It was Christmas Eve and Albus and the rest of the thrower had just Apparated to the theatre behind the burrow. Albus was a bit nervous about being in the presence of a newsman from thaumaturgist magazine publisher and was not at all great about being in an article. He was relieved they were late, as common, because by now the reporter would probably be involved in listening to someone else 's conversation and might not even notice Albus.

"And Saint James, do n't even believe about slipping something into her soup,"Ginny said sternly.

Harry, who had just put his helping hand on the doorhandle, turned around and stared at William James."Seriously, James, absolutely not."

"I was n't going to !"James said."I swear !"

Harry sighed."Empty your pockets."

"But I was n't going to-"

"James Sothis Potter, listen to your Father-God,"Ginny said.

Albus put his hand over his back talk to hide his laughter while his crony pulled a handful of Ton-Tongue Toffees and a vial of Weasleys'Itchiest itching gunpowder out of his pouch. Ginny took them and incinerated them with her wand. She brushed the ash onto the ground and St. James stared at it longingly.

"Shut up, Albus,"Henry James muttered as Harry opened the door.

That just made Albus laugh even harder, earning him a poke in the shoulder from Jesse James. Albus returned the punch while Lily rolled her eyes.

"Boys, cut it out,"Ginny scolded.

"Ginny ! Harry !"Molly exclaimed as they stepped inside."Happy Christmas Day !"

"Happy Christmas Day, Mum,"Ginny said as the two hugged.

Albus slipped past after giving his grandmother a quick hug, grabbing a fistful of cooky on his way to the den. The low matter he noticed was that the newsperson was sitting on a stool in the corner. She stuck out like a Weasley at a Malfoy gathering, in her black bird, flowery top, high-heeled shoes. Who wore heels to the tunnel ? Weird, Albus thought. Her coal-black fuzz was done up in some sort of bun and her mouth were smeared with brightly red lipstick.

The second base thing Albus noticed was just how cleanse the burrow was. He had n't noticed it in the kitchen, what with the many pots and dishes full of lovesome, steaming food for thought, but out in the den, it was very noticeable. The burrow was never dirty, exactly, but it was n't immaculately keen like Matt and Kaden 's menage were. Instead it merely looked lived in, Albus always thought. It was cluttered with lashings of Word and mountain of board games and various Muggle and wizardly devices. mantle and pillows were thrown haphazardly onto sofa and professorship, never being folded or stacked neatly. But today, everything was nifty. The stacks of Word had been shelved and the mantle folded. The sheer measure of poppycock seemed to bear been moved or vanished because Albus did n't see a ace Muggle electronic device half-taken apart on the trading floor or mesa. It was freakish. The burrow did n't look like the tunnel without its smother. You never knew what you 'd detect at the Burrow and Albus liked that.

Shaking his headspring slightly, Albus carefully stepped around a few of his cousins and walked over to where Rose and Amanda were sitting on the level. They had a turgid phonograph record of intellectual nourishment in front of them, making Albus realize how hungry he was.

"So, what have I missed ?"he asked in between raciness of roll."I see someone cleaned."

"nanna did. Said she wanted to get a good notion. Uncle Percy 's been bragging loudly to the reporter about all the law he 's helped pas,"Rose said."But all the reporter wants to do is interview the relaxation of us. I guess her clause is all about where Uncle Percy came from and what his family is like."

"Who 's she talked to so far ?"Albus asked.

"aunty Corrine, Gran, grandfather, Uncle visor, Uncle Fred, both of my parents, Victoire, Samantha, and lindy,"Rose said.

"Wow. Already ?"

"She has n't wasted any fourth dimension,"Amanda said.

"There 's a photographer around here somewhere,"Rose said as she glanced around the elbow room."Oh there he is."

blush wine indicated to the stairs, where Percy was leading a scrawny lad back into the den.

"Is he wearing-"

"frock robes ?"Rose said."Yeah, he 's been wearing them all night."

"Let 's get a few shots of you playing a game with the twins,"the photographer said as he and Percy walked past Albus, Rose, and Amanda.

"Wonderful theme !"the reporter exclaimed as she hopped off her stool.

"How did she find out that ?"Albus whispered to Rose.

"Harry thrower 's son !"the reporter said as she grabbed Albus 's arm, causing him to sink the biscuit he was holding."Let 's get him in the shot, too. Hmm ..."she glanced around the way, her eyes finally coming to roost on Amanda."We 'll need a shot with you and Percy as well. Candidate plays Exploding Snap with the Prime Minister 's niece ! complete ! I could not give planned this better."

"How did she know that I 'm the prime diplomatic minister 's niece ?"Amanda asked.

"She knows everything,"Rose said darkly."Creepy, really."

Albus soon found himself playing a staged plot of Exploding Snap with Uncle Percy, Samantha, and Lindy. The whole affair was very idiotic since none of them were photographed with ash on their faces. Then it was Amanda 's routine, but she was posed with a set of Wizard 's chess game,"for variety."

"Now that 's something Laurentis wo n't have,"Percy said jovially after the lensman finished."Photograph with the Prime Minister 's niece."

"But nobody knows I 'm the blossom curate 's niece,"Amanda said once she, rosiness, and Albus escaped into the kitchen."It 's supposed to be a secret."

"Maybe it wo n't get printed,"Albus said.

"God, I hope not,"Amanda muttered."So is this what Christmas Eve is usually like ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said as he walked over to the threshold. He peered into the den and took broth of what his phratry was up to.

His uncles Fred, Ron, flier, and Charlie, were penny-pinching to the kitchen and were singing 'Odo the torpedo .'All four had mugs of eggnog in manus. grandma was listening to Celestina Warbeck while Aunt Fleur glared at the radio set. It seemed to be distracting her from the conversation she was having with Aunt Katherine and aunt Hermione. Most of his first cousin were eating or laughing about one thing or another. Samantha and Lindy were playing Exploding pushover for real number now, along with Eddie and Angie.

In fact, the only one who seemed to be acting any differently was Uncle Hotspur, who was talking with the reporter and the photographer. Aunt Corrine was as well, but none of their onetime fry were anywhere in mess.

"rich person you seen Bradley, Cedric, or Georgia anywhere ?"Albus asked Rose.

"Actually, no,"rose wine said."Let 's go find them."

Albus and Amanda followed blush wine out of the kitchen and up the step. As they peered into each bedroom, Albus found out just where his granny had stored all the clobber that used to be in the den. Every 1 elbow room had a plenty of random hooey in it. They eventually found their three cousins hiding out in Uncle Ron 's old sleeping room at the top of the star sign. They were sitting on one of the beds and were deep in conversation.

"What 's going on in here ?"Albus asked as they shut the door.

All three startled, but then seemed relieved to find it was only Albus, blush wine, and Amanda.

"We 're avoiding the reporter,"Georgia said,"and talking about how a great deal it will suck if Dad gets elected."

"But Laurentis is bloody insane,"Albus said as he stepped over a typewriter and sat down on the polar bed."Uncle Walker Percy has to win."

"wellspring, I do n't want him to,"Tom Bradley said."Do you pull in how much spirit will change if he does ?"

"I 've got a bit of an idea,"Amanda said, sitting down next to Albus. rose sat on his former side.

"Before his campaign started no one really knew what Dad did,"Bradley said."Or even who he was. I mean, if they heard his epithet they would have sex him, but he was just Hotspur Weasley. Do you acknowledge what I mean ?"

"He 'll be Percy Weasley, Minister of legerdemain. Not just Percy Weasley, your dad,"Amanda said."government minister is n't a just a job. It 's not something he 'll will at the bureau at five. It 's more a lifestyle."

"Exactly !"Thomas Bradley agreed.

"And you 'll always be the rector 's son,"Amanda said.

"How do you know all this ?"Cedric looked at Amanda strangely.

"My Uncle 's the prime quantity Minister,"Amanda said casually.

"Of Britain ?"Bradley exclaimed."And you 've kept this secret for four years ?"

"Yeah. It wo n't be for practically longer since that photographer just took a photo of me with your dad,"Amanda said."Anyway, you 're right that your animation wo n't be the same if he gets elected. And even after his term is up you 'll still always be the Minister 's son."

"And we 'd have got to prompt into the government minister 's sign,"Bradley said.

"You would n't. You 're going to graduate in June,"Cedric pointed out."And Georgia already moved out."

"You 'll be in Hogwarts to the highest degree of the year,"Georgia pointed out.

There was a knock on the room access and then it swung wide open. Percy stood in the doorway flanked by the reporter and photographer. Percy had changed out of his robes and was now wearing a super acid Weasley pinny with a red'P'on the front. In his arms was a stack of what appeared to be more Weasley jumpers.

"There you lot are,"Percy said."We 're doing a picture of the solid family in our jumpers."He tossed one to each of his children and then one each to Albus and rose wine."Get changed and get downstairs."

"Are they all initial jumper this year ?"Georgia asked as she held hers up. It was grey with a purpleness'G .'

"mustiness be,"Albus said as he yanked off the jumper he was wearing and pulled on his new one. It was puritanic with a Au'A .'

"Bet it 's to produce us look like a cheesy kinsperson,"Omar Bradley muttered as he changed.

Once they 'd all changed Albus and Rose followed their cousins back down to the den. Amanda followed as well, but she lingered on the stair, clearly not wanting to be dragged into anymore photo.

Albus 's stallion family was posed in half the den. The photographer was running around making small-scale fitting, which Albus cerebration was pointless. There was no way he was going to get 32 people to all look at the television camera and smile nicely at the same metre.

The lensman noticed Albus, Rose, Georgia, Bradley, and Cedric and shoved Albus in between James I and Lily, who were sitting right in the eye, on the floor.

"Lovely !"the lensman exclaimed a few minutes later. He ran to the other side of the room and stuck his head behind the camera."Everyone smiling ! Beautiful !"He took dozens of painting and Albus soon grew tired of sitting still and smiling.

"Wonderful !"the reporter shouted once the photographer finally finished."I think we 've got what we need. I wish you all a glad Dec 25. The article should be out just after New Year's."

"I thought she was staying for tomorrow, too,"Albus whispered to Rose.

rosebush shrugged."Maybe she got enough from just one night. Either that or she got overwhelmed."

Percy walked the reporter and photographer out of the Burrow, thanking them profusely as he did so.

"Bedtime, everyone !"Molly shouted.

No one objected. It had certainly been the strangest Christmas Eve gathering the Weasley family had ever had and Albus was very much looking forward to tomorrow, when things would get back to some likeness of normal. Albus walked up to bed with rosiness and Amanda, wishing them both good night when they reached Uncle Charlie 's old bedchamber, where the two would be staying. Epistle of James, Ben, Cedric, and Omar Nelson Bradley were already in Uncle Ron 's old room when Albus arrived.

"Quidditch tomorrow ?"James asked as all four boys climbed into their layer.

"You 're going down, ceramicist,"Omar Bradley replied.

"Is that a challenge, Weasley ?"

"Sure is,"Tom Bradley said.

Yes, tomorrow would be a lot more normal, Albus thought. Quidditch was a Christmas tradition for his kinsperson and nix, even his uncle running for Minister, was going to foreclose it.
***


"And that 's how we do it in Kenmare !"Georgia exclaimed, having just saved a goal by spinning in midair and hitting the Quaffle back into play by the end of her ling."Kenmare Krazy keeper movement !"

"You 're still going to turn a loss !"Bradley shouted as he hit one of the Bludgers toward Albus, who dodged it and caught the Quaffle."We 've got Teddy !"

"If chemise were a real Seeker he 'd be playing for a league team and not studying to be an Auror !"Georgia shouted back.

"He 's still not as adept as King James I,"Thomas Bradley said.

"Yeah, I taught James everything he knows !"Teddy said as he flew past, heading toward Georgia 's left goal post."And that 's game !"he shouted, returning with the Snitch clutched in his hand."Aurors have to have constant alertness, just like Seekers."

Albus flew to the ground, still holding the Quaffle. It had been a trade good game, even though his team had lost, but the temperature was dropping and the clouds were rolling in. It was a salutary time to guide back inside for Christmas dinner, especially since the scent of roast turkey and potatoes had been drifting outside for the retiring half hour.

board, already covered in numerous cup of tea of food, had been set up in the kitchen extending into the den while they played. Albus hurried upstair to change and when he returned, everyone was drifting toward the tables. Albus hurried to the hind end blush wine and Amanda had saved him, which thankfully was nowhere near Percy.

"How was Quidditch ?"Rose asked.

"commodity,"Albus said."We lost, but Teddy 's pretty much unbeatable, so I was n't surprised."

"I 'm surprised he did n't dally professionally,"Amanda said.

"He thought about it,"Albus explained."And he had fling, but he deferred them for a year because he was n't indisputable. Then he just decided to connect the Auror Academy, because of his parents, you know."

"shuffle sense,"Amanda said.

"I 'd like to make a toast,"Percy announced after everyone was seated. He held up his chalk of pumpkin succus."I just want to say thank you, to all of you, for putting up with the reporter yesterday, and for everything you 've done for the movement. We only have three month to go, so let 's hold the most of it. Keep up all the great body of work. Here 's to a win in April !"

Albus clinked field glass with Rose and Amanda and then served himself a large helping of turkey. This was what he enjoyed the most about Christmas at the Burrow. As he he ate, he listened in on the conversations his full cousin, auntie, and uncles were having.

To Albus 's left, his auntie Hermione was giving James, Cedric, and Ben study steer for their O.W.L.s. The boys were nodding as if they were listening, but Albus knew they were n't. Victoire and shift were holding hired man under the table, which was kind of funny because Victoire was having to eat with her left hand, a skill she clearly did not own. Jesse James, Bradley, and Georgia were discussing Quidditch with Uncles George and Ron. Eddie was showing the twins, Lily, and Victor Hugo just how many pea he could fit into his mouthpiece at once. Walker Percy was, of course, discussing the gritty details of his campaign with his wife and parents. Fred and Mark were telling Angie about the secret passageway that lead into the basement of Honeyduke 's. The residuum of his family was too far away for Albus to hear what exactly they were saying, but everyone seemed happy.

"This is what it 's really like,"Albus told Amanda."Usually there are a few pranks."

"You missed one early,"Rose said while Amanda laughed."James River put one of those wind-up Pygmy blow in granny 's bounteous pot, so while she was chopping vegetables it jumped out and started screeching. Aunt Ginny knew it was James River, too. He got chewed out while you were upstairs changing."

"She had no proof !"James cut in."It could have been Cedric."

"But it was n't,"Rose said."It was you."

"William James, did you try me ?"Hermione asked."I was just saying how you need to start with your weakest subjugate first. Honestly, you should 've started preparing last yr. Albus, blush wine, Amanda, are you listening ? You should set forth rescript now."

"I started weeks ago, Mum,"Rose said.

Hermione smiled."That 's my girl."

"She 'll be prosperous if James starts revising a month before,"Albus whispered to Amanda.

"That would be dolt,"Rose said."What does he want to do after Hogwarts ? He 'll need sure O.W.L.s to get into the right N.E.W.T. classes."

"He 's got no idea,"Albus said,"except he wants to play Quidditch."

"He 'd better get going,"Rose said.

"Oh, and I suppose you 've got it all figured out, Rose ?"Saint James the Apostle asked.

"As a affair of fact, I 'm thinking of getting into psychological medicine,"Rose said."Get my healing level, specializing in psychiatry."

"Fine, then,"Henry James muttered.

"Really ?"Albus asked.

Rose nodded."I 've been thinking about it since summertime and it 's really wishing I want to do."

"Do n't you think you 're a bit young to consume decided that ?"Albus asked.

"matte 's sister had it all figured out in one-fourth year and look where she is now,"rose wine pointed out.

She did cause a point there, Albus thought. matte 's sister was well on her way to getting both her healing and brewing degrees, with only two and a one-half Thomas More geezerhood to go. Albus did n't even want to think about what he would do after he graduated from Hogwarts. It was too far away.

"I have an announcement to take a leak !"Gabriella said as she stood up.

The room quieted and everyone turned to reckon at Gabriella. She was n't usually one to throw address or announcements during family dinners. In fact, she was one of the quieter of Albus 's full cousin, certainly not coming near to the level of boisterousness of Bradley, James, or Peach State.

"Thanks,"she said."None of you know this yet, since I figured I 'd just tell you all at once today. I 've decided to move to France."

The room was silent, much like it was after Sir Henry Percy announced his aim to run for Minister at the before school day dinner. Then, as happened after Percy 's announcement, everyone began to mouth at once.

"You 're what ?"Bill exclaimed.

"Gabriella, honey !"Fleur shouted, dropping her chalk of wine."What prompted this ?"

"The political climate in Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault is very unsteady,"Percy said."I would n't recommend moving there."

"What are you going to do there ?"Heather asked.

Albus was n't at all surprised. Gabriella had spent a few calendar week in France that spill and seemed to bask it. He was n't sure why her parents seemed so surprised.

"If everyone could just let me talk !"Gabriella shouted. The room quieted one Thomas More."I 've already cleared it with Grandmere and Grandpere. They 're going to let me detain with them until I get on my animal foot. When I painted there this fall it just felt so decently. My house painting there were so much better than the unity I 've painted here-"

"But what will you do for money ?"posting asked."You know I could still get you that internship. This is crazy."

"Dad, it 's what I want to do. I do n't want to spend everyday in an office and miss out on aliveness. No offense. house painting is what I love. I want to try this."

"But Gabriella, it 's not practical-"Bill began.

"handbill,"Molly said quietly."She 's just rebelling a bit. You did the same when you were her age. call back the earring ? The hairsbreadth ?"

neb 's face reddened."It 's not the Sami, Mum. I had a job. I was n't learning the finer points of being a starving artist !"

"Dad ! I 'm a skillful artist ! I 'm not going to lust !"

"You know my parents would never let her starve,"Fleur said.

"That 's not the point in time. The point is that she should be doing something rich. When Victoire was her age-"

"I 'm not Victoire !"Gabriella exclaimed. She turned and left the way, running up the stair. A few moments later a door slammed.

bank note made to get up, but Victoire put her paw on his shoulder joint, forcing him back into his seat."Dad, I 'll go."

The room lapsed into uncomfortable silence after Victoire took off after her babe. Albus was slightly shocked at his uncle 's dislike of Gabriella 's plan. Albus had always thought of Bill as his cool uncle, the uncle who would be supportive of whatever his shaver wanted to do. But now he was acting just like Harry Hotspur had about Georgia 's desire to be a Quidditch player.

"I support you, notice,"Percy said pompously."artist is not a career. You 've got to fight this. Went through the Lapplander thing with Georgia-"

"Really, Dad ?"Georgia asked."After the preceding few calendar month of going to my games and making the press think you 're supportive of my dreams, you still do n't think I should play Quidditch ?"

"Quidditch, like painting, is a hobby,"Percy said."It 's not a career."

"You 're improbable !"Empire State of the South exclaimed."The support, the shouting, it 's all fake, is n't it ?"

"Georgia-"

"You know what, Dad ? Do n't even bother."GA stood up and left the table in a similar manner to Gabriella.

"This,"Albus whispered to Amanda,"is not normal."

"I thought Gabriella liked Uncle Percy 's faux support,"James muttered.

"Well, she did at first but she probably thought there was no way he could fake it for so long and not set out to come around. She surely thought it was substantial by now,"rose wine said.

"You 're going to defecate a secure psychiatrist,"Albus said.

"Yeah, you can commence with Uncle Percy,"Henry James said.

"Does anyone need pudding ?"granny asked.


A/N : Thanks for all the inspection !


Never before had Albus experienced such an ill-chosen Christmastime dinner, and that included the time his Aunt Katherine went into DoL with Eddie at the mesa. After Gabriella and GA stormed out, Gran served pudding to the remaining family members, but everyone ate in silence. Albus, rosebush, and Amanda ate as fast as they could and then escaped to the one place they did n't think anyone else would go- the attic.

The loft of the tunnel was similar to an archaeological site. It contained layer of Weasley family unit history and if you dug late enough you could even find pictures of Uncle Bill when he was a baby. It used to sign a ghoul, but the ghoul died yr before Albus was born. Albus did n't go up in the attic much anymore, but when he was fiddling it had made an excellent hiding position.

"I never realized how alike Gabriella and Georgia were,"Albus said once they 'd close the attic door.

"I never realized how alike Uncle Percy and Uncle Bill were,"Rose replied."I never thought Uncle Federal Reserve note would react like that."

"Me either,"Albus agreed."Let 's not speak about it. I just want to do something fun."

"Let 's play monopoly,"Amanda said."It 's a Muggle plot. I brought it from my house."

Albus and rose wine readily agreed and soon the three were playing Monopoly in the garret. It took Albus and Rose a petty while to get the hang of the money, which was based on Muggle money, but once they did, it was very fun. Albus 's favorite thing about it was how foresightful it took. They spent 60 minutes on one game and by the time Amanda beat him and Rose, almost all of his folk was asleep.

By breakfast the next aurora nearly everything had blown over. Half of his auntie and uncles had left because they had to go to function and the other half were in the operation of getting set to will. Some of his cousin-german were still there, but quite a few had left. When Albus went downstairs he noticed his uncle circular and aunt Fleur having a talk with Gabriella over platters of sausage. Albus paused in the room access, waiting for them to finish.

"We do n't want you to imagine we are n't supportive of your art,"flyer said."We are. Both of us. I just want to do it you 're going to be okay."

"I am, Dad,"Gabriella said."I 'll be staying with Grandmere and Grandpere."

"That 's reassuring,"flyer said."And I did overreact last night."

Fleur snorted."Yes, I 'd say you did."

"I certainly do n't want you to think I 'm anything like your uncle Percy,"Bill whispered."I 'd never try and bar you from pursuing your dream."

"Well, painting in France is my dreaming for now,"Gabriella said adamantly.

"Then we 'll endorse you,"Bill said. Fleur nodded in agreement."I 'm no-count for overreacting last night. I think we were all on boundary from the reporter."

"Thanks, Dad,"Gabriella said.

"When were you planning on leaving ?"Fleur asked.

"After that Ministry company. Ca n't miss that or Uncle Percy would go insane."

"The weekend after that, then,"visor said."We want to help you move."

Gabriella nodded."Thanks."

account stood up and gave his daughter a hug."I 've got to get to work, but I 'll see you at dwelling house later. I love you, Gabby."

"love life you, too, Dad,"Gabriella said as she hugged him back.

Albus walked into the kitchen as his uncle left, grabbing a few sausages and a cinnamon bark bun on his way to the mesa. He was relieved that Uncle flyer and Gabriella came to an accord, especially one that involved Gabriella still moving to French Republic. He wanted his full cousin to be happy and he still wanted to imagine of Bill as his cool uncle.

Albus returned to Grimmauld Place later that day and it only took him a few hours of boredom to part his vacation reading. blush wine and Amanda had returned to pink wine 's house, so without them, he was forced to be rich. In fact, Albus was actually looking forward to the Ministry party for the sole understanding that he 'd get to see Rose and lustrelessness.

The few daytime in between Boxing Day and New year 's Eve were fairly uneventful, especially compared with Christmastide day. Georgia and Uncle Percy still had n't made up and Georgia came over for a heart-to-heart with Albus 's mum the day before the political party. Albus often forgot that his mum used to play professional person Quidditch and would be the everlasting person for Georgia to search advice from.

Albus attempted to take heed in on their conversation via extendable Ear, but his mum must 've put an interperbabble magical spell on the kitchen door because he could n't pick up a matter. Dejected, he put away his Extendable Ear and returned to reading his Transfiguration book.

Shortly after Sakartvelo left St. James the Apostle walked in the back door with a grin on his aspect.

"What are you so happy about ?"Albus asked.

"Mum forgot to put the charm on the window,"James said."I heard everything."

"Well, tell me what you heard !"Albus said as he closed his book.

"I do n't know ...."

"Come on, James,"Albus said."If you do I wo n't order Mum and Dad what you 're planning on doing to the poke at the party tomorrow."

"Fine,"James I muttered as he sat down."Basically, Sakartvelo 's still mad at Uncle Percy and does n't desire to go to the political party tomorrow. Mum convinced her that she needs to take the high road and be supportive of Uncle Harry Hotspur even though he is n't being supportive of her. And she said there 's no secret to getting him to recognize Quidditch as a valid career. He just has to realize it on his own and all Georgia can do is be the substantially actor she can and support herself and not ask him for money. But then she reminded Georgia that granddaddy was very supportive of her Quidditch career."

"nix too stir, then,"Albus said.

"Nope, not really,"James agreed."Going to cause for an concern political party, though."

"That 's for for certain,"Albus said.
***


"Is the Minister 's Mansion glowing blue ?"Albus asked as he followed his parents up the winding way to the mansion.

It was New yr 's Eve and the ceramicist were slightly lately for the party, as usual. This time James had not been the reason ; they were late because Ginny had had to lengthen Albus 's robes last minute.

"It looks that way,"Harry answered."Wait until you see the interior. The election New Year 's Eve party at the curate 's Mansion is one of the deluxe occasion the Ministry puts on, only beaten out by the company that will take aim station for the winner of the election. It 's going to be far fancy than the party for Mr. Eckerton last year."

Albus nodded. As they drew closer to the residence Albus noticed that the grim twinkle seemed to stem from the flat coat, illuminating the mansion as it went upward, but he could not see where the Light came from. It looked to just come along out of the reason. The path itself was lined with Ag candles.

The door was already open when they reached the end of the route. A man dressed in a full tuxedo with arse stood in the doorway and he took Ginny and Lily 's wraps while another man led the Potters into the grand ballroom.

The dance palace was already filled to capacity and Albus noticed that nearly half of the people in attending were his aunts, uncles, and cousins. The ballroom itself was lit by silver candle standardised to the ones that lined the route outside. The windowpane were draped in laboured USN drape tied with flatware ropes and matching linen dressed the tables and chairs scattered throughout the way. Larger tables containing phonograph recording of food stood in the center of the way, each one holding an ice sculpture. The sculptures were of various historic buildings in wizarding Britain, including one of Hogwarts.

waiter dressed in the same dinner jacket as the wizard by the door walked throughout the room carrying plate of food and drink. After taking a look at some of the food they carried, Albus wondered if there was anything normal or if it was just fancy hors d'oeuvres.

"Before you all take off to receive your cousins,"Harry began, staring more at his sons than at Lily."James, absolutely no pranks. Albus, no sneaking off to other parts of the mansion or going outside this twelvemonth. Promise me, both of you."

"I promise,"Albus and King James I each mumbled.

"All right, you may go,"Harry said."And keep an eye out for your untried cousin. Make sure they 're not getting into trouble."

Albus nodded and then slipped into the crowd in search of lusterlessness, Rose, and something to eat that did not resemble something his aunt Fleur 's female parent would make. He finally wound up at the dessert board where he found both a large piece of music of deep brown patty and his friends.

"Albus, there you are !"Rose said."We 've been here for an hr already."

"Mum had to lengthen my gown,"Albus said in between bites of cake.

"I 'm not surprised. You grew a foot in the by twelvemonth,"rose wine commented.

"Seriously, you 've got to stop,"Matt said."You make me look like a sec year."

"Is everyone else here ?"Albus asked as they walked over to a mostly vacuous table. Its sole occupier was a very old man who seemed to be taking a nap.

Rose nodded."Even Georgia showed up. But I did find out that the only reason we were all invited was to ca-ca Uncle Walker Percy look like more of a family man."

"Really ?"Albus asked."I thought it was just because folk of the candidates were always invited."

"No. Usually it 's only straightaway syndicate members, plus all the brain of department and top Ministry officials and their families. So not all of us were going to be invited at first. It 's to nominate us look like a very close knit family."

"You are a close knit kin,"matt said."It 's like you 're all chum and baby rather than cousins."

"But Uncle Percy never really convoluted any of us in his Ministry calling before,"Albus pointed out."Anyway, Matt, how was your Christmas ?"

"Good,"lustrelessness said."pink wine already told me about yours. Sounded much more interesting than mine. My grandparents came to confab and they went home yesterday. Mum and Cinda argued over the fact that we do n't visit them enough anymore and then Mum and Amy argued over the fact that Amy never comes household except for holiday. Dad, Richard, and I just stayed out of it. I swear, those three could fence over nothing."

"speech sound like yours was interesting then,"Albus said.

Matt shrugged."Honestly, it 's been rather boring at home."

"I 'm ready to get back to Hogwarts,"Albus said."Is Amy here ?"

"Yeah, she 's off with Victoire and teddy bear,"Matt said.

"Oh, by the way, do n't salute the punch,"Albus warned them."James is planning to put something in it."

"What ?"rose wine asked.

"I do n't know, but it 'll probably be complete,"Albus said.

"If your uncle wins your cousins will get to live here,"Matt said as he gazed around the elbow room."Weird to intend about. This place looks bigger than my old house."

"It probably is,"rosebush said."And you 're right, that is uncanny to think about."

The old man let out a snort and woke up. His heart darted around until they rested on Albus, blush wine, and Matt."Who are you three ?"he demanded.

"Er, I 'm Albus ceramicist and that 's Rose Weasley and mat Eckerton,"Albus said.

His fount softened."Oh, nice to meet you ! I 'm Gregory Laurentis. My daughter 's running for minister. Could not be prouder, but I suppose she 's running against your uncle. Albus Potter, Merlin 's beard ! I told cake, I told her she was nuts to run against Harry Hotspur Weasley what with him being related to Harry Potter himself, but her party picked her to run so I suppose there was nothing I could do about it. And she could n't sprain down that opportunity ...."

Albus glanced at Rose and Matt while Laurnetis 's dad continued to rattle on about how proud he was of his daughter, yet wonder at her foolishness for running against soul related to Harry Potter. He was rather funny remark, Albus thought.

"This plaza is too damn fancy,"Gregory Laurnetis muttered as he fingered the tablecloth."And the food, my God, what I would n't give for some bangers and mash ...."

Albus stifled a laugh, but he did agree with the old man."I think I hear one of my cousins calling me,"Albus said."We 'd better go."

"Oh, right, right,"Hildebrand Laurentis said."I do n't hear anything, but then again my hearing 's so bad these years. Well, good luck to your uncle, then. Not that he 'll involve it !"

"trade good luck to your daughter, too,"Albus said as he stood up.

All three burst out laughing as soon as they were out of earshot of Angelo Correr Laurentis. A few Ministry official looked at them strangely as they did so, but Albus did n't wish.

"Albus !"Matt suddenly whispered."Is that Balladanis over there ?"Matt pointed to the far back box, where a man in bare black robes stood with his coat of arms folded across his chest.

Albus peered at the man for a few mo."Yeah, I think it is."

"What 's he doing here ?"matt asked.

"Probably in character of an attack,"pink wine said."Every prominent Ministry official is in this elbow room right now. There 's probably Aurors stationed at every door outside, too."

"Do n't let him see us,"matte said as he grabbed both Albus and Rose and pulled them behind a large group of people."Can we just go somewhere else ?"

Albus glanced at Balladanis and then back at matt, who looked more than a small unquiet. Albus did n't charge him. After cobbler's last year 's dirt with Balladanis, it was no marvel Matt never wanted to see the man again. Albus thought briefly of what his dad told him when they got there, but pushed the promise from his idea. If Matt did n't want to be in the Same room as Balladanis, then Albus was just going to take to break his promise.

"seminal fluid on,"Rose said before Albus could answer. She took Albus and flatness 's hands and pulled them through the crowd. She let them go once they reached the corridor.

The corridor was much quieter than the ballroom. Albus had n't even realized just how loud the dance hall was until now. Between the music and mass 's voices, it was a wonder he 'd even been able to consider in there.

"Thanks,"matte said quietly."He just gives me the creeps."

"No problem,"pink wine said."Where should we go ?"

"We could try and find that library again,"Albus suggested.

Rose and lustrelessness nodded and the three set off down the corridor. It took them fifteen minutes and three wrong turns to find the library and once they got there, they saw that it was already occupied by none early than Georgia, Bradley, and Cedric.

"We 've got to stop using the Saami hiding places,"Georgia said with a jest as they entered."Just joking. Come on in."

rose shut the room access behind them and they joined Peach State, Omar Nelson Bradley, and Cedric on the other side of the room.

"Sick of the party ?"GA asked.

"We saw Balladanis,"Matt said quietly as he sat down."Did n't need him to notice us."

Sakartvelo shuddered."Do n't charge you there, especially since your dad is the reason he got sacked."

"I kind of liked him,"Omar Bradley said.

Matt looked at him like he was insane."Are you kidding ?"

Bradley shrugged."Nope. I 'm not terribly upset he 's gone, but he was variety of cool."

"You 're mad,"lustrelessness said.

"What about you three ? What drove you to the library ?"Albus asked, wanting to stave off an argument between his best friend and cousin.

"Decided to research the house,"Cedric said."If we 're going to own to populate here, we wanted to see what we 'd be getting into."

"And what do you think ?"Rose asked.

"Living here would n't be so bad,"Cedric said."Thomas Bradley and I would n't stimulate to share a room. Neither would Samantha and lindy hop, for that matter."

"I told you, one of you can receive my elbow room,"Empire State of the South said.

"Dad wo n't let us,"Bradley replied."Says you 're going to come back when Quidditch stops paying off."

Georgia groaned."Really, the faith he has in me is incredible."

"We met Laurentis 's dad,"Albus said.

Georgia burst out laughing."Seriously ?"

Albus nodded and told the story. All three of his cousins were laughing by the meter he finished.

"I may have to go back out there just so I can meet him,"Peach State said, still laughing.

"He sounds like a very interesting feller,"Bradley said.

matte got up from his chair and began wandering around the library. He paused by the door, as if listening.

"What are you doing ?"Albus asked.

"I heard something,"Matt whispered."Shut up, all of you."

Peach State immediately stopped laughing and all five of them stopped talking. flatness 's eyes grew big and he hurried back over."individual 's coming !"

"I do n't see any-"Thomas Bradley began.

"Sshhh !"Albus said as he jumped up."Trust him on this. We 've got to hide."

"There 's a press,"rose said as she hurried to open the threshold."It 's not very big-"

"Does n't matter,"Matt said."haste, get inside."

Albus just started hearing the voices as they hurried inside the closet. It was a very tight squeeze and Rose was stepping on his result metrical foot, but he said nothing as he shut the room access. Two seconds later he heard the threshold to the subroutine library open.

"It 's not working !"a woman said. Her spokesperson was muffled ; Albus could barely make out what she said, let alone who she was.

"I ca n't see anything,"Cedric whispered."Is this room access solid mahogany or something ?"

"Shut up !"lusterlessness seethed. He had his ear pressed to the door.

"The one time I do n't add any Extendables with me,"Cedric muttered.

Albus pressed his ear up against the threshold. The articulation were still muffled, but he could hear.

"I told you they 'd eat up the whole family man thing,"another vocalism said. This one was male."Not to mention he 's Harry Potter 's brother-in-law for God 's saki !"

"Harry Potter is an bungling idiot and you know it,"the woman replied."He 's famous for something he did as a child and the general public is stupid to still think of him as the Heron of the wizarding mankind. He 's gone soft."

"It 's Laurentis !"mat said.

"How can you tell ?"Omar Bradley asked."This door is so fucking thick."

"I just can,"Matt said.

Albus could n't tell that the voice was Laurentis 's, but based on what she was saying, Matt was right.

"Well, what am I supposed to do about it ?"the man said.

"We 've got to think of something,"Laurentis said."The Azkaban debate is in a calendar week. I 'm certain you can think of something to do for that."

"I think that 's her drive manager,"lusterlessness said.

"She sounds awfully,"Albus said.

"It should n't be that firmly. All we have to do is expose Weasley for what he really is and get everyone to realise ceramicist 's not the Hero they all think he is,"Laurentis said.

"And who is Weasley, then ?"

"A grandiloquent idiot !"Laurentis exclaimed."You do n't really buy the whole fact that he supports his daughter 's Quidditch career, do you ? I 've seen the way she looks at him and there 's no way that 's real."

"You ca n't really make out that-"

"I can,"she interrupted."I can read masses, Pierce. That 's why I got into political science. It 's all about reading people and figuring out the lies from the truths. See what you can dig up. We 'd amend recurrence to the party. I left my father alone with rector Langston. That wo n't turn out well."

"Yes, Ms. Laurentis,"President Pierce replied.

Albus heard the sound of high heels on hardwood floor, the doorway creak open, and then sink in shut again. He waited two wide minute and then opened the door to the water closet. Everyone hurried out.

"What was that ?"Matt demanded."What is she up to ?"

"How did you see all that ?"Bradley asked."Do you have super human hearing or something ?"

"Or something,"Matt muttered,"but never thinker that. Laurentis knows your dad 's putting on an act and is going to try to give away him."He turned to Albus."And she is going to try and turn the wizarding world against your dad."

"She 's insane !"Albus exclaimed.

"You 've got to tell your uncle-"Matt began.

"No way,"Georgia said loudly."Trust me, all he 'll do is blame me for not playing my part well enough. This is n't leaving this room."

"But she 's going to sabotage his run,"Albus said.

"Sakartvelo 's right,"rose said."It wo n't avail anything. Campaigns are half about digging up dirt on the other candidate. Anything she says about Uncle Harry, no one will believe it unless they 're an idiot. Anyone with half a mind knows he runs the Auror section well."

"If anyone says anything he 'll just get mad at us for spying,"Thomas Bradley added.

"Not to mention we 're not technically allowed in here,"Cedric pointed out.

"Oh, right,"Albus said."My dad did give me assure not to provide the ballroom."

"No one 's saying anything,"Empire State of the South said."And I think we 'd all in force get back to the dance hall, just in case anyone notices we 're all gone.


Thanks for all the reviews ! Remember to keep them 12+. Props to all who caught the 'mahogany'Hunger secret plan mention. credit for that goes to Suzanne Collins. If any of you are members of the forums ( and if you 're not, you should be, link up on the rightfield side of the varlet ! ), feel discharge to check out my meet the Author pageboy ! It 's linked on my author Page. Please ask me questions on my MTA page since I love answering them !


When they returned to the ballroom Albus was please to see that Balladanis was nowhere in sight. Perhaps he left to police the solid ground. Albus did n't really care ; all that mattered was that he was n't there anymore. Judging by the gang in the elbow room, no one else had left yet, and they all seemed a bit more boisterous, most in all probability due to the drinks.

Percy accosted them before they were even able to get to the desert board to reload their plates with patty. He walked with aim, similarly to the way he had walked when he took Albus and his friends to Kendrick 's study. He seemed very at home in the minister 's residence and it was n't even his yet.

"Empire State of the South !"he said."There you are. I 've been looking for you everywhere."

"I was in the loo. Something you need, Dad ?"Georgia asked.

"Er, yes, actually,"Harry Hotspur replied."I need you to take Samantha and Lindy home plate. It 's nearly eleven and your mother and I are going to be here well past midnight. Samantha ate too much cake and feels ill. I just think it would be best for them to go home and get some sleep. They 're over at that table."Percy gestured to a nearby table, where Samantha and lindy were sitting, both with their heads in their hands, looking extremely bored.

GA raised her eyebrows, as if surprise that Percy was actually going to not only let three of his children leave, but request that they do so. Albus was surprised he 'd even conceive about the fact that it was n't really a party for two nine-year-olds.

"Yeah, I can take them household,"Georgia said.

"What about us ?"Bradley asked, gesturing to himself and Cedric."Could n't we subscribe them home ?"

"I 'd rather Georgia do it,"Percy said."You do n't even get your Apparition license yet, Cedric. And Omar Nelson Bradley, you just got yours. You 're not ready to side-along Apparate two people."

"They do take fireplace here, Dad,"Thomas Bradley muttered.

"Sakartvelo 's taking them, and the two of you are staying here,"Percy said adamantly."Thank you, Georgia."

"You 're receive,"Georgia said as Harry Hotspur strutted off to talk to some Ministry functionary."Ha !"she said once he was out of earshot."I get to leave."

"Shut up,"Cedric said."I 'm going to go find oneself James."

Georgia headed over to the table her babe were sitting at while Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric disappeared into the crew. Albus, Matt, and Rose wandered over to the sweet tabular array, piled a plate high with the biscuit a waiter had just set out, and then set off to come up another table. They found one, which Victoire, shift, and Amy were vacating.

"Where are you three off to ?"Albus asked.

"We 've got other rounds tomorrow,"Victoire said."Five in the morning time. If we 're lucky we 'll get four hour of sleep."

"I do n't see a good deal detail in staying if they 're not here,"Teddy said."Technically I was n't even invited, but seeing as I 'm Harry thrower 's Godson, no one was going to kick me out."

Albus laughed."See you later, then."

After Victoire, Teddy, and Amy left Albus sat down and his friends sat on either face. He absentmindedly chewed on a cookie and watched the crowd.

"Do these sample funny to you ?"flatness asked, holding up a partially eat biscuit.

Albus took another insect bite. They did taste weird."Yeah."

rosebush burst out laughing and started pointing at their read/write head."I think Saint James messed with the biscuits instead of the biff. Al, your hair is blue and mat, yours is green."

Albus and Matt both started laughing. Albus took another looking at at the crew."Look, that Lady 's hair is purple !"He pointed to a crone a few yards away. The bloke she was talking to was clearly trying not to stare at her head.

Over the adjacent few moment people gradually began to realize that their hair was turning various colour and that the biscuit were the culprit. Wands appeared everywhere, as the guest charmed each other 's hair back to its normal color. Another minute later Albus spotted both of his parents walking around the perimeter of the room, clearly looking for James, but he was nowhere in sight.

"I like this antic,"Albus said."I 'm leaving my hairsbreadth as is."

"Me too,"matt agreed. They both turned to Rose."You should eat one."

rose wine sighed."Might as well."She took a cookie and a hour later her formerly red hair was a lovely shade of pink.

The rest of the party was rather boring. Harry eventually found James and told him he 'd be staying in his room for the balance of the holiday, only being allowed out for repast. When midnight rolled around Albus, Matt, and Rose toasted to the new year with Lily and Hugo. Matt and his parents left immediately afterward and Albus and his family line left a inadequate spell later. Albus was relieved to be going base since the night had been exhausting, and he still could n't get the conversation he overheard in the program library out of his idea.
***


"It 's here !"James shouted the next morning at breakfast, brandishing a transcript of Wizards clip. The front cover charge was a picture of Albus 's grandparents, his mum, Uncle Walker Percy, Uncle placard, Uncle Charlie, Uncle George VI, and Uncle Ron.

"Let me see it !"Albus shouted.

"No, I got it first !"James shouted back.

"I want to scan it first !"Lily exclaimed.

"Kids, settle down !"Ginny said."James got it first. Al can record it side by side, and then Lily."

"Not fair,"Lily muttered."I 'm never first."

That was a lie, Albus thought to himself. It was either Jesse James or Lily who got affair first, never Albus. Curse of being the midriff tyke, he figured.

Albus sat and ate his breakfast while Jesse James read the article. His brother let out groans and suspiration and even laughter while he read, which made Albus even more anxious to take it. After what seemed corresponding forever, it was finally Albus 's turn. He yanked the magazine publisher out of James 's hand and opened it up to the article.

The first page ( or rather, first two pages ), contained the motion-picture show of his intact family. Albus had been right in guessing that there was no way the photographer could 've vex a film that they all looked soundly in. Albus himself at to the lowest degree looked halfway decent. He was smiling and kept turning to seem at rose wine and then back to the tv camera. Lily on the other hand, was caught mid-grimace and always returned to that gravel every few irregular. Across the photo was the figure of the article- 'Christmas With the Weasleys .'Albus turned the pageboy and looked at all the other picture that accompanied the article before reading it. There was one of Harry Hotspur, Corrine, and their kids. Another featured Harry Hotspur and Albus 's dad. Then there was the one with him playing Exploding child's play with the Twin and Walker Percy, as well as the one with Percy and Amanda playing chess. The caption on that study 'Minister hopeful Percy Weasley challenges the blossom rector 's niece to a game of Bromus secalinus .'Amanda was not going to be happy, Albus thought as he turned his attention to the article.

When I first entered the childhood nursing home of Percy
Weasley I immediately noticed the pleasant-tasting feel
that filled the air. molly Weasley, Percy 's mother,
was gruelling at work cooking Christmas Eve dinner. The
lowly, but cozy, rest home was filled to content with
Weasleys, although it only grew more crowded with
the arrival of the thrower an hr later.

The Weasley class gather for Yuletide at the
home of Chester A. Arthur and mollie Weasley every yr.
President Arthur, a retired Ministry employee, says ,'I
love having the entire family together. It 's
disorderly, but I would n't experience it any other way .'
The evening begins with a repast, although eating
seems to take place over many hours. The standard pressure
is homy and felicitous, with every unmarried family
member enjoying their time with each other.

Harry Hotspur Weasley, a loving Fatherhood of five, junction in
on the fun and Christmas life by challenging
his nine-year-old daughters Samantha and Lindy,
as well as nephew Albus potter, 14, to a game
of Exploding centering .'I feel it 's authoritative to
spend prison term with my children, as well as my nieces
and nephews ,'Weasley said, 'we have such petty
metre with them before they go off to Hogwarts.
My firstborn is already out on her own and my son
only have a short time left at Hogwarts. The
twins are still untested, so I try to spend time
with them every single day .'When asked
about their male parent 's safari, Samantha said,
'I want him to win. He 's goodness at his job .'
lindy merely shrugged, 'It would be poise if he
win, but he 'll still just be Dad to us .'

The base of Chester Alan Arthur and mollie Weasley is not
only open to Weasleys at Xmas meter. This
twelvemonth they were joined by a champion of Albus ceramist
and rose Weasley, 14. Amanda Tagger, also 14, is
a fourth year educatee at Hogwarts. Tagger is no
stranger to political house since her uncle
is Michael Smythe, prime quantity Minister of Great
Britain .'I think it is just tremendous that
the prime government minister 's niece is a witch ,'Percy
said. 'We are always trying to promote a
healthy relationship with the Muggle Ministry
and this will only help oneself .'

Before posing for the exposure found on pages
20 and 21, the Weasley crime syndicate first donned
their Weasley jump shot. Each member of the family
receives one of these sweater for Christmas
every twelvemonth. The traditional jumper are knitted
by mollie Weasley .'I 'm not sure how it started,
really ,'mollie said, when asked about the root
of the jumpers ,'I suppose it was when Bill and
Charlie were little, before Harry Hotspur was born. I
wanted to knit them matching jumper and they
outgrew them by the following yr, so I made
new ones. Then when Walker Percy was born he needed one
so it soon grew into a yearly thing .'

If I had to choose one Good Book to describe the Weasley
family, I would choose 'laid-back .'Spending a
Christmas Eve with this family, you would never
think that they were famous for their exploit in
the war against Voldemort. They are just so normal.
Even Harry Potter, Head Auror, is just your
average sire. He spends Christmas Eve joking
around with his brothers-in-law and playing games
with his nipper, nieces, and nephews. I asked
him what a distinctive Christmas day is like in the
Weasley sign of the zodiac and he responded with, 'Quidditch.
We live for Quidditch. No matter the weather condition we
get out there every Christmas and fiddle a friction match or
two. Then we 'll come inside and have dinner, all
of us together. It 's round-eyed, but perfect .'

There you have it. Noel with the Weasleys
summed up in one judgment of conviction by none former than Harry
Potter himself. I thoroughly enjoyed disbursement
Christmas Eve with Percy Weasley and his integral
family. Next time I interview him, I really must
ask for his mother 's shepherd 's pie recipe. It
truly is wonderful.

"Really ?"Albus asked after handing the clip to Lily."After all that ? She interviewed half the crime syndicate and only quoted a few of us ?"

"I 'm guessing the relief could n't really be used for the type of article she was going for,"Epistle of James pointed out."Notice how she only included stuff Samantha and Lindy said."

"And she made it seem like the photographer just happened to need pictures of us playing game with Uncle Percy,"Albus said."All of that was staged."

"That 's journalism,"Ginny said."Not sound journalism, mind you, but it is fairly park practice."

"I guess it could have been forged,"Albus said.

"Yes, it could get been,"Ginny agreed."I think we 're all just grateful she did n't continue for Christmas dinner."

James laughed."I wonder how she would 've spun that. I 'm amazed no one 's figured out that Uncle Percy does n't really like that Peach State plays Quidditch."

"bread and butter your oral cavity shut about that, St. James the Apostle,"Ginny said quietly.

"Anyone with half a mind could see it,"James muttered.

Albus said nothing. He still was n't completely sure that saying zippo about Laurentis figuring that out was the right thing to do. But he could n't exactly say anything, not when all his cousins and Matt had agreed not to.

"James I,"Ginny said."enough. And I suggest you use the remainder of your prison-breaking to study for those O.W.L.s. June is a lot preferably than you think."

Epistle of James certainly did a right job of pretending to meditate for the residual of the holiday, while shut up in his room for his punishment. Albus noticed that while he always had a book cracked open up nearby, to grab when one of their parents walked into the room, it was always the Lapp volume, opened to the Sami Sir Frederick Handley Page. Albus was amazed neither of his parents realized that, but he supposed both of them had their minds on Percy 's election. Albus finished all his homework before the weekend, leaving him with two blissful years of doing nothing. On Saturday he, along with his parents, King James I, and Lily, visited Kaden and his family for a belatedly Christmas and New Year 's celebration. Albus was relieved that Kaden 's grandparents were n't there.

Monday arrived and it was time to go back to Hogwarts. Albus was quite glad about this because he had grown bored of staying at menage and doing null and was sick of being in such ending poop with James I and Lily. At least in Gryffindor tower they kept to their own grouping of friends. But mostly, Albus wanted to get Amanda 's take on the conversation they overheard at the minister of religion 's Mansion.

"Everyone 's staring at me,"Amanda said as she entered the compartment Albus, Rose, Matt, lav, and Kaden were occupying."Took me ages to find you, just because people kept wanting to talk to me. It 's that dazed magazine publisher article. Now everyone knows I 'm the Prime diplomatic minister 's niece."

"It was bound to happen sooner or later,"pink wine pointed out."But I 'm sorry. If I 'd live the newsperson was going to talk about that, I would n't feature invited you for Christmas."

"No, it 's all right,"Amanda said as she sat down."I 'm happy I went. It 's just annoying. dead reckoning I know how it feels to be you lot."

"Except us,"John said as he gestured to himself and Kaden."We 're normal."

"You 're normal, John,"Amanda said."But Kaden 's Harry Potter 's first off cousin once removed or something."

"And that really makes me question how I got wrapped up in all this,"John said."My parents just are n't nearly as challenging as yours all are."

"How was that party, by the way ?"Amanda asked.

"Mostly boring,"Albus said."But we did curve up in a petite closet with my cousins Georgia, Bradley, and Cedric and overheard a conversation between Laurentis and her military campaign manager."

"You what ?"John exclaimed."And you did n't think that warranted an owl ?"

"We wanted to severalise you in person,"Albus said."The conversation was really weird."

"Tell us !"Amanda said.

Albus explained what he overheard, with help from matte, who had been able to get wind it a bit more clearly. can and Kaden looked slightly uncomfortable when they finished, but Amanda did n't seem at all surprised or upset.

"That ca n't be good,"John the Divine said."What do you call back she 's planning ?"

"That 's just it, I do n't bonk,"Albus said."And all my cousins and matte agreed not to say anything-"

"They 're aright, of course,"Amanda said."You 'd just conjure up up fuss. Your uncle has got to focus on convincing people he 's the right one for the job, not discrediting everything Laurentis says."

"But she 's going to try and win over everyone my dad 's a bad Auror,"Albus pointed out.

"Your dad is n't running for Minister,"Amanda said."And honestly, I do n't think she 's going to be able to convince all of wizarding U.K. that your dad 's incompetent person by April."

"But what about the Georgia thing-"

"Albus,"Amanda said as she stared directly at him,"this is what politicians do. Half the campaign is spent trying to convince hoi polloi the opponent is bad for the job. As much as it should just be spent on trying to convince people they 're right for the job, candidates just do n't do that. faith me. My uncle 's on his second term. I know how these things work."

"I guess,"Albus said. He felt slightly better about it, now that he had Amanda 's opinion, but he still felt uneasy."Something is going to happen at the Azkaban debate, though. She wanted her campaign manager to dig something up."

"Worst example scenario, she figures out that your uncle Percy does n't really approve of Georgia 's Quidditch life history,"Amanda said."Then he 'll give an interview and say that at first he was n't because he was worry about her future tense but then he saw her play and now he realizes how good she is and blah, blah, blah. It 'll be fixed."

"She 's right, Albus,"Rose said. The others nodded.

"How do you sleep with all this ?"Albus asked."I mean, seriously."

"I 'm an excellent eavesdropper,"Amanda said with a grin."And all without Extendable Ears."

"Amazing,"John agreed.

"It 's simple, really,"Amanda said."Be the kid in your family that goes unnoticed. My sr. sister is the drama nance, so everything that happens to her, no matter how low, is a huge plenty. My little brother is a little terror who demands unvarying care. Me ? I 'm the quiet down one. They 'll possess whole conversations about stuff in straw man of me that they 'd never take in movement of either my brother or sister."

Kaden laughed."Bet that changed when you found out you were a witch."

"At first, but then me being a witch became normal,"Amanda said.

lusterlessness let out a low pennywhistle."want I had that skill. I still ca n't even go into the Lapp room as my parents without one of them asking me if I feel okay. Bit of an hyperbole, but still."

"I think my parents drop too much of their childhoods eavesdropping on hoi polloi to give me a comme il faut chance at it,"Albus said."They know all the tricks."

"So do mine,"Rose said."I swear my mum can sense an extendible Ear a mile away."

"I think I 'm too loud,"John the Evangelist said.

"Same,"Kaden agreed.

"So, would you believe me if I said I actually wanted to go to the Azkaban debate ?"John asked as he opened a box of Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor Beans.

Rose burst out laughing."Really, John ?"

"Yes, really,"Saint John said, popping a bonce into his rima oris."Butter, weird. If Laurentis is going to do something, I want to be right there to witness it."

"Maybe you 'll get golden and you 'll get picked,"Amanda said."I hope I get picked for one."

"I bet they 'll let you go to all of them now, being the peak Minister's niece and all,"John the Divine said.

"Not necessarily,"Amanda said.

"You can always take my spot, can,"lustrelessness said as he got up to slip a fistful of John 's Bertie Bott 's."Full Sun Myung Moon 's on Fri, so I wo n't be going."

"Maybe you can convince Madam Pomfrey, since it 's educational,"Kaden said.

matte popped a bean into his mouth and then promptly applaud it out."Ew, scandal. Does n't count what gentlewoman Pomfrey says. Day after the full moon ? I 'll be asleep. You 'll just give birth to take bill and let me know what happens."

Gospel According to John groaned."I 'll pass on your fleck if I have to lead notes."

"person 's going to have to exact bank note either way,"Matt said."I 'll require them for the essay that Embry will assign."

"Do n't worry, I 'll take notes,"rosebush told him.

"Thanks,"Matt replied."Now, who 's wants this bean ? It looks just comparable scandal, but it could be chocolate."Matt held up a suspiciously brown bean.

"I 'll take it !"John said. He took a flyspeck nibble, screwed up his fount, and threw the respite of the bean back at matte, hitting him square on the frontal bone."Thanks, mate, another dirt."

Albus laughed and took a smattering of attic. The remainder of the misstep was much more blithe than their conversation about the campaign tactics of Laurentis and Walker Percy. They finished off John 's Bertie Bott 's, growing braver as the box emptied. Albus stopped after he got a vomit flavored one, but enjoyed it immensely when Kaden ate one of the like flavor. The train ride went quickly and soon they arrived in Hogsmeade station with Hogwarts, Albus 's second home, just a short-circuit pusher rag away.


Sorry for the late update ! My cousin got married on Friday so I was gone the whole weekend and did n't have my computer with me. Thanks to my baby, Linda, who in my kin, is just like Amanda and can eavesdrop on everyone. She gave me the idea for that. Thanks for all the adorable reexamination !


"This term we will sharpen on how the first and second warfare against Voldemort shaped how the Ministry of Magic is organized today,"Professor Embry announced after the toll rang for Tuesday 's political sympathies class."This part of the class will overlap with your chronicle of Magic stratum quite a bit, although I 'd gamble a shot that none of you pay attention in History of illusion, not that I blame you. I never could remain awake in that class either.

"First, we will take a close-fitting face at exactly how the Ministry was organized prior to Voldemort 's procession to power and why it was such a problem,"Embry continued."Part of the understanding why Voldemort was able to surface to power as quickly as he did was because the Ministry was susceptible to a takeover. Since then, precautions have been taken to prevent a similar state of affairs. Does anyone make out the main difference between the Ministry before Voldemort and the Ministry now ?"

A few hands went up in the air, including Amanda 's. Albus knew the answer, but he did n't really want to stir his hand. He preferred listening during class.

"Yes, Miss Tagger ?"

"The minister of religion was n't elected,"Amanda said,"which is odd because the Muggle government minister is elected, sort of. It 's not like in the United States, but the public votes on which party will be in power."

"Exactly,"Embry said."Prior to the shakeup of the Ministry of Magic in 1998, the minister was appointed by the Wizengamot. Can anyone severalise me why that is a job ?"

Amanda 's hand snap into the air once more. She was even faster than Rose in this class.

"Miss Tagger ?"

"It was bad because the people had no power. Only the Wizengamot had any superpower in the Ministry, because they were the I who appointed the curate, who then appointed all the other official. No one had any say in anything."

"right hand again. Ten peak to Gryffindor,"Embry said."The Wizengamot, prior to 1998, was a radical of very influential crone and star, mostly purebloods, who essentially ran the Ministry of Magic. They also served as the judicial system. These witches and wizards inherited their seats on the Wizengamot from family members because each influential family in the British wizarding universe once held a fundament in the Wizengamot. The job with this are obvious because it meant that only purebloods and a select few half-bloods had any illusion of power."

Albus was scribbling furiously. He knew the basics of the political organisation just from overhearing his parents'conversations, but the details were hazy. Now that he was learning the gritty particular, he wondered why it took so long for the Ministry to be reorganized. It seemed like it was based solely on roue status and how lots money someone had, which was n't right.

Embry continued to excuse the old Ministry and the several power that each somebody or group of multitude in the Ministry had prior to Voldemort 's reign. By the end of the lecture Albus had just over a fundament of preeminence, which was near because Embry had already set them an essay.

"Before you leave, I 'll announce who will be attending Sat 's debate,"Embry said after he finished lecturing."Like last sentence, Albus Potter, blush wine Weasley, and lusterlessness Eckerton will be able to attend. The two Hufflepuffs who will be attending are Elaine Asterly and Dorothy Parker Wayland. The two Gryffindors are Amanda Tagger and Ethan Kesse. You will report to the Great entrance hall at ten and wait for command from the prefects waiting by the doorway. Everyone else will be listening to the debate via wireless in the Transfiguration classroom. I expect an essay on which candidate you feel made their point better by next class. You are dismissed."

"I guess I wo n't get to go to all the argument after all,"Amanda said as they left the classroom.

"This one will be unspoilt, though,"rose wine said."You 're lucky they picked you for it."

"indirect request I got picked,"John lamented.

"I 'm telling you, just go instead of me,"Matt insisted."William Tell them I 'm ill and you 're taking my spot."

"I really do n't think they 'll let-"

"Planning on being ill on Saturday, are you ?"

Albus and his acquaintance stopped in the middle of the corridor, turning around to see Scorpius Malfoy behind them, his arms crossed across his pectus. He looked arrogant and vaguely annoyed as usual, but there was something else there. He looked slightly upset and for some reason, that unnerved Albus.

"afford it a rest, Malfoy,"John said, stepping closer to the Slytherin."We get that you know. We 've gotten over it."

Scorpius stepped closelipped, ignoring bathroom and turning to Matt."How do you get into the Shrieking hovel ?"he demanded.

Matt 's typeface paled. John grabbed handle of Scorpius 's robes and dragged him into a nearby schoolroom. Saint John the Apostle had at to the lowest degree four inch on Malfoy, so it did n't seem hard. Albus and the others followed, Rose shutting and locking the doorway behind them.

"Why do you want to know about the Shrieking Shack ?"John Lackland asked as he let go of Scorpio.

"None of your business,"Scorpius said, glancing at the locked door. He slowly drew his wand.

Gospel According to John drew his own wand."Put your wand away. And it 's his business which makes it all of our business."St. John the Apostle gestured to lusterlessness, who had sat down on one of the desks.

"There 's five of you. Like hell I 'm putting my baton away. So I am right, he does transubstantiate in the Shrieking Shack,"Scorpius said with a sly grinning. The look of gloominess Albus thought he 'd seen was gone ; maybe he 'd imagined it.

"John !"Matt exclaimed."Now look what you 've done !"

"Sorry,"privy said."I did n't imply to-"

"Never creative thinker,"lusterlessness said, getting up from the desk and walking over to John and Scorpio."How did you figure it out ?"

"Where else could you translate safely ?"Scorpius asked."I did a minuscule research in the library and that was built the summer before Remus Lupin started at Hogwarts and everyone knows he was a werewolf. No one ever lived in it, but citizenry reported hearing weird noises from it. Everyone said it was specter, but they went strangely quiet seven days later, only to re-emerge four and a half years ago, when we started at Hogwarts. Quite a coincidence, I thought. And now I see that I 'm right."

Albus was kind of shocked Scorpius had done all that inquiry and put everything together. Perhaps he was smarter than Albus and his friends gave him credit for.

"fountainhead, you ca n't assure anyone, just like you ca n't tell anyone I 'm a loup-garou,"Matt said."Kendrick would expel you."

"I do n't care that it 's where you transform,"Scorpius said."The point is that it 's empty except for one dark of the month. How do you get in ?"

"I 'm not telling,"Matt said.

"Fine, I 'll work out it out myself,"Scorpius said, pointing his sceptre at the door. The lock chamber clicked and he strolled over to the room access, opened it, and left.

"That was Wyrd,"Albus said as soon as Scorpius was gone.

"Yeah,"matt said, sitting down on the near desk."Why does he desire to get in the screeching hovel ?"

"Clearly he needs somewhere that 's empty, but the head is what is he planning on doing ?"pink wine asked."And did anyone else notice that he seemed a bit sad in the corridor ?"

"I thought I 'd imagined that,"Albus said.

"You did n't. He 's definitely upset about something,"blush wine said.

matte groaned."He sound not actually estimate out how to get in there."

"If he does, he would n't be mute enough to go in there during a fully lunar month,"Albus pointed out.

"Yeah, but still. That 's my quad,"matt muttered."I need a nap. I think I 'm going to skip dinner and just go back to Gryffindor. I 'll see you later."

Matt hopped off the desk and left the room. Albus sighed. The hold up affair he wanted, amidst all of the election stuff and his family 's drama, was another issue with Scorpius Malfoy, but it looked like things were heading in that management.
***


The following morning when Albus and his friends entered the Great Hall for breakfast the student already eating were practically forte than normal. Albus turned to Rose, who shrugged in confusion, as they walked inside. Everyone in the room, scholarly person and teachers alike, were talking ominously. copy of the Prophet were exchanging work force faster than the Quaffle during a Gryffindor/Slytherin mate.

"Albus !"Epistle of James shouted once they reached the Gryffindor tabular array."Read this. There 's been a break-out at Azkaban."

"Again ?"Albus exclaimed, hurrying over to where James was sitting. He took the theme and his friends crowded around him.

"Not like last metre,"James II said darkly."High-profile prisoners and Thomas More of them. Death eater. There has n't been a break-out like this in years. Not since our parents were our age."

Albus 's heart began to pound as he unfolded the theme. There it was, right on the straw man page. A big photo montage of five the great unwashed, all gaunt and evil-looking, was right in the middle, with the words 'Five captive Break Out of Azkaban'above them and an article below them. Albus 's stomach churned when he recognized the picture of the midsection prisoner. It was Quinton Willinson. His heart drifted to the article so he could enter out who the others were.

Early this dawning Azkaban officials
reported that five high surety prisoner
escaped late last night. It is ill-defined how
they managed to do so. The captive, all
imprisoned for felonies, should be regarded
as grievous and should not be approached.

foursome of the five captive have been in
Azkaban since 1998, having been imprisoned
for war law-breaking. They are Alecto Carrow,
Amycus Carrow, Fenrir Greyback, and Dolores
Umbridge. All but Umbridge are proven destruction
eater. The one-fifth prisoner, Quinton Willinson,
has been in and out of prison house since 2018,
having escaped and been recaptured just last
year.

'Finding and recapturing these individuals is
our top precedence ,'Head Auror, Harry thrower,
said to reporters early this morning. Minister
candidate and mind Azkaban functionary, Patricia
Laurentis, refused to comment on the break-out.
The Auror department has asked all those with
tips to report them to the Ministry via owl
immediately.

Albus sat stunned after reading the article. Three Death Eaters, Dolores Umbridge, and Quinton Willinson had escaped from Azkaban. How did that befall ? How did five in high spirits security measure prisoners just escape with no one stopping them ? It did n't make sense.

"This is not going to progress to Laurentis attend soundly,"Amanda said quietly.

"Forget Laurentis, this is bad,"Albus said."Very bad. Umbridge is evil, twisted evil. My dad 's got scrape on his manus from what she did to him when she was a teacher here. And the Carrows, they were instructor, too. They taught shadow nontextual matter. Not defense reaction, but actual Dark Arts, and how to torture Muggles. Greyback-"

"Greyback bites hoi polloi, for fun,"lustrelessness said, his face pale white."He 's the one who bit Teddy 's dad."

"The four of them,"Albus began,"the four of them make Quinton Willinson look like a unicorn."

"That 's the Wyrd thing,"rosiness said."The others are in prison for life for war crimes. Willinson will be in there for a spell, but he 'll get watchword eventually and the solitary reason he 's a high up security prisoner is because he escaped before. So why did he reveal out with the others ? Why did they let him in on it ? They 're up to something."

Albus had n't even thought of that. Why was Quinton Willinson now connected with war malefactor who had been in prison since before he was born ? It did n't make sentiency. Albus thought about it throughout all his family that day, but did n't arrive up with any answers.

It was obvious that the Azkaban break-out had unnerved the entire castle. Professors spoke in low whispers when they thought educatee were n't around, students no longer wandered the rook by themselves, and even Scorpius Malfoy seemed a bit more subdued during dueling exercise on Thursday.

All five captive still remained at enceinte on Friday, when Ministry officials began arriving for the debate. Laurentis still had yet to comment on the break-out, which struck Albus as strange. Azkaban was her territory and yet she said nothing on the subject.

"Is it just me or are there even more reporters here than there were last meter ?"Albus asked.

"It 's not just you,"Amanda said.

Albus, Matt, lavatory, and Amanda were walking back to the castle from fear of Magical Creatures. It was slow going since the full moon was that Night and Matt was exhausted, but luckily the weather was unseasonably warm for January. They 'd just been passed by a group of hurried looking newsperson coming up from Hogsmeade.

"There 's probably more because of the break-out,"Matt said."Laurentis is going to have to finally say something about it tomorrow since the topic is Azkaban."

"Does anyone else think it 's unearthly that there was a break-out three days before the Azkaban debate ?"Albus asked.

"I thought of that, too,"Amanda said."Very uncanny coincidence."

"Well, it 'll be good for your uncle,"John said."Laurentis is going to look like an idiot, not being capable to keep five high security prisoners in Azkaban."

Albus nodded. He supposed that was one good affair that came from three Death eater escaping from Azkaban, not that there was anything good about it.

"I 'm skipping Charms,"lustrelessness said through a yawn."And antediluvian Runes."

"I 'm surprised you did n't skip Care of Magical Creatures,"John the Evangelist said.

flatness shrugged."I felt okay earlier, probably because of the nap I took in History of Magic."

John laughed."I felt much better after my nap in story of deception, too."

"Very funny,"Matt said as they reached the rook.

Albus found it increasingly difficult to decoct on anything for the quietus of the day. By the time he went to Ancient rune he was unable to think about anything besides the break-out and the fact that Death Eaters were now roaming free. Deep down he knew he was perfectly safe at Hogwarts, but it was still troubling.

Professor Kendrick welcomed the Ministry functionary to Hogwarts at dinner that dark and Albus thought back to the last argumentation, when Hogwarts had housed the Ministry official. He was very glad that this meter he would n't be confessing to a prank to his uncle in the Gryffindor common room. Neither John or Kaden had done their revenge prank to the Slytherins yet and Albus sort of hoped they would n't.

After a fitful sleep Albus woke early on Sabbatum forenoon and contemplated visiting mat before everyone else woke up, but figured that Matt would be asleep and thus it would be purposeless to visit. He 'd visit with everyone else later, after the argument. They 'd experience plenteousness of meter sine there was n't going to be a doubtfulness and solution sitting this time.

At ten o'clock Albus, rose wine, and Amanda stood in line in front of the Great Hall, waiting to be let inside. John had decided not to put out asking if he could call for matte 's place, since he did n't want to attract any attention to the fact that mat was not there.

"Albus,"Rose whispered, poking him in the side."Look. Malfoy 's here."

Albus glanced over to where Rose was pointing and saw that Scorpius was in fact waiting in line. He looked sullen and overturn again and Albus wished he knew why. It was weird seeing Malfoy, the usually arrogant scratch, upset.

"Guess he won the Slytherin spot,"Albus said.

The doors to the Great manse opened and Albus and rose wine said goodbye to Amanda before they were lead to the front of the room by a Slytherin prefect. They were seated in the Saame row they were before, along with the rest of their Hogwarts full cousin.

The Great Hall slowly filled up over the following one-half hour. The eternal rest of Albus 's cousin, aunts, and uncles arrived, taking slur in the front few rows. Albus caught Georgia 's eye as she took her prat in the row on the contrary slope of the room from him and she gave him a slight smiling.

Albus wondered if Laurentis 's crusade handler had actually found anything on Uncle Percy and whether she would say anything during the debate. With the break-out, he hoped she 'd been too busy to dig up much dirt or even think about exposing anything.

Albus turned to the straw man of the room and watched a very little man accompany professor Kendrick to the moderator 's podium. He was dressed in Ministry blue devil robes and had very little hair's-breadth on his read/write head.

"aid, please !"Kendrick shouted. The crowd quieted."Thank you. I 'd like to receive all of you to Hogwarts and infix our moderator for this morning. Victor Farleigh, Head of the department of Magical Transportation."

"Thank you, professor,"the short, balding man said."I 'd now like to enter our nominee, although I am sure you all know them. Mr. Percy Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

Hotspur and Laurentis walked into the room from one of the anteroom and took their place at each of the ambo. Percy looked as confident as always and Laurentis, despite the scandal of the break-out, looked poised and excited.

"Today we will be debating the juridic system, specifically Azkaban prison,"Farleigh announced."The usual normal apply. Five minute line of reasoning, two minute of arc rebuttals."

Laurentis inched unaired to her podium, as if she was readying herself to pounce on whatever Percy said. Percy remained calm and collected, continuing to play the role of the poise politician.

"Mr. Weasley, you will respond first. Do you experience that the judicial system as a whole is fair to both the accused and victims of crimes ? Are the sentences handed out by the Wizengamot fair ?"

"I believe everyone is able-bodied to get a carnival trial by the Wizengamot,"Percy began."I have reviewed many font, and while I am not nor do I pretend to be a solicitor, and I feel that the majority of the sentences handed out by the Wizengamot fit the offence. However, there is always a opportunity that a mortal guilty of a criminal offence will go free, as there is an match luck that person will be wrongfully imprisoned. The judicial system works hard to make sure as shooting this happens as infrequently as possible and corrects wrongs when they do occur."

"Ms. Laurentis ?"

"I disagree with my opponent,"Laurentis said."Most of the sentences handed out by the Wizengamot are not harsh enough. Ever since the licking of Voldemort prison sentences have grown shorter, with the exception of those imprisoned for war criminal offence. And one guilty person who roams free is too many. If I am elective Minister I will form hard to ensure that no guilty hoi polloi get off. Prisoners belong in Azkaban and the Wizengamot is far too lenient."

"Your rebutter, Mr. Weasley."

"While a goal of not having any shamed mass get set rid is worthy, it is unrealistic,"Percy said."The Wizengamot is composed of beldam and thaumaturgist like you and me. They are not any more powerful than we are and do not possess the ability to know for sure that the accused are shamefaced. fault befall and while we should influence to derogate them, it is very unrealistic to say that we can get rid of them completely. Ms. Laurentis is offering false hope."

"I am not offering false hope,"Laurentis said."There are spells, potions, shipway to happen out if multitude are guilty that the Wizengamot does not use. If I am elected parson I will approve use of these and they will assist the Wizengamot in ensuring that no shamefaced criminals are set free."

Albus agreed with his uncle. There was no possible way Laurentis could ensure that all criminal would be imprisoned.

"Next question,"Farleigh said."Ms. Laurentis, you will go first. Do you finger the parole scheme is in force ?"

Laurentis gave a wry smiling before beginning."Much like the Wizengamot, the parole system of rules is too soft. I have seen criminals guilty of august larceny get paroled after a mere two years in prison. The statistic are unmortgaged, most of these criminals who are paroled early on in their sentences wind up back in Azkaban within a year, whether for breaking the rules of their word or committing another crime. As Head of Azkaban, I am able-bodied to give my stimulation of whether a captive is paroled or not, but in the end it is up to the Wizengamot."

"Mr. Weasley."

"As my adversary has said, many malefactor are paroled too quickly. However, I do not believe that leaving them in Azkaban longer is the solution. If I am elected I will create and support a advantageously organization for integrating criminals back into fellowship. Muggles have seen success with halfway houses and I feel we should try that in wizarding society."

"Halfway houses ?"Laurentis said with raised eyebrow."An intriguing idea. However, Mr. Weasley lacks the experience that I have with dealing with prisoners. to the highest degree are not fit for companionship and many never will be. Even with halfway houses they will thread up back in Azkaban. Why spend the money on trying to rehabilitate when it wo n't work ?"

"It 's about giving people a chance,"Sir Henry Percy said."Not everyone is a suffer cause and should be written off so quickly. Many prisoners have made a few bad selection as a resolution of bad puerility and a bit of rehabilitation will set them straight."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh said."future query. Is Azkaban an appropriate topographic point to house prisoner ? Is the facility still doing its job ?"

Percy shifted a bit before answering."Azkaban is an seize facility for high protection prisoners, but I have always felt that we need a less intimidating building to house our turn down protection prisoners. Right now all crook, from those who committed lower-ranking theft or skipped bail to those who have murdered people, are all housed in Azkaban. I have been to Azkaban. Despite the fact that it is no longer in control of the dementors it is still a terrifying and high school security system berth. It also requires a lot of money for its upkeep. If we were to build up a smaller building located on the mainland to house lower security prisoners, we would be able to minify spending at Azkaban itself. We could then increase security at Azkaban without wasting sweat and money on less dangerous criminals."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"How is building another facility going to save money ?"Laurentis asked."Once again you show your ignorance in the judicial scheme and Azkaban. I believe that Azkaban is doing its job perfectly well. I am in rush of the prison, including its upkeep and it is in hone status. We are not spending an outrageous amount of money on the place. Further, I do not trust that less life-threatening felon deserve a lower security prison. They are all criminals and if they did not wish to be in Azkaban, they should not have got committed a crime."

"Maintaining Azkaban is expensive,"Percy said."It is also extremely difficult to employ guards because of its location and general feel of the place, not to refer the dangerous malefactor. If we housed less dangerous criminals in another edifice, it would be easy to find guards to operate there. We could then use the guards bequeath to guard highschool security prisoner only to guard high up security captive. We would no longer have to waste them on down in the mouth security prisoners."

"But we will still have to keep up Azkaban, and then another building,"Laurentis pointed out."It just makes far more sense to keep all criminals in one place and an island is a good place to do that-"

"Obviously not that dear, given the escape-"

"Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh interrupted."You are speaking out of turn. It is time to move on to the next interrogative. In light of the recent Azkaban break-out, what do you experience indigence to be done to ascertain it does not happen again ?"

Laurentis gazed out over the crowd. Albus felt like she was looking directly at him, but assumed she just had that power to appear to be looking every person in the eye at once. She then turned to Percy and gave him one of those creepy-crawly smiles that seemed to consume become her signature facial expression. Albus turned to pink wine, who raised her brow and shrugged.

"I am well aware that I have remained quiet on the topic of the break-out,"Laurentis began,"and I have done that on role. I see that all of the reporters in the back have their Quik-Quotes Quills poised and ready to write down my every word on this matter. Surely you 're all hoping to be the first to publish my thoughts.

"You 're probably all assuming I will refuse that there is anything wrong with the security at the prison and that the break-out was a bare fluke and it wo n't encounter again. I am not going to say either. There is a problem and if we do not fix it, it will happen again. Every ace one of those escaped captive is highly unsafe and if we do not recapture them soon, who knows what will materialize. When they are captured, we will need to have punter security department in office. After all, what is more important that the safety of our children ? With those five prisoners roaming relieve, every person in this room, in this castle, in this res publica is in danger.

"Fortunately, I have a resolution. It is a controversial solution, but I feel we need to go to extremes to protect our families, especially our fry. That is why if elected parson, the inaugural matter I will do is reinstate the dementors as Azkaban guards."


Sorry about the cliff hanger ! I did n't desire to do it but the chapter was twice as long as they normally are and there really was n't a good shoes to split it. Thanks for all the endearing reappraisal !


Albus let out a gasp, as did everyone else in the way. The Great Hall was suddenly in bedlam. Everyone was whispering and a few the great unwashed had let out cries of scandalization or inflammation. Albus could practically get a line the newsperson'quills scratching across drum roll of sheepskin, and Laurentis was grinning again. Sir Henry Percy stood behind his podium, his mouth seeming to be frozen in a across-the-board, gap post. Farleigh was attempting to gain order, and failing.

"That is literally insane !"Rose exclaimed."Reinstate the dementors ? Is she mad ? Is she throwing the election ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus said."But she must be mad. Will citizenry actually approve of this ? Will she even be able-bodied to do it ?"

Rose nodded."Whoever she gets to replace herself as Head of Azkaban will surely want the dementors back, too. Then she 'll O.K. it as Minister and it 'll pass."

"But it would be stupid to bring in them back,"Albus said.

"It would,"Rose agreed."They 're unsafe and their fealty change so easily. But to be honest, I 'm not sure everyone will feel that way. Not with those prisoner on the loose."

"tranquility, quiet !"Professor Kendrick shouted. The bunch finally settled down.

"Mr. Weasley, it is your turn to speak,"Farleigh said exasperatingly.

Percy shook his head to recover his composure. He 'd lost his cool, calm, and collected political leader look and now he looked more like he did after arguing with Georgia about her Quidditch career.

"wellspring, I, er, do not think that dementors are the solution to the security measures problems in Azkaban,"Percy said."What we need are more skilled safety in guardianship of richly protection prisoners as well as a revamp of the while and enchantments currently keeping captive inside. It will also aid to go over the arrangement of the guard schedule because at the prison term of the escape, only three guards were maintaining that part of the prison. That was surely an supervising that could take in been prevented."

"Human error,"Laurentis said."It happens and it will happen again. Can we really risk the lives of our children in the chance that another error will happen ? Dementors were raise precaution who did not allow captive to elude. During their sovereignty in Azkaban, before their allegiance changed, only one someone managed to head for the hills. Since their remotion we have had numerous escapes."

"clear evidence that we need to revamp prison security measure,"Sir Henry Percy said."But dementors are not the answer. They are dangerous creatures and as you said, their commitment changed. What 's to say that wo n't go on again if, God forbid, another Voldemort were to rear to power ? If anyone offered those dementors a better deal than we did they 'd have a whole prison of dangerous criminals at their disposal to do their bid. It 's not worth the risk."

"Another Voldemort is not going to rise to tycoon,"Laurentis said with a jape."We have learned from our history and it wo n't happen again."

"You ca n't guarantee that,"Harry Hotspur said."Even if there is a very small prospect of it happening, it is not worth risking having dementors guard Azkaban."

"Mr. Weasley, Ms. Laurentis,"Farleigh said."It is metre to move on-"

"You are talking about a hypothetical !"Laurentis exclaimed, throwing her handwriting up in the air."I am talking about what is happening now ! Five dangerous criminals have escaped, four of whom were on Voldemort 's incline during the war, and are out there, wreaking mayhem as we speak. If the dementors were guarding Azkaban this never would have happened."

"Now look who 's talking hypotheticals !"Percy shouted back, ignoring Farleigh 's vain attempts to get both candidate to kibosh talking."For all we know they would 've escaped anyway !"

Laurentis let out a mystifying laugh."Five prisoners safety valve when the dementors are allied with the Ministry ? That 's laughable. Only one person was able to do that and it was because he was an Animagus. None of the captive are Animagi. We test for that before admitting anyone to the prison."

"Be that as it may, dementors are dangerous magical animal. Not to mention the ethics of subjecting captive to their effects-"

"Prisoners have no rights,"Laurentis said."They give up their rights when they commit crimes-"

"Basic human rights !"Walker Percy exclaimed."There are basic human rights that everyone deserves ! public lecture about learning from our story. History tells us what happens when someone believes they are above others. Or do you not remember the reign of Voldemort ?"

"I lost my female parent to that war !"Laurentis said."Do n't you tell me that I do n't think of it."

Albus was on the border of his seat. His uncle was so red in the face that he was starting to turn over-embellished and resemble Kaden 's grandfather. Laurentis 's hair was breaking disembarrass from its sloshed bun and there was a venous blood vessel popping out in her forehead. Farleigh was still trying to get both candidate to stop talking and failing miserably, while every other person in the Great hall sat completely still, staring at Percy and Laurentis.

"Silence !"Professor Kendrick shouted in a magically overstate voice.

Both Percy and Laurentis immediately quieted. The vein on Laurentis 's forehead continued to throb, and Walker Percy still looked like an overripe tomato.

"I think we 've run out of prison term,"Farleigh said, in a voice barely more than a squeak."Thank you all for coming."

"pupil, please return to your common suite,"Kendrick announced."Lunch will be in an hour. As a monitor, there is no inquiry and result session today."

The whispering rose up immediately after Kendrick stopped speaking and since everyone was whispering the noise spirit level rose very high. Albus, rose, and Amanda joined the waiting line of people ambling to forget the Great hall, and without even talking about it, went immediately to the Marauder 's Den, where they found John and Kaden.

"What the bloody hell on earth is she trying to do ?"John asked as soon as Albus shut the room access.

"She 's lost her thinker !"rose shouted as she began pacing around the way."She has legitimately lost her mind. That 's the only explanation."

"Well there 's no way she 'll win now,"Albus pointed out."Dementors ?"

"It 's a bit convenient, do n't you imagine ?"Rose asked."This break-out happens and then she announces she wants the dementors back ? It did n't vocalize like a plan she 'd just come up with."

"We 've got to find out if she 's tried to get them back before,"Albus said."If she has it 'll be in the oracle tomorrow."

"Dementors ..."Kaden murmured."They 're what sucked all the happiness out of us when we were in Commonwealth of Australia close yr, right ?"

Albus nodded."They 're awful creatures."

"And they used to defend the prison ?"Amanda asked incredulously."That 's just wrong."

"It is,"Rose said darkly."That 's why after Voldemort they stopped using them as safety device. That and all the dementors changed allegiance and let Death Eaters escape."

"Would they even come back, though ?"Kaden asked."I mean, if they switched allegiance so easily ...."

"They 'll go wherever they 're offered the most humans to feed off of."Rose shuddered."Voldemort offered them far more than even Azkaban could extend. But right now they do n't suffer a honest source. They just travel around, feeding. They 'll guard if given the opportunity."

"Should n't people be against it ?"Amanda asked."It 's so ethically wrong."

"That 's why it was dumb of her to herald it,"Albus pointed out.

"She would n't foretell anything if she did n't recollect it would get her voting,"Rose said."almost the great unwashed our parents'age and older, who lost hump ones in the war, will have absolutely no sympathy for Death Eaters and would n't care if the dementors were brought back, especially if Laurentis could then insure no one would escape."

Albus had n't thought of that and apparently no one else did, either, because the way grew muted. Albus sank onto one of the couches and started counting the telephone number of Bertie Bott 's Every-Flavor noggin that were scattered on the trading floor. He got to twenty-three before anyone said anything.

"I wonder what Malfoy thinks of all this,"bathroom mused."Was n't his dad a demise Eater ? So he should n't require the dementors back in Azkaban, but the way he was talking in the ternion broomstick a piece back made it seem like he 's very against your uncle."

"Of course of study he 's against my uncle,"Albus said."His whole family dislikes my whole family and it goes the former way, too. But his dad was never found guilty of his crimes so he never did metre in Azkaban."

"Surely his dad 's got booster there,"John said.

Albus shrugged."Probably."To be honest, he did n't really care what Malfoy thought about Laurentis and Uncle Percy.

"We should go to lunch and then visit Matt,"Rose said."Catch him up on all this."

Albus had completely forgotten that matt was still in the hospital flank, in the thick of Laurentis 's promulgation. He felt vaguely guilty about it, but at least rose had remembered.

Everyone gathered for tiffin in the Great anteroom was talking about Laurentis 's desire to bring back the dementors. Hotspur, Laurentis, and the Ministry officials were still there, having lunch with the prof at the faculty table, and all were deep in give-and-take. Albus would 've loved to be able to listen in on their conversations, but wearing the invisibility Cloak in the crowded Great Granville Stanley Hall was n't a good idea.

"Better get used to the musical theme of your dad being pastor,"one of the seventh years was saying to Omar Nelson Bradley."No one 's going to vote for Laurentis now."

Bradley muttered something under his breath that Albus could n't try. Albus took a tail a few people down from his cousin and began to throw a sandwich.

"She 's got my unscathed mob 's balloting now,"one of the other seventh twelvemonth said."Both of my grandparents were killed by Fenrir Johnny. If the dementors will catch him and keep him in there forever, it 'd realise all of us sleep better."

There were a few nods from other sure-enough scholarly person sitting nearby. Albus was slightly shocked. If this many students approved of her idea, a lot of adult probably did, too. And these were 7th years ; they could vote.

"hold, the dementors find felon, too ?"Kaden asked."I thought that 's what Aurors did."

"Only the really awful escaped prisoners,"Albus said."My dad 's Godfather, Sirius, when he escaped, the dementors were given permission to give him the Dementor 's Kiss if they caught him."

"What 's the Dementor 's osculation ?"Amanda asked.

Albus shuddered."It 's where they suck out someone 's soul."

"And they die ?"Amanda asked quietly.

Albus shook his oral sex."No, they live without a person. Everyone says it 's worse than dying."

"And they were going to do that to Sirius ?"Kaden replied.

Albus nodded."He was the first to escape Azkaban. He 's the one Laurentis was talking about and at the prison term everyone thought he murdered thirteen Muggles and gave my grandparents up to Voldemort."

"That 's absolutely horrible !"Amanda exclaimed. She turned to the few sixth and one-seventh years who had said they 'd vote for Laurentis."How can you care that on somebody ?"

"If your grandparents were murdered by destruction feeder you would, too,"one of the girlfriend snapped.

"Albus 's grandparents were murdered by Voldemort and he does n't want the dementors back at Azkaban,"Amanda pointed out.

"wellspring, Voldemort 's stagnant,"the girl said."Maybe if Greyback were beat I 'd finger differently. But he 's not so I want the dementors back."

"I do n't mean she 's going to mislay as easily as we thought,"Amanda said quietly.

"Of course she 's not,"Rose said."This is probably better for balloting than digging up stain on Uncle Percy."

"It 's absolutely barbaric,"Amanda said, shoving her plate forward."Sucking out someone 's somebody ? And they just soak up your glad retention out ?"

"Yeah,"Albus answered, thinking back to the premature June. He shuddered."You 're forced to relive your worst memories."

"That 's all you can conceive about ?"Amanda asked."Just the bad ones ?"

Albus nodded."My dad said it makes you go mad after a while."

"Of line it does !"Amanda shouted."That 's just not right ! Are you lot done eating yet ? I ca n't sit here anymore."

Albus was surprised Amanda had had such a unattackable reaction to the dementors, but he supposed coming from the Muggle world, where she had n't even have a go at it such creatures existed, it would be a bit of a shock. He was even more storm that she 'd nearly gotten into a shouting mates with a seventh year over them, when she was normally so quiet.

"I 'm done,"pink wine said.

"Me, too,"Albus said as he got up.

whoremonger and Kaden each grabbed the remaining one-half of their sandwiches and followed the others out of the Great hallway. Amanda lead the way, stomping her feet a bit more forcefully than was necessary.

"It 's just wrong on so many levels !"she said as she led them to the Hospital Wing."It 's torture, honestly. That 's what it is. aroused torture. Ca n't they just be killed off or something ?"

"They do n't die,"Rose said."They ca n't. They just sort of ... exist. Once my mum gets tidings of this, well, she 's not going to stay quiet."

"And she should n't,"Amanda said."Can she intercept Laurentis ?"

"Not if Laurentis is pastor,"pink wine answered."Right now Mum 's the Senior assistant of Magical Law Enforcement, so if Laurentis tried to get this to pass now, my mum could assist block it. But Minister Hartwell would never put something like this through."

"They 're foul animate being,"Amanda continued."Having them safeguard anything or anyone is a atrocious idea."

Albus decided now would not be a practiced fourth dimension to differentiate Amanda that when his dad was a third year Hogwarts was guarded by dementors.

"A dementor went after my dad once,"Kaden announced as they continued to the Hospital offstage."Albus 's dad saved him with a Patronus. Then he nearly got expelled for doing underage illusion in the presence of a Muggle."

"You 're kidding,"Amanda said."God, the Ministry really was screwed up when your parents were at Hogwarts. This is the sorting of thing Embry should be using as examples."

"I doubt it 's a well-known fact,"Albus said."That the famous Harry potter nearly got expelled."

"It 's a sober example of unjustness,"Amanda said.

"You sound just like my mum,"pink wine said."It 's creepy. Does n't she ?"

Albus agreed."You do sound just like her mum."

"Your mum has the right idea,"Amanda said as they reached the infirmary Wing.

Matt was the only patient in the ward. The drapery were n't drawn around his bed and he was sitting up and eating a bowlful of soup, which was a skilful sign of the zodiac. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, working on charts, and muttering to herself about something.

"Hey, how are you feeling ?"Albus asked when they got to his bed.

"Fine,"Matt said."tierce cracked ribs and a lot of nasty gash, but I 'm OK. Listen, I heard the debate. madam Pomfrey had it on on the radio set. How insane is Laurentis ? ! You should have heard brothel keeper Pomfrey ranting about her earlier."

"You 're not to repeat what you heard,"lady Pomfrey said."But Albus and Rose, you can tell your uncle that he 's got my vote. Always thought he was a piffling pompous when he was at Hogwarts but at least he 's not mute enough to employ dementors as guard duty of Azkaban."

"Amanda 's on a rampage,"Albus said.

"It 's form of funny,"John added.

"It is not funny !"Amanda exclaimed."It 's serious."

"It 's just that you 're so quiet, but you got into it with that one-seventh year."

"I did not get into it with a seventh year !"Amanda shouted and turned to Matt."john 's exaggerating. She announced that she and her family were all going to vote for Laurentis because her grandparents were killed by Greyback and she wants to draw indisputable he stays in prison."

Matt toyed with his mantle and did n't suffer Amanda 's eye.

"What ?"she asked."Do n't secernate me you want the dementors in Azkaban."

"I do n't,"Matt said quickly."It 's not that. It 's the all Johnny Reb thing, I can screen out of see where she 's coming from. It 's got to be scary, knowing he 's out there when he killed her grandparents .... I mean, I guess I 've always been form of lucky. The bloke who bit me is in prison and has been since he bit me."

Albus had never heard matte talk about the wolfman who bit him, except for mentioning that he 's in prison.

"He gets out next year,"matte said quietly."He can get paroled."

"Do you know much about him ?"Albus asked.

"Just his name and how old he was,"mat said."My parents know a bit more but they 've never told me and I 've never asked."

"Is the Aboriginal Australian prison guarded by dementors ?"Amanda asked.

Matt shook his psyche."No, and it never has been. And I do n't think prisons should be guarded by dementors. But Rebel ... he 's scary. He 's worse than Silas Humphrey, that was the bloke who bit me. Humphrey 's plan of attack on me, that was an accident. Greyback bit mass on purpose. He 'd bite people and then prove them in his large number. That 's why he liked going for kids. Teddy 's dad ... Greyback bit him and tried to get his parents to kick in him up. They did n't, of course, but a lot of parents did."

Albus swallowed hard. He had n't known that about Teddy 's dad and was n't even trusted if teddy bear knew that. Teddy 's dad 's parents died foresighted before Teddy was born and Albus doubted his grandmother knew that.

"How 'd you line up that out ?"Albus asked.

"When we first moved here Amy learned about Teddy 's dad when she was catching up on British people History of magic. She told me all about him and how successful he wound up being just to realize me finger better. But then I decided to research other werewolf and found out about Rebel in one of my dad 's books. It talked about his whole thing with biting kids. It never said Teddy 's dad specifically was one of those kids but I figured he must 've been."

"That 's atrocious,"Albus said quietly. The others nodded.

"He had a unharmed plurality of wolfman to do his bidding,"matte said."And now he 's out. What if he wants to do that again ?"

"Bite people and make a pack ?"Albus asked.

Matt nodded."That or find hoi polloi who 've already been bitten."

Albus saw where this was going now."He 's not going to recover you. Hogwarts is safe."

"That 's what everyone always says, but the past few years it really has n't. Remember utmost twelvemonth ?"

"Technically we were n't in the castle when we got taken to Australia. We were in the Floo. So if we just stay in the castle ..."Albus pointed out.

"It 's still not a warrant,"Matt said."I wonder how many mass he bit in conclusion night."

Albus did n't answer. There was no way of knowing what Fenrir Rebel did during the broad lunar month, just like there was no way to guarantee that Hogwarts would be safe. All Albus and his protagonist could do was hope that it would be prophylactic and that the lam death Eaters would be recaptured soon. Albus still thought having dementors ward Azkaban was an absolutely dread approximation, but after listening to Matt talk about Silas Humphrey and Fenrir knot, he kind of understood why some mass might want the dementors back at Azkaban and thus voter turnout for Laurentis. She might even get elected just because of this. And that, when it came down to it, was what scared Albus the most.


A/N : No cliffhanger this time ! Thanks for all the wonderful reexamination ! If you like Marauder era, please check out my new novel, Between Here and Somewhere !


"I guess Laurentis has been trying to get the dementors reinstated in Azkaban for years,"Albus said the adopt morning at breakfast, as he set down a transcript of the Prophet.

The article on the debate had been a long one, taking up nearly the intact front end Sir Frederick Handley Page. It featured a pic of Percy and Laurentis arguing with each other, and Albus was able to see his uncle 's face turning steadily more over-embellished, despite the fact that the picture was in black and ashen. The clause that followed detailed Laurentis 's apparently years-long campaign to play the dementors back. She had put the proposition up for balloting four fourth dimension and it was shot down by parson Hartwell each time.

"Of course he shot it down,"Rose said after skimming the clause."It 's a pudding head theme. Oh, look, they 've quoted my mum. I 'll read it. 'Hermione Weasley, Senior Assistant of Magical Law Enforcement, when asked about Laurentis 's proposal, said, 'It 's absolutely uncivilized. Everybody, including captive, have basic human rights that can not be broken. I thought we 'd moved past the days when the Ministry sanctioned emotional ill-usage of its prisoners and the thought that a cleaning lady running for minister of religion is proposing this is quite frankly horrifying. It is my earnest hope that the multitude of wizarding Britain will think long and knockout about the effects this will have, not only on prisoner, but on our society as well, before they cast their votes in Apr. ''"

"Always one to mouth her psyche, your mum,"Albus said.

"I could n't fit in more,"Amanda replied."Although if Laurentis wins I bet she gets sacked."

"She ca n't,"Rose said."Her job is n't appointed solely by the minister. If she were foreland of the department, then yes, but she is n't psyche yet. It 's confusing."

"goodness,"Amanda said."We 'll need some reasonable people in there if Laurentis is elected."

"What are you lot doing today ?"John asked, steering the conversation away from the election."Kaden and I are going to expend the day plotting our new prank."

"I do n't want to know,"Rose said, holding up her hands."I 'm probably going to go to the library."

"I 'll go with you,"Amanda said."I want to inquiry dementors and their use in Azkaban."

"Quidditch practice,"Albus replied."All day. We 've got to get set up for the lucifer on Saturday against Ravenclaw. After the last match, we 've got to make sure we we win by a decent amount of points if we 're going to takeover Slytherin 's place for the Cup."

"Oh yeah,"Kaden said."Whatever happened with that Olivia lady friend ? She had a Brobdingnagian compaction on Saint James the Apostle, did n't she ?"

Albus laughed."I 've no idea."

"She sent James IV a box of cocoa for Christmas Day,"Cedric, who had been sitting next to Albus, whispered."But you did n't find out that from me."

"I was there when he opened his present tense,"Albus said.

"She gave them to him before we went dwelling for the holiday,"Cedric explained."She hijacked our thestral rig and wound up riding to the train with us."

"How awkward was that ?"Albus asked, still giggling.

"Very,"Cedric said as he glanced over his berm."She stared at him the totally time."

"Creepy,"Albus said.

"Shh,"Cedric said."He 's coming over."

"I think I 'm going to go visit lusterlessness before Quidditch exercise,"Albus said."I 'll see you later ?"

"Sure,"Rose said."You know where to find me."

"And us !"John announced."predator 's Den. antic planning."

"I do n't want to be involved,"Albus said as he got up.

John shrugged."Suit yourself."

Albus hurried up to the infirmary Wing and managed to get inside without dame Pomfrey noticing, although the nanny would n't cause minded him being there. But she was very preoccupied with two student who had somehow fused their left arms together. Matt was already awake and much cheerier than he had been the previous day, when talking about Johnny. He was pretty sure ma'am Pomfrey was going to let him out that night, so they agreed to meet in the Marauder 's Den just before dinner.

Quidditch practice went very well and Albus was fairly certain they would beat Ravenclaw on Saturday. No one mentioned the election or Laurentis 's wanting to institute back the dementors, which was a for sure sign of the zodiac that things were getting back to convention at Hogwarts. Albus spent the rest of the day in the vulture 's Den working on his homework with Matt while trying to avoid hearing any part of John the Evangelist and Kaden 's new prank.

The week went by quickly since Albus spent every here and now he was n't in course of instruction on the Quidditch slant. But the conditions remained decent so it was gratifying. The exclusively day Albus was n't on the pitch was Thursday, when he had dueling practice.

"When 's the next tournament ?"Amanda asked as she and Albus walked into the metamorphosis classroom, where they were were scheduled to practice. ling was there to superintend, sitting in a box. A few of the squad appendage were there already, including Malfoy.

"Weekend after this one,"Albus said."I think we 'll do well."Albus glanced over to Malfoy, expecting some sorting of snarky retort from him. But he was n't even paying aid. Instead he was hunched over a tenacious while of sheepskin."Wonder what he 's doing ?"

Amanda shrugged."Last minute homework ?"

Suddenly, Malfoy sat up heterosexual person and crumpled the firearm of parchment. He shoved it into his pocket and stood up, staring at Albus as he did so. He looked saturnine and averted his eyes after only a few seconds.

"I do n't think that 's homework,"Albus said.

"Weird,"Amanda said.

"Very,"Albus agreed."Let 's get started ! I think we should practice session blocking."He took a sidelong glimpse at Malfoy, expecting him to gibe and claim that they already knew how to kibosh, but instead Malfoy just turned to the student nearest to him and began to do as Albus said. What was even eldritch was that the student he partnered with was a bit twelvemonth Hufflepuff. Albus blinked to name for sure he was n't seeing things and then began shooting spells at Amanda while she blocked them.

The pattern session got stranger as the Night went on, in terminal figure of Malfoy 's conduct. Not once did he second guess what Albus said and he did n't say one Son to anyone that was n't directly related to dueling. Scots heather raised her eyebrows at Albus on numerous occasions since she had supervised Albus 's pattern before and make love how lots Malfoy usually tried to be the captain. He ran out of the room as soon as the pattern was over, looking vaguely upset, as he had at the argument.

"That was the unusual thing ever,"Amanda said as she and Albus walked back to the Gryffindor usual room."And I witnessed my brother endeavour to brew a potion this past summer and toast it, thinking that it would become him into a wizard."

Albus burst out laughing."Was he really disappointed that he did n't get a Hogwarts letter ?"

Amanda nodded."I never thought he would but did n't tell him that. But do you have any idea why Malfoy did n't argue with you tonight ?"

"I 've no melodic theme,"Albus said."But I really hope he stays this way."

"I bet it had something to do with whatever he was reading when we walked in."

"I wonder what it was."

Amanda shrugged."No thought, but I wish I did. It 's just so odd."

"Whatever it is, I hope it keeps him like this during following calendar week 's tournament."

"Albus ! What if it 's something really awful ?"Amanda asked.

Albus had n't thought about that."Well, we do n't cognize that it is, so I do n't have got to think about it."

"Albus, I doubt anything right would take a leak Malfoy keep out up like that,"Amanda reasoned."I 'm just saying, it might be something awful."
***


Gryffindor 's trend to trifle Quidditch during really bad weather condition came up in full moon force on Sabbatum, when the unseasonably warm temperatures decided to desert Hogwarts. In its place were freezing coldness temperatures and a howling play false tempest that probably should throw resulted in the peer being canceled. But since Hogwarts never canceled Quidditch, Albus was preparing himself for a execrable match. He wished they could ingest Nice weather, like they had when they played Slytherin in November.

The last clip Albus had played in a storm this bad he 'd been in his second twelvemonth and wound up in the hospital flank with the flu afterward. He certainly did not want a repetition of that so he was hoping that James would enamor the Snitch Oklahoman rather than later.

"Fred, this is loony,"Ryan said as they stood in the room access of the changing rooms, waiting for the mates to begin."There is literally no way to see the Snitch in this."

"There 's nothing I can do about it,"Fred snapped. Everyone could secernate he was stressed about this catch, since they 'd lost to Slytherin."We have to play unless Kendrick calls it off."

Ryan was right field. Albus stared out onto the pitching and all he saw was white. The blow was swirling and blowing and Albus could n't secernate if more snowfall was actually falling or if it was all just getting blown around. But either way, finding a stoolie in it was going to be near impossible.

"I 'll get it,"Saint James the Apostle said confidently."Do n't worry."

"We 're not going to be able-bodied to listen the commentary,"Fred said."Just catch it as soon as you can. Do n't worry about catching it after we 're up a sure phone number of points. We just need a win at this point."

There was a very boring, quiet roar of applause and Fred led the team out onto the rake. The orb were released and Albus flew up into the raging violent storm. Soon, he did n't know which way was up or down, let alone where the Quaffle was. After about ten minutes of meandering around the pitch shot, not knowing where he was going, the Quaffle suddenly appeared. Albus caught it, but had no idea where the goal posts were.

Albus flew straightforward ahead, hoping it was in the right management, but instead of reaching the goal postal service, he reached the stands. Groaning, he turned and headed toward the goal C. W. Post. At least he now knew where they were. He managed to score, mostly because Ravenclaw 's Keeper did n't see him.

The match continued in pandemonium, with no one knowing where anyone else was. Albus did n't see a one Bludger the whole time and assumed the Beaters were just trying to keep track of them rather than trying to get them to hit the opponent team 's thespian. Fred had been right about the comment ; Albus could n't get a line a Holy Writ of it.

It felt like he was playing a mate by himself. The only former players he saw were the Ravenclaw Seeker, Fred, and Heather. They had given up chasing as a team and instead, when one of them got the Quaffle, they flew it down to the goal posts as unspoilt they could.

"Albus, Albus !"somebody shouted.

Albus turned and squinted, but he could n't make out anyone flying near him.

"Albus !"

Albus continued flying in a circle trying to figure out who it was. He did n't even spot their vox, but it could have been distorted by the current of air. Finally, he began to piss out a build flying toward him. It was Heather.

"Albus !"she shouted once she reached him."The match has been canceled. We 're all to return to our park elbow room decently now."

Albus nodded, figuring that Kendrick finally came to his grass. It was just impossible to play a good game of Quidditch in a storm like this.

When Albus and Heather finally reached the changing elbow room they found the relief of the squad sitting in their wet Quidditch gown, their faces pale. Albus noticed that even Heather looked slightly afraid.

"What 's going on ?"Albus asked.

"You were flying so high, you probably did n't hear,"Fred said as Albus sat down."The match was n't canceled because of the weather."

"But it 's so bad out there,"Albus said."That match was pointless."

"One of the Ravenclaw first days,"Fred continued, ignoring Albus,"she was late to the mate and on her way down she saw-"Fred paused, swallowing hard."She saw Fenrir Greyback on the grounds."

"What ?"Albus exclaimed, suddenly feeling nauseous."But it 's so snow-white. How could she possibly know for sure ?"

"She ca n't, of course,"Fred said."But she went running to prof Longbottom as soon as she reached the pitch shot and told him. That 's when they canceled the friction match and sent everyone back to the castle."

As if he heard Fred mention his name, professor Longbottom walked into the changing room, looking scared himself."I 'm going to escort you all back to the common room. Wands out as we walk."

Albus drew his wand and followed the rest of his mate out of the changing rooms. They were all calm down on the walking back to the castle since the violent storm was still raging. No one would receive been able to learn anything anyone said, even if anyone felt like talking. Albus felt too ill to talk. The mentation of Fenrir Johnny being loose was bad enough, after hearing what mat knew about him, but the thought of him being here, on the Hogwarts grounds, was too awful to even think about.

As they walked up to the palace and then up to Gryffindor tower Albus kept telling himself that it was fully possible that the Ravenclaw young lady had n't seen Fenrir Greyback. She was probably just thinking about the get away captive and imagined something. Albus had n't even been able to stool out his own cousin when she 'd been calling his epithet in this violent storm. What were the chances of a first yr being able-bodied to peck out Fenrir Greyback ?

But still ... what if it had been Greyback ? He had to be somewhere, so why not Hogwarts ?

The common room was buzzing with yakety-yak when the squad entered a short while later. Albus avoided everyone, including his friends, until after he went up to his student residence to get a shower. He was shivering and felt abominable and did n't require to peach to anyone until after he was in dry clothes.

To his surprise his friends were all gathered in his dorm room after he got out of the shower. Bilius and Ethan were n't there, and the doorway was shut.

"We ca n't go to the marauder 's Den,"lustrelessness explained."We 're not allowed to lead our common elbow room until further notice."

"Are they doing an investigation ?"Albus asked as he sat down on his bed."And what exactly happened ? Fred only explained a picayune before Longbottom came to require us back to the castle."

"It was weird,"Rose said."No one really get it on what was happening because it was so snowy and the wind was so garish. We could n't see the compeer, so we were just standing there using a lot of heating appealingness and hoping things would be over soon. But then we started hearing rustle about grayback on the grounds. Then, probably two minutes later, Kendrick magically amplified his voice and told us all that we 're to report back to our rough-cut rooms immediately and to take the air back with our wands out and in large radical.

"So then, even though Kendrick never said for sure, we knew that someone had seen Johnny on the primer. It was so scary. Eventually we found out that one of the Ravenclaw start class thought she saw him on her way to the equal and told Professor Longbottom. But besides that we do n't know much. No one 's told us anything for for certain and we 've just been hanging out here and talking."

"But what 's he doing here ?"Kaden asked."And I thought there were Aurors guarding Hogwarts."

"It was planned,"matte said."Do n't you see ? That tempest out there is so bad that no one can see three feet in front end of them and the idle words is so gaudy no one can hear anything either. It was the perfect tense day for him to sneak onto the grounds, and if that girl had n't seen him who knows what he would 've done."

"So you think she really saw him ?"Albus asked skeptically."You said it yourself, no one can see anything."

"For all we know he said something to her,"matte said."No one knows the full story yet."

"But why ?"Kaden asked."Seems really stupid to me. If he escaped he should be hiding out in the mountains, not going to Hogwarts where there are Aurors."

"Remember what I said after he escaped ?"mat asked quietly."This just confirms it. He 's going to try to create his own werewolf Army again. He was insane before Azkaban ; imagine how crazy he is now. They do n't postulate dementors in prison to make people go insane."

"And you think-"

"That he came to try and project out how to best post himself to prick kids during the wide-cut moon ?"Matt interrupted."Yeah, I do."

Albus shuddered."That 's sick."

"That 's what he does,"flatness said. He looked more worried than everyone else."But what I do n't get is why it seems like he 's trying for Hogwarts kids. cobbler's last time he went for really immature kids."

"But we do n't even acknowledge for sure that 's what he 's up to,"John pointed out."I mean it makes sense, but we still do n't know."

"Still,"Matt said."You have to foretell me you wo n't go outside during the full synodic month. I do n't want any of you joining me in the Shack."

John looked disbelieving."There 's former grounds why he could be here."

"Promise me,"flatness repeated, staring directly at John."It 's not deserving the risk."

John shrugged."Yeah, I promise."Everyone else nodded.

"What about the rest of them ?"Amanda asked."Do you think they 're working together ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus began."I 'm sure the Carrows are together and Umbridge might be with them. But I doubt Willinson and greyback are with them. The Carrows were death eater, but Greyback was n't technically a Death Eater. Voldemort used him, but always thought he was scum because he 's a werewolf. The Carrows probably agreed. And Willinson, he 's got no connection, which is why I 'm still confused as to why he broke out with them."

"For all we know they left the room access open and he followed,"whoremonger said with a laugh.

Amanda groaned."Everyone 's got their own cell in high security."

"Oh, yeah, I suppose you 're right,"John Lackland said.

"Two demise Eaters, a war malefactor, a werewolf, and Willinson,"Albus said."It 's so random. Why them ?"

"strait like the beginning of a joke,"John said."Two demise Eaters, a war criminal, a werewolf, and Willinson walk into a pub ...."

Matt groaned."Do n't even go there. I just really hope they catch him before the next entire moon. There was n't anything in the vaticinator about him biting anyone this last full moon, but I do n't think he 'd go two Moon without biting. And there 's no way he 'd go on wolfbane, even if he could get some."

"I wonder where the others are,"Rose mused."You think they 're just hiding out ?"

"They must be,"Albus said."There have n't been any sightings."

There was a bash on the door and then it opened. James River walked inside and sat down on the end of Albus 's bed.

"Longbottom just came to talk to us,"he said."We 'll be allowed to leave the uncouth room for dinner, but not before that."

"Did they hitch him ?"mat asked anxiously.

"No,"Henry James said."But, Longbottom said the owner of Madam Puddifoot 's also saw him, so the Ravenclaw girl probably did see him. They 've scoured Hogsmeade and there 's no sign of him, though."

"Are they rescheduling the match ?"Albus asked.

James nodded."Next Saturday. in force thing, too, because I do n't consider that one would 've ever ended. Do n't tell Fred, but there 's no way I would 've seen the Snitch."

"One upside to Greyback being on the grounds, I guess,"Albus said.

"Lucky he did n't attack that girl,"Matt said as William James left."He attacks people even when he 's not transformed."

"He did that to my uncle Bill,"Albus said.

"Really ?"Matt asked.

Albus nodded."At the end of my dad 's sixth year, the Nox Dumbledore was killed. He does n't transform, but he likes really rare meat. Like hardly cooked at all meat."

"Eww !"Kaden exclaimed."That 's unadulterated. Wait, lustrelessness, do you like really rare center ?"

matt grinned."Yeah. I hardly ever get it, though. Mum refuses to let me eat it because she thinks it 'll draw me ill. And they do n't attend to it here."

"My uncle eats it all the time,"Albus said."Aunt Fleur likes her steaks pretty rare, too. So does Teddy for that matter."

"I like mine well done,"Kaden said.

"Now that 's what 's vulgar,"Matt replied."I should ask the house elves to realize me rare steak."

"They probably would,"Rose said."They make you pretty lots whatever you want."

"Let 's go tonight,"Matt said."We have n't been down there in ages."

Kaden groaned."So we 're going to give birth to witness you eating a part of raw meat ?"

"Not raw,"lustrelessness said."Slightly cooked, bit of blood dripping out."

"Oh, gross !"Kaden shouted."I 'm going back down to the plebeian room."

Albus laughed and lusterlessness grinned as Kaden ran out of the room. There was nothing like a trip to the kitchens to get their minds off of Greyback and the former escaped convicts.


A/N : Sorry for the late update ! I totally forgot it was Friday. Thanks for all the fantastic recapitulation ! Please check out my Marauders fic, Between Here and Somewhere.


The first class who saw Greyback on the basis became an clamant Hogwarts celebrity. By the side by side day her intact story had spread throughout the scholar body like wildfire, and every I person in the rook knew her name. She was Quinn Gregory, a tiny girl who looked like she belonged in the Weasley clan with her prospicient red whisker and spray of freckles across her side. Quinn seemed to be enjoying her newfound fame and always had a crowd of masses around her, asking her to recount the story.

Albus, himself, had heard the story at to the lowest degree five times. Quinn had been running to the auction pitch, late, because she 'd drop a half hour trying to convert one of her roomy to go to the match, but in the end her roomie had decided she did n't desire to brave the violent storm. Quinn then spotted someone lurking near the glasshouse and went to investigate, but instead of finding another scholar, she found Fenrir knot. Apparently grayback had said 'hi, short missy'to Quinn, who then took off running even faster for the Quidditch pitch. Rebel then escaped to Hogsmeade and who knows after that.

As the week progressed Quinn 's story grew until it ended with her disarming Calidris canutus after a 20 moment duel and running to the Quidditch pitch in order to warn the sleep of the student, rather than because she was scared. Albus was very happy that, for once, this had n't happened to him or one of his friends.

"Guess what I heard today,"Kaden said as he entered the vulture 's Den Fri even, after dinner.

"What ?"Albus asked, looking up from the Marauder 's Map, which he 'd drop the last ten transactions studying. John and matte were in the room as well, flatness studying and Gospel According to John sorting Chocolate Frog carte. rosiness was tutoring Elsie Willinson again and Amanda had gone with her.

"Quinn,"Kaden said as he sat down next to Albus."She 's now saying that Greyback stole her scepter and she got away from him by kicking his kneecaps."

Albus burst out laughing."That 's laughable. She 's still got her wand."

"She claims Ollivander 's sent her an accurate reproduction,"Kaden replied.

"But no two scepter are the same,"lavatory pointed out."Everyone knows that."

"She 's Muggle-born,"Kaden pointed out."She might not."

"But still,"Albus said."She 's taken it too far. No one 's going to believe her now and it 's all going to die down."

Albus laughed as he looked back at the Marauder 's Map. He 'd been checking it, both the Hogsmeade and Hogwarts sections, looking for Greyback every so often since go Sat. He 'd yet to chance anything remotely interesting on it, least of all Greyback or one of the other escaped convicts.

"Scorpio is leaving the castle,"Albus said, noticing the dot labeled 'Scorpius Malfoy'was no longer in the Slytherin common elbow room, but instead slowly making its way across the grounds.

"What ?"mat asked, closing his book."But it 's eight o'clock. And it 's snowing."

"It 's him all right,"Albus said."ejaculate see."

matte, St. John the Apostle, and Kaden all crowded around Albus and they watched Scorpio 's dot travel further and further from the rook. There were no other dots on the priming, except Hagrid 's, and his was remaining stationary behind his hut. It did n't appear that Malfoy was meeting anyone outside, nor did anyone go with him. It was odd, especially in spark of his other odd behavior.

"I wonder what he 's up to,"Albus mused.

"We should be him,"St. John the Apostle said."See what he 's up to."

"I agree,"Kaden said."No one goes outside at night during a storm for no reason at all. He 's up to something."

"We 'd get caught,"Albus pointed out.

"And it 's freezing,"matt added.

"We 'll admit your Invisibility Cloak,"John said.

"I do n't think we all fit anymore,"Albus said, not taking his name off Malfoy 's dot.

"Then Kaden and I can go,"John replied.

"No way,"Albus said."It 's my cloak and I do n't need you having it when Filch catches you. He 'll sequester it."

"Who says we 'll get caught ?"John Lackland asked.

Albus laughed and turned to attend at john."Of course you 'll get caught. And then my cloak will get taken away and I 'll never see it again and my dad will murder me."

"Your dad 's Harry ceramist,"John said."He 's not going to murder his own son."

"If he did Laurentis would love it."Kaden laughed."I can see the headline now. 'Harry ceramist murder Own Son, Clearly Unfit For Duty. Weasley Still Supports Him .'”

"Oh shut it,"Albus muttered.

"Wait,"lusterlessness said, staring at the map."He 's going to the Whomping Willow."

Albus looked back at the map and saw that lusterlessness was right. Malfoy 's dot was slowing down and circling the tree, giving it a all-embracing slip."What 's he doing ?"

"You do n't think he 's figured it out, do you ?"lustrelessness asked.

"Well now we have to go after him,"toilet said, standing up.

flatness nodded."Come on, Albus, let us take your cloak."

"fine,"Albus said, knowing that the battle was lost. Malfoy was at the Whomping willow tree, which meant that this was now personal for Matt, and therefore, for all of them."But I still do n't know if we 'll all fit."

Albus walked over to his bed and located the cloak in one of the drawers beneath it. He rarely kept it in his dormitory anymore, since he and his friend spent far to a greater extent time in the predator 's Den than they did in the common room.

"Let 's try it,"Albus said as his friends walked over to him. They stood cheeseparing and Albus threw the cloak over them.

"Half my torso is showing,"St. John the Apostle said, turning to look at his still visible arm.

"And all our foot are showing,"Matt pointed out.

"That 's because Albus and lavatory are giants,"Kaden asked, glancing up at the five inch of blank space that separated his head from the top of the cloak.

"Both of you are going to get to scrunch up down,"flatness said.

"But what about the fact that half my body is showing ?"whoremonger asked, yanking on the cloak.

"Now I 'm not under it at all,"Matt said, yanking it back.

"I wish we could do disenchantment charms,"Albus muttered."Too bad we do n't determine those until one-seventh year."

"rose could probably figure them out,"toilet said."We should have her learn them."

"wellspring we do n't have time for that now and we 're wasting time arguing. Malfoy could be in the tunnel by now,"Matt said.

"There are wards,"Albus pointed out.

"Still ..."mat muttered.

"Fine,"Gospel According to John said."Albus and flatness can go and Kaden and I will stay here."

"What ?"Kaden shouted."Why 'd you volunteer me to stay ?"

"Well, Albus is n't going to let anyone take the cloak without him going and Matt has to go since Malfoy 's by the Whomping willow,"John said."That leaves you and me. I do n't think more than two of us are going to fit."

"Let 's go, then,"Matt said, yanking the cloak off of John and Kaden and repositioning it over himself and Albus."See you in a bit."

Albus nearly had to run to keep up with Matt and save himself crouched down enough to stay hidden, and that was saying something since usually Albus was much faster than Matt. The two of them said zilch on their way down to the front door and were n't noticed by any of the bookman or professors they passed.

"Remember, we 've got to be back before curfew,"Albus said once they shut the front door."We do n't want to be locked out like back in arcsecond year."

"This is total deja vu,"Matt added."Two twelvemonth ago we caught Kaden messing with the Whomping willow tree. That 's when Kendrick added the wards."

"But unlike with Kaden, I do n't cerebrate we 'll wind up protagonist with Malfoy after,"Albus pointed out.

The priming coat were very quiet, the lonesome auditory sensation being the crunching of their feet in the C. Albus carefully vanished their step as they walked, while Matt led them down the path to the Whomping Willow. It was very cold and snowy, which reminded Albus even more of the time they got locked out of the castle after sneaking into the Shrieking Shack.

"Is he even still there ?"Matt asked quietly when they were halfway to the tree.

Albus paused and pulled the predator 's Map out of his pocket. Scorpius 's dot was still walking methodically in a lap around the tree."Yeah, he 's there."

mat nodded and they continued walking. Neither of them had lit their sceptre, so they slowed down in lodge to not be hit by the willow tree 's boastfully offset. Finally they reached it and stood just outside its hitting range, waiting for Malfoy to come back around.

The Slytherin boy was wrapped in a thick cloak and pacing with his head always turned toward the Tree. He had his verge out and did n't seem to note that he had been joined by Albus and Matt. Albus glanced at matt as Malfoy walked past them, unsure of whether to holler his attention to their mien. Since they were invisible, they could just digest there and watch him.

"There 's got to be a way,"Malfoy muttered."Every ward has a light peak. They do n't all live on forever."

Albus could now see that Malfoy was sending various curse and hex into the Barbara Ward, but they were all deflecting away. As he rounded the tree once more, a hex bounced off the wards and nearly hit Albus, who had to derail out of the way to avoid it. His leg slipped out from underneath the cloak in the process, but Malfoy did n't see it.

"It 's got to bring,"Malfoy said."There 's no other way in ...."

"Into where ?"matt mouthed. Albus shrugged.

They waited for Malfoy to make another circle around the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and this time one of the curse reflected off the Aaron Montgomery Ward and toward matte, who jumped to get out of the way, but tripped over a partially buried tree root instead. He fell over, yanking the cloak down with him, leaving both himself and Albus exposed. lustrelessness let out a watercourse of curses and a cry of pain. Albus heard a sickening compaction as he fell and hoped it was the tree root and not flatness 's leg.

"Who 's there ?"Malfoy shouted, aiming his wand at Albus and Matt. He lit it and his face visibly paled."What are you two doing here ?"

Albus lit his own wand. matte was still sitting in the snowfall."I could ask you the same matter, Malfoy,"Albus said.

Albus pointed his verge at matte and reached down to help him up. He was clutching his wrist joint and his face was as picket as Malfoy 's, although for unlike reasonableness.

"I said, what are you two doing here ?"Malfoy repeated, not sounding very confident.

"chase you,"Albus said simply, thinking Lunaria annua would be the easily insurance here. After all, all three of them were breaking the rules. Not much point in denying it or making up excuses.

"How did you know I was here ?"Malfoy asked. His scepter arm was now trembling, although Albus did n't know if it was from the coldness or fear.

"Saw you leave the palace,"Albus said."Figured we 'd see what you were up to."

"What do you require with the tree diagram ?"flatness demanded. His voice sounded pained.

Malfoy 's mouth turned up in a sly grin."Once again, you just confirmed my suspicions. This Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree 's how you get into the screaming hutch. I did a little more enquiry, and turns out this thing was planted the like class the Shrieking hovel was built. The same year Remus Lupin started going to Hogwarts. That Shack 's all boarded up so I figured there must be some variety of tunnel leading to it and what better way to hide a burrow than to put a murderous Tree above it ? Trouble is, I ca n't invalid the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward. Bet you can, though."

"Why ?"Matt asked. Albus heard him inspire sharply and began to question if his wrist joint was broken."Why do you want to get in there ?"

"Ca n't distinguish you,"Malfoy said.

"Well, I 'm not disabling the wards,"lusterlessness said.

"I 'll figure it out eventually,"Malfoy said.

Albus wanted to ask him about his demeanour at dueling recitation so badly. They 'd had another practice the old day and again, Malfoy had n't said two words to anyone. It was just strange. Bur Albus figured that even if he asked, Malfoy would n't answer.

"It 'd be mute, you know,"Matt said."Going into the shriek Shack."

"Well I would n't go in on a full moon, idiot,"Malfoy said."Believe it or not this has nothing to do with you or your evil English. I could n't worry less that you 're a foul werewolf. I have safe things-"

Albus jabbed his wand into Malfoy 's thorax, nearly knocking him over in the process. His spunk was pounding and he could feel hotness rising up in his physical structure."You. take. That. backrest,"he seethed.

"Albus, do n't,"matte said.

Malfoy scowled."No. I wo n't, because it 's rightful. I do n't give care. It was the whodunit that I liked and nothing More. You do n't know the half of what 's going on or why I want that Shack. He only uses it one night out of twenty-eight. I want it the other twenty-seven. I do n't get why that 's such a huge deal."

"What 's going on over there ?"a loudly voice boomed over the grounds."Eh, what 're yeh doing ?"

Albus quickly moved his wand and pointed it elsewhere. It was one thing to get caught on the grounds after dark but another to be caught threatening another scholar. He pointed his wand in the direction of the vocalism and saw Hagrid making his way toward them, his large Newfoundland, Fetch, at his side.

"Albus ?"Hagird asked as he drew nearer."matt ? What 're yeh doing out here ? And Malfoy ?"

"Er, nothing,"Albus muttered.

"well, yer breaking the rules so I 'm going to have to remove yeh to Longbottom,"Hagrid said and then turned to Malfoy."And you 'll consume to see Slughorn."

"infirmary extension,"flatness said."First."

Hagrid turned to Matt and looked at his wrist."O'form,"he said."What did yeh do ?"

"Tripped over a root,"Matt said."Landed on a rock."

Hagrid nodded and clapped Matt on the back, a motion clearly meant to solace him but instead nearly knocked him over again. After he recovered they set off for the castle, walking future to Hagrid. Malfoy followed at a short distance. Hagrid did n't ask them what they were doing by the Whomping Willow again, although Albus had a look he probably knew. After all, he knew why the tree diagram was there and the fact that Matt was a werewolf.

The castling was much emptier when they returned than when they had left. Albus only saw a few prefects doing their rounds and realized that curfew must have passed. So a great deal for not getting in trouble.

Hagrid walked them to the hospital wing and left Albus and lustrelessness there while he then escorted Malfoy to Slughorn 's discipline. Malfoy had remained tranquilize during the integral walk, but lost the sneer he 'd bust when he insulted lusterlessness.

"I thought you lot had grown out of this,"ma'am Pomfrey said as she examined lustrelessness 's wrist."This sneaking about in the dead of night, following citizenry. At least you did n't get locked out this clip.

"Yes, your radiocarpal joint is definitely fall apart. But I can mend it quickly."

Madam Pomfrey took her wand out of her gown and pointed it at Matt 's wrist. She muttered a spell and instantly, his wrist was healed.

"Thanks,"Matt said, bending his wrist.

"You 're receive,"the nurse replied. She hurried over to a cabinet and returned with a goblet of potion."Take this for the pain sensation and you 'll be good as new. No need to appease the nighttime. I know you stay here enough as it is. You 're to wait here until Professor Longbottom comes to collect you."

Matt nodded and downed the potion in one expectant gulp. Albus sat down next to him on the bed and they waited for Longbottom. Albus did n't think Hagrid had seen him with his wand pointed at Malfoy, so his punishment should n't be too bad.

"You do n't intend he 'll make you overleap Quidditch tomorrow, do you ?"Matt asked.

Albus had n't thought of that."I hope not. Fred would wipe out me."

The doors to the ward opened and professor Longbottom walked inside. He looked tired and slightly annoyed. He sighed and shook his head when he saw Albus and Matt.

"You two again ?"he asked."Hagrid said you were on the grounds after curfew ?"

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied. He always felt Weird calling professor Longbottom 'sir', but figured it could n't suffer in this position.

"Should I bother asking why ?"Longbottom replied.

Albus shook his read/write head, knowing that telling Longbottom why would n't get them any fewer detentions, nor would it stop Malfoy from trying to figure out how to get into the screaming Shack.

"I 'll form this easy, then,"Longbottom said."Ten point from Gryffindor, each. And you 'll both dish out detention tomorrow, immediately following the Quidditch match. note, in my office. I 'll see you then."Longbottom turned to leave. He nodded to dame Pomfrey as he walked to the door."Good night, Poppy."

"Good night, Neville,"Madam Pomfrey said.

Albus and Matt said skillful Nox to the nanny and then left the Ward, both automatically going back to the uncouth room rather than the Marauder 's Den. If they were caught outside of Gryffindor tower twice in one night they 'd get a much worse penalty than twenty dollar bill lost points and a detention. Albus thought they 'd scram off easy, to be honest. He wondered what Slughorn had set for Malfoy.

John, Kaden, rose, and Amanda were waiting for them when they got back. John and Kaden were smirking.

"Do n't say a word,"Albus muttered."I knew whoever followed him would get caught."

"Figured you did, seeing as you 've been gone for over an minute,"John said."What 's your penalization ?"

"Detention tomorrow after Quidditch and we each lost ten points,"Albus said.

"You got off easy,"Kaden replied."If it had been me and John we would 've gotten three detentions."

"I think Longbottom took pity on us because Matt broke his wrist while we were out there,"Albus said.

John laughed."Of course he did."

"Shut it,"matte said."It really bruise. I was dodging a curse that Malfoy sent to the Willow that reflected off the wards."

"Did you find anything useful out ?"Rose asked."Not that I approve of this."

Albus and Matt explained what had happened, including the constituent where Malfoy insulted Matt and Albus nearly hexed him.

"Very odd,"pink wine mused."What can he possibly want the hut for ? And what did he think of when he said he had other stuff going on ? What former stuff could he possibly have going on besides school ?"

"Whatever he 's got going on with Willinson ?"privy suggested."Surely Felix knows what his first cousin are up to and Malfoy 's always involved with that."

Albus shrugged."Maybe. But why would he need the shanty ?"

"Who knows,"John said.

"I bet it 's got something to do with that letter of the alphabet,"Amanda said."And why he 's acting so strangely lately."

"speechmaking of acting strangely, Elsie Willinson is still acting weird,"blush wine said."I thought she would 've adjusted by now, but she has n't. She does n't look to have any friends."

"Does her brother still pick her up from tutoring ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah,"rosebush replied."It 's very odd. I asked her if she wanted to hang out with me and Amanda until curfew, but she said she could n't. So I said maybe another fourth dimension and she said probably not."

"That 's odd,"John said."Clearly they 're up to something."

"They 're always up to something,"Albus pointed out."I 'd love to sleep together what it is, though. I wonder if they 've been in contact with Quinton."

"They 'd be stupid to be,"blush wine said."Kendrick did n't penalise Felix for what happened to Kaden two long time ago, telling him if he did it again he 'd get expelled."

"I still say you 've got to image out what 's up with Elsie,"bathroom said.

"I 'm trying,"Rose insisted."It 's not as easy as you 'd imagine. She hardly lecture at all."

"Just keep trying,"John said.

"Team !"Fred suddenly shouted from across the common room."Off to bed, all of you ! We 've got a second chance at this and let 's not ruin it by staying up all night."

Albus did n't indicate. Turning in too soon was a good idea and he was actually quite fag out after his excursion to the Whomping Willow. He bade skilful night to his booster and went up to his quiet, discharge dormitory. It did n't get him long to shine asleep and he dreamt of playing Quidditch with Malfoy while the two of them dodged the Whomping Willow on brooms.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews ! I am doing ingroup NaNoWriMo again this month ( probably not a ripe idea ... ), and I 'm writing this for it, so hopefully I 'll finish it !



The weather for the replay was vastly different from the previous Saturday 's weather condition. The sky seemed to be all out of snow and the sun was shining. Although it was still bitterly frigidness, there was little lead. Albus hoped the match would be a long one since as soon as it was over, he had to serve custody with professor Longbottom.

Albus went down to the Great Radclyffe Hall by himself for breakfast. His too soon night had given way to him waking up far sooner than he normally did. It was dainty being capable to linger over breakfast, though, and pore on the coming equal rather than interact with his admirer. As he ate, the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall slowly filled. He had just finished the lastly of his eggs when the post owls arrived.

Albus observed the owl and did n't recognize any of them. Clearly he was not receiving any post today, which was a serious matter because he was fairly sealed Longbottom had owled his parents about his detention. But then he noticed a very magnanimous owl holding a red gasbag in its mouth ; it was a howler and the owl was heading toward the Slytherin table. Albus continued watching it and saw it land right in front of Scorpius, who yanked the envelope off the owl 's leg and tripped over the terrace in his hurriedness to depart the room. Albus actually sympathized with him ; it was awed opening a howler in public. From the sound of it, Malfoy did n't quite make it to a loo or hollow classroom. Muffled shouting could be heard coming from the entering Hall.

Malfoy did n't return to the Great Hall. Albus figured it must take been a particularly fearful howler monkey and was wondering what it could possibly bear said when his friends sat down next to him.

"Malfoy got a sidesplitter,"John said as he started loading his plate with bacon.

"I know,"Albus said."Saw him get it."

"well, we heard the tail end of it,"King John said.

"It was awing,"Rose replied.

"What did it say ?"Albus asked."Who was it from ?"

"His dad, I 'm guessing,"St. John said."It was a man 's vocalism. We crouched down on the stairs when we saw him. Basically his dad was yelling at him for getting in difficulty for stupid matter when he should be studying and concentrating on his shoal piece of work and keeping his heading down. Then he said something about how Malfoy knows that they, meaning his parents, have far more important matter on their minds than worrying about Malfoy getting in trouble in schoolhouse. And how they ca n't concern about him at school day when they 're busy worrying about other things."

"That 's vague,"Albus said."He did n't say what the other things were ?"

"Nope,"john said."But Malfoy obviously knows what they are because he was shaking and he ran for the dungeons after the riot blew up."

"I told you the letter he read at practice was about something bad,"Amanda said.

"And now we know it 's got something to do with his family,"Albus said.

"Maybe they 're going to fall in up with Willinson and the Carrows and all them,"Matt said."His dad was a last Eater, was n't he ?"

"Sort of,"Albus said."His grandfather was, but his dad sort of got caught up in it and he got off. So did his grandfather, actually. No one really knows why, but my dad vouched for them at their hearing."

"Now that is weird,"lusterlessness said."Maybe his granddad is planning on joining them."

Albus shrugged."Maybe, but it just does n't sound right. Listen, I 've got to get to the auction pitch. I 'll see you after."

"Yeah, for detention,"flatness muttered."Going to be a blast."

Albus 's wishing for a long equal came admittedly. Since the atmospheric condition was cooperating, James put off catching the stoolie until Gryffindor was up by 200 head, instead focusing his cause on faking diving to keep Ravenclaw 's Seeker away from the Snitch. It worked, and three and a one-half time of day later James caught the snitch and won the compeer for Gryffindor. Albus was sorely let down that he 'd experience to miss the resulting party in the common room, but figured that 's what Longbottom was going for when he scheduled custody for right after the match.

flatness was waiting for Albus in the Great Hall and the two of them grabbed a spry lunch before hurrying to Longbottom 's office. They spent the next two hours writing'I will not creep out of the rook after nighttime'over and over again. By the sentence they were done Albus wanted to curl up up and exact a nap, since the Quidditch catch itself had exhausted him. He and Matt decided to drop the good afternoon in the piranha 's Den, just relaxing if not actually sleeping.

When they arrived they found whoremonger and Kaden in the heart of plotting their new clowning. pink wine and Amanda were in the program library, apparently avoiding John and Kaden and their prank.

"Are you two sure you do n't want to be involved with this ?"Saint John the Apostle asked."It 's going to be legendary."

"It wo n't be worth the detentions,"Albus said.

"Seriously,"Matt agreed."If it 's legendary it 's going to entail a lot of detentions."

"mulct,"lav said.

John and Kaden lowered their representative, but Albus distinctly heard the watchword 'Weasleys '', 'itching powder ,''Slytherins ,'and 'alarm alfileria .'At that point, he really did n't need to know. He and Matt decided to take off a game of cheat and attempted to tune out John and Kaden 's whisperings.

"I was thinking the other dark and realized if my dad loses his job when Laurentis is elected it 's going to be just like Australia,"flatness said as he captured one of Albus 's pawns.

"I had n't thought of that,"Albus said."Does that mean you 'd move again ?"

"I do n't acknowledge,"Matt said quietly."I really hope not. I guess I do n't mean so because the real number ground we moved here was so I could go to schooling, not for Dad to get a new job."

"Then you probably wo n't,"Albus replied, taking one of flatness 's bishops.

"But if he does lose it, it 's going to probably stand for Laurentis disagrees with him on loup-garou issues,"Matt pointed out."That could be really bad."

"You never know,"Albus said."There 's other thing your dad mint with that they might disagree on."

"But my dad 's the most vocal music on loup-garou right. Everyone knows that,"Matt said."If they 're going to disagree on something, that 's going to be it."

"I guess you 'll have to look until the debate,"Albus said.

"I 'm thinking of going,"lustrelessness said quietly."It might be awful, but I want to know what she says firsthand, not from the Prophet."

"That makes sense,"Albus said."When is it ?"

"In three weeks,"Matt said."February 15th. That 's the exclusively thing ; it 's the day of the Hogsmeade trip."

"That happened survive Hogsmeade weekend,"Albus said,"when Rose went. suction that they do that."

mat nodded."I think I 'll go anyway. I mean, it is the valentine 's Hogsmeade trip. speechmaking of that, is Epistle of James still going out with that Hufflepuff young woman ? I forgot her name."

"Gabby Ellis,"Albus said."I 've no idea, to be honest. I guess we 'll find out when the Hogsmeade trip comes."

"Just as long as Fred does n't schedule Quidditch practice session for that day again,"lustrelessness pointed out.

Albus laughed."He wo n't. None of us minded too much since the weather was so squeamish, but I think if he did it again the unit team would hate him."

"That would pee an ill-chosen family dinner, considering over half the team are your cousin-german,"Matt said.

"Family dinners with my sept have become awkward by definition,"Albus said."Luckily the side by side one wo n't be until far after the election."

"Only a little over two months to go,"matt said."You can gain it."

"I hope so,"Albus replied, as he moved his faggot in the direct melody of lusterlessness 's king."Checkmate."
***


"Rufus Scrimgeour was the last pastor of Magic to be appointed by the Wizengamot,"professor Embry said as he strolled around his classroom. It was the first week of February and the class had finally gotten to the stage where they were beginning to discuss the second war."He was appointed quickly, after Cornelius Fudge resigned.

"Minister Fudge is commonly known as the least competent Minister ever to reserve office,"Embry continued."He refused to believe evidence that was laid out plainly in front of him, for fear of being known as the Minister who held office when Voldemort returned. Somehow, he thought that if he ignored what was right in front of him, it would just simply go away. This backfired, of course, because he is now known for being the least competent Minister.

"Scrimgeour is seen in a slightly honorable spark than Fudge, although he was pastor when the Ministry fell to Voldemort in August of 1997 ...."

Albus knew all of this, of line. He 'd grown up listening to his parents laughter at the incompetency of Fudge and the pointlessness of Scrimgeour being considered a parson at all. Nevertheless, he listened to Embry and took detailed note since the essays Embry set were often yearn and unmanageable.

"The time of the second war was a fourth dimension of fear and chaos,"Embry said as he reached the front line of the room again."No one knew what was going on or who to believe. Many people heartily believed Fudge and what he said, believing Albus Dumbledore to be a fraud or even senile. When this reality was shattered for them in June of of 1996, they did n't know what to do or who to sour to, or even what to believe. They 'd been fooled for a full year, believing what their Ministry and newspaper told them. Now that they knew they 'd been lied to for a year, what were they to do ? They did n't intrust anyone, let alone the Ministry. well-nigh mass 's goals were to protect their kin and ally and that was it.

"It was the fear and topsy-turvydom that allowed Voldemort and his followers to take mastery of the Ministry. Without the livelihood of wizarding Britain, the Ministry was weak and susceptible to a putsch. It was uncomplicated for Voldemort to slip in and coup in a matter of weeks."

"Excuse me, prof ?"Olivia Price said, raising her hand.

"Yes, Miss terms ?"Embry replied."You have a enquiry ?"

"Yes, sir,"Olivia replied."I was just wondering, and you do n't have to resolve, but what were you doing during the sec war ?"

If Embry was surprised that Olivia asked him a interrogative about his personal living, he did n't show it. Instead he gave a svelte smile and began to walk around the classroom again.

"I do n't mind answering that,"Embry said."Many of your parents were involved with the war exploit, so of course you 're curious. When the Ministry fell I 'd been working there for about six year. I got a job as an undersecretary in the Department of Magical Transportation when I was just out of Hogwarts and worked my way up the social status.

"I 'd received a promotion shortly before curate Fudge resigned and worked to draught laws, but I quit after Scrimgeour got appointed because I saw that the Ministry was infirm and profane and no longer wished to align myself with it. After Voldemort 's licking, I was approached by Kingsley Shacklebolt asking if I would wish to be involved with rebuilding the Ministry, and I said yes."

Albus was strike. Embry had n't mentioned what sort of job he did at the Ministry and Albus had had no mind he had been so involved with its rebuilding after the war.

"So you can see why I believe it is so important to civilize all of you about the account of the Ministry and how it is organized now,"Embry finished."feel like we 're out of time for today so delight write an eight in essay on Rufus Scrimgeour 's term as Minister for homework, due succeeding Tuesday."

Albus packed up his bag and headed back up to Gryffindor column with his friends. When they arrived, there was a crowd around the poster board, which was unusual. The Hogsmeade weekend particular date had already been announced and rarely did other notices garner such a crowd around the poster board.

Albus shrugged at his Quaker and they squeezed through the crowd until they could translate it. It was a tumid poster, covering the majority of the table, imposing an too soon curfew Sunday night. Everyone, first through seventh age, were to be back inside the rook by five in the eventide, no exception. Below that it warned that Filch was going to mesh the front doors at exactly five and that everyone was to account to their park room at five-thirty.

"That 's weird,"Albus said as he and his friends retreated."I do n't imagine they 've ever imposed a curfew so ahead of time before, and for everyone ?"

"It 's because Limnodromus griseus has n't been caught,"mat said quietly."William Ashley Sunday 's the full moon."

"They must think he 's going to come back,"Albus replied.

"Scary,"whoremonger added."Do you really think he will ?"

"I do n't know,"matt said."But I 'd bet my parents'unscathed Gringotts vault that he 's going to bite soul Billy Sunday night."

"delay,"Rose said."You do n't usually go to the screech Shack until six or seven."

"They 're probably doing it early just to be safe,"lusterlessness said."In case some people do n't watch it or something. It says on there that the prefects are going to do a head teacher enumeration. That 's why we all have to fare back to the common elbow room at five-thirty."

Rose nodded."Then you 'll possess to get out later, after the room access are locked."

"Either that or Madam Pomfrey will birth me go too soon,"lusterlessness replied."I really hope not, though. I hate sitting out in the Shrieking Shack."

"I hope not, too,"Albus said quietly.

Albus and his friends were probably the alone students who knew the grounds why a curfew had been imposed on Billy Sunday. Even the prefects seemed clueless, since Albus overheard a few of them trying to figure it out. More than a few students were angry about it, although Albus had no idea why since it was n't vulgar for students to take a stroll on the ground on a Lord's Day night in February. He supposed they liked the pick, though.

As Billy Sunday drew closer flatness became quieter and even more closed off than he normally was. In fact, it reminded Albus a lot of the way he was in low gear year, before Rose figured out why he disappeared once a calendar month. Both Albus and blush wine tried to get him to spread out up about it, but he shrugged them off and insisted he was okay. toilet and Kaden did n't seem to remark any difference in matt, and Amanda was n't one to ask about it when he closed himself off.

Saturday 's Dueling tourney proved uneventful. Albus spent the total few hours worrying about matte because he had elected to skip the tournament in order to catch some Z's, which was odd since he 'd normally at least try to participate. At to the lowest degree Malfoy made Albus 's life well-heeled by remaining quiet throughout the tournament and not blaming Albus when the team came in third post. Albus himself won both of his duels, as did Malfoy.

On Sunday Albus and his friend spent the day in the vulture 's Den, working on preparation and playing biz. Matt slept for much of the day and he still was n't saying anything. While Albus was worried, he was fairly certain the rationality matte was so subdued was Greyback. When a quarter to five rolled around, they had to return to Gryffindor to shew they were in the castle. lusterlessness was still asleep, so Albus told everyone else go to on ahead and that they 'd follow.

"Matt,"Albus whispered as he shook his friend awake."We 've got to go back to the mutual room."

"This is stupid,"matt muttered."They 're counting everyone to urinate sure no one gets attacked by a werewolf when they 've got one living in the castle."

"Is that why you 've been so quiet this week ?"Albus asked as lusterlessness got up. He did n't answer."You and Greyback are n't the same."

"I know,"Matt said as they left the room. The corridor was hollow, so he continued to talk."It 's just the fact that we 're both werewolves. That 's the same. What if they start doing this curfew thing every wide moon, all because of me ?"

"They wo n't,"Albus said."You 're not dangerous because you 're in the shrieking shack. It 's all sealed up."

"I guess, but it 's still possible."

"You and Greyback are different because he wants to prick masses. He purposely transforms near people, not on Wolfsbane, so he can infect people. You hide yourself away to protect everyone. That 's a huge difference."

"But what if he does come to Hogsmeade,"matt continued."He 'll take heed me howling and know there 's a wolfman in the screech Shack and he 'll try to get in."

"But he wo n't be able to,"Albus pointed out.

"And then if he does sting someone, and let 's face it, he will,"mat said."It 's going to look bad for all werewolves. All it 'll take is a few attacks and mass will come out believing we should give birth our rights taken away. That 's what happened in Australia."

"You 're getting ahead of yourself,"Albus said as they reached the unwashed way."Right now you do n't know that any of that 's going to chance. Wandering banshee."

"You 're nearly late,"the Fat Lady said as she swung her portrait open.

Albus and Matt climbed inside and found the common elbow room the most crowd they 'd ever seen it. Prefects were milling about attempting to get everyone to tranquillize down, but everyone was still trying to figure out why such an too soon curfew had been set. The room was so crowded that Albus and Matt could n't incur the rest of their supporter and since being in a push room was not the considerably idea for flatness right hand before the to the full moon, they quit searching and instead sat down near the dorm doorway.

"Everyone, subdued, please !"broom announced in a magically hyperbolise voice. The room finally quieted down."I know you 're all upset about the curfew but they have n't even distinguish us prefects why it 's been imposed. It 's not that big a pile since it 's February, dark, and freezing outside. None of you would be outdoors anyway. Now just remain placid while we take roll so we can all get downstairs for dinner party. After we 're done you 'll be allowed to roam the castle until your normal curfew."

heather mixture began calling out names in alphabetical order of magnitude by twelvemonth. It took her XV or so minute to get to the fourth part old age and after that Albus tuned her out. fifteen second after that she finished and all the Gryffindors had been accounted for. The uncouth way emptied out quickly, since everyone wanted to get to the Great Hall for dinner party. Matt had fallen asleep and after Albus prodded him come alive, he went up to the residence hall to kip until he had to go to the hospital wing.

When Albus and his supporter returned from dinner Matt had already left for the hospital wing. They decided to just nonplus around the common way since it was fairly empty and spent the evening working on their essays for prof Embry.

"Any hazard you lot know why we 're stuck inside ?"James asked as he snagged the death chair at Albus 's board."Cedric, Ben, and I are asking everyone."

Albus exchanged a glance with Rose. He supposed it could n't hurt to tell Epistle of James the reason why, just so long as he did n't tell him why they knew. Of course, as soon as he told James I it would disperse around the castle like dragon pox at a wizarding baby's room school, but again, that would n't really ache anything.

"We 've got a suspicion,"Albus said."Remember how Quinn Gregory XII saw greyback on the grounds during the Quidditch lucifer ?"

"Yeah,"James said.

"Well, tonight 's a full moon,"Albus said."Put it together."

James was silent for a moment and then his eyes grew big."You think Kendrick thinks he 's going to hail here tonight ?"

"That 's our guesswork,"Albus said and his friends nodded.

"Makes sense,"James River said."Can you guess what kind of problem Kendrick would be in if someone got bitten by a werewolf on the solid ground ?"

Albus did n't need to retrieve about it. He doubted flatness wanted a associate in the screaming Shack.

"Scary,"St. James said,"thinking about Greyback transformed while wandering around the priming coat. I wonder why they did n't just order us. No one would be wild about it if they 'd secernate us the reason."

"Probably did n't want anyone to panic,"Albus said.

"surmise so,"James I agreed."But still, everyone 's going to know now."He grinned and then got up to go find Ben and Cedric. The fact that the curfew was due to Johnny Reb would be park knowledge in the castle within ten hour, Albus guessed.

Albus managed to finish his essay and decided to call it a night shortly after. He did n't experience like talking, not with the possibility that Greyback was either running around the Hogwarts grounds or setting himself on some unsuspecting Village, wanting to infect minuscule children with lycanthropy. It was terrible to think about. Albus laid awake for 60 minutes, trying not to call back about it, but try as he might, he just could not fight the view from his mind.


It was a rare social function that Albus witnessed the sun ascending. Being fourteen-years-old, Albus preferred to catch some Z's until the very late dawn or early good afternoon, but this finical sunrise he was up before the sun. He had n't slept much that night due to his worries about Fenrir Johnny Reb and matt, and decided that it was pointless to try and kip when he 'd just give birth to be up in an hour anyway.

Albus sat at the window and watched as the sun slowly rose over the horizon. The grounds looked passive, and not at all like the place where a werewolf could 've been roaming just a few hours before. The Moon had set and both mat and Greyback would be back in their human descriptor by now. Whatever had happened was over now and there was nothing anyone could do to change it. Albus wondered just how long it would train for the seer to release some variety of article on any attacks knot might 've been the cause of.

Bilius and Ethan awoke before St. John the Apostle did and busied themselves with lecture of the Balycastle and Kenmare equal that had taken place Sat, completely unworried about Johnny Reb. Albus was n't surprised since neither of them had any sort of personal connection with the get away werewolf. But they at least lie with that the previous night had been a good synodic month, since James had spread that information around the rook.

John finally rose shortly after Bilius and Ethan left for breakfast. Albus was relieved since they could now utter freely.

"What time is it ?"Saint John the Apostle asked as soon as he sat up."Have we got clock time to inflict lusterlessness before Herbology ?"

"Just after eight, so not really,"Albus said."And there 's no peak in visiting him now as he 's probably unconscious or sleeping. The moon just set two hours ago."

"Yeah, but he might know something,"John said as he closed the hangings on his bed while he dressed."He might 've heard Greyback last night."

"He never remembers anything about full moons,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's still Charles Frederick Worth a stroke,"can replied.

Albus thought it would be sort of pointless, but they did n't take in time before Herbology anyway. After John finished, the two hurried out of the residence hall and down to the Great Hall for a quick breakfast before family. Rose, Amanda, and Kaden were already there.

"Anything in the Prophet ?"Albus asked as he grabbed a stack of toast.

Rose shook her head and swallowed her Sir Francis Bacon before answering."No. Absolutely nothing, but that does n't mean much. It could just be too soon for enough details to have emerged."

"Well, we 've got a costless period this afternoon, so we can go ask lusterlessness,"lav said.

"I told you that he 's not going to recognise anything,"Albus reminded him.

John shrugged."You never know."

The rest of the student eubstance seemed to have already forgotten about the early curfew and the full moon. Albus did n't hear anyone discussing it on his way to Herbology or at luncheon later that day. Since there had n't been anything in the paper about an attack, it was old news for the Hogwarts scholar. Everyone that is, except for Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda.

Albus, John, and Amanda were still discussing it on their way to Care of Magical Creatures that afternoon. When they arrived they found Hagrid surrounded by batting cage filled with pocket-size, pitch blackness, fluffy creatures.

"'ello !"Hagrid shouted."I 've got nifflers for yeh today. Can anyone tell me what makes nifflers unequaled ?"

Albus raised his hand.

"Albus,"Hagrid said.

Albus grinned."Nifflers find treasure. They like sheeny things."

"Tha 's right,"Hagrid said."So if you 've got picket or jewelry on, take it off. I 've buried a load of leprechaun gold and your job for today will be to use the nifflers to find it. Everyone pair off and then do get a niffler. Whichever yoke finds the most gold gets a clique of Chocolate Frogs."

There was a flurry as everyone hurried to assume off their jewelry and get hold a niffler that looked like it would be a particularly gem huntsman. Albus took off his ticker, shoved it into his pocket, and followed John and Amanda over to the nifflers. With Matt in the hospital annexe, Albus was without a cooperator and decided to just connect John and Amanda.

John grabbed the niffler with the longsighted schnoz and held the end of the lead while they followed it around the solid ground. Every so often the niffler would stop and dig through the snow, revealing a humble pile of coins. Albus collected them and shoved them into a bag Hagrid had provided.

The entire procedure was rather entertaining. Albus enjoyed watching not only his niffler, but the rest of the class 's nifflers as well. They were adorable, risible creatures. At one point, Janie Creevey and Karina Jordan-Bell 's niffler managed to sniffle out a set of scales in Bilius 's bag resulting in all three of them playing tug-of-war with the niffler.

"Why 's he got his scales in there anyway ?"John asked as they watched."We have n't got potions today."

Albus shrugged."No idea."

"Albus, John, feeling !"Amanda shouted, pointing toward the castle.

Albus turned around and saw two figures walking toward Hagrid 's hut. It took a few mo, but he soon realized that he knew both of them. One Albus recognized as a young Auror from his dad 's department. His name was Cardinal Newman and he 'd been one of the Aurors to serve when Kaden was kidnapped two years ago. The second base man was none early than matt 's dad.

"What 's Matt 's dad doing here ?"John asked.

"Yeah, and who 's that other cuss ?"Amanda asked.

"He 's an Auror,"Albus said."But why are they here ?"

The two wizards walked past Albus, John, and Amanda without making any sort of eye contact, acting as if they 'd never seen them before. By now, the rest of the year was looking at them strangely. Matt 's dad and Newman kept walking until they reached Hagrid, and they began speaking with him in low voices.

"C'mon,"Albus said as he began walking toward Hagrid.

John tugged the niffler 's wind and he and Amanda followed Albus. Albus stopped once they were within earshot, hiding behind a bush. John and Amanda crouched down on either side of him.

"I s'ppose I did see some funny noises las'Night,"Hagrid said."More'n usual, that is. Always funny haphazardness from the forest. A bit more howling than pattern las'dark, coming from Hogsmeade. Could 've been a lycanthrope, but I don'know for sure."

"And did you see anything roaming the grounds ?"matte 's dad asked. His voice sounded serious.

"No,"Hagrid said."Wasn'external late. What 's this about ? Greyback ?"

lustrelessness 's dad and Cardinal Newman glanced at each other."Yes,"Matt 's dad said."We have reasons to trust Greyback was in the field in conclusion night and we 're looking for anyone who might 've seen something."

Hagrid shuddered."compliments I could facilitate yeh. But yeh bed, that howling from Hogsmeade could 've just been-"

"Yes, I know,"Mr. Eckerton cut him off, with a quick glance at Newman."We 've had reports of more condemnable, louder howling. Howling that seems to switch location."

"Oh !"Hagrid exclaimed."Yeah, well, again, wishing I could facilitate. I 'll pay a bit More attention next full moon."

"We 'd appreciate it,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thanks for your time."

mat 's dad and Newman turned and left, without a irregular glance at Hagrid or the class. The rest of the class had long since returned to their nifflers and all had bags of gold far larger than Albus, King John, and Amanda 's. But Albus no longer cared about winning the Chocolate frog. It seemed that something did happen finally night, but nobody knew exactly what.

At the end of the class, Albus, John, and Amanda came in abruptly net for amount of coins collected. Hagrid seemed disappoint, but said that their niffler must 've just been tired. After returning it to its cage, the three hurried back to the castling, nervous to stow their grip and go visit Matt.

"If Greyback is n't on Aconitum lycoctonum should n't he be easy to get after the full moon ?"John asked as they walked to the hospital wing."Would n't he be injured ?"

"Not necessarily,"Albus said quietly."lusterlessness only bites and attacks himself because he has zilch else to attack. If Greyback 's out roaming the countryside, he can attack beast and people."

"But what about the actual transformation ?"St. John replied."Even werewolves on Aconitum lycoctonum are achy the next day because of that, right ?"

"I think so, yeah, but I bet if you 're being chased by Aurors that 's the last thing on your mind,"Albus pointed out."I 'm not sure. mat would probably know."

matt was the merely patient in the hospital annexe and Madam Pomfrey was busy in her subject field, so Albus and his Friend were free to discuss whatever they pleased. Albus was felicitous to see that Matt was awake, although he did wait slightly unsettled.

"Was there anything in the oracle ?"Matt asked as soon as Albus, John, and Amanda had taken fundament on his bed."And I 'm hunky-dory, so do n't bother asking."

"Er, no,"Albus said."Why ?"

"last-place night was eldritch,"Matt said.

"Told you he 'd fuck something,"toilet said to Albus.

"But I do n't,"Matt replied."It was just weird. I do n't know how else to describe it."

"What happened ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't know,"Matt said quietly as he pulled his hands out from under the cover. They were completely bandaged."Look. My hands are the just portion of me that 's wound. I mean, I ache all over from the transformations, but I did n't bite myself at all lastly night."

Albus looked at the bandages."But your paw. You did n't burn them ? Then why are they bandaged ?"

"Splinters,"matt said."Madam Pomfrey thinks I spent the night scratching at the door and trying to get out. I 've never done that before. I never remember anything from when I 'm the wolf, but I do sometimes remember opinion. Like if the skirt chaser was really angry or something. Last night it was do-or-die, although I have no idea what for. I guess to get outside, if lady Pomfrey is right."

"And your wolfy self has n't done that before ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Matt shook his head."I 've been transforming in the scream hutch for three and a half year and the skirt chaser has never done that before."

"I 'll secern you something weirder,"lav said."Your dad was here earlier."

"What ?"Matt exclaimed."When ?"

"Just now,"John said."During aid of Magical beast, he and some Auror came to spill to Hagrid. We listened in-"

"Of course,"mat cut in.

"Your dad and the Auror, they were asking Hagrid if he 'd seen or heard anything eldritch last dark. Hagrid said he did n't see anything, but he thought he heard more noise than usual from Hogsmeade. Then he said that it may have just been you, but your dad cut him off, probably because of the Auror. Then your dad said that there had been write up of more reprehensible howling than usual."

"They definitely think that Greyback was in Hogsmeade last night,"Albus said.

"What would 've happened if you got out ?"Amanda asked.

"Out of the shanty ?"lusterlessness asked."Nothing commodity. But now he knows that I was there. He 'll keep coming back until he 's captured. I wo n't actually be able to escape from the Shack. The wards are too good."

The room access to the ward flew open and lusterlessness 's dad came striding inside, still looking as grievous as he had earlier. After a quick glance around the room, he strode over to lustrelessness 's bed.

"Dad,"lustrelessness said.

"You do n't face surprised to see me,"Mr. Eckerton replied as he gave his son a hug."How are you feeling ?"

"I 'm all right,"matte said with a shrug."Albus, trick, and Amanda saw you talking to Hagrid. Well, they heard you, too. Where 's the Auror ?"

Mr. Eckerton let out a short-change laugh and then turned to Albus."I saw you in the bushes. adjacent time you 're trying to hide, do n't shroud with a niffler. They 're notorious giveaways. Yours was trying to sniff out Newman 's sack watch."

"I missed nifflers ?"flatness asked, clearly defeated.

"Yeah,"Albus said."I bet Hagrid would let you see one after you 're better, though."

"I need to address with you about stopping point night, lustrelessness,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."In private, perhaps ?"

lustrelessness shook his capitulum."I already told them about shoemaker's last night, so they might as well stay."

"All right,"Mr. Eckerton said."I need you to try and remember if you heard or saw anything strange last night. I know you never remember anything, but try."

Matt held up his bind deal."Madam Pomfrey thinks I tried to get out of the hut survive Nox. That never happens. Whatever was outside kept the beast occupied all nighttime. I did n't attack myself."

Mr. Eckerton 's oculus grew large and Albus noticed that the serious look had dissipated. It was replaced with a look Albus had seen quite often on his own don. It was a father 's shock and worry.

flatness explained the rest, including the office about the beast feeling desperate. Mr. Eckerton seemed to chew over this for a few minutes before sighing and shaking his head.

"What 's going on, Dad ?"flatness asked.

Mr. Eckerton sighed once more."I suppose it could n't smart to recount you. It 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow anyway. Two fry were attacked in Little Shingleton last night. It 's a town about five air mile away, on the early side of that pile next to Hogsmeade. We 've been trying to reckon out whether it was Greyback or not, since he left immediately after biting them."

"Were they Muggles ?"matte asked.

"No,"Mr. Eckerton said."Which makes me believe that this was a carefully planned attack. slight Shingleton is a Muggle village, with these two child and their parents being the solely witches and wizards in the area. It 's too coincidental. And why onslaught both children ? nearly wolfman take off immediately after biting person, their instinct telling them to get as far away as possible, as quickly as possible."

"And did they ... survive ?"mat replied.

"They 're both in horse barn consideration at St. Mungo 's. Once their sharpness heal, they 'll be fine, save for the fact that they now have lycanthropy. The raciness were clean and small, not normal lycanthrope chomp. These insect bite were inflicted just to infect. Another sign toward Greyback."

"But what about Hogsmeade ?"Albus asked.

"Five geographical mile is not an impossible journey for a werewolf in a night,"Mr. Eckerton explained."Most likely greyback heard Matt 's howls last night and followed the sound. Once there, he probably spent the rest of the nighttime attempting to get inside the scream hutch, which is impossible."

"So you really think it was him ?"lusterlessness asked.

"I do, and Auror Newman agrees with me. I left him in Kendrick 's study, after telling him I needed to chatter you since we were already here. But what you 've told me just solidifies it."

"But ca n't you just go get him ?"John asked."He ca n't be that far. No offense, Matt, but if you were outdoor you would n't get very far."

"None taken."

"The thing that makes lycnathropy so difficult to hit the books, and also most likely the reason why wolfsbane does n't work for all lycanthrope, is that each soul 's lycanthropy is vastly different from others. Its effects depend a lot upon a person 's views toward their own lycanthropy. Fenrir Greyback has spent his life embracing his lycnathropy and life for that one dark a month where his true nature emerges. He embraces his Wolf English so often that he even attacks masses when the moon is not full.

"You, matt, on the early hand, identify nigh with your human position. As you should, considering you 're only a wolf one Nox out of XXVIII. Therefore, you resist the shift. You fight it with your every fiber, every month. grayback embraces it, and probably shifts a lot well-to-do than you do. His transformation most probable do not have him the same pain."

"I guess that makes gumption,"matt said.

"But still,"John said."They should be combing the wood for him."

Mr. Eckerton chuckled."They are. faith me. They have the entire werewolf mastery social unit searching for him, along with six Aurors, and a handful of junior and trainee Aurors. They do n't normally complete Aurors to capture rogue wolfman, as that 's usually the Werewolf Control unit of measurement 's job. And it 's not usually my job to inquire werewolf tone-beginning. But this is a high profile case, so they want many people on it, including mass in flush. We 'll get him."

Albus wondered if Teddy was on the case. He was a junior Auror now. Knowing Teddy, he 'd want to be on the case since Greyback had turned his dad into a wolfman.

"I 've got to get back to the Ministry and occupy out a report,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up from his chairperson."If you think of anything else, lusterlessness, ask to use Professor Longbottom 's Floo. Owls are easily intercepted."

lusterlessness said goodbye to his dad and soon the son and Amanda were alone in the hospital wing once more. Albus did n't know what to say. Fenrir Calidris canutus, it seemed, was up to his old deception and somehow Matt had gotten involved.
***


Fenrir Johnny 's attack on the two children took the whole front Sir Frederick Handley Page of the oracle the following morning. The entire Great Hall was talking about it, professor, bookman, and trace. transcript of the paper were being passed faster than platters of bacon. Albus managed to snag a written matter from his cousin Ben.

FENRIR GREYBACK flack IN LITTLE SHINGLETON

Fenrir Greyback, escaped inmate and lycanthrope,
was sighted final stage Nox in Little Shingleton,
Scotland. Little Shingleton is nearly an
entirely Muggle village, save for one
wizarding family. The fellowship, whose
gens have not been released due to the
Underage Lycanthrope auspices Law,
suffered an extreme point tragedy endure night,
when Fenrir Greyback attacked both of
their small fry. Both children are
reportedly in stable condition at St.
Mungo 's.

An investigation, organized by both the
Auror Department and the Department for
the rule and control condition of Magical
Creatures, headed by fountainhead of that department,
Walter Eckerton, concluded previous yesterday.
'We 've interviewed several eyewitnesses
who saw or hear a wolfman in Hogsmeade
during the full moon. Hogsmeade is only
about five miles from Little Shingleton .'
Investigators said that numerous former
hint led them to think that the attempt
was by Fenrir Greyback, despite not having
actually seen him in Little Shingleton.
'We are not set up to disclose all details
of the investigation. But we are positive
that this was an flack by Calidris canutus. A team
of Aurors and Werewolf Control Unit employees
are working around the clock to capture
Greyback .'

The article was followed by a recap of Rebel and the criminal offense that had landed him in Azkaban in the first place, along with a nasty exposure of him. Even in his human bod he looked rather wolf-like, which was such a drastic dividing line compared to lustrelessness, who did n't resemble a woman chaser at all, save for his optic. Albus glanced up from the article and his eyes fell on flatness 's. They had a yellowish tint to them, with flecks of gold amidst their natural blue color. They were indeed the lonesome wolf-like trait he possessed when the lunar month was n't fully.

"This is why people want stricter wolfman control practice of law,"Matt said quietly.

"eve those could n't have stopped this,"Albus pointed out.

"People wo n't think about that. All they 'll think about is how their small fry are n't safe, and they 're right. It 's just lousy timing. Laurentis is going to use this to her advantage."

Albus wanted to see Matt that everything would be all rectify, that Laurentis would n't drift everything out of balance, but he could n't. He knew that matte was right, that Laurentis would once again use a terrible tragedy to pull in more backing from the wizarding humans. If his uncle Walker Percy was going to stand a chance against her, he was going to feature to drastically change his campaign strategy.


A/N : So I just realized that I uploaded the wrong chapter last Friday. This is the existent chapter 25 and the one I uploaded hold out Friday is chapter 26. Sorry about that !


The thing about wolfman onrush was that they were only capable to happen once a month. There was absolutely no chance of a werewolf attack during the ease of the month, so it was well-situated for the Hogwarts students to soon forget about Fenrir Greyback, or at to the lowest degree push him into the utmost corners of their minds. After the initial article about Greyback 's attack on the two young children, the paper returned to its usual election insurance coverage, although both prospect were being very placidity about the onslaught. Neither Hotspur nor Laurentis made a argument, which did n't surprise Albus. The debate on regulation of magical creatures was scheduled for Saturday, so both candidates would reach statements then. There had been a few column in the paper written by citizenry pushing for stricter loup-garou Torah, but that had been it.

Saturday was also the day of the next Hogsmeade trip, and this gave the Hogwarts students a much needed distraction from the extraneous world. countersign spread amongst Albus 's full cousin that James was once again taking Gabby Ellis to Hogsmeade, and quite a few of his early cousin-german had dates as well. Albus himself did not, and was planning on spending the day with john, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda. lusterlessness had arranged to attend the debate with his dad, and would miss the trip.

"Are you sure you want to go to this debate ?"Albus asked Matt as they played chess in the predator 's Den.

"What ?"Matt asked, turning to Albus. He 'd been staring at the wall under the guise of taking his play for the past five minutes.

"You were zoning out,"Albus said."I asked if you 're for sure you want to go to that debate Saturday."

Matt had seemed distracted all week and whether it was from Greyback being so near during his transformation or the coming debate, Albus did n't jazz.

"Yeah, I 'm surely,"Matt said."I 'd rather hear it straight from her than study it in the Prophet."

"What about your dad ?"Albus asked."Is he going to speak out against her if she wants stricter laws ?"

lusterlessness shrugged."I do n't know. That did n't bring too well in Australia."

The threshold to the Den burst open and whoremaster and Kaden came barging in, both wearing identical grins. It was slightly eldritch, how similar they looked.

"We 've finished,"John announced.

"Finished what ?"Albus asked. He was slightly worried. It was never a dear sign when John and Kaden were that felicitous about something.

"Our prank,"Kaden answered."We 've finished planning. We 're not quite sure when to do it, though."

"Yeah, any suggestions ?"John asked."Or are you two still being all prefecty on us ?"

Albus burst out laughing and turned to mat, who smirked."Prefecty ?"Albus repeated.

"Yeah,"bathroom said."Everyone knows it 'll be one of you who makes prefect next year. And you 're getting started early by not liking our pranks."

"We just do n't want detention again,"mat explained."Honestly, I could n't handle less if you prank the Slytherins. Malfoy 's a git. Prank him all you want."

"Are you sure you do n't want to know what it 's going to be ?"Saint John asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Not a chance,"mat said.

trick shrugged."All right. But when should we do it ?"

"Let 's just wait and see when the meter tactile property right,"Kaden suggested."It 's not, er ... time-sensitive ...."

John and Kaden burst out laughing."Sure,"King John said."Not time-sensitive at all."

Albus and lustrelessness exchanged a coup d'oeil.

"We could separate you why that was so funny,"John said.

"Or you could just wait and see like the rest of the palace,"Kaden added.

"We 'll wait,"Albus said. He was rummy about it, but not curious enough to possibly wind up up with another calendar week 's detention.

Whatever the prank was, John and Kaden did n't apply it before the next day. Sabbatum brought blue skies and bitterly common cold temperatures and Albus put on two Weasley jump shot in formulation for walking around Hogsmeade.

flatness left early on for the debate, Flooing from prof Longbottom 's study. Albus and King John slept late and met Kaden, Rose, and Amanda in the Great G. Stanley Hall for a quickly dejeuner before setting off for Hogsmeade.

The February Hogsmeade trip was always an interesting one. The village became filled with young mates either snogging passionately in front of the shops or staring awkwardly at each other across a board in the trio broomstick or Madam Puddifoot 's. Having never been on a date before in his life, Albus found it really mirthful to find out. John and Kaden found it amusing as well, but Rose and Amanda seemed to gaze wistfully at the match and did n't find them at all singular.

"Where to first ?"Albus asked.

"Not gentlewoman Puddifoot 's,"John said immediately, grimacing as a few love-struck couplet headed toward the place.

"I plan on never setting foot in there,"Kaden said."I do n't care how many girls ask me to go there with them."

John laughed."You 'd birth to get a girl to like you first."

"Shut up,"Kaden said."Let 's just go get some Butterbeer."

The rest of the group agreed and they were soon crowded around one of the only empty tables in the ternary broomstick. Albus was hoping to catch a coup d'oeil of Saint James because despite the fact that James had been out with Gabby Ellis before, Albus could n't get over the fact that his brother was going out on dates. It was just weird.

After finishing their Butterbeer, the grouping went to Honeyduke 's and Weasleys'in order to fund up on Skiving Snackboxes and umber Gaul. By then it was nearly dinner metre and they decided to call it a day. The flatus was picking up and none of them fancied being caught in a storm.

"Albus !"John the Divine shouted just as they were setting off on the path back to the castle.

"What ?"Albus asked, turning to see what John was pointing at.

"James and Gabby Ellis,"toilet said.

Albus squinted and just made out his brother, leaning against the outside of Honeyduke 's, his mouth attached to Gabby Ellis 's. They were so close that they almost looked like one person.

"Oh my God,"Albus said quietly.

"That is disgusting,"Rose added."I could 've gone my full lifespan without seeing mortal snog James."

John and Kaden were both laughing."Looks like they 're enjoying it,"John said.

"Oh gross !"Albus exclaimed as he turned back to the way."Let 's go."

"I think it 's rubber to say they 're together,"Amanda said as they walked back.

"What she could possibly see in Saint James ..."rose wine muttered.

"Well, he does represent Quidditch,"Amanda pointed out.

"So do over half my cousin-german,"rose wine said."So does Albus."

"Can we change the issue ?"Albus asked."Please. C'mon, let 's hurry up. I bet mat 's back from the debate."

That seemed to get his friends'mind off of William James 's quixotic life. Albus himself wanted to put the image of his brother kissing individual out of his mind forever. At least she was a Hufflepuff and he 'd never have to see them kissing in the common elbow room. If he did he may have to spend all of his time in the Marauder 's Den.

dinner party had n't started yet when they arrived at the castle, so the group decided to go recover Matt first. They found him right where Albus figured he 'd be, in the Marauder 's Den. Albus was slightly flighty about what had happened at the debate, but Matt was sitting on the couch casually reading his Charms ledger, seeming hardly upset at all.

"How was Hogsmeade ?"lustrelessness asked as he set his Word down.

"Disgusting,"Albus said as he sat down adjacent to lustrelessness. John, rose wine, and Amanda pulled up chairs.

matte raised his eyebrows."Disgusting ?"

"We saw King James snogging his new lady friend,"pink wine said with a shudder."Trust me, there 's nothing pleasant about seeing the boy you remember eating a mud pie kissing a girlfriend while pressed up against Honeyduke's."

matt laughed."I have n't got any cousins, so I 'll take your word for it."

"Consider yourself golden,"Albus muttered."But what happened at the debate ?"

"It was n't as bad as I thought it would be,"Matt said."wellspring, okay, region of it were n't as bad as I thought they 'd be. It was at the Ministry, in one of those Margaret Court rooms in the basement. Mostly it was masses who work at the Ministry there, but there were some former people there, too, because the room was so big.

"I 'm not sure enough how much you know about the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical beast, but every brute is divided into one of three class. Beings, Spirits, and Beasts. Spirits are ghosts and poltergeists and boggarts. organism are tool that are n't man, but have human intelligence. Beasts are everything else. The chap who was running the argument started by asking Percy and Laurentis how they feel about the right given to organism. You know, goblins, house-elves, centaur, those kind of creature. They did n't have much to argue about that because neither of them think any of those animal should have their rights taken away. And pink wine 's mum has worked so heavy to get them rightfulness.

"Then they moved on to the spirit division and there was n't a lot controversy with that, either, since there 's not often that can be done about hard liquor. They 're just sort of there. wraith do n't harm anyone and poltergeists it all depends on the specific poltergeist. Laurentis brought up the topic of Peeves, which was odd, but Percy did n't seem to bear an thought on Peeves."

Albus had n't expected a lot controversy with the beingness division. There had been a lot of disputation back and forth about the right field of beingness back when his parents had been in school and his aunt Hermione had dedicated her work life toward giving right hand to beingness, especially house-elves. Over the old age she 'd done a very good job with it and had n't met a lot foe. As for the spirit air division, Albus did n't intend there had ever been much disputation there. Ghosts were just ghosts. They pretty much did as they pleased.

matte paused."Then there was the Beast division. Throughout history both werewolves and lamia have sometimes been in the Being division and sometimes been in the Beast variance. compartmentalization in the wolf naval division is the reason why wolfman have been stripped of their right and how the Ministry can get away with it. If they 're not seen as organism, then legally, they do n't suffer to be given the same rightfulness as humans. It 's a trifle, really.

"A long clip ago werewolves were in the Being class, but they got reclassified in the 1950s, after a huge loup-garou attack on an stallion town. It was horrifying. But ever since then, no one has wanted to classify them as Beings again. My dad has been an advocator for compartmentalization as organism ever since he started in Australia.

"The thing about classification is that, for the most part, Ministries all over the world have to correspond. That 's why reclassification is such a time-consuming and difficult affair to do. Someone has to play it up and organize dialogue between countries and it requires a lot of drive. When Voldemort came to mogul no one in Britain had the time or energy to put toward the reclassification of lycanthrope. Not to mention they could n't spare the people to put the metre into it. Since the brutal attack in the 50s happened in England, the other rural area have n't wanted to affect the theme. Although I 'd wager that Australia would put up a commodity engagement if it was ever brought up again.

"So, basically, my dad has been trying to do this for historic period, but he does n't have the support. Even Minister Hartwell has n't wanted to refer it since it 's such a controversial issue and he does n't own much sentence left."

"Wow,"Albus said."Binns did n't teach us any of that in story of Magic."

"And he probably wo n't,"Matt said."It 's not a well-known issue since to the highest degree mass probably do n't care to put in the effort to reclassify werewolves. The sole citizenry who 'd want to are werewolves."

"That 's awful,"Amanda said."But what happened at the debate ?"

"The wizard in charge of the debate dodged the question of Greyback for a while, asking dubiousness about other creatures like thestrals and dementors and the the likes of. But he finally brought up the topic of Greyback and Laurentis basically said that it was n't a matter of lycanthrope dominance laws, but a issue of Azkaban security-"

"fountainhead, that 's good,"Albus said. He would n't bear expected that of Laurentis.

"Sort of,"matte replied."I have n't finished. Anyway, your uncle agreed with her, but he of grade said that putting the dementors back would be stupid person. Laurentis said that if the dementors had been there then Greyback would n't have escaped and those minor would 've been safe. Then they started arguing about Azkaban and dementors again. But the bloke in kick cut them off.

"Then he finally brought up the fact that my dad 's been pushing for the reclassification of lycanthrope as Beings for year and how he 's got the support of Rose 's mum and asked what their opinion of it was."

"But if my mum was able to help house-elves and hobgoblin, then why could n't she do it for loup-garou at the Sami time ?"rosebush asked.

"House-elves and goblins have always been classified as organism,"Matt explained."They were being denied rights that they technically already had. It was just a matter of reworking the laws and enforcing them properly. None of the loup-garou rights laws can be changed unless their sorting is changed-"

"But that 's just stupid,"King John said.

Matt shrugged."It is, but there 's nothing anyone can do about it."

"well, what did Laurentis say ?"Albus asked.

"Laurentis said that reclassifying lycanthrope as Beings would render the flow lycanthrope control police force unenforceable and that it would give the Ministry far less ascendency over wolfman. Which is truthful,"mat said."Not that it would be a bad thing."

"Of course not,"Albus agreed.

"Then she said that if werewolf were currently classified as beingness it would make it difficult to even catch Johnny Reb and pursue him for what he 's done, which is n't true at all. My dad was turning purple at this distributor point. She really knows nothing about the way his department works."

"What about Uncle Hotspur ?"Rose asked.

Matt did n't say anything for a full minute."He was n't as bad as Laurentis, but well, your uncle does n't want to change anything. I 'm surely you 've noticed that he says everything 's fine the way it is and we do n't need to change anything, whether it 's Azkaban or Hogwarts. He thought the same about werewolves."

"What do you mean ?"Albus asked."He thinks that-"

Matt averted his regard, looking at Kaden rather than Albus and Rose."He thinks that 'putting energy into reclassifying werewolves as Beings would be a poor idea, given the other issues facing the greater wizarding community .'And that is a direct quote. I ca n't ever forget that."

Albus wished he was surprised. He really did. But the fact remained that Uncle Percy did n't care to stir the cauldron, so to utter. If affair were working the way they were, he would n't change them. He 'd rather keep thing the same then verbalise out openly either for or against anything, if it would be him support or right to vote.

"Then he went on to excuse,"matte continued."He said that werewolf classification does n't affect a large figure of enchantress and wizards and that it 's very complicated and would require a lot of effort, which is honest. But it 's like he did n't think it was worth it, just because it would n't strike a lot of people."

"It does n't storm me,"Rose said quietly."The election is so soon. I do n't think he 's going to say anything too controversial."

"Honestly, it was almost worse than Laurentis,"Matt said, turning back to Albus and blush wine."Sorry. I know he 's your uncle-"

"Do n't rationalise,"Albus said, suddenly glad he was n't of age and would n't have to pick out between the two prospect.

"It 's like he does n't even induce a firm sentiment on it. He does n't need to stimulate a strong opinion on it,"flatness added."Laurentis at least has a reason. Your uncle does n't even have that. Honestly, Albus, I 've no idea who my parents will vote for now. Lapp with Amy."

"I do n't cognize who I 'd vote for now,"Albus said quietly.

"But either way, I do n't call back werewolf will get reclassified,"lustrelessness replied."nothing will pass without accompaniment of the British Minister at this point."

"That 's just not sightly,"Amanda said."What exactly does the law say now ? What are you not allowed to do ?"

lusterlessness averted his gaze once more. This was another issue that Matt had n't ever spoke of before and Albus had n't dared ask.

"wellspring, technically,"Matt began,"I 'm not allowed to be at Hogwarts."

"What ?"Albus shouted. The relief of his friends let out similar exclamations of shock.

"But Teddy 's dad-"Rose began.

"Not legal,"matt said."Dumbledore frequently broke the law and that was no different. Professor Kendrick follows the law a bit more but he liked the idea of allowing me to attend. It 's kind of murky, to be honest. It 's in the law that werewolves can not attend to Hogwarts, but at the same time, Hogwarts headmaster have nail ascendence over who they admit. So as long as it 's kept quiet-"

"But what about Malfoy ?"rosiness asked."If he were to let it slip-"

"Then Kendrick would oust him,"flatness explained."And he 'd be allowed to, since it would be prejudicious to another scholar 's education for him to uncover my condition. I told you ; it 's very murky."

"What else ?"Amanda asked.

"The repose has mostly to do with employment,"matt said."Well, that and the Ministry is allowed to hold back lycanthrope for questioning about full moonshine onslaught without actually arresting them. Werewolves as prisoners have virtually no right.

"But anyway, employment. I 'm legally obligated to inform any potential employers of my condition. If lycanthrope were classified as Beings, that would n't be required, because lycanthropy would be seen as a medical condition and employ can not be terminated based on a person 's medical checkup conditions."

"That is the most puzzling thing in the world,"Albus said. His fountainhead was spinning."How do you keep all that straight ?"

Matt shrugged."It 's my life. That 's the other matter, Albus, your uncle really has no idea how things are run in the Department for the regulating and Control of Magical Creatures. He 's not really qualified to say what result the reclassification would have on everything. Because, honestly, it would only bear on werewolves."

"That seems obvious,"Albus said.

"So mortal can not hire you just because you 're a werewolf ?"Amanda asked incredulously.

lustrelessness nodded."Does n't even matter if they 're on wolfbane or not, either."

"What will you do after Hogwarts ?"Amanda asked.

"No musical theme,"Matt said."I 'm trying not to think about that. But this whole pretending to be pattern thing that I 'm doing at Hogwarts ? It 's temporary. That 's all there is to it."

No one quite knew what to say after that. Albus certainly did n't. He wished more than anything that his uncle would bear out the reclassification of lycanthrope as Beings, despite the fact that it might lose him a few voting. It might even be him a few not to experience spoken up, because now, lusterlessness 's parents and Amy might not vote for him. But this had such a turgid effect than just the election. Matt was right ; this was his life, and Uncle Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis were just seeing it as a way to thrum up more voting. Maybe Uncle Percy was n't the right man for the job, after all. But Laurentis certainly was n't, and since no one else was running, what would happen after the election ?


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


The argument on the regulation and mastery of Magical Creatures did not seem to be a hot matter of discussion amongst the Hogwarts students. Unlike the debate on education, this finicky debate did not link up directly to Hogwarts pupil, and thus there was n't lots discussion beyond a few opinions at breakfast the next day. The article on the argumentation was much more tame than the former article, most likely because Walker Percy and Laurentis had n't disagreed on the topic. In fact, the article mostly focused on the dementor issue.

Albus and his friends kept close down watch on the Prophet in showcase there were any updates on the lam prisoners, but the rest period of February passed without any sightings or captures. It was kind of strange since the prisoners had to have been hiding out somewhere. Yet they 'd been loose for nearly two calendar month and the exclusively one who had been sighted was Greyback. Willinson, Umbridge, and the Carrows were nowhere, it seemed.

In the lag, Laurentis used the lack of seizure to her reward, by publishing a new assertion every few days declaring how incompetent the Auror section was. These statements were usually followed up with another announcement of how the captive would n't have escaped if the dementors had been in controller of Azkaban.

When marching music arrived, the Prophet began putting a countdown until the election at the top of the breast Sir Frederick Handley Page, every individual day.

"Apr soft touch 's Day,"John commented as he pointed to the countdown, which read '29 days .'“ Does n't that seem a bit unearthly, to do an election on that day ?"

"A petty,"Albus said."But I doubt the Ministry cares."

"We should do our prank that day,"Kaden said.

"Do n't,"rose wine said."Hogwarts is a poll property. You 'll mess it up."

"No, we wo n't do it then,"John said as he exchanged a mischievous grin with Kaden."Want to know why ?"

"Not really,"Albus said.

"They 'll find out soon enough,"Kaden said.

"DOE this have anything to do with why you two disappeared all evening yesterday ?"Matt asked.

"Possibly,"John said."Oh, look at the prison term. We 've got to get to potions."

Kaden burst out laughing."Oh, yes, looks like it 's time for me to go to Divination."

Albus looked at matt and shrugged. John and Kaden had been laughing at every citation of 'time'or 'clocks'for the past few workweek, but had yet to share why. Albus could only don that it had to do with their clowning.

Albus, Matt, St. John, rosebush, and Amanda said auf wiedersehen to Kaden and headed for the donjon. Since it was a double class, Slughorn gave them a potion to brew and sat at his desk grading essays while they worked.

Albus and Matt partnered on their potion and worked quietly, chopping and mixing. Halfway through the bit category they were chopping asphodel when Matt suddenly stopped.

"Did you hear that ?"he asked Albus.

"Hear what ?"Albus replied. He had n't heard anything.

"Never mind,"Matt muttered."Could 've sworn ... shot I 'm hearing things."

A few minutes passed and Matt stopped again."I swear there 's something ringing exterior. It sounds like an alarm clock."

Albus glanced around the schoolroom, but cypher else seemed to own heard it. Everyone was working quietly, except John, who was staring at the door for some strange reason. Then Albus heard it. The wispy ringing.

"Do you hear it now ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Yeah,"Albus said. It was becoming louder, too. The rest of the class was beginning to remark as well, and King John suddenly turned around to count at them. He grinned widely and then returned to his potion.

"It 's their prank,"Matt hissed."It 's got to be."

Nobody was paying any attention to their potions now and a few of them were boiling over. Slughorn got up from his desk and left the room, without saying a password to the course of study. He returned a few mo later.

"bottle your potions as is,"he said."It seems there is some kind of consternation going off all over the castle. After you 're done cleaning up you may leave behind early."

Albus and matt worked quickly, wanting to talk to John as soon as they could. They met him, along with Rose and Amanda, outside the classroom a few second later, and headed to the Great Hall. bathroom still had n't said anything.

Kaden was already there when they arrived."Trelawney let us out as soon as the alarms started. I think it was driving her mad. I mean, Sir Thomas More mad than she already is."

"Are you going to tell us what you 've done ?"Albus asked as he began making a sandwich.

"Yeah, we might as well,"John said."We put an alarm clock inside every unity suit of clothes of armor and charmed them to go off at five minute intervals."

Albus started laughing."That 's brilliant !"

"That 's actually really skillful appealingness employment,"rose wine said, clearly impressed.

"It gets better,"Kaden said."The instructor wo n't be able to move around them off with one spell. We charmed them so they have to be manually turned off. It 's going to take them ages."

"I feel bad for whoever 's got Transfiguration next,"James said as he sat down future to Albus."There must be twenty suit of armour across the corridor from the August 6 elbow room. It 's so loudly in there you can barely get word yourself think."

"Damn,"Albus said."We 've got metamorphosis next."

"Look, Kendrick 's standing up. Bet he cancels classes."Saint John pointed to the staff mesa.

"serenity !"Kendrick shouted."Very amusing clowning. It would seem that the alarm clocks have to be manually turned off, so I am canceling course of study for the afternoon while the stave and prefects turn off all the alarms."

There was a trashy sunshine as Kendrick resumed his seat. The stave board was only half-full, as the rest of them must make been already turning the alarms off.

"He does n't seem upset,"Albus said."This is actually sort of tame. I thought you were going to get revenge on the Slytherins."

John grinned."Oh, we are. That 'll do another day."

After luncheon Albus and his Quaker went to the Marauder 's Den with the aim of spending the day there, but the incessant alarum quickly grew too annoying. Despite the low temperature, they decided that outside would be preferable to inside. The snow had melted, so they were capable to find a dry place to sit.

"I still hear the ringing,"Matt said as they settled down under a huge beechwood Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree by the lake."It 's like my head word is an dismay clock. I think if you had done this around the full phase of the moon moon I would 've murdered you."

"That 's why we did n't do it around the full Moon,"Gospel According to John said.

"Really ?"Matt asked skeptically.

John laughed."No. Had n't even thought of that, to be honest."

"We did it today because I had a story of conjuring trick exam this afternoon,"Kaden said."I 'm hoping Binns will forget about it."

"It 's soon, though, is n't it ?"John the Evangelist asked.

"The full moon ? Yeah, it 's Mon,"Matt answered."I 've been thinking about it. About Greyback. He 's probably going to come back unless the Aurors catch him before."

"Probably,"Albus agreed.

"I had an idea,"Matt said quietly."I think we can help catch them, using my wolfy side."

"As lure ?"Albus asked, shocked."Then you 'd be in danger."

"No, I would n't,"matt said."I would n't be doing anything dissimilar. I 'd just be in the Shrieking shack like usual. Albus, the marauder 's Map label Animagi as their human being figure, right ?"

Albus nodded."Yeah, of course of action. That 's how chemise 's dad found out about Pettigrew."

"wellspring, should n't it be the same for werewolf ?"matte asked.

Albus had n't thought about that before. In all his time of having the second variant piranha 's Map, he 'd never determine the Shrieking hovel during a full lunation."I think it should."

"Then all the Aurors have to do is watch the new variation of the marauder 's Map during the to the full moon, wait for Greyback to show up, and then catch him."

Albus thought for a few moments. It seemed so childlike, almost too simple to function."matt ... that 's brilliant."

"When did you think of this ?"Rose asked.

"Few hebdomad ago,"matt answered."Greyback was there by the shriek hutch for nearly the entire night. It would 've been well-situated to appropriate him if someone just knew he was there."

"postponement,"rose said, looking at Albus."You are n't proposing that you do this, are you ? Because that would be stupid."

"Of form not,"Matt said."It would be my dad and Albus 's dad."

"I do n't think my dad 's in bang of the greyback gaining control,"Albus pointed out."It 's that other Auror, Newman."

"If I 'm going to go along with this and tell them my architectural plan then it 's got to be your dad,"Matt said adamantly."He already knows I 'm a loup-garou. Cardinal Newman does n't. I do n't know what he 'd do if he knew there was a loup-garou at Hogwarts."

Albus thought back to what Matt had told them about how it was n't sort out whether admitting loup-garou to Hogwarts was sound or not."All right hand. That make sense."

"But why are you so sure he 's going to come back to this same smear ?"Amanda asked."If he were smart he 'd transform someplace completely different."

"He 's got a hangup about lycanthrope pretending to be man,"Matt said quietly."He thinks that we 've all got to encompass our wolf-selves and live together in packs. I do n't think he 's going to give up easily on finding me. He did the same thing with Teddy 's dad."

"Then he might be transforming near those kids he attacked death calendar month,"Rose pointed out."They should station Aurors there, too."

matte nodded."Let 's go send some owls."
***


Albus and Matt did n't say much in their missive to their sire, wanting to relieve most of the details for later. Both of them replied saying they would conform to the son at Hogwarts Friday evening in lodge to work out the details.

The calendar week went by very slowly and Albus noticed that lusterlessness drew quieter and quieter as it progressed. He never said it out loud, but Albus had a look he was incredibly anxious about the plan and his role in it, despite his saying he would be amercement. By the meter Friday arrived he was completely silent, except for the few fourth dimension he snapped at John and Kaden for being irritating.

"You know if this architectural plan actually works and Johnny Reb is captured it 's going to lay down Uncle Harry look very in effect,"blush wine said."Which will be good for Uncle Percy."

"I thought of that,"Albus said."And since the election is only three weeks away, it 's sodding timing."

"When are you meeting your dads ?"trick asked.

"seven-spot,"Albus answered as he glanced at his watch."We should probably go."

Albus shoved the lastly raciness of his cake into his back talk and left the Great Radclyffe Hall with Matt at his slope. Professor Longbottom had leant them his survey for the meeting, so Albus and Matt walked up to the twenty-five percent floor.

Professor Longbottom was n't there when they arrived but the doorway was partially open. Albus led Matt inside and they sat down on a couch to wait. Albus had always loved Longbottom 's discipline. It was filled with all sorts of exotic plants that you never wanted to touch because some of them bit. The furniture was mismatched and the whole spot was pleasantly cluttered. It felt very safe.

Harry and Walter walked in a few minutes later and shut the door behind them. Both looked very intrigued and slightly confused.

"Al,"Harry said as he gave his son a spry hug."What 's going on ?"

Albus glanced at Matt, who had just been let go of by his own Church Father. This was his architectural plan to explain.

"I know how you can catch Greyback,"matt said quietly, and then proceeded to explain the entire program."See ? Good plan, right ?"

Harry and Walter exchanged glimpse. Bruno Walter looked incredibly worried."flatness, look, I know you want to help and I know the fact that Reb 's out there scares you out of your mind-"

"I 'm not that scared,"Matt interrupted, but everyone in the elbow room knew he was."facial expression, he 's going to come to Hogsmeade anyway. You might as well be there waiting for him."

Walter sighed."Yes, I suppose you 're right-"

"So what 's the problem ? I 'll be in the Shrieking Shack with all the ward up."

"There really is n't a trouble,"Walter said."It just sounds bad on the surface, me using my son as bait. What do you think, Harry ?"

"I think it 's up to you,"Harry said."You 're in charge of this lookup. I 'm not even on it. I assigned it to Newman."

"Newman ca n't be there,"Matt said quickly as he turned to his dad."He ca n't be. He does n't sleep with about me."

"He 's rectify,"Bruno Walter said."It 's got to be you and me if it 's going to be anyone. Whoever works this is going to find out there 's a werewolf at Hogwarts."

Harry sighed and began to footstep the way."I had n't thought of that. But there 's got to be more of us. I 'll institute Ron in, and Teddy."

"Ron ?"Matt asked.

"Rose 's dad,"Albus explained."My uncle."

Matt breathed a sigh of sculptural relief."Oh, all right then."

"They 'd be fine,"Walter said."Four of us should be capable to do by it. What about those kids in Little Shingleton ?"

"I 'll delegate Newman to them,"Harry decided."And you can pick a few people form your department to go with him."

Walter nodded."What about the villagers ? We ca n't hang around the screaming hovel all night. It 'll look suspicious."

Albus suddenly remembered the map. He pulled it out of his air hole and handed it to his dad."Use the map. Then you can observe until he gets there."

Harry grinned."I 'd forgotten about this."He turned to Bruno Walter."Map of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, created by my dad, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and putz Pettigrew. It shows where everyone is, so it should show us when Greyback turns up. We can wait at the Hog 's Head until then. No one there will pay us any attention."

"And in the theme ? In the report the next day ?"Walter asked.

"No reference of matte or his being in the shrieking shack,"Harry said."We 'll say we got an anon. tip that he 'd show up in Hogsmeade."

"Can I wait with you ?"Albus asked.

Harry laughed."Absolutely not. You 'll stay put in the rook, where it 's safe. I believe they 're doing a mandatory other curfew again ?"

Albus nodded. They 'd put up bill in the common rooms a few solar day ago. This meter, no one seemed upset about it.

"I wish they 'd do it in Hogsmeade,"Walter said."But getting something like that set up takes weeks."

"fountainhead, if hoi polloi are overbold they 'll stay inside with Mrs. Humphrey Ward up,"Harry pointed out.
***


Never before had Albus heard so many people talking about the full lunation. All weekend, everywhere he turned, he heard person mentioning either the full moon or Greyback or both. Suddenly, werewolf were the hot topic of discussion at Hogwarts.

nigh the great unwashed, from what Albus could gain, did n't own a strong opinion on lycanthrope one way or another. But a few people, most having had a congener murdered by Fenrir Greyback, told anyone who would listen how happy they were that neither nominee wanted to change the classification of werewolf from Beasts to beingness. It only took Matt overhearing one of these conversations to decide to spend the remainder of the weekend in the predator 's Den.

"It 'll all be over in three workweek,"Amanda said."Once the election takes position no one is going to like as lots. But these past times few weeks have certainly made me inquire if I should go into the section for the regularisation and control of Magical Creatures."

It was William Ashley Sunday dark and Albus and his supporter were in the predator 's Den, yet again, working on their preparation that was due tomorrow.

"You could solve with my dad,"Matt announced from the sofa."That 'd be weird."

"Well, it 's just terrible,"Amanda said."And it does n't make gumption. Why should hob and house-elves be organism but not loup-garou ? You 're Sir Thomas More human being than a house-elf."

Matt laughed."Tomorrow Night I wo n't be, and that 's what it comes down to. House-elves are n't that dangerous. Werewolves are."

"I do n't know,"Albus began."When my dad was a bit yr a house-elf charmed a Bludger to break his arm. That 's fairly dangerous."

"What about lamia ?"rosebush asked."I ought to owl Linda."

"lamia are Beings,"flatness explained."It 's because they do n't have to drink human blood to hold out. It 's a selection. Werewolves, when we bite someone, it 's not a choice. We ca n't control it."

"Except with wolfsbane,"Rose pointed out.

"Yeah, and maybe if someone invents Wolfsbane that works for all loup-garou we might get reclassified,"Matt said.

"What about vampires who bite people ?"Amanda asked.

"They 're put in prison,"Matt said.

"So can vampire go to school and declare Book of Job ?"Kaden asked.

"I suppose they could. Linda went to school. But they live forever so to the highest degree do n't want to go to school or already ingest, because about vampire are older. As for jobs, they do n't bear to tell employers what they are, so yeah, they could."

"It 's so bloody confusing,"lavatory said."Does n't make a bit of sense."

"It really does n't,"Matt said with a yawning."But it 's life."

Matt slept the eternal sleep of the evening and near of the next day, not attending any of his classes. Albus could n't blame him, what with all the loup-garou talk that was going around the school day. Albus himself found it difficult to reduce on any of his classes or homework since there was the discrete opening that Fenrir Johnny Reb would be captured that night.

Albus and his friends reported to the plebeian room at five, as per the curfew, and then went to dinner. Matt did n't join them. He was gone when they returned. Albus gave up on homework for the night and played a few half-hearted round of golf of Exploding Snap with John and Kaden before deciding to go up to his dorm room early. He knew he would n't sleep, but figured it would be slightly more productive than cleaning ash off his face.

Instead of sleeping, Albus sat in the windowsill and watched the sky. It was clear up, giving him a very trade good view of the virtuoso. After locating a few constellations Albus watched the sensible horizon and the faint gleaming that was above it. Then, the moon rose.


A/N : So, some of you may have noticed that I screwed up last week 's update. I accidentally skipped chapter 25 ( Full Sun Myung Moon onslaught ) and went right to chapter 26 ( hard drink, Beings, and wildcat ). If you have n't already done so, go back and read the real chapter 25. The tarradiddle will make much more sense after that.

I am pleased to declare that I have finished this story ! It topped out at 37 chapters. I may commence updating this twice a week, but have n't quite decided yet. A lot of you are asking in inspection when the future update will be, so I 'll ingeminate that I update every Friday. The exact clip will diverge. Thanks for all the limited review !